Author's notes: Some of you guys may remember me from years ago with my original "Evangelion: Shinji's Choice" then my rewrite "ReShinji's Choice" and my other story "Evangelion: The Runaway". For those who remember me - I'm Back~ Hope you enjoy the re-rewrite of one of my stories.

For those who are new, hello and I hope you'll enjoy what I'll write. And feel free to give me some pointers on how to better my writing. Always looking to improve.

To keep things simple, after watching the Rebuild 3.0+1.0, I just felt compelled and motivated to rewrite this story and continue forward following on the Rebuild timeline.

Summary: In the Rebuild timeline, Asuka Shikinami Langley was chosen as the test Pilot for Unit 03's activation, leading to the events that unfolded. But what if Shinji was given the choice to become Unit 03's test Pilot? How much would this one choice change the entire timeline? Would he and everyone around him ever come to regret his choices?

NOTE: Some Characters may be OOC.

Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion.

Kozo Fuyutsuki, the Sub-Commander of NERV, for the first time in his career, was at a loss on what to do. There was an elephant in the room that needed to be addressed against the Commander of NERV, Gendo Ikari. But he didn't know how much this would affect the scenario. Still, this was something he was willing to put his foot down for.

Gendo, sitting in his usual position of hiding his mouth behind his clasped hands, was waiting for his former professor to say his peace as he noticed that he was uncharacteristically quiet today. "Well? It seems that you must have something you wish to discuss, Professor."

After a few more seconds of silence, Fuyutsuki finally decided to ask his question, "... Does it have to be the Second Child for the activation of Unit 03?"

Why would the elder man ask him that? "Who activates Unit 03 is inconsequential," Ikair's eyes narrowed. Usually the Professor does not argue with these types of decisions. So why-?

Fuyutsuki asked, "Then why-?"

His student immediately cut him off, "However, I fail to understand why you are so keen on not sending the Second Child to this activation test. She has volunteered to do so."

"The late Kyoko Zeppelin Soryu wanted to-"

Gendo put his hand up, "Professor, could you be letting your emotions for someone else, outside of the scenario, be clouding your judgment?"

"I may be a lot of things, some of which that I am not proud of, but the one thing I am not is someone who does not keep their oath."

"Are you not committed to the scenario?" the Commander questioned his colleague's allegiance.

"Don't get me wrong, Ikari. The scenario... Yui... I'm committed, that has not changed." Fuyutsuki slammed his hands on Gendo's desk, "But there's one thing I will not back down and it's my last promise to Kyoko."

To some, this action may have been seen as a sign of dominance and loyalty of a friend, to prove one's point. But not to Gendo. This was a mere childish behavior to him especially since there was one fatal flaw in Fuyutsuki's ideals, "I fail to understand why Kyoko's little test series have you acting like this."

"Would you send one of the Ayanami series to Unit 03?" the elder man retorted.

Without missing a beat, "If the scenario called for it, then yes."

"This was the only one of the Shikinami series that was successful! She could bring more value to-"

The bearded man stood up and looked out the window, "This is just an activation test, Fuyutsuki. Why are you so keen on having her avoid activating Unit 03?"

"My promise to Kyoko," he told his colleague the promise he made a long time ago, "That any of the Shikinami series, especially the one that remains, would never activate and synchronize with any other EVA Units but Unit 02. You know the danger of her activating and synchronizing with other EVA but with Unit 02, that's how the other series have failed. Unit 02 was made specifically for the Shikinami series."

"Also the fact that you won't stop just at the activation. You'll also want her to eventually fully synchronize with it," but Kozo decided to leave this part out. He didn't want to push Ikari too far, but he still needed to make his point clear.

Gendo turned his head to his professor before looking back out to the window, "This is highly emotional of you, Professor. What logical reasoning do you have in trying to change this? Other than your promise to someone who's already dead?"

Fuyutsuki scoffed and thought to himself, "Look who's talking, Ikari. You are so stubborn to meet someone who's already dead. How are you any different?" "You're willing to potentially sacrifice the Second Child?"

But the Commander of NERV was not going to back down. Making decisions based on emotions leads to failure. To meet the scenario, they both knew sacrifices had to be made since the beginning, "Aren't you willing to for the scenario? Have you forgotten about our oath? About finishing the scenario no matter the sacrifice?"

"I…" the eldernan had nothing to say. He remembered their promise. How they took an oath to each other. To be willing to sacrifice everything for the end goal. For Yui. But his consciousness, his promise to his dear friend Kyoko, couldn't let him sacrifice Shikinami. His conflicted feelings prevented him from making a true decision…

Especially when she volunteered herself. Who would even take her spot? Their number one candidate dislikes piloting the Evangelions.

"If you have nothing to say, then the decision would stand. There's no true danger in sending Shikinami to Unit 03 and putting Unit 02 on stasis. It's just an activation test. We are not trying to have her truly synchronize with Unit 03. As long as she can activate Unit 03, we have achieved the scope for this EVA."

"Ikari-"

"THEN I'LL PILOT IT!"

The two turned to the new voice, both of their eyes widening on who interrupted them.

Shinji was on the way to meet up with his dad due to Rei's suggestion to personally check with his father to the dinner party she was trying to plan. The Commander already stated that he was coming, so this was more of a formal way for Shinji to ask his dad to confirm with him.

He stood out at the door of his father's office, trying to muster up the strength to go knock and talk to his father.

"I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away, I mustn't run aw-"

He was brought out of his own thoughts as he overhead voicing coming through the closed office door.

"...fail to understand why you are so keen on not sending the Second Child to this activation test. She has volunteered to do so."

Shinji's eyes widened, "Second Child? Father's planning on sending Asuka somewhere? No... she volunteered to go?"

He tried to hear what was being said to understand what was happening.

"...late Kyoko... Soryu..." was that the sub commander?

"...synchronizing with Unit 03..."

"...promise...Shikinami...would never synchronize with any other Eva Units but Unit 02... know the danger of her... synchro... with any...but ...Unit 02..."

Danger? His eyes widened in realization as he tried to piece together the information, "She volunteered to be the test Pilot for a new Evangelion... Unit 03? And synchronizing with any other Unit but Unit 02 is a danger to her? But why? And who's Kyoko Soryu?"

He then heard his father's voice, "There's no true danger... Shikinami to Unit 03... Unit 02 on stasis... just an activation...not trying to have...synchronize with Unit 03..."

"Father...you are trying to put Asuka in danger? You won't just stop at activation, you're going to have her eventually synchronize with Unit 03, won't you?"

He clenched his fist, "No... I can't let that happen. I can't let her be put in danger..." In the time he has spent with her, even though short, he thought of her as a close friend. The only of the few friends that he was very... fond of being with. He didn't want to lose what he had.

He had to do something or Asuka would be put in danger.

He had to move. This was not the time to run away.

Move...

MOVE!

Shinji slammed open the door yelling, "THEN I'LL PILOT IT!"

000

Fuyutsuki didn't know to be angry that the Ikari's son was eavesdropping on their conversation or glad that he would be able to take over for Shikinami. But the immediate concern was with the Second Child, what the Third Child did could wait till after. He was just thankful he now had a card to play against his former student.

"Well?" he turned back to the elder Ikari, "We have another volunteer."

Behind Gendo's shades, his eyes were widened to a point they might have popped out. Never in a million years did he think that Shinji, his gutless son, would barge in like this just so that he can help out his friend. As a father, Gendo felt some sort of pride welling up within him. He shook his head to regain his composure. He had to cast aside this feeling. Emotions would only get in the way of the scenario, his true goal.

"Third Child," the elder Ikari asked in his usual cold demeanor, "Do you truly understand what you are asking? If you choose to go to the activation of Unit 03, Unit 01 will be put on stasis instead until we can hand Unit 03 to another child, due to political issues."

Shinji was sweating. God, he was actually doing this. He can't back down now. He was clenching and clenching his hands until he could finally muster up the courage to say, "Yes. I'll activate Unit 03 instead of Asuka. I…" unclenching his hand, "I…" clenching his hands one final time, "I don't want to put her in any danger!"

Fuyutsuki smiled, "Yui, your son is growing. He's actually taking action instead of running away."

Gendo stood still, lost in his thoughts. To see if there's any real harm to his scenario if Shinji piloted it. "No. As long as he is with Unit 01 until Unit 13's activation... the scenario will not change." He sat down and went to his usual position, "Very well. You will take part in the activation of Unit 03 instead of the Second Child."

Shinji's face brightened, "T-Thank you father!..." He turned to leave but paused for a minute.

"What is it, Third Child?" the elder Ikari asked, noticing his son's hesitation. "Is he going to back out now after making that entrance?"

"C..." he fidgeted, going back to his timid stature but was able to maintain a bit of his confidence and momentum, "Can you not tell Asuka about this? J-Just until after the activation? I don't want her... to get upset for taking her spot."

The boy was surprising his father for a second time today. He didn't back out but instead asked to keep it a secret from the original volunteer.

Before Gendo could respond, Fuyutsuki answered, "Of course. We'll let her know that we'll be using a new Entry Plug system to activate Unit 03."

Shinji bowed, "T-Thank you!" and was about to turn to leave but was stopped by his father's voice.

"Shinji. There is no going back. Once you've volunteered, based on the time we have left till the activation date, you will have to see to the activation till the end."

He turned, showing some more confidence in his eyes, "Of course." He left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Fuyutsuki-"

The elder man nodded, "Yes, I know. I'll handle all the preparations for the changes." His smile widened, "Can't help but admire how Yui's... your child has grown in such a short span. All for a friend, or maybe even someone who he may have a crush on..." He eyed his former student, "Kind of like someone we both know."

Gendo grunted in annoyance at his professor for bringing up his embarrassing past self he wished to forget about.

Shinji smiled as practically ran down the hallway in victory. He actually said did it. He didn't run away and finally took action. Now Asuka won't be in danger...

"Wait…" He stopped.

When was Rei's dinner party again?

He got a text message on his phone, giving him the date and time for Unit 03's activation time. "...Why?"

"WHAT?" Asuka was furious. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT I'M NO LONGER BEING INVOLVED WITH THE ACTIVATION OF UNIT 03?"

Misato tried her best to calm the redhead down, "Asuka, it came from Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki himself. We've decided to test the new Entry Plug for the activation of the EVA Unit 03."

She scoffed, "Are you guys trying to replace us with some machinery?"

The guardian shook her head, "I don't get paid nearly enough to figure out what goes on in their minds. But potentially maybe? If anything, it'll most likely help with the synchronization with you and the EVA's in the future."

"Oh..." that calmed her down a bit, "Sure. That works... I guess..." She turned and started to twirl her hair. She wasn't convinced that this was the whole story with the new system, but she'll let it go for now. She'll just have to figure out a way to beat them. "Guess I'll be going to First's dinner party after all."

Misato smiled, "See? I knew you'd see things my way. Sadly I won't be able to join the party. I'll have to be there for the activation test."

She stuck her tongue out, "Sucks to be you then!"

"Tell me about it," she proceeded to grab a beer from the kitchen, "Must be nice being so young and not having to deal with all this shit." She opened her drink of choice and chugged it down.

Asuka looked around. It was strange. It was dinner time and the idiot had yet to make dinner for them. "Where's the Baka anyways?"

"Oh Shinji? He's probably with the Com-" Misato paused a bit before she responded with, "Rits needed him for extra testing and setting up dates for additional appointments. He should be coming home any minute now."

Then they heard the front door open, "I'm back," called out the Third Child.

Asuka immediately ran to the door. Misato sighed as she mumbled, "I almost slipped up there." She hated to lie to Asuka about this, but this was Shinji's wish. Misato knew where he was…

He was on his way back from somehow convincing his dad, the Commander, for Shinji to take Asuka's spot. She only knew this because she got an emergency call from the Sub-Commander a few minutes ago with a cover story Misato admitted seemed a bit lacking, but was forced to follow.

"THERE YOU ARE THIRD!" Asuka put her hands on her hips, "Where were you? We are starving over here! And you know how bad Misato's cooking can get!"

"Ah, sorry," Shinji apologized, "I... had to do some stuff back at NERV." He held some groceries up, "I'll get started on dinner right away."

"Ugh! Fine! Just hurry up will you?" She was about to turn but stopped. The redhead then grabbed the groceries, "Don't misunderstand Third. I'm hungry and I want my food now. I'll graciously lend my help to you so that we can eat faster!"

Shinji nervously smiled, "Ah... Uh... Sorry... and thanks."

Another apology, "UGH!" Asuka groaned, "Stop with all the sorry's. Grow some pairs, will you Third?"

Misato, overhearing the conversation shook her head, "How are you this heads over heels for her Shinji? But I guess that's what young love gets you I suppose." "Hey Shinji!" she greeted as she lifted her beer can towards Shinji, "Welcome back!"

"H-Hi Misato. I'm back," the Unit 01 pilot responded nervously, giving her a weird look.

"Ah, he's worried that I might've said something," Misato winked as she shook her head 'No'.

Asuka yelled from the kitchen, "Hey Baka! Are you going to help me or not?"

"Y-yea," Shinji started to make his way towards his roommate, "Sorry. Be right there!"

"AND STOP APOLOGIZING!"

"...sorry."

"UGH!"

Katsuragi giggled, "At least they're having fun." She took another drink from her beer, "Gah~ I really needed this."

Rei did not know what this feeling was. She put her hand to her chest as she heard the news. "Oh..." Her plans. Her weeks of planning were... "You wish to cancel?" This was not something she was expecting to hear when she got to school. She did not expect Shinji to come up to her during their break time to tell her this. "Was this... disappointment?"

Shinji immediately responded, "N-No! I don't want to cancel... I was wondering if we can push it out a few days after..." he looked around to see Asuka giving him a weird look from her seat.

Ah… Right.

Rei understood. He was going to take Asuka's spot for Unit 03's activation. She overheard it from Dr. Ritsuko and Maya discussing the topic. But she still wanted to confirm it from Shinji… Though why didn't he just say so...?

...

Ah… Right.

He didn't want the Second Child to know. But why? Rei could not understand why he wanted to keep this secret from the Second Child, let alone take over her spot when he does not like to pilot the Eva's. But... she will comply with his wishes, "Yes. I believe... it will be acceptable to push it out a few days after your appointment with Doctor Akagi."

Shinji smiled, "T-Thanks for understanding Rei." "And thanks for keeping this quiet."

Ayanami nodded, "Of course. I'll handle the change of dates."

"N-No, I can handle that if you-"

"I'll handle it. Don't worry... Shinji," she responded with a smile.

From a distance, Asuka was furiously eating her lunch as she watched the two converse. She'll never admit it but this lunch he cooked for her was damn good. Hell, she might've actually admitted it if watching both Shinji and the Doll didn't put her in such a foul mood. "Damn it," she mumbled, "Why do I feel this way?"

Hikari, who was eating with her, tilted her head, "Did you say something?"

The redhead shook her head, "No... Nothing." And started to stuff down more food in her mouth out of frustration. Despite the good food, what she was seeing was most definitely putting her in a foul mood for the rest of the day. But she could not figure out why watching them converse bothered her so much.

As Shinji went back to his seat, Toji leaned in, "Hey, Shin-man. What did you do to Red? She's in a foul mood."

"W-What?" he looked over at his roommate and noticed that she was glaring at him before going back to eating her food.

Kensuke smirked as he walked over, "Oh man, you're screwed!"

"I-I don't even know what I did!" Shinji was worried, "Does she know? Did she figure it out?"

The Jock commented, "I think that she got a bit pissy when you started to talk to Blue over there." He used his thumb to point towards Rei.

"O-Oh..." "Oh, so was she upset that I was talking with Rei?"

Kensuke fixed his glasses and teased, "Pretty perceptive of you Toji."

"HEY!" Suzahara grabbed the top of the geek's head, "What's that supposed to mean?"

He struggled under the Jock's hold, "Guh! Wait. Time out! TIME OUT!"

After school, both pilots from the Katsuragi's residence were walking back home together as there was no duty nor any sync testing today with NERV... and also because their friends bailed out on them to the rest of the day. Hikari needed to help around the house while Toji said that he's busy with family. Kensuke said that he had to get some sort of limited edition replica he was eyeing for months. In the end, the two had each other for company, and with nothing to do, they decided to head back to the apartment tha they were staying at.

"So," Asuka asked, "What were both you and the First talking about?"

"O-Oh..." Shinji did NOT want to talk about this right now. He may be not as smart as Asuka, but he knew that if he slipped up once, she was going to eventually figure out that he took her spot. "W-We were just-"

"And you have an appointment with Doctor Akagi?" Shikinami asked, eyeing him. She overheard both the First and Third Child mention that he had an appointment after a couple of days.

He chuckled, "Well, it's more of a check up. She noticed something about our last sync test and wanted to make sure it was nothing detrimental."

"... You still haven't told me what you and the First were talking about."

… He was quickly trying to figure out an excuse.

"Well?"

"I was telling her about my appointment coinciding with the dinner party she was planning… So she's going to reschedule so that we can all make it... And I... I was trying to figure out if she wanted anything. I noticed that she wasn't eating much during lunch and wanted to see if I could make something for her."

She frowned at the answer, "Huh, kind of last minute on the appointment but whatever... And must be nice for her to have someone to look out for her." Fortunately for him, the Second Child did pry about the appointment and Rei pushing the dates out. But she did find it somewhat suspicious that the dates somewhat aligned with her original test date with Unit 03's activation.

"D-Did you want anything as well, Asuka?" Shinji asked. "What about lunch today? Do you want something different for tomorrow?"

That response took her by surprise. She was expecting the Third Child to try to defend his position or tell her to be nicer to Rei. But asking for her opinion about something? She had to admit, he might've grown up a bit. This elevated her mood a bit… and it put her in a weird, happy mood making her forget all about her suspicions.

"Hmph..." she looked away, her face having a faint blush, "W-Well... it was...gmmm..."

Shinji tilted his head, not understanding the last word, "Uh... sorry. What was that?"

"G...mmm..." the redhead mumbled once again.

"Asuka, sorry. I didn't catch tha-"

"IT WAS GOOD, OKAY?" she screamed, causing Shinji to flinch. She took a deep breath, not trying to ruin the moment, "It..." she looked away and started to walk faster trying to hide her embarrassment, "was good. I expect the same quality tomorrow... Idiot Shinji."

He recovered quickly after hearing words of praise from her, "Y-Yes. Of course!" he caught up with her. "Did you want anything specific for tomorrow? We can stop by the groceries on the way and pick some stuff up for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow."

She thought about it for a moment, "Sure let's go. And I want..."

"..."

"..."

The two continued to chat on the way to pick up groceries and for the rest of the way back home.

To Shinji, these were bits of happiness he managed to find in his daily life.

To Asuka, these were the moments she would cherish, whether she would like to admit it or not.

Life was good.

Ritsuko Akagi was in her office with her old friend, looking over the papers and charts, "Well, given the history with Asuka and Rei, it does make sense for Shinji to be the one to activate Unit 03. Asuka had the most success with activating and synchronizing with Unit 02 than any other EVA Units during these tests she managed to sneak in. Rei, on the other hand, has a hard time adjusting to any other Units, Unit 01 being a special case, but that's pushing it."

Misato sighed as she leaned forward and laid her head down on the desk, "It's going to be a rough couple of days trying to keep this a secret from Asuka. And don't get me started on the paperwork."

"But do try your best Misato. Asuka's psych evaluation suggests that she would not handle the news well. I'm amazed that the boy was able to figure out how she would react to a certain degree."

"Well Shinji and Asuka have been living under the same roof for a while, so it makes sense that he understands her a bit…" she shook her head. Misato needed to confirm the story instead of talking about the kids' relationship just so that she didn't forget. "Remind me what the story we're going with?"

She put down the papers, "You're going to oversee the activation of Unit 03 with the Dummy System. Shinji will be leaving a day early to have an extended checkup done."

"That's an awful story. She's going to catch on."

The doctor took out a cigarette, "It doesn't matter if she catches on or not. As long as she finds out after the activation test, we would have met Shinji's wishes."

Misato sighed as she leaned back on her chair, "No matter what happens, this is NOT going to end well."

She took a deep breath in her cigarette before blowing out, "This was Shinji's choice, not ours. It's going to be on him in the end."

"Easy for you to say. You don't live with her."

Ritsuko gave a small smirk, "Sounds like a you problem." She received a groan from her friend in response.

Gendo got a call from Rei, who let him know that the dinner party had been postponed. He was not surprised by the decision. This was, of course, Shinji's choice that affected this outcome. "I see," he responded.

Rei clarified, "We'll be moving the dinner party to the following week, giving Ikari enough time to rest."

"Understood Rei."

"Why did Shinji volunteer?" she asked immediately after, surprising Gendo.

He paused. What can he say? He did it for the Second Child? Or that he was the best candidate and volunteered based on the dangers that could potentially cause her and Shikinami? Yes… the latter is a more logical explanation.

"He was the best candidate based on the synchronization testing with other EVA's." Which wasn't a lie. Shinji was currently the most flexible Pilot who would be able to pilot all other EVA's.

"... I don't understand," she responded, "He does not like to pilot the EVA's."

"And yet he's still here as the Pilot to EVA Unit 01."

"I do not understand that either," Rei stated.

"It was ultimately his decision to stay as the Pilot for Eva Unit 01," Gendo fixed his glasses. "It will be on him to leave. And it is on him to volunteer to be the activation Pilot for Unit 03."

She was quiet for a bit, "Why couldn't it be either Pilot Shikinami or me? Because we weren't compatible?"

"You two do not have the adaptability that he has. He is the primary choice for this. However, due to his opinion of piloting the Evangelion Units, he was brought down the candidate list until he volunteered for this role."

"I see...Will... he be safe?" she asked in an unusual caring voice.

This caused Gendo to freeze. She sounded just like someone who he lost and yearned to be with again. Someone who this whole scenario was for... He mumbled, "Yui..."

"Commander?"

He quickly regained his composure, he couldn't risk losing himself to his emotions now. Ikari replied over the phone, "He will be safe. I promise you."

Gendo could feel Rei smile over the phone, "Thank you. I...will leave you to your business Commander."

"...Of course."

The phone call ended. The Commander's hand that was holding his phone dropped as he tightened his grip on his phone.

Fuyutsuki commented, "So, a heart exists within you still."

He turned to the Professor, "Ridiculous. The heart will not support the scenario. It will only hinder."

The elder man nodded, "Yes, yes." He decided to change topics, "So, the activation is within 3 days, and the Third Child is to be transported in 2 days under the cover that he's going on an extended checkup for Doctor Akagi."

"Yes."

"This cover story is lazy, even for you, Ikari."

Gendo sat down and put his elbows on top of the desk and clasped his hands to cover his mouth, "Let me remind you that you were the one who slipped minor information about the Dummy Plug System."

"I am well aware." Fuyutsuki would not deny this. It was after all his decision to release the information about a new Plug type system to the child. "Guess this is Gendo's act of petty vengeance against my mistake."

"We merely needed a story to ensure that the Second Child will not hinder this activation. The aftermath is of no consequence."

"So you say..." Fuyutsuki walked over close to the glass windows, "Do you regret sending Shinji?"

"He volunteered and is the best candidate for Unit 03's activation. I have no regrets as long as it does not affect the scenario."

The Professor nodded as he gave the confirmation from the higher ups,, "And SEELE found this to be within acceptable deviance to the scenario. As long as we install the prototype Dummy Plug Systems to Unit 02 for now and to Unit 01 after it is out of stasis."

"Good." This was the response from SEELE that Ikari expected.

All was good.

Shinji and Asuka ate by themselves as Misato would be pulling another all nighter at Nerv. The redhead decided to watch some TV as the browned haired teen was getting some stuff ready for tomorrow's lunch box.

"Shinji," she called out.

"Hmm?" he responded as he put some food in the refrigerator.

Asuka asked as she came into the kitchen, "Unit 03's activation will be with a pilot, right?"

"Uhh," "Why now?" "I'm.. not sure. All I remember hearing from Misato is that we'll be using a new system? And it's supposed to help with our synchronization with our EVA's later."

"Aren't you afraid?"

He turned to her, "Uhh of what?"

"Ugh, are you that dense? Of being replaced by a drone!"

Shinji blinked, "Um... no? I...don't see an issue?"

"You're such an idiot. Think about it, Idiot Shinji, if the system is successful in activating Unit 03, how long before it will be able to fully synchronize with Unit 03 and other Eva's? Then what use will they have for us?"

"I... Uhh..." She did have a point. Though, even if it wasn't true, he'll have to play along with it. "I didn't think about it."

She crossed her arms, "Of course you didn't."

"Then... I guess Father would no longer have a use for me and send me away."

Asuka raised her voice, "THAT'S what I'm talking about. We'll become obsolete." She pointed towards him, "Third, we're going to have to make sure that we don't lose to some piece of soulless machines."

Shinji wondered, "How are we going to do that? The only thing we can really do to make sure would be to keep raising our sync ratios and... um... maybe make sure our combat style is better than the new system?"

She smirked, "So, you're not THAT dumb after all. You're right. We just have to be better than them in every possible way. We need to show our true worth."

"Well..." he looked to the floor, "That's easy for you, since you were born and spent your whole life on this. But... I've just been doing this a few months ago. How can I-?"

"First!" the Second Child grabbed Shinji's shoulder, "we fix that attitude of yours! We won't get anywhere like this."

"Sorry..."

She snapped, "What did I say about apologizing?"

"S-Sorr-"

Before he could finish, Asuka slapped his shoulder, "No! None of that." She let him go and walked over to the refrigerator to grab a drink, "We need to get our act together Third."

"But... why do you want me to get better too? Why have competition?"

After chugging down her drink of choice, she responded, "That's exactly why I need you to get better. Having competition will make sure to push myself to go even further beyond. Also keeps a good gauge on where I am compared to the Invincible Shinji."

He rubbed his arm in embarrassment, his cheeks also flushed, "I... I'm not invincible, you know."

"It's a figure of speech, Third," she closed the refrigerator door. "To sate a fact, you were able to hold out against that Angel that tried to crush down on the city. As I hate to admit it, you are strong."

"T-Thanks?"

"But while you may be strong, you're inexperienced and clumsy. While I'm experienced, I lack the raw strength you have."

He blinked, this is the most that Asuka had complimented and humbled him without yelling at him. He... he was enjoying this. "Um, so what do you-..."

"We are going to have training sessions of course! We're going to start immediately after you get back from your check up..." She froze as she realized one thing, she never asked specifics on his appointment dates, "Say... when is your check up?"

He responded, "The day after tomorrow."

"So within two days." "Huh, exactly a day before the First's dinner party. No wonder she decided to move it." "Fine, we'll start after that," Asuka walked over to her roommate, closing the distance between the two, "We have a plan. We're in this together now Shinji, we're a team." She held out her hand.

He stood still, trying to take in what she said. Asuka was trying to train with Shinji to make sure that they don't get outdone by some machinery. Well, not that the machinery was going to be a thing anyways…"They don't even have something like that. They made that up to cover for me...right?" He nervously took her head, "S-Sure..."

"DEAL!" She now ran to the living room, "Just in Time for my favorite show!" The redhead frantically sat down and raised the volume from the TV.

Shinji smiled, "Thank god you haven't figured it out yet... I'm sorry Asuka. I'm so sorry for lying to you. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Author's Note: This may be a weak chapter, but I wanted to focus on the set up for the story to come. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.