Chapter 47: Unheeded Warning

When Rei entered the meeting place, the Commander was seen in the middle of the room. Dr. Akagi was also in the room as well. Knowing that she was needed for conducting the tests, the First Child continued. Walking toward them, both turned around.

"Rei," Gendo said and adjusted his glasses. "Let us begin."

"Yes Commander."

After undressing and handing her clothes to the doctor, she stepped up to a circular platform. Ritsuko pressed a button on the computer panel that lowered a human size test tube over the First Child. Once it connected to the circular platform, the doctor flipped a switch. The machine that was fused on the top of capsule started humming. The various hoses that were plugged into it and extended to the ceiling started swaying a little.

LCL started pouring into the capsule. Rei closed her eyes and felt the fluid slowly envelop her as it continued filling the space around her. Once the orange liquid reached the top, the flow of it entering felt like waves instead of a splashing rush of water. Feeling herself starting to levitate, she slowly rose up and down in the test tube.

Ritsuko commenced the tests and scans. As minutes went by, both adults watched the First Child in silence. Keeping a professional face, Dr. Akagi looked at her clipboard. She mentally frowned from seeing the Eva pilot during this. Though she has done this many times before, it has been getting harder for her. Especially since the man relatively nearby would stare at the teenager for the entire time. With his dark shades and cold expression, she couldn't tell what he was thinking or feeling.

"…" Ritsuko said mentally shaking her head. Looking back at the computer terminal, she started looking at the readouts on the monitor.

"What are the results?" he asked.

"No change from the previous results. Everything is reading normal," she said.

"Continue with the next set," Gendo stated and another round of tests were being conducted then analyzed. When they were completed, everything was reading green.

"Good. You may leave Dr. Akagi," he said coldly.

"…" Ritsuko said taking one glance at the First Child. A scowl registered on her face seeing that the teen's eyes were still closed. Changing her expression, she straightened herself and placed the First Child's clothes near the capsule.

"Yes Commander."

Turning around and walking by, he didn't even look at her as his gaze was still on the First Child. Jealousy took hold and she bit her lip. Stopping a little a ways, she did a quarter turn and looked at him.

"…will you be coming tonight?" she asked quietly.

"I have plans tonight," Gendo said without turning around.

"I see," Ritsuko said looking down at the floor. Turning toward the elevator, she walked toward it while gripping her clipboard tighter. Once the Commander heard the elevator close, he adjusted his glasses and walked closer to the holding tube.

"Rei," he called and saw Ayanami slowly open her eyes to look at him. His face softened a little. It made her feel glad that she could make him do that.

"How are you feeling?"

"I am adequate."

"How was the Angel battle today?"

"It went well with the help of Pilot Ikari and Pilot Soryu."

"I see. How is school?"

"It is adequate."

"How have interactions been with the Third Child?"

"…" Rei said blinking. "They have been fine."

"Have you engaged him in questions about his past?"

"…" she said biting the inside of her lip. This line of questioning felt similar to the time at the shooting range. However, there was no eeriness around her. To her surprise, she was fighting herself in answering.

"He is rather reluctant to talk about it when I have asked."

"I see. Have you asked about the cassette tape?" he asked.

'Do…not…,' a voice stated in her head. It was the same one from the void dreams that appeared as her double. It sounded different from normal.

"I have not had a chance to ask…I have not seen him using his S-DAT since being discharged from Captain Katsuragi's apartment," she said trying to maintain her stoic expression despite feeling odd.

"He has been discharge?" Gendo asked adjusting his glasses. "Why?"

'Do not…visit…' the voice stated then faded.

"The Captain felt that after viewing the police footage and him visiting that evening, the Captain stated that our safety was of immediate concern."

"I see. That is understandable. Has she mentioned about reinstating his duties?"

'Do not retrieve…'

"I do not know Commander. The Captain has been busy as of late. I do not converse with her as much as before."

"Do you have the Third Child's contact and address information?"

'Do…not…visit…that…lilim' the voice stated in a serious tone.

"…" Rei said feeling her eyes widen a little. Composing herself quickly, she started feeling uncomfortable.

"I do."

"Good. Invite him over to the Captain's apartment tonight."

'Do…not…retrieve…that…tape,' the voice said. Rei could feel her double resonating stronger than normal. It was not giving her riddles, asking philosophical questions, or telling her to follow her purpose. It was a rare aspect that it was warning her about something.

"…invite him Commander?" Ayanami said after blinking.

"Yes. Both you and Pilot Souryu can engage in conversations. Given the different dynamics between you and her, it might bring more information out of him."

"…I see…" Rei said trying to calm down her anxiety. "What if Pilot Ikari is preoccupied and cannot visit?"

"I will pass an order to Captain Katsuragi. She will call and order the Third Child to visit."

"…" Rei said. A logical thought went through her mind in which the double voiced strongly against.

"Would it be easier to go to Pilot Ikari's home for asking questions and retrieving the cassette tape?"

"Logically, yes," Gendo said putting his hands in his pant pockets. "However given his instability, being alone with him is not advised. Do not visit him unless ordered to do so."

"…" she said flinching a little feeling conflicted. A wanting to get out was festering inside of her. She had never felt this way any other time she was spending time in the capsule.

"I understand Commander."

"Good," he said moving to the computer terminal and hitting a switch. "That will be it for today."

As the LCL drained from the test tub, Rei saw the Commander looking at her; however, it didn't seem like the gaze she always saw him with. Something about it didn't seem genuine. Mentally shaking her head, the orange liquid was gone. He hit another button and the glass lifted. Once it cleared over her head, she walked down the steps to the floor. Seeing her clothes, she started putting them on.

"…" she said putting on her underwear seeing the Commander staring at her. A sensation went through her making her feel uneasy from his gaze.

'The Commander looking at me has never been an issue,' Rei thought feeling her face grimace a little while continuing to dress.

'I have done this many times before…why do I want to hide from his gaze now?...I don't understand.'

"Are you feeling alright Rei?" he asked adjusting his glasses.

"…" Ayanami said zipping up her skirt. Fully dressed back in her school uniform, she turned to him. His expression had changed back to his usual cold expression. An image of the Third Child came to her then went away. Mentally shaking her head again, she felt a need to have space and time to think.

"I feel a little tired."

"I see. Go home for today," Gendo ordered.

Turning to one of the hidden doors in the room, he walked away. She said nothing. Looking at his back, she felt a similar distancing and coldness that the Third Child had done before. Opening her mouth to say something, she remembered that he said he had plans. Also, she would need to do her part for the "Info-Gave" operation.

'Is the Commander upset that very little has been accomplished for the operation's objective?' Ayanami thought anxiously. The Commander's figure vanished when the hidden door closed.

'Is he upset with me?' she thought.

Turning to the elevator, she mentally told herself that any leader would be upset from not getting results. Entering the lift, the doors closed and she traveled upward. Reaching level for the parking garage, she headed toward that area. Once there, a couple of Section-2 agents were waiting for her with a black unmarked car.

As she was being driven to Misato's apartment, the First Child was reflecting the thoughts and sensations from being in the capsule earlier. Most were directed toward herself regarding several aspects. Questions about existence, relationships between people, emotions felt and changing with people she associated with, and the changing of the Third Child. Looking out the backseat window, the second figure of herself was responding to her mental debate with herself.

'Why am I not revealing all to the Commander?'

'It is because he does not pursue you.'

'Does not pursue me?'

'Yes. That lilim's interests are more than what he states.'

'What are the Commander's interests?'

'None that concern your being.'

'That is not true. The Commander has taken care of me and looked after me. He has shown concern when I have been injured,' she thought defensively in a calm demeanor.

'Depends…he has…and has not.'

'He has been there for me.'

'Lilims always change their focus and relations toward others when their pursuit is greater.'

'…that seems to be true,' Rei thought feeling a little down from that statement. From her observations, people did tend to change their opinions over time for various reasons.

'If so, you should end making relations with lilims to save yourself.'

'…to save myself?'

'Yes,' the inner voice echoed in her mind.

Though the First Child has made associations with a few at NERV and little at school, there were only two that mattered to her the most. First being the Commander. Later on, the Commander's son became the second.

'I cannot. There are two I care for.'

'That lilim leader…he is nothing but a selfish child. A user of others to achieve his own wants and goals. He only causes pain to others.'

'…the Commander…the Commander is not that,' Rei thought sternly.

'You are defending that lilim? How naïve you are. You choose to be blind to what he has tainted and torn.'

'Stop this…I will not listen to you speak ill of the Commander,' she thought angrily. Looking at the car window, she saw an irritated expression on her face. Quickly, she went back to a neutral face, but closed her hands into loose fists.

'How weak you have become,' it voiced in disappointment. 'You act as a naïve lilim child would. That offspring of the leader lilim has changed you.'

'…Ikari…has only aided me with my curiosity and wanting to understand my surroundings. He has not weakened me.'

'You forget what he has done to you? Have you not shed tears? Have you not made yourself vulnerable? Have you not become influenced? Have you not become emotional?'

'…I…' Rei thought parting her mouth and only blinking. Flashbacks came from the several incidents that she became emotional and irrational due to the Third Child. Thinking about them, she seemed surprise at how much she changed. The male pilot had given her different emotions, new experiences, and a change in perceptions. The few months of meeting him, he had given her so much more than her lifetime knowing the Commander.

'…that offspring…is to be avoided by all means. You should NOT ENGAGE him any FURTHER,' the voice spoke in a careful tone.

'…!?' Ayanami thought surprised again. The aspect that it stated about staying away from the Third Child specifically was unexpected.

'Why?'

'HE is capable of eliminating anything. He WILL only HURT YOU.'

'…no…' Ayanami thought with much annoyance. 'I don't believe you. He has never hurt me.'

'YOU…FEAR…HIM,' the voice countered.

'…I…' Rei said only parting her mouth. Nothing was coming to her to counter back that statement. Trying to closer her mouth to answer, her lips quivered a little from remembering the times that he had rattled her nerves.

'…I…no-I…'

'He is UNSTABLE…that offspring's MIND will be LOST in due time.'

'…' she thought clenching her hands into fists.

'Like its parent, he WILL only bring PAIN to OTHERS once he is gone.'

'…no…' she thought feeling her face tensing up.

'He WILL bring an END to all LIFE.'

'…stop it…' she thought louder clenching her teeth.

'HE is nothing more than A walking CORPSE.'

'IKARI IS NONE OF THOSE THINGS!' Rei mentally shouted. Shaking a little from how emotionally charged she became, she immediately calmed down. Looking up at the individuals driving, the Section-2 agents didn't notice her as they were preoccupied. Both were talking and scouting.

'You still choose to be blind and naïve…lilim emotions have rotted you,' the voice stated in disappointment again. The First Child noticed that throughout the mental conversation, the double did not once drop its seriousness.

'Are you afraid of him?'

'…' it didn't respond.

'Why are you afraid?' Rei asked in her mind. She felt her other self fade away. Calming down and recomposing herself, the Captain's apartment was a couple of blocks away.

The car stopped in front of the apartment complex. Stepping out and closing the door, the Section-2 agents turned the car around and headed toward the direction of NERV. Looking around the outside, it was in the afternoon. Thinking about what she was ordered to do, she entered the complex. No one was in the lobby besides the receptionist that was reading a newspaper. Heading toward the elevator and entering, she watched the doors closed. When they opened, she was on her floor. Seeing the apartment door and heading toward it, she did not feel any foreboding. Reaching it and inserting her card, the lock disengaged.

"I'm home," she called out quietly after opening the door. Entering and looking at the floor, she was the only one in the apartment. Taking off her shoes, she brought her school bag along while walking down the hallway. Rounding the corner, she saw no one in the living room.

"…" Rei said walking to her room. Placing her bag inside, she looked at the time. Seeing that it was a little early to change, she grabbed her cell phone. Heading toward the landline phone, she opened up her mobile phone and looked under contacts. Highlighting the landline number, she picked up the apartment phone.

"…" Ayanami said feeling a little nervous. Shaking her head, she dialed the number. Hearing silence, a ringing began. After two rings, the line was picked up.

[Greetings Miss Ayanami] Shinji answered on the line.

"…?!" Rei reacted from being thrown off guard a little. After a short pause, she composed herself and responded.

"Hello Ikari…were you expecting me to call?"

[Yes. I was ordered by Miss Misato to wait for your call]

"I see."

[Is there something I can do for you?]

"Did she give you any other orders?"

[Yes. I am to visit the household; however, I was not given details on why. Would you happen to know Miss Ayanami?]

"…I believe…it is just to visit," the First Child answered carefully. Her free hand loosely clenched her skirt.

[What kind of visit?]

"…I believe a social visit…"

[I see. Should I visit now or wait till later?]

"You may visit now and wait for others."

[Very well] he said on the line and the call ended. Hearing the line go out, she assumed that he would be on his way. Putting the phone down, she heard the doorbell ring.

'That isn't the Captain or Pilot Soryu,' Rei thought walking to the entrance hallway. 'Both have a key. It is possible that they misplaced their keys. It could also be a delivery.'

Entering and heading toward the door, she felt no ill or foreboding feeling. Opening the door, her eyes widen. The person at the door bowed.

"Greetings again Miss Ayanami," Shinji said straightening up with a stoic expression.

"…?" the female pilot replied blinking and looking lost.

"Is something wrong Miss Ayanami?"

"…?" she continued to say until her mind started processing. "…how did you get here from your home?"

"My home?" the Third Child asked tilting his head. "I was not at home."

"…?" she said tilting her head as well. "I called your landline number you gave."

"…?" he said blinking and moving one plastic bag to his left hand. Reaching in his pocket, he got out his cell phone. Rei suddenly felt apprehension start to fester inside her.

"That is a bit peculiar Miss Ayanami," he commented and showed her the recent contacts menu. "I have Miss Misato's apartment phone call me. Did you input the numbers correctly?"

"I believe I did," she said getting her cell phone out. Going to the contact list, she brought up the numbers.

"May I enter and assist you?" he asked which she nodded.

Following her into the apartment, he closed the door. The lock mechanism sounded like it slammed loudly in an empty auditorium to him. Ignoring it, he took his shoes and backpack off. Setting them aside, he headed toward the living room where Rei was already there. She picked up the landline phone and was trying to assess the call history. Shinji walked over and instructed her on where to find the call history. Finding it and looking at the number, it was the number of his cell phone.

'But…I specifically called his landline number,' she thought confused.

"May I call your home number?" Rei asked in which he nodded.

Dialing again, the phone gave ringing tones. His cell phone did not ring as he went into the kitchen to set the plastic bags down. After nothing picked up, the voice message function sounded. Ending the call, she guessed that she probably did call his cell phone. Seeing him coming back out of the kitchen toward her, she started wondering how he got here relatively quickly.

"Miss Ayanami?" he questioned seeing her look a little perplexed.

"You were already heading here Ikari?"

"Yes. Miss Misato called sometime ago today. I left after the call."

"I see."

"Would you care for some tea Miss Ayanami?" he asked and saw her nod.

Heading toward the kitchen, she placed the landline phone down back in the cradle and followed him. When she entered into the kitchen area, the apprehension feeling from before lessened a little. Thinking about it, she didn't stop walking until she was nearby him. Placing her back against the right wall, it was adjacent to kitchen counter. Shinji was standing in front of the stove and got out a stove kettle. He poured water in it and placed it on a burner he turned on. She saw something and glanced at the kitchen doorway to the left. Shonj was standing there with his arms across his chest.

"…!?" Rei sttaed feeling her eyes widen a little. The apprehension came again, but felt it was somewhere beyond the male pilot. Glancing back at the Third Child, he was getting a teapot and teacups onto a tray. Shonj distracted her by frowning. He remained silent, but kept staring at the back of the male pilot.

"How was your meeting with the Commander?" Shinji asked getting out tea bags and a couple of additives.

"…" she replied looking back to the male pilot. "It was adequate."

"I see," he stated blinking. A silence came between them as Rei thought about asking him questions. Pushing down the tightening of her insides, she saw that Shonj continued frowning and standing at the doorway in silence.

"Ikari?"

"Yes Miss Ayanami?" he asked putting tea bags in the teapot.

"I have new questions I would like to ask you," she stated. Shinji only nodded and continued staring at the kettle as it continued to boil the water.

"I can answer those questions too you know," Shonj voiced tapping his foot a little. Glancing at him, she turned back to see the Third Child looking at her from the corners of his eyes. Strangely, there was no eeriness emitting when he did that. His eyes slowly went back to the stove.

"Who do you wish to answer those questions Miss Ayanami?" he asked hearing the kettle make a low whistle sound.

"…!?" Rei answered startled. Thinking carefully, she tried calming down and ignored the imaginary person standing at the doorway.

"You are the only one here Ikari."

"Tch," Shonj replied irritated. He turned around and walked into the living room. Multiple snickers were heard in the next room causing the female pilot to feel goosebumps form on her arms.

"…My apologies Miss Ayanami…you are correct," he said turning to her and bowing to her.

Standing straight again, he turned off the burner. Grabbing a towel, he grabbed the kettle handle and began pouring the boiling water in the teapot. Placing it to the side, he added small amounts of additives to the tea he makes. He moved the tea bags up and down to mix it. Afterwards, he put the top on the pot and let it brew a little.

"Where would like to be served tea Miss Ayanami?"

"…" she thought glancing at the doorway. She heard multiple people talking. After listening for a little bit, she couldn't understand what they were saying. The apprehension seemed to be resonating stronger than before.

"Here."

"Very well," he said nodding. "What questions did you want to ask?"

"I would like to ask about yourself."

"…" he said blinking. Getting two teacups, he poured into one. Once it was ¾ full, he placed the teapot down and grabbed the drink. Turning to her, he offered the drink with both hands.

"Here you are Miss Ayanami," the male pilot said stoically. She grasped the teacup watching him retract his arms and turned slowly to the teapot. He poured himself some tea.

"I am listening," he said calmly seeing nothing coming out of the teapot. Nothing was splashing into the cup, but he figured from the angle he was pouring it was close to being over half full. Tilting the teapot back up, he set it down on the tray. Turning to her, he blinked.

"May I ask about your past?" she looked at the tea in the cup before looking up. Her eyes widen in fear. The evil and menacing aura was suddenly in the kitchen and nearby. Black-red eyes slowly peered over his shoulder. They blinked at separate times at her.

"You may ask, but I may not answer them."

"…" Rei blinked and tried backing up a little. However, she immediately realized she was already leaning against the wall. Taking a sip of the tea, she blinked. Recoiling a little, the black-red eyes were gone. The evil aura was gone too; however, Shinji's murky aura remained.

'Do…not…ask…him…' her other self voiced in her head. Ayanami was about to open her mouth when she saw something slithering from the small refrigerator to the larger one. It was vile.

'…A…S…K…H…I…M…' a demented voice whispered with mirth as it faded away.

'Do…not…listen…to…it,' her other self stated immediately.

'…who…who is it?' Rei thought continuing to look at the space around the refrigerators. The apprehension festered more and gripped her insides more making her pulse and heart beat faster.

"…?" Shinji said seeing her looking at something to his right.

He turned his head and saw there was nothing there except the refrigerators. His voices were watching what sounded like a sports game in the living room which seemed to distract most of them. Knowing that the TV was not turned on, he wondered if one of the voice's smart phones or tablets were in use. Turning back to the First Child, wondered what she saw.

"Miss Ayanami?" he asked. She flinched and looked slowly back at him.

"…yes?" Rei said quietly.

"Are you feeling well?" the male pilot stated seeing her slowly nod.

'…heeeeeeeeeeeeee…' the distorted voice hissed. A face started pushing itself out of the kitchen wall backsplash. It was behind Shinji. She tried hard to ignore it and kept looking the Third Child. He was looking back at her with the same impassive stare.

'Do…not…listen…do…not…give…in,' Rei's double voiced sternly in her head.

'LIES! LIES! ALL LIES! LAYERS OF LIES! EVERYONE LIES!' the corrupted voice roared to deafening volumes. At the same time, it burst through the kitchen wall. A wave of blood and carnage splashed onto the floor as it traveled into the living room.

"…!?" the First Child reacted. Forcing herself, she did not move her eyes away from Shinji's. He continued to stare at hers. Goosebumps flared all over her as she felt malice from the vile presence overpowering. Her hands started to shake. Blinking, the wall was repaired and the carnage on the floor was gone.

"Miss Ayanami…you are shaking," Shinji commented and stepped forward. Reaching out his hands, he gently held onto her teacup. It stopped the liquid from splashing around and going over the lip.

"…what-!?" she let out quietly. Suddenly, the evil presence materialized next to the Third Child. It was grinning inhumanly wide and staring her down with large eyes. Its features were grotesque and revolting making her feel sick. Her face became terrified as she saw it in her peripheral vision.

'DO NOT ASK HIM! DO NOT LOOK AT IT!' her double shouted in her head.

'…YYYYYYEEEEE #$ #EEEESSSSS$ %*&$d…O…n…'…T…a…S…k! DON'T BE CURIOUS! DON'T WONDER!' it barked at her sadistically as its voice changed to various tones and pitches randomly.

"…!?" Rei said feeling herself hyperventilating as she shook all over. She was pressing herself hard against the wall and did not look at it. Her eyes stayed on the dark magenta eyes in front of her. The evil presence breathed deeply and monstrously then giggled as an innocent sounding boy.

"Miss Ayanami…" Shinji stated.

He felt the dark voice wrap parts of itself around his body. One wrapped around his neck and felt himself shiver from how cold and clammy its flesh felt against his skin. It murderously gripped him and ripped his body apart. Pain shot through him and caused all his limbs to burn and scream in agony. Controlling his muscles and facial expression, he prevented himself from falling to the floor.

"…!?" Ayanami only took a quick inhale from what happened.

She watched as the Third Child got ripped apart and blood splashed onto her. Not even shielding herself, she saw only his head be held up with one of the revolting creature's appendages. Her mouth opened and quivered as her eyes became small. She never felt so terrified this much before. It was an emotion that was ripping her nerves and mind apart in horror.

"…what is wrong?" the male pilot's head talked to her. Blood started flowing out his nose as he remained stoic. The vile individual started cackling uncontrollably into multiple voices. Multiple syringes extended out of a couple of its tentacles. Without hesitation, it started stabbing itself harshly as it continued its demented howling of mirth.

'…wOnDeRfUl!…BlIsSfUL!…' it screeched in pain and pleasure in front of her.

Black blood was pouring out of it profusely. A part of its vile face extended in front of her as she veered her head to the right. She looked into its black-red eye that fell out. It rolled onto her chest and down her stomach till it made a wet splat on the floor between her legs. Her school uniform became stained with the black blood as it smelled vile. Inside the eye socket was a black and red bloody hole. The walls in it pulsated as a crude shark mouth split open deep inside.

'…you-YoU-yOuuuuuuuuuuu…w…a…n…t…to know…e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g…don't you-Don't You!-DON'T YOU!-DDDD#$# OOOOONNNN#$'TTTT! y...O...u?,' it said in a mix match of sounds. Some were normal voices to demented ones to multiple glitches to white noise interference.

"…" Rei said feeling something in her mind shut off causing her to blackout.

"…?" Shinji said watching the First Child faint and slide down the wall to the floor. He was still holding her teacup.

Even moving his eyes hurt from feeling his body being ripped apart. The demented voice vanished just when the female pilot closed her eyes. Gingerly moving the teacup to the counter, he reached into his pocket. Getting out a tissue, he wiped and held his nose. Getting a paper towel and disinfectant, he sprayed it in the sink.

Taking it, he went back to where he was standing. He began wiping up the blood that fell from his nose onto the floor. Luckily, none stained his shirt or pants. Looking back at the tissue, the bleeding stopped. Wiping his nose again, he balled up the tissue and paper towel. Tossing it in the trash bin, he went to the sink and washed his hands.

'What the-hey!' Shonj said from the doorway to the kitchen. He bolted toward the First Child and kneeled next to her.

'What did you do!?' he stated in worry and anger.

'I did nothing sir. Miss Ayanami seemed to be not feeling well after asking me a couple of questions,' Shinji thought drying his hands gingerly and turning slowly to him. Shonj stood up and got in front of him.

'I don't believe you.'

'I see,' he thought slowly blinking and grimacing a little. The male pilot was still trying to get use to the agony all over him. Recalling when his spine was ripped out, this amount of pain was similar.

'Whatever dirtbag,' Shonj said frowning at him. 'I will take her to her room. Give me your body.'

'Ah, ah, ah,' Shinzin stated walking into the kitchen with a grin and wagging a finger. 'He will take her to her room. You can venture into her dream world afterwards if you so desire…non-ideal Ikari.'

'Shut up! I don't want this faker touching my girl!' Shonj stated loudly and pointing an accusing finger at Shinji. The Third Child just blinked and impassively looked back between the two voices.

'Have patience. In due time, the tables will turn to our favor,' Shinzin replied snickering a little and adjusted his glasses. He looked at Shinji and motioned his head at the fainted female pilot. The Third Child just bowed and gingerly walked in front of her.

'…' Shonj said crossing his arms over his chest and tapped his foot impatiently.

He scowled seeing Rei get picked up and carried by the male pilot. The Third Child turned around and carefully stepped towards the living room. Like when he carried her out of the male side of the hot springs, it was excruciatingly painful all over his body. Clenching his teeth and grimacing, he entered the living room. The other voices heard heavy footsteps out of the kitchen and turned toward it. Only Rana got up and headed towards him. The others stayed sitting and stared.

'What happened?' she asked seeing Ayanami unconscious. Looking back in the kitchen, Shinzin was smirking while cleaning his glasses. Shonj had a glare as he was following the male pilot.

'Miss Ayanami…fainted,' Shinji thought. He carefully went around the dining table and heading for Rei's room slowly.

'She must have been under a lot of stress.'

'Seems…so,' he thought slowly feeling he was able to not grimace as much.

Reaching her door and sliding it open with his foot, both Shinji and Rana entered her room. Laying her down on her bed, he put a light blanket over the First Child. Turning around, he went to the door and didn't hear a second pair of footsteps. Going out of the room and turning around, Rana was sitting at the edge of bed. Shinji bowed a little in her direction and saw her smile. Closing the door, he turned around to see Shonj right behind him.

'You…don't…go…near…her. Got it?' he said stabbing a pointer finger at his chest him with each word. Shinji blinked with an impassive face and bowed his head a little slowly.

'Very well sir. Excuse me,' the male pilot thought and walked around him. The voices watched as the boy walked back into the kitchen. Shonj turned back to the female pilot's room and went through it. He blinked in surprise, the female voice was giving the same expression as Shinji. However, her eyes were shining eerily.

'H-hey…what's that look for?' he asked startled a little.

'…' Rana said not even blinking while staring him down. She saw him raise his hands showing his palms.

'I don't know what you are so uptight for…I'll watch her.'

'…no…' she said coldly not moving from her spot.

'W-What? Why?' the blue-eye voice asked surprised again. He didn't know that the female voice could show that much hostility towards him. He had never seen it be like this before. The shining of her eyes were making its red-blue pigments icy and piercing.

'…figure it out…' Rana said standing up slowly. She began slowly walking toward Shonj who took another step back.

'Figure it out? What the hell are you talking about!?' he said taking another step back and saw he was at the door. 'Seriously, what is your deal?!'

'…leave…' she said as a tanto appeared in her hand.

'Like hell I'll lea—argh!' Shonj said falling backwards through the door. The other voices saw the blue-eye teen fall through the door and land on his back on the ground. A dagger had pierced his left shoulder. Pulling it out without gasping, he stood up. The bleeding slowed down to a stop as the hole closed up slowly.

'Damn it!' he said shaking his left arm a little and rolling his left shoulder. 'What the hell?!'

'You are pretty low moron,' Sno said turning back to look at the sports game on the TV.

'What?!' Shonj yelled at him then blinked.

He saw the adult voices just sighed out loud and turned back to the TV. Each was drinking a beer. Shinzin was sitting at the dining table. He had a laptop out with several books around him. Papers were spread out all around him as he was typing. His glasses were filled with the reflection of the computer screen. Much text was flashing by.

'…?' Shonj said trying to figure out what happened to them and why they weren't trying to help him. Out of the left corner of his eye, Shinji walked out of the hallway to Asuka's and Misato's room with a vacuum. Setting it on the ground, he pulled the power cord out and plugged it into a wall socket. Turning it on, he began cleaning the floor with a stoic face.

'…what the…what is this?' he said to himself confused on their actions.