Toji sat beside Kaoru and stared gloomly at him. Kaoru didn't have a smile on him this time.
Toji stayed silent for a few minutes and saw Shinji enter Asuka's room after Asuka opened.
'Good luck Shinji, you're going to need it..'
"So...Kaoru."
"Yes ?"
Toji paused, for a minute.
Toji: Well, isn't there another way !?
Kaoru: Yes, there is. But it is far worse than this one.
Toji: What do you mean ? Will anyone die in that way too.
"Not necessarily. You can see it as...a survival.
A survival of the strongest, the fittest, the ones that will continue after facing problems beyond their imaginations.
And in that way, it is a possibility, more people will die."
Toji: Elaborate more.
Kaoru: Well, you are able tomake the three wishes, the last wish can be made in two ways.
Toji: Why didn't you say that before ?!
Kaoru:Well, I simply chose the easiest way. Since Lilum usually take that path.
Toji: .........
Kaoru: But, the environment will change dramatically after the three wishes and the last wish.
Toji: What will be the last wish, then ?
Kaoru: "I wish to choose the path of Survival." ofcourse.
Toji: What do you mean 'ofcourse' ? How could I have known that ?
Kaoru: After that last wish, fiends will appear.
Toji: Fiends ?
"Yes, fiends. Basically, everyone that has ever troubled you, Shinji and Asuka will appear back here. And you will have to beat it.
The ultimate Trial will take place. Your enemies will be the enemies you always had.
But this time, they will try and kill you or take you away from the others.
Other enemies are the angels. Me and Rei aren't included. Since we chose this path.
We won't turn into humans, though. The last wish '' is required for that. You'll have to face 16 Angels.
The first and the second being the two last ones. And, the last enemy is, yourself.
You'll have to fight yourself, kill yourself, forgive yourself. Do it the right way, and you will be rewarded with one wish.
That wish can be everything you want, like bring back humanity."
Toji: We'll take that way then. No matter how hard it is. We will make it through.
Kaoru: ..Very well.
Toji: After the wish...we are granted after that. Will you become humans then ?
Kaoru: Possibly, though not for certain.
Toji: I see. I am sorry, Kaoru, Rei
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Shinji entered Asuka's room with an uneasy feeling. He had no idea what to say. He only knew they had to talk. But about what he had no clue.
"What do you want ?"
Shinji looked at a quite devestated Asuka. He wasn't used to her being like this and glanced sideways and replied, "I, I wanted to talk, Asuka."
"Well talk away."
Shinji's lips were trembling as he began, "I...I just.....*He swallowed*...wanted to say I'm...sorry, for everything."
"You're sorry. I already knew that, Shinji. Since you have mentioned it countless times before. Anything else ?"
"I ! I....I will make the last wish.."
Asuka looked up for the first time, she was seated at her bed. She looked up to Shinji with a puzzled and curious stare.
"You-You'll make the wish ? I was thinking I should make the wish.."
Now Shinji was puzzled and horrified,
"Y-You ? Why you ? You have so much to live for, Asuka...I...I don't, so...I should.."
"Ha ! I have so much to live for ? Well, I can't blame you, since you don't know anything about me. But my reasons to live are starting to fade out too."
"What do you mean ? You can have a future, Asuka !"
"What, and you can't ?"
"No, I can't. Third Impact...it was my fault. All of this, is my fault. So... I should end it all as well."
"Hmm, What about the jock ? Did he propose to make the last wish as well ?"
"N-No, none of this was ever his concern...so..."
"I should've known. Oh well..But, we've got time. A lot of time, to think everything over."
"Y-yeah.."
"Shinji ?"
Shinji noticed Asuka was about to change subjects. He recognised the tone of her voice.
So he prepared himself for whatever was to come and closed his eyes.
"Y..Yeah ?"
"I...hunn..I"
Shinji never heard Asuka hesitate ever before and opened his eyes in curiosity.
He saw Asuka staring at him and was startled by it.
"Well, I'll tell you...someday...baka.."
Shinji frowned, not knowing what was going on. He really wanted to know what Asuka had to say.
And his curiosity went up sky high with how she mntioned the word 'baka.' He looked at her back, which was now turned to him.
He remembered Toji's words and his own words in his mind. He decided he should really talk to her.
"Asuka ?"
"What ?"
"I..wanted to tell you more things. But..it's, difficult.."
Asuka's curiosity was now shown as she turned around.
"Well, speak up.."
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"Where's Shinji-kun, Toji-kun ?"
"He's with Asuka. Uh, Kaoru, could you just call me Toji ?"
"I thought I already was ?"
"Ah, without the 'kun.' It kinda freaks me out."
"Very well."
"What is Ikari-kun doing ?" Rei spoke up.
"He's talking to Asuka."
Kaoru was looking intriged, "Shinji-kun, is talking to Sohryu-san ?"
"Yep, at least I think he's trying to, weird, huh ?"
"Why are they not talking here ?" Rei spoke up again, with no emotion.
"Uuh, I don't know, actually. I think you need to be them to understand."
Kaoru put his thumb on his cheek, "Hmm, I believe you are right, Toji."
Toji looked indignant, "Well, ofcourse I am."
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"Well, Speak up."
"Uhmm, well, I, uh, I just, a-anno, I wanted to say,"
"Hurry up, Ikari, the suspension's killing me. Well, not really. It's actually boring me..but, hurry up."
"I..."
A knock on the door interrupted them, "Ikari ? Come on. Let's go for a walk outside !"
Shinji and Asuka didn't answer him and continued to look at each other.
Asuka noticed Shinji was blushing, in fact, he was blushing the entire time.
'Why is he so red ? What's got him all in a fuss ? He'll have to tell me later. I'm really curious as to what he's got to say.
It's the first time I'm nervous of what Shinji's gonna say...but why ? I shouldn't let it bother me..but since one of us will die together with the last wish...
He might have something important to say. I wonder...Well, I almost messed up before, too, because of the situation we're in..
I almost said....well, since one of us will die, might as wellsay it, right ? It doens't matter how the other will react. Is it possible he hates me ?
It is possible, considering what i've done to him..Yet, I wonder..'
Toji knocked the door again, "Ikari !! You still alive in there ?"
"Uh, Asuka...Could we...finish this...some other time ?"
"Sure..."
Shinji stepped outside while being in deep thought.
'I wonder...how will she react ? I mean, she does hate me, after all..But still...It could...no, it can't..one of us will die...'
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Toji and Shinji went for a walk outside as soon as the raining stopped.
"Ikari."
"Yeah ?"
"Guess what ?"
"What ?"
"I..I freaking found out another way !!A sollution ! A solutiuon for all of this !"
"Wha-what do you mean !!"
"Well, uh..It's a really long story..And I don't know if I can tell it the way Kaoru did to me."
"I've got time.."
"Well, here goes !"
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Rei and Kaoru were talking about Kaoru revelations.
"Nagisa-kun. Why did you tell them about the other way ?"
"Well. I learned a few emotions, Rei. Like compassion.."
"...."
"I've learned a few emotions. Pity, curiosity, sadness and even love, I think"
"I ..... don't know emotions"
"Ofcourse you do, Rei. You have curiosity. I witnessed it. And you care for them. I've seen it. You don't show it easily, You don't even know it yourself. "
"I, think I care...for Ikari-kun..Suzuhara-kun once told me this.."
"Yes, you care for him. But you also care for the others. I mean, would youlet them die if you could prevent it ?"
".....No."
"See what I mean ?"
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"Toji !! Are you sure !! "
"Absolutely ! Kaoru told me this, so it's gotta be true !"
"This, this is great !!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shinji
My wish is......bring Misato back. I've thought of it for a long time. Misato is one of the most important people to me. She's like a mother, a sister and a dear friend. I recently found out Asuka doesn't like Misato-san as much as I do. I told her what my wish would be, her reaction was the biggest groan I ever heard. She mentioned about bringing Kaji back, or maybe Hikari. I think she'll wish Kaji back, since she loves him so much....
Asuka....The first time I found out I cared for her really deeply, I thought it was too late. It was when the U.N Forces attacked NERV. I saw Evangelion Unit 02 severely damaged on the ground. And with the way thing looked back then, Asuka was dead....When I realised that was a logical conclusion, I broke down, and everything went black for a while. I think Evangelion Unit 01went into Berserk-Mode again. But I'm not sure. When I woke up, after Third Impact, when I saw Asuka lay next to me, I was terrified. Terrified and happy at the same time. After a while I figured more things out. Asuka hates me, she likes Kaji, Kaji likes Misato and Misato likes Kaji. Even if Asuka for some reason likes me, I'd still be second choice. I so do not want to be second choice. So it's best to just give up in liking Asuka.
Ayanami...When I first saw her, I was mesmerised. But, next to being beautiful, she is also cold and...kind of, like Asuka says, emotionless. Since she came back from wherever she was, she is even more quiet than she used to be.
Asuka and Rei...they are both so different, not at all the same. Asuka hates Rei, Rei doesn't seem to care about Asuka. In my eyes, that's even worse. I like both girls, but both girls don't like me. Maybe I should wish for a girl who likes me. That would be kind of selfish...
I'm glad Toji came back, although I don't see why he came back. He has nothing to do with this. He has suffered even more than me. He almost lost his sister. And after that he almost lost himself. And both were my fault. Because I was too hesitant, too scared, too cowardly...Maybe, it's about..time..I, change..
Kaoru...he really came back. It was so...weird. He looks the same as ever. I'm so at ease because he's here. If he wasn't here I probably wouldn't be here anymore. I'm so glad he's still alive. A tiny part of the depression that is my brained has been lightened.
Sometimes I see the looks of disappointment directed at me. I can't say I don't deserve them. They only come from Asuka and Toji. Kaoru and Rei don't seem to care. I just hope it's all over soon. I don't deserve to be alive anymore. I've lived long enough. Look at what my existence has caused. It has caused humanity's destruction. It had caused Third Impact. It had caused everyone's lives.
..............I should be so proud..........
It's been a few days since I spoke with Asuka in her room. Ever since that event we've been avoiding each other. When Toji told Asuka about there being another way, I thought I saw her eyes sparkle, but I don't think that could be true. Ever since she's been avoiding me, or so I think. I shouldn't think such things, I don't even deserve her attention, or anyone else's for that matter.
Toji is the one who brings some happiness in the apartment. Or at least he tries to. He's screaming we should be happy and all the entire day. I try, but I fail. Like always...
Asuka
Another day in this hellhole. The stooge is once again trying to get our attention.
He always fails and it seems I'm the only one who notices.
Just looking at his face annoys me more then
Shinji, being an idiot, is going to wish Misato back. Then everything's going down hill even more.
And on top of that, he won't even talk to me, and he knows we have unfinished business to discuss. But apparently it isn't important to him cause he doesn't even bring it up. Well, if that's how he wants it, fine with me.
I think I'll wish Kaji back. But then again, the idiot's gonna wish Misato back. So I might as well wish Hikari back. And knowing the damn jock he'll wish back his stooge-friend. Just great, the stooge-gang complete, even AFTER Third Impact. God must hate me.
That grey-haired guy freaks me out. And Shinji likes him so much, I'm beginning to think....no, he can't be. I've seen the way he looks at Misato and even wonderdoll in the class room. I wonder if he looks at me the same way ? He looks different at Kaoru.
Wondergirl is even more of a doll than ever. She didn't speak for two days long, on the third day, she said 'Thank you' to Shinji and Kaoru. She and Kaoru freak me out. They're both clones, angels. And they both died, Wonderdoll even more often.
Shinji, he's annoying me more than usual. I can't find myself to talk to him. I didn't even call him names these last days. I think I have been ignoring him. I don't care, he ignores me so often.
But, we'll have to talk about the last talk one day...Well, not today, anyway.
Let's see, The group that will take "the Survival", or so Kaoru calls it, consists out of me, Shinji, Toji, Wonderboy and Wondergirl. Since Kaoru is pretty much the same as Rei, I should call him the same. It doesn't bother him, since he seems to smile every time I call him that. Nothing can annoy that guy...
The ones that are going to join us, could be Misato, Kaji/Hikari and possibly and probably Aida...
I know for sureI'm the one that suffers the most here. I've got no one to really talk to. I'm the only girl here. Well, I don't think Wondergirl counts as one. And there's nothing to do here. Maybe we should just wish three people back, stay in this apartment, make children and just bring the next generation in. I didn't like the people before anyway...
Toji
This is so boring...Maybe I should check where school used to be and see if I can still play a little basketball. Could be fun..If the school is still there, and someone comes with me, except for Kaoru. I don't really dislike the guy, but....I don't like him either. Something about him, just bugs me. Maybe I should try and understand him. Like I did with Ikari, I didn't like him at first either.
Asuka's a pain in the ass. Everyone's acting so...annoying. Shinji's overly depressed...as always. Kaoru is always happy, even if Asuka yells at him. Rei is.....nothing, to be precisely. And Asuka is overly aggressive. Must be the talk she had with Shinji.
I wonder, should I wish back Kensuke. Or maybe I should wish for my sister to have a long and happy life. She deserves it...That may be my wish, I'll have to think about it..
I wonder what Asuka will wish. I already know Shinji's gonna wish Misato-san back. Somehow I can't help but get extremely happy with that...Asuka's probably gonna wish someone back too. I wonder who ? Maybe the class rep. That would be........
Anyway, I'll ask Ikari to go with me to go to school. Knowing him, he doesn't even know what basketball is. Well, it gives me something to do. I'll learn it to him. Maybe Asuka will join us too.
Although I'm pretty sure that, if I'm going to ask her, I'll end up getting insulted a lot.
Shinji and Asuka haven't talked to each other in two days, except for an occasional insult directed toward Shinji, or an apology directed at Asuka.
"Ikari ?"
I only called Shinji, but everyone looked up, except for Rei. Weird...
"Let's go out, k ?"
"Ah, sure."
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It was in the afternoon that Toji and Shinji were headed to school. The sky's still red, but it seems it's getting lighter every day.
Toji was looking at this red sky when he began to talk, "So,Ikari ?"
Shinji looked up after looking at the ground, "..Yeah..?"
"What's up between you and Asuka ? It seems you guys don't get along these last few days."
"When did we ?" He asked, almost annoyed.
Toji was surprised a little bit, but continued".....Good question, but now you two get along even less."
"I know."
"Do you care, Shinji ? Cause it sounds like you do."
"I...I don't know.."
"Well, think about it."
Toji stayed quiet for the coming five minutes, and Shinji, well when did he start a conversation...
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Asuka was in her room, lying on her bed. She wasn't asleep, but her eyes were closed.
This just showed she was deep in thought.
Her room was a real mess. Rei slept in Misato's room, together with Kaoru.
Misato's room was even in worse shape, but the two of them didn't seem to care.
Asuka had refused to have Rei sleep in her room. And Toji didn't want Kaoru in Shinji's room.
She didn't know why and she didn't want to know it either.
Asuka had remembered Rei talking only to the Commander and rarely to Shinji.
But never to anyone else, unless she was ordered to.
Now she doesn't even talk to Shinji anymore. She only talks to Kaoru.
'Everyone has someone to talk to. Even Wondergirl. But me ? I don't have anyone...I'll wish back Hikari..I won't be bored anymore that way.
And Kaji'll just ignore me, like he always has..'
Kaoru and Rei sometimes talked to each other. But man, did they have long conversations.
She didn't know Wondergirl could talk more than a full ten seconds, let alone a half hour.
One thing she did notice was, Kaoru and Rei always whispered to each other.
And when one talks, the other one got his/hers eyes closed. Almost as if the one was comforting the other that way.
Kaoru talked more than Rei, hell, he even talked more than her.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rei and Kaoru were in Misato's room, talking/whispering..
Rei spoke up, "Do you think they will survive ?"
"If we leave now, no...Maybe after the three wishes."
"Why ?"
"The three wishes will make them feel better, maybe more confident even."
"I see."
"They will probably wish for persons close to them."
"..."
"Rei, what would you wish, if you had the chance ?"
"I....would wish..."
"Would you wish back the Commander ?"
"No."
"Why not ?"
"His ways were wrong. He will try his ways again."
"Ofcourse."
"......"
"Rei, after the three wishes, it's best if we stay here for another week."
"Why ?"
"To get used, to get used to what has been wished."
"I see."
Kaoru closed his eyes and rested his arms behind his head after he lied down.
"Nagisa-kun ?"
"Hmm ?"
"What would you wish ?"
"I would wish to become human..", He answered like it was a logical thing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toji and Shinji were standing in front of their school. Both of them weren't wearing surprised looks.
"Well would you look at that. The one thing that tormented me more than anything still stands."
"School.."
"Indeed. I should've known", Toji frowned.
"Yeah.."
"Ready to shoot some hoops ?", Toji said with a grin, while cracking his knuckles.
Shinji looked genuinely curious, "Hoops ?"
Toji replied a little annoyed, "Play basketball, Ikari." And he frowned after.
"I...I never played basketball, actually."
"Well, would you be surprised if I said I should've known."
"Not really."
"I know. Let's see if we can find something useful inside. And above that, let's see if we can find a basketball."
"Okay."
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TBC
