Dusk was dawning in Shinji's mind-music room and on Instrumentality itself. He cast a final look over the orange-tinged room, at the abandoned Tokyo-3 cutouts and Evangelion suits. Smiling, melancholic, he looked back to Rei who was watching him, expectantly yet patiently.

He spoke slowly, "Like I told mom...I want everyone to have the freedom to leave the sea when they're ready. And I don't want things to repeat ever again. I want things to be normal so no more Evangelions; none of that. It's time to close this book. And open the new one. I don't want this looping narrative to continue."

"So you wish to keep on living in the world that was?" Rei tilted her head.

Considering this for a moment, he asked, "Is there another option?"

"It's up to you," she told him.

He continued to consider it before he decided, "I think that'd be best, honestly. Continuing where we left off instead of starting all over again. It'll be hard and tough, but you heard what Mom said. Anywhere can be paradise."

"An end can be a beginning. The world will return to normal again one day. I'd never leave you on a world where there was no hope," she assured him, "If that's your wish, so be it. The world will remain as it was but hope will remain. Humanity will return of their own volition. Do you understand?"

He nodded, "Exactly what I think is best."

He intertwined his fingers in hers and squeezed. She smiled warmly back, her eyes crinkling, "Very well, Shinji Ikari. My brother in blood and my first, dearest friend."

She moved her hands to his shoulders and pulled him into a tight embrace, "I hope we may see each other again once more."

He smiled, "I hope so too."

Hesitantly, they broke the embrace. Lingering in a moment that could have lasted a few seconds or centuries, Shinji stepped away to the door. He stopped beside it and asked, "Will you come too?"

She almost reflexively nodded but stopped. Looking away, she murmured, "I've got more to do here first. And I'm...I'm...I'm scared."

"You're scared?"

She stared at the ground before she admitted, "Everything will be different for me."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"I...don't think so. But it's still scary."

He walked back over to her, "Then how about I go on ahead? You...you can take however long you need to but you have to promise me you'll come eventually, alright?"

She looked back at him to find him smiling, one tinged with sadness but a smile all the same. She returned it, "I suppose I'll have to promise then. Alright. Go on ahead and I'll catch up."

He gave her one last quick hug before he left for the door. Setting his hand on the doorknob, he told her, "I'll see you then."

"I will see you then too."

With a wave, he opened the door, stepped beyond it and closed it, leaving her alone.

---

Back in Asuka's room, she had been unaware of what was happening elsewhere in Instrumentality. Though, judging by the fact the sun was setting outside, she could tell something significant had happened. Looking outside at how the sky dyed everything orange, she murmured, "That's gotta mean something, right?"

"Yes. Shinji has made his decision," Rei replied, "But please do not dodge my question."

Asuka blushed slightly in shame. She had half-hoped Rei would let her off with a slap on the wrist. But that wasn't how this went at all. Steadying herself with a long inhale, she answered, "I should be better…"

"Then should I be better too?"

"No! I...argh!" Asuka cried, "You and Mom keep trapping me!"

"We're not "trapping you"," Rei took her hand gently, "It's just not fair you hold yourself to higher standards than everyone else. What makes you so special? We're all human, in the end."

She scowled at her, "You two make it sound so easy."

"It's really not," Kyoko cut in, "I was much like you, even up to my death. In fact, so many times within 02, I thought...oh if only I had done it this way or that way. But that's a useless endeavor. The past is in the past, the present is here so let's just do our best in the future, alright?"

"' The past is in the past, the present is here so let's just do our best in the future'," Asuka repeated, "I don't know if I can really think that way…"

"Can you try?"

Asuka frowned deeply. Committing to that line seemed difficult. But at least trying...maybe she can do that. "All I have to do is try?"

"It's the first step," Rei told her, "Actually, it's also the second and third...you really never stop trying in life. Even if you fail, it's always there for you."

She pondered this a few moments more then pondered the alternative. If she stopped trying, she stopped living...so she supposed there was no alternative after all. With a playful, overdramatic shrug, she said, "I guess if you two put it that way, I can try. I wanna keep on living, after all."

"That's my girl," Kyoko smiled wide at her.

Asuka cast another look outside, where the sun was dipping lower and lower under the horizon. Rays of light still filtered through the trees but there were ever weaker as time crawled past. Kyoko followed her gaze and added, "It is as Rei said. Yui's boy has made his decision which means you're free to go. And knowing you, that means our time is growing short."

Asuka practically launched herself at her mother, tightly hugging her, burying her face into her dress and fighting her tears, "I wish it wasn't. There's so much more I'd like to tell you."

"You could stay as long as you'd like," Kyoko smiled tightly, "But I have a feeling you don't want to do that."

"...no. I don't think I should stay too much longer," she looked up at her, tears streaming down her cheeks, "I wish you could come with me."

"Unfortunately, I'm not sure I have a place in the world anymore," she sighed deeply, "Some things likely aren't meant to be. As much as I wish it were."

"If you can leave, if you figure out a way," Asuka took her hands, "Promise you will!"

Her smile loosening into one more genuine, she promised, "If there's a way, I will."

Soothed by that promise, she stood off the bed. Rei followed suit and walked ahead to the door, waiting like a silent guardian. She went to follow but, partway through, turned to her mother again, "I love you mom...I'll love you forever!"

Kyoko's smile widened, "I'll love you forever, Asuka. Go and live the life you deserve to live."

She stood and gave her a final kiss atop the head. She looked past her, to her escort, "You take care of her, alright? Or I really will have to figure out my own way back."

Rei's eyes crinkled with amusement, "Of course. Thank you and farewell, Ms. Soryu," before she took Asuka's hand and led her over the threshold.

Just before the door closed, Asuka turned and raised a hand in farewell. Her mother returned the gesture as the door creaked and finally, closed.

---

On the moon, Lilith craned her head back to look at the Earth, where the green crosses were winking out. Kaworu followed her gaze. She grumbled, "Seems the boy has made his decision and you still haven't made yours. Not to rush you or anything but I'd appreciate going back to my rest. With the trouble you've all put me through, it's the least I'm owed."

"You're the one who pursued Adam here," Kaworu reminded, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"And that's a decision I've come to regret. I suppose though, a mother being surpassed by her children is a common thread in this sordid story," she admitted.

When next he blinked, Lilith had been replaced by Rei. "It's nearly time," he guessed, "Shinji has made his decision."

"Correct," Rei confirmed, "He seemed satisfied with it. What of you?"

He paused, the silence lingering between them. Rei answered for him, "You're like me. You fear it."

"I've never lived for myself," Kaworu admitted quietly.

"Neither have I. Another sad trait we share."

"It'll be frightening to have no purpose."

"All humans lack an inherent purpose," Rei reminded, "And as will I, if I follow you there. It's frightening, the thought that if I go, I will be merely human. But if I didn't, I'd sorely miss Shinji and Asuka and all the wonderful things I got to do before."

The pair lingered there for some time more, watching the lights above Earth wink out. Unlike Lilith, Rei did not push him for his answer; instead waiting for him to come to his own conclusion, his own answers. Finally, he spoke, ""Then I'll go first. That way you won't have to be the first to do it all. And if I remained...I'd too miss Shinji and Asuka and everything life has given me. When you come, I'll tell you all about it."

"Are you sure?" she asked, her eyes gone wide in surprise, "For me?"

"My purpose has come and gone so what other choice do I have?" he smiled wryly at her.

She returned his smile, "Thank you..."

He added, "No, thank you. For giving me this chance."

"Thank Shinji when you meet again. And please watch over him for me."

"Of course."

He turned and walked off, his image disappearing into the lunar landscape like a desert mirage.

---

The world shifted around Rei to a wide expanse of sunny beach where the sand was white and the water was blue, not bloody red. A memory of a world once was but may yet return. Mari was sitting here, just at the water line, gazing up at the effigy of Unit 04 stuck in the sea. She turned to face her and smiled freely, "Was wondering when you'd show up. Which Rei are you?"

"I think I may be them all," she answered simply.

"Fascinating," Mari's eyes glittered, "But I'm sure you're not just here to visit, eh?"

"The new world has a place for you too," Rei promised, "Take your time if you wish and take it in the form you'd like. Your final sacrifice is now null and void as thanks for all you've done."

"Form I'd like, huh," Mari stood and stretched, "I'll keep that in mind!"

"I do have but one request," Rei looked back over the blue expanse, "Keep an eye on Shinji. He's my first, dearest friend and the closest thing to what I can call a brother."

"I think I can keep doing that. I'll consider that a promise not yet fulfilled."

"It's a promise for me. Not Yui. I am not her."

Mari chuckled, not phased by her tone, "Naturally! I'll just have to keep it now for you both!"

With wild laughter, she turned, ran, then jumped into the surf, just as the world shifted once more.

---

Finally, the world shifted once more to the apartment she remembered habituating for the past few months. There was the potted lily, sitting in the entrance hall and there was the stereo sitting on the kitchen counter. The TV was on, some nature show playing so quietly the sound faded into the background. Outside the window she stood beside, it was sunset over Tokyo-3. She turned to find Asuka taking it all in. She smiled, "Nostalgic, huh?"

"I might find myself sentimental from time to time," Rei's eyes shone with a hidden amusement.

She took Asuka's hands, affectionately rubbing her thumb over the top of them. They were soft, softer than the world she had lived in. Asuka had gone silent but the crimson stain on her cheeks betrayed her feelings. Rei murmured, "I think I regret not making it more known to you that I love you."

"It's alright, Rei...I understand," Asuka murmured back, as if raising her voice would break this world, "If I had to choose between what we had and you being more open and getting punished for it...I'd be fine with just being your friend."

"I still wish you had known sooner…"

"Oh Rei," she chuckled, "I think I knew what we both felt deep down for a long time. But...it's nice to hear it said out loud. I love you too, Rei Ayanami. Will you leave with me?"

Rei tilted her head, eyes drifting to the sunset outside, "I'm sorry. I want to but...going right away is frightening."

"Oh."

"Like I said, I'm sorry. It's not you."

Asuka smiled, even through a new wave of tears, "Don't say sorry. I hate it when people apologize when they shouldn't."

"Then will this make up for that?"

Rei leaned in, her hand ghosting over her cheek until she found it comfortable to touch her. She brushed her lips against hers then pressed them firmly. Asuka relished in how real this kiss felt. Not like the last, as she was falling out of the sky, which ended when she couldn't distinguish where one started and the other ended. It was real and warm and she didn't want it to end. They remained there for what might have been mere moments or centuries before Rei pulled away.

A warm blush covered Rei's face, making her feel more alive than she ever had. Asuka breathed, "Is this goodbye?"

"Someone dear to me once said it was just too sad to say goodbye. So how about: I'll see you later?" Rei offered.

"See you later? Yeah. Rei, I'll see you then," Asuka smiled brightly, "That's a promise! So you better keep your end of it! Don't keep me waiting for too long!"

"Of course," Rei promised, returning her smile.

---

The world shifted for what Rei could sense was the final time. This time she stood on the metal platform in Terminal Dogma in front of Lilith's crimson cross. NERV HQ was gone above her, exposing the space to the endless blue expanse of the sky. She could feel another with her so she turned to see herself; or rather, the form Lilith had taken. Whether out of a sense to be distinct or a sense of politeness, she was once more wearing her mask. "What happens now?" Rei asked.

"What do you want to happen?" Lilith asked.

Rei craned her head up to look at the blue sky, noting how it reminded her of both Shinji and Asuka's eyes. She murmured, "I think I may like to see them again."

"You could return and I'll remain guardian for all of humanity. They are my children, after all. Isn't that a mother's job? To watch over her children and let them go when it's time? I suppose it's the least I owe you all."

Rei tilted her head, "Didn't you say you wanted to rest?"

Lilith chuckled softly, "If I'm stuck here, I might as well do something then."

A short silence stretched between them before she spoke again. "But, daughter, I must warn you," she moved in to lay a hand on her shoulder, "Returning to your human companions, becoming human...you know exactly what that entails? Pain, pleasure, happiness, sadness...you will be exposed to them all. Is that what you want?"

Rei went silent, staring still at the wide cloudless sky.

"May I...linger here for a few moments more?"

"That's your choice," Lilith answered, "After all, you told me you wanted to be your own person. Which entails making your own decisions. But, if you want my opinion, then linger as long as you'd like. Once you leave, we'll most likely never see each other again."

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you've grown a fondness for me," Rei said with a slight, teasing curve of her lips.

"Fondness? For you? Please," Lilith scoffed, though there was no bite to her tone.

Rei tilted her head back at the blue sky. She would like to see her friends again. Though living would be painful and having no set purpose would be intimidating, the alternative was worse. Stagnation within the red sea...it's what she had wanted to run from.

Even if she lingered here for a little while longer, she'd see them again. And she knew they'd wait for her.

---

Asuka came fighting out of the sea, spitting orange-tinged sea water as she took her first shuddering breaths back in reality. Working more on instinct than intentional thought, she began paddling towards shore, blinking stinging water from her eyes.

Eventually, her hands felt sand. She tried to stand but, her body still acclimated to the waves, couldn't quite balance. Cursing under her breath, she began to haul herself onto the shore, not feeling unlike a beached whale.

She craned her head to look behind her. Here she was back on the white shore of the red sea under the black sky. But Lilith's grotesque bisected head and the crucified vultures was nowhere to be found. As if Rei knew she found the whole thing disgusting and banished them from this world. On the horizon, the sun was peeking into the world. Day was breaking.

"Welcome back to the land of the living."

She turned her head back to the shore to find Kaworu, dressed in his school uniform, and offering her a hand. She grinned and took it, "And it's good to be back."

He hauled her to her feet and let her survey the surroundings. Behind them, Tokyo-3 was mostly intact though she could tell the damage was going to be worse the closer they got to the city center. To their sides, the shore was empty. She commented, "Rei really couldn't do anything about this?"

"I believe it was outside the scope of what Shinji wished for," Kaworu shrugged, "Oh well. Anywhere can be paradise as long as you have the will to live."

Asuka grinned playfully, "Where'd you hear that because there's no way you just came up with that just now."

He blinked, surprised, as if realizing what he had said, "Y'know...I have no idea!"

He trailed off, staring off into the sunrise. Asuka waited for him to continue his thought but when he didn't respond, decided it was better to let him keep it to himself. She left him to it as she looked up and down the shore, half-expecting one of their friends to come gasping out of the surf.

"Welp, I gotta say I like this better than last time I was here," she murmured, those memories rising to the forefront of her mind.

"I can imagine," he replied, still staring at the horizon.

Asuka put her hands on her hips, internally cringing at the how her plugsuit was still wet from LCL. Once she got this thing off, she was sure she was going to be happy to never put on another one. A her from a lifetime ago would be seething if she heard her say that.

"So what do we do now? Wait?"

"We could," Kaworu shrugged, "Others will come back whether or not we wait. How about it, Asuka? What do you want to do?"

"Take this plugsuit off, scavenge up some real water to get the taste of blood out of my mouth," she paused as she counted her wishes on her fingers, "...and have a good cry, I think. Your turn."

"My turn?"

"Yep," Asuka popped the end of the word for emphasis, "You're a person now, Prettyboy! And that comes with real, genuine free will and choice. So get choosin'!"

He couldn't help but look up the shoreline, expecting a familiar figure to materialize.

No. As much as he'd like to wait here forever, he should consider what else he wanted.

He owed Rei that much for giving him a chance he never thought he'd get.

"I'll even make it easy for you," Asuka held up her fingers, "Three things, can be as small or stupid or whatever you want but you can't just copy me!"

"I'm not wearing a plugsuit so I cannot copy you, even if I wanted to."

"Ugh! You get what I mean!"

He craned his head back to the sunrise, where the blue-black sky was turning purple. He said slowly, "I want...some less boring clothes, to find a music player and...I think I may have to agree on the good cry."

"There you go," she nodded in satisfaction, "We'll make you into a person yet."

She began walking up towards the city but paused, finding he was lingering at the water's edge, staring longingly out into the sea. She frowned and called, "C'mon, Kaworu! If they...when they come back, they'll be here waiting."

His gaze lingered out on the sea. Shinji would come back in time and he knew he would wait for him. Just as if Rei returned, she would wait for Asuka. So he turned and followed Asuka up the dunes, into the new unknown.

For the first time in a while, Kaworu felt hopeful, trekking into the new world.