Chapter 136: Aggression
"If you'll excuse me again madams," Shinji said turning around and headed into the kitchen. As Misato watched him go into the kitchen, she became frustrated. Blinking, someone walked closer to her.
"What…was all that?" Ritsuko asked confused.
"…nothing…just something stupid."
"…" Dr. Akagi said giving a sigh. "Was all that talk about the event after the Sakura Palace just your usual bluster?"
"It was not!" Misato stated out loud. "I saw freaking nasty shit from that event! Gives me nightmares thinking about it! And you!"
"…" Rana said able to stop her crying and looked at the Major.
"Why did you react to them like that? Why did you respond to them as if they were talking to you? Why did you recognize them? If you were in that Unit for the entire time his mom was in there, how would you know any of the people involved in his past?"
"…you wouldn't understand because you have never been inside his mind," the female twin said firmly.
"Oh? And you have I bet."
"Yes…every time he would synch with that war machine when I was in there, his consciousness…sub-consciousness…and unconsciousness…was open for Dr. Ikari, me, and anyone else to see."
"…so that means…" Ritsuko asked getting the female twin's attention. "The captor that Ikari was talking about…also had access."
"Yes."
"Did you see what the person was?"
"…" Rana said shaking her head. "If the Unit was off, there was only darkness. When the Unit was active with Shinji piloting, his schizophrenic mind filled the void that was inside…I don't know which face or thing is the captor…except the one that keeps appearing now."
"…!?" both Ritsuko and Misato said blinking in surprise. "That thing…is the Unit's captor!?"
"…" Rana said grinning on the inside. It made her feel better that she could now label the dark clone as something diabolical.
'If that is enough to get them to set the self-destruct for the Unit, I can be rid of him and keep Shinji safe,' she thought feeling the corners of her mouth turn up.
"…" Ayanami said feeling a pull of disconnect from the male pilot. Feeling anxious from the sense that she said or did something wrong, she walked toward the kitchen. Standing at the doorway, she looked at him. Seeing him cleaning dishes, she walked closer to him.
"Ikari?"
"Yes Miss Ayanami?" he asked placing a plate on the drying rack and proceeding to the next one.
"…are you…angry?"
"…" he said turning his head toward her with a stoic face. "I know in these certain types of situations one should feel angry of how things turned out…however, I personally do not feel angry."
"…I see…" she said then looked at his back. Wanting to feel connected again, an impulse came to her. Going to his back, she loosely hugged him.
"Miss Ayanami?"
"I…do feel…upset at you."
"…is it from not telling you that I left?"
"…that is partially true…" she said moving her head next to his. "From your statement earlier…you insinuate that…you cannot be trusted due…to the illness that you had."
"In terms of what I say…that is true."
"…I…felt that the alternative…past life between you and Rana…seems hard to believe."
"Given what has already occurred…it does," he said with a small nod. Placing another plate on the drying rack, he continued cleaning.
"…" Ayanami stated. Still feeling there was still a disconnect, she hugged him more. "...I would like...you to feel comfortable…to tell me anything…you have done that for me on numerous occasions…I would like…to be on the same conditions."
"…I…see…" he said blinking and slowly scrubbed the plate.
"…" the First Child said feeling that she still was not reaching him.
An emotional reaction came to her of wanting to convey what she said. Thinking about what action would do that, she thought about what happened during the mind merge. Leaning her head a little forward, she was about to turn her head when something felt morbidly wrong in the room. Glancing to her right slowly, she flinched slightly and held onto him firmer. The evil dark twin was sitting on the counter. It grinned impossibly wide at her with malice.
'…aReYoU#%$ #$%…c…u…r…i…o…u…s…?' it asked gesturing toward the male pilot.
"…!?" Rei said blinking from seeing Shinji change form. He became a dark silhouette that gave an aura of surrealism. Shaking her head and blinking, he changed back to normal. Turning back to the counter, the evil twin was still there. About to answer, its eyes narrowed looking viciously pleased.
'Pursue#$%#$desires!#$%#passions#$%#impulses#$%#$before your counterpart #$%#$and his counterpart#%#$take him from you,' the dark clone said fading away.
'…counterparts…' the First Child thought as a vision went passed her mind. Recognizing what the dark clone meant, she looked at Shinji again. Seeing him blinking, he turned his head a little to her. Both of their noses were almost touching.
"Miss Ayanami?"
'…I…I…don't want to lose him…' Ayanami thought blinking. Slowly letting go of him, she took a step back. He slowly turned around to face her.
"Ikari…please think about...my request," she said with a neutral expression.
"…" he said blinking. He gave a small bow.
"Very well."
"I will retire for today. Thank you for dinner," she said with a small nod. Turning around, she left the kitchen.
"…" Shinji said blinking. Turning around, he proceeded with more cleaning while the dark clone laughed hysterically like a chorus of clowns in mirth.
"Given how it has developed and its current capabilities are, you'll have to weigh that option with the Commander," Ritsuko stated to Misato.
"Right. But I do not know if he will-Rei?" the Major stated seeing the First Child walk by toward the entrance hallway. Stopping, she turned toward her.
"Yes Major?"
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes. I am tired and will go to bed early."
"Oh…okay," she said blinking in surprise looking at the time.
"…" she said nodding.
'...I...don't want to lose him...no...I won't lose him...' she thought turning around and left the apartment.
"Given what time it is, do you think you can give me a lift to my place?" Ritsuko asked.
"You don't want to spend the night?"
"Like you, I have a pet to feed and take care of."
"That's right. You and your cats. Alright," she said nodding then turned to the female twin. "Guess that is it for now. Tell Shinji thanks for getting dinner."
"Sure," Rana said with a nod.
"Alright. Oh, remember to tell him that tomorrow is a synch test after school."
"Okay. I will tell him."
"Thanks. Bye for now," Misato said with a small smile.
"Tell him thanks for me as well," Ritsuko stated giving a small smile to the female twin.
"Will do," Rana said nodding. Watching the adults leave and close the front door, she sighed with relief. Shaking her head, she started gathering the takeout leftovers and bringing them in the kitchen. After clean up and mild discussions, both twins headed to bed.
The next day came around. In the morning, Rana, Shinji, and Rei left their apartments and headed down to the lobby. Exiting out of the apartment complex building, the three walked together to school. Rana seemed to be happy despite the awkward evening that occurred yesterday. As the female twin hummed a little, she did not notice the First Child glancing more at the Third Child. Reaching the intersection they needed to turn left on, there was a lone person standing at the corner in a school uniform. Getting closer, they saw it was Kaworu. Waving at them, the three met up with him.
"Morning everyone," he said with a friendly smile.
"Morning," Rana said politely while Rei just nodded her head.
"Greetings Mr. Kaworu," the Third Child said with a head nod.
"Mind if I tag along?" the Sixth Child asked.
"No. Shall we continue sir?"
"Yes…let's continue," he said smiling. The four proceeded toward the direction of the school. Turning down a street to be on a slight incline, two students were seen up ahead. The closer they got, it was Toji and Kensuke.
"Hi guys," Aida stated with a smile.
"Sup," the Fourth Child said.
"Greetings Mr. Suzuhara and Mr. Aida. A different route today?"
"…?" both said looking at each other then back at the Third Child. "Yeah…how did you know?"
"You do not normal take this road to school for I do not see you in the mornings…unless you do after I have passed by in the past."
"…no…just different route today."
"I see. Pardon us as we continue."
"S-Sure," Kensuke said watching the group of four walking by. Ayanami and Kaworu turned to them and gave a small nod. Rana smiled at them and gave a small wave.
"You know what Kensuke," Toji said watching the group continue. "Somethin' doesn't smell right?"
"You mean about the new transfer student?"
"…sort of…everyone is giving off a different vibe for some reason. Come on, let's follow 'em."
Following behind the group and watching them from a distance, Aida could see something different. Both noticed something odd regarding Kaworu, Ayanami, and Rana. Both the Sixth Child and female twin were emitting more pleasant atmospheres when there use to be tension between them. Despite seeing her impassive face, they also felt something was different with the First Child as well.
Reaching the school, everything seemed to be normal on the grounds and students around. Heading up to their homeroom, there were little to no students inside. Going to their desks to set their belongings down, Kaworu and Rei immediately went back to the twins. Hearing them engage in small talk, Toji wondered what happened. The Sixth Child was become more lax and did emit putting on a fake front.
The next person that walked in was the Class Rep. Surprised to see both Toji and Kensuke in class so early, she noticed the pilot group of four that were nearby. Smiling a little at them, she placed her stuff down. Hearing footsteps, she was a little surprised to see Toji come up to her.
"Mornin'," he said then leaned closer to whisper. "Hey…can you detect something off with them?"
"…what…do you mean?"
"I don't know…somethin' ain't right, but I can't figure why. Could ya observe them and see?"
"…well…" she said playing with one of her pig-tails. "I guess…I could…if you really want me to…"
"Really? Thanks," he said smiling at her.
"…" Hikari said.
Giving a small smile back, she felt warm seeing him smile at her and asked for her help. Seeing him go back to his seat, she shook her head and went back to her Class Rep mindset. As more and more students came into the classroom, she observed the four pilots sitting near each other. Oddly, she started to detect something different among Kaworu, Rana, and Ayanami. All of their body language was giving her flag signs in how they were toward Shinji.
With the sound of the final bell and the teacher walking into the classroom, classes started. Everything seemed normal during the period. However, noticeable changes were seen between classes. During breaks, Hikari noticed that Kaworu would go toward where the twins sat just as Rei did. He has done that before; however, it was different now.
'…not only his…' the Class Rep thought. Looking closely at the three that surrounded Shinji, all of them were leaning forward a little toward him.
'It's like they are moths attracted to bright lights,' she thought feeling more suspicious about them. Knowing that next period was PE, it was track and field. It is one of the few activities that both male and female students participated in.
Heading toward the locker room, the Class Rep did not notice anything particular or out of the ordinary from either Rana or Ayanami. In the male locker room, Toji and Kensuke changed near Shinji. Consequently, the Sixth Child was changing next to the Third Child.
"Hey Ikari."
"Yes Mr. Kaworu?"
"Do you know which activity we will be doing today?"
"Given that we will be participating with female students, it is most likely track & field activities," Shinji said putting his on PE attire. The few male students that were in earshot all the sudden turned toward him.
"Is that true Ikari?"
"We will play with the girls!?"
"You ain't pulling our legs are you man?"
"…" the Third Child said turning toward them with a stoic face. "I do not know the schedule off the top of my head gentlemen…however, I did see other classes having co-ed track & field earlier today."
'Nice Shin-man!' Toji said with a fist pump to himself. Others did the same thing and started feeling amped while they closed their lockers. As they started leaving, Shinji finished changing and shut his locker.
"Ikari. Do you mind if I be your partner for any of the activities requiring two people?" Kaworu asked closing his locker.
"I do not mind sir," the Third Child said walking away.
"Thanks," Nagisa said with a friendly smile walking beside him.
'Damn it!' Toji thought in his head and pulled Kensuke to follow behind them.
Both male and female students gathered around the assembly spot near the running track. As a few of the boys gazed around at the girls, Shinji and Kaworu were standing near each other. Two female students were walking toward them. Turning to them, it was Ayanami and Rana. Soon after, the PE teacher came and assembled everyone. Doing roll call and stating what the main activities were, warm-up and stretches were called for.
One of the stretches asked for two people. One was sitting with their legs out in a wide V. From there, the person leans forward with arms out in front of them. The partner from behind would push down on the person to help them stretch more. Shinji went first and stretched forward. Kaworu kneeled and placed his hands on his mid-back. Eventually, the Third Child was able to fold forward.
'Ikari is pretty limber,' Hikari thought to herself looking over at the two. Glancing at the female twin and Rei, both were staring Nagisa down with looks of irritation.
"Hey, do you think that new transfer is into Ikari?"
"I hope not. I want to be in Ikari's position."
"I don't know girlfriend, look at silver haired pretty boy," one of the female students whispered. "That smile on his face tells something else."
"Oh my god…that would be the ultimate boys love couple!" another female student whispered excitedly.
'…he is…smiling,' the Class Rep thought cringing a little from observing.
Glancing back at the two female pilots, both had small frowns on their faces. Despite Rei pushing down on Rana, the female twin was already flat on the ground. Hearing the teacher state to switch, the female students watched as Shinji slowly pushed himself up. Kaworu didn't move causing the Third Child to arch his back. Seeing him glance back over his shoulder with a stoic face, he stated something. The Sixth Child leaned a little closer to hear him though kept smiling.
"Kyaa, that so hot," a coup female students whispered giddy.
'No that is not,' Hikari, Rei, and Rana thought at the same time. All three had hard suspicions of what ulterior motives the Sixth Child was planning. Ayanami thought about what was told to her last night. The sight of her counterpart attempts made the evil twin's words more gripping now. The class continued as many people were watching others for various reasons.
At the end of the period, lunch started. Having gone back to the classroom, Shinji stayed in his seat. Getting his bento, he heard a desk move and made contact with his on his right. Placing his lunch box on his desk, he saw that Rana sat next to him. About to open his mouth to ask a question, the sound of two chairs being placed in front of them sounded. Turning forward, both Ayanami and Kaworu were sitting across from them. Rei was in front of him while Nagisa was sitting across from Rana. Only the desks separated them.
'…wow…' Hikari thought in surprise watching them. '…I have seen this from a couple of my manga…I always thought harems were just male fantasy…it feels different from actually seeing it with not all women.'
"Psst."
"…!?" she said blinking in surprise. Both Toji and Kensuke sat in nearby desks near hers.
"W-What is it?"
"What do you think is going on there?" the jock whispered leaning his head to point at the four pilots sitting together.
"…I'm not sure…I see what you were saying about something feeling off."
"You know what it is," he said crossing his arms glancing at them. "It is his harem."
"…" both the Class Rep and Kensuke said blinking. Both looked at each other before looking at him.
"I mean…it's his twin sister, a pretty boy homo, and the Ice Queen. If it was three ladies with Miss Misato's quality then that would be something to marvel and brag about," he said with smug.
"…" Aida signed out loud and pushed up his glasses. "I'm going to get lunch man. Tell me about your battle scars afterwards."
"Huh? What do you-ow-ow-ow-ow!" he said feeling a hard pinch on his ear.
"We have some talking to do mister," Hikari said walking out of the classroom with him in tow. After lunch period, the remaining classes continued. During the last period of school, Hikari got a message on her school laptop. Opening it, it was from the Third Child.
'He does know better…and normally does not respond to messages,' she thought. 'It must be important.'
Greetings Miss Horaki. How are you? My apologizes for messaging you when it is not permitted during class. I have a status update regarding Pilot Souryu. If you have time after this last period, I can tell you. If you are not free today, I can tell you tomorrow.
Ikari
'…!?' she thought surprised.
Suppressing the need to correct him, she replied that she would be available after class. At the sound of the last bell, the ending class procedures were conducted. When the teacher left, all the students began to pack their things. The Class Rep walked over to Shinji's desk noticing him making final notes on his paper.
"Hi Ikari," she said stopping in front of him. "I am available to talk now."
"Greetings Miss Horaki. Thank you," he said standing up and giving a short bow. "Will the corner of the classroom near the front door be suffice?"
"…" she said restraining herself from reacting. Three pairs of eyes were on her and staring at her when she approached him. Especially the one that was sitting at the next desk over to his right.
"…sure…" she said giving a small smile and nodding. Turning around, both went to the corner near the entrance door at the front of the classroom. Reaching the area, she turned around. With his back toward the classroom, it allowed her to see the students leave and the reactions of others.
"How is Asuka?"
"Miss Souryu is recovering. Based on how things have been progressing, she is deemed to be released this week."
"Really!?" the Class Rep said in a happy surprise.
"Yes," he said with a head nod. "I do not know if she will be told to come to school this week; however, she should be at her apartment within a couple of days. If I hear an exact date, I will let you know."
"That's great news," she said smiling at him. "Thank you Ikari."
"You are welcome Miss Horaki," he said blinking slowly without changing his expression.
'…' Hikari thought feeling tense. Even though she was not looking at the three pairs of eyes, she resisted herself from looking or blinking out of nervousness.
'…they…are staring me down more,' she thought swallowing. Blinking, she saw the Third Child continue to look at her.
"Is something troubling you Miss Horaki?"
"…you…could say that…" the Class Rep stated then leaned forward to whisper. Immediately, she could feel their stares intensify more making her fidget.
'This must be that strong desire that some characters have in the manga harems…it's scary,' she thought.
"Out of curiosity, have you done anything inappropriate?"
"…" Shinji said blinking and tilting his head. There was a couple of muffled pops in his neck, but it didn't sound gross.
"In what way do you mean Miss Horaki?"
"Has there been anything going on between you, Ayanami, Nagisa, and your sister Rana?"
"In terms of inappropriate behavior…are you speaking of sex Miss Horaki?"
"…um…" she said becoming embarrassed. Normally she could be able to talk about it and determine quickly the correction. However with three now more people staring at her and given the subject matter she opened, she felt cornered. Moving her hands in front of her chest and playing with her fingers a little, she looked up at him.
"…well…yes to be blunt."
"I see…to my knowledge, no."
"Really?"
"In terms of physically conducting that behavior, I have not. Emotionally, I have not. Mentally…" he said with a slight pause then straightened his head. "…I would be lying if I stated I had not thought about it."
'…so he does think of those things…' Hikari thought feeling a little relieved. 'Guess that does make him somewhat normal.'
"…okay…" she said moving her hands behind her and smiling a little. "I do trust you make good judgments in behavior and conduct Ikari."
"…" he said with a head nod.
"Is there anything…?" the Third Child said then slowly trailed off seeing the Class Rep move to be directly in front of him.
'God! They are staring me down like vultures!' she thought feeling like crying. 'I can't win or do anything!'
"Miss Horaki…are you feeling well?"
"Y-Yes…I ah…just remembered that I have to go do something at the administration office!" she said out loud and stepped away from him. Going to her seat and grabbing her stuff, she headed toward the front classroom door. Stopping and bowing to him, she left quickly.
"…?" Shinji said blinking. Turning around, he saw three pairs of eyes staring at him intensely. One of them was already in front of him.
"What was she doing?" Rana asked evenly.
"I was telling Miss Horaki about the current status of Miss Souryu," he said. He did not flinch or blink from the female twin's aggressive approach. His statement seemed to lessen the intensity of all three though Rana did not move.
"Why was she whispering and hiding in front of you?"
"Miss Horaki felt apprehensive of being stared down."
"…oh…" she said blinking then backed away a step.
"Is something the matter?"
"I don't believe I have met the Second Child," Kaworu stated to change the mood. "When will she be released from the medical facility?"
"Within this week."
"How did you know that Ikari?" Ayanami asked not feeling the mild irritation from before.
"I asked Dr. Akagi yesterday if she knew the status of Miss Souryu."
"I see."
"Well. Guess we should all head home now," Rana said with a smile on her face.
"…" Shinji said not expressing anything. Slowly nodding his head, the four departed from school. Receiving a text reminder from Misato, they had a synch test after school. In it, they would be split into two groups of three due to the limited entry-plugs. Shinji, Toji, and Rayne were in the 1st group. Rei, Rana, and Kaworu would be the 2nd group.
Once all the pilots reached NERV HQ, they changed into their plug suits. Heading to the synch test area, the first group entered the entry-plugs. As the testing began, the staff and technicians in the lab glanced nervously at the three pilots waiting. None of them were talking, looking, or near each other. They just stood like statues looking up at the monitoring screen. When the first group finished, the second group took their place. When the test started, one of the pilots approached another.
"Hey Shin-man," Toji spoke and nudged the Third Child. "You got a minute?"
"Yes Mr. Suzuhara. What can I do for you?"
"Man, what is up with those three?" he asked using a hitch hiker's thumb gesture to the video monitors. Rayne blinked and looked at the two male pilots.
"In regards to what Mr. Suzuhara?"
"I know Ayanami and your sister like you…but they, including that homo guy, were hunting you down man."
"Hunting?"
"You know man...like seeking your attention non-stop. They didn't leave ya alone one bit a school today."
"That is true…they seemed rather persistent though I do not know why they need to do so…yes Miss Rayne?"
"…" she said blinking from being caught eavesdropping. Turning toward them, both of them looked at her.
"Do you like them pursuing you like that?"
"At the moment, I am indifferent to their behavior."
"I would say I find that hard to believe…but then again, it is you."
"That seems to be a common phrase I hear."
"Can I ask you something?" she asked. The Fifth Child got closer to him to speak in a low volume tone. It was enough for Toji to hear as he tried to find something else to stare at. Seeing her figure in the skintight suit was making it hard to concentrate.
"Yes Miss Rayne?"
"You know your twin sister is in love with you, right?"
"Yes."
"To the point where she wants more than sibling affection?" she whispered. The question made the Fourth Child blink in surprise and look at the Third Child. His stoic expression didn't change as he blinked.
"Yes."
"Wha!?" Toji said in a shocked whisper. "Are you serious!? She wants to…"
"Yes Mr. Suzuhara."
"Ah man…that's just…gross," he said with cringing expression. He shook himself.
"No way do I look at my sister like that. Yuck."
"Mmm-hmm," Rayne said with a nodding approval. "Despite that, how are you handling that given that you two live with each other?"
"Miss Rana and I have separate rooms in the apartment. Each are across the living room."
"Have you…slept with her?" Toji asked finding the gossip juicy.
"When she came out of Unit-01 with Dr. Ikari…she had separation anxiety and paranoia. It took a couple of weeks for Miss Rana to adjust and be able to sleep by herself in a separate room."
"…" Rayne said blinking and looking at him. "You didn't do anything…did you?"
"Miss Rayne," he said only moving his eyes to look at her. His expression did not change nor did his tone.
"If you are asking if I took advantage of Miss Rana's predicaments during her recovery...that is plausible statement. Given the behavior and actions that Miss Rana is pursuing, it would make one believe that something did occur to cause such a desire and fixation on one individual...in your opinion as a police officer and based on the interactions we have had, do you see me as a predator?"
"…" Rayne said folding her arms across her chest. "To be frank, you have the temperament of a cold blooded killer, a stalker, and the presence of a dead person."
'…damn…I can believe that,' Toji thought playing with his collar a little. 'When he had those devil/demon eyes…shit.'
"Thank you for your assessment Miss Rayne," he said with a blink and a small nod.
"That wasn't a compliment."
"It wasn't?"
"Hmph," she said with a small smirk seeing his deadpan face remain after he spoke. His eyes slowly looked back forward.
"Alright, in your opinion as an Eva pilot and the interactions we have had, what do you see me as?"
"…" Shinji said slowly blinking. "To be honest Miss Rayne, you have the ability of a super soldier and mentality of a fair mind police officer…"
"Ah…thanks," she said feeling a little smug.
"…who takes advantage of any type of couch she sleeps on—" he said when a hand immediately covered his mouth. Toji blinked in surprise to see the Fifth Child look a little out of sorts and laughed a little out loud. Immediately, she got next to his face.
"…I said I was sorry…" she whispered slowly removing her hand from his mouth.
"…" he said with a head nod.
"Takes advantage of couches?" the Fourth Child asked scratching the back of his head. He saw both turn their heads toward him
"Yes Mr. Suzuhara…she is a predator towards-" he began to say when her hand covered his mouth again. She moved her other arm to put him in a loose choke hold.
"Hahaha," Rayne said laughing a little nervously. "Dry humor…can't beat it!"
'…' Toji thought seeing her pressing herself against him. Fighting the tears of jealously coming down his face, he still was confused at what they were talking about. Turning back to the monitors, he noticed that all three pilots testing seemed to be seriously focused all the sudden. After they were done and came back out, Lt. Ibuki came toward them.
"Based on the synch test, all of you improved. Especially Pilot Rana and Ayanami. Both of you went up 10% and marked your personal best."
"You guys were holding back, weren't ya?" Toji asked looking at the 2nd group of pilots.
"…you could say something was," Rana said then narrowed her eyes at Rayne.
"I tried…a different motivation," Rei said with a blank face though glanced at the Fifth Child.
'Both of them are staring daggers at me,' Rayne thought sighing through her nose.
'So this is what jealousy feels like,' Kaworu thought feeling mixed feelings. Though he was more intrigued by the different sensations, he felt a small want to threaten the older pilot.
"…" Shinji said feeling his right eye twitching a little.
