BEGIN.


As the first rays of dawn gently filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden glow upon the room, Mana Kirishima slowly stirred from her slumber. The air felt cool and serene, carrying the faint scent of morning dew and the promise of a new day.

Mana gradually opened her eyes, and she was greeted by the soft play of light and shadow dancing across the room. Sunbeams gracefully caressed every surface they touched, illuminating the space with a gentle radiance. The room seemed to come alive with a renewed sense of vitality, as if the warmth of the sun's embrace breathed life into every nook and cranny.

As the gentle melodies of the morning embraced Mana's senses, she couldn't help but wonder. What day is it today?

An undercurrent of apprehension tinged her thoughts.

I hope I won't have to get into that thing again...

The memories of previous tests, the weight of responsibility, and the toll it took on her both physically and emotionally were etched in her mind.

Seeking a momentary distraction, Mana shifted her gaze to the other side of the bed, as if hoping to find solace in the mundane objects that adorned her surroundings. With a slight movement, she reached out and retrieved her phone from the charger, her fingers delicately navigating through the device's interface.

Messages and notifications filled the screen, each representing a connection to the outside world that she had temporarily withdrawn from. As she sifted through the digital stream of information, her eyes were caught by a post that appeared on her social media feed. It displayed a series of pictures, capturing the essence of a man she had encountered a few weeks prior. There was an enigmatic quality about him, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability.

In one of the pictures, he stood beside a woman, her presence exuding an aura of intellect and expertise. Mana's mind grappled with the question of whether she belonged to Neo-Nerv's science or engineering departments. It was a fleeting thought, yet it held a hint of curiosity, as if she yearned to unravel the enigma that surrounded this man and his companion.

Then It struck her, amidst the introspection, that she had never learned his name. The realization washed over her like a gentle wave, sparking a flicker of intrigue. Questions lingered in her mind, a desire to delve deeper into the mystery that had captivated her from the moment their paths had crossed.

Lost in thought, Mana found herself entwined in the web of wonder, silently contemplating the possibilities that lay before her. Her gaze fixated on the image once more, as if seeking answers within the captured moments frozen in time. What was his name? What adventures had shaped his life? And how had destiny intertwined their paths in this complex tapestry of existence?

In the midst of uncertainty and unanswered questions, Mana's spirit remained resilient. As she continued to explore the depths of the image, a sense of anticipation grew within her, igniting a flicker of determination.

That is until the door creaked open, and Satsuki entered the room along with Aoi, their presence brought a sense of familiarity and warmth.

"Morning," they greeted Mana in unison, their voices filled with genuine care.

Mana rose from her bed, preparing herself for another day of piloting. However, Aoi swiftly intervened, halting her movements. "It's okay," Aoi reassured her. "You can lie down. We won't be conducting any tests today."

Surprised, Mana hesitated for a moment. "Oh...is something wrong with the Trident?" she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.

Satsuki exchanged a glance with Aoi before responding, her tone comforting yet tinged with a hint of frustration. "Well...not exactly," Satsuki explained. "It's still undergoing repairs, and once that's complete, Hajime and his team want to further enhance its capabilities."

Aoi chimed in, a note of annoyance colouring her words. "I swear they're obsessed."

Attempting to brighten the situation, Satsuki offered Mana a glimmer of hope. "On the bright side, you have the day off today, so..."

Mana's eyes widened with curiosity. "So, I can do whatever I want?"

Satsuki gently clarified, a touch of responsibility in her voice. "Not exactly. You still have school, you know." The mention of school elicited a groan from Mana, the prospect of academic obligations dampening her enthusiasm.

"However," Satsuki continued, her tone softening, "other than that, the day is all yours. Just make sure you return to the facility by 9:00 PM at the latest."

Understanding the conditions of her newfound freedom, Mana sighed in resignation. "Alright, I suppose I can manage that."

Satsuki's face lit up with a joyful expression, her hands clapping together lightly. "Great! Have a nice day, Mana. You know the drill—recreational areas and the cafeteria only."

Mana couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah, I've got it."

Aoi added the final touch to their conversation, her smile radiating warmth. "And to brighten up your day even more, you've received a clean bill of health. I'll sign your release papers soon."

Relief washed over Mana as she absorbed Aoi's words. A clean bill of health meant freedom not just from physical restrictions but also from the constant worry that had plagued her.

Satsuki stood at the edge of the doorframe, ready to depart, when Mana halted her with a request. "Wait, Satsuki. I have a question...about that man who came over last week. You seemed upset with him, I think...?"

Satsuki paused, her brows furrowing as she tried to recall the incident. After a moment of reflection, the realization dawned upon her. "Ah, you're referring to Shinji Ikari. He's a friend of Commander Nagisa's."

Curiosity piqued, Mana delved deeper. "Was he a pilot, like us?" she inquired, her voice laced with genuine interest.

Satsuki pondered the question, unsure of the answer. "Not to my knowledge," she responded. "But if Commander Nagisa personally endorsed him, he must have held some significance."

Wondering about the source of Mana's supposed information, Satsuki probed further. "Why would you think that he was a pilot?" she questioned, her tone inquisitive.

"Well, when I spoke to him the other day, he mentioned having experienced a situation similar to ours," Mana explained. "So... I was just curious."

Satsuki remained skeptical. "He doesn't strike me as the military type," she mused aloud. Airforce maybe?

Aoi countered Satsuki's assumption. "You might be surprised," she remarked with a hint of mischief.

Intrigued, Satsuki pressed Aoi for clarification. "And why do you say that?"

Aoi revealed her findings, shedding light on the enigma surrounding Shinji Ikari. "Kaede dug into his background, trying to find any trace of him. But he's virtually non-existent—no digital footprint, no physical history, nothing. It's weird. His record is cleaner than marble."

Satsuki's disbelief was palpable. "That's impossible," she asserted.

Aoi insisted, her voice tinged with intrigue. "I'm telling you. Besides a potentially forged ID, he's a ghost."

Caught between curiosity and concern, Satsuki contemplated the implications. "So, what are you suggesting? That he's some sort of foreign operative?"

Aoi shook her head, dispelling any espionage theories. "No, but it's weird how he seems to have appeared out of thin air...don't you think?"

Deciding to investigate further, Satsuki made a mental note. "I'll consult with our IT team and see if they can uncover anything," she stated, her mind already formulating a plan. She didn't want to continue this discussion within earshot of Mana, who remained curious about the mysterious Shinji Ikari.

"But whoever he is, it's none of your concern," she declared, her gaze locked onto Mana, who responded with an exasperated eye-roll.

Satsuki recognized the need for seriousness and persisted, directing her words towards Mana. "Hey I'm serious... what truly matters is you and the TRIDENT. So forget about him."

"And Aoi, I love you but we already have enough of our own problems. Especially now with two more pilots on their way, so you should be busy investigating them."

Understanding the importance of their current responsibilities, Aoi and Mana acknowledged her points.

"Fine." she conceded. "But he was still kinda cute."

"Aoi!" Satsuki groaned, her patience slightly tested. causing Aoi to giggle just a little.

Curiosity stirred within Mana upon hearing about the arrival of two more pilots. "Two more pilots?" she questioned, seeking clarification.

Satsuki confirmed her statement. "Yes, they will be joining us soon."

Mana couldn't help but notice a discrepancy. "But there's only one TRIDENT Lancer unit," she pointed out, her concern palpable. The silence that followed from both Satsuki and Aoi deepened her unease. "What are you two not telling me?" she pressed, her tone firm.

Satsuki hesitated, realizing that the time for transparency had arrived. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke. "Mana, there have been some developments and changes that we need to discuss. It's important that you're aware of the situation."


Mari sat in her office, surrounded by a pile of files on her desk. The past few days had been a whirlwind of activity, what with various departments tirelessly working on TRIDENT improvements and making preparations for the arrival of the new pilots. It had kept Mari occupied, leaving her with little time to spend at home with Shinji. Instead, she had relied on Asuka's persuasive skills to convince Shinji to join Neo-NERV.

"Just a few more days," Mari thought to herself, her mind racing with plans and explanations. "Then I'll explain everything."

Asuka entered her office, breaking Mari's train of thought. "Hey," she greeted, taking a seat.

"Aren't you supposed to be training?"

"It's my lunch break," Asuka replied nonchalantly. "And the drills here are a bit soft. Things were much tougher back in Germany."

Mari chuckled. "I'm sure the boys appreciate your insights."

Asuka nodded confidently. "I'll whip them into shape, including those new pilots... How many days until they arrive by the way?"

"Give or take a week," Mari answered. "Airplane tickets and all."

"But that Mayumi girl is here, isn't she?" Asuka pointed out.

"Yeah, but she's a bit...shy," Mari replied, sensing Asuka's skepticism.

"So, she's going to be a handful, huh?" Asuka sighed.

Mari reassured her, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. "That's why you won't be handling it alone."

The room fell silent, and Asuka took a sip of water. Mari could sense that something was bothering her friend.

"You didn't talk to him, did you?"

Asuka's face contorted with frustration. "I tried," she admitted. "But every time I think about bringing it up, his stupid face just makes me..."

"Asuka..." Mari gave her a disappointed glare.

"I know," Asuka responded, her voice tinged with regret. "But I promise you this. Come hell or high water, I will find a way to convince him to come here."

A devious smile played across Mari's face as she responded, "I know you will." She said, "You don't really have a choice."

"Shut up." she replied, fully aware of Mari's enjoyment at her expense.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the opening of the door, revealing a doctor who confidently stepped into the room.

"Apologies for the interruption," he began, exuding confidence. "I'm working under Aoi Mogami, and she requests the presence of one Asuka Langley Soryu."

Asuka regarded the doctor, her curiosity piqued. "Alright," she replied, her tone hinting at her willingness to comply. "And what is your name?"

"I'm Toji... Toji Suzuhara," he responded.

"Alright, Suzuhara," Asuka acknowledged, making her decision. "I guess I'll follow you then." With a farewell nod to Mari, she bid her farewell and followed Toji, eager to discover the reason behind Aoi's request.


Elsewhere...

The bustling sound of traffic filled the air as Mana and her friends, (Musashi Lee Strasberg and Keita Asari) walked along the crowded road towards their school. It was a hectic day, with everyone around them engaged in various activities or rushing to their destinations.

Curiosity sparked in Lee's voice as he turned to his friends. "Who do you think the new pilots will be?" he inquired, his eyes scanning the passing faces.

Mana pondered the question for a moment before responding, "I'm not sure. What about you, Keita? What do you think about all this?"

Keita remained silent, his tightly clenched fists revealing his internal turmoil. It was evident that something had bothered him, and both Mana and Lee understood it was best to give him space.

Lee, always the voice of reason, gently reminded Keita, "Just remember why we're doing this... We're fighting for something bigger than ourselves."

Keita's frustration was palpable, but he reluctantly nodded in agreement. "I hate it..." he admitted, his tone tinged with resignation, "but we don't have a choice, do we? It's either this or losing our home."

Mana reached out, placing a supportive hand on Keita's shoulder. "I know it's tough," she said empathetically, "but we have to stay strong and do what needs to be done... Together."

Keita took a deep breath, slowly releasing the tension from his body. "You're right," he conceded. "We're in this together, and we'll face whatever comes our way."

They eventually reached the school and navigated the familiar halls of its bustling environment, blending in with the sea of students from one class to another. Mana's vibrant energy radiated as she exchanged cheerful greetings with fellow classmates, effortlessly transitioning from one conversation to another. Her lively presence was contagious, drawing smiles from those around her as she effortlessly weaved through the crowd.

Musashi, on the other hand, carried himself with a calm demeanour that mirrored his composed nature. His observant eyes scanned his surroundings, taking in the ebb and flow of the school's dynamic atmosphere. Despite his reserved disposition, he exuded a comforting aura that made him approachable to those who sought a steady presence amidst the chaos.

Meanwhile, Keita appeared slightly withdrawn, his focus primarily directed inward. His usually vibrant personality seemed subdued, a consequence of the weight on his shoulders. Lost in his own thoughts, he maintained a low profile, his actions deliberate and precise. Yet, beneath his guarded exterior, a flicker of determination remained, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his friends and their shared cause.

As fate would have it, amidst the flurry of students, the trio's paths intertwined with that of Mayumi, a shy and timid girl who appeared overwhelmed by the bustling school environment. Her eyes darted anxiously from one face to another, her body language indicating her unease. Sensing her discomfort, Mana, Musashi, and Keita approached Mayumi with warm smiles and open hearts.

Mana's friendly nature immediately shone through as she struck up a conversation with Mayumi, gently coaxing her out of her shell. Musashi's calm demeanour provided a soothing presence, offering reassurance through his attentive listening and understanding nods. Keita, though reserved, displayed a compassionate side, offering words of encouragement that resonated deeply with Mayumi's own struggles.

After school, Mana sought out Mayumi, their newfound friendship blossoming slowly. Curiosity sparkled in her eyes as she approached the timid girl. Mana noticed that she had been packing her violin case.

"Hey, Mayumi, you play the violin?" Mana inquired, her voice filled with genuine interest.

Mayumi's face lit up with a shy smile. "Yes," she replied softly. "I have to practice diligently. My parents are very adamant about it."

Empathy welled up within Mana as she nodded understandingly. " I can relate. I know a thing or two about not having time for yourself."

Mayumi's eyes widened in surprise, finding solace in Mana's understanding. "Exactly." she agreed, her voice tinged with a hint of relief. "It's a constant juggle, isn't it?"

The conversation flowed effortlessly as they walked together, their footsteps carrying them towards the heart of the city. Curiosity piqued, Mana couldn't resist delving deeper into Mayumi's musical world. "Where do you usually play?" she inquired, genuinely intrigued.

Mayumi's eyes lit up with a mix of passion and nervousness. "I have a practice session today with my personal teacher," she replied, her voice tinged with both excitement and trepidation. "He teaches at the local theatre."

A sense of adventure tinged the air as Mana's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Mind if I join you?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "I've always wanted to go to the theatre."

Mayumi hesitated for a moment, her reserved nature momentarily overshadowing her desire for companionship. Yet, emboldened by their blossoming friendship, she nodded softly. "Okay." she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Having you there would make it feel less daunting."

With smiles exchanged and a shared understanding of the importance of pursuing one's passions, Mana and Mayumi set off towards the theatre.


Shinji had just finished a session with the orchestra, his mind now preoccupied with thoughts of Asuka's strange behaviour earlier this morning. Her expressions had been a mixture of unease and frustration, as if she had something important to convey but couldn't find the words. He wondered what could have unsettled her so deeply.

Lost in his thoughts, he snapped back to reality as the theatre doors swung open, revealing Mayumi entering with a slightly hurried pace. He greeted her with a stern tone, his voice echoing throughout the empty theatre. "Mayumi, you're late," he said, his gaze fixed on her.

"I'm so sorry, sir," Mayumi apologized, quickening her pace as she approached him.

However, as Mayumi entered the stage area, Mana's presence caught him by surprise.

For Mana the man she had just discussed earlier this morning was standing before her, and Shinji's eyes widened with a flicker of recognition. He paused for a moment, his mind connecting the dots. "You're Mana," he stated, a touch of realization colouring his voice.

"We've met before..." Mana said, recognizing him. She hurriedly stepped onto the stage, her eyes locked with Shinji's as she nodded in confirmation. "Yes, that's right," she continued, a hint of curiosity lacing her words. "It's good to see you again, Mister Ikari."

Mayumi, in the midst of preparing her violin, observed the interaction between Shinji and Mana with a mix of surprise and intrigue. She had unknowingly brought together two individuals whose paths had crossed before.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again." Shinji said. "However, I kindly request that you refrain from disturbing Mayumi while I'm teaching. She possesses great potential, and it would be a shame to see it go to waste."

"Oh, sure, no problem." Mana assured him. "I just have a few questions that I'd like to ask you...maybe after the class, if you don't mind."

"Not a problem," Shinji replied, redirecting his attention to the silent Mayumi. "Now, Let's begin."

As Shinji commenced his teaching, Mana observed with rapt attention. He displayed a gentle guidance, demonstrating patience and skill. She watched in awe as he effortlessly brought out the hidden talents of the once shy, timid, and reclusive Mayumi. Witnessing the transformation, Mana felt a surge of inspiration and curiosity welling up within her. Perhaps it was time for her to explore the world of music as well, to embrace the power of an instrument and the joy it could bring.

The classroom filled with the harmonious melody of Shinji's instruction, accompanied by Mayumi's tentative but growing confidence.

After the class concluded, Shinji and Mayumi expressed their gratitude to each other, appreciating the progress made during their session. Mayumi gathered her belongings, preparing to depart, while Mana eagerly readied herself to pose her burning questions to Shinji. However, before she could utter a word, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a spirited woman with fiery auburn hair.

Shinji, finally noticing her presence, quipped, "How long were you sitting there in the dark?" A hint of amusement laced his voice.

"I was just listening to the music," Asuka replied with a smirk, enjoying the playful banter.

"Goodbye, Mister Ikari," Mayumi bid her farewell, expressing her gratitude once more. Shinji reciprocated with a warm smile before turning his attention back to Mana.

"Now, about those questions?" Mana seized the opportunity, eager to satisfy her curiosity.

"Sure, what do you want to know?" Shinji inquired, hoping the inquiries would revolve around his passion for music.

Mana's gaze shifted towards Asuka, who had moved closer to the stage. "First of all, who is she?" Mana pointed discreetly towards Asuka, sitting in one of the seats.

"That's Asuka, an old friend," Shinji replied.

"From?" Mana probed further, unsatisfied with his vague response.

"A different time." Shinji evaded, keeping the details elusive.

"So, both of you were pilots?" Mana persisted, searching for any revealing expressions on Shinji's face.

Shinji let out a soft chuckle. "Where did you get that idea?"

"Well, you did say..." Mana's response was interrupted by Asuka.

"There's no music playing so...what's the hold up?" Asuka interjected, her curiosity piqued by the conversation.

"Just answering a few of Mana's questions." Shinji replied.

Mana's attention was immediately drawn to Asuka upon hearing her name. "Kirishima Mana?"

"Yes," Mana confirmed, slightly taken aback by Asuka's recognition.

"You're the pilot," Asuka stated with a mix of surprise and intrigue.

"Yes," Mana affirmed, her curiosity now extending towards Asuka. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at Nerv?"

"Well, I have some free time today and...wait...how do you know all this?" Mana probed, her curiosity intensifying.

Asuka maintained a cautious demeanour, careful not to divulge too much information. "Just know that you'll be hearing from me soon," she answered cryptically.

Mana paused, her mind racing with questions about the connection between Asuka and Shinji. Who was this enigmatic woman, and what was her relationship with Shinji Ikari? Determined to find answers, she followed Asuka's invitation.

"Come on," Asuka beckoned to both of them. "I'll take you back to Nerv. Satsuki ought to thank me for it."

"If you have any more questions, ask them now," Shinji offered, trailing behind Asuka. Mana followed closely, her curiosity burning brightly.

As they made their way back to Nerv, Mana couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The car ride was filled with an air of mystery, with occasional glances exchanged between Mana and Asuka, hinting at a shared secret they were yet to uncover. Meanwhile, Shinji remained quiet, his gaze lost in thought.

Upon their arrival at Nerv headquarters, they were greeted by the sights of Kaworu who was indulged in conversation with Satsuki.

Asuka's honk broke their attention, and Mana gracefully exited the car, bidding her farewells.

"Farewell Shinji Ikari." She bowed, "And you too Ma'am."

"No problem." Asuka replied with friendly smile.

As Mana approached, Kaworu couldn't help but find the situation intriguing. Satsuki, sensing an opportunity, wasted no time in asking about the mysterious individual they had just encountered.

"Was that Shinji Ikari?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Kaworu confirmed her suspicion, knowing that a barrage of questions was imminent. "Yes, it was Shinji Ikari," he replied. "I can sense your curiosity building."

Seeking the truth, Satsuki turned to Kaworu, determined to uncover the secrets behind Shinji's identity. "Commander Nagisa, who is he exactly?"

Kaworu let out a weary sigh, realizing the depth of her inquisitiveness. "He is an old friend from a different time," he reluctantly revealed, hoping it would satiate her thirst for answers.

Unsatisfied with his response, Satsuki probed further, questioning if Shinji held any military affiliation like Kaworu himself. Kaworu, careful with his words, alluded to the familiarity Shinji had with their organization.

Satsuki's suspicions remained, prompting Kaworu to address her concerns. He acknowledged her thorough investigation into Shinji's background, even involving their IT department in the search for information. However, he offered a cryptic assurance. "You're not going to find anything," he stated with a hint of finality.

Perplexed, Satsuki couldn't fathom the significance of concealing one man's past. "Why?" she pressed, struggling to grasp the importance of this enigma.

Kaworu's response echoed his earlier words. "Different time," he simply reiterated, though it failed to alleviate Satsuki's lingering doubts.

With a nod of farewell, Kaworu left Satsuki in the company of Mana, who had finally caught up. A sense of urgency compelled Satsuki to seek answers.

"What did I tell you?" she asked, reminding Mana of her relentless pursuit of the truth.

"I needed to know," Mana replied, standing her ground.

Satsuki wrestled with her conscience, knowing she shouldn't delve further into the matter. But her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't resist asking, "Did you find out anything?"

Mana's response was disheartening, as it mirrored the previous explanations. "Nope," she confessed. "Just said that he's from a different time."

Satsuki found herself haunted by the repetition of those words, searching for their hidden meaning. What could it imply? The mystery only deepened, leaving her yearning for answers.

"Alright, let's return to your quarters," Satsuki finally suggested, realizing that the answers she sought might not come easily. For now, she had to set aside her curiosity and focus on the tasks at hand.

As they walked together, the question still lingered in Satsuki's mind. However, she understood that some secrets were not meant to be unravelled immediately. The path they had embarked on was shrouded in uncertainty, and time would reveal the truths they sought.


END.