Archive of Our Own

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1. Phone Ring Too Long
A phone started trilling.
A groggy Kaworu was the first awake. "I think that's  your ringtone.""it's  Saturday ." Muffled, through his chest.
"Yes, but it could be NERV business."
Very begrudgingly, she picked up the phone. "Ugh, what does  Kensuke want this early in the morning." A slur of barely mustered energy."It's seven .""I consider that  early on a weekend." The phone was thrown at the wall, battery dislodging. As expected, it stopped ringing. "He'll just have to try sometime later."
"You like abusing that poor phone, don't you."
"Not that you mind. Means I'm not throwing  you  at the wall." Her finger poked into his chest. "Say. Since we're awake now."
~~~
  
A phone started trilling.

Shinji stirred. "That yours?"
A somewhat tired Asuka sound in the negative. Amazing what ending up in bed at 3 in the morning does. "I put my phone on silence before bed for a  reason , Shin-chan."So Shinji haphazardly stuck his hand out from the grand bed, onto a nightstand where  both  their phones were kept. Opening up one eye to stare at the screen, he immediately declined. "It's just Kensuke.""What's  he want this early in the morn?"A shrug. "He'll have to wait.  You're a bit more of a priority, Asuka."
"Heh. Loverboy."

~~~
 
A phone started trilling.

Shocking Hiro and Zero Two out of the futon. "wuh What's that?"

She gave a quick glance to the kitchenette bench. "Oh. It's the phone."
"They could've made the tone something that  wasn't  an alarm." Hiro muffled, not even bothering to lift his head up from the pillow. It's amazing what 4 hours of sleep does to him.
So it was up to Zero Two to get up from the futon and investigate.

"Hey darling?"

"Mmeneh?"

"How do I use a phone?"

~~~
 
"The person you have called cannot pick up at this time. Any messages you leave may be monitored for quality assurance."
"Damn it! I had to  source  that number as well!""I told ya, Ken." Spoke Kyoko, smug in her correctness. "They aren't gonna answer their phones this early.""Even though they're  Evangelion pilots ." " We wouldn't even be up this early if not for that damn book."They managed to get through that whole book, but they  all couldn't really get that much sleep because of it.
"So just try again later today?"

Kensuke, slightly dejected, put the phone back on its hook. "That's probably the best thing to do."

The phone started trilling, Kensuke immediately picking it up. "Aida residence?"

"Why are you ringing my pilots this early, Kensuke?"
Now  that  caused the colour to drain from his face, as he stood to attention. "A-a-a Commander Katsuragi?! W-well-" "Obviously it's important enough to warrant ringing  everyone. So what is it?" He briefly paused. "Well... we found  something ."
A pause over the line. "Is this something seemingly from another universe?"

"Maybe."

"Starring the pilots?"

"Yes."

Yet another pause. "I'll be there in a few minutes."

The phone clicked off.
Leaving the shellshocked Kensuke surrounded by the  immensely  amused Puella. "Well, now it's not gonna be our problem anymore, eh Ken?"
He gave a look to the book, on the kitchen bench. "It's probably better in her hands anyway."

~~~
 
The book dropped on the rickety table with a thud, Asuka and Shinji sitting around it with bemused expressions. "The hell is that?"

"Rift material." 
They gawked. "A book? What the hell, do we have books now!?""How are we even gonna  read this together?" Shinji's concern was a bit different."I think that's where  we  come in."
Rei and Kaworu made their presence known, as they made their way to the table.
"Good, you answered your phone for once." A quick glare to Rei, before going back to the book. "Kensuke found it, on the  train . He said it involves  you two , specifically."Towards Asuka and Shinji. "Us? Great, how did we fuck up  this  time?""Actually..." A small frown. "It's almost like a continuation of the Laserdiscs. Only... not? At least from the couple chapters I glanced through."
"Are you not gonna stay and read with us?"
" God  no, I still have a bunch of paperwork on my plate. Not to mention the UN scheduled a meeting about Oversight,  that's  gonna be fun." A brief pause, collecting herself. "Plus. I think it's something you need to experience on your own."
"That bad huh?" Shinji, meanwhile, had his expectations rock bottom.
Misato got up, beginning to make her leave. "I'm sure, whatever the hell happens,  you two can give them comfort."
The Nephilim backed up her claim.
"Wait a minute, did  Kensuke  read through this?""Obviously." A small chuckle. "Whether or not that's a  good thing? Guess you'll find out. I'll see you lot later tonight, oki?"
And with that, she left.
Leaving the four Evangelion pilots looking at this strange book. 
"So. Story time?"

"One of us will have to read it, Shinji." Remarked Rei. "I doubt we can share this book around."
The book was thrust upon Kaworu. "Y ou can be narrator then, fish."
Somewhat amused, he opened up the book. "I'll put my dulcet tones to good use, don't you worry."

And began reading.
 2. The Second Try 
Character Key:

Shinji (S) Asuka (A)

Rei (R) Kaworu (K)
 
2.1: ”Chapter 1. The 12th."
 
Five Years

"Five years and she still manages to scare me like that..."
The story seemed to almost emulate how Asuka and Shinji  were .At least until that last line. "Five years and we're still hiding it?"R: "It's amazing you could keep it hidden from NERV for so long."S: "More like  impossible . We could barely keep our relationship hidden for  months . Let alone  years ."
K: "I believe there are plenty of details we are missing. But if we presume you had a secret relationship for that long, that would put the beginning of your relationship around 2010."

A: "Which is impossible, cause I was still doing my bachelor."
S: "And  I was still wallowing in my own self pity."
R: "As Kaworu said. We will find out for sure if we continue reading."

So they did.
 
Bashful

Kaworu gave a small chuckle. ""You know; I hate you, Ritsuko!" She muttered and went out."
A: " Some things haven't changed, at least."S: "There probably wouldn't have been that much time for it to change." Speculation. "We don't really know when this is."K: "Based on the chapter title, it  could be around the time of Leliel."Shinji and Asuka were stopped in their tracks. "Oh great." Growling through teeth. "So who's getting stuck in Leliel this time?"R: "Maybe I'll get to experience it this time."A thought from Shinji. "I actually haven't seen you in this yet, Rei."
R: "Of course you haven't. Books aren't a visual medium."

A few chuckles later, Kaworu continued reading.
 
Passion

The fish visibly gawked at this paragraph of passion. "Oy. As soon as the door closed, the Third and Second Children... flung at each other, sharing a... passionate, seemingly endless kiss."

They saw as he continued reading this description, him gradually getting quieter and shrinking down a bit.
They laughed. "Come on Kaworu, that's not the worst thing you've seen involving us!"K: "Reading it and trying to describe something as...  private as that is still difficult though."R: "Probably not much different to seeing it. By the sounds of it, it is how you two were like. Hiding your relationship from NERV as a whole."S: "It even kinda sounds like what we did. Keeping up that charade."Asuka could see his perturbation. "I know you didn't like lying to everyone about it, Shinji. But you know  why , at least."S: "Yeah. Knowing  him , he would've separated us."
K: "It's obvious the you of the book understand this as well."
 As he continued reading, the eyebrows of the gathered slowly climbed up. "Forgetting meals, chilled long ago. " Looking at the two. "You two have foresight."Asuka took some time to process. "How? I thought only you had that, Kaworu."K: "Not this accurate. And another key phrase: "Like last time". I posit that this isn't the first time you've had to deal with this."
Silence was brought forth to the gathered.
Shinji was the first to break it this time. " How ?"
R: "I know we discussed about the possibility of time travel. Maybe this was a world where you two managed to do so."
A: "But  why  would we go back in time to there? Out of all the times."K: "It would explain how you two have known one another for five years at this point." Thinking. "If you spent five years before."S: "But  where  would we spend these five years?"As Kaworu thought about this, a grimace slowly grew. "We have two possibilities. A world similar to  ours . Or a world similar to the  Laserdiscs ."
This grimace was suddenly shared by the gathered.

R: "Let us see how Leliel goes. That was one of the first diverging points between our world and the Laserdiscs."

And on her behest, Kaworu continued.
 
Leliel
"Asuka. Rei. Withdraw..."  Kaworu glanced up from the book, giving a commiserative look towards the two pilots.A sad smile on Asuka's face. "You idiot, Shinji. This is, what, the  second  time?"
Shinji gave a short nod. "...Just like the Laserdiscs."
R: "It seems this will follow the  Laserdisc  scenario, then."A: "And we know how well  that  ended."K: "Much like the Laserdiscs, Leliel would go that way. And you two  know it happened."S: "So because we knew it happened, it will happen?"
K: "Indeed. I would suggest it would be wise to keep a timeline close to how it happened, if you were to somehow go back in time. The butterfly effect is in full swing here."
 
Act Out

"And I'll have a word with him as soon as he gets back..."
Shinji sighed. "Should've expected  that wouldn't work."
R: "I can see that as a problem, going back in time like you two seemed to do."

K: "You may act hasty, trying to change things. Which may make things worse."

A: "Would... your life support."
He shook his head. "I don't think I'll die  n ow . We've only just started."R: "And he didn't die in the Laserdiscs. And you didn't die in our world."
Asuka was slightly relieved. "Maybe it'll happen like the Laserdiscs, then."

S: "My mum having to break me out of there?"
K: "It seems that is the best solution to getting trapped in Leliel. We have two examples of your mothers breaking you out of there just before you die."R: "And Asuka, I think you've given Misato a bit of a hint to the  true extent of your relationship with Shinji."Another sad smile. "I probably would've  had to be like that, if I didn't... get stuck in Leliel." 
Crimson Rainfall
Kaworu had mixed feelings. For one, it was the death of a sibling. On the other hand, Shinji was alright. "' About time, baka!'"Asuka, meanwhile, was rather clear cut with  her  feelings. "Thank Christ. They sure like leaving the saving to the last minute, eh Shinji?"S: "...Even  with my reduced life support."K: "Your mother wouldn't have left you to die. We can see Leliel's demise happened earlier, even in comparison to us."R: " Especially in comparison to the Laserdiscs. Although we can... well,  hear that the imagery of Unit-01 is close to the Laserdiscs."Asuka's thoughts turned melancholic. "At the very least.  Something was similar about Leliel to us."
S: "Asuka?"

A: "...your last thoughts would've been of me."

A quiet thought promptly lead to him embracing her.

Kaworu decided to wait until they finished their moment before continuing.
 
Slap and Kiss

"I'm actually more afraid of the next one..."
Shinji grunted. "I would be too, if it ended up like the  Laserdiscs ." His frown grew back into a smile quick enough. "You were certainly bold, Asuka."A: "Maybe  too bold, destroying a  security camera , but I can see  how ...  I could do that. At this point I wouldn't give too many shits."R: "Plus, you would've had to keep up  some  form of cover. Even to...  me ."
K: "Already I can see you two don't have as good a relationship with Rei."
A: "Well... I can see  how that could happen. If we already had foresight. And it was the  Laserdiscs ."
Rei gave a small wince. "Our relationship was certainly... sub-optimal."

Asuka gave the bluenette a knowing look. "At the very least. Shinji and Misato are still close."

Shinji thought. "For how long, though?"
They were reminded of what happened in the Laserdiscs. And how it hurt their  Misato, not to mention the Misato of the Laserdiscs. "We can already see this universe is closer to the Laserdiscs, in comparison to  our world." Kaworu began his speculation, as he put the book down. "I would expect the same stations to occur."
"Especially if your looping selves wanted to keep things close to how they happened, in your minds."

Shinji and Asuka spent a few moments thinking back. "...Arael?"
A pained look grew on Rei. "I would expect...  you to..."Eyes closed as she thought. "...As long as you two didn't have to handle Arael."
Her hand went for Shinji's, and Kaworu was prompted to continue reading.

Kaworu had different ideas. "Would you like to read the next chapter, Rei?"

A small smile. "I wouldn't mind." She was passed the book.
This small smile immediately vanished as she read the first paragraph.
~~~
 
2.2: ”Chapter 2. survive."
  
Crimson Tide

Rei's eyes were wide, as she described this post apocalyptic scenario. Kaworu made a small realisation in his mind, but relegated it until after Rei was finished reading.

As expected, everyone gawked.

R: "This was the end of the Laserdiscs."

K: "This would be the past. Future past. Before you two looped."

Shinji thought. "If... if we were close for five years."

K: "Then I would expect you to have survived in a post Instrumentality world for that long."

Asuka was confronted with a few unpleasant thoughts. "How would we? The entire world was trashed!"

R: "Life finds a way. As long as you two didn't give up."

S: "Considering me giving up is what caused this."

Asuka had a small, sad smirk on her. "At the very least. We can see what happened after that terrible ending of the Laserdiscs."

S: "Even though we might not want to."

A: "Of course we don't want to! It's gonna be trauma inducing, but we'll do it anyway. Cause it's us."

Rei continued at her prompt.
 
Ruins

"...leaving Shinji to his thoughts."

A: "Tokyo-3 did not fare well."

S: "You could say that of the world, really. At the very least, our apartment was alright."

R: "I'd say that was amazing, considering the Geofront is gone. Alongside anything above the Geofront."

K: "The suburbs would've fared better, at the very least. Indeed it would've taken you a fair while to actually travel to your apartment."

A: "Not like the trains would be running."

S: "Not like there's any people left to run the trains. By the sounds of it, we're the only ones left in that world."

A: "It's always us, isn't it? Out of all the people to leave behind to rebuild the world, why was it us?"

Kaworu thought. "Shinji rejected Instrumentality, and was able to reform. You also rejected your demise, Asuka. Hence why you could return."

R: "Shinji's mother also stated anyone could return if they wanted to."

K: "But that's the thing. Would they want to return to a world like that? Compared to the apparent bliss of Instrumentality."

They spent a small time thinking. "I would think more than two people would return."
 
Thoughts

"Nonetheless, he would better try to find something to occupy his mind."

S: "I mean, out of all the times, it's understandable I could be thinking that."

A: "Not like there's much else to do. I'm probably doing the same thing."

R: "But your mother's words still ring true. As long as you live."

K: "And since you two are the only ones left, for now. You will have to learn to find happiness in one another."

A: "Well that's gonna be hard." Flat as a pancake.

R: "I wouldn't think so." Thoughts. "Sure, the you and Shinji of the Laserdiscs had a... vitriolic relationship. But even at the end of the Laserdiscs, we could see you start opening up."

A: "It only took ending the world before I realised." Muttering.
 
Nightmare

"With nothing more than a confused look, he returned his attention to the stove."

A: "It is kinda a smart idea. All that food would've gone bad soon enough, not like there's any power left."

K: "It's evident you're going through a lot, Asuka."

A huff. "As I would be, fish. She's still anxious about her true thoughts about Shinji. Not to mention the end of the world just happened."

R: "The way it sounds like, you're scared to lose him forever. You don't want to be alone, and yet you still cannot confront your feelings for him."

S: "So we're both still beating around the bush."

A: "As we would be. I imagine it'll be hard to find an appropriate time to talk about that kind of stuff when we're trying to survive."

K: "I wouldn't expect both of you to confront these thoughts until you're comfortable. But will you ever be comfortable with one another?"

R: "Well, we can see that eventually, they do. Since this appears to have occurred in the relative past."

A: "I can understand this timeline, but it's still a bit mind bending to comprehend." A sigh. "At the very least, we might get some decent food before having to deal with a Mad Max world."

S: "At least Mad Max had cars."
 
Plan

"...the sound of laughing filled those rooms for the first time in weeks..."

K: "Sometimes you have to find humour. In situations like these."

S: "Why do you think our humour is often dark? Nothing like making light of how shit things are to help relieve ourselves."

A: "I imagine we'll really need that sort of gallows humour, in this situation."

R: "The strategy for survival seems sound enough, however. The shelter food is designed to last at least two years in standard conditions. Medical supplies at the hospital, logical. I find it amazing the water's still running, though."

A: "Generators could keep the pumps working for a finite time. And some places have water tanks. Of course, the water's gonna go bad eventually."

S: "It's a start, at least. Water takes priority over food when it comes to survival. And, as you said Asuka, electricity as well."

A: "Good luck finding a diesel generator and the diesel to go with it."

K: "Renewables are a possibility, of course. I've seen a few houses with solar panels on them, they would provide some power."

A: "I doubt it would provide any serious power, but it would keep lights running at the very least."
 
Hospital

"H-hey, wait!" Rei couldn't help but give a small giggle. "It's good to see you can still be playful in a situation like this."

A: "It's good thinking, isn't it? Keeping an entire hospital running would use a lot of power, which we might have to use in the future."

K: "As you suggested, Asuka. Electricity is a valuable resource now. And you could get by many buildings without power, as long as you take some kind of care."

R: "Medical supplies would be behind locked doors and cabinets. They wouldn't require electricity to access, even automated locks would be disengaged when the power goes out for safety."

S: "Considering how easy it was to access the generator room, I doubt the general hospital even had that great security."

A: "At the very least, we might get some medical supplies. Shame the shelter was damaged."

Rei was prompted to continue.
 
Bandages

""We better get going now," both stammered simultaneously."

K: "I can see that making sense, you coming back fully formed."

A: "It's convenient, that's for sure. Binocular vision would be quite handy for an apocalypse."

S: "Though that raises the question why you had the bandages and patch on in the first place."

R: "They were where you were hit by the MP-Evangelion. Possibly serving as a simple reminder of that, if it wasn't covering it up."

A: "So an Instrumentality thing."

R: "Most likely. You could probably explain most things as being Instrumentality."
 
Shopping

"They grabbed as much as they could carry and headed home."

Asuka messed Shinji's hair. "Don't need money in anarchy, Shin-chan!"

K: "Not like there's anyone to spend the money anyway."

S: "But... I can see how that could be a shift for someone like me. But it is the apocalypse."

R: "No one will complain. And even prodding Misato while you were at it."

Asuka gave a grimace, as she did when Rei described it. "Probably not the most tasteful shade to throw. Considering."

S: "You realised that immediately after you said it, at least. And hey, I didn't take it as badly as I would've expected."

K: "Then again, not like there's much you could do now. What's done is done."
 
Market Garden

"...It would definitely help them to safe a lot of their water stocks in case the public supply would stop eventually."

Asuka had an amused look, at the convenience of it all. "Well well well, aren't we lucky. Plenty of fruits and vegetables, a water tank for the rare spot of rain, solar panelling. Even a damn car."

K: "While it doesn't sound like much to us, to the you of the book it would be priceless in its value. Food to grow, another supply of water, even electricity and transport."

R: "And depending on the vehicle, it may use a fuel such as diesel."

A: "A pickup truck would be very useful in this situation. You could put plenty of stuff in the back, and the diesel engine could run on scraps if needed."

S: "It probably is a pickup. I can see a farmer using such a vehicle." A huff. "And now I'll have to use such a vehicle."

A: "I don't think you've ever driven a car, Shinji. Hell, I haven't."

K: "I'm pretty sure none of us have. Then again, we don't need to drive."

R: "Compared to an Evangelion, it would be easier. I would think, at least."
 
Pickup

"She barely evaded a broken-down car..." Rei barely suppressed a snort. "Not so easy, by the sounds of it."

A: "I mean, I know the concept of manual gearing. Hell, every non electric car in Germany has a manual gearbox."

R: "But if you had no experience with a manual car, it makes sense you would struggle with one."

K: "Going slow would've been wise, too. Considering."

R: "From what it sounds like, you will be moving into this other house."

A: "Makes sense. They have everything we could need for surviving."

S: "Still... I can understand how I could be uncomfortable with such a thing. But I can also see how this place might be a bit terrible in an apocalypse."

K: "Shinji has another point, as well. Knowledge is important. You'll not only have to maintain all the various systems by yourself, but you'll have to maintain yourselves as well."
 
Moving Day

"...The sooner he might be able to get some rest..."

A: "I still had 9 boxes of mist to move?"

S: "Amazing, isn't it?" His intonation was flat, he knew well how she could be like.

R: "Especially in comparison to Shinji's meagre belongings."

S: "I didn't really bring anything, actually. Not like I would need too much stuff."

K: "Who knows. Maybe those boxes would have valuable survival tools."

Asuka sighed. "At the very least. We might be able to make this a home."

S: "That trip to Kofu should hopefully help with that as well."
 
Scavenging

"It was already in the late afternoon that they finally left Kofu."

Asuka gave Shinji a knowing look. "I can understand why you don't want to move again, Shinji."

A small nod. "I can too. Though by the sounds of it, we were able to get some decent things over there."

K: "Knowledge is probably the best thing you could get in a situation like this."

R: "I'm guessing clothing is a distant second."

A few chuckles. "It would be alright to have more clothes though. Never know when you'll need them."

S: "Course, it depends on what kind of clothes."

A: "I would think I would be a bit more utilitarian, at least when scavenging for stuff."
 
Farm

Rei had a sad look on her. "They would find their way to freedom, where they at least had a chance to survive."

K: "I thought Instrumentality would take all Lilithian life. Including animals."

R: "Not in the book world."

A: "Quite convenient, isn't it?"

S: "Still... by the sounds of it they would've died anyway. If I hadn't set them free."

R: "As they would. Livestock rely on humans to feed and care for them. They can rummage for the occasional grass but overall, they would've relied solely on humans."

Asuka had a frown on her. "This would've been the same throughout that world too, wouldn't it?"

R: "I would think so. It was quite caring of you, Shinji, to release them from their captivity. At least now they may survive."

S: "I would do the same thing."

A: "At the very least, we have some wheat. Flour; bread, noodles and the like. Staples."

K: "He didn't really get much, but you could grow more."
 
Chicken Run

"...Followed by half a dozen birds that curiously explored their newfound freedom."

S: "Well that was a comedy of errors." He could find humour in it all, even though it was mostly him screwing up. "Surely I would know the difference between a rooster and a chicken."

A: "In the heat of the moment, maybe not."

R: "At the very least, not only do you have chicken, you have more wheat. Though good luck keeping them calm in the car."

K: "I'm sure once night hits, they'll become calm. Or they'll tire themselves out."

S: "Chickens would be easier to handle than other livestock, at least. Good luck trying to keep a horse or even a goat in that house we're living in."

R: "If you were expecting to get milk out of livestock like them, you wouldn't. If we take the dairy cattle as an example, constant breeding and calving are required to keep up milk production."

A: "I don't think keeping cattle around would be that great in an apocalypse anyway. They just take too much resources for what they give back. Even something like a horse, its use is somewhat diminished by the car. At least with chickens, you can feed them with wheat and seeds and other kinds of scraps and they provide a source of protein with their eggs."
 
Joke

"At least, the nightmares of the nights before didn't return this time."

A: "Must say, that wasn't a great joke."

K: "There would've had to be a straw eventually."

Asuka huffed. "Even after the end of the world, my Laserdisc self is still irritating me."

R: "We already know you open up to him. Even if it took five years."

S: "We managed to build a strong relationship in a few months. Doesn't exactly take much, eh Asuka?"

A: "All it took for us was a good kiss, Shin-chan!" Amusement gave way to frowning. "Course, for these two, they're gonna need more than a kiss."

K: "At the very least, you haven't tried to kill one another."

S: "That's not exactly a concession at this point. Considering we're the only people left."
 
Talk

""Okay then..." she almost whispered as she turned around."

Rei gave pause.

And put the book down. "End of chapter."

Asuka slammed her fist. "Gottverdammt. Good to see the author of this knows how to do cliffhangers."

S: "If the book has that pattern, we won't know what was said for another couple chapters."

K: "At the very least, that gives us ample opportunity to discuss what happened. I can understand your concern Shinji, but it was pretty unlucky to have only been 20 minutes away from home."

A: "Though I do think it was justified. Not like they knew. Plus... I think we both needed to sleep some things off."

Shinji gave a small nod. "At the very least. We have plenty of resources to survive on. We might have a chance at this."
 
"Well, we know we did survive. Otherwise we wouldn't have been thrust back in time."

"Of course, we don't know how you two were thrust back." Speculated Kaworu. "It could involve death, after all."

"Though we remember what happened."

"Then again, Asuka, so did Hiro and Zero Two." Rei glanced at the clock. "It only took us half an hour to get through these two chapters. We might be able to get through this whole book today."

"I wouldn't mind." Shrugged Asuka. "Beats having to wait a day or so."

And so they continued reading.
  3. Thoughts 
The door was knocked.

A clothed Zero Two emerged. "...Eliza?"

"Hi. Mama and ma want to know if you want to watch Evangelion."

She ran her mind back. "That's their show, isn't it?"
Nodding.  "The commander said Shinji, Asuka, Rei and Kaworu are busy with another errand. And since she's continuing to do work, mama and ma thought it best to keep you two busy."
"Do you know what she said?"

"Verbatim: 'I don't want them to bonk all day.' I don't know what bonking is."

Zero Two snorted, muttering under her breath with a slight melancholy, "Not like we've done it for a while." Steeling herself and turning back to Eliza, "Tell her we'll be there at 1300 hours." She gave a bow, but before she closed the door, she grew a mischievous smile. "Bonking refers to sex, Eliza."

She closed the door. Eliza would've found out eventually, she thought. Meanwhile, she turned to her darling. "Neh darling? We get to see the Evangelion show!"

Hiro was busy whipping up a quick lunch, taking a page from Shinji's book. "The way the pilots make it sound like, it's... dark."

"Our show could be dark at times, darling. Surely you can't top us dying."

~~~
  
Eliza was left processing outside the now closed door.

"Huh. What an interesting euphemism."

Immediately discarding her thoughts of the matter, she made her way back to the lab. A odd quirk of humanity, she thought, that mostly disinterested her.

Then again, she was human now too. Something she often had to remind herself about. An odd biological architecture, but one that didn't require too much upkeep. Indeed, she likened it to her previous cleanup operations, many of which still persisted in her mind.

Her computer mind in a human body. Even in the limited amount of time she had been in this body, she made logs of several known and unknown urges. Companionship was one of them, as was the same when she was NT-Unit-00. At least as an Evangelion, the time jumped between her awareness. She would've always been with her pilot.

Now, though. Now she has a continuous sense of awareness. It would be false to claim she didn't feel some kind of longing for her pilot.
"What curious thoughts."  She noted to herself. She kind of liked letting her mind wander and explore itself in ways like this, despite the sub-optimal resource usage.
Maybe with the NACSS system, she could sync with Rei again. Though she also had Kaworu, who would most likely be a major partner.
"These thoughts are going nowhere."  Of course, she couldn't let her mind wander all the time. She had things to do, after all.
At least, being a computer, she had immense control of herself. The thoughts ceased, and she continued to her mother's lab.

Eliza didn't know for how long this would work, though. Wandering thoughts tend to be a bit like that.

Though she did make a note to tell her mothers about these recent contemplations.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

And so they continued reading…1. The Second Try  Character Key :Shinji (S) Asuka (A)Rei (R) Kaworu (K) 
1.3: “Chapter 3. The 13th.”
 
Hike

Rei had a grimace on her. "So, finally, he gave in. "Okay, lets hurry." It does sound like sunstroke."

A: "We didn't bring any water with us?"

S: "I kinda find it odd you had the weakest endurance out of all of us."

R: "My endurance back then was never great. I would suggest the drugs I was on and not knowing the full extent of my power would have negatively affected me."

Asuka gave a frown. "Right, you'd still be drugged at this time."

K: "At the very least, you're trying to form a friendly relationship with Rei this time around."

R: "Not like that would help. If I'm still on the pills.”
 
Familiar

A sad look in Rei's eyes. "Not moving. Never losing the contact."

Kaworu had realised a few lines earlier. "This was the house. Future past, you made it your own."

R: "Five years you would've spent there."

A: "Makes sense I had that kind of reaction. Though..." Further thoughts. "The way you made it sound like, Rei."

R: "Suggests something else?"

Asuka gave Shinji a significant look.

S: "...Five years. And we love one another."

The group spent a few moments in silence as they pondered the implications.

A: "We-" A pause, as she decided she wasn't ready for such implications. "Lets... lets just continue."
 
Israfel Special

In an almost whiplash inducing shift in emotion, the group were now giggling at Misato's prodding. "Just like her she says that."

A: "Course, with the wonder of hindsight, it's a bit weird when you think about it."

R: "Indeed. Technically, Shinji and I are related. Lilith's drive may be strong, but she knows the... problems with that kind of business." A smirk. "Plus, I got Kaworu."

S: "And even if we weren't related, I'm sure Asuka would do unpleasant things to you if you tried."

R: "Oh I know." She was flat. "The powers I possess wouldn't hold a candle."

K: "Koichi does kind of remind me of Kaji. How he was, at least."

A: "Makes sense how we could associate those two with Misato and Kaji. Especially back in the past... future..." Furrowed brow.

K: "Loops can be like that."
 
Nevada

"Just at that moment, half a world away, all hell broke loose."

A: "And we knew about this."

K: "I doubt you could do much." Commiserative. "Half a world away, even if you did know."

S: "Out of all the things in all these different worlds we're in, that seems constant."

R: "Indeed. It happened in our world. And both Laserdisc and Theatrical worlds. And now the book world."

K: "There can be many similarities between similar worlds. But the people would always be different. Even the smallest of events can shape a person."

S: "Like you, Kaworu."

A nod. "If not for me arriving after Zeruel, and quickly becoming friends you all, I would most likely not be here today."

Rei gave a thought. "...How do you think you would be in this, Kaworu?"

K: "Different. To say the least."

A: "And it's good to see Commander Asshole is still pushing you, Rei."

R: "At this point, the dummy plugs would be in development. And I would still be required."

S: "And we know how that went."
 
Fourth

""Oohh..." I wonder if he realised Hikari's thoughts about him." A cheeky smile.

K: "Ah, so like the Laserdiscs it will be Suzuhara appointed as the fourth."

R: "It was most likely Asuka and Shinji's relationship blooming that resulted in Hikari being appointed fourth. In the book world, their relationship would not have been evident."

A: "Especially if we wanted to follow what happened."

S: "Although, I think we're trying to get Hikari and Toji together."

Asuka thought back, and chuckled. "I can certainly see that. And he still called us a married couple."

R: "You certainly handled it differently than the Laserdiscs."

A: "Well, I mean we might as well be married at that point in time, in the book. Probably not legally; I doubt any celebrants came back from Instrumentality."

S: "Maybe we learnt how to do it from a book."

K: "Not like there's much education even needed for such a ceremony. Two people could do whatever they want to cement their relationship, its institutions like religion and government that require pomp and ceremony."

R: "Not like there's any religion and government left. Unless either of you bought them with you."

A: "Religion, maybe. Government? Nah."
 
Prank

With a smirk. ""We have synch tests tonight...""

Asuka playfully bopped Shinji on the head. "That wasn't very nice!"

K: "And in front of Pen-Pen as well. How scandalous."

S: "I don't think he would mind."

Right on cue, Pen-Pen exited his fridge, either for lunch or beer or both. "Oi, Pen-Pen? How many times have you seen us?"

The subtext of that query was not lost on the bird. "Wark." With a glare, before getting several more beers than he was planning and retreating to the fridge.

R: "Way too many. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised. If we could hear you."

Asuka was taking it in stride, meanwhile Shinji had shrunk down.

K: "At the very least, Shinji. You got Asuka out of that slump."

More ideas welled.

R: "You two shared something precious. You know well what it could be, do you?"

The two stayed silent. "How... how do you think we handled... that?"

Rei gave a glance to the book. "We can find out if we keep reading."
 
Awkward

""S-sure..." Hikari whispered as she watched him vanishing behind the next corner."

S: "Well that was awkward."

A: "They've always been like that with one another. At least at first."

R: "Consider that Toji one time did not even think Hikari held feelings for him." A huff. "Though I do appreciate them cleaning."

K: "A similar scene to the Laserdiscs. Except it was Shinji and Toji."

A: "And it seems Hikari is learning from me how to get to a boy."

R: "Someone like Toji, you would need to do something like that."

S: "Never really got that myself, but I'm sure Hikari taught him otherwise."

A: "Oh I know she taught him otherwise."
 
Melons

"The ringing of his phone disturbed his trail of thoughts back to reality."

A: "I dread to think what Ritsuko is doing to me."

S: "Our Ritsuko isn't that bad."

A: "Yeah. Our Ritsuko."

R: "This scene appeared similar. Only Shinji had a slight one-up on Kaji."

S: "Even with what I knew with hindsight, I'm sure he would've had several hidden thoughts."

K: "And you also had these hidden thoughts, Shinji. Talking about loss like that."

A: "Oh Christ, it's a child, isn't it?"

Evidently, whatever was welling up in Asuka since near the start of this chapter have reached flashpoint, head in hands.

A hand rested on hers, somewhat calming her.

The Nephilim continued to ponder potential consequences. "Even if it weren't intentional, it would have been inevitable in an environment like that."

Asuka meanwhile had a downtrodden look, merely staring at the table through hands. "...So what, we spend years raising a child as our own, then it just gets undone?" More anger and frustration than sadness were in those words.

K: "Unfortunately so. I would expect, at least."

They spent a few moments in a quiet place.

A: "I- i don't know if I can handle something like that. But..."

R: "But you'll persist?"

She gave a single nod, sight shifting to Shinji. "Yeah... I'll persist."
 
The Devil Went Down to Tokyo-3

""Just sold my soul..." He doesn't seem too pleased."

S: "At least he had a choice in the matter. Much like Hikari."

A: "Though Hikari put forward a lot more stipulations."

K: "Then again, Toji doesn't want much more than what he says. He wants better treatment for his sister."

R: "Kensuke hasn't changed much too, in that regard."

S: "I feel like I was a lot more assertive quelling him."

K: "You knew. Unit-03 is Bardiel."

A: "Would've been more comical if it was pink."

S: "Considering how Laserdisc Bardiel went."
 
Babysitter

"How should she have known that Asuka made a similar promise already a long while ago?"

Asuka breathed through her teeth. "I didn't exactly promise her he'd be safe."

K: "Not like you could, knowing what happened."

S: "It's incredibly obvious she feels something for him, though."

R: "Even here it was obvious. Clearly, you two are trying to make things at least a bit better."

A: "Noble, but knowing how the Laserdiscs were like."

S: "Anything we do is better than how the Laserdiscs were like. And once again I'm left in the dark about Toji being a pilot. Like the Laserdiscs."

A: "At least here, you pretty much knew Hikari was the pilot. And at least Misato tried to tell you. Not that it even matters, since you know."

K: "Their relationship does appear to be blossoming, at least. Hopefully Bardiel will be kinder this time around."

They gave him a look.

K: "Yeah, I know. Fat chance."

R: "Some thing similar to our world, though. I'm perceptive. Picking up on how different they've been compared to before."

A: "Like how you knew we fucked in the supply closet."

R: "Yes."
 
Bickering

"Kaji sighed inwardly. "Yeah, I see. We better get some sleep. That's the best to do in such situations!""

A sly smirk on Asuka. "Wasn't this how we were caught here?"

Old memories dug up, Shinji grew embarrassed. "At least we're being a bit more wise about it."

A: "Well, we have had several years beforehand. Though I know for a fact if Kaji wasn't there."

R: "Even without any protection?"

A: "I'm sure after a dry spell like that she wouldn't care."

K: "Although, considering what's been implied."

R: "And you tried warning Misato as well."

S: "What are the chances she doesn't get that warning?"
 
A New Hope

""Maybe the last hope for a future..." he mumbled."

A: "At least we're trying."

K: "Quite bold of Kaji to say their name openly like that. Considering how bugged your rooms would've been at this point in time, especially in the Laserdiscs."

S: "Considering what happened in the Laserdiscs, I don't think he really cares too much at this point in time. Of course, I would know about that."

R: "Would you even know about SEELE at this point in time? Yes you had hindsight, but I don't recall you learning anythingabout them in the Laserdiscs."

K: "I think he expected something beyond NERV, the committee. But it was Kaji here who told him their name."

S: "Not their intentions, though. Though I would know that at this point as well."

A: "What could we do to stop them, though?"

K: "Well, a start would be preventing Instrumentality, I imagine."

A: "We need to survive that long first."
 
Cell

"The cell phone rang."

S: "It all comes tumbling down."

R: "I would say it happens like the Laserdiscs, but I know for a fact you two will try to prevent that. One way or another."

A: "Maybe you can get through to your mother."

S: "Maybe. Depends on if the dummy system gets activated or not."

K: "I would expect. If this follows the Laserdisc scenario over our own."
 
Changing History

While they had all been tense, knowing what could be, Rei's low laughter indicated things would be going a little differently. In their favour for once. "EVA-01 moved on."

A: "FUck yeah!" She barely caught a yell. "Fuck you Gendo!"

Kaworu had a smirk on him. "Despite that, your mother helped you."

S: "She probably knew. Brain meshing and all that."

R: "It was immediate rejection of the dummy plug. In the Laserdiscs, she would've done so in response to you getting so hurtby it. But now."
 
The grinning of the crowd only continued growing as Rei continued reading.

A: "It's really satisfying seeing his plans get shat on. We really need more material like that."

S: "Well, maybe if we find another book starring us."

K: "Lets get through this one first before considering other material."
 
Conflict

Her smirk had briefly abated, seeing her own internal conflict with following the Commander and helping her friends. "Dropping the rifle, she moved to engage the Angel."

A: "Good to see you're finally realising that, Rei."

K: "Like our world. This may be the start of you wrestling back Rei from the Commander."

R: "Let us hope. Because I was firmly under his thumb until the 12th hour."

S: "And by the time you did do something."

R: "-It was far too late to save the world. At least this time around, the world might continue."
 
Victory

"At last, Unit-03 - the 13th Angel - was dead. And this time Shinji Ikari smiled."

A: "As you would, you just ripped Bardiel to shreds!"

S: "Even though you still got knocked out."

A: "At least this time I was able to be productive against the Angel. A far cry to last time."

K: "It made sense Unit-03 could continue functioning without a plug. It would not have taken long for Bardiel to bypass it."

S: "I thought our Bardiel stopped after the plug was removed."

Kaworu shrugged.

R: "Doesn't bode well for Unit-03 surviving. At the very least, Toji might survive with his leg intact."

A: "I thought you would have had to get to the core to get rid of the Angel. It wasn't like that on our world, was it?"

S: "Consider the fact we still deploy Unit-03."

K: "Even with the destruction of Unit-03, this went so much better than the Laserdiscs. Probably not as good as this world."

A: "I think we've already established at this point that this world is probably as good as we can get."

R: "Even then."
 
Punishment

"He just grinned behind his clasped hands." Placing the book down, so as to indicate the end of the chapter. "He still punishes you."

K: "And yet you still stood up to him, Shinji."

A: "As he should."

S: "Kind of reminds me of our world. How we were both fired."

R: "Relatively, you got off light. Merely suspended instead of fired. I'd say that was better than the Laserdiscs too."

S: "At the very least, Toji got out of there a bit more intact."

A: "A broken limb is better than no limb."

K: "I can understand Fuyutsuki's objections. This kind of thinking wouldn't make sense normally."

S: "As he says. He's adapting his scenario."

R: "It would suit him to adapt his plan to fit 'My son coming back in time to stop me'."

A: "That's generally how you'd want to live. As long as someone doesn't go back in time to stop you, how bad could it be?"

R: "I don't think Gendo was ever stopped by a time traveller." Glancing to Kaworu. "Unless we could call you a time traveller."
  
"I mean, it's not travelling, per say. It's more like looping the same sort of universe over and over again, with vague ideas and thoughts left over."

"Considering you were surprised it wasn't Adam in the basement, in the Laserdiscs." Spoke Asuka.

"I was still surprised. At the very least, I was able to see her under some more favourable circumstances."

"Well, you weren't killed a few minutes after seeing her." Thought Shinji. "I presume, at least."

Kaworu gave him a flat look, before looking down at himself and patting a hand over his own chest. "I mean, I don't think I'm dead."

"Knowing what you two can do, I doubt it's much of an obstacle at this point."

Rei passed the book over to Kaworu. "It's not really something you can experiment on casually, you know."

~~~
 
1.4: “Chapter 4. love.”
 
Child

Kaworu didn't look up from the book, but he knew what he was narrating was hurting Shinji and Asuka. He didn't need his eyes to notice that. "With that, she was left with her dreams."

A glance upward, and he noticed Asuka clutching Shinji. "It... it took her long enough."

R: "You've aired your grievances with one another."

A: "And even with that... outburst, you decide to-"

S: "Of course I would."

K: "As the narration said. You're yearning for comfort. And Shinji's the only person who could provide such thing."

Asuka had a helpless look, having heard the trauma her other has gone though. "Y'know something? This would've been an ideal scenario. If we considered all that happened."

R: "This would be the start of whatever relationship you could form. Anything prior would've been marred by what happened."

A: "...But now I let all of it out."

A nod. "You can begin again."

A thought back. "Though I don't think I would've minded having you sleep with me, Shinji. I imagine she would've liked that warmth."

S: "I know you like that kind of comfort."

She gave a huff. "God knows I need that sort of comfort in my life. Don't know how I lived without it."

Kaworu gestured to Shinji, and he knew the next part might be a bit confronting for her.
 
Dream

"But there were so many..." Merely shaking his head. "Are you alright, Asuka?"

A: "Not really." A quiet, meek voice, as she continued holding Shinji. "But... we've already seen what Instrumentality was like."

R: "Only this time, we see it through your perspective."

S: "It was you, then."

A: "Not us, Shinji. That's... that's about the only concession I have when it comes to this kind of thing."

Silence returned for a moment.

R: "Instrumentality would be different for everyone. We saw this with the Laserdiscs."

The conversation didn't feel like starting.

K: "Should... should I continue?"

Asuka remained quiet. "I think that's for the best."
 
I need you

""I feel sick...""

A: "I would be sick to my bones, if I had seen all that."

R: "We have an explanation on why you said that now, at least."
 
Kaworu continued reading. Looking persistently over the book at Asuka, he noticed a small and melancholic smile creep on her. "Her hand still entrapping his arm around her."

A: "Good. It wasn't one off."

K: "You, especially now, would need the comfort of him."

S: "At least this time around, I didn't abandon you."

A: "You still tried pushing your luck, though." Somewhat teasing. "I probably wouldn't mind, dunno about her."

R: "She may say that. But I know for a fact she wants that closeness."

A: "It's pretty obvious, isn't it? Otherwise she wouldn't fall next to him." A longing look at Shinji. "It's quite nice, having someone to share a bed with. Isn't it Shinji?"

He smiled. "Yeah. I have a feeling this entire chapter will be about you learning that, Asuka."

A: "What, the chapter title being called love didn't clue you into that?"

A brief moment of levity was brought to the group, and Kaworu was prompted to continue.
 
Warmth

"It felt warm..."

A: "Ah yes, we wouldn't just fall into each other's pants like we did in our world."

R: "Considering where you two were, I think it would be understandable you two would not want to discuss about such matters."

K: "Such a thing would not be sustainable, however."

A: "No shit. You can't really share a bed without feelings like that!"

S: "Of course, eventually we'll have to talk about what happened."

K: "Indeed. The longer you put discussing that off-"

A: "I think we know, fish. We'll just drift apart, yadda yadda yadda. We're pretty much experts at not dealing with issues like that in a productive manner."
 
Swim

Kaworu had a grimace on him. "He didn't sleep next to her that night. It was cold."

A: "My bad." Was all she could muster, having been cringing internally throughout the latter half of this scene.

S: "...I can definitely see myself reacting like that."

A: "I know you would react like that, Shinji. You can be scary when someone you love is threatened by something."

S: "Considering I ended the world one time due to that."

R: "Do you know how to swim, Shinji?"

A shrug. "More so than when I first met Asuka."

K: "This wasn't the first time Asuka managed to push you a bit too far."

A: "I seem to like doing that in this."

R: "I don't think you established where his limits are, at this point. In addition to your... most likely differing thought processes compared to yourself."

A: "I mean, I wouldn't pretend to drown to get Shinji in the water."

R: "Exactly."
 
Confront

"You better don't start snoring though."

A: "Well thank God we were able to get past that. She actually apologised."

S: "Amazing, isn't it?"

She poked her tongue at him.

K: "I imagine that would be a valuable lesson for you, Asuka."

A: "Don't push Shinji to that extent? I'm pretty sure I was taught that early on."

R: "The you of the book must've only just got the memo."

S: "Course, pushing me a bit is alright."

A: "And I do, and you do too! It's fun, isn't it?"

S: "Very." Smirking.
 
Hide and Seek

"Still... he couldn't help but smile."

S: "This would've been a bit more concerning to be, if it wasn't for the fact we knew I would've been fine."

K: "You could see how she would be concerned though."

A: "Guess that was my turn to be concerned, eh Shinji?"

S: "I can understand it. I wasn't back for quite a bit. It's... kinda flattering."

R: "The Shinji of the book thought that as well."

S: "Still. Standing out in the rain like that?"

A: "Worried I'll get sick, Shin-chan?" She gave a chuckle, messing his hair. "I don't think I'll get sick like that, though I suppose if it was some sort of comeuppance for pushing you a bit too far."

Kaworu meanwhile had been glancing at the next section, and badly suppressed amusement. "Oh you are not gonna believe this next section, Asuka."
 
In Sickness

A: "Gottverdammt! Okay, I think I deserve that."

The group laughed, and Kaworu continued.
 
Kaworu could feel the glow of pretty much everyone. ""Well, she didn't hit me..."".

S: "Even though you might've been too sick to hit me."

A: "Baka. Very bold of you, at that moment at least."

S: "Not exactly the grand kiss we had."

A: "Considering how their first kiss went, this is a massive improvement."

R: "I'm sure you would've appreciate such a gesture."

A: "Oh certainly. I would still appreciate such a gesture if I were sick."

K: "As they say, in sickness or in health."
 
Confession

Kaworu smiled, as Shinji's book counterpart did. ""I know. As sure as I love you too...""

Asuka huffed. "There you have it. The confession."

R: "Bit of a muted one. But considering the argument you had."

A: "Yeah, that would've put a dampener on things. But... I think it was enlightening for me."

K: "I think what you said to Shinji helped enlighten him, too. Show him that, yes, there are people who love you, but if you don't put yourself out there, you'll never know."

S: "Then again, not like we had to explicitly learn that. We just kinda... learnt that ourselves."

Another tongue poke. "Consider our Laserdisc selves weren't so lucky."

K: "Your Laserdisc selves were set back considerably when it comes to any kind of relationship."

R: "I imagine Instrumentality would set back a few things."

A: "At the very least, we might be able to make something of this now."

S: "Well, we know we made something of this."
 
Kiss

"The time seemed to freeze in that moment, when her lips made contact with his."

A: "YES!" She jumped out of her seat. "There's gotta be more to it than that, right?"

K: "Unfortunately for me, yes."

Rei playfully whacked him on the head like it were a faulty jukebox, prompting him to continue reading.
 
""It's okay," she said with a reassuring smile."

Asuka was back in her seat, now somewhat melancholic.

R: "That seemed to dampen your spirits, Asuka."

A: "Somewhat. But... that was an actually decent reaction from me."

K: "Something you could see yourself doing."

A singular nod. "Yeah. Of course, considering how I'm somehow the most mentally stable of all Asuka's I've seen."

S: "I think we can safely say that of all of us."

R: "At the very least, I think it's safe to say you two will be getting along like a house on fire from here on out."

K: "I mean, considering, I don't think it will be to that extent. Not yet, at least."

A: "I'd say they're where we were after that kiss. More or less."

S: "Discounting some additional mental trauma."
 
We don't need no education

Kaworu barely kept a chuckle down at Shinji's plight. "Why had he agreed to this...?"

Asuka meanwhile made her amusement known. "Looks- Sounds like that came in handy five years later."

S: "Kinda sounds like how you help me with school work."

A: "And no, while 'I love you' is always a good answer, it's rarely the correct answer."

R: "At least when it comes to school work."

K: "It's a sound tactic. If you don't learn this, then you're high and dry if you need that knowledge."

R: "A good thing they just so happened to be studying sunstroke."

A: "I'm sure we would've studied a lot more, medical wise. Not like there were any doctors left on Earth at that point."

K: "Perhaps the author wanted to point out the skills you two taught yourself before you were sent back in time."

Asuka suddenly thought back. "Who is the author anyway?"

K: "...Hm."

Flipping back.

An eyebrow raised. "One Jimmy Wolk."

S: "Not Anno?"

K: "It may be penned by someone else, but it would still be a world of ours."

Asuka had a smirk on her. "Well so far, they're doing a better job than Anno. At least in terms of keeping us sane and giving us a somewhat happy life."

R: "Almost like they're trying to undo what Anno did."

A: "Good! Fuck Hideki Anno and what he did to me and all of us!"

Uproarious chortles at the table. Internally, Asuka made a note to look up this author.
 
Something Normal

"A broad smile found its way on his lips as an idea was formed in his mind."

A: "Taking me out on a date, Shin-chan?"

S: "It'd be nice, I imagine. Especially considering how hectic our lives would've become."

K: "I'm more amazed they had a sizeable collection of DVDs. The only consumer DVDs I've seen were Aida's discs."

A: "And they came from another universe." Chuckling. "I can still see you getting bashful at a romance movie though, Shinji."

S: "Even though you're not that into movies like that."

A: "Why do I need a romance movie when I have you?" She gave a warm smile.

R: "Do you even watch the movies you put on?"

A: "If they're interesting enough to occupy us." An amorous look towards her partner. "And if they're not~"

S: "Even if they're interesting."
 
Bigger day

"Maybe there would be an even bigger day after all."

Kaworu glanced over the book, and might've been blinded by the glaring smile of Asuka. "We still need to get a ring, don't we?"

S: "W-well, it depends what I'm thinking of. Is it for engagement? Or..."

R: "Considering the structures for marriage don't exactly exist anymore, you could skip a few steps and cut straight to the point."

K: "Not like there's anyone left in the world."

Wonderful thoughts kept springing to Asuka's mind. "Well, that'll make them one up on us, wouldn't it? If they get... married."

K: "I would say you deserve something like that. After all you two had been through."
 
Dawn

"He just smiled as he sat up. "You'll see once everything's ready...""

R: "Ah yes, the wonders of sleeping with partners. Not that I mind, of course."

K: "Meep."

A: "Sometimes I think it deliberate you're hands gravitate, Shin-chan. Not that I mind."

Shinji merely blushed. "Not like I know where they drift when I sleep..."
 
Cinema

It was Kaworu's turn to blush. "As it seemed, some wishes would be granted after all..."

A: "Even in an apocalypse, we do dirty things in the cinema!"

S: "At least no one could catch us this time."

A: "Oh we weren't caught anyway, Shinji! Plus, what else do you do in a cinema?"

R: "Watch the movie, perhaps?"

K: "Even the projector has DVD capability. I suppose that could be one of the minor butterflies resulting from Second Impact."

A: "It sounded like it took a bit to actually get to the theatre." She huffed. "Adventure tour, I gotta remember that."

S: "I can see you teasing like that as well."

A: "More lighthearted than before, eh Shinji? Though what I said still holds true, gotta give a girl time to dress for a date."
 
Dance

"The music began to fade after a while. Neither of them noticed..."

S: "That sounded like a nice little heart to heart."

A: "Thing is, that's pretty much how I felt about Kaji. Not like I knew back then it was Misato who left him."

K: "But you also knew Kaji would not return those feelings."

A: "Deep down, maybe. I think I only really accepted it when he and Misato came back, and I smelt her perfume on him. The night Shinji and I first kissed."

R: "Your Laserdisc self even realised this, didn't she?"

Nodding. "Only I was able to fall back on Shinji. Her... well, it took the end of the world before she realised that."

S: "At least now, they're starting to get a bit of happiness with one another."

A: "I know we've certainly danced like that a few times. It's quite relaxing."
 
Hot Coffee

"Repeating this gentle kiss again and again they- they slowly retreated towards Asuka's room."

It wasn't lost on the crowd how Kaworu got quieter and meeker as the description went on. "Oh c'mon Kaworu, you know we do a lot more questionable stuff than that!"

K: "It's a bit different when I'm the one describing the scenario."

R: "But the significance of such a scene isn't lost on you, is it?"

K: "Indeed. That would've been one of the last walls between you two, before you could truly be together. As the narration suggested."

A: "Took them a bit, didn't it Shinji?"

He was still blushing. "Y-Yeah. Considering it didn't take us long at all to get there."

A: "Then again, we're a bit different, aren't we? I probably wouldn't put out like that in such a short period of time, had Leliel not almost killed me."

R: "Amazing how life threatening events affect the libido."
 
Morning After

"It didn't take long before that "joke" was forgotten..."

A: "Oh man, they have become a bit like us!"

S: "At least we benefit from protection. I doubt there's much of that in an apocalypse."

K: "Considering what the book has implied thus far."

Asuka thought, more clear headed this time around compared to last chapter. "I might react to having a child reasonably. I dunno about her, considering she's essentially my Laserdisc self."

R: "You'd still be young, as well. Instrumentality appeared to occur sometime 2016."

A: "So I'd be around 15 or 16."

S: "Not like there would be anyone but us to enforce morals like that."

A: "I mean, I thought about it back then. Alongside marriage. But it was just that. Wishful thoughts."

R: "It will be sooner rather than later, at this rate."

Asuka continued her deep thoughts. "I wonder what they'll be like."
 
Commune

"Just like the clouds that made place for the sun."

R: "You're still holding onto that guilt."

A: "Was. By the sounds of it, she got a lot off her chest. Though who knows if anyone there was listening."

S: "Even if they weren't. Just being able to get it out there would've helped."

K: "And I'm sure Shinji would've been listening on."

A: "A part of that could've been aimed at him. Especially the part about... mama."

K: "You finally found happiness in Shinji. Something you could not have obtained in Instrumentality."

R: "And as long as you live, you could make your own happiness. That's what the End of Evangelion taught."

S: "Something both of us had to learn the hard way in the Laserdiscs."

A: "Thank fucking Gott in this world, we were able to do that without ending the world."

R: "Still. You were able to find happiness despite such hardship."
 
Proposal

"A bit startled, she looked up to him, but it didn't seem like he was to say any more...' I suppose you could call that a proposal."

S: "I'd say that was even more nuanced than our one."

R: "And yet it would've still been significant."

A: "...Those were my thoughts on the matter as well. Of course, that was back in 2015, wasn't it?"

K: "The narration suggests it has been a year since Instrumentality. That would put the timeline sometime 2017, early or mid."

A: "Okay, so it took them a while. Hell, it took us a while."

S: "Though we've always thought about it."

A: "Yeah, we just never bothered proposing until Ritsuko prodded us."
 
Rose

"A rose? Now, what could he grow those for?"

Kaworu flipped the page, and sightread the last section.

Before he passed it to Asuka. "I think you might want to read this for yourself."

And so she narrated.

"Instead, there was a kind of arch; roses intertwined with-' Christ it is a marriage." Realisation struck her, as her gaze and hand fell on Shinji.

"Rei? You'd probably be better at describing such thing than I would be."

A warm smile to the fish, and Rei fished the book from Asuka's side of the table. She made sure to pay mind to their fields.
 
"They never remembered how long they stood there; kissing while the sun gave its last light for that day, leaving only the stars and the sea to watch the two beings that shared the most precious thing in this world. Their love..." She placed the book down, sensing the storm of emotion that enveloped the two like a typhoon. "I hope I paid that scene justice."

A: "You- you did well, Rei."

Quiet, as she continued her longing look towards her significant someone. "I... I think I could use a moment alone with you, Shinji."

"Of course, Asuka."

And with that, they made a temporary retreat to their room.
 
And their fields exploded.

"They seem happy." Noted Kaworu.

"As they would be. You know as well as I do they desire something like that."

"So how long do you think they'll be?"

She glanced at her phone. "We'll give them half an hour to themselves. I feel like lunch anyway."
So they began to make their leave as well. "Feel like anything particular today?" 
Shrugging. "We could just make something at our apartment. Coffee, maybe?"

"Cof-" Glass broke. "I-is this drink coffee or...?"

"I'll leave that up to you to decide."
 2. One and the Same 
"What could these thoughts mean, mama?"

Ritsuko pondered. "I'd say they're quite normal, considering how you found a way into a human body."
"Including the desire for constant companionship?" 
"Including that. Though then again, I did code you to have a natural inclination towards socialisation and companionship."
"As I would've expected."  It was obvious to her.  "It helps with the Evangelion."
"Indeed. Of course, as you say, you have constant consciousness now. You don't just wake up and have Rei in your mind anymore, and you miss that."
A glance downward.  "It would be false to claim otherwise." 
A twinge of sympathy for who she could call her daughter. Pretty much everyone else she knew of had to learn how to find companionship in others, and now her daughter is having the opposite problem. She knew Eliza knew Rei and everyone else had their lives outside of NERV. But to Eliza, there wasn't much else other than Evangelion. At least before Rogue-00 came into the picture.

"I think that's what I desire. Companionship."

She and Maya could provide something. But nothing like what Rei and Eliza have.

"We probably won't be running any Evangelion until next month, when Massachusetts get those dual sync designs finalised." Mused Maya. "I know Kaworu doesn't really handle Lilithian Evangelion well, so you might be able to sync with Rei then."

"Like in Pacific Rim."

"More of a mixture between Pacific Rim and Franxx. But... I think you might like that, Eliza."
"I would."  An odd smile, like she was still learning. But one both Maya and Ritsuko found completely adorable.  "Weren't Massachusetts planning on tests later this month?"
A nod from the head of Project E. "Commander Mabel invited me to oversee the tests. I'm planning on giving her a heart attack by getting Yui and Kyoko to tag along, depending on if they want to."

"And I'm staying here. Someone's gotta watch over Project E while my Sempai's off elsewhere."
"And to keep Misato, Kensuke and his birds in line." A glance towards her. "You'll be fine without me for a few days, eh?" 
"S'long as you call me every night, okay?"

"Don't worry." A warm smile, before turning back to Eliza. "You'll be fine with me going away for a bit, right Eliza?"
A nod.  "It's NERV business. Plus, ma's still here."Maya gave a small smile, as there was a knock on the door.  "That should be Hiro and Zero Two."
"Guess it's time for them to be traumatised as well."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

1. Coffee 
"That was some damn good coffee, Rei."

"See? Told you that was premium product!" A pious look was painted on her, as they made their way to the apartment of Shinji and Asuka.

Rei stopped Kaworu from opening the door. "You can see them, right?"
A singular nod. "They seem calm."
"I assume they're resting."

"Indeed. I would've expected them to just be with one another. Sometimes a hug is all you really need. Right Kaworu?"
"Mhm."
They spent a few moments in silence.

"So shall we interrupt them?"

"Yes."

The door opened. "I hope you're done with your coffee!" She yelled into the house, finding amusement in the sudden spike in her friend's fields.

~~~
 
After the prerequisite prodding at what they did while they were away, they soon got back to reading.
  2. The Second Try 
Character Key:
Shinji (S) Asuka (A)Rei (R) Kaworu (K)  
2.5: “Chapter 5. The 14th.”
 
"Well shit." Muttered Asuka.

Unfamiliar Ceiling

"With that she quietly left the room, hoping that he wouldn't notice the blush on her cheeks."

A: "Still the bashful one."

K: "Toji may be annoyed at this, but spending a few weeks recovering with broken limbs is better than losing limbs, and having to undergo the extensive rehabilitation involved."

S: "Might even be better than what Hikari was given in our world."

R: "Not like she lost limbs. She was merely dissolved into the Evangelion for a while, similar to you in the Laserdiscs."

A sudden recollection on Shinji's part. "Shit. Is that gonna happen in this as well?"

K: "I would think, if the major stations of the Laserdiscs were followed. And so far, they were."

R: "Like the Laserdiscs, it was you who faced Leliel, Shinji."

A: "And Toji was selected as pilot and got a bit fucked up, like the Laserdiscs."

S: "Which most likely means Zeruel will end up like the Laserdiscs." Groaning.

A: "I don't think this Asuka would take you getting trapped in Unit-01 too well. Hell, I wouldn't have taken that well if that's what happened."

K: "Well, they know that's what happened. Like Bardiel before, they may attempt to change things. Make them at least a bitbetter."

S: "So far, it's been a bit hit or miss when it comes to changing what happened. Bardiel was an improvement this time around, but Leliel I'd argue went worse. Simply based on the fact I didn't have as much power as previously."

A: "And it pretty much happened exactly like the Laserdiscs, just a bit earlier."

R: "I am glad to hear you have appropriately low hopes." Flat.

A: "Considering what can happen to us, you understand."

TV

""Just the TV...""

S: "I hated having to hide us from everyone."

A: "You understand why though. And you understand why this version of us is doing it."

R: "Their reasons seem familiar to yours, in a sense."

K: "Hiding their true intentions from NERV, and the commander. Because you know what he could do."

A: "I kinda expected me to be angry at herself after that Bardiel, still. That was a bit bullshit."

S: "You did more than the Laserdiscs. I'd say that was still an improvement."

Asuka folded her arms, grumbling. "At least here I was able to show Bardiel a piece of my mind. Sure I got fired for it, but it's better than nothing."

Nightmare

Rei, stoic as she can be, struggled to read. "And so they wept silently together until he had to get back to his own room, before the morning came to bring another day of repression and charades."

There was a long silence before someone spoke. "At... at least you came to comfort me. To try, at the very least."

K: "I'm sure you noticed him. Even in a restless sleep like that."

S: "...I doubt there would've been much I could do. If what we thought happened, happened."

R: "But you were there. And that's what matters most."

K: "It's a pain you both share, as well. I'm sure Rei would agree with me in saying it's most likely one of the greatest pains a pair could have."

Nodding, solemn. "I doubt saying that is helping those two right now, however."

Asuka gave a huff, ever increasing melancholy somewhat halted by Rei's levity. "You'd be right. At least Misato's alright. Again."

S: "Probably can't say exactly the same of Ritsuko."

A: "Not that Commander Asshole's helping."

Henpecked

"The next Angel was about to attack any moment."

S: "Well that was a bit of a change of mood."

A: "One that was needed. Unlike Anno, Wolk seemingly knows we don't want to wallow around in depression on what could've been."

K: "Even compared to our show, this scene was more comedic than anything after Bardiel."

R: "Not like that's a bad thing. As Asuka stated."

A: "Though I can certainly see myself doing that, if I was her. Even though she's meant to be older and mature."

S: "I think we know at this point there's some things we won't grow out of."

She poked her tongue. "Oh well, I reckon we're gonna get our dose of trauma in what happens next, if Laserdisc Zeruel is anything to go by."

R: "Considering we've had our daily dose of trauma several times so far. Per chapter."

K: "Though considering what we've faced, practically nothing can phase us." He lied, probably trying to convince himself.

A: "You say that." Asuka meanwhile wasn't convinced.

The Big Z

""Have them attack the target as soon as it enters the Geofront.""

A: "Is this another thing we can add to "The Chronicles of Commander Asshole's Mistakes"?"

S: "It's pretty much the same as the Laserdiscs. So yeah, maybe."

K: "Especially if we consider that the dummy plug didn't work at all this time around. Whereas at least here, it could run."

R: "Not well."

K: "Well no, it didn't do anything against my brother." Complete deadpan. The first time he found out about the Commander's plan, he found it difficult to not laugh.

A: "Though he knows the dummy plug didn't work. So why is he doing it now?"

S: "To spite me, probably?"

R: "Considering it'll most likely go the Laserdisc's way. Though Ritsuko's comment on the matter is interesting."

S: "If I had a say in it, I probably would want to get as far away from him as possible. At least my Laserdisc self would."

A: "What would you do then?"

He shrugged. "I'd say I'd do something violent to him, but I probably couldn't bring myself to do it." He gave a significant look to Asuka. "Though I had one exception."

I won't lose

""FATHER!"" Rei had pursed lips. "I don't think this went well for me."

K: "Interesting to see the Commander have that reaction."

A: "If he really did care for her, he wouldn't have done what he did."

S: "Considering how he treated his own son. And still treats his own son." Rolling his eyes. "Even in other universes, he's an ass."

A: "Might as well be a constant at this point, Shinji. I wonder if I'm acting a bit too hasty."

K: "You still hold the fear you held in the Laserdiscs. You don't want to be considered useless, more for your own sake than others."

R: "I would say more so now. If we consider what we think happened."

Asuka thought, like she did many times with this story. "Y'know what? I can see myself doing that."

S: "And by the sounds of it, like the Laserdiscs, I'm shouting at my father to do something."

A: "It's still showing a backbone to your father. Sure that's probably what he wanted."

R: "At least here you were able to show him up."

K: "Knowing him, he probably expected you two to hijack Unit-03."

A: "Did he expect to get roasted by SEELE?"

K: "Probably not."

Stubborn

'"You always got what you wanted, didn't you?'"

A: "And once again, I was taken out. Splendid."

It wasn't splendid.

R: "Much like the Laserdiscs, you and I are in the same boat."

S: "And once again, it looks like it's up to me." Flat. "And we know how that went."

K: "I find it odd your mother did not help you this time around, Asuka. Considering you shouted out to her."

A: "I mean, if this follows the Laserdiscs, she's not gonna show herself until the MP-Eva are deployed. And we know how thatwent." Emulating Shinji.

R: "Your mother is still being stubborn, Shinji, as the Laserdiscs."

S: "A lot of this is similar to the Laserdiscs."

K: "Even with foresight, there wouldn't be too much you could do. If we consider the seemingly all seeing eye of Gendo Ikari."

A: "I doubt this will help me, though. Adding how Bardiel didn't go to plan, in addition to Zeruel."

R: "And if we consider what's next."

Asuka's neutral face slowly morphed into one of fear, as her eyes darted around. "Oh God."

Visitation

""Hello, mother...""

K: "And the stations of the Laserdisc continue unabated."

R: "Almost like it were fate."

S: "Though I have a point. Why is it happening like before?"

A: "Maybe we haven't spat in the face of fate hard enough this time around."

S: "Even though we did it completely on accident. Judging by how every other media went."

K: "Maybe this world, God decided to cut us a break."

A: "'Bout time." Glancing up. "Seems he was on extended leave through the Laserdiscs."

S: "Still is, if whats happening now is anything to go by."

Information

""Nothing I wouldn't know already...""

A sigh. "Probably should've anticipated that."

K: "Even with foresight, you wouldn't have known much about SEELE. And what little information you could gather, would've been old news to someone versed in intelligence."

R: "If anything, it tells Kaji you know something. And out of everyone, I'm sure he'd accept the fact you looped."

A: "If we can even tell him. Considering what happened in the Laserdiscs."

K: "At this rate, I would expect the same events to transpire. If we consider how close this story follows events of the Laserdiscs."

Bad Week

"And though Hikari blushed at the comparison, it was doubtful that her friend even noticed anymore, as the redhead had already hurried away from her. "Asuka...""

Asuka gave a dejected sigh. "Knew she'd react this way."

R: "Shinji not being there would not help those thoughts of failure."

K: "Hikari realises this. Even though you try to lead her astray."

A: "As she would. She kinda knows that stuff. Though sometimes she doesn't know the right words." A grimace as she recalled what happened in the Laserdiscs.

S: "I'm sure you could get through it. You know it's a set time, and that I come back."

A: "Maybe with our knowledge, and how everything has happened similarly. But to her, not only is she kicking herself for failing again, she's without the only person she can relate with for a month. Hell, I'd probably react like that if you were suddenly gone for a month."

K: "I essentially reacted like that with Rei."

Introspection

""...It is?""

S: "It's a bit different to seeing every significant woman in my life naked."

A: "I'd say preferable as well. You have a point though, seems a bit cruel to send us back."

K: "But you were sent back for a reason. Ostensibly to change fate."

R: "But even that sounds like it was out of their control. I doubt they would've gone back, if they did have a child together."

A: "God no I wouldn't go back, not even with them. That'd be even worse!"

S: "Either way, it never seems like it's up to us."

K: "When you're dealing with things beyond your station, that's how it feels like."

R: "We managed, at least. It took practically everything we could muster, but we managed."

S: "Now we need to see if we can manage it."

The curious case of Shinji Ikari

""I said I prefer military...""

S: "At least here he does that 'hacking and spying-stuff'. Though it's kinda interesting seeing how they reacted to my... disappearance. In a bit of a morbid sense."

K: "The Laserdiscs did not go into much detail on how your friends reacted. In fact, I don't think they were even involved much after Zeruel."

A: "I know Hikari was who pushed me off the cliff, so to speak. But no, I don't recall seeing Toji or Kensuke at all after Zeruel."

R: "Other than cameos in the finale, they weren't. I'd say they were almost forgotten about, Anno instead choosing to focus on us."

S: "Maybe if he decided to focus on them a bit, we would've gotten out a bit more unscathed."

A: "I doubt it."

K: "I can certainly see your friends reacting similarly in the Laserdiscs. However, this is overall an improvement on the situation of the Laserdiscs. God knows how broken those three would be after Bardiel and Zeruel."

R: "Kensuke especially. His worldview on Evangelion would've been even more shattered, had Toji lost a limb. And his depression is understandable; like Asuka he would be pining for his friend Shinji."

A: "Though... it's nice of them to want to help me. I don't think my Laserdisc self would've been given that luxury."

S: "I don't think they could do much, unfortunately. They know nothing about our situation in the book. No one does, but us."

A: "Still. It's the thought that counts." A sad smirk. "At the very least, Hikari and her stooge are getting along well enough. We've got that going for us, at least."

R: "I feel your influences are helping me as well. To a lesser extent than this world, but certainly to a degree."

K: "Whether it's a degree the commander can see."

Note

"Ritsuko eyed her suspiciously as she left. "Nothing, huh?""

Shinji rolled his eyes. "Typical of her to miss out on something like that."

A: "I thought such a note would've been obvious." Furrowed brow to go with a frown. "Guess I should've been more obvious."

K: "Not like you can go 'Hey Misato, I'm a time looper'."

R: "Considering that's not even the most absurd thing that's happened in our world."

S: "I wonder if Ritsuko now suspects Misato, though. That was pretty obvious of her."

R: "Obviously she does. Its whether she'll tell the commander about it or not; he would still be in her pants at this point in time. I doubt we had done anything to help her in this book world."

A: "Considering the Laserdiscs, it's probably somewhat understandable. Maybe I'd be a bit more sympathetic, knowing how shafted she was by Commander Asshole."

Rei gave a look that screamed 'Really?'.

Asuka's eyes soon went wide in shock as she realised her innuendo. "I didn't mean it like that! Even though it still works in that sense."

Cry when you feel sad

""Who am I to ask for a promise that I can't keep myself?""

Shaking her head. "It's all getting too much for me."

S: "As it would be. I don't know how I'd deal with something like that."

A: "At least you tried consoling me, Rei."

R: "I'm not certain what effect it had, however. And it was not consoling, was it?"

K: "It sounded like you were trying to understand what happened."

R: "As I would be. While I would be a bit more clear headed than the Laserdiscs in this situation, I doubt I had as extensive rehabilitation Shinji and Asuka provided me in our world."

S: "If we gave you any at all. I think we're more focused on ourselves than others."

K: "As you would be. Asuka was the only person to come back with you. And that kind of knowledge affects how you seepeople."

R: "Would you know from experience, Kaworu?"

Shaking his head. "No. I don't remember anything but vague thoughts and ideas from anything past or future. Any other Kaworu would not be me." Cogs spinning in his mind. "But I can see how, if I could remember loops like that, and if I was constantly looping, then I would start seeing non looping individuals as static. Automata."

Asuka thought. "...Like nothing you did would matter, because everything would just reset."

K: "Bingo. Morals would be the first to go, I would think. What use is following the laws of Gods and men if nothing mattered? Soon after, you would start to see other, non loopers as predictable machines. Pawns to mess with."

R: "You're mainly basing this on what happened in Groundhog Day, right?"

K: "Mostly, admittedly. Though it's an interesting case study on what an average person might do in a situation like that. Phil Connors exhibited this behaviour; stealing money scot free by exploiting his foresight. Joyriding. Even killing himself in multiple ways. None of it mattered. He'd always wake up in his bed, at six in the morning, listening to I Got You Babe."

S: "I mean, I can see how someone could do that, given enough time."

A: "So, if we experienced several thousand time loops like he did, that's what will happen?"

K: "Most likely. Course, I don't have any basis to back this up on."

R: "You could say that of most of this world, it hasn't stopped anything."

S: "Man, we've really gone off track, haven't we?"

They thought.

And laughed.

And Rei resumed reading.

Break

A grimace on her face. "The tears returned as she sank back to her bed. "He... has to...""

Asuka sighed. "It was only a matter of time."

R: "At least Misato was there."

K: "Though granted, you experiencing a breakdown was not the original intention of visiting you."

A: "Well yeah, but I'm sure I'd appreciate it. At least a bit."

S: "Out of all the people, I'm sure Misato could understand."

K: "Of course, Asuka will wait for you to return."

S: "I wouldn't worry about that myself. So far, things have happened as they were in the Laserdiscs. Out of all the things to be different, why would this be?"

Familiarity

"But as much as she wanted to cherish this feeling of casual familiarity as long as possible, she knew too well that it wouldn't last very long."

S: "Good to see Misato's taking this in her stride."

A: "I can definitely see her prodding like that. Though we all know she would not have forgotten last night."

R: "A bit of levity helps. Or at least the appearance of levity."

K: "Maybe such a discussion helped sooth Misato's mind. We know in the Laserdiscs, she was worried to hell and back about you."

S: "Kensuke seems that way as well. Trying to break into the Magi of all things."

A: "Even if this Kensuke was the computer geek our Kensuke was, he could not break into something like the Magi."

R: "I'm pretty sure all the information he obtained about NERV was through his father's terminal. Not through breaking into one of the most powerful and secure computers in this world."

A: "As they say, the least secure part of a computer is the people that use them."

Social Engineer

""What kid...?" I don't recall Kensuke's father being a drunkard."

K: "You would've known as well."

A: "He still works for NERV though, it seems. And with what's been going on, you can kinda see why they would want to drink."

R: "The narration suggested his alcoholism was in response to Kensuke's mother's death. Which we know why she 'died'."

S: "Though for all we know, Kensuke's father could be a drunkard. At the very least, he isn't a violent drunkard."

Turning to Shinji, a cold look in her eyes. "Trust me. I would've known."

A shiver ran down his spine.

The Big L

"Hikari may not have been able to ease all her pains. But Asuka now knew that her friend would be there for her."

A: "My point on people still stands. Though I kinda appreciate Hikari wanting to comfort me."

S: "As she would. She's a close friend of yours."

K: "It seems Kensuke was able to help after all. Though I'm not sure if such knowledge would help Kensuke, it would help Hikari understand you more, Asuka."

R: "At the very least, it gives them something. He's not just missing, he's somewhere. They know what happened to him. That would give them some sort of comfort, I would think."

Return

"In fact, behind its sarcasm, it was one of the greatest compliments Rei had ever received – especially by someone like the Second. And she had to admit – it felt good..." Rei smiled. "Must say, it's an improvement in our Laserdisc relationship."

A: "Pretty much anything is better than our Laserdisc relationship. Not sure if that could get any worse."

S: "You say that, but I'm sure there's something that proves you wrong."

Asuka shrugged. "Probably. I'm surprised I showed that kind of restraint."

K: "You would've had to. To keep up the facade."

R: "Though I wonder if this Rei is free enough to be told of your situation."

S: "I imagine eventually you'll know. It was your friendship with us that helped stop Instrumentality in the first place, wasn't it?"

A nod. "Indeed. Telling the truth about yourself would facilitate friendship, I would think."

K: "Of course, you can't be too hasty. They would continue to believe you were compromised."

R: "Until I convinced them otherwise."

S: "I wonder if mum would understand my relationship with Asuka after this."

A: "Hopefully. Maybe if she thinks like that, she would be less inclined to help end the world."

Reawaken

"They stayed silent like this for a few more minutes, before it was time to leave the comforting peace of their own little world and to face reality once again."

S: "Shouldn't have handwritten it." Admonishing himself.

A: "Well she knows now. D'ya think she'll believe our explanation?"

S: "Probably not at first. But Misato's pretty understanding. In most worlds, at least."

R: "She would've suspected something anyway. You could not keep up the facade forever. Even here you could not."

A: "And arguably, I had a harder time keeping the facade up in the book. Considering what history we must have."

K: "Considering what Misato has had to understand, something like your situation wouldn't be out of the question."

A: "Of course, her curiosity is also a reason why she'd want to know."

S: "At the very least, as you said Asuka, we don't have to hold back at home."

A mischievous grin. "I'm sure she'll like being kept up." The grin subsided. "Though it's not just that. Now I can finally get away with holding you at night."

Shinji's expression turned to one of empathy. "Yeah. I'm sure you would like that."

Bombshell

""Yes, Misato..." Shinji cut her off softly,"

There was a noticeable lull in her narration. Her eyes glanced at the candle. ""we... we had a child..."" She placed the book down and focused her attention further on Asuka.

A: "...Well. There's the confirmation."

K: "Shinji has a point. Just because it seemingly never happened, doesn't mean the memories weren't there. From an outsider perspective it can seem like that, hence Misato's disbelief."

R: "It might have been too much to ask for her to believe a story like that, at least on a first glance."

A sad smile on Asuka. "It's a bit of an absurd thought, admittedly."

S: "The absurdity of the matter doesn't make it any less true, however."
 
"Yeah..."

Asuka kept her eyes down at the table, cogs spinning in her mind. "The next chapter is set in after Instrumentality. What... what are the chances it'll cover... that?"

Rei flipped to the next chapter. 'bear.' She transmitted to Kaworu, who immediately realised the exact connotations of the word.

"Your expressions aren't helping." Complained Asuka, somewhat muted.

Rei passed the book to Kaworu. "I think it will be in our interests to continue. And for you to find out."

Asuka gave pause, her hand slowly drifting to Shinji. "...I'd like that."

~~~
 
2.6: “Chapter 6. bear.”
 Kaworu, speaking the prerequisite opening softer than he usually would, looked towards Asuka as he spoke the chapter name. 
Eyes darting as she processed this, before they went wide as she gave several short nods, realising the implications.

Mrs Ikari

"Asuka nodded slowly. "Be careful.""

Shinji raised his eyebrow. "Not eating?"

Grim thoughts crossed her mind, but she quashed them quickly. "Could be a sickness of some sort." Almost like she was trying to convince herself more than others.

R: "I would think, with you two at least, your married lives would not be so different than now."

A: "Considering we might as well be married."

Kaworu glanced towards Rei. 'We know why she might be doing that, right?'

'Given the chapter name.'

Trash

"He couldn't tell how long he kept sitting there."

Silence for a minute.

Asuka decided on levity. "That's the problem with apocalypses. They don't exactly make condoms or pills anymore."

Maybe it was the seriousness of the situation, but the crew found themselves laughing for a brief moment.

With the weight of it all slightly lifted, Asuka continued. "I should've expected she try to hide it. Something as big as... that."

R: "Obviously she wanted to deal with it herself."

K: "I would've thought, with your newfound relationship with Shinji, you would be more comfortable with that."

A: "I think it's clearly evident I'm not mature and undamaged enough to deal with that sort of shit. Even with how I am, I'd tell Shinji immediately if something like that happened."

S: "Of course, we've actually had discussion about that kind of stuff."

Nodding. "Odds are, this me never even considered it in the heat of the moment. Probably not up until she missed a few times."

R: "Not like you had a pedantic Misato drilling into your heads not to do that as well."

More chuckling, humour to soothe over the burden.

Truth

"Everything.."

Asuka sighed. "Gottverdammt. Three parts in and I already messed things up."

R: "Logically, I can understand your thought processes, and why you might want to do such a thing."

A: "I'm guessing your Lilithian side is opposed to such thoughts."

R: "Putting it lightly, yes."

S: "I can certainly see myself reacting like that."

K: "Many people would, I would think. Something like that would have to be a group decision."

A: "And I took it into my own hands." She sounded disappointed in herself. "Should've expected that of her."

R: "Thing is, I doubt you two will separate over this. Yes you'll be estranged for a time, but Shinji would continue to support you."

S: "Once I calm down a bit. I feel like I get a bit more riled up in this story."

A: "I mean, that's understandable. Not like an apocalypse would help matters, but considering how you can be when someone pushes you a bit too far."

R: "You seem to be taking this well, Asuka."

A: "I decided to myself not to think about it too hard. Otherwise I'll just get stuck in a vicious cycle of emotion and I kinda don'twant a breakdown."

R: "Understandable. I suppose it would be easier if you separate you and the book you."

A: "I've already done that. It helps, somewhat."

Talk

"Silently, he rolled back to his side." Kaworu gave a glance to Asuka. "That discussion would've helped, though it's clear there is still laundry to air."

R: "Gives us an insight into your thought process as well. At least in this world."

A: "Given what happened, I can kinda understand thinking like that. I know for a fact Laserdisc me made it abundantly clear she didn't want kids."

S: "I know you now wouldn't think like that."

A: "Then again, ever since that kiss with you I've had an abundance of happiness. Laserdisc me, not so much." Grimacing. "Hell, when you think about it, she had precedent for this kind of thinking. Mama's death, her death."

R: "So it is understandable why she would think this child would come in between you and Shinji."

A: "Yeah. Especially given her... mentality." A huff. "I still can't believe I'm the most mentally stable Asuka."

K: "All because you found love in Shinji."

A: "Amazing what actually talking can do, eh? Shame no one else of us learnt that."

Captain's Log

"Of course that had been in another time."

S: "I can see the purpose of logging that kind of stuff, especially in a situation like an apocalypse."

A: "Probably for our benefit. Lets you put into words all the ways I'm not dealing with this in a productive manner."

R: "You are eating, at least. Even if sporadically."

A: "Would that even do much?"

R: "Maybe. I would think your body would prioritise the child over even yourself."

A: "Of course she would do something ineffective." Muttering.

K: "But eventually, those urges for hunger would overwhelm you." His eyes had glanced over the next part. "As so:"
 
And so he read out the next part. "The contended smile never left his face."

A: "What, that's not how you eat a sandwich?"

R: "Once again, instinct won out."

K: "I'm sure Shinji would've been somewhat relieved at that."

S: "Well, she's not starving herself to death."

A: "I wasn't even subtle about it. Surely if she didn't want Shinji to know, she'd have been quieter."

K: "For all you knew, you thought he was asleep."

She thought back. "Oh, that was a midnight snack. I mean, I wouldn't put it past her. I'm being really stubborn, by the sounds of it."

S: "I'm sure the tension between us wouldn't help much."

R: "It is an unsustainable tension. There will be a snapping point."

Snapping Point

""No," he concurred, shaking his head. "No, it's not...""

Asuka was first to speak, after a small pause. "Y'know something? Yes that was a really bad argument but... I think I needed something like that. To get through my thick skull."

R: "Coming from Shinji, of all people, would've helped."

A: "I mean, there's no one else who could've given me a talk like that. But... especially since it was Shinji."

K: "He played to one of your greatest fears. Losing him."

Asuka glanced at the table. "I mean, if it was to get me to... stop hurting myself."

R: "I'm sure if you pushed Shinji that far, he would react similarly."

Now it was his turn to think. "I... I can see myself reacting like that, honestly. Even if it would make me look like my father."

Asuka gave a grim smirk. "Sometimes you have to put your foot down. I can certainly do that."

S: "Maybe I can say I adopted that from you instead of my father. Not that it'd help me."

Plea

""Come on," she said coolly. "Let's get home.""

Asuka continued her downward glance. "I wonder if she knows just how much she's hurting you."

R: "I think a part of her does."

K: "That part would be fighting against the other part of you. The obstinate part."

S: "And all the while, I'm trying to do what's best for everyone."

A: "...As you would be doing, Shinji. Even though different universes like this, you're more or less the same."

K: "Same with everyone. Of course, so far, the iterations of us we have seen or otherwise heard about have had similar upbringings. Between the Laserdisc, Theatrical and Wolk iterations of us, our pasts are the same as they were here."

R: "Unless otherwise stated."

Asuka thought back. "You can see these, right Kaworu?"

K: "With effort. Travelling the tree of time takes power. It becomes trivial with an S2, but even then there are limits to where you can go."

A: "...Maybe you could find this?"

He thought. "Maybe."

Cycles

""And it seems they left us a few little presents..." he concluded, laying it carefully to a second heap."

R: "Unfortunate. But predators have to eat too. It's a shame it inconveniences you."

S: "Might want to give the hens a bit more of a defence, then."

A: "At least that rooster went. Give us a bit more of a sleep in."

K: "The rooster might have been inconvenient for your sleep schedule, but it allowed you to replenish and build a stock of chicken."

A: "I'm sure it wouldn't be a hassle to go out and find more chickens, if we had to. There's always that farm."

R: "Of course, it would be more convenient to keep a viable stock on hand. You could do that with a rooster, at least up to a point before inbreeding would become a problem."

S: "And hey, it was probably a while since we even had chicken. That would've been a nice change."

A: "I mean, I might give pause to eating something that died like that. Then again, this is the apocalypse."

K: "You have eaten something that died like that. At your hands." Flat.

A: "It was in Unit-02, it doesn't count." Flippant.

Ultrasound

""Can we go home now?" she asked softly. "I'm... I'm a bit hungry...""

Asuka gave a few short nods, approving. "If anything could get through her skull, it would've been that."

Shinji too was somewhat taken aback, giving a small smile. "It certainly got through my skull."

R: "It would certainly be a sight to behold, for two parents to be."

K: "Though depending on your mental state, it might exacerbate things. We know your Laserdisc self never desired something like this."

R: "The hormones would do a lot to convince someone."

A: "Especially with her, however, her body would've been fighting with her mind."

S: "I think you've accepted it. At least more so than earlier."

A: "Well, I'm not trying to kill it, at least." She gave a sigh. "It's kinda a shame this is a book. Maybe if it was a show or a movie."

K: "If it was, and you saw actual moving footage of this child of yours, what would your reaction have been?"

A: "Probably a breakdown, let's be honest."

Week 14-15

"-who knows how much longer it would have been that way..."

R: "Interesting thoughts, are they not?"

S: "I think I came to the same conclusion I did."

R: "It would make sense motherly instincts could kick in at that time. You have evidence of a child growing. And that's all the mind needs."

A: "She had evidence before. Though I think the ultrasound was the last bit of evidence that broke through her walls. Always with the walls."

K: "Apocalypse doesn't do much in helping tear down emotional walls. Even with your relationship, it took noticeably longer to establish, and at least now they're still more distant than you two are."

R: "After they get sent back is a different story. I'd say your future past iterations are even more reliant on one another for support and love."

A: "Well that's an accomplishment." She dripped sarcasm. "Course, they have gone through quite a bit. I'm sure getting thrust back in time and..."

She grew quiet.

Everyone knew why.

Cycles

"They stayed like that, not saying a word, until the silence was broken by the chirping of the three newborns."

R: "And so life continues." A small smile.

K: "An interesting urge you had."

A: "One I could understand. Those hormones probably did most of the talking." Her face grew a bit more serious. "If there's something this Asuka has similar to me, it's that phobia of those damned dolls."

K: "You two shared the same life until that kiss. It makes sense she would have that phobia."

S: "But what I mused about still holds true. A doll cannot replace someone."

A: "I get that now, even if I still despise those things."

R: "Which I would think was understandable. We all have those kind of phobias. The end of the world won't change that."

K: "Might even add fears."

Your Name

"" 'Aki Soryu' is much better...""

Maybe it was because she had a name to put to this growing child, either way, Asuka froze for a bit.

S: "Asuka?"

Before a small smile became apparent. "...Aki."

R: "Do you like the name?"

Asuka gave a short nod. "Yeah. Christ, now I'm thinking about that kind of stuff even more."

S: "You know Misato's opinion on the matter."

A: "Yeah, I know. I can wait a bit."

K: "I don't know if it would be wise to name a child you have after the child in this story. Invariably, they would be different."

Asuka thought. "Fair point. That's the same reasoning we had in the book for not naming them after someone we knew. But it is a nice name."

R: "Plus, we have other names we could use." Thinking. "I wonder if Hiro and Zero Two would be averse to using names from their world."

A: "I am not naming my child Werner."

Kick

"Because that moment, they were both laughing together openly for the first time in several weeks."

The group too were laughing. "It's good we can still play around like that, Shinji."

S: "Considering how things appeared to be. Who knows, maybe the child born to two completely broken pilots would somehow end up completely innocent and pure."

A: "Trust me, I would do anything in my power to ensure they had a better life than both of us."

K: "That's generally what one would want to aim for as a parent."

R: "And it seems you've convinced yourself a bit more you actually do want Aki."

A huff. "At least most of me. There's still that stubborn side."

R: "Noticeably waned. The instinct of the mother is strong."

Repopulate

"She sighed, closing her eyes. "Let's think about that when the time comes, okay?"" Kaworu breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, that went from awkward to fine to awkward."

A: "Pfft, it would've been a discussion we would've had, I imagine."

R: "Are foot massages really that nice?"

A: "Oh yeah, has Kaworu never offered one?"

She gave a glance to the fish. "No."

Asuka gave the fish a more judging stare (and secretly delighting in his squirming), before locking back on to Rei. "Lemme tell you Rei, almost as good as sex."

R: "Almost? Why not just have the sex?"

A: "What if you don't feel like it?"

Rei tilted her head almost quizzically. "You know I'm part Lilith, right?"

A: "Hm. Good point. Anyway, I think Aki will be a girl."

K: "Woman's intuition?"

A: "Misato proved it's an actual thing, otherwise Sahaquiel would've fucked us in an unpleasant way."

S: "Still, we had a point. There's no way just us could repopulate the Earth. Werner was... eehhh, but he knew humanity would need a sizeable population to... well, repopulate."

K: "Werner had the advantage of being a Gendo tier strategist, however. It was obvious he had spend decades working to overthrow APE and VIRM. You two, well you were thrust back into a destroyed world, the only people in said world."

R: "Humanity, in this case, might have a couple generations. Not getting into that kind of business."

A: "Considering we are humanity at this point."

Cliché

""So would you stop with this stupid, sappy stuff and give me the red dungarees now?""

A: "Ah, but the stupid sappy stuff is such a guilty pleasure of mine!"

S: "Plus, I know my other is right when it comes to your beauty."

A light bop on his head. "Pervert."

Her tsun couldn't hide the creeping blush, however.

R: "I would think it good it was a false alarm. Odds are there would've been no resources to tend to a pre-term child."

K: "I don't think that would be covered in a book, at least the ones you would've obtained."

A: "I doubt we got any books on this whole matter. It would've completely not crossed our minds at the time, and I don't know if we made the day trip to Kofu again."

S: "We might've, a few times. There would only be so much you could get in ruins of Tokyo-3."

K: "And more knowledge is always a good thing."

Week 38-39

"We will live through this as well. All three of us."

S: "Now you know why I don't keep a diary."

A: "And why I don't as well." Poking her tongue.

K: "I'm sure what you wrote would help quell him."

A: "I mean, you'd probably be a bit mad I looked through your diary."

S: "A bit, but I would've gotten you back."

Asuka barked out a laugh. "I taught you well!"

R: "Humanity was able to propagate for the longest time without nurses and doctors presiding over births. I'm sure you'll be fine."

A: "Wasn't the infant and mother mortality rate absurd though?"

Rei thought. And frowned. "Oh well, I tried."

Storm

"A slight grin played around her lips once more. "Just be a little easy on me, okay?""

A: "'Stormborn' is a pretty neat title, admittedly. I think I heard Maya describe a character in her books as that."

S: "Would've been a pretty big inconvenience, if she decided to show up then."

R: "It's only a matter of time at this point."

Meanwhile Kaworu had been eying the next section. 'It's literally the next section, Rei.'

'Hm. Do you think you'll be able to read it?'

'I'll pass it to you when it begins.' "I feel that discussion you had with Aki soothed your soul slightly."

A: "I feel it would've. It only took until right before she was born for me to come to terms with it."

R: "But you did come to terms with it. It may have taken longer than you would've, but she did it."

A: "Aki might have a chance, then."

Fence

Whatever discussion could've been had on how it's just like Asuka to be physically working in her state was quickly quashed. ""It's time," she stated whispering."

A quiet gasp from their Asuka, as Kaworu passed the book from himself to Rei, continuing unabated.

""I'll be right back," he promised once more and ran as fast as his feet carried him out of the room and down to the basement."

A: "I definitely wouldn't have liked that, but then again you're the only one who could've turned on the generators at this point."

R: "While your concerns may have been valid, a hospital still would've been a better place compared to the home. If only just for the equipment."

K: "Not that Asuka would really care too much at this point."

A: "Well, extra safety is always good. But yeah, the excruciating pain would kinda be overriding many of my thoughts."

S: "Rei kinda implied you worked through the first contractions."

A: "I can take excruciating pain. Plus, you really expect this Asuka to be open about that kind of stuff?"

S: "I mean, at this point I would've hoped."

Contraction

"But as she looked in his concerned eyes, she shook her head with a weak smile. "I have everything here to be comfortable.""

A: "I would think, after everything we'd been through, childbirth would be child's play."

K: "And even with that pain, you'd rather Shinji simply stay by your side."

R: "In their world, that would probably be the best option."

S: "Not like there's any midwives or nurses to help."

A: "Though it's good to see, even in extreme pain I can still be sarcastic." Such sarcasm even made her laugh, despite the happenings.

New

The quite vivid descriptions were continued to be narrated by an unfazed Rei, the three others listening on, completely hooked. "But then, she weakly smiled... ...as a loud crying filled the room."

A few tears escaped Asuka, as she held Shinji's hand in a death grip. "Torn to shreds by the MP-Evangelion and she stillthinks she's gonna die from the pain."

Shinji had a soft smile on him. "We know you didn't die here."
 
Rei continued. "Her smile never left her face."

K: "You still would've found that concerning, at the time."

Shinji huffed. "Maybe. I know she's strong, though."

A: "No way I'd let death take me after all that. I'll be fine."

R: "It would still be a resource intensive affair. I would think it normal the mother pass out."

S: "And she really was a girl. Aki."

Asuka continued smiling. "Told ya about woman's intuition!"

Aki

Rei couldn't help but smile. ""Hello, my little Aki," she said, her voice cracking under the overwhelming feelings. "Welcome to our world..."" Book down.

Asuka meanwhile was still wiping a few stray tears from her, emotion clearly getting to her. "Told you I'd be fine."

K: "It's quite beautiful, the miracle of life. I thought it a fascinating concept."

A: "Not just because it involves sex, I assume."

Kaworu chuckled. "As an Adamite. Even the concept of reproduction was foreign to me, then again what point is reproduction if you will live indefinitely?"

S: "That's exactly what befell the people of Franxx."
 
The smile never left Asuka's face. "So... what do they do now?"

"Raise Aki." Spoke Rei. "The best you can, given the circumstances."

"Even in an apocalypse, as long as we're there we're already doing a better job than my dad."

"I'm sure you would keep that in both your minds, raising Aki." Mused Kaworu. "Give her a life you two did not have."

Another pause, a warm one as everyone thought. Asuka still holding Shinji's hand, and glancing to him.

"You know what Misato says." Spoke Shinji, smiling.

Much to her amusement. "Should we continue reading?"

"You don't want a break?"

Shaking her head. "Oddly enough, I feel... good? I don't really know. But..."

"Maybe hearing all this helped put your mind at ease."

"...Maybe." A smile, as she replied to Rei, shifting herself slightly closer to Shinji. "I'll be fine. No breakdowns yet."

Rei kept a pokerface on, as her eyes fell on the next chapter title. 'Key word yet.'
  3. Third 
"Jeez, was their relationship really that bad?"

"Yes, Zero Two." Maya flatly spoke. "Doesn't help he used Rei as blackmail."

"Don't worry, it gets worse."

"At the very least," Began Hiro, "So far things aren't looking so bad. He's deployed against the enemy, surely he'll win."

"Consider he had never even seen an Evangelion before he was dragged to Tokyo-3."

"At least this world has some things similar to our own. The Evangelion being the only thing able to stop these enemies being one of them."

Ritsuko barked a laugh, as she went to the Laserdisc player to flip the disc. "With how many times we've been on the back foot with these Angels, you wouldn't think that. Shall we continue?"

And so they did.

"So how long does this go for anyway?"

"Assuming it takes us 30 minutes to watch one episode, in addition to the movie, I predict it will take us a total of 15 hours."

Zero Two frowned. "That seems longer than our show."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

And so they continued reading... 1. The Second Try 
Character Key:
Shinji (S) Asuka (A) Rei (R) Kaworu (K)  
1.7: “Chapter 7. The 15th.”
 
Everyone at the table grimaced.
  
Years in a Night

“"My last assignment," he muttered, as he stared at the document in his hand. A wide smirk spread on his face. "Just as predicted.””

Asuka gave a frown. “If this goes the same way.”

K: “We know, in all likelihood, it will. Events have proceeded according to the Laserdisc scenario.”

R: “At least Misato was able to accept what was claimed."

A: "Well, I'm sure we would've made it quite obvious to her, especially with how I reacted."

K: "By the sounds of it, Shinji also helped. Not that it helped Asuka, at the moment."

S: "You would've come around, eh Asuka?"

A: "Eventually. Considering the metric ton of baggage I carried back." Rolling her eyes. "I could've driven that Alpine.”
 
Confinement

"Then, darkness surrounded her."

K: "This happened in the Laserdiscs as well. Only this time around, Misato will have additional worries."

A: "Involving us, I would think." Sighing. "Still with the dolls."

Rei reread the passage. "I think this doll holds more significance than just being a phobia trigger."

Eyes went wide as Asuka considered this thought. "Could it be... Aki's? I wouldn't think to give her a doll, of all things."

R: "She wouldn't have your phobia. And if it gave them comfort."

Asuka thought further, quelling this fear of hers. "You have a point." Before she changed the subject. "I would've expected Hikari to prod me about Shinji."

S: "Even though we can't really be that open about our relationship, at least in that world."

A: "Even though we were that open in our world."

R: "I did not expect you to be that bold at that time."

S: "I don't think we cared too much at that point.”
 
4th Children

""As far as we know, the only EVAs that are being built are the series they want to use against us. I don't think they'll give one of those to him and have it under my father's control.""

Kaworu grimaced. "I would say this doesn't bode well for him for later. When SEELE enact their plan."

A: "We don't even know if they'll enact their plan this time around."

R: "They did in our world. Let alone the Laserdisc world. I think it is safe to say they would."

S: "Very much like Toji, though. You may call him a stooge, Asuka, but he does stick to his word."

A: "I can concede I like that aspect of him." Grumbling. "Other aspects, though."

R: "Shinji's word would hold true, however. The more people know, the less secure the information is."

S: "Of course, Hikari should've tried keeping it a secret."

Asuka snorted. "You really expect a teenage girl to keep a secret like that? Even if they were Hikari!"
 
I'm Probably Gone

"Misato whimpered slightly, hearing Ryoji's last words to her once more, but Shinji's lips turned into a weak smile when the tape stopped. "He didn't ask to water his melons...""

Asuka slightly perked up when Rei finished her narration. "So... he might not be dead?"

R: "It's all we could hope for, at this stage."

K: "This was how it happened in the Laserdiscs, however."

A: "Still. It would be nice if he didn't die this time around."

S: "At least Misato understood we tried to help him."

A: "Not that it did." A disappointed sigh. "Even with us looping we're still way in over our head."

K: "We know your Laserdisc selves did not have the same level of understanding of SEELE and Instrumentality as you, even by the time of Instrumentality. It's likely you two still do not have that understanding."

S: "Well, it makes sense. It's not like we had you two to help us."

Nodding. "Indeed. And I expect, if this follows the Laserdisc scenario, that I arrive after Armisael."

R: "...Which will most likely mean I will be on my 3rd."

A: "Not if we have anything to say about it."

She shook her head. "Even here I... died to Armisael. Why would this be any different?"

A heavy silence descended on the group.

Rei decided to continue reading.
 
Ring Tone Jingle My Swan Song

"On the other side, across the station, Rei Ayanami returned her attention to her literature. Hmm. Like this world, I suspect something."

A: "At the very least, you didn't find out by realising we fucked in a supply closet." She was still embarrassed about that, ever since Rei told her.

K: "Shinji has a point. If Kaji was still alive at this point, he would want to lay low. This would mean not getting into contact with anyone he knew."

S: "For our own safety. Plus, he knows how to handle this kind of stuff."

A: "Maybe here, but we know he died in the Laserdiscs. Hell, even in the Theatrical he might've died."

R: "We do not know for sure. Then again, we know nothing about the Theatrical."

Shinji considered something. "Rei? What are the chances you'll tell my father about us?"

Her eyes drifted to the table as she thought. "It all depends if what you have done for me was enough."
 
Mach's gut

"But to come to terms with her was one thing. Compared to what's awaiting us soon, it was nothing..." Rei gave a wince.

A: "...I'd say dealing with Arael would've been better than dealing with my step-mum. But..."

S: "You never had to deal with Arael."

R: "...Only in the Laserdiscs. And... in this as well."

A: "You know full well I would've taken that burden if it meant you two didn't have to."

Rei gave a sad huff. "And I would do it again if it meant you didn't have to."

Asuka sighed. "It's only a matter of time. Isn't it?"

R: "...I would think so."

Kaworu offered his hand. "And in all likelihood, it will be you bearing Arael."

Asuka glanced to the Nephilim, then towards Shinji. "I handled it once before. I can handle it again."

Her calling it 'handling' was probably a bit too generous towards Laserdisc Asuka.
 
Spare

""Okay, we got all we needed," said the voice of the doctor eventually, carrying a trace of disappointment along with it. "You can come out again.""

Asuka huffed. "Sounds like mama isn't too happy with Toji."

R: "As would be expected. She holds no relationship with him. I don't even think she knows he exists, even now."

A: "I recall mentioning him in passing, though it would've been in terms of stooge."

S: "I'm sure that would colour her views on him." He was flat.

A: "Still, should've expected this happen as it did. I have a lot of shit on my mind right now."

K: "Ritsuko did state it was an improvement over your post Zeruel tests."

A: "Still below average. And with how spiteful I would think she could be, I'd probably take it a bit personally."

S: "She was just as damaged as we were, wasn't she?"

A: "And that's one of the reasons why I forgave her. Once Rei convinced me, of course."

R: "This Ritsuko would not have had that luxury. The commander would still have her firmly under his thumb."

A: "Among other things." She muttered under her breath.
 
Bath

""Bathing in the same water baka Shinji is using?" she asked with a smile she knew he wouldn't be able to resist. "Yeah, I think I'd like to do that.""

K: "At least this time around, Shinji was able to fish you out of that spiral."

A: "Heh. I feel that went from serious to comedic back to serious."

R: "That would be you trying to bring levity to what happened. And what will happen."

A: "Obviously that worked." Continued thinking. "Toji had better sync rates? What Ritsuko said didn't imply that. Though... considering what I'm going through."

S: "Something like that would hurt the sync rate. But it's not like you can stop thinking like that."

Nodding. "Even here, I struggle with that sometimes."

K: "You have Shinji and us others that can help you, at the very least."

A: "Yeah. And even in the book, I have Shinji." A smile towards him. "Lets hope he's enough to keep me grounded."
 
Lifeline

"Slowly though, she nodded. "I'll see what I can do."" Nodding. "At least she will try implementing that for you."

K: "Remember this is 'NERV' secure."

S: "So my father's gonna know about it." Grumbling. "It's something, at least."

A: "Still. I have a point. I'm gonna have to face this like last time, or... things might get worse."

K: "Arael will not use the same fears against you, as last time." A long look at Rei. "We know well she uses any fear it can find against you."

Asuka realised. "...Aki."

Nodding. "Arael was our cross to bear. But now, you're gonna carry that weight."

To a sigh. "Again." She went for Shinji's hand.
 
Alarm

Rei had visibly struggled reading this specific passage. ""Maybe," Misato admitted, "but let's hope her problems will be over if she won't.""

K: "Would you like me to read this, Rei?"

She immediately thrusted the book towards him. "Yes please."

Asuka, too, was getting anxious. "Even knowing what happens, it still fucks with you."

S: "Reading it would've been worse, especially for Rei."

She gave a commiserative look to her. "Are you alright, Rei?"

A singular nod. "I'm... I'm fine. But... Are you sure you want to read it, Kaworu? You-"

K: "If it causes you less pain."

Rei stopped in her tracks, she simply looked on at him.

He offered a hand, and she took it.

And so he continued reading.
 
Rend

There wasn't much discussion, justifiably so, as everyone listened on to Kaworu's narration, occasionally interrupted by himself to allow himself a moment of composure. ""Why... Why did you leave me alone?""

Asuka gripped Shinji's hand tighter. "It... it wouldn't have been like last time."

R: "You have new fears. Ones Arael would've... taken advantage of."

S: "Why does it have to be you, Asuka?"

A: "Well. It's either me or you, at this point."

K: "And you would not let Shinji experience that. Not now."

A: "No." Quiet. "Not now."
 
Communication

The next portion especially troubled Kaworu, but he powered on. Alongside everyone else gathered. "Misato ignored the uproar around her, keeping her eyes fixed to the screen. 'Here's your chance. You better use it well."

R: "...You can say it's not real. But... that doesn't help the pain."

A: "Of course it wouldn't. I could never truly know what pain you two had to go through with this."

S: "...I think this is even worse than what happened in the Laserdiscs. Hearing such vivid description of what happened."

Thousand yard eyes stared at Shinji, and he became quiet.

Kaworu continued reading.

And visibly relaxed as the next part was nowhere near as troubling.
 
Reunion

"Suddenly feeling a hand on her shoulder, she startled turned her head. A red-haired woman was smiling down to her, nodding approvingly. Before she, too, disappeared like everything around her as the 15th Angel was speared by the Lance of Longinus."

A: "...Mama."

Rei gave a sad smile. "Shinji got through to you."

K: "And it helped. Would you say this went better than us, Rei?"

Rei did not have to think hard about this. "Yes. You managed to come out of this with your psyche intact."

S: "So this is an improvement?"

Nodding. "I would say even over our world."

Asuka huffed, darkly amused at this prospect. "It's... it's over now, at least." A look towards Rei and Kaworu. "Will you two be alright?"

The Nephilim gave one another significant looks. "We'll survive."
 
Comfort

""Come," he said, slowly getting on his feet again, "Let's get home. Maybe we'll both be ready then...""

R: "Even then."

K: "It's what Arael would've done. And something as big as Aki, it would've been like a beacon."

A: "Especially with their situation. They can't even really acknowledge her openly, let alone grieve for her."

K: "At the very least, you have Shinji. It would've been so many times worse if you did not have one another for support."

S: "...I kinda have a point. It's difficult to offload feelings like that if both of you have those feelings."

Asuka gave him a warm smile. "Not entirely foreign to us, Shinji. But we manage. Though I wonder if Misato will be able to offer something."

R: "She does not seem as troubled by Kaji as she was. Though I think your words would've helped soothe her."

A: "...Hopefully we don't grow cold like we did in the Laserdiscs, then."

S: "I'm sure that would've been something we would prevent."
 
Happy Song

"However, Asuka just smiled brightly. "A happy song.""

Asuka had an approving, if small smile, relieved that her other finally opened up with Misato. "That's good."

K: "Misato may not be a mother. But she is still like a mother to all of us."

R: "In a way, she would understand your feelings."

S: "Sometimes... you need a parental figure like that. Someone to provide some kind of guidance."

A: "As the narration said. Though I'm not sure we should completely follow Misato's example."

R: "We don't already?"

Chuckles in the crowd, but Asuka grew somewhat more serious. "Still. I can see Misato doing this for us. Hell, she has done this for us."

K: "Considering all of us lacked a significant parental figure in our lives." A huff, as he gave a content look towards Shinji and Asuka. "Until recently, at least."
 
Doll

""In a way... yes..." the redhead answered mumbling, not leaving her eyes from the toy. "The only one of its kind.""

A: "That must be a doll Aki had!"

S: "Hikari wouldn't know the significance of the doll, however. Unless you told her."

Asuka barked out a laugh. "How do you think she'll react to you and me having a child?"

Shinji thought.
 
And badly suppressed a laugh. "Oh she wouldn't be too pleased about that."

R: "Maybe our Hikari wouldn't entirely bat an eye. Wolk's rendition of her, however."

K: "Considering her and Toji are still orbiting around one another, in the book."

R: "Still. Maybe having such an item would help comfort you, Asuka."

A: "Maybe. I would hope."
 
"Secure"

Rei rolled her eyes. ""Whatever the meaning of this is, if they are trying to interfere with our plans, we will interfere with theirs."Of course they'd know."

K: "As I said, NERV's idea of secure isn't actually secure."

S: "With how hastily Misato seemed to do it, I wouldn't be surprised."

Asuka groaned. "So now he knows. Fuyutsuki can't pin a reason to it."

S: "I wouldn't put it past him to determine we were time travellers. Insane that would sound."

A: "Even though it's true."

K: "Either way, he will keep an eye on you."

A: "He was keeping an eye on us before. Though we probably wouldn't know we had increased surveillance on us, unless we scanned for bugs every night like Kensuke does."

K: "That was one of the first things I taught myself as a Nephilim. I don't know about you, but I like a bit of privacy."

S: "Trust us, we do too. Though we can't fry any bugs we get."

R: "Good thing we live right next door then." A cheeky smile.
 
Ghosting

""As a ghost, that shouldn't be much of a problem."" The book was placed down.

Asuka had visible relief painted on her. "Thank God."

K: "Smart. If everyone thinks he's dead, then that'll allow him more options when it comes to espionage."

S: "Shame it also means we think he's dead."

A: "We know he's not dead. Shame they don't know that."

R: "I find it incredibly lucky this hired gun did not even check if he had killed him or not."

K: "Kaji has a point. It's all backroom deals and seventh hand hirings. Makes a nigh untraceable trail." A chuckle. "Of course, the problem you get with that, is sometimes you get flaws like this."

Rei recalled. "The theatre."

K: "That was actually fairly close to SEELE. Otherwise they would not have had the ammunition required."

S: "They still failed though."

K: "Found out, more like. By our resident ghost, no less."
 
"Either way, this chapter." Began Asuka. "This gottverdammt chapter."

"It could have been much worse, Asuka." Mediated Rei.
"It has been much worse." Thought Kaworu. "In fact, I'd say Wolk's scenario ended up better than the Laserdiscs, and even us."
"That was something the Theatrical didn't have, was it?"

"Then again, the Theatrical decided to skip decades after Third Impact." Grumbled Asuka to Shinji's query. "I don't even think God knows what happened in between the second and third movies."

"Anno probably didn't know as well." Snarked Kaworu. "Speaking of Third Impact, the next chapter should be set in the aftermath. And will most likely focus on raising Aki Ikari-Soryu."

Asuka gave a light smile. "Hopefully it's much less traumatising than this chapter."

And so Kaworu continued reading.

~~~~
 
1.8: “Chapter 8. raise.”
 
"The chapter about us raising Aki is named 'raise'." Mused Shinji. "Go figure."
  
Hello World

""This is Aki Ikari!""

R: "Way to make that seem perverse, Asuka." Flat.

A: "I would say something like that, you realise. Course, it's only cause Shinji here would probably do the same as his book counterpart did."

A blush on his face. "Not that you would mind, Asuka."

Poking her tongue at the table turning. "At the very least, we seem to be doing alright with Aki."

K: "Better than your folks?"

Shinji huffed. "Credit where credit's due. Our folks did stick around until we were four."

A: "Now we just need to hope we stuck around to beat that milestone."

Silence as they were reminded of the inevitable future.

R: "But we can always enjoy what was."

A: "That's what I plan on doing. I don't want to think about that."
 
Pull

""Okay then. Get yourself ready, I'll be with you in a moment." A practical compromise, I would think."

A: "I mean, I like my hair, but I would cut it for that reason."

R: "Short hair is good, for that reason."

S: "Of course, you may have a bit of bias, Rei."

Rei responded with a playful smirk. "And its good to see you continued my philosophising ways."

K: "Controlling light and fire is one of the most major advances the Lillim could have made. I find it understandable if you found the lack of such lights uncomfortable."

A: "Well, the lack of such lighting would serve as a constant reminder of Instrumentality, wouldn't it?"

S: "And how there's no one else around."

R: "But you two still create artificial light. To keep the darkness away. You still leave that mark on the world. And you have."

K: "Aki is that mark on the world. Despite everything that had happened in that world and between you two."

Shinji thought. "But that was all for naught, wasn't it?"

Silence.

A: "You're not really doing a good job at not thinking about that."
 
Parenthood

Kaworu and Rei were chuckling at the comedy of errors that was Shinji and Asuka raising this child. "Sighing, Asuka began to unbutton the jumper once more. "Remind me, how long till we can try potty training?""

R: "It'll be quite a while yet."

S: "I wonder if we expected this when we started raising her."

A: "We probably had an idea, but my thinking is that it's always several times harder than what you expect."

K: "Even that would be a hedged bet." A thought. "Is short hair common of mothers?"

A: "My mama had long hair, at least until before Unit-02 had its way with her. Actually, listening to this, I'm surprised she didn't cut her hair. Mama did say I was a bit painful as an infant."

S: "That's probably where Aki got it from then." Flat. "My mum still has that short hair, but I think that's because that's just how she wore it."

R: "Considering we could see flashbacks of her before you were born, Shinji. With short hair."

K: "So it's something a mother with long hair might consider?"

A: "If their child was a bit grippy, I can see why they might. Like with Aki."

S: "Course, that's not the only issue raising a child would bring."

A: "Of course it isn't! You'd be naive to think that!"

R: "It would be completely worth it."

A: "Oh yeah, totally."
 
Stress

"Shinji gave her a short kiss before he continued whispering, "Get some rest. I'll take care of her for the rest of today.""

A: "Speaking of."

R: "Practically every mother goes though that. It's to be expected."

K: "Though at least you have Shinji to share the burden."

S: "As I would. I wouldn't just abandon Asuka like that."

A: "That's because you're honourable and you love me. Others might not be so keen on sticking around to 'take responsibility'."

S: "Sure, they could leave. And be shamed forever."

R: "I feel we've had this conversation before." She mused. "It's natural for a mother to feel this kind of worry for their child, after all."
 
Marine

Kaworu found himself chuckling alongside the others. ""Well then, if you're that hungry, we better get going," she mumbled to her child, picking Aki up while rising. "Papa has dinner ready after all.""

A: "A little Michelangelo, ain't she, Shinji?"

Shinji had a warm smile on him. "She inherited that sort of creativity from us both, didn't she?"

R: "Such activity would help encourage creativity. It would also help with the bond between child and parent."

K: "Are eating the crayons a part of that bonding?"

Rei huffed. "In a way, it would. She seems to be developing a lot, actually."

K: "I wouldn't have expected a day by day coverage of raising Aki. For the sake of brevity, Wolk would've compressed it down to the major milestones."

S: "And that would still be more detail if this was a show."

A: "Oh there was a ton of shit the Laserdiscs missed out of. I wouldn't be surprised."

R: "Literature is good like that. It's easier to express yourself in writing."

K: "You lose a majority of the visualisation media like the Laserdiscs provide, however."

S: "That's what imagination is for."

Kaworu gave him a flat look.

S: "Oh. Sorry." Bashfully glancing down at the table.

K: "No biggie." 'I think I've been improving, in that regard.'

'Well, there was that Kyubey carving.' Kaworu could sense her amusement. 'Maybe I should get you some crayons to play with.'
 
Nah!

Kaworu could sense the glow of everyone around him, as he narrated. "Another "first" gone... Okay, so maybe there was a certain twinge after all... But just a really, really small one. Really."

R: "Quite a significance first."

S: "It's kinda odd, seeing what is essentially our child grow up like that."

A: "Out of all the odd things in this book, you focus on that." She gave a chuckle. "Fair enough, it is kinda odd."

S: "But it's kinda a nice change as well. Instead of fighting against Angels or SEELE or trying not to ruin relationships, it's just us raising a child."

K: "Compared to all of the above, it does sound like a nice change."

R: "It would continue to be a challenge, however. Maybe even more so than what you had done before."

A: "Then again, we literally faced the end of the world and came out somewhat fine. Surely raising a child would be easier."

R: "In that regard, it would be. The real challenge comes from if the child is hurt. They say there's hardly a greater sadness than the parent grieving for a child."

S: "...Which is something we had to face."

A solemn nod.
 
Crawl

"A sigh came from behind her. "And I missed it again.""

The laughter returned. "Almost a year, eh?"

K: "Time flies fast."

R: "Plenty of milestones to go. Maybe someday you'll end up catching some."

Asuka poked out her tongue. "Wonder what kind of mischief she'll get up to."

S: "Considering what you can get up to. That kind of mischief is why I missed that milestone!"

A: "Well I already planned on some future mischief for Aki, only makes sense I do the same for you, Shin-chan!"
 
Wawa

"She had never envied her daughter's ignorance so much."

A: "Yeah I would find that a bit sick, our daughter playing in humanity."

K: "Youthful innocence."

S: "Though it is cute she used you as a word for red."

R: "Once again, an example on how jumpy a mother could be."

A: "You can kinda understand, at least in a world like that one. We don't even know what dangers we could face, let alone our child."

S: "Still, you should let her have some fun. As long as she's supervised, we should be able to protect her."
 
Harsh Reality

Kaworu was noticeably quiet. "Never before had she felt so powerless. Never before had she felt such fear. And whatever it took, she would make sure that she'd never feel this way again."

Asuka was confronted with some difficult feelings. "...I knew there'd be dangers."

R: "Interesting. It would make sense animals begin to take back the world. The mother is jumpy for a reason."

S: "At the very least, nothing bad happened to her."

His words didn't soothe Asuka too much. "...Is it weird I feel this... fear?"

R: "I wouldn't say so. It is your child, after all."

K: "And there would be many dangers, as you suggested. The creatures of Lilith no longer have humanity holding them back."

R: "They don't even have Lilith anymore. Maybe that is why the animals show this behaviour."

K: "Akin to me without Adam?"

Rei gave a nod.

As Asuka remained quiet, contemplative, Shinji went for her hand. Providing at least a bit of comfort, even if he couldn't think of many words.

She appreciated it, nonetheless.
 
He'p

"She would have been a fool not to accept it." And once again, the pendulum swung back to enjoyment. "I would imagine she'd see something like that as a kind of play."

A: "Two years old might be a bit young to provide significant help."

S: "We'd probably need it at this point regardless. Plus, Aki has fun. What's not to like?"

A: "Would a two year old enjoy physical exertion?"

R: "She most likely exerts herself daily anyway. This would be all a part of her fun. I'd say she was being quite cooperative with you actually."

K: "There would certainly be days where she wasn't."

R: "Of course, she's a toddler."
 
Quake

Kaworu chuckled. "The trembling had long ended already. And so had another night full of desire and passion..."

Asuka meanwhile rolled her eyes. "Oh gee, thanks Mother Nature." Sardonic.

S: "Yet another consequence of having a child, I suppose."

R: "Of course, I wouldn't think you two were in any rush to have another child."

A: "I mean, I would probably be a bit more careful after Aki was born. But then again, in the few nights we would've gotten to ourselves. Who knows if I could hold myself back."

S: "I do. You wouldn't."

Asuka had a cheeky look. "In that case, it might as well be luck we didn't her a brother or sister."

K: "I doubt she would've minded. Another person to play with."
 
Dornröschen

""Okay," she whispered huskily, glancing quickly over to the still unaware child. "But not here...""

There was a warmth present with the group. "It's kinda nice to hear all this, actually."

R: "You can picture yourself doing this?"

Asuka gave a nervous nod. "I mean, it is me doing this. In a way."

S: "It does help picturing it. Even though they're our Laserdisc counterparts."

K: "Maybe having a child helped in that regard. They appear to be closer to you in comparison to the Laserdisc you."

A: "Amazing what not having the burden of humanity placed on you while having no one to turn to does for the psyche."

R: "Plus, they have had years at this point to come to this. I would suggest it was almost 4 years since Instrumentality, at this point."

S: "That would be assuming a bit, wouldn't it?"

R: "Indeed. It took you two around a year from Instrumentality to your quote unquote 'marriage'. Then there would've been a period between then and Aki's birth, at least nine months. Then the two years thus far you've raised Aki. Four years, assuming you didn't immediately get Asuka pregnant after your marriage, and accounting for potential inaccuracy."

Thinking and acknowledgement in the crowd. "This book actually goes through quite a bit of time, doesn't it?" Mused Shinji. "The Laserdiscs pretty much focused on 2015."

A: "I don't recall seeing anything involving New Year's in the Laserdiscs, but didn't Instrumentality itself take place in 2016? That's accurate to our world."

R: "We don't know when in 2016 Instrumentality happened, in the Laserdiscs."

K: "SEELE originally intended for New Year's Day. New year, new world. Of course, this didn't come to pass, as there were many delays."

A: "The Angels were delayed in our world?"

Kaworu thought. "I do not know this for sure. But maybe my presence in Tokyo-3 discouraged the remaining Angels." He became commiserative. "At least until they couldn't resist the Call any longer."
 
Hot Spring

"She leered at her husband who just joined them. "It's called 'Dunk Papa'." Shinji gulped."

R: "Well, what do ya know. It has been four years."

A: "Without a vacation." Flat. "Although considering the situation, I don't think we would've been in any standing to go on vacation."

K: "All of you would've been excited at such a prospect, then. Especially Aki."

Shinji huffed. "This is probably her first vacation. Though here's hoping she doesn't ask for another one immediately afterwards."

R: "I wouldn't be surprised." She smiled. "It seems Aki likes to make you two happy."

A: "Even if she might not like it too much." A warm smile creeped up on her. "It's better than her liking making our lives difficult."
 
Dwessed

""Now get that stuff in the washing machine and come to breakfast." She winked. "Don't want someone else to eat it, do you?""

Laughter. "Oh let her have her fun, Shin-chan!"

S: "It is cute. Though I do have concerns."

A: "And if those concerns happen, that'll be a valuable lesson!"

K: "Lord knows she'll most likely not want you to dress her now."

Asuka shrugged. "Probably not, but it's good if she taught herself a bit of independence. Shows she's headstrong."

R: "Much like you, Asuka."

A: "Yeah. In fact, she's a lot like me when it comes to being wilful."

K: "But she also has that gentleness Shinji often portrays."

A: "I can be gentle if I want, fish!" She spoke with a decisively ungentle fire."

To which Kaworu only responded with a flat look.
 
Pictures of Me

""Don't worry. Since you like them so much, I'll do my best to draw many new pictures as fast as possible for the ones that have to go!""

R: "Ever the artist." She could feel the warmth of the table.

A: "I can see how images like that could get tiring. But I wouldn't shatter my daughter's hopes."

S: "Which is what we didn't do. I think we handled that well."

K: "And now she can keep all her drawings."

R: "Which she would like. Not like it would cost anything to get spare paper or crayons."

S: "Scarcity might become an issue if she keeps it up, though."
 
Kiko

Glancing to and fro from the book, Kaworu could see Asuka's gathering anxiety and sadness as her book counterpart snapped at the doll. But as he continued, he could sense an air of acceptance and wistfulness. "It felt great to finally let go of the past. But that was nothing compared to seeing her happy."

Asuka spent a few more moments quiet before gathering her words. "So that's where Kiko comes from."

S: "You named it after your mother?"

A: "I can kinda understand. But... yeah. I can certainly see myself responding like that."

R: "You still have that aversion to dolls, if I'm recalling correctly."

Nodding. "And I doubt I'm gonna get over that anytime soon. Jeez now this Asuka has something up her sleeve on me." Grim sardonicism.

K: "To be fair, the book Asuka had a significant catalyst to understanding and coming to terms with this aversion. And that catalyst was Aki."

A: "...I wouldn't have hurt her intentionally."

R: "Of course. But in this case, that deep-seated fear of your took over, a fear which had not really been addressed thus far."

Yet more grim chuckling. "Even here I haven't really addressed that."

K: "Even being with Shinji would help with that, though. Maybe that's why you haven't explicitly brought it up."

S: "Well, we have talked about things like that."

A: "Many times, actually. And Shinji knows my aversion, and does his best to avoid triggering anything in me."

S: "You even said to me you might react like this."

A: "And I would. Who knows though; maybe I'm well adjusted enough here to not completely have a mental breakdown on the sight of one."

R: "Are you going to test this theorem?"

A: "No."

Rei simply gave her a glare.

A: "Not until I have to. Which... if we do have a child."
 
Storytime

"The prince had never liked fighting. But he would do anything in his power to ensure that his and the foreign princess' child would live happily ever after."

R: "I wouldn't think that was an appropriate story to tell your child."

Shinji shrugged. "Not like anyone could pick up on it."

A: "Shinji, our own child picked up on it." Dripping deadpan.

K: "Then again, a child born in a post apocalyptic landscape would almost certainly be less innocent than usual. Obviously she's intelligent enough to know that story involved you."

A: "Of course, maybe you told her that story before, and she's had some time to process what it all meant."

R: "I would think it was fairly obvious. Then again, we are not children."

K: "I could think of worse ways to describe Instrumentality to a child."

A: "I don't think she'd like the explanation 'Your mother was torn to gory shreds, and your father in reply ended the world and everyone in it'."

S: "Maybe she'd see it as reasonable."

A: "Ehhh maybe. Knowing me."
 
Limits

"Once more, Shinji sighed. "Yes, dear...""

R: "Ah yes, discipline."

A: "You see where I'm coming from. Especially in a world like that."

K: "She would have to learn that. But then again, that's a part of her growing up. Headstrong, you described it as."

Asuka snorted. "Coming back to bite us now, ain't it? I'm sure Shinji would equally chastise her when required, right Shinji?"

S: "Yes, dear." He cheekily echoed.

Much to her amusement.
 
Shello

""Oh no, no, no. You got yourself into this; now see how you get yourself out.""

The table was giggling throughout this section. "Way to throw me under the bus, Asuka."

She blew a raspberry. "You're the cello expert, after all. Plus, Aki was the one who asked you!"

S: "Though it is quite a nice gift." A bit more bashful. "Must've been years at that point since I played."

K: "Ah, but the way the narration made it out, it sounded like you didn't go a day without it."

R: "I mean, it's not exactly the same when you're narrating the sound of a cello."

A: "Well, we have the capability to demonstrate such music."

K: "I wouldn't necessarily associate a cello with happy music. Though I would be remiss in suggesting an instrument only be associated with one genre of music."

S: "I still have those 2Cellos and Apocalyptica CDs Asuka got me a while back. I reckon that has some good examples of the cello being used in non-traditional ways."

A: "Didn't you break your bow trying to play Thunderstruck?"

S: "Almost broke my arm trying to play it." Laughing it off, even though it cost him almost 10 thousand Yen to replace it. "Maybe Aki would like that."

K: "If you didn't scare her."

Asuka handwaved it. "She seems hard to scare anyway. A bit of bow breaking won't do much."
 
Gone Fishing

""Somehow I fear we'll always have to find a way to feed her fish secretly from now on," she could hear her Papa whispering to her Mama." Kaworu chuckled. "Well that's not gonna work now."

R: "The wonders of youthful innocence."

A: "Youthful rebellion, more like. And she knows we do that with fish."

R: "Children bond with creatures like that. She probably thought the fish adorable."

K: "I'm sure eventually, she'll have to learn that."

R: "That young, though?"

K: "In an environment like that, I wouldn't be surprised."

A: "At least she enjoys fishing. That's another thing she could do if she was bored, with her father."

S: "Might keep her a bit quiet as well."

Asuka barked out a laugh. "She certainly tried during this whole thing."
 
In Health

"She couldn't bear it anymore. Not looking back, she ran as fast as possible."

Asuka simply shook her head. "I can kinda understand why you'd do that, Shinji."

S: "Especially if you weren't vaccinated or had it as a kid." Thinking. "Have you been vaccinated or-"

A: "Of course, it was a part of my pilot program. Don't want your pilot falling sick with a preventable disease now, do we?"

K: "It's interesting, then, why there would even be the possibility of you not being immune to such a disease. I wouldn't have been vaccinated in the traditional sense, being Nephilim, but SEELE did make some sort of longevity efforts for me."

R: "Well, if you died before you could make your play, that would not look good on SEELE's part, would it? Plus, there aren'tany Adamite diseases anyway."

K: "Not like there's many Adamite hosts left, anyway." Grim humour.

A: "Hell, I know you've been vaccinated as well, Shinji, if only because you complain about it!"

R: "I'm surprised you would allow vaccinations, Asuka. Considering your general aversion towards medicine."

Shrugging. "Well, for one it's required for piloting, so I don't get a damn choice. Two, even with my aversion towards things like that, I can justify it in my mind that it prevents me from dying from whatever bullshit disease Providence decides to throw at me. Three, Ritsuko swore to me it didn't contain any mind controlling chemicals and that they didn't even exist."

S: "And you believed her?"

A: "No, but I asked Misato later and she said that if they did, she would know. So what, GEHIRN and NERV didn't even botherthis time?"

K: "Maybe they thought, since you would be spending most of the time in an entry plug, a completely controlled and filtered environment, they could skimp out on that. Not like something like immunity would even matter once SEELE got their way."
 
In Sickness

""See?" she muttered to her husband, brushing her fingers through the red tresses of her daughter's most valuable property. "I couldn't be further away from being dead.""

A: "Worth it." Without any sort of hesitation.

R: "As it would be. It would have completely pained you to be away from your Schätzchen."

K: "Of course, there was also that thought in your mind that this could kill you."

A: "Well, we know for a fact I'm not dead, at least not yet. See, that's the issue with throwing it back to the past like that. It's the past."

S: "But seeing this past has given us so much more insight into our current plight."

A: "Which is also nice." Suddenly bashful. "Of course, it's pretty nice to be able to see your daughter grow up. And actually be sane."

S: "Surely we wouldn't be that bad."

A: "I would think we would try as hard as we can to not let our child get as insane as we are."

R: "And you certainly did. Aki sounds to be quite a healthy young child. You two did quite a good job, raising her." A sense of pride in her voice. Her Lilith side was very pleased with this chapter thus far.
 
Visit

""No," Shinji told her smiling, "she was pretty... exceptional.""

R: "I would have expected she be scared now. She would not have known of the implications when she was younger."

K: "Even at her age now, she might not fully understand."

A: "She seems pretty smart for her age, Aki. I think she might."

S: "Hence why she would be so timid now?"

R: "It's hard not to be, when you're looking over an LCL ocean, with crucified MP-Evangelion framing my giant head."

A: "...I think it would've been harder for us, then for Aki. It sounds like we haven't been there in a while, especially with her."

S: "Then again, Aki would see us get timid and melancholic, and respond in kind. A child would be concerned if they knew their parents were too."

A: "I don't think my words would've helped too much."

R: "She would be like Shinji, in that regard. Perhaps to an even greater extent to Shinji. She does not like seeing you hurt."
 
Friend

"She wasn't sure whether it was the whole day, visiting the sea of LCL, or just Aki's innocent question that had hit a much touchier spot than the little girl could have anticipated, but – for the first time in years – she had that uneasy feeling at the lack of lights..."

Kaworu placed the book down. "A query like that would make you uneasy. And you two did have friends."

A: "...Kinda easy to forget about that when your mental state is equivalent of some Picasso painting."

K: "Not in his Neoclassicism stage, I presume."

A: "But... she raises a good point. There's only so much her parents can give her. It's not like we can really give her a friend."

Shinji thought in the fleeting silence. "Animals could count for something."

A: "Maybe. But it's not human interaction, is it?"

Rei glanced downward. "One of the consequences of this world."
 
"But... that means Aki won't have friends to play with. Or... other people to love."

She gave a meaningful look towards Shinji, grabbing his hand. "Asuka..." He noticed a few stray tears coming from her eyes

Some more silence at the table.

Before she sighed. "Gottverdammt. I made myself sad." A huff. "Though I guess that's to be expected of something like this. Can't have too much happiness in my life."

Yet a bit more silence. "...Do you want a bit of a break before we read the next chapter, Asuka?"
She glanced to the clock.
Then towards Shinji. "I think I could use an hour with Shinji."

Asuka got up somewhat lethargically, dragging Shinji along. "Don't read ahead, you two."

The door to their room gently closed.

And the Nephilim simply shook their heads, downcast, her sorrow visible to them. "Poor thing."

"Thing is, Kaworu. This had been building up."

"So she was holding her emotion back?"

"I think so. I can see some kind of justification. She doesn't like being upset."

A huff. "Don't we all, Rei."
  2. Unfamiliar Ceiling 
"Well. He didn't get off to a great start."
Zero Two was severely understating it.
"That's what happens when you throw someone who has never piloted before in an Evangelion. I don't really know what the Commander of that day expected."

"And he was your former commander?" Queried Hiro.

"Eeyup." Succinctly spoke Maya.

"Well, good thing you guys got rid of him somehow. Don't think he would've been as friendly to us as you've been."

Maya gave a hidden grimace, as she was swapping the Laserdiscs. 'She doesn't know.'

Eliza picked up on it, however. And subsequently realised it may not be a subject she was comfortable with.

So she put it in her crontab. It can wait.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

1. R&R 
Shinji was simply holding Asuka. As he had been for the past hour or so.

She had certainly calmed down, from before. But there was still a bit of that melancholy remaining.

“…Hey? Shinji?” Quiet. “You think I would be a good mother, right?”

“You already know my answer to that, Asuka.” Running a hand through her hair. “You’re not ready yet, you think?”

Asuka gave a horse like huff. “I’m still young, Shinji. And unless you want Misato to name our child Kirin or Yebisu.”

“Well yeah, there’s that.” He couldn’t help but smirk at her remark, but that faded soon enough. "But when the time comes."

She introspected for a bit. "I think by then, I'll be. It's still a few years, ain't it? And... we've already talked about it a few times." Somewhat coy, before she realised something. "Bit far and away from my Laserdisc self, ain't it Shinji?"

"Your Laserdisc self would probably call you an idiot."

That got Asuka chuckling a little bit, before she came to a groundbreaking realisation. "Hang on a minute. If our Laserdisccounterparts after the end of the world can raise a child as pure and adorable as Aki, why am I thinking about my capability to raise a child?"

That got Shinji thinking too. "You know? That's a fair enough point."

They looked at one another in silence.

Before Asuka started laughing. "Y'know something? I think we'll be fine, Shin-chan. When it happens."

Shinji initially did a double take at this seemingly sudden shift, but he took it in stride. "Yeah. We'll be alright." A small kiss. "Should we get back to reading?"

"Hell yeah we should get back to reading that!"

So they left their room, to an expectedly empty apartment. Deciding it was due to Rei and Kaworu wanting to give them some privacy, they promptly went next door. "I hope you two aren't doing it!"

"We're doing something, alright." Kaworu flatly muttered, his attention more focused on the screen.

Asuka glanced around, investigating. Her eyes laid on a poorly formed white box atop a CD burner. "Oh, the bootleg."

Whatever they were playing, the game was quickly over, as they both threw controllers down in muted frustration. "So. Book?"

~~~
 
"You didn't read ahead, right?"

"I promise you Asuka, the Trout and I did not read ahead."

Asuka didn't have any Nephilim power, so she couldn't tell if she was telling the truth or not.

"Plus, I do not want to be spoilt." Rei gave a small smirk, as she opened the book to begin reading.
  2. The Second Try 
Character Key: 
Shinji (S) Asuka (A)Rei (R) Kaworu (K) 
2.9: “Chapter 9. The…”
 
She gave pause as she read the title.
"...the 16th."
Rei gave Kaworu a begging look.

He completely understood why he was handed the book.

The Stranger

""You wouldn't happen to remember the name of that guy?""

Asuka had an exaggerated thinking pose. "I wonder who that could be?"

K: "Our resident ghost, most likely."

S: "I wonder what information Kaji could get from this janitor, however. He wasn't a part of the Katsuragi expedition, merely someone looking for them."

R: "Still a hired member of GEHIRN or SEELE, at the time. He would have valuable information regardless."

A: "No wonder they moved him around a lot then." A sigh. "And Ritsuko's still pining for Commander Asshole."

K: "Foolish, we would think. Of course, this would overall be similar to the Laserdisc scenario."

R: "If we consider here, I took great strides to convince her to join our side. I would not have done that in the book.”

Shopping

""Yeah..." Asuka muttered, forcing herself to move. "I'm coming...""

R: "You seem disappointed."

A: "Well, by the sounds of it I'm trying to get closer to you."

R: "If I am still on the drugs, then I doubt such thing would be affective."

K: "Ah, but even with the implied drugging, your mind was in turmoil. Between the Commander and who you could call friends."

Shinji thought, and frowned. "The book hasn't said if she was drugged like she was, right?"

A: "It might not, but we've no reason to assume Commander Asshole wouldn't. Especially since this drugging happened beforethe Laserdiscs split off from our world."

R: "Though I do wonder, if the effort you are putting in now will pay off, in the end."

S: "I would hope, if things go to shit and Third Impact starts. Again."

Asuka huffed. "At the very least, my relationship with Misato is much better than it was in the Laserdiscs, at this point."

K: "I think you telling her about Aki would've helped."

Nodding in agreement. "Would've painted me as more of an adult. Which I am, at that point. Just in a younger body. Maybe Misato would feel more comfortable knowing I was at least even development compared to her."

Final Siren

With a mournful tone. "The sirens announcing the arrival of the 16th Angel caused all three of them to flinch in surprise and especially Shinji's face was contorted in fear. "Rei...""

Rei simply stared at the table. "...Three for three?"

A: "Not if I had anything to say about it, Rei."

S: "...Surely me calling an orphanage would look a bit suspect."

K: "And unfortunately, it's a topic you've already discussed."

A: "I still stand by my opinion that Aki being sent back as well would've been even more shit."

S: "Knowing my father."

A glare that could spar with Ramiel was aimed at the book by Asuka.

Infect

""Liar. I can see it. I can see your heart's desire; to unify with others. You can not deny it.""

R: "...Not Asuka." But a whisper.

S: "And once again, I'm rendered useless. Thanks father." Dripping with venom.

K: "...It would be up to Asuka to save you, then."

Grim thoughts crossed Rei's mind. "Would your Laserdisc self know of what Armisael could do?"

She thought back. "I... I couldn't fight at that point. But maybe I saw what happened. Or Shinji told me."

R: "Then we can only hope you have enough foresight to avoid Armisael. Or... I will have to do what I did."

Attack

"The Angel's 'tail' looked just like that, torn apart in two, though it was quickly fusing together again."

R: "Mutual feeling."

A: "...I don't think I knew about that aspect of Armisael. I should've been-"

R: "No. It is battle. You do what you have to do to defeat the Angel."

A: "But by the sounds of it, if I do defeat the Angel, you'll die!"

Rei simply gave a nod. "Here, I died. The Laserdiscs, I died. Twice is happenstance."

K: "...Why you, Rei?"

R: "Out of everyone here, I could come back from death. That is how I justify what happened."

S: "You're not replaceable, Rei."

R: "My soul is not. I am I. I could be in a different shell and I would still be I."

K: "...Of course, with death, there would almost certainly be damage to the soul."

R: "Of course. But this was not my first death."

Replica

Kaworu was noticeably muted. "And with that, as she closed her eyes, she smiled, embracing the warmth of nothingness. As long as he would let her."

Rei was brought out of depression by a spot of curiosity. "Replica. This... this is what I did during my fight against Rogue-00."

The table glanced between one another. "You did?"

R: "Odd. Only... there were a few differences, of course. The aim against Rogue-00 was to merge myself and Eliza. As soon as the sync ratio went to 400%, and I dissolved into her, a program was run that injected myself and Eliza into Rogue-00."

K: "Where you then worked from the inside. Only in the book, you aren't seeking to merge with whoever was resident soul ofUnit-00. You wanted to merge with the Evangelion itself."

Rei gave a huff. "I can understand how that could work. Especially since the Angel this time around was intelligent enough to disable the self destruct mechanism."

S: "It would've be your last resort."

R: "Indeed, Shinji. At the very least, it is different than detonation."

A: "That's not really much of a consolation, Rei."

R: "Maybe. But I would be lying if I said I was not curious to see how this ends up."

S: "Bit of a morbid curiosity, don't ya think."

R: "You get used to it."

Forbidden Union

""No," came the calm, simple answer. "That power is not meant to be held by this union.""

Rei took some time to analyse the situation in her mind. "I do not have an S2 organ. Unit-00 would not have had one as well."

A: "...So your form is unsustainable?"

Rei gave a sad nod. "It does appear I have retained some kind of autonomy, at least. For the limited amount of time I could function."

S: "What would happen once you run out of power?"

R: "I... do not know. Hmm." Such a thought hadn't really crossed her mind before. "Kaworu?"

K: "It's a difficult thing to theorise about, admittedly. The core requires energy, whether from electrical sources or an S2 organ. Once the Evangelion runs out of batteries, the core would seek this power unless properly safed."

S: "Wouldn't she just die without power? Like the Angels before?"

K: "Ah, but the Angels would die because the core was destroyed, not because of an S2 organ failure. This is why it's so difficult to actually think about. It should never happen."

A: "Well, by the sounds of it, it will."

R: "Then we should continue reading and find out. Though before we do, I must say that was a very efficient method of dispatching Armisael."

A: "I'd say it's a shame we couldn't try it, but honestly it's not."

S: "Doubt you could even simulate something like this as well."

Rei shrugged. "We have not really gone up against Angels beyond Iruel in the simulator anyway."

K: "Then again, Iruel was the start of the more abstract of my kin."

Detonate

"He had failed..."

R: "...Okay, it still ended in a detonation. Guess some things never change."

K: "Now we know. This is what happens when a core attempts to drain power beyond its station."

S: "Sounds like I took it hard."

A: "If we even lived."

R: "I wouldn't think Wolk kill both of you off now."

A: "Even though he still killed you."

R: "Maybe so. Like the Laserdiscs and here."

K: "You're actually taking this well, Rei."

She huffed. "He made it unique enough. Plus, I mainly took it as a case study in core dynamics."

S: "You think Ritsuko would want to know?"

R: "She does, book Ritsuko at least. In fact, if we told our Ritsuko about this scenario, she would most likely back it up."

S: "Of course, it would've been better if you didn't die."

R: "It was inevitable, as soon as I merged with my Evangelion. At the very least, I turned Armisael into a fine mist before my exit."

K: "Much like you do here."

Rei gave a chuckle. "All I would need then was a large bucket to put Armisael in. Though, I do hope my departure did not hurt you."

Clone

""Come on, Baka!" Asuka demanded, pulling Shinji from his bed by his shirt. "I guess that's our signal.""

R: "I can understand that depression. My third iteration was... stunted, I believe. I do not believe they had restored my memories in the Laserdiscs, and obviously I never had that breakthrough in the cinema, as I did here."

K: "The memories and feelings would still be somewhere, obviously."

R: "Indeed."

S: "Now it's just a matter of if you can get them back."

A: "Do you think Misato will still confront Ritsuko about what happened? Like in the Laserdiscs?"

R: "The catalyst was certainly there, in Shinji. In fact, this would be even more of a driving force, compared to the Laserdiscs."

K: "Not to mention there are still several things left to confront. Following the Laserdiscs, I'm scheduled to appear soon."

A: "Not even mentioning Commander Asshole, or whatever the hell Kaji's doing."

A thought crossed Shinji's mind. "How different do you think you'll be, Kaworu?"

K: "Compared to my Laserdisc counterpart, I wouldn't say too much. My interactions with you would be radically different in comparison, however."

R: "Such interaction could change how you react, however."

K: "Indeed. I suppose we will find out in whatever chapter is titled 'The 17th'."

Memory

""Yes," Asuka answered with a small grin of her own as she took the offered hand in hers. "Yes, it would.""

Rei was somewhat bemused with seemingly how easy it was. "...Well. There it is. At least parts of it."

Kaworu meanwhile had a small smile on him. "As I said."

A: "Foresight's a wonderful thing, ain't it?"

S: "At least when it works in our favour, for once. Like this moment."

R: "It would make me remembering my past life easier. Especially since I don't recall you mentioning any memory restoration, Kaworu. This would have been from scratch, I would imagine."

K: "And yet you still remember the memories and feelings of your time with Shinji and Asuka."

R: "Indeed." A small smile, emulating Kaworu. "But by the sounds of it, there are still unknowns."

S: "Even so, it's a start."

A: "Though then again, we had a bit of start with Rei as well, when Armisael happened. It was Kaworu who was majorly fucked over by what happened."

K: "Indeed, but at least I was there. Unlike the I of the Laserdiscs. And, evidently, the I of the books."

Stolen Soul

"Rei felt confused. And she hated that feeling." Kaworu merely shook his head, picturing the scene in his mind. "You experienced these feelings in the Laserdiscs as well."

R: "...Not as much as now, in the book. With how Shinji and Asuka treated me, like I was still my second iteration. It wouldmake me feel confused."

K: "And you naturally hate that feeling. The book applies it to your book self, but it's still true for you."

R: "Yeah. At the very least, Asuka and Shinji are not feeling that kind of confusion."

A: "If anything, we're feeling good. For all we know, you're fine. A bit of amnesia but other than that."

S: "And you got to feel like a mother again."

Asuka chuckled. "Though maybe that's who she needs at the moment. Someone to guide her through all this."

R: "Like a mother would."

A: "Yeah. Like a mother would."

The Fool

""That's hardly surprising, is it? After all, she had been her closest friend...""

A: "I felt kinda bad for Ritsuko, during the Laserdiscs. She had been so clearly fucked by Commander Asshole that it's really hard not to feel like that. Even with how unpleasant she was."

R: "And without our interference, that would have happened. There would have always been that straw."

S: "We don't know of such a straw, do we?"

Rei shook her head. "And I hope, for her sake, we never do."

K: "It wouldn't be something she would just say, would it?"

R: "Of course. I could only guess what was said or done to her that changed her opinion on him, but whatever it was, the damage to her was evident."

A: "That was when you set her up with Maya, right?"

R: "If you could call it setting up. It was more like pulling back a curtain, on a painting entitled 'Maya loves you, like a lot'."

Her monotone really sold it, causing a few giggles from Asuka.

K: "At the very least, we know of her motives for doing such thing now. So at least someone would know."

A: "Well, such a thing you'd want someone to know."

S: "I'm still-" He thought further. "Actually, there's no one else she could've shown, was there?"

He looked around the room.

K: "Absent."

A: "Comatose."

R: "Recently deceased."

A: "Plus it's rather related to you anyway, Rei. And Ritsuko would've thought Shinji at least an acquaintance of you, if not an outright friend. So it only makes sense."

R: "And Misato's being with him in the first place was due to her suspecting something."

S: "Holy shit, I was the only sane pilot at that point."

A: "Like that's a revelation at this point."

Freedom

"Unnoticed by almost everyone, a single tear dripped onto the floor."

Asuka had fumes coming off her, the fires of Khorne in her eyes. "So it was a twisted form of revenge? That's actually fucked; if she did that here."

K: "I would suggest it was one of the major events that sapped at Shinji's psyche. Especially as this destroyed your opinion of Rei."

Rei had her eyes closed, contemplative. "So I was the one to pull the trigger this time around."

S: "...Would that've been hard for you, Rei?"

R: "No." Firm. "If I was given the opportunity, I would have done the same. And by the sounds of it, the Rei of the book thinks exactly the same."

K: "It would be freedom, in a way. Without any soul, they might as well be automata. Imitative."

R: "And they are not me. I am I. I made such a point during our watch of the Laserdiscs."

K: "Inconvenient, but something you didn't mind."

A: "Though I imagine it would be a lot more personal to actually be the one destroying your shells, Rei."

R: "It would have given me closure. I would know for sure that I would be I. And there would not be another to replace me." She furrowed her brow. "Even though the Commander still had a shell stashed somewhere."

Though this frown was soon replaced with a warm look, as her eyes wandered to her fish. "...Then again. Being brought back wasn't so bad. This time around, at least."

All the nights I don't die

""They were seen to have made contact with her after her resurrection. You think they have influenced her as well?""

R: "Of course that would have influenced me. It was most likely Shinji's plan in the first place."

A: "You two got really light punishments. I would've expected he throw Ritsuko in the brig, at least."

S: "Then again, Rei covered quite well for her. It was not Ritsuko who did the sabotage this time around."

K: "Therefore she did not deserve as much as she got in the Laserdiscs. Obviously the Commander did not expect you to do such action."

R: "He could not do much either way. His reasoning was correct; if he imprisoned me, that would have only increased my ire for him."

S: "And his entire plan revolved around you, didn't it?"

R: "Hence the cloning facility. I would suggest the dummy plug program was merely a cover for what I was meant to do."

A: "Though considering how he would handle us. I wouldn't put it past him."

S: "So that's why he treated you better than his own son?"

R: "Unfortunately so. And even then."

K: "Whatever happened, I would say it was a better outcome overall, compared to the Laserdiscs."

A: "Oh definitely. Rei got off lightly. Hell, even Ritsuko got off lightly."

S: "Though who knows if we would. Considering he knows something's up."
 
I am I

"And Ritsuko would be there to watch his face then."

A: "Oh yes, this would've been like honey to someone like her."

S: "She's taking it really well."

K: "Then again, if you were practically let off the hook for a whole heap of stuff, you'd probably feel that way as well."

R: "In addition, she had successfully gotten her revenge on the Commander, with little damage to herself. And, just maybe, she would see me as an ally instead of rival."

A: "It would've definitely proven yourself to her, that you're not just Commander Asshole's lapdog."

R: "And... well, I, have a point as well. The Commander may choose me over anyone else. That does not mean I do the same."

K: "And in the end, you made that decision. When you were with him and Ritsuko."

She thought back to that grim moment, stone cold. "Yes. Maybe my book self will have to make that decision."

Asuka and Shinji didn't know much about what happened down in Terminal that day. Only that it ended with the Commander in a bodybag, and it wasn't Ritsuko or Rei that pulled the trigger.

They had gathered who pulled the trigger, but they decided not to pursue anything further. For her sake.

Lion of Night

""Believe me, dying isn't as bad as they say." The man's laughter ceased, but he kept a smug grin. "And I have experience in that after all."" Kaworu placed the book down.

R: "It helps that he did not actually die." She muttered.

K: "He's dead where it counts. In the eyes of SEELE."

A: "Obviously the foreman of this foundry thinks he's dead. Actually, what secret SEELE shit would be at a metal foundry anyway?"

S: "Whatever he got, it only took a few hundred tonnes of shells to barter."

A: "I don't think the foreman had much say in this, judging by how batshit scared he was."

K: "Obviously Daisuke Tanaka knows about SEELE, so he had dealt with them before."

R: "Do you recognise that name?"

Shaking his head. "If anyone would, it would be Kaji."

A: "Wait a fuckin' minute." Looking to Shinji. "Tanaka?"

His eyes went wide as he realised. "Oh don't tell me he's Chihiro's father."

K: "Has she even interacted with you two since you chewed her out?"

A: "Nope, thank God. And I'm sure by this point, she'd get the picture not to get between someone who bathes in their enemy's blood."
 
"You know something?" Rei began. "I feel a bit surprised with myself, with this chapter."

"Surprised?"

Nodding at Asuka's query. "Yeah. Even though I still died to Armisael. I... do not feel upset about it. At least not as upset as I was expecting."

"Well, with something as confronting as your death." Shinji thought aloud. "But Armisael went somewhat differently to the Laserdiscs, even differently compared to our world. Maybe that differentiation helped."

She thought. "I can see how that would help. In the Laserdiscs, it went almost as what happened here. Which... triggered unpleasant memories. But with the book. It was different. Unique, even. I would not have thought to do what this Rei did."

Kaworu gave a small chuckle, relieved. "Guess we have something else to thank Wolk for."

"Plus, I think I was more analytical of this Armisael. Instead of flashing back."

"Different enough that you could separate yourself."

She gave a nod. "A good summary. Though Armisael was not the only happening of this episode."

"The tank."

"Something that also went better, in comparison to the Laserdiscs. Possibly even in comparison to our world. Being able to destroy those shells of myself would have been massive. It's me no longer wanting to be expendable. It's me wanting to be me."

"Which you would've liked, Rei."

Rei smiled at Asuka's remark. "Very. Though my book counterpart still has a long way to go, if they are to reach where I am at today."

"You're well on her way, though."

She retrieved the book from Kaworu, wanting to read the next chapter. "Indeed, Shinji."

~~~
 
2.10: “Chapter 10. R-“
 
A seemingly bottomless pit opened up in her stomach, as she choked on the word.

This rightfully caused Shinji and Asuka to look nervously at her, and Kaworu to query her in concert. 'Are you okay, Rei?
"...Repeat."
The word echoed in Asuka's head. "...A- already? I... I thought we would've had another chapter with..." She petered off.
The tone clearly set for the rest of the chapter, Rei steeled herself as much as she could and began her read.

Loop

""But the Intelligence Division is probably going to rip my head off if they don't get my reports today.""

A: "...It's like it never happened."

S: "But... how does something like that happen?"

The Nephilim though, but even they could only theorise. "Both Progenitors are gone. But I don't know of anything else who could even hope to do such a thing."

R: "Lilith may be a corpse, but the presence of animals mean that she may still have influence."

A: "So Lilith was the one who took this family away from us?!"

R: "I doubt that would be her purpose for doing so, if indeed she was around and she wanted to do that, if she even had the resources to do such thing at this point in time. Either way, something wanted to change the fate of the world, and chose you two."

S: "It's always us, isn't it? We can't just live a happy life somewhere, can we? Not unless we work our asses off and even then!"

K: "I mean, even if they wanted to choose someone else, not like they would've had a choice after Instrumentality. Unless they wanted to send Aki alone back."

Even more horrifying thought sprung to the minds of the parents.

Endure

""If she were to know what we're going to endure in the upcoming fights, she might try to find some way to keep us out of them or at least somewhat safe, which would most likely just make them end up for the worse."" Rei gave a small frown. "A fair enough assumption. But one neither of you would've wanted."

Asuka was once again glancing at the table, like the Shinji of the book. "Obviously we get through this. Somehow."

K: "And you already anticipated at this point Aki wouldn't have come back."

A: "From a purely logical standpoint, it makes sense. Consider we're back in our young selves."

Shinji realised. "She wouldn't have even been a thought at this point in time."

A: "...Like she never existed."

With yet more contemplative silence, Rei continued.

Changes

"But while a depression would go relatively easy with his old lifestyle, it would be a thousand times harder for her to maintain that fiery attitude of her old self. At least as long as there was no sign of their only child..."

Asuka continued to struggle keeping it together. "...This is just making me think Wolk saved all the emotional trauma from the Laserdiscs and decided to dump it all on us at once."

K: "I can see how it would feel like that." Consolatory. "Kaji would've helped, if only for a brief moment."

S: "And maybe that conversation we had would've as well."

A: "How my old self would hate me for that." A small huff escaped her, despite the crushing depression. "Then again, my old self would've been a bit more pleasant, compared to her old self."

R: "You two shared an old self at one point. And the book iteration of you would have gone through a lot, even compared to you."

A: "Well, that's what raising a child would do, I imagine." A few small chuckles, before she sighed in dejection. "Damnit, I made myself sad."

S: "...We knew it was gonna happen as well."

R: "And yet it was still shocking to you when it did."

A: "...I think it's because I didn't expect it this soon. We only got one chapter with her."

K: "And yet, despite the small amount of direct focus Wolk had given her, she had become one of the major driving points of your story."

Familiar Faces

"Suddenly, it seemed much harder to go through with his plans." Rei thought. "Even here, you were thinking about ways to prevent what happened."

S: "As we would. If we're back, we might as well do something to help it."

A: "But what could we do to help it? We've been thrusted back with no notice and only a day to get our mental states together."

K: "It would've certainly been a change, going from the desolate Tokyo-3 to the suddenly rejuvenated Tokyo-3."

R: "They spent around 5 years in the post Instrumentality world. To you two, it would be what you know."

K: "Hell, for both of you, you spent more time in Tokyo-3 after it was destroyed. It would've been so difficult for you to suddenly get back in the swing of things like it never happened."

A: "That's the thing that would've really fucked us. It did happen. Even if it was to no one else, it would've been to us."

R: "And yet, to everyone else, nothing happened. Just another day in this mad world."

S: "...And we had to find some way of dealing with it."

A: "...Well, against all odds, we did. In a way."

R: "There would have been many things you could not simply forget about."

A: "We know that... and we wouldn't forget about them. Otherwise, it might as well have never happened."

Daily Races

"Of course, it would have been a surprise if she would have done anything else but to stride to her usual place at the elevator's door and wait to be transported upwards."

A: "...You can understand why I wouldn't be in a mood to speak, Shinji."

S: "Yeah... I don't think I'd be in too much of a mood to talk either."

R: "Asuka did have a point. You were never meant to know it was your mothers in the Evangelion. And we know here, it did result in sudden sync spikes."

Asuka sighed, disappointed. "Which would look pretty suspicious to Ritsuko and everyone else."

K: "We know a general timeline, at least. Iruel would've been the cause of that incident. You have a sync test coming up, so you arrived before where the kiss was."

R: "Where Unit-00 went berserk? Was that a cross sync test, though?"

A: "With all we've been through, I wouldn't be surprised if everyone went berserk." Muttering.

Mother

"Shinji nodded. "Of my mother's death." He said simply, before smirking weakly. "Or rather her absorption.""

Asuka collected herself before she began. "That would've been hard. I... just hope she could guess why."

S: "I imagine she would. My mother would've gathered as much."

R: "Speaking of, do we know if the anniversary had already passed?"

S: "No, we don't." He realised. "Shit. That would involve seeing my father."

K: "We could gather he did not immediately pick up you were a time traveller."

A: "Well, he would've been an idiot to immediately react on such an impulse. He would've kept it in his mind, if Shinji was being a bit too open."

S: "Which I doubt I would be. I know for a fact my father was actively working to end the world. And if there was one thing known about my older self that would've worked in my favour, it was I was meek and quiet."

K: "Ah, but your father was a venerable master in not only manipulation, but also self-control. Even with what happened, I had never seen this break. In fact, I only saw such a softer side to him with the Laserdiscs."

R: "And even with foresight, just one repeat would not net you enough experience to counter such an experienced being."

S: "So he'd probably pick up on something anyway." Groaning. "Well, I didn't expect to be able to spar with him after a loop."

A: "Then again, you don't really have that manipulative coldness of Commander Asshole."

S: "I know I can get cold sometimes, but I don't think I'm manipulative."
 
Set Up

"Asuka grunted silently, already knowing fully well what she didn't want to do."

Asuka grunted. "Didn't want that date anyway. At least I gave myself an out."

S: "Even without that out."

A: "Well I wasn't gonna stick around him after what he was like." Muttering. "Hell, even back then I wasn't really feeling it."

K: "Only doing it because Hikari's a friend?"

A: "Pretty much. But I definitely understand why now I wouldn't be feeling it."

R: "Not just because you and Shinji are technically married and have even had a child."

A: "I mean, that would be half of it."

S: "...I don't think we would've ever gotten used to being thrust back like that."

A: "Of course we wouldn't!"

Elevator

"But for once Shinji decided that he'd be the one leaving without explaining the cryptic message."

R: "So the tables turn."

K: "I imagine it would've given Shinji some solace, at the very least."

S: "That's related to Instrumentality, right?"

R: "Most likely. Even though it has not happened yet, and she would not have a clue as to what you meant."

A: "You obviously suspected something. Probably not on the level of 'they're time travellers'."

R: "I would consider such thinking illogical."

K: "It sounds like you appreciated some of his words, at least."

Rei gave a small smile. "So starts getting me on your side."

S: "Well, I would've liked to make the lives of my friends better. If we couldn't do much else, at least we'd do that."

Confront

""Don't worry," Shinji muttered solemnly, watching his father leaving before waiting for his answer. "It won't happen again. Seems like it's true: The AT-Field is impenetrable. From outside and within...""

A: "Not bad, Shinji."

S: "I'm sure he felt that way about me."

A: "He never told you, did he?"

Shaking his head. "I still have my dirty laundry with him." Sighing. "Though now I guess I won't get much of an opportunity to say it right to his face."

R: "The former commander resides with your mother now. If you wanted to communicate with him-"

A: "Rei, last time Gendo tried to communicate with Shinji, he went berserk and had reduced sync with Yui for weeksafterward."

K: "Maybe it would help they weren't in an Evangelion this time around."

S: "Though... that's the thing. My mother knows a lot about my gripes with him. And by this point, he would know what sheknows. And... it would most likely hurt my mother as well. So what's the point?"

R: "For your own peace of mind, maybe."

A: "Though not having him there physically would reduce some of the catharsis you'd get from it. I know I wouldn't mind giving my father a piece of my mind."

S: "...I might have to consider that, then."

Melancholy

"He wasn't sure what song it was he started to play as he felt the wetness of tears running down his cheeks as well as soaking through his trousers. But it wasn't a happy one."

Asuka was downcast, as she had been for all the chapter. "Damn it, both yours and my reaction seem like something I could do."

K: "You can understand why he wouldn't want to play such a song, then."

A: "...It reminded him too much of Aki. Maybe I would've liked it, but... I can understand."

R: "You are both hurting. But at this point, you have not decided to heal together."

S: "...It's kinda like the earlier chapters. We both had our separate way of dealing with stuff."

A: "Until we found out we loved one another. Then the one who brought us even closer was... Aki."

Rei gave her a sympathetic look. "So you have begun regressing. Which I find understandable, given the situation. I do not think there is a greater sadness."

A: "...And that's exactly what we're going through right now."

R: "You never really get over such a loss. They are your own flesh and blood, after all."

S: "I'm guessing that's Lilith's fault."

R: "Maybe. Feeling love for your children is not a thing exclusive to humanity."

It was only a kiss

"She had already left before he could answer."

Asuka sighed, having gone through a similar emotional rollercoaster to her book counterpart. "You tried, Shinji. At least the kiss went better than the Laserdiscs."

S: "...I probably should've known it wouldn't be that simple to cheer you up."

K: "But the key thing is you tried. You could've easily sat there and wallow in your collective sadness, but you tried to change it. And indeed you might've, even a small amount would've been welcome."

R: "It definitely seemed like you enjoyed such a kiss, Asuka."

A: "...Though, maybe this Shinji still has a bit to learn in not immediately bringing the mood down."

S: "My bad." Somewhat bashfully. "But we would've come back to those thoughts eventually."

A: "...Hopefully I know now that I still have you. Going through the same pain I'm going through."

S: "...I don't think I'm thinking about it right as well."

Asuka huffed. "Expecting me to be that fiery 14 year old from years past. After all that happened."

S: "...Pretty stupid of me, eh?"

I'd make that decision

"Determined, her hands curled into fists, she turned towards the direction she had come. "Okay, Shinji. Let's save this world.""Rei placed the book down.

Asuka huffed. "...So it was seeing all those children that turned me."

K: "Shinji had wanted to save that world to protect his friends. But you had not found why you would."

R: "Not until now. And we know well no one is immune in war."

S: "...You didn't want anyone else to go through our loss."

A: "Quite a noble goal, isn't it Shinji?"

He gave a small nod.
 
"And I would say you were doing a good job at it." Remarked Rei. "From the Angels we have seen so far, they had been dispatched in ways that you could say were improvements from the Laserdiscs."

"...Well, that would be kinda hard to claim for some Angels." Quietly thought Asuka. "Leliel and Zeruel went almost to expectation. Arael too."

"And was Armisael really an improvement?"

Rei gave a small frown. "Well, let us hope Kaworu ends up going well."

"I wouldn't think so." Frank. "To me, the Laserdisc scenario would've been unchanged. Unless I knew at that point you were interloping."

"...Kinda like you, Kaworu?"

"Yes, Shinji. Maybe I pick up on that and respond in kind. Maybe I don't. Either way; your maturity, relationship with Asuka, and knowledge of what I am. That would change how the Laserdisc scenario went, I would feel."

"...I'm gonna end up killing you again, am I."
Kaworu was contemplative. "Most likely. I may not use Unit-02 in my play, as Asuka is still able to pilot. But... I do not have that relationship with you all that I had here. It would be... all too easy for him to follow the call."
Silence reigned for a brief moment, before Asuka got up. "How much more do we have?"
Rei flipped through the rest of the book. "Three chapters."
Asuka huffed. "I'm gonna take another break, then. I feel I'm gonna need it."

And with that she dragged Shinji to their room. Something they had done too many times today.

"And yes, Kaworu, the next chapter is about you."

He glanced down to the table. "This will not end well, then."
   3. Octet 
"Well. That's something we never had to deal with."

"How does a giant octahedron even evolve to become that?"

"Evidently, Adam decided to use the evolutionary shotgun approach." Ritsuko spoke flat.

"Makes sense, from a certain point of view. Multiple backups. Multiple alternative methods. I believe the idiom is 'don't put all your eggs in one baskets'."

"Not that it helped our pilots." Muttered Maya.

"You managed, at the very least. While that would normally be a spoiler, I think us existing today spoils what happens anyway."

"So we're just watching this to know what happened?"

"Pretty much, yes."

While the Nephilim couldn't pick up on her blatant lie, thanks in part to her naturally flat intonation and not knowing what happened, her mothers sure as hell picked up on it.

They both gave a wry smile towards one another, as Maya flipped the disc.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

1. Brainstorming 
Rei and Kaworu sat at the table, half due to waiting on Shinji and Asuka to ready themselves, and half because they were in the midst of a brainstorming session.

"That involves using the astral plane, right?"

Nodding. "The rivers of time can be used to explore... well, time. It simply uses energy to traverse."

"Which we have plenty of now."

"Indeed. So Asuka wanted to know if there was anything after the book."

"So... we go back to where our timeline split, through all the years, then we go down the Laserdisc trail, then we go down where Wolk's work went."

"Yes."

She gave a small laugh. "This will be fun."

They turned heads at the sliding door. "Okay." Began Asuka, noticeably frazzled. "Lets get this shit done."

And so they sat down, and Kaworu began reading.
 2. The Second Try 
Character Key:
Shinji (S) Asuka (A)Rei (R) Kaworu (K)  
2.11: “Chapter 11. The 17th.”
 
Kaworu could feel several fields shift, the gathered knowing what will most likely happen to him.
  
Unforeseen Consequences

"Makoto heard it well enough though. And he understood the silent request between the words. It seemed like he would again have a few hours overtime ahead."

A: "Your presence now would've made everyone suspicious."

K: "Especially since, other than fulfilling my role as the 17th, there is no other purpose for me to be present. At least in the Laserdiscs, it was ostensibly to replace Asuka as pilot."

S: "Even here you had a reason."

K: "Indeed. And it seems everyone at NERV is suspicious about me and the committee."

R: "I am certain everyone could gather by now the committee are up to something."

A: "Misato certainly did, getting Makoto to work for her like that."

S: "Once again, like the Laserdiscs."

K: "Then again, what do you expect SEELE to do? Just sit there and not do anything as the Commander does his own machinations?"

R: "Not to mention they would want to get you out of the way, before Instrumentality was scheduled."

A: "Like that went to plan."

K: "Maybe not here, especially when they tried to force it. But in the Laserdiscs, they did not have to... interfere. And I would expect at least something similar to the Laserdisc scenario here."
 
Exeunt

"Just in time she remembered to wave out of the window when her father started the engine. "You all take care of yourselves!""

Shinji and Asuka both had a coy blush. "She would've found such thing adorable."

S: "She would've found out eventually, but it would've been alright for them to know."

K: "It's more than what we got in the Laserdiscs, that's for sure."

R: "Literature can be good like that. You can expand on certain events, instead of trying to compress the whole plot into 20 minutes."

A: "That's an upside, though you do miss out on a bit when you don't have visuals."

S: "It helps that they're already people we know. It's rather easy to visualise you instead of someone else."

K: "I would say this scene is also an improvement over the Laserdiscs. You actually got to see them off."

R: "The Laserdiscs only implied such thing. For all we know, Shinji could have seen his friends off."

S: "At that stage? NERV probably wouldn't allow it."
 
Fifth

""It's okay. It's just... I just don't know how I should face someone..." closing his eyes, he clenched his quivering hands, "someone I killed...""

S: "And the pendulum swings back to depressing... but you can understand why I'd feel that."

K: "Taking a life like that, even if asked, would've naturally affected you."

R: "Even more so, since you were his closest friend at the time."

A: "...Says quite a bit about us, doesn't it?"

S: "It's not your fault."

R: "No one was at fault. The only entity you could say was at fault were SEELE."

K: "...Though forming that relationship with Shinji wouldn't have helped matters."

A: "We could tell he was desperate for something. He completely latched onto you because no one else gave him love or affection like you did." A hint of self-loathing. "At least this time around, I can offer that for him."

S: "What would Kaworu's role be this time around, then?"

Kaworu thought. "My role was always to be 17th. I broke free from that role here, but not in the Laserdiscs."

S: "...So you're probably gonna go Angel earlier?"

K: "Maybe. Alongside my experiences, it was my well developed relationship with everyone here, not just Rei, that kept me grounded. In the Laserdiscs, I only lasted a couple days before I fell to the call."

R: "SEELE would expect you last at least that long before you made your play."

K: "Then I expect to last that long before I succumb to the call."
 
Gift from the Dead

""Major Katsuragi here. Get me Dr. Akagi.' Now that has my curiosity piqued."

R: "We can assume Kaji left that for her. But what is it?"

S: "Well, I'm sure we'll find out in the next couple chapters."

R: "True, but speculating about such a thing is fun."

A: "I imagine a weapon of some sort." She speculated. "Against the MP-Evangelion."

K: "Or maybe even against me."

R: "If you could use it effectively against the MP-Evangelion, it would most likely be effective against you as well."

S: "I'd say it was fairly lucky Misato decided to go there."

A: "Well, I would say it would've been curious a sudden event pop up on my calendar. If we actually used a computerised calendar."

K: "I imagine they are computerised. Considering what is controlled by the Magi."

S: "Even though we don't have personal computers. Unless you count the terminals the school gives us."

A: "They aren't NERV computers though. 'Bout the only computerised calendar we have is text messages that the Magi send to remind us of something."

R: "Even so, if it is not urgent, Misato is usually the one to tell us."

K: "All this technology and we still don't use it." He mused, flat in intonation.

S: "I mean, I don't really mind how it is now."
 
As You Wish

""As you wish..." he spoke softly, as he turned his head to watch her as she was walking away, "...Mrs. Ikari..."" He gave a short chuckle. "It is me."

Rei gave the fish a glare. "Even here, you quote at people."

A: "And you still have that knowledge of other worlds."

K: "As I would. I'm amazed such knowledge is this explicit, however."

S: "I mean, it seems to me it would be fairly obvious to anyone who could look into other timelines."

K: "Of course, maybe that aspect of me is more pronounced, this time around."

A: "Different aspects of yourself change every time?"

K: "One could say that of anyone. Many aspects are similar, for example an interest in Shinji."

Shinji gave a small blush.

K: "-but it all depends in my interactions. Both before and after I am designated fifth. Maybe my interaction with you will pique my interest." A glance at Asuka.
 
Aura

""Do not worry," the boy assured her. "I am sure it was not their intention to hurt my feelings. Indeed, I am positive that we will play our parts together just as we are destined to...""

S: "An aura?"

Kaworu huffed. "Perhaps the Lillim are more attuned to what seems... foreign, this time around. Of course, in an environment like NERV, such overt friendliness would naturally be view upon with suspicion. Even without any sort of aversion field."

A: "I don't think we ever sensed something off about you, even after we found out about your Adamness. Rei's the one to pick up on little details like that."

S: "Not like we can read the soul."

R: "Maya does have a point, however. A person is naturally selfish; it's how we survive and propagate. Not even displaying a hint of that would naturally seem suspicious. Like you had an ulterior motive."

K: "And in a world of ulterior motives, I can understand. Though perhaps this 'aura' of mine is at least partially influencing others."

A: "It sure got to me."

R: "As it would. Though I wonder something, I do not think either of you voiced concerns about Kaworu. At least to me."

Shinji shrugged. "Maybe we were naturalised. Cause I certainly don't feel weird around you now."
 
Who Are You

"With that he brought the filled spoon up to his mouth. Rei considered reminding him of the heat. But despite what others thought, the concept of humor wasn't entirely lost on her." Kaworu gave a small chuckle.

A: "You sly dog, Rei!"

R: "It would be a valuable lesson for him." A small smile. "I feel we have gotten off to a better start, this time around."

S: "Considering you two had, at most, one interaction."

K: "Maybe such interaction with me would help start... something."

Rei gave a small smile. "You know that most likely will not happen at this stage."

K: "One can hope. Maybe I'll find a way to overcome my call."

A: "You probably have a few days, at best, to do so."
 
Machination

"The Major nodded. "Probably more than I should...""

S: "Good to see they're planning something."

A: "Involving that stooge, though?"

R: "Out of all the pilots, he would be preferable for this kind of clandestine operation."

K: "It sounds to me like it's Evangelion related."

A: "Like most NERV things."

R: "We will most likely find out what this machination involves once we reach the endgame."
 
Interaction

"If he couldn't see, then it would have to be up to her to do it for him.' I can understand why you'd be thinking that, at this stage."

A: "Well duh. Especially knowing what happened to Shinji."

S: "I could see you doing something like that as well."

K: "Curious. Maybe you will be the one to end me, Asuka."

R: "That all depends if you take Unit-02 this time around."

K: "Either way, not only do you suspect me like the Laserdiscs, both Shinji and Asuka do. I doubt I would be able to get up to much this time around."

R: "They were about the only people who did not suspect you in the Laserdiscs. Shinji was damaged enough to accept just anything, and Asuka was catatonic."

A: "I don't even think I knew you existed."

R: "You would not. You awoke in your Evangelion and almost immediately started fighting the MP-Evangelion."

A: "Yeah, and that went well. Now look where I am."
 
Fodder

Kaworu's look could be best described as contemplative. "Kaworu, however, still didn't move."

A: "...Yeah, I would do that. With the knowledge I had about you."

K: "It's true, he did hurt Shinji with what he did. And I can understand why you'd want to protect him from that."

R: "Consider it's a catch 22 either way. As Asuka stated, whether you are nice or an ass to Shinji, either way, you will hurt him."

S: "...By the sounds of it, I'm still hurting from what I had to do."

K: "Perfectly understandable. Given what you had to do."

S: "...And what I'm probably gonna do again."

A: "So, with what we know, it would be better to not form a relationship with you. Because we would assume you'd just go Angel."

K: "Indeed. While it's an understandable thought process, I feel like such processes would become self fulfilling for me."

R: "It was our interactions that helped you overcome your call in the first place."

K: "Just so. But I could understand, after Shinji's experiences with me, how you would be averse to even being near me. At the very least, my interactions with Toji have been cordial."
 
Bathhouse

"Without saying anything more than that as a farewell, Rei got out of the bath, gathering and changing into her clothes before she went, not bothering to dry herself before."

R: "That, was not cordial. So much for a better relationship."

S: "Bit of a far cry from what you're like here, eh Rei?"

A: "Even though you seemed quite comfortable around him."

R: "I would not have known anything about societal standards at this time, other than what you might have taught me."

K: "And I doubt SEELE taught me anything similar."

S: "But what this interaction between you two is telling me, is that Kaworu will make his play. Like the Laserdiscs."

K: "I would expect that, at this point. I'd think it clear to me no one would be willing to interact with me in a productive manner. Other than Toji, maybe."

A: "Then again, what d'ya expect? Us to respond to you, knowing you're one: an Angel, and two: that Shinji was forced to kill you, in a productive and mutually beneficial manner?"

K: "A lot to ask, I know." Noticeably flat in intonation.

Much to the group's amusement, despite how dark it was. "Ignoring our own problems for a sec, poor Maya."

R: "She would not know anything about interacting with the Commander. Especially in the book world."

A: "Well, we know here she had a bit of interaction with him."
 
Clandestine

""But that doesn't mean there are no others." Kozo closed his eyes with a sigh. "Look for a disk in a trashcan at the Nagao Toge station tomorrow after seven PM.""

R: "So like his Theatrical counterpart."

K: "Even here, he might've been like that. At least judging from the Laserdiscs. In retrospect, it's rather a shame how he met his end."

Asuka shrugged. "Maybe if we found out more about his actual goals, we might've seen him in a different light."

S: "He practically took that to the grave, didn't he?"

R: "Essentially. The only other people who could possibly know was the former Commander and your mother. The Commander is legally deceased, and your mother would know what he knows."

S: "...She'd also know about Fuyutsuki, as well."

K: "Either you told her, or she would've known through the former Commander."

R: "Either way, it is apparent Fuyutsuki was working for the former Commander not necessarily out of loyalty towards him, but towards Yui Ikari."

A: "Hence why he would do something like give Kaji information? Cause I wouldn't trust him with anything, unless I wanted him to tell the seven agencies he was working for."
 
Blue

Kaworu had a hint of regret in his voice. ""No. Pattern is blue. No doubt, it's an Angel!""

R: "...As it was in the Laserdiscs."

A: "Then again, with how he haven't been interacting with him, it was inevitable."

S: "...So this has gone like the Laserdiscs."

K: "Not exactly. Unit-02 sounded a bit less... compliant, this time around."

A: "This time around, I actually can still pilot. Maybe that would've had something to do with it."

R: "Depends on what you think happened that resulted in you losing the ability to pilot in the first place."

A: "I thought it was because I kept closing myself off."

R: "It could have also been because your mother closed herself off. Maybe as an attempt to protect you, after everything that happened."

Asuka thought about that for a bit. "I mean, I can see the logic in such thing. But I'm sure she would've known how such thing would affect me."
 
Heaven's Door

"With that, Unit-01's hand closed around the gray-haired boy. And he expectantly closed his eyes." Shaking his head. "A valiant attempt, Asuka."

She growled, somewhat frustrated she didn't do much again. "At least it's more than what I did in the Laserdiscs."

S: "You could do that?"

R: "When you pilot an Evangelion, it's hard to differentiate between the Fields of the pilot and of the Evangelion itself. It would not be difficult to mask oneself, even to someone like Kaworu."

A: "And yet I didn't even get a hit on him."

K: "Then again, you might not have known what I could do. Shinji would've been the only person to have known what I could do."

R: "At least in the Laserdiscs."

K: "Indeed. And what you saw in the Laserdiscs was not the full extent."

S: "Even in this short scene, you used more offensive powers."

Kaworu gave a short nod. "Against Asuka, unfortunately. Whereas in the Laserdiscs, I merely defended with my AT-Field and Unit-02."

A: "At the very least, you don't have Unit-02 now."

K: "Even though it did not particularly matter, in the book. Either way, I made it to Heaven's Door."

S: "And I made it to you."

K: "...Yes."
 
Second

""Isn't it rather," the old man spoke knowingly, "that you're just curious?""

A: "I imagine there'd be a lot to be curious about, this time around."

R: "Of course there would be. This has also happened according to the Laserdiscs."

K: "I haven't met my fate yet, and already he's mobilising his forces."

S: "Much like our world, in that case. My father practically mobilised everything after what they attempted at the theatre."

K: "He would not have accepted that lying down. It would've been obvious to him that SEELE were making their play, hence why he was so hasty."

R: "I feel everyone involved was acting in haste at that moment. It would've been unwise to act with you still around."

K: "And yet they did, because they knew all their capital with the Commander had evaporated."

A: "And look what happened. Commander Asshole died in Terminal, the JSSDF tucked tail after failing to nuke a completely battle ready Tokyo-3, and SEELE got kicked off the planet."

S: "Not even mentioning the coup against Fuyutsuki."

R: "Or any of the domestic and international political fallout after the fact."

K: "Though that makes me wonder, how will NERV respond to their incursion this time around. As they will after this event."

R: "Most likely similar to the Laserdiscs. However, the former Commander appears to be more prepared."

A: "And who knows. Maybe our resident ghost will offer something too."
 
Revelation

Even Kaworu was shocked at what he did. "But the Angel just continued using his soothing voice. "You do not need me to accomplish your goal," he dissolved Shinji's attempt to persuade him otherwise and looked up. "You already have more allies than you think.""

This sentiment was shared by everyone, especially Asuka. "You... you did it? How?!"

He contemplated. "...With great power."

R: "But you were dead, surely?"

K: "Perhaps not. As I was still around by the time of Instrumentality. Maybe I heard this plight."

S: "...And sent us back?"

K: "Indeed... though many of the points I stated, I or others here have pointed out. Such a world would not be suitable for Aki."

A: "Even though she's not even around anymore."

K: "Well, if I could bring you back."

Asuka was brought to silence. "You... you think-"

K: "We can assume I survived my Laserdisc encounter with Shinji, and post Instrumentality I continued to have a presence in that world in order to send you back. There's no reason to assume I won't survive dying at Unit-01's hands this time around."

S: "...Speaking of."

K: "...Yes. That would be coming up imminently."
 
Don't Be

Low in volume, and mournful in tone. "Shinji closed his eyes. Just a light tug on the handle. And even without looking, he knew it was over. The 17th Angel... was dead."

Rei had gone for his hand, mostly to remind herself he was still there.

S: "...And yet I still had to kill you."

K: "You understand why you had to. I was too far gone, at that point. Given the chance, I would've destroyed all you knew and loved."

A: "And yet it would still hurt him. Especially knowing what you did."

K: "Curious, isn't it? Ostensibly it was to help you two and the world."

S: "Even though it required you taking away Aki from us."

Kaworu had a grimace, knowing full well what they would think about that. "...I hope, for your sake, it was a difficult decision to make. I know that might not be much consolation at this point."

It wasn't.

So Kaworu decided to continue reading.
 
It's Treason, Then

""Pilot Ikari," the one he had almost run into bellowed coldly, his hand closing around Shinji's shoulder in an iron grip. "By the Commander's orders, you are hereby under arrest for conspiracy and treason against NERV.""

Asuka grumbled, quite audibly. "It was only a matter of time before Commander Asshole tried something."

R: "He would still require you to fight off SEELE. Of course, this could be a part of the machination he began earlier this chapter."

S: "Course, I wouldn't put it past him to shoot himself in the foot now."

K: "Odds are, he will detain you while attempting his scenario with Rei."

A: "While SEELE and the JSSDF invade? Pfft, fat chance he'll not put us in an Evangelion."
 
"Though I do imagine this next confrontation between you two and the former Commander would be interesting to witness."

Shinji glanced at the table. "Well, it's not like we have to wait."

Kaworu raised an eyebrow, as the book was passed to Rei. "You want to continue so soon after?"
"Why not?" Asuka butted in. "I don't think it can get much worse. I'm sure Wolk won't just make Instrumentality happen like it did."
"Great, you got Murphy involved."

~~~
  
"Maybe it would have been better to start with the boy..."

Asuka was livid at this cold open. "You're sure as fuck you should've started with Shinji! Maybe I'd try killing you twice as hard!"

S: "I could've only hoped you left something for me." Shinji, too, was rather angry.

K: "He even knows her name. That would've almost-"

A: "That would've definitely pissed me off!" Growling. "Damn it, haven't even heard the title of this and I already want to grind his remains to dust!"

R: "Maybe I will do such thing."

S: "I mean, this isn't really that kind of story, isn't it?"

A: "I wouldn't mind seeing a story like that.”
 
2.12: “Chapter 12. The Final.”
 
My Stone Wall

""The Commander would like to have a chat with you.""

S: "This is gonna be great." He lied.

A: "Considering how my confrontation with Commander Asshole went." Grumbling, still seeing red.

R: "Then again, what can Shinji do?"

A: "Maybe if he's lucky, he'll get a gun somehow."

K: "I'm certain the former Commander would not hesitate to kill any of us."

S: "Not like you're even in the picture anymore, Kaworu."

K: "Maybe if you told me of this plight, I could've paid him a visit."

R: "With a bucket?"

K: "That's more your specialty."
 
Epiphanic Amnesia

They had listened on at Rei's rather passionate retelling of Shinji's rant.

And how the Commander completely ignored him. '""Do not ask questions you don't really want to hear the answer to."'"

Shinji had a small grin, basking in this ironic echo. "Man I would've loved to get all that shit out there."

R: "And yet, with two people backing up his knowledge, and with his own theory, he still believes it will succeed."

K: "Well, as both he and you said."

A: "So what, he does what he was going to do?"

R: "I would think so. Even though he knows it will not work."

A: "And he's sure as hell we will not make it work this time around."

K: "Many of the events of the Laserdiscs have happened thus far. Who's to say-"

A: "Oh no no no no, if Instrumentality happens like the Laserdiscs, I'm gonna travel all the way to Germany, in my Evangelion,and give this author a piece of my mind!"

S: "Even though he would've never written it in our world."

R: "If he even exists, and isn't using a pen name or dead."
 
303

"Asuka didn't even try to argue. A small nod, then her barely opened eyelids fell shut again."

A: "Yes, I would've much preferred that."

Shinji huffed. "At least here."

R: "Even your injuries are less severe."

A: "That's not really saying much, considering it wasn't even catatonia this time around." Grumbling. "Verdammt Arschloch."

S: "And the same room too?"

K: "The universe works in mysterious ways."

A: "The universe seems to fuck us over whenever things start getting good." Brutally sardonic.

R: "Let us hope Wolk decides to cut us some slack, then."

S: "Do you think he will?"

R: "So far, they've seemed to make things slightly better."

A: "Lets hope he keeps up this pace."
 
Level 1

"The three stared at each other questioningly. "Does anyone of you know what the Instrumentality Project actually is about...?""

K: "And so the working class begins to rise up."

A: "They aren't gonna have a Marxist uprising now."

R: "Perhaps just a regular uprising, then."

S: "Much like our world?"

K: "Laserdisc SEELE appeared more determined, compared to this world. Or, maybe they had more influence."

R: "Either way, the Laserdisc incursion seemed more difficult for us."

S: "So it'll probably end up the same way?"

A: "Considering it's been going similarly so far." Flat musing.
 
Deus Vult

""I know I may have had my assumptions, but you really could have told me that Ikari was leading us into a holy war against SEELE.""

Kaworu huffed. "An apt description."

A: "Okay, we have some sort of knowledge on the MP-Evangelion now. Other than what I knew from experience."

S: "Though now I'm getting a bit nervous on what happened to Rei."

R: "Perhaps SEELE have already targeted me."

K: "Even though you could defend yourself if needed."

R: "Possibly. Though I do not think I will fall at the very last gate."

S: "Hopefully an ally? Trying to prevent you from becoming Lilith?"

R: "The latter is true, the former I am not certain."
 
This Time, Last Time

""Not much point in it. I'll change right into my plugsuit in the locker room.""

K: "Now the operations director knows. Hopefully this will help reduce the bloodshed that was the Laserdisc scenario."

R: "It would help. We could lock down NERV further, and get both remaining Evangelion deployed."

A: "Do they know that it was Unit-01 they wanted?"

K: "I wouldn't think so, other than what happened last time. That was to be their plan, with the Lance of Longinus out of the picture."

S: "So unless Asuka managed to get rid of a few MP-Evangelion, they're gonna go for me again?"

K: "Most likely. I recall that's what they did here as well."

A: "Yeah, except with two other Evangelion defending him, they didn't get too far."

S: "Hopefully this time around-"

A: "I feel we've been hoping for that a lot so far." She mused, flat in tone.

K: "Considering how... unfavourable the circumstances became in the Laserdiscs."
 
Nothing But Death

"'"It will bring you nothing but death."' He frowned as his son's words echoed in the back of his mind. 'Not if I can forestall it.'"

K: "Curious. Perhaps what you two said convinced him."

R: "SEELE would've done their scenario regardless. Though maybe this time around, the Commander will try to prevent it."

A: "Fat chance." She snarked. "He's been working towards this shit for years. His whole life after Shinji's mama became Unit-01 was dedicated to Instrumentality."

S: "Even tossing his own son aside for such thing. At least until he was useful." Also snarking, a bitter overtone present. "He's not just gonna give up on this."

K: "However, he has realised how hypocritical SEELE could be. Maybe he is actually thinking twice about all this. Odd."

Asuka barked out a laugh. "I like how the mere concept of Gendo possibly redeeming himself is completely alien to us."

S: "Though considering what he did. It'd probably take him centuries to make it up to us."
 
One With Me

Rei, being a part of Lilith, only let a small blush break her otherwise regular composure.

Of course, it helped it kinda embarrassed Shinji and Asuka. "No more words were spoken for the next hours between the lovers as they became one for the first time – once again."

Kaworu let a small chuckle escape. "I imagine such a thing would help get you battle ready. I vaguely recall a quote about that, how something like that helps you both prepare and recover from battle."

R: "It was a lot more crude."

A: "Hey, we already do that!"

S: "...Maybe that's what you thought." He still had his face in his hands.

A: "...Of course, considering how the Laserdiscs went."

R: "I would say you took more risk invoking Murphy."

S: "I said I'd be careful..."

A: "Would you, though? Especially considering what happened?"

S: "I mean, if we weren't careful, it would be conceding one of us wouldn't survive tomorrow."

A: "...I can see how you would think that. Though... considering how we don't really give a shit about the potential of others watching us."

R: "'Eat a hearty breakfast, for tonight we dine in hell.'"

A: "...Holy shit, that's an awesome quote. Where'd you find that?"

R: "One of Kensuke's American manga."

A: "That's a comic, Rei."
 
Firewall

"'That'll probably be my last affront against him. I know he would have deserved worse, but I'm sure it will hurt him more than death. Don't you agree...' her hand caressed the steel that housed Casper's cybernetic "brain", 'Mother...?'"

K: "So it begins."

R: "The firewall was brought up, as before."

A: "But now we'll have the JSSDF bringing hell to our doorstep."

S: "And my father is still trying something. Actually, we still don't know what's up with you, Rei."

R: "Indeed. And he will not be able to do much if I am not in the picture."

K: "At the very least, they all have an idea on what will happen."

R: "Thus, they may prepare better."

S: "I wouldn't be surprised if I was already in my Evangelion."

K: "The scenario is so far more favourable, compared to the Laserdiscs. Perhaps not our scenario."

A: "I consider our world the gold standard at how good things can be."

S: "If we're the gold standard."

A: "Yeah, I know, it's more like a tin standard."

R: "But the scenario is preferable thus far. Misato is in command, instead of trying to wrangle Shinji."

K: "Which would prevent her death, at least how she died in the Laserdiscs."

A: "Perhaps even Ritusko's death."

S: "Only one way to find out."
 
Worm

""Then get the remaining troops to Tokyo-3 as fast as possible! If we can't tell them by radio, we have to tell them face to face – or gun to gun if we must!""

A: "That little sneak!"

K: "So this was his plan. Must say, it would've been effective. There's only so much you can do once the general public know."

R: "Such mass dissemination of information would cause someone influenced by SEELE to take notice."

S: "I'm pretty sure that was the same guy who was prime minister in our world. At the time, at least."

A: "It's amazing what people realising you were in bed with SEELE does for your political prospects."

K: "I don't think we've heard much about him after his resignation."

A: "Knowing this place, I wouldn't be surprised if he fled to Argentina."
 
Incursion

"Misato wished she had an answer for that question."

K: "Even with the foreknowledge Shinji had, there's only so much you could've recognised at the time."

S: "I doubt I was thinking much about their tactics at the time. If I was thinking of anything, at that time."

R: "And yet Misato's actions have already improved chances. Yes, they are still minuscule at this point in time, but such preventative actions would at least give us more time."

A: "But as someone said. For what?"

R: "Well. They could only hope that it was something that stops this incursion."

K: "In the Laserdiscs, the incursion only stopped once Instrumentality started."

A: "We don't even know where you're at, Rei."

R: "Indeed. If I do not appear anytime soon, then the Commander would not be able to enact his scenario."

A: "Well, it wasn't Kaji that took you."

K: "I wonder who it could be, in that case."

S: "No one friendly, I imagine. Considering that's pretty much the extent of who we know, who could be friendly."

R: "I would hope it was a friendly. However, we can never know for sure."
 
Withdrawal

""Give the signal and ask for the big boys. Let the monsters kill each other.""

Asuka gave an amused huff. "At least this time around, the commander knew when to fold his cards, instead of trying to nuke us."

S: "Still sending in the MP-Evangelion. But I suppose that was expected, at this point."

R: "Of course, they were a key part of SEELE's plan."

K: "The strategy you two used would've been quite effective. Shinji would not have the power cable as a weak point."

A: "And considering in the Laserdiscs, my power cable was cut quite early. I'd be fully powered against those damned MP-Eva."

S: "That's practically what happened during our incursion, wasn't it?"

A: "Yeah, except it was Hikari defending two power cables."

R: "I imagine she, like Shinji in the book, would have liked that."

A: "Even so, I still did most of the legwork in actually attacking. But that's fair enough. I know how you're like, Shinji."

S: "Against humans, yeah. But against other Evangelion. Especially the MP-Evangelion." His face became stone. "Of course, if push came to shove."
 
Jet Alone

""Don't have to tell me," Asuka chimed in. "I've seen the results of your last test in Math." Ritsuko shook her head. Kids..."

A: "Well. Didn't expect that to be our trump card."

S: "Considering how Jet Alone was like here. I wouldn't think it be any sort of effective."

R: "Every bit counts. At the very least, it could be cannon fodder."

K: "I'd think that a bit cold, if Toji was physically piloting it, instead of just remotely controlling it. And I wouldn't be surprised if the MP-Evangelion were toying with you, given your situation at the time."

Asuka grumbled. "Well I'm certainly not playing around this time around."

K: "You weren't last time around, as well. But at least this time around, you have more of an advantage. Even numbers wise."

S: "It's still 2 against 9, though."

A: "We've faced worse odds."

R: "Even so, I would not say you won just yet. Wolk has been known to make the events of the Laserdiscs happen, regardless of what happened."

A: "Surely my death would've been prevented at this point in time. Shinji would've done anything to protect me."

K: "Up to and including starting Instrumentality to get you back?"

A: "Ye-" She shut herself up to think. "Shit. Wolk might do that. Kinda what happened in the Theatrical, right?"

S: "I'm sure, in that state, I'd bring back more than you."
 
Desperation

Even though it was Gendo Ikari, Rei was still given pause at what she had been reading. "And while hundreds of meters above him the guns and weapons of the soldiers blared in the corridors and halls, a... a single shot echoed in the Terminal Dogma."

Nothing was spoken for a bit, as they processed. "...Damn."

K: "...Thing is. I don't even know if this was a plan."

R: "I would suggest he would attempt to use his own soul to merge with Lilith. As I continue to be MIA."

K: "But Adam died when the Commander was killed. Who's to say it wouldn't be the same here?"

Asuka glanced at Shinji, and slightly shuddered at how unresponsive he was. "Considering some things have been different."

R: "So it may be possible. Either way, this was a move out of desperation, not logic. I... doubt that was his intention."

A: "...But that means he's out of the equation now, right?"

K: "As we said, we aren't certain."

Shinji was still quiet.

Which gave Asuka some concern. "...Shinji?"

S: "...I'm feeling quite a bit of contempt for him, now."

K: "Such action, especially in his situation, could be seen as an easy way out."

S: "I don't even think he thought about me when he pulled the trigger. All he ever thought about then was my mother."

R: "...And me."

A: "In this case, it wasn't even you that decided to not go to Terminal."

R: "We still do not know why I disappeared."

S: "Or even what happened to you. For all we know, you could be... dead."

R: "...Either way. I do not think I will be controlling Instrumentality this time around. If it even occurs."
 
Battle

"A maniacal, yet ever so satisfied grin spread over the panting girl's face as she turned around. "Erster...""

Asuka happily emulated her book counterpart's emotion. "Fucking yes. We're getting somewhere."

K: "This would cause them panic, I imagine. As it would've here."

R: "Of course it would. The MP-Evangelion were required for SEELE's Instrumentality."

A: "The image of them shitting their pants as all of the MP-Evangelion went down helps me sleep at night."

S: "Your power cord still got cut, though. And you're-"

A: "So just like the Laserdiscs, eh? Already, things are going better than the Laserdiscs."

K: "Unless SEELE had something up their sleeves, just in case something like this happened."

Rei's eyes went wide. "Maybe that is why they possibly targeted me?"

A: "They're planning on using you against us?" She could boil water with her glare.

R: "At this rate, even if I was still firmly under the Commander's thumb, I would most likely not follow their orders. Especially if I was under the Commander's thumb."

K: "Ah, but we know SEELE are rather... unscrupulous when it comes to convincing people."

R: "But they would know well what I could do. It would do them well not to anger Lilith."
 
Secured

""Wha...?""

K: "I see you could handle yourself."

R: "Of course I could." A small grin. "Of course, I would not know at this point that the Commander had... fallen to despair. Maybe I would have anticipated that as a consequence."

A: "Even though he's completely unflappable, almost all the time."

S: "...If such a thing could cause him to fall to despair, it would be this."

R: "...Either way. It appears I am perfectly fine. At least on the surface."

K: "Who knows what they tried."

R: "They probably tried many things. But based on the fact I am alive, and they are not, I think it is safe to say they had failed."

A: "I taught you well, Rei!"

S: "And the simple fact that Kaji is here means he was able to convince the Prime Minister."

K: "He wouldn't be there if he didn't."

R: "Though I wonder what this detour to the forest would involve."

A: "Well, it's obvious you want something from there, before you somehow get to the Geofront."

R: "I believe it will be something important."
 
Crushed

""Damn," it escaped her after all, touching the remote in the pocket of her lab coat as she entered the elevator that would take her down to Terminal Dogma. "I wanted him to see his hopes crushed, not to go with them.""

S: "...So she knows, then."

R: "It would have only been a matter of time before they noticed."

K: "By the sounds of it, she doesn't explicitly know. Which she might not, considering there's limited surveillance down there. But, she could probably pick up on it."

A: "Based on the fact Rei was completely MIA, and knowing what Commander Asshole wanted to do?"

S: "Maybe that's why she's going to Terminal. That and to do this other thing she mentioned." A sigh. "I'm sure Toji would've been mad."

A: "Falling like that? That's one of the issues with using nuclear power; they're quite fragile when facing other monolithic mecha, like the MP-Evangelion. I'd be especially pissed if I fell as easily as that."
 
Detonate

Rei was not the only one to struggle as she read the next section, where Asuka's hand was forced. Forcing her eyes to remain on the pages, she could still feel the sudden shift in everyone's fields. "You... you will help me, won't you... mother?"

Her eyes glanced off the book and toward the table. And the first thing she noted was Asuka and Shinji's hands locked in a death grip. "...again?" Shinji softly squeaked.

Asuka meanwhile had her stone cold stare, her eyes like the Inferno. "Well look at that." Through teeth. More angry than saddened. "Looks like I will be paying a visit to Germany."

K: "You do realise Instrumentality would be inevitable, at this point."

S: "If it was to get you back, then fuck the world. I already lost Aki, now you?"

R: "...That is what happened in the Theatrical. You would rather let the world burn in hellfire."

S: "Of course I would. And I would start Instrumentality to get you back."

A: "...How affectionate."

K: "Which is what will happen. I am sure of it. Like the Commander, that would be the only way to get her back."

Shinji thought about that for a bit.

Before he gave a short, low laugh. "Like father, like son."

R: "Much like the Laserdiscs."

A: "Out of all the things in the Laserdiscs this bastard of an author could've changed, he didn't change this?"

K: "You came back from this before. Plus, I don't even know if it was you who initiated the self destruct in the first place."

Slowly, an expression of confusion creeped on her. "...Mama did that?"

R: "...It's hard to determine who initiated it. It depends on what you realised as you detonated."

A: "...Which no one but myself would know."
 
Subvert

"She almost wished she hadn't."

A: "Wait, I SURVIVED?!" A shout. She genuinely didn't expect such a subversion of her expectations. From depression, she went giddy, then contemplative, then panicking, as she realised that her surviving was a bit of an important detail the person ending the world did not know.

R: "I guess you better cancel that trip to Germany."

K: "Unless she can stop Shinji from initiating Instrumentality, we might still be paying a visit."

S: "...Oh shit, I don't know that yet, do I?"

A: "I swear to God, if you end the world due to a failure to communicate, we're gonna visit Germany."

K: "Do you think Wolk will end it like this?"

A: "He better not." The fire returned.
 
Call

Shinji, Asuka and Kaworu had leant in nervously, as Rei recounted the desperation of Central Dogma and Asuka, as the end of the world drew ever nearer.

Rei, meanwhile, took great delight in the tension, feeling it herself.

And she gave a small smile from behind her book, as she read ahead. ""Asuka...?""

Asuka's nerves weren't quite abated, however. "Okay, I got through to him. But is that enough to stop the apocalypse?"

K: "I would hope so."

S: "Wouldn't that be salt in the wound. I realise you were alive at the very last second, all too late."

A: "That would be even crueler than the Laserdiscs!"

Rei kept her small smile hidden. "Giant, bloodstained hands stopped the flight of the Lance of Longinus in an instant." With emphasis.

Asuka let up. "YES!" And immediately glomped Shinji, causing him to topple from his chair and onto the floor, much to the entertainment of the Nephilim.

Not like Shinji was complaining much, either way.

R: "I barely started the snippet." An amused aside to her fish.

K: "Looks like we can add this world to the "Not Ended" list."

R: "Does it count if it already ended?"

K: "For the list's sake, no. Otherwise it'd just be our world on that list."

They continued their musings, pretending to ignore the very enthusiastic Field Asuka was putting off.

But eventually Rei decided to continue, with or without them, which rather quickly brought them back to reality.
 
Always In My Heart

"Proudly smiling, she caressed his cheek. "Goodbye, my son. Take care of those you love; your little family, your friends. Always be there for those who need you. Goodbye..."

"Goodbye... mother...""

Shinji was quiet again, rubbing his eyes.

K: "I can understand why she would do such a thing."

R: "Indeed. The Evangelion can bring about ruin on grand scale, as we have seen. The only way to guarantee nothing would happen, was to have no Evangelion."

A: "Except we still need the Evangelion. As long as we're facing enemies with Evangelion."

K: "The Lillim are strong, in that regard. Using tools of ruin, ostensibly beyond their station, for their own self benefit. Rather curious, if you ask me."

R: "Way beyond our station. The Evangelion are practically gods, if given a Solenoid."

S: "...And mother would've still done this."

R: "Possibly. We cannot know for sure, however. We know for a fact you made contact with her."

A: "And managed to convince her that this world is kinda alright sometimes."

Shinji was still troubled, however. "If we didn't require the Evangelion after SEELE's incursion. Would she have done the same?"

Quiet at the table, as they thought.

K: "You would have to ask her yourself."
 
Familiar Ceiling

"The blue-haired girl nodded. "You have to accompany me back to my apartment. There is... something I need to show both of you." This would be what my detour involved, I imagine."

Shinji gave a small huff. "...So. Everything's good now."

A: "They destroyed Lilith."

Rei gave a sad nod. "Unfortunate. But she is a key to Instrumentality. SEELE would be deprived of what they wanted, even if it meant killing what amounts to God."

K: "And the world could continue unabated. Without the Evangelion, or any Progenitor, even the hope of Instrumentality is impossible. SEELE have lost."

S: "What of my father, though?"

Rei pursed her lips. "I do not think he planned for this."

S: "...So it was..."

R: "Do you consider that unfortunate, Shinji?"

S: "...Thing is, I don't know. Because it's a similar circumstance to here isn't it? Only this time around, he died at his ownhands. Although... at the very least, I was able to confront him, this time around. Give him a piece of my mind."

A: "...Which I know you weren't given."

S: "And probably won't take now."

R: "Perhaps it was that confrontation that planted the seed of doubt in his mind."

S: "...Maybe. Call me cruel, but I would've liked to see him at least one more time. When all his plans came tumbling down."

K: "It would've been cathartic, to say the least."

A: "Yeah, it would be cruel. But we know for a fact it would've been less cruel than what he'd usually do."

S: "At the very least. We don't have to hide anything anymore. Especially about... Aki."

A: "...Yeah."
 
Only a Motion Away

From behind the book, Rei's eyes went wide. "Mama...?"

Glass shattered in Asuka's mind, as it tried to process this in a productive manner. "M- I- is that... Aki?"

R: "You already know the answer."

Shinji too was taken aback by this sudden revelation. "Oh Gods. I- is it really..?"

K: "Yes. It would be." A small smile. "I wonder if this was my machination as well. Once the world was safe for her, to bring her back to you."

Shinji and Asuka were still silent, giving one another knowing, misty eyed looks.

R: "I take it you want me to start on the last chapter."

A: "...Yes please."

~~~
 
2.13: “Chapter 13. end.”
 
Lost

"Startled, Rei... said nothing."

Asuka gave a small smile. "So you just happened upon Aki."

R: "Yes. And it appears those motherly instincts kicked in."

K: "Guess you can thank Lilith for that."

R: "It was most likely my Lilithian influences that drove me to Aki in the first place."

S: "That seems rather lucky."

A: "Especially since, after Kaworu died, you would've most likely not been walking around like that."

R: "Maybe without your influences, as in the Laserdiscs."

S: "This was before the end of the last chapter, was it?"

R: "Much before, before the incursion began, I would think."

A: "She was sent back before that shit?!"

She shot a glare at Kaworu.

K: "Whoops."
 
Store

""I apologize for this misunderstanding," Rei addressed the clerk, bowing formally. "I will cover the payment.""

Asuka kept up a warm smile. "Already becoming a sister to her, Rei?"

Rei had a small blush. "Or a friend."

K: "I'm not surprised she doesn't understand the concept of payment."

S: "Not like you had to pay for stuff in an apocalypse where you're the only people left."

Asuka's smile slowly dropped as she thought about her daughter's situation. "Man, she'd have no clue on what to do."

R: "All she would have ever known was the post-Instrumentality world. It makes sense she lacks many of our knowledge on how to function in a society."

A: "Considering society didn't exist. Though... I do appreciate you looking after her like that, Rei."

R: "...As I am sure you would. However, I do not know at this time her true nature."

K: "You do find out. Otherwise Rei wouldn't have told you."
 
Constabulary

""She... can stay with me for tonight.""

A: "Oh Christ Rei, was she with you when..."

R: "Perhaps. Maybe that would explain my... drastic behaviour."

S: "So that was to defend Aki?"

R: "It would explain my actions. Lilith's call is strong."

K: "So instead of going to the Commander and taking part in his machination, you choose Aki."

R: "An obvious choice, I would think. Do I choose to end the world, or do I choose to save a lost girl?"

A: "Well, it's a good thing you chose the latter. I dread to think what could've happened, had you not found her."
 
Home

"As it seemed, it was enough for the little girl to decide that the old lady might not be that scary after all."

K: "It may've been her home, but it's not now."

Asuka kept gradually getting more dejected, as she witnessed her daughter trying to adapt to this brave new world. "Poor thing."

R: "She would be completely out of her comfort zone."

A: "I'd say I wished we saw her earlier. But considering earlier was when we were trying to prevent Instrumentality."

K: "Knowing she existed might've driven you harder during the incursion."

S: "Or it could've distracted us. Oh yeah, I don't even know Aki's back, do I?"

R: "Asuka was the only one I was able to invite to my house, mainly due to your injuries."

A: "At the very least, you're looking after her."

R: "As I would. Though I do wonder when I will realise that, like you, Aki is a looper."

K: "I imagine you would've found that concerning. Especially with the revelation that she was Shinji and Asuka's child."
 
Memory

"Rei couldn't quite say why... but she could understand that urge to take that girl's sadness away like that... as she could barely contain it herself." Rei thought about those words. "That would be Lilith's influence on me."

Asuka sighed. "She'll definitely need some motherly influence like that. Especially since... I'm not there."

R: "Mrs Yamadera knows this well. It is a natural reaction from a mother."

K: "And since Lilith is essentially mother to all humanity."

Nodding. "I'm not be surprised my book self experience these urges. If we consider here, I get those same urges."

S: "It's a full on call, like Kaworu's, right?"

R: "Indeed. It is a call shared by all Lilithian life, only amplified in my case because I am part Lilith. But it is not uncommon to suppress this call."

A: "Considering I used to gawk at the idea."

R: "...So I am not surprised why I am so willing to take Aki into my care."

K: "I know for a fact you would do the same here."

R: "...Yeah."

A: "Though I would think Rei'd have a knack for children."

A raging blush emerged on her, and she threw herself back into the book.

Much to Asuka's amusement.
 
Ramen

""Garlic, without meat.""

A: "Oh she would've enjoyed that." The warm smile returned. "At least Wolk cut her a small break."

K: "This may've been the first time she had ever eaten pork."

S: "I wouldn't be surprised. The only meat we would've had in the Instrumentality world would've either been canned or anything we could've slaughtered."

A: "Most likely chicken, in that case. No way we would've kept cows or pigs in the house. Pigs, yes they might've been good for getting rid of food scraps, but they're still rather large and require plenty of upkeep. And you all know my opinions on cows."

R: "Such is the advantage of a modern society like ours. After Instrumentality, you would have relied on subsistence farming and scavenging."
 
Drawing

"And yet, there was something strangely familiar about them."

Asuka gave a short chuckle. "Well, yeah. They were us."

R: "I would not have known that. Maybe I would have started connecting dots together, however."

K: "Aki would've looked similar to both Shinji and Asuka."

R: "And yet I have not made that connection. At least at this point."

S: "You do make that connection eventually, however. Somehow."

A: "Maybe Aki told you?"

R: "Does she even know your names? She did not know her family name."

S: "Do we even know the family name we used? We just kinda switched between Ikari and Soryu."

A: "...Maybe we should've told Aki some details about us."

R: "Then again, not like you knew you would suddenly disappear one day."

A: "...Yeah. Guess it's not really our fault. Eh Kaworu?"

K: "Whoops."
 
Proof

"It was up to those around them to ensure that they would not be corrupted, that they would not suffer the pain of loneliness. Up to her...?"

K: "So this was where you made your decision?"

R: "...I would say so. What I said holds true, however. I may not have known it back then. But now I would."

A: "So it was Aki who changed your mind."

R: "Indeed." She gave a small smile. "Sounds like you did a great job raising her."

S: "...Kinda amazing, considering."

A: "A far cry from our folks, eh Shinji?"

K: "A good thing too, I would think. Else, maybe the world wouldn't have lasted."

R: "Well, I am sure I would have helped Shinji regardless. Akin to the Laserdiscs."

A: "But then came Aki."

R: "And whoever else decided to show up."
 
Away

""Away," she told her. "As far as possible.""

A: "A good idea. Get her as far away from that shitshow as possible."

R: "I think I realised something was up, when the line was down."

K: "I wouldn't put it past SEELE to have sabotaged the track in order to get you at Togendai station."

S: "Though... At least we know why Rei went MIA now. It was to save Aki."

A: "Yeah. And not due to getting kidnapped or anything like that."

R: "It was my own decision to break free from the Commander's control. All to protect this lost child."

K: "But they aren't out of the woods yet. It's obvious to Rei that something's up."

R: "Although we know for a fact both Aki and I are fine."

Asuka only just then seemed to realise this, and visibly relaxed. "Oh yeah, that's right. Kinda like the post-instrumentality chapters."

S: "Did you only just realise that?"

A: "Well you can't blame me, Shin-chan. She's our daughter, after all!"
 
Armours

"Rei frowned in surprise, but Aki already explained unquestioned. "Papa once told me about them!"

"Did he...?""

K: "I wonder if this is where you realised."

R: "I definitely realised something. It's not everyday a young child knows state secrets like the Evangelion."

A: "They aren't really state secrets if the state doesn't exist anymore."

R: "Perhaps that was what I needed to know she was yours, then."

S: "And even now, you're still going through those mixed feelings in ignoring my father."

R: "...I do not think I realised my action would have affected him so."

K: "You were a key detail of his plan, after all."

A: "...So in exchange for Commander Asshole, you saved Aki's life."

R: "I am sure you would call that a good exchange."

A: "No shit I would! It's not even a competition! Even Shinji would choose the same, and he's his damn father."

S: "He hasn't been my father since he abandoned me. I would make that decision."
 
MP

"Watching the bulky mass of the Jet Alone storming onto the battlefield, where the fight had already started, Rei placed her arm on the frightened girl's back and pulled her closer. "No," she told her quietly. "They won't.""

A: "Okay, if you didn't realise then, you sure as hell realise now."

R: "It would have been fairly obvious, Aki identifying how the MP-Evangelion hurt you."

S: "You seemed rather optimistic about our chances, Rei."

K: "Seeing Jet Alone would've done that."

S: "Even though Jet Alone was kinda anticlimactic."

A: "Not here it was. Toji did kinda alright fighting the MP-Evangelion, and being immune to the Lances would've been a nice bonus. But, it was too easily disabled."

K: "Maybe if the programming was modified, it could've kept running. But then you risk the chance of a reactor meltdown, which would not be preferable in the current situation."

S: "When is such a situation preferable?"

R: "Getting rid of a squad of MP-Evangelion, perhaps?"

A: "Well I didn't need a nuclear meltdown for that. Blowing up Unit-02 did the same thing."

S: "I mean, that's close."
 
Soldier

""Yes," Rei concurred, nodding weakly, "that was her.""

A: "Jesus Christ that was a marathon."

R: "She was not in any danger."

A: "I know, but it's still confronting seeing that shit happen."

S: "So it wasn't you who killed the soldiers."

K: "A shame the soldier who defended you had to meet his end. But Kaji would not have known he was anything but an enemy."

R: "I was rather surprised it was not me. I suppose that would explain the gunshot wounds."

A: "If it was you, they'd be soaking into the dirt."

R: "But as long as Aki was not hurt."

S: "So this was where Kaji met Aki."

A: "He wouldn't know the truth about her, however."

K: "Then again, why would he? Rei doesn't even know."

R: "I imagine she would have been scared. But we already knew how it would end."
 
Shelter

"She didn't answer. She just went back and sat down on the mattress, where she remained for ten more minutes." She became more solemn, as her mind drifted back to the beginning of the second reading. "I did feel her demise."

K: "As you would. I... felt when Adam died."

R: "...So I would be going through what you did."

A: "If you are, you're taking it well."

R: "Then again, I do not think I realised the full extent of my relation with Lilith."

S: "Even so."

R: "...Of course, maybe I pushed through that pain and loss, to make sure Aki was fine. And... to reunite her with you."

K: "You would've had all you needed to know about her parents, at this point."

R: "Indeed. And Aki had been without you for however long. I doubt I even thought about how impossible it was."
 
Reunion

She had occasionally glanced up from the pages, as she read.

And bore witness to a teary eyed Shinji and Asuka, both holding one another as Rei continued describing their reunion. "Startled by the redhead's seemingly uncharacteristic behavior, it took Rei a while to react, before she – hesitatingly – returned the embrace. "You're... welcome...""

K: "And so we come back to the mother and child reunion."

Asuka rubbed her eyes. "...We're a family again."

R: "She continues to have her childhood innocence as well. Despite all that happened."

S: "...I'm sure reuniting with her parents would've helped."

R: "Indeed. It would have helped you, too. It was Aki that spurred you on, in this time shifted world."

A: "...And now we have her back." Almost like she couldn't believe it. Which, considering how the Laserdiscs were like, she almost couldn't. "This... this is perfect."

S: "Getting there wasn't. But... you can't really argue with the end result."

A: "Why couldn't Anno give us an ending like that?!"

R: "It's not over yet."
 
Absense

"And Rei smiled back at them."

A: "Already wanting Aki back?"

R: "I think I grew fond of her."

S: "Given what happened, it's understandable."

R: "Though I would surely know Aki would prefer the company of her parents."

K: "Maybe so. But now, Aki has you to call a friend. Someone both of you had been lacking somewhat."

R: "I did establish a friendship with Shinji and Asuka. Or, more like they established it. But... my friendship with Aki would have been my first one, that I formed on my own. Without the help of you two."

S: "...And that would be the same for Aki as well."

Rei gave a gentle grin. "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

'Have the others even seen that movie?'

'Probably not.'
 
Introduction

""Misato Katsuragi?" Asuka asked overly formally, slowly standing up, her hand still on her daughter's back as she stepped aside and cleared the space between the two strangers and the curious eyes of the oldest and the youngest met. "May I introduce... Aki Ikari?""

Asuka hadn't stopped smiling since their reunion with Aki. "I'm... I'm sure she would've liked that."

K: "Considering you told her about Aki earlier. And now, she got to meet her."

R: "And she reacted as I would expect."

S: "Is this seeing us after everything that happened, or seeing Aki?"

R: "Both."

A: "By the sounds of it, we're all gonna live with Misato." An amused huff. "I wonder how she'd take suddenly having a child."

S: "I don't think she'd mind. As long as we looked after her."

A: "And we will look after her. She can play the role of the alcoholic aunt with a pet penguin."

K: "I imagine she'd be around the size of Pen Pen, at least while she's this young. I wonder how their relationship would be?"

Asuka and Shinji imagined such a scenario.
 
And burst out laughing.
 
Grandfather

This humour quickly left as they listened on, as Rei described what was most likely Shinji's final encounter with father.

He listened on, closely, as Rei spoke his closing monologue. "Now Shinji had all he had ever wanted for himself. A life with people who loved him without question. People he could be happy with.

Gendo felt envy toward his son for that.

But most of all, he – for once – was as proud of him as a father could possibly be."

The book was closed. "A fate worse than death, I would think."

A: "Quite possibly, I know I wouldn't want to be like that. But..."

K: "I'm surprised you were willing to show him to Aki."

S: "...I think, by this time, we had some time to think. And... maybe this is our way of coming to terms with it."

A: "Could also be a way of showing him up. Some twisted form of revenge for what he did to us twice over."

R: "You could definitely interpret it as that. Showing the former Commander something he did and could not have. And possibly could never get. Not only due to his vegetative state, but due to the absence of Unit-01."

K: "Although, I do think this partially came from a genuine place. Maybe this soothed the former Commander, in a way. We know it reminded him of days gone by."

S: "...And for once, he was proud of me."

A: "Shame he's a vegetable. I think the presence of Aki helped mediate our responses as well." She rethought that train of thought. "Although wanting to hurt a man in his state is pretty low, ain't it?"

S: "Yeah. No point doing anything like that."

K: "...I would hope this brought you two the closure you needed. At least you got to speak to him. He couldn't respond, and it may most likely be the final time you could, given his state. But... you would've really needed that."

S: "...Yeah. That's another thing this book had on our world, ain't it?"
 
Asuka gave a small grin. "Honestly? I think this book was great."

"Not just because we all had a happy ending for once, right?"

"Okay, mainly due to that." Flippant. "But considering how everything else has completely shat on us, it's really nice to be witness to something that decides 'Hey, everyone here has been sent to hell in a handbasket, more than once, let's give them a better life for once!'"

"You would have Wolk to thank for that." Rei gave a glance to the book. "He's the one who decided to give you a better life."

Asuka, too, looked at the book. "Yeah. Why is it, that the first thing about us that isn't from Anno, everything kinda goes better,and actually doesn't fuck us in the end?!"

"I think you reached the conclusion that Anno hated us." Kaworu spoke flat. "I suppose now you won't go on a vengeful trip to Germany."
"If I do go to Germany, it would be to thank him."
Shinji gave a glance to the clock. "We just got through this whole book in a day."

Everyone else had a look at the clock. "That was a day?"

The door slid open. "I'm home!" Misato quickly came into view of the group. "Oh, did you finish it?"

"Not two minutes ago."

She dragged a chair to the table. "Tell me everything."
  3. Discussion 
"You're shitting me."

"I knew you'd react like that!" Asuka light-heartedly accused.

"Yeah yeah, but all this is kinda hard to picture. Okay, maybe not you two, but your Laserdisc selves were far and away notsuitable to raise a child. No offence."

Chuckles around the table. "They aren't us. But you'd be surprised how the end of the world can change people."

She gave a look to the book. "Well then. Sounds like, for once, we weren't fucked over. Did Anno write it?"
Kaworu chimed in. "One Jimmy Wolk."
"So the one thing we got that wasn't from Anno, actually didn't fuck us over."

"I already called attention to that, Misato."
"Well excuse me for being surprised we didn't get turned into orange juice." As she went to her fridge, grabbing a non juice based beer. "Well, again. So you spend the whole day reading this?"
All nodding. "I'm sure your time at NERV was adequately boring."

"I still have paperwork from the recent Incursion. Get this, the UN specifically made paperwork related to destroying planets for us to fill in."

"That seems inefficient." Remarked Rei. "Speaking of, where is Kaji?"

"Probably still getting roasted by the UN." Flippant, as she took a swig of beer. "He's been locked in the meeting room all day. Anyway, Rits is heading to Massachusetts tomorrow."

"Due to the NACSS system, I'm guessing."

"Got it in one, Shinji. Although, she also asked your mothers to come. 'To give Commander Mabel a heart attack'."

A few chuckles at the table.

"Did they say yes?"

Misato turned her head to a quiet Shinji. "I'm not sure. I think they said they wanted to speak with you two when they came home later tonight."

~~~
 
"They literally stopped an Angel from orbit, and she only promised them steak?" Zero Two couldn't really believe it.

"I'm guessing you got steak regularly." Mused Ritsuko. "Well, you may be surprised, steak is actually kinda expensive."

"Plus, I'm sure Misato meant the even more expensive kinds of steak, something that would actually cut into her savings."

"I thought it was rather reasonable of them to not want it afterwards."

Ritsuko huffed, as she got up to the Laserdisc player. "Rei doesn't even eat meat. I think that's enough for tonight."

"Same time tomorrow then?"
"I won't be around, but Maya'll be." A brief pause. "Actually..."
~~~
 
While Asuka and her mother were busy chatting the night away, Shinji and his own mother were stargazing. "Already looking to spread your wings, mum?"

Yui gave an amused huff. "Kinda bad, eh?" Before she fell more melancholic. "...I know I haven't been around much, Shinji. And I'm sorry if this seems like I'm abandoning you aga-"

"No. I know you're not abandoning me." He looked up to her, a small smile hiding some pain. "That's more my father's thing, after all."

A sigh. "Even though I did abandon you... when I went into Unit-01."

"You had your reasons. SEELE. The only reason my father had was he couldn't stand the sight of his own son afterwards."

She looked out over the balcony. "You know your father is in my soul, now."

"I know. And I have a lot of things I want to say to him."

"...Do you want me to-"

Shaking his head. "No. To him. To his face. I... I could never say that stuff to you."

Yui craned her head to him, somewhat shocked but equally unsurprised. "I... I think I can understand that, Shinji."

They looked back to the sky.

"Mum?"

"Yeah?"

"If... if we didn't require the Evangelion after the first SEELE incursion. When they tried to start Instrumentality. Would you have left the world like you did?"

A small chuckle came from her. "Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. At least here, Unit-01 never had an S2."

"The way father made it sound like, Unit-01 acquiring an S2 was planned."

"Could've been. He's quite the schemer, after all."

"You wouldn't think that, considering how Zeruel went in our world."

They shared a laugh, and they continued talking into the night.

~~~
 
Ashinoko was bathed in the perpetual twilight of this landscape.

As were the two beings of this place.

"Mass... massa... m-"

"Yeah. I'm guessing you never paid much mind to them?"

"No... only... cared... for... here"

"Of course." Looking back out to the lake. "All for me. Eh Gendo?"

"...Yes. All-"

A hand rested on him. "There."

"...Thank you... what... was that book he talked about..."

"You heard?"A glance to this figure.

And back to the lake. "A world after Instrumentality. Where Shinji and Asuka... started a family."

While he didn't respond, she could tell he was thinking.

"...Then they were sent back."

"...How did he... respond."

"...Better than you did."

"Heh."

They looked back out to the lake.

"How was their..."

"The purest person you could imagine."

"...Impressive."

Silence yet again.

"I thought Shinji that. Back in the day."

"...You still do."

A chuckle. "Yeah. Despite everything that happened."

Back to the lake, only this time Yui rested her head on a free hand. "I miss those days, y'know. I... I think returning back to the world has made me realise that."

"...It would've been... a more simpler time then. Even with... Second Impact."
"Even... just being able to hold you at night. I never noticed that in the Evangelion. But... when you just have an empty bed."
"...You would understand then... why I..."

"...Yeah." A huff. "I don't blame you, Gendo. Never have."

Gazing down at the lake, clearly apologetic.

"But... I wouldn't mind that again. Just... you."

Gendo continued looking out at this lake.

Before shakily stepping towards his paramour, and wrapping his arms around her. Just as they would do in her university days. "...I know this is... no substitute... but-"

She grappled his arm like it were a lifebuoy. "No. This is... this is..."

A wave of nostalgic melancholy. This feeling was all too familiar. The warmth. The touch. Even the breathing, despite it having no purpose here. Just as it felt when she was younger.

And from the one person she could call her own. He had done so much wrong, even to their own son, but she just could not stop loving him. And why would she? He may be decayed and aged beyond what they were, but it was still him.

The him that only she knew.

Her walls tumbled, and she began to sob. Gendo's only response was to hold her tighter, not even saying a word. Just providing a small bit of comfort.

"...I will always be here, Yui."

~~~
 
Yui stirred, and slowly opened her misty eyes.

To the cold solitude of her room.

It didn't take long for these kinds of feelings to set in, she thought in the brief lucidity she was offered. A fools hope, maybe. That she'd wake up one day with Gendo beside her.

She knew, logically, this could never happen. Even if he could somehow leave her own soul without fading away, it would only be a matter of time before something happened. Had he not been declared dead, he would've been one of the most wanted men in the world. She wouldn't be surprised if she still was, the various agencies expecting him to have gone into hiding.

But this kind of logic was soon overtaken by a desire of something. Someone.

Grappling one of the spare pillows, she held it close to her. Embracing it, almost. Hoping to return quickly to sleep.

But it couldn't come quick enough.
 4. 53 6F 6D 61 
It is not ready yet.
 
Eliza awoke with a start, cold sweat soaked into her clothing and bedding.

"This is not right."

Almost immediately, self tests started running, running through various possibilities

"Most likely a... nightmare?"
It could be described as a nightmare. But... this felt different from a regular dream. To her, a dream (or nightmare) had several identifiers, which she could catalogue and store. Indeed, several of these dreams involved Rei, or the Evangelion. And at least one involved robotic sheep.
But this was different. She could not reasonably identify it as an effect of REM sleep.

So into her own logs she went.
While her 'low power' logs were rather spartan, she could still understand them. Which, she would expect, having made them.There was something odd with them, however. The catalyst for her waking was a watchdog, formed in response to a sandboxed daemon, which started running in response to... something foreign?
"Curious."

Perhaps she would need some time to think. So despite it being four in the morning, she dressed into something not soaked and ventured outside the abode of her mothers.

But not before leaving a note, informing them of her whereabouts.

Not like she needed to. They'd know where she was regardless.

~~~
 
While the trains leaving the Geofront ran 24/7, the timetable would become rather barren early in the morning.

Of course, Eliza didn't mind. Being a computer, impatience was not something she expressed. Not counting watchdogs.

It was still rather dark when she reached the surface, the moon and a morning star supplemented by the multitude of city lights.

That didn't stop a sense of wonder from springing to her, as she realised this was the first time she had ever seen the night sky with her own eyes. Not counting NT-Unit-00's eye.

One of her background processes alerted her to something. Upon realising of this subconsciously created sandbox, she went about analysing everything that happened.

Most of it was junk data, admittedly. At least to her. Maybe if she had the capability to analyse it further, she could realise what it was. But for now, it could just go into an archive.
But there was one string that stood out to her. A quick grep revealed it had been repeated throughout this entire log.

53 6f 6d 61

"So... ma?"

Hexadecimal ASCII. Just like...

In her extensive internal musings, she failed to notice an obstacle in her path. Suddenly tripping over said obstacle, however, helpfully informed her of it.

Forced out of her thoughts, she glanced at the culprit.

A trash bag.
Her sarcasm subroutines kicked in.  "Oh I can see where this is going."
Opening the bag with perhaps a bit too much strength, its contents scattered onto the floor.

Five discs, in clear plastic cases like they were cheap demos.

Only they were all elegantly decorated with what appeared to be a flaming skull.

~~~
 
The two lovebirds, Ritsuko and Maya, were up nice and early. Ritsuko to gather her charges and fly to Massachusetts, and Maya because Ritsuko was up.

First order of business, however, was to see where their daughter went. "Kinda uncharacteristic, don't ya think Rits?"
She was tapping the number into her phone. "She can do what she wants, Maya. As long as the Magi can track her every move.""Which is why I assume she bought her phone with her."
"She out of anyone would know the phones were bugged to shit." It picked up. "Eliza? Where are you?"

"Outside our apartment door."

The door slid open, to the picture of Eliza holding a flip phone up to her ear.

And carrying a trash bag in her other hand

Ritsuko and Maya merely gave it an unamused look. "It's too early for this shit."