(Original Theatrical Version: Air & Sincerely Yours) A New Beginning Arrives, Putting the Stones to Use

Central Dogma

Weak all over, Huang Zhetian staggered into the Entry Plug, pulled out a small recessed compartment in the Soul Seat, and pressed the distress button, sending both a call for help and confirmation of the enemy's defeat back to the Command Room.

NERV Command Room

After the fluctuation readings on the display returned, Hyuga told Misato behind him, "The monitors are back online. The Special Unit pilot's vital signs are still within normal range. Both A.T. Fields have disappeared, and we've received two signals from the Special Unit pilot."

Ibuki said, "A distress signal and a signal confirming the enemy's defeat. The Special Unit pilot completed the mission."

Misato nodded slightly and ordered, "Send the Logistics Troops to bring up the Special Unit and its pilot. And repair the other two EVAs that have already been brought up."

Aoba Shigeru relayed the message to the Logistics Troops.

Gendo Ikari remained in his usual pose, sitting on the raised platform and watching the Special Unit on the screen...

Who knew what he was thinking?

After a moment's contemplation, Gendo Ikari stood and asked Kozo Fuyutsuki, "Is Rei here?"

Kozo Fuyutsuki pursed his lips and replied, "She's still waiting for you at the designated location."

Gendo Ikari said, "Mm... good."

With that, he stepped onto the lift and descended. He was going to take Rei to see Unit-01.

Why? Did he want to prove to Yui that he was right?

Was he wrong?

Ridiculous. There was no right or wrong to any of this. Or rather, none of it was right.

Night fell, and stars filled the sky.

Shinji sat on the shore of the Lake, curled up with his arms around his knees, gazing at the opposite bank.

The countless lights that had once shone there were gone. Only