Chapter 3: New Routine

Chapter 3:
New Routine

 

REI TROIS AND SIX had grown used to their uniforms from the past generation—the black sailor shirts paired with long skirts. The two were currently moving the desks from the classroom into the hall in rows of three.

“What are you guys doing?” Toji asked. He was also wearing a black uniform, with his bag slung over his shoulder. “You’re blocking the hallway.”

“This is the only way we can take classes,” Trois said, pointing to the classroom.

“Of course…” Toji said, smacking his forehead. “Can’t do anything in class with that entry plug right in the middle of it. But classes in the hallway? Doesn’t sound much better.”

Six opened a window from inside the classroom and poked her little head out of it. “We’ll open the windows. Won’t be too hot or cold.”

It was then that Toji noticed… These are winter uniforms we’re wearing. Weird how they don’t feel hot.

“We might as well remove this partition along with the windows and doors. Come on, boys. We’ve got work to do.”

And so began another day of Shinji’s School Life, An Ikari Yui Dream Production.

 

“You’re here! I thought you would’ve disappeared by now,” Asuka said to Shinji from the doorway. He was in his seat, staring at the blackboard, the air around him heavy with melancholy. Gone was his carefree smile from the day before.

Shinji had ejected his entry plug when Misato called out to him at Central Dogma. What Misato saw, however, was the modified Super Eva coming to a halt. Meanwhile, Asuka emerged alone in the empty classroom, Toji having told the other students to leave. From what he’d told her, strange lights had been emanating from the plug while she was inside the modified Super Eva.

“Who cares whether I’m here or not? I’m just a dream, aren’t I?” Shinji said, turning away.

Toji and Rei Six snorted.

“What?!” He blushed.

“At least we know you really are Shinji.”

“You’re sulking so bad!”

A mechanical hand and a miniature one slapped him on the back.

“Ow!”

“Whoops,” Toji said. He’d forgotten to control his strength.

Toji had recovered his fleshy left hand after the battle of Novaya Zemlya, but in Shinji’s dream, it had reverted to his prosthetic from three years ago. The dream used whatever memories and emotions Shinji had, from the school building to the uniforms, down to the details of Toji’s arm. The prosthetic was proof that Shinji had never quite gotten over the fact that he’d almost killed Toji with Eva-03. Realizing this, Toji lightly bumped Shinji with his prosthetic fist.

“Ow! Will you stop?”

Asuka sighed. “I guess the three stooges are reunited…after a member change.”

“Ha ha ha! Toji’s a stooge!”

“She’s talking about you, too, Six…”