Kaji placed the last food on the large round table outside Kensuke's shed. Almost everyone eyed the dinner with hunger while some was more distracted than the other. Kensuke and Kodama eyes with anticipation at the food while Junior seemed to stare blankly at the food. Mari was the only one who had her head turned away from him.

Kaji sat down and said with a big smile, "Dig in."

Without a second thought, Kodama quickly picked up her chopsticks and said, "Don't mind if I do!" She proceeded to devour the food before her.

Kensuke took a bite before looking at Kaji. He asked, "Where is Ika-...Shin?"

There was some annoyance in his voice due to being voluntold to host this private dinner party at his place. And he had to quickly correct himself, lest Junior put the pieces together, if he hadn't already, with Kodama letting the name through every now and then.

Junior's trance broke at that question and turned to look at his father.

"Our chef for the evening is cleaning up. He should be joining us soon," he sat down next to Mari who stayed strangely silent while scooting her seat away from him, earning her a frown on his face. "Mari, let's not do this now."

"Sister Mari." Junior asked, "I've been meaning to ask for a while now, why are you always trying to avoid father?"

There was a small smirk on her face as she leaned over and tapped his nose, "That's a girl's secret."

"But-"

Another tap. "One tip about girls that's not from your playboy father, don't pry on a girl for her secret. It's a turn off."

That comment caused Kodama to stop to give a frantic nod to confirm before continuing.

Kensuke laughed, "Yea, don't I know it. Had that bruise from Kodama for weeks because I did that."

He released a small grunt after Kodama elbowed his ribs. "Sounds like you want another round of it," she said after swallowing.

Kensuke shook his head as he caressed the area. "No thanks."

"Do it for Junior," Mari thought to herself. "Just… grit your teeth and talk to the guy." She eyed Kaji and asked, "Why the sudden desire to make a last minute group dinner for us?"

Kaji rested his stubby chin on his hand. There was a different smile on his face now. Not his usual smile that looked fake to Mari, but a genuine one. He said, "Because it has been a while since all of us had something. You all helped me with Junior, you're all part of the family."

"Family…" Junior asked, "Did you invite mom?"

Everyone went silent.

Kodama stopped with food half way in her mouth with Kensuke fixing his glasses, interested in the response. Both were curious, to be honest, as they were wondering if the answer would be the same as before.

His father shook his head with a sad smile. "Sorry Junior. I did but she's just too busy."

"I…" He looked down. "...see."

Junior knew that was going to be his father's answer. Being "busy" was always the answer his father gave to him. No matter how much he had heard those answers, it never made it easy to hear the same answer. It always ended in the same disappointment for him but he still had to try.

He clenched his fist in anger. Tired of hearing the same excuse over and over again.

Junior blinked when meat started to land on his bowl over his rice. He looked up to see Sister Mari starting filling his bowl with more meat using her chopsticks.

"You gotta eat to grow big and strong like your dad," she said. "That way, you can join her when you grow up a bit more."

Kaji's eyes softened at the sight. He quietly mumbled just for him to hear, "Maria…"

"Ooh!" Mari grabbed some vegetables and placed them over his meat. "Don't forget those vegetables! You can't just be eating meat, you need to balance them out with the greens!"

"I know Sister Mari," Junior said, wiping away the built up tears. The hot emotions within him dispersed. "I can eat on my own."

Mari quickly grabbed some seafood and started to stack them on top as the next layer. "Be sure to eat these too! These guys are rare nowadays."

"Okay, Sister Mari. I got it-"

"Oh, this one too!"

"PLEASE STOP! It's going to topple over!"

Everyone else at the table laughed at the scene unfolding before them, Junior getting up in an attempt to stop Mari from stacking any more food on top of his bowl. They were glad that the uncomfortable tension was broken immediately and could finally enjoy themselves.

It was blissful, even to the person watching from afar.

Shinji watched them, hiding behind the door to Kensuke's place. He watched from his one visible eye through the small opening of the door. He clenched his hand over his chest. Remembering the familiar environment from fourteen years ago. The time when Misato would laugh at the two bickering.

A familiar blue light emitted from behind his eye patch. He quickly shook his head and placed his hand over the eyepatch to cover the glow. He pushed the image aside while taking a few steps back.

"Stop… it's too late for that. Far too late…"

The time from back then started to appear in his mind even more so than before. Previously, similar scenes like this wouldn't have done anything to resurface those memories. And the eye… it didn't glow when he thought about anything about the past. But now, ever since Asuka returned from Unit 02, and waking up beside her-

"Aren't you going to join in, Shinji?"

He immediately turned to the now opened door where the voice came from, the glow from his eye disappearing. Kaji was leaning against the wall next to the door, biting on a white stick reminiscent of a cigarette he used to smoke frequently in the past. Years of experience as a spy, Kaji could tell when he was being watched and immediately managed to notice Shinji's eye peeking at them through the small gap in the door.

"Not tonight. I have things to do."

"You know," Kaji said as he took the stick out of his mouth. "It's not a bad thing to take a break every now and then."

"I've rested enough," Shinji said. He reached over to the coat hanging near him.

He stopped when Kaji's arm grabbed his. "You should enjoy the little things in life. After all, unlike Mari, and other than the pain, you still have your sense of taste allowing you to make these wonderful meals."

"You give me too much credit." He looked to the ground. "I'm just doing the least I can do… After everything that I've done…"

Remembering the feeling of warmth being woken up next to Asuka. Shinji then thought to himself, "And I apparently still feel more than just pain too…"

Kaji said, "Then would you mind sitting in just for a bit for Junior's sake? He can use his Brother Shin right now, especially with Misato not being here. Mari's doing her best… but you know how she can be."

Shinji looked out the open door to see Junior trying to eat as fast as he could at the amount of meals being placed in front of him by Mari so that the food tower wouldn't topple over. Kodama, seeing this as a challenge of speed, joined in on the endeavor, much to Junior's dismay.

"He seems to be having fun without me," Shinji said. "They don't need me there. Like the times before."

"Is that how you see it? I see it as the group trying to entertain themselves until you arrive to join them. It's not a bad thing to want to join in on the fun."

"But Ms. Horaki-"

"-Is here despite knowing that you would be here like those other times before. Sure, both you and her may be on the wrong foot. But right now, she supports you despite everything that has happened. Same for Kensuke, our host for the evening. They're taking the steps to move forward from the past, what about you? Isn't it about time you walk with them?"

Shinji's arm weakened and Kaji released his grasp on him.

The older man placed the white stick in his mouth again before he said, "I'll be joining back to the group. Don't take too long now, or I don't think there would be much more food left for you."

Shinji looked away. "Not that I would need it."

"No… I suppose you don't. But like I said, try to enjoy what you have now before you lose it."

He stood still as the former Spy and leader of old WILLE made his way back to the table outside. Shinji looked at his hand before placing them over his eyepatch. "I don't deserve-… I can't be out there with them."

"Then would you mind sitting in just for a bit for Junior's sake?"

He let his hand dangle down.

No matter how much Junior tried, he couldn't make a dent at the tower with the pace that Mari was going. Even Kodama was almost tapped out with her own portion. Kensuke was seeping on his tea, trying to hide his smirk behind it.

"Dad," Junior called out in desperation. "Can you please help? Sister Mari just won't stop!"

"Come on!" Mari exclaimed as resumed her onslaught. "You can't just let all this good food go to waste! And if you don't balance it out you're going to get fat."

Kaji shook his head and said, "Sorry son. You know how she can be once she gets like this with you."

"But-!"

Everyone froze when a pair of chopsticks grabbed a chunk from the food pile before delivering them to a fresh bowl. Shinji sat down next to Junior silently and slowly started to eat the food he took while everyone watched in silence. Mari and Kaji smiled seeing that he finally joined them while Kodama stared at him with a stoic face, unsure what to make out of it.

Junior was just happy he got help.

Breaking the silence, Kensuke placed the tea cup on the table and said, "Shin, thanks for preparing the food for us tonight."

"No problem," he quietly responded, refusing to turn his head in Kensuke's direction.

Kensuke gently elbowed Kodama's side, motioning for her to say something instead of just sitting there.

She grabbed another food and said, "Yea, thanks."

Caught off guard, the food on Shinji's chopsticks froze half way up when he heard those words from her. Instead of just a regular "Hello", she said "Thanks" to him. Probably the first time she's ever thanked him for anything ever since she started talking to him.

Shinji placed the food in his mouth before asking, "How's the legs, Kens-... Aida?"

"Oh this?" Kensuke tapped on his metallic prosthetic legs. "They're fine. I'm running regular maintenance on them so they're not too much of a bother."

"I see…"

Mari rested her elbows on the table while she had her hands on her cheeks. Her excitement reflected on her face. She couldn't hide it if she wanted to. He finally decided to join them and Kodama finally said some words of appreciation. Puppy was getting some familial love, no matter how small it may be.

Speaking of family…

"Junior!" Mari said as she resumed to pile on the food. "You need more vegetables now that your older brother Puppy took most of them from you!"

Kaji's kid, who was using this opportunity to finally make a dent on the food, desperately yelled, "Sister Mari, come on! I'm fine with the veggies."

"Don't 'Sister Mari' me, you need to eat healthy or you'll grow fat."

Junior desperately turned to Shinji, "Brother Shin, could you-"

"She's right," Shinji responded, taking another bite. "You need a well balanced meal since you're still a growing boy."

"Not you too!"

Everyone at the table laughed. Well, everyone but Shinji. He sat there quietly eating the food he had made while thinking about the person who would likely enjoy this event. He couldn't help but imagine her to be here with them. But he shook his head, reminding himself the same thing from before.

"It's too late... I don't deserve to be with her."

Asuka poked the leftovers with her fork. Toji was able to heat up some leftover foods for her using a barely functioning microwave. She carefully listened to everything that the Jock was telling her with the best of her ability. She took in every detail she could, at least the one she could make sense out of. But some of the information she knew already… and he didn't know everything as she thought he did.

"Geeze," she thought to herself, "Even as a grown man, you ramble a lot."

"So," Asuka said as she picked at her food again now that Toji finished.

She recounted what she had just heard, trying to help digest everything that was told to her.

"First took care of the Eleventh Angel. You guys got the Idiot from NERV after banding together to form this WILLE. Then, while fighting the Twelfth Angel and NERV, he started the Third Impact. He caused a massacre all over the world. Hikari's younger sister included."

Toji nodded, "Yeah, that about sums it up."

"And that all happened within a span of a few months?"

He nodded once more.

"Something doesn't make sense. If you were knocked out in the middle of the battle with the Twelfth Angel, how would you know that Idiot Shinji was the one who started it "

"He was at the center of it. If you were there, it doesn't take much brain power to piece it all together. And Hikari was there from the beginning, with all the reports lining up with her and what I saw by the time I came to. Hikari and some others are convinced that Ikari was an inside agent from NERV to use the Angel to start the Third Impact."

"And what do you believe?"

He shrugged. "I don't think like that. But either way, he started the Third Impact. That part ain't going to change."

Asuka's eyes landed on the missing arm. She poked at her plate once more and continued, "First sacrifice her life while you lost your arm and leg to stop the Third Impact."

"I… didn't do much. It was all Ayanami. I… I was too slow. If only I was better," he said through his teeth. He looked to the table with his bony arm shaking. "Not only was I too late to save Nozomi, I was too weak to provide actual backup for Ayanami…" His eyes started to water. "I'm sorry Red. I couldn't save her. I couldn't even provide backup to save your friend. I'm pathetic, aren't I?"

Asuka poked at her food for the last time. "First…" She let go of her fork, dropping her hands onto her thighs, hiding the whitening knuckles. "Did she say anything?"

He looked up, watery eyes widening, "Huh?"

"Did First say anything to you?"

Toji wiped away his tears, trying to speak through the wavering tone from his throat. "She did. She told me that I've done enough and she'll handle this on her own. Something about being her turn to save him while you weren't here and this was her choice. But she didn't have to die for a monster like him, dammit."

"...Being a damn hero," Asuka mumbled under her breath. "You tried to take the bullet for me against the Tenth Angel. Then you took the bullet to save everyone. What good is being a hero if you're dead?"

Hearing the small sobs escaping from him, she couldn't help but see a reflection of herself crying in her room after that battle with the Ninth Angel. The pain of losing a fellow Pilot… even if it turns out he was still alive and was being an ass and was the cause of all of what happened. She only had to deal with the loss for a few days. Jock had to deal with this for years.

Asuka took a deep breath to gather her thoughts, almost not believing she's going to be saying something so… sappy.

"First knew what she was doing. We're Pilots. We knew the dangers of piloting an EVA and what was going to happen to us. Every battle meant certain death. If you were a Pilot like us, even if it wasn't piloting an EVA, you still fought with us and went to battle knowing the dangers, didn't you?"

He nodded, "Y-yea. Of course I did! Don't think so low of me. But that doesn't change the fact that I couldn't-"

"Then stop with all the crying. You're a grown man aren't you? First died knowing what was going to happen to her. She…" Asuka paused. Swallowing a familiar lump within her throat. "I don't blame you for her death."

Toji froze with eyes widening. Tears dripped down his cheeks as a smile formed on his face. "Aw geeze," he said, trying to wipe away the tears. "You have no idea how much I wanted to hear those words from you, I thought you would think of me as a failure for letting her sacrifice herself. You've gotten soft, Red."

"Don't push it, Jock." Asuka looked away, embarrassed at herself for comforting someone. She then pushed her food away, completely losing any appeal to eat.

Toji laughed, "Food's not good?"

"You think I want to eat after all this?"

"Right, sorry… Just worried since you look malnourished."

"Look who's talking." She almost regretted letting those words escape her mouth if it wasn't for the fact that the Jock laughed in response.

"Haha! I have to hand it to you, Red, it's a breath of fresh air hearing someone badmouth me back instead of dancing around my health. It's good to have you back."

Asuka mumbled, "Not like I want to be here." She sighed, trying to get back on topic. "What's with the L Density Barrier? Is that a byproduct from the Third Impact?"

"Sort of?" He scratched the back of his head. "We don't really know how it began, just that Ikari was at fault for starting it. It only got worse when the Eleventh Angel came, then Twelfth and Third Impact putting the final nail in the coffin. It now nearly covers the entire Earth."

"How bad is it if you're exposed to it for too long?"

"It's… not pretty to look at. Hikari can tell you more about it since she treated people who got the L sickness. Fortunately we don't see many cases of them these days, if at all. But bottom line, before that blonde Doctor created a medicine for it, a lot of people didn't make it once they got it."

Asuka sat still, unmoving as she tried to digest what she had just heard while Toji waited patiently for what she was going to say or do next. He couldn't help but play with his fingers nervously, unsure if he messed up by telling her everything he knew.

Will she get angry in disbelief? Will she go after Ikari to confirm? Or will she run away into the guest room, going back into her shell?

Toji released a sigh, knowing that she'll most likely do all of the above.

"Yea, like she'll come to accept anything I say. It's a miracle that she believed me about what happened to Ayanami. The best I can do is tell her the truth about what happened. Hikari, I'm sorry. I know I said before that we should wait before we tell her everything. But I couldn't help myself when she came here asking for my story… Just when Red's coming out, she's going to go back into her shell. I messed up and told her too soon-"

He flinched when Asuka calmly said, "I see."

That's it? "Uh, Red?"

"What?" she said as she met his curious and confused gaze with her own glare.

"You're… not going to go out to double check with Ikari?"

She shook her head, "I'm done with him. He doesn't care, so why should I? And I don't see the point checking anyways. You may still be a meathead even after fourteen years, but even you won't lie about this. Besides, if you lied, then your wife lied too."

All Toji could do was let his mouth hang open, unsure why she would have a sudden change of heart.

Asuka thought of this morning, how empty it felt to wake up compared to last night. Even if he was asleep and she was forced into that situation by Thief, she oddly felt some sense of relief, if she can admit that outright. But in the end, even when they were close, the Idiot ran away.

"I'm done with this cat and mouse chase. Why did I even care about you? You selfish coward. Why did I go through all that for you? You, who almost ended the world. You, who hurt so many people." Her eyes began to look over Toji's weak body. "And what happened to you exactly? Did he do that to you?"

"I'm home!" a familiar voice called out, followed by a giggling sound of a baby.

"I told you," a grumpy voice they were all too familiar with said, "I can carry the child. You must be tired, Hikari."

"What kind of a mother will I be if I don't hold onto my baby when I can?"

Toji called out, "In here, Prez!"

"Hello Dear- Asuka?" Hikari immediately blurted out her friend's name when she saw her sitting on the opposite end of where her husband was sitting. "You're… out… and not in your room."

Asuka responded, "Is there a problem with me sitting with Jock?"

"Oh um… nothing. I thought you would've ran into your room when you got back…" Hikari's eyes landed on the plate resting on the table. "And you're eating?"

"Not because I asked."

Toji grabbed the plate while giving Hikari an apologetic smile, "Sorry. I thought I would try feeding Red while she wasn't moping."

"You're more of an idiot I thought if you think that I would be hungry," the guest of the house said. "Especially while you were telling me what happened."

Hikari looked at the two in confusion, "Tell her what? And Dear, I told you that you can't overexert yourself. You're still weak."

He gave her a reassured smile, almost melting her heart, "Don't worry Hikari. I'm feeling much better with the recent medication you've been giving me."

"Still-"

Asuka got up, "Stop. Despite being strapped to a wheelchair, and no matter how stupid he may be, he can take care of himself."

Hikari's eyes landed on her husbands and asked, "Just…. What did you tell her?"

"I…" he gave out a nervous laugh. "Now that I think about it, maybe I should've waited for you to tell her. But she had to know what happened in the fourteen years she was gone. She at least deserves to know the general idea."

"And… you didn't tell her anything else?" Her eyes softened as she asked that last question.

He smiled, knowing exactly what she was asking about, "Come on, Prez, give me some credit. I can't go telling her about our private life can we- OW!"

Toji rubbed the area where the chopstick Asuka threw landed on. Asuka shook her head, "You don't know when to close your mouth, do you?"

"Asuka!" Hikari shoved Tsubame into her father's arms and rushed towards her husband. "You didn't have to do that. I know he can be a bit of a big mouth, but that's no way to handle a sick man!"

"It's okay Hikari," he said. "She's just playing. But I have to hand it to you, Red, your aim was good."

"Flattery will get you nowhere, especially with your wife glaring at me," Asuka said.

Bunzaemon sighed as Tsubame laughed in his arms at the scene that unfolded before the two. "I swear. My grandchild is going to pick up all the bad habits from these three."

Asuka sighed as she fixed another generator. This was the fourth one for the day and it was barely past noon. She wore a white t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a blue pair of jeans Hikari lend to her for the work.

Asuka expected this to be a small thing she had to do around the Village. Not to be a designated technician for all their generator problems.

"Thank you little lady!" an old man gratefully said, handing her a bottle of water.

She took the bottle without saying a word, almost snatching it. She finished the water before quietly saying to herself, "This is stupid. Why am I doing this?"

"Wow, you must've been thirsty. Do you want another?"

Asuka shook her head and walked away. She had to get out of here before someone else came to ask her for her help. That's how she got roped into this mess in the first place.

"It's fine," she said, hastily making her way through, not caring where her legs were taking her.

"Hey Asuka!" a voice called out. But she ignored the voice, leaving the caller hanging. There was a sigh from Junior. "Not surprising she'd brush me off."

FLASHBACK

Everyone called in for the rest of the night from the small dinner party that Kaji planned. Shinji had taken a quick shower and was cleaning the dishes in the sink with just jeans on.

"Brother Shin," Junior said. "Do you need a hand?"

Shinji turned, "It's okay. It's late. You should join with your father-"

"He went on ahead, he's been working hard. So I thought he deserved a rest." Junior walked next to him and started to dry some of the wet dishes. "I'll take care of this part."

"But you've also been doing a lot for the Village, volunteering everywhere that needs help. You deserve a rest too."

"What about you, Brother Shin? Shouldn't you also be resting?"

He took a brief pause before carefully answering, "Eventually. There's work to do."

"I'll just help out with the dishes before calling a night."

Shinji didn't push Junior away as they silently cleaned the dishes together. Junior couldn't help but give glances to him every now and then, trying to gauge his facial structure, as if trying to figure out what he was thinking.

"You know, Brother Shin," Junior said, trying to get a conversation going. It was always him that had to strike a conversation, not the other way around. "It's a surprise that Mr. Aida is okay with you walking around without a shirt, let alone Ms. Kodama while she's around."

"He's just being nice. And Ms. Horaki… she's being patient."

"...Can I ask you something?" There was a nod from Shinji. Junior continued, "Why… Why do you do what you do? Especially with cooking for the Village?"

Shinji paused for a brief moment before resuming what he was doing before. He asked, "What brought this on?"

"Asuka… she asked me, and when I answered her, she got very angsty with my answer."

"Ah," Shinji thought to himself. "That's why you walked away from Asuka…" He looked at his hand after washing the last dish. "...It's for someone."

"Not because you want to do it and help out?"

"That's one of the many reasons too. But I… I want to help rebuild a home for her before…"

Junior leaned in when Brother Shin froze at the last part. "Before-?"

Shinji shook his head and held his hand over his eyepatch. "Forget about it."

"Okay…" Though Junior was not satisfied with the answer, he accepted it. Everyone is allowed to have a secret, don't they? "Then can I ask another question? What… What do I have to do for Asuka to open up to me? I just don't want her to be alone, but I can't be there for her if she keeps pushing me away and calls me dishonest. No-... No one should be alone."

FLASHBACK END

Junior looked at the bento box in his hand and ran after Asuka.

Shinji grasped the controls of his Entry Plug as the LCL engulfed him. He was called on such short notice here. He was in the middle of cooking for the Village. In addition, he didn't get any answers, just a command from Ms. Mari, "Angry Commander wants us in our EVA pronto."

To say the least, he was a bit frustrated.

He looked outside once the Entry Plug managed to display his surroundings. Unit 01, with two new prosthetic arms, was situated on top of a large transport rocket by ropes and chains with Unit 04 situated in the exactly the same way next to it. The two rockets were connected to a large button behind them. Unit 08 was in between the rockets, looking forward into the distance of the red contaminated water.

Kaworu's face appeared on screen and asked, "Shinji, are you ready?"

Shinji nodded, "I am. But what exactly is our mission?"

That caused his fellow Pilot's face to tilt slightly. "Were you not debriefed on the mission?"

Mari's face appeared next to Kaworu's as she said, "Chill Snowball. I was going to wait until the right moment to explain the mission. We got an emergency distress call from our sister division. They need our help near Village-4."

Shinji asked, "Is it NERV?"

"Most likely. I'm staying behind just in case something happens, so you two will be the only ones to go, especially with Wunder still getting fixed up and all."

Kaworu's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What is Unit 08's role in this?"

Mari snapped her fingers at him. "Nothing gets by you, does it? We only have two rockets right now. It was either you or me to go with Unit 01. And do you expect a fair lady such as myself to be latched onto a rocket for these outdated launches? Plus do you know how long I've been waiting to have a chance to throw you again?"

"I presume many months," Kaworu said.

"About a year, to be precise. Besides, I can also use this time to get ready for our little plan."

That last comment from Mari made Shinji's head tilt in confusion and asked,"What-?"

Commander's voice joined in, "Are you two ready? Three Dash and Five Dash?"

He could ask that question later. Mission first.

Both Shinji and Kaworu said, "Yes, Commander."

"Kids, am I right, Katsuragi?" Mari said. "They're hard to handle."

"Focus, Four Dash. Don't go off topic," Misato said over the radio. "If they are ready, Four Dash prepare for launch."

Unit 08 scratched the back of its head as it made its way to the large button connected to both missiles. "Yes, yes," she said, then quietly mumbled, "Can't you at least try to lighten up the mood before a mission?"

Unit 08 then held its food up. "Okay, you two, behave now!" Mari said as Unit 08 slammed its foot down against the button, sending the missile away. Shockwaves went out, reaching the Village as well.

"Oops, forgot to count down. My bad!" Mari just heard the Commander cut off all communication with her. "Geeze, I said my bad! No need to be angry about it."

Asuka just wanted to get away from it all. She didn't care where, just anywhere away from the Village. To be left alone from all those helpless people. Just… not here.

There was a sigh as she cursed, "Damn stupid legs, why here?"

This was the rundown building Junior took her to when she demanded to see Idiot Shinji. She looked around and saw that there was no one here. Just her and her alone. She placed her hand over the pocket holding the broken SDAT.

"Well, at least he's not here. Not that I wanted to talk to him anyways."

"Who were you looking for? Brother Shin?"

Asuka didn't have to turn to see who it was that followed her. "What are you doing here, Brat?"

Junior walked up next to her with the bento box at hand. "I called out to you earlier but didn't seem like you heard me."

"Did it ever occur to you that I wanted to be left alone?" Her eyes landed on the box. "Is that from the Idiot?"

"No, I made this," Junior said as he held up the bento box. "I wanted to make one for you… Just so that we don't end up on the wrong foot. Wouldn't be the same if Brother Shin made this."

Asuka looked away and said, "At least you're being honest now."

There was a sigh. "I've always been honest. Do you want the food or not? If not, I don't want you to take anything you don't need."

"Then take it back-"

She couldn't finish as a gust of wind almost made them lose their balance. When the two were able to turn to the direction, they saw two large rockets heading away from the Village. Asuka noticed something on top of them. She couldn't make out one of them, just that it was a bright color while the other she knew exactly what it was even at this distance.

"Idiot left again?" Asuka asked no one in particular, biting her lips.

Junior tried to clear his eyes of the dirt. "You could tell it was Brother Shin? Guess this was an emergency launch and used those rockets like last time."

"And they didn't use that large aircraft, why?"

"Last I heard, Wunder was damaged. So they needed another way to get to wherever they needed to go."

"And how long is he going to be gone for?"

"Depends," he said. "Sometimes a week, other times a month. Depends on whatever he has to deal with…" Junior saw Asuka sit down. "What are you-?"

"You may be dishonest with yourself but you're not a liar. If the Idiot's gone then I don't need to worry about seeing him here for a bit."

"I am not dishonest with-"

Asuka waved her hand at him, motioning him to go away. "Either shut up or go, Brat. I need a place to be alone right now, away from all that mayhem with all those people constantly asking for my help."

Junior looked at the food then back at the Village. He left the box next to her and said, "I have to go because it's my shift today around the Village. I'll leave this here just in case. I'll see you later."

She didn't turn to look at him nor said anything to him. Finally having the peace and quiet she wanted. That is until her stomach growled. Asuka sighed, placing her hand over her stomach. Her eyes landed on the lunch box.

After another growl from her stomach, she reached over and opened the box, revealing its contents. It wasn't neat at all, by its presentation alone anyone could tell this was prepared by an amateur. It wasn't anything special, just rice with some other sides on top of it.

Despite the awful appearance of the food, she grabbed the chopsticks that lay on top of it and started eating. After a couple of bites, she looked up to the sky.

"So bland." The reflection within her eyes danced. "Your meal was definitely better, First."

A Mark.44A exploded as it clashed onto a large cruiser-like machinery, forcing it into the ocean below. The large machine was able to get back up with its legs that unfolded from its body. It then started to fire everything it had against the mass produced drone above. Missiles from the launcher attached to its shoulders, cannon attached to the tip of the nose, the pair of arms extended from underneath the nose holding rifles.

The TRIDENT was using everything in its disposal to take care of the invading forces.

Its Pilot gritted her teeth as one of the Mark.44A crash landed next to the TRIDENT barely missing it.

She wore a similar plug suit with red main color and an overall white colored armoring over her chest and shoulder. The main chest armoring had a silver circular center with a red orb in the middle. She also wore similar armored gloves with tubes connecting to them from the system around her. A helmet was over her with a shade visor, displaying the current information to her.

Two different allied machines landed next to her.

One was similar, if not exactly the same as her own. While the other was more humanoid in design with a sunken head. It had pipes protruding out from the side of his head and chest extending out to the back. Beige colored armors with dark gray limps and orange coverings on the head, shoulder, thighs, and chest. It swung down with its hammer against one of the Mark.44A that came down to it.

"Musashi!" the Pilot asked her fellow TRIDENT ally that landed next to her. "What's the current situation with your machine?"

"Not looking good!" Musashi replied. He wore a dark gray colored version of the Pilot's suit and had dark skin. He pulled up the status of his TRIDENT. "I lost the use of my rockets and arms. I just have the canon operational."

She gritted her teeth as she continued to provide cover fire to the swarm above them. The humanoid machine next to them swung its hammer, managing to take a few down with the long ginormous swing. "How long until backup from WILLE?"

Musashi replied, "That's a big IF they got it! We sent out multiple distress signals but they're jamming our communication."

"He'll come, I know it! Just hold out a little longer!" She threw away one of the rifles that ran out of ammo and jumped back closer to battle cruisers behinder that were barely floating. "He always does."

The two rockets were closing in on their destination. Both EVA's awakened as they broke free of their restraints.

"Captain!" the Pilot of the humanoid machine cried out. It swung its hammer against the swarm but it wasn't enough. "I-I can't! Argh!"

All she could hear were his screams.

She tried to provide cover fire for her ally but it was too late. The drones managed to systematically pull out the main cockpit without completely destroying the machine. It was almost as if someone was controlling their actions.

She slammed her controls, knowing she was too late once she noticed blood dripping down from the cracks of the cockpit.

"I told you. I told you to stay at the base because Jet Alone Kai's weren't meant for combat just yet. Damn it." She turned to Musashi, "Fall back and see if you can at least get the launchers replaced at the cruisers that still work!"

"Roger- MANA! WATCH OUT!"

The drones that were now done with the Jet Alone Kai set their eyes on the fully operational TRIDENT. Mana smiled.

"Good, they're on me," she said as her TRIDENT fired its remaining ammunition. "Go! I'll cover you! Just don't keep me waiting too long!"

Musashi wanted to complain and assist, but he knew that if he stayed he'd just become a burden. His TRIDENT turned and rushed to base the fast he could with the damaged systems. "Please, don't die on me Captain."

"I'm not going to die," she quietly said as she threw away her last gun. She couldn't finish as the computers around her warned her of her last missile ammunition running out. "Fine!"

She swung one of the arms at the Mark.44A, sending it flying but the other drone got both of the missile launchers in her shoulders. She ejected both attachments and jumped forward, landing on a few more of the drones. But she was just too slow to dodge the others as they swarmed her. They took out both arms, cannon attached to the nose, and the joints in the legs.

Mana's TRIDENT fell to its knees, nose barely dipping into the water.

"Come on!"

She moved her controls in futility, the machine refused to respond to her. One of the drones was coming straight down to her form above. Her eyes watched the enemy in pure determination. Ready to take on the attack. If this was the end, she wasn't going to go out crying.

The drone, just before it made contact with the cockpit, was sent flying by something. It happened so fast, but Mana could tell what happened. For a split second, she saw a large mechanoid standing on top of the large rocket like a surfboard and crashed it into the Mark.44A before jumping off. The drone was sent flying away before exploding a distance away.

The mechanoid landed in front of her with its back towards her while another one landed behind her.

But her attention was on the one in front of her and she just needed to see its back to know who this was. She knew this feeling. The same one that makes her blood run hot whenever he is close. The same that makes her heart skip a beat whenever he comes to save her.

She held her hand close to her chest.

Unit 01's eyes glowed brightly as its mouthguard broke and let out a monstrous howl at the enemies before it.

A smile appeared on Mana's face when she heard that soothing melody. Because that only meant one thing.

Her hero was here.

Fuyutsuki sighed as he took off a visored helmet that was connected to multiple computers and systems. He looked over the main monitor that displayed the battle in all different angles. But now that Unit 01 has shown up and Unit 04 soon after, he seems to have lost interest. He placed the helmet on the desk next to him. He turned away from the monitor displaying the two EVA's destroying the drones.

He grabbed his cane that was leaning against the desk.

"Return to base. There is no need for you to stay there any longer," he said.

"Understood," the voice from the intercom responded. The monitor soon disappeared after.

He turned his head to talk to the figure hiding in the shadows next to him. "You wish to say anything regarding this?"

"You promised…" the small figure replied.

"I will keep my promise to you. Be patient. Shikinami is safe and no harm has been done to her."

"How would you know?"

"Would you harm her?"

The small figure paused to digest that question. After taking in the fact that this mission was a failure, all he said was, "I'll prepare our dinner for tonight."

Fuyutsuki watched the figure exit the room, leaving him alone in the dark room lit by the single lamp over his head. There was a sigh from the old man as he said, "Rest assured, I'm just as frustrated as you are, boy."

The door opened once more, allowing Gendo to walk into the room. "But we have waited over a decade, we can wait a little longer. Patience is key," he said.

"I did not expect you to side with me despite my setbacks."

"As you stated, they are mere setbacks. The scenario has not changed despite the delays on your end." Gendo walked over and turned the monitor back on, now displaying the destroyed Mark.44A's with the victorious Unit 01 and Unit 04.

"Reminding me of my failed attempts?"

"No, this was to confirm the two Units that were dispatched."

The monitor turned off once more. Fuyutsuki asked, "Why are you really here?"

"I am here to assist. To remind you, Professor. You are chasing after the pawn that is not on the board."

"Don't remind me of something I don't know already."

"But the pawn will not stay off the board much longer. After all, the purpose of the Shikinami Series was to pilot the EVA. While Dr. Soryu had her own plans, the base schematic was to pilot. The Second Child won't stay away for much longer, it is in her design to pilot."

"Soryu?" The fact that Gendo called Kyoko by her previous surname in that tone piqued Fuyutsuki's interests. "Just what have you found, Ikari?"

The battle was over quickly with the arrival of both Unit 01 and Unit 04. Both EVAs destroyed the rest of the Mark.44A with ease and little effort. Currently, they were assisting with relocating every surviving member to any of the operating ships that remained. Some had to stay on lifeboats due to the capacity.

Both Unit 01 and Unit 04 knelt down next to one of the cruisers as the Entry Plugs ejected partially. Both Shinji and Kaworu soon descended onto the cruiser to meet with the current commanding officer for this location.

"Shinji!" a short haired teen brunette wearing a red plugsuit type uniform waived to him. "It's been so long!"

Shinji looked away from her once she stopped in front of him. She placed her hand behind her back and leaned in.

Mana's smile widened further and said, "You look just as fine as usual.

"Hello, Captain Kiri-"

He couldn't finish as a finger was placed on his lips. He turned to her, surprised by her action. Mana's smile widened and said, "Finally, you're looking at me."

"Who's the current commanding officer here?"

She placed her hand on her chest. If he wanted to keep things professional because of the people around them, especially with the ones staring at them, okay. She'll comply for now.

"That would be me," Mana said. "The officers above me were all unfortunately KIA during the initial ambush, if not currently unconscious in the medical bay… I and the remaining survivors would've all been killed if it weren't for you, Shinji. So, thank you."

Shinji looked away once more to the ocean before them. "Don't thank me. I was just doing my mission. And it wasn't just me."

"But you're still the one who saved me-"

"I'm just doing-"

"-You're mission," Mana finished for him. "I know. But it still means so much to me that you came for me."

"Captain Kirishima-"

"Mana!" There was a small pout from her. "I hate work titles if it's not work related."

"But this is work related," he said, "Commander Katsuragi would like a word with you once you are available."

She grabbed his hand and started to drag him forward inside the cruiser. "Normally I would say that she can wait until we are done talking, but I'll let it slide for now. We'll catch up on the way."

Shinji's eyes went to Kaworu, almost asking for help. But his friend watched in amusement, much to Shinji's dismay. Kaworu waved to him, wishing him luck on the endeavor.

Once the two were gone, Kaworu looked up to Unit 01. He examined the now quiet EVA. He then mumbled to himself, "You have still sealed yourself and have yet to show yourself to Shinji or Captain Mari after that day. Do you still blame yourself for letting things go that far? Are the changes in Shinji not enough to break through the walls you've set for yourself?"

He quickly closed his mouth shut when he heard someone walk up next to him.

"I don't understand how you can tolerate a monster like him," the newcomer said.

"Hello there, Musashi," Kaworu said.

"It's Strasberg to you, we are not close enough to be on a first name basis."

There was a slight nod. "Yes of course. My apologies. I have forgotten common relationship ethics for a minute. It is good to see that you have grown so much. Sixteen now, was it?"

"Eighteen, and you still speak unusually as always."

"Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment."

Kaworu turned to look at Musashi and said, "Back to your question, I believe the correct question is 'You do not understand how Kirishima can tolerate him', is it not?"

"That's not what I-...Gah, fine. Yes," Musashi said. He looked away in embarrassment.

"Your late older brother thought similarly as you did. I believe he had the same feelings for Kirishima as you did."

"S-Shut up! I do not like her!"

"I have not said anything about you liking her. Merely implying for the same admiration you two have for her. Apologies if I have not conveyed that correctly," Kaworu responded with his usual smirk. But this seemed a bit more devious than the other ones, ever so slightly.

Musashi growled, "I never did like you."

"Odd, because I've always liked you."

"Wha-!"

"That was a joke," Kaworu quickly brought his hands up, seeing Musashi getting physically aggressive. "Apologies if this was ill timed. It seems that Captain Illustrious' jokes have migrated to me as well."

That seemed to have calmed the TRIDENT Pilot enough to relax his shoulders. "You're weird, you know that?"

"So I've been told numerous times," he said, walking past Musashi. "We have work to do, do we not? The reconnaissance mission your division was running for the now developing Village-4 ended chaotically, revising the mission scope to salvage and rescue. We have much to do."

"I know what the mission objective is… but aren't you or that Illustrious chick supposed to watch him at all times?"

"Kirishima has taken that role for now. She is the other person who Commander Katsuragi trusts to keep an eye on Shinji."

Musashi cursed under his breath, "That's what I'm worried about, dammit."

TWO WEEKS LATER

"Aaaand that's the last of the clean up here from the attack," Mana said as she packed up the paperwork in the folder and handed it off to the officer next to her. "Be sure this goes to the right person this time, okay? I know you're a volunteer like most of the people in WILLE, so this is your last chance to prove yourself."

"Y-Yes m'am!" he said as he quickly ran out of the room.

"And no running unless it's an emergency!" She laughed. "Oh well, at least this one didn't call me 'sir' like the other one."

Mana then looked at the time. "Better get ready. It's almost time to head over to Village-3 to help prepare for the yearly festival."

There was a knock on the door just as she got up. "Another one? I could've sworn I took care of everything before I left." She quickly sat back down. "Come in."

When she realized who one of the two people were, she quickly started fixing her hair and turned her chair away so that her back was facing them.

Kaworu said, "Captain Kirishima, we have come to report that we have recently received orders from Commander Katsuragi to return to base."

Once Mana was sure that her hair was fixed, she turned back to them. "Right, I was told about that too. It's so nice of you to drop by and let me know though. And thank you for all your support in helping with the clean up, even if it took much longer than expected," she said, but her eyes were on Shinji.

Kaworu nodded. "Then we will take our leave-"

Mana quickly held her hand up. "Before you do, I wish to talk to Shinji alone, if you don't mind."

He looked at Shinji then back at Mana. "We really should be going-"

"It'll only be a minute. You can spare some, can't you, Shinji?"

Shinji looked at Kaworu and said, "It's okay. I won't be long."

He looked at Shinji for a moment before giving a nod and walked out. "She is clenching onto false hope. Shinji, you are too kind to indulge her."

Once the door closed, Mana got up and walked to Shinji, grabbing his hands. "I probably sound like a broken record, but again, thank you so much for your help with the battle and the aftermath. It made things so much easier for me."

Shinji tried to pull away, but her hands wouldn't let go. He tried to end things quick by saying, "It's not a problem, Captain-"

"Mana!" she said with a pout.

"...Mana."

She smiled when she heard her name leave his mouth. "You know, I'll be heading over to Village-3 to help out with the festival. Others, who can anyways, will be joining as well to help out and celebrate. So I was wondering…" A blush crept up to her face. "Could you-... I would really love it if you could join me for this year. Or if you prefer, I could join you instead, with what everyone all thinks about you."

"Mana I-"

A finger went to his lips. "You don't have to answer me now. I know you and everyone in the world are not on good terms. But I want you to know, monster or not, I'll always be there for you just as you are there for me whenever I'm in danger. Especially with us sharing a bond."

Shinji pushed her finger down to speak. "Mana-"

She winked at him and skipped backward. She said, "I'll be waiting for your response when we see each other at the Village-3 before the festival. I've picked out a specific yukata just for this occasion, so I would appreciate it if you and I can at least see the fireworks together."

Shinji wanted to answer her here and now. But when he noticed her pleading eyes, he couldn't answer her. Instead… "If that is all, I will be heading out."

Mana rested on top of the desk as she watched his retreating figure. As the door closed behind him, she placed her hand on her chest just above where her heart was. "See you later, Shinji."

"My hero."

Kyoko let out an angry sigh to the person behind her. "Do you have anything better to do than come in here every single day?"

Rei nodded, "Yes. I have numerous tasks and procedures to check daily with Wunder and its crew. However, due to Nagisa's request, I have come here to converse with you while he is away."

"Go do your tasks then. I don't want to talk to anyone right now, if you can't tell. And stop looking at me like that. It's getting on my nerves."

That caused Rei to tilt her head in confusion. "I apologize, but I do not understand how you would know the method in which I am looking at you while you have your back to me."

Kyoko turned to finally look at her. "If you have lived as long as I have, you just do."

"If this 'look' is something that is troubling you, it cannot be helped. I am still curious as to your situation."

"Didn't we go over this the other day and the days before?"

"To clarify, I am still perplexed at how it is that your soul managed to arrive here instead of any other. So alien yet similar to ours."

"Again, we went over this! How do you still have a hard time understanding? Yui was never like this, you know. She was a genius way ahead of her time like me."

"I am not her," Rei deadpanned.

"Clearly."

There was a sigh from Kyoko before she waved her hand and the scene around them changed. Instead of the blank white void, they were now in a grass field with a table and two tea cups on top.

"If we're going to do this again, let's at least try to enjoy ourselves," Kyoko said. She then looked over Rei's long hair. "Are you sure you don't want me to cut your hair?"

"I am certain."

"Why? It's messy."

Rei grabbed a lock of her hair to examine them. "It is because Nagisa promised he would be the one to cut my hair once the mission has been finished… Once Shinji found happiness."

Kyoko examined her once more before shaking her head. "Perhaps there is more Yui in you than I thought."

"But I am not-"

"Yeah, I know," Kyoko said, rolling her eyes.

Both Shinji and Kaworu returned to Village-3 without any issue with both their EVA's. They were transported via VTOL carrying the Units with them inside. Once they landed, Misato greeted them, congratulating them for their mission before sending them their way. Kaworu had changed into the school uniform while Shinji stayed in his outdated, damaged plugsuit.

Shinji was going to return to the Village but was instead being guided by Kaworu to a different direction diverging slightly from the Village.

"Kaworu, I thought you didn't like going near Village-3," Shinji said.

"There is something I would like to show you," Kaworu responded. He cleared a bush and said, "Ah, here we are."

When Shinji came around, he saw a little campsite. A small bonfire in the middle surrounded by foldable chairs with a small basket next to them. Soon, all he saw was darkness as someone placed their hands over his eyes.

"Guess who~?"

Shinji sighed, "Ms. Mari."

"Oh come on," she said as she dropped her hands and skipped forward in her school uniform. "It's no fun if you take the joy out of it. Can't you play along?"

His eyes went to the campsite behind her. "What is this?"

"What it looks like, Puppy. We're having a little team bonding session!" she exclaimed. When Mari noticed a confused stare from Shinji, she quickly added, "Hey, not my idea. I may have set it up but this was all Snowball's idea."

Kaworu said, "It is because I heard about the dinner you had with former Commander Kaji and his son, then I thought we should have something similar."

"So that's what you two were talking about before we went out to Village-4 to assist." Shinji shook his head. "Sorry, Kaworu, but I can't-"

"Oh come on," Mari said, "It's not like you can do anything right now. Everyone in the Village-3 is awake so you can't do much. And if you're worried about the Princess, she's fine. I checked up on her, she's been doing great. A bit grouchy here and there but she's slowly making progress."

"..."

"At least do it for Snowball." Mari went over and wrapped her arms around Kaworu's shoulder, "He came here despite the fact that he doesn't do well with the environments made by the Pillars."

He looked at them then back at the campsite. He quietly said, "Okay."

"Great!"

Mari grabbed both their hands and brought them over to the chairs and got them situated in each one. She then reached into the baskets inside and grabbed the contents which involved marshmallows on a stick. She handed one to both of them before getting one herself and sitting down on the last available seat.

Shinji looked at the marshmallow in confusion, unsure what to do while Kaworu merely looked at Mari with a smile that screamed, "What is this?"

"What?" she said, "You guys look like you two never gone camping and roasted marshmallows before."

"Captain Illustrious," Kaworu said, "I have merely suggested that we should have a nightly outing. I know nothing about the common ethics that comes with this."

Shinji just kept looking at his marshmallow in confusion.

Mari blinked. "Wow, okay. I guess it makes sense from you Snowball, but Puppy, really? Do you not remember your dear old Aunchie taking you out camping when you were younger?"

He looked back at her and tilted his head, unsure what she was on about.

She sighed, "You're either playing me or you really don't remember. Eh, whatever. You were a little boy, so I guess you wouldn't remember."

She then placed the marshmallow near the fire and started to show them how to properly roast one. Both boys followed her directions but it led to Kaworu's being heavily burnt while Shinji's melted and fell into the fire.

Mari laughed and took out a phone to record this. "Puppy! You're a cook but you can't roast a marshmallow properly?! This is hilarious!"

"I…" he quickly grabbed another one from the basket and placed it near the fire. Determined to get it right this time.

Kaworu took a bite of the burnt marshmallow. "This is… crunchy, yet the core is soft, but sticky."

"Count yourself lucky that you can't taste, Snowball. Burnt food is not good for you," Mari said.

"I have heard some people find the taste of burnt food as a delicacy."

"It ain't healthy and whoever told you may even have some screws loose, though it may not mean much coming from me- Oh! Would you look at that!" Mari quickly jumped up to take a picture of Shinji. "Puppy, you actually made a perfectly roasted marshmallow!"

Shinji placed the marshmallow near his face, looking over his work. He then moved the stick towards her. "Ms. Mari would you-"

"You know that I can't taste, right?" Mari quickly said. "You made it, so you have it."

He looked over the snack before him. Almost contemplating on throwing it away, but he didn't want to hurt the feelings of his friends who set this up for him.

There was a quick 'snap' noise as Mari took a picture of him eating. "That was cute!" she said. "You even got a little piece on your mouth."

Shinji quickly rubbed his hand across his mouth to clean. He looked away with a slight tinge of red on his face. He quickly pulled the hood over his head to hide.

"Aw you're embarrassed!"

"I'm going to go now, Ms. Mari," he said. He stood up and made his way into the woods. But he stopped a moment to say, "But thank you, for preparing this for me."

Mari smiled when she heard that. "His walls are finally breaking, ain't that great Snowball?" When she turned to look at Kaworu, she noticed red liquid dripping from his nose. "You're either thinking of something perverted or you've reached your limit."

He placed his hand over his nose and noticed the blood on his fingers. "Ah," he said, "It seems that my body can no longer handle the high concentration cleansing wave from the Pillars."

"Are you sure you wanted to do this?" Mari asked, her face turning serious for once.

"It was my idea, was it not?" Kaworu placed his hand over his neck where the choker hid underneath the plugsuit. "I knew the consequences it may have to my body if we were to do this, because I am not a Lilin, my body is weak to what protects them."

She sighed and reached into her basket to bring out a white cloth. She passed it along to him. And as Kaworu started to cover the liquid dripping from his nose, Mari said, "Normal people would ask why you would go that far for the Puppy, but you really do want to see him happy and spend time with him, don't you?"

"Of course. Is it not natural for friends to desire to be with each other? This also broke our regular pace of playing piano. Try something new, as they say. And I have very much enjoyed this."

"You're more human than you think, Snowball. But you should head on back. I'll clean up."

"Yes," Kaworu said, standing up. "Thank you for setting this up and apologies that I cannot assist."

"Don't worry about it. As the big sister of the group, I have a role to play," she said as she started to pack up the camp site. But soon she froze when she remembered something. "By the way, is she coming too from Village-4 for the festival like always?"

Hikari just managed to put Tsubame to sleep in her crib. She was about to head back out for the late afternoon to evening shift and to help prepare additional healthcare stations for the event in a couple of weeks.

She kissed her husband resting in his bed. "I'm heading out now," she said.

"Good luck out there, Hikari. Don't try to push yourself too much," Toji said with a smile. He tightened his hold on her hand.

"Of course. And be sure to rest up this time."

He laughed. "I promise, Prez. Don't worry too much. I've learned my lesson."

"Father's in the other room if you need anything and-"

"Bah," Bunzaemon said as he came up to her. "You worry too much, Hikari. I'll watch over your husband and child. And with Azuka out helping the Village, it's easier for me. Less people to eye. Just get going already. You don't want people to worry about where their Village doctor is."

Hikari sighed while Toji let out an awkward laugh. She said, "You could've worded it nicer, father."

He shrugged. "I have my job and you have yours. You have a duty to the Village. Your husband isn't going anywhere. He'll be here when you get back."

Her hand tightened on her husband's fragile fingers and bit her lips. "It's his fault. It's all his fault that Toji's like this. He should be out there playing with our daughter and the kids of this town, not here…"

The conversation was dropped when there was a knock on the door. Bunzaemon turned to the door. "Who can it be at this hour? Bah, I'll go get it-"

"No, father, I'll get it. I have to head out soon anyways," Hikari said. She kissed Toji once more. "I'll be back soon."

"I'll be here, Prez," he said. "Not like I can go anywhere anyways with your old man watching me like a hawk."

"You're damn right," Bunzaemon said. "The next thing I need is my daughter yelling at me again."

Hikari smiled at the two as she went to the door to greet the person behind. "Hello, how can I-... Kirishima?"

Mana, wearing a school uniform that was all too familiar to Hikari, waved her hand and said, "Hello, Hikari. You're looking beautiful as always."

"And you look the same age as you did before. You really haven't aged."

"It's thanks to my bond with Shinji," Mana smiled at the thought. "Is Toji here? Since I arrived earlier than expected, thought I'd stop by to greet a retired member of my old crew. The 'hero' of the people."

But not hers.

Work. Work. Work. And more work.

That's all that Asuka was going through ever since she showed her experience to everyone. It was basic to her, but apparently, to everyone else it wasn't. And because of that, she's been asked to fix something left and right. She thought it was going to be a once in a while deal, not something she'll have to do every day.

Things were getting even busier now too, especially with this "festival" on the way. There were signs and shops being set up on the streets. Asuka was asked to help out here and there, which she complied to, much to her dismay.

But it was better than the other two jobs she was forced to do before.

She even saw kids helping out with setting up. She also saw the little girl, Mayumi, handing out candies to people helping out, both young and old. Mayumi was too young to help out, so she decided to help out by distributing candies to people.

Guess Asuka could call it cute… but it was not her style.

She took a bite out of her snack as she was carrying a plastic bag filled with other small snacks and drinks that the townspeople gave her and barely managing to carry a bento box wrapped in cloth at the tip with her fingers. At least, the one good thing about helping out was people gave her small snacks in return for her services.

Again, Asuka found herself walking to the hiding spot she took over ever since the Idiot left. On the way there, she noticed the farm field that she helped previously was growing nicely, but with still much work left to be done. But not her job. As long as she was away from doing that work, the progress could be as slow or as fast as it needed to be.

Not her problem.

She just needed to be away from the incompetent people from the Village… At least, that's what she wanted to do.

Asuka froze when she saw someone else here. He was at the edge with a fishing line in his hand. He was wearing a jacket with a hood over his head, but she knew who this was. It wasn't Junior because he was busy and he never wears a jacket like that. The other people who knew of this place, according to the Brat, was the Thief and…

"Idiot," Asuka said, "You're back?"

Shinji flinched at the sound of her voice, but he didn't answer her. Instead, he instinctively started to reel in the fishing line, getting ready to move out.

"Stupid." Asuka walked a distance away from him but on the edge like him. She got situated, placing her little gifts and lunch down around her. "I'm not here to talk. I just needed to get away from people for a bit. If you want to stay, stay. If you want to leave, leave. Either way, I'm not talking to you."

Shinji froze, unsure what to make of this.

He couldn't help but let his eye wander to Asuka unboxing her bento box. And with the way it presented itself, Shinji immediately knew this was made by Junior.

"So, he's still trying." That thought brought a small relief to him. The fact that Asuka was eating Junior's food must've meant that she was at least accepting of him to a certain extent. Junior was making progress.

When she took a bite, she sighed. "Bland as always," she said quietly.

It was low to the point that no normal person should be able to hear what she said, but Shinji could tell that she was at least thinking about the food by the look on her face.

"Well, he was always a bad cook, albeit just slightly better than his mother," Shinji thought to himself. "But at least she still took his food, further progress than Ms. Misato ever made."

When she noticed that he hadn't moved, she asked, "Are you going to go or not?"

Shinji looked away. If she wasn't going to make a discussion with him or try to get close to him, he was willing to endure it, since he had something to do here. He casted out his line once more, waiting for a catch.

The two remained in silence. One finished her meal and snacks while the other managed to catch some fish.

Asuka's eyes couldn't help but make occasional glances at him, despite her resistance to do so. "What do I do with you? Do I yell at you for what you did to First? Do I hit you for causing the end of the world? Do I scream at you running away after grabbing me like you did on that night? Do I hit you for leaving me here not once, but twice? Do I find a new hiding spot?"

She gritted her teeth.

"Damn it. Why can't it be simple with you, Idiot?"

She sighed and packed up her things. Ready to get out of here. She looked at him once more, almost expecting him to ask where she was going… or at least look in her direction.

"I was right, you really don't care. That night was a joke to you, wasn't it?"

Seeing that she wasn't going to get any response from him, she turned to walk away…

Only to be stopped when she heard a sound she hadn't heard in ages.

"Wark!"

Thank you all for making it this far. Hope you all enjoyed it. And Happy New Years to you all. This chapter is late, which I apologize for. A lot of life stuff is happening.

And some of the reveals, I apologize if not this did not contain all the reveals you were all hoping for. But it is to come. Eventually.

And thank you all for those who left a review: gary2000, deathbringer374, YourBlandestNightmare, Author0fntent, Calborghete, Detmer, engel17white, tomdj1701, Gibbson, and Guest Reviewers. It means a lot to me that you all took the time to leave a review.

Till next time. Take care!