Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy
Episode IV: The Last Hope


Chapter 8 – Deep Blue Sea; Gaghiel Surfaces
August 28, 2015 – Tokyo–3

School had just gotten out and the gang was heading to Misato's house, as Shinji, Mari and Rei had been called there, Toji, Kensuke, and Hikari decided to follow them and see if it was anything important.

"Shinji… I have never visited someone else's dwelling." Rei said.

"Oh, really?" Shinji asked. "Why haven't you visited anyone's house?"

"Well, I have never really had any friends before, so I have never had a need to visit anyone." Rei explained. "Until I became friends with you and everyone else, I was quite… content to be alone."

'Jesus, what has Rei been through exactly? It's like her story just gets sadder and sadder, almost like some sort of depressing Russian Doll…' Mari had tears in her eyes. "Oh, blueberry, that's so sad. No one should like being alone."

"Mari, it was not about like or dislike, it was simply that I had nothing else, I was alone, and I had accepted that." Rei stated plainly. "I still like being on my own for the quiet, and with time… I will be more comfortable around people."

"Well, we don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to, Rei." Hikari said kindly.

"Yeah, if you need a break from us, just let us know!" Toji said. "I know Kensuke over hear can be super annoying."

"Hey?!" Kensuke shouted indignantly. "You're kind of annoying too, Toji!"

"What?!" Toji shouted. "You got some nerve saying that to me!"

Shinji and Hikari rolled their eyes and sighed, and Mari giggled. "Why are they fighting, are friends supposed to do that?" Rei asked.

"Well, sometimes buffoons like to argue." Hikari explained. "It makes them feel manly."

"I couldn't have said it better myself." Mari quipped. "Perhaps a bit more vulgar than that, but the point would be the same."

"Perhaps you'd be more vulgar?" Shinji asked sarcastically. "Your last comment at lunch about how hentai is really funny sometimes almost made Hikari faint."

"But it can be, especially if the dialogue is like some 70s porn flick." Mari said back.

"What exactly is porn and hentai?" Rei asked innocently. "I see that Hikari is very shocked by these words, and that at the thought, Kensuke and Toji seem to get small nosebleeds. Why is it such a reactionary word?"

Shinji and Hikari exchanged a look, and Shinji covered Mari's mouth before she could say anything. "Mari, Rei's innocent, don't try and pollute her mind, then I'll… why did you lick my hand?!"

"Because, you're supposed to ask permission before you do that." Mari said. "And I thought it would be funny."

Hikari started to giggle. "Mari, that was really funny…"

"Thanks, freckles, you never compliment my work." Mari mock bowed. "I'm honored."

"So, what is porn and hentai exactly?" Rei asked again.

Mari spoke up before either Hikari or Shinji could answer the question. "Well, porn is a general term for any erotic images or videos depicting sexual acts. These don't all follow strict male and female guidelines either. Hentai, is a more specific form of drawn erotic images depicting sexual situations, which can also be quite fantastical, because there are no limits on what can be drawn."

"Oh, so there are just erotic materials." Rei said. "That explains Toji and Kensuke's reactions, however, biologically, how they get nosebleeds when blood should be rushing elsewhere escapes me…"

Shinji and Mari burst out laughing while Hikari went slack jawed, and Toji almost fell over. "Rei… what are you talking about?" Kensuke asked.

"The biological reaction of arousal in the human male phallus." Rei explained. "The blood does rush to it, does it not? I doubt the biology books I have read would be incorrect."

"Yes… but… you read that… in a book?" Kensuke stuttered.

"Yes, it was quite informative, although it simply wanted to learn which muscles I had strained during physical training, I read the whole book and learned quite a lot about the human body." Rei explained. "Did you now that the human reproductive organs start out in the fetus as the same material, and develop different depending on the 23rd chromosome pair? I found that quite fascinating."

Everyone was speechless.

"Talk about something interesting." Shinji said nervously. "But… why don't we talk about something else?"

"I did not say anything offensive, did I?" Rei asked. "That was not my intention."

Mari smiled. "No blueberry, you just know more about sex apparently than the rest of us."

–––

The gang arrived at Misato's apartment in relative silence, and went inside, still shocked that Rei knew so much about the human body. The silence was something that Misato noticed when they arrived, and she decided to jump on it.

"Hey everybody! Did something happen?" Misato asked. "Usually you guys come here all loud and smiley."

"Nothing, just a long day at school." Shinji fibbed.

"No, long days at school usually lead to those tow to complain loudly, not to mention Mari over here." Misato said sternly.

"Really, Misato, we had a really long day, and you're questioning that?" Mari asked. "You're pretty thick for someone so good at using combat tactics."

"I am not thick!" Misato shouted. "And don't change the subject!"

"I wasn't, I was just saying that our safety as a society is in danger if you question your ward about having a long day at school." Mari said. "I hope the next Angel doesn't tell you to attack it, otherwise you may rethink your battle strategy."

"Mari, shut up!" Misato fumed.

"See, so temperamental, it's sad." Mari joked. "The lives of all of humanity lay in the hands of an irritable and irrational person. We're all literally going to die."

"Mari!" Misato shouted threateningly. "Shut it!"

"Hey, Misato, be nice." Shinji said.

"She's being mean to me!" Misato exclaimed.

"You're the adult here, Misato." Shinji said. "Act like one."

"Fine…" Misato said. "So, I'm glad your friends followed you here Shinji, cause I'd like to ask them something."

"What, Miss Misato?" Toji asked.

"Well, the new pilot is coming in from Germany tomorrow, and I've been ordered to bring Shinji along to meet with her, as he's the senior pilot." Misato explained. "We're taking a helicopter transport, bringing the Evangelion's power cables for Unit–02 in case there is an issue. So I was wondering if Kensuke, Toji, and Hikari would like to come with us."

"Of course!" Toji and Kensuke exclaimed.

"Well… I don't know…" Hikari said, rubbing her foot awkwardly on the ground.

"Well, I got your dad's permission, for all three of you." Misato said. "They were more than happy to let you go along, seeing as Shinji is with you."

"Wait, our parents know?" Hikari said. "And my dad said it was ok?"

"Yeah, he thought it would be nice if you took a day away from school." Misato said. "He actually said you should try and have more fun."

"Come, on Hikari, it'll be fun!" Shinji said. "You can miss one day. Nothing will happen in your absence."

"Yeah, you need to have some fun, Hikari!" Toji said. "Don't be worried, we'll have Shinji the Ace Pilot with us!"

"Alright… I guess so." Hikari said. "If my dad said it was ok, it might be kind of fun…"

"Great! So you three, go pack a bag, then come back here, and you can stay the night. We leave early tomorrow, which sucks, but it'll be a wonderful ride!" Misato said. ""

"So, do I get to come?" Mari asked.

"No, Mari, you're the backup pilot, so you'll be on call in Unit–01, seeing as Unit–00 is nearing completion, you're in the hot seat in case of an emergency."

"This blows…" Mari muttered.

"And why did you call me here, Major?" Rei asked.

"To tell you a reactivation test is scheduled three weeks from now. Unit–00 has been upgraded for combat and has production type armor, like Unit–02 has. The armor just needs to be finished, but the physical repairs of Unit–00 have been mostly finished, so it'll be ready soon." Misato said. "But Ritsuko wants to know what color you'd like Unit–00's new armor to be. She said it should be up to you."

"Oh…" Rei said. "Well I believe steel blue would be an appropriate color. I think it will look quite… nice."

"That's your color choice?" Misato asked.

"Yes, I never liked the orange, it looked… unpleasant." Rei explained.

"Oh…" Misato said. "Just give the color to Ritsuko tomorrow, and they can start painting the EVA to suit you."

"Understood, Major." Rei said.

"Alright, so we'll be back in an hour or so." Kensuke said. "Come on you two, let's go pack! We get to see another Evangelion!"

"Oh boy, he's gonna pass out from the loss of blood flow to his head." Toji muttered. "Later, Ikari."

"Bye, Shinji, see you soon." Hikari said, waiving as she left.

"Shinji, you should pack too, just an overnight bag, nothing fancy." Misato said as she walked to room. "I have to pack too, so I'll see you in a little while"

"Alright." Shinji said, wandering towards his room. "Hey, guys come on, we can talk while I pack." Mari followed Shinji, but Rei stood there.

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

"Is it appropriate to invite me to your room, Shinji?" Rei asked.

"Well, considering how we met, I think it'll be fine." Shinji said.

"I thought you would not discuss that again." Rei said. "That was your wish anyway."

Shinji smiled. "Well, after meeting Mari, it's actually more of a funny story than an embarrassing one."

"This sounds juicy." Mari whispered. "How did you meet, exactly?"

"We'll tell you inside." Shinji muttered glancing at Misato's room.

"Oooh, must be a good story then." Mari purred.

"It is, Mari." Rei replied. "You may find it intriguing."

–––

Asuka and Kaji were on the flight deck of the Over the Rainbow, looking up at the stars in silence. Kaji stared blankly upwards, thinking of something other than the beautiful site above him, while Asuka simply kept looking over at Kaji, and decided to break the silence.

"So, I guess by this time tomorrow, we'll be in Japan." Asuka sighed. "Misato said she'd pick me up by lunch…" Asuka looked over at the unresponsive Kaji. "Oh… Misato was the person in charge of me before you, Kaji… I don't like her much though, she just so… affected in the way she lives." Asuka looked over and saw Kaji was still staring blankly at the sky. "So, I guess this will be goodbye for a while…"

'Misato…' Kaji thought. 'I guess we'll be seeing a bit more of each other again… I wonder if I can find the time to tell her I forgive her… but how do I begin after not seeing her for so long… how do we begin again…'

Asuka huffed. "That's so boring…"

Kaji smiled, after he processed what Asuka had said. "Oh, Asuka, I'm sure you'll make plenty of boyfriends once you get to japan, Asuka." Kaji smiled. "And let's not forget the Third Child is a boy too, I'm sure you two will get along swimmingly."

Asuka yawned. "I'm not interested in children." Asuka said, giving Kaji a sideways glance before happily rolling over on top of Kaji and giving him a big hug. "You're the only one I love, Kaji…"

Kaji sighed. "Well… that's quite an honor." Kaji said. "But aren't I a little old for you, Asuka? Wouldn't someone your own age be far more appropriate?"

"I mean it Kaji, I really do! You're so mature, just like me!" Asuka exclaimed. "If I'm with you Kaji, everything adults do is totally ok! Kissing and everything that comes after that even!"

"Asuka, if you can't use the word sex when talking about it, you're not ready for it." Kaji said softly. "And you may be mature for your age, but you're still a child, the stuff you're talking about can wait until you're a little older, with someone your own age."

Asuka's face fell. "But… why?!" Asuka whined. "Can't you see I'm grown up enough?!" Asuka screamed as she ripped her shirt open, revealing her lacy bra and supple breasts. "I am an adult Kaji! Just look at me and tell me different! Look at me Kaji!"

Kaji sighed deeply and returned Asuka's hug. "Stop yelling Asuka, I can see you just fine." Kaji said as he gently moved off of him He reached over for his jacket and wrapped it snuggly around Asuka's shoulders, covering her back up. "Asuka I want you to listen to what I'm about to tell you, ok?" Kaji asked.

"But…" Asuka whined.

"No buts, Asuka!" Kaji said sternly. "This is very important."

"Fine…" Asuka huffed.

"Now, Asuka, I appreciate the affection you show." Kaji explained. "I think it's cute and endearing. But Asuka, you have to understand, I'm far older than you, and as nice as you are, you're not my type. Teenage girls are not my thing. They haven't been since I was an actual teenager."

"But, Kaji!" Asuka shouted. "I'm an adult!"

"No, Asuka, you're not!" Kaji said roughly. "You're a 13 year old girl. As mature as you can be at times, you can still act like a petulant child at others. I don't want to say this to hurt you, Asuka, I want to tell you so you'll go out and find someone your age to make you as happy as you claim I make you."

"But, Kaji, why?!" Asuka demanded. "Why can't you love me?! Age is just a number!"

"Asuka!" Kaji shouted, stunning Asuka into silence. "I love someone else already, someone I lost a long time ago, and someone I still haven't gotten over, and most likely never will. I'm sorry Asuka, but my heart is already taken." Kaji decided to hedge his bets. "If you are as mature as you say you are, you'll understand that and move on."

'Kaji in love… with some else? Is she dead? I shouldn't ask… I've said enough stupid stuff already…' Asuka thought. "Kaji… I'm sorry, I… I didn't know." Asuka said. "But you've always been so nice to me. That means you love me, right?"

"Asuka, of course you wouldn't know I love someone else, it's not a subject I enjoy talking about." Kaji smiled. "But, Asuka, I care very deeply for you, like that daughter I never got to have." Kaji said. "But I think you've been confusing my kindness for love. It's understandable, the way your father treated you, it's actually almost expected, come to think of it. The first man to show you kindness should be your father, not your guardian. It's quite sad, but I don't want you to think I don't care about you. I do, I just don't love you the way you want me to, and I can't. Do you understand?"

"Yes…" Asuka said sadly. "But Kaji… if I meet another boy, how will I get over them being such a child?" Asuka asked.

"Asuka… not all boys are immature, there's someone out there for you." Kaji said. "You're a nice girl Asuka, when you want to be. You'll find someone, I know you will." Kaji smiled broadly. "I heard the Third Child is fairly mature, maybe you can try to date him. I hear he's still a bachelor…"

"Kaji!" Asuka exclaimed. "Are you trying to set me up on a blind date?"

"Well maybe…" Kaji said with a sly grin. "Didn't this Misato mention she was bringing the Third Child along with her tomorrow?" Kaji asked.

"No… she didn't mention…" Asuka mumbled.

'Same old Misato, always leaving out the important details…' Kaji thought. "Well according to HQ, she's bringing the Third Child along, and leaving the other two pilots in Tokyo–3."

"Why is she bringing him?" Asuka asked. "Without his EVA he isn't very special."

"Asuka, he's the senior pilot." Kaji said. "He's faced three Angels in four engagements, and killed them all. Maybe she thinks it would be a good way to get you acclimated to being part of a group now."

"But I should be in charge!" Asuka said. "I'm the best pilot!"

"Asuka, as good as you are with your sync tests and combat skills in the simulator…" Kaji said kindly. "You're unproven in battle. Until you fight and kill an Angel, you won't be queen of the hill."

"But… Kaji…" Asuka moaned.

"Asuka, you're an adult." Kaji said. "The truth hurts sometimes, but it's something you have to deal with as an adult."

"Kaji, are you mocking me?" Asuka asked angrily.

"A little." Kaji said. "But as your friend Asuka, I'm allowed to do that. As long as we're still friends of course?"

"Yes, Kaji, we're still friends…" Asuka said. "So, I'll meet this Third Child tomorrow then?"

"Yes, he'll be here tomorrow morning sometime." Kaji replied. "Maybe you should dress up nice for his arrival, and greet him as the classy lady you are." Kaji joked. "But, to look beautiful for your future boyfriend, you should go get some beauty sleep, as tomorrow might be a long day."

"Kaji, you're being awfully presumptuous. I may not even like Mr. Ace Pilot." Asuka said defiantly. "But I'll go to bed because I do need to look beautiful, as always." Asuka pecked Kaji on the cheek. "Goodnight, Mr. Kaji."

"Goodnight, Asuka." Kaji replied. "Sweet dreams."

As Asuka walked away, she got to thinking. 'But how will I ever admit I like someone? It took all my courage to tell Kaji…' Asuka thought as she walked away. 'I feel like such a fool for telling Kaji and being rejected like that. I know he was trying to be nice, but I was so stupid for dealing with my feelings again. I should just follow what I said I'd do when I was younger. Adults ignore their feelings, and so should I! But… I have trouble admitting my feelings… maybe I should just not mention them again, and let the boy do all the work. Real men will take what they want, and Kaji doesn't want me… so I need to find someone who will.' Asuka huffed deeply. 'But do I, the great Asuka Langley, actually need anyone? I've been fine on my own for so long, maybe being alone for me is fine. I did promise myself I'd be fine on my own… I actually enjoy being alone unless I'm with Mr. Kaji… and I don't understand why…' Asuka looked back at Kaji laying there on his own. 'I wound have been great being with Kaji, I just can't see myself with anyone else. But I do wonder who he's in love with. She must be beautiful… otherwise he'd have picked me.' Asuka scratched her head. 'I wonder how this Third Child is, is he as skilled as Kaji claims him to be. He might have killed three Angels, but I doubt they were that tough. They didn't run in fear like they would against me. I'll show him who the best pilot is, I just need an Angel to do it.'

Kaji continued laying there on the blanket as Asuka went to bed. He was deep in thought as to what was going to happen the next day. 'Ah… Misato. It's been over seven years…' Kaji thought. 'I can't wait to see you again, even if you may still hate me, I don't hate you anymore. I just want you to know that, but I know you won't listen, you're stubborn and pigheaded, and I love that about you. You lied to me about cheating on me for some reason, and I don't care about that, I just want you back…' Kaji wiped a tear from his eye. 'If you could only see how much you still affect me, you'd know I never stopped loving you…' Kaji cracked his neck. 'But I wonder if Asuka can find love. I hope she can… if anyone deserves to be happy it's her, or maybe Shinji, from all the data I've gathered. Do they know they've met before? I should've told her his name… then I would've been able to tell…' Kaji thought. 'I doubt she does though, 11 years is a long time to remember someone you met once. And after she found her mother lying in a pool of her own blood will push out any childhood friendship from anyone's head. Maybe having Asuka and Shinji meet will jog her memory of their first meeting.' Kaji thought. 'He was the first man to show her kindness, maybe seeing him again will bring all that to light.' Kaji thought. 'I hope for her sake anyway.'


August 29, 2015 – Pacific Ocean, U.N. Pacific Fleet Flagship, U.N.V. Over the Rainbow

Asuka was standing on the rail on the conning tower of above the flight deck. She could see a slow moving helicopter carrying a large cargo crate approaching from the Northeast. Asuka was wearing a yellow sundress with small bows on the shoulders, the dress was a much brighter yellow than the helicopter thankfully. She also wore a blue choker, and red shoes. She smiled as she noticed the helicopter approaching the ship she was standing on.

"So, here you are, Third Child." Asuka said proudly. "I can't wait to meet you."

Meanwhile below deck in his quarters, Kaji was securing a special package for delivery. Inside of a lead lined suitcase was an orange, semi–transparent, oblong container with rounded corners containing an embryo. Adam. Kaji was just making sure it was where he left it, as it had almost cost him his life.

"So little guy, you're still here." Kaji said. "I almost got killed for you, so you must be pretty important to Ikari if he wanted me to risk life and limb to get it from that storage facility of Keel's." Kaji looked at it again. "I'll just have to ask him what you are exactly, and why he needed you." Kaji mused aloud. "Perhaps he'll tell me. The fool thinks I work under his thumb, all three of my employers do." Kaji chuckled. "I only work for myself, to find the whole truth behind Second Impact, and to bring those who brought it about to justice. It's all for Taichi… to atone for my sins… to atone for killing my brother…"

–––

Seeing as Shinji was away, and she was on call, Mari had arrived at NERV HQ quietly and was wandering around, looking for the Cage where Unit–01 was being stored. When she found it, she wandered inside and made sure no one was around. She walked right in front of the massive horned head, and smiled.

"Hi, Yui." Mari said to large purple Evangelion. "It's been a long time, hasn't it? I guess you wouldn't know, because you're stuck in that Core, but… I'm back."

Unit–01's eyes glowed for a moment, as if trying to respond to Mari's conversation.

"Nice to see you recognize me." Mari quipped. "I was afraid you wouldn't."

Unit–01's eyes stayed dark.

"Well, don't be that way, Yui." Mari said. "I've missed you an awful lot. But I didn't come here to just say hello. I know no one is going to tell you, but Kyoko is on her way here… with her daughter."

Unit–01's eyes lit up brightly and stayed on.

"Yeah, I thought you might like to hear that news." Mari said happily. "Even better news, Shinji is going out to meet them on the ship transporting Asuka here. I know from that time I visited you in your sleep you wanted them to be together, and I know from their memories they met and were wonderful for each other." Mari smiled. "I know it's been a while for them, but I'm sure they'll remember. Maybe you can prod his memory from your position, seeing as you two sync up all the time. I just want him to be happy. He deserves it, and so does Asuka don't you think."

Unit–01's eyes flashed off and on quickly.

"So, once for yes then…" Mari said. "So, I have to go meet this Dr. Akagi woman for her to give me a physical, but I'll come see you again later, ok."

Unit–01's eyes shut back off.

"Bye, Yui." Mari said happily to the Evangelion. "It was a wonderful little chat."

–––

Misato, Shinji, Hikari, Toji and Kensuke were all sitting in the helicopter on the way to the U.N. Pacific Fleet. They were just crossing into the open ocean. Shinji and Hikari were still half asleep, while Toji looked towards Misato in the front seat with his love struck eyes, while Kensuke was simple being himself.

"Wow, a Mi–55 Heavy Transport Helicopter!" Kensuke exclaimed, his camera on his eye. "I never thought I'd get to ride in one of these hot mamas! Shinji, you're the best friend a guy could have!"

"Well, I'm glad someone's enjoying himself." Misato said. "I thought it might be nice if you guys came along, seeing as just looking at mountains all the time can be boring."

"Misato…" Shinji yawned. "It's still early, just relax. I'll enjoy myself a lot more after I sleep a bit more."

"I'm enjoying myself Misato…" Toji said seductively. "I'm even wearing a special hat that I bought just for today… just for you."

"Oh, Toji, stop!" Misato said, smiling and covering her mouth with her hand. "You're making me blush."

"And you're making me sick…" Hikari mumbled.

Shinji yawned again. "So, how long till we get there."

"Oh, only a few more minutes." Misato said. "Just look outside."

Down below them was a massive fleet of warships centered around a large aircraft carrier, the Over the Rainbow. There were over 80 warships floating in formation, spreading over what looked like several miles, and towards the back of the flotilla, was a single transport vessel covered in a huge tarp, presumably carrying Unit–02. Kensuke leaned out of the helicopter so far, Shinji and Toji grabbed his belt to keep him from falling.

"Wow, one… two… three… four… five aircraft carriers and four battleships, and a heavy cruiser too!" Kensuke exclaimed happily. "What a fleet! And that's the pride of the U.N. combined fleet down there, the supercarrier Over the Rainbow!"

"It's enormous." Shinji said.

"I know, I wonder how big it must feel on the inside." Hikari said.

"Yeah, I'm surprised that crusty old thing is still afloat." Misato quipped. 'Considering it's the ship that pulled me from the waters of Antarctica after Second Impact, it really doesn't look much different.' Misato thought.

"Nah, it's not so bad!" Kensuke said excitedly. "It's a vintage model commissioned by the U.S. just before Second Impact. The eighth Nimitz Class Supercarrier to be built, at 1,093ft long, it's one of the largest warships ever built!"

"How interesting…" Misato said.

–––

Admiral Michael Trudeau had his binoculars against his eyes. In the 15 years since Second Impact, he had become even gruffer than the day Misato had been pulled from the bloody waters of the Antarctic, and even higher ranking. Captain Smith was by his side looking at the helicopter as well, still Trudeau's second in command after 15 years on the same ship.

"Jesus, I think they brought the power cables for that expensive little toy of theirs!" The Admiral exclaimed. "Like hell I'm letting them hook those things up to the reactor."

"Sir, I know you hate NERV and the fact it gets more funding than anything else, but they have authority over this transport, so whoever they send can override whatever you say." The Captain replied. "Perhaps cooperating would allow us some additional funding if they heard we were courteous and such."

"I'd like to tell you you're speaking utter nonsense, but you're probably right." The Admiral said gruffly. "Doesn't mean I have to like it though."

"Of course not sir." The Captain replied.

–––

Arriving on the deck, Kensuke happily hopped out of the helicopter, looking around with his camera at everything he could see. Toji hopped off and his hat floated away and he chased after it.

"This is so awesome!" Kensuke shouted. "I'm so happy, I just want to cry! Look at all this stuff, guns everywhere, and launch pads, and combat planes, even missiles!"

"Hey, hat get back here!" Toji shouted. "Someone help me with my hat!"

Shinji and Hikari were stretching and yawning after the getting off, and Misato rubbed her neck after being cramped in the co–pilot's seat on the aircraft.

"Stop it you!" Toji yelled at the hat. "Come on, someone stop that hat! It's very special!"

The rolled up against a red shoe, which stomped the hat and crushed it into the flight deck. Toji looked up, clenching his fists, to see a red headed girl in a sundress smiling widely.

"Well, hello Misato." Asuka said happily. "How have you been?"

"Oh, I've been just fine." Misato replied. "Goodness, you've gotten taller since the last time I saw you."

Toji began tugging on the hat, trying to pull it out from under Asuka's foot, to no avail while the two women continued their cordial chat.

"Yep." Asuka said proudly. "I'm not just taller though, my figure has filled out as well."

"Good for you!" Misato said as the wind picked up and blew Asuka's sundress up, revealing a pair of yellow panties that matched the dress. Toji and Kensuke smiled broadly, and Shinji shook his head.

SLAP

SLAP

While Toji and Kensuke nursed their slaps, Asuka's hand was caught by Hikari for the last slap. "Hey, don't hit him, he didn't look." Hikari said. "Those two are the perverts, not him."

"Hmm…" Asuka said. "Fine, I won't hit him, are you his girlfriend or something?"

"No, we're just really good friends!" Hikari exclaimed.

"Hey, bitch!" Toji shouted. "What was the slap for?!"

"Toji!" Hikari exclaimed. "Language!"

Asuka turned to Toji. "That was the viewing fee, dummkopf! I'm not some silly girl who goes and shows her panties off to little perverts like you!"

"Well, it's a bit overpriced, but here's your change!" Toji reached for his pants, but Shinji stopped him.

"Don't be an idiot Toji!" Shinji said. "Keep your pants on, no one wants to see that!"

"What?!" Toji said. "So you don't get slapped, then I can't retaliate?"

"Toji, don't act like a kid…" Shinji said.

"You were going to expose yourself to me?!" Asuka shouted. "Scheißkerl!"

SLAP

Now Toji had twin marks on his face from a second slap he so rightly deserved.

"Serves you right, Toji." Hikari said. "You should act more gentlemanly." Hiakri shook her head. 'Jesus, you're an idiot Toji, I like you, come leer at me inappropriately, I'll show you my panties.' Hikari thought sullenly.

"Just be the bigger person, Toji…" Shinji said.

Toji just glared at Asuka while she looked at the other kids. "So, Misato, which one is the Third Child, please tell me it's not that one… and is this girl here the First?"

"No, it's this one here." Misato said brightly, rubbing the back of her head. She grabbed Shinji and pulled in in front of her. "Oh, let me introduce you all! Shinji, meet Asuka Langley Soryu, the Second Child, and the designated pilot of Unit–02. Asuka, meet the Third Child and designated pilot of Unit–01, Shinji Ikari. The boy you slapped is Toji Suzuhara, and the one holding his camera and crying is Kensuke Aida. And the girl is Hikari Horaki, their Shinji's friends, I thought they might want to come along for the trip."

'Why does her name sound so familiar?' Shinji thought. 'She just seems so familiar… and her hair… it's the same color as the girl from my dreams… and he eyes… sapphire… just like the girl in my dreams too… the one who's nice to me… the one who's my friend…'

'He looks awfully familiar… I wonder why?' Asuka thought. 'I have this feeling we've met before, but I don't remember… his name sounds awfully familiar though, and Kaji never mentioned his name… but those eyes… cobalt eyes… the ones I see looking at me in my dreams sometimes… weird…'

Hikari bowed. "Hello, Soryu–san, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Asuka walked up close to Shinji and examined him like an animal in a zoo. "Not much to look at is he?" Asuka said smugly. "I don't believe he's the Third Child. Although he's better than that arschloch over there." Asuka pointed at Toji, who still had two huge red marks on his face.

"No, that's him." Misato said. "The killer of three Angels so far."

"Not much to look at huh?" Shinji quipped. "Then why are you still looking?"

"I am not, I'm looking at Misato!" Asuka said indignantly.

"Yeah, sure." Shinji said. "Then why is your face getting red?"

"It is not!" Asuka yelled. "It's just warm up here!"

Shinji chuckled and extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Asuka."

"Yeah, it's nice to meet you too, Third Child." Asuka said, shaking his hand.

"Let's go inside, I need to discuss something with the Admiral." Misato said leading the kids inside.

–––

On the main bridge, the Admiral s scrutinizing Misato's NERV I.D. card. 'That name… Katsuragi… is it the same one from 15 years ago?' The Admiral thought. 'Well, she looks about the right age if she hadn't scribbled it out on her I.D. here…' The Admiral handed back the I.D. to a smiling Misato, who had five kids behind her. "Hmmm, a major with NERV, eh?" The Admiral said. "Welcome aboard. Although, from the antics on the flight deck, I thought you were going to end up being some sort of glorified babysitter."

"Thank you, sir." Misato said. "It's a pleasure to be aboard." Misato opened a folder. "On behalf of NERV, I'd like to extend our thanks for the assistance in the transport of Unit–02 from, Germany to Japan." Misato handed him a paper clipped stack of paper. "These are the specifications for the Evangelion's emergency power supply cable. According to the specifications of your reactor, it has ample output to power the Evangelion effectively."

The Admiral handed the papers to the Captain. "I will send these to my chief engineer, Major." The Admiral gave Misato a stern look. "However, I see no need to activate that toy we're transporting. The amount of firepower we have is more than sufficient to deal with any threat we have coming towards this fleet."

"That's all well and good Admiral, but let me remind you, NERV has operational authority here, I would not like to usurp your command, but if an Angel attacks, I will, if you refuse to cooperate." Misato said. "The EVA is extremely important, and highly valuable to NERV, we simply want to be prepared for all contingencies."

"So important that the entire U.N. Pacific Fleet is pulled from guard duty to escort a single mechanized weapon that looks like a toy?" The Admiral asked.

"Yes, and then some, if we could have pulled the Atlantic Fleet as well, we would have." Misato said. "This isn't nearly enough ships to protect Unit–02 however, so if you could install the cables and sign this transfer document."

"We'll install the cables, fine!" The Admiral said gruffly. "But I will not sign any document transferring or confirming delivery to you. We have been entrusted with Unit–02 and the Second Child by the 3rd Branch in Berlin, and the 6th Branch in Hamburg. You're just not going to waltz in here and do as you please, Major Katsuragi."

"When do you intend on signing it?" Misato asked. "When will you transfer Unit–02 and Asuka to us?"

"Once we've unloaded in New Yokosuka." Captain Smith replied.

"The ocean is our jurisdiction, Major." The Admiral said. "You will follow our orders here."

"Well, isn't this nice surprise?" Kaji said entering the bridge. "I do hope everyone is getting along."

"Mr. Kaji!" The Admiral shouted. "What have I told you about inviting yourself onto the bridge?!"

Asuka brightened up as she heard the voice and smiled. "Mr. Kaji!" She shouted sweetly.

"I don't quite remember, sir." Kaji said. "But no matter, I'll be out of your hair in a few minutes."

Misato's face fell when she heard who it was. 'Kaji… what are you doing here…'

"Uh, Admiral, we have a report in from the Othello, sir." A lieutenant said.

"Go ahead." The Admiral said gruffly.

"The Othello reports Engine trouble, and is reducing speed to 7 knots." The lieutenant reported. "What should we do sir?"

"Order all ships in the fleet to reduce to 6 knots, and tell the Othello to do the same thing." The Admiral ordered.

"Aye, aye, sir!" The lieutenant said, going back to his station.

"Admiral, we do have a schedule to keep." Misato said. "We cannot be behind schedule."

"Unfortunately for you, Major, this fleet has to stay together, and is only allowed to go as fast as the slowest ship, so we reduce speed, and will get back to a faster sped when the Othello is repaired. At worst, we arrive in New Yokosuka tomorrow afternoon instead of dinner time tonight."

"Where will we sleep, Admiral?" Misato asked. "We can't camp on the flight deck."

"There are some empty quarters below decks, two rooms in fact." The Captain said. "Admiral, with your permission, we can assign the Major one room, and put the boys in the other. The girls can share, as there are two unused bunks in there."

"Make it so, Captain." The Admiral said. "Mr. Kaji, you know where the rooms are, why don't you lead them down there yourself."

"I would be delighted, Admiral." Kaji said, smiling broadly.

"Admiral, just get us to New Yokosuka as ordered, as soon possible." Misato said leading the kids off the bridge and following Kaji.

"I can't believe those kids are the saviors of mankind…" The Admiral muttered.

"The times have been changing since the day this vessel first set sail after Second Impact." The Captain said. "And if Congress has invested in two of those machines, they must have some merit, sir."

"I still refuse to believe it." The Admiral said looking out the window at the transport ship, Othello. "There has to be more to the hopes of the human race than a child's plaything."

–––

As the seven people crammed into the elevator, Shinji and Hiakri were pressed into Misato's boobs while Asuka was pressed between Kaji and Toji, with Kensuke being in the front of the elevator recording everything he saw pass by.

"Kaji, what are you eve doing here!" Misato shouted.

"Well, I'm escorting Asuka here to Tokyo–3." Kaji said. "I was assigned after you left for the 1st Branch. I'm also her guardian until we reach Tokyo–3 where a new one will be assigned."

"Which is so sad, Mr. Kaji." Asuka said sweetly.

Shinji rolled his eyes. 'She acts awful sweet around this Kaji guy. I bet if he was on deck she wouldn't have slapped anyone.'

"You're her guardian?" Misato shouted. "What idiot decided that?!"

"The Commander of course."

"Figures…" Shinji muttered.

"The… Commander…?" Misato stuttered. "Seriously?"

"Yep." Kaji said, smirking happily. "Surprised, huh?"

"To say the least…" Misato mumbled. "I knew this was too easy, there had to be snag somewhere…" Misato mumbled.

–––

The seven of them were in the mess hall. Kaji took them there after dropping their stuff off in their rooms. Misato sat with her arms folded, looking quite angry, while Kaji stared dreamily at Misato, and rubbing his foot against hers. The kids all looked kinda bored, except Asuka, who was staring angrily at Kaji for some reason.

'This sucks, I'm stuck here with the man whose heart I broke, and he's hitting on me!' Misato thought angrily.

'Man, is that guy going to get Misato?' Toji thought.

'Jeez, this sucks, the mess hall isn't even that interesting…' Kensuke thought.

'Toji, will you please just notice me!' Hiakri thought angrily. 'All you and Kensuke ever do is stare at Misato, Toji just once, stare at me!'

'Well, this is fun, everyone's really quiet, Misato looks pissed, and this Asuka is a bit of a pain in the ass.' Shinji thought. 'I'd rather be at home right now than out here, leave it to Misato to ruin a perfectly good trip.'

'Kai, how could you be enamored with that woman!' Asuka thought angrily. 'She had better not be the one you're in love, otherwise I'll have to kill her! Kaji, talk to me like you always do… please…'

'Well, well, well, Misato, it's wonderful to see you again.' Kaji thought. 'I know I still love you, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to tease you a bit while I have your undivided attention on this ship. It's time for a little fun.'

"So, do you have a boyfriend right now, Katsuragi?" Kaji asked innocently.

"I don't think that's any of your business, is it?" Misato said angrily.

"Well, I'm hurt." Kaji said, as Misato pulled her legs away from Kaji. Kaji leaned forward and looked over at Shinji. "So, Shinji, I understand you're living with Katsuragi, is that right?"

"Yeah, that's right." Shinji replied.

"So, does she still sleep sprawled all over the bed?" Kaji asked.

"WHAT!?" Everyone, excluding Shinji and Kaji shouted, Misato even fell over in shock.

"Oh, yeah, I go wake her up in the morning a lot, and half the time she has a bottle of sake or beer in her hand and looks kinda dead…" Shinji started explaining, but he was cut off.

"WH… WH… WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING?" Misato shrieked. "AND IN FRONT OF CHILDREN NO LESS!"

"Misato, why is it wrong in front of children exactly." Shinji asked.

Misato just stared at Shinji.

"Glad to see nothing's changed, Katsuragi." Kaji said.

"Uh, Mr. Kaji, how did you know my name though?" Shinji asked.

"Well, I ought to know you, you're pretty famous in the defense business don't you know." Kaji explained as Asuka turned and glared at Shinji. "The famous Third Child who piloted an Evangelion successfully in his first battle without any training, and then who went on to defeat two more Angels, all within about the span of a moth! That's some impressive stuff, Shinji!"

"Oh… well… it's just mostly been luck…" Shinji said shyly.

"Not at all, Shinji!" Kaji exclaimed. "Luck is part of ability, and you have a real knack for it, and it's on your side. Considering you're in a position to save the world, I'd say we're pretty lucky to have you."

"Thanks, Mr. Kaji…" Shinji said.

"Not a problem, Shinji my boy!" Kaji said. "Now, I have something to take care of so I'll see you all later." Kaji turned to Misato. "And I really hope I'll get to see you later, Katsuragi."

"Bye, Mr. Kaji!" Shinji said brightly.

"This is not happening, it's all just a bad dream…" Misato muttered under her breath.

–––

Later that night, Asuka was in her room, with Hikari. Hikari was trying to break the ice with the redhead, but it wasn't going so well.

"So, you're an EVA pilot." Hikari asked. "Is it as dangerous as Shinji claims it is?"

"Yeah, it can be." Asuka said. "But most people would have the good sense not to complain about it." Asuka looked at Hikari. "Why did you stop me from slapping him anyway? He must have seen my panties."

"No, Shinji's not like that, he closed his eyes." Hikari explained. "He's sweet, and gentle, and kind. He doesn't even think of that sort of thing, only the other two morons do, constantly. That and Shinji is my friend, and I don't like to see him get hurt."

"Sounds like you have a crush on the Third Child." Asuka said.

"No… I just consider us good friends." Hikari said. "It's nice to be friends with someone kind and courteous like Shinji."

"How did you become friends exactly?" Asuka asked.

"Well, Toji had beat him up pretty bad after his EVA caused a building to fall on Toji's sister. Shinji then saved her, but she was still hurt pretty bad." Hikari explained. "I patched Shinji up, and we bonded while I was cleaning blood off his face. It was actually kind of sweet now that I think about it."

"Interesting…" Asuka muttered.

"So, Soryu–san, you must have lots of friends back in Germany." Hiakri said.

"Not really." Asuka said. "I don't have any friends actually, at least none that I can remember…" Asuka looked at Hikari. "Why do ask?"

"Oh… well… I was wondering if you'd want to be friends with me?" Hikari said. "The only two girls I talk to are also EVA pilots, but Rei is very quiet, and Mari is… well… she's special."

"What, like retarded?" Asuka asked.

"No, just like she doesn't really belong. She sometimes acts like she's from a different time, and she's two years older than we are, because she was sick for a while, I don't know you'd have to ask her." Hikari said. "I like them a lot, but I want a best friend who'll talk to me without loads of sexual innuendo." Hikari chuckled. "Mari is fun, but you need breaks in between exposure to her."

'Wow, this girl is really nice, I can see why the Third Child considers her a friend. And she wants to be friends with me? Well, why not, she's nice enough, and it beats being alone I guess.' Asuka thought as she smiled. "Well, seeing as I have an opening for the job of best friend, why not?" Asuka said.

"That's wonderful!" Hiakri explained. "I can't wait for us to get back to Tokyo–3, we can go out shopping and everything!"

Asuka smiled. "That sounds fun! But maybe we should get our beauty sleep, don't you think?"

"Yeah, alright Soryu–chan." Hikari said.

"Hey, enough with the honorifics." Asuka said. "I'll call you Hikari, and you'll call me Asuka, nice and simple, right?"

"Sure, Asuka." Hikari said happily. "Goodnight."

–––

Asuka woke up a few hours later and clambered out of her bunk. She looked at a sleeping Hikari and smiled.

'My new friend, it's an odd feeling to have a find, even after so long I can't remember my last friend's name…' Asuka thought.

Asuka slipped quietly out into the corridor and began wandering the ship, looking for something to make her sleep, yet there was too much on her mind.

'Why is the thought of the Third Child aggravating me?!' Asuka thought angrily. 'I just want to sleep, yet I keep hearing about how great Shinji Ikari is. Kaji had nothing but wonderful things to say about him, and how good of a pilot he is… I'm the best EVA pilot no him. I've been training my whole life and some jerk comes in and kills three Angels, and everyone loves him for it! He sucks!'

Asuka kicked a doorway in anger and then kept moving along.

'Stupid Shinji, he makes me sick. He won by luck instead of skill. He's liable to kill someone by accident. Hell, he almost did just that.' Asuka thought.

"Asuka, what are doing up?" Kaji asked, startling Asuka.

"I'm… just walking around." Asuka said.

"Just wandering around in the middle of the night?" Kaji asked. "Asuka, that's not like you at all. IS something on your mind?"

"No, I just couldn't sleep." Asuka said.

'Poor girl…' Kaji thought. "Asuka, are you thinking about Shinji?"

"What?!" Asuka shouted. "Of course not, I don't even know the Third Child, why would I think about him?"

"Because your reaction says otherwise." Kaji said wisely.

"Fine… yes I was thinking about the great Shinji Ikari…" Asuka moaned. "It's not fair, why did her get to fight the Angels and not me?"

"Because he was brought to NERV HQ where they seem to be attacking, and you were stuck in Germany." Kaji explained.

"But why him, he's just the Commander's son, he's probably not even that good!" Asuka moaned.

"Asuka, did you know that against the Third Angel, without a plugsuit or any training, he synced with Unit–01 at 42%?" Kaji asked. "That's not him being bad at the job, that's him being a natural for the job."

"I don't believe you." Asuka grumbled. "I have the highest sync score, not him."

"Follow me Asuka." Kaji said.

"Alright." Asuka said following Kaji to a room several decks away, filled with chairs and a large monitor on one end. "Why are we in the pilot's briefing room?" Asuka asked.

Kaji produced a disc from his pocket. "We're here to watch this."

"What is it?" Asuka asked.

"The recordings of all of Shinji's battles, audio and multiple visuals, from both the cockpit and Central Dogma." Kaji said. "You should watch them, then think on whether you believe me or not." Kaji tossed her the disc. "Put it in the player, we're going to watch them right now."

"But…" Asuka started.

"No, buts Asuka, just hit play." Kaji said.

Asuka inserted the disc and hit play. The battles with Sachiel, Shamshel, and both encounters with Ramiel were played out in a little under an hour. Asuka sat there in stunned silence watching as Shinji cried and begged for help, then all of a sudden the cockpit feed went out during the battle with Sachiel. She watched Shinji's anger and resentment towards Misato and his utter rage while killing Shamshel, and she heard his scrams of agony and his begging to be saved before he died during Ramiel's first attack, then she heard his impassioned speech and final words to Ramiel as he took an unnamed shot that killed the Angel. When the video ended, Asuka was both impressed and furious.

"How the hell did he make a shot the computer couldn't?!" Asuka said angrily. "Did he use the fucking force?!"

"I doubt it Asuka, that's just a movie." Kaji said nonchalantly. "He probably just got lucky. He's a great shot though, clearly he knows how to handle a rifle."

"Yeah, well, I still don't get how his sync score is so much higher than mine!" Asuka said. "He's just a newbie! I've been training to pilot for as long as I can remember, and he just gets to take that away from me?!"

"Asuka, you need to relax, Shinji is a good kid, and a great pilot." Kaji said. "I kept telling you to work harder, Asuka, but you didn't. You sat on your laurels, and this is what happens. Shinji puts the effort in, not to be the best, but to survive. You need to do the same, Asuka. Fight to survive, not pilot to be the best. Once you face an Angel up close, you won't feel quite as cocky. You saw the tapes, Shinji almost died against the Fifth Angel, and his luck with that second shot saved Ayanami. He's an impressive kid, although I don't have any footage of the Jet Alone incident, he did a wonderful thing there too"

"Well, I hate him for it!" Asuka shouted.

"Asuka, you and I both know you don't hate him." Kaji said kindly. "You just dislike that he's seen more combat than you."

"No, that's not true, I hate him!" Asuka said.

"Asuka, you don't hate anyone but your father, so don't treat Shinji like that." Kaji said. "Give him a chance."

"Fine!" Asuka huffed. "Goodnight, Kaji!" Asuka stormed out of the room and went back to her own room. "I'll teach Shinji who the better pilot is, I'll show him my superior EVA and then he'll know I'm the better pilot!" Asuka grumbled on the way back to her room.

'She doesn't even know she met him 11 years ago, does she?' Kaji thought. 'When their mothers met to discuss the plans for the Evangelions, they played inside NERV HQ, I wonder why they both forgot, and why no one has told them… especially the Commander and Sub–Commander. They must be trying to hide the fact from them both…' Kaji sighed as Asuka wandered away. 'If she only knew she had a friend she trusted…'


August 30, 2015 – Pacific Ocean, U.N. Pacific Fleet Flagship, U.N.V. Over the Rainbow

Shinji was just getting out of bed and was going to wander to the mess hall for something to eat. When he got there, the door was blocked by Asuka.

"Third Child, you're coming with me." Asuka said forcefully.

"But, I want to eat first." Shinji said. "Let me in."

"No, you can eat these because you're coming with me." Asuka said shoving a few protein bars in his face. "Let's go already!"

"Fine, but you don't have to be such a pain in the ass about it." Shinji said.

Asuka spun around. "What did you say to me?"

"I said you could be a bit nicer!" Shinji said angrily. "And not such a pain in the ass!"

"Oh, shut up!" Asuka exclaimed. "I'll show you a pain in the ass if you're not careful."

–––

Hikari walked into the mess hall to see Toji and Kensuke sitting alone.

"Morning you two." Hikari said. "Where's Shinji?"

"No idea, he got up before us, we figured he'd be down here." Toji replied.

"Yeah, they said they haven't seen him, they only saw the German terror." Kensuke said.

"That's not a nice thing to say, Kensuke!" Hikari said admonishingly. "You shouldn't call her names, she's not that bad."

"Fine I won't call her names…" Kensuke said. 'In front of you anyway…' Kensuke thought.

"I wonder if Asuka saw him and dragged him somewhere…" Hikari asked aloud.

"I believe I saw the two of them take a transport helicopter to the Othello, where Unit–02 is being stored." Kaji replied, appearing suddenly behind Hikari. "Sorry to startle you folks, just grabbing breakfast. Mind if I take a seat?"

"Sure." Toji said. "So, what's the deal with you and Misato, Mr. Kaji?"

"Oh, long story, too long to tell, and not for a child's ear." Kaji said. "It goes back a long time. I've known Katsuragi since college."

"Did you two date?" Hikari asked.

"To put it simply, yes we did." Kaji said. "But don't tell Katsuragi that I told you, she would be… well… embarrassed by if the information was out there."

"I won't tell anyone." Hikari said sweetly.

"Whatever…" Kensuke muttered.

"Yeah, I don't want to embarrass Misato…" Toji said.

–––

Onboard the Othello, Asuka had dragged Shinji to show off her new and unused Unit–02. Asuka proudly lifted the tarp to show off her darling red Evangelion.

"That's an… interesting color." Shinji said. "I didn't know Unit–02 was red."

"That's not all that different about Unit–02." Asuka said.

Asuka led Shinji inside where she stood atop her Unit–02, which was half submerged in LCL, while she left Shinji on the makeshift dock below.

"Impressive…" Shinji muttered.

"Unit–00 and Unit–01 are the Prototype and Test Type respectively. The fact that Unit–01 synchronized with an untrained pilot like you is proof of that. However, Unit–02 is a little different." Asuka said proudly. "My Unit–02 is the world's first real Evangelion! Created for actual combat conditions, Unit–02 is the final production model, and totally ready for anything a stupid Angel can throw at it."

Asuka and Shinji were shaken by a loud noise they heard that almost knocked Asuka into the LCL.

"Undersea explosions?!" Asuka shouted.

"Yeah, they sounded awful close too…" Shinji said worriedly.

Asuka and Shinji ran outside to the port side of the Othello and looked out at the fleet. There they saw a destroyer completely destroyed by an undersea explosion. The large ripple in the water moved towards another ship, a cruiser, and engulfed the in flames as well.

"Look! Those ships just exploded for no reason!" Asuka screamed.

"What the fuck?!" Shinji exclaimed. "No… no, no, no… it can't be, not out here… not Angels!"

Another cruiser exploded right in front of their eyes. Shinji saw several men be tossed for the ship into the unforgiving sea as the ripple moved away towards another ship.

"Oh shit, it's an Angel!" Shinji shouted.

"Angels, really, out here?! A real one?!" Asuka said worriedly. 'I'm not ready to fight yet, what if I get hurt like Shinji over here… Kaji is right, I am jealous cause he's faced three of those things, and this'll be my first one… wait a second, I'm Asuka Langley Soryu, I can handle anything! I'll be fine, and I'll bring this little dummkopf with me…' Asuka thought.

"This is really bad, we need to find Misato and let her know." Shinji said.

"Wunderbar…" Asuka said, grinning devilishly.

–––

Misato walked onto the bridge and was a little nervous. She had called the U.N. and found out the commanding officer and executive officer on board have always been assigned to this ship since it first launched. Misato walked nervously over to the Admiral to talk to him about something important.

"Excuse me, Admiral?" Misato asked. "Do you have a moment?"

"Yes, what is it Major?" The Admiral asked.

"I just wanted to thank you." Misato said.

"For installing the power lines?" The Admiral said. "I told you I would do that, under threat of my command being usurped no less."

"No, not for that, for September 18, 2000." Misato said. "The day I was pulled out of the Dead Sea Antarctica had become."

"So you are the same girl." The Admiral said. "I'm glad you're talking now at least. I remember the doctor said you wouldn't talk at all."

"Yeah… needless to say, I had just see the world end around me, so I wasn't exactly in the best condition to talk." Misato said. "But still, I wanted to thank you, you saved my life that day, and I'm very thankful for that."

"You're quite welcome Major." The Admiral said.

However, before Misato could respond, and alarm claxon sounded, signaling an alert.

"Admiral, three ships were just sunk in rapid succession!" Captain Smith shouted. "Several more have been heavily damaged! The enemy is moving too fast to engage! We need orders, sir!"

"Order the fleet to battle stations, and order evasive actions, now!" The Admiral ordered as Toji, Hikari and Kensuke came onto the bridge. "And then prepare a counterattack with all available weapons, scramble all alert fighters, and get the anti–submarine helicopters in the air too!"

"Aye, aye, sir!" Captain Smith shouted.

"Oh no, it must be an Angel!" Misato said loudly. "Admiral, please, let me get my pilot to activate Unit–02, we can stop this thing with the EVA!"

"No, this Angel picked the wrong fleet to mess with!" The Admiral said loudly. "Target this damn thing and send it back to hell where it came from, Captain!"

"Aye, sir!" Captain Smith replied. "Firing solution is all set, ALL SHIPS, OPEN FIRE!"

Torpedo after torpedo and depth charge after depth charge were launched at the Angel to no avail. Beneath the water, the Angel, what looked to be a giant beige colored sting ray, roughly the same size as the Over the Rainbow, was swimming wildly fast, plowing through ship after ship looking for something… her father, Adam. The Angel opened her mouth wide to chew through another ship, and revealed three rows of massive, sharp teeth that cut though the destroyer with ease, blowing it into two and causing it to sink, and also a blood red Core at the back of her throat. She had several spikes in her head, and a bid skull like face mask on its dorsal surface above its mouth, remarkably similar to Sachiel's.

Gaghiel had arrived.

Kaji looked on from below the flight deck and sighed as the U.N. fleet fired mercilessly on Gaghiel.

"This kind of firepower will never penetrate an A.T. Field. The Sixth Angel seems to be searching for something too, I wonder…" Kaji said. "What a waste of ammunition. But… this is my cue to leave."

–––

"Come on, hurry up!" Asuka shouted.

"Where are you taking me?!" Shinji shouted back.

Asuka came to a stairwell and shoved Shinji inside. "Just stay right here for a minute." Asuka ran down the stairs, just past where the upper flight covered the lower flight and started to strip, she threw open the bag on the ground and grabbed her red plugsuit and pulled it on. She struggled with it a bit, and just as she was covering her breasts, Shinji peeked around to see if everything was ok.

"Asuka, is everything ok?" Shinji asked.

"Pervert!" Asuka shouted. "Fucking deviant, get back!"

"Sorry, you sounded like you were having trouble…" Shinji said.

"Why are all boys such demented perverts?!"Asuka grumbled while Shinji sat, ashamed, on the stairs waiting for Asuka to finish. "Gottverdammt dummkopf!"

Asuka pulled her hair out of the plugsuit and activated it, with it forming around her attractive, lithe body. "Let's go, Asuka." Asuka whispered to herself.

–––

On the bridge of the Over the Rainbow, the Admiral was watching the battle intently, seeing missiles, bombs, torpedoes and depth charges fail to kill the Angel.

"Why is that bastard not sinking?!" The Admiral shouted.

"Only an EVA can beat it." Toji said casually.

"What did you say, boy?" The Admiral spat.

"He said only an EVA can beat it!" Hikari spoke up. "He's seen it happen twice, he should know!"

"What?!" The Admiral said. "He's seen two of these things up close?!"

"Yeah, I have, and only that Unit–02 can beat it ass!" Toji replied.

"Let me deploy the EVA, Admiral!" Misato pleaded. "Before more ships and lives are needlessly lost!"

"Fine, seeing as the attack is not as effective as I'd hoped, you can launch your toy, Major." The Admiral replied.

–––

Asuka tossed a spare plugsuit at Shinji. It was identical to hers.

"Here put this on." Asuka said.

"What?" Shinji replied.

"I said put it on!" Asuka replied forcefully. "Let's go, we don't have all day you know!"

Asuka walked off towards her EVA while Shinji quickly changed.

"Asuka, why did you give me a plugsuit?" Shinji asked, covering himself. He filled out the plugsuit quite well, which considering it was made for Asuka is either a compliment to Shinji, or an insult to Asuka.

"What are you, stupid or something?!" Asuka shouted. "We're going to defeat that Angel with my, Unit–02, now let's go!" Asuka slapped a button on the EVA and the Entry Plug covering opened, and the Entry Plug was ejected, allowing access to the pilot's seat inside.

"Does Misato know about this?" Shinji asked nervously. "We shouldn't do this without permission, you know."

"Please, disobeying orders is the name of the game, Shinji." Asuka said smugly. "I'll get her permission after the fact."

Asuka opened the Entry Plug, and Shinji clambered up the back of Unit–02. "Here you are, Third Child, get ready for an awesome display of piloting." Asuka said proudly.

"Don't be in such a rush, Asuka, fighting Angels is not all it's cracked up to be." Shinji quipped. "Trust me on that…"

"What are you, stupid?!" Asuka shouted. "Come on, we have an Angel to kill!"

"Sure, whatever." Shinji muttered. "Let's get this over with."

The Entry Plug reinserted itself into the EVA, and it turned on, and began the startup sequence herself. "LCL Füllung… anfang der bewegung… anfang des nervenanschlusses… auslöses von links–kleidung. Synchro–start." A message reading "FEHLER" flashed on the screen around them.

"It's… a programming error?" Shinji asked.

"It's thought–noise, dummkopf." Asuka growled. "I told you not to disturb me!"

"What do you mean, Asuka?" Shinji asked.

"You're thinking in Japanese aren't you?" Asuka said loudly. "If you must think, do it in German!"

"I'll try…" Shinji said confidently. "Bratwurst… wienerschnitzel… strudel…"

"Baka!" Asuka shouted. "Never mind, switch language interface to Japanese!" The Entry Plug came online and Asuka gripped the control yokes. "Evangelion, Unit–02… GO!"

"Asuka, you realize we're in the B–Type equipment, right?" Shinji said. "If we fall into the ocean, we'll drown. They can't recover us before time runs you know."

"Then we won't do that." Asuka said.

"Asuka, are you there?" Misato said over the comm.

"Yes, Misato, I here." Asuka said.

"This is our chance, Asuka, take off!" Misato ordered.

"Roger!" Asuka said.

"Asuka, here it comes!" Shinji shouted as Gaghiel charged towards them. "Jump already!"

"Let's do it!" Asuka shouted.

Unit–02 jumped just as the Othello was struck and sunk by Gaghiel. It landed somewhat gracefully on a destroyer, crushing its antenna array, and wrapped in the tarp that had been covering it.

"Where is that son of a bitch?!" Asuka said.

"7 o'clock Asuka." Shinji said. "And we don't have a lot of time either! Your battery only has 52 seconds left!"

"I'm well aware of that." Asuka said. "Misato, get that emergency power cable onto the flight deck, now!"

"I'm on it!" Misato said. "And Shinji, you're in there too."

"Yeah, Misato." Shinji replied.

"Alright you two, be careful now." Misato said.

"Awesome… let's play hopscotch." Asuka said.

"You mean…" Shinji asked.

"Yup, hold on Third!" Asuka shouted.

Unit–02 leapt from the destroyer it was on to another one a short distance away, landing on its helicopter pad. It leapt off that destroyer and landed amidships on a cruiser, throwing its cloak off during the jump. Unit–02 leapt to another destroyer, this time landing on the bow, barely avoiding crushing its main cannon. Unit–02 continued leaping as the Over the Rainbow prepared for the EVA to land heavily on its flight deck.

"EVA Unit–02, coming in hot!" Asuka shouted.

Unit–02 landed heavily on the flight deck, making the ship list heavily to port, tipping it enough that a dozen planes still remaining on the flight deck, along with dislodged munitions from the impact fell off the ship and into the sea. Unit–02 balanced itself, and righted the carrier at the same time, saving three Su–33s from watery graves.

"The target is approaching rapidly!" The comm chirped.

"Angel approaching from 9 o'clock!" Shinji reported.

"Switching to external power!" Asuka said. "Switch completed!"

"So, how do you intend to fight this thing, Asuka?" Shinji asked. "We don't exactly have any guns…"

"I think a Progressive Knife will do just fine, don't you?" Asuka said.

As the large wave was approaching, the left pylon of Unit–02 opened up, revealing what appeared to be a dagger with a hollowed out middle. Asuka drew the knife and moved forward, bracing for impact. Gaghiel surfaced and sped up.

"It's fucking enormous!" Shinji said.

"Well, you know the saying." Asuka said. "The bigger they are…"

"Now is not the time to be quoting idioms, Asuka!" Shinji shouted.

Gaghiel jumped clear of the water and tackled Unit–02 into the bridge of the ship. Gaghiel crushed a few of the panes still on the flight deck, and unit–20 dropped its Prog Knife, cutting a hole through the armor plating. Gaghiel had landed entirely on the ship and was struggling with Unit–02 as it fought against the Angel at close range. Unit–02's foot slid onto the starboard aft aircraft elevator, and the force of the EVA fighting against the Gaghiel broke the elevator slammed Unit–02 into the bridge again, and then slid off the port side of the ship.

"Asuka, you can't fight in the water in B–Type Equipment!" Misato shouted.

"Well, you know what they say." Asuka said. "You don't know till you try."

Unit–02 fell onto the ground below in the sunken cityscape around them. Then Gaghiel awoke and clamped down on Unit–02, and began dragging them away from the ship, the cable running out of its holder extremely fast. As the cable neared the end of its length Shinji shook Asuka.

"We have to do something, Asuka!" Shinji shouted while Asuka cried out in pain. "We can't just sit here!"

"I don't know!" Asuka shouted. "I'm not sure what to do!"

"It's ok Asuka, we'll think of something… together." Shinji said confidently.

"Asuka, Shinji, the cable's about to run out, brace for impact!" Misato warned.

"Shit!" Shinji shouted.

"Scheisse!" Asuka shouted.

The force of the cable snapping taught threw the both of them from where they had been and right into the wall of the Entry Plug. Gaghiel left Unit–02 floating dead in the water.

"Asuka, are you ok?!" Shinji asked, shaking off the shock with some ease. "Asuka!"

"Yeah… I think I'm ok…" Asuka muttered. "My head hurts thought…"

"You just hit the Entry Plug, I think that's expected, Asuka." Shinji said.

"Shut up, Third…" Asuka said weakly. "You're giving me a headache."

–––

One of the still working flight elevators began to move as Kensuke was filming the event from the bridge. Toji was holding Hikari in his arms. After unit–02 had hit the bridge, he dove after her to keep her from getting hurt.

"Thanks, Toji." Hikari said. "You move pretty quickly when you want to…"

"Well, the class rep can't get hurt on my watch, seeing as Shinji out's there with the German girl." Toji said. "You alright, Hikari?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Hikari replied. "So that was an Angel?"

"Yep, not as ugly as the other one I saw with Shinji and Kensuke, but this one is way bigger!" Toji exclaimed.

"So they all look different, huh?" Hikari asked.

"Yeah, the three I've seen all look different." Toji said. "Hey you want help up, Hikari?"

"Yeah…" Hikari blushed. 'He noticed me, he finally noticed me!' Hikari thought happily. 'And he kept me from getting hurt! I knew the boy I loved was still in that moronic exterior that's formed since we were kids!'

"Hey, a custom Yak–38's taking off!" Kensuke shouted.

"Hey, Katsuragi!" Kaji said over the comm.

"Kaji!" Misato shouted. "You have a plan?"

"No, I've got to make a delivery, so I'll be taking off." Kaji replied. "Ta–ta for now!"

"KAJI GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE LIKE A MAN!" Misato shouted.

"Sorry Katsuragi, I'll make it up to you somehow!" Kaji replied nonchalantly. "Take care of the rest of this, Major! Good luck!"

"He ran away…" Kensuke said.

"That son of a bitch!" Misato shouted, shaking her fist out the window. "Coward!"

–––

Unit–02 was still floating just above the seabed, unable to move, as Gaghiel was circling around again for another attack on the helpless Evangelion.

"Asuka, it's coming towards us again." Shinji said.

"Right, I'll finish that piece of scheisse off this time." Asuka said, moving the control yokes, but Unit–02 did not respond. "Hey! It's not fucking working!"

"Type–B Equipment, remember?" Shinji said. "It doesn't work well in the water."

"What are you going to do?!" Asuka shouted.

"What am I going to do?" Shinji shouted back. "It's a team effort here, Asuka!"

"Well you're the famous Third Child, think of something gottverdammt!" Asuka shouted back.

Gaghiel was nearing the EVA and it opened its mouth wide, revealing its teeth.

"TEETH!" Asuka screamed. "I don't want to get eaten!"

"Asuka, it's an Angel!" Shinji shouted. "These things are all dangerous!"

"But, it has teeth! The other three didn't have teeth!" Asuka shouted.

"Yeah, trust me, this is the better alternative to getting fucked by a glowing rod, or tentacles, or a god damn light beam!" Shinji shouted. "Now, you want my advice? I suggest holding onto something!"

Gaghiel bit Unit–02 on the torso, leaving its top half inside the mouth, and its waist and legs outside. The force of the impact knocked Shinji into Asuka.

"Great, now we're chum for the Jaws here…" Shinji quipped. "It always goes from bad to worse…"

"Oh shut up, you pessimist!" Asuka said until she noticed Shinji was on her lap. 'Oh, this is actually kind of nice, he's kinda comfy even if he is shaking a bit, or is that me?' Asuka thought. Asuka blushed. "Get off of my lap, you pervert!"

"Really, you're yelling at me for falling on you?!" Shinji shouted. 'I know she's afraid, I could feel her shaking…' Shinji thought. 'But her attitude isn't helping.'

"Hey you two!" Misato shouted. "Don't let the Angel get away, let it keep you in its mouth!"

"Why exactly are we doing that, Misato?!" Shinji asked.

"We're going fishing of course!"

"Hey Misato, I think we're gonna need a bigger boat!" Shinji quipped.

"Great, we're going to be eaten by this beast!" Asuka whined.

"Shut up, Asuka and focus!" Shinji shouted. "What's your crazy plan this time Misato?!"

"We're going to sink the two damaged battleships and use their guns to and self–destruct charges to blow this Angel to kingdom come! We just need you two to pry open the mouth of the Angel when I give the signal!"

"Ok…" Shinji said. "If you say so…"

"You're just agreeing with her?!" Asuka shouted.

"Well, inside the EVA, there isn't much time to question her plan. But outside of the EVA however, question her shit all you like." Shinji explained. "You'll never get used to it however."

"Great, so she's crazy." Asuka asked.

"Yeah, pretty much…" Shinji said reaching for the controls. "Let's get to it!"

"Hey!" Asuka screamed as she pounded on Shinji's head with her fists. "Don't operate my EVA without my permission!"

"Really, we have to work together and your idea of cooperation is hitting me in the head?!" Shinji shouted.

"Shinji, Asuka, do you understand the operation?" Misato asked.

"Yeah, I'll do the best I can!" Shinji said as Asuka started pulling his hair. "Let go of my EVA's controls Third Child!"

The two Iowa Class Battleships began sinking into the water slowly.

"Get ready you two!" Misato said. "Reverse the cable!"

The force of being pulled up slammed Shinji and Asuka into each other as they each held onto a control yoke.

"WAHHHHHHH!" They both screamed.

"Hey, are you rubbing against me on purpose?!" Asuka shouted. "Get off my leg you dork!"

"Hey, will you quit complaining!" Shinji exclaimed. "We have to open this bastard's mouth otherwise we're fish food!"

"Fine, then we don't have any time left…" Asuka said pulling the yokes open and deploying them into fine movement mode. "Well, get closer, we both have to do this, don't we?"

Shinji sat in Asuka's lap and grabbed the control yokes, his hands covering hers.

'This is weird… I actually feel comfortable with him sitting there…' Asuka thought. 'But he can't know that, or he'll get strange perverted ideas…'

'She finally stopped shaking!' Shinji thought. 'I guess she's not nervous anymore, but I wonder why? She seemed really afraid before, no matter what her bravado said…'

"Don't get any funny ideas, Shinji!" Asuka said angrily.

"I don't think I'm in the right position to try what you're implying, Asuka." Shinji quipped. "Besides, we have to focus here?!" Shinji pushed the control yokes as hard as he could. "Come on, Asuka, push!"

"I'm trying, Shinji!" Asuka shouted.

Gaghiel's mouth barely opened with all the force Shinji and Asuka were putting into the moving Unit–02's arms. Whatever strength they had simply wasn't enough.

'Asuka, I know you can't hear me… I've been calling out to you this whole time and you haven't even noticed. I can feel your heart is closed tight to those around you. You're trying to protect yourself from being hurt.' Kyoko though solemnly. 'I'm glad Shinji is with you though, I can tell deep down in your subconscious you remember him even if you can't consciously recall who he is, and I can feel your heart racing at his gentle touch… Asuka I just hope you realize who he is before it's too late. Oh Asuka, Yui would be so happy if she could see this… but you need to focus more, the both of you! I'll give you what help I can… but I can't take control of the EVA with two other souls to contend with. Asuka, my darling, I know your father was a complete asshole after my accident, and I'm sorry you found my body after I killed myself… I'm so very sorry for that sweetie… but right now, just so you know… I'm here now, and whether you realize it or not, I'll protect you.'

Unit–02's eyes glowed, and the instruments went haywire, and it easily pried open Gaghiel's mouth, allowing the battleships inside. Unit–02 pushed away from Gaghiel just as ships exploded, and Gaghiel going up in a cross shaped blast of light, sending Unit–02 flying out of the water and landing perfectly on the flight deck of the Over the Rainbow before shutting down, both pilots passing out from exhaustion.

–––

In New Yokosuka, the remains of the U.N. Pacific Fleet had arrived in late afternoon, no longer hampered by the Othello and its damaged engines, the fleet made up time. However out of the 80–odd ships to leave Hamburg, only 52 made it to shore in Japan.

"Finally, dry land!" Toji exclaimed. "Thank you New Yokosuka!"

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Toji." Kensuke said looking at Unit–02 being pulled off the deck. "Wow, look the holes in the armor! That must have stung!"

"Hey, Kensuke, that was a bit scary." Hikari said. "I'm glad to be on dry land too."

Asuka and Shinji came down the boarding ramp, dressed in identical pursuits, with towels draped over them.

"Hmmm, so this is japan huh?" Asuka said. "How quaint…"

"Oh, be quiet Asuka." Shinji said.

"Make me, Third!" Asuka shouted.

A truck approached carrying Ritsuko and a very exhausted Misato.

"So, I heard you kids had an interesting trip." Ritsuko said.

"Yeah, same old, same old." Shinji said. "Just another Angel…"

"So, some good news for you both, you beat your previous sync scores." Ritsuko said. "Shinji you hit – 51.8%, and Asuka, you got 45.3%. Good job!"

"Thanks, Dr. Akagi." Shinji replied.

'I still placed behind Shinji?' Asuka thought. "Hey, where's Mr. Kaji?" Asuka asked.

"Oh, that ass took off in the middle of the fight, he's probably at HQ now laughing his stupid ass off!" Misato shouted.

"Oh, can we go see him?" Asuka asked.

"No, we have to find you your next guardian, Asuka. Temporary quarters will be set up for a few days while someone goes over your options with you."

Asuka leaned in to Misato. "Can just move in with you, like we always talked about?" Asuka whispered.

"Sure, Asuka, it'll take a few days to clear everything, so you'll have a bed in HQ with your name on it." Misato replied.

"Thanks Misato!" Asuka said cheerfully and she hopped off the truck. 'Excellent, now I can keep an eye on Shinji…' Asuka thought. 'For some reason, being close to him makes me happy… and yet I like being alone… he's such an odd kid…'

"You didn't do that with Shinji." Ritsuko said. "You moved him in right away."

"Asuka's different Ritsuko, she's got a lot more baggage than Shinji, literally and mentally." Misato explained. "That and I need to figure out a way to break the news to him."

"Misato, they both have seen and dealt with some awful things according to their psych profiles." Ritsuko said. "What is it really?"

"Nothing, Ritz, just drop it!" Misato said.

"You never think anything through, Misato…" Ritsuko muttered.

–––

Kaji was standing in Gendo's office, the case that held Adam on his desk.

"Well, my goodness, that was a rather eventful trip, wasn't it." Kaji looked at the stoic Gendo. "Was it caused by this I wonder?" Kaji opened the case on the desk, revealing Adam. "It's restored itself this far, even though it's frozen and suspended it's still alive. It's actually quite amazing really." Kaji said. "So, I'm guessing this is the key to the Human Instrumentality Project?"

"Correct." Gendo said simply. "This is the First Angel… this is Adam…"


September 1, 2015 – Tokyo–3 Junior High School, Class 2–A

Shinji, Toji, Hikari, and Kensuke all arrived at school on time the next morning, the battle still fresh in their minds. It was something that was still the topic of conversation amongst them, at least until they arrived at school. That's when Shinji noticed two absences, Rei and Mari, and wondered where they could be.

"In wonder where Rei and Mari are, I thought they'd be here by now…" Shinji muttered.

"I bet Mari's late." Hikari said. "I bet she missed you a lot."

"Yeah, and Rei is probably just sick, don't fret too much, Shinji, I'm sure they're fine." Toji said.

"I guess you guys are right." Shinji said. "But I do worry a lot, that's my thing."

"Yeah, well, I have to say, I'm glad we're rid of that red headed devil." Kensuke said. "She was a real pain in the ass."

"Yeah, no kidding, and poor Shinji here gets to work with her as a pilot!" Toji pointed out. "I feel totally sorry for him."

"Hey, guys, come on, she wasn't that bad…" Hikari said.

"Yeah, she wasn't that mean in the Entry Plug." Shinji said. "She was just annoyed."

"Well her attractiveness is like a trap for the unsuspecting, where the devil inside her will eat up anyone that tries to get close!" Kensuke said.

"Kami–sama, Kensuke, you're an idiot sometimes." Shinji said, facepalming.

"Yeah, well at least she won't darken our doorstep anymore." Toji said happily.

In that moment, the classroom door slid open to reveal a new student standing there, was none other than Asuka Langley Soryu, dressed ion the school uniform.

"NOOOO!" Toji screamed, pointing maniacally at Asuka. "Not… not you!"

"Oh crap…" Kensuke muttered.

"Yay, my new friend is in our class!" Hikari squealed.

"Well, at least I can still hide at home…" Shinji mumbled.

Asuka walked proudly into the class, and right up to the chalkboard and wrote her name in neat cursive lettering and spun around quickly and giggled sweetly. All while Toji and Kensuke were looking on in shock, Hikari looking on happily, and Shinji looking on worriedly while the rest of the class simply stared at Asuka as she spoke.

"I'm Asuka Langley Soryu!" Asuka said politely. "Charmed, I'm sure."

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 – 51.8% (+4.6%)
Asuka – 45.3% (+7.3%)
Rei – 36.4% (+7.1%)
Mari – Pending

So, this chapter is based on Episode 8 of the anime, if you couldn't already tell. Also, the opening scene from Episode 22 was used quite heavily in the first section of the chapter. Basically, I loved how Shinji and Asuka met in the show and expanded on it as much as I could, making it much better IMHO.

I brought Hikari along on this little journey to deal with the fact that she's a close friend of Shinji's who Misato likes. So Misato decides to leave Rei and Mari behind to watch over Tokyo–3 while she retrieves Asuka and Unit–02.

This chapter also takes place exactly 11 years after the events depicted in Episode III Chapter 2, When Shinji Met Asuka…, which depicted of course, by the title, the first meeting of these two kids. These events show that they both remember deep down inside (as pointed out by Kyoko who helps them force Gaghiel's mouth open). Shinji has dreams of a friendly red headed girl, and Asuka feel comfortable around him.

Now, I didn't change much other than Hikari being here, and adding in a few things like Misato thanking the Admiral for saving her life, as it's been a few chapters coming, sand of course, adding in the scene from Episode 22 where Asuka tries to sleep with Kaji. Her infatuation will continue, but she'll be pursuing other interest instead of just Kaji.

There are a few Jaws references in the chapter that I added in just for fun, considering Gaghiel is a giant shark ray thing, it only made sense.

Not much else to say, other than next chapter, Asuka and Mari met up, and Asuka also meets Rei, to similar disastrous results from the anime and manga. The next chapter picks up on the same day, during lunch, as both Mari and Rei are simply late. Rei because Ritsuko was testing her all night, and Mari because she is lazy and overslept.

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