"They've all gone..."
"And all I can do is watch from here..." Zero bitterly resented his helplessness. More than anyone, he wanted to fight alongside his companions.
The wounds in his chest and waist were still there. Wave after wave of pain tore at Zero's soul, and the Healing Beam shining down from above only slightly eased his suffering.
"Now all we can do is wait for reinforcements from the Land of Light. Damn it, if only I could transform..."
Pain tore at Zero's body and soul alike. Whenever he thought of his companions going into battle against Dark Lops EVA, his worry showed plainly.
But he was utterly incapable of fighting now. In his current condition, he could not possibly separate from Shinji to fight. Even if Shinji woke up and wanted to join the battle, Zero would not agree.
Shinji had activated Shining Form alongside him and suffered grievous injuries as a result. His heart had even stopped beating. Zero truly did not want him to suffer any more harm.
No one had witnessed Shinji's growth more closely than Zero. A boy who had been somewhat timid because of his family circumstances had grown into a warrior who fought for others. He had even persevered and fought alongside Zero time and again to live up to his expectations.
But had I strayed from my original wish to protect Shinji...?
Zero immediately dismissed that thought, however, because there was already the precedent of Dan Moroboshi.
Ever since Shinji had said he wanted to protect the things he cared about, Zero had gradually begun to see Dan Moroboshi in him.
Shinji's body continued to absorb the healing energy raining down on him. His internal injuries were healing at a rather slow pace, and his eyelids twitched.
Meanwhile, in the Land