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Yamanakako, Japan - June 6th, 2008 - 10:00am
A lonesome boy sat alone on the steps of his sensei's home. He had felt truly alone for several years, but today was exceptionally miserable. It was his 7th birthday, and yet no one cared enough to celebrate it with him. He had no friends to speak of and his sensei only gave him a token, and empty, congratulations. His mother had supposedly been dead for years, and he knew that his father would never show up for him. The bastard never even bothered to send him a damn card. The boy genuinely had no one, except for himself and his Walkman cassette.This was the life of Shinji Ikari.Shinji had tried to escape before, but he was always captured by a bunch of men and brought back to his sensei. He suspected that this was the work of his father, Gendo Ikari. Shinji had many valid reasons to resent his old man, but holding onto such resentment made him too upset. Being angry wasn't worth the hurt and pain it would bring, because it would be pointless in the end. He had no one to live for. No one to die for. No one needed him. No one cared about him, not even himself. Shinji didn't have anyone who would love him for who he was.He didn't remember what his mother even looked like. Maybe that was for the best. It'd likely make him too sad to bother even trying to remember. His sensei would tell him nothing, so Shinji would be left with lingering questions in his mind. Did his mother abandon him and his father? Which subsequently led to his father abandoning him? Did his mother even love him in the first place? Was he just cursed to be alone for the rest of his life? Without a purpose or even a reason to live for? Surely there had to be someone out there who would cherish him forever.Listening to his Walkman was the only thing that gave Shinji any semblance of comfort. He could escape to his own world and not worry about anything else that could potentially hurt him. Without that cassette, it'd be a miracle if he could muster up the will to live at all. There was also his cello, but he only recently started to play it. And it was only to pass the time, as Shinji didn't have any other hobbies or anyone to spend time with. He'd just eat, study and bathe everyday, with minimal interaction from anyone else. And today seemed to be no different.But as he aimlessly looked across the grassy field near the house, that's when Shinji saw a strange sight. A very young girl, with short red hair and dark skin, was carrying a computer on her head while running. She was barefoot and wore a loose white shirt with black shorts. She also wore a backpack and had goggles around her neck. It was a nice contrast to his plain yellow shirt and blue shorts. This girl stood out like a shining star in front of the distant Mount Fuji. He could see the girl leave behind wet footprints, so she might've been playing in the Yamanakako Lake.He took a closer look, and he saw that an angry goose was chasing the fleeing girl. But she didn't look scared at all. In fact, she seemed so happy. More happy than Shinji had ever seen anyone in such a long time. It looked as if she was giggling and making noises, but he couldn't tell because he was listening to his Walkman. So he decided to pause the music and he pulled out one of his earphones. The girl was indeed giggling, and it was the precious thing he had ever heard. But she was also making goose noises as she was getting chased."Honk, honk!", the girl called out as the goose continued to pursue her. She seemed to be having the time of her life, but Shinji couldn't help but be concerned. His sensei had warned him never to mess with the geese, and their aggressive nature did frighten the boy. But that fear for himself took a backseat to his growing fear for the girl's safety. What if she were to trip and then proceed to get attacked by the merciless bird? Shinji's timid instincts desperately told him to stay away, yet he couldn't just sit back and let her get hurt. He had to do something.He tried looking around his surroundings for anything he could throw at the goose. But there was no rock or stick nearby. It wasn't surprising, since his sensei always kept his home and yard in pristine condition. Shinji thought about using his Walkman, but he didn't want to risk breaking his only form of comfort on a bird. He looked down at his feet in frustration, and that's when it hit him. His shoes would be much more effective in scaring off the goose. Even if the goose stole them, it really wouldn't matter. If the girl could be barefoot, then so could he.Shinji pulled out the other earphone, and he stuffed both of them along with his Walkman in his pocket. He took off his shoes and then stood up from the steps. He took a deep breath and lifted both shoes in the air. Shinji then let out a primal scream as he started to run towards the goose. Once he got the bird's attention, he threw his left shoe at the hostile animal's head and it landed a direct hit. It didn't hurt the goose, but it was certainly startled and left in a slight daze. Shinji stopped running and defiantly stared at the bird while holding up his other shoe."Get away from her!", Shinji shouted as he threw his right shoe at the goose's body.That did the trick. The bird started waddling back to the lake while honking in distress. As the goose fled, Shinji's anger gradually faded as he began to realize what he had just done. He saved the girl, but something more profound happened. He used anger to rise to the occasion, and it actually worked. He looked at his palms as he reveled in this bout of self-discovery. He never knew he was capable of this. It was a strange and unfamiliar feeling, and yet it felt so empowering.His thoughts were interrupted as he heard footsteps approaching him. He turned around with dread, fearing that it was his sensei about to scold him. Instead, he came face-to-face with the same girl he sought to save. She was considerably shorter than him, and yet he could feel her eyes boring to his. But this gaze was of curiosity and admiration, as the girl's smile began to grow wider. Shinji would've normally balked at such an interaction, especially with a girl. But staring into her amber eyes wasn't overwhelming. It was actually soothing. Soothing for his soul."What great lungs you have!", the girl smiled, "Edward can't hope to scream as hard as you did. You got big boy lungs!"She started to move around Shinji, while never taking her eyes off him. She flung her computer in the air several times, but always caught it effortlessly. She flung it in the air again, and then did a handstand as she caught the computer with her feet. The smile never left her face. Shinji blushed at both the praise and her acrobatics, as he took the opportunity to take a better look at the girl. She was pretty skinny and her appearance wasn't exactly feminine. Her movements were definitely not feminine. But those weren't the biggest questions on his mind."Uh, thank you", Shinji timidly responded before asking, "Wait, who's Edward?"The girl looked up at him as she continued to balance herself and the computer with her feet."I'm Edward!", the girl proclaimed as she continued to grin at him."Huh?", Shinji asked in astonishment, "But... but you're a girl, right?" He then yelped as Edward used her feet to fling the computer into the air once more. She then did a backflip and caught the computer in her arms. But Edward then looked at Shinji with an insincere and pouty guise."So what?", Edward asked in faux offense, "Who said Edward had to be a boy's name? You think a girl can't call herself Edward? Do you not like Edward? Do you not like how Edward looks, or how Edward acts?"Shinji's eyes widened as he began to panic. Now THIS was a familiar feeling."What?", Shinji stammered, "No! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings! I'm sorry! Edward's a cool name! I swear!"Shinji turned his head away and held his arms in the air to protect himself. But Edward just smiled at him and put the computer back on her head, suddenly dropping her pouty facade."Awesome!", Edward grinned as she held out her hand, "Now what's your name?"She then noticed that Shinji was still looking away. He lowered his arms down, but he had practically shrunken back to his old timid self. Edward's face fell when she began to see that he appeared to be hurt."What's wrong?", Edward asked with genuine concern.Shinji kept looking away. It wasn't out of any animosity towards her. Rather, it was towards himself. He just saved this girl and she seemed happy to be around him. But in his mind, he seemed to have ruined it by being insensitive and inadvertently offending her. An opportunity, to better his day and gain a new friend, was evidently wasted because of his own stupidity. Shinji's inner turmoil began to spill over, and he started to tear up. But that's when he felt his face being cupped by Edward's hands. She shifted his head to look her directly in the eyes."Don't worry, I won't bite", Edward spoke softly before smiling, "Your eyes are beautiful".Shinji's face became incandescent, but his negative thoughts began to melt away. Just by looking in Edward's eyes told him everything he needed to know. There was no resentment in her facial expression. He didn't mess anything up. And top of that, she was actively comforting him. Her gentle touch was such a foreign feeling, but it was way too soothing to resist. This girl had come out of nowhere, and yet she gave him more affection than anyone else had before in living memory. Is this what love and happiness felt like? Because it felt good, and he couldn't get enough of it."Th-thank you, Edward", Shinji finally responded, "My name is Shinji. Shinji Ikari.""Shinji?", Edward pondered before smiling back at him, "That's a cool name! And it fits you! Just like Edward fits me!""Yeah", Shinji smiled back as he began to wipe his tears away, "I guess it does".He then gently grabbed Edward's hands and lowered them down from his face. But that's when they noticed that they both were now holding hands. They looked back at each other and began to blush, but they didn't let go. That's when Edward's computer began to wobble on her head and it began to tilt towards Shinji. He yelped in worry, but Edward caught the computer and balanced it back on her head."Sorry, Shinji", Edward said sheepishly."No, it's okay", Shinji reassured before asking, "Isn't that thing heavy though? Does it hurt?""Nope!", Edward grinned, "Ed's been practicing this for a while! It's way more efficient to carry it on the head, so the arms are free to do other stuff!""I see", Shinji inquired, "So, where did you come from?""Edward was dropped at an orphanage", Edward explained, "In Fujiyoshida, to be exact. Mommy said that she would be going away for a long time, and that she might never come back. So Father-person dropped off Edward and he probably isn't coming back either".Shinji's face darkened and his fists began to clench. This story felt all too familiar with him."Your mom just disappeared?", Shinji scowled, "And your father just abandoned you?!""Nuh-uh", Edward corrected, "Father-person just forgot. But that's okay. Mommy said that Father-person was always forgetful. That's why she prepped Edward with all this food!"She eagerly patted her overly-stuffed backpack. Shinji could tell that Edward was prepared for this kind of situation. But there were still some questions he needed to ask."But, why are you here?", Shinji asked, "And where do you plan on going?""Mommy told me a lot about this village", Edward smiled softly, "And about the amazing mountain view. But seeing it up close really is a different experience".Edward turned around and looked at Mount Fuji with awe and satisfaction. Shinji turned to face it as well, and he could definitely understand what she was feeling. For years, he personally was too distracted by his own turmoil to take in the amazing scenery around him. But now that he has crawled out of his metaphorical shell, he could appreciate the beauty of the village. Of all the places he could've been left in, Yamanakako certainly wasn't too bad. It was a shame that he hadn't been able to enjoy it because of his perpetual misery."Anyways", Edward continued, "Ed figured that this would be the perfect pitstop. Edward's final destination is the wilderness of the sacred village Kosuge!""Kosuge?", Shinji asked in bewilderment, "How far away is that?""Pretty far", Edward admitted, "But Ed should be able to get there by nighttime"."How?", Shinji asked with concern, "How are you going to get there? You don't even have a map"."Edward won't need a paper map, silly!", Edward smiled as she motioned to her computer, "This computer is my map! It was Mommy's final gift to Ed. It already tells Ed where to go".Edward then adjusted her goggles so it would cover her eyes. From her perspective, everything was green and a yellow trail led out of the village to where she needed to go."See?", Edward smiled as she lifted her goggles to her forehead, "Edward knows where to go!""But are you really going to go by yourself?", Shinji frowned, "What if someone tries to kidnap you? What if an animal attacks you? What if you run out of food? Who will protect you?""Don't be a worry wuss, Shinji", Edward reassured, "Nothing will happen to Ed. Because Ed will always be protected by the Shadow Man"."The Shadow Man?", Shinji asked in confusion."Yeah, the Shadow Man", Edward smiled, "Mommy told me all about him. She said that the Shadow Man is a mysterious and mighty spirit who will protect Ed from bad people. And that he'll always give Ed food or other stuff that Ed might need"."Oh", Shinji sighed in relief, "Is this Shadow Man going to live with you?""No", Edward shrugged, "Mommy said that he only works from the shadows. He'll provide for Ed, but he won't be living with Ed"."I see", Shinji frowned, "So you'll still be all alone"."Yeah", Edward admitted with a tiny frown before suddenly smiling again, "But enough about Ed! How has Shinji's day been? Doing anything fun?"Shinji struggled to come up with an answer. On the one hand, he couldn't just come up with a blatant lie that he was anything close to a sociable boy. But on the other hand, he didn't want to tell her the truth about today because it could make her upset all over again. Maybe a half-truth would be a good compromise."Oh, it's nothing", Shinji attempted to explain, "My days are never exciting. It's as boring and dull as you can imagine"."Edward knows that's not true!", Edward argued, "Anyone can make the most out of their day. They just need to open up their heart and enjoy what's around them!"And therein lied the problem. Shinji couldn't just open his heart, because there was no one who he could open his heart to. At least until now. He knew that Edward was not going to relent, so he decided that he'd be better off just telling her the truth now."Actually", Shinji began, "Today is a special day for me. Today's my birthday".Edward gasped with wonder-filled surprise. She got on her toes and gripped Shinji's shoulders."Really?", Edward asked with the warmest of smiles."Yeah", Shinji blushed, "I am now 7 years old".Edward lifted her computer from atop her head and placed it behind her. She then jumped onto Shinji and hugged him as hard as she could. She clung onto him like a koala, and her legs were wrapped around him. Granted, she wasn't very strong. But it was her endless energy and wild demeanor that made it almost too overwhelming for Shinji. Almost."Oh, that is so radical!", Edward grinned, "I get to meet my first friend on his special day! Happy Birthday, Shinji!"Shinji's mind was the verge of overloading. His naturally timid instincts were being flooded by so much serotonin. It was only through sheer willpower that he remained conscious, and he wasn't aware that he had any will."Th-thank y-you, Ed-edward", Shinji stuttered, "It re-really means a lot to me. Please, you don't have to do this"."But Edward does have to do this for you!", Edward argued, "Edward has to sing you the birthday song! Let Edward show you affection on your special day!"Edward let go of Shinji and crossed her arms as she pouted, for real this time. Shinji couldn't bear to look at that expression. So he actively chose to defy his inner thoughts, which were practically screaming at him now."Okay, Edward", Shinji blushed, "You can sing to me. I'd like to hear it".Edward immediately dropped her pouty face and gave the biggest of smiles."Yay!", Edward shouted as she started to sing,
"Happy Birthday to you!
"Happy Birthday to you!
"Happy Birthday, dear Shinji!
"Happy Birthday to you!"
Shinji could no longer hold back his emotions, and tears began to stream down his face. But these tears were not of misery or self-loathing. For the first time, he was crying tears of joy. It had become very clear to him that Edward cared about him in a way that no one else could or would. Overwhelmed with joy, Shinji wrapped his arms around Edward and he hugged as tightly as he could. While he was still so young, he was stronger than Edward by a mile. She could definitely feel both his strength and his freed emotions. But to her, this was a good thing."Thank you, Edward!", Shinji cried, "You have no idea how much this means to me! How can I ever repay you?""It's okay, Shinji", Edward smiled softly, "That's what friends are for. But if you wanna make up to Ed, my special day on January 1st. Edward will turn 7 years old at the start of the new year"."You got it, Ed", Shinji reassured tearfully, "Anything to make you happy".Shinji finally let go of Edward, and he began to wipe his tears away. As Edward picked her computer back up and held it in her arms, she couldn't help but notice something. Or rather, a lack of certain things."Hey, Shinji?", Edward asked curiously, "Why isn't anyone else celebrating with you? Did everyone forget that it was your birthday?"Shinji's eyes widened, and then abruptly closed them as he subconsciously guarded himself. This was it. He not only had to confront the ugly truth of his upbringing here, but he had to explain to Edward. The one person who actually seemed to care about him. His inner thoughts were desperately pleading with him to stay quiet, but he knew that he needed to be honest. Not only with Edward, but also with himself. It seemed to be the much desirable choice, especially compared to just bottling it all up. Which he had been doing for far too long. It must end here."No, no one forgot my birthday", Shinji bitterly explained, "They just don't care. The truth is, Edward, I don't have any friends in this village. Not a single one. And my sensei doesn't care about me at all. I just don't matter to him. He looks after me not out of any love or care, but out of mere obligation. I am all alone, and all I have for company here is this stupid music player!"Shinji pulled out his Walkman and his earphones for Edward to see. It was nothing compared to her computer, yet Edward thought how the Walkman looked very cool. Yet her main focus was on Shinji himself. She could tell that he wasn't exaggerating anything, and she could tell he was in pain. Edward felt her heart drop to her stomach. She hadn't felt such sadness in a very long time. Though she dearly missed her mom, at least she was prepared to deal with that situation. Edward felt terrible for Shinji, and she was desperate to find any sort of silver lining."But... but you have to have somebody, Shinji", Edward started to tear up, "What about your mommy? What about your father-person?"Shinji began to clench his fists as his face darkened more. The Pandora's Box that safeguarded all of his emotions was reduced to splinters. And there was no going back now. He struggled so much not to lash out and have a meltdown right then and there. He turned to see the scared and worried expression on Edward's face. Seeing that it was causing her distress, Shinji forced himself to calm down. Just enough not to explode, but nowhere near as bottled up as before."No, I don't", Shinji continued to vent, "My mom just... vanished. And my father then left me behind. Like I was nothing to him!"Once his rant was finished, Shinji took deep breaths to rein in his rage. There was no sense in taking out the rest of his resentment on Edward. She did nothing to deserve his anger. In fact, she was the only one who made him feel good in any way. Even more so than the Walkman ever did. As Shinji calmed down, Edward truly began to process his words. The boy standing before her had not felt any warmth or compassion from anyone,... except from her. She felt tears stream down her cheeks as she could feel the misery emanate from her new friend."Oh", Edward frowned, "So that's why you were upset before"."Yeah", Shinji sadly affirmed, "Story of my life. I guess we're both destined to be alone then".Shinji looked down at the ground, as if he were just accepting his fate. Edward too felt disheartened, but that's she looked back on the horizon. Her path to a new life was already set out. And there she was to stay indefinitely, or maybe until the end of time itself. Yet she couldn't get the sinking feeling that she really would be out in the wilderness all on her own. And Shinji would remain here, while surrounded by people who didn't care about him in the slightest. But it didn't have to be this way. She didn't have to make the journey alone."We don't have to be", Edward said with determination.Shinji looked back up at her with a puzzled expresssion."What do you mean?", Shinji asked."Come with me, Shinji", Edward declared."Come with you?", Shinji stammered, "All the way to Kosuge?""You're clearly not happy here", Edward elaborated, "And Edward could use a friend. We could live in the wilderness together, and stay as friends forever!"As much as Shinji was intrigued by the idea, he couldn't help but worry about the dangers."But I tried to escape here before!", Shinji argued, "My father will just send those scary men to bring me back to my sensei!""That's because Shinji was all alone!", Edward argued back, "You'll have Ed by your side. And the Shadow Man will protect us both from the scary people. We'll never have to worry about anyone else telling us what to do or where we should stay. We can survive and thrive if Shinji and Edward stick together!""I just don't know, Ed", Shinji frowned, "It all sounds so risky. Two kids surviving out in the forest? By ourselves? And with only a mysterious spirit to protect us? How are we supposed to survive, let alone thrive?"Edward then looked at Shinji with the most serious expression she could muster."Shinji, you need to stop being so hard on yourself", Edward spoke firmly, "That's a bad way of thinking. Just because you don't believe in yourself doesn't mean I don't believe in you. You protected me from that goose-goose, and you're still little like me. So I know you can become stronger and that you can always protect me. You're not only strong in strength. You're also strong in spirit. Edward has the brains to help you out and Ed will never make you feel as if you're alone, like you are right now. I care about you Shinji, and you need to understand that."As Shinji anxiously began to process her words, Edward let out a sad sigh."But I understand if you don't feel the same way", Edward spoke with sorrow, "Edward doesn't have a future here. If villagers don't care about Shinji, why would they care about Ed? I can understand why you wouldn't want to be with someone like me. I'll make the journey by myself if I have to. It might be tough out there, but I think I'll make it out okay. You are free to join me at any time, Shinji. You are my friend and that will never change. I just hope that you too can find happiness. I should get going now. Take care, Shinji. And enjoy your special day, best buddy".As Shinji looked on with guilt and remorse, Edward slowly walked away from him. Holding the computer over her head and carrying the hefty backpack, Edward began to go on her way. Her previous enthusiasm and joy had seemingly dissipated. And now all that was left was a forlorn girl. Perhaps she was purposely moving slow, as she made sure not to stray too far from Shinji's view. Edward still had plenty of faith for him, but maybe he just needed some more time to consider. Yet she could not give up on him. And she would not give up on him.Shinji turned away from Edward and looked back at his sensei's home. He was about to take a step to go back inside... when he just stopped. Why was he doing this? Why was he going back? Why would he stay here and live with a man who couldn't care less about him? Why was he letting Edward travel to the wilderness and live there by herself? After she was the only one who cared about him? Wasn't she who comforted him? Wasn't she who hugged him? Wasn't she the one who sung him a happy birthday, when no one else would? And he was gonna stay here?"What am I doing?", Shinji asked with such disbelief.He glared at the house with utter distain and venom. Venom towards his sensei. Venom towards his father. Venom towards his mother. If they weren't gonna care for him, then who needs them? Meanwhile, that girl appeared out of nowhere and not only cared for him, but also considered him a friend. She needed him. He needed to go there and protect her. If he got hurt along the way, then so be it. It'd all be worth it to be with someone who'll actually support him. Shinji spat in the yard with disgust, and he began to run with passion towards Edward. All that was left behind were his shoes scattered in the yard."Edward!", Shinji yelled as he kept running.Edward turned her head to see him as he caught up to her."Shinji?", Edward asked with a bit of hope."I'm coming with you!", Shinji proclaimed, "You're right. Why stay in an unloving home when I can start a new life with you?!"Edward turned her body to fully face him, and tears were forming in her eyes again."You mean it?", Edward asked tearfully, "You'll stay with Ed?""I will", Shinji promised, "I will protect you from anything that can harm you. I don't know how we're gonna make it, but we'll find a way. As long as we stick together, nothing will come in-between us and hurt either of us. Edward, you are my friend and that will never change. I promise."Edward's arms with shaking with emotion and she almost let her computer fall from her head. But Shinji caught it just in time and gently placed it behind him. As Edward's tears of joy began falling from her cheeks, Shinji smiled warmly at her. More so than he had done in years."Oh, Shinji!", Edward cried, "You do care!"She practically collided with him as she hugged him and began to cry into his chest. But Shinji held firm, and he hugged her back while soothing her in the best way he could. After a while, Edward finally let go and she happily placed the computer back on her head."So, how far away is Kosuge?", Shinji asked.Edward placed her goggles in front of her eyes, and she was able to pinpoint the approximate time."12 and a half hours, if we choose to walk", Edward admitted with a hint of concern."We can manage that", Shinji smiled with confidence, "As long as we get to eat on the way. It's a good thing you have all that food, eh Ed?""Yay!", Edward grinned, "We're hiking to our new abode! Hey, Shinji, would it be okay if Edward sang on the way there?""Sing as much as you want, Ed", Shinji nodded before remembering something, "Hey, Ed! Can that computer charge up other electronics?""Of course it can!", Edward smiled, "Mommy's computer is a one-of-a-kind! There's nothing it can't do! Why do you ask?""Well", Shinji smirked as he pulled out the two earphones, "You wanna listen to some tunes?"Edward looked at him with a stunned look, but then smiled warmly as she took one of the earphones."I would love that", Edward said tenderly.As soon as they each placed an earphone in, Shinji pressed play and the Walkman began to beat once again. Shinji and Edward happily got into the groove as they continued to stroll towards Kosuge. But unbeknownst to them, a black sedan was parked out of view. Inside the car, a short man with a thin moustache and big round glasses was observing the two kids. He smirked with confidence and contentment. Once they started to embark on their journey, the man started to slowly drive his car in the same direction. All while keeping his eyes on them."And so it begins", the man said to himself.
Berlin, Germany - June 6th, 2008 - 7:15am
"What do you mean he just ran off?!", Gendo roared into the phone.The Commander of Gehirn was not having a good week. His supervisor, Dr. Klara Lorenz, had died under mysterious circumstances. Gendo was informed of this by Keel Lorenz, the Chairman of SEELE himself and Dr. Lorenz's father. So when the elder Lorenz 'invited' him to attend the funeral, they both knew it wasn't a request. This was despite Gendo and Dr. Lorenz having quite the checkered past.Truthfully, Gendo was glad she was dead. Having that icy bitch removed from the picture made things easier for him. It certainly made implementing his Scenario less complicated. But still, he obviously couldn't let the chairman know that and he had to keep up appearances. That meant having to pretend to be remorseful for a woman who backstabbed him. He was accompanied by Sub-Commander Kozo Fuyutsuki and Dr. Naoko Akagi. They were all temporarily staying in the same hotel suite. And they all had their own history with Klara.But now, Gendo just received the news that his petulant brat of a son ran away from his sensei's home, again. It was just the cherry on top of the shitty sundae he had been forced to endure. And he had just woken up 15 minutes ago."I don't know what else to tell you, Ikari", the sensei exasperatedly spoke from the other side, "He just ran off. He even left his damn shoes behind. He must've finally snapped and gone off the deep end. I can't house an insane child, Ikari!""He is not insane!", Gendo growled, "He is just being a brat! And you need to do a better job of ensuring that he doesn't run away!""He's YOUR son, Ikari!", the sensei barked back, "You want to make sure he doesn't leave again? YOU find a way to stop him!""Look", Gendo explained, "I will get my men to find Shinji and bring him back. And when they succeed, I want you to be more cooperative. Let's not forget who is paying you"."That assumes that they'll actually be able to find him this time", the sensei retorted, "Just face the facts. You don't know where the boy's head is at. He might die out there for all we know"."Shinji is not going to die!", Gendo shouted, "And he is going to be brought right back to where he belongs!"He ended the call and threw his phone onto the bed. As he buried his face in his hands, Naoko exited the bathroom and sat beside him on the bed."What's the matter, Gendo?", Naoko soothed, "Did little Shinji run off again?""Indeed", Gendo sighed as he uncovered his face, "That boy just doesn't know when to stay put.""And on his birthday too", Naoko agreed, "Must be hard for you. Perhaps it would be more productive to move Shinji to a more comfortable facility"."Why?", Gendo scowled, "So that brat can cling on someone when we finally need him? I have my reasons putting him in Yamanakako. Shinji will be called forth when he is needed. Not a moment sooner. But it is imperative that I at least know where he is. I'll call my men and have them find the boy again, after this damn funeral is over"."Don't remind me", Naoko spat with distain.They both turned as they heard the door open. Fuyutsuki entered the room with a melancholic expression. And he held a decently-sized stack of paper under his left arm."What took you so long?", Naoko inquired."I had to get my eulogy printed", Fuyutsuki explained."Did you really need that much paper?", Gendo remarked."She was my student, Ikari", Fuyutsuki frowned, "Klara and I might not have been on the best of terms. But she was still the most brilliant academic I have ever known. And despite her shortcomings, she was still a loving mother. I will give her the send-off that she deserves"."Whatever", Gendo relented, "Did the chairman tell you the details of the ceremony?""Yes", Fuyutsuki affirmed, "It will be a private arrangement. And it will be held in Klara's family home. Closed casket, as per her request"."Good, I don't want to see her anyway", Gendo said coldly, "Anyone of note that will be there, other than the Council?""Of course", Fuyutsuki continued, "Several of Germany's Gehirn staff will be in attendance. And the Second Child will be there as well. I can only imagine that she and Klara were very close.""You can give her your condolences", Gendo acknowledged, "Will Appledelhi be there too?""No", Fuyutsuki said sadly, "He skipped town not long after she passed on. He took his daughter with him as well. And no one knows where they are. The chairman is livid about it. Oh, I can't help but feel bad for poor Frannie. She must be really upset about losing her mother"."If I was Appledelhi, I'd be thrilled", Naoko grinned, "Imagine having to live with that bitch for years. He's finally free to pursue his own life. And the girl will be fine too. She'll get over it after a while"."It doesn't matter", Gendo barked, "The important thing is that we have one less distraction now. We can not afford to take any unnecessary burdens. Once the funeral is over, we are heading back to Japan and we will go back to focusing on what really matters"."You better not let anyone else hear you say that", Fuyutsuki argued, "Need I remind you that SEELE will be watching us? If we were to do anything in this ceremony that the chairman would even perceive as a slight, then it's game over. Everything that we worked for and all of our sacrifices will have been for nothing".Gendo grumbled to himself, knowing that his old professor was right. Any wrong step and his plan for reuniting with Yui will undoubtedly be ruined. He had no choice but to swallow his pride for SEELE once again."I will respectfully remain quiet", Gendo conceded, "But don't expect me to be shedding any tears for her"."Same here", Naoko agreed coldly."Good enough, I suppose", Fuyutsuki acknowledged.Gendo stood up from the bed and he put on his thick-rimmed glasses. He walked over to the room's window and he looked outside. A black limousine was pulling up in front of the hotel. And a group of paramilitary men stood outside in a menacing fashion. They had navy blue uniforms and each wore a military cap that adorned a white Z in a black circle. They also each wore a golden armband on their left arm. And these armbands too had a black circle with a white Z as well. Even Gendo felt a shiver down his spine as he stepped away from the window."Sektor-Z will be escorting us there?", Gendo asked."Yes, as unfortunate as that might be", Fuyutsuki affirmed with genuine disgust."Looks like we're getting the deluxe treatment", Naoko muttered with more subdued distain.A very loud knock on the door caught the trio's attention."IKARI!", a voice boomed, "It's time!"Gendo knew what that meant. After a deep and aggravated sigh, he walked towards the door. And he motioned for Naoko and Fuyutsuki to do the same. He had just to play his part and get it over with. Then, he could deal with his petulant son. It shouldn't be that hard to find him.Right?
Kosuge, Japan - June 6th, 2008 - 11:50pm
It was a long and arduous journey to their final destination. Shinji and Edward walked for more than 12 hours straight, yet they did have some bathroom breaks. They were so tired, but it was both the food from the backpack and their determination that kept them going. The kids were intent on making it to their new home. Their legs ached, but their hope for a new life carried them until they set foot in the village.They did it. They finally made it to Kosuge. Edward and Shinji deliriously looked around the sleepy and sparsely-populated village. No one seemed to know they were even there. But that wasn't what the kids were looking for. They glanced further ahead to the nearby forest. Along with the mountains that surrounded them.This was it. This was the perfect place for them to hide and live together, with no one else able to harm them."Shinji", Edward weakly smiled, "We made it"."Yeah, we did", Shinji smiled as well, "Wanna race with me there?"Edward nodded at this and with one last burst of energy, they both raced towards the forest as fast they could. Their legs were about to give out, but their euphoria inspired them to go on for just a little longer.As soon as they exited the village, they were able to enter the forest. They then came to an abrupt stop, having used up all their energy. Edward, in particular, was about to collapse. Her arms gave out, and her computer almost fell from her head. But Shinji was able to grab it and gently placed it to the side. He also helped her take off the backpack and it was laid next to the computer."Can I rest now?", Edward whined as she lowered her goggles from her eyes and let them hang around her neck.She let out a loud yawn as she was about to fall over. But Shinji caught her in time and he tenderly lowered her onto the forest ground. He then laid down next to her, while still looking her in the eyes."Yeah, we should get some sleep", Shinji agreed, "We'll figure out everything else out in the morning""Okay", Edward said softly, "Hey, Shinji?""Yeah, Ed?", Shinji asked."Thanks for coming with me", Edward smiled, "This wouldn't be nearly as fun without you"."No, thank you", Shinji argued, "You didn't even know me and yet you showed me kindness. A lot of kindness, actually. If it weren't for you, I'd just stuck with my sensei for the rest of my young life. Wallowing in my own misery, without so much as a single friend. He doesn't need me. My father doesn't need me. But you need me. And I need you. So thank you, Edward. Thank you for everything".Edward, as tired as she was, wrapped her arms around Shinji in appreciation."You're welcome, Shinji", Edward said softly, "I'll make sure you'll never feel lonely again. And you'll always be able to protect me. I know you will. Let's just stay together, okay?"Shinji wrapped his arms around her, in a protective and loving way."Okay", Shinji smiled as he began to fall asleep, "Goodnight, Ed"."Goodnight, birthday boy", Edward smiled as she too started falling asleep.And soon, both kids were sleeping comfortably next to each other. They held onto each other with bliss, as if they were two precious little hedgehogs. But as they slept, the same black sedan from before slowly drove into Kosuge. The man had seen the two kids run into the forest, and he parked his car just on the outskirts of the village. He too was exhausted, but he could not rest until they arrived at where they needed to stay. Seeing as they made it, he took off his glasses and let out a yawn. He then turned to where the kids went, and he smiled with satisfaction."Mission accomplished", the man told himself.