A/N: Sorry this took so long. And sorry for the overly long chapter, and as always, apologies for any grammatical/spelling errors in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion.

"Idiot. Stupid overgrown manchild. Good for nothing eyepatched coward."

Asuka was stringing along all the words she could think of that could insult that Idiot. Sill in her yukata, she took her time coming down from the hill, venting in her mind. The lights that could be seen at a distance were all but gone at this point in the night, just leaving the stars and the full moon to light her way through the forest.

"...You're just going to have to try to be extra nice when you talk this time." Four Eye's exact words repeated in her mind.

"Yeah," Asuka said, "I did try to be nice. I even tried to be grown up about it. Even tried to follow some of those cringe one-liners from those books. But that didn't even matter in the end. He obviously doesn't care."

"Puppy, WHAT THE HELL?"

That was-

"Puppy, I gave you the perfect opportunity to talk to her. It was a free pass, and you squandered it!"

Asuka hid behind the trees when she realized how close they were. She peaked out her head to see "Puppy" and Four Eyes were talking.

He had his hood covering his head while having his hand covering his eye-patch that was no longer glowing. Four Eyes was visibly annoyed in her yukata, somewhat a new look on her.

"Why do you act like you don't care?" Mari asked.

There was no response.

Asuka had to hold back a scoff. The answer was obvious, especially with that deafening yet obvious silence.

He didn't.

Mari rubbed the bridge of her nose underneath her glasses and let out a frustrated sigh. "If I knew this was how you were going to act, I would've pushed harder to give Princess the choice to join WILLE as a Pilot instead of going along with your idea to keep her here. At least that way, we may have made more progress in getting through to you."

Asuka's eyes widened at the revelation. They were keeping this from her. She could've piloted Unit 02 again, but they just left her here. They threw her away. She was angry. No, anger wasn't the right word. She was beyond furious. With everything that she went through for the last few months and the recent event at the hill, no words could describe what she was feeling.

"What?!" Asuka yelled, revealing herself.

Both of them turned to her, surprised that she was there. They thought she'd be home by now, not out and about this late.

Mari was the first to recover as she said, "Princess? What are you doing here?"

"Explain," Asuka said, coming closer to the two.

"Princess-"

"You owe me an explanation. And I don't mean him." Asuka said, pointing at Shinji. She then pointed back at Mari. "I want to hear it from you."

Mari shook her head. "I think it'll be better if you heard it from Puppy, not me."

"Unlike him, you stay and talk."

"But-"

"Auntie Four Eyes."

Mari went stiff when she heard the old nickname. "That's not fair," she mumbled. She gave Shinji an apologetic look. But he didn't give a response knowing that no matter what he did at this point, he couldn't stop her. "Sorry Puppy." "Listen, Princess, believe me when I say that it was our choice-"

"His choice," Asuka corrected. She wasn't in the mood to let her sugarcoat this.

"Do you really have to be so sour about this?" Mari paused when Asuka gave her a death glare. "...Puppy here was asked to give you a choice-"

Shinji finally spoke, "Ms. Mari-"

"You," Asuka deadpanned. "Not a word. I don't want to hear you say anything. I don't want any more mixed signals from you. You said you didn't want to talk to me, so shut up."

He turned his gaze to the ground.

When she glared back at Mari to continue, Mari said, "That Blonde-… The Sub-Commander had proposed to offer you a chance to be a Pilot for WILLE after a few days of staying here."

"And this coward decided to keep that from me."

"To be fair," Mari said as she held up three fingers, "It was four against one."

"Who were the four?"

"Well, other than Puppy, there's Snowball. Then there's Katsuragi, but she wanted to let Puppy handle things, taking a more neutral stance albeit towards his side. The Sub Commander wanted you to return. I wanted to give you a choice but-"

Asuka glared at him, who kept his head turned away from her. "This coward strong-armed you into joining him."

"I wouldn't put it like that. What kind of guardian would I be if I didn't try to support my Puppy when he needed me?" Mari gave a wink.

"Can't you take this seriously for one minute-..." Asuka let out a sigh. "I forgot you were the type who acted like a child despite her age, like the time you took my doll just to get my attention."

Mari smiled and almost pounced at her in excitement. "So you DO remember!"

"Don't try to sidetrack this, Auntie Four Eyes." Asuka held her hand up, stopping her in her tracks.

There was a pout from Mari before a sigh was released. "Well?" she asked, regaining the serious composure. "Now that you know, what do you want to do, Princess?"

"Come back to Pilot, obviously," Asuka answered. She glared at Shinji. "How dare you keep this a secret? This choice was mine to make. Not yours."

"And what do you know of this world?" Shinji said, finally turning to face her. His eye now as cold as when she first saw him just after waking up from her fourteen-year hibernation. "You're just a kid who thinks she knows what's best for her."

"There he is. This is who you are now, isn't it?" There was a scoff from Asuka. "And you think you know what's best for me?" she asked.

"You don't know what's out there. You don't know how much everything changed. It was easier to leave a child like you here than to bring you."

"Puppy, hold on-" Mari tried to step in but Asuka wasn't having any more of this.

"A 'child'? Who are you to call me that?"

Shinji tilted his head slightly up as if to look down at her in disgust. "Someone who's actually been awake for the past fourteen years instead of asleep and oblivious to everything that went on. You don't know anything, yet you think you know what's best for you. You're such a child."

"ENOUGH!" Mari yelled as she came in between the two. "Puppy, that's enough out of you."

Shinji looked away, pushing his hands deeper into his coat pockets.

"No, let that asshole continue, Auntie," Asuka said, daring him to go on. "He seems like he was holding this in for a while."

"Princess…" Mari wanted to say something about her attitude too, but instead, she just sighed. "We'll see you at the town's exit in two hours. We're heading out soon after. Repairs are done."

"Two hours to prepare… Fine, and I expect you to not leave me behind this time."

"Wouldn't dare, Princess," Mari said. She pinched Shinji's cheeks, who returned with a glare. "In the meantime, I'll teach him some manners."

Asuka glared at the two before heading back. She had things to pack, not that she had much anyway.

When she was certain that Princess was long gone, Mari turned to Shinji and said, "What the hell was that about?"

Shinji didn't respond.

"You weren't like this with her before... wait a minute." Mari fixed her glasses, putting the pieces together. "Puppy-"

"Let's head back, Ms. Mari," Shinji said, walking in the opposite direction towards Kensuke's house. "We need to pack if the repairs with Wunder are finished."

Mari let out another sigh and scratched her head. "Geeze, you have a roundabout way of making her hate you. But you don't want that, do you?" she mumbled. Mari then ran towards him and jumped onto his back. "Don't go rushing now. I know you're excited to have another chance at this, but we still have a job to do Puppy."

Shinji kept quiet, but his hands clenched tighter.

Hikari yawned as she watched Asuka pack items inside a spare backpack that Hikari had lent her. She was rudely awakened by the sudden sound of the front door opening. She rushed to wear a jacket over her nightgown, thinking it was an emergency. When it turned out to be Asuka, who was still in her yukata and demanded a backpack, Hikari was annoyed to be awakened for something like this.

But that did pose a question.

"Are you going somewhere?" Hikari asked.

"I'm choosing to go back to being a Pilot again," Asuka said. When the next thing her hand instinctively grabbed was the SDAT player, she immediately threw it aside, landing next to Hikari's feet.

Hikari froze when she heard that response. She slowly reached down to pick up the SDAT player as she asked, "What brought this on?"

"Does it matter? I'm going back to being a Pilot, just like before."

"So you're going to be piloting an EVA… with that monster?"

Asuka gritted her teeth at the thought of him. "I can handle myself."

"Asuka-"

She got up and put on her backpack. "You're not going to talk me out of this, Hikari. I don't belong here. I'm the Pilot of my Unit 02."

Hikari bit her lips.

"So then, this is goodbye-" Asuka couldn't finish as Hikari grabbed her wrist.

"Come with me," she said, dragging her friend out of the house and into the woods where only the moonlight showed their way.

"I don't have time for this. I have to get going or they're going to leave me behind again."

"It's only going to take ten minutes. It's not far."

"If you're going to try to stop me-"

"Asuka," Hikari said, her tone getting stern, "I want to show you something before you go."

Asuka looked at Hikari who had not turned back to look at her. "Fine."

After walking into the woods for what seemed like forever, they finally exited the woods. They were close to the cliff and saw a small wooden cross on top.

"And this is?" Asuka asked.

"This is the grave of my baby sister, Naomi," Hikari answered. She let go of Asuka and walked towards the grave. She placed her hand on the wooden cross. "At least, what remained of her after the Third Impact."

"…" Asuka kept quiet, crossing her arms impatiently.

"You already know the destruction of the Third Impact, but not the true scale of it. I want you to at least show you this before you go," Hikari said, motioning with her hand for Asuka to come over.

"This better be good," Asuka muttered under her breath as she made her way over. With each step she took, the cliff seemed to become steeper. Once she finally made it up, she saw what lay beyond for miles.

It was a graveyard. All the wooden crosses were on top of a lump of dirt. It seemed to go on forever. Before Asuka could ask what this was, Hikari said, "This isn't from the death caused by the Final Third Impact. Village-2 is where the cemetery is. This is for the people who died from the Red Plague caused by the First Third Impact. My sister Naomi is a rare case. She was on her way towards being cured… but he just had to take her away from me- from us with the Final Third Impact. He took away so many loved ones."

Asuka took a brief pause to take in the information and try to connect the dots. "I get it. He has a high kill count."

Hikrari grasped Asuka's hands hard. "Asuka, please be careful. Don't trust him. Don't think that he won't betray you at a moment's notice. He's not as clean as you hope he is."

Asuka looked at Hikari's begging yet stern look. She then looked at the graveyard before her that went on to the horizon. "He may be an asshole now, but something is missing. He saved that Mayumi brat when she was lost, no 'monster' does that."

Shinji's voice started to echo in her ear.

"...I chose to do it."

"I killed her too."

Then Asuka's voice, "Did you start it or not?" Back when she asked him to confirm if he started the Third Impact or not.

"I did," his cold voice responded to her.

She shook her head. "I get it, Hikari. Stop being a super mom about this."

"I can't afford to lose you too."

"Yeah, I get it. Just take care of your little spawn and Jock. I'll be fine," Asuka said.

Hikari gave a small shake with her hand. "Just please."

"Okay, I got it… I've got to get going."

Once Hikari let go, Asuka made her way down the cliff, hoping that she wasn't going to be late.

As Hikari watched her friend disappear into the forest, she placed her hand on her chest. "Asuka…" She shook her head and chased after her. "Wait!"

Asuka sighed and turned to her friend. "Hikari, I need to get going now."

"If you're going to go, at least let me give you something better to wear than that yukata."

That got Asuka's attention. "Like?"

"Well? What do you want? Anything that fits you is yours to bring. They're just collecting dust since they don't fit me anymore."

Kaji sighed as he knocked on the door for the thousandth time in the past few hours. Junior locked himself in his room with -P ever since he got back. Ever since Kaji got back, he attempted to talk with his son, despite how late it was. This was something he didn't want to wait until morning.

"Junior," Kaji said, "Please open up."

No answer.

"Please, Junior. I know you're awake."

A new voice called out from the opened window. "First women issues, now having kid issues? You're a work of art."

"Maria…" Kaji was surprised that Mari, who changed into her plugsuit with a jacket over her, made time to visit. His informant had updated him on the status with Wunder, and she normally heads back to Wunder without visiting.

"Don't get the wrong idea, mister," Mari said, climbing through the window. "I'm not here for you. I just came to talk to the kid. How's he doing?" Before he could answer she put her hand up. "Don't. That was rhetorical. It's bad. Doesn't take a genius to figure it out."

She pushed him aside, almost telling him that it was her turn now. She knocked on the door.

"Heya Junior, it's me, your big old Sister Mari. Do you think you can open the door for just me and not your pops? I just want to talk with you for a quick minute."

Junior was sitting behind the door with Pen-Pen in his arms. He has been in that position ever since he got back. He hadn't moved from the spot other than positioning himself for Pen-Pen to get more comfortable.

"Fine, I'll talk and you listen," Mari said when there wasn't a response. "Listen, your Brother Shin and I are going back out tonight. We probably won't be back for a while. So let me just say this, don't think badly of your mom. I can handle anything she throws at me because we… have a complicated relationship thanks to a certain someone over here."

Kaji opened his mouth to interject but Mari quickly gave him the finger, signaling him to stay quiet.

"But don't be mad at her because she's mad at me. Your mother wants nothing more than to be with you but with what's happening out there, if she doesn't take care of it, no one can. She's doing all of this for you. So don't hate her. Once this is all done, you and she can go out together. Your no-good father over here can make sure that happens."

There was a small sniff behind the door and a small mumble, "Thank you, Sister Mari."

"No, I should be thanking you, little man. What you did when your mother went off on me, it was brave of you. Just… think about what you're going to say to her next time for me, okay? And make sure it's something nice."

There was a muffled "...I will" from the other side.

"I'll see you later, kid," Mari said. She then turned towards Kaji. "Just be sure he eats his food, okay? And don't just feed him meat and watermelons."

"That was just one time-"

"When he was just nine months old!" She shook her head, wondering how Junior made it without her constant supervision. "Just follow Puppy's recommended diet."

"So you always tell me… have a safe trip. And give our regards to my dear Misato, will you?"

Mari shrugged. "I'm not sure if she'll like it if it's from me."

"I was talking to our 'Brother Shin'."

Shinji, who was hiding behind the walls outside, pulled his hoodie down.

She gave a small smile. "I'll be sure he does his job."

Asuka had chosen Hikari's spare middle school uniform. She could've chosen anything, but Asuka still chose the one that felt like she did in the old days. It was reminiscent of before all of this. And it felt fitting to the current situation, she was going back to becoming a Pilot like she trained to be.

Just like back then with NERV.

As she came to the meeting spot, she saw the two waiting by the gates, hidden well behind the shadows of the night. But Asuka couldn't miss that beaming smile of the woman who was waving at her.

"Princess!" Mari said, in a loud whisper. "I'm so glad you made it in time. I-er we were worried that you weren't coming."

"Save it, Auntie Four Eyes," Asuka said as she glared at Shinji who had his back to her. "You are the only one who wants me here."

"Not true-"

"Let's get going," Shinji said as he started to walk forward.

Mari gave a small pout. "Dummy, instead of being happy that Princess is finally coming, he's pissed off that he didn't get his way." She quickly shook her head and started pushing Asuka from behind. "But he's right, we should get going!"

Asuka shook her head at Mari's childishness. Even for being a grownup, she was acting like an immature teenager like she always did.

They walked in silence through the forest. The branches and the fallen tree leaves crackling on each step filled the air. Out of everyone, only one was getting tired of all this deafening silence.

"I have to warn you, Princess," Mari said, walking closer to Asuka. "WILLIE may be different than what you're used to."

"How different?" Asuka asked, turning her head.

"Hmmm, to put it simply, don't be dumb and stay in line. Don't do anything other than what you are ordered to do. Don't try to engage with anyone unless it is either from your fellow Pilots or your superiors. Just follow my lead and you should be fine."

"I'm not a child," she said, pushing Mari away. "I don't need you babysitting me, I'll be fine." "It can't be THAT different anyways."

"But-"

"Captain, if she wants to find out the hard way, let her be," Shinji said as he kept his attention forward.

"Oh come on, Puppy," Mari said, crossing her arms. "She should at least know what to expect. Do you want her to get in trouble?"

"I can handle myself," Asuka said.

Just before Mari could say more, Shinji announced, "We're here."

As the other two caught up, they saw Wunder. It was all repaired and ready for her next mission. There were members of WILLE coming out from different forest entrances and towards the VTOLs to get onto Wunder. Some looked hungover from yesterday while others looked energized from the well-needed rest.

"Come on," Shinji said, walking down the hill.

Asuka glared at him and said, "Don't tell me what to do."

Mari let out a sigh at their interaction. "This is going to go on for a while, isn't it?" she said to no one in particular as she followed the two.

As the group got closer to the VTOLs, Asuka noticed a familiar fake blonde taking a headcount with the tablet. Ritsuko turned her attention to the group, and took a quick count of the people in front of her.

"So," Ritsuko said, "Both Three Dash and Four Dash's reports were true."

"Four Dash and Three Dash… It's their designation. Am I going to get one too?" Asuka glared at her. "Is that an issue?"

Ritsuko shook her head. "I'll have to report to the Commander that I have confirmed your arrival. In the meantime, Four Dash, I have orders for you."

Mari expected as much. "So?"

"You are to be situated on a separate transportation and report to the Command Room," Ritsuko said as she typed something in her tablet. There was a small notification ring. "Shikinami, you are to take the same transport as Four Dash."

"Good," Asuka said. "Away from him."

Shinji kept his head turned away from the group. "Such a child," he mumbled, just loud enough for her to hear.

"What was that?"

Shinji didn't respond as a group of armed men made their way towards him.

"They're your escort until further notice," Ritsuko said, after whispering something over the radio.

"Understood," he said as he made his way to his VTOL with them.

Mari waved at him, "See you later, Puppy! Be sure to tell me if they do anything to you, you hear?"

One of the men flinched slightly at her.

"Dude," another whispered. "Just walk and don't touch him. That's all you need to do."

"Y-Yeah," he said, taking a big gulp.

Asuka looked at the group going away from her. This was a bit different than what she was expecting. Sure, the first time she saw the Idiot, there were armed guards. But seeing it like this just didn't sit right with her.

She rolled her eyes when a pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders.

"Don't worry," Mari said, rubbing her head next to Asuka's cheeks. "They won't dare to lay a hand on Puppy, if they know what's good for them."

There was a scoff. "And why would I care?"

Mari's smirk widened. "Because you're a very caring Princess."

"Quit it, Auntie. I don't have any more patience for him."

Ritsuko got off the radio and said, "Four Dash come with me."

Mari grabbed Asuka's wrist and smiled. "Let's go, Princess. Stay close to me and please don't say anything to piss people off."

"This isn't my first rodeo with the military. Stop worrying about me."

"Riiight. I remember reading about your achievements," Mari said. She patted Asuka's head, much to her dismay. "Good girl. You worked so hard!"

Asuka swatted her hand away in anger. "Get your hands off of me. I'm not a child."

Her smile widened, to the point Asuka almost compared her smile to a cat's. "To me, both you and Puppy are kids."

"Don't lump me with him," Asuka said, with a small scowl. She walked forward. "And don't think I've forgotten that you've kept this a secret from me too."

Mari rushed to catch up with her. "Aw come on, Princess! It wasn't all my idea to keep it from you!"

Asuka turned her head away from her.

She began to rub her hands together in a begging manner. "Please, Princess? Will you forgive me at least?"

No answer.

"Silence makes it worse, you know!"

Ritsuko released an audible sigh.

The way back was relatively smooth other than Mari's constant begging for Asuka's forgiveness. As annoying as she was, Asuka noticed that Mari was the only one talking on the ride there. There was an ere silence everywhere else.

Usually, Asuka wouldn't have minded the silence. But something was off. Everyone seemed tense. A few looked trigger-happy and kept glancing an eye towards the two.

She expected something more like back with NERV. Not trigger-happy maniacs.

Fortunately for her, the ride was short. She didn't have to sit next to the awkwardly pleading Mari for too long in a room full of people who looked like they wanted her dead.

"Come on, Princess," Mari begged. "Will you forgive me?"

"If I say, 'yes' will you please shut up?" Asuka said.

"Of course! Cross my heart for my favorite Princess!" Mari said, frantically nodding.

Asuka looked around to see that they were in the hanger area. Most people around either were their military uniform or this strange uniform reminiscent of a plugsuit. She noticed a few military uniforms glaring at them with their fingers touching the trigger.

Asuka didn't like this. Why are they looking at them like they were some monsters-... Right. "Their glances are because of a certain someone." Her eyes went towards Shinji who stumbled out of his VTOL.

"Move it!" a soldier yelled.

He was able to keep his footing from falling down. But he was shoved forward again by the same soldier.

"Hey!" Mari yelled as she rushed her way over. "I warned you about what would happen if you messed with Puppy!"

When she was about to throw a punch, Shinji managed to grab her wrist and hold her back.

The soldier quickly took a step back. "I-I-"

"Let me go, Puppy!" Mari demanded, with unusual anger in her eyes.

"Captain-" Shinji tried to stop her but someone beat him to it.

"ENOUGH!" Ritsuko's voice boomed in the hanger. Everything and everyone froze at her roar. Shinji released Mari while she fixed her hair.

Asuka had to give it to her. She did not expect her to have this commanding voice.

"You," Ritsuko said, pointing at the soldier. "You, get off this ship. If you can't keep your emotions in check, you don't belong here."

He pointed at Mari and said, "But she also-"

"Are you disobeying my orders, soldier?" Ritsuko said with a glare that made him and half the room shiver. "Perhaps I should allow our Captain here to deliver the disciplinary action?"

"I…" he hung his head low without another word. He was quickly escorted by others who came by immediately lest they feel the Captain's wrath, let alone the Commander's for not escorting the perpetrator off the ship.

Mari stuck out her tongue and she mocked him for getting his just deserts.

"And Four Dash," Ritsuko continued, causing Mari to go stiff as a reflex but couldn't hide her smirk. "As it appears that the volunteers cannot keep themselves in check, you are temporarily reassigned as Three Dash's observer as well until we can get proper replacements."

"Finally!" she exclaimed. "Ah, babysitting them again. Just like old times…" Her eyes went to both Puppy and Princess who stood next to each other with their heads turned away. "Though I wish I could say the same with the way the two are acting towards each other. "

"The rest of you, continue with your duties. The three of you, come with me to the command deck," Ritsuko said.

Asuka looked nonchalant, but she was speechless. Is this how every Pilot was treated? Or just him? Everyone around them looked tense at them. "I wasn't even here. I didn't do anything that destroyed the world. Why are you all looking at me like that?"

"Princess," Mari said, breaking Asuka's trance. She could see that Shinji stopped ahead of them but kept his back towards the two. "We gotta move."

Asuka grumbled as she walked forward, doing her best to ignore her surroundings. "Does everyone look at us like this all the time?"

"Hm?" Mari said, looking around. "Ah. You get used to it. This is one of the prices of becoming a Pilot."

"Guess I can thank this situation because of him," she grumbled, giving a death glare at Shinji's back.

"They're just scared, Princess. And besides, since when did you care about what everyone thought of you?"

"I don't." "It's just… different."

When Misato got the reports that Asuka was coming back, she was taken aback. Never in her lifetime would she have thought that Three Dash would've given her the option to come back. So, either he caved in or…

"She found out by herself," she mumbled. She even covered her mouth with her hand to mask her voice from everyone on the bridge.

"Ma'am," Sakura said, getting everyone's attention. "They're here." The distaste in her voice didn't go unnoticed by the Commander.

Misato didn't turn as she kept her body towards the front of the room. Her glance went towards Five Dash who was standing in the back corner of the room. It was hard to miss him since he was the only one wearing the middle school uniform. A black choker could be seen on his neck. He returned her glance with his usual smile.

Misato nodded and said, "Good. Send them in."

Sakura radioed in for the group, but there was an audible click of her tongue at the end of it.

Everyone in the room remained silent and attentive as they came in.

Sub Commander was the first to lead them into the dimly lit room with Shinji following closely behind her. Mari was lost in a one-sided conversation with Asuka.

"-So there's no shortage of food here all thanks to Village-3. If you ever get hungry for the munchies, just let me know and I'll get you what you. Oh, and don't mind the people around you. Like I said, just keep in line and you'll be fine. If anyone bullies you, just let your Auntie know, and I'll take care of it."

"Ahem," Sakura cleared her throat, stopping Mari.

She rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry about that," she said. "Someone had to make her feel welcomed."

"Everyone is accounted for, Commander," Ritsuko said, taking her position next to Misato above them. Mari briefly stuck her tongue out at the Sub Commander for ignoring her. Ritsuko tapped on her tablet to review all the reports. "We're ready for takeoff on your command."

Misato nodded and held out her hand. "All hands, get ready to launch!"

"Roger!' All the personnel at the helm yelled at the same time as they began their launch sequence.

Asuka looked up at Misato. She wasn't going to acknowledge her presence? Asuka knew Misato was colder from their previous interaction, but she would've expected Misato to at least give some sort of motion to take notice of her.

Mari jumped on Asuka's back. "Don't worry, I got you, Princess. The lift-offs aren't too bad if we aren't doing any emergency launches. Just don't lose your balance."

Asuka groaned at the unneeded weight. Her eyes wandered around the room as the final countdown started. Her eyes then landed on the white-haired boy at the corner of the room who was just staring back at her with a smile. And that red eye… "Why does he remind me of First?"

"Launch!" Misato yelled.

The sudden movement would've caused Asuka to lose her balance if it wasn't for Mari's support. Mari whispered in Asuka's ear, "I told you I got you, Princess."

Asuka immediately pushed Mari off of her.

Hikari, now in her doctor uniform, watched Wunder lift off into the sky from just outside her clinic. She pressed her hand on her chest. "Please be careful, Asuka," she mumbled.

"Who are you talking to?" Mayumi said as she almost skipped over.

She smiled as she knelt down and patted the little girl's head. "I was just saying goodbye to my friend."

Mayumi giggled. "Who?"

"Asuka, or I guess Mean Sister to you," Hikari said, remembering Asuka's complaint about her nickname.

"Aw she's gone?" she pouted.

"Don't be sad. Goodbyes are never really goodbye. It's more of seeing them later."

Mayumi's eyes were now filled with joy at the words. "Really?"

Hikari nodded with a smile.

The little girl then ran up a few steps and waved her hand at the leaving Wunder. "Goodbye, Mean Sister! See you later! I'll have more candy ready for you next time!"

Kaji knocked on Junior's door. He hasn't come out at all, even after Mari's visit. "Are you sure you don't want to see Wunder off? They're leaving right now."

There was no answer.

He sighed. He wasn't surprised. This was inevitable. Junior has been too good and compliant with requests. He never had a rebellious phase. He never had the chance to express his frustrations.

"I know you're mad, Junior. But sometimes, doing nothing is not the best thing to do. You'll just be running away."

Junior hugged the sleeping Pen-Pen harder, but just enough not to disturb the sleeping bird.

"Would you rather regret not doing anything at all, or would you rather regret having done something? I would rather regret doing something. That way I can at least tell myself that I've done what I could instead of nothing at all."

Junior turned his head to the door.

"Even a littlest of actions… the smallest of steps can go a long way. We all have something to do. Choices that are given to us that some don't have the luxury of. Some regret not making the choice that they were given. You don't have to answer me now, but think about-"

He couldn't finish as the door opened and Junior rushed out with Pen-Pen still in his arms and being rudely awakened by the sudden movement. After recovering, Kaji smiled and followed him out.

Once outside, Junior could see that Wunder was still visible at a distance. He took a deep breath and yelled, "Good luck out there Asuka! Brother Shin! Sister Mari!" He took another deep breath. "Mother, please come back safely!"

He gasped for air as he saw Wunder disappear into the clouds. Kaji walked out and stood by the doorway, patiently waiting for his son's next action.

"Dad," Junior said as he placed a slightly distraught Pen-Pen down. "I'm sorry… you're right. We have a choice. I have a job to do here. I need…" he looked at Pen-Pen who tilted his head. "I need to make sure the Village is perfect for when Mom gets back."

Kaji smile widened, proud of his son's decision and growth. "Okay. If that is what you want Junior, then I'd suggest going back out there and helping out the people as you have been. Show your mother that you're not a kid anymore."

"Okay, Dad. Thanks…" Junior said. He knelt and patted Pen-Pen. "Thanks for keeping me company, Pen-Pen."

"Wark!" the bird let out as he saw Junior run into the Village.

Then both Kaji and Pen-Pen locked eyes.

"Wark."

Kaji gave out a chuckle and rested his hand on his hip. "Okay, okay. You can come in for some food. I'll even give you extra to take it to your family. Consider it a token of thanks for being there for my son."

Mana, from her private VTOL back into Village-4, saw Wunder disappear into the clouds and let out a sigh. She placed her hand onto the window with longing. She read the reports that Asuka returned to Wunder to become a Pilot for WILLE. Asuka got the opportunity to go out in the field with Shinji instead of her.

"It should've been me, not her," Mana mumbled, her hands shaking with frustration and sadness.

It was always Asuka, and never about her.

Mana took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "One day you'll see. We're compatible. Afterall, my blood accepted yours."

She knew her words were empty. Especially with the picture she saw yesterday. She placed her hand on her chest.

"...it just isn't fair."

Once they were in the sky and nothing showing up on the radar, Misato ordered the crew, "All of you, out. I need the room."

Every person other than the Pilots and the leaders in the room got up. They all either gave a cold shoulder or a strange look towards the Pilots.

"What's with everyone in this ship and their looks?" Asuka thought to herself.

"Asuka Langley Shikinami," Ritsuko said once the door closed behind the last person. She tapped on her tablet. "Formerly Second Child and the Pilot to Unit 02. You are here seeking to join WILLE."

Asuka huffed as she leaned to her side and placed her hand on her hips. Not even a "welcome back" or "hello" from anyone she knew. Her eyes went to Misato who hadn't moved from her spot or turned to look at her. It was similar to when they first saw each other. The cold shoulder.

Did all that time back in her apartment mean nothing to her?

"I asked you a question."

"Well, this is the place where my Unit 02 is, isn't it?" Asuka said, almost as if this was the obvious and only answer.

"Why should we let you Pilot Unit 02 once more?" Ritsuko didn't look up from her tablet.

"Weren't you guys the ones who gave me a choice to come join you guys in the first place?"

"Yes, however, you have been absent for quite sometime after your retrieval. We were under the assumption that you wished to stay behind. Why the sudden change?"

Asuka looked at Shinji. "Why don't you ask your Three Dash?"

Shinji didn't bother responding, just kept looking forward with his nonchalant stare with hands in his pocket.

Then the person of her interest finally spoke. "Regardless, you have returned to WILLE." Misato finally turned her attention to Asuka with her arms crossed. The tone she spoke those words almost made Asuka think she was talking to a female version of the NERV Commander. "There are no more invading Angels to fight to start another Impact. All the immediate Angel threats have been neutralized."

"Where are you going with this?" Asuka asked.

"Your original mission is complete. You have no other reason to be Piloting an EVA," she said. She pressed the button to lower her post down like an elevator down to their level. As Misato took her steps towards Asuka, there was something that was sending shivers down Asuka's spine. Something about the way she walked and the aura she was giving off… This wasn't the Misato that Asuka knew.

But she wasn't going to back down.

"So?" Asuka said, stopping Misato in her tracks. "Do I need a reason to Pilot an EVA? I was trained to be a Pilot my whole life. Life back in that town isn't the life for me."

Shinji's hidden hand in his pocket flinched. Asuka glanced to see if he would give any reaction but when she didn't see any, she continued.

"Misato, I am the Pilot of Unit 02. You can't take that away from me."

Ritsuko stepped forward. "Need we remind you, that we had Unit 02 in our possession for the past few months. We can deny you the right and you wouldn't be able to do anything."

"Have you been using my Unit 02 while I was out?" Asuka asked rhetorically. "Because then the option for me to come back wouldn't have been on the table. Bottom line, you guys need me for Unit 02."

Ritsuko gave the best poker face she could. This girl had figured them out with little effort. While it was dangerous to use Unit 02 with her, there's an equal level of danger using Unit 01, which they have constantly been doing. She looked at Misato because, after all, it was her call.

Misato looked at Shinji who was not meeting her gaze and hid himself behind his hood. Then to Mari who just gave her a shrug with a smile on her face, much to Misato's annoyance. She then looked towards Sakura and gave her a nod.

Sakura took a deep breath and brought out a small device from her pocket. She made her way over to Asuka. Before Asuka had the chance to react, she felt something cold being placed around her neck.

"What the-" Asuka struggled to get the choker off her neck. "What is this?"

There was a small ticking noise that came from the device on her, informing everyone in the room that it was armed.

Sakura then handed over a switch to Ritsuko. "Here you go, Sub Commander," she said, almost with a small sympathetic tone.

Ritsuko gave her a small nod as she began to swipe through the options that showed on the holographic display from the switch.

The strange noises invading Asuka's ears made her struggle harder. "Get this thing off!"

Ritsuko stopped when bold words spelled "ACTIVE". The Sub Commander looked at Misato and handed her the switch. "It's functional. I've set it to your personal passcode where only you have access, Commander, just like with Four and Five Dash."

"Understood," Misato said. Once the device was in her hand, she confirmed its activation, causing the noise on Asuka's choker to cease.

"Take this thing off of me," Asuka said, still struggling. "What did you put on me?"

"This is the price of becoming a Pilot with WILLE," Sakura mumbled, barely audible to Asuka. "Thanks to that Monster."

"Him again?" She turned to Shinji and then to Mari.

"Well-" Mari started.

"Shikinami is to report for a health check with Sakura," Misato said, walking back to her spot The floor beneath her lifted her and Ritsuko, so they were hovering over the Pilots. "Then she'll undergo Sync ratio testing."

"Huh?" Mari said, stepping forward. "You want to have her tested already? Ain't that a bit too soon?"

Ritsuko said, "We want to clear all the important parameters first before we proceed with deploying her as Three Dash's replacement while having him in our reserves."

That announcement caused Shinji to look up at her.

"Huh? Wait, this is the first I've heard of it!" Mari exclaimed.

"This is the decision made by our Commander."

"Hold on," Shinji said, "Shouldn't we discuss this more before deciding to deploy a child like her?"

Asuka's eyes twitched.

"Discuss?" Misato said, "What is there to discuss, Three Dash? The primary reason for us to retrieve her in the first place was for her to rotate deployment with you."

Mari wanted to retort back, but she was already on thin ice with the Commander, especially with what happened yesterday. She bit her tongue. "That's rich. We all know that was just an excuse for official records."

Ritsuko looked at her tablet. "Shall we do it as we did it before?" she said. "We'll do a vote."

"Huh?" Asuka said, "You mean you're going to put my future on a vote? What about me?"

Sakura came over and pulled on her sleeves. "It's best if you step back for now."

"What?" Asuka forced her arm free. "This is my future here, I should get a say in it."

"This is Captain Illustrious' team. This is their way of doing things."

Misato motioned Kaworu to come over from his corner. He gave a nod and made his way over. He first looked at the furious Asuka then glanced over to Shinji.

Shinji had known Kaworu for a while, and this smile… It didn't sit right with him. Why did this one feel different than all the others?

"This should be an easy vote, right, Puppy? Snowball?" Mari said with a smile on her face.

Shinji gave a small nod while Kaworu looked back up at the two Commanding officers of WILLE.

Ritsuko looked at the Pilots below her. "Motion to have Shikinami join WILLE as Three Dash's primary replacement and have Three Dash on reserve."

Both Misato and Ritsuko raised their hands just up to her shoulder. Obviously both Shinji and Mari didn't raise their hands. Asuka wasn't surprised at that Idiot's decision. While she wasn't surprised at her decision, Asuka still gave a glare to Mari for gate-keeping Asuka, choosing him over her.

Kaworu raised his hand.

The two Pilots and Asuka immediately turned their heads towards him. "Kaworu?" Shinji asked with a flabbergasted look.

"What do you think you're doing, Snowball?" Mari asked. She grabbed his shoulders and shook him. "You said that you'll have Puppy's back!"

"He's Snowball?" Asuka thought to herself.

Misato looked at Shinji. "Are you unsatisfied with the results of the motion system you've created?"

"Commander," Shinji asked. "She's just a child, she's not ready for this."

"She's a Pilot. She was trained for this. And, this idea was not proposed by me," Misato said, turning her head to the person responsible.

"It was me, Shinji. I proposed this idea to her," Kaworu said with a strained smile on his face.

That answer only caused Mari to shake him harder. "You traitor!" Mari yelled.

"Why?" Shinji turned, eye showing a mixture of betrayal and anger.

"There is a promise I had made. I am sorry, Shinji. This was the only way."

Shinji tightened his hands and looked to the floor, unable to look at his friend any longer.

"No," Mari said as she stopped shaking him, "We're not done. You can't just say that and think we won't pry for more!"

"I am sorry, Captain. My hand is tied with the promise I had made."

"Enough," Misato said as she pressed the button, raising her position higher up. "This decision is final. Shikinami will now be given the designation Two Dash as her call sign. She is to undergo testing for her compatibility with Unit 02 after the Second Lieutenant confirms her health."

"Hold on," Asuka said, "That's it? That's all you're going to say?"

Misato took off her shades and glared down. "This is war, Two Dash. There is no time for pleasantries. WILLE's mission is to restore the Earth and defeat the enemy of humanity, NERV. All you have to do is follow my orders to complete our mission. If you can't do that, you can go back to Village-3."

Asuka couldn't get one more word in as the doors closed below Misato. Asuka gritted her teeth and clenched her hands tightly. She was hoping Misato would at least say something more than this. "Even you."

Sakura walked up to her and said, "If you would follow me, I need to have you evaluated."

Asuka looked at Auntie Four Eyes who appeared to be defeated for once, probably the first she'd ever seen her like that. Then the boy who allowed her to Pilot sooner than later just smiled at her. But it wasn't the usual smile she used. It felt a bit like an apologetic smile?

Whatever.

She didn't even bother looking at that Idiot before she turned to Sakura. "Fine."

Once the two left the room, silence fell between the three remaining Pilots. Mari was the first to break the silence. "So," she said, "What's this promise that you have made?"

Kaworu looked at Shinji as he responded, "It is, what you would call, personal reasons. I apologize."

Shinji gritted his teeth at Kaworu's response and walked towards the door, catching both Kaworu and Mari off guard.

"Wha- Hey Puppy," Mari called out. She gave a quick turn to Kaworu. "Don't think this is over, Snowball."

He placed his hand over his chest and gave a slight gentleman's bow. "I would not dream of it, Captain."

"Don't get cheeky with me," she said. She ran over to Shinji and asked him, "So where are you going?"

Shinji didn't answer. But Mari could see that he had a determined look in his one visible eye. Her usual smirk appeared. She placed her hands behind her head.

"You're going to go see the Commander?"

"Not now, Ms. Mari," Shinji said quietly, trying to focus on what he was going to do next.

Her smirk grew wider. Even though this wasn't the most favorable outcome, that childish side of him was seeping through. She almost couldn't stop herself from letting out a few giggles. "But the odds of the Commander allowing you to see her during her checkup or changing her decision is low, you know."

Shinji remained silent.

As the two left the room, Kaworu looked up towards where both the Commander and Sub-Commander had disappeared to. "I am sorry that you did not have a happy reunion with your son, Commander. As for Shikinami… I have done my part of the deal. The best that I can hope for is for the parent to keep her part."

"..."

He calmly blinked, as if he was hearing someone talk to him. His smile warmed. "Of course. If that is what you desire, I am happy to oblige."

Whenever Asuka saw the Wunder staff pass by her and her escort, she immediately noticed the fingers grazing the surface of the trigger. She did her best to ignore them, but it was hard to do when everyone with a gun was doing the same thing.

She was led into a locker room to change into the plugsuit that was given to her by Sakura. It was similar ot the red plugsuit that Asuka knew all too well. Felt the same too.

After changing, she followed Sakura into a test chamber of sorts. There was a bed with a cylindrical glass covering it with monitors all around. She was ordered to lay down on the bed. Asuka complied, trying to get this over with quickly. The glass closed over her and tools appeared next to her from beneath the bed as they scanned her with Sakura hovering over her.

Sakura took down some notes on her tablet and said, "You appear to be very healthy."

Asuka turned her head towards her and said, "No thanks to that Brat feeding me his crappy food."

Sakura looked up. "Brat?"

"Misato's kid. I'm sure you know about him."

"Ah," Sakura said, as she looked back into the charts. It didn't escape Asuka's gaze that mentioning him appeared to have some sort of effect on her. "I didn't know he cooked."

"It's not good."

There was a small giggle. "I wonder who he gets that from. His father is a wonderful cook, especially since he's able to feed the whole Village from time to time."

Asuka's eyes narrowed. "She doesn't know that it's not Kaji's food." "He gets his awful cooking from his mother."

Another giggle escaped Sakura's mouth. "It's a funny thought, the Commander's inability to cook when she can do almost anything. What type of food does he cook? I'm surprised he picked up cooking."

"Traditional Japanese food. Not like he's going to learn anything else other than what that Idiot teaches him."

Sakura's finger twitched. Her tone immediately darkened. "I see…" She shook her head and her usual tone returned. "By the way, is Big Brother doing well?"

"Jock? Shouldn't you, as his sister, know?" There was silence. "He apparently went out with Hikari for the festival."

Sakura let out a deep breath of relief. "He's good enough to go out again in the evening. That's good to hear. The new formula is working."

Asuka's hands went over her neck where the choker was. "What is-?"

They were interrupted by a door opening behind Sakura. It was the Sub Commander. "How is she?" Ritsuko asked.

"No Misato," Asuka thought to herself.

"She's healthy and ready for the synchronization examination," Sakura said, handing the tablet to Ritsuko. As the Sub Commander reviewed the data, Sakura also asked, "If it is okay with you, I would like to return to my research for the cure for my brother's sickness."

Ritsuko looked up and said, "You are dismissed. You may resume your research."

Sakura gave a quick bow and left the room.

Asuka turned to look at the older woman who appeared to be more interested in whatever was on her tablet. "So?" Asuka asked. "What now?"

"All we need you to do is stay still. We'll have the data soon enough," Ritsuko said, not bothering to look at her.

Great. More laying down and waiting.

"Denied," Misato said, crossing her arms as she leaned on her table with Shinji and Mari in front of her in her chambers. She denied the request for Shinji to witness Asuka's testing and checkup.

Mari said, "Can't you at least hear him out before-."

"You," Misato pointed at her. "No more words out of you."

"Okay," Mari said as she held her hands up. "Got it."

"Commander," Shinji said, taking a step forward. "Asuka is out of practice. She should be undergoing retraining before she sorties again. It's too soon."

"My decision is final, Three Dash. We can't have you interrupting Two Dash's inspection because of your selfish request nor can you change my decision to deploy her," Misato said. "End of discussion."

Mari patted Shinji's shoulder. "I told you she would say no," she said.

He glared at her before looking at Misato again. "Can you at least tell me why it's me? Why am I the one who's put on reserve?"

"And who else would it be, Three Dash?" Misato glared under her shades. "This was part of the deal we have originally made. If Two Dash decides to join WILLE, she is to take your position in the active roster. We can't risk both of you losing control."

Shinji took a step forward. "Yes, but…" He let out a defeated sigh, knowing it was useless to go any further. "I understand."

Misato whispered something on the radio before the door opened, revealing two guards. "These two were hand-picked by me to watch over you. Four Dash, as we discussed yesterday at the Festival, you are no longer Three Dash's guard."

Mari blinked. "You're still going through with this?"

There was no response.

Shinji looked at Mari. "What did you do, Captain?" He then looked at Misato. "You were at the Festival?"

Mari gave a small apologetic smile. "Something you'd be proud yet disappointed about. I'll talk to you about it later."

Misato stood back up and said, "Four Dash, you will maintain your Captain's title. However, the supervision of Three Dash will be handled by these two until further notice. Now, Three Dash, return to your quarters."

He looked at Misato then Mari. He gave a nod and turned to walk out of the door. Just before taking the last step out, he stopped. "Junior and Kaji send their regards, Misato," Shinji said.

Misato's fingers twitched when she heard those words. Mari looked at her and gave a small smirk. "Well, I guess this is as good of a time as ever to give these to you," Mari said, taking out a small pack of photos from her pocket. She left it on Misato's desk. "I'll go now. Don't worry. I won't babysit Puppy. I'll go around Wunder, and probably go see Snowball. I still have to give him a piece of my mind for his betrayal."

Without waiting for a response, Mari gave a quick wave and walked out of the room.

Once the door closed, Misato waited a few seconds before picking up the pictures. Each picture was a different shot of Junior and other people in Village-3. Both Kaji and Asuka were in some of them too.

"...You never cared about me! You only care about everyone else and punish the only person who actually cares about me. If this is the person who you truly are, then I want to have nothing to do with you!"

She slammed the photos on the desk when remembering her son's words. Misato's shoulder shook as she mumbled, "I do care, Junior. I do."

Ritsuko reviewed the data for what felt like the hundredth time. Everything checked out. There was no anomaly that was seen whenever Three Dash went through this test. Any signs that would show risks of piloting an EVA that were seen with Three Dash were not there with Two Dash. She eyed the camera showing Unit 02 during the test. There was no movement at all.

However, the fact that Two Dash still awakened Unit 02 and lost all her sense of self back with the Tenth Angel attack was still a cause of concern. Still… all the tests conflicted with that doubt. There was no way for her to awaken Unit 02 from the data shown.

At least not with the same means as Unit 01… Was this the best choice to deploy her? But this was the Commander's decision after all.

"Yes," Ritsuko said. The glass above Asuka lifted. "You are free to go."

"Finally," Asuka said as she got up. Her hand went over to the area where the choker was hiding behind the plugsuit. "By the way, what is this?"

Ritsuko looked over to see where Asuka's hand was. "A safety measure."

"For what, exactly?"

"To ensure there won't be another Impact."

What's with her being cryptic? "So, what? Is this supposed to knock us out with a shock?"

Ritsuko remained silent.

Asuka's eyes widened, immediately understanding what her silent glare was. "No- you mean." She immediately began to try to claw underneath her plugsuit to reach the choker. "This is a termination device?"

How could Misato do this to her? How could anyone- Sister Mari, even that Idiot, be okay with this?

Why didn't either of them tell her about this?

Ritsuko thanked whatever god was out there that this girl understood quickly. "If you wish to blame anyone for this method, blame Three Dash." "And yourself."

"Is this because he caused the Third Impact?"

"It's for our own safety," Ritsuko went back to reviewing the data, dodging the question. "Don't bother trying to take it off. It was designed specifically so that an outside person would have to be involved in removing the DSS choker."

Asuka glared. "Why would anyone be okay with this?"

"This is the price of becoming a Pilot with WILLE. Thanks to that monster," Suzahara's sister's voice echoed in her head.

"This is the condition to join us as a Pilot. If you do not wish to accept it, as per Commander's orders, you are free to leave Wunder and return to Village-3. We will supply you with the proper escort."

Asuka wasn't going to give up. She went for the door.

"Wait," Ritsuko said, but Asuka didn't stop. The Sub Commander wasn't dumb. She knew this girl was going to go see the Commander to complain. "Don't go outside until we get you an escort."

"I'll be fine on my own-" she froze when she opened the door. There was someone on the other side, waiting for her.

He bowed and said, "Hello, Shikinami. Hello, Sub Commander."

"Five Dash," Ritsuko said, surprised that he'd be the one waiting for her.

Asuka remembered him. He was the reason why she was able to Pilot. "He does remind me of First." Her eyes went to the choker on his neck. It matched what Auntie and Idiot were wearing when she went to Geek's shed. And that was on her neck now.

"Are you finished with her exam?" Kaworu said, "If so, I wish to show her around Wunder. There is a specific place I wish to take her."

Ritsuko looked at him. He was never the person to involve himself with anything that didn't involve Three Dash. What was going on?

"Very well," she said. Whatever. It wasn't her issue. As long as they performed their duties and did not cause any incidents, she didn't want to be involved. Out of everything else she had to do now that she was done examining Two Dash, this wasn't one of the things she had time for. She gave a quick wave.

"Thank you," he said. He held out his hand to Asuka. "Please, come with me."

Asuka looked at the hand and turned her head away as she walked past him. "I don't need any chaperones," she said. "I'm not interested in following you."

"Yes, I am sure you do not. But there is a place of great interest for you," he said, following her out.

She stopped and turned. "I don't even know you. So, leave me alone." Asuka resumed her march. Hoping that he'll leave. "I have to go see Misato."

"But I know of you. The great Second Child," he said, following her. "I have heard great things about you from Rei Ayanami." He carefully decided to leave Shinji out of this. He wants to win her over, and from the numerous years of human interaction he has obtained, even he knew the two weren't in the best of places at the moment.

That piqued her interest, causing her to stop once more. "You knew First?"

He held out his hand. "If you would come with me, I would like to have the time to talk to you as well as have the time to show you around this ship."

Asuka didn't answer.

"If you wish to talk with the Commander, I can arrange that for you as well. She is currently preoccupied and will be unavailable for quite some time. So, it may be best to spend the time getting accustomed to the ship beforehand."

She kept her eyes on his hand.

Kaworu continued, "I will also answer any questions you may have, to the best of my ability. Unless you have any plans until her next availability?"

There was a bit more hesitance to think this over. "I'll go with you, but take that hand away before I snap it."

"Message received."

Mari sighed as she walked alone down the relatively empty hallway. There were occasional WILLE personnel passing by her but they avoided her. Now that she was forcibly relieved of her duty to watch Puppy, she wasn't in the best of moods.

But most importantly, she was bored. And Snowball was nowhere to be found.

"If I knew this would happen, I would've grabbed a book from the room. This is such a drag- Oh?" Mari froze when she saw the two unlikely people walking together at the other end of the hallways. "What do we have here? Princess and Snowball together? He knows Puppy doesn't want him anywhere near her alone…"

Mari turned.

"I'm so going to regret this."

Shinji rolled over from his side of the bed, his back facing the door. With the guards standing outside, he was the only one in the wrapped his arms around himself and brought his legs close to his chest. He tightened his fingers on this jacket.

He hated this.

Misato and Kaworu… why did they both want her to pilot her EVA?

He looked at his hand.

He knew Misato meant well. She also wanted him to stop piloting lest his situation get worse. He lost his sense of touch. How long before his sense of taste and smell goes as well? How long before he becomes-

He shook his head.

But Kaworu… Shinji didn't get it. He was also behind the idea of keeping Asuka in the Village. So why did he have to change his mind now?

…

"Damn it," he mumbled, clenched his hand into a fist.

Why did Asuka have to come? Why couldn't she just stay away in the Village? Doesn't she know everything would've been better that way? Doesn't she know that everything would've been over and easy if she just stayed there?

Why couldn't Asuka just stay away and hate him?

A door was heard opening behind him. "Ma'am, like we just said, you can't just come in here-"

"Yeah, yeah," Mari said, as she came into the room, pushing the guards away. "Save me the protocol shenanigans. You all know that I barely care for those. Besides, I've got word from the Sub Commander, you two are to take a small break."

"But it's only been an hour-" one tried to argue.

"She's just being nice," Mari interrupted with a shrug. She then motioned around the room. "It can't be all that fun being stuck outside this room. Go stretch your legs for a bit. I'll be here, keeping my close eye on him."

The other looked unsure as he said, "Let me call her to make sure-"

"She's in a meeting right now with the Commander, and I'm sure that they won't be happy that you interrupted them for something minor such as this," Mari said.

His friend shoved his elbow at him. "Do you want the Sub Commander to let her decide our punishment? The others couldn't walk for a month after she was done with them."

Mari put her finger on her chin. "I also remember one lost sense of taste for a whole month. I also remember the other guy who couldn't use his arm, even to this day."

The guards looked at each other.

"And I got away with it. All. Of. Them," Mari said with a smirk.

"We'll be back in an hour, Captain," the guards saluted and quickly left.

She laughed after the door closed. "Man, these people are such scaredy cats. I mean that one guy couldn't walk after I forced him to run laps around Wunder throughout the entire night. The taste was after forcing them to eat a bunch of spicy foods."

Mari made her way over to Shinji's bed.

"And the guy's arm that I broke was because he dared to lay his hands on you."

"What do you want, Captain?" Shinji asked, not turning to face her.

Mari sat on his bed next to him. "How long are you going to sulk?"

There was no answer.

"Better get your act together, Puppy," her tone turned serious. "There's a reason I'm risking any sort of trust I have left with the Commander to be here. I saw our Princess with a certain someone who you don't want her to be near."

That got Shinji to turn to face her.

"Snowball's with her."

Asuka walked patiently next to him. He introduced himself as Kaworu Nagisa. He wasn't much of a conversationalist. He merely kept that weird smile as he led her to god knows where. Whenever she asked where he was taking him, all he said was, "It would be a surprise."

"I am curious, Shikinami," Kaworu said as he turned his head toward her. "How do you like Wunder?"

"Oh so, he CAN start a conversation." Asuka replied, "It's nothing special. I can do without all these weird looks. I'm not some walking timebomb."

"Ah yes, you do get used to that, as they say."

Her eyes landed on Kaworu's choker. "And you're okay with wearing that?"

He followed her eyes and placed his hand on his neck. "If it means sharing the burden with Shinji, then I do not mind."

There was a scoff. "Being okay with having a killing device on your neck for an idiot like him isn't normal."

"Then are you okay with wearing one?"

"What do you think? No. I didn't know it was going to be like this. That's what I wanted to talk to Misato about."

There was a slight frown. "Oh? I am surprised Shinji had not told you about this before giving the invitation out to you-"

"He didn't invite me," she said in a quiet audible voice. "I just happened to have overheard."

"I see. Do not blame him, Shikinami. Shinji means well for you."

There was another scoff from Asuka. "He doesn't care about me or what I want."

"I understand you are upset with him, but he did what was in your best interest," he said.

"I'm not some pet or a thing for him to keep in his cage. I'm not some child who needs her decisions to be made for her."

"I am sorry, that is not what I had meant. He wishes to-"

"Just stop talking about him."

There was a small nod from Kaworu. "I understand."

A silence fell between the two once again. Only the sounds of their footsteps and humming around them filled the hallway.

"When did you join WILLE?" Asuka asked. Since he tried to start a conversation, mind as well return the favor.

Kaworu turned, "I did not know you would be interested in me."

"Stupid. I'm just trying to start a conversation here."

"I suppose you can say that I joined sometime after the Eleventh Angel but before the Twelfth."

"And what about Snowball?"

He blinked in surprise. "You know about that nickname, I see. It was an unforeseen event which led to that."

Asuka looked away. "It's personal, huh? You could've just said that."

Kaworu decided to change the topic before she decided to push on that further. "Tell me, Shikinami, what do you know? About the formation of WILLE and events with NERV?"

There was silence from her, telling Kaworu all he needed.

"I see. You appear to not know much, however, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, within the best of my ability and reason."

She glared. "We'll see about that." "What happened after the Tenth Angel? What ever happened with the Tenth Angel after I was knocked out?"

"I see. You do not remember the Tenth Angel incident again."

"Again?" she tilted her head.

Kaworu shook his head. "I apologize. I was getting you confused with someone else. As to what happened after the Tenth." He stopped at a door. "I suppose this will be a good place to start."

He opened the door, revealing a room with a large wall of glass across the room. He walked in and motioned for her to follow with his hand held out to her. Asuka quickly went in, ignoring his hand.

"What even is this place?" Asuka said, walking towards the glass. When the glares of the glass disappeared, displaying the other side, she quickly ran up. "Is that Unit 00?"

The other side was Unit 00, or at least what was left of it. It was just its head and torso attached to large wires and cables connected to the wall. Glow red lights could be seen emanating on the cables, going from Unit 00 to the walls.

Kaworu walked next to her. "This is indeed Unit 00. After the Tenth Angel, there was a state of distress among the members within NERV. The UN also involved themselves, deeming the members of NERV traitors of humanity for starting a Near Third Impact during the battle with the Tenth Angel."
"That was started by the Idiot," Asuka said, keeping her eyes on Unit 00.

"During the trial to prove both Commander's and Sub Commander's innocence, the Eleventh Angel came. Unit 00 was deployed with Rei, however, she would not listen to anyone but the Commander's orders."

"You mean Misato?" Asuka asked, having to confirm.

He nodded. "NERV no longer had a hold on Unit 00 and her Pilot. Once the battle had concluded, Unit 00 had absorbed the Eleventh Angel, thus causing her to grow an S2 engine."

"I still don't get it. How did Unit 00 end up like this?"

"It was during the battle with the Twelfth Angel that had arrived months after WILLE was formed and Shinji was rescued. It was a two-front battle. One which initiated the Final Third Impact by Shinji to stop the Twelfth and NERV. To prevent the Third Impact from completion, Rei had sacrificed her body to stop Shinji, the epicenter of the Impact," Kaworu said. He carefully glossed over the details about Unit 02.

Asuka placed her hand on the glass.

"Unit 00, is currently acting as the core of Wunder. Without her, this ship would not be operational for long."

Her finger started to shake. "First, you're gone…" She was hoping it was all wrong. Some sort of cruel joke. But now… "Did she say anything before she died?"

Kaworu tilted his head slightly. "I am confused by what you mean by that."

"What do you mean you're 'confused'? It's a simple question. Or were you not there?"

"I was not there for the confrontation with the Twelfth Angel. The Captain and I were preoccupied with stopping the other NERV forces at the other front. It was Shinji, Suzahara, Rei, and the other TRIDENT members who were there at the fight with the Twelfth Angel and NERV's main force. However, I believe there is a common misconception which you believe to be true."

"Which is?"

"Her body may have been killed, but her soul is still very much alive. She is within Unit 00 and is listening to us as we speak." Asuka looked up towards the single red-eye orb of Unit 00.

"I killed her," Shinji's confession from that day rang in her mind.

"Her soul was absorbed by Unit 00 to preserve her from death. However, without a physical body, she is unable to separate herself from Unit 00."

"You mean to tell me she's been eavesdropping on us this entire time?" Asuka asked, turning to him.

"She watches over all of Wunder to ensure Shinji is safe. But now that you're here, she has asked me to bring you here. She wishes me to inform you that it is good to see you in good health."
"How do you even know what she's saying?"

In response, he kept a silent smile towards her.

Asuka clicked her tongue. "Keeping that part a secret too. Fine." She looked up at Unit 00 once more. "Wish I could say the same to you, First. You couldn't even die properly and now you're stuck inside a metal wall."

There was silence. No response.

She almost let out a laugh. What was she thinking? There was no way she could talk to someone who was stuck inside an EVA without knowing the secret that this guy knew.

But there was one thing still unanswered. "There's still one thing that I don't get."

"And I will answer to the best of my abilities and reason."

"According to Jock's sister- Suzahara, I was asleep for fourteen years inside my Unit 02 in space. How the hell did I even get up there?"

Kaworu froze at that question. His usual smile disappeared.

"What?" Asuka dropped her hand as she turned to face him.

"Shikinami. I am not sure how to answer that question. It is-... I am sorry."

"Just spit it out. You're the only one who's been telling me everything that happened. The Jock doesn't want to talk too much about it other than his time with TRIDENT. Hikari just goes on and on about how much she hates the Idiot. Auntie Four Eyes doesn't talk about the past and jokes around unless I strong arm her, which is getting really tiresome. And that Idiot… he doesn't want to talk to me."

"Shinji cares for you, more than you know."

"I doubt it… Now out with it. Why was I in space?"

Kaworu looked up at Unit 00 and then back at Asuka. "I-"

The door hissed opened, interrupting him. The two turned to see Shinji on the other side of the door. His eyes darkened when he saw the two of them and marched forward.

"Shinji…"

"Idiot, what are you doing here?"

He didn't respond. He grabbed Asuka's wrist and began dragging her out without another word except a glare at Kaworu. Kaworu gave an apologetic bow.

"Wha-" Asuka tried to break free but his grip was strong. Really strong. "Let me go. Hey! I'm talking to you!"

Shinji still didn't respond. He continued to drag her out of the room.

Once Kaworu was alone in the room, he looked up at Unit 00. "I appreciate your sympathy, but remember, I did help design the machinery that launched Unit 02 into space," he said.
"..."

"Yes, that is why I helped solve the navigation patch to the coffin. But that still does not excuse my actions. At the time, I believed it would be best for Shinji if Shikinami was not around."

After a brief moment, Mari's head popped out at the doorway. "Is it safe to come in?" she asked. She walked towards Kaworu. "I didn't want to get in the middle of your time with Blue." She gave a small salute while looking at Unit 00 behind the glass and gave a small wink. "Heya Blue!"

"No, it is just me and Rei," Kaworu responded.

"Why is it only you who can talk with souls stuck inside EVA's? Normally, one would have to be inside the EVA to even have a chance to talk with the soul."

"I suppose you can call it my talent."

"I see you're still going with that." Mari fixed her glasses. "He still won't let it slip. At least you're consistent." She looked up towards Unit 00. "So, you brought Princess here so that Blue would have a chance to properly see her."

"Yes."

"Even though you know Puppy is not happy with you and Princess being in the same room." Mari laughed. "I was worried for nothing." "You're more human than you realize, Snowball. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise."
He smiled. "Thank you, Captain."

"Now, since I have some time before I go after Puppy and Princess… About your betrayal." A dark smirk appeared on Mari's face.

Kaworu silently resigned himself to his fate.

"Let me go!" Asuka said, still being dragged down the hallway. But he refused to listen nor stop. He didn't show any signs of stopping.

Why was he so aggressive? He was never like this back before all of this. He never had the balls to do something like this in the past. Why was he upset that she was with that boy? He didn't care for her now, so why was he doing this?

Damn it, why can't he just talk to her normally?

"I said, LET ME GO!" Asuka yelled as she used her other hand to break free.

Shinji stopped a few steps ahead but didn't turn to face her.

"What is with you?" Asuka asked, rubbing her wrist. "First, you act all cold to me when I first wake up here on this ship. Then you start giving me weird signals on the way to and at that boring town. You said you didn't want to talk to me, then you pulled shit like this. Damn it, what do you want from me?"

"Do you even care about our times together fourteen years ago? Do you care about what I want? Do you even care about me? Why can't you talk to me like back then?" Asuka thought to herself as she clenched her hands.

He still didn't turn.

Asuka could feel a small bruise forming around the area where his hand had gripped her. She looked at him from head to ground. Despite him acting differently, he still looked like he did fourteen years ago. If only he could act an ounce of what he was like back fourteen years ago.

"Fourteen years…" Asuka asked in a low voice, "At least answer me this. Do you remember what you promised me with that lunchbox fourteen years ago? The day after we-... Do you even remember that day?"

"That's what you want?" Shinji let out a sigh. He stood up straight and hid his hands inside his pocket. After what felt like an eternity, he finally turned to her. But then there was this glare of his again. His eyes first landed on her caressing her wrist then back at her alluring eyes.

"How do you expect me to remember something from so long ago?" He said, "I was a child back then, Asuka. You may still be one but I'm not one anymore. I've long since forgotten almost everything that happened back at Misato's apartment, let alone some kiss or letter I wrote on a whim."

Asuka's eyes widened at first at those words. Her chest felt like it was beginning to clench. But she held strong as the painful emotions she was feeling all turned into anger. Everything meant so little to him that they were all forgettable memories for him. After everything she went through because of him… and he didn't even care. It all meant so little to him.

"Fine! If I mean so little to you, then don't ever show your pathetic, idiotic face in front of me again. Don't talk to me. Don't touch me. Don't even look in my general direction. Just leave me alone." Asuka ran past him. She didn't care where. She didn't care about getting lost. She just had to get away.

Away from him.

Shinji tightened his jaw, forcing himself not to stop her. The water in his eye danced as a faint blue light could be seen glowing behind his eyepatch. He walked the other way.

There was no going back. Especially since he's-...

Sakura sighed as she made her way down the hallway with clothes in hand. Just as she was about to make headway again in her research, she was ordered by the Commander to return these clothes to its owner. But why? She should be okay with being in her plugsuit like anyone else.

Why can't everything be simple around here?

"Nothing is ever that simple, especially when he's here," she mumbled.

Then the owner appeared, running down the hallway towards her. Why did she look upset? And why was she alone?

"Ah, Asuka-" Sakura said, holding out her hand with a small wave. But when Asuka passed her, she quickly grabbed her wrist.

"What?" Asuka said, glaring at her with a small wince from the pain at the area where Sakura had grabbed her.

"Ah I'm sorry," Sakura said, noticing her in pain. She quickly released her. "What happened? Do you need to be treated?"

"I'm fine," Asuka said as she caressed her wrist.

"Where's your escort? I was informed that Five Dash was supposed to be with you."

"He's around."

Sakura tried to give a small smile. "You'll need one since you're still unfamiliar with the ship's layout. I'll stay with you until we can reconvene with your escort."

"It's fine. I'm not some child who needs a babysitter," Asuka said, turning away with her arms crossed.

"This is to ensure your safety-"

"I don't need your pity."

Sakura sighed, her patience waning thin. "Would you like to at least change into your clothes? The Commander ordered me to give these to you, just in case."

"Misato?" Asuka looked at the clothes she wore when she came onto the ship. She then looked at her red plugsuit. "Fine... Not because I want to. I just need to be on something that doesn't remind me of him."

Sakura gave a small smile as she handed over the clothes to Asuka. But a small object fell to the ground. Asuka's eyes landed on the SDAT on the floor. When did this get here? Didn't she throw it aside at Hikari's place?

Ah…

Hikari must've snuck the SDAT into the pocket when she wasn't looking. "...You're sneakier than you look, Hikari," Asuka thought to herself as she picked up the SDAT.

"Oh," Sakura said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know that was in there. Is that important?"

Asuka paused as she looked at the music player. She placed her other hand over the surface, remembering back at Misato's apartment. And that dream for fourteen years…

She shook her head.

"No, it's not," Asuka said. She held out the SDAT to Sakura. "You can throw this away-"

"ALL PERSONALE TO YOUR STATIONS. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. NERV FORCES INCOMING!"

The loud announcement had boomed throughout the halls of Wunder, forcing everyone to stop what they were doing.

Sakura looked at Asuka. "I'll escort you to the hangers."

Asuka nodded, instinctively locking the SDAT on her hip. "Finally. Back out in the field. Some sort of normalcy."

Asuka felt the familiar sensation of LCL filling her lungs within the fully repaired Unit 02. But something was strange. This strange yet familiar warm feeling. It's been a while since she's been inside Unit 02, but it wasn't that familiar feeling.

It was different. It felt like-

"How are you feeling, Princess?" Mari asked as her face appeared on the monitor.

"Better until I saw your face," she replied.

"Princess-"

"You tried to vote me out."

"I know you're a big girl, but I wanted to make sure you ease into it."

"Shut it."

"Captain, Shikinami," Kaworu's face appeared on the screen. There was a patch on his face. "As much as I hate to cut into your conversation, I believe we have a mission to do."

"What happened to you?" Asuka asked.

Mari answered for him, "His just desserts."

Asuka looked to her left and right to see a pink and silver-colored EVA both stationed and ready. "What was that one, the only one with specialized drills on its arms?" Asuka thought to herself. The familiar Unit 01 was deactivated on the corner, its head held low. "Good. He's not coming. Misato's at least true to her word."

"Princess," Mari said, "We've managed to repair Unit 02 with its spare parts we managed to salvage a while back. Any issues?"

There was no answer.

"I'll take that as a 'no'." Mari then turned on her separate monitor to see Puppy sitting on his bed with a radio in his hand. She placed her hand over the radio on her hip. A small static was heard from it. "Don't worry Puppy, I'll take care of her."

Misato's voice cut through everyone's comm. "Unit 02, Unit 04, and Unit 08, prepare to launch. The enemies appear to be a swarm of the standard SELEE Mark.44A drones. Your mission is to eliminate them while protecting Wunder."

Mari stretched and said, "Well at least this should be easy and a good introduction for the Princess to get back into her groove."

Kaworu placed his hand over his mouth. He was feeling uneasy about this move made by the King of Lilin. This was not a premonition he liked.

Asuka gripped her hands on the controls. Ready to release hell. Whether it be drones, Angels, they'll all meet the same fate.

"EVA launch!" Misato yelled.

The three EVA's were brought up to the surface with long-range weapons appearing next to each of them in a container. "Spread out," Mari said, taking the helm with her weapon. "Snowball, you take the west wing. Princess, take the east."

"Roger," Kaworu said as Unit 04 took a long range rifle and quickly made his way over to the main west wing.

"Don't tell me what to do," Asuka said as Unit 02 grabbed hers and quickly made her way over to her position using quick acrobatic moves.

The three units aimed the swarm in front of them.

Asuka zoomed in and saw the two angelic masked drones coming towards them. There must've been hundreds of them. Whatever, she needed some stress reliever anyway. This would be a good warm-up.

Shinji sat on the side of his bed, holding the radio tightly in his hands. The radio was the only source of communication from him to Mari and Misato. The only way for him to know what was happening outside. He was unable to do anything.

He hated this.

From a dark room lit by only the giant monitor in the front, Fuyutsuki let out a sigh of relief when he saw the monitor in front of him displaying three EVA's on top of Wunder. The monitor zoomed in on Unit 02. He wore his visor and gauntlets that were connected to a large computer that was behind him. He uttered only one word as a figure that was by the door ran out.

"Finally."

At Wunder, Misato had her arms crossed as the rest of the members of the deck were waiting for her orders to open fire. But something didn't sit right with her. Why would NERV waste another set of their weapons like this? They were usually more strategic with their resources instead of throwing them at them at random like this.

There had to be more with this.

"Commander?" Ristuko asked.

"Open fire once they're within range. By your signal, Captain," Misato ordered.

They'll just have to deal with the consequences later.

Mari licked her lips. "Happily, nyah," she almost sang out. Once the rectal turned red, she fired the first shot.

To Mari, these flying machines-Angel hybrids were just drones. They've always been. They had no rhyme nor reason nor any instinct. They moved and followed orders as they were programmed in. They were only capable of moving in a general given direction. It was not in their programming to be erratic. They were just mindless robots sent out to do their owner's bidding without concern for their safety.

But they did something she thought they'd never do. Not in a million years.

They dodged.

"You WHAT?!" Mari exclaimed, leaning forward over her seat.

Both Unit 02 and Unit 04 quickly fired as well, but their targeted drones also dodged the incoming fire. It was as if these Mark.44A's suddenly decided to grow an instinct to dodge all oncoming attacks. But not only that, unlike before, they seem to be moving almost too organized.

Like they were being controlled by someone.

"FIRE!" Misato was heard giving the command through the com. Wunder fired their barrage but the drones dodged the attack as well. Some went down but most were still maneuvering a little too well around the attacks.

"What happened to this being easy, Four Eyes?" Asuka practically yelled as her shots were missing more than landing their mark.

"This doesn't make any sense," Mari said. "They are mindless robots, they shouldn't be able to move like this…" She then remembered Mimic's report about how the enemy was able to surgically remove the nuclear core from the Jet Alones. And the organized attack on Village-4… She ignored it because it conflicted with Puppy's reports after he arrived.

Mari's eyes narrowed, as the dots started to connect. "They were planning this. But why wait now? What's so different about now than before…?!"

Her eyes darted towards Unit 02.

"Two Dash, fall back," Misato said over the comm. before Mari had the chance to.

"Good, you figured it out too." Mari quickly added, "Princess, she's right, you need to fall back!"

"What? Why?" Asuka asked, taking another shot. She was finally out here, and they were ordering her- just her, to retreat?

"They're not here to fight us, they're after- Shit!" Mari couldn't finish as she had to put up her AT-FIELD to block the drones from pushing her off. They've managed to get this close already. "That was a cheap shot."

Kaworu jumped back to dodge one of the drones and engaged Unit 04's close combat drill arms to destroy it. "It would be wise to listen to her, Shikinami. We need a new strategy."

Asuka turned the rifle around to grab onto the barrel and smashed away the enemy by using the rifle as a bat. "No, I refuse to be sidelined again-SHIT!" She was pushed off by one of the drones that managed to sneak up on her.

Unit 02 quickly activated her AT-FIELD to block the attack. But the force was still enough to push her off the ship with a small group still coming after her.

"Princess!" Mari called out but both Unit 04 and 08 soon got surrounded by another group, preventing them from acting.

Unit 02 was being plunged into the red ocean by a swarm in front of it. Luckily Asuka deployed the AT-FIELD to separate the leader from herself. Asuka gritted her teeth as Unit 02 took out the Progressive Knife. "Oh no you don't!"

She dropped the AT-FIELD and quickly stabbed the leading drone with the knife, allowing Unit 02 to get on top of it. She then tried to maneuver the Mark.44A away from the ocean but another drone knocked its body to her. It forced Unit 02 off and a clear shot to the ocean.

Asuka activated Unit 02's AT-FIELD to soften the impact onto the red waters.

When she resurfaced, the drones that were after her had all left her and began surrounding Wunder.

"Huh?"

"Status report!" Misato yelled, holding onto the rail as the ship shook from an impact.

Ritusko looked over the monitor displaying a sonar map of the area. "They've all disengaged from Unit 02 and are regrouping to this location."

Misato slammed her fist onto the railing, having figured out what this meant. "They've played us for fools. We were led to believe they didn't need another Pilot who could awaken an EVA since they were never after Three Dash whenever he was out on the field. They were after Two Dash from the start."

"But why wait until now? They could've attacked Village-3 to retrieve her, or launched a larger assault to retrieve the Coffin from space."

"We'll worry about that later," Misato said. She grabbed the radio from her pocket. "Two Dash, retreat! Rendezvous at this location."

"Commander!" One of the officers called out. "We've got incoming."

Misato walked over to the map in front of Ritsuko. "What is it? It's moving too fast to be one of the drones."

Ritsuko's eyes widened. "This signal, it's-"

Asuka looked at the point to retreat to on her map. She looked back up at Wunder. "But what about you guys-! Gah!"

She couldn't finish as an object landed in front of her, causing the ocean water to erupt. In response, Unit 02 grasped the Progressive Knife tighter, ready to engage.

"I don't know who or what you are, but you're not going to stop me," she said.

"Asuka!" a familiar voice called out from the splash zone.

Her grip weakened. "It can't be- But he's-"

Once the water cleared, it revealed a purple EVA that had a resemblance to the particular EVA she all knew too well. But its head was slightly different, mainly with the yellow slit eyes and its height… It towered over her. Whatever flew it here was dismantled and sunk into the ocean water.

"Who…?"

Mari gritted her teeth as she managed to take one more down, but it just appeared endless to her. "This is getting us nowhere. They were trying to isolate Unit 02 from us. Did she retreat yet?"

She looked over to the edge of Wunder and saw something she never thought she'd see. She had to zoom in to confirm her suspicions. It was impossible, but it was clear as day.

"Hold on, is that a completed Unit 13?!" she exclaimed, leaning over her seat. "But I thought Puppy destroyed it in the battle with the Twelfth!"

Kaworu frowned and said in a quiet voice, "No, it is still incomplete... Commander, I need another weapon that is not anti-AT-Field purposed."

He had to fix this.

Shinji jumped out of his bed the moment Mari mentioned Unit 13. He banged on the locked door. "Open this door, Commander! I need to get out there!"

The guards stationed outside heeded no mind to the constant banging on the door. The lock, when activated, could never be unlocked without the Commander's orders.

"No," Misato's voice replied over the radio. "We cannot risk you losing control again."

"But if I don't do anything, we're going to lose her!"

"I will not repeat myself, Three Dash. You are to remain on standby. We'll handle securing her." She turned the radio off, ending this discussion.

Shinji gritted his teeth and hit the door once more. Misato was not listening. He had to be out there, not in here. "Rei, please," he mumbled. "Help me."

"..."

His eyes widened and the left eye glowed blue as he felt a familiar presence behind him. Then the door quickly opened, surprising the guards outside. Taking the small opening that was given, he dashed out and sprinted down the hallway. The presence he felt in the room disappeared.

"Thanks, Rei."

"HEY!" one of the guards yelled. He then reported over the radio, "Commander, Three Dash has escaped."

"Ms. Mari! Kaworu!" Shinji yelled, tightly holding the radio to his ear. His legs were getting faster with each step down the hallway. "Don't lose her!"

He can't lose her. Not again.

"Two Dash," Misato's voice called over the comm., only to slowly become masked by static. "Do not engage… retreat to… I repeat… -not engage-... Retreat-..."

The connection was cut off. Something must've been jamming them. But Asuka didn't care. Her guard went back up against the strange EVA unit before her. She was not going to disengage on her first deployment after so long. Also, her curiosity got the better of her. This Unit looked oddly similar to Unit 01, yet different. And that voice.

"Who are you?" Asuka asked.

"Asuka," the voice said once more. Unit 13 read out its hand to Unit 02. "It's me. I've come to get you. I'm sorry it took so long. Don't you recognize my voice?"

This voice. It was familiar but- "I'm not going to ask again," she said as Unit 02's grip tightened. "Who are you?"

The monitor request appeared. It had the same code insignia as NERV. She was hesitant. What if this was a trick? Is this another game made by these people?

She shook her head. No, whatever this was, she had to know for certain. She accepted and it revealed a familiar face. Her eyes widened. "Idiot Shinji?"

There was a smile. That dumb idiotic smile. Then he let out a sigh of relief. "Yeah, it's me, Shinji. You remember me. Thank goodness."

He was the same idiot alright. But he didn't have an eyepatch and wore a strange dark plugsuit. This didn't make any sense. "Why are you here?" she asked. "I thought you were supposed to be on the ship. And where's your eye patch?"

He shook his head. "He's... That's not me. He's a fake, a mistake. Asuka, come with me. It's not safe with them."

"What do you mean 'fake'? You mean to tell me that there are two of you?" Asuka asked.

"It's a long story. Sorry, I'll explain later. We need to get out before he arrives," Shinji said. "You're not safe with them. They're dangerous. I wish I could tell you everything right now. There's so much I want to talk to you about. But there's just not much time. Please Asuka, I don't want to lose you again."

"You better make time then! What do you mean 'dangerous'?"

Shinji took a second. "Come on, don't run away, Shinji." His hand clenched and unclenched. "WILLE wants to rebuild the world. But they don't care about who they hurt. Asuka, they all want to hurt you. They don't care about what you want. All they want is what they can get out of you. I'm sorry, Asuka, but to them, you're just a weapon. But NERV...We-... " He clenched his hand into a fist. "I want to undo it. Bring it all back to where it all once was. But WILLE doesn't want to go back, they want to rebuild it their way."

Asuka took a moment to recount everything. The trigger-happy people from Wunder looked like they'd be happier if she was dead. The move by Misato to put a death collar on her and cold words. Auntie Four-Eye's favoritism towards Idiot Shinji, even if it meant taking away Asuka's best interests and wants.

This all meant one thing to her. They would all turn on her if the situation called for it.

And that Idiot Shinji is a fake? Though, that would explain why he was acting the way he did. No memories of her. The cold and confusing attitude. A fake can only copy so much. He was tricking her from the start.

Her blood began to boil.

"Also... I can't let you be around the guy who sent you away for fourteen years," Shinji said, his tone turning dark.

"Who?" she asked, but sounded more like a demand.

"He's… I'm not sure if you met him. His name is Kaworu. He used to be with NERV before he went over to the other side with him."

Asuka's eyes widened. That strange boy? The only guy who was answering her question, the one who was taking the time to explain what happened… He was responsible for sending her away into space?

But how can she trust this Shinji? For all she knows he's the impostor…

"Please, Asuka," Shinji begged once more.

Asuka took a quick moment to carefully decide her next question. "Answer me this. Do you remember what you promised me all those years ago? Back at Misato's apartment?"

Shinji blinked. "You actually read- Yes, Asuka. I remember. In the letter, I promised you that we'd talk if you wanted to."

She took a sharp breath.

He let out a nervous chuckle and rubbed the back of his head. And there it was. That dumb smile on his face that Asuka knew and, dare she say, missed. "I didn't think you'd actually read that," he said. "I thought you'd be too angry at me after that uh… kiss to read anything I wrote, let alone talk about it. You have no idea how happy this makes me."

Kaworu retracted the melee drills from his arms and grabbed a lance that shot out next to him. He quickly jumped down on the side and grabbed onto a bar on Wunder's under side, one hand on the bar and the other on the lance. He quickly drew the lance back, ready to fire at the small opening.

Its target, Unit 13.

"I am sorry, but for the future of my Shinji, you cannot take her," Kaworu said.

"Hey, hey!" Mari yelled over the comm. She appeared on the screen next to him. She managed to kick a drone away. "What do you think you're doing? I need you up here!"

"I apologize, Captain. But I have a duty to prevent this from falling apart." Unit 04 tightened its grip and tensed all its muscles.

Mari looked at the trajectory. "Hold on! Princess is in the line of fire! She might get hurt!"

"That's a chance I'm willing to take to ensure Shinji's future," Kaworu said. His eyes narrowed and Unit 04's eyes glowed. He threw the lance with force and speed that broke the sound barrier.

Asuka's eyes went up as she saw the warning signs appear. She saw the weapon coming towards Unit 13. It was coming towards Shinji. She quickly moved Unit 02 to the fastest she'd ever done.

She was not going to lose him again.

Unit 02 managed to get in front of Unit 13 and catch the lance with her arms just in time. She had to tilt its head in order to dodge the lance from piercing it, only leaving a graze.

"Asuka… Thank you," Shinji said with a sigh of relief. "I would've been a goner without you. I didn't know you could move that fast. You're amazing."

"Shut up, Idiot. You need to be more aware of your surroundings."

He laughed. "You have no idea how much I wanted to hear you calling me an Idiot again."

"Who would like to hear that? You're such an Idiot," Asuka said with a small smirk.

Unit 02 held up the lance towards Wunder. The monitors focused on the hanging Unit 04. "If you touch him/her, I'll kill you," she said with a growl. She could've sworn that another voice echoed with her. But she didn't pay much mind to it. Unit 02 turned to face Unit 13. "Do you really want to back to the way things were before?"

He nodded. "Yes, of course... Wait, does this mean-"

"God you're dense," Asuka said. But she couldn't help but be happy about it. She never thought she'd welcome a familiar stupidity. Unit 02 held out its hand. "Yes, I'll go with you."

Shinji's eyes beamed. "Okay! You won't regret this Asuka." He quickly grabbed her hand.

Asuka couldn't help but notice how gentle his grip was unlike the one from the ship.

Shinji turned to the skies. "Rei!"

She blinked. "First?"

Misato gritted her teeth as she saw Unit 02 take Unit 13's hand from the monitor. "She's taking their side."

Ritsuko said, "Commander, we've got another signal. It's coming in too fast for the radar to get a proper reading on it." She walked over and quietly whispered. "Misato, you need to activate the DSS choker. We can't lose her to them."

Misato knew that. She knew that all too well. Her hand was already on the switch, ready to activate the termination device.

Within Wunder, Shinji ran faster down the hall. This can't be happening. He knew this was a bad idea. They shouldn't have let her Pilot again. And now he was going to lose her.

Damn it.

Not like this. Not again.

"Stop them!"

Asuka looked up to see a cloud of smoke coming towards them. When she zoomed in, it revealed a familiar single-eyed EVA except it appeared to have a strange white rocket attached to its shoulders.

"Unit 00?" Asuka asked. But she just saw it back at Wunder.

"Um, not exactly. I'll tell you everything when we get back," Shinji said. Unit 13 tightened its grip on Unit 02. "Hang on tight, Asuka."

"Just don't let go, Idiot." Unit 02's hands tightened back. "Because I won't. Not this time."

Unit 08 got to the edge of Wunder and saw an opening through the surrounding swarm to fire at the new EVA. "Oh no you don't!" Mari yelled. The EVA lost its head but still managed to move towards its destination. She gritted her teeth. "A vessel of Adams?"

Mark.09 came down and grabbed Unit 13's hand. "I have your hand, Shinji," a familiar voice called over the comm.

"Thanks, Rei," Shinji said with a smile.

Unit 08 kept firing at the flying EVA that soon disappeared into the sky. "At least say hi if you're going to steal our Princess!" Mari yelled.

"Misato," Ritsuko said, trying to keep a small voice to prevent the frantic staff around them from hearing her. "You need to activate the choker now. If we lose this chance, they'll have not just Unit 02, but Two Dash at their disposal."

Misato's finger was on the trigger ready to press the-

A picture of Junior and Asuka eating together appeared in her mind.

"...You never cared about me!" Her fingers started to tremble at Junior's words. "You only care about everyone else and punish the only person who actually cares about me."

She gritted her teeth, unable to pull the trigger to take away Junior's friend… and her former ward.

The happy moment back at her old apartment also appeared in her mind. Both Shinji and Asuka's quarrels, the bickering… all the fond memories came flooding back at once. She thought she long since locked them away

The signal was getting weaker and weaker until the signal was finally lost. Misato quickly placed the switch in her pocket.

Ritsuko looked away, disappointed. But she understood. Despite the cold exterior, Misato was still soft for those kids.

Misato took a deep breath to regain her composure. "Deploy Unit 01 to defend Wunder," she said.

"Roger!"

She gritted her teeth. "Asuka…"

At Wunder, Shinji managed to get to the surface by opening a small hatch, not caring about the dangers around him. He saw the trail of clouds and the small glowing light in the distance.

"Damn it, Asuka… why are you such a child? Wanting to go back to the way things were." His eye narrowed and the blue light glowed behind his eyepatch. "There's no going back."

After putting the drones back on autopilot, Fuyutsuki took off his helmet and let it drop to the ground with his gloves. He then reached for his cane.

"The operation is a success," Gendo said, who was watching the whole event from the entrance of the room.

"I'm surprised you proposed to send Unit 13 out this early even though it's still incomplete," Fuyutsuki said, turning to his former student. "You're taking too much risk, Gendo. Showing them our cards early in the game."

"Let them know. We have the Second Child and Unit 02. That is all that matters. No matter how much they know, they cannot stop what is to come."

"Will it be any different this time?" Fuyutsuki walked closer to Gendo and stopped next to him at the edge of the doorway.

"Only time will tell."

Fuyutsuki sighed. "So it'll all come down to a coin flip."

A/N: Thank you all for those who made it this far. I was traveling a lot for both work and vacation, so I didn't have much time to work on this. And as I wrote it here and there, before I knew it, the first draft got longer than the current chapter. I cut down a good chunk and still came out this long. Anyway, thank you all for making it this far.

Thank you all for leaving reviews here, and/or in Discord: YourBlandestNightmare, Calborghete, Leonard Church814, engel17white, Sunsetman, LetsPilot, GizzyGadget, matteo,ok777, gs6629naver, and the guest reviewers.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Till next time. Take care!