Koros45 doesn't own Getter Robo, Mazinkaiser, or Neon Genesis Evangelion

Stage 19: [Fellow]

"Getter Ray Research is banned?!" Kouji yelled as Doctor Yumi finished delivering the news to the gathered crowd in the Photon Labs. They were in a meeting area, the padded and comfortable couch a reprieve from the jarring news.

"That's right. It seems in addition to the Dinosaur Empire returning, the political landscape has our hands tied as well. Now that means that Shin Getter and any other Getter Robo running on Getter Rays is not allowed on this property." Yumi said with a serious look.

"Then Getter Dragon - and Black Getter – both of em' gotta go too?! That's a major chunk of our fighting force!" Boss realized and Yumi nodded.

"That's right, Boss. Anything running on Getter Rays needs to either be deactivated or moved out of the Photon Labs within a day. The Japanese Government wants to do this for a few reasons. It's believed that Shin Dragon can track Getter Rays. Therefore the existence of them in Japan could draw out the monster far sooner than we initially predict. As as for the second reason, the Government has always been hesitant with Getter Rays ever since Musashi's sacrifice in New York City. That much collateral damage overseas was not a problem during the Moon Wars, as Getters were used exclusively in space and on the Moon." Yumi finished.

"But now that the fight's on Earth, the Government decided Getter was too dangerous." Benkei added.

"And what about Photon Power? Is that next on the chopping block? Mazinkaiser may have gone berserk once before but they'd be idiotic to deprive Japan of both Shin Getter and Mazinkaiser." Kouji stated.

"Since Mazinger Z was seen as such a hero to the people of Japan and the world, the Government states that Great Mazinger and Mazinkaiser can still be used. However, both you and Tetsuya are forbidden to use them until the Government deems you are not potentially dangerous to the people. And of course, any conflict in a majorly populated area is strictly prohibited." Professor Yumi concluded.

"I can't believe this! I bet this is all Gendo Ikari's fault! He's just sore that I embarrassed him in front of his staff!" Kouji yelled.

"You were correct about Mazinkaiser's berserk rampage, Kouji. Even if it did stop Unit 01's own frenzied state, the repairs to the city from its Fire Blaster were extensive. We're lucky nobody died in that incident." Yumi said with a hard line in his voice.

"So we're basically at half power now, especially with Great Mazinger gone." Kouji said and Yumi nodded. "It seems that's how things are."

"Damn you, Gendo Ikari!" Kouji yelled, slamming his fist into the table and gritting his teeth.

"What the hell are we supposed to do if Shin Dragon attacks now!?" Kouji wondered.

/

Shin Getter 2 landed on the surface of the Tower and Kaji lept out, running a hand through his ponytail.
"Glad to be back among the dead." He joked before giving a wink to Misato.

"You better treat him right." Misato said, giving Hayato a serious glance.

Hayato laughed. "He'll be fine. A dead man won't need to worry about any enemies."

"Still, staying near Antarctica is a bad omen considering Second Impact. And my father's own death too." Misato said, holding up a finger. "I'm serious. Please be careful." She said and Kaji closed his eyes and grinned.

"SEELE and NERV both think I'm dead. I'll just lay low until Commander Jin here says otherwise. Besides, you're the one that has to deal with Shin Dragon on top of the Angels, Dr. Hell, and NERV's own Commander." Kaji said.

"Don't remind me. All that on top of the Dinosaur Empire." Misato said with a frown and looked to Hayato. "I guess I'm playing for your team now, Commander Jin, but remember I'm still with NERV until this is over. Then I want to see the day the Children can move on with their lives."

"Fine with me. I look forward to working with you, Major Katsuragi." Hayato said and they shook hands.

"I still think we could keep the Children here. Commander Ikari wouldn't be able to find them. And he needs Shinji and Rei for his project." Kaji said.

Hayato was quick to refute.

"No. Gendo Ikari can come here quickly if NERV grants him the reach. And there were Stilva fighters in the area not affiliated with my Tower Base – I suspect sent by SEELE. As hard as it is to accept, the Children should stay in Tokyo – 3 until we clean up NERV's mess along with Dr. Hell and Saotome." Hayato finished.

"Well in that case, good luck." Kaji said.

"And what about the Photon Labs?" Misato asked.

"I predicted NERV would try and shut them down with politics. And that's confirmed to be the case." Hayato said. "We've already launched Great Mazinger into space for some repairs and strengthening. Additionally, Getter Robo Go's plasma reactor and systems are getting a complete overhaul. It will keep the same plasma energy reactor but the equipment will expand. We're going to call it Neo Getter now."

"I see, a deterrent in case Getter Rays are banned considering Shin Dragon can track them." Misato said and Hayato nodded.

"That's right. As long as we don't use Getter Rays as a power source, we'll still have a Getter on hand."

"And what of Mazinkaiser?" Kaji asked.

"I had Kouji hide Kaiser Pilder in case anything dangerous happens. Mazinkaiser has been fully recharged but it's a limited supply considering just how much we need to power it – the lab wasn't built to make a Mazinger of that size constantly battle ready." Hayato explained.

/

Shinji, Asuka, and Rei all clung to Ryoma Nagare's back for dear life as he fell out of the Getter Eagle craft flying above. Shinji and Asuka screamed while Rei said nothing, clutching around Ryoma's neck with white knuckles. They landed from a height of at least twenty feet and all grunted as Ryoma nailed the landing with a grin on his face, legs slightly quivering.

As soon as Ryoma had recovered from the landing and his passengers had gotten off, he fell over on his back and sighed.

"You kids want to do that again?!" He laughed, taking a breath before doing some stretches.

"I think I will instead see if I need to – " Rei began, covering her mouth as her red eyes widened.

Shinji had fallen over and Asuka tried to stand above the other two and stopped, slumping over as soon as she'd attempted a triumphant pose with her hands on her hips.

"THAT was your plan to get us back to Tokyo – 3?! Jump out of Eagle with us?!" Asuka breathed and Ryoma laughed.

"Oh come on! Like you haven't risked your life over something dumber than that!?" He rebuked.

"Still . . . after that we all need rest." Shinji said, slumping over onto the concrete sidewalk and covering his head with crossed arms as he tried to relax.

"Yes . . . I feel the same. Now that I am no longer . . . expendable I feel more vulnerable." Rei said, quickly breathing for a moment to recover her composure.

"Well at least we didn't puke." Asuka said, lying down on her back, looking up at the sky.

"And what about the others?" Shinji asked.

Ryoma smiled. "Well, Hayato, Misato and Kaji are talking about Hayato's next ridiculous plan. And Go is joining us with Doctor Akagi." Ryoma said.

The Bear craft of Shin Getter Robo flew by, Go and Ritsuko leaping out far closer to the ground, the craft flying away to re-join the Eagle and Jaguar Get Machines.

"I see. Therefore we will all return to NERV together with Doctor Akagi." Rei answered.

"Yeah. That way we all have an alibi. The three of you did karate training with me and Ritsuko observed to see if your pilot scores reflect this training." Ryoma said.

"Still . . . after Nagisa's . . . death." Rei began, putting a hand on Shinji's shoulder. " . . . I doubt this excuse will be enough."

"Oh don't be so negative, Rei! With Doctor Akagi vouching for us, we'll be fine!" Asuka said.

"And what about Section Two?" Rei asked. "Mr. Ryoji was lucky you and Go were there. I have no doubt that they are watching us."

"Well it's true Hayato's been making sure we're operating with as much privacy as possible." Ryoma said. "But still, I doubt that Gendo Ikari would just let us do whatever we please. I hope that Hayato's current plan is as underway as it can be."

"Then let us proceed." Rei said, helping up Shinji and then Asuka.

"That's right! Remember, Shinji! This is the last time I'll see you for a little bit so – don't do anything stupid!" Asuka warned.

"Seems like somebody's worried." Ryoma said with a smirk and Asuka glared at him.

"Oh, shut up! I just won't be around to supervise him is all!" She yelled.

"And he won't be around to clean up after you either!" Ryoma shot back.

"Quiet! I don't need you both arguing about me! I'll be fine!" Shinji yelled and looked over to Rei. "Besides, Rei will be at HQ starting tomorrow." He reasoned.

"Well at least someone I trust will be there with you then. Wonder-girl - you'd better make sure Commander Ikari treats Shinji fairly." Asuka said, glancing at Rei who gave her a nod.

"Well it's about damn time!-" Ryoma said, patting Shinji on the back as the boy winced.

"-The three of you are finally getting along!" He finished and Asuka let out a sigh of relief.

"Yes. We aspire to function similar to a Getter Team now." Rei said with a slight smile. "Assisting one another will only serve to help all of us. And talking to one another about our problems has been most fruitful." She added.

"That's why I wanted to train the three of you. And I'm glad it paid off." Ryoma said with a proud smile. "So don't be embarrassed. He'd do the same for you if he was in your shoes." Ryoma said and Asuka snorted.

"I suppose I should be grateful for them. And of course they're grateful for me as well, right?"

"Of course, Asuka." Rei said.

"Shinji - make sure you tell the First about rhetorical questions later, OK?" Asuka directed.

"Sure, Asuka." Shinji replied.

"Idiot! That was a rhetorical question too!"

"Sorry!"

Ryoma laughed as the two bickered, Rei watching them both with a melancholy smile. It was bittersweet for the girl, the two she was fond of arguing when they would be apart for some time now.

/

Misato returned at night to find Rei and Asuka were not in the common area. She only knew Rei was there due to some letters on the table and a note for Misato to write her own to Shinji. She sighed and went over some lines in her head as she held up the pen.

"Dear Shinji . . . " She said out loud, thinking of what to write him.

Then the door to Asuka's room opened and she poked her head out, looking awake as ever.

"Misato, you're writing him a letter for real?!" She asked, walking over to glance over Misato's shoulder.

"Good evening to you too, Asuka." Misato said with an annoyed glance.

"How was the meeting with Kaji?" Asuka asked and Misato frowned.

"Confidential for starters. And boring to be honest. You can only hear 'the fate of the world is depending on this' so often until it gets boring."

"Well – I wanted to record something for Shinji. We've got his music player here, so we could bring it to him." Asuka reasoned.

"Hmm. That's a good idea. Especially given our new information. That could be a way to get past NERV's security." Misato mused. "Then let's begin."

"My letter is finished as well." A quieter voice said from within Asuka's room and Misato paused.

"Asuka, I thought for sure you'd make Rei go in Shinji's room." Misato said, elbowing Asuka.

"I didn't ask Shinji, so it's not my call to make. Besides, we're friends now." The redhead said and Misato blinked.

"Huh? I thought you had a vendetta against everyone. And you certainly didn't ask Shinji his opinion when you took his room for yourself."

"W-well obviously things are different now! I don't want Rei having to sleep in that cramped room. She's our guest. Now let's see what you wrote." Asuka said, switching gears to look at Rei's letter.

Misato frowned and wanted to bring up to Asuka that she was her guest first and foremost when Asuka burst out laughing.

"You asked THEM for advice?!" Asuka chuckled as she'd scanned the first few lines of Rei's letter.

"Yes. Shinji considers them role models so I did not think this would be a bad idea." Rei answered.

"But – come on! If you show up to his place and he TAKES this advice – you'd better be ready!" Asuka said.

Misato scowled. "What's the matter with it!?" She demanded, reading the first few lines and then paused.

"I need a beer." She said, leaving the letter to grab a Yibisu and try and forget what she'd just read.

/

"That's the whole story for me." Asuka said as she looked to Rei. "That's why I can't sleep."

"You found some happiness and now it has been taken from you. Regrettably I am not Shinji. I cannot recreate this happiness for you the same way he would."

"I was really looking forward to just – him holding me tonight. But – that didn't happen. It made the dreams easier the other night. No nightmares."

"I do not mind holding you again. If that is alright with you."

"Again? What do you mean by that, First?" The Second Child asked.

"At the Photon Labs – you called out for your mother in your sleep. And you were crying. I put an arm on your shoulder and you moved towards me. Perhaps you mistook who I was but it did not bother me." Rei clarified.

"No way – I don't believe you! That didn't happen."

"Then believe what you want. Regardless I am still willing to help you sleep." Rei said.

Asuka blinked. She'd never considered Rei to be close at all. And it was a bold accusation. Still, Asuka's pride wanted to teach Rei a lesson.

"Well then, First. Let's see if you measure up to the Invincible Shinji.. I hate the break it to you but this is nothing-" Asuka began but paused as Rei was quick to embrace her and lean back against the bed, bringing Asuka down with her.

"-!" Asuka made a sound akin to a surprised grunt. Rei's arms worked quickly to claim holds around Asuka's back as Rei's thighs did the same with her waist.

"I believe I am – touched starved as it is called. This is why I hypothesize I have been so quick to hug those who are comfortable with it. And it is a growing hunger. Forgive my straightforwardness in this matter. I merely want to see if this is sufficient."

"Hmph. I suppose I'll give my final verdict in the morning. Shinji didn't order you to do this?"

"No. I merely wish to help in any way I can. My Unit 00 is gone and I also hypothesize Commander Ikari will want me on NERV HQ at all times following tonight."

"Damn. Well now, first Shinji, then Unit 02, and then you. NERV's taking away all the reasons I bother sticking around." Asuka whispered.

"You can pilot Unit 02 tomorrow."

"That's true. But honestly – I'd rather not worry about fighting anything tomorrow. Not after all that's happened." Asuka said, surrendering to Rei's grip.

/

Rei could feel Asuka was shaking lightly and shifted so that the other girl could grab around her neck and upper back.

"Is that more comfortable?" Rei asked.

" . . . Yeah."

Rei put a hand on Asuka's head and lightly rubbed her hair, feeling just how long it was especially since they were in the dark room.

"Hey, Rei?"

"Yes?"

"There's something else I want to give Shinji. But – I can't do it tomorrow since I'll just be doing work stuff then."

"I see. What might that be?" Rei asked.

Asuka let go, standing up and walking away. The shuffle of her feet could be heard until the light turned on and Asuka faced away from her.

"Well – I have to show you what it is, First! That's the only way you'll get it right!"

/

Morning came too early for Ritsuko. She groaned and rose from the NERV standard cot, wishing she was allowed to be home with her cats.

She usually was so detached from others but today Doctor Akagi felt the need to be around other people. Nagisa's death was the catalyst, she was sure of it. Even though the report officially said he was in fact an Angel, Ritsuko still felt sorry for him. He did not deserve to die, especially when he was compromised on the mission she'd been observing. She never did get to give him that check-up he'd agreed to.

Seeing Kaworu Nagisa so pale and worn out the other day was a reminder that the Children were run ragged by NERV's policies. With Shinji's constant whining, tears, and insubordination it was easy to dismiss it as immaturity. Doubly so when Asuka's superior attitude was added to the picture. But seeing a well-conducted boy like Nagisa just – collapse and be so distraught over a family situation he couldn't control made her remember that these were children, so perhaps Shinji and Asuka's behavior wasn't as unbelievable as she'd thought.

And again she had to remind herself that Kaworu had indeed been an Angel the whole time. Why then was it so difficult to see him as such? Misato's words of humans being the last Angel answered that fairly well. And given the last few Angel attacks, the majority of them wanted to communicate with humans, even if they'd ended up all resulting in mental trauma, grievous injury, or death in the worst case of the second Rei.

She stared across the room the third Rei and wished that her own grudge against the girl was not so great. Even after they'd returned to NERV HQ and Rei had been subject to several more tests, and a back up of the second Rei's memories, Ritsuko still had difficulties talking to the girl.

Gendo's hold on them both was that strong, she supposed. Her jealously at Rei was all due to him yet – now it was less so. Hayato's words to her as well as Ritsuko's increasing discomfort at Gendo Ikari's treatment of her added up quick. Now she was thinking of any excuse to avoid him later in the night. Luckily for her, she had one right in front of her.

Saying her name was easy. One syllable meaning the number zero. Something she could say in less than half a second. But acknowledging the artificial life form as an equal in a conversation was unacceptable to the logical side of Ritsuko's brain after all.

In a way, she had made Rei. She crafted her all to Gendo Ikari's specifications even down to the odd choice of giving her blue hair. Rei had been a thing rather than a person. The First Child. The test pilot of Unit 00 and Unit 01. The vessel of Lilith. All things that she had no say over. All things she was created to do. And all things that defined her even if the girl wished otherwise.

But the labels didn't just stick to Rei.

For NERV, Ritsuko Akagi was the doctor who understood the inner workings of the EVAs. To the Pilots she was simply the Doctor. To Maya she was the brilliant scientist. To Misato the old colleague and roommate. To Commander Ikari . . . the mistress.

Ritsuko looked at the data before her. Confidential information that only Commander Ikari had access to other than herself. It showed quite a few irregularities in Rei's current state. As with before there was increased thought patterns and a slightly fast heartbeat for the quiet girl. And that wasn't all.

Being the analytical doctor Ritsuko was, it didn't take long to figure out why.

Simply put, it was due to hormones.

"Rei, are you feeling any attraction to anyone?" Ritsuko finally asked, relieved she could retreat to logical science as a way to converse with the First child.

"Yes." Rei answered. Ritsuko frowned. It was none of her business what Rei thought or did in her free time. But still – the image of Gendo Ikari conversing happily with the shell left over from Yui Ikari's remains made her blood boil.

"How dare Rei take it all for herself! How dare she take away the Commander's love! It should be mine!"

"Well – as long as you're taking care of yourself, it shouldn't be a problem. Only a few days until the Scenario takes place after all." Ritsuko said out loud.

"Do not worry about that, Doctor Akagi. Regarding my affections, I do not wish to impede on their life." Rei stated.

"What?! So she's not involved with the Commander?!" Ritsuko wanted to shout.

"Someone rejected you?" Ritsuko asked, suddenly intrigued at the detail.

"No. I simply did not wish to entertain the idea of being with them. It would - complicate things needlessly. Soon it will all be over. They may resent me if they knew what I do in the scenario. However in the end, nothing I say to them will matter."

Rejection. And the idea of being with someone. The words sounded too fresh. After all, if Rei had been involved with the Commander, Ritsuko would know about it, either though Rei's report or through scanning her body with the instruments she currently looked at. She wanted to hit herself when she realized just how little privacy Rei had in this room. And how little privacy or control she had in her entire existence once Ritsuko thought about it.

"You're sure about that? Rei, you might want them to know how you feel – even if it's too late to move on from that."

"My role will be complete once the Human Instrumentality Project ends. The Commander's plan will save the world. And then I will cease to exist." Rei stated. As she always had.

'And here I am, angry at a fourteen year old girl that I helped synthesize. And she's going to stop existing in less than a week. Way to go, Ritsuko.' Ritsuko thought of the irony.

"Rei . . . I want to run another check up on you later tonight. Is that acceptable?" She asked Rei, hoping that the girl would not object.

"Very well. I will return here at the allotted time."

"Good. I want to make sure you're fit as a fiddle, after all. We need to make sure our pilots are all healthy, especially after . . . the Fifth Child's death."

"I understand." Rei said and Ritsuko was at another loss for words.

Kaworu had been so straight-laced. Capable and strong, yet not meek or overbearing. No wonder Shinji idolized him so much and Asuka resented him. Yet he'd been too perfect. Now Shinji and Asuka were the only pilots left that would suffice. And she owed them at least a check-up before things went into motion.

"Doctor Akagi, are you alright?" Rei asked and the question floored her.

The First, taking pity on me!?

"Fine. Just tired. No one expected Nagisa to be the last Angel." Ritsuko said quickly, almost automatically.

"And as it stands we need to do a full psyche evaluation of Shinji. And of course Asuka's been incessant on seeing Unit 02 since this morning." Ritsuko finished, leaving out the verbal lashing Misato had given her earlier.

"Then I will take your leave. And offer you the same advice you gave me. The world will end soon, so do what you can while you have time to do so." Rei said as Ritsuko let her out of the status tube.

Ironic, certainly. But - not bad advice, Ritsuko had to admit. She was quick to leave, recording Rei's readings as they'd been before the Third Rei Ayanami was made. If Commander Ikari saw her readouts as The Second Rei's, then it would be smoother. It was thrilling to lie in the report. The Commander didn't read most of what was given to him and in this case it would be easy for him to ignore the usual numbers.

"You're not worthy of sleeping with me, Gendo Ikari. Not anymore and not ever again." Ritsuko thought as she exited the room.

/

"Really?! We need shots now?! Together like this?!" Asuka groaned as she fidgeted in the crimson plug suit.

Ritsuko smiled as she had gathered Asuka and Shinji right after Asuka had finished her first round of sync tests with Unit 02 now that Nagisa was dead.

"That's right. Since Nagisa was an Angel and controlled Unit 02 against Unit 01, I'm double checking both of you for any kind of contamination. And if your sync training was as good as you say, you both should have no problem with it." Ritsuko said as she prepared a syringe and a wad of cotton.

"Now I need your arms."

Asuka rolled her eyes and grimaced as she tried to free her right arm from the restrictively tight plug suit.

"I just wanted to talk to Unit 02 but I only really started to get synced with it. So you'd better be grateful I came all this way! Third-! Hold my wrist so I can get my arm free. But don't look while I do it!" Asuka said with a blush.

Shinji looked the other way, daintily grabbing her wrist with his right hand and let her struggle pulling her arm free of the plug suit. He was also blushing and Ritsuko wanted to comment on it. Giving their current situation, the hedgehogs had become very close indeed. Even if that mean they were jabbing each other with several spines at the moment.

Asuka pulled a final time and her bare arm and shoulder flew out of the plug suit, Shinji holding onto a limp sleeve Asuka was quick to yank out of his grip. "Well well, Ikari. Good to know you're not always a pervert!"

Then she looked to Ritsuko.

"Alright! Do it! I'm not afraid of a damn needle!" Asuka boasted.

A quick stab as the syringe sunk into her arm and then she was all done. She winced quickly but put on a brave face.

"Now I'll need your arm, Shinji." Ritsuko said, sighing as Asuka already took initiative to yank on Shinji's arm.

"H-hey! I'm not ready!" Shinji yelled out.

"Well somebody's got to make sure you're timely!" Asuka shot back as she pulled on his wrist and he staggered forwards with a yelp.

"Any day now, Children." Ritsuko said with a tired smile.

"Ugh! Fine! Your arm, Ikari!"

"O-oh. Thanks." Shinji said as Asuka held his sleeve so he could pull his own right arm free.

Ritsuko injected Shinji and he winced, Asuka grabbing him around the waist as his wrist twitched from the injection.

"Hold still, Ikari! You're a man, after all!" She shouted, holding him still.

"A man yes – a man in pain." Shinji breathed as Ritsuko removed the needle and gave him a band-aid.

"Well that wasn't the worst thing in the world, now was it?" Ritsuko asked as Asuka looked at her, annoyed.

"You alright, Third?"

"Y-yeah. Fine. You can let go now."

Asuka blinked and her face turned red as she removed her arms and turned around, shoving her arm back into the plug suit.

"Well thanks, Doctor Akagi!" Asuka said with no gratefulness in her voice. "Now I can sync with Unit 02 again, right?"

"Sorry Asuka, but the agent needs time to filter through your body. EVA Unit 02 might be contaminant free now, but you're not. It'll take a few hours for it to flush from your system.

The girl's face turned into one of scorn and Ritsuko stepped back and braced for the girl to scream at her. Yet it didn't happen. Asuka simply gripped Shinji's wrist and dragged him behind her as she walked away in a huff. Shinji stopped resisting and gave Ritsuko a wave before he was pulled around a corner.

Ritsuko sighed and wondered how she'd be able to last the rest of the night. Between the Children, Commander Ikari's expectations regarding Unit 00, and on top of that the call he'd likely give her for a full report, it all was one big headache.

Did the Getter Team ever have to worry about this level of nonsense? She wondered.

/

Asuka let loose a torrent of multicultural swears mixed of German, English, and Japanese once they were far away from Doctor Akagi's location.

"Asuka . . . . " Shinji looked disappointed and the other pilot decided to let it go.

Asuka finished ranting and found her NERV locker, opening it. She reached into the top and passed Shinji a small bag.

"By the way Ikari, you left this junk all over your room. I hope you don't lose it here – I won't be around to clean up your messes on base." Asuka said and grit her teeth.

"R-right." Shinji responded.

/

Dammit. Now it was hard to act mad at him when they were all hurting over something. Asuka let go of the bag and Shinji caught it. It had been the second time she'd been heated with him. She made a mental note to try and leave on better terms.

"Hey Third, take care of yourself." Asuka said, taking a breath and giving him a smile.

"You too Asuka. Give Misato and Pen Pen my regards." Shinji managed.

She put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze, hoping it would convey what her words could not.

"Ow! Shot arm! Shot arm!" Shinji said.

Asuka let go and took a step back. "Sorry about that. And – I stormed off on you yesterday. That was – not fair to you. As much as I hate to admit it, I've been having a bad time since the party ended. It's no excuse but -"

"I understand. It's been – difficult." Shinji said and Asuka wanted to hug him as he looked to the ground in sorrow.

"Well – I'll see you soon. And – make sure you look at what's in the bag." She said as they said their goodbyes.

/