This is just a filler. The next chapter jumps a few months so I decided something was needed to link it. Just be glad I did this, cause I was considering skipping the wedding entirely.

Reprise of Humanity

Special Episode: The Wedding

"You know, there was a time when I thought your wedding day would also be the day of your funeral," Toji said. "Thank god I'm wrong."

"If you're going to keep insulting Asuka, at least do it to her face," Shinji said to his best man. "Strange that Mana would have insisted we invite her."

"Personally, that's the only mistake you two made when planning the wedding. I mean, jeez. Even Hikari couldn't have come up with all this."

Shinji looked around at the room they were using. There weren't that many churches in Tokyo 4, but a cathedral had been included in the design of the city. It was a wondrous building, decorated with stain-glass windows and many works of art. Still, the cathedral was in high demand and reservations had to be made months ahead. That was one of the main reasons it had taken so long to get the wedding ready.

"So, ready to give up the rest of your life?"

"You did the same thing two years ago," Shinji reminded his friend.

"And I'd do it again."

Shinji fiddled with his bowtie a bit more before the mirror. He had decided to forgo the tuxedo with the tail since it made him look like a penguin, or at least in his opinion.

"Well speak of the devil."

Shinji turned around and followed Toji's gaze. At the door stood Asuka Langley Soryu, director of the new NERV and Shinji's old girlfriend. She still had a shoulder and arm cast and a few bandages on her face, but otherwise was perfectly normal and as beautiful as ever.

"Call me whatever you want," Asuka said. "You're nothing compared to the political activists I've met."

"So what are you doing here?" Toji asked. "This is technically for the groom and the other men."

"I'm here to speak with the only man in here. Privately."

After giving his friend a look Toji and the other men walked out of the room. Now the two old friends stood together once again in a moment of privacy.

"It's good to see you again, Shinji."

A smile answered her. "Likewise. We haven't exactly had a chance to talk recently."

Asuka walked about and crossed her arms, thoughtful.

"I'm not here to talk about business or politics or NERV. I'm just here to see an old friend."

"That's good. I'm not exactly in the mood for business either. It is my wedding."

This time it was Asuka's turn to smile. "Remember when we imagined what our wedding would be like? How we planned it so everything would be perfect?"

"Of course. But that's in the past now."

Asuka nodded sadly. "Yes, in the past. You were able to move on. I do envy you for that."

"And you could never find someone to share your life with?"

"Who else was there?" Asuka asked, her arm spread out. "In the entire world there was only you. No, I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. After everything you went through you deserve to be happy."

"So do you."

Asuka smiled and looked over at Shinji. "I'll find my happiness myself, Shinji. Besides, you were able to."

As she walked towards the door Shinji spoke again.

"I'm not your enemy."

Asuka paused a bit to answer.

"I know that. It's one of the few constants in this world, as far as I'm concerned."

The others were watching and reentered the room once Asuka disappeared.

"So what did she have to say?" Toji asked.

"Just reminiscing about the past," Shinji said as he buttoned the tux. "Nothing more."

The other men exchanged looks but Shinji wouldn't say anything else. Besides, it was a private matter. It was only a possibility any of them would be involved in the future.

"So, are you going to wear the sword?"

"Ah yes, that blasted ceremonial sword," said Shinji. "You know, for all my time at NERV, I never recalled using a sword before."

Toji threw it over and Shinji grabbed the scabbard. He pulled out the blade and looked at it. It was a katana though the handle and hilt was a bit more decorated. After sheathing it he snapped it onto his belt. The tux he was in was actually ceremonial military dress. Mana didn't care what he wore as long as it was presentable.

"Ready?"

"No, but then again, were you?"

"Of course not."

-Bride's Room-

Hikari checked over the dress once more and nodded.

"It's fine, Mana. You can stop worrying."

"But I can't," the young woman said. "This is my wedding day and I can barely stand. Oh, those butterflies are coming back again."

"Calm down," said Hikari. "You're marrying a fine man and Shinji will know how to take care of you. It's always a big thing, your own wedding, but don't forget. This is just a beginning to a wonderful life the two of you are going to share. Nothing is going to ruin it."

"Unless I mess up."

"I dout that, Mrs. Ikari."

All of the women turned around and saw Asuka standing at the doorway.

"Asuka!"

Hikari ran over and hugged her friend, eliciting a yelp of pain from her.

"Oh! Are you alright?"

"The shoulder still needs some time," Asuka said. "How have you been, Hikari?"

"Good. Come over, Asuka."

The two women walked to Mana, who was getting ever more nervous.

"So. I knew someone was going to be the lucky woman to get Shinji. Congratulations."

"T-thanks," Mana stuttered.

"Don't worry," said Asuka. "You're going to be fine. The two of you can take care of each other, and besides, you shouldn't be the one to worry. Shinji should."

"What? Why?"

"Because he's probably wondering why someone as great as you are marrying him."

"But Shinji's the great one," said Mana. "Sometimes I wonder if I deserve him."

Asuka smiled. "See? Both of you are thinking that, and that's the result of a good relationship. Don't sweat it, you two will be fine. So don't worry about any problems, cause most of them have already been resolved."

Mana nodded and smiled appreciatively at Asuka.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it," said Asuka. "Just don't let Shinji become lonely again. He deserves more than that."

With those words Asuka walked out of the room.

"She's really changed," Hikari said. "More confident of herself in a good way."

"Yes. Asuka is a wonderful person," said Mana, "no matter what other people say."

-Main Chamber-

The men walked down to the main chamber where everyone was waiting. Most in the audience were Mana's old friends and family since Shinji didn't really have a family before. Besides, most of his relatives were dead and he only considered a few people even close to being friends. Of course, Kensuke and Toji were some of the only true friends he had. Others were just colleagues.

Near up front Kensuke had already set up a camera to record everything that happened. It was actually turning, probably from a remote control Kensuke had managed to hide somewhere on him. He was still a tech geek no matter what.

One by one, the couples walked down the aisle and took their places on each side. The piano music was beautiful and a quartet from the Tokyo Symphonic Orchestra was accompanying it. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, the bride appeared. A smile appeared on Shinji's face as he looked at his beautiful fiancée. Her father guided her down and Mana seemed almost scared. That didn't seem surprising. When they were both before the priest it seemed almost overwhelming.

The two were completely unaware of everything as the priest spoke, read from the bible, and the singing of a hymn. Finally, it came to the vows. Shinji looked at his wife and smiled as he spoke.

"A long time ago, both you and I could be considered runaways from our duties and our destines. Perhaps that's why we were drawn together. At first I didn't know what to do about this girl that had taken an interest in me. I was totally unprepared for it, as there weren't that many women in my life."

He could hear laughing coming from several people. Others probably didn't get the joke.

"However, it was only later that I found out what I had missed when you went missing. But now I'm glad you're back in my life, cause now you're making me the happiest man in this room."

Shinji could almost see the tears behind the veil as Mana tried to control herself.

"When we first met, I wasn't exactly honest with you," Mana began. "But you found out later on, and still didn't care. You went out of your way to help me, doing little things that counted more. When we met again, I didn't know what to say. This time it was you who spoke to me and showed me who you had become. I'm glad you did that, cause now I have a chance to repay your kindness."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. May the Lord watch over you in this life and after. You may kiss the bride."

Shinji lifted the veil and bent a bit to kiss Mana. They embraced each other and held the kiss for what seemed like ages. Around them clapping was heard as well as a few cheers but the couple was oblivious to this. Near the back Asuka was standing, watching everything progress. However, deep down, her heart was broken for the last time. She shed her tears and dried them and prepared to move on. Only the future mattered.

-Reception-

The newlyweds were dancing in the center of the floor with many other couples around them. They said nothing and Mana simply rested her head on Shinji's shoulder. It was a peaceful moment, something they wanted to last forever.

"I never thought I would be this lucky," Shinji whispered.

Mana giggled and kissed him on the cheek.

"Same here, my dear. But we're a perfect match and I wouldn't have it any other way."

The soft music hummed on for a while longer before fading away. As they looked around, it was clear what the audience wanted. All of the single women were already gathered and Hikari had pushed Asuka forward. The NERV director didn't seem too eager to step forward.

"Well, we certainly can't disappoint them," said Shinji.

Mana blushed a bit and took the bouquet. She closed her eyes and Shinji spun her a few times and the bouquet went soaring. Unexpectedly, it flew over most of the women and hit Asuka in the face. She grabbed it and looked at the flowers. Apparently hiding in the back hadn't helped.

Everyone clapped as Asuka sat down, blushing immensely.

"Perhaps her dream will come true," said Shinji.

"What would that be?"

"To find someone to share her life with."

"How about the garter!"

The couple looked around to see who had made the suggestion but a slap and a scream told them all they needed to know.

"Toji!" an outraged Hikari screamed.

"What? It's just tradition!"

Despite all that had changed, there still was a shy side to Shinji Ikari. That could also be said for his wife as they both blushed.

"Well, it is tradition," Shinji said.

Mana frowned a bit but still sat down. As Shinji reached under she closed her eyes and simply waited. After teasing her a bit Shinji pulled out the garter and prepared to throw it.

"There's a saying," he added, "that the man that is most reluctant to marry will make the best husband."

"And who said that?" Kensuke asked.

"I did."

Laughter accompanied the words. After turning around Shinji threw the garter towards the single men. It ended up landing on one of Shinji and Mana's fellow JA pilots. He didn't really seem amused. Mana laughed and the crowd dispersed back into couples again as the music started.

"You know, it isn't really fair that there weren't that many embarrassing stories about you," said Mana. "They ended up telling so many about me just to make up."

Shinji chuckled. "You should cherish those memories."

"I know. But we'll be making plenty of them together."

"That we will, my dear."

Mana held onto Shinji and closed her eyes dreamingly, thinking ahead into the future. Soon their child would be brought into this world and they would be parents. She was scared of the prospect and responsibilities, but knew that Shinji would be there with her.

In the sea of gloom and despair that had gripped the world since Second Impact, a single light of hope and happiness shone. At the center two souls were together, dancing and casting their light upon all those around. Their happiness was the envy of many and their unity was stronger than anyone else. And as the beacon of light, they led others out of the dark.

End of Special

Well, it's short, but it'll work. Besides, I'm still working on the next chapter.

Z98