Shinji groaned as pain lanced through his legs. He lost his balance, collapsing on the dusty track. His classmates were already far ahead of him, ignoring the pathetic boy lagging behind. It didn't surprise him; it was normal. People only cared about him when they needed him, like his father having him pilot an Eva.

"Hey Shinji, need help?" asked Touji, hand out. Shinji grabbed his hand and with his help, stood up.

"Yeah," he replied, smiling to his friend, glad to be reminded someone did care. Underneath his sweats, he felt blood trickle down his legs from reopened cuts.