Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction / Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction / Crossover Fan Fiction ❯ Bonds of Love and Survival ❯ Reflections ( Chapter 9 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Disclaimers: 1. Neon Genesis Evangelion and all related characters, concepts, etc., are property of ADVision and
Gainax. I only *wish* they were mine. Yes you will see some OOC and WAFF, especially now that were on chapter 9. Let
me tell you that up to chapter 24, I loved this Anime, then as so many others it turned dark and painful, I couldn't agree
with the ending, so I am writing this to show what I thought would be an excellent ending to the series where Rei and
Asuka lived, hopefully the creator of the series will make more movies and hopefully they will give us a more hopeful
ending. 2. Tenchi Muyo! and its characters are copyrights and trademarks of AIC, Pioneer, and whoever else may own
the rights to it, so please don't sue me (it's not like I have any money anyway :P). However, this story is my original
creation and is copyrighted by me. Please don't copy it and claim it as your own.

P.S- Thanks to Tex James for pre-reading this crossover story!

Bonds of Love and Survival

Chapter 9: Reflections, will go into the feelings of several of the house holds apprehension and dread done that night
before the battle! We will also see the practices before the final battle as Masaki and Eva work together to find a victory in
the coming battle! Also, why were the pilot's friends brought in, ... unless they were somehow ...needed!

A Late night Conversation

Rei was not feeling well, and so carefully getting out of Shinji's arm, she made her way down stairs and outside to the end
of the pier on the lake behind the house. She had to be alone to think about all that had happened to her. This was not what
she was made for. She was the key to the Instrumentality project. She had a set course to follow then. Now the course can
be changed by the whims of not just the winds but those to care about you.

Those ...who ... care about you and you care about.

This was most confusing to her and she wasn't getting any better at clearing it up. Then, she heard a curious sound as
Ryoko appeared from thin air and landed "So, what's a former angel doing here in the middle of the night and a chilly one
at that. Remember this is a former demoness asking now?" (Ryoko tried to lighten the atmosphere with that little quip, it
fell flat to the stoic Rei)

"I am here to clear the confusion that I see in my life," was all Rei could say to the former Space Pirate.

"What's so confusing. You have a loving and caring guy who loves you to death, and a former rival who is now a close
and caring friend. Sounds allot like how my marriage started out like." Ryoko looked on as Rei took what she said in.

"Yes. You are right, then you may help me to resolve my confusion." Rei asked Ryoko.

"Well I'll try. So what do you want to talk about?" Ryoko then looked on intently at Rei's response.

Rei sighed then started, "I am having many emotions that I am simply not use to. I am happy when Shinji had asked me to
marry him, but I am also apprehensive at the future since I don't know if he will honor his promise, especially since he
also has Asuka as a fiancé'. I am not sure if things change, the outcome would be the same." Rei then became quiet,
surprising herself with the amount of words she said, and her apparent trust of Ryoko, someone whom she hadn't known a
week before. Then as she waited for Ryoko's response she analyzed the reasons behind her trust of Ryoko. First, she was
an artificial being as in she was made by combining DNA and grown in a cultured tank; both were forced to do things they
didn't want. Ryoko destroyed planets for the evil Kagato, as his tool of destruction, while Rei was Gendo Ikari's tool to
instrumentality. Both were powerful beings with ways to fly and had many weapons at their disposal. Both had no desire to
live after their reasons to be were eliminated, both then found someone to love that loved them for who they were, not for
what they did.

Ryoko then answered Rei; "I always looked at Tenchi, then later Ayeka as the people whom I could focus my life on. Not
just to be with them, but to help them as much as they helped me. When Tenchi told Ayeka's father that he wouldn't take
the throne of Jurai now, Ayeka and I were behind his decision. When Ayeka wanted a baby, we both supported that
without question. When Mayuka was reborn I was the one who everyone looked at for approval." Now Ryoko looked at
the petite blue headed girl. "All that was based on one simple fact. That fact was that I loved Tenchi, and Ayeka, and
Sasami, and we would do anything for each other as well as lay down our lives for each other."

Rei then looked down at her lap, deep in thought. Then she looked up at the older women with a small smile. "I now
realize that as long as I am with them, I should not worry about the future, because it will take care of itself." Ryoko
smiled back at Rei.

"Now you've got it, Rei. Now I think you need to get back to them, I would have noticed if any of them is out of our bed."
Rei then thanked Ryoko and quietly made her way back to the house. After Rei disappeared Ryoko then Mentally asked her
mother; "OK Mom, mission accomplished, Rei's heading back with a clearer reason to be happy about her relationship
with Shinji and Asuka. Now I'm going to bed, I miss my spouses' Body heat."

"Ok My Little Ryoko, thank you and go get some sleep. I'll keep an eye on our young pilots from now on." Washu said as
Ryoko Fazed back to her bed and her spouses.

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Another Late night Conversation

Shinji can't sleep, even in the arms of his fiancés; he just can't get to sleep! The anxiety and dread of this week's coming
battle is weighing heavily on his mind. Finally he carefully extracts himself from his two sleeping girlfriends' arms and
makes his way downstairs towards the Masaki's Kitchen. "Maybe I can find some hot tea to help me sleep." He thinks to
himself

As he makes his way down, he quickly reviews the reoccurring dreams and images that have plagued his mind. Asuka
being torn apart by the white production EVA's, and of Rei blowing up Unit-00 sacrificing herself for him. Though they
mirror what had happened to them before third impact, they were different in that their location of when this happened.
He recognized the two adjacent valleys, so his apprehension grew. As Shinji neared the kitchen, he saw that the lights were
on and noises could be heard inside. As he made it to the kitchen's entrance he saw a familiar figure seemingly wanting the
same thing as Shinji, hot tea!

Tenchi looked up, "Well it seems I have company tonight, want some (Hot Tea)?"

"Well that hopefully will help me sleep!" Shinji then headed toward the table where Tenchi sat.

Tenchi replied. "It usually does for me Shinji, hey pull up a seat, I won't mind the company!"

Shinji sat down. "Thank you Tenchi, I sure could use someone to talk to!" Shinji then drank the tea, then looked seriously
at Tenchi. "MMmm, I really need your advice on something that's been bothering me Tenchi?"

Tenchi then asked "So what's bothering you kid, other than having to get used to having two fiancée's and having to face
ten 40 story Production EVA's!!"

Shinji replied, "Yep. I'm worried about them and what might happen...."

"...To the girls, right?" Tenchi finished the thought for him.

Shinji then looked up at the older man, an idea striking his mind. "Seems your here for the same reasons, only you have a
bit more to worry about, right!"

Tenchi let out a sigh, "You could say that, but even with the experiences we've had before it still something to worry
about!"

Shinji then became more serious, "But, have you seen anyone you care about die in front of you?" Now showing in his face
the strain of that thought.

Tenchi sighed. "I have seen many die in front of me, even Ryoko died once for me, so I know what you're talking about!"

"But, I can't help but worry about them, I love them so much!". Shinji now has an equally a sullen look.

Tenchi answered, "As I do my wives and my family!" Both then sat in silence for a few more minutes until Shinji asks.

"Is that why your here, to try to calm your nerves?" As to acknowledge the question, Tenchi laughs. "I've done this every
time we go into a dangerous situation, it's become kind of a family tradition you know!"

Shinji looked down to the cup he was holding. "Does the tea help to at least calm your nerves." He asked this before!

"Well yes, and the fact that Washu, or my grandfather usually join me for these late night get-togethers to discuss our
concerns and to help keep our spirits up before each one of these incidents."

Shinji chuckled. "Well, it seems that being the First Prince of Jurai has its problems."

Tenchi, now in a more sullen mode, said "You and those around you become a target for any fool out there who wants
power, or wants revenge against Jurai, or the universe in general. And don't forget the kooks who have some crazy idea
that by knocking you off, they make a name for themselves! That's why I am always on guard."

Shinji nods in agreement. "I can appreciate the level of anxiety you have Tenchi, we as pilots had similar threats to our
safety, except they were over 40 stories tall, and could crush a city block with one foot!"

Tenchi patted Shinji's back, "Yes, I took a look at you video archives Washu had hacked from your Magi computers, those
angels were huge hand full, weren't they!"

Shinji answered, "Not only them, but our EVA's were a threat at times, even other human groups like SEELE had their
own EVA's turned against which led to the Third Impact."

Tenchi whistled. "Well, our threats were more galactic in nature, but I see that we both had to fight for survival."

Shinji, now with a sad look, "Except while you guys came out hurt and survived, most of my friends and co-workers
died." He slammed his hand on the table, echoing through the lower floor of the house. "I can't let that happen again!"

Tenchi sighed again then said; "Listen Shinji" (Putting a hand on the enraged boy's shoulder) "we will back you guys up.
Ryoko, Ayeka and I will be there for you, and I can guarantee that you will not die here, ... I promise!

Concentrate on what you have to do, and we'll protect you. (He smirked as he continued) With what Washu's planning,
well do just fine. She even told me that she has some surprises just in case things get a little hairy, so don't worry so
much!" Tenchi slaps him in the back again, "Here finish your tea, then, go and comfort your ladies. I'm sure they are
waiting for you, right?"

Shinji was smiling sheepishly while holding the back of his head. "After what Washu showed us earlier, I know you will...
I just want to be more confidant about it!" Tenchi then nodded to him and pointed upstairs Shinji nodded affirmatively,
finished his tea, then headed upstairs to their bedroom!

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The Genius and the Prince

Washu entered the kitchen just after Shinji had closed his door upstairs. She waved hello to Tenchi who waved back
motioned for her to take a seat, and she did, after she served herself some tea!

Washu started, "You haven't lost your touch, my little guinea pig!"

Tenchi chuckling, "Thanks, and you haven't called me that since I married Ryoko and Ayeka!" Washu smiled. "Well, I
thought I'd cheer you up a little!" They smiled to each other warmly.

After some quiet time where both sipped their tea, Washu started to explain her preparations for the battle to come. "We
just finished all the preps on the EVA's, I sent Misato and the others to bed so they'll have some sleep before the practice
tomorrow and they'll be ready for the battle in 3 days."

Tenchi looked at her intently, "And what of your surprises for our uninvited guests then?"

Washu shook her index finger, "Don't worry, they'll be in place." She looked at her son in law, "Tenchi, when does the
Jurian relief fleet arrive?"

Tenchi put his cup down on the table, "Four days, we'll be on our own until then!"

Washu replied, "Well, if the worst case scenario happens, I'll teleport everyone to my sub-space lab, and I'll close off the
lab, until the fleet comes. But, I don't think it will come to that."

"Regardless, I'll have Sasami, Dad, Grandpa, and you here with the children, and Shinji's friends there in the lab when the
production EVA's arrive!" Tenchi then picked up and continued to sip his tea

Washu put her hand on his shoulder, "They'll be safe, though I don't think I can keep Little Yousho (Tenchi's and Ryoko's
son) there, you might want to talk to him."

Tenchi chuckled. "He's got too much of his mother in him, Ok, I'll talk to him."

Washu face turned serious, "Just remember Tenchi, He has both the gem power and Jurai power from both you and
Ryoko, so he potentially is more powerful than both of you, so please talk to him!"

Tenchi waved her off, "Ok, ok I promise, now I'm finally tired, so if you will excuse me Mom, I'm heading to bed, say
good night to Grandpa for me and thanks again Washu, your the best Mother in law and Grandma a Prince can ever have!"
He chucked again as he made his way out of the kitchen after he deposited his teacup in the sink.

Washu winked at him, "OK smart ass, I'll let you slide this time, and don't exercise tonight, I need you all fit and ready to
go, tomorrow, got me!"

Tenchi, now a bit red faced answered "OK, Goodnight!" He headed towards his room, leaving a pondering Washu. She
knew Tenchi was worried not as much as the battle itself, but whether the family and the Eva pilots can work well enough
together so that no one is seriously hurt. Tenchi, she knew, now worried for Asuka, Rei and Shinji as if they were part of
the family. Though Tenchi refused to take the throne until Earth was brought back from the Impacts what were cause by
the planet's own people. What Tenchi was also upset about, was that they couldn't do a thing until it was too late.

Washu was feeling exactly the same way. Here, proclaiming herself The Greatest Scientific Genius in he Universe, yet she
couldn't prevent the second, nor the Third Impact. Well, now she wasn't about to sit on her hands again. This time, she
was going to pull out all the stops, and with the ex-NERV EVA's, and her enhancements, they would win this battle and if
not hold them long enough for the Jurai Relief fleet to help take care of them, and to start the rebuilding process. To bring
back the devastated Earth, and to give hope for a brighter future. Washu then sighed, then placed her now empty cup of
tea in the sink. She scanned the home before turning off the lights and opened a portal to the shrine, and she headed to the
bedroom she shares with her husband, to be close to the one she loved the most, and to immerse herself in his comfort.

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Above the Earth

Meanwhile, in space, a familiar silver gray spiked ship sits in synchronized orbit above the Masaki residence also waiting
for the coming battle. Two figures are on the ships bridge, one an adult humanoid female with gray spiked hair, wearing a
black cloak, over a black and gray combat style suit similar to Ryoko's. The second figure, smaller in stature, a male, with
spiky black and red hair, wore a similar green and black suit. He sat observing the six EVA's making their way towards
Okayama; as well as in another monitor the three Russian MP-EVA's now over the Northern Islands of Japan, heading
towards Okayama. .

Female figure: "Will get them, don't worry Bro."

Male figure: "I just want Mama safe, That's all, OK?"

The female figure hugs the Male's shoulder and nods yes!

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A Friend's Comfort

While Shinji and Tenchi were downstairs discussing the next days events, Asuka and Rei slowly woke up to a Shinji-less
bedroom. After they determined that Shinji was downstairs with Tenchi, they both decided to wait for his return back in
their room.

They soon started discussing an important matter while still lying in their bed.

Asuka was first to speak, "Rei-chan, Since we're waiting, can I ask you something?"

Rei replied, "Yes Asuka-chan, what do you want to talk about?"

Asuka was rubbing her hands nervously "I'm worried about what will happen!"

After a brief pause, Rei nodded, "I am worried about him too." Both girls now sat up on the bed, Rei trying to calm her
friend, changes the subject slightly. "Do you think you and Ryoko will work well enough to be successful when the battle
starts." Rei asked.

Asuka smirks as she realizes what Rei was doing, but answered anyway. "So far, during the simulations she was fantastic,
just as powerful as the my Eva, plus having those power blasts and that light sword sure makes me more confident about
tomorrow! Asuka then asked, "How are you and Tenchi working out?"

Rei had her small smile on her face, which said much about her confidence, "His is surprisingly a most able warrior, with
those light hawk wings he generates. He is quite a formidable individual. I am glad he is on our side." Then after a pause,
"Have you mastered the new weapons Little Washu has provided?"

Asuka frowned, "I've gotten the hang of the Prong spear, (She remembered the Lances used against her, ... but fought her
anxieties and continued, "but I didn't do well with the prong-light sword."

Rei nodded, "As I also. It seems Shinji's training with Tenchi will help him with the prong-light sword, so I would
recommend to Misato tomorrow to leave us with the spears, while Shinji-chan should use the prong-light sword."

The mood shifted as Asuka was trying to put into words what she felt, then after a few awkward moments she spoke; "I
don't like one part of Washu's plan, Rei-chan!"

Rei looked confused, "And, ... what is it that concerns you Asuka-chan?" Rei sensed the anger welling up from her friend.

"Not being able to be beside each other to back each other up! That's what I don't like about it!" Asuka sighed heavily.
"You know that when we were fighting the angels they always came to some part of Tokyo-3 and we converged on it as a
team. Now, because of the multiple targets, we have to be separate, and I don't like to fight that way." Asuka made a fist
with her left and in a similar fashion to when Rei had observed Shinji when he was upset. Asuka now had a worried look
on her face.

Rei put her hand on her friends fisted hand, "I understand, and I sympathize with your point, but I trust Washu, and
Shin-chan trusts Washu. We should find comfort in that!"

A surge of anger appears over Asuka pulling her hand away from Rei's, "Damn it, your doing it again, conforming to the
authority of others, just like before, Why can't you really understand my HRmf....."

Rei reacted to Asuka's anger and hugs tightly an enraged Asuka. For a few seconds she barely keeps the red headed
German girl in check. Finally, she hears sobs as her friend collapses in her arms, and as the minutes pass, she comforts
her, rocking her back and forth as much like a mother consoling her child. Much had changed between them over these
last two months, and Rei knew that much more would change, as was the fact of a human life, a human life that she was
living now, no longer an angel. Rei then tells her friend that she'll be fine, and Shinji will be fine. After a few minutes
more Asuka composes herself enough to speak; she draws away from Rei's embrace and says, "Thanks Rei-chan, I feel a
little better now." She wipes her face with her hands. "Boy I really needed to let that out since we left Tokyo-3!"

Rei nodded at her admission, "As I wish I could Asuka-chan, but I haven't understood it myself, the emotion of fear not
for one's self but for the one you love. So by being here for you, I can say that you helped me as much as I helped you,
...Thank you!" That floored Asuka, not only was Rei admitting to her, her former rival that she cared for Shinji, but cared
enough to comfort her. Asuka then surprised herself!

"Then I think you deserve a good hug too!"

Which she did to her friend. Rei stiffened up at first, then Asuka started to rub her friends back and sing several of
Brahm's lullaby in German. She sang in the sticcatoed accented language as she rocked Rei back and forth, like Asuka's
mother had done to her when she was young, ... before her accident. Rei started to cry single tears at first, then quietly she
let out quiet whimpers at first. But later it grew in strength and was just as loud and convulsive as Asuka's had been
before.

Then Rei calmed down, and both girls smiled at each other, now having a better understanding about each other. Both lay
down, wrapped their arms around each other as friends, and fell asleep in each others comforting embrace.

A few minutes later Shinji slowly crept upstairs after her conversation with Tenchi. He almost silently made his way into
his room and what he saw made his heart swell with pride and love. He saw his girls there sleeping in a warm embrace.
"God they look so cute!" he said to himself with a smile that clearly conveyed his feelings at what he saw there in front of
him. . He didn't want to disturb them, so he grabbed their blanket and covered them with it, he then kissed each carefully
on the forehead. He then pulled out a futon and slept on the floor so he wouldn't disturb them. And seeing what he had
seen made it easier for him to finally sleep and he finally did!

Chapter # 10:Confrontation and Preparation: Practice Makes Perfect, and the Pilots, and the terrific trio train to be
ready for the final battle between the Tenchi clan and the Eva Pilots, Vs. The Production EVA's! Did I mention that there
are really 10 EVA's, not just six! We'll see if that makes a difference, next.