Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ The One I Love Is...Mst ❯ Epilouge ( Chapter 14 )

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

Standard Disclaimer

No, no odd philosphy statements on this one.

I don't own anything of Evangelion nor the original story

You guys ready for the final installment of the TOILI mst?
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Asuka: How could their be anything else, Hikari would have known.

Shinji: After you two knocked each other out, I checked Misato-san's
computer and found out about it.

Rei: Tha does not answer how you were able to attain it so quickly.

Shinji: I had Misato-san bring it with her when she came.

Asuka: I'm game for one last installment.

Rei: I would rather not watch another, knowing it cateers to you.

Asuka: It was a wonderous film wasn't it.

Shinji: But Rei, did you really want to walk home this late alone?

Rei: It would be unsafe.

Shinji: We watch this, then I walk you home?

Rei: Most acceptable.

Asuka: You better not stay.

Rei: If he chooses not to risk his safty I would not mind allowing him to
stay.

Asuka: That's what I'm afraid of, well lets go, not getting an earlier.

Shinji: 'They could almost pass as friends some times.'

They file back into the living room and sit. Noticing the music machine.

Shinji: By the way, where did you learn that song Rei?

Rei blushing: I...would rather not discuse that.

Asuka: Who are you to say anything Mr. Sailor Stars?

Shinji: At least I didn't sing "Junk Boy" with Misato.

Rei: Her dancing and suggestive lyrics caused Aida and Suzahara to lose
large quantities of blood.

Asuka: That's because their perverts 'hits play.'

(Begin MST look for >>>)

The One I Love Is...
Epilogue - And they lived happily ever after... or so they tried

>>>Asuka: I bet you try to break up the wedding.

>>>Rei: Would it achieve anything?

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

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

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

Epilogue - And they lived happily ever after... or so they tried

"I mustn't run away... I mustn't run away..."
"Man, you really look pathetic, you know that?"

>>>Asuka: It's Chibi-Hentai, what do you expect?

>>>Shinji: Please....don't call me that.

I almost jumped off my seat. I turned around, my heart beating as if
it was about to burst, to see Touji leaning against the door frame, a
wide grin plastered in his face.

>>>Rei: Is he leaning because of his lack of limbs?

>>>Shinji: Would be easier than standing up.

"What are you trying to do, kill me?!"
Touji sighed and walked toward me and patted my shoulder.
"You're so tense that the air around you is almost still. Try to
relax, man..."

>>>Shinji: How did he get replacement parts?

>>>Rei: If his limbs are pale, I will need reclaim them.

>>>Asuka: Maybe the commander has a tank of him too.

I don't know if it was his words or his presence, but I felt less
nervous. Just a little bit.
"You know, you almost look good in this," I teased Touji, speaking
about the black tuxedo he was wearing.

>>>Asuka: Almost and actually are very different.

Actually, he did look very good in it. This was radically different
from the usual track pants and jacket he almost always wore back in our
school days. Probably Hikari's influence.

>>>Shinji: She can get him to do just about anything.

>>>Rei: Then why can she not make him think before speaking?

>>>Asuka: Peer pressure.

I noticed that he also wore
black gloves. I was very grateful for that. Even if the advances in bio-
robotics had been astonishing these last few years, they hadn't yet
managed to make artificial limbs that looked totally like real ones.

>>>Shinji: So he has a metal claw for a hand?

>>>Asuka: Hope it rains.

Touji knew that the sight of his artificial hand tended to make me
uneasy. I was over the guilt, but... I just couldn't look at it...

>>>Rei: Does that not denote guilt?

"Well, of course! Although, this collar is so damn tight..." replied
my friend as he fidgeted with the said collar. "You look good yourself."
"I hope so... if I do anything stupid today, she'll likely kill me."

>>>Shinji: So I'm as good as dead?

>>>Asuka: Just stand, smile, and you'll be fine.

"Yeah... man, I can't believe you're marrying her! You're really a
masochist, you know. How'd you manage that anyway? I thought she didn't
even want to hear about the word 'wedding'? Did she get tired of saying
'no' after hearing you nagging her about it for four years?"

>>>Rei: You refused him for four years!

>>>Asuka: Can't seem to eager.

>>>Rei: Would you act the same?

>>>Asuka: Hell no.

"Well... things happened..."
Touji started to grin. I knew that I was blushing. Could never get
rid of the stupid habit.
"Things happened... like what? Come on, give me all the dirt!"
"Well... you see... Asuka is... Asuka's pregnant."
Touji's grin was replaced by shock.
"What?! The Demon's pregnant?"

>>>Asuka: AH! Hentai what did you do to me!!

>>>Shinji: Don't blaim me...takes two to tango doesn't it?

>>>Asuka: I still blaim you!

I nodded. While it was something Asuka and I were, now, both happy
about, it was still somehow embarrassing. Enough for me to forget to
remind Touji not to call Asuka 'Demon'.
Touji then started to laugh.

>>>Asuka: I'll punish him for it later.

>>>Rei: Like you 'punish' Shinji?

>>>Shinji: She better not.

>>>Asuka: Jealous?

"Oh man... way to go you lucky dog! You're the man! Didn't think
you'd be as devious as to get her pregnant so that you could marry her."
"Hey! It didn't happen on purpose!"
"Come on Shinji... one of you had to 'forget' about... you know...
protection."
"We never used any."
"Uh? And you say that wasn't on purpose?"

>>>Shinji: The LCL buffer must have expired.

>>>Asuka/Rei: Takes four years to expire?

"We didn't think we needed any."
Touji noticed how serious I had gotten and gave me a puzzled look.
"After that day... the doctors... they told her that she would never
have children."
"Oh..."
Because he had been at the Tokyo-2 hospital with us, Touji was
probably the best informed about the seriousness of Asuka's injuries,
except for Misato, Asuka and I.

>>>Rei: What about myself?

>>>Shinji: What would Touji be doing there?

>>>Asuka: His sister?

"At first Asuka had been relieved, but... it was all a lie. It was
one more attack against her femininity. She had thought she would never
want to have children, but when the doctors told her... but I guess they
underestimated just how stubborn Asuka could be..."

>>>Rei: You would bare a child just to spite the doctors?

>>>Asuka: Never say never to Asuka Langley Sohryu.

>>>Rei: You could never let Shinji and myself have a private relationship.

>>>Asuka: Damn right.

"Yeah, when it comes to pride, no one beats Sohryu Asuka Langley. Or
rather Ikari Asuka Langley."
"Actually, it'll be more like Ikari Sohryu Asuka Langley."

>>>Shinji: That is a LONG name.

>>>Rei: She sounds as if she has been married and devorced several times.

>>>Asuka: Shut up.

Noticing
Touji's blank expression, I thought it was best to explain a bit more.

>>>Asuka: Really slowly and using visual aids to help him.

>>>Shinji: He's not that bad.

"She didn't want to loose the name Sohryu and I didn't want to change
Ikari for it, so we sorta made a compromise."
"Geez... you've got no backbone."
"Hey! At least I get to choose the name of our child!"

>>>Asuka: How you get that!

>>>Rei: It should be the mother to name the child, as she carries the creation.

"Oh? Got any names so far?"
"Well, Akiko if it's a girl. Haven't really managed to choose a name
for a boy yet..."
"Touji would be a nice name."

>>>Asuka: If I wanted a steroid freak baby.

I smiled. Good. Guess it was as good a time as any to ask.
"She'd skin me alive if I named our child that way. Beside, it'd be
confusing to give a child his godfather's name... that is if you want
the role of course."

>>>Shinji: Godfather?

>>>Rei: Touji is a leader in the Yakuza?

>>>Asuka: It's some odd Catholic tradition, if parents die, godparents take care of
>>> the child.

>>>Shinji/Rei: Why would the baby need one?

Shock showed on Touji's face, followed by a smile so wide it almost
spread from an ear to the other.
"It would be an honor, Shinji!"
I smiled myself.
"That way, uncle Touji, Hikari will be able to spoil it too. I hope
she won't take it too hard, but we asked Rei to be the child's
godmother."

>>>Asuka: That's a pun right?

>>>Shinji: Well a part angel would make a good God-parent.

>>>Rei: It is the best I can hope for in this detestable movie.

>>>(She's just pissed she didn't win his total affection...she actaully liked it...I think)

"Well, she'll understand. I mean... Rei is family... sorta. Besides,
Hikari's already happy enough being the bridesmaid."
To get some people to keep Rei's identity secret, we had explained a
bit about Rei's origins to Touji, Kensuke, Hikari and Hotaru.

>>>Asuka: See wondergirl you have your 'girlfriend' to help you.

>>>Rei: I am not like Doctor Akagi.

Not
everything of course. In fact, we had lied a bit. Or more accurately,
bent the truth. One of those 'lies' consisted of Rei being my half
sister. Which wasn't totally false on a biological basis, if you
considered that a good part of her DNA came from my mother.

>>>Shinji: What's a 'good' part?

>>>Asuka: Who knows, to bad it could all have been, then you two couldn't see each other.

>>>Rei: Well it isn't so you won't be rid of me so easily.

I guess it
was a good thing I had never told them about just how far Rei and I had
gone in our relationship...
"Asuka pregnant... seems unreal. I mean, knowing Asuka, she'd
probably go hysterical at the thought of getting as round as a ball..."
Touji paused for a moment as enlightenment seemed to suddenly hit him.

>>>Asuka: Can't I grow it in a tube or something?

>>>Rei: It is not pleasent.

>>>Shinji laughing softly: I would finally be able to run away from your attacks.

"I get it now! That's why you two are rushing this wedding! And that's
why she'll wear a kimono, even if this wedding is a western one! She
doesn't want people to know she's getting fat!"
Touji was now laughing like a maniac. I sighed.
"You know, if Asuka heard you, you're dead. And I won't even dare
think about what Hikari, Rei or Hotaru would do to you."

>>>Rei: I would laugh.

>>>Shinji: Hikari would chastise him.

>>>Asuka: She would have to wait in line for that honor.

Touji gulped and suddenly looked very pale. Anyone in his right mind
knew it was better not to seek the wrath of Sohryu Asuka Langley.

>>>Asuka: Power, I have it, they crave it.

It was
well known that I was the only one who had a chance to get away with it.
However, I suspected that Touji was actually more afraid of Hikari.
"Umm... say..." obviously, Touji was more then willing to change the
subject. "Speaking of Rei... I saw her... when I came in. She looked...
good.

>>>Rei: That appeared to be a labored responce.

>>>Asuka: Bet you're still hung up on him.

>>>Rei: You would be as well.

How have things been for her lately? The last time I saw her... I
know you said she had been better, but... she looks so different now."
Yes, Touji hadn't seen her in nearly four years, not after she had
left Tokyo-2 to return to the rebuilt Tokyo-3. Not surprising he had
noticed a difference.

>>>Shinji: New eyes and hair would cause a different appearence.

>>>Rei: I like my original better.

"It's like I told you. As you know, she took it rather hard. She
left, found a job as a waitress and practically returned to the life she
had lead before we started to date.

>>>Shinji: Ah and here I thought there wouldn't be any guilt trips in this part.

>>>Asuka: It's your life, you figure it out.

She lived this way for almost an
entire year, avoiding all the people she had known, especially me. Then,
one day, Asuka got tired of me whining about how worried I was about
Rei, or so Asuka says, and she apparently went to have a talk with Rei.
Asuka came back very late that night, with a black eye and bruised cheek
dragging along an ashamed Rei and a garbage bag filled with all of Rei's
personal possessions.

>>>Rei: You knocked me out and stole my possessions.

>>>Shinji: What are friends for?

She simply said that Rei would be staying a few
days until she could find a decent apartment and flopped down on our
bed, exhausted. From that moment, Rei and I started our relation from
scratch, a few days later Rei found a new apartment, a new job and since
that day, she's been living as if she was trying to catch up the last
fifteen years, which I guess she's trying to do. She already has a
degree in computer science and biology and lately, she's been studying
psychology and physics.

>>>Shinji: Rei...how...how?

>>>Rei: I get poor marks because of my lapse in attendence.

>>>Asuka: Why do you think I call her honour-student?

>>>( Quick note again wondergirl is really close in translation to honor student)

A lot of stuff I can't even understand. She's
had a good number of part time jobs over the years: web page designer,
nurse assistant, cook in a restaurant, waitress and singer in a karaoke
bar,

>>>Shinji: Bet you'd have droves of fans if you sang that one song.

>>>Rei blushing: It was ment for only one's ears.

>>>Asuka: I can't possible think who's.

as well as plenty more I can't even remember. When I asked her
about being my child's godmother she just quit a well paid job as a
secretary in a big law firm to take a job in a child day care center.
She wants to get used to children."

>>>Shinji: She thinks I'm going to die?

>>>Rei: An excuse to visit more often.

"Geez, does she find any time to relax?"
"Not really. She spends most of her free time doing community
activities. She did take a whole month off last year and spent it at the
beach in Okinawa."
"But you're worried about her, right? I can see it on your face."

>>>Shinji: How would the sun affect her skin?

>>>Rei: You worry alot.

>>>Asuka: You'd burn like a piece of toast.

"Well, not worried. I just... I just hope that one day, she'll find
someone... you know... like us. She dated a few times, but, it never
went farther then a first date."
"Still guilty about not choosing her, aren't you?"
"Yes and no. I know it was unavoidable, but... sometimes I can't
help thinking that I could have prevented a lot of pain had I chosen
much earlier."

>>>Rei: Or made another choice.

>>>Asuka: He choose now live with it!

>>>Rei: Simple for you to say.

>>>Shinji: Stop fighting, you know how things are here.

>>>Rei/Asuka: Yes, but still...

Touji raised his left hand and put it on my shoulder.
"You can't change the past, Shinji. You just accept it and go on."
Touji then removed his hand from my shoulder and closed it into a fist.
"And if you really work hard, things will work out. Look at this hand. I
could beat the crap out of you with it if I wanted to."
I knew Touji was right, but...

>>>Shinji: It would ruin the battery.

>>>Asuka/Rei: I'd have to rip the arm off.

"Asuka did the same after she came out of the coma. She just gritted
her teeth and moved on. Because of that, she'll be the mother of your
child. You should follow her example."
"I'm trying. It's not easy... but I'll make it..."
"Good."
Then, Touji surprised me in pulling me into a hug.

>>>Rei: That arm seems to have more power than the normal human arm.

>>>Shinji: I think he cracked my spine.

"You're a friend, Shinji. So I want to see you smile."
"I'm glad you could come, Touji."
"Wouldn't have missed it for the world. Hikari either. Besides, the
restaurant can run itself for a few days, even if the food is just not
as good if Hikari's not in the kitchen. And it's about time we took some
time off. To be honest, between the rehabilitation center and the
restaurant, Hikari and I don't always have much time together. Maybe
I'll quit my job and work with Hikari full time."

>>>Asuka: Don't ruin her life!

>>>Rei: His lechery would end the relationship.

Once Hikari finished highschool, she and Touji had opened a small
restaurant in Tokyo-2, using a sum of money Touji had received from the
UN in compensation for his accident as an Evangelion pilot. Hikari had
always had a talent for cooking, and this was, for her, like a dream
come true.

>>>Shinji: Wonder if I could get a job there.

>>>Rei: Why would you wish for that?

>>>Shinji: Cooking is fun, and it's good to have a place to fall back on.

>>>Asuka: Some how I don't think I like that idea. ( he he, read nother story by rakna)

On his part, Touji had developed an interest in
rehabilitative care and took a part time job in the same rehabilitation
center he had stayed in after he had received his first artificial
limbs.
"Didn't you love working at the rehabilitation center?"
"Well, you know how it works. After all, you did refuse a job at the
Tokyo-2 Philharmonic Orchestra just so you could stay close to Asuka..."
At the time, it had been a tough choice, but now that I looked at
it... I couldn't have been happier.

>>>Shinji: THE PHILHARMONIC!!

>>>Asuka: All the good players must have died or something.

"Yeah, I guess. But I really simply prefer to be a cello teacher
here. The kids are so nice and it's just so rewarding to know that you
can share something with them.

>>>Asuka: Hope you're not like those other teachers.

>>>Rei: Repeating the same lesson over and over.

Beside, if people want to hear me, they
can always buy the CD. And... there's also the matter that I can't get
too far away from Unit-01."
"So you still take those tests every month?"
"Yeah. Got to make sure I can still synchronize."

>>>Shinji: I'm cursed...why can't I ever get away from that thing?

>>>Asuka: Mother would miss you and track you down.

>>>Rei: Leaving destruction in her wake.

It had been a controversial decision, but two years after the near
annihilation of NERV, the organization had been reformed, financed by
both the UN and private funds. With the threat of Angels gone, its main
function was to research and learn more about the Angels and develop new
technology.

>>>Shinji: From dead angel flesh.

>>>Asuka: Could be working on better cooking techiques.

There was much interest in the development of an eighth
generation computer system, as well as the development of nanotechnology
and new medical treatments. Also, five of the Type-5 Evangelions had
been fully restored, as well as Unit-01. While the Type-5 EVAs had been
used in a few combat situations, it was doubtful that Unit-01 would ever
be used again.

>>>Asuka: Why it was used in the first place I'll never know.

>>>Rei: It's rages were always successful.

>>>Shinji: Mother can be a very scary woman.

But there was still the possibility of another
hypothetical Angel attack, as well as the threat of a hostile country
building its own EVA, so it had been judged reasonable to repair Unit-01
instead of dismantling it. Of course, since I was the only one who could
pilot it, people at NERV had insisted that I stay in Tokyo-3. And now
that Asuka had gained the rank of Lieutenant within NERV, Tokyo-3 was
the only place I wanted to be.

>>>Asuka: I should be Commander! Nerv can't function without me!

>>>Rei: Myself and Shinji hold similar status.

>>>Asuka: Shinji or you as commander, HA!

Besides, I did get an awfully big
paycheck for a few synch tests each year as well as occasional
conferences and tutoring on EVA piloting.
"Can't believe you'd still pilot that thing after all that
happened."

>>>Shinji: Free money.

>>>Asuka: And you'll have to pay for the child.

"I'm the only one who can do it. And... I owe EVA a lot, despite all
that happened. Besides, it's unlikely that Unit-01 will ever be used
again."
Touji nodded. True, a lot had been lost through the Angel War, but
we had all gained a lot too, despite the sacrifices. We were both
thinking about memories of the past, when the room's door opened
slightly to reveal a head.

>>>Shinji: Somebody put Kaworu's head in a jar?

>>>Asuka: Make a good decoration.

"Are you guys dressed yet?" asked Hotaru, eyes closed just in case
our answer had been negative.
"What's the matter, Hotaru-chan, don't want to see real men for a
change?" teased Touji.

>>>Rei: She would have seen my pictures.

>>>Asuka: What about the video.

>>>Rei: Nobody will see my video.

>>>Shinji: Pictures! Video! are you stalking me or something!!

>>>Rei/Asuka: Nerv servalence.

Hotaru opened her eyes and grinned. The girl had really changed over
the years. No. Not changed, but rather opened up. A lot of people
wouldn't have believed that this apparently shy and introverted girl was
capable of some of the things Rei and Kensuke had told me about...
"Oh, from what I heard from your girlfriend, Touji-kun, Ken-chan is
much more of a man then you. By almost two inches at least."

>>>Shinji: Girls talk about that?

>>>Rei: I would not know, I have only seen the videos.

>>>Asuka: I'm not telling anybody, they'd all want a piece.

>>>Shinji: And you say I'm a pervert.

>>>Rei/Asuka: You are, Chibi-hentai.

Oh my... Touji was bound to react to that. Well, his fault for
teasing her first.
"What?! Mine's way bigger then Kensuke's!"
I sighed. I really hoped that Touji wouldn't pull his pants down
just to prove his point.
Unfortunately, he did.

>>>Asuka: CAN'T HE KEEP HIS PANTS ON!!

>>>Rei: He is noticable smaller than Shinji.

>>>Shinji: DON'T LOOK AT THAT!

>>>Rei: I am mearly making observations.

>>>Shinji sighs and weeps silently.

Hotaru's smile widened. I developed a big sweatdrop.
"Nice. But I bet Ken-chan can use his better."
Touji was about to reply when Hotaru screamed.
"EEK! HENTAI!"
It didn't take a minute for Rei and Hikari to appear behind Hotaru.
Rei smiled slightly. Hikari was red with anger.

>>>Shinji: Now would have been a good time for him to pull his pants up.

>>>Asuka: He would need a brain to know that.

"TOUJI NO BAKA!"
Touji passed out. And he dared call me a wimp.
Rei pulled Hikari away, who seemed ready to kick the now limp form
of her boyfriend. I looked at Hotaru who could barely restrain herself
from laughing.
"You're wicked," I told her.
She just stuck out her tongue. I sighed.

>>>Shinji: Told you didn't I, something wrong with that kid.

>>>Asuka: Can we even call Touji a male?

>>>Rei: I have my doubts.

"If you can wake him up, it's time. Good luck, Shinji-kun. And try
not to faint like Touji-kun did," Hotaru said before leaving herself.
I sighed again, and then worked on slapping some sense into Touji.

>>>Asuka: Let me do it!

>>>Rei: Electrolysis would work.

>>>Shinji: But wouldn't that kill him?

>>>Rei: If used improperly.
* * *

For many reasons, Asuka and I had agreed on a civil wedding. We had
never been the religious types to begin with, and to be honest, religion
was something we tried to avoid.

>>>Shinji: Killing Kami-sama's servents tends to distance one from religion.

>>>Asuka: Don't think She's mad at us do you?

>>>Shinji: Haven't been struck by lightning yet.

While most considered us heroes, there
were a number of people who considered us evil for destroying God's
Messengers and therefore taking away man's only hope for salvation.

>>>Rei: Death?

Over
the years, a large number of cults had begun to appear and a few of them
wanted us dead. For that reason, we had chosen to have the wedding and
reception held in a inn located in a small village, not too far from
Hokkaido.

>>>Shinji: Have to allow those cultist access to the ceremony.

It also explained the presence of a substantial group of NERV
security agents dressed in civil clothes in almost every corner of the
small building.
"Hikari's gonna kill me..."
I sighed yet another time. Touji had kept mumbling that ever since I
had woken him up.

>>>Asuka: Good, she finaly realized he's a dumb ass.

"Nah, she's probably just gonna use that whip Asuka gave her when
she got back from her last trip to Germany..."
"Hikari's gonna kill me..."

>>>Rei: Slowly and painfully.

I stopped in my tracks and shook Touji, drawing the attention of all
the people in the room waiting for the soon-to-be-wed couple.
"Hey! I'm the one who's supposed to be scared here! So get a grip!"
Then I leaned forward and whispered a few more words. "Don't worry,
we've got plenty of sake for the reception, you just hide for an hour or
two after the wedding and we'll get her drunk. Then you can apologize,
and use the old 'Touji-charm' on her..."

>>>Asuka: Hopefully the sake will make her really dumb.

>>>Rei: His charm only appeals to drunken women?

>>>Shinji: All part of the 'Touji-charm.'

This seemed to reassure Touji, and we proceeded toward the center of
the room where Takahashi Kyoko, Supreme Commander of NERV was waiting to
marry the groom and bride.

>>>Shinji: Who the hell is that?

>>>Asuka: Maybe Misato changed her name.

Since Asuka and I worked for NERV, it seemed
appropriate that she would be the one to marry us. Unlike my father,
Commander Takahashi was a very warm and compassionate person,

>>>Rei: Meaning Nerv is weak.

>>>Shinji: My father is a major ass, but he keeps the world off are backs.

even if
she could be as cold as steel in time of crisis. At forty, she was still
a very beautiful woman, with dark brown eyes and shoulder length raven
black hair, and while the black and gold rimmed uniform had given my
father a sinister look, Commander Takahashi filled it nicely enough to
still attract men's attention.

>>>Shinji trying not to proof that fact right.

>>>Asuka: Shut your mouth please.

>>>Shinji: Oops...DAMN.

>>>Rei: You are busted.

Seeing her suddenly reminded me what
would happen in the following moments, and now that I didn't have to
worry about Touji, I could feel myself getting very nervous. Commander
Takahashi gave me a warm smile, which eased part of my anxiety.

>>>Asuka: You're going to marry me, but you ogle the COMMANDER!

As I waited for my beloved to join me, I looked at the people
gathered before me. There was not a lot of people and most of them were
either NERV employees or had been NERV employees at a time.

>>>Shinji: Meaning alot of coffins.

>>>Rei: And people who do not realize why they are there.

It was
alright with Asuka and me; we didn't need a lot of people, just friends
and family.

>>>Asuka: Then why the employees?

On the right was Ritsuko. Since she couldn't really choose where to
sit, being stuck in that wheelchair, we left for her a good space in the
middle of the front row.

>>>Rei: What will it take to stop her?

>>>Shinji: N-2 mine.

I had to admit, despite the fact that she
couldn't walk, she looked really good, much better then in those times
back in the Angels War. There was more life in her; she looked more
alive then ever. The fact that she now dyed her hair brown,

>>>Asuka: Why dye your hair it's natural color?

>>>Rei: It is an Akagi, they do not opperate logically.

as it used
to be back in her teenage years, probably helped too. Also, the
challenge of creating a computer system superior to her mother's seemed
to exhilarate her. But I knew that two other factors played a role to
her happiness. The first one was sitting at her left and gently held her
hand. We hadn't been really surprised when Maya admitted her feelings to
her sempai.

>>>Asuka: EW! they are together!

>>>Rei: I told you.

>>>Shinji: I'm still releaved, she's watching you two.

>>>Rei: She was with your father as well, I beleave the term "both ways" is correct.

It had been more surprising to see Ritsuko opening up to
her. But after loving someone like my father for so long, we could only
be happy for them. Of course, since Maya was actually in charge of the
NERV research department, both of them acted as if nothing was going on.

>>>Shinji: She's hiding something, Ritsuko?

>>>Asuka: But she seems SO honest.

But we knew better. I smiled. It was ironic that the student was now
supervising the teacher. But one had to agree that Ritsuko was far more
efficient if she only had to take care of one single project. She was a
genius in her field and it was a waste to distract her with
administrative concerns.

>>>Rei: Or a relationship.

>>>Asuka: Or legs.

Rei was at Ritsuko's right, although a good two meters separated
them, as it was needed to leave the bride and groom some place to walk.
If one hadn't known her as well as I did, he probably wouldn't have
recognized her.

>>>Rei: That color does not fit me.

>>>Asuka: Like looking at an ink-blot.

While she still had a rather modest chest, especially
compared to Misato or even Asuka, Rei had grown into a gorgeous young
woman. She had let her hair grow almost down to her waist, and the time
she had spent at the beach had given her the opportunity to get a slight
tan, although it hadn't been without effort, as apparently her skin
tended to burn.

>>>Shinji laughs softly: You'd be so red!

>>>Rei: I hate red.

>>>Asuka: AHA HA HA HA.

She didn't wear her glasses today, so all could see her
dark brown eyes clearly. She wore a skintight white silk dress that
contrasted with her raven hair. She was magnificent.

>>>Shinji blushes: Wow!

>>>Rei: That sight pleases you I take it?

>>>Shinji unable to form coherent thought nods dumbly.

But sometimes, I
would wonder how she would look if her hair wasn't dyed and if she
didn't wear those tinted contact lens. The last time I had seen her real
eye color was close to three years ago, when Asuka had dragged her home.
I felt myself blush as I remembered one embarrassing encounter in the
bathroom...

>>>Rei: You still remember that.

>>>Shinji: I fell on you, kinda hard to forget.

If Maya was Ritsuko's lover, Rei had become a sort of daughter to
her. As Rei tried to reach out again to the people she had parted from,
a bond of sort formed between the two women.

>>>Rei: I feel sick.

>>>Asuka: The lady that killed you umpteen times.

They had both deeply
changed and were in need of something they apparently found in one
another. Back in Rei's earlier years in NERV, Ritsuko had always been
the one which had taken care of Rei's physical health; who had taught
her the basic facts of life.

>>>Rei: That is why I detest that woman.

>>>Shinji: What health care, and as a teacher she SUCKS!

>>>Asuka: We're doing a better job.

The relation had, however, always been
strained by Ritsuko's hate for what Rei had represented. Now that this
hate was gone, it lead the way to a deeper relationship. That birth of
that relationship probably occurred the day Ritsuko decided to free Rei
of my father's influence. Rei had always felt she owed Ritsuko deeply
for that chance at life.

>>>Rei: But she kept me under so long it caused the rift in the relationship.

>>>Asuka: I'll need to send Akagi a thank you card.

Hotaru was sitting at Rei's right. I smiled as I noticed the way
Kensuke was holding her hand, his feelings for her apparent in the way
he held it. I was glad that Kensuke had been able to make it to the
wedding. Disgusted from anything military

>>>Shinji: Disgusted? WHERE IS THE REAL KENSUKE!

by the massacre that had
occurred in Tokyo-3 and lead to the death of his father, Kensuke had
chosen to follow another of his interests: the gathering of information.

>>>Asuka: What type of information.

>>>Rei: Knowledge of Aida-kun would point to lewd information.

At barely nineteen, he was already one of the country's top journalists.
Because of that, he tended to travel a lot. It was pure luck that he had
actually been sent to investigate something in the region of Hokkaido.
From looking at him and his girlfriend, no doubt Asuka and I wouldn't be
the only ones having fun tonight.

>>>Rei: They will play table-tennis as well?

>>>Shinji: I like ping-pong.

>>>Asuka: Break-dancing!

After all, with Hotaru living in
Tokyo-3, and having now recently taken over Maya's old position in NERV,
the two didn't see each other as much as they might have wished. But
somehow, they seemed to be at ease with that life style. From what Rei
told me, Hotaru enjoyed spending most of her time alone, even if seeing
her Ken-chan usually brightened her days. For his part, Kensuke loved
running around, looking for some juicy piece of dirt to expose.

>>>Asuka: Good God no.

>>>Rei: I will need look for hidden cameras.

>>>Shinji: I think I do as well...those photos he sells, something about
>>> a larger female cliantel.

Maybe the two would settle down in a few years...
At the time, it had come as a shocking surprise to learn that
Hotaru's mysterious internet correspondent was none other then Kensuke.

>>>Asuka: With how much time he spends on that damn thing, surprized he
>>> doesn't know half the planet.

Nobody had really suspected that Kensuke could be the romantic type. In
fact, nobody could even imagine Kensuke even considering dating a girl.

>>>Rei: Or a woman with low enough standards.

Guess we didn't know him that well. Now that he had grown taller and
bigger and had traded his glasses for contact lens, a good number of our
old classmates considered Hotaru to be one hell of a lucky girl. Not to
mention that, financially speaking, Kensuke was a rather good catch.

>>>Asuka: Shinji, let him pilot unit-01, but charge him for it.

>>>Shinji: I think I'll be able to retire.

Sitting right to Kensuke was Kouzou. I still sometimes had trouble
calling him that. I couldn't completely forget the image of the NERV
sub-commander off my mind. Fuyutsuki resigned from NERV the day after
the JSSDF attack.

>>>Asuka: Trying to hide from the court martial?

>>>Rei: Or the military police.

With SEELE defeated, at least for now as not all SEELE
members had been found yet, and Gendo dead, he hadn't seen any reason to
go on working for NERV. So he now lived a nice and comfortable retired
life, thanks to a more than adequate retirement fund provided by the UN.

>>>Shinji: Hush money.

>>>Rei: They usually kill such men.

The price for his silence he liked to say. Having worked for my Father,
Fuyutsuki knew a lot of dirty secrets about a lot of organizations.
Still, his silence was probably the only reason he was still alive.
I had been surprised to receive his visit at the hospital a day
before I was due to leave. His words had been brief, but they had meant
a lot to me. "Your mother would be proud of you."

>>>Shinji: Why because I kill so well?

>>>Rei/Asuka: You make us happy, isn't that enough?

Since that time, we kept in touch. I tried to visit him at least
once a month. He was a nice man, once you got to know him, and I learned
a lot about my parents from him.

>>>Shinji: Great, I can learn ALL about my father.

>>>Asuka: We already know he can't sing for jack.

Back on the other side, Misato was seated at Maya's left, or at
least tried to be seated as she had a hard time controlling that four
year old bundle of energy that answered to the name of Katsuragi Ryouji.
It finally took Makoto's help, as well as a promise to take the boy to
Tokyo-2 Disneyland, to calm the four year old.

>>>Rei: Is it advisable to lie to four year olds?

>>>Asuka: Anything to shut-them up.

>>>Shinji: Wasn't Disney destroyed due to demonic forces?

>>>Asuka: They were sued for coping old animes.

Misato sighed and let
herself slump in her chair, intending to enjoy that brief moment of
calm.
Once it had become clear that Asuka and I would be alright and would
manage on our own, NERV lost the services of its former Major. Had she
not resigned, Misato would probably have been wearing Commander
Takahashi's uniform, although she did look stunning in that black dress
she wore.

>>>Asuka: You have dangerlously wandering eyes.

>>>Rei: You do not need to complement every woman's clothing.

Asuka and I had not been very surprised when she told us about
her intentions of opening a karaoke bar in Tokyo-3, at the time in mid
reconstruction. It had proven to be a good business venture. With all
Angels defeated, people tended to party more and being the first bar
opened in Tokyo-3 gave Misato the opportunity to establish a firm
clientele.

>>>Shinji: And not having to pay for drinks must have saved her a fortune.

>>>Rei: Enough to build that establishment.

The fact that the owner was well versed in alcoholic drinks,
even if she didn't drink anymore, as well as being very attractive only
gave her additionnal support. Misato seemed very happy with her choice.
It was a lot of work, especially raising a small child alone, but it was
also a lot of fun. And she wasn't alone. Rei had given her a hand by
working for a while in her bar.

>>>Rei: What do I know about alcohol?

>>>Asuka: You know not to drink it.

>>>Shinji: You know it turns people into odd versions of themselves.

>>>Rei: The se...

>>>Asuka/Shinji: Rei.

>>>Rei: A..Asuka seemed to become less violent under the influence.

Asuka and I often babysat for her, as
did Makoto, who also took care of her business paperwork and worked at
the bar two nights a week. Not to mention he was a very good client, at
least when he wasn't out doing his job as private investigator.

>>>Asuka: Having a crush on her doesn't hurt either.

The actual depth of Misato's relation with Makoto was rather
uncertain. Makoto's feelings were well known. The man admired her and
probably truly loved her.

>>>Rei: The major does not recipricate though.

>>>Asuka: And that bastard Kaji hasn't showed up yet!

As far as anyone could tell, ever since the
first day he started working for Misato back before the Third Angel
attack, he had never attempted to date another woman or shown any
interest in any woman save for Misato.

>>>Shinji: And what good did it do him?

>>>Asuka: Made him Misato's slave.

He was probably as close of a
friend to Misato as Ritsuko, maybe even more. They worked together and
spent a lot of their free time together. Misato's son loved Makoto very
much, and even called him Uncle Makoto.

>>>Rei: He must feel very bad to be called Uncle.

>>>Shinji: Bet he pays the kid to call him dad.

But the true question was: did
Misato love Makoto? She liked him a lot. That was for sure. She could
hardly have found someone more caring and dedicated than Makoto. And
while I wasn't really a good judge, Asuka thought he wasn't bad looking.
But Makoto was not Kaji Ryouji. And as long as Misato wouldn't move
on, Makoto had no chance at winning her heart.

>>>Asuka: Poor dumb bastard.

I smiled as I noticed that Penpen was seated next to Makoto.

>>>Shinji: He did servive 'smiles.'

>>>Rei: I am pleased.

The
warm water penguin looked older now with his grayed eyebrows and his
feathers seemed a bit paler. I had also heard that he couldn't digest
Misato's cooking anymore.

>>>Shinji: Could he ever?

Not that it was a surprise. As he realized I
was looking at him, he raised a wing. It was sometimes amazing how
intelligent that penguin was.

>>>Asuka: Beats you at chess.

>>>Shinji: I...let him win.

There were a few other people seated, but I didn't know them very
well. A few of them were Asuka's co-workers. Others were security agents
passing as guests.
All in all, there was only one missing person, Aoba Shigeru. We
never managed to find him.

>>>Shinji: Problibly in a band someplace.

>>>Asuka: Or drugged out because of that band.

The last time he had been seen, he was
sliding a guitar on a shoulder, a bag on the other and walking out of
our lives, the open road before him. I didn't really mind much. Unlike
the others, I never really got the chance to know him.

>>>Asuka: Or any of the actual bridge crew.

>>>Shinji: I talk to Maya-san a few times.

>>>Asuka: I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that.

Still, he had
played his role in the Angel War and Asuka and I would have liked to
share our happiness with him.
My train of thought was suddenly interrupted as the wedding march
started. I looked toward the back of the room and gasped. She was
beautiful! Well, to me, she always looked beautiful, but... at that
moment... she seemed radiant.

>>>Asuka: Good LAWD I look good!

>>>Shinji again unable to form a single thought.

>>>Rei: This part has overwhelmed Shinji.

For a while, she had wondered if she'd
look good wearing the traditional wedding kimono, but as I looked at
her, I realized that clothes were simply irrelevant.

>>>Asuka: That's rather bold of him.

>>>Rei: Only you are thinking of the post-wedding activities.

Nothing could have
made her more beautiful then she was now. As it dawned on me that the
moment I had waited for all those years was so close at hand, I felt my
knees threaten to give way. I may have fallen had I not felt Touji's
hand on my shoulder. I looked at him and realized he was just as
mesmerized as me. And he had good reasons to. Hikari herself was
magnificent in her own kimono.

>>>Rei: He is viewing other women again.

>>>Shinji snapped out of his trance: It's just a complament.

"No second thoughts about that double wedding proposal?" I whispered
to Touji.
Touji didn't say anything, but I was sure part of him was
considering the idea very seriously.

>>>Asuka: He's to inempt at romance to do that.

For moments that seemed to last forever, the two women walked toward
the aisle, where they took their place. I smiled nervously at my fiancee
and was somehow reassured to see that she seemed just as nervous as me.
I then noticed a detail I had neglected moments earlier. Asuka's left
eye wasn't covered with the eye patch she usually wore in public.

>>>Rei: She is a pirate.

>>>Shinji: What?

>>>Rei: Only pirates where eye patches, correct?

>>>Asuka: NO your NOT!

The
dead gray eye contrasted with the blue one, bright with life. I noted
the significance of this detail. Asuka had wanted this day to be for me
a perfect one, and so she had let all masks and artifices behind. I
smiled again, and I knew that this time it wasn't a nervous smile; it
was a smile that carried all the love I felt for her.

>>>And the moment Asuka see's that smile...: Kiss me right now!

>>>Rei: No, control yourself during the picture.

This moment of
peace didn't last long, however, as Commander Takahashi spoke.

>>>Shinji: The Chinese are attacking and we're all doomed.

"We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman. If
there is anyone present here today who knows why these two people should
not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

>>>Rei: I object.

>>>Asuka: Nobody asked the peanut gallery.

Asuka and I had decided to make it short and quick. No long speech
and such. We'd have a quick wedding, then a great reception and, without
any doubt, an even greater honeymoon.

>>>Asuka: You'd die a very happy man Chibi-hentai.

>>>Shinji: What ever you say Mega-Hentai.

>>>Asuka: HEY!

I was about to give Rei a worried glance, if someone had something
to say here, it could only have been her, when suddenly I noticed
something odd. A red dot on Asuka's chest slowly moving up toward her
head. Kinda like... a laser sight.

>>>Asuka: REI'S GOING TO KILL ME?

>>>Rei: If I intended to do that, you'd never have made it to the building.

I may not have received military training, but all those training
exercises and all those experiences piloting EVA into battle came
crashing down on me in a fraction of a second. Without even thinking, I
jumped toward Asuka. At the same moment, I heard a familiar voice,
calling at me.
"Shinji! Get down!"

>>>Shinji: A little late don't you think?

>>>Rei: The action should count for something.

I think Asuka and I were falling to the ground as the first gunshots
were heard. Then I heard a quick and violent exchange. I recognized the
sound of the fire arms used by NERV security, but the sounds of machine
gun were not so familiar. Soon, everything was silent.

>>>Shinji: Some wedding that turned out to be.

>>>Asuka: You didn't like it? I thought it helped alot.

When I opened my eyes, I realized that everyone in the room seemed
very shaken by what had just happened.

>>>Asuka/Rei/Shinji: No, how come?

Even the security officers had
seemed to have been taken by surprise. Most of them had their guns in
hand, a few of them were either injured or dead. I also noticed that a
wall had a gaping hole in it and right there laid a man all dressed in
black, his body crippled by too many shots to count.

>>>Shinji: Human-swiss-cheese.

>>>Asuka: A walking anatomy lesson.

I was no
specialist, but my guess was that the man had somehow managed to hide in
another room and had made a hole through the wall so he could shoot us.
Over an hundred of bullets shot by more then a dozen agents had
considerably widened that hole.
How that man had managed to elude Security and actually make a hole
in a wall without anyone noticing, I couldn't figure.

>>>Asuka: Any ideas?

>>>Rei blushes very lightly, but it goes un-noticed.

I was about to look at Asuka, to see if she was alright, when I
noticed something odd. Among all the chaos, there was one man who seemed
completely calm and in control. I gasped as I recognized the man's face.
Kaji Ryouji.
The voice I had heard... It had sounded so familiar... it was him!
He was alive!!!

>>>Shinji: He just had to show up in the end didn't he.

>>>Asuka: He just knows how to make a proper entrance and exit.

>>>Shinji: Right...right.

Realizing I was looking at him, the man smiled, waved at me, and
then walked away.
I might have called him or chased after him had I not heard Asuka
moan in pain. I looked at her. Thankfully, she didn't seem hurt, only
slightly shaken.
"Hey! Baka! Why did you..." the words died in her mouth as she
raised her head and took notice of what had just occurred. "Mein
Gott..."

>>>Shinji: Not to quick on the trigger on this one.

>>>Rei: Did you not hear the gunfire?

>>>Asuka: My mind would have been else where.

>>>Rei: The gutter.

I looked toward the direction where I had seen Kaji. He was nowhere
to be seen. I then looked around me. Misato's son was crying, while
Makoto tried to calm him and his mother down. Misato was still clutching
the child as if her life depended on it.

>>>Shinji: I know that hug, poor child.

>>>Rei: That can be considered a form of child-abuse.

She had probably shielded him
with her body at the first sound of gun fire. Ritsuko didn't seem very
perturbed by what was happening. In fact, she seemed to give the scene a
rather scientific look. She did however try to calm Maya down.

>>>Rei: She did take a bullet in the arm.

>>>Asuka: Just a flesh wound.

It had
probably reminded her of memories she probably would have liked to
forget, the attack on NERV Headquarters. I had heard that the whole
event had shook her rather badly. Quite frankly, I could understand why.

>>>Shinji: Death, bodies, more death.

Kensuke seemed tense, but alert. I guess he hadn't completely
forgotten about his military fantasies. He was clutching Hotaru against
him, ready to protect her with his life if needed.
Closer to us, Hikari was sobbing against Touji's chest. The poor
girl must have been scared. I then noticed with a slight bit of horror
that there was a bullet hole in Touji's left arm. Had that bullet come
any closer...

>>>Shinji: It would have hit the metal arm!

>>>Asuka: And done no damage, scary.

"Shinji, are you okay?"
I looked toward Rei, who was standing just in front of me, a look of
concern in her eyes.
"Yes. We're alright."
Well, it was partly true. I felt pretty much shaken myself. I found
that I actually couldn't get up. I wasn't hurt, I just had the scare of
my life.

>>>Rei: Nobody will harm you when I am around.

>>>Shinji: A portable At-Field is a nifty gadget.

Then, we noticed the moaning. We looked down and realized that there
was a man lying on the ground in front of Asuka and I. I recognized him
as one of NERV's security officer. He was breathing, but he was bleeding
rather badly. From what I could quickly tell, his left arm and shoulder
had taken a few hits. He was rather young I realized, maybe only one or
two years older then me.

>>>Asuka: And he is going to die.

>>>Shinji: At least he did one heroic deed.

"Are you alright?" asked Rei. It seemed like a stupid question, but
I couldn't have found a better one myself.
"Not really. I've been in more pain before, but not bleeding as much
as this. This sucks. If my old man ever hears about this, I won't hear
the end of it."

>>>Shinji: We won't tell him at the funeral.

>>>Rei: A rather pathetic speciman.

Rei blinked, while I nearly gasped. That man had taken maybe close
to ten gunshot wounds and worried about his father?
"You talk a lot for someone who just got shot," said Rei simply, but
smiling.
"Well, you don't want me to go into shock, do you, miss?"

>>>Rei: Yes, it would be informative.

>>>Asuka: You are so odd some times.

"True," nodded Rei.
I watched the exchange, a puzzled look on my face. What was going on
with Rei?
"Can I borrow your belt, Shinji?"
"Yeah... sure."

>>>Asuka: She's going to strangle the man and put him out of his misery?

>>>Shinji: Beat him to death?

I quickly unbuckled my belt and gave it to Rei, which she quickly
used as a tourniquet on the man's arm.
I looked around to see that Asuka was currently talking with
Commander Takahashi. She didn't seem happy one bit.

>>>Asuka: Nobody f*cks up my wedding and gets away with it!

"This will slow down the blood flow," said Rei. She then ripped the
bottom of her dress and used the fabric as a compress on the man's
bleeding shoulder. "You should be fine until medical help arrives."
"Thanks to you, miss."
"You saved Shinji's life."

>>>Shinji: I'll send flowers.

>>>Rei: He won't realize it.

It suddenly dawned on me that this man had probably taken a few
bullets meant for either me or Asuka.
"Well, it's my job..." simply said the man, scratching his head with
his uninjured hand.
"And you did a very good job, young man," said Commander Takahashi,
who had gotten closer to us. "At first glance, this assassin probably
worked for the cult of the Holy Flaming Cross. Had you not protected
them, he might have killed two of our most precious people."

>>>Asuka: It's such a burden being so popular.

>>>Shinji: I'm precious?

"At least there's someone in Security who did his job right,"
mumbled Asuka.
"Yes..." nodded the Commander. "I don't like this. We may have
traitors in our ranks. I'll have to give this affair top priority as
soon as we return to Tokyo-3." The Commander then looked back at the
young man, still tended by Rei. "Tell me, young man, what's your name?
Your face is not a familiar one. New to Security?"

>>>Shinji: How ironic, he's new and now he's gone.

>>>Asuka: Plenty more where he came from.

"The name's Saotome Yuu," replied the young man rather proudly. "And
yeah, I'm new to NERV, Commander. I wanted to join the Science
department; you see, my real line of work is with computers and I really
want to meet the famous Doctor Akagi, but there were no openings, so I
joined Security instead, so I could keep an eye open for future
possibilities in the Science department."
The Commander smiled.

>>>Rei: Human test subjects are always appreciated.

>>>Asuka: And being near death, nobody will question it when his body is found.

"Interesting. Well, you get better and maybe we can get you an
interview with Doctor Akagi. What do you think, Ritsuko-san?"
"I don't know about his skill, but I like that boy," answered
Ritsuko, much to Yuu's delight.

>>>Asuka: Now dance for her!

"Well then... transports should be getting here soon, so you just
hold on a little bit. Speaking of which... can someone tell me what's
taking those stupid VTOLs so long to get here?! We have wounded people
as well as Lieutenant Sohryu and Mister Ikari to evacuate! Who organized
those security measures?!"

>>>Again Rei blushes.

>>>Asuka: Hoping for an accident?

>>>Rei: No, just a possability.

"Hey!" said Asuka on a tone rather not suitable for someone speaking
to its superior officer. "You can't evacuate us! We're not married yet!"
Surprisingly, the Commander's expression softened.
"Asuka, I understand your feelings, but someone just tried to kill
you. I can't let my future second in command get killed now before she
even gets the chance to be promoted..."

>>>Asuka: I'd rather get that baka than a promotion!

>>>Rei: Assasination attempts outrule marriages.

I think that Asuka completely missed part of what the Commander
tried to say, as she went on with her protestations of our wedding
getting cancelled.
"Can't we just make it quick?! I mean, there's not much left to do!"
Gently, I put my hand on her shoulder to get her attention.
"Asuka... I'm not sure it's appropriate. I mean... there's people
who got shot here."

>>>Shinji: Misato was shot a long time ago, why bring it up?

>>>Rei: You no longer wish to marry?

"I know!" snapped Asuka. "And they are taken cared of!" Probably
seeing the hurt look on my face, Asuka took a moment to calm down, her
face showing a softer expression. "Look... Shinji... after all we've
done for the sake of others... all the pain... all the sacrifices...
can't we at least be a bit selfish for a few minutes?"

>>>Shinji: And you taking four years to accept isn't selfish?

>>>Rei: I would not have waited.

>>>Asuka: Takes time to plan the perfect wedding...no thanks to that asshole.

"I guess... I guess we could."
"So?" asked my fiancee to the Commander.
The Commander took a moment to think.
"I suppose we can do it. After all, the transports are not here yet.
But it will have to be quick."
"Fine," agreed Asuka, while I nodded.
After a few seconds, the bride, groom, bridesmaid, best man and the
Commander were ready to pick off were we left off.
"Ikari Shinji, do you take this woman, Sohryu Asuka Langley, to be
your lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in
sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

>>>Asuka: He better!

I took the ring that Touji handed me and nervously slid it on
Asuka's finger. How weird that a situation could change so fast. In a
matter of seconds, I just forgot that someone had almost killed us.
"I do."
"Sohryu Asuka Langley, do you take this man, Ikari Shinji, to be
your lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold, for richer or poorer,
in sickness and in heath, till death do you part?"

>>>Rei: If she doesn't I will, even if she does I will as well.

>>>Shinji: Really?

Asuka slid the ring on my finger. Their job done, Touji and Hikari
scrambled to be lead to the transports that had just arrived.
"I do."
"You may kiss your bride."
I did so. Gladly.

>>>Asuka's eyes gleam over: Beutiful.

>>>Shinji: It...is 'smiles.'

>>>Rei: Not fair.

"You are now, husband and wife. Now that this is done, let's get the
hell out of here!"
Asuka and I were roughly brought down to earth, after one of the
most memorable kisses we ever shared, and were dragged toward a VTOL,
soon to leave Hokkaido behind us.

>>>Shinji: Which was nuked a few moments later.

>>>Asuka: Told you, nobody f*cks up my wedding!

As we flew away, I thought about Kaji. He was alive. All this time,
he had been alive. And he obviously cared, since he actually came our
wedding. Then, why didn't he tell us?
He probably had his reasons. Kaji was an honorable man. Surely, it
was important. Important enough for us to keep believing that he was
still dead. So I decided not to tell anyone. It would probably just hurt
Misato more then anything else.
I chased that thought away and smiled. I was a married man now...

>>>Asuka: Doesn't that make YOU want to ask me something?

>>>Rei: I believe you should ask me.

>>>Shinji: Who wants some water?

>>>Asuka and Rei facefault.

* * *

"I bet you never expected your honeymoon to begin in a cargo plane,
huh?"
After getting us evacuated, Commander Takahashi had us transferred
to a NERV cargo plane departing for the currently in construction NERV
French branch. Asuka started to argue, as spending our honeymoon in
France had not been in our plans, but the words 'all expenses paid'
calmed her down.

>>>Asuka: I see alot of new stuff in my future.

>>>Rei/Shinji: Nerv will be bankrupt.

The others had all been sent to their respective homes,
with an escort of NERV agents. I felt a bit sorry for what had happened,
so I promised them that we would hold a big party when we got back. The
only exception was Rei. She had flown to Hokkaido with Yuu. I must
admit, I was a bit intrigued by her behavior. There was something in her
eyes... something I hadn't seen in a long time. Or maybe I wanted her so
much to fall in love that I was imagining things.

>>>Rei: It was your imagination, my eyes are set.

>>>Shinji: I..I'm honored.

But she did have a tendency to like weirdoes.
"I never even thought I'd get married. Period. You must be a very
special man, mister Ikari."
"Not as special as my wife..."

>>>Shinji: That was...

>>>Asuka: Romantic?

>>>Shinji: Cheesy.

I held her closely and kissed her with all the passion I felt for
her. It was a very long kiss.

>>>Shinji/Asuka: Is it getting hot in here?

>>>Rei: No fair.

"Think our lives will always be as hectic as this?" asked Asuka.
"Piloting giant robots, battling giant monsters, avoiding assassination
attempts and the like?"

>>>Shinji: Yup.

>>>Rei: Yup.

>>>Asuka: Better get used to it.

"Maybe. But frankly, I don't care. As long as you'll want me in your
life, there's nothing more for me to ask for."
"You're an idiot!" suddenly said Asuka, surprising me by the tone of
her voice. "But you're my idiot," she added in a whisper. "Baka-Shinji,"
she purred, as she started to nimble on my ear. "I want you."

>>>Shinji blushes: Asuka!

>>>Asuka: What, its part of the ceremony.

>>>Rei: I feel ill, 'why couldn't it have been ME!'

"Asuka! Someone could come and see us!"
"I don't care! I feel a bit naughty... let them come, we'll give
them a show to remember. Don't you feel a bit naughty, Baka-Shinji?"
I did.

>>>Asuka: They better show it this time, I've waited so damn long!

>>>Rei: I remember the showing of Shinji and MY coupling.

>>>Shinji becomes even redder: REI!

>>>Rei: It was most...intreging.

Fear. Pain. Anguish. These will always exist. However, I knew that
if we were together, we would always overcome all obstacles, or at least
fail trying. If we were together I knew that, as long as the sun, moon
and earth exists, that we would have a chance to achieve happiness.
I love you, Asuka.


The End

>>>Asuka: YAHOO!! that was GREAT!

>>>Shinji: Realy made me think.

>>>Rei: It betrayed me, the entire time I believed it would have been me.

---


Author's notes:

For those interested, my young NERV agent, Saotome Yuu, was inspired
from two fics: a NGE/Ranma cross over called "Past/Future" by Long Ngo
and a Ranma 1/2 fic, "Magic", Richard Lawson. The name Yuu was taken
from a series named "Marmalade Boy".

Before anyone says anything, let me clarify that Rei and Yuu won't
automatically fall in love. I put this as a possibility, a ray of hope.
Whether they only go on a single date or become a couple is up to you,
my readers. One thing I don't want to believe in is that Shinji is Rei's
only hope for love. There has to be one lucky bastard somewhere with
whom she just may fall in love with. They just have to cross paths.
Maybe they did, maybe they haven't yet...

This entire epilogue is somewhat only the icing on the cake. The true
end really came with Chapter 12. I didn't, however, want to leave you
all with so much questions hanging, such as "Will Asuka wake up?", "Did
Ritsuko die?", etc. From the end of Chapter 12, a lot of scenarios could
have been made.

This epilogue is my official end to TOILI. It came from months of
planning and pondering on the kind of future the Children could have. I
wrote it to mainly please myself. If some of you don't like this ending,
well feel free to imagine your own, just as long as you don't start
writing it and "publish" it without my authorization.


---


Author's closing words:

Well, this is it.

It's finished.

There may be some more side stories to expand a bit the TOILI universe,
but in itself, it's finished.

Finally.

One year. It took one ENTIRE year to go through this project from
beginning to end. Counting the prelude, prologue and epilogue, fifteen
chapters. Over 300 pages of text. An incalculable amount of time spent
thinking, writing, revising, hunting the web for thousand of pictures,
watching the TV series over and over, reading the NGE manga and hundreds
of other fanfics, answering all my TOILI related mail and having ICQ
discussions. So much time... it was literally part of my life. Nearly an
obsession. Nearly. At least, I could still tell I was not Ikari
Shinji... ^_^

It's been a hard journey. First, I had to deal with the obstacle of
another language. Since that first day of February 14th 1999, my English
dramatically improved I believe (but I still need the use of a team of
pre-readers... guess it hasn't improved nearly enough). Then, I had to
write the story itself. Not an easy task, if you consider it was almost
entirely written under a first person perspective and that I had to
actually create a believable love triangle, using three characters known
for their lack of social aptitudes. Thankfully, the story was received
far better then I expected. Your compliments and encouragement gave me
the strength needed to see this story through.

Thank you all...

It's been fun. Very fun. Enough for me to write a few other fanfic
stories before moving to something else. I think it's safe to say
however that this will be my first and only long fanfic series. It's
very fun, but very draining as well. And quite frankly, I don't think I
have any other long tale to share...

Now that the story is over, I think I can safely admit it. Originally, I
intended Asuka to win all along. It was clear in my mind. Asuka was my
favorite NGE character. I didn't mind if she usually got Shinji in most
stories. This was MY story after all. She nearly failed. Something
happened. Something unexpected. Chapter 3. Ayanami Rei. I started to
like Ayanami Rei. No... I started to love Ayanami Rei as much as I love
Sohryu Asuka Langley. For a while, I was confused. I wanted Asuka to
win, but... Rei was so much better. She was so nice, she went so well
with Shinji. So very well. This proved to be her downfall in the end.
She went TOO well with Shinji. It was too perfect. To nice. To calm. I
could picture them sitting on a couch, hugging each other, not saying
anything, just content of being there, warm, safe, not lonely anymore. I
could picture them doing this... all their lives. That's where it didn't
work. It couldn't. It wasn't NGE enough. It was too calm. It was boring.
Both of them... deserved better. They could probably mature better if
they both followed their separate path. Asuka offered Shinji what he
needed. Someone that could love him, but also someone willing to shove a
spine up his ass. Someone he could devote his life to, yet that wouldn't
be dependant of him and that wouldn't tolerate him being dependant of
her. It was the perfect chemistry. Chaos is life while absolute order is
death. Asuka could bring just the right amount of chaos Shinji needed in
his life, but also the right amount of love.


Well, this is my view of the NGE love dynamics...

I hope you enjoyed this story. On my part, I enjoyed writing it.


I dedicate this story to a wonderful young lady, Tam Ka-Wing.

May you enjoy this Valentine's Day, KW-chan ^_^



Alain
rakna@globetrotter.qc.ca
February 14th 2000


Started on January 14th 2000
First pre-reader draft finished on February 14th 2000
Final draft finished on March 14th 2000
Revised on March 21st 2000
>>>MST March 29th 2002

(End MST)

Rei: I would like to leave now, Shinji may we?

Asuka: Wait, we have something to discuss first.

Shinji: What?

Asuka: Us.

Rei: What about us?

Asuka: Shinji, would you ever choose?

Shinji: I..can't unlike the movie, my feelings are identical for both of you.

Rei/Asuka: Then it is decided.

Shinji: Wha...what is?

Asuka: As of right now, all of us are engaged.

Shinji: En..engaged! what the hell do you mean we're 14!

Rei: And we may die any moment, I would never forgive myself if I passed on this.

Asuka: From this moment we're all engaged, and until one of us pisses you off so much
that you finally tip your scales, its going to stay that way.

Rei: As much as I want you as my own, it is the only way.

Asuka: I agree, you'd sooner leave both of us than hurt one of us.

Shinji: Sorry...I couldn't stand hurting either of you, in any way. But..what if
neither of you 'tip' the scale?

Rei: We will need find somebody that does not object to multiple party marriges.

Shinji: Well color me freaked, but I guess this is how it goes. Lets go Rei.

Asuka: I'll be timing you.

Rei: That...would be unadvisable 'smiles.'

Shinji: 'Why do I feel I may have made a mistake?'

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

Mst Author notes.

It's over 'sniff sniff'

I kinda feel the way Rakna did, this mst was something special to me

It was the first MAJOR mst i did, it brought the attention of my fan base to me
and attracted the attention of DS.

Would I have continued to mst if i didn't do this fic?

it took me so long to do, but it was worth it, I loved every minute i spent on
my keyboard, the talks via irc about possible jokes i could use and how
the Shinji-Asuka-Rei of my mst would have to be a 3 ring pair to every trully be happy

I think it is actually a very thesable concept, they all need each other as they all
enter a necessary part to the other 2, call me sick for saying they all should be together
but i think it fits,

now i'm going to take a tiny break, i'm tired, i went all out on these last 3 chapters
i really wanted to finish this my master work

its not as good as the original story as I never recieved a single award for my work on it
like Rakna did, but it wasn't my intention to gain awards, i wanted to add something to
the world of Evangelion Fanfiction, which i have been reading for over 4/5 years.

reading about others emotions has helped me understand myself a LITTLE better.

and i wanted to give something back

was it worth it?

Did I do a good enough job?

I hope I did, and I hope you enjoyed my work

along the way I lost a friendship that i cherished but its part of life,
may that person find their own happiness as I have in my writing

again thank you all for you great support and comments
you'll never know how much i love them
I still think my writing is 3rd rate, but i press one

Ja-mata Til next mst

Zentrodie signing off the TOILI mst for the last time

(zentrodie@secondimpact.com)