Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ The One I Love Is...Mst ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 10 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Standard Disclaimer!!

Much like I've said in the past, I'm just a poor boy, and nobody
Loves me, but I never did care much for love so I devote my time
to msting stories from eva WHICH I DON'T OWN EITHER!!

As for how late it took me to do this chapter...TUFF if you want it done faster
why don't you MST it? :) just kidding, bet you'd do a better job, hope ya enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------- -------

Touji: They've been in there for about 10 minutes now, what you think they're
doing?

Kensuke: I bet its now what we'd do in the same situation.

Touji: Knaw are hands off?

Hikari:Maybe I should check on them.

Kensuke: Why you, its Shin-man that'll have his pants around his ankels.

Hikari: Oops.

Touji: What are you doing Ken?

Kensuke: Setting up another game of D&D (trademark or something).

(from inside bathroom)

Shinji: I said don't move the towel!

Rei: But I haven't seen anything like that in person.

Asuka: Quit moving your hand like that!

Shinji: I'm not you are, HEY!! dont' do that!!

Asuka/Rei: Sorry.

(back in living room)

Hikari: 'I hope they get out of there soon.'

Kensuke: Lets get the character sheets ready for when they get out.

Touji: Damn Ikari and all his luck.

Hikari: Thought you didn't like either of them.

Touji: Its just the principal.

(back in bathroom)

Shinji: PUT THE TOWEL BACK!

Rei: No.

Asuka: Whaw?

Shinji: Could you at least..move your hands?

Rei: My hand cannot move more than several inches from yours, so that is impossible.

Shinji grabs towel and somehow manages to wipe himself without further..help, and they
all exit the bathroom.

Hikari: Asuka, whats that look for?

Asuka still in mild shock: Kami-sama made up for the lack of spine in an other area.

Kensuke: Touji..look at Ayanami.

Touji: Is she...blushing?

Rei: I feel hot, Shinji-kun, may I have some ice water.

Shinji: Um, sure lets get some, nother game of D&D Ken?

Kensuke: Yeah, and if you guys kill each other this time I'll make you regret it!

After Rei gets her water, and she and Asuka both calm down after the bath-room incident,
they all gather around Kensuke and fill out their character sheets.

Shinji fills out a paladin sheet, Touji a barbarian, Asuka a monk, Hikari a bard, and Rei
was just given a wizard sheet as she still doesn't realize whats going on.

Touji: By the way, what took so long in there Mega-playboy?

Shinji: You try to hold a towel in your mouth, concentrate, and keep your hands away
from your body.

Asuka:'have to act pissed have to act pissed' If I didn't force you that is.

Rei: But I thought...

Asuka: You were mistaken.

Shinji: Yeah...its all my fault.

Hikari: Lets just play, watch the next movie, then look for a way to free you.

Kensuke:Thank you Hikari. Here's the scenario, a merchants daughter is being held
in the bottem level of a bandits cave, they claim if their demands are not met they will
kill the daughter.

Rei: It is not my concern, if the man was wealthy enough he should have hired more guards.

Shinji: Its just part of the game remember, just try to use your imagination.

Rei simply looks confused but since Shinji asked her nicely nods and resumes her
staring contest.

Touji: Lets go get her!! bet she's hot.

Hikari: Thats not all that matters you know.

Kensuke: But its good motivation.

The game actually progresses rather smoothly until...

Kensuke: You walk into the room and an elderly man waves you in saying "Thanks for
saving me...but your weapons down and lets I'll give you a magic club."

Touji: SWEET!! Clubba puts his club down and walks into the room.

Shinji: I leave the room, very..very fast.

Hikari/Asuka/Rei: Follow the paladin.

Touji: Why he's going to give us free stuff and a place to rest!

Kensuke: As you put your club down 'grins' the old man's flesh falls off and he
grasps your arms, you feel paralized.

Shinji: What do we hear?

Kensuke: Clubba's death cries.

Rei: That was foolish.

Asuka: You just say that because you found that rod of lighting!

Rei: Superior weapons, even if imaginary and pointless give advantages.

Kensuke: While you argue about whats important or not the ghoul breaks down the
door and rushes you.

Hikari: Well Ayanami, do your thing.

Rei: If I must, my character shall walk towards the...

Shinji: Ghoul.

Rei: Thank you Shinji-kun, and use my wand upon it.

Kensuke grins again: Well your wand sparks and then...nothing its charges are out the ghoul
ripes your throat and you fall to the ground.

Rei: That was possible?

Asuka: AHAHAHA fine I'll kill it! To-low CHARGES and goes for the head shot!!

Shinji: Touching the undead will paralize you.

Asuka: WHAT!

Kensuka: The once proud monk is now...carrion feed.

Asuka: Stupid game.

Shinji: I'll turn undead.

Kensuke: It works and he shambles off, with bits and pieces of the wizard and monk. Ahead
of you is a bridge made of three ropes, two for handles and one for walking.

Shinji: I'm going to go across first to make sure its safe.

Hikari: I follow after he makes it.

Kensuke: You both make it safly across.

HIkari: Whew! thought you'd remember I had all the parties stuff.

Touji slaps his head: DON'T REMIND HIM!!

Asuka: Shinji's the last one again.

Hikari: What, I made it across.

Kensuke rolls a die: Sorry Hikari all that weith caused the bridge to snap and you fall and
fall and fall and then the sudden stop, SPLAT!!

Shinji: What can I do alone?

Kensuke: Well actually this was the end of the dungeon, you find the girl and not only get
paid up the ass for it.

Rei: This game is pointless and only serves to delude the mind.

Touji: Your just pissed you got eaten by a dead guy.

Asuka: So were you 'goes to slap him but her hand jerks' wha?

Shinji: OW! Asuka watch it.

Touji and kensuke look at each other: WE'RE FREE!!

Hikari whacks the backs of their heads: No, just have to deal with me.

Shinji: Lets watch the next movie now.

Rei: What happend in the last one?

Kensuke: Shinji got a...'notices Shinji's face go pale' pie.

Asuka raises an eyebrow: Really?

Hikari sets up tape: Yeah..that was it, cherry pie.

Shinji: My favorite.

Rei: You are hiding something.

They all take their seats...the handcuffed trio taking the couch.

Touji: If it was important, or wouldn't result in death, we'd tell you.

SHinj: TOUJI!!

Hikari: No tact 'hits play.'

(BEGIN MST!! look for >>> for comments)


The One I Love Is...
Chapter 9 - Shattered mind / I'm here for you

>>>Touji: Looks like we get a touch of the crazies in this one.

>>>Asuka: Bet it's Hikari after she realizes she may like a baka like you.

Written by Alain Gravel <rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca>
Based on characters created by and copyright GAINAX

http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/2236/

WARN ING: This chapter contains lemon/lime elements.

>>>Shinji: Not good.

>>>Touji: Just smell that nice lemon scent!

>>>Rei: Such fruits are good for you health Shinji-kun 'moves her hand over dragging
>>> his with it, then takes it in her hand.'

=========================================================== ============

Chapter 9 - Shattered mind / I'm here for you

Sitting in a transport on my way home, I stared into space. I was
worried about the results of today's tests. Rei had maintained her
score. Mine had increased. But Asuka's ratio had taken a fall.

>>>Shinji: Not good.

>>>Asuka: HOW COULD IT! I'M THE BEST!!

>>>Rei: It appears my prediction is coming true.

I noticed
that it had seemed to be dropping slowly ever since the Fourteenth
Angel's attack, but it had never been this bad. A few points lower and
she wouldn't be able to start her EVA. And I couldn't forget what had
just happened a few minutes earlier...

>>>Kensuke: Wild, funky, sloppy..

>>>Hikari: Murder.

>>>Kensuke: Um..right.
* * *

"You must be happy. You increased your score. Again. Now that the
little bitch Asuka can't pilot her EVA, it's just you and Wonder Girl!
Oh... but you don't need Wonder Girl... you're the invincible Shinji
after all! They don't need us girls anymore.

>>>Shinji: If NERV lost it's female personel.

>>>Rei: It would stop fuctioning, 85% of Nerv is female.

>>>Kensuke: If those two stopped..maybe I could pilot!!

We don't have to do
anything. They only need Shinji! He cooks, cleans, and kills Angels!

>>>Touji: And makes fries from the corpses.

>>>Shinji: I bet angel tastes really bad.

>>>Kensuke: We really should rent you out.

If Shinji is there, everything will be alright!"
We had been riding in an elevator quietly for a few moments now, on
our way to exit NERV, when Asuka suddenly exploded. It took me
completely by surprise and I just stared dumbly at her. This just made
her even angrier.
"Don't give me that dumb clueless look, you jerk!"
"I... I'm sorry."

>>>Shinji: Back to the basics in this chapter I guess, good only number 2.

>>>Asuka: So I've been having a hard time lately, GET OFF MY BACK!

>>>Hikari: And you're supposed to be in love with him?

Hard and swift, she slapped me. The surprise and strength of the
blow were enough to make me fall on my back. I didn't even have to look
to know that my cheek would be bruised and swollen for a long time. It
hurt a lot. As I raised a hand to touch where her hand had connected
with my face, a look of shock and horror washed over the girl.
"Mein Gott! Shinji!"

>>>Asuka: Can't you deflect a simple slap?

>>>Rei: You are unstable, very unstable.

>>>Touji: Great, she'll go to the funny farm and I'll lose the bet.

She knelt down and made me wince as her fingers touched my cheek.
"I... I'm sorry... I... I didn't mean to... I'm so sorry!"

>>>Shinji: Looked like you ment to, to me.

>>>Hikari: Hard to not mean to slap somebody if you're swinging at them.

That's when it first occurred to me that something was really wrong
with Asuka.

>>>Touji: What took so long, I knew that when she stepped on my hat!

>>>Asuka: And I knew no girl would ever be satisfied with you two seconds after.

>>>Touji: WHY YOU KRAUT-BITCH!!

>>>Asuka: If I could sla..wait. 'Using her other hand back hands him off his chair.'

"It's okay," I said, trying to smile despite the pain. "Doesn't even
hurt."
"Liar."
I shrugged.
I stood and reached a hand down to help her up when the elevator
came to a stop and the doors opened. Outside the elevator, Lieutenant
Ibuki stared at us, a slight expression of shock and a blush slowly
showing on her face.

>>>Shinji: Why?

>>>Rei: Perhaps acts of kindness are her 'turn-arounds.'

>>>Hikari: It's turn-ons Ayanami.

I didn't even want to find out what kind of thought
went through her head. Asuka got to her feet and we both left the
elevator very quickly.

>>>Shinji: Bet that helped start some rumors.

>>>Touji: Shin-man the helpful play-boy.

"You seem upset with something..." I said without really thinking,
as we walked toward the exit.
"Of course I'm upset! How would you feel, Shinji, if you devoted
your whole life to something and it didn't pay off? I've been training
to be an Eva pilot for ten years. Ten years, Shinji! I should be the
best! I worked at it, damn it! I worked hard for it! But instead, you,
who's been piloting for less than a year, can beat me!

>>>Rei: Nepotism.

>>>Shinji: Father could care less if I lived or died, how can you say that.

>>>Rei: I did not say the commander.

>>>Kensuke: I think Ayanami lost something in that bathroom.

>>>Touji smirks: You thi...

>>>Hikari: TOUJI!

And you're not
even trying! What the hell was I doing, if I can get beaten by some jerk
they grabbed off the street?!"
I didn't really know what to say.
"Asuka... I... I'm sorry..."
"Don't give me that look! The last thing I want is your pity, Third
Children!"
That said, she stormed off...

>>>Touji: Causing widespread havok and destruction, Hurricane Asuka.

>>>Hikari: Asuka, have you thought about a shrink?

>>>Asuka: Didn't I tell you I drove 3 of them to quit?
* * *

"Is there something wrong, Shinji?"
I blinked, pulled out of my daze, then noticed that Rei was now
sitting at my side. Had I been so out of it that I didn't notice her?

>>>Asuka: Well you didn't notice her so yes.

>>>Shinji: Retorical question.

>>>Rei: That seems illogical.

"Rei-chan... I'm... I'm worried about Asuka. Her results today...
and she doesn't seem to be her usual self..."
There was a glint of concern in her eyes.
"Yes. I have noticed. Her life has always been centered around
piloting EVA. But lately she has been feeling like her world is slipping
away. On every mission you have outperformed her."
"That's not true!"

>>>Asuka: I did better than him in the volcano and the seventh!

>>>Rei: You split it in half then were buried, and almost died during the 8th.

>>>Asuka: Just a show...yeah to help Shinji get some self esteem.

She shook her head.
"Yes, it is, and you know it. The battle against the Sixth angel was
won because you where in Unit-02 with her (1). She may not have
succeeded alone.

>>>(unless you read the manga MAN she killed that thing fast!!)

She was the one who had to work the hardest in order to
synch with you for the Seventh operation.

>>>Asuka growls: Its because he's so slow.

>>>Hikari: She was much faster than him.

>>>Rei: Speed is irrelvant, coordination was key.

She would have died in the
Eight mission without you. While she killed the Tenth, you were the one
who caught it, thus saving everyone. Unit-01 also destroyed the
Thirteenth and Fourteenth while she had been severely beaten in those
battles. And since the Twelfth angel, your synch ratio had been slowly
getting higher than her own. Her pride and joy was to be the best EVA
pilot. But *you* are the best now. Therefore, in her mind, she has
became useless."

>>>Shinji: One of only three people on earth that can pilot and eva, useless?

>>>Asuka: If I'm not best no point.

>>>Shinji: Well if we ever fought you'd kill me so...

>>>Asuka: Hey..thats right if I can beat the #1 that really makes me #1!!

Asuka? Useless? Hardly!
"But it's not true! We're a team! Who cares who's the best pilot?!"
"She does. And now, she must also compete with me for you. And for
weeks, you have been stalling you decision. In her mind, it is another
sign of failure, even if she has not been rejected."
I gasped at those words.
"Are you saying it's all my fault?"

>>>Rei: No

>>>Asuka: Not if you give an answer NOW!!

>>>Touji: 10-1 he tries to find some way to blaim himself again.

"No. I am only telling you what she is probably thinking."
"What are you saying then? That I should choose her and make you
unhappy just to help her?"
"No. I would not sacrifice you for her happiness."
There was resolve in her eyes. I knew that she would not give up
unless I told her to.

>>>Rei: Even then, It is my belief you belong to me.

>>>Hikari: Thats a bit possessive.

>>>Rei raises her cuffed hand.

>>>Touji: Guess he is theirs now, well 2 wives will suck for you Shin-man.

>>>Shinji: Kensuke...find that key.

"What can I do then?"
The blue haired girl smiled.
"Just be yourself. The caring Shinji we both love."
"... You think that'll be enough?" I asked. Just being myself seemed
such a... pathetic thing to do.

>>>Touji: And theres the self hatred again.

>>>Kensuke: You said blaim not belittle, pay up!

>>>Touji: Damn.

"It will be enough. Just by being there for us, you have already
made our lives better. Have faith in yourself."
"But Asuka-" She put a soft hand on mine.

>>>Shinji: AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

>>>Touji: She cut somebodies hand off!!

>>>Rei: They are dead they don't need it, and dead skin is soft, dispite rigamortis.

"Will come around. Her emotions are strong, but they do not control
her. She will come to realize that this is not a competition. All she
needs is some time."
"You think so?" I asked, a touch of hope in my voice. She nodded,
the gentle smile still on her face.
"Thanks Rei-chan..."

>>>Hikari: Odd, Ayanami wants Shinji but offers help with Asuka.

>>>Shinji: Told you Rei can be compassionate for others.

>>>Asuka: Its just to score points.

>>>Rei: And I was succesful.

I hugged her and she hugged me back. I was glad I had this talk with
Rei. I didn't feel as worried after that. Surely, there would be a way
to work things out.
"There might be something else..."
This snapped me back to reality and got me worried again.
"What is it?"
"She acted in an unusual manner when we came back from your
apartment, the night... the Major cried. Asuka looked upset. When I
asked her what was wrong, she admitted that she felt guilty leaving you
alone to take care of the Major. But... I sensed that there was more.
There was a strange expression on her face..."

>>>Rei/Asuka: Left you alone with Misato 'glares at him.'

>>>Shinji: Its not what you're thinking.

>>>Touji: Yes it is...I mean..

>>>Asuka and Rei circle his neck with the chains from the cuffs: For lying.

>>>Shinji mumbles out an apology.

"A strange expression?"
"Yes, I also noticed it a few day later when she she received a call
from Germany."
Germany?
"I believe the dreams started afterward."
"The dreams?"

>>>Shinji: Well what else aren't you telling me?

>>>Rei: She wets her futon, has a stuffed bear named John Paul,

>>>Asuka: STOP!

>>>Touji/Kensuke snickering: John-Paul

"Yes. Nightmares, I believe. She cries sometimes in her sleep. But
she does not know it."
Asuka, crying in her sleep... I had seen her cry once, the night
before our synchronized attack against the Seventh Angel. But she had
only shed a single tear. She had also asked for her mother in her sleep.
Could this be related to what Rei had just told me? A call from
Germany... could it be... her mother?

>>>Asuka: If you consider cheap money-hungry bar maids as mothers.

>>>Touji: She spawn you?

>>>Asuka: No.

>>>Rei: Then she is not a mother.

And about Misato... could the way
I took care of Misato reminded her of her own mother? Maybe she was
homesick. I realized that I knew very little about Asuka.
All of a sudden, the emergency alarms came to life.
"An Angel?" Rei and I asked simultaneously.

>>>Kensuke: No, just like to scare the hell out of us common folk.

>>>Rei: That is what the 1/1 decoys are for.

>>>Shinji: Wondered why they had those.

To confirm it, our cell phones rang.
Geez, what a day! Having spent the last few hours soaking in LCL, we
were about to go back for more and maybe even get ourselves killed. How
joyful...

>>>Touji: Quit yer bitchen and save us!

>>>Shinji: Whats it matter, they have 01 on freeze can't I sit it out?

>>>Rei: You are to give emotional support.

>>>Asuka: And we need something to look at while we wait.
* * *

I was bored. This is a strange thing to say, if you consider that we
were in the middle of an emergency, but this was how I felt. With the
freeze on Unit-01 still active, all I could do was sit in the plug and
listen to the open comm. frequency. I wasn't really interested in going
into combat, but I would have preferred to go with the girls than sit
here and feel utterly useless and powerless.

>>>Shinji: You mean how I feel normally.

>>>Kensuke: What about your SDAT.

>>>Shinji: Tape gets ruined.

I wished I'd brought my
SDAT. Actually, the LCL would probably have wrecked it, but I could've
done with some music then.

>>>Shinji: See.

Over the comm. line, I could hear Misato and Asuka having an
argument about the mission. Misato wanted Asuka to cover Rei, which made
sense with her low synchronization ratio, but Asuka didn't take the idea
very well.

>>>Touji: What else is new, Uber-chick gets denied we all suffer!

>>>Asuka: Its the price you pay for fighting a superior being.

As usual, she overreacted and took the point position against
Misato's orders.
I was worried. Asuka was too reckless. But I knew that if I was to
tell her that, she would be even more angry. So I kept my mouth shut.
Asuka reached the surface and prepared Unit-02 for the Angel's
attack. Then there was nothing to do but wait. For a while, she
complained about how lazy the Angel was.

>>>Kensuke: So you'd rather it destroy half the city before you can get to it?

>>>Asuka: Better than making me wait, hopefully it'll crush you.

>>>Kensuke: You're concern warms my heart.

This particular Angel had
decided to stay in orbit over Tokyo-3. Not much Asuka could do about
that. Then she screamed. Very loudly. In pain. My heart skipped a beat.
"No! Don't! Don't come into my head! Please! Don't! Don't look into
mind! Noooo!!!!"

>>>Asuka/Shinji: What the hell!

What the hell?

>>>Touji: Damn, in surround-sound no less.

Dammit, what was going on? What was that Angel doing
to her? What was Rei doing? Wasn't she supposed to back Asuka up?

>>>Asuka: Thats alot wondergirl.

"Misato! What's going on out there?"
"Not now, Shinji!"
Her voice seemed really tense. This didn't calm me down one bit. Her
next words even less.
"Asuka, retreat!"
"No!"
She really sounded as if she was in pain. Why didn't she obey
Misato's orders?
"This is an order! Asuka, I order you to retreat!"
"No, never! I'd rather die here than retreat!"
"Asuka!"

>>>Shinji: Asuka, if you die..who's going to kick my ass in tests?

>>>Rei: And Shinji-kun would be all mine.

>>>Touji: They're..trying to help?

>>>Hikari: Maybe.

Damn her pride! I knew that piloting meant the world to her... but
was it really worth dying for? On impulse I opened a channel with Unit-
02, and froze at what I saw. The entry plug of Unit-02 seemed to be
bathed in a bright light. Asuka was clutching her head with both hands,
obviously in great pain.

>>>Kensuke: That glare can be a real pain can't it.

>>>Touji: Why not install visors in the cockpit?

"Asuka! Please, listen to Misato... please... retreat..."
"Shinji?!"
Asuka raised her head slightly, her eyes searching for the
communication screen labelled 'From EVA-01.' I couldn't see the tears,
they instantly dissipated within the LCL, but I could tell that she was
crying.
"Asuka... you're only hurting yourself... please, I beg you...
retreat... I... I don't want to see you suffer... please..."
"Shinji..."

>>>Asuka: Can't let a baka like you along for five minutes, you'd kill yourself
>>> 'smiles as she pulls the Rei manuver and takes one of his hands.'

>>>Shinji: 'This movie has an odd affect on them..and me too.'

She seemed about to agree when she screamed again, clutching her
head tighter, unconsciously pulling her knees to her chest.
"Nooo! Don't make me remember! I want to forget, so don't dig into
my memories! I don't want to remember such terrible things! Stop! Stop!"
I terminated the connection, unable to see her suffer like this any
longer.

>>>Touji: Coward.

>>>Asuka: No, I'd rather he not see that 'gives him a peck on the cheek' he knows
>>> me to well...baka.

>>>Kensuke: Don't make me break out the insulin, you don't expect us to believe you
>>> mean that!

>>>Touji: Devils don't love, they just use, we ain't fallin fo it!

>>>Hikari: Men are so blind.

"Rei! Hurry up!" I screamed, as I opened a comm. link with Unit-00.
Rei seemed very tense under the pressure of the situation. I
probably wasn't helping, but all I could think of was that Asuka needed
help. Fast.
I saw her pull the trigger. I held my breath and hoped this would
work.
"No effect!" I heard Shigeru say. "Not enough energy to break
through the AT field from this great a distance!"
Dammit! Damn it all!
"Misato, let me go out in Unit-01!"

>>>Shinji: That won't happen, Basta..I mean father has to ok it and he won't.

>>>Touji: That would be doing you a favour and we can't have that.

>>>Shinji: Heaven help me if he ever did.

I was desperate. Something had to be done!
"Shinji..."
"No."
This voice. Father.

>>>Asuka: Well if it isn't commander compassion.

>>>Rei: He is beyond such feelings, only remorse and stupidity remain.

>>>Touji/Shinji: Stupidity?

>>>(in His office making a playing card house, Gendo sneezes toppling the construct)

"This Angel invades the mind of pilots," explained sub-commander
Fuyutsuki. "It would be too dangerous."
"Unit-01 must not be allowed to be contaminated by this Angel,"
added the Commander.

>>>Shinji: But if it wants to eat the whole damn thing or liquify me thats ok.

>>>Hikari: Well you were boiled alive, burnt with acid, and eaten.

I didn't give a damn about his reasons. Unit-01 had already done
miracles in the past. It would again. I had confidence in it. It would
save Asuka...
"I don't care! I'll go out and kill that Angel. I won't be
defeated!"
"There is no guarantee."

>>>Shinji: So if we just let it kill them, we all die, thats a smart move.

>>>Kensuke: One Eva, humanity, one eva or humanity.

>>>Rei: He would choose Unit-01.

>>>Touji: Dumb bastard.

"But, if this goes on, Asuka will..."
"No."
I knew he wouldn't change his mind. That bastard wouldn't...
Damn! Damn! Damn!
Why? Why did this man had to be my father? Why couldn't he be more
like Kaji? He would have let me go...

>>>Rei: And you would have several more siblings.

>>>Shinji: And I bet mother would have left him.

>>>( And we would have no show :) )

What would Kaji have done in my place?

>>>Touji: Got Misato-san to join you in the plug.

>>>Kensuke: And that doctor lady.

He wouldn't have listen to Father. He would have done everything in
his power to save his loved one.
I had to go! I had to save Asuka! I had to...
Unit-01 had already activated twice without power. But the last
time, if what I had been told was the truth, I almost died...
I didn't care.
I tried to think back to that moment Unit-01 reactivated when I had
been fighting the 14th Angel. There had been something... a feeling... a
connection. Warmth, before darkness.

>>>Shinji: Then the drug induced dream sequence?

>>>Touji: With the naked ...um..nevermind.

>>>Rei: You were to have had your eyes shut.

>>>Kensuke: We did, but we knew you were naked, why else would you have us shut them?

>>>Rei: Simply didn't wish you to watch.

I couldn't find this feeling.
I could still hear Asuka. She was now sobbing. Her voice was very
weak.
"My mind has been sullied. Shinji... it's polluted. What should I
do? My mind has been polluted... I... I want to die..."
"No!"
I didn't realize it, but I was now crying myself.
"Asuka! No! NO!"
Frantically, I pulled at the EVA's controls. But the beast stayed
still.
"Mother... please... I need your help... Mother!"

>>>Asuka: What can she do to help you!

>>>Rei: Smash cities, burn children, and make Angel stir-fry.

Suddenly, I felt it. The connection. Yes, it was there. Mentally, I
reached for it. The warmth. My mind almost felt as if it had been
engulfed by pure light.
Unit-01 activated. I had synchronized with the EVA, without help
from the Control Center, and I was still there.

>>>Hikari: Bet that scared a tech or two.

>>>Shinji/Rei: Ritsuko-san would have wet herself.

It didn't go berserk, I
didn't pass out and, as I looked at my hands, it seemed I was still
physically there. I was in perfect control.
"Shinji! What the hell are you doing?!" shouted a now frantic
Misato.

>>>Shinji: Playing Eva-sized jacks with cars and a blimp.

>>>Rei: The major doesn't crasp such simple concepts.

"I'm going up there to save Asuka! Release Unit-01 or I'll just
break free myself!"
"No." Again, the firm voice of the Commander. "You will stay where
you are. Rei will take care of the rescue operation. Rei, go to Dogma
and get the Lance."
"Hai."

>>>Asuka: A lance...A LANCE!!!

>>>Kensuke: Put another angel on the barby!

I clenched my fists. I couldn't believe he didn't take me seriously!
"I said to let me go, Father!"
"You will only be in the way. This operation will not fail."
"Damn you!"
I was about to break the EVA's restraints, when Rei's communication
screen appeared.
"Let me handle this. Trust me."

>>>Asuka: To what KILL ME!

>>>Rei: If you truely wish it.

>>>Touji: Well looks like Shin-mans out.

>>>Hikari: So trusting.

There was resolve in her eyes. She knew what she was doing.
Reluctantly, I let go of the EVA's controls.
"Alright... please, hurry..."
"I will."

>>>Shinji: Kami-sama speed.
* * *

Rei did exactly as she had said. Unit-00 came out of the ground,
holding a giant red two-pronged spear.

>>>Kensuke: Thats one big toothpick.

>>>Shinji: Why is it red?

>>>Asuka: Because red is the best color for anything.

It was called the Lance of
Longinus, I later learned. With all the strength her EVA could muster,
Rei threw the lance. It literally ripped through the sky,

>>>Kensuke: And the gulf it created killed everybody due to lack of oxigen.

>>>Touji: And they all died miserably ever after.

then through
the Angel's AT-Field and the Angel itself. It ceased to be. Asuka's
nightmare was over. But it had opened deep, forgotten scars and these
hurt more than a simple physical attack could have.

>>>Hikari: Thats why it never pays to bury memories.

>>>Asuka: Thats why you kill them!

>>>Shinji: Or talk about them.

>>>Rei/Asuka: Later.

* * *

As I reached the surface, I found Asuka behind a yellow quarantine
tape, sitting on the ground, legs pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped
around her shins, and chin resting on her knees.

>>>Shinji: Hair glued to her head.

>>>Touji: Making odd sounds and calling the devil for aid.

>>>Asuka jumps up to attack Touji but only succeeds in dragging Shinji and
>>> Rei off the couch with her and end up in a pile.

>>>Kensuke: Can't you three wait until we leave before doing that?

>>>Asuka looks at Hikari, who on her unspoken command smacks Ken.

She was rocking back
and forth slightly, in silence. This sight... worried me. I approached
the quarantine zone, but didn't dare step past the tape.

>>>Touji: Now thats the smartest thing you've ever done.

>>>Rei: On a logical standpoint, you are correct, but ethically debatable.

"I... I'm glad you're okay... Asuka."
Man, what a stupid thing to say. But it's all that came to my mind
at the moment. Probably because it was true.
"Shut up! Who are you calling okay?

>>>Kensuke: An ungrateful bitch!

>>>Asuka: I don't NEED anybody to save me...had the angel right where I wanted it.

>>>Rei: And you were waiting for what before you used your plan?

I... I couldn't do a thing...
and I was... rescued by HER! Rescued by that bitch, Rei! I would have
rather died! I hate... hate... everyone... everything... I... I hate
you..."

>>>Kensuke: I WON!!

>>>Asuka/Rei: What was that?

Her last words had been barely louder than a whisper, before she
started sobbing. I knew that she didn't mean what she had said; no, I
hoped she didn't mean what she had said, but I found myself unable to
give any importance to her words. The only thing that mattered was that
Asuka was hurt.
The quarantine zone became irrelevant to me.

>>>Asuka: I'd say thanks but WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG!!

>>>Shinji: Fear?

>>>Hikari: You could have been contagious or something.

I ignored the warning
to keep away from there. Asuka was hurt. Not physically, but in a way
that was even worse.

>>>Shinji: They feed her Misato-san's cooking?!?!

>>>Asuka: I would be dead if they did that.

>>>Shinji: Maybe it was one of her 'instant' creations.

And I didn't know if I could even help her at all. But I had to try.
The sobbing stopped. I felt a flicker of hope.

>>>Shinji: Or was that gas?

>>>Touji: Odd feeling in the stomach?

>>>Shinji: Yeah.

>>>Kensuke: Heart-rate increase.

>>>Shinji: Yup.

>>>Touji/Kensuke: Gas.

Maybe she would be alright.
I said her name as I reached for her.
"Go away."
She said the words, but there was no conviction behind them. No
strength. Nothing. Just empty words. She had no reaction.

>>>Rei: So her words mean nothing?

>>>Hikari: Most of the time.

>>>Asuka: Hikari!

>>>Hikari: We'll most of the time.

"Asuka..."
Nothing again.
"Asuka!"
No reaction. Part of me panicked. Something was wrong.

>>>Asuka: Lets think about that I HAD AN ANGEL IN MY HEAD!!

>>>Touji: Doesn't get more wrong than that.

>>>Shinji: What about Pen-Pen with that control?

>>>Rei: Fowl bird.

>>>Hikari starts laughing.

>>>Kensuke: Hey Touji, your girlfriends broken.

>>>Hikari: Wha..Aya..nami said..bird bird..aAHAHAHAH. (fowl = bird)

>>>After a LONG pause Hikari blushes and wipes the few tears from her eyes.

I pulled one of her arms. No resistance whatsoever.
I knew that staying here was a bad idea. She needed help. Quarantine
be damned!

>>>Shinji: DAMN YOU TAPE!!

>>>Kensuke: And damn you polls for supporting that damned tape!

>>>Asuka: Thats it you guys can't have any more soda.

>>>Rei: I feel...'looks at bathroom door' dirty.

>>>Hikari: Oh..no.

>>>Shinji's face pales: 'We haven't bathed in days, looks at his hand, Kami-sama?'

I picked her up in my arms, in a manner similar to the way I had
done it months ago, after our first date. Then, I noticed her eyes, they
way they almost seemed devoid of all life. It made me think of a small
flame, about to be extinguished by a gust of wind. If I hadn't been
scared so far, I was then.

>>>Touji: The Devil..whow.

>>>Asuka: See I'm human...not fair nothing bad happens to 'gerks her hand pulling
>>> Shinji and Rei with it' these two!

I held her tightly in my arms and ran toward the nearest entrance to
NERV, not even noticing that I had far more strength than I would ever
have suspected. I stopped suddenly, as I noticed someone leaning next to
the entrance. The grey-haired girl.

>>>Kensuke: She's actually really cute.

>>>Asuka/Rei: Why is she following Shinji.

>>>Touji: When Ikari get all dat strength!

I wasn't really in the calmest mood, so I snapped.
"What do you want with me?!"
She just smiled, that warm smile of hers, as her red gaze bore into
mine.

>>>Rei: That look is trademarked, you will hear from Nerv lawyers.

Despite the situation, I relaxed, for a while, until I felt Asuka
moving slightly in my arms. I snapped of what had almost felt like a
trance. Then, without a word, the girl left. I felt a bit confused, but
I had more pressing matters to settle. So I continued my race toward
NERV's infirmary.

>>>Shinji: Why, wouldn't the psyciatric ward be better?

>>>Asuka: You've never been the smartest baka in the world.

>>>Rei: By essence of the word baka it denotes lack of mental...

>>>Asuka: It was just a saying!

* * *

"Shinji. You should sit down."
I looked at Misato, surprised. How long had I been pacing this
corridor? With a gloved finger, I touched my head. The LCL had dried a
long time ago. I probably looked like a nervous wreck.

>>>Touji: And looks like you have a plastic bag on your head.

>>>Rei: You are wearing ruts into the floor.

I tried to sit as she suggested, but found myself back up again
after a few minutes.
What the hell was taking so long! It felt like hours ever since
Ritsuko had entered Asuka's room!

>>>Asuka: I feel very cold right now.

>>>Shinji: Afraid of what the angel did?

>>>Asuka: No, afraid what Akagi will do to me.

As pain suddenly registered, I realized that my fist had hit a wall.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see a concerned
Rei.
"There will be plenty of time for you to see her. You should go and
change."
I contemplated the idea of getting out of this plugsuit. The
infirmary was after all relatively close to the changing rooms; a
necessity in case a pilot got injured.

>>>Asuka: Which means its for you.

>>>Touji: You're the only one that usually gets hurt.

>>>Shinji: Rei was hurt by that possessed Eva.

>>>Rei: Most unpleasent.

I was about to finally give in when Ritsuko exited the room.
"How's Asuka?!"
The question took the doctor by surprise, as she had barely left the
room, but she quickly regained her professional composure.
"She is exhausted both physically and mentally. She is uninjured and
all tests revealed nothing threatening about her brain patterns.

>>>Kensuke: What about those urges she has to kill?

>>>Shinji: And control.

>>>Rei: And the mother complex.

>>>Asuka: HEY! back off me, I just went through hell!

>>>Shinji/Rei: Gomen.

>>>Kensuke: Bite me!

There
is no sign of residual mental contamination. However, the damage to her
psyche is unknown for now. She was in no condition to tell us more about
what happened to her. We only know that she underwent some type of
mental attack.

>>>Asuka: Say hello to Mrs. Einstien.

>>>Hikari: Anybody with a brain could have told us that.

For now, I gave her enough sedative to keep her asleep
for a few hours. When she wakes up, I suggest taking her home. There
isn't anything more we can do here. I also recommend contacting the NERV
psychiatrist for future treatment."
"I see," said Misato gravely.
Psychiatrist. Treatment. Those words ran alarm bells in my mind.
"Why?! Why would she need to see a psychiatrist?!"

>>>Touji: Do you have to ask?

>>>Shinji: Yes.

>>>Kensuke: What kind of spell does she have on you that makes you overlook EVERYTHING.

"Because I believe she was forced to confront herself and her
past... and lost," answered the doctor before walking away, a hint of
sadness in her voice.
Her past. I remembered Asuka's words.
'Nooo! Don't make me remember! I want to forget, so don't dig into
my memories! I don't want to remember such terrible things! Stop! Stop!'
What had happened to her? What was so terrible about her past that
it would cause her to suffer like this.

>>>Asuka: Something VERY bad.

>>>Rei: All people suffer in the past.

>>>Shinji: Life sucks for the most part.

Memories hit me. I remembered Father, leaving me.
But it had never caused me that much pain. What was it? What could
have been so awful that it almost destroyed her?
Misato seemed to guess my question before I asked it.
"It's not my place to tell you, Shinji-kun. She should be the one to
tell you."
Probably to avoid more questioning, Misato followed Ritsuko. Part of
me felt angry at her leaving like that. Didn't she care about Asuka?

>>>Shinji: She's afraid of me?

>>>Hikari: More like afraid you'll ask her questions.

>>>Asuka: Or its her turn to clean and is skipping out.

Yes, she did. I knew she did. But ever since what had happened with
Kaji... she just wasn't completely herself anymore. She probably still
had her own ghosts to battle.
Me and Father.
Misato and her father. And now Kaji.
Apparently, Asuka also had a past she didn't want to remember.
What about Rei? Was she haunted by similar shadows?
Was this some curse related to EVA? Were we denied being happy?

>>>Rei: Until a short while ago, I may have agreed.

>>>Asuka: Things aren't that bad, now.

>>>Touji:Speak for yourselves, they took my arm and leg!

"You should go change now. I will keep watch until you return."
I looked at Rei. For the first time, I realized it must have been
hard for her to see me worry this much about her rival.
"Thank you, Rei. I... I'm sorry to impose this on you."
She smiled.
"It is of no concern. I understand. She is my friend too."
I could however feel a hint of sadness in her voice. I was truly
sorry about that. But at a time like this, I couldn't really think about
her when I knew that Asuka was suffering.

>>>Touji: Hey...this is going to be a point for MY side!

>>>Asuka: One hell of a price though.

>>>Rei: 'Mental-note: trama induces higher emotional attachment.'
* * *

"It wasn't a dream."
Those were the words Asuka said as she woke up. She looked so
peaceful in her sleep, I had hoped that she would be alright when she
awoke.

>>>Shinji: It's happening again Hikari.

>>>Hikari: So much foreshadowing it's scary.

The hopes had vanished as fear and confusion faded from her,
leaving an empty expression in their wake. For a few seconds, those eyes
stared at me and, in that brief moment, I'm pretty sure I saw some life
in those eyes. But it quickly vanished and soon, she just stared at the
ceiling.
I wanted to say something... but I didn't know what to say.

>>>Shinji: How about we paint that damn ceiling!

>>>Asuka: Or put up a painting or picture, something.

>>>Touji: Why?

>>>Asuka/Shinji/Rei: We look at it so much.

"Why are you here?" she asked, removing some of the weight from my
shoulders.
She hadn't bothered to look at me. But I didn't care, I was just
glad to hear her voice, even if it was almost monotonous.
"I... I... I was worried... about you... you scared me..."
"You were worried..."

>>>Shinji: Look of it, more like terrified.

>>>Hikari: Isn't the stuttering clue enough?

She turned her head to look at me. I was sitting on one side of the
bed, so it wasn't much effort for her.
I almost felt like running away as I saw the look of anger in her
eyes.
"You were worried... worried... then why didn't you come?! Why
didn't you save the day like you always do?! Why did you let HER save
me?!!!"

>>>Shinji: Being restrained and confined would be a hinderance.

>>>Hikari: You tried to get out.

>>>Rei: I told him not to though.

"They... they wouldn't let me go..."
"Oh... so I'm not good enough for you now, is that it?! Sohryu is
now useless, so they just send Wonder Girl to do the job she couldn't
do, is that it?!
"No, Asuka, it's not..."
"Shut up!"

>>>Kensuke: She's back to normal.

>>>Hikari: Cutting ever...

>>>Asuka: I don't do that!

She tried to get up, probably to hit me, but I guess she was still a
bit under the effects of the sedative Doctor Akagi gave her as she
simply fell limply on the bed. Still, she struggled to get up.
"Asuka..."
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I don't want to listen to you! I don't
care about your pity! Don't you know that I would have rather died than
been saved by her! It would have been okay if it had been you...

>>>Touji: Um...why?

>>>Asuka: He always wins, thats why.

>>>Shinji: No I don't.

everyone expects you to win... you're the true wonder child here... but
her!!! Now everyone knows that I'm a total failure..."
She gave up trying to get up. Her anger faded, and was replaced by
tears. Tears that she tried to repress but wouldn't be stopped.
"How the mighty have fallen.

>>>Shinji: I haven't seen anybody fall.

>>>Asuka: Wha?

>>>Shinji: Doing one's best is enough.

>>>Asuka: If you're piting me!!

>>>Shinji: Shut up 'smiles' no pity, truth.

>>>Touji and Kensuke put they're fingers down their throats.

>>>Asuka,Hikari,and Rei look stary eyed.

Look at me... I'm crying... I hate
crying... only a weak person cries. I hate Wonder Girl... she showed
everyone how pathetic I was. I hate you... you made me cry, now you can
see how disgusting I am. I hate everybody... but most of all... I hate
myself..."
"Asuka... you're not weak. It's normal to cry. Everyone cries.

>>>Shinji: I do it enough.

>>>Touji: Real men don't cry!

>>>Rei wipes the remote at Touji's crotch really REALLY HARD!

>>>Touji falls to his knees with tears in his eyes: W..W..Why.

>>>Rei: A test of your manhood, you failed.

>>>Hikari and Asuka clap.

If you don't, your pain will eat you from the inside. And if it doesn't,
you may just become like Rei had been months ago, completely
emotionless. So it's okay to cry Asuka..."
"You're right... why should I care. I don't care. I don't care about
anything. I have nothing. Whatever pride I had left is gone. I know that
they'll replace me as soon as they can. Without EVA, I am nothing. I
should have died..."

>>>Shinji: Something seems wrong.

>>>Asuka: I'm acting like you.

>>>Kensuke: That mean Shin-man's going to slap you?

"NO!"
I couldn't bear to hear more of that. I couldn't. I stood up, and
grabbed her shoulders, pinning her to the bed as I leaned over her,
forcing her tear-soaked eyes to look at me. My reaction surprised her. I
think I may also have scared her.
"DON'T SAY THAT ANYMORE! Don't say that you should have died! And
don't say you have nothing else! It's not TRUE!"

>>>Shinji: Did I just...

>>>Asuka: Third-Child, you can be so forceful.

>>>Shinji: 'She...isn't mad?'

>>>Rei: You said that before.

>>>Touji: Who was it to then?

>>>Rei: Myself.

Her eyes widened in shock for a moment, before reverting to that
look of self disgust.
"Oh yeah...? Tell me what I have left if I can't pilot EVA? Tell me
why people should care about me... nobody cares..."
"That's not true! You have friends who cares about you! Misato cares
about you! Hikari cares about you! Rei cares... I care too... and...
and... what about your family? Surely they care! You got a call from
your mom in Germany not too long ago!"

>>>Asuka: If you consider drunkan ramblings from an idiot a call.

>>>Shinji: Why not, Misato-san calls like that.

>>>Asuka/Rei: She does, does she?

>>>Touji/Kensuke: Mega-Playboy SLIP-UP!

Obviously, this wasn't something I should have said, as her
expression darkened even more.
"Only my step mom," she replied. "Papa never cares enough to call.
And Mama..." A small twitch played across her features. "Mama's dead."
Ouch. Okay Shinji... next time get all the facts before you open
your big mouth.
Then it hit me.
'Papa never cares enough to call. And Mama... Mama's dead.'
My God! Just like... just like me...

>>>Asuka/Shinji: You...

>>>Rei: Watch the screen please.

>>>Touji: BIG POINTS FOR ME!!

"It doesn't matter..." I barely whispered. "It doesn't matter! We're
here! And we care!"
"Why would you? I can't pilot EVA anymore..."
"So what?! There's more to life then EVA! You... you... you're
beautiful. You're bright! I mean, you graduated from college... and you
can be really nice when you want to!"

>>>Touji: Which means...

>>>Kensuke: Only to Shin-man.

>>>Hikari: And myself.

"Is that all? Is that all there is to Sohryu Asuka Langley?"
I wished that I could have said more, but my brain just didn't seem
willing to work properly.
"It's... it's more then I can say about myself..."
"You don't need more! You're Shinji the Hero! You're the pilot of
NERV's prized EVA Unit-01!"
"Who cares if I can pilot EVA?!"
"I do!"

>>>Shinji: Would you rather I couldn't?

>>>Asuka: Maybe, I could pilot the wonder machine!

"Well, I don't! I don't care! I don't care if you can't pilot those
goddamn things again! I love you for who you are, not because you're a
pilot!!!"
Those words left both of us speechless.

>>>Those words left three pilots speechless until.

>>>Asuka: Baka kiss me!

>>>Shinji: Wha..mhmph! (you fill in the gaps.)

>>>Rei for lack of better words was dragging along for the ride.
>>> "mental note- The cuffs can be used to keep him from escaping."

I couldn't believe I had
said that. Sure, I had meant every one of those words, but this was not
how I had expected to say them.
As the words sunk in, Asuka's eyes grew wider and wider. I felt
myself blushing heavily under her gaze.
"You... you...?"

>>>Shinji in post embrace mode: Me..me..

>>>Asuka: Now that...was something.

Then her features darkened.
"No... you're just trying to be nice. It's just your damn pity..."
Something snapped in me. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was because she
doubted my feelings in such a way, or maybe it was that I couldn't take
the way she acted anymore.
"Damn you Asuka! Are you deaf! I love you! I! LOVE! YOU! Is it so
hard to understand?! Is it so hard to believe?! I love you! I would have
chosen Rei a long time ago if I didn't love you!"

>>>Rei: What...about me?

>>>Shinji: 'oh no..her eyes.'

>>>Rei: Do I mean nothing 'her voice actually wavering.'

>>>Kensuke: Damn damn damn!

>>>Shinji: I..mhph!

>>>Using her new found knowledge of the cuffs Rei mimics the 2nds actions.

>>>Touji: What happend too those three?

>>>Hikari: They finaly accepted themselves.

Again, she looked at me in complete disbelief.
"You...? You do?"
"YES! So cut that crap about being worthless! It's not true! You
mean a lot to me! A lot! I care more about you than I care about
myself!"
The tears came back again. But this time, in full force. It was as
if something had just broken within her;

>>>Asuka grumbling: I don't like watching this.

>>>Rei allows Shinji to fall back into his seat: I needed that.

>>>Shinji: Wow..'Do I even have a choice anymore?'

as if all the tears repressed
in the past had decided to come out here and now. That sad look on her
face. It brought tears to my eyes as well.
"Shin... Shinji..."
Her lips, as well as the rest of her body, were shaking.
"Shinji!"
I found myself being suddenly held by a weeping girl as if her life
depended on it.

>>>Touji: She's going to snap his back!

>>>Shinji: To much strength is a bad thing.

>>>Hikari: Can he breath?

I held her back, feeling strong suddenly as my arms
encircled her trembling and vulnerable body. Her face was buried in my
chest, where her tears soaked my shirt.
"It's okay Asuka... let it all out... let all the tears out... it's
all right... I'm here."
I felt her hold on me tighten even more. I kept an arm around her as
I stroked her hair with my free hand. Nobody had taken the time to clean
Asuka up, so her hair was a mess due to the now dried LCL. But I didn't
care.

>>>Asuka: JERK! that would pull my hair out!

>>>Rei: The smell would be awful.

>>>Kensuke: Well what would have been a nice scene was ruined.

We stayed like this for a long time and Asuka crying all the while.
Maybe she would have cried herself to sleep. I'll never know as we were
interrupted.
"Shinji. Here are the clothes from Asuka's..."
The words died in Rei's mouth as she stared at us, frozen in the
room entrance, a bag in one of her hands and the other holding the
doorknob. Only then did I realize that nothing was covering Asuka's
upper naked body, as her bed sheets had fallen down on her waist.

>>>Asuka: HENTAI!!

>>>Touji/Kensuke: Hello!

>>>Asuka: EYES!!

>>>Touji: Make us!

>>>Asuka grinned: Fine 'using her cuffs like a wipe, sends Rei cascading into him
>>> and using her At field sends him into the next room.

>>>Kensuke: Eyes shut!

"R... Rei... It's... it's not what you think..."
To my surprise, Asuka struggled to get free from me. I also noticed
she had stopped crying. As she freed herself from my arm, she looked at
Rei. I recognized the all to familiar look of hatred in her eyes.
"Came to remind me of my failure? Came to gloat over your victory
over me? Well, I don't want to see your face! Get out! Get out, get out,
GET OUT! I hate you Wonder Girl! I HATE YOU!"

>>>Rei recollecting herself: But you still use me to help you.

>>>Asuka: 'I' don't hate you, ya just annoy me sometimes.

Four months ago, Rei would not have cared in the least about Asuka's
words. But now... Rei only had three friends. Hotaru, Asuka and me. Only
three people truly cared about her. Maybe four if we considered Misato.

>>>Rei: The commander cares.

>>>Shinji: That bastard?

>>>Rei: Oddly enough.

So those words hurt, I was sure of it. The bag she held hit the ground
and she rushed out of the room.
"Rei!"
I suddenly forgot everything about Asuka and ran after the blue-
haired girl. Luckily, she hadn't gone very far. I found her kneeling
against a wall for support, tears running down her pretty face.

>>>Kensuke: Hear that Touji, he DITCHED HER!!

>>>Only a groan is heard from near the kitchen.

>>>Hikari: I don't think he'll be back anytime soon.

"Rei..."
As she kept silent, I moved closer to her and touched her shoulder.
"She's upset right now. She didn't mean that."
"I know. I... I cannot stop the tears... the words hurt... I know
she did not mean what she said, but the words hurt still..."

>>>Shinji: I can't stand to see that.

>>>Rei: My tears?

>>>Asuka: WHAT!!

>>>Shinji: Or yours so don't get all pissy!

>>>Kensuke: Maybe Touji had the right idea, all this mush can't be good for ya.

I tightened my grip on her shoulder, not enough to hurt her, but
enough to let her know I was there.
"It's okay Rei."
She looked at me and smiled. It was only a faint smile, but a smile
nonetheless.
"She will probably need some time to adjust. She underwent a
terrible experience."
I nodded. I had guessed myself that Asuka wouldn't be herself for a
long time.
"For the moment, it would be for the best if I stayed with Misato
while you stay with her."

>>>Asuka/Rei: WHAT!!

>>>Shinji: I'm just a chess piece, aren't I?

>>>Kensuke: A piece of sensitive meat.

>>>Hikari: Hush, it's for her own good.

"Rei...!"
She was willing to let me live with Asuka. Alone in the same
apartment...
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Asuka is my friend. She needs help. And I think that you are
the only one who can help her."
Her words sounded convincing, but I didn't miss the look of worry on
her face.
"But... the agreement you have with her..."

>>>Kensuke: Ah, the no funky business rule, shoot.

>>>Shinji sighs: Yup, we need rules.

"It does not matter right now.

>>>Asuka: YES!

>>>Rei: I would not agree with that.

Shinji... remember when you came to
live with me weeks ago. You were in pain, you needed help and comfort.
Now, it is your turn to provide comfort. Shinji... you must do whatever
you can to show Asuka that there is someone who cares for her, that
there is a reason to exist. Do what you must do."

>>>Shinji: More foreshadow.

>>>Hikari: At the rate she's going, why not just tell you ...'blushes.'

>>>Rei: I feel dirty, for a different reason.

This sadness on her face...
"Rei..."
"I will go gather some of my belongings and move them to the Major's
apartment. This way, all will be done when you and Asuka get there."
This said, she left.
This was her idea, her suggestion. Why did I suddenly feel like I
was betraying her?

>>>Rei: Because your feelings for me are so strong.

>>>Asuka: But he agreed.

>>>Rei: To save my friend.

>>>Asuka: No because he LOVES ME.

>>>Then the argument became a shoving match...no that would mean their
>>> were pushing him, more like a pulling match.

>>>Kensuke: Hikari, whats that look like?

>>>Hikari: An Ikari sandwich.

>>>Said Ikari: Help. 'This actually isn't that bad.'
* * *

When I entered Asuka's room, she was finishing putting on her
clothes, her school uniform, since she never got the time to change
before the tests at NERV and the following Angel attack. I panicked for
a moment, probably feeling overly protective of her.
"Asuka! You should be in bed!"
"I'm fine."

>>>Shinji: Didn't say you weren't.

>>>Asuka: Did you just...

>>>Kensuke: Mega-playboy pick up line!

Her voice wasn't exactly monotonous, but almost.

>>>Rei: You are taking my voice pattern.

>>>Hikari: Now just get a hair cut, dye job, and contacts.

>>>Rei: No.

It got me a bit
worried, but at least, when she looked at me, I realized that she wasn't
slipping back into a state similar to the one I had found her after the
attack. She was most likely trying to restore as much control over
herself as she could. However, it was probably just a matter of time
before she would be overwhelmed by her emotions again. Pain tends to do
that. It doesn't go away that easily.

>>>Shinji: Do what?

>>>Kensuke: Don't know, but whatever it is, must stay for awhile.

>>>Rei: I'm confused.

>>>Asuka/Hikari: We all are.

"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes. I am."
For a moment, she eyed the ribbon of her uniform before shoving it
into a pocket.

>>>Shinji: What did that have to do with anything?

>>>Asuka: Space filler.

"Let's leave."
I guess there was no way to try to persuade her to stay, and Doctor
Akagi had said that there was nothing more that could be done here, so I
didn't try to object and followed her as she simply passed by me and
left the room.

>>>Hikari: Must feel nice to be appreciated.

>>>Shinji: I wouldn't know.

>>>Asuka/Rei: What?

>>>Shinji: I'm treated like a piece of meat!

>>>Rei: I do not like meat.

>>>A collective sigh.

At first, the nurses didn't appear willing to let Asuka have her
way. The way they reacted suggested that Asuka and the infirmary staff
probably had a few differences over the last months. It wasn't much of a
surprise, Asuka was not, after all, the most patient of persons and from
what I had gathered overtime, she hated hospitals even more than me.

>>>Shinji: Is that possible?

>>>Asuka: Why isn't it?

>>>Shinji: I...tried to ..firebomb one.

>>>Asuka: I did.

However, the nurses quickly calmed down as they noticed Asuka's lack of
reaction. In fact, I believe some of them even looked worried. Finally,
after checking with Doctor Akagi, they let Asuka go. There was no reason
to keep her here, like she had previously told me.

>>>Hikari: And if she bothered to tell the rest of the staff it would have helped.

>>>Kensuke: Can't have things go to smoothly.

I was surprised to see that it was early in the morning. I hadn't
realized we had spent so much time in the infirmary.
The trip home was uneventful. Asuka didn't say a word. A few times,
I tried to say something, to start a conversation, but somehow, I
couldn't think about anything to talk about. So we both kept quiet, but
for different reasons.

>>>Shinji: Again, that is so similiar.

>>>Rei: She is trying to use my attraction to her benifit.

>>>Asuka: Like I would mimic YOU!

>>>Hikari: You do seem to be staring off into space.

As we reached Asuka's apartment, she seemed surprised to see that I
was waiting for her to open the door. But that didn't last. Without a
word, she let me follow her. Only inside did she finally fully
acknowledge my presence.
"Why are you here?"

>>>Kensuke: To kill you.

>>>Rei: To make you supper then leave.

>>>Asuka: Pronounce your love for me again.

>>>Shinji/Hikari: This is scary.

This was indeed a good question. Why was I here? To help and comfort
her, Rei had said. Could I really do it?
I found myself wishing Kaji was still alive.

>>>Asuka: STILL ALIVE!!! THEY KILLED HIM!!

>>>Rei: My plan is ruined.

>>>Kensuke: Fix her up with KAJI!?!

>>>Rei: Blackmail works well.

Even when I made
decisions on my own, it had always been a reassuring thought to know
that he was there, in case things didn't turn out right. I knew I could
always seek his advice. But not anymore...
'Think for yourself and decide by yourself.'
It was the last piece of advice he could give me.
It not only applied to EVA, but to life itself, I realized. I had to
be strong, stand my ground, make decisions and be sure of myself, no
matter what. For my sake and more importantly for the sake of those I
cared for.

>>>Asuka: Kaji must have gave you a spine transplant!

>>>Rei: You are very highly motivated Shinji-kun.

>>>Shinji: Set my priorities.

But this really wasn't easy!
I missed Kaji a lot...
"I'll be living here for a while."
She glared at me. Finally, some expression on her face.
"To watch over me? Make sure I don't do something stupid? Is that
it?"
"No... yes... I... I'm just worried. I... I don't want to leave you
alone. I care for you... and I want you to know that. If you need
anything... need to talk to someone... I'll be there."
For a moment, her face softened, before giving me an annoyed look.
"That's kind of you, but I don't need a baby-sitter!"

>>>Shinji: Good because I'm not being paid to be one.

>>>Kensuke: But if you were...you could give her a spanking 'grins.'

>>>Rei: I am unsure as to wether I approve of that comment or not.

I knew it was no use trying to change her mind. If I tried to impose
my presence, it would only get on her nerves. Still, I could try a more
subtle tactic, give her time to reconsider...
"At least, let me make you something to eat, while you go take a
bath. You must be as hungry as me. And a bath would be nice, wouldn't
it? I'm sure you're eager to get rid of those traces of LCL..."

>>>Rei: The hard crust over half of your body and hair is disgusting.

>>>Shinji: Don't forget the smell.

>>>Rei: And it stains.

>>>Asuka screams: I'll be that sick orange color!!??!

She raised a hand to her nose. A look of disgust appeared on her
face as she suddenly realized that the smell of LCL was indeed all over
her. She seemed ready to continue the fight for a second, then relaxed
by showing me a faint smile.
"Thank you, Shinji..."
She then walked toward the bathroom.

>>>Shinji: Back to having a dozen emotions per conversation.

>>>Hikari: She didn't hit you.

>>>Asuka: I am not a brute, stop talking like I am!

* * *

We ate in silence. Asuka seemed more relaxed and refreshed, but she
wasn't feeling more talkative.

>>>Shinji and Hikari pale.

>>>Asuka: What?

I looked at the girl before me, who only
stared at her plate, her damp hair hiding part of her face, eating
without much conviction, only because she needed it to silence her
hunger and calm her stomach. I was getting really worried. If things
keep up this way, she might slip into a deep depression, the sort I
almost reached myself in the past.

>>>Shinji: Get prozac! NOW!

>>>Asuka: Huh?

>>>Shinji: You'll be suicidal!

>>>Group: Shinji?

>>>Shinji: Um..best if you forget that part.

>>>Asuka/Rei: 'Need to talk about that suicidal thing.'

The first time, Kensuke, Touji and
Misato pulled me out, before I started to think about doing something
stupid. The second time, Rei helped me out. The third time, it took
Kaji's advice. The girls may not have survived if I hadn't listened to
him.

>>>Hikari: Or anybody for that matter.

>>>Kensuke: Would have been cool to see 3rd impact with a front row seat.

Was I really fit to help Asuka? And how could I help her? That
thing... the Angel... if I understood correctly what I had been told...
what I had heard, Asuka's screams... it had invaded her mind. In a way
it had... raped her.

>>>Shinji: And I hope it rots in hell for all eternity, and if it doesn't
>>> I'm taking Unit-01 up there with me to tear it a new one!

>>>Rei: Mother will punish him.

>>>Shinji: Mother?

And I hadn't been able to help her. I failed to protect her. Rei
saved her, but too late.
Part of me wanted to blame myself.

>>>Asuka: The usual.

But I had learned my lesson from what Touji had told me.

>>>Kensuke: Always hide the tapes under your futon?

>>>Shinji: It's only peeping if you get caught?

>>>Hikari: Threating not to shut your eyes is a bad thing?

It was the Angels. It was their fault. This was
the last time someone I loved would be hurt by them. This, I swore to
myself.

>>>Hikari/Shinji: That wouldn't be FORESHADOW WOULD IT!!

>>>Kensuke: Give it up you two.

"She's not coming, is she?" asked Asuka, as she put her chopsticks
on the table and raised her head to look at me.
"Who... who do you mean?"
"Rei."

>>>Rei: Having the word hate thrown at you would make one feel unwelcome.

Oh... so now she was ready to talk about that...
"No. She didn't think it would be a good idea, with the way you
reacted in the infirmary."
"I see."
"Your words hurt her."
For a brief instant, shock showed on her face.
"Oh..."

>>>Asuka: You never show any emotions anyway why should I care?

>>>Shinji: Because she does have them...she's just not good at expressing them.

>>>Rei's deadpan expression and cool words: Is it my fault?

"She cares for you a lot, Asuka. She was there with me, in the
infirmary, while we waited for you to regain consciousness. She was as
worried as I was. And you know that it wasn't her intention to
outperform you. She only wanted one thing: to save your life. We're
friends and teammates... we have to look out for one another..."
Her face lowered lightly, as if in shame.

>>>Shinji: Or to gain momentum for the upcoming assult.

>>>Hikari: Or to gather air for the laugh.

"I understand... I may not like it, but I understand. But when I saw
her... the reality... just jumped at me... I had failed... and even if
she's not responsible for it... she reminded me of my failure..."
"But you didn't fail! There was nothing you could have done!"
"I'd like to believe that..."

>>>Kensuke: So why don't you?

>>>Asuka: How would I know why 'she' doesn't? Am I her?

>>>Rei: In a manner, yes.

>>>Shinji: Um..lets not think about this to deeply ok?

I didn't know what more to say. She listened, but my words didn't
seem to reach her. Why couldn't she understand that EVA wasn't that
important?

>>>Kensuke: Because it is important.

>>>Hikari: Without them we die,remember?

>>>Shinji: Oops forgot.

Maybe because of what she had said the day before. She had trained
to pilot EVA almost all her life. It was her life. So, what would she be
without it?
"I'm tired. I want to rest for a while."
Slowly, she made her way to her room. But before disappearing from
sight, she looked at me again.
"You can go tell her that I'm sorry. When I feel that I can face her
again, I'll tell her myself."
This said, Asuka retired to her room.

>>>Shinji and Rei stare at the screen: Did she just...?

>>>Asuka: See, I can be nice and understanding when I want to be.

She hadn't changed her mind. I was reluctant to leave her all alone,
but I didn't want to oppose her wish either.
I was about to leave the apartment, once I had cleaned up the table
and the dishes, when I head the sobbing. I ran to Asuka's room and found
her on her bed, in a ball, face buried in a pillow. If possible, she was
crying even more than earlier in the infirmary. There seemed to be no
end to her tears.

>>>Kensuke: And eating that pillow.

>>>Shinji: How does it...fit?

>>>Hikari: She's going to need stronger pillows.

>>>Rei: Do bird feathers count as food?

"It's okay, Asuka, I'm here..."
As I had done earlier, I delicately took her in my arms and let her
cry there. I whispered words of comfort until I felt her breathing
become more regular and her sobs getting fainter.

>>>Shinji: I seem to be really good at absorbing tears.

>>>Kensuke: And snot.

>>>Rei: You should change that shirt, discharge like that is harmful to one's health.

>>>Hikari: Ew.

After a while, she
just laid there in my arms and all I could hear was her breathing and
her heartbeat. She had apparently cried herself to sleep.
With care not to wake her up, I gently moved her from my arms to her
bed. For a few seconds, I stared at her face now resting on her pillow.

>>>Shinji: Or whats left of it.

>>>Asuka: Shit, those pillows are expensive.

She looked so fragile. So beautiful. Quietly, I left her side and walked
toward the door.
"Don't go", she whispered.
I turned around to see those two blue orbs staring at me. They kept
me locked where I was.
"Shinji... don't leave me alone... please."

>>>Kensuke: And Shinji being Shinji.

>>>Rei: Only section 2 agents could remove him from the room.

The fragile expression on her face, almost on the verge of breaking.
It made my heart ache.
"Even if it's only for once... only for once... please... be mine...
all mine..."

>>>Asuka: I..um..you see...about this..

>>>Rei: I already know the outcome of this encounter.

>>>Shinji and Hikari sport healthy blushes.

Every fiber of my soul cried for me to fulfill her wish. Whatever
was to happen, whatever the consequences, no pain caused could be equal
to the pain this girl felt right now. I had tried to avoid getting
myself hurt. I had tried to avoid letting anyone else be hurt as well.
But it wasn't possible. I could, however, ease the pain Asuka felt here
and now.

>>>Rei: I...am not angered.

>>>Hikari: You're not?

>>>Kensuke: Even though it means Touji gets the point, I'm not that pissed.

>>>Asuka/Shinji: Damn angels cause to much pain.

I had to help her in any way I could. I had to.
Because I couldn't bear to see her like this...
I walked toward her.
"I'm here for you, Asuka-chan..."
No other words were needed, as I took her into a tight embrace.
I felt no regret as we became one for a flicker of a moment. I knew
that this wasn't a lie, but rather half of a truth. She was one of the
two most precious people I had. And anything I could do to make one of
them happy couldn't be wrong.

>>>Asuka: WHY DID IT FADE OUT!!

>>>Rei: Appearnetly the budget was to small to include two such scenes.

>>>Shinji sighs in relief.

>>>Hikari: You mean you guys..watched the other one?

>>>Asuka/Shinji/Rei: No-No-Yes.

>>>Kensuke: DAMN MEGA-PLAYBOY SCOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!!!!!

- - -

'Look at me! Mama, please, don't stop being my mother!'
'Please, come to heaven with me...'
'Mama, Mama, Please, don't kill me!'
'Asuka darling, please come with me...'
'No!'

>>>Hikari: What..

>>>Shinji: the

>>>Kensuke fuck.

>>>Rei: Watch your language Aida-kun.

The teenage girl woke up with a start, her heart beating so fast
that she thought for a moment that it would burst out of her chest.
Then, the memories came again, as did the tears, silent, yet present.

>>>Shinji: You should talk, if their that bad.

>>>Asuka: I...I...you're right.

"I... I hate crying," thought the girl as she felt more and more
shameful. Then, she felt two arms wrapping around her, and lips touching
the back of her neck.
"It's okay, Asuka-chan. It was only a nightmare. You're safe here.
I'm here."
The voice was comforting, and the boy's frail arms felt strangely
strong.

>>>Shinji: Strong enough to carry you about 5 city blocks.

>>>Rei: And your weight has increased.

>>>Asuka: WONDER-GIRL!

How could this boy be the Ikari Shinji she had met when she
first came to Japan? Where was that wimpy boy she had taken pleasure in
humiliating time after time?

>>>Shinji: Still here.

>>>Asuka: Good, your to much fun to tease, can never stop.

Somewhere along the way, probably while she had been busy
complaining about this and that, he had grown into a man.
And tonight, she had been joined as one with him. She could still
remember the pleasure-pain she had felt as his warmth and hardness
entered her, and the ecstasy he had managed to lead her to.

>>>Asuka turns BEET red: Um...'damn stupid budget!!'

>>>Shinji: I think it best if nobody listen to this.

She had felt
strangely empty when he left her. She still felt that way. Yet, she
smiled. With one of her hands, she caressed her flat belly. Even if she
could now feel his body against her back, something of his was still
within her.

>>>Shinji: Dear KAMI-SAMA!!

>>>Asuka: SHIT!

>>>Rei: Will pregnancy alter your sync ratio?

He had tried to pull out, but she had not let him escape,
forcing him to shoot his essence deep inside her. She could even be
bearing his child at this very moment. The timing was nearly right.

>>>Shinji: I'm not ready to be a father!!

>>>Hikari: Shinji-kun..movie!

>>>Asuka/Rei/Shinji: Thanks...forget sometimes.

All her life, she had been resolved never to have a child. Children
would get in the way of her career. But most importantly, she didn't
want to bring into this world another life just to make it suffer like
her own parents had made her suffer.
"But if he's at my side..." she thought.
The prospect didn't seem as unappealing anymore.

>>>Rei: LCL does cause starilization.

>>>Shinji/Asuka: Permanent?

>>>Rei: No.

>>>Hikari: Um...Aren't you thinking a bit to long term here?

In fact, it just
increased the craving for him she felt had rising within her since the
moment his arms encircled her naked flesh.
She tried to chase those thoughts out of her mind. He still loved
Rei as well. This was meant to be a one time only occurrence.

>>>Rei: Foreshadow?

>>>Kensuke: Could be.

>>>Asuka: But why didn't the Bobsy-twins get it?

>>>Shinji/Hikari: WHAT!

One single moment where she could live a fantasy.
It wasn't meant to happen again. At least, not for now.

>>>Asuka: It's not fair...wond..Rei got a whole sub-movie dedicated to that but me?

>>>Kensuke: I for one am glad, that sight would cause men around the world to
>>> cringe in fear!

>>>Asuka: Why!

>>>Kensuke: S&M is disgusting thats why.

>>>Asuka: Rei, its whip time agian!

>>>Rei/Shinji: No more whipping us around.

But what if he chooses Rei? Could she live without him? Especially
since she now knew just how good he could make her feel?

>>>Hikari: And if you have a child too...that would suck.

'If he does not come back, I do not know what I will do. I do not
know how I will be able to live on. He is all that I have.'

>>>Kensuke: Pen-Pen is dead for sure, she just breached the obsession border.

>>>Shinji: Captain! what were you doing!

>>>Kensuke: Shut up Spock!

>>>Asuka/Hikari: What did you two smoke?

At the time, she had called Rei stupid for thinking in such a way.
But now... she understood what Rei had meant.
"He's all I have left," she realized.

>>>Shinji looks at his two cuff mates: You two?

>>>They nod and he nods back.

>>>Kensuke: Some sort of odd sex act?

>>>Shinji takes the remote from Rei and whips it at Kensuke's knee.

With him, she could forget the past. Move on. But she could lose
him. If she did... she would be all alone... with nothing. What then?

>>>Hikari: Move on?

>>>Shinji: Go to a singles club?

>>>Rei: Jump off unit-02.

She turned around, and hugged him tightly, reaching for warmth and
comfort.
"He's here now, Asuka. Forget the past, try not to think about the
future, just cherish this moment..."

>>>Shinji: Who's talking?

>>>Asuka: Nobody.

>>>Rei: You were speaking to yourself.

>>>Kensuke: Psyco.

When sleep claimed her again, peace and relief could be seen on her
face. This time, only pleasant dreams were waiting for her. Dreams of an
hypothetical future with him.

>>>Asuka: HYPOTHETICAL!!

>>>Rei: Hypothetical-fake, not existing in reality.

>>>Hikari: But possible.

>>>They look at her.

>>>Hikari: I'm just saying thats all.

[To be continued...]



Next time:
Chapter 10 - Never forget


Omake:

"Tell me what I have left if I can't pilot EVA, tell me why people
should care about me..."

>>>Asuka: This scene again! what is this shit on Asuka day part 2!

>>>Kensuke: If it were, would you and M-P just did the horizontal mambo?

>>>Rei: Is it possible to dance on your side?

The way Asuka had spoken... even if she felt utterly worthless
without EVA, I knew that some part of her was pleading for an answer to
that question. I was sure of it.
"There's more to life then EVA! You... you... you're beautiful.
You're bright! I mean, you graduated from college... And you can be
really nice when you want to!"

>>>Asuka: At least I get complimented.

>>>Hikari: You're in a deep depression.

>>>Asuka: All the more need for it.

"Is that all? Is that all there is to Sohryu Asuka Langley?"
I wished that I could have said more, but my brain just didn't seem
willing to work properly.

>>>Kensuke: Does it usually?

>>>Hikari: No, thats why we..I mean they like him.

>>>Rei: He is not controled by his hormones.

"It's... it's more then I can say about myself..."
"You don't need more! You're Shinji the Hero!"
"Who cares if I can pilot EVA?!"
"I do!"
"Well, I don't! I don't care! I don't care if you can't pilot those
goddamn things again! I love you for who you are, not because you're a
pilot!!!"

>>>Asuka: But if I wasn't a pilot would you have met me?

>>>Shinji: I have philosophy.

>>>Rei: Do you?

>>>Shinji: Only when it's directed at me.

Asuka's eyes opened wide. Maybe it was because she was surprised. Or
maybe it was because I was strangling her. Isn't that what you do to
people you love? (especially if they are the only other person in the
world alive)

>>>Shinji: WHAT!

>>>Kensuke: Maybe you're the obessed person.

>>>Rei: Only other person alive?

>>>Hikari: Maybe...Asuka killed them all?

>>>Asuka: Wonder who I'd start with, ne Hikari?

Author's notes:

(1) While I used the manga characterization for Shinji, the events
follows the anime. So, Asuka didn't fight the Sixth Angel alone.

Chapter 9 was quite hard to write. This type of situation (Asuka crying
in Shinji's arms) has been done often. Worse: it's been done by Andrew
Huang in a Shinji's POV story (for those who don't know, shame on you,
the title of that story is "I Mustn't Run Away"). It was HARD not to
repeat the same things. Fortunately, Andrew had made a slight change in
the plot, while I more or less remained with the original chain of
events. Still, I had to be careful. So I kept the scene with the
quarantine tape short, while insisting more in after effects (but still,
I had to be careful avoiding copying "In Other Words" too). A
conversation with Rei at the beginning, plus one with Asuka (idea
courtesy of Darren Demaine) helped the overall story.

The words "I'm here for you" came from the first Video Girl Ai OVA. I
loved the first episodes of that series the moment I watched them. Those
words at the end of the first OVA... they had a huge impact on me. Not
sure exactly why... Maybe because part of me is a romantic fool and
sometimes I feel hopelessly single?

About the end? Well, it was bound to happen (if it didn't already in
chapter 6) sooner or later...

Before someone asks, there will be NO lemon side story to this chapter.

>>>Asuka: CHEAP BASTARD!!!

I want it to be left as it is: an act of comfort, an act of love,
something totally innocent. Chances are that a lemon would ruin that.



Alain Gravel
rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca
September 16th 1999

Started on August 31st 1999
First pre-reader draft finished on September 16th 1999
Second pre-reader draft finished on October 4th 1999
Final draft finished on November 28th 1999
Final revision on March 14th 2000
>>>Mst completed March 14th 2002

(end MST)

Asuka: Well...was that a good thing or a bad thing?

Shinji: Bad and good.

Rei: The angel deserves to be raped by the devil in hell.

Hikari: Ayanami!

Rei: Rapest are the worst type of scum. (I don't agree the general in Star wars about it
being bounty hunters)

Kensuke: Is Touji going to be alright?

Hikari: With a head like his, yeah.

Rei stands up: I am taking a shower now.

Shinji/Asuka: WHAT!?!

Hikari: Is that wise, why now?

Kensuke: Um..actually we all need one, it smells ripe in here.

Hikari: Haven't bathed in a few days..have we.

Asuka/Shinji: BUT..BUT?

Rei: I was ordered, when dirty clean, when tired sleep, I follow orders.

Kensuke: I'll drag Touji home, meet back in about an hour?

Hikari: Sounds good...you guys...good luck.

Shinji: KENSUKE FIND THAT KEY!!

Rei: It is nothing you haven't seen Shinji-kun.

Asuka: But I could die happy without seeing you.

Rei: You are on his far side, you should be fine.

Shinji: I'm going to die. 'Maybe I could bite my hands off...'

---------------------------------------------------------- ----------

ok ok, i know that last part was a bit much but
they have been watching this 'movie' series for a long time
and people need to bath, while shinji and asuka would forgo such matters
while handcuffed its my belief Rei wouldn't give a rats ass, and given the
context of how those three relate now...do you think they really mind?

well hope you like this chapter, not much more to go, i'm still having
a ball doing this, and I hope you get one out of reading, well until next
MST

ja-ne

zentrodie(zentrodie@secondimpact.com)< br> anime-haven
www.geocities.com/zentrodie.geo