Chapter Eighteen: What the Water Gave Him

At school the next day, Kyle gathered all his associates at lunch and told them what had happened the day before.

"I can't believe it!" Kensuke exclaimed, "The Commander hand-picked you to join him on a top secret mission! You must have really impressed him the last time you fought the Angels!"

"I don't know about that," Kyle replied, "I'm of the opinion the Commander is actually trying to keep an eye on me since Shinji and I were able to sneak out of the city again."

"I don't understand," Shinji said, "If Misato knew that we left the city, why didn't she send anybody to stop us?"

Kyle shrugged, "Who knows," he said, "I've had enough of her though. Despite everything about this trip, at the very least I won't have to deal with that airhead breathing down my neck."

Touji clicked his tongue, "What kind of man are you if you don't want Ms. Misato to breathe down your neck?"

Kyle pursed his lips together and narrowed his eyes. "I see what you did there," he said flatly. Touji looked too pleased with himself.

"Anyways," Kyle turned to Rei, who had been sitting next to him, quietly eating her lunch of rice and vegetables. "What do you think?" he asked her.

Rei inhaled a few loose grains of rice off the ends of her chopsticks before replying, "I do not know, Rhodes-kun. The Commander has not spoken to me about his plans to travel. In fact, when we do speak, we speak only of my progress in school or piloting Unit-00."

"That's strange," Kyle said, "I'm surprised that he didn't choose you to come with him, actually."

Rei looked away and returned to her food. Kyle figured he wasn't going to get anymore relevant information from her. Despite her proximity to the Commander, Rei seemed as in the dark about the inner workings of NERV as either Kyle or Shinji.

The only time I've ever seen her react to anything with emotion was when she talked about the time the Commander pulled her out of Unit-00, Kyle thought. Other than that, she's always cold, always remote, but I know deep down, she must feel something.

"Oh well," Kyle continued, "This afternoon I have to go to headquarters and learn how to fight underwater or something."

Shinji swallowed down a biscuit and said, "They really think they're going to find Angels wherever it is they're going?"

"I guess so," Kyle shrugged again, "But whatever comes, I'll be ready. Now that I've killed one of them myself, I'm not afraid to take on another."

Rei turned to face Kyle again and spoke up for the first time that day, "You shouldn't be looking for a fight."

"I don't have to look very far," Kyle said, "They're going to come for us sooner or later. If we have no choice, then we should find them where they live, and fight them on our terms."

"Weren't you the one that was telling everybody to retreat?" Shinji noted.

"Yeah, but that was when I didn't think we had a chance. All we had was Misato's crazy plan. And it worked, but it was still a long-shot. Maybe the Commander has found out where they come from, and we're going to put a stop to them once and for all."

"For once, I agree with the anarchist," Touji said, "If I was in his shoes, I'd want to get this over with as quickly as possible, so I could go home."

Kyle smirked, "Maybe you're not as dumb as you look, Suzuhara."

It was nearly 1530 when Kyle arrived at Headquarters. Ritsuko was waiting for him on the catwalk leading up to Unit-03's entry plug. She was wearing glasses today, working diligently on her laptop. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him standing there expectantly in his black plug-suit.

"I'm here," he said.

She looked up from her work and replied, "So it would seem." She saved her work, clapped her laptop shut and adjusted her glasses slightly.

"Today, I'm going to be running you through a tutorial on how to use Unit-03's N-Type equipment."

"N-Type equipment?" Kyle asked. "What's that?"

"All of the Evangelions come standard with B-Type Equipment, which is designed for combat on solid ground. However, if you were to enter any body of water deeper than the Eva is tall, than you would sink to the bottom. The N-Type equipment will allow you to control the Eva's buoyancy – to float and sink when you need to."

"Sounds useful," Kyle admitted.

"It is. Go on, get inside and we'll get started."

Kyle crossed his arms and gave her a pointed look.

"What?" Ritsuko asked, "Is something wrong?"

"I know," Kyle began, "that you know, that I know the truth about my past. Why didn't you say anything?"

Ritsuko frowned and said, "Oh." I keep forgetting he's not like the other children, she thought, he has no fear of authority, no compunction to think before he speaks…or acts, even.

"First off," she began, "I didn't see it as particularly relevant to any of our operations here. Second, while we have access to your medical and educational records, I had no idea your father kept you in the dark about our relationship. When you showed no sign of knowing who I was when we met, I decided it was for the best to say nothing and remove an unnecessary distraction from your duties here."

Kyle furrowed his brows, "Unnecessary distraction? The only reason I even decided to put up with this Angel nonsense was on account of my family – my cousin needed help with her treatment. So, when it turns out I actually have a sister – and she's the one who brought me here – she doesn't tell me because she thinks its an unnecessary distraction?"

"I didn't bring you here," Ritsuko replied, her voice starting to rise a little, "NERV isn't responsible for identifying eligible pilots. And you need to watch your tone. The Commander might have put up with it for some reason, but I won't, and I'm the one who's job it is to keep you children alive."

"Whatever," Kyle said flippantly, "If you don't want to be best buddies, fine, I don't care. But given what I've endured so far…and things that have yet to come…I think I've earned some answers."

Ritsuko watched as he walked around her and entered Unit-03's entry plug. She headed back to the observation deck, silently fuming.

Who does he think he is to expect anything from me? I'm sure Grandma filled his head with stories about much of a saint mom was and how horrible of a daughter I am. The fact this his father never spoke of her should be enough for him to realize that she wasn't worth much – but I guess he isn't as smart as he thinks he is.

A few minutes later, Unit-03 was standing atop the surface of the Geofront, a few giant paces away from the shore of the interior lake. Kyle looked at the water. It was still and peaceful.

"Time to go for a dip," he said to himself, as he began to walk the Eva into the water, causing a large crest of waves to rise up.

"Walk in until the water's up to the Eva's shoulders," Ritsuko told him over the radio.

Kyle nodded and did as he was told. When he reached that point, he came to a stop and waited for his sister to give him instructions again.

"Now, there is a wristband on each of the Eva's arms," Ritsuko explained, "Squeeze both of them, though not at the same time."

Kyle squeezed the wristbands and asked, "Now what?"

"Now you should be able to float and sink on mental command, like you do anything else. Try submerging the Eva underwater and swim like you would yourself."

Kyle laughed, "It's a good thing it's me in here and not Shinji. He doesn't know how to swim."

"Yes, we know. I assume this is the main reason why you were chosen to accompany the Commander."

"Any idea where we're going, oh wise and powerful onii-san?" Kyle asked as he dove the Eva towards the bottom of the lake.

"You're going to the South Pole. And don't call me that if you're going to say it that way."

Kyle laughed. It wasn't hard to get under his new sister's skin. All he had to do was ask a couple uncomfortable questions and make her acknowledge that he was, indeed, her brother.

That's too bad, Kyle thought as he reached the murky lakebed, of all the adults here, I liked her the most. But I wonder what we'll be going to the South Pole for? I thought there was nothing left there after Second Impact destroyed everything. Or maybe that's just what the government wants you to believe!

"Okay," Kyle said, "I've arrived at the bottom of the lake. Now what?"

"Now float back to the surface. After that, the patrol cruiser is going to drop some low-yield mines and you'll have to maneuver around them."

"What? You're going to have me walk straight into a minefield?"

"An Eva can survive a direct blast from an N2 mine, which is basically a nuclear warhead. These are firecrackers in comparison. You won't even feel a thing, Kyle."

Kyle came back to the surface and watched as the patrol cruiser approached. Though she was very small, Kyle could see Maya standing at the bow, wearing an orange life preserver. She waved at him and he waved back with Unit-03's giant hand.

Kyle dove underneath the water and swam towards the falling mines. He waited for the patrol cruiser to leave then tried to swim around them. They were spaced apart from each other enough that Unit-03 could squeeze through just barely, but in the end he popped a couple with the Eva's blocky shoulder-fins.

"You hit a couple," Ritsuko pointed out.

"Yeah, well who thought it was a good idea to build this thing with these huge-ass blades popping out the shoulders?"

"Well, you need somewhere to store your equipment that doesn't put you off-balance," Ritsuko countered.

Finally, Kyle reached the other side of the obstacle course. With pride, he returned to the surface and watched the patrol cruiser float away.

"Alright," Ritsuko said, "Come on back now. That's enough for today."

As Kyle was tying his shoes back on, Ritsuko approached him.

"I have a message from Captain Katsuragi," she said, "She wants you to head to Rei's apartment after this and help her move out."

Kyle's eyebrows raised in curiosity, "Move out? Misato found her a new place?"

Ritsuko nodded, "It would appear so."

There was a pause of silence between the two half-siblings. Then Kyle got up, smoothed the sleeves of his jacket and said, "Well, same time tomorrow then?"

"Yes, every day until you embark."

"Sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow."

Kyle got up and began to walk away. Ritsuko watched him for a few seconds before she called out, "Kyle, wait."

Kyle turned around to face her.

"I understand why you were upset," she said, "but our job here, to defeat the Angels, is more important than any one of our feelings. I didn't share what I knew because I thought it was best for your well-being. I didn't do it to hurt you."

Kyle looked for a few seconds without reaction, then smiled slightly and said, "I know. See you later, doc."

With that, he left, leaving her to stand alone on the now-empty observation deck.

Kyle arrived at Rei's apartment just as the sun was starting to set. He walked up the door, noticed it was open, and slowly pushed it aside to walk in.

"Rei?" Kyle said, "Are you here?"

Kyle walked into a small pile of boxes at the foot of the entryway. Next to them sat a single suitcase. He stepped around them as soon as heard the sound of water falling into a bucket.

He walked into Rei's bedroom and found her wringing the water out of a damp, grimy towel. She looked up at him and asked, "What are you doing here Rhodes-kun?"

"Misato sent me here to help you move out," Kyle replied, "She didn't tell you?"

"She told me she was going to send someone. I do not have many possessions, but I have enough that I cannot carry them on the train by myself."

"That's alright, I'll take care of the heavy lifting."

Rei finished up her cleaning, and Kyle went back and lifted all of the boxes up at once. It was a little heavier than he expected, but he managed it okay. She joined him and took her suitcase and the two of them started walking down to the train station. By the time they had reached it, Kyle was sweating heavily.

"Oof," he said, setting the boxes down for a moment as they waited for the train to arrive, "That's a workout. Are you glad to be leaving that apartment behind?"

"It was sufficient," Rei said, "I don't know why Captain Katsuragi felt the need to move me."

"Yeah," Kyle answered, rubbing the back of his neck, "Me neither."

They got on the train and mostly sat in silence. Kyle had gotten used to Rei's quiet demeanor. It was okay if she didn't want to talk all the time. It gave him time to settle into his thoughts a bit. Ever since the discovery, his head had been filled with questions. This was the first time since that things seemed to be back on an even keel, at least, as much as they could be given the times they lived in.

They came to their stop and left, and Kyle followed Rei until they came to foot of Misato's apartment complex.

"This is the location," Rei said.

"Rei, this is Shinji and I's apartment."

"This is the location," Rei repeated. She put her suitcase down, opened it, and pulled out a smartphone. She unlocked the screen and showed it to Kyle, "See?"

It was a message from Misato. The address was correct, alright. So, the airhead moved her into our building. She must have felt really guilty about letting Rei live in that dump. And she should, honestly.

"When did you get this?" Kyle asked.

"I received the message last night."

"No, I mean, when did you get this phone?"

"The day you and Shinji went out of the city on your own. She said that if I was going to be more active, then I needed to have a way for her to reach me at any place or time."

Kyle nodded, "Makes sense. I guess you generally aren't that busy."

"Not until you and Ikari-kun came here, yes."

They entered the building and took the elevator to the floor right below Misato's. They came to number 12 and Rei unlocked the door. The interior of the place was bare and had a peculiar smell that Kyle didn't find altogether unpleasant.

"Looks nice," Kyle said as he set the boxes down, "A cool place to call your own."

"There are two bedrooms," Rei replied, "This place is far larger than my needs warrant."

Kyle scoffed, "Well I can move in down here if you it will make appreciate it a little more."

Rei looked at him blankly and asked, "You would want that?"

Kyle shrugged, "Why not? Can't be worse than having to put up with Misato's B.S. Though we'll have to set some ground rules on leaving bloody bandages all over the place – that's a little unsanitary."

Rei thought about for a second, then nodded and said, "Very well. When will you move in?"

Kyle's eyes widened, "You mean it? You want me to be your roommate?"

Rei turned away and walked to the edge of the living room, staring out at the darkening city. She replied softly, "Before you and Ikari-kun came here, I never interacted with anybody other than the Commander and Akagi-san. I still don't understand some of the things you say and do, but…"

Kyle shrugged, "But what?"

"It's difficult to explain," she said, "But when you and Ikari-kun are nearby now, I feel like I'm in Unit-00 again. I feel like I'm connected to something."

"We've been through a lot together, the three of us," Kyle said, "It makes sense for you to feel that way. The only way we're going to get through all this Angel crap is by working together."

Rei nodded, "Yes. Which is why when you leave with the Commander, you need to be careful. Shinji and I won't be there to help you."

"Don't worry," Kyle assured her, "Careful is my middle name."

"I thought it was Thomas."

Kyle sighed, "That's just an expression. Come on then, I'll need to ask for Misato's permission…"

A/N: According to the wiki, there are various types of equipment for the Evas, and the main reason Asuka couldn't fight the 6th Angel underwater was because her Eva was equipped with the standard B-type equipment. So I made up the N-type equipment (N for Nautical) so the Evas could fight underwater if necessary (and it will be).

Also, I've reached the point where I'm starting to be self-conscious when writing Kyle's dialogue. I rewrote the scene with Ritsuko like three times because I couldn't reach a point where I was satisfied that he was still talking at the level of a teenager. Sometimes I think he might be speaking too advanced for his age. He is supposed to be smarter than average (because of his genetics and because of his upbringing) but not a super genius or anything, so let me know what you think.