Equestria Girls: Shinji's Revelation

by Animefan608

Rating: mature
Tags: Equestria Girls, Suicide / Self Harm, Gilda, Horror, Violence, Crossover, Wallflower Blush, Human, Sunset Shimmer, Main 6, Gore, Princess Cadance, Dark, Death, Sad
Length: 19651

Shinji Ikari ends up in a new world with no angels or Evas and makes a new life for himself but the past will always haunt him. How will he move on with his life?

After the event's in Evangelion 3.0 Shinji Ikari refused to go back with Asuka to WILLE. Despite the fact, that he caused the 4th Impact he refused to be taken by WILLE, he refused to be used by Nerv or any organization for that matter. Everyone, he called a friend, everyone he reached out to now hates him. He decides to escape.

Not really remembering how he got there Shinji has a new life in a world where there is no Angels or Evas. A world where he can free from those who want to hurt him. Even though he has a new life in a small town and is a student at Canterlot High, he has trouble fitting in.

How can Shinji Ikari love again knowing that everyone he reaches out to betrays him in the end? How can this sad soul move on with his life knowing that his horrible past will always haunt him?

And to makes, matter worse there are monsters popping up everywhere. How can Shinji save his new home knowing that he would have to pilot the Eva again?

How can Sunset Shimmer and her friends save a broken boy who closes himself from others completely? Friendship alone won't do it but they can not give hope cause HOPE is the true magic.

Due to the fact that Genre tags are limited, this story also contains humor, romance, Drama, science fiction and action.

WARNING: This story also contains some disturbing scenes like domestic violence and psychological horror. Some scenes are sexual but there is NO porn. This story has the exact same content that Neon Genesis had.

Published 2019-04-21 03:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2021-04-08 06:41:01 UTC

Chapter 1. You can (Not) Escape (Unedited)

Author's Note

Now just letting you know this is just a big taste for what's about to come in the future. I wanted to wait a little more but since they announce the next Evangelion movie for 2020 I just thought it would be better if I made before the movie comes out. However, This will be on hiatus until I'm at least halfway done with "My Little Ori" & "Spike's Undertale"

Chapter 1. You can (Not) Escape (Unedited)

Misato: "You do Nothing."

Asuka: "None of your Damn Bussiness"

Sakura: "Never get in an Eva!"

Gendo: "Pilot the Eva"

Rei Q: "I don't know"

Those were the words that repeated themselves over and over again in Shinji's head. So much has happened to him. He didn't care if he lived or died anymore. He just wanted the pain to stop.

Shinji Ikari was back to the only place that was familiar to him. The only place where he could think, on a train that leads to nowhere. It was the only place left that was familiar to him, unlike that barren wasteland that was now his new reality. The place he created, the place his father made him create. There was barely any life out there except for the two organizations that are at war with one another. Everyone that was close to him now hated him. They hated the sight of him. They no longer loved him and everyone will remember the one boy that ruined their lives.

Shinji Ikari was on the train all by himself as he tried to process at what he had done. This whole time his father used him to cause the third impact, and now he was tricked again by causing the fourth impact. Misato he once knew he was now gone, Misato put an exploding collar on his neck and the only thing Asuka wants to do is beat him up for what he did. The Rei he knew and loved was nothing but a clone of his mother. Everything he has done to save her was all for nothing. The one person who helped him through those dark times and was considered to be his best friend is now dead.

"What are you going to do? Now that you know the truth about your father?" asked Rei who was sitting in front of him staring at him while he was looking at the floor like a broken man who has been through so much.

"Nothing." He answered Simply.

"Nothing?"

"...Yeah. I'll just let myself be captured by Misato and I'll do what they say for now on." Shinji simply replied not caring what will happen next.

"...but they will kill you."

"That's fine. I'm okay with dying. Nothing matters anymore. No one loves me so...who cares." He said as continued to not look up at Rei who wasn't really Rei. Just his imagination playing tricks.

"But you say that like its good thing." said a younger version of Shinji when he was 4 years old before his father abandoned him. Who suddenly showed up out of nowhere staring at Shinji with lifeless eyes.

"But is that what you really want?" asked Rei. "You didn't cause the Third Impact."

"What are you saying?! Of course I've caused it!" shouted Shinji as his voice sound more frantic than calm. "Everyone hates me because of it. It's all my fault. All I wanted was to save Rei, I never meant to cause the Third Impact, I didn't even know I was capable of such a thing. The only reason why I stayed at Nerv was because of Asuka, Rei, Toji, Kensuke....and Misato. They gave me a reason to stay."

Than Shinji clutches his head in agony as he couldn't figure out what to do anymore. The pain, the sorrow it was all too much for him. "Its all my fault!, Its all my Fault!, Its all my fault! IT'S ALL MY FAULT!!!!!" He screamed as he started crying.

"But that's what they want you to think." Shinji suddenly turned to his left as saw Kaworu standing there smiling at him. "You may have caused the third Impact, you may have caused the fourth impact, but how are any of the people who used to work for Nerv any deferent from you."

Tears formed in Shinji's eyes as he saw his best friend who was the only one who was there for him through these tuff times standing right in front of him alive. (At least in Shinji's head) "Kaworu."

"Misato and the people of Nerv were only doing what they were told. Believing that what they were doing was for the sake of mankind. Your no deferent from them. You piloted the Eva cause you were following orders. That's all you've ever done. What makes them any deferent from you." said Kaworu with a friendly smile.

"It was just as much as their Fault than it was yours," said Rei still staring at Shinji.

"And now Misato and the others are using you as a scapegoat." said the younger Shinji.

"Don't you remember?" asked Kaworu.

"Do it for yourself." Shinji suddenly turned his head to the right in shock as he recognized that voice. Walking towards him at the other end of the train came Misato. The old Misato he used to know and loved, not the cold-hearted one that commands Wille. "Do it cause this is what you want." She said as she bent down looking down at him with a grin.

Shinji looked at her with both fear and joy. He didn't know what he felt more. "M-Misato."

"Your father used you. Just like how I used you," she said with a smirk. "To get back at the Angels. For revenge for killing my father."

"N-No that's not true." Shinji face began to twitch as he looked like he was about to break again. "M-Misato y-you cared for me. You loved me. Y-You took me in. You gave me a home."

"Did she really love you? Or was she playing with your feelings," said Rei.

"Y-You betrayed me? Y-You betrayed my feelings?!!"

"The truth hurts doesn't it." Says Rei. "Cause the truth causes everyone pain. Cause the truth can be very, very traumatic."

"P-please d-don't hurt, d-don't l-leave me" Shinji was shaking. The images of everyone face flashed before his eyes. "I-I peg you. Just please care about me! Misato, Ritsuko, Asuka P-please tell me it's not true. Please tell me I'm dreaming. Please tell me that you do care about me!! PLEASE ANSWER ME!!!! "

Everything became silent for a while as Shinji sat there in fear and sadness as he soaked in sweat. "I-I thought, I thought everyone cared about me. I-I thought everyone needed me. But...was it all a lie?!" asked Shinji. "Was I lying to myself the whole time?! I-I thought we were friends, I thought we were family?!"

"That's because you thought everyone else thought the same thing you did. You just believed, what you wanted to believe." Rei Answered.

"LIARS, YOUR ALL LIARS!! screamed Shinji. "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!!"

Meanwhile in the middle of a once proud city that was torn apart by an insane group of evil men. Building crumbled while strange helices of an unknown origin spiraled through the sky. The gigantic Eva like creatures, the failures of infinity lay motionless and insert around the impact for miles around.

Shinji Ikari a broken 14-year-old sat on the ground motionless and unresponsive while waiting for Asuka as she was calling Liliem to come to pick them up. Rei stood there while also waiting for Asuka Shikinami. However, because of the interference, Asuka was having trouble getting into contact with WILLE. "This Eva Pilot Asuka Shikinami, come in WILLE. WILLE do you read?"

Shinji felt horrible, worthless, there was nothing he can do. He's just a worthless crybaby that ended the entire world. There is no way anyone would care about him. Who would? Nobody cares if anything happens to him. There is no one in this world that would love him cause in their eyes he is a murderer.

"Shinji"

Shinji slowly looked up as he saw Kaworu looking at him with a smile. There was no way that was Kaworu. Whoever this was isn't real. Shinji is so broken that he has completely lost it. "You can't be Kaworu. Kaworu dead. I saw him die." mumbled Shinji looking at him with a motionless face.

"What are you doing Shinji? Are you really going to let them take you back?" the silver-haired boy asked as his smile turned to a frown.

"Well, what else should I do. I already tried to save the world and look at what happened." He mumbled angerly.

"But Shinji, they will kill you." said the old Rei who was standing next to Rei Q. "The Misato you once knew is gone. Now she is a cold-hearted reflection of your father."

"And even if they don't kill you they will just use you just like Nerv did." Kaworu Added. "Is that what you want. To become a slave of humanity just like before?"

Shinji remembered all there faces. Their faces of pure hatred. He remembered the bridge crew of WiLLE looking at him with utter loathing. He could imagen if Misato wasn't there they beat him half to death if they wanted. "What do you want me to do? I shouldn't run away from the problems."

"Or perhaps that's what you should have been doing all along." Said Rei.

"...what?"

"Think about it Shinji. What if you did run away instead of facing your problems head-on. What if you did the opposite of what people kept telling not to do."

"The Third Impact wouldn't have ever happened. Or at least wouldn't have been your fault," said Rei. "Cause you were never there."

"You shouldn't want anything to do with these organizations Shin-man." Shinji than looked wide-eyed at one of his old friend who suddenly appeared. "I mean seriously, you never wanted the pilot Evangelion in the first place. Why should this be your problem? Just walk away Shin-Man."

"Shut up! That's not what the real Toji would say. I've put his sister in the hospital and he hated me for it!"

"Will you shut up stupid Shinji!!" shouted the annoyed Asuka. "Quit talking to yourself. I'm trying to get into contact here!"

Shinji stood silent for a moment as Asuka went back to trying to get a signal from WILLE. Suddenly Rei Q walked up to Shinji and slowly got on her knees and started to stare at him. Her face still showed no expression what so ever. It was like she had no soal which was no deferent from the original Rei Ayanami.

They both just sat there staring at each other eyes. Shinji couldn't figure out what she was thinking as she didn't smile or frown or anything for that matter.

"...Leave me alone Rei. Asuka was right. You really are just a doll." mumbled Shinji. All Rei Q did was stare at Shinji. It got to the point where Shinji wondered when she was gonna stop but suddenly reached out her hand and held up Shinji's S-dat in front of him. Shinji was surprised that she took it with her. Normally she doesn't do anything without anyone giving her an order.

Shinji than looked away from her. "You can keep it. I don't need it anymore."

Rei continued to stare at him than she suddenly grabbed his hand then gave him back his S-date tape recorder by placing it on his hand. Shinji looked at her as he wondered what was going on inside her head. It was always hard to tell.

"It's true If I was alive right now. I would probably be angry at you too," said Toji as he stood behind Rei Q as he stared down at Shinji. "But are you seriously going to allow those jerks at WILLE push you around?"

"I should just accept my punishment. even if I run away where would I go?" mumbled Shinji.

"Anywhere would be better than WILLE or Nerv," said Rei who also stood behind Rei Q. "You have a choice Shinji. You have a reason to live."

"No, I don't. I deserve to die. How can I forgive myself after what I've done? Despite the fact that I was tricked it doesn't change anything. I deserve what's coming to me !!" He shouted as he shooked his head in frustration.

"I thought I told you to SHUT UP!!!" Asuka than kicked Shinji in the face as he started tumbling down the hill a little. His face was lying against the red ground as he laid there feeling a bit dazed from Asuka's kick. Asuka stared at him with cold eyes as she watched Shinji started to crawl back up to his knees. Asuka couldn't tell if she pitied him or not. He was still a weak stubborn little boy crying out for love. Who would love him? Who would care for him? No one cause he was nothing but a coward. Asuka couldn't even believe she once had feelings for this little brat. "...Pathetic." She mumbled coldly while still staring at him with those cold eyes.

Rei Q still emotionlessly stared at him as she then got up and walked towards him again. She watched the broken boy crying on the ground like a sad puppy howling for someone to love him. Asuka looked away in disgust as she continued to try to get in contact.

"...Shinji" Shinji slowly looked up at Rei Q who was still staring at him with curiosity. "Shinji....why are you crying?"

"I...I" Shinji couldn't even speak wright anymore as he muttered each word with a sob. "I don't...know w-what to do."

Rei still stood there staring at him but then suddenly her face expression started to change. Rei Q gave Shinji a small but sweet smile. "...You can start by smiling."

The broken boy looked up at her with shock as he remembered those words. It's what he said to the original Rei Ayanami after the fight with the fifth angel. "...Rei."

"...so Shinji. What are you going to do?" asked Kaworu who suddenly appeared again.

"You have a choice Shinji," said Rei

"Don't let it all end like this man," said Toji who appeared after Rei and Kaworu.

"It doesn't have to end in a bad ending," said Kensuke who smiled. "This worlds already dead but you still have a chance."

"But h-how?" Shinji asked.

" Eva Unit-1 is like no other but since Misato has it you must go find Eva unit 13 and you'd find the answer," replied Kaworu.

"Shinji." Shinji than looked at Rei Q who was still staring at him. "Could make me one promise?" Shinji listened in as he was interested in hearing what Rei Q wanted from him. "Could you promise me, that you'll live."

Everything became silent for a while. It's been a while since anyone showed that they cared for him. Rei Q, a clone of his mother who wanted him to live. Shinji wasn't sure what was going on but it seems Rei Q is starting to show some feelings for once. He wasn't sure how that was possible for a girl who was like a mindless robot.

Even this changes nothing how he generally felt but he somehow gave him the will to want to live again. He wasn't sure if it will stay that way but determined enough to try. Shinji knew Asuka wouldn't let him run off freely. She'd chase him down and catch him before he'd even get too far but He needed to act now.

"This is Shigeru Aoba. What's your position Eva pilot Asuka?" asked one of the technicians of the AAA Wunder.

"Finally, I got a signal." Said Asuka as she was relieved that she was finally going to get picked up. She was getting tired of waiting around here. "I'm at-"

"RRAAAAAAAAW!!" She was suddenly cut off by a punch in the face by Shinji. She tumbled down the hill while Shinji started making a break for it.

"That little brat!!" said Asuka as she started to get right back up. "How dare he hit me while I'm not looking...again!! IM GONNA MAKE HIM SUFFER!!" She roared as she ran after him. She was really pissed now. "Never before have I been hit by anyone but by stupid Shinji of all people? I'm gonna bring him back to WILLE with bruises on his face!!"

Suddenly Rei Q grabbed Asuka and held her against her will to give Shinji a running start. "GET OFF OF ME!!! YAH STUPID DOLL!!!"

"Go Shinji, be free. And don't look back!" mumbled Rei Q as watch Shinji runs while holding down the rampaging redhead german girl.

Shinji ran as fast as he could while not even tempted to glance behind him as his main goal was to escape Asuka, Escape from WILLE, Escape from his father, Escape this horrible twisted world. For now on, Shinji Ikari takes orders from no one. Not from Gendo, Not from Misato, not from anyone ever again. He must continue to look forward to his new future.

"Shinji Ikari !!"

Suddenly the young Japanese boy suddenly woke up from the slap of the ruler of his teacher. He didn't even realize he was sleeping until the teacher woke him up. Everyone in the room was laughing quietly at Shinji's at the scene of him being yield at again by his homeroom teacher.

"Sleeping again I see. Could you repeat to me what I just said?" Asked Ms. Cheerilee who angerly scowled at Shinji for his sleeping issue.

"Huh...I-I...your were t-talking about the neanderthal?" Shinji answered nervously. "Homosapien?"

"And what came before Homosapien?" She asked again looking at him while cocking one of her eyes. She was even tapping her foot on the ground impatiently.

"Um, Homo erectus ?"

Cheerilee stared at him for a while then she nodded her head. "Very good. It seems you can listen while sleeping in class." Shinji sighs in relief as he felt he dodged a bullet. "but I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in my class. Try to get some sleep tonight Shinji."

Ms. Cheerilee than continued teaching her while Shinji looked out the window looking at the peaceful blue sky. The birds were chirping, people were taking care of their own businesses. It was almost like the Third Impact never hit them. Not even the second impact hit them either. This was truly a world without angels or Evas. No Nerv, no Seele, Not even WILLE. This truly was a peaceful world, well more peaceful compared to the world he came from at least. The only thing these people knew in their lives were normal and historical events. World war 1, World war 2, Vietnam, the cold war. All of it was chaos and destruction caused by other humans. Not Angels. Then again it was actually humans that caused the third impact but lucky for this world there are no angels.

Then suddenly the bell rang. Once it rung everyone in the class got up and grabbed their things. "Alright remember class, I want you all to study for the upcoming test. Don't forget."

Everyone left the class but before Shinji could leave he was stopped by Ms. Cheerilee. "Shinji Ikari, can I speak to you for just a moment."

Shinji really wasn't in the mood for a lecture but he knew he had no choice but to listen to the teacher's rant on about how he should get some better sleep and try to pay attention next time. Shinji walked towards Ms. Cheerilee's desk with a bored expression on his face as he wanted to roll his eyes so bad.

When everybody left Cheerilee started to speak. "Listen Shinji, this is becoming concerning. Every time I look at you, you look like something is bothering you. You come here half asleep, tired and there been rumors going around that you're being picked on. What's going on? Talk to me?"

"Its nothing Ms. Cheerilee." he simply responded.

"Nothing? Sure doesn't look like anything," she said with a worried look. "Shinji please, talk to me. It's my job to be concern about my students. Have you been seeing that therapist like I asked?"

"Yes." Said simply. "Every once a week."

"Shinji, I'm not buying that there isn't anything wrong with you. You're at school. This is the safest place in town. So whatever is bothering you can come and tell me or talk to your friends." Shinji doubted that. Why would she care about him? She doesn't even know him.

"Thanks for your concern. Ms. Cheerilee." Shini said with a smile. "But really I'm fine."

Ms. Cheerille sighed as she decided to let it go for now. "Alright go but remember Shinji I'm always here if you want to talk. Okay."
Shinji nodded as he understood and left to his next class. "That boy. I can never figure what's going on in his head."

A while later Shinji was in the hallway trying to make it to his next class. When he turned around to the next hall he suddenly stopped as he saw none other than Gilda pushing another student against the lockers. She was mean, even though she wasn't as aggressive compared to Asuka She actually hits harder than her.

Before Shinji could turn around and look for another path to class Gilda noticed him and called him out. "Hey, weakling! Get your ass over here now!"

He really didn't want to but last time he fled he couldn't even get away from her. Gilda was a total thug and tougher than most girls in this school. One time she put a couple of guys in the hospital. Surprising that she wasn't even expelled. She was also an ex-friend of Rainbow Dash but that was a while ago before he even became a student in Cantorlot High. One of the most important things Shinji knew about Gilda is that she is not the type of person anyone would wanna mess with. Gilda hits harder than most guys. She is taller, not to mention more muscular than Shinji. She was the next big thing after Sunset Shimmer turned over a new leaf.

Shinji was very scrawny compared to her and he knew getting on her bad wasn't the wise idea. "Oh, h-hey Gilda. I don't have any money on me today but if give me some time I'll get you money next week." He said with a polite smile.

"You think I'm stupid to fall for that," she said as she aggressively grabbed Shinji and dragged him to the boy's bathroom not caring that she was about to enter a boy's only room."How about you and I have a little chat."

Shinji's head was dunked into the toilet as Gilda shove him in there. He had a hard time breathing as the dirty water filled his lungs. Gilda than pulled his head out as he coughs repeatedly from the toilet water. "So are you gonna play games or are you gonna hand over the cash?"

Shinji didn't answer which made Gilda dunk his head in even more. Gilda pushed his head in even deeper with her boot. Gilda pulled him out again then opened up another stall and saw that someone forgot to flush. "Hey look stupid Shinji. A fresh one." She grinned at him as Shinji stared at the un-flushed toilet in fear.

"N-No, no please." Then she immediately shoved his face in that one as well. The smell was unbearable. He felt like he was gonna vomit. Than after Gilda was tired of that then she shoved him against the bathroom wall very hard. Hurting Shinji in the process.

"Come on Stupid Shinji. You know the rules. Just give me what I want and I'll let ya go." Shinji was struggling against her strength. She was too strong for him to fight back. Than suddenly Gilda shoved her hand in his pocket as she pulled out his wallet. "Well, well that's more liked it."

"No please, I need that money for my medication!"

"But I need it for my Medication." Gilda imitated. "You sound like a whiney wimp!" Than Gilda gutted Shinji so hard that he couldn't breathe for about ten seconds. Shinji than collapsed on the floor as clutched at his stomach Gilda punched so hard. "See yah later stupid Shinji." Gilda than left the boys bathroom leaving Shinji on the floor covered in urine.

A couple of the other students that were in the stalls quietly opened their doors as they cautiously looked out for Gilda. Everyone at school thought Sunset Shimmer was bad but Gilda, on the other hand, was worse. They saw Gilda handy work before and in horror, they heard the new kid Shinji take such a beating. They all stared at Shinji he was lying there silently not bothering to even get up.

Shinji lade there not caring if the other students were staring at him. Shinji was stuck in a trance as he thought back to his old life compared to this one. Just like this old life, people didn't care about him however he was actually fine with that. He didn't need friends. His old friends betrayed him but at least in this world nobody is using him as a tool to hurt other people. He'd rather be in this world than his old one.

Shinji Ikari walking in the hallway as everyone covered their nose as he walked by them as they could smell the urine on him.

"Eew."

"Take a bath man."

"Not again!"

"That's nasty."

Shinji didn't care. He just tuned them out. However, he had to get rid of the stink somehow. He thought of an idea. He made his way outside into the parking lot as he saw the school was still doing a fundraiser by having a car wash so he decided to use one of the water hoses.

"Thank you for coming!" greeted one of the female students.

"Um e-excuse me? Could you-" suddenly Shinji was cut off as the girl was startled by Shinji who stood behind her and by the smell as well.

"Yaaaaah!" She shouted as she sprayed him with the hose

Later Shinji went to his next class which was chemistry. When he walked in the door he was greeted by another upset teacher named Ms. Polymer who was the school's science teacher.

"Your late again Shinji-" suddenly Twilight Sparkle had an unexpected chain reaction with the chemicals she was mixing.

"KA-BOOOM!!!"

Everyone in the room looked at Twilight as the explosion dazed her to the point where she then fell down unconscious. The science teacher placed her hands over her eyes in frustration. "Just, just go take a seat Shinji."

Shinji looked around for an opened seat however every time he saw an opened seat the student next that seat glared at him as they didn't want him anywhere near them. The only opened seat where no one wouldn't mind sitting next to was none other than...

"Oh, Oh Shinji, Shinji. Over here, over here!" said Pinkie Pie with a bright smile as bounce up and down repeatedly in Excitement. Shinji was hoping he wouldn't sit next to her. Ever since he got here that pink haired girl named Pinkie Pie annoyed him. Shinji never understood why she was so interested in being his friend. It was almost like she was forcing herself on him but he could never tell what her motives were. Either way, she was very annoying.

"Eerr," Said Shinji in annoyance but tried to be polite to her anyway. "H-hey Pinkie Pie."

"Hey, Gloomy pants, come sit next to me." It wasn't like he had a choice so sat down next to her and put on the safety goggles. "Hey, Shinji did you see Twilight blow herself up again? HAhaha!" giggled Pinkie Pie trying to start a conversation with the jaded boy.

"Yeah.....funny," He said in a noncaring tone as looked at the instruction for the next assignment.

"Hey, Shinji." Shinji rolled his eyes wondering what she wanted this time. "I've noticed you haven't shown up to any one of my parties. I'm pretty sure I left an invite in your locker." Pinkie Pies voice sounded a little bit sadder than usual. Shinji knew she was a bit upset that he didn't show any of her parties for about the third time. "I mean you did get my invites right?"

Shinji stood there silently wondering what to say to her. He didn't want to hurt her feelings but he knew one of these days he had to at least attend one of her parties at some point. "I'm sorry Pinkie pie, I've been busy with studying and I've also been working a lot lately. I'll try to make it to the next. Promise."

Pinkie pie smiled brightly at that as she thought of an idea just for a little insurance. "Do you Pinkie Promise?"

"Pinkie Promise?"

Pinkie Nodded as raised her right hand up while having her pinky figure poke up like a hook. "And once you make that promise, you can't break it." Shinji thought about for a moment. He has never been to a lot of parties nor was ever invited to one. Maybe he should go to one just to change things up in his life. He doubted that anything will change if he goes to this party but at least he'll be doing something other than just going to school, going to work, visited the therapist every Wednesday and just repeating the same routine over and over again. Maybe him going will shake things up a bit. Who knows.

"Alright. I'll go." Shinji replied as he placed his pinky figure with hers. "I promise."

"That's great!!" She shouted as she immediately gave him a bear hug. Shinji immediately started to regret this as she was suffocating him. Shinji's face was turning red by her strong bear hug. "We are gonna have SO MUCH FUN!!! I can't wait, I can't wait, I CAN"T WAAAIT!!"

"Pinkie, Pinkie...Let me go! I can't breathe! Someone help!!" Pegged Shinji but everyone in the class only stared at the two in amusement.

Later on, Shinji made it to the lunchroom. He didn't have money on him for lunch since Gilda stole it from him....again. Shinji wasn't sure how he was gonna pay for medication. He barely had enough for himself to buy food since the medication he buys costs a lot of money. Looks like he might have to look for another job.

He looking for an empty seat for he couldn't bother anybody. He found one table where a group was eating and hanging out but only on one side of the table. Shinji decided to side on the other side where it was empty and where he couldn't bother them but when they noticed Shinji sitting on the empty side they immediately moved to a deferent table. It was only him now that was sitting on this table.

Shinji felt very hungry. He wasn't sure what he was gonna do about lunch. He didn't have enough money on his debit card either and to make matters worse-

"Hey, Shinji!!" Shinji than saw Pinkie pie with two trays of lunch as she made her way towards him. When she sat right next to him she placed the second try in front of him. "I've noticed you didn't have lunch so I got you one." She said as she started eating hers.

Shinji was surprised. Nobody has ever been this nice to him not since... Shinji shook those thoughts away as he didn't want to think about his past life. The past is dead, so were the people who were close to him. That's what his therapist kept telling him at least. "Thank you Pinkie Pie but...why are you being so nice to me?"

Pinkie pie than gave him a questionable look as she swallowed her food. "Well are friends aren't we?" Despite how nice Pinkie pie was doing when she said that it almost made Shinji think about his past life. Shinji wanted to smile just so he could look grateful but that only made him even more depressed.

Pinkie Pie noticed him frowning at her words. She'd hoped he didn't offend him. "Hey, what's wrong? I hope I didn't hurt your feelings-"

"No, no It's fine. It's just...its been while since anybody has done anything so generous." Shinji explained as tried to crack a small smile.

"Seems not everyone has been very nice to you have they?" she asked as Shinji shooked his head in reply. "Well don't worry. I'll help yah make friends. If there anybody in this school who knows anything about friendship, it's me!"

"Friends huh? I think I'd rather be alone." He thought.

"Hey I got an idea I should introduce to you all my friends. Your gonna love them. There Sunset Shimmer, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity." said Pinkie Pie as she went on and on about all the stuff she and friends been through like an Alternate Twilight came to their school and about all the crazy stuff that happened at friendship games including the stuff that went down at camp Everfree.

Shinji didn't believe in any of that nonsense. He assumed she made that up just so she'd have a story to share. Then again wouldn't that mean she really does want to be his friend?

While Pinkie Pie and Shinji Ikari were talking to one another. The rest of the main six were watching the two from the other table. Sunset Shimmer Stared at the young Japanese student with curiosity as she doesn't know much about Shinji. She wasn't sure why she was interested in learning about the boy. When she first saw him he looked so jaded and depressed. Some of the other students have said that he looked like he came out of a war. He's only been here for three weeks and this whole school has already treated as an outcast. He has no friends and has been bullied by Gilda every chance she gets. Perhaps this could be an opportunity to solve a friendship problem but the thing is can she? All she and her friends have been doing is trying to capture Equestrian magic that has made its way to their world. She's pretty confident that she can do it. If the princess of friendship can do it, why can't she? How hard can it be right?

To be Continued.

“Running is the easiest solution to every problem. The capability of choosing this option on the basis of problem defines your personality.”

― David Barik

Chapter 2: You can (Not) Heal

Misato: "You do nothing. We no longer need you but you will stay here like a good little dog. Escape and you' will be put down like one."

Asuka: "None of your Damn Bussiness. No one cares about you anymore. Your dead to me and Misato."

Gendo: "Pilot the Eva. That's all your good for Shinji Ikari."

Sakura: "Never get in an Eva! You'll kill us all!"

Rei Q: "I don't know. I don't remember you. I don't remember you saving me nor do I remember even meeting you before."

Shinji suddenly shot up from his sleeping bag as he was soaked in cold sweat. He could feel his heart pounding very fast as he breathes in and out. He immediately grabbed the cartage of his pills and quickly took two and drank some water to help it go down. The breathing started to calm a little as he felt his heart calm as well.

Shinji sigh in relief, he thought he was gonna have another panic attack. Although the problem is that he is running out. The doesn't have enough money to buy more since Gilda took his money he was gonna use to buy more.

After Shinji got dressed he grabbed his backpack and exited his tent as he ran to get to school on time. Shinji lived in a tent in the middle of the woods where no one can bother him. He couldn't afford a decent place to live and even though the school offered him a place for him to stay he declined. He felt this was right for him. After all, he doesn't deserve any comfort this world has to offer.

After he exited the woods he made his way towards the town as he planned on getting to school extra early today so that way he doesn't end up late again or by running into Gilda.

As he walking through the neighborhood he noticed that it was another beautiful day today. Birds were singing, the wind was blowing. Just another beautiful day. Shinji loved peaceful days liked this. It gave him a feeling of serenity just like when he looks at the stars at night. It feels like many of the things that have happened to him don't really matter.

As Shinji was heading to school while listening to his S-date he noticed a messy green haired girl wearing a brown striped sweater waiting for the light to turn red so she could cross the street. When Shinji got closer he saw she had freckles on her face and her eyes were brown. Shinji doesn't know her name but he noticed that she is the only kid in the school that most kids don't acknowledge. It was almost like she's invisible to everyone. Not even a photo of her made it to the school yearbook. Shinji kinda amazed by that. She might not like it but to him, he wished he had something like that. Shinji was like a magnet. Always attracting trouble. People always want to talk to him but never in a good way. Sure he made friends in the past but...just like everything else, nothing ever lasts. Especially with him.

The green haired girl noticed Shinji staring at her as she irritably frowned at him as she didn't appreciate the Japanese boy staring at her like that. She then shot a glare at him as Shinji quickly looked the opposite direction trying to pretend he wasn't staring at her at all.

"...Pervert." She muttered as she crossed the street when the walking signal lit up. Shinji was surprised at the fact that she called him a pervert. It wouldn't be the first time he was accused of being one but he would have never expected she would assume that he was checking her out.

Shinji blushed by that. He never understood why so many women thought of him as a pervert. Then again, he would be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to pretty girls. However not wanting her to get the wrong idea he immediately went after her. "Hey wait!"

When Shinji caught up with her he immediately bowed in front of her trying to show his respect to her. "I-i'm sorry! I didn't mean to stare at you like that! Forgive me if I was being rude." Shouted Shinji nervously as he stuttered every word.

At first, the green haired girl didn't say anything except frown in annoyance. "Get up. You do realize we don't do that here right."

Shinji rose his head up as he realized he was making a bit of a scene as other people walking by were staring at them. "S-sorry. Old habits." He said as he fake chuckled. Everything fell silent between the two. It felt awkward. Shinji wanted to break the ice so he introduced himself. "My name is Shinji Ikari. What's your name?"

She continued to frown at him but decided to give him a chance as she raised out her hand to him. They shook hands as the girl decided to change her mood. "My name is Wallflower Blush."

"Wallflower Blush, that ah yah...long name." Shinji than thought to himself. "Why do most people in this world have such strange names?"

"Just call me Wallflower. Now if you excuse me I need to get to school," said Wallflower as she walked past Shinji.

Shinji than caught up to her as he wanted to ask her a question. "Hey wait. How come I don't see you in any of the classes. I'm pretty sure were in the same math class right?"

Wallflower glared at him again as she growled in annoyance. "Yes, we are. I sit right behind you. Remember?"

Shinji was bewildered by that as he blushes in embarrassment at how dumb he sounded. How could he not notice her sitting behind him then again she was always the quiet but however so was he and he gets a lot of unwanted attention. "Oh uh yeah now that I-I think about it I think I do remember that you go to the same math class as me."

Wallflower knew he was lying. Just like everybody else who protected to remember her. She rolled her eyes and continued to walk not wanting to hear him make up a story on how he remembers her. Than Shinji called ou her again.

"W-wait, I'm sorry I-I never meant to hurt your feelings-" Than Wallflower had enough.

"Listen Shinji, I would appreciate it that you stop talking to me. No offense, but you irritate me." She said as she continued walking across town to get to school.

Shinji stood there looking at Wallflower as her harsh words depressed him. Stared at the floor for a while before he continued to make his way to school. "Nothing ever changes. Even in this world, people hate me. I try to fit in, I try not to draw attention myself. But why does she hate me of all people?"

Later on, Shinji Ikari was in art class. The art teacher told everyone to paint whatever came to their mind. Shinji wanted to paint something positive since most of the things that come to mind were his horrible memories of his past. He tried to keep his memories at bay. He tried to focus on something positive. Who was the only person that was kind to him. A person Shinji loved very much. He thought hard but slowly the horrible memories started to creep up. He tried to focus on what makes him happy. "What makes me happy?" He whispered to himself.

Pinkie Pie was having the same problem. She didn't know what she wanted to paint. "I just don't know," She said as she shook her head in frustration. "There are so many deferent things I could paint, but I'm drawing a blank."

"You just need to find some inspiration that's all," said Sunset as she overheard her friend Pinkie Pie. Sunset was busy painting her own picture as she was painting an image of sunflowers. "Get those creative juices flowing."

Pinkie Pie expression suddenly turns into a small grin as she had an idea what she needed. "Your absolutely right Sunset Shimmer," said Pinkie Pie as she suddenly exited the classroom.

"Wait, wha-" Sunset Shimmer was suddenly confused. "Where are you going?" She muttered.

Shinji focused really hard on things that make him smile. He suddenly heard an echoing voice calling out to him as he recognized it. It sounded distant at first but it soon sounded more and more clear as it sounded like it was getting closer. Shinji looked towards the opened doorway and saw someone very familiar smiling at him as she knew him from long ago.

It was a ghostly figure, a familiar girl around his age with pale blue air with bangs cantered in the middle of her red eyes. She wearing the same Japanese school uniform from before. She smiled at Shinji sweetly as she stood by the doorway watching him. Shinji's eyes grew wider as his pupils shrunk in fear as tears started to slowly drip down his eye. He immediately shook his head as he tried to snap out of it. Shinji than looked at the doorway again and this time the ghostly figure that was once standing there now vanished.

Shinji wiped his tears than went back to figuring out what to paint. He took his paintbrush and raised it up on the blank board. He stopped as he still couldn't figure out what to paint.

"Paint something for me Shinji." said an older woman's voice. It sounded motherly and kind as it echoed just like the voice from before.

The ghostly person was standing right behind Shinji as she took Shinji's hand and started to make Shinji paint. Shinji than started to feel relaxed as allowed this person to guide his hand. Shinji's smile grew as he could feel his heart warm up. He could feel her warmth as he embraced her. He wasn't sure what he was painting. He just followed the brush. Followed in what he felt was right.

"...remember Shinji. Anywhere can be paradise as long as you have the will to live." Shinji than started to remember the good times. Like the time when Shinji and his friends were eating lunch together at one of the top secret facilities that were trying to restore the ocean. It was him, Toji, Kensuke, Kaji, Asuka, Rei, and even Pen Pen. They were all eating together having a good time. He remembered how much they complimented his cooking and how good it tasted and much they loved eating it. He even remembered all the crazy things that happened to him.

Flashback:

"Ooh, Shinji you forgot this!" Shouted Misato as she chased after him with a special lunch she made for him.

"It's alright Misato. I'll be late. I'll be okay." Said Shinji as he purposely tried to lose her.

"But its the lunch I made for you." She said with an excited smile. "I made it so full of LOVE!! Take it with you!"

"No!" he said as he ran faster.

A while later he manages to lose her. When it was lunch he notices the lunch Toji was about to eat looked familiar as he remembers the cloth Misato wrapped it in.

"Toji, that lunch. i-it wouldn't be m-my lunch would it?" asked Shinji as he was scared at the idea of his friend eating his guardians awful cooking.

"You better believe it Shin-man. I mean honestly. Why would anybody not want to eat a home-cooked meal made by one of the hottest women like Ms. Katsuragi?"

"TOJI DON'T!!!"

Later on, Toji ended up at the nurses' office as it was confirmed that he had food poisoning. Both Vomiting and diarrhea.

"I'm...Fine...guys...Tell my...sister...that I...Lo-" Than he fell unconscious as he felt his soul leave this world.

Switched to another flashback:

Shinji and Misato were looking at one of the most perfect views of Tokyo-3.

"From up here? The city looks so lonely," said Shinji as Misato was looking at her watch.

"Its time." then suddenly Shinji heard an alarm go off that could be heard throughout the entire city. Shinji watched as the building started to raise up from the ground. "Wow, the buildings. There growing." Soon the Shinji was looking one of the most magnificent sights he has ever seen as the sky scrapper started to block out the sun.

"This whole city is a fortress built to intercept Angels. It's our city, Tokyo-3" Misato said with a smile. She then looked at Shinji "Take a good look down there. Do you see it? That's the city you protected. What you did to today was a good thing. I just wanted you to know that."

End of Flashback:

"Well, well Shinji Ikari, you've been holding out on us." Said the art teacher. "I never realized we had such an artist in our class." Shinji found himself back to reality as he noticed everyone in the class was looking at him in awe as they looked at the painting he did. Shinji looked at the painting and realized he painted none other Rie Ayanami smiling so sweetly. The painting was beautiful. It was a perfect painting of her. It was almost like she was here right beside him.

"Outstanding Shinji Ikari. I'd say you get an A' for this piece." She said as written a grade on a piece of paper on a clipboard she was holding. "So what are planning calling this piece?"

Shinji looked at the painting with a small smile forming on his face. "...I call it...Rei Ayanami."

While everyone was admiring Shinji's painting Sunset Shimmer was staring at Shinji. Her expression showed curiosity and interest. However, she narrowed her eyes towards him as Sunset felt something in him. She wasn't sure if it was magic or not but it felt somewhat unsettling.

Suddenly and without knowing, Pinkie Pie came back to class as she suddenly started painting. Pinkie Pie was painting so recklessly to the point where she was making the mess. She got paint on Sunset's painting, including on her. Pinkie Splashed her portrait with a bucket of orange paint as More and more splashes of paint fell on Sunset Shimmer as she frowned in annoyance. The splashes of paint even got other people's artwork.

"Yeeeeehooooo!!! Yeah!!" shouted Pinkie pie as she was having fun.

Pinke Pie was finally done, she smiled in at her finished work. "When you said to paint a subject that's totally awesome and makes me happy, I thought of something right away," she said as she showed her work to Sunset. "Tada!!, I painted you Sunset!"

Sunset still deadpanned even at her friend's generous painting. she was covered in red and orange paint all over her. It was on her hair and her clothes. "Yes Pinkie, yes you did." She responded with a small smile as looked at all the paint that was on her clothes.

Meanwhile, on a hot sunny day, Sunset Shimmer and her friends watching the school's football team practicing for the upcoming game. While Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack were cheering them on Sunset Shimmer thinking about the Shinji Ikari. She wanted to know about him but there wasn't much. She knows that most of the student treat him like an outcast for some reason. She even knows about Gilda bullying him and all the tortures she puts him through. Sunset would have to try to put end to that.

"What's wrong Sunset?" Asked Fluttershy as she was holding her bunny rabbit named Angel in her arms. "You seem distracted."

"Nothing it's just." She then paused for a moment as kept thinking on how to approach Shinji but couldn't figure out the answer. "Hey, what do you guys know anything about Shinji Ikari?"

Her friends looked at her then at each other. "Why you asked darling?" asked Rarity. "You wouldn't be...interested in him are you?"

Sunset Shimmer shook her head with a small blush. "It's not like that Rarity. It's just every time I look at him he just looks...depressed. Like something inside him is broken or something. I can't really put my finger on it but I feel something...off about him."

"Well, I don't know much about the sad feller," said Applejack raising her hat a little. "Shinji actually works at my farm. He helps pick out the apples and milks the cows and what not. He doesn't talk much and is usually a loner. Try to friendly with him but he seems to just keep his distance. Like he's afraid of us hurting him or something."

"Weeeell, Now that I think about it." Rainbow Dash paused for a moment as she tried to remember. "From what I've heard from the swim team, Shinji's been going to the school's pool by himself. Rumor has it that he even goes to the pool at night time."

"Is he part of the swim?" asked Sunset Shimmer.

"I think so, or at least he used to be," R.D answered. Than Fluttershy step into the conversation.

"This one time when I was being picked on by Gilda, Shinji stepped in and offered himself to be beaten up instead of me. At first, I thought he did that cause he cared." Said Fluttershy as fed Angel bunny. "But the more I think about it. It was almost like he wanted to get beaten up."

"What makes you say that?" asked Applejack cocking her eyebrow.

"I-i'm not sure. Perhaps I'm over thinking it." Said Fluttershy. "When I tried to thank him he just walked away before I could even help him up."

"Well, when I first met him, I found him sitting alone in an alleyway. What he was wearing terrible." Said Rarity in disgust as she couldn't stand ugly clothing. "It was one of the most atrocious clothing I've ever seen. I wouldn't even consider it clothes. Anyway, I've generously given him some new clothes but he declined and said he would rather have something simple. Such a shame that he'd rather have simple plan clothes like a white collared shirt and some regular old jeans. I would have given him something more fashionable to wear."

"Really?" Asked Sunset. "What was he wearing?

"It was ugly." Rarity Responed. "The material wasn't even made out of anything used for clothes. It was a rubbery purple bodysuit. It was almost like a diver's suit but it looked like it was made for something else."

"And what about you Twilight?" asked Sunset as she wanted to change the subject. "Do you know anything about Shinji?"

Twilight shook her head in response. "No, I haven't even spoken to him yet."

Then suddenly Pinkie pie zoomed in "Don't worry girls I've actually invited him to one of my special parties tomorrow. It will just be him and us." Said Pinkie pie as she puts her arms around Twilight and Sunset Shimmer. "and also Flash Sentry."

"Flash Sentry?!" Sunset Spurted as was taken back as her face turned red. "W-why did you invite him??"

"Well duh, Shinji does need a guy friend right?" Pinkie Pie said cheerfully.

"...Yeah, I-I suppose you have a point there." Sunset sadly admitted. It was always awkward between her and him. She never did tell Flash Sentry that she was sorry for being such a horrible jerk but she understands why Pinkie invited him. She wouldn't blame him for still hating her.

After Shinji was done with school he went to therapy. Shinji was lying down comfortably on a chair as he listens to his therapist. The room looked very relaxing. It was mute from most of the sounds from the outside. The only thing he could hear was the tick-tock sound from the clock.

"Now Shinji, in order for me to understand your problem. I need you to try to open yourself up to me a little. What painful trauma from the past caused you to shut yourself off everyone?" asked the therapist as he was ready to write down whatever Shinji was about to say.

Shinji lay there quietly. He had a hard time trying to tell the therapist his problems due to how painful the memories were. He would rather just jump off a building than remember all the horrible things that have happened to him. All he wanted was to avoid talking about the past as much as possible. The past was dead to him and he rather keep it that way.

"Shinji please, I'm only trying to help you. I can't do it unless you talk to me." said the therapist in a calm voice.

Shinji really didn't want to but he had to in order to better medication. He was tired of seeing the past come back and hunt him. "Well, fourteen year- I-I mean before I came to this town." Shinji corrected himself as he didn't want to make himself sound older than he looks. The story had to sound believable or else the therapist would think he making stuff up."I was called by my father to...do something for him that I really didn't want to do. I hated him so much cause he only called me over to his job if he needed me. Nothing else. After doing the work he wanted me to do I always felt I got nothing out of it. No thank yous, nothing. However, over time I made some friends who respect me but then I wonder."

"What is it do you wonder Shinji?" asked the therapist.

"Did they respect me cause they loved me for me? or they only respect me cause I pilot the- I-I mean..."Shinji paused as tried to speak carefully. He had to remind himself that angels and Evas don't exist in this world. "Did only like me cause I'm part of my father's work."

"Well respect and liking someone is two deferent things. Respect has nothing to do with liking someone. Did you feel that they only liked you cause you were part of your father work?"

"...It felt that way sometimes." said the relaxed Shinji as he tried to remember everything that happened to him. "Even from the people who were close to me. And perhaps I was right. Maybe they only did like me cause I was part of my dad's science project. But the other part of me keeps telling me that is not entirely true. The love was there. The love was real."

"So what happened next?"

Then came the even darker memories. The ones Shinji refused to think about. "One day...something terrible happened. I-I was trying to save a friend a-and...I-I did something. Something that I wasn't even aware I could do. There...was...a-a horrible incident."Shinji tears flowed down his cheeks. He stuttered every word. He was too sad and too afraid to remember what happened next. "A-and...everyone...I knew...everyone t-that was close..to me...t-they betrayed me." Shinji started to break down as he couldn't continue anymore. Just thinking about it drove him insane. It drove him Into madness.

"Shinji, Shinji," The therapist than walked up to and kneeled in front of him Shinji it's okay. "Shinji it's okay. I can tell whatever happened to you before must have been traumatic. But remember whoever those people are, can't hurt you anymore. Just remember the past is that past." Even the therapist tried to help Shinji, even his words couldn't help the broken boy. The boy was broken, no one can help him. He has no one in this new world. No family, no friends.

Later on that same day it was night time and school was closed but despite that Shinji stood there overnight in the school's pool. The lights were off but the light in the pool remained on. He was bottom of the pool, drowning out all the noise from everything. It helped him think. It helped him focus.

"I'm free. There is no Nerv. No father, No Wille, No Misato. No angels or Evas. There is no one left who can hurt me. I've escaped that madness. I've escaped that cruel world. But why do I still feel trapped?" Shinji thought to himself as remained floating at the bottom of the pool. "I don't understand. Is it because of this world treating me terribly? No...I don't think so. Why?... Why can't I move on?"

He felt very relaxed in the pool. He didn't care if the school was closed. He just wanted to forget his worries. Allowing those memories to fad deep inside his mind. When he opened his eyes saw Rei appear before him again as she was standing in front of him at the bottom of the pool as well. Just like before he knew his mind was playing tricks. He never understood why he kept seeing her. Did he love her that much?

After Shinji was done swimming he decided to head back to the tent where he lived. He decided to cut across the school's garden as he wanted to make a short cut. When he got to the school's garden he saw very pretty it was. The rock formation was a nice touch too. There were so many types of flowers Shinji didn't know any of there names. Before Shinji could continue he noticed someone was still working on it as they had the lantern on. Shinji recognized who it was as he noticed the familiar messy green hair and the striped sweater.

"Wallflower?"

"Aaah!!" shouted Wallflower as she quickly got up as she was startled by Shinji. "S-shinji?" She said in surprise. "W-what are you doing here so late?"

"Oh, I uh." Shinji scratched the back of his head. "Just went for a late night swim." He gave a fake laugh trying to hide his true feelings.

"...Oh" The was long silence between the two. Shinji wanted to talk to her a little more but couldn't figure out what to talk about. "Nice night isn't it?"

"Yeah...I guess." Shinji signed as this started to look awkward. "Well um, good night. I'll see you tomorrow." Shinji continued to across the garden but then was stopped by Wallflower's voice.

"Wait." Wallflower than looked at Shinji. "I... wanted to..apologize." She said as she placed her hand and her left arm, messaging it.

"...for what?"

"For being such a jerk earlier. I-I was in a bad mood and I shouldn't have taken it out on you," she said feeling a bit guilty.

"Don't be," Shinji replied with a smile. "I'm a pervert after all."

Wallflower giggled a little. "I never really...meant that." Then she played with her hair a little. "I don't think you're a pervert Shinji."

"It's fine if you really think that," said Shinji as he fakely laughed it off. "I actually used to get that a lot."

"So Shinji, are you really from Japan? What's it like?" she asked out of curiosity.

"It's really nice. The weather is always nice and the people are very polite" Than Shinji stopped as he couldn't figure out what to say next. "So uh, is this your garden?"

Wallflower expected him to tell her more about it but shrugged it off for now. "Well, technically it's the schools but I did make this garden all on my own."

"Wow, really?" said Shinji as he was impressed at how beautiful her garden is. "You made this all by yourself?"

"Yeah, I'm actually the president of the gardening club." Wallflower then suddenly frowned. "I'm and also the only member." She looked at Shinji as she realized something. "You're actually the only other person who's got to see this garden."

"Really? I'm really the only one," he asked in surprise

"Yep" She replied in a smile. "Hey Shinji, do you wanna-" Wallflower wanted to ask Shinji something but couldn't get herself to finish what she wanted to say as she blushed a little under her cheeks. "If you want ah-...Never mind, its nothing." Wallflower then grabbed her stuff and went home. "Later Shinji."

Shinji stared at Wallflower as she walked away. He was wondering what she wanted to ask him. He decided to just leave it be as he continued to way home.

Later on, as he walked through the woods he suddenly stopped to up at the stars. He loved looking at the stars, there was something about it that gave him hope. Shinji smiled as they looked so beautiful. He even saw a shooting star. Maybe it was time he started opening up a little. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea but then again this world was nothing like the world he came from. Then again maybe he shouldn't. Shinji was very indecisive on what he wanted to do.

"Tomorrow is Pinkie Pie's party. Should really go?" Shinji asked himself. It made him feel very uncomfortable at the idea of being surrounded by people who may or may not like him. He was never really a party person but perhaps he should go just so he wouldn't hurt Pinkie Pie's feeling. "Well whatever, It's not this party is gonna change anything right?"

To be Continued

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.”

– Steve Maraboli

Chapter 3: You can (Not) Replace

On the next day, Shinji woke up from his sleeping bag as he started getting ready for a new day. When he opened his tent he stretched his arms into the air as he yawned. "It's a new day," said Shinji as he smelled the fresh air and noticed it was clear skies today.

Today was Saturday so there is no school today but now Shinji had to head to his job at Apple family farm. He had put on some overalls (Since that's what most farmers wear for some reason) and made his way out of the woods.

Shinji was walking through town as he was listening to his S-date but than suddenly he saw a music store that sold CD's, record players and probably tapes too. Shinji decided to look inside real quick. He had time to spare. When he went he saw all kinds of music, both old and new. It was like a library of music.

He saw a blue hair girl around his age that wore purplish sunglasses and a blue and white jumpsuit sitting by the cash register. He had her earphone on so she couldn't hear anything while her music was playing. Her name is Vinyl Scratch, Shinji knows her as she goes to the same school as him. She is known as a famous disc jockey of Canterlot High.

"Um excuse me?" asked Shinji. She didn't respond cause of the music.

"E-excuse me? Excuse me?" Shinji felt a little annoyed at this point "Excuse me!!" he shouted but still no response.

"Your wasting your time dude." A girl with lemon green hair and tanned skin approached (Lemon Zest). "She can't hear anything outside those headphones. Can I help you with anything?"

"Do you sell any cassette tapes?"

"Sure, fallow me." Lemon Zest led the way to the Cassette section.

Shinji looked through all the songs they had. None of them were like the Japanese songs back at his homeworld but he was willing to listen to something deferent.

Shinji chose a couple of songs of tapes and took them in front of the register to buy them. When Vinyl Scratch notice the tape recorder Shinji had immediately snatched it to get a closer look.

"Dude, I understand that your old fashion but have ever considered in getting an iPhone?" said the Disc Jockey as examined Shinji's S-date Cassette player.

"iPhone? What's an iPhone?" Shinji asked as he wasn't sure what that was.

"Dude are you serious?! And I phone can hold up to a thousand songs. You should really think about getting with the time's man. And also S-date?? Never heard of that brand. This has got to be one of those cheap imitations." Suddenly both Shinji and Vinyl heard a throat clearing as they stared at the direction of Lemon Zest who frowned at her friend while folding her arms.

"Vinyl, please don't offend the customer!" said Lemon Zest as DJ girl returned Shinji cassette player.

"Sorry, buddy. Didn't mean to insult your taste." Vinyl apologized as she smiled embarrassingly as she blushed.

"It's okay," said Shinji as he grabbed his stuff and exited the store.

Shinji decided to play one of the new songs on his S-date Cassette player as he continued to make his way towards work. He still had time though. "I should probably get some breakfast before I head to work. Still got time to spare."

Shinji continued to walk through the neighborhood passing by many stores on the way including the mall which he was tempted in going in but never was had the time.

When Shinji was about to walk pass Canterlot high he saw Gilda and her gang of buddies Fido, Spot & Rover. (Diamond Dogs) Both hanging at out by the Canterlot statue. Shinji quickly hid by the bushes not wanting to be seen by them. As he almost made past them he accidentally stepped on an alley cats tail as it suddenly lashed out at Shinji. This drew Gilda and her gang's attention as they noticed Shinji across the street being attacked by a cat.

After Shinji got the cat off his face he was alerted by his name being called. "Ooh, Shinji, how about you come hang with us for a while." Asked Gilda and her buddies were about to cross the street to him. Shinji saw it in their faces that they had something sinister planned for him. "Will treat you real nice!"

On instinct, Shinji made a run for it as he tried to keep his distance from those bullies a much as possible. He had no time for them especially if he wanted to get to his job on time. "Sorry I gotta run!"

"Hey, get back here!!" shouted Gilda as her and her goons ran after him. As Gilda and the three guys ran past the ally. When they were gone. Shinji climbed out of the trash bins and went through the alleyway.

A while later Shinji waited for the bus but felt his tummy rumble with hunger. Shinji noticed Suger Cube Corner wasn't too far away so he decided to get something to eat real quick. He honestly wanted to avoid going to that place since he knew that's where Pinkie Pie worked but he knew he shouldn't keep avoiding her anymore. She invited him to a party and even though he honestly doesn't want to go, Shinji knew that all PInkie pie wanted was to be nice to him and be his friend.

So as Shinji entered sugar cube corner he was greeted by two people who were standing behind the counter of sweets, one was a woman who looked to be in her late 30's or 40s. She had a velvet-like hair and was a little bit chubby and the other one was a skinny tall man with short orange hair who looked o be around the women's age.

"Why hello there Dearie!" greeted the women with a sweet smile.

"H-Hi, C-Can I have a cinnamon roll and some milk?" asked Shinji. "To go please."

"Sure thing." The man replied as grabbed a cinnamon roll and put it in a bag.

"So you must be Shinji Ikari."

Shinji was taken back. "W-wha? H-how did you know my name?"

"Pinkie Pie has been talking so much about you lately." The women explained. "She was so happy that you accepted her invitation to her party. Now normally its nothing new with Pinkie Pie when it comes to making new friends but for some reason, she took a particular interest in you."

Shinji wondered what she meant by that. Pinkie always did try to get his attention. It was almost like she was on a mission from God to put a smile on his face as she was so determined to make him laugh. Thinking back on it made Shinji feel guilty as he all he did was flee when she tried to approach him and yet she still doesn't sadden or mad that he did that. "What makes Pinke pie so...positive?"

"My name is Mrs. Cake by the way." She greeted as she shook Shinji's hand. "And his is my husband, Mr. Carrot Cake."

"Pleasure to meet you. So are you Pinkie Pie's parents or something?" asked Shinji. They shooked their heads no' in response.

"No, not exactly. Pinkie pie's real family lives far away from here." Ms. Cake corrected as she gave Shinji what he bought. "We just watch over her while she helps us with the shop."

"Well, anyway. It was a pleasure talking with you" After Shinji paid them he bowed to them and immediately exited. "Later!"

They waved at him as he left. Shinji notices the bus made it just in time as quickly made his way to the bus before it drove away. Before he could enter he heard someone shout for him

"HEY!!" shouted Gilda as she and her buddies dashed towards Shinji.

"Drive, drive, DRIVE!!" pegged Shinji as the bus driver immediately closed the door and drove away. Gilda pounded at the door of the bus as tried to get the bus driver to stop. Knowing that she couldn't catch up to it she started to slow down as her legs felt tired from running so much.

"Goddammit!!!" shouted Gilda.

Shinji was riding the bus all the way on the far side of the city until he got to the suburbs. about 50 acres of rich farmland covered this part of town. The bus stopped in front of Apple Acres which is where he worked. The Apple family usually doesn't higher anyone to work for them. It was a family-owned business but ever since Big mac injured his back Applejack knew she couldn't do all the work by herself so the family had no choice but to higher some workers. Shinji had no experience in farming what so ever but he was lucky that they hired him anyway. They were a very friendly family generous enough to teach Shinji how to farm. He's still not used to some of the work due to the fact of how scrawny Shinji was. It was hard for Shinji to look for a job and he was lucky that the Apple family was hiring at all.

Later on in the day, Shinji was milking the cows. When he was done with that he took the buckets of milk and pours it into a metal container. When Shinji was about to go handle the chicken's eggs applejack shouted out to everyone. "Alright, break time!!"

Instead of sitting and eating lunch with the other workers, Shinji decided to keep to himself as he relaxed on an apple wagon as the other workers ate together as a group while Shinji laid there listening to his S-date tape recorder.

"Somewhere...over the rainbow....way up high...there's a land that I've heard of...once in a lullaby" Shinji was mumbling the lyrics of the song as he was in his own world again. Looking up at the blue sky as the warmth of the sun relaxed him. "Somewhere over the rainbow...skies are blue...and the dreams that you dare to dream....really do come true."

When Shinji turns his head to the left he suddenly gets startled by Applejack. "AAAAaaahhh!" Screamed Shinji while shooting his head up as he wasn't even aware that she was even there staring at with a bright smile.

Applejack laughed, as Shinji immediately took his earphones off. "I'm sorry, I never meant to scare ya." Said Applejack as she was still laughing. "So whatcha doing over here all by yourself?" Then climbed on the wagon and sat right next to him.

"Just listening to some music." He simply replied.

"Ah really. Well, I can tell that yer listening to an old classic." She said with a bright friendly smile. Shinji flinched a little as he balled himself away from her as he wanted to keep his distance. Shinji was always timid when it came to talking to new people and on top of that he was still scared to open himself up to people."I don't think we ever properly introduced. As you already know, my names Applejack. You must be Shinji Ikari. You and I go to the same school."

"Y-You must be one of Pinkie Pie's friends. She mentioned you before."

"Why er bundling up like that?" said Applejack as she frowned as she folded her arms. "I ain't gonna bite. Now that's just playing rude"

"S-sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. It's just..."Shinji didn't know what to say. He couldn't figure out an excuse for his timid behavior. The last thing he wanted to do was upset his boss of all people.

"Yer just the super shy type aren't yah?" Applejack said with a cute grin as she leaned in closer to him. "I'd say you and ma friend Fluttershy would get along nicely."

"F-Fluttershy," Shinji mumbled. "She's the pink haired girl?"

"Yep, and I think you two would make a great couple," said Applejack with a sly grin.

"Couple?!"

"I'm kidding. Although I wouldn't mind hooking yah up if you're interested," she said with a wink. Applejack than noticed she was a little too close to Shinji. She unintentionally invaded his personal space. Applejack blushed as she quickly backed away. "Um, my apologies." She tipped her hat.

After that awkward moment, Applejack decided to change the subject "So anyway. Yah going to Pinkie Pie's party tonight right?"

"...Yeah." he simply answered.

Applejack notice how un-amused he was. She wasn't sure if that was his personality or Shinji wasn't excited about going to Pinkie Pie's party. "You don't seem happy about it. Yah mind tellin me why?"

"I'm just not...really good at parties," Shinji admitted with a frown. "It's not that I don't wanna go, it's just-"

"Ooh, I'm detecting a lie." Applejack interrupted with a knowing grin. "You actually don't wanna go do yah?"

"N-no, wait, I d-do w-wanna go, M-maybe...I-I not really sure-" Getting his words all scrambled up Applejack laid a hand on his shoulder to try to calm him down.

"Calm down Shinji. It's alright if ya don't wanna go. I mean, it would be kinda rude if you don't show but," Applejack than paused for a second as she thought about what to say. "But if you feel uncomfortable in showing that I'm Pinkie Pie would understand." Then her eyes looked up for about a second. "...I think."

"To be honest." Applejack looked at him as she gave him her full attention. "A part of me does want to go. I'm just a bit a nervous being around so many people. Most of the other students don't like me very much, to begin with, so-"

"You're scared of what others might think of yah." Applejack interrupted. Shinji hated to admit it but he nodded in response. He was actually surprised that she could understand him that fast. It was like She was reading him like a book.

Applejack placed her hands behind her head as he lied down and relaxed. "I see." She nodded. "Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it. There ain't gonna be that many people at the party anyway. Just me, Pinkie Pie and seven other people and they're all close friends of mine. I know them very well. They wouldn't judge a person without getting to know them first. There very open. Trust me." She said with a wink.

Shinji thought about what she said. He was still skeptical about it. He doubted what she said was true. He wondered why Pinkie Pie and her friends were interested in him in the first place. "How can you guys open your social circle like that? You don't even know me?"

"Maybe it's because we WANT to know you," she replied happily. "We don't want anything from you Shinji." Shinji looked at her again as he tried to read her body language to see if she really meant what she was saying. "We just want ya to have a good time."

"...but why?"

"Does there have to be a reason?" said Applejack."Maybe it's because we noticed that a lot of the other students have been giving ya a hard time and we just wanna make up for that."

Shinji knew that making new friends was the next step in moving on with his life. Not to mention even this therapist suggested it too. He was just so worried that time would repeat itself again but the more he thought about it he realized that it might not be like last time. There is no Nerv, no father. He was free from that sick madness that his father puts him through.

"Listen Shinji, you should take advantage at what life throws as yah, cause if ya don't then what's the point in living." She then jumped off the wagon as the break was almost over. "No one is young forever. So if I were you I'd go."

As Applejack walked away back to her job. Shinji thought about what she said. Shinji knew that he was unable to age but that didn't mean he could live forever right? He wasn't sure how the curse of the Eva worked but he knew he could still die. Shinji knew when he came to this world he was given a second chance. He shouldn't spoil it by being trapped in the past. However, it was easier said than done as his condition kept getting worse. He could still hear them calling to him. He still sees them in his dreams.

"You do Nothing."

"None of your Damn Bussiness"

"Never get in an Eva!"

"Pilot the Eva"

"Stop it!!" He said as he clutched his forehead in agony. His heart started to beat rapidly faster. He could hear his heart pounding in his chest as he immediately grabbed a paper bag and took deep breaths. He kept blowing in and out repeatedly until he felt his heart calm down. "Just...leave...me....alone!"

He sat there for a while until his heart was completely calm. He was worried he was gonna get another panic attack. Tears began falling down his cheeks as he started sobbing a little. "I...I don't...want to....remember anymore."

Just like in his old country, Shinji could hear those cicadas cry. They were the only things he could hear when he was alone. A lonely day by himself. It calmed him. Perhaps he was better off alone.

After work was over Applejack offered to give Shinji a ride on her pickup truck to the party. Shinji politely declined at first but Applejack insisted. He couldn't turn her down, especially since they were both going to the same place.

"Th-thanks for giving me a ride, but y-you really didn't have to-"

"Nonsense." Apple interrupted. "Wouldn't make sense to just let ya take the bus. Besides its dangerous walkin alone at night."

"You're awfully generous," Shinji admitted.

"Anything for a friend," Applejack gladly said as she was listening to her country music.

"Friend?" Shinji said in surprise. "B-but you don't even know me. Isn't friendship earned, or something?"

"Not always. Besides, Fluttershy told me yah saved her one time from Gilda." Said Applejack as she thought back at what she told her. "I already knew that you must be a good and caring person."

"You might be wrong about that," Shinji quietly mumbled as he sadly frowned.

Meanwhile, the rest of the girls were at Canterlot high using the gym for their party they were throwing. They got special permission from the principle to use it just for the night. Vinyl Scratch was busy setting up her DJ equipment, Pinkie Pie was setting up the snack table and balloons and Fluttershy and her animal's friends help with the rest of the decorations.

"Alright, seems everything is set." Said Sunset Shimmer as she looked over everything."Now, all we need is our guest of honor."

"Sunset, I was wondering," said R.D as walked towards her friend. "Despite that fact how much we all know Pinkie Pie loves throwing parties for the new students. I couldn't help but notice that you've been getting into this."

"W-what do you mean?" Sunset asked.

Than Rainbow looks at her with a sly grin. "You know what I'm talking about Sunset, you like Shinji."

Sunset face suddenly blushed red. "What?!, Rainbow Dash. You know that's not true."

"Than why the sudden interest? You think I haven't notice that you've been staring at him a lot lately."

"It's okay if you like him, darling," Than Rarity joined in the conversation. "He may look a bit jaded, but I can understand why you think he's attractive. He looks very cute, like a puppy."

"A puppy?" asked Fluttershy.

"Girls, please, you got the wrong idea," said Sunset. She was starting to get a little irritated. "I just think this school been giving Shinji hard time and I just wanna cheer him up. I don't like him that way but I would like him as a friend."

"I understand," said Twilight as he took off her glasses and cleaned them. "Many of the other students at Crystal Prep didn't like me very much either. Don't know why but I get the feeling that people are purposely looking for someone to be an outcast. It's almost like they need someone to be the black sheep of the group."

"Well, that's society for you." Sunset agreed as she folded her arms with a knowing frown. The rest of the group nodded in agreement. There was no denying the reality of life.

"Well, anyway I'm glad that you're willing to help out a fellow student," commented Rarity as she placed her hand on Sunset's shoulder. "Your going out of your way help Shinji make friends and on top of that, this would make a perfect opportunity for us to get to know him."

"Hey everyone," Greeted Flash Sentry as he entered the gym. "Glad I made it to the party."

Sunset's heart stopped when she heard Flash Sentry enter the building. Her and Flash were never a couple but she still felt awkward around him after she changed. She wasn't sure if she has feelings for him or she's confusing it with other feelings. Sunset felt bad about what she did to him. She wouldn't be surprised if Flash was hiding how he truly felt after what happened between them.

Instead of greeting him as her friends did she decided to walk away and hide until she was startled by Maud Pie who looked at her with the same blank neutral expression. "Oh hey, Maud Pie. I wasn't aware you were invited too." Sunset greeted with a fake smile.

Maud pie didn't say anything at first but as she continued staring at Sunset blankly. "...Pinkie Pie invited me." She said simply as she fed her pet rock.

"Okay." suddenly everyone noticed Applejack coming in with their new friend.

"Howdy, everyone." said the cowgirl as she brought Shinji along with her. As everyone else greeted Pinkie pie immediately dashed towards Shinji at the sped of light and gave him a bone-crushing bear hug.

"Aah!" Shinji could feel his spine on the verge of breaking.

"You came, you came, YOU CAME!!" shouted Pinkie Pie with glee while Shinji was busy trying to get her to let go.

"Y-Yes, P-pinkie, c-could you let me go?" pleaded Shinji as the pain was oo much for him to bear.

"Pinkie pie, take it easy." Said Applejack with a frown. "I don't want ya breaking him in half."

"Oops sorry." Pinkie Pie put him down as Shinji was messaging his back from the pain. He was soon greeted by a flaming haired girl he heard many of the students talk about.

"Hi, you must Shinji Ikari." Sunset greeted as she shook his hand. "My name is Sunset Shimmer, You probably already know me though."

Shinji nodded, even though they didn't have any classes together he heard many stories about her. How she used to terrorize the whole school and ruining the lives of other students who ever got in her way but ever since Twilight came to her life she was a changed person. However, as Shinji looked at Twilight she didn't look anything in her photos. Her hair wasn't tided and she didn't have glasses before. She must have changed after that. Shinji heard from Applejack that Sunset was one who helped set this all up for him. He found it a bit strange how an ex-bully wanted to get to know him but then again it wasn't the first time. Toji used to give him a hard time and so did Asuka.

"H-hi, Its a pleasure. I'm glad you made this all for me." Shinji said as he smiled politely. He did the best he can to not be a downer. Even though deep down he was actually nervous and scared but he didn't want to show it. "Nobody has ever done something like this for me before."

Sunset smiled brightly as she was glad that Shinji was flattered by what they did for him. "These are all my friends," she said as she introduced everyone that was behind her. "You already know Pinkie Pie, Applejack. This is Rarity-"

"We actually met before dear." Rarity pointed out.

"Oh right, this is Fluttershy" Fluttershy smiled at him shyly. "And this is Rainbow Dash." R.D waved at him, grinning. "This is Twilight."

"Pleasure to meet you." Twilight greeted Shinji as well.

"This is Flash Sentry and this Maud Pie." Maud pie replied with a poof from her bottom. Everyone stared at Maud pie, Sunset Shimmer's jaw dropped in disbelief including some of her friends. Pinkie Pie on the other hand just laugh. Rarity, however, looked at Maud pie with disgust.

"Eeew!! How uncouth!" shouted Rarity covering her nose.

"Really?" said Sunset.

"AAAHAHAHAHAHHAAAAAA!!!" Pinkie Pie laughed so hard that her stomach started to hurt.

"Hey everyone." Suddenly Shinji turned around and saw three younger girls approach them. One was a redhead with a big pink bow. She wore a green shirt and shorts. The other one had pinkish purplish hair with curls and had a fancier dress. The last one had a similar hairstyle to Rainbow Dash except, just dark purple, she had a plain black sweater with green shorts.

"Applebloom, I thought I'd told yah to head home," said Applejack as she frowned at her younger sister and her friends.

"And miss the party?!" Applebloom replied. "You guys never let us tag along."

"Come on, let us stay. We promise won't cause any trouble," said Scootaloo.

"You three are not even invited," Rarity added as her little sister stuck her tough out at her. "Why you little-"

"Now girls," Sunset Shimmer budded in as she didn't want there to be an argument. "Since they're here, they might as well join us. Let's just have a good time alright." Sunset shimmer forced a fake smile as she was a little disappointed that these three troubles maker showed up. "I never expected these three to crash the party. Oh well, things can't always go as planned can they." thought Sunset Shimmer.

Shinji still felt uncomfortable with all of this but he refused to complain about it. He just hoped nothing bad or unexpected will happen.

Later on, Shinji's body was being bounced up and down uncontrollably as he was trapped in a bouncy house Pinkie pie randomly literally grabbed out of nowhere. "Pinkie.....Where....on earth...did you get....a bouncy...house?!!" Shinji asked as he was started to feel a little sick as Pinkie Pie was in the castle with him bouncing and up and down having fun.

"That's Pinkie Pie for yah. Random as ever." R.D commented with a smirk.

"That's not fair. How come he gets to go first." Said Applebloom as she and her friends were watching Shinji being thrown around like a rag doll.

"I'd don't think he was ever asked to go first Applebloom." said stated Applejack as she also watched the chaos from outside the bouncy house. "I'm pretty sure Shinji was just thrown in there against his will."

"Oh boy," said Fluttershy in a worried tone.

"Hang in their little buddy," shouted Flash Sentry as he was also watching.

"Someone...Help....me!!" pegged Shinji as he was starting to feel sick. "I...wanna...get off...now!!"

After that Rainbow Dash tried to teach Shinji how to play Basketball. Shinji was never really the athletic type, even though used to pilot an Eva. It was true he used to be a part of the swim team but that was cause he wanted an excuse to use the school's pool. Rainbow Dash looked at him amused as she watched try to throw the ball at the hoop but can't even get the ball anywhere close to it.

"Not even close," said R.D as she laughed a little. "You really need to eat more protein. You're a very scrawny dude Shinji."

"Sorry, I'm just not a very big eater," explained Shinji.

"Why you apologizing for?"

"S-sorry."

"There you go again." Said R.D as sounded a slightly a bit annoyed with Shinji's sorrys. "Quiet Apologizing. You shouldn't apologize after you've done nothing wrong. Haven't you ever played any other sport before Shinji?"

Shinji thought for a moment. "Well, I did try football once."

Quick flashback:

Meanwhile, in the field, Shinji was behind the other players as he was waiting for the game to start. He had both helmet and football gear on.

"HIKE !!!" Suddenly the ball was passed to Shinji. When he realized he had the ball he was suddenly tackled by bigger players.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Even though he had gear on he could still feel the pain from their heavy bodies that were on top of him. The game didn't last very long at all. Shinji even ended up in the hospital after that. Nothing too serious except a fractured arm. Shinji never felt so embarrassed that day.

And of Quick Flashback:

"It didn't really work out," Shinji mumbled irritably.

Rainbow Dash laughs at the story as she cried in laughter. Shinji on the hand didn't laugh. He didn't think it was funny for people to laugh at his pain. Even though he knows that R.D didn't mean anything by it, it still made him feel uncomfortable.

"Cheer up Shinji, I wouldn't worry about it. There is gotta be at least one sport your good at." Rainbow Dash thought for a moment. Like a light bub that lid up above her head he figured out an idea. "Hey, Shinji, You've played Baseball before?"

"No." He simply replied.

"The suns still out. How about we head outside and play a quick game?" R.D offered.

Shinji honestly didn't want to play knowing that he wasn't really good at sports but he just couldn't say no."Uuuhh...okay."

Later on, Shinji, Flash Sentry, and the rest of the girl were outside using the school's baseball field. Shinji was on bat while R.D was the pitcher. Pinkie Pie was the catcher as she was wearing protective gear on while standing behind Shinji while crouching down. "Alright Shinji, all you have to do is hit the ball," said R.D with a cocky grin. "Ready."

"Um....okay." Shinji weakly responded.

"Alright, here. I. come!" Rainbow Dash threw the ball so hard that Shinji couldn't even see the ball pass him as Pinkie Pie caught it with his glove.

"Strike one," shouted Pinkie Pie. Shinji was shocked at how fast the ball went when she threw it. He didn't even get the chance to swing the bat.

"H-how, am I suppose to... do this?" Shinji asked as he felt nervous.

"Shinji, try to hit the ball next time!" Shouted Applejack as she watched by the sidelines with the rest of the girls.

"Uuh, O-okay."

"And Rainbow Dash, please go easy on him. This isn't the major league," she added. Applejack and the rest knew that Rainbow Dash didn't like holding back when it came to sports. She was very competitive and might not have been the best choice for a pitcher for a new player like Shinji.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she knew "going easy" wasn't in her vocabulary. But for Shinji's sake, she made an exception. "Okay fine, here comes the next one."

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Fluttershy commented as she was a bit concerned. "You all know how competitive Rainbow Dash can be."

"I agree, on top of that Shinji doesn't seem to be the athletic type," Twilight added while adjusting her glasses.

"I'm sure he'll be just fine guys." Said Applejack. "I wouldn't underestimate Shinji just yet. Come on, Let's play ball!!" She shouted as she than whistled.

"Alright Shinji, let's see if you can handle a curveball. You ready?" asked R.D as Shinji nodded in response. Rainbow Dash threw a curved ball at Pinkie pie glove. Even though it was slower than the last Shinji still couldn't hit it. He swung the bat this time but no hit.

"Strike two!"

"What a weak swing" R.D committed rudely while shaking her head. He couldn't even hit a curveball.

"Rainbow Dash!!" Applejack shouted angerly.

"What?" she asked as she looked back at her friends. "That was my slowest throw."

Sunset Shimmer suddenly called for a time out as she wanted to assist Shinji real quick with his swinging. She could tell that Shinji doesn't play very often but despite that Sunset didn't want him to have a bad time. This was supposed to fun but she could on Shinji face that he wasn't having fun.

"I can see you're having a bit of trouble. Mind if I give you some pointers." Sunset asked.

"Um...how?" he asked then suddenly Sunset got behind him as Shinji felt her chest pressed against his back. She helped him hold the bat correctly by positioning them better as she wrapped her hands around his. Shinji checks grew red by this and what made him blush even more when he realized how close Sunset's face was to his. Shinji was nervous, his heart beating really fast, he just hoped it wouldn't trigger another panic attack. Even his breathing was heavy.

"Now Shinji, what's the one thing you know so well?" asked Sunset with a smile as she was trying to do the best she could to help Shinji out.

"Well..." Shinji thought for a moment. Shinji has many hobbies but he never enjoyed any of them. Everything he has ever done was cause he was told to do them. It was never what he wanted, but what others wanted instead. He's just the type that douses what he is told and that's how he has gotten through life. "Well, I know how to paint, I Also know how to play the Cello."

"Okay, what else."

Shinji kept thinking. There was one thing that came to mind but he hated it more than anything else. Just thinking about it made him frowned. "....Well...I know how to shoot a gun."

Sunset looked at him a little surprised. "You know how to shoot a gun?" Shinji nodded in response but despite how unusual that sounded due to the fact on how old he was (Or I should say looked) she smiled excitedly at that. "Well, it's the same thing."

"Wha?"

"Hitting the ball with the bat is almost like shooting the gun," she said as she guided his arms making his swing. "Just center in on the target, and pull the trigger." Shinji's eyes widen at that familiar sentence. It made him remember Ritsuko and Misato giving him orders. He could see their faces flash before his eyes as the sentence repeated itself over and over again in his head.

"You okay Shinji?" Sunset asked as Shinji shook those thoughts away.

"Y-yeah. S-sorry I was distracted for a second," he said as Sunset let go of his hands and took a couple of steps back.

"So Remember Shinji. Just center in on the target, and pull the trigger. Okay?" Shinji nodded his head again as he understood as he positioned himself and tighten his grip on the bat.

"Alright, let's go!!" shouted Applejack. Rainbow Dash was already ready to throw another ball. The held the ball behind her back as she smiled another cocky grin.

"Alright, here comes another one Shinji!" She says. Shinji had a serious look on his face as he pictured the ball as a target. Memories of his past kept flashing before his eyes as he remembered the time when he fought against the fifth angel. That traumatic time when it almost killed him. Images of him targeting the fifth angel with the positron rifle kept flashing in his mind. The Fifth angel targeted him as it was about to shoot him and he was about to shoot back. He could hear the screeching sound it made every time it fired at him.

Time itself slowed as Shinji saw the ball leave R.D's hand. The words he remembered kept repeating themselves. "Center in on the target, and pull the trigger. Center in on the target, and pull the trigger. Center in on the target, and pull the trigger."

Right then and there he swung the bat so hard he felt he pulled a muscle on his arm. He heard a clanking noise as he opened his and saw the ball flying through the to the distance. Everyone was in aw as it even took Rainbow Dash by surprise. It was a home run as the ball was completely out of the field.

Fluttershy: "Oh...my,"

Applejack: "Whoa Nelly!"

Flash Sentry: "Nice hit!!"

Sunset Shimmer: "Way to go Shinji!"

Twilight: "He actually hit a home run!"

"Oh my god, Shinji I never-" Said Rainbow dash until suddenly her amazement turned into fear as she saw where the ball was gonna land. "Uh-oh."

"CRASH!!!"

Everyone including Shinji looked in total fear as the ball landed on the glass of some else's house. There was a moment silence with the teenagers until Rainbow Dash finally spoke. "I think that enough baseball for today. I think we should head inside now."

"Yeah, good idea." Said Applejack as she and the others ran back to the school's gym. Sunset suddenly grabbed Shinji's arms as they both ran back to the school.

"Good game." Pinkie Pie commented before she went inside."

Later on, while everyone was having a good time Shinji was sitting by the table alone. He couldn't get over what happened at the baseball field. The memories he had were still there. No matter how long time has passed the painful memories won't go away. Not even the good ones. Shinji's mind wandered a bit as he realized that he hasn't changed at all since his old life. It concerned him deeply, the last thing he wanted was to stay the same.

While Shinji was in deep thought Sunset Shimmer walked towards him and sat right next to him. She didn't want him to distance himself from the others so she tried to talk to him. See if she can get him to rejoin the party with the others. "This everything okay Shinji? You seem kind of down lately."

"Its nothing to be concerned about." he simply replied not bothering to look Sunset in the eye.

Sunset felt tempted to use her magic to look through the Shinji's memories. It would be faster to try to solve his issue if she knew what it was now, She tried to reach out to touch his hand so she could see but quickly stopped herself as she felt something was telling her not too. "No, that wouldn't be right. Princess Twilight wouldn't do that...would she? Something is definitely bothering Shinji. I wanna know what it is but... I want Shinji to trust me." She thought as she decided not to use her magic. "From what I understand. A lot of the other students haven't been treating you nicely. Especially Gilda. Well I want you to know that me and the other girls will do everything we can to-"

"It's fine." Shinji interrupted as he simply made it sound like it was no big deal. Shinji smiled like it was all completely okay with him. "I'm used to it. There no need for you to get involved."

Sunset slightly frowned by that. She didn't like that smile. The smile was convincing but Sunset knew that positive attitude he had was just a mask hiding his true feelings. "Shinji," She then paused for about a moment. "If there is something bothering you, it's alright to tell us. Were friends right? And if something is wrong, friends help one another,"

Shinji continued to smile as he shook his head. "It's fine really, but thanks anyway."

Sunset gritted her teeth in frustration. "So stubborn," She thought. Then she suddenly she thought of an idea. She might not be able to get him to open up but she could at least have his mind focus on something else. Sunset smirked as she suddenly went to towards Vinyl Scratch who was in the middle of playing music. Sunset got her attention as she made a small request from her. The Disc nodded in reply as she suddenly changed the song in order to change the mood.

Sunset Shimmer walked towards the middle of the gym as she was preparing to do something. Then suddenly, Vinyl Scratch started playing a totally deferent song that wasn't her usual techno music. It was less loud and had somewhat of a catchy beat to it. Sunset started moving her legs, moving the same way repeatedly and slowly started to dance to the beat. She soon started moving her arms as well, not caring if she looked silly are not, she just dance to the rhythm of the song. She started doing a dance move called the cabbage patch as she waved her arms outward.

Everyone in the gym was cheering for her as they watch her dance, even Shinji as he looked at her wondering what Sunset was trying to do. Then suddenly she did a dance move that suddenly looked like she was swinging a lasso while looking back at him. Sunset suddenly pretended to catch with the invisible rope as she started to pretend to pull him closer to her. Shinji knew what she was signaling him to do and shook his head no in response.

Not taking no for an answer Sunset then danced towards him and took his hand and tried to force him towards the middle of the dance floor. Shinji resisted at first but was soon overpowered when Pinkie Pie than joined in and shoved him from behind to the dance floor as well.

Shinji soon found himself standing beside Sunset as she was still dancing. Shinji felt a bit uncomfortable in the position he is in now. He can't dance, he has never danced in his life. He was a bit nervous as he felt himself sweating but then Sunset started dancing in front of him as she was trying to get him to fallow her league. What made his position even worse was that everyone was cheering on to dance.

Even Pinkie pie was dancing, and soon everyone started to join in. Except for Applejack for some reason who chose to sit this dance out.

"Applejack, why aren't you joining us?" asked Rarity.

"I'm not a fan of sad and violent songs with a deceptive happy tune." Said Applejack who looked bothered by the lyrics a little. Shinji felt like he had no choice as he decided to fallow Sunset's league after all. He started moving his legs at the same pace as Sunsets including moving his arms. Shinji wasn't sure if he was doing it correctly but he tried his best to follow at her pace.

Soon everyone was dancing the same way, but they didn't seem like were like following Sunset, it was almost like they were following the rhythm of the song. They weren't following anyone, as a matter of fact, they were all dancing at their own pace.

Soon Shinji found himself not fallowing Sunset lead, but his own. He just listens to the music and they already knew what to do from there. A small smile formed in his face as he started having fun. Soon his worries started fading away like none of them mattered anymore. When Sunset noticed this, she smiled too. She was glad that she managed to get him to forget his worries.

(Small Montage)

Later on, Shinji played a card game with the sisters of Applejack, including Scootalo who wasn't exactly a sister to Rainbow Dash but they did treat each other like so. "Uno!!" Applebloom shouted as the other girls grunted in defeat.

"Shinji I told you not to use the blue cards, she obvously needed a blue card," said Scootaloo who was slightly irritated.

"S-sorry," Shinji replied with a nervous smile as he felt guilty making that move.

After that Shinji was playing another game called twister with Sunset and the girls. He wasn't very familiar with the game and its rules but it wasn't hard to understand them when Sunset and the others showed him step by step. "Okay, Shinji, now right-hand yellow," said Pinkie Pie.

Shinji put his right-hand on the yellow circle just as Pinkie Pie instructed. As the game progressed Shinji final understood why the game was called twister as he found himself over Rarity and Applejack over him, Flash Sentry was between Rainbow Dash and Rarity and Rainbow Dash's foot is in front of Rarity's face. "Eew, Rainbow Dash, your feet smell."

"Well, that tends to happen when you play a lot of sports." R.D simply replied not caring about Rarity's complaint.

"Alright Shinji, now move your left-hand green," said Pinkie. When Shinji moved his left-hand green he suddenly found himself under Applejack's breast. Applejack face burnt steaming red in embarrassment when she felt the side of his face touch her side boob. "Um..S-Shinji...y-your face-I-it's"

Noticed what his face was touching her breast he immediately panic."Gaaaaah!!!" Panicking made him slip and fall including all the other girls that were tangled up with each other.

Flash Sentry: "Aah, that hurt."

Rarity: "Ouch!!"

Rainbow Dash: "Dammit!!"

"...Sorry." Shinji mumbled in shame.

"Seriously, is that all you know how to say?!" says R.D who was a little annoyed by Shinji's sorry's

After that Shinji was talking to Maud Pie for a while. He was a bit weirded out at what Maud was saying. He didn't understand a single word of it. Shinji thinks that she might be talking about a certain type of rock but he was completely lost when she went on and started using words he has never heard before. "granular in texture, most likely arranged in an equigranular matrix, with scattered biotite mica and amphibole, at least sixty-five percent alkali feldspar by volume, with a melting point of twelve-fifty centigrade, plus or minus ten degrees."

"Tha-that is interesting." Shinji timidly said.

"I also know rock poetry," Said Maud Pie as she started to clear her throat. "Rocks, these are my rocks. Sediments make me sedimental. Smooth and round, Asleep in the ground. Shades of brown and gray."

There was an awkward silence between them as Shinji decided to look for an excuse to leave. "I-I think I hear Sunset Shimmer calling me. I'll uh, be right back." He then walked away towards Sunset Shimmer.

"So Shinji how are you liking the party?" Sunset asked. Shinji thought about what he was going to say. He wasn't sure if he enjoyed himself.

"Its uh, really nice." Shinji timidly replied. "Honestly, I-I never been to a party like this before."

"Never?"

Shinji shook his head in response.

"I guess you've never been invited to a lot of parties huh?" Sunset asked.

"Most of the parties I've been a part of were small. It's used to be just me and my guardian. She would always try to make me feel welcomed." said Shinji as he thought back when he lived with Misato. "We would just mostly just eat microwave food."

Sunset laughs a little at Shinji story. "Microwave food?! I never knew that was considered party food. Was it just you and your guardian, or was anybody else who came to the party? Any friends?"

"Well, we did have another roommate who lived with us. However, we never did get along very well." Shinji thought about Asuka but she never did get to attend any of the parties Misato threw, neither did Toji or Kensuke for that matter.

"Oh, that's too bad," said Sunset. "So who was this person?"

"Her name was-" suddenly Shinji was interrupted as an angry adult entered the party. She had greenish wavy rainbow like hair similar to Rainbow Dash but a little faded, however, her head was covered in old fashioned hair curlers and she was in pajamas.

"Alright, this party is over !!" She shouted getting everyone attention. Everyone in the gym was frozen in fear as they all recognized her as the principal Celestia. "Which one of you busted my window?" she said as held up a familiar baseball.

"That's the same baseball I hit?!" said the shocked Shinji who knew he was in trouble.

"Uh oh" Mumbled Sunset as she knew they were all in trouble.

"Oh dear," Fluttershy said quietly as she hid behind her friends.

"I never would have expected of the ether of you of hitting a baseball at my house!!" Shouted the angry principal. "If the perpetrators do not show herself this instant, is gonna get suspension!"

Not wanting Shinji to get in trouble, Rainbow Dash approaches her. "Sorry, Celestia, I must have hit the ball too hard and-"

Shinji decided to approach her despite Sunset trying to stop him. "Shinji don't."

"It was me." Celestia then noticed Shinji approaching her as he looked at her without any fear but filled with guilt. He was ready to take any punishment. He never cared if it wasn't fair to himself. He just didn't want these girls to get in trouble for his mistake. "It was me. I hit the ball at your house. They had nothing to do with it."

"Wait, Shinji-" Rainbow Dash tried to bud in until Shinji stopped her by raising his voice as he continued to talk to the principal. Rainbow Dash felt this wasn't right. She was the one who wanted to play in the first place. Many of the other girls wanted to bud in too but continued on listening instead.

"Please, just....don't punish them for my mistake." Shinji pegged.

"Shinji..." muttered Sunset.

The principal narrowed her eyes at Shinji. She was silent at first as she examined Shinji from head to toe, looking for something in his expression that proved that he was lying or telling the truth. Celestia was like a lie detector, she could tell if the student was lying or not. However, this was the first time Celestia has ever had a problem with Shinji who has never caused trouble until now. Furrowing her eyebrows, "Your Shinji Ikari, am I corrected?"

Shinji nodded in response

"Than I expect to see you in detention tomorrow." Everyone faintly gasped. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, frowned as she felt deep down that this was her fault. She was the one who wanted to play in the first place.

"Wait, wait, wait! Principal Celestia, you should give me detection instead." Said R.D as she put in. She refused to allow Shinji to get in trouble for a mistake that wasn't his fault. "I was the one that wanted to play in the first place. The whole thing was an accident anyway. So Please don't punish Shinji."

"Sorry Rainbow Dash, but I can not overlook this. He is lucky that he is getting detention. Cause this would lead to him getting expelled." Said, Celestia as she glared at Shinji with anger. Shinji kept looking at the floor in shame but he was glad that nobody got in trouble cause of him. "This party is over. I expect this gym to be cleaned up in the morning."

Lost for words Rainbow Dash gawked at Celestia as she made her out of the gym. "B-but...it really wasn't his fault."

"Its fine Rainbow Dash," said Shinji as he looked at R.D with a small but sad smile. "Better me than all of you. After all."

R.D and the others wondered what he meant by that as Rainbow Dash gave him a questionable expression. She didn't want him to get in trouble but for some reason, it seems like he was okay with it. "Shinji, you didn't have to do that ya know. I-I've couldn't takin the blame for you."

"It's fine." He simply replied with a bigger smile. "I don't want others to get in trouble cause of me. I would rather have it just be me regardless if it was my fault or not."

"S-Shinji wait-" Sunset wanted to stop him but he made his way towards the exit as he went home. All the others can do was just watch Shinji walk away. Many wondered what he meant by what he said, it was almost like he wanted to be punished either way. Even though Rainbow was Dash was willing to take the blame but the question was...why?

The evening sun shined through the carriage windows as the train once again made its way down the railroad to nowhere. It was the place Shinji Ikari was all too familiar with.

"So have you thought of a name?" asked the woman's voice.

"If it's a boy will name him Shinji, if it's a girl Rei." answered the voice of Shinji's father.

"Shinji, Rei" She repeated as she giggled.

Rei: "Shinji...Shinji...Shinji Aynami...Rei...Rei...Rei...Ikari...no...Rei Aynami

Shinji suddenly opened his eyes as woke up from another nightmare. This nightmare wasn't as bad compared to other ones he had. For some reason, that dream keeps repeating itself. Shinji wanted to know why he keeps seeing Rei. Has he really gone crazy or is there something else happening. He noticed it was morning as the light from the sun that was shining on his tent was proof of that. The birds singing was proof of that as well as he rose up from his sleeping bag.

"....That's right." Shinji said to himself as he realized something. "They also wanted a daughter didn't they."

To be Continued.

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.
-William Shakespeare

Chapter 4: You can (Not) Connect

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Chapter 5: You can (Not) be stable

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