Omake Chapter 1-C: Shinji

[Shukuen]

"I mean, since this will be my last time out, would it be too much trouble if we take the scenic route and enjoy Tokyo-3 a bit?" Shukuen continued smiling, hoping Rei would agree. At least this way, he could map his surroundings without anyone thinking he was lost.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei appeared to consider that. She had been given no orders stating how long the escort had to take...

"That will be acceptable."

[Shukuen]

Shukuen cheered inwardly, missing the little voice that warned him that he was overlooking something important. He picked a random direction, hoping to, by some miracle, find the apartment complex, but not find it too soon, or else his excuse to enjoy Tokyo-3 would be revealed to be a lie. Besides, this might be a good opportunity to explore.

"Let's go then, Ayanami. Let's see what this city has to offer." He smiled cheerfully, starting off with a skip in his step.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei followed at a sedate pace, watching Shinji slightly curiously as he walked.

They were heading northward, in the direction of the subdivisions for housing, and the building were getting smaller, and more mass accessable. The pair passed a few malls, and other stores as they walked...

[Shukuen]

Shukuen twirled, facing Rei, the smile still on his lips. "So, Ayanami, which direction do you suggest we go from here?" he asked, curiousity in his voice.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei double-blinked, and wordlessly pointed in a north-eastern direction. She didn't know what Shinji was trying to accomplish, but their ultimate goal WAS the Katsuragi home...

[Shukuen]

Shukuen nodded, turning around in order to hide his smile from Rei. Now that he knew the general direction, it should be easier to map his surroundings based on the series. He began walking again, motioning for Rei to follow, and keeping his eyes open for anything of interest.

[Bean Bandit]

Rei followed sedately, her pale blue hair bobbing gently as she walked.

As they walked, they passed a number of small, out of the way convieniece stores, before, strangely, coming across a small park, with a statue of a samurai decorating the middle of the well kept-grounds...

[Shukuen]

Shukuen paused, blinking at the park for a moment. "It never ceases to amaze me," he murmured, "How some people can find time for these things during a crisis."

"Well, Ayanami," he asked cheerily, "Would it bother you if we take the path through the park? I always find nature so relaxing."

[Bean Bandit]

Rei gave Shinji a non-commital nod. "Hai." she agreed, waiting to see where the boy leading her would go...

[Shukuen]

Shukuen glanced around, trying to determine where the paths were, humming to himself.

[Bean Bandit]

There were few trees, so wandering paths took up a great deal of space, a loose web of them touchin every corner of the park.  The stature itself had a path leading to it, and the group of trees, likewise. the rest of the paths meandered lazily over the park...

[Shukuen]

His curiousity growing, Shukuen chose the path leading to the statue, wondering if it had any significance that motivated people to take such good care of this park in these dark times.

[Bean Bandit]

The statue itself seemed fairly ordinary, almost generic, in that it had no distinctive features.

He stared relentlessly straight ahead, his hand on his swords, standing straight and tall. The inscription on the plaque read : "To the courage of the unknown samurai who died for us all..."

[Shukuen]

How strange... Shukuen thought, somewhat disappointed. Shrugging, he took the round-about path heading North-East. At the least, he could enjoy this walk. He spared a glance at Rei, wondering if he was being too much trouble for the albino.