Epilogue
Shinji, Rei, and Asuka all moved in together after the war. They had all become so close during the fighting that they could think of nothing else they would prefer.
Between big, fat, government "thank you" payments, and soldier's pensions for each of them, the trio of friends was set for life and could live very comfortably, indeed.
The plug suits, to which they had grown so accustomed to wearing, were kept until the one-year anniversary of the end of the war.
At a large ceremony and pyre, the former pilots all carefully folded their plug suits and placed them on a large stack of wood, along with several straw effigies of Dr. Akagi, Commander Ikari, vice-Commander Fuyutski, and all of the good friends who had been lost at NERV.
The three friends each took a torch and threw it onto the pyre. The wood, having been doused in an accelerant, caught fire instantly, and quickly grew and consumed the monument.
Everyone said their final goodbyes to the past in their own way. Many cried, some stood somberly and stolidly silent, others laughed quietly, remembering good times spent with the friends now gone. But everyone went away from that ceremony with a bright outlook on the future.
That just goes to show: No matter bleak the situation, no matter how grim the odds; it is always darkest just before dawn. So keep looking for that sunrise; keep you chin up, and hold your head high. Embrace the future with both arms. Never be afraid, for you are never truly alone.
A.N. Well, faithful readers, that's the end of this one. Sorry it took so long, but writing the end of a story is never easy. Please review and submit! I welcome the feedback.