Fun for the Family - Chapter 2
Written by: RadinRMZ & TaxEvasionIsFun
The unmistakable sounds of beeps and boops emanated from the television, creating a melodious symphony of electronic excitement. It was a picture-perfect, sun-drenched Saturday, with golden rays streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. An enthusiastic little girl, whose eyes sparkled with delight, sat in front of the TV. She clutched a game controller with young, eager hands, her face adorned with a perpetual smile of joy. All her attention was laser-focused on the screen, where a pixelated hero navigated a two-dimensional world, leaping, dodging, and embarking on thrilling adventures.
For young Misato, this was pure bliss. Playing video games was nothing short of a passion. She had an entire collection dedicated to video game magazines, each one cherished like a precious treasure trove of knowledge. She would usually watch TV shows based on the video games she loved, absorbing every detail of the fantastical worlds they portrayed. And when a new video game adaptation hit the theaters, she would beg her parents to go see them. To her, there was nothing in the world that could diminish the love she felt for games, she thought so herself.
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"Huh, what were you saying, Aida-kun?" Misato inquired, her attention returning to the present.
"Huh? Oh, I was just mentioning that you might want to consider buying two extra controllers along with the console," Kensuke explained, his voice filled with the enthusiasm of a gaming connoisseur.
"Two extra controllers? Don't these systems come with two controllers by default?" Misato questioned, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, this particular one only comes with one controller," Kensuke clarified, holding up the console box for Misato's inspection. She furrowed her brow, studying the box with a puzzled expression.
"I don't see any controllers on the cover. Is that tablet thingy supposed to be the controller?"
"Uhhh, yes, that's the one," Kensuke affirmed. "However, there are more traditional-looking controllers available for a lower cost."
Misato's gaze returned to Kensuke, her eyes filled with intrigue. "Alright, but why would I need a third controller? Aren't there only two controller ports on this thing?"
Kensuke chuckled, amused by her question. "Oh, times have changed, Misato-san. You see..."
With animated enthusiasm, Kensuke embarked on an explanation of the remarkable evolution of gaming consoles over the years. He described how modern consoles could accommodate up to four players simultaneously, thanks to advancements in technology. However, he also pointed out that the availability of four-player co-op gaming depended on whether the game itself supported such gameplay.
As Kensuke spoke, Misato found herself increasingly astonished by the profound changes in the world of gaming. It was as if she had stepped through a time portal, and the landscape of her cherished hobby had undergone a breathtaking transformation. In a way, this realization made her feel a tad old, but she couldn't help but be captivated by the progress that had been made.
After selecting the games and extra controllers, Misato made her final purchases in the mall. In the parking lot, Kensuke lent a hand, assisting her in loading the bags into the car. With gratitude, Misato offered Kensuke a ride home, but he politely declined, preferring to navigate his own way.
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In the cozy heart of the Katsuragi household, a delightful aroma wafted through the air, promising a culinary delight. Standing before the stove, a young boy, donned in a charming apron, stirred a pot of Miso Soup with gentle precision. Shinji Ikari, the young cook, was the household's secret culinary genius, his talents rivaling those of a five-star chef. He possessed the remarkable ability to transform the simplest ingredients into nothing short of culinary masterpieces, infusing them with flavors that rivaled the offerings of the most upscale restaurants. Even Shinji himself acknowledged that cooking was one of the few things he felt truly confident about.
Once the meal was ready, Shinji switched off the stove and carefully placed the lid on the pot, allowing the rich aroma of the soup to permeate the kitchen. After shedding his apron and tidying up the kitchen, he settled onto the couch, casting a curious glance at the clock. He couldn't help but wonder when his guardian, Misato, would return.
As he lounged in the quiet moments of the day, Shinji's thoughts often meandered through the labyrinth of his mind. Sometimes, his contemplations gravitated toward his roommates, whether it was the not-so-innocent penguin, Pen Pen, who always seemed to choose the most inconvenient times for his antics, or the fierce and fiery german girl, Asuka, who was his partner in the battle against the enigmatic Angels.
One question, in particular, echoed in Shinji's thoughts with haunting regularity. If he were to vanish without a trace one day… if he were to… die… would any of them even notice? Would they go out to look for him, to bring him back, to express a longing for his presence, and to convey a genuine need for him in their lives? Or would their concern be solely for the return of the pilot of the Eva, viewing him as a key to the colossal machine's power, nothing more than a tool? He was. He was just a rusty old key that could get the EVA, the massive engine with a lock, to move and cause destruction. He was the key to that lock. And anyone who had the key in their hands could use it however they wished.
Did they value him for who he was, or did they covet him solely for what he could do?
Shinji grappled with these questions, searching for elusive answers that remained shrouded in ambiguity. He questioned whether he possessed a distinct identity, an essence that transcended the role of a pilot or a key. It was a riddle he couldn't solve, a mystery that left him perplexed.
His contemplations were abruptly interrupted as a sound emanated from the kitchen. Turning his gaze, he was greeted by the sight of Asuka, the fiery German girl, standing by the stove. She seemed to be examining the contents of the pot.
"Mmmm. Looks like you've finally managed to whip up a decent meal for once this week, Baka Shinji!" Asuka commented, her voice laced with her trademark sass. Shinji, however, took her words as a compliment, recognizing the subtle change in her tone.
It struck him as peculiar how he hadn't even noticed Asuka leaving her room. He must have been lost in his thoughts, his mind currently a sea of questions and uncertainties.
"Well, thanks, Asuka. I hope you enjoy it," Shinji replied, his tone earnest and warm.
Over the past few weeks, Asuka had undergone a gradual transformation, softening her once-prickly exterior. Compliments like these were no longer as rare as they had once been. The sound of the door opening, announcing Misato's return, captured the attention of the two teenagers.
"I'm home!" declared Misato Katsuragi, her voice brimming with excitement and pride. In response, Shinji instinctively rose to assist her with the bags she was carrying. One of the bags, in particular, seemed notably heavier, peeking Shinji's curiosity. He decided to inquire about its contents after lunch.
As the meal progressed, Shinji took on the task of clearing the table, while Asuka gravitated toward the TV, her chosen sanctuary for relaxation. Misato, however, saw this moment as the perfect opportunity to set her plan into motion. Retrieving the bag that contained her latest purchase, she called the two teenagers over.
"Shinji-kun! Asuka! Could you both come here for a moment?"
The two of them complied, their curiosity piqued and their interest fully captured.
"Since you two are constantly so busy with school and all, battling the Angels, and saving the world every week, I thought it was about time you had some well-deserved downtime. And what better way to unwind than with a bit of entertainment? And of course, the best source of entertainment is…" Misato's eyes sparkled with excitement as she unveiled the console box. "Playing video games!"
With an enthusiasm that was truly contagious, Misato eagerly anticipated the reactions of the two youngsters. Asuka leaned in closer, scrutinizing the console displayed on the box. "Wii U, huh? This is inferior compared to the other consoles on the market, but it's good enough I guess."
Asuka's response appeared to be one of measured approval, but Shinji, on the other hand, seemed taken aback, his expression tinged with surprise and confusion. Misato noticed his hesitation and offered him a warm smile. "Well, it looks like Asuka's happy with it. What about you, Shin-chan?"
Shinji responded with his customary modesty, "Uh, well, thanks, Misato. It must have cost a lot, though. You didn't have to spend so much for us."
Asuka quickly spoke, "Oh, come on, Baka Shinji! Consider it a small reward for all your efforts in helping me save the world. You really can't accept a gift?."
Shinji, true to his nature, offered an apology, his inclination toward self-effacement showing through. "N-No! I didn't mean it like that! I-I'm sorry!"
Asuka rebutted "Apologizing as usual and not trying to stand up for yourself over something this simpl-"
To avoid a prolonged argument, Misato acted quickly, and decided to change the subject.
"Alright, enough of that, you two! Let's get this thing set up. Today is all about having fun, remember?"
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"Are you sure you connected it to the right port?"
Asuka meticulously double-checked the older woman's work, her eyes darting between the manual and the console.
"Yes, I'm absolutely sure. It should boot up without any issues," Misato reassured her, moving confidently toward the console. She pressed what she believed to be the power button, a satisfying beep confirming her decision.
"Ah hah! That's it!" Misato exclaimed, her eyes alight with childlike glee. The entire living room, including Pen Pen, turned their attention to the television screen. As the console's logo burst to life on the screen, Misato couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia wash over her.