Oh Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow

[Tomorrow is the solstice… The day when the decision will be made, one way or another.

Akihiko is sitting on a thick tree branch in Central Park, watching the sunset. In the short hours that he’s explored the city, he already considers it to be an exciting adventure. If they had more time, he would definitely submerse himself even deeper.]

Hey, everyone. No matter what happens tomorrow, I want you guys to keep moving forward. Got it? [If the worst-case scenario really does take place…] You can cry, if you have to, but don’t waste too much time on tears. There’s still a lot of fight left.

[He isn’t going to say good-bye, because it’s too final, with so much uncertainty still present.] Stay safe, everyone. Let’s make the most of the rest of this trip, okay? See you later.

[Akihiko lifts a gloved hand to wave slightly at the network, with a faint smile touching his lips.

A beat later, he murmurs in a lower tone under his breath.] Don’t worry, Mitsuru. We’ll try to come back and join you as soon as we can.

[After he sets his arm back down, he ends the connection.]

[Well… that method definitely wasn’t Akihiko’s preferred way to break the news gently to the rest of the camp. Now, to deal with the aftermath…]

Don’t worry, everyone. We’re not gonna throw in the towel without a fight. We’ve got this.

[He falls quiet for a minute, contemplating, and then tries his best to display a reassuring smile to the network.]

Hey, what do you guys like to do for fun? There’s a bunch of clubs in my school, and those are great for teambuilding and meeting new people.

So, I was thinking… Why don’t we start up some clubs right here? Like swimming, archery, boxing, or anything else you’re into! There can even be a book club, if sports aren’t your thing. Maintaining mental strength is important too.

[Though he can’t help quipping next with some personal bias.]

Of course, we can’t let up with our training, especially now, so make sure you guys find a good balance between the two, okay?

[Akihiko greets the network with a confident grin as he bounces up and down in place. He rolls his shoulders back and shakes out his limbs to keep his muscles loose.]

All right, guys! We’ve got Capture the Flag coming up in just a couple of days. [He raises his arms and pounds a clenched fist into his open palm.] Let’s get some serious training in, so we can make this a good match!

[The excited boxer looks absolutely exuberant as he pulls his leg up behind him, one at a time, all the while maintaining that same vibrant glow on his face.]

If anyone’s down for a long run, just shoot me a message and we can meet up somewhere! Don’t slack off, or you’ll be left in the dust!

[One last thing…]

Since there aren’t any weights here, and the rocks are too disproportionate… would anyone mind being bench pressed?

[A silver-haired teenager can be seen standing outside of Cabin 1, calmly looking over the pristine features. A jacket is casually slung across his right shoulder. The first clap of thunder doesn’t even faze him, as he’s used to not only being around loud noises, but also causing sounds of lightning.

He stays still for a few minutes, unsure of how to take all of this in just yet. Figuring he should send some kind of message to start things off, he mutters the necessary phrase, then falls quiet as he wracks his brain for something to say.]

…So this is “home”, huh? Looks kinda like the dorm…

[He shakes away his mild daze and refocuses on the situation at hand. It’d probably be a good idea to introduce himself and get to know who else is staying in the same cabin.]

Hey, whoever else in this cabin. Starting today, you’ve got a new recruit. I’m Akihiko. Let’s all meet up sometime and figure out what needs to get done.

Oh yeah, and if you guys know anyone from SEES, tell me right away, okay?

[Akihiko turns his head to the gaze off to the side for a bit, and mumbles nostalgically toward the sky.]

Man, the view up there sure was amazing… Did you see that, Shinji?