Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legacy
Episode VII: Awakenings

Chapter 1 – Just Your Average Tuesday
March 17, 2020 – Comfort 17 Apartments

It had been three years. Three years of peace and quiet. Three years of what some would call bliss. As for the former pilots of the Evangelions, it was simply nice to not be on the verge of dying day after day against some fucked up creature. It was nice to be normal.

The remaining Evangelions have been dormant since the Battle of the Geofront, which was waged against the JSSDF and the Mark II Evangelions, and the Rejected Third Impact. That was all due to Evangelion Unit–01, or at least, that's how the media saw it and still portrays it, as they don't know any better. So, the pilot are having a respite until they are needed again to fight for the safety of humanity, which they all hope never happens. However, sometimes things don't go as you hope they do…

So, after three years of bliss, an adoption, and a move up two flights of stairs, everyone was in an ok place. No one was perfect, but they were all coping with what they had going on, and adjusting to life without needing to save the world once a week.

Since they moved into a bigger apartment, Shinji and Asuka had shared a room, almost like a married couple. Misato didn't like the idea first, but after Asuka and Mari had yelled at her to allow them to sleep in the same room, Misato eventually relented and let them do what they wanted. So, Shinji was lying in bed next to Asuka after another night of passionate, teenaged sex, they were very tired from their activities. As Shinji woke up, he looked at Asuka sleeping and brushed some loose strands of hair out of her face. She stirred as she felt his touch and yawned loudly.

"I know you love me, baka…" Asuka mumbled. "But can you not wake me up so early?"

"It's almost nine, Asuka." Shinji replied.

"Yeah, but we were up till sunrise." Asuka replied. "So that's not a lot of sleep is it?"

"It's enough for me." Shinji said. "But I didn't mean to wake you up."

Asuka grinned. "As long as you didn't wake me up to take advantage of me, I'm not mad at you." Asuka joked. "Although…"

"Asuka, my back hurts from last night." Shinji said. "And I have laundry to do…"

"Oh, is that so?" Asuka asked playfully. "I offer my body to you, and you have chores to do? You really are an idiot."

"Asuka, stop." Shinji said. "You know that you like when I do laundry."

"Only because the spin cycle really makes it fun." Asuka joked.

"Of course I have nothing to do with it." Shinji replied sarcastically.

"Shut up, baka." Asuka said as she kissed him. "You know I'm only kidding."

"Asuka, we've known each other a long time." Shinji replied. "Of course I know you're kidding."

"So… will you tell me when the spin cycle starts?" Asuka asked.

"Are you sure?" Shinji asked.

"When am I not sure about this?" Asuka asked as she got up and immediately sat back down. "Ok… wow… maybe that can wait till the next time."

"What's wrong, Asuka?" Shinji asked. "I was only kidding."

"I'm not." Asuka replied. "I'm having trouble walking cause of you."

"So, am I in trouble for that?" Shinji asked.

"I'm not sure…" Asuka said. "Let me think about what happened last night…"

"Do you want me to get you anything?" Shinji asked. "You know… while you decide my fate and all?"

"Something frozen." Asuka said. "And you're not in trouble, baka…it's kinda hard to be mad after the best sex we've ever had."

–––

It was just past noon and Mari was still asleep. She was lying completely naked on her bed. She was snoring and drooling a bit, and grinning slightly as she lay there. However, the most interesting thing about the scene was that Mari had fallen asleep masturbating again, having left her dildo in herself after finishing herself off.

Unbeknownst to Shinji, who had collected Mari's laundry from the hallway, walked in with Mari's now cleaned laundry, and was not entirely prepared for what he saw and promptly burst out laughing, dropping her basket to the floor.

Mari stirred and looked over to him, barely awake enough to comprehend what was going on. "Why you so… loud?" Mari asked incoherently.

"Look at you!" Shinji laughed loudly. "You always do this!"

"What you mean?" Mari asked as she slowly woke up and looked down. "Oops… guess that wasn't a dream after all."

"You're naked again." Shinji said. "Every time I do this, you're always naked. But the dildo is… new."

"No its not, this thing is older than you." Mari said.

"Huh?" Shinji asked.

"I've had this thing since I was in college." Mari said as she removed the dildo and shook it at Shinji. "Ergo, it's older than you, puppy."

"But why do you have it… you know…" Shinji mumbled.

"In me?" Mari asked. "Why do you think?"

"Well… there's only one answer really…" Shinji mumbled.

"Because I got turned on by the noise you two were making last night and fell asleep before I put it away." Mari said.

"Why are you listening then?" Shinji asked. "You love music, and you have headphones."

"Yeah, but I get so wet listening to you and the princes fuck each other silly." Mari replied. "It's hard not to masturbate to you two in the throes of passion."

"You really need to get laid." Shinji said.

"The dildo works just fine, thank you very much." Mari said defensively. "Why did you look anyway?"

"Well… it's difficult to miss something so… large." Shinji said.

"Fair point." Mari said. "But you still looked at my pussy."

"Mari, we've been living together for a while, and every chance you get, you find some odd excuse to be naked. And you know Asuka gets upset when you do this." Shinji said. "I'm used to it now… it's not unexpected anymore."

"Masturbating is odd to you?" Mari asked.

"Not at all." Shinji said calmly.

"So you're used to seeing me naked."

"Unfortunately." Shinji said.

"Wow, puppy, you really know how to make a girl feel special." Mari said.

"Hey, Mari, are you ok?" Shinji asked. "Usually, you make fun of me for seeing you naked and then I leave… is something upsetting you?"

"I'm fine." Mari replied curtly.

"No you're not." Shinji said as he rummaged through her basket and pulled out a pair of pink panties. "Put these on and we'll talk."

"Shinji, I said I was fine." Mari repeated.

"You know, I knew someone who used to call bullshit every time I said that." Shinji said. "So excuse me for not believing you."

"Fine…" Mari said as she pulled her panties on. "Sit down…"

Shinji sat down next to Mari and she leaned against shoulder. "It's just your sister…" Mari said quietly. "I don't know why she always says no… even after all this time…"

"Mari, have you ever thought that maybe because you loved my mom that Rei feels inadequate?" Shinji asked. "How would that make you feel?"

"I wouldn't care…" Mari said. "But I guess that would be weird. I mean, it's not like there's a roadmap of being temporally displaced."

"Yeah, but, Rei is still… unsure about a lot of things." Shinji said. "She still get confused about her emotions and stuff… I shouldn't be telling you this."

"She's still unsure about her feelings?" Mari asked.

"Well… with all the medication from Dr. Akagi out of her system, you remember her screaming, don't you?"

"Yeah… her two deaths…" Mari said. "What else happened?"

"Mari, she really never had emotions before, they were repressed." Shinji said. "She still needs time, and then to add in you and our mom…"

"It's just too much." Mari finished. "I just wish she'd let me explain. I mean, I'll always love Yui… she was my first love… the one that got away…"

"Mari, you may not want to lead with that." Shinji said. "But it's tough for her, you know. She still won't talk about Armisael, not to anyone… whatever happened was too much."

"More than two deaths?" Mari asked.

"Yeah…" Shinji said. "At least I guess so…"

"That sucks…" Mari muttered.

"Yeah, I just wish I could make her feel better…but only time can do that." Shinji said. "But can I ask you something?"

"Yeah… I guess." Mari said.

"I mean, you've never brought this up before, but this doesn't sound new." Shinji said. "I mean, how long has this been bugging you?"

"Three years." Mari said. "Since she told me that day she never loved me… I could never understand why she cut everything off… then we found out about… her life… and I just wanted to be with her… I could understand being… different… I wanted to help her, but she didn't want to be near me… have you noticed that? She never wants to be alone with me…"

"What are you talking about?" Shinji asked.

"Every time we're left together alone, like when you and Asuka went to bed… she'd get up and leave me there alone." Mari said. "Like she can't be near me."

"Mari, why didn't you say anything before now?" Shinji asked.

"I didn't think I needed help…" Mari said. "But after last night, you two disappeared, and then she sort of looked at me, closed her book, and went to her room, I just felt so shitty… and so alone."

Shinji rapped his arm around her shoulder, careful not to touch her exposed breasts. "Mari, you should have told me sooner." Shinji said. "I mean, I still owe you for helping me and Asuka figure things out."

"You'd really do that?" Mari asked.

"Yeah, I can be subtle you know." Shinji said. "But you just have to give it time."

"I know…" Mari said sullenly. "But it still sucks, it's just so unfair…"

"Mari, it'll be ok." Shinji said. "Once Rei figures things out for sure, she'll come around again. I remember the way you two looked at each other."

"Yeah, I do too, puppy." Mari said.

"Well, I know what might cheer you up." Shinji said.

"A kiss?" Mari asked.

"Did you forget who we were visiting today?" Shinji asked.

"Oh… when are we leaving?" Mari asked.

"An hour." Shinji replied. "So get ready and we can go, ok?"

"Yeah, that'll be nice." Mari sad as she kissed Shinji on the cheek. "And thanks for the talk, Shinji… it helped a bit."

–––

Asuka had been standing at Mari's doorway for several minutes and heard Shinji and Mari talking about Rei. She didn't mean to eavesdrop, but the conversation was different from Mari's usual, her voice was different, almost like she was depressed. Asuka stayed until the end of the conversation, listening in from the doorway, not daring to peek inside and risk getting caught 'So, Mari is in love with Rei…but still loves Shinji's mom.' Asuka thought.

'We really are a bunch of misfits…' Asuka chuckled quietly as she slowly and painfully walked towards the living room. 'I wonder if I should ask Rei how she feels… like everyone did for Shinji and me…' Asuka thought as she traipsed off to the couch and turned on the TV.

Asuka heard Shinji come out of Mari's room and sat down next to her as a news report came on about NERV and further studies about the event deemed as Third Impact, a short excerpt of everything from three years ago, including the triumphant Unit–01 flashed on the screen, along with images of Unit–01 cutting off Lilith's arm, and of Unit–01 ripping through three MPEs.

Shinji looked at Asuka and knew what was coming.

"He wasn't the one doing all the work, assholes!" Asuka shouted at the TV. "He was late to the party as usual! He was my backup for once!" Asuka said proudly. "I was the one holding them off, cutting them to pieces while you took your sweet ass time to come and give me assistance."

"I know Asuka, I didn't do it myself." Shinji said, sighing exasperatedly. "Why don't you just call all the news outlets and tell them the pilot of Unit–02 was instrumental in the defeat of the White Devils we had to face. I'm sure they'll take you quite seriously." Shinji said back, with a smirk on his face.

"Are you giving me lip, Third Child?" Asuka yelled, her temper flaring up. "I don't like when you give me lip!"

"No, but I can if you'd like." Shinji said, looking her straight in the face, a face of pure rage.

"Why you little…" Asuka started, but was cut off by Shinji leaning in and kissing her.

After a minute he ended the kiss and leaned back onto the sofa. "That's giving you lip, Asuka." Shinji said as he smirked.

"Pervert." Asuka said crossing her arms. "Who said you could stop?" Asuka said as she moved closer to him. "Now come over here and finish what you started."

Before Shinji could answer, Mari silently popped her head above the back of the couch startling them both. "Not on the couch you two, the rest of us have to sit there you know." Mari said, glaring at two of them. "Now, go back to your room… none of us want to see that awkward teenage sex you two like to have." Mari said plopping on the couch between the couple, breaking them apart as she snuggled up to Shinji and laid her legs across Asuka's lap. "Although, I am glad my wonderful godson is getting some, lord knows the hero of the Averted Third Impact deserves some sweet, sweet lovin'."

Shinji and Asuka both turned beet red. "Goddammit Mari, get off him!" Asuka shouted. "And don't talk about us like that, you pervert!"

"You're such a prude, Asuka." Mari said with a glint in her eye as she moved to Shinji's other side. "Besides, I thought you only used the word "God" in the bedroom…"

"MARI!" Asuka screamed, reaching across Shinji to try and choke Mari, with Mari leaning back behind Shinji to hide. "I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"

"Go ahead and try, princess." Mari said. "The Great and Powerful Shinji will protect me!"

Shinji, feeling Asuka getting angrier by the second decided to intervene. "Who wants lunch? I'm starving!"

"Shut up, Shinji, I have a large breasted bimbo to kill." Asuka said angrily. "Now move."

"Who are you calling a bimbo?" Mari said. "I'm not the one living in sin every… single… night… gack!" Mari exclaimed as Asuka was successful in pushing Shinji out of the way. "Not the face!"

"I'm not aiming for your face, four eyes!" Asuka shouted as she punched Mari's tits repeatedly. "I'm going to deck you in the tits for being a pervert!"

Shinji grabbed Asuka's waist and picked her up off Mari. "Asuka, stop! You guys have been doing great! Whoa!" Asuka's struggling caused Shinji to fall backwards off the couch, with Asuka falling on top of him. Shinji however held fast and did not let go.

"Shinji let go!" Asuka shouted. "I have to teach her a lesson… in pain!"

"Asuka, no." Shinji said as Rei walked out to see the three of them fighting.

"Oh… why is everyone so loud?" Rei asked.

"Oh, just the usual, Rei." Shinji said as he struggled against Asuka's furious flailing. "Nothing to worry about… Asuka no!"

Asuka broke free of Shinji's grip and leapt at Mari, wrapping her hands around her neck. "Why are you always such a weirdo?!" Asuka shouted.

"I just… love… messing… with you." Mari choked out as Shinji struggled to get Asuka off of her. "And… you know… what? This is… totally… making me… wet…"

"Pervert!" Asuka shouted as Shinji succeeded in pulling Asuka off Mari. "Let go of me!"

"Asuka, relax." Shinji said. "She's just messing with you."

"I… what?!" Asuka shouted.

"Come on, Asuka, she's just fucking with you." Shinji said. "And Mari, come on, you know better than to pull that stuff when those dumb news stories come on…"

"Onii–chan is right." Rei said sternly. "You are supposed to be the oldest and wisest here… yet you always act like a child."

"Rei… I…" Mari muttered. "Just having fun…"

"Onii–chan, are you still going out with Mari?" Rei asked.

"Yeah… why?" Shinji asked.

"Asuka, can you come to the store with me?" Rei asked. "I would like your opinion on some things."

Asuka calmed down and looked at Rei. "Sure…" Asuka said uneasily. "Everything ok?"

"Yes, thank you." Rei said. "Just come get me when you're ready."

"Ok…" Asuka replied as Rei walked away.

"Mari, are you ready yet?" Shinji asked.

"No…" Mari said. "And uh… Asuka?"

"What?" Asuka asked angrily.

"I'm sorry." Mari said. "I just thought it would be a bit of fun… I know you almost died out there… I should have been more…"

"Oh stop." Asuka said. "Just stop being so weird about me and Shinji having sex… I don't like people knowing about… it."

"Sorry…" Mari said sullenly as she walked away.

"What's her problem anyway?" Asuka asked. "I mean… is it because of Rei might overhear her?"

"What do you mean?" Shinji asked.

"I heard the conversation, dummkopf." Asuka said. "You don't have to hide it from me… I know she loves your sister and your mom… wow that sounded better in head."

"I bet it did." Shinji replied. "So… you eavesdropped?"

"Not on purpose, baka, it just happened." Asuka said. "But…. I mean, that wasn't like her at all. She said sorry so fast… and I barely hit her or anything…"

"I'm worried about her." Shinji said. "She was so weird this morning, she didn't make fun of me like she usually did. It's like Rei ignoring her is breaking her heart…"

"Maybe I could try talking to Rei?" Asuka suggested. "She listens to me… I think."

"It can't do any more harm than those two are doing to each other." Shinji said. "I just don't get why after all this time, she's just telling me about what's bothering her now."

"Maybe something set her off." Asuka suggested. "I mean, she's told us so much about her life… maybe today is just one of those days, like when Rei has those dreams."

"I guess." Shinji said. "But us going up for a visit should cheer her up. She always put on a bright smile just for him."

"And I don't know where Rei wants to go, but I'll see if I can get why her and Mari are… weird around each other. Rei leaving when it's just her and Mari sounds kinda mean…"

"Wow, you already told her?" Mari asked from behind them.

"It's not like that, Mari." Asuka said. "I just overheard everything."

"So… what?" Mari asked.

"Look, I don't get why everything has to be so weird between you guys, but Shinji's right, Rei will come around eventually… I… I just want you both to be happy." Asuka said.

"Do you really mean that?" Mari asked.

"Look, we may fight a lot, but I still care about you, you big dummy." Asuka replied. "I mean, you're like that big, annoying sister I love and hate all at once."

"Asuka…" Shinji mumbled.

"Princess…" Mari mumbled. "I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me…"

"It can't be." Asuka replied. "I mean… everything I said is true."

"Thanks, Asuka." Mari said. "It really means a lot to hear you say that."

"Don't make a big deal out of it." Asuka said. "Have fun, and say hi."

"We will." Mari said. "Later, Asuka."

"Bye, Asuka." Shinji said to her followed by a kiss. "See you later."

"Yeah, just drive safe, ok?" Asuka asked.

"I always do." Shinji said.

"Even in Kaji's old car?" Asuka asked.

"Especially in Kaji's old car." Shinji replied as he left. As he got out to the main walkway, he saw Mari waiting for the elevator. He stood next to her and gave her a look of concern.

"So, what's up with you today?" Shinji asked.

"Tomorrow is the anniversary of the day I met your mom for the first time." Mari said. "Twenty–four years ago… it just got me thinking is all."

"What do you mean met?" Shinji asked as the elevator doors opened up.

"Well… I walked past her as she was going to see Fuyutsuki after I'd just left his office." Mari said as they walked into the elevator. "She just looked so beautiful…"

"Is that the same day you explained the whole soul transfer thing?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah… it sort of spiraled into that…" Mari muttered. "This all happened because I wanted my parents back… like a stupid little girl…"

"Mari, don't think like that." Shinji said as the elevator dinged on the ground floor and they exited. "It was natural for you to want your parents back. What they did with your research isn't your fault… they used it to try and play god… but I'm still thankful."

"How is that?" Mari asked.

"Well… your research gave me my sister." Shinji said. "And you."

"Stop trying to make me feel better." Mari said gruffly as they got to Kaji's old Ferrari.

"What, it's true." Shinji said as they got in. "It's called looking on the bright side, Mari."

"You're really weird." Mari said.

"No, I'm just trying to be happy." Shinji said. "I mean, Asuka still doesn't know about me doing sync tests and stuff."

"How does she not smell the LCL?" Mari asked. "It's not like it's a normal, mundane smell."

"I shower three times." Shinji said.

"Don't you have one of those sync tests today?" Mari asked.

"Nope." Shinji said. "Maya pushed it off because she's refitting the shoulder pylons or something. New weapons or whatever for Unit–01 and Unit–02."

"So, we're going right home after the visit?" Mari asked.

"Of course." Shinji replied as they drove off towards the highway.

–––

While Shinji and Mari took their drive out of town, Asuka and Rei had gone to the store. As they were looking around the department store, it became apparent to Asuka that Rei simply wanted to get out of the apartment, and in her usual overly subtle way, wanted to spend some time with her best friend without asking to spend time with her best friend.

"Rei… are you looking for anything specific?" Asuka asked kindly.

"No, I'm just looking around." Rei said.

"You know, if you want to just hang out, you could just ask." Asuka said. "You don't have to make up things for us to do."

"I prefer doing this." Rei said. "Doing nothing… makes me uneasy."

"Just watching TV or something?" Asuka asked.

"No, just hanging out." Rei said. "I just like going out and doing things."

"What if we just talked?" Asuka said. "You always talk with Shinji."

"I… I appreciate onii–chan's guidance." Rei said.

"What, your best friend can't give you some sound advice?" Asuka asked.

"I did not know that was part of it." Rei said.

"Well… I mean in the past three years I never really made it a priority to just talk with you." Asuka said. "So it's basically my fault."

"No, I should understand more of the subtleties of human interaction by now." Rei said. "I should know a best friend can also be a… confidant."

"So, instead of looking around here, why don't we go get lunch and talk, ok?" Asuka suggested. "How's that sound?"

"Good, because I am quite hungry." Rei replied as the pair of them walked towards the food court.

"Hey, do you want some ramen?" Asuka asked. "Or would you rather have something else?"

"Ramen is good." Rei said. "I always enjoy seeing how much meat you can have crammed in such a small bowl." Rei smiled. "Why don't I find a table?"

"Sure thing." Asuka said. "What do you want though?"

"I'll have two bowls of tofu ramen, please." Rei said politely.

"Ok." Asuka said as she walked off.

Rei looked around for a nice table away from anyone could overhear them, and by the time she settled on a table, Asuka had returned with a tray of food for them with drinks.

"I forgot to ask what you wanted to drink, but then I figured green tea would work." Asuka said.

"That is fine." Rei said as she took her food. "Thank you."

"Hey, it's no problem." Asuka said.

So, the two began eating in silence, slowly going through the bowls of ramen. They kept looking at each other, with neither saying anything until the last bit of ramen had been eaten.

"Rei, can I ask you a question?" Asuka asked.

"Sure, Asuka." Rei replied.

"It's about you and Mari." Asuka said. "I mean… I remember when you guys were getting very close… why did that… stop?"

"Well… after my death and rebirth, I wanted to distance myself from everyone." Rei said. "So I told her I never loved her and I broke her heart to save her from my eventual death."

"Rei, that was a little… harsh." Asuka commented.

"It had to be done." Rei said.

"Well, why haven't you fixed things?" Asuka asked. "I mean, it's been three years."

"After finding out about her connection to my… mother…" Rei paused. "I simply became unsure whether Mari really loved me, or if I was just a second choice to replace her lost love. I did not want to be like a replacement for her… I'd already done that twice."

"Rei… I know I can't tell you what to do, but maybe it's time to give the poor girl a chance." Asuka said. "She's not so bad."

"What the antics from earlier?" Rei asked.

"Oh, she just hit a nerve with all the Third Impact stuff…" Asuka grumbled. "The news makes it seem Shinji did everything… but I did a lot of the work… we all did. It wasn't just him and Unit–01."

"I am aware of that." Rei said. "But Mari seems like she never grew up… she should be more mature than us."

"Well… I don't know, she's always like that." Asuka said. "What's the real reason you don't want to try and go out with her?"

"I cannot trust her." Rei said. "She hid a large amount of information from us. That disk of hers for one. We could have used that long ago… perhaps we could have faced the Angels and won with less….heartbreak. And I do want to get hurt either… I… couldn't handle that… I've had too much sorrow in my life, I did not want to add more."

"Rei… that's unavoidable." Asuka said.

"Not if I intend to never enter a relationship." Rei replied.

"Are you sure you would rather be single?" Asuka asked.

"Don't you mean would I rather not be alone?" Re asked.

"Yeah, that's what I mean." Asuka said.

"Well, I have you guys, so I'm not truly alone, am I?" Rei asked.

"I guess not." Asuka said. "But what would Mari have to do to have a chance?"

"I don't know." Rei said. "But did she put you up to asking all this?"

"No, I overheard her and Shinji talking." Asuka said. "He was comforting her because she thinks you hate her now."

"I don't hate her." Rei said. "I just… I can't be alone with her."

"Why not?" Asuka asked.

"Because my heart aches when I see her." Rei said. "And I want to understand those feelings… but I don't trust her, yet I feel… lightheaded being around her."

"That's confusing for anyone, Rei." Asuka said. "So don't feel bad."

"Asuka… I don't feel bad, but can we change the subject?" Rei asked. "I would rather talk about something else."

"Ok, what do you want to talk about?" Asuka asked.

"About you and onii–chan?" Rei asked.

"Sure." Asuka said. "What do you want to know?"

–––

Shinji and Mari were standing outside a formidable looking building. Even thought it was only a medium security prison, and even thought they had been there several times before, that didn't make them any less apprehensive about going in. As they walked inside past the first checkpoint, they signed in, and were given a quick search for any contraband. Then a large, burly guard led them to a small area where families and friends could meet the prisoners they were visiting. As the guards sat them down, they were reminded the prisons only had five minutes to talk to them before the visit was over, that there was to be no physical contact whatsoever, and that they would be subject to a search once again upon leaving to make sure nothing was smuggled out. As they sat down they saw who they were waiting for, they both smiled.

Kozo Fuyutsuki walked up to them, wearing his usual light gray jumpsuit and a small smile. He sat down across from them and looked surprised.

"I didn't know you were coming up today." Fuyutsuki said. "What a nice surprise."

"Well, we figured with school starting again soon, we might not be able to do it as much as we'd like." Mari said.

"Yeah, we figured we could come up and tell you." Shinji added.

"Well, I appreciate it." Fuyutsuki said. "So, how have things been out in the real world?"

"Oh, you know, normal." Shinji said. "At least as normal as they can be for us, that is."

"Is something wrong?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"No… I just… I don't like lying to Asuka about anything." Shinji said. "It's just been difficult to keep it up for so long. She almost caught me a few weeks ago when she surprised Misato at work."

"Shinji, I know you don't like lying to her, but Asuka has trouble keeping secrets." Fuyutsuki said. "She doesn't need to know now… and I know you did this so she could have a normal life."

"Yeah." Shinji mumbled. "But, I just hope she doesn't have to find out what I did."

"I'm sure she'll understand." Fuyutsuki said. "Just have faith she'll trust you did it for her."

"Ok." Shinji said.

"And how are Rei and Asuka?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Asuka's really happy." Shinji said. "She doesn't really get mad anymore… just here and there. Her temper's mellowed out a bit." Shinji smiled. "And my sister is doing ok. She's still sorting through everything…"

"Ah…" Fuyutsuki muttered.

"But she doesn't blame you for anything." Shinji said. "She actually appreciates that you created her, whether it was intentional or not, she's thankful to be alive."

"Oh…" Fuyutsuki said. "Is that… new?"

"Yeah, last week she told me." Shinji said. "She finally underdo about what happened… after I told her what you said."

"Wow…" Fuyutsuki murmured. "She really has grown…"

"So, how are you, sensei?" Mari asked to change the subject. "Been keeping busy?"

"Yes, I've learned how to paint. The last months, I've finally perfected my style." Fuyutsuki said. "I quite enjoy it… yet I'm only doing things from memory, because there isn't anything in here I'd find enjoyable to paint… but I do vividly remember the Kyoko University campus from that hill."

"You mean the one Yui liked going to?" Mari asked.

"Yes, it looks absolutely beautiful." Fuyutsuki said. "And it really helps pass the time."

"Well… we added some money to your commissary account." Shinji said. "Maybe e can buy you the supplies you need too."

"Yeah, write us a letter with the stuff you need." Mari said.

"So, how is NERV?" Fuyutsuki asked. "Is Misato keeping everything in order?"

"Should you really be asking that?" Mari asked in a low voice. "You are a convicted war criminal after all."

"I may be, but I gave them far too much information to be killed off for asking how NERV is." Fuyutsuki said.

"Two minutes." The guard said.

"Well, the U.N. is still keeping them open." Shinji said. "And Misato seems to work all the time, filing every stupid report they ask her to. We barely see her."

"That's a shame…" Fuyutsuki said. "And then her losing Kaji… she deserved better from life, but she always seems to have been caught in the middle of things."

"Yeah, losing Kaji…" Shinji mumbled.

"It's still tough on her." Mari said. "But she won't admit it."

"Sometimes we hear her crying at night." Shinji said. "It's just really sad."

"So, has this been recent?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Last few months, yeah." Shinji said. "Third Impact's been in the news an awful lot lately, and it keeps dredging things up."

"Yeah, she's just not been herself lately." Mari said. "It's hard growing up without our mom."

"Do you really consider her your mother?" Fuyutsuki asked.

"Yeah." Shinji said. "I know where my mother is… but Misato's been there for me, even when I wished she wasn't."

"I mean, I'm technically older than her… but yeah." Mari said. "She treats me like the daughter that looks way better than her."

"Mari, be nice." Shinji said. "When she's actually home, she loves us all equally."

"No, you're her favorite." Mari said. "Just because you had all that time with her before we got there… and you cook and clean."

"I still don't clean her room." Shinji said.

"Guys, we don't have much time." Fuyutsuki said.

"Sorry…" Shinji muttered.

"Yeah, that's my fault, sensei." Mari said.

"It's fine." Fuyutsuki replied. "So, are you ready for your final year of senior high school?"

"Well… as ready as I'll ever be." Shinji said.

"I don't mind going through a second time." Mari said. "I'm just glad some of the old geezers they had teaching have retired. We actually learn stuff now."

"Ah, that's great." Fuyutsuki said brightly.

"Time's up, inmate." The guard said to Fuyutsuki. "Let's go."

"Right." Fuyutsuki replied. "Well kids, until next time. And I'll send that letter along for my art supplies."

"Ok." Shinji said. "Bye, sir."

"Yeah, bye sensei." Mari added. "Stay safe."

"Oh, I intend to." Fuyutsuki replied.

As Fuyutsuki was led from the room, Mari and Shinji got up and left. They were searched once again when they left the building and then walked back towards the car.

"Well, that was fun." Mari said.

"Yeah, I just wish he wasn't stuck in there…" Shinji said. "I mean, he didn't really do anything wrong."

"Yeah, but as much as I like him Shinji, he never really did anything to stop your father or SEELE." Mari said. "He should serve some time… it's just dumb it's the rest of his life."

"Yeah, I know…" Shinji said as they got in the car and drove away. "But at least we can visit him."

–––

In Central Dogma, Sumire Nagara, Hyuga and Aoba were at their posts, with a surly and tired Colonel Misato Katsuragi behind them. Misato had been promoted to the rank of Colonel to oversee NERV's operations during the peace and quiet after the Angels. Seeing as Shinji had restored the Geofront and NERV HQ while in instrumentality, not much had needed to be repaired, and all the blood from the assault of the JSSDF had been wiped away as if it had never happened.

It was just another Tuesday to the skeleton crew stationed down there, monitoring things to make sure nothing weird was going, and still on the lookout for the Angels. All was quiet, and with little to do, the focus on work was minimal at best. However, that still didn't prohibit them from occasionally doing what they were paid to do, keep an eye out for further Angels, even though it was widely thought none still existed.

"Colonel, why do we all have to monitor this stuff?" Sumire asked. "Nothing's happened since Third Impact."

"Sumire, you ask that same question all the time." Hyuga said.

"For like a year now." Aoba added. "Or is it two?"

"Well, no one ever answers me properly." Sumire replied calmly. "I mean, all the money the U.N. throws at us, and we just watch some stuff for eight hours a day."

"Look, the U.N. thinks there may be more Angels." Misato explained. "But the documents they found about the Angels from SEELE was that basically there were seventeen, and all of them have been accounted for."

"Yeah, well, it still doesn't make sense." Sumire said. "Don't they have other things to spend it on?"

"Not really." Misato said. "They basically pay us to keep our mouths shut about what happened. We just keep the EVAs in fighting shape and do our thing."

"But they're dormant, right?" Sumire asked. "They've been dormant since the end of Third Impact, right?"

"As far as Maya can tell." Misato replied. "But we never know… they could wake up at any time… and we'll need to be here when that happens."

"Seriously?" Sumire asked before her conversation was broken up.

"What the fuck?" Aoba said quietly looking at his console.

"What's up sweetheart?" Hyuga asked just as quietly.

"Look at this." Aoba said, showing him his computer screen.

"Fuck me sideways." Hyuga said.

"What are you two lovers talking about over there?" Misato asked. "Something sex related? I know there isn't much to do… but try and keep the chat focused on work, alright?"

"Uhhhh… Colonel? It's not that at all… we're just…" Aoba stammered.

"We're receiving a signal from the 2nd NERV Branch in Nevada." Hyuga said quietly. "It appears that we're getting a signal that is verified on the appropriate frequency."

"What?!" Misato yelled. "How is that possible?! That branch was swallowed up in a Dirac Sea years ago!"

"We know that, Colonel, we were here too." Aoba responded. "Our satellite passing over the area confirms it, 2nd NERV Branch in Nevada is back in phase with our reality."

"Can you contact the base?" Misato asked.

"No, ma'am, it's an automated distress signal. We're not getting any response to our communications attempts." Aoba replied.

"ROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!"

At that moment a loud roar erupted from below them, as if a beast was trying to get free. It shook Central Dogma with such force, that Misato was knocked of balance and to the ground. Hyuga got up to help the Colonel to her feet.

"Oh, no… please tell me this day isn't going to get any worse." Misato said, hoping what she heard was only her imagination.

A voice came over the intercom. "Uh… Colonel, its Ibuki. You'd better get down here." Maya said. "They're awake."

"I had to say it… I had to say could it get any worse…" Misato bemoaned. "Fucking wonderful…"

To Be Continued

A/N: I do not own Evangelion or any of the characters, GAINAX and the other distributors of NGE related material do. I am simply using them as a backdrop for my fanfic.

Sync Score Rankings!
Shinji – 150.0% (New)
Asuka – N/A
Mari – N/A
Rei – N/A

And there you have the opening of a brand new story arc everyone! Very little to discuss here. Not much has changed for the kids, save for getting older (no curse of the EVA here folks) and slightly more mature. Their characterizations have changed a bit, but only to show that some time has passed. But things are about to get interesting, considering that the Evangelions have woken up after a nice three year nap.

Now, as for why Mari was fine with Shinji driving her to see Fuyutsuki. Mari trusts Shinji above anyone else, and she knows he drives very carefully, much the opposite of Misato. So, her fear of driving, stemming from her parents' deaths is abated because she knows Shinji won't let anything happen to her and that she's safe as long as she's with him.

As I said before, and will always say at the end of chapter, please leave comments, as I would like to try to improve the story going forward any way I can. And, hell, constructive criticism is a good thing.

つづく