Neon Genesis Evangelion: Forever Intertwined

Episode 18

Words from the Author:

Aftermath time! Enjoy the episode, everyone! I give credit to all those who have rights to NGE and everything else in its universe!

Episode 18: What It Means To Be Wanted

Following the disappearance of Unit 03 and Nero, NERV's recovery team gathered up the injured children as all of them, except Asuka, are currently unconscious. Simultaneously, the ones infected by Bardiel's contamination are receiving treatment while Misato waits until the teens have regained consciousness so that she and the pilots can confront Gendo about Nero. During that timeframe, Touji resides in the clinic room that Hikari has been placed after she was rid of the contamination, possessing it all to herself. Everyday, the lad sits by his girlfriend's bed, eagerly waiting for her to awaken.

In Asuka's case, she would go to check on everybody, starting off with Hikari. Then, the 2nd Child visits the room both Rei and Kensuke are kept in together, and finally, spend a lot of time in Shinji's since she still deeply cares for him. Additionally, Asuka would check on Mari, compliments of the 6th Child being situated there as well, though obviously in a separate bed that's divided by a white curtain.

The day concludes in Japan while, in a certain part of the world, night has yet to fall. The scene's main focus is upon an isolated area that the twelve Monoliths of SEELE reside. They presently surround Nero as their conversation with him is on the verge of commencing. At the moment, the brown-eyed character's wearing a white, short-sleeved, button shirt and black jeans. It can be noted that there are multiple bruises ailing his face in addition to several parts of his constitution where his flesh is visible, this coming from his confrontation with Lucas and Shinji.

Keel *SEELE 01* sternly speaks, stationed right ahead of Nero. "It's good to have you back, Nero. Did you enjoy your time with Ikari and the 3rd Child?"

A hint of irritation displays itself onto Nero amidst rolling his eyes prior to watching Keel's Monolith. "Your sarcasm is blatant, so quit it." He grows callous. "Can we just get on with the main subject?"

SEELE 04 retorts out of agitation. "Oh really?! What's wrong, Nero?! Is there somewhere you must be?!"

Nero navigates his vision towards the upper right to depict SEELE 04 via a cold stare. "I'm not going to justify that with an answer." He steers his attention back to Keel's Monolith. "By the way, why was it necessary for me to give you my confirmation so soon?" Nero tilts his head westward slightly. "I thought I had unlimited time to think about when to deliver it."

Keel bluntly responds. "You did, but some of the members were becoming impatient. I thought it would be best to move forward with our plan."

SEELE 09 shouts from frustration, "It wasn't only that! The real reason was that we believed waiting for some snot-nose brat's confirmation was pointless! I personally don't care if you are supposed to be one of the smartest people in the world! You're merely a kid, and a pain in the ass!"

SEELE 02 nonchalantly rebuttals to SEELE 09's outburst. "Calm down. You're getting too worked up for nothing." He then utters to Nero, "Listen, Akaya..."

Nero harshly cuts SEELE 02 off, his head lowered to view the floor with it poised vertically. "Ikari. If you'll refer me by a last name, it will be my real one. No need in keeping my identity a secret anymore."

SEELE 06 comments with a curious tone, "Is that because you told NERV who you are? But I assumed you didn't like that name regardless."

Nero glances at SEELE 06, who's Monolith is towards his right, amidst grinning. "I gave up my name so that I could live a separate life without connections to my father and brother. It's connected to them now though. The last name 'Akaya' isn't necessary any longer. I'm Nero Ikari. It's as simple as that."