Dark and damp … the best way wake up. Groaning, the boy cracked his eyes open, only to find himself face down and submerged in red liquid. Staggering to his feet, the red water beaded off him. Splashing back down from whence it came. He noticed something odd, well … more like adding to the strangeness of waking up in a sea of red. The water didn't seem to soak him. It rolled off like he had no friction. His hair was completely dry.
Looking around, the boy found nothing but empty darkened space. The water seemed to glow dimly, giving off a warm luminescent light, bleeding into the black abyss above. The red sea stretched as far as the eye could see. A hum pierced the silence as the boy vocalized his thinking. Glancing to his body, he found himself topless. His pants were still there, thank god, but he appeared to be lacking in the shoe department as well. His feet rested on the surface of the water as if he was standing on thin glass or ice. He took a step forward. As his foot came down, the water rippled underneath it. That was … interesting to say the least.
"I see you're awake." A feminine voice sounded.
He knew that voice all too well. The boy opened his mouth to speak, but only a dry cough came out.
"Please don't strain yourself, you went through extensive trauma. You need to rest." She spoke.
The boy just wheezed a laugh. "You sound like Ritsuko. Heh, kinda ironic. Isn't Rei?" He chuckled.
The blue haired vestige frowned as her brow knitted together in concern. "Yes, yes. I get it. Ha, ha. I'm laughing … but seriously though, you took on a lot more damage then I was expecting."
"You and me both." He added.
" … Right." She continued, "what am I to do with you?" Rei shook her head and pinched the bridge on her nose.
"You worry to much." The boy mumbled.
"You don't worry enough!" Rei countered. A sigh escaped her lips. "You know, there's people in this world who care a whole awful lot about you. So stop acting like sacrificing your body is no big deal!"
The boy grinned. "Did you forget I can heal?" He chuckled, "I get your concerns, but I'm not as delicate as a snowflake." His eyes met the girl's firm gaze.
"You may not be delicate, but you are precious." She crossed her arms, "Imagine someone who is so precious to you getting hurt or worse. No matter how strong that someone may be, them suffering still causes heartache for those who love them."
A heavy silence fell upon the two. The boy's smile dropped into an uncharacteristic neutral expression, his long locks covered his eyes as he looked down. A moment pasted, then the zombie cracked his lips.
"I didn't purposely get hurt, that wasn't my intention. I didn't know what Bat Boy could do, I honestly didn't know what to expect. This is all new to me … "
The boy looked up, "This world … it looks so similar to what I remember, but nothing moves right … you know? It's like … knowing you're walking on land, but then it turns out to be water instead. What I thought I knew doesn't seem right anymore." He paused for a moment and turned to meet the crimson gaze of the bluenette. "Does that make sense? At first it was exciting, but now ... It feels as though … I don't belong here, like I belong some place else. … like I shouldn't exist." He concluded.
There it was. Everything started to make a little more sense to Rei. A look of sympathy and concern crossed her face, as the boy's voice began to unsettle her. It was lower than normal. His calm rasp was controlled and thoughtful. He sounded so … mature. Contradicting his appearance. It seemed as though he was no longer the child that everyone saw him as. A child was innocent and naive … he however, was not.
Rei approached him, gliding across the water. Her hand found its way to his cheek, cupping it with the gentleness of a mother. "So that's what was bothering you." A warm smile formed on her face as a soft giggle sounded from her throat. "You are not Shinji, those thoughts and insecurities are not yours to bare." A hum came from the girl, "let me repeat that. You. Are. Not. Shinji Ikari. You are you, and I'll say that until I'm as blue as my hair!"
"It's okay to feel that way, but know this. You belong here, just as much as everyone else does. What was that you said? 'A heart beats in your chest' and that 'you are alive'. That applies to, not only Rei, but you as well. I want to stand by your side, because you are you!" She chirped.
In one quick motion, Rei pulled him into a tight embrace; she hummed with content. A less weighted silence floated in the space, a welcome change of pace. The boy found his normal smile spreading across his face and cracking his lips once again. A short time past, Rei still held him tightly. He rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Rei … you're smelling me aren't you?" He asked with a tired smile.
The giggle that followed was all he needed to hear to know the answer. "Guilty as charged!"
"I never took you to be such a pervert." The boy mused.
Rei didn't seem to argue with that notion, only humming in response.
" … You can let go now."
"Oh all right, but just one more thing."
With that, Rei planted her nose firmly on the boys head, digging into his hair. She took a deep inhale, so deep that one would think she just gave him a bald spot. After snorting his hair like the best drug in the world, she cupped her blushing cheeks and proceeded to waggle her butt. Giggling like a love struck school girl.
The boy shook his head. He looked away from her and stared off into the endless darkness. "Thanks Rei … you know, for earlier." He said, scratching at his neck.
Rei jumped at his voice and snapped out of her gushing trance. Wiping the drool from her chin, she gave him a warm smile. "It was the least I could do." Her voice lulled in the air, sounding as soft as silk, "you saved my life after all, even if you don't know it yet."
A short pause came over the two, only for Rei to giggle again. "Alright, I think that's enough sappiness. As fun as it is, there's some other things I want to discuss with you."
The boy hummed and nodded. "I have some questions as well. So, who's going first?"
Rei pondered for a moment, then gave him a sly grin. "Well, I think I should go first. You know, ladies first after all!" She huffed, playfully sticking her nose up to the zombie boy.
The zombie just grinned. "Careful Rei, you're starting to sound like Asuka."
She gasped and puffed out her chest. "How dare you compare me to that wretched girl! I'll have you know, I'm much more sophisticated and dignified than her! Unlike that ruffian, I am far more ladylike!" Rei huffed in feigned offense.
Rolling his eyes, the boy chuckled. "Says the one who just sniffed my hair like cocaine." He countered. Ignoring the embarrassed whines of protest that came of the bluenette, he continued. "So, I'm guessing one of the things you want to talk about is this." He said as he tapped his foot against the red floor, causing ripples to wave out. "Last time I was here, it was completely dark."
Quickly composing herself, Rei nodded. "Indeed. I am of the assumption that this is related to one of your questions, correct?" She rhetorically asked. "This is your mind … or something like that. The least complex way for me to explain it is that this place is a world that exists beside your soul. Simply put, the more you connect to the world and people, the more it will influence this place." The bluenette attempted to explain.
" … So, like a hub world in a video game. Existing within my own existence like some kind of weird, multi-dimensional, Russian doll? … If that's the case, then that would mean that I'm the hub of this world … place … thingy." The boy rationalized. Tapping his chin whilst pacing in thought.
Rei blinked dumbly at the boy, surprised that he could grapple with such a convoluted concept. "Well, yes … but no … but also kinda, sorta." She fumbled, "look, the point is, this place is essentially your consciousness taken shape." The girl gestured to his body. "You are a good example, your body is a projection of your consciousness in order to interact on the physicalities of this plane."
It was the boy's turn to blink, Rei could practically hear the grinding of gears as the boy tried to understand it.
"So, if I'm understanding this correctly … this place is bullshit."
Rei let out a huff of amusement. "In one word, yes. It is 'bullshit'. "
The girl tapped her chin. "But I would prefer something a bit more … pleasant." She continued "Ooh! I know, what about your 'Happy Place'!" The bluenette chirped is girlish excitement.
The boy could only stare at her, deadpan. " … Why?"
"Because I'm here!" She responded with haste. A little too fast for the boy's liking.
"Riiight." the boy dragged on. "Anyways, anything else I be aware off about this place?"
Rei seem to be rather delighted by the fact he didn't argue with it.
"Well, in your Happy Place-"
"I didn't agree to that."
"Nor did you deny it, now shush!" Rei collected her thoughts after being so rudely interrupted. "In your Happy Place," she paused, letting it sink in that the name wouldn't be changing, "more will become apparent with time. Basically, like I said before, the more you interact with the world around you, the more will appear here." Rei end.
The boy hummed in thought. "Alright." He murmured, "There is one more thing I'd like to ask. Recently, I had a nightmare." He eyed the bluenette, noticing her shifting stance in obvious discomfort. "You were there asking to play, or something. Then, your skin ripped apart. Shedding into a massive angel version of yourself. You claimed you wanted to be 'whole' again. After that, Unit-01 crawled up your throat and burst through your head, replacing yours with it's own. … Then it ate me. … Wanna explain what the hell that was about?" The boy finished reciting. Quirking a brow, waiting for her reply.
Rei let out a sigh. "Well, that could be the result of your memory fragments mixing together and relaying that … horrific picture. But, on the other hand, it could be a vision or a message of some kind."
"A message, huh. So … You wanna eat me like a Snickers?" The boy questioned, taking a step away from her.
"What!" She yelled in surprise. "No, absolutely not! I would never do that!"
" … You're not you when you're hungry." He gave out a light chuckle. Only for Rei to puff out her cheeks.
"I've changed my mind! Get over here!" She lunged at the boy, her jaws agape.
For a few minutes they ran in circles. Rei was doing her best impression of Pac-Man, while the boy was a terrified ghost. He was a little worried that Rei was going to make good on her promise if she actually caught him, a few nips was all it took for him to speed up. After a bit, the boy started to slow down and turned to the chomping girl.
"So, back to the dream, I'm guessing you don't have a solid answer." He assumed.
Rei hit the breaks on her run and stopped biting for a second. "Unfortunately, I don't have anything satisfying to add. I don't know what your dream meant, all I have are guesses. The same as you." She tapped her chin with a slight frown.
The boy nodded and hummed in thought. "That's all I really wanted to know, for now at least."
Silence fell between the two, the Fourth Child stood there waiting for something to happen. Rei on the other hand, was happy enough to contently stare at the shirtless boy. He sighed and spoke up.
"So, what happens now? Do I go back? I think Miss Akagi might be a little worried that I'm unconscious."
Rei shook her head. "She's still carrying you to the medical ward, she hasn't even reached the elevator yet."
Right, he forgot. Time moved as fast as Rei wanted it to. Making him … her prisoner. Damn.
"So we have all the time in the world to kis- I mean chat. Yeah, that's what I meant." Rei giggled, a little nervous that her oh so sneaky ploy would be found out. "So-"
"Thank you Rei, but I would like a turn with him." A soothing feminine voice sounded. Interrupting the girl.
Rei pouted and folded her arms like a foiled child, but she didn't verbalize any complaint. The boy, on the other hand, slowly turned around. A hurricane of emotions surged through his being. He felt himself tremble at the sight that befell him.
There she was. Standing tall with her hands resting in her lab-coat pockets. Her pink blouse gripped her body, tucked into her black skirt. Held by a belt. The black high heels clacked on the red liquid as if it was actual flooring. Her brown hair resembled that of Rei's, matching her equally brown eyes. Soft pink lips curled into a peaceful smile as her eyes fell upon the boy.
His body quaked, he felt … disgusted. Tears threatened to leave his eyes as he looked up at the woman. Nostalgia and longing gripped his mind, wanting nothing more than to embrace this lady that stood before him. A craving, desperation, to be touched with love and care. The boy scratched at his neck, tearing into the flesh. Blood ran down his fingers as they clawed at his skin. He wanted to run, he wanted to tear himself apart. The boy failed to notice that his self-inflicted wounds heal instantaneously, the blood on his hands disappeared. Rei looked to him with concern, her head turned to the taller doctor-looking woman. Waiting in anticipation, wanting to do something, anything, to help the boy who seemed to be having a panic attack. But, the woman only observed the poor boy.
"You're fighting it, aren't you?" She spoke, "the ingrained instincts of all your previous lives, denying Shinji's will." The woman stepped closer as her smile grew. "You want to run, but you won't. You want to hug me and cry, but you refuse to move an inch. So, let me be the once to make the first move."
Her arms snaked around him like a hungry boa. She pulled him close in a ever so gentle embrace. Encompassing his world with her own, cradling him with tender care. Holding him close to her core. Off to the side, Rei puffed out her reddened cheeks and huffed. Her actions however, were completely ignored by the two. Neither one paid any mind to the envious girl. The older woman leaned in, curling her body over him.
"You are a lot stronger than you realize." She cooed, "I know you have doubts and questions. Like 'why do people care about you if they just met you' and 'can you really change the outcome of this hellish cycle'. It's alright, you are not alone anymore. You don't have to bare these tremendous burdens by yourself."
The boy remained silent for a moment. What was he to say? His mind felt as if it was being ripped in two. One part wanted to cry and bury himself in the embrace, the other wanted to push her away and yell at her … to hate her. A third party stepped into his mind, what did he think of the woman himself? A laugh began to rise from his throat.
"You really know how to mess someone up." He chuckled with a stuttered breath. " … You tore Shinji apart, he longs for you, but also hates you. … You ended up hurting him more than Gendo ever could. You know that, Yui?" His body shook, "Now I'm stuck with these … emotions, for now." He rasped inaudibly.
Yui grimaced at that. There wasn't much room for argument, the zombie in her arms was right.
"I'm so sorry." She whispered in his ear. Her voice wavered as she seemed to get a little chocked up. "How long I wanted to say those words … I know your not Shinji, I'm actually glad you aren't. This isn't the way a mother should reunite with her son." She sniffed lightly, "I want to apologise through you, in a way. Your mind is unsettled, still muddled by Shinji's disposition. I want to amend with the phantoms that have come to pass … because of the work of myself and others."
The older woman took some time to compose herself. "The Evangelion project … It was supposed to be humanity's savior, finally bringing an era of peace. In my ambition, I wanted to bring heaven to earth, for humanity to be persevered and to prosper. Sadly, it seems I played the part of the fool. In my desires, I became short sighted. I lost what was most important to me, Shinji. … I brought him to the experiment, only for him to witness my death. … I made him watch the execution of his own mother."
Yui choked back a sob and swallowed it down, adding more to the weight in her belly. "After all that has transpired, all of it, is directly linked to me and the blasted machine. Without my mistake, none of this would have been able to happen. … It's all my fault, I was the epicenter of this tragic disaster. If I were to live, my dearest Gendo wouldn't have tortured my poor baby, the third impact would've been nothing more than a 'what if'." The older woman sniffed as a ghost of a smile crossed her grief stricken face. " … I would have been able to take Shinji shopping with me. I would have been able to hold his tiny hand as we crossed the streets. … I would have been able to see him grow into a handsome and kind man, walking down the aisle. To see him marry a woman I would come to know has my daughter. I would have seen his beautiful children. I would have been able to leave when I was ready to … it wouldn't have been sad, it would have been … peaceful. Knowing that I had been the best mother I could've been and that my duty had been fulfilled."
A moment of silence pasted. The boy didn't dare speak. In his opinion, she was being a lot harsher on herself then he would ever be. Though, he also couldn't say anything that had been said was false or a stretch. What would have happened if she lived, … if Yui Ikari survived and refused to die? He … didn't know. Rei wouldn't have been made. Shinji may have never met Asuka, whether that was a good thing or bad thing was still a lengthy debate. So many people that came into Shinji's life may have never come to pass in that perfect world. The boy, himself, wouldn't have met anyone here and would probably continue going about a never-known life. After the woman poured her heart out, the swirling of emotions seemed to simmer, like the embers after an extinguished fire. His thoughts were interrupted as Yui's grip on him tightened.
"But, that will never happen. The curse of Evangelion is one that is not so easy to break, if it's even possible. I will never truly die, I will be forced to watch my baby die over an over before me." She spoke, her voice was ever so somber. "However, there is one variable that I haven't considered. You." The woman gave the boy in her cradle a squeeze. "Thanks to this, what did Rei call it? Your Happy Place was it?"
A displeased groan came from the boy. Yui simply smiled at that.
"Your Happy Place has given me a new found freedom, away from Unit-01. My soul still resides in it, but if Unit-01 is ever lost, I can continue exiting safely in here."
"Wait … Wha?" the boy tilted his head in confusion. "But you're in the core of Unit-01 … h-how is that … " He trailed off, trying to figure out the logistics of that.
"I don't know, and I don't believe I care." Yui stated with chipperness. "I've been in that damn thing for far too long, it's great to have a change of scenery." She squeezed him again, "and the company is nice as well. I am quite glad that I have someone one to talk to."
Within her grasp, the boy sat there in thought. He hummed to Yui's declaration of communication. Which essentially translated to "I'ma gonna poke ya and talk your ear off because I'm lonely". Great, another weirdo in is head. He already had to deal with Rei, now he had to mange Yui too? A soft grunt took him out of his thoughts as he looked to Yui. Her brows were furrowed, contradicting her peaceful smile. Off to the side, Rei pouted at him. The boy, himself, sighed.
"You heard that didn't you? I forgot you can read my mind." He spoke with a lazy unamused slur.
"Yup." The two women said in unison.
The boy rolled his eyes. He took a breath and spoke once more.
"Both of you, stay out of my head. The two of you have already done more than enough to it as it is." He rasped. "Now, Yui." His silver eyes drifted in their sockets and fixed their gaze upon the woman, "regarding what you said, … I think your being a little too harsh with yourself. You made a mistake. Simple as that. Yes, most of what you say is true and yes, what you ended up deciding on hurt Shinji more than the imagination can conjure. But, during your heartfelt speech of what if or could have been, you forgot something." Yui tilted her head at the zombie before her. What could she have missed?
The boy paused, organizing his thoughts. "Your actions are your own. Don't you dare take responsibility for that man's decisions. Shinji is immature, he does not fully understand such a separation or disconnect of fault. He lacks understanding. Hence why my mind was still unruly towards you. Gendo did what he did on his own volition. You are not that man's mother nor babysitter. You are, well, were, his wife. He was a grown man who made a choice. Unfortunately, it was the wrong choice. Not to mention the whole SEELE stuff." The boy's eyes never strayed away from Yui. He noticed her breath became a little deeper and hitched, he could practically hear her heart thump in her chest. But, he continued none the less.
"Everything else that had happen may have transpired from the contact experiment, but you are not solely responsible for every bad deed. Shinji was hurt because of his confusion and inability to grasp what had been done. Holding onto his child-like way of thinking in regards to you. Not that I can truly blame him for that." He added, "Yui, you are a kindhearted person who always sees the light in the dark. … At least You are. I have encountered other Yuis who seem to be … well, Gendo's scenario was nothing compared to what they had in store. They didn't understand humanity in the slightest. I don't think they even knew how to be human anymore. Kinda ironic that they were obsessed with it, like a moth to a flame. They want to touch it so bad that they … killed themselves." The boy paused for a moment and sighed, "I'm glad see that you, yourself, are as motherly as ever." He huffed with humor.
It was Yui's turn to tremble. Was that … no, she would never go that far, would she? She would never, ever, sacrifice her son or anyone else to get what she wanted. Swallowing hard, her brain flashed pictures before her eyes. Surely Yui would have remembered doing something of that level, right? The memories of what Gendo had done were there, but what she had done … the only thing worth noting was the contact experiment. But … that didn't make sense. Shinji's screams of agony and deaths were rooted deep within her, scarring her … enraging her. The woman shook those thoughts away before she delved too deep and lose track of what was pressing at the moment.
These experiences evaded her. Yui Ikari had no recollection on what the boy was saying, but from the depths of her being, she knew this zombie's words were true. Now, what was she to think about that?
"So, if I'm understanding this place correctly, you are the Yui that will be permanently tethered to this place?" The boy asked, breaking the woman's train of thought.
She blinked. "Y-yes, I am the one who will be staying." The woman sounded as if she was in a daze. Shaking her head slightly, Yui looked down to the boy in her clutches. "Well, this has been an interesting … conversation to say the least." She mused and squeezed him, "and thank you … by the way."
The boy hummed at that. "Your … welcome?" If he was being honest, he didn't really know what she was thanking him for. He simply told her the truth.
A sigh escaped the boy. He got given the time to think as a steady quiet lulled between the three of them. How did he honestly see Yui Ikari? Well, at least this one who had ensnared him in an embrace. The word accountable came to mind. This woman seemed to be honest and open, well, too him at least. He could feel her silent weeps of sorrow and release; how her body heaved ever so slightly, but just enough for the boy to notice her sobs. She was in pain, that much was obvious. Yui seemed to be truthful about her regret and mourned for what had come to pass. The boy hummed audibly. It seemed she could be redeemed after all. But, before all of that, at the moment, Yui was in need.
The older woman felt a shift in her arms as the boy moved. His body turned to face her. She gasped slightly as she felt his arms wrap around her, returning the embrace. His gentle touch was all that was needed for the dam to break. A tremor vibrated her body, shaking even the boy as well. Her eyes clenched shut as tears began to flow down her face. Her voice hitched a few times as the woman failed restrain her flooding emotions. Whimpers became full blown cries. Yui's hold on the boy tightened as she sobbed loud and ugly tears. Letting everything she pent up for so long to finally be released. The boy stayed quiet as he let Yui do her thing, occasionally rubbing her back affectionately in the attempts to soothe her. The moisture and dampness on his bare shoulder felt … odd. It kind of reminded him of when Rei fell asleep on his shoulder and drooled on him.
Yui snorted as her nose ran; her sniffles bubbled as she tried to suck up the flow of mucus. Pulling away from the boy's comfortable shoulder, a long strand of snot bridged between the two. The woman wiped her nose on her long lab-coat sleeve.
"S-Sorry 'bout that." She gurgled out. Sniffing a few more times; clearing her throat, hoping to rid herself of the pesky lump lodged in her esophagus.
The boy shifted in her grasp. He looked to his shoulder to find it soaked with salty eye water and nose goop. His smile twitched as he resisted the urge to cringe. The mixture of warm and coolness coming from the fluids dribbling off his bare skin was a relatively strange feeling. If not a little gross at the same time.
"It's, uh … fine." The boy rasped with hesitance, shuffling through his word bank and trying to find the best way to respond.
Looking back to his shoulder, he blinked in surprise. The salty water and mucus started to evaporate into nothing. Within seconds, it was gone. The boy stared at his now dry shoulder. … 'This place was pretty weird' was his conclusion. Two arms wrapped around him again and shook him from his thoughts. He found himself back in Yui's ensnaring embrace. The boy shrugged mentally, he guessed she was just a 'hugger' type of person. A moment past. … The boy's eye's lowered. Yui's silence was not comforting.
"Yui … you better not be smelling me." He warned. Her body going ridged was all that was need to get his answer.
"I-I would do no such thing!" She stammered in weak defense.
" … "
" … M-maybe."
The boy huffed out an exasperated sigh. What was with these two anyway? … And why the smelling? The boy smirked to himself. The three of them were suppose to be the saviors of humanity; one was a crusty lipped boy, while the other two were acting like hormonal teenaged girls with a high school crush. Lovely. The fate of the universe rested on the shoulder of three idiots, how comforting. Turning his head, he found Rei. Her brows were scrunched together and her red cheeks were puffed out. She huffed and puffed at the sight that befell her. The boy gave a weak smile and sighed.
"I didn't think you'd be the jealous type." He rasped. The boy didn't know whether to be flattered or worried for Yui's safety.
"You bet your ass I am! She gets to hog you all to herself, not to mention, hug you! It's just not fair! I was here first!"
Yui causally turned her head to face Rei. A playful smirk spread across her lips as she stuck out her tongue at the envious girl. Rei fumed even more and gripped the boy. Whit a heave, she attempted to relieve him from the older woman's clutches. Yui on the other hand, didn't seem too keen on letting her little companion go and tugged back. A small game of tug-of-war broke out between the two. The boy felt himself being yanked back and forth as neither side relented. He silently stewed in concern.
"Ah hem!" Another feminine voice made itself known. "Just what to you think you're doing?" The voice asked, ever so stern.
All three of them turned to face the new figure. Standing before them was a tall woman with brown familiar hair and fitted with a lab-coat. Similar to Yui's. A turtleneck could be seen underneath with a black skirt. Her black heeled shoes clacked against the red floor, causing ripples. The boy sighed in relief, he instantly recognized the figure.
"Hi, Naoko." He greeted, earning a smile in return.
Her expression change when her gaze met the other two women. "Well?" She insisted, "I wonder what your excuse will be for why the both of you are acting so foolishly." Her arms crossed, looking like a disgruntled mother as her foot impatiently tapped on the ground.
There was a brief pause before Yui pointed at Rei. "She started it."
"Ah, what! It was you, ya old fart!" She bit back.
Naoko looked between the two, visibly displeased at the scene in front of her. "Right … I don't think I care enough to know who started, all I know is that I'm finishing it!" She began walked towards them and gave out a tired sigh. Sounding like she was in desperate need of coffee. "If you two are about done, I believe it's my turn to speak to the boy."
Both the other two women were about to complain, unit the elder Akagi shot a glare their way that would make even the Angel of Might to falter. Yui and Rei shrunk back in defeat. Naoko's attention switched to the shirtless boy in front of her. Her expression flipped one-eighty as a warm smile graced her lips.
"Shall we?" She asked.
The boy merely nodded his head. Getting a could look at her, she was more-or-less the same since the last time he saw her. However, he did notice one thing. Naoko was taller then Yui, huh, who would have guessed. This made her the tallest in this … place. Unfortunately, that made him the shortest … even in his head, damn.
"Walk with me." Naoko motioned him to follow.
He sped up his pace to match hers. For a moment, there was silence. Naoko wore a thoughtful expression.
"If I'm being honest with you," she sighed out, "I don't know where to start. This is all new for me as well."
The boy hummed to that. The entire situation was foreign to all of them. So, it was quite understandable to be a little scatterbrained. "Start wherever you like and we'll go from there." He offered.
Ambient sounds of the woman's footwear clacking filled the following silence. Naoko stroked her chin. Her eyes closed as a hum sounded from her throat. "I suppose … I can give you my background. Shinji has never really reached out to me nor has he tried to tap into me either. You however, are the only one who did." She spoke. "You are already aware that Yui and Rei are situated in many things. Yui, herself, is situated in Unit-01. While Rei … is used for many purposes … you have showed me more than even I was aware of." The woman trailed off, drifting into thought.
Those blackened eyes were haunting. Witnessing the towering Angel Rei loom over the world, with the doctor standing at the epicenter. She couldn't even imagine what it would be like if that was actually happening to her, for it to be her reality. But, lucky enough, it wasn't her fate to experience. No, It wasn't hers … Naoko's gaze found its way to the boy before her. She blinked and shook her head, getting back on track.
"As for me," she continued, "I have found myself in Unit-00 and the M.A.G.I system. Or, more accurately, I am the M.A.G.I." Naoko stated.
The boy blinked at that. "So … You are integrated into every corner of NERV? Which means ..." He interrupted.
Naoko nodded. "Correct. I am within every system with in NERV. NERV, itself, is essentially my body. However, I'm still limited on what I can do. For example; if I start tampering with plans and what have you, attacking NERV's systems, software, hardware, etcetera. I run the risk of being found out and dismantled. Not to mention who else might be taken down with me. I would be putting my daughter at risk … After everything I've done and helped create, I just can't do that to her. So, I alone can't do much unfortunately." She sighed a breath, "the belly of NERV might as well be mine. Oh how I wish I could digest those little pests crawling around inside me! But alas, I can not. Leaving me with just an upset stomach." Naoko lamented.
The boy looked up at her. " … You know you're not alone anymore, right Naoko? You have me to help you! I might not be as good as a TUMS, but I'll see what I can do about the grumblies and the rumblies" He gave her a toothy grin and gave her middle a playful poke. Earning a little giggle form the woman. " And after all, The games has yet to begin. I have my own plans, but feel free to use my as a physical asset if you have any ideas."
Naoko gasped inaudibly. "Do you honestly trust me that much?" She questioned.
He nodded. "We're in this together. You, me, Yui, and Rai. I know you're a good person Naoko, our previous … uh, interaction, proved that."
"I-I don't know what to say, Th-Thank you." She stammered. Her chest sunk a little as she huffed. "Speaking of that; I want apologizes to you."
The boy dumbly titled his head, clearly confused. "Heh?"
"Our first meeting was … messy, to say the least." Naoko expression formed into a frown, "When I felt someone other than Rei try to connect with me; I must admit, I was terrified. So, what did I do? Breach into your mind and poke around to find out who was trying to figure out you found me. Then … I got an idea, a test per se. I wanted to put you through a personality test, to see your reaction." The woman couldn't help but to let out a breath. "I-It was supposed to be an illusion … a dream, but I don't think that was the case. That distressed woman you meet in the depths of NERV … was more real then I anticipated."
A brief stint of silence hung in the air. The boy started to understand … kinda, what happened during his time in Unit-00. But there was something that still bothered him. Why was she apologizing again?
He raised a finger. "Uh-"
"But here we are." The elder Akagi unintentionally cut him off. Leaving him blinking. "Little did I know that the mysterious boy would save her. … You save me. That Naoko can now do the things I can only dream about doing, thanks to you." A bright smile lit up her face. "So, form the bottom of my heart, thank you." She beamed. However, as fast as it came, her face devolved back into a guilty frown. "But I'm getting ahead of myself. On the way to get to that point, I did some … behold truly inexcusable things."
"Like what?" The boy asked. Raising a brow.
Naoko could only stare at him. Did he forget or was he just being nice? … Did he really not see the problem? She waited for him to acknowledge the elephant in the room, but it never came. He just stood quietly, waiting for her to continue. She blinked a couple of times.
The woman cleared her throat. "F-Forgive me, you caught me …. off guard." Her face gained an inquisitive look. "Do you truly not remember what I did to you?"
The boy simply tilted his head. He may have been a little strange, but damn if he wasn't cute.
"I-I strangled you." She reminded him, her voice laced with guilt. "Not to mention the position I thrusted you in. I projected all of my problems and insecurities onto you. That was … childish and unfair of me to do so. I will make no excuse to justify myself. I'm sorry." The older woman finished. Rubbing her arm, trying to find any sort of comfort.
The boy just stared for a second, until he looked at her like she grew a second head. "First Yui, now you? The hell is wrong with you people?" He asked. Naoko eye's widen at his response, genuinely surprised. Nonetheless, he kept going. "Stop apologizing for actions that aren't yours, damn it! That Naoko wasn't, you know, the Naoko standing right here in front of me! She was in a different time and a different place. And, like, she apologized how many times? So stop worrying about her actions! What's done is done, it no longer exists. Get over it. Even I fell into that trap. Sorry this and sorry that. Did I step on the floor? Sorry about that. Hey the sun's setting. Sorry that it turned night." He huffed a cartoonish puff of steam. "The more one apologizes, the less genuine it is. It's easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to forgive yourself. So having said that, I'll make this as clear as possible. I don't hold an ounce of blame towards you; never really did to begin with anyways. You don't need to apologize when you never slighted me. You don't need to hold that guilt and shame so close to your heart, Naoko."
Naoko Akagi stood there, flabbergasted. Her mouth moved up and down, but no words found their way out. Making her look like a gold fish. "I-I don't know wh-what to say." She stammered.
A gentle smile split the boy's lips. "You don't have to say anything." He assured her.
Silence broke out between the two, it was comforting and left a warmth in the air. Naoko smiled openly, there was much for her to consider after hearing the rant from the nameless Fourth Child. Her thoughts were halted by the sound of his voice.
"Sorry to 'ruin the mood' but I do have a question."
Naoko looked to him. "Shoot."
"You are in Unit-00 right? So, that means when I fought the bat angel … thing. You were the one to help me?"
"Correct. I was the one to aid you in combat." A smirk grew on her face. "I may not be brutish, but NERV employees must go through some form of military training. So this doctor may know how to set a bone, but I also know how to break 'em too."
"Neat…" The boy made more mental notes not to piss off Naoko, Yui, Ritsuko, and Maya. He had a feeling that he would be adding more names to that list soon. "So, moving on. Did you happen to hear a song?"
"A … song?" She questioned. "No, I don't believe I did. I'm amusing you did since you asked, correct?"
The boy hummed. "Yeah. Something like that."
Yet another wall was hit. Oh well, there wasn't much he could do about it at the moment. That lullaby … what was it exactly? It reminded him of a dream. Like trying to read something and rereading it or you can read it just fine, but when you wake up, all you can remember is a blurry page. It was odd. The boy knew he heard lyrics, but when he tried to play them in his had, the vocals were muffled and muddled. However, he could lists the interments he remembered. A harmonica, an accordion, a few strings helped the melody flow, and in the back was a steady percussion. Hypnotic was a good word to describe the foreign song. The style sounded strange to him, like a mixed cultured jazz with … something else. He would his search start with older Indian music and go from there. The more he reference he had, the better.
"Welp, it's not something to fuss over. I'll get an answer … eventually." He waved off the musical question. He noticed that Naoko looked a little displeased that she couldn't help him with his question. "Well, since we got the time now, anything else on your mind?" He offered up in substitution. "I know I have some more curious questions."
The taller brunette seemed to perk up at that. The boy's smile widened, he was actually able to conversate with her without a proper time limit. No more poofing into smoke for this guy! Now, it was time for the boy to get to know momma Akagi a little better.
Minutes passed as the two talked about … well, nothing really. The boy told a few jokes, earning laughs from Naoko. However, she seemed to laugh as if it was the dumbest thing she ever heard. Not because it was funny. Oh well, she still laughed. That was a win in his books. Their banter went on for a little while longer until the boy wanted to ask some more intimate questions.
"So … What's it like being an Evangelion?"
The doctor paused for a brief moment. Her finger tapped against her chin. "Hmm, well I would think it's similar to you in a way." She stated. "The Evangelion itself is like my body, however, I don't particularly feel any kind of pain. I know I'm being attacked, but there's no stinging or burning of the sorts." Naoko waved that off. "I can still feel sensations though, they're just received in a different way."
Her eye's grew heavy. "But don't be mistaken, Evangelion is a curse. Yui, me, and whoever else is imprisoned within them." The doctor's hands found their way to her soft middle as an audible rumble came from it. "Speak of the devil." She groaned. "Have you ever wondered why the Evangelions have jaw restraints? The hunger … it plagues us. Now mater how much we consume, it's not enough. The pangs can be nausea inducing at times." A hand covered her mouth as she took a ragged breath.
The boy eyed her with both curiosity and concern. This was the first he'd ever heard of this effect. Granted, he never had been in such a position to actually speak to the phantoms that were harbored within the Evas. He hummed in thought.
"In my previous escapades, when I fought the Angel of Might, Unit-01 decided too … Yui decided too-
"Eat the Angel? Yes, that is what happened." The brunette gave him a small smirk, "we are the predator of the Angels after all, it's what the food chain intended."
The boy blinked. "So, she wasn't only after the S2-engine?"
A grimace crossed the elder Akagi's face. "It was a part of it, yes. However, the mere presence of the Angel was too much for her. For most of us, including me, the presence of any Angel is border lined irresistible. They're just so … intoxicating. Yui gave in to her desires, satiating her hunger. If only temporarily, that is." Naoko explained. " … The new Third Angel, the bat, " the woman bit her lip and tried to hide her whipping drool form the corner of her mouth, " … I almost gave in."
"Forgive me if this sounds naïve," He started, "but why didn't you? If it gets rid of your, uh, cravings we'll call it, why wouldn't you take a bite? I mean, it's killing two birds with one stones. The Angel is dealt with and your stomach isn't eating you from the inside out, everybody wins … Sounds a little too simple in my opinion and you aren't one with out your reasons, but I'm still curious."
A slight smile grew on across her lips. "Correct, it would be terribly to simple." She agreed. "If I let myself go hog-wild, it would only lead to disaster. For starters, Ritsuko wouldn't be able to study the Angels to her fullest extend, there for limiting the base knowledge of them for your side. I would also be putting you at risk. If Unit-00 devoured an Angel, there would be a lot of unruly questions toward you. Not to mention the dismantle of Unit-00. It's far to early for this woman to gorge herself I'm afraid." She said in feigned woefulness.
The boy tapped his chin. "I thought as much. If you did end up eating an Angel, I wouldn't be the only one thrown into the fire. Ritsuko, Maya, and the rest of the staff working on the operation would be interrogated … or worse." He nodded in conformation. "Knowing Gendo, that paranoid bastard would probably imprison everyone involved with the incident. He would also kill to keep something like this under wraps."
Naoko gave an astute nod. "That he likely would. My only concerns, for the moment, consists of you and my daughter. So, I won't be active enough to warrant any suspicion. But I will do what I can to help or support where I can, if the possibility arises."
A small smirk tugged at his crusty lips. He had a few ideas already, whether they would work or not was a different story. The boy's attention switched back to the taller woman. "So, that's about all the things I had questions about. There will be more, that's guaranteed." He spoke. "I don't want to keep the Doctor waiting."
A snort of a laugh came form the older brunette. "Quite. You're free to return to your waking life. But, one more thing." In a swift motion, she was upon him. Her arms wrapped around his smaller frame as she pulled him close. "For good luck!" The boy felt a soft pair of lips peck his cheek. … He also felt as if steam could burst out of his ears.
With burning cheeks, he stammered. "A-Again with that?"
"I wasn't the lucky one who kissed you last time; she wasn't me, right? Those were your words, after all." A coy grin stretched her pink lips. The boy faltered.
Her grip on him tightened, giving the boy an affectionate squeeze. In the woman squishy grasp, he felt her body jerked slightly. Naoko had to do a double take, her eye brows raised in surprise. In a hesitated motion she placed her nose to his hair and sniffed him audibly.
" … I can see why the others enjoy your scent so much." She deduced.
"Not you too! Fine, I'll bite. Why are you girls huffing me like glue?"
A giggle sounded from her throat. "You smell like … A cool spring rain. A scent that I haven't smelled in such a long time. It's very refreshing and makes me feel rather … calm and relaxed. Like I'm home again."
" … Heh?" The boy tilted his head with a disturbing crack. Naoko fought hard to keep herself from wincing.
With a shake of her head, she continued. "Don't worry, I won't be smelling you like a mindless mutt. However, I would be lying if I said I didn't like it. But, I digress. Before you go, there is still one last thing I want to say." Her voice turned soft, the motherly aura lulled around him. "Please take better care of yourself. Your … old injury, is quite concerning." At the mention of said injury, the boy's hand absentmindedly griped his left side. Feeling the irregular bumps and creases that were slightly sucked in right below his rib cage. … He almost forgot about that.
" … Doctor's orders?" He rasped.
Her concerned look cracked into a warm smile. "Doctor's orders."
The two shared a little moment. If she could have it her way, she wouldn't send him back at all. But, the world was still in need. So, her selfish desires would have to wait, for now at least. Unlike others, she wouldn't put everyone's lives in jeopardy just because of a selfish want. The woman refused to do anything like that anymore. Her daughter needed him.
"I think we've stalled long enough." Naoko sighed. "It's time for you to return. My daughter is waiting for you."
The boy grinned at that. "Tell the others I said "bye". Alright? Oh and could you please thank them one more time for me?" The taller woman nodded and gave him one last smile. He gasped in shock as he splashed backwards into the red sea and began to sink down into the black depths. The boy didn't bother trying to swim, he already know how these things worked. Soft murmurers sounded in his head, causing him to lazily look around. His eye's widened slightly as he heard the voice speak loudly and clearly. He recognized them. The voiced belonged too Rei, Yui, and Naoko.
"You are not Shinji Ikari." They spoke. "You … are you." He could almost feel their breath brush his ears.
With that, his world began to be engulfed by a growing white star, shinning through the abyss.
It was time for the Fourth Child to awaken.