[timestamp: midnight]

[chosenthird]

[the tv, which was showing static, suddenly goes clear, showing a shot of an empty train showing the seats. The train seems to be moving, and for a few seconds all you can hear is the sound of the machine; but soon there is a quiet lithany of words growing louder as the shot starts panning towards the right]

Can't run away, can't run away, can't run away...

[the shot stops when it finally reaches Shinji, who is sitting with his face facing down and his hands holding his head. You can't see his expression, but it's obvious he's one the speaking.

Suddenly, he sits up and faces the camera]

Just kidding!

[Shinji has a big smile on his face, a look that's particularly uncommon with him, and his arms are carelessly thrown over the back of the seats. Overall, he seems pretty relaxed]

I love it here! I don't have to worry anymore, I can just stay here forever, and not care about anything or anybody. No more [with a pretend voice] "Shinji-kun, you have to fight that angel!", no more "Ikari-kun, ride the EVA", no more "If you're not gonna do it, then just leave".

[Shinji seems angrier after he says the last one, but he shakes his head and he's smiling so widely again that it has to be hurting his face]

They're all probably dead right now in Tokyo-3 anyway, so who cares what they think, right? Serves them right! I bet if I stayed longer at that island it would have been the same thing all over again, so forget about that place, too!

Ah, I hope I can stay here forever!

[he leans back on his seat, and the connection ends]

Comments

[chosenthird]

You can try! But if you really cared for me, you'd just leave me be.

[notdogmatic]

What does your other self say to that?

[chosenthird]

Who cares! He's off on a corner, moping as usual. I'll get him to see my side soon, though!

[notdogmatic]

He is upset.

Has he spoken of why?

[chosenthird]

He doesn't like some of the things I'm telling him.

[notdogmatic]

Is he upset about my encounter with Vice Principal Peixes?

[chosenthird]

Oh? I don't think either of us know about that! Wanna tell me about it? Maybe it will help me convince him to stay here!

[notdogmatic]

I find that unlikely.

I will discuss it once I have seen you both in person.

[chosenthird]

It's cute how you think you'll get here.

[notdogmatic]

I'm glad you think I'm cute.

[chosenthird]

I think many things of you. They'll be gone soon!

[notdogmatic]

Every Shadow who has believed that on this island thus far has been incorrect.

Are you that different than the rest of us, Shinji-kun? Shadow-kun?

[chosenthird]

Well, you know me! If there's one thing I'm good at, is disappointing others. Why wouldn't I excel at this, too?

[notdogmatic]

Several of the others who vanished have also been considered disappointments by others. However, there were still those who believed in them.

[chosenthird]

And you think that's gonna make a difference here?! The fact they do just makes it worse!

[chosenthird]

You're tiring me out, Kaworu-kun.

[notdogmatic]

I apologize, Shadow-kun.

All the same.

I will be seeing you soon.