BEGIN.


Shinji Ikari wearily stepped through the threshold of his apartment, his shoulders slumped and his steps heavy. It had been an exhausting day, filled with the strains of playing the cello in the orchestra and guiding his eager students through their lessons. Every muscle in his body ached for respite, and the familiar comfort of his home beckoned to him.

As he closed the door behind him, the muffled sounds of a television reached his ears, along with a flickering glow that spilled out from the living room. Shinji's tired eyes focused on the figure occupying the couch, and there she was—Asuka Langley - apparently - Soryu, his fiery and spirited companion from the old world and new.

Even from a distance, Shinji could tell that Asuka shared his weariness. Her once-vibrant red hair hung slightly disheveled, and her posture mirrored his own exhaustion. It was a sight that brought a flicker of solace to his tired heart—knowing that he wasn't alone in his weariness.

As Shinji shuffled towards the living room, his footsteps barely making a sound on the carpeted floor, Asuka's gaze met his. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips, revealing a warmth beneath her usual assertiveness.

"The food is in the microwave," she spoke gently, her voice carrying a hint of understanding.

Shinji's eyes momentarily shifted towards the kitchen, where the faint hum of the microwave echoed. A wave of gratitude washed over him, grateful for the small act of kindness that awaited him. He sank down onto the couch beside Asuka, his tired body gratefully sinking into the cushion.

As they sat together in comfortable silence, the glow of the television bathing them in a soft, flickering light, a sense of peace settled over the room. The day's burdens seemed to momentarily fade away as they found solace in each other's presence.

Shinji glanced over at Asuka, her eyes fixed on the TV screen but her expression softened. "You had a long day too?" he asked, his voice laced with empathy.

Asuka nodded, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before returning to the show. "Yeah, the world can be exhausting sometimes. But we're in this together, aren't we?"

Shinji's tired lips curved into a small, appreciative smile. Asuka's words carried a weight of truth that resonated deep within him. They used to be partners in battle, facing the challenges and uncertainties side by side.

Shinji's ears perked up, catching a distant sound that seemed oddly familiar. "Is that snoring I hear?" he asked, his curiosity piqued as the faint reverberations reached his ears.

"Four-eyed...Mari is asleep in the other room."

Curiosity twinkled in Shinji's eyes as he sought clarification. "The room you were sleeping in?" he inquired, hoping to confirm his understanding.

Asuka nodded, her head sinking into the comfort of the couch. "Yeup." she confirmed, her casual demeanour evident.

A sense of hospitality welled up within Shinji, prompting him to make an offer. "You can sleep in my room," he suggested, extending a generous gesture. "I'll sleep on the couch."

Resisting the kind offer, Asuka shook her head, "That's real nice of you, but I'm a guest, so-" she began.

Shinji swiftly interjected, his voice gentle yet firm. "It's okay," he assured her, a genuine warmth in his words. "Honest..."

"You're too kind for your own good," Asuka remarked, as she observed Shinji retrieving his food from the microwave.

Shinji shrugged, his eyes briefly meeting Asuka's before he focused on his plate. " "I just believe in treating others the way I'd like to be treated," he replied, his voice carrying a touch of humility.

Asuka's gaze lingered on him, a mix of curiosity and gratitude evident in her expression. "Some people take advantage of that y'know...what do you do then?" she asked, testing the boundaries of Shinji's unwavering kindness.

Shinji paused, his eyes meeting hers, understanding the weight behind her question. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, his voice steady. "I've learned that setting boundaries is important," he began, his tone reflective. "Being kind doesn't mean letting others walk all over you. It's about finding a balance between compassion and self-respect."

Asuka absorbed Shinji's words, her curiosity deepening. "But what if someone crosses those boundaries? What if they don't appreciate your kindness?" she probed.

A contemplative expression washed over Shinji's face as he considered her question. "It's not easy... but sometimes you have to make tough choices," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "If someone consistently takes advantage of my kindness without showing appreciation or respect, I have to evaluate the relationship and decide if it's healthy for both parties involved."

Asuka's gaze softened, her curiosity replaced by a sense of understanding. "Well then, Mr. Ikari...won't you do me this one kindness." She began to jest ironically, holding up a what looked to be a card.

Shinji's curiosity piqued, his gaze shifting from Asuka's face to the mysterious card she held. "What's that?" he inquired, his interest evident.

"What's that?" he inquired once again, his interest evident in his voice.

Asuka stood up, the card still in her hand, and walked toward Shinji in the kitchen. There was a sense of urgency in her movements as she began to explain. "It's a pass," she replied, her tone serious. "Clearance into Nerv. I need you to come in tomorrow."

Confusion clouded Shinji's expression as he tried to make sense of her request. "But why do you need me to come in?" he asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment. "I'm just a music teacher. What could I possibly contribute to Nerv?"

Asuka found herself at a crossroads, unsure of how to respond. She weighed her options, considering the consequences of each path before her. Should could lie to him or tell him the truth she knew, or attempt to manipulate him? None of these choices seemed fool proof, and she struggled to find the right words.

After a moment of contemplation, Asuka took a deep breath, choosing honesty over deceit. "I need you too." She confessed. "If you don't...I don't know what's gonna happen."

Shinji's gaze met Asuka's, a mix of confusion and curiosity swirling in his eyes. He sensed the gravity of her words, the weight of the unspoken truths lingering between them. "I'm not sure I understand," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension.

Asuka's expression softened, her gaze unwavering. "please...for me." she said, holding out the card towards him." All I can ask is that you trust me. Trust that there's a reason behind this request, a purpose that will become clear in time."

Shinji hesitated, his gaze shifting from Asuka to the card in her outstretched hand. His mind swirled with questions and uncertainties, yet beneath it all, he recognized the sincerity and desperation in Asuka's plea.

Taking a deep breath, Shinji reached out, his hand slowly accepting the card from Asuka's grasp. In that small act, he silently conveyed his trust, his willingness to embrace the unknown, and his commitment to stand by her side.

"Thank you." she said, gratitude lacing her voice. "One kindness for another, right?" Asuka chuckled, a hint of playfulness returning to her demeanour. "I'll sleep on the couch."

As she turned to leave, ready to make herself comfortable for the night, Shinji's voice stopped her in her tracks. Her gaze returned to him, meeting his eyes with a mix of curiosity and slight apprehension.

"On one condition." Shinji stated firmly, his tone serious. Asuka sensed the weight behind his words, knowing that he had something important to express. She waited, giving him her full attention.

"If I want out..." Shinji continued, his gaze unwavering, "You let me go... You don't try to stop me."

Asuka's initial instinct was to resist, to hold onto him tightly, but she realized the fairness in his request. If they were truly in this together, their trust had to be reciprocal. She took a moment to consider his condition before finally acquiescing, her voice carrying a touch of reluctant acceptance.

"Alright," she agreed, her tone carrying a mix of sincerity and determination. "Deal. If should somehow want out...then I won't stop you." It was a promise she made, acknowledging that Shinji's autonomy and choices mattered just as much as her own.

A smile formed on Shinji's face, a genuine expression of appreciation and understanding. It was a small victory, a testament to their growing connection. "Deal," he affirmed, a sense of reassurance and camaraderie filling the space between them. "And don't worry... I'll sleep on the couch."

With that the night was done, Although Asuka didn't completely win, she didn't loose either...but she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. She had hoped for a clear victory, a triumph over Shinji's reluctance. Yet, she couldn't deny the unsettling feeling that she hadn't truly won, nor had she completely lost. It was an uneasy stalemate that left her yearning for more, but for now, she had to begrudgingly accept the compromises.

Shinji's mind was consumed by conflicting thoughts as he settled into sleep. Doubt gnawed at him, casting shadows over the trust he had initially placed in Asuka. While he had a vague sense of what awaited him, he couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that he was being misled. The words spoken to him seemed like half-truths and veiled promises, adding to the web of uncertainty he found himself entangled in.

As the night grew deeper, they each found themselves lost in their own thoughts, contemplating the path they had unknowingly chosen to walk together.


The next morning, Shinji found himself waiting in what appeared to be a reception area of some sort. Mari and Asuka had left him there, instructing him to wait patiently for their return. Time seemed to stretch on indefinitely as he sat alone, the minutes ticking by without any sign of their arrival.

As he contemplated the purpose of their presence in this unfamiliar place, Shinji's attention was abruptly drawn to a dishevelled figure passing by. It was Mayumi Yamagishi, one of his students, and she seemed to be on the verge of a breakdown. Her frantic demeanour struck a chord of concern within him, further amplifying the tension in the air.

"Mister... mister Ikari," Mayumi called out, her voice trembling. Shinji turned towards her, his eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and worry. "Mayumi? What are you-" He paused as he took in her distressed state. "Are you okay?"

Mayumi's response was a frenzied torrent of words, her speech almost incomprehensible as panic consumed her. Shinji recognized the signs of someone overwhelmed and on the brink of losing control. Drawing from his own experiences, he knew that a calm and composed approach was needed.

"Hey, hey, calm down," Shinji intervened, his voice gentle yet firm. "Take a deep breath, just like we do in music class. Slowly, in and out."

He demonstrated the slow rhythm of a deep breath, hoping to guide Mayumi towards a moment of calm amidst her turmoil. Encouraging her to emulate the same pattern, he waited patiently, offering a reassuring presence in the midst of her chaotic thoughts.

In the stillness that followed, the rapid rise and fall of Mayumi's chest began to steady. Her panicked breathing gradually gave way to a more controlled rhythm, and a glimmer of composure returned to her eyes. It was a small triumph amidst the chaos, a testament to the power of finding solace in familiar practices.

As Mayumi's breathing regulated, Shinji spoke in a soothing tone. "There you go, Mayumi. Take your time."

Mayumi slowly settled down, gathering her composure.

"This place is a little weird for a music class, don't ya think." He jested trying to lighten the mood.

Mayumi slowly nodded, as she reached for a cup of water from the dispenser.

"Can you tell me what happened? What's troubling you?" He asked

With the initial storm of anxiety subsiding, Mayumi took a deep breath, her voice shaky but more coherent than before. "They told us today that... they're going to test us... to see if we have what it takes to be pilots."

Surprise washed over Shinji's face, his eyes widening in realization. "You're a pilot?" he asked, his voice tinged with astonishment. He had been unaware of Mayumi's connection to Neo-Nerv all this time.

Mayumi nodded, confirming Shinji's surprise. "Yes, I am," she responded softly, her gaze fixed on the floor. The weight of her mother's expectations, along with her own apprehensions, made her uncertain about her desires and fears.

The gravity of the situation settled upon them both, intertwining their experiences in unexpected ways. Shinji's own memories of piloting Eva and the burdens he had carried resonated within him, allowing him to empathize with Mayumi's uncertainty.

"And so, that makes you afraid?" Shinji questioned gently, his voice laced with empathy. "You don't want to do it?"

Mayumi's response carried an air of uncertainty, her voice tinged with conflicting emotions. "My mother... she's very adamant about it," she admitted, the weight of parental expectations weighing heavily upon her.

Shinji nodded, understanding the complexities of familial pressures all too well. "Like the music lessons," he remarked.

Mayumi's nod affirmed the shared understanding, reinforcing the connection between them

"Sometimes, it feels like we're trapped, doesn't it?" Shinji murmured softly, his voice carrying the weight of shared understanding. "Trapped in the expectations of others, unable to truly be ourselves."

Mayumi's eyes met his, filled with a mix of fear and vulnerability. "I'm scared of disappointing my mother, but at the same time, I'm terrified of what piloting might entail."

Shinji nodded, empathy etched in his expression. "I can relate. The Eva, the battles...they can consume you. It's not an easy path to walk... and It's difficult when the people we care about have strong opinions," he mused, his voice gentle yet resolute. "But ultimately, it's your choice. You have the power to choose. If you don't want to do...then don't do it. You have the right to pursue your own happiness."

Mayumi absorbed Shinji's words, a glimmer of hope igniting within her, but a profound sadness lingered in her eyes. "I have to, Mister Ikari," she said, her voice filled with a sense of resignation. "If I don't, then... then..."

Shinji leaned in, his expression filled with concern, eager to hear the truth she was about to reveal. However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted as the door swung open, and Aoi entered the room. Her arrival shattered the fragile moment, redirecting their attention to the imminent obligations that awaited them.

"There you are, Mayumi," Aoi said briskly, her tone indicating the urgency of the situation. "We need to go. There are only a few minutes until we need to be in the briefing room."

As Aoi approached, her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Shinji Ikari standing there, a stranger within their facility. The unexpected encounter left her with questions lingering on her tongue. "Shinji Ikari?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Shinji, composed yet somewhat guarded, responded, "Yes, have we met?"

"No, but... how did you get in?" Aoi's perplexed expression mirrored her puzzlement at his presence within their secure facility.

"I was given clearance," Shinji replied, his tone steady. "Two people I know asked me to come. They work in one of your departments."

Aoi's instincts urged her to delve deeper into the matter, but the pressing timeframe left her with no choice but to postpone her investigation for the moment. "Come on, Mayumi. Let's go," she commanded, her tone firm.

However, Mayumi stood rooted to the spot, her uncertainty palpable. Aoi's command failed to elicit the desired response, causing the young girl to recoil further into her own thoughts.

Shinji, understanding the inner turmoil Mayumi was experiencing, stepped forward. "It's okay," he reassured her gently, his voice infused with a comforting warmth. "You're going to be okay... just remember what I told you."

Mayumi nodded, a mix of gratitude and trepidation swirling within her. With hesitant steps, she began to trail behind Aoi, her trust in Shinji's words providing a faint glimmer of courage amid the uncertainty that awaited her.

"Thank you... I guess," Aoi said, her voice holding a hint of curiosity and appreciation. With Mayumi in tow, she left the room, the weight of their imminent test hanging heavy in the air.


Asuka and Mari burst through the doors just as Aoi and Mayumi began to fade in their own direction. Their arrival injected a sense of urgency into the atmosphere.

"Come on," Asuka called out, her voice filled with determination. "Let's go."

Shinji followed the two of them, his curiosity mounting with each passing moment. They made their way to a waiting vehicle where Kaworu awaited them, standing by the open door.

"Glad to see you're with us," Kaworu greeted Shinji with a warm smile, gesturing for him to enter the car. Shinji hesitated for a moment, his mind still grappling with the mysteries surrounding their current situation.

"What's going on here?" he finally asked, his voice tinged with both anticipation and a desire to delay the inevitable.

Kaworu's response was brief yet cryptic. "You'll find out soon enough," he simply replied, leaving Shinji with more questions than answers.

With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, Shinji joined the others in the car, and they embarked on a journey to a vast facility combining a hangar, airfield, and launchpad. As they arrived, their eyes fell upon the imposing Trident Land cruiser, undergoing maintenance and repairs.

Stepping out of the vehicle, they were greeted by a group of individuals who stood waiting for them. Hitomi Kaga, Hajime Suruga, Koji Katori, Mitsuru Wakatake, and Kyoya Kenzaki were among them.

"Shinji Ikari, meet the various members," Kaworu introduced, his voice carrying a sense of camaraderie. Shinji offered a polite greeting, exchanging handshakes with each of them.

"Not so impressive up close," Hajime remarked, his tone laced with a hint of skepticism.

Shinji, undeterred, responded with a touch of nonchalance. "I'm not trying to be," he retorted, eliciting a smirk from Hajime. Asuka leaned in and whispered to Shinji, "Don't let him get to you, he's an asshole."

The group stood together, a mixture of anticipation and determination in the air. Kaworu's voice broke the silence, revealing a minor hiccup in their plans. "Satsuki is running late," he informed them, acknowledging the delay.

As they awaited Satsuki's arrival, the sense of anticipation grew, mingling with the unspoken tension that surrounded them.

Eventually, a private jet descended onto the tarmac, drawing everyone's attention. Satsuki, Aoi, and Kaede emerged from their own vehicle, accompanied by Mana, Mayumi, Musashi, and Keita.

"Sorry we were late, Commander," Satsuki apologized, followed closely by her crew. "We just had a few minor things we had to take care of."

"No problem." Kaworu said, waving off their apology with a casual demeanour, prompting Hajime to shake his head. "You must be fun at parties," he remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Before Hajime conceive a retort, the roaring sound of the landing jet caught their attention. It steadily made its way down the runway, guided skilfully by the pilot toward the waiting hangar.

As the jet's door lowered, all eyes turned towards the grand entrance. With an air of elegance and showmanship, a blonde-haired girl descended the staircase. She wore a striking red jacket over a black dress, and a choker with a silver cross hung from her neck. This was Marie Vincennes, exuding an aura of confidence and superiority.

Mari observed Marie's arrival with a mild shrug, commenting under her breath, "Dear god, another princess." Asuka, catching Mari's gaze, responded to the veiled comment by clicking her tongue in mild annoyance.

Marie stepped forward, facing Kaworu head-on, who met her with his gentle smile.

"The stage is yours," Kaworu said to her, his voice filled with a calm assurance.

Marie scoffed haughtily, radiating an air of superiority. "I'm Marie...Marie Vincennes," she announced boldly. "And you won't be needing anyone else. So you can send those four away already. I'm the only real pilot here."

Asuka couldn't help but cringe at Marie's arrogant display. Mari, always quick with her teasing, added fuel to the fire. "It's like looking at a mirror," she commented, eliciting a mild amusement from Shinji. However, his amusement was cut short as Asuka jabbed him lightly.

"Hey," Shinji protested, rubbing his side. "What was that for?"

"Hmph," Asuka huffed in response, her irritation apparent.

Meanwhile, Marie's entourage swiftly took care of her luggage, and she joined the line-up with her fellow pilots.

"Now that we're all here," Kaworu began, commanding their attention. "We are the most powerful military force in the history of mankind. A branch of the United Nations military, and an organization spearheaded by multiple leaders from around the world. We are NEO-NERV, and as of today, you are all pilots under our command."

The pilots responded in unison, their voices echoing in agreement, "Yes, sir!"

"As of today, you will answer to Colonel Asuka Langley Soryu and Admiral Satsuki Ooi, and under them, Shinji Ikari." Kaworu continued, emphasizing their chain of command.

Shinji's surprise was drowned out by the loud response from the pilots, their enthusiastic affirmation filling the air.

"Yes, sir!" they repeated, their voices unified.

Kaworu then shifted his focus, his tone becoming more relaxed. "You will all be assigned your designated Units and living quarters," he informed them. "But enough of the formalities...for now, enjoy yourselves, because the coming weeks are going to be very unpleasant."

The pilots responded with less enthusiasm, their acknowledgment tinged with a sense of trepidation.

"Now then," Kaworu's gentle smile returned. "The staff will show those of you who are not familiar around. That will be all."

"Roger!" the pilots acknowledged, their voices filled with determination.

With that, the group began to disperse, accompanied by the staff members who would guide them through the facility.

"Mana, Mayumi, Marie, Musashi, Keita." Asuka commanded, "When you're done with your tour, you're to join me and Satsuki in the training centre."

"Yes, ma'am," they all replied in unison, acknowledging Asuka's instructions.

Mana, filled with excitement, hurriedly made her way towards Shinji, eager to continue their conversation. However, before she could reach him, Satsuki's voice cut through the air.

"Mana, with me," Satsuki called out firmly, interrupting Mana's approach. The other pilots were already being escorted away by the staff, leaving Mana torn between her desire to stay and her duty to obey Satsuki's command.

"But-" Mana began to protest, her disappointment palpable.

"Do as I say, please," Satsuki pleaded, her tone softening with a hint of understanding.

Reluctantly, Mana pouted and reluctantly complied. "Fine," she mumbled, her disappointment evident. "I'll come find you again, Shinji."

Asuka, catching wind of their exchange, couldn't resist stepping in. "That's Major Ikari," she corrected, her voice carrying an authoritative tone.

Mana huffed in response, clearly displeased by Asuka's correction. As Asuka walked away, she couldn't help but wonder about the underlying reasons for Mana's behavior, struggling to comprehend the sudden shift in the girl's attitude.

In the midst of the commotion.

"Shinji." Asuka called out, her tone commanding. "You're with me."


"No!" Shinji exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of desperation and frustration. Asuka's attempts to break through to him were met with full on resistance.

"Listen to me," Asuka pleaded, trying to find a way to reach him.

"You made me a promise." Shinji reminded her, after which her expression softened, a flicker of pain crossing her face as she remembered the promise she had made.

"I know what I said." Asuka replied, stalling to find an excuse.

He trailed off, leaving Asuka to struggle in trying to find the right words to convey her own inner turmoil.

"You have to tell Kaworu the truth," he finally urged, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I can't do this. I want nothing to do with any of this anymore."

Asuka's eyes widened, her heart sinking as she realized the depth of Shinji's resistance. She desperately searched for a way to change his mind, to make him see the importance of their mission.

"I can show you," Asuka pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "I can help you...We can do this, together."

Shinji shook his head, a sense of resignation evident in his voice. "That's not the problem here, Asuka."

Confusion and frustration filled Asuka's expression. "Then what is it? Is it the money? The job pays well, and we need you so..."

Shinji interrupted her, his voice steady but filled with an underlying pain. "It's not about the money, Asuka, It's about the past. I left all of this behind. It was supposed to be behind me, and now..." He paused, his voice trailing off. "Now it's coming back to haunt me," he finished, his voice barely above a whisper.

Asuka's gaze softened, a mix of empathy and concern replacing her frustration. "What? What are you...?" She began to question before her voice trailed off, realization dawning on her face. "What are you talking about?"

"Just... I can't do this, okay?" Shinji said, his voice filled with resignation. "You'll have to tell Kaworu that..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation. "Shinji?" the voice called out.

Startled, Shinji turned to face the source of the voice. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Rei standing there before him.

"Rei." he whispered, surprise washing over him. "Is that you?"


END.