Chapter 27: Roommates
Later after the conference video, Misato was sitting at her desk. It was littered and piled with damage reports and complaints from the UN and the public. Ritsuko came by and eased the pain paper load with just conversation.
"The Sub-Commander is very angry. If you humiliate him again, you'll doubtlessly be transferred," Ritsuko said leaning on the tower of papers, folders, and packets.
"It was good luck within bad luck that Commander Ikari was absent," Misato stated.
"And before you saw these, you'd have been fired."
"Then, you brought some good ideas so I won't be fired, right?" she asked hoping for some good news.
"Just one," Ritsuko said holding a long and skinny zip card. Misato got up and leaned over to be in close proximity.
"The great Dr. Ritsuko Akagi! A kind old friend is all I need," the Captain stated reaching for the card. However, the scientist moved it before she could grab it.
"You're wrong. It's not me who's saving an old friend. Kaji came up with this one," Ritsuko said showing the written heading on the zip.
The Captain's face became irritated then softened with a sad smile. This action made the faux blonde think about Misato's and Kaji's long dead relationship coming back. The silence in the room was broken by three knocks that gave the two women an idea who it was.
"Come in Shinji," Misato said. The door opened then closed as the Third Child was in his regular clothes. He walked forward and stopped a few feet away from the desk.
"I am sorry for disturbing you madams. I was wondering if I may request something?" he asked calmly. It made both women blink from the rare statement from him.
"What would that be?"
"The information on that card requires two individuals…" he stated at first. The women's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
'How does he know the contents already? Kaji gave me this not too long ago,' Ritsuko thought blinking. 'Kaji didn't say he shared it with anyone except me.'
"…I request that Miss Ayanami take my place when you formulate your plan Miss Misato," he said with a blink.
"…" both women said. They looked at each other, at the card, and then at him.
"Why?" Misato asked in curiosity.
The voices in his head started laughing like hyenas saying the women were being cute. The two adult voices were poking Shinji's sides to answer the question in a different way. Given that he felt more in control today, he denied them in which they started to chuckle evilly. A long silence went by that made both start to get the creeps instead of irritation from the boy not answering.
"Do I need to explain why Miss Misato or shall remind you of what I said during our compromise?" he said staring at her. She seemed to realize something she forgot.
"Oh…I see," Misato said then grinned at him. "Afraid to live with two women?"
When the Captain finished her sentence, the last two words echoed continuously through Shinji's ears. Flashbacks came like multiple sledgehammers to his head. An immediate shift from reality to a life in the past came. He saw the family he was a servant to. A distorted baby's melody was playing in the background while two women came to view. One was an adult and the other a teenager. However, their faces were featureless.
Sporadic images of their "treatment" and "games" rapidly went passed his eyes making him relive the years he spent with them. Each image made a scar on his body heat up and cool down one by one. Looking at the younger version of himself, he saw how expressive he was at the beginning. At the end of his time with them, he became emotionless regardless of the "treatment" or "game". Two gore images splashed in front of him. Watching his younger self get his "rewards", screams and blood splattered onto his face. As the red liquid was dripping down his face, his arms, forearms, and hands, it burned like hot coal.
"You alright Ikari?" Ritsuko asked carefully. She saw his pupils shrink and his eyes tremble a little in place. The male pilot blinked and saw he was back in Misato's office. His heartbeat and pulse was its usual slow pace. Recalling what the lavender haired woman stated, he blinked again.
"To answer your question...you could say so Miss Misato."
Ritsuko's and Misato's eyebrows went up in surprise. The Captain looked at the doctor and tapped her arm. Turning around, she whispered something to her. Seeing both talking quietly amongst themselves, Shinji's voices giggled innocently till it grew to dark amusement. They started to speak quietly then shouted in rage in his mind making him blink. The scientist turned back around and Misato had a small smile on her face. She was about to open her mouth when the pilot spoke first.
"I decline the offer," he said flatly causing Misato to flatter and Ritsuko to raise an eyebrow.
"I haven't said anything!" the Captain wailed in surprised. Standing up, both women saw Shinji's right eye twitch a little.
"I am not willing to give my past memories in exchange of pilot position," he stated. Not only did he state what they discussed, it was also from the rise in his voice that startled them. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and closed his eyes. It made both women blink.
"One of the reasons I'm asking is because Miss Ayanami has not done much combat. I believe this would increase her ability more as a pilot and maybe socially," he said calmly. He gestured with an open hand and opened one of his eyes at them.
'What's going on?' Misato thought looking lost at the pilot. 'It's like...a different persona is leaking out.'
"…" the faux blonde said looking at his hands. They were shaking almost like he was struggling for control. It made her feel uneasy.
"Well? What do you think Misato?" Shinji stated. He moved his hands to his hips and leaned forward a little. He was looking at her with a small pouting face.
"O-Oh…umm…let me think about it for a second. O-okay?" the Captain said. Feeling flabbergasted, she was still trying to wrap her head on what was happening. Both women saw him nod. His hands came back to his side and the impassive expression appeared. The left eye twitched.
"Hmm," Ritsuko replayed what the Third Child stated in her head.
'The Commander would disapprove of it,' she thought. Crossing her arms, she turned her body toward the boy. 'However, it would change things. The First Child would be unavailable for a week. It is possible that with both female pilots together, it will change her. Might cause the Commander to be irritated on how the operations must proceed.'
"…" he said staring and blinking. Misato was about to tap her friend's arm when she spoke first.
"I think it is an interesting proposal," Ritsuko said out loud. Turning to the lavender haired woman, she gave a small smile.
"What do you think?"
"Uhh…" the Captain said feeling cornered and anxious. Deciding that it was better to go with the flow for right now, she sighed.
"Fine."
Both looked back and saw Shinji bowing deeply. For some reason, they thought they were going to see a familiar smirk on his face that belonged to his father. When he came back up, he had a pleasant smile on his face which surprised them.
"Thank you for understanding! Misato, I shall cook dinner for the entire days needed till the operation is completed! What time do you wish dinner to be ready?" he said a bit cheerfully.
"…" the lavender haired woman said blinking a couple of times. She cleared her throat before answering. "…Uhhhh…5:30 to 6:00…I guess?"
"You got it! Thanks again!" Shinji said with a vigor salute.
"…?!" both women said with parted mouths.
Watching a bigger smile come onto his face, he turned on his heel. Hearing him humming, the pilot marched out of her office. When the doors closed, silenced filled the room. Ritsuko and Misato were still staring at the direction where Shinji left. They didn't hear the menacing giggles that echoed in the Third Child's head when he was leaving.
"…what the hell was that?" Misato asked out loud. Confused, a cold shiver went through her.
"Seems like he had an episode," Ritsuko stated while getting out a cigarette. "I'm going to go smoke."
"Great idea," the Captain said. Opening her drawer of beer, she got one ready to drink.
After Misato finishing a chunk of the paper load on her desk, she called Rei to see if she was still at NERV HQ. Catching hold of her, the First Child stated that she was in the building. Telling the pilot to come into her office, both hanged up their cell phones. After several minutes of waiting, a knock came to her door.
"Come in," the Captain said and saw the door open. "Hi Rei."
"Captain."
"Have a seat. I've got some orders to tell you."
"Very well," Ayanami stated. Entering the office, she went to and sat in a chair in front of the desk.
"So I have been working out a plan to defeat the seventh Angel. It requires two Eva pilots to do it. Do you mind if I partner you up with Asuka with this?"
"If I am order to, then I will," Ayanami said neutrally.
"Do I have to say 'I order you'?" Misato said with a deadpan face.
"No. That won't be necessary. Has the Commander approved this plan?"
"Well, both Commanders have left me in charge for this. So, it is my call."
"I see. Very well Captain."
"Great! In that case, we should head to your home to pick up your stuff," Misato stated smiling getting things ready.
"...?" Ayanami said blinking a couple of times. Trying to figure out why that was necessary, she was unsure why.
"...why...?"
"Other than you'll need clothes for six days, I will tell you more in detail once we meet up with Asuka at my apartment."
"Okay," the First Child said. Both left her office and went to the parking garage to get in the Captain's car. Once in the vehicle, Misato drove her to her apartment complex. Following the teen's direction, they rolled to a stop in front of the building.
"Do you need help with packing your stuff?" Misato asked in the car.
"That won't be necessary," Rei said and exited her vehicle. Watching the First Child go up the steps to her apartment level, she got out of the vehicle. Looking at the factory produced apartment complex, it was surprising to see how dumpy it appeared.
'She lives here? I thought being the Commander's favorite would have her living in luxury,' she thought. Hearing a door creaking open from above, the Captain looked up. She saw the First Child go into her apartment. A few moments later the wind picked up.
"…?" the Captain said.
Seeing a large dust cloud come out of the apartment, it made her squint her eyes a little. Curiosity grabbed her and she walked up the steps toward it. When she reached the apartment and looked inside, her jaw dropped to the floor at the sight. Bloody bandages, dirt, dust, and grime littered the floor. She stepped in and found mail littering the entrance. She then peered in the kitchen and found it repulsive. Even she wouldn't leave a kitchen like that.
'Oh…hell…no. She is not living in this trash heap!' Misato thought fuming walking back outside. Getting out her phone, she called administration. 'That freaking bastard of a Commander! No wonder she acts deprived and lifeless!'
Rei packed what very little she had: three school uniforms, underwear, toiletries, medication, Gendo's old reading glasses, and a picture. She placed them all in one NERV traveling bag and went out the door. Closing it and locking it, Misato on the floor level walkway. She was on her cell phone speaking irritated to someone on the other line.
"Yes…yes…no, you listen to me. I don't care what you have to do. I want this done now…yes…It better be done when I call tomorrow…good…thanks," Misato said flipping her phone close. Turning around, she smiled at the female teen.
"You got everything?" Misato asked which the pilot nodded. She only had one carry-on bag. It didn't look full.
"That's it?" the Captain asked with a surprised look. The teen nodded again. The First Child saw the Captain close her eyes and took a deep breath in. Exhaling, she opened her eyes and smiled again.
"Alright, let's go!" she stated.
"..." the First Child said nodding one more time. When they got to the ground level and started heading toward the car, the lavender haired woman began talking.
"We are so going shopping after this Angel is beaten. It will be fun! Just you wait."
"Captain. I do not req—"
"Ah, ah, ah…no buts, no excuses, no nothing. We're going shopping and that's FINAL!" Misato said. She turned and faced the teen with a serious face before Rei could finish.
"If you need me to order you, I will…Okay?" the woman said going back to her bubbly personality. It made the female pilot blink in surprise.
"…okay…" Ayanami stated.
The teen continued walking toward her vehicle. Not sure why the Captain wanted her to accompany her shopping, the First Child didn't voice anything. Both entered the car and traveled to Misato's apartment. After several minutes in the automobile with the Captain driving, Rei concluded one thing. If she wanted a higher chance of living, it was not to let Misato be the driver.
At another outskirt location of the city, Shinji got to his home. Placing his stuff down, he pulled out unfinished homework to complete. After a couple hours had passed, the phone rang. Placing down his writting utensil, he stood up and headed toward the landline.
"Hello Shinji Ikari residents."
[Hey Shinji, how goes it?] Rayne said from the other line.
"Greetings Miss Rayne, I am well. How are you today?"
[Good as I'll ever be. I was wondering if you would be interested in assisting me in silent strike operation.]
"It would have to depend on when and where," he said. He felt his voices' suddenly stopped what they were doing. All at once, their ears pressing on his head to listen in on the conversation.
[Hmm…well, all I can say is it's the leader of the Zukeni mafia. He is to be captured dead or alive and his in town. Probably will happen in a few days at the most. What do you think?] she asked as moments of silence came. All the voices made many grunts of approval.
"Very well, I will assist you. Are there items that I need?" he said getting a pen. He blinked feeling the voices press their ears on his head again.
[Great…let's see. I know you have a pistol. If you tell me the make and model, I can get a silencer for it. I will give it to you on the day of the strike.]
"Very well. It is a FNP-9 by FNH USA" he said and heard scribbling on the other end.
[Long stretch, do you have night vision goggles?]
"No."
[Figured not. I'll get you a pair if the night raid is too dark to see.]
"Do you normally use it?"
[Strangely, not often. I seem to have good vision during the night]
"I see. What else would be needed?"
After writing down the remaining items needed, both exchanged cell phone numbers. A time schedule was made for when reaching one another was best. Both hanged up and went back to what they were doing before. Shinji went back to his homework and Rayne looking out her apartment window with a smile.
Back in the city, a car went into the parking garage of a familiar apartment complex. Both females got out and headed toward the indoor lobby area. Using the elevators, they went up a few levels. Exiting and walking to Misato's apartment door, they entered. Upon entering, the first thing the First Child saw was the number of boxes that were stacked down the hall. Nevertheless, she continued following Misato in silence. When both rounded the corner, they saw the Second Child in the living room in casual clothes. She looked surprised.
"WHAT!? What is she doing here!?" Asuka shouted pointing at the female pilot.
"She's your partner for the next operation," Misato said.
"SHE'S MY…wait, what next operation?"
The three sat at the kitchen table as the Captain grabbed a beer for the explanation. She pointed out that the only way to defeat the seventh Angel was by synchronized attacking. This would be accomplished with two pilots being in sync with each other by memorizing an attack formation with the sound of a music cassette tape. Misato also pointed out the two would have to live together sharing everything between them as one.
"This is impossible," Asuka said. Standing up, she slammed her hands down on the table in protest.
"Well, we have to make the impossible possible because we have to accomplish this operation in six days starting tomorrow," Misato said taking a sip of her beer. Looking back at the two, she got a nod from Rei and Asuka who sighed.
"Hey, why isn't the Third doing this?" Asuka asked wondering how the male pilot got away with it.
"He asked me to replace him with Rei," Misato said.
"…?" Rei stated surprised. "Why?"
"Oh, he said that you could benefit from it."
'Benefit from it?' Rei thought looking at a picture of the seventh Angel on the table. Looking with her eyes at the female pilot and the Captain, she tilted her head.
'I don't understand,' she thought.
"Heh, recognized his place not to venture in my presence the Great Asuka Lanegly Souryu," she said throwing a lock of hair behind her with a smirk.
'…' Rei stared blankly at Asuka then turned to Misato. 'I still don't understand.'
"Where will we be sleeping?" Ayanami asked stoically.
"Both of you will sleep in the bigger guest room. Now if Shinji was in Rei's place, I would have to set some ground rules. But since its all girls here, I think not much is needed to be said, right?" Misato said with a smile. She only got a slightly frowning Asuka looking the other way and an expressionless First Child.
'…I hope they don't tear each other apart,' the Captain thought sighing and thinking about the long days to come.
The first day came by slowly. Misato gave them matching "sync" clothing which was skin-tight shorts and loosely hung shirts. Asuka started to protest when Rei picked the blue set instead of the red without saying anything. Though Souryu had a much higher synch ratio than Ayanami, she could become a potential rival. She picked up the red set without further complaint.
Both pilots worked on their synchronization from a machine that Misato put in the living room. From a general view, it looked like a modify DDR game in the arcades. But, there were an increased number of pads. The difference in using the machine was one had to be on all fours using hands and feet to hit the lighted areas. After two hours of being on the machine, their sync level was only at 58%.
Misato watched and encouraged them through the day while she drank more and more beer. Nothing happened between the two which she thought was a blessing. But she concluded that later days will be edgy which ment more beer. The difference in atmosphere and ways that the pilots said and did things made the whole experience odd…not to mention like a ticking bomb.
Asuka would complain and sometimes put Rei as the subject to blame. Not often, Ayanami would bluntly and coldly reply back stating a logical reason that it was the red head who needed to concentrate more. This verbal battle shot glares back and forth between the two. The atmosphere was broken by three separate knocks.
'Shinji?' Misato thought and looked at the clock. 'Oh…that's right. He said he'll make dinner for the next few days.'
"…" Misato said smiling. She wondered how both of her female roommates will react to him.
'They haven't seen or heard of him being my butler. This will be good and a great stress relief. I can feel it!'
Both female Eva pilots stood up from the training machine. Ayanami turned toward the door where the red head walked toward the kitchen fanning herself.
"Pilot Souryu," Rei said turning her head toward her.
"What?" Asuka said stopping and turning her head to look back.
"We must answer the door in unison."
"I'm on break so you deal with the door, Wonder-girl" Asuka said. Throwing some hair over her shoulder, she turned her head back and continued toward the kitchen.
"…" Rei said then turned around walking to the door alone.
'Oh boy,' Misato thought sighing again. If she knew any better, she thought she saw the blue haired teen narrow her eyes.
'Why is Pilot Souryu being difficult?' the First Child thought getting to the front door.
'I have no desire to compete with her yet she believes I am competing. Despite me saying so, she continues,' she thought putting a hand on the handle.
'Furthermore, why did Pilot Ikari suggest this change?' she asked her mind as she opened the door. The person she thought was standing at the door and he bowed.
"Good evening Miss Ayanami. How is your training proceeding?"
"Ikari?" she said in surprise blinking.
Looking him up and down, he was in a suit that looked like a Section-Two agent excluding the shoulder ordainment and sunglasses. His boots were polished but shined dimly. The only color from his attire was the dark-red tie that hung freely and the white dress shirt. He had his backpack on and stuffed plastic bag with food inside in each hand. For some strange reason, seeing him made her irritation from the other Eva pilot go down a little.
"It is proceeding slowly. What are you doing here?" she asked.
"In exchange for replacing me, I offered to cook dinner for you three each night until the day of attacking Angel again. Did Captain Katsuragi not inform you?" he said impassively ignoring the child's voice gazing at Ayanami's current outfit.
"No, she did not mention that. Only that you suggested in switching places with me."
"I see," he said blinking seeing the child version of himself walk in front of the First Child. Squatting down, he looked straight up causing the other voices to cackle in approval.
"May I enter?"
"…" Rei said then nodded.
Opening the door more, he bowed slightly and entered. He walked in and placed the bags on the ground along with his backpack. Starting to take off his boots, the First Child watched him. The similarity of him to his father came to her mind. Her mind placed the Commander where Shinji was. It gave a look of him coming home from working. A strange feeling occurred to her from the short daydream that made her feel a mild longing for.
"Miss Ayanami?" he asked. Blinking, she saw that the Third Child had picked up the plastic bags and was near the end of the hallway. He was looking impassively back at her while the child voice was sulking behind him.
"Is something wrong?" he asked stoically.
"…no…" she said shaking her head slowly and walked toward him. He nodded and entered into the living room. She entered shortly after then headed toward the bathroom. The door closed quietly.
"Who's at the door, you two?" Misato asked from the kitchen already knowing who was there. Expecting a response, neither of them said anything. Sighing, she opened the refrigerator and grabbed another beer. Closing it, she cracked it open.
'This is becoming more of a pain in the ass with those two,' she thought taking a drink while walking back into the living room. Gulping down her swig, she saw no one in the living room. About to ask where they were, the sound of the toilet came. Waiting, the bathroom door opened to reveal the First Child.
"…?" Misato said blinking and wondering if the person at the door maybe wasn't the male pilot. "Rei, who was at the door?"
"Pilot Ikari," she said quietly and walked closer.
"Really? Where is he?"
"I am here Miss Misato," Shinji said behind her in the kitchen.
"…!?" the adult woman said jumping from fright.
"…?" Rei said in surprise from Misato's immediate scared reaction.
"Dinner shall be ready in about a half an hour," he stated then turned around and started getting items out of the bags.
'Calm down…calm down…just…calm down,' Misato said closing her eyes and breathing through her nose. After a couple of times, she opened her eyes and placed her beer that she squeezed a little on the dining table. Pulling out a chair, she slowly sat down in it.
"Sounds good!" she said trying to mask the creepy feeling of him silently entering into the kitchen without her noticing. Popping out the dents on her beer can, she took another swig.
"…" Rei said blinking at the Captain's actions.
'Was she not aware of him coming? How did she not see or hear him?' the First Child thought feeling the corners of mouth pull down a little. Heading toward the kitchen, she saw him preparing food items while turning on the stove burners. He was wearing an apron over his suit. As thoughts swam around in her head, she moved closer to him.
"Is there something I can help you with Miss Ayanami?" he said without turning around or stopping.
"…" Rei blinked in surprise which made her frown a little. Deciding to find a reason to be in the kitchen, she looked at what he was doing.
"I wish to observe you while you cook," she said impassively.
"Very well," he replied impassively back.
Asuka heard a third voice and popped her head out of her room. Going into the living room, Misato was sitting down drinking another beer. Strangely, she was looking at her phone irritated. About to say something, she started to hear and smell something cooking in the kitchen. Heading there, she flattered her step when seeing the other pilot.
"W-w-w-what are you doing here?!" she shouted. Shinji placed a wooden spoon to the side and turned around.
"Good evening Miss Souryu. Forgive me for the unexpected visit. I told Miss Misato that I would be cooking for the three of you till this operation is over. Do object?" he said after bowing to her.
Asuka looked at his attire. She now got a complete picture of him being a butler based on his mannerisms. Shaking her head from unwanted thoughts, she noticed the First Child was standing near to his right. She couldn't tell if she was watching him cook or looking at him. Her stoic face made it difficult to read. Frowning at both of them, she just put her hands on her hips.
"If you are cooking, it better be good Third."
"Very well. I will try to meet your expectations," Shinji said with a small bow.
Turning around, he continued to prepare dinner. About to leave the kitchen, she became curious of why the First Child was observing. Feeling like she can make a wedge in the atmosphere, she put on a small smile. Walking to the male pilot's left, she leaned against the counter. She saw him turn his head a little.
"Don't mind me. I'm here to make sure you don't mess up," she stated prompting her head on her hands.
"…" Shinji said. Nodding his head, he went back to cooking. The male pilot noticed both the crazy voice and the child voice were gazing at their attractions joyfully. The other voices were acting like a camera crew and snickering at the scene from where the refrigerator was.
'Not even a reaction,' Asuka thought seeing that his face didn't change from her posing. 'It just like Wonder-girl's over there…'
"…" Rei said narrowing her eyes a little. The Second Child's actions seemed to irritate her.
'Oh ho ho…what's this…a little irritated are we?' the redhead thought grinning on the inside. 'Then by all means I'm staying right here.'
Misato put her phone down and went to grab her beer; however it was empty. Frowning, she got up and went into the kitchen. Stopping at the entrance, she stopped and blinked a couple of times.
"…" she said looking at Asuka smirking facing his direction and posing.
"…" she said looking at Rei narrowing her eyes facing his direction.
"Would you care for another beer Miss Misato?" Shinji said as he was sautéing in a frying pan.
"…" Misato said narrowing her eyes at him. "If I said yes, what would you do?"
Instead of answering, he reached into his apron and pulled out one of her beers. It looked cold.
"Shall I open it for you Miss Misato?" he said holding it to his side while flipping turning food in another pan.
'Damn…he is a premium butler,' the Captain thought. Deciding that she needed to do something to make her feel better, she reassessed her surroundings. The situation of both female Eva pilots staring at him seemed like a good setting. Grinning on the inside, she will show them how an adult takes control.
"If you don't mind, that would nice," she said walking toward him. Placing the beer on the counter, he opened it with one hand. Placing it in his right palm, he lifted it to be at shoulder height. He continued cooking while the two Eva pilots watched the Captain walk right behind him.
"Thanks Shinji," she said taking the beer and drinking it a little. When he placed his right arm down, she leaned her breasts down onto the top of his back while placing her left hand on his left shoulder. It caused immediate reactions.
"So whatcha' making?" Misato asked ignoring the two female pilots.
'W-W-What is she doing?' Asuka thought flattering a little. 'She is using those weapons?'
"…" Rei said blinking. Her hands unconsciously closed into loose fists from the older woman's actions.
"…" Shinji said not stopping his cooking. He explained the dishes while Shino dashed to where he was and slammed the crazy and child voice out of the way.
'Outta the way you two! Adults only here!' he shouted immediately taking over Shinji's touch sensory. The tremors that were about to take hold faded. However, a flashback ripped through him that made his eyes go small. Everything around him started oozing out blood.
"Sounds good!" Misato said taking another sip and not moving away. She moved her left hand a little to brush his neck.
'He is not even stuttering or flustered,' Asuka thought watching him. Intrigued at his behavior, she pondered on something.
'Wait...is he gay?'
'…' Rei said looking at his eyes and seeing them shake a little. A foreboding feeling came over her that made her feel cold. A sudden need to ask the Captain to get off of him came.
"Is this punishment for frightening you Miss Misato?" he asked putting lids on some pans.
'I don't mind. Give me all the punishment! I can take it!' Shino shouted with enthusiasm.
"…?!" Misato said recoiling a little.
"I apologize. I will be more mindful in not doing that again," Shinji said calmly and turned around. When the Captain looked at his eyes, they seemed normal except his pupils were very small. She felt a severe cold chill go through her. It was as if something dark and evil lurched out of him and at her.
"Excuse me. I will go set the table," he stated. Blinking, her upper half was suddenly cut off. Pieces of her upper body were splattered all over the floor, walls, and ceiling. Blinking again, Misato was back in one piece.
"Ah, sure," she said. Backing up to give him room, she stepped a little more away from the aura he was emitting.
"Dinner shall be ready momentarily. If you ladies will make your way to the dining table," the Third Child said and went to go get the table set up. All three of them watched him walk away; however, he was emitting an eerie aura that each of them recognized. Feeling goosebumps on their arms, they slowly made their way to the dining table.