Dislaimer: I don't own NGE, and I'll never own it. Next time I'll skip these disclaimers.
Kaoru and Rei, they were standing in front of Toji and Asuka. Shinji was lying on the ground, he fainted after he saw Kaoru.
"Welcome back, Wondergirl" Asuka said very mockingly. "I believe you two know more about all of this, so start explaining.
Oh, and who are you supposed to be, by the way." She pointed to Kaoru
Kaoru smirked and answered, "I am Nagisa Kaoru, nice to meet you, Sohryu-san."
"And how do you know my name ?"
"Well, you and the other Children, as you were called, were quite famous."
Asuka snorted arrogantly, "Well, ofcourse we were famous, me even more so."
"Ofcourse."
Toji, who was watching the exchange, dragged Shinji back inside.
Asuka frowned at him, "Why are you taking him inside, moron ?"
"I figured it's better to talk inside, and besides, it's not like we can leave with Shinji like this, can we ?"
Kaoru spoke up, "I agree."
Asuka walked inside, pushing Toji out of her way.
Kaoru turned to Rei, "Shouldn't you talk some more, Rei ? It's actually quite educational, you'll learn more about them."
Rei didn't respond for a few seconds, "I might try it, Nagisa-kun."
"A I said before, Rei, call me Kaoru."
Toji, who was quite annoyed for being ignored by all of them, skope up, "Listen, I could use some help with Shinji here, ok ?"
"Ofcourse, Suzuhara-san."
"Call me Toji, ok ?"
"Very well, Toji-kun."
Toji stared at Kaoru a little puzzled but shrugged it off.
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They were all seated on the ground around a table. Asuka was angrily glaring at Rei for some reason.
Kaoru had a big smile on his face, which he had for some time now. Toji was waiting for Shinji to come
by so he was more at ease. Rei was, well, doing nothing.
Toji spoke nervously, trying to break the silence, "Too bad the TV doesn't work, huh ?"
Kaoru, not knowing what he was talking about, asked, "TV ?"
Toji, seeing that what he was trying to do, ended up silencing him, since he didn't know how to act toward Kaoru.
'What a weird guy, grey hair, red eyes. And I think he's gay too.'
Asuka, watching the jock making a fool of himself and watching a puzzled Kaoru, groaned.
Rei, on the other hand, knew what a TV was, thanks to Gendo Ikari.
"They use TV for entertainment."
"Entertainment ? There's much to learn about the lilum."
Toji and Asuka spoke up at the same time, "Lilum ?"
"I mean Humanity, ofcourse."
Asuka suddenly started asking, "Hey, aren't you two supposed to be dead ? You were killed by Shinji, right ?
How come you came back ? Answer me ! How will everyone come back ?"
Kaoru, with his smile returned, answered, "Well, we came back because we needed to and we weren't exactly dead. We are both angels.
Rei is part angel and part human. I am part angel and also part human."
Asuka knew of this and motioned to Kaoru to continue after saying, "Rei, is a clone. They extracted cells from Shinji's mom, right ?"
"I believe so, I don't know which cells they used to clone me. I only know we are both cloned from Lilith. Thanks to Lilith,
Rei and I are still alive. And thanks to Lilith, you are still alive. I don't know more, I'm sorry."
Shinji woke up and yawned while getting up. While rubbing his eyes he tried to see who the people were in front of him.
"Kaoru-kun ?"
"Shinji-kun."
"Yu-you're really here, Kaoru !"
"Indeed, I'm back and this time, I won't leave."
"Ikari-kun."
"Ayanami, you're back too !"
"Yes. Ikari-kun, Nagisa-kun and I need to explain important matters."
"Uh, I'm listening."
"Shinji, you're an idiot."
"Shinji, can you make dinner ?"
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During dinner, Kaoru and Rei sat apart from the other three.
"This is good, Ikari !"
Asuka was just quickly filling her mouth.
"Thanks, Toji."
Shinji began eating too, eyeing Toji and Asuka while taking his first bite.
Shinji looked at Kaoru and looked really happy. He was happy Kaoru came back.
He felt less depressed about Kaoru's death now that he is alive.
And he also felt less depressed about Toji and Asuka, now that they were both perfectly fine.
Rei was also back, although she was supposed to be merged with Lilith.
Things were looking up. But now that Shinji knew the truth behind Kaoru and Rei, they creep him out a bit.
"So they are both part angel.."
I wish Misato was here too, and maybe Kaji or even Kensuke…
Toji was happy. Happy he could eat at moments like these, and especially when the food was this good.
He didn't understand anything about Kaoru or Rei. Then again, he didn't understand Shinji or Asuka either.
'Kaoru, he is really strange. And he's always smiling. Rei is, as always the silent one.
I think someone should talk to her. Shinji is like he's always been.
Silent and always with a sad look in his eyes. When I saw Asuka for the first time I was surprised. She wasn't Asuka at all.
To be honest I was even more scared of her than usual. But she's still a red devil.'
Asuka was thinking more and more about her past. Even if she didn't want it, the memories just kept swimming inside of her head.
The way she knew life was just horrible.
'Life is a bitch. Just like I am…'
Asuka looked at Shinji carefully using his fork to eat.
'The baka has no reason to look depressed. Although I haven't ever seen him look different. I should be the one who's depressed.
But I am strong, unlike Shinji.'
Asuka looked at Rei and Kaoru.
'Wondergirl. She's a clone, she doesn't even really live. She's created and creations don't last as long as a humans life.
And then the other angel, Kaoru. I bet he's also created. And he's even more strange than wonderdoll, even though he talks a lot more.'
Kaoru was eating with a big smirk on his face, noticing that some of the others were eyeing him.
'Lilum, they know so much already and yet they keep being curious.'
Rei was eating her food and, wasn't doing much next to that. She was looking at her food, was all.
Toji was watching Asuka and Shinji and started speaking, "You know, for two people who lived together you guys don't talk much to each other, do you ?"
Shinji looked up, "......"
Asuka kept eating her food. "It's none of your business, dumb jock. Just eat and shut up, ok ?"
Toji, who was offended countered, "Hey, shut up yourself, you .., you…..Shinji, help me out here."
Shinji turned his attention from Toji to his food when Asuka got included.
Toji sighed, "Listen, man. I think you two need a serious talk with each other."
"Why ?" Shinji asked nervously.
"Because, you two obviously have some issues to sort out."
"Issues ? Shinji and I don't have anything to discuss, we're doing fine, even better without you."
Toji got mad, "Hey, every time you speak you insult me ! Do you have something against me ?!"
Asuka rolled her eyes, "Well, gee, let me think about that one.....mmm...Y.E.S."
Toji, with nothing left to say, began to eat again. But after ten seconds he started again.
"I think redhead here is lonely. Without Hikari or, who was that guy again ?"
Shinji: "Hm ?"
"You know, that guy Asuka was so in love with"
Asuka shot a warning glare at Shinji, but Shinji failed to notice. "Kaji ?"
"Yeah ! Kaji was it ! Without them Asuka is lonely. Or do you have anyone else who you miss ?"
Asuka slapped Toji hard and after that, she slapped Shinji "both of you shut up !"
Asuka thought about Toji's words nonetheless and suddenly watched Shinji quite sadly.
Shinji flinched every time he took a bite of his food because his cheek now hurt.
Toji stared destructively at Asuka, but noticed she was watching Shinji.
Kaoru suddenly spoke up, "After we have eaten, we, Rei and I, need to discuss important matters with you, considering our future."
Shinji looked nervously at Rei and Kaoru, as did Toji while it seemed Asuka was ignoring them and kept eating.
Shinji was staring at nothing, while being in deep thought.
'I wonder what Kaoru has to say. Maybe everyone can come back. If Misato could come back, Iwill be so happy..'
Asuka was still eating and it looked like she wasn't caring.
'I wonder....If the grey-haired guy has something important to say.
Something is probably holding the other people back, so they can't come here.
And I probably have to break that seal.'
Toji was eyeing the other people in the room.
'What's up with them ? They're all deep in thought, except for Asuka, maybe. Rei always looks like she's thinking about something important.
Kaoru really must have something important to say. But I don't think it's bad news, seeing that big smile of his.
Man, I don't know why, but I miss Marie..and father, a little.'
'Why is he smiling ? Nagisa-kun will tell about The Tree of Life, how it will take lifes and bring lives...'
Were the only thought in the mind of Rei.
Kaoru was smiling inwardly and outwardly. 'To be positive is important in times of sorrow. I don't think Lilum know this.'
Asuka suddenly stood up from her place. Only Shinji and Toji were startled. "Done. Now speak up."
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In the middle of the red wasteland, a big tree was glowing, as if it was expecting something to happen.
The sea of LCL began to form large waves. A lightning bolt struck the tree.
The red clouds in the sky were moving very rapidly.
Whirlwinds were moving the sand. More lightning bolts followed.
It started to rain...
Miles further, a voice noted, "It's raining."
Asuka and Toji looked at Shinji, "Raining ?"
"Yeah, for the first time in...aah... how long ?"
"Long."
Kaoru spoke up after they had nothing more to say, "Let me begin."
Toji, Shinji and Asuka turned around.
Rei was watching them as Kaoru tried to begin.
"Well, if everything goes the right way. The people will come back."
"But ?"
Kaoru smiled. "But...at the cost of one life."
The three fell silent as they heard this.
"In front of the Tree Life, you three can make your wishes, but not everything can be wished ofcourse.
Rei and I will become humans, we knew of this when we chose to come back here.
When three wishes have been made, one last wish remains, which is bring back all humanity.
The one who makes the wish will fall, but will be reborn, as the first child that will be brought in this new world."
The three remained silent, even Asuka.
"But after the three wishes, you don't have to make the last wish immediately. And you don't have to make the three wishes immediately.
You three were chosen because there were three wishes to be made. The first three wishes can't be *bring back humanity.*
You have enough time to think everything over, though."
Toji shot a cautious glance toward Kaoru. 'This sucks...'
"You three were chosen, because you had acted as saviours of Humanity. Now think...."
Asuka walked inside her room and shut the door. Toji and Shinji walked to Shinji's room ever so slowly and shut the door.
"Do you think I overdid it, Rei ?"
"You did what had to be done. You said what had to be said."
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Asuka's room
Asuka was lying on her bed in a similar way to the 'Shinji' way: Facing the ceiling.
'Wishes ? What is this crap !? Can't they just let the others come back. Whose big idea was this ?
Sure, you can make three wishes, but all three of them are useless. Which one of us will make the last wish.
Well, we can wish back the most worthless person ever and make him make the last wish.
Or is it also a rule that one of us three has to make the last wish.
Should I make the last wish ? I don't think so. I'm needed here. I'm important here.
Then again, so does Shinji and Toji. And that says a lot. But..What will I wish for ?'
Shinji's room
Shinji: ........
Toji: ........
In the beginning both of them were too afraid to actually say something.
Both were too busy inside of themselves, thinking.
'I should make the last wish. I'm the one that caused all this. This is all my fault. It's only fair if I make the last wish.
And on top of that, I'm not needed here at all, not at all...' Were the thought in Shinji's head.
'This sucks....Why me ? I was only an EVA Pilot one day, for crying out loud ! Who will make that one last wish ?
Hmm, can't I wish for immortality and them make the last wish ?
That guy did notice something about not every wish being possible or something.
So I guess that one's out. No use hoping for "maybe's" now. Now I know why Shinji always looks so sad.
As if he knew something like this would happen.'
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Rei and Kaoru were sitting in front of the TV.
"So, Rei, how does it work ?"
"Pilot Sohryu mentioned before that it was broken."
"Oh, how would it work then ?"
"A button. TV's have buttons."
"Buttons ?"
"Yes. And some sort of remote control. Also with buttons."
"Buttons, huh ? What about this one ?" Kaoru pressed a button on the TV.
"Nothing happened." Kaoru mentioned.
"Pilot Sohryu mentioned before that the TV was broken."
"Hmm."Kaoru paused. "What do you think they are thinking of now, Rei ?"
"I found out they like to change a future that is already sure to them."
"So they're thinking of ways to change the outcome ?"
"Yes."
"Well, I wish them good luck."
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Shinji's room
"So, what now ?" Toji began.
Shinji just remained silent or didn't hear him.
"Hey, Ikari !"
"Hm ?"
"What now ?"
Shinji thought about a reply but didn't think of anything.
Shinji: I don't know, Toji. I don't know..
Toji: You don't know ? You guys are used to situations like these, right ? Don't you have any solutions whatsoever ? A last resort of some kind ? Come on !
Shinji: Sorry.
Toji: This is not good. Even if Asuka would make the last wish, I would feel bad. I don't care much for her, but I care nonetheless.
Shinji: Y-yes. I, I think I should make the last wish.\
Toji: What ?! You'll die !
Shinji: Someone has to do it...I..I just think...know it should be me. I...I mean, I caused it all.
Toji remained silent.
"You-You reap what you sow, right ?" Shinji said while shivering.
Toji remained silent.
Asuka's room
'One of us will die. Shinji....Me.....Toji.. Maybe we should all make the last wish. No regrets..I don't have anything to live for anyway.
My..mother is gone, forever. But I can wish her back, or not ? Knowing my rotten luck, probably not.
I can wish Kaji back before we make the last wish. But Kaji likes Misato, he probably loves her, too. So, I should make the last wish...
Can't Kaoru or Rei make the last wish ? But, even if they could, I'd still feel bad about it.'
Shinji's room
Toji: So...what will you wish for, Ikari ?
Shinji:.........I, I don't know. What about you, Toji ?
Toji: I'll wish...uuhmmm, I'll wish
Shinji......
Toji: I'll wish Kensuke back !
Shinji: ....Really ?
Toji: Yeah !
Shinji: Why not your sister , fully healed, too ?
Toji:......Good question, but, my little sister is strong, unlike Kensuke.
Shinji: ......
Toji: My little sister will make it on her own, she doesn't need my help.
Shinji: ...Why Kensuke ?
Toji: He can help, figure out a way to avoid losing anyone for the last wish.
Shinji: .....I..Maybe..I…I'll wish Misato back.
Toji: Misato ? Good idea !! Or maybe you should wish your father back. I think he'd find a way to avoid all this. He's smart, right ?
Shinji: My father is a bastard. And he's not smart, he's stupid.
Toji: Anyway. Don't you think you should talk to Asuka ?
Shinji: ?
Toji: I mean, seriously 'talk.' You guys really need it.
Shinji: I, I don't think Asuka, agrees.
Toji: I'll talk to Kaoru, he must know more. Maybe there's another way. Let's go.
Shinji and Toji walked out of Shinji's room. Toji pushed Shinji against Asuka's door.
After a few seconds Asuka opened the door...
Toji walked ahead and sat beside Kaoru and to the opposite of Rei.
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TBC
