Chapter 100: The Return to a New Beginning
Inside NERV HQ, Gendo and Kozo were in the conference room waiting for the other members to arrive. A meeting was called on by SELEE for discussing the recent developments over the past two weeks or so at the Neo-Tokyo branch. After a short wait, the committee members of SELEE started appearing with their holographic images. When the head person appeared at the other end of the table, he cleared his throat.
[Let us begin] the member with the eye visor stated. [We shall start this with the recent events that have been occurring at NERV's Neo-Tokyo branch. Commander Ikari.]
"Yes?" Gendo answered sitting in his usual position at the other end of the conference table.
[Other than the reports that were written detailing what occurred during since the recent Angel attack, we want to hear about what transpired from your account.]-
"Very well."
[What happened to both Unit-01 and Unit-03?]
"Unit-03 was overtaken by a microscopic Angel and infected. During battle, the new dummy system was used on Unit-01 with the pilot," he replied neutrally.
[Why was this dummy plug system used when the pilot was still active and conscious in the unit?] one committee member asked.
"The Third Child volunteered to let the system take over and overseer it while it was activated."
[Is that so Commander Ikari?] a different committee member questioned. A holographic screen materialized in the middle of the conference table and stood perpendicular to the table. It showed still images of Unit-01 rushing Eva-03. As the pictures changed, the purple unit began removing its entry plug. Showing it being shoved into the blue war machine, the next image was Unit-01 smashing the entry plug into the other's chest with a side kick.
[Why did Unit-01 decide to do this? This clearly shows the dummy system running a mock.]
"That was an unforeseen event in using the dummy system. The pilot did survive that accident."
[Survived!? Preposterous!]
[That pilot would be crippled from that!]
[Unless proven otherwise Commander Ikari, we find it hard to believe that the Third Child survived that incident] the leader said with a grim tone.
"…" Gendo answered by moving his arms. Resting his elbows on the table and interlacing his hands in front of his mouth, he smirked.
"Sub-Commander Kozo, show them the status of the Third Child," he ordered with his cold tone. The older man nodded and clicked a button on the remote he had in his hand. A few photos were taken showing the male pilot in one of the hospital rooms. The room became silent as they stared hard at the images.
"These were taken a few days ago, more than a week after the Angel battle," the Sub-Commander stated from standing next to the wall behind Gendo.
[Impossible.]
[That can't be possible. No one could survive that incident.]
[These must be fabricated!]
[Silence] the head of the committee members ordered. When the rest of the SELEE individuals calmed down, the leader continued.
[Is the report of what the Third Child is accurate?]
"Yes," the Commander answered without moving.
[How was the pilot not affected by the Angel that infected Unit-03?] another member asked.
"Dr. Akagi and her staff have done several tests to verify the results. They were the same and negative."
[Is the Third Child still capable of piloting?]
"The pilot will be tested tomorrow to see if he is useful."
"…" Kozo commented. He grimaced a little from the verbiage used regarding the male pilot. Keeping his mouth closed, the meeting continued.
[How was the microscopic Angel destroyed?]
"It was eliminated during a full system flush of Unit-03."
[A full system flush will not kill off the Angel so easily.]
"A current was run through the holding tank. 10 amps is probable death for humans. We ran 20 amps in the holding tank and checked for activity. The Angel's cells ceased movement and any activity."
[…] the members of the committee commented mumbling to each other. Though both commanders could sense that the people here didn't believe them, they had no other information to refute. Also given that their number of spies in NERV was severely curtailed by the Third Child in the past, they were rather hesitant about sending more.
[Very well] the leader replied clearing his throat. [Let us move to the development of the Eva series.]
[Our production of Eva-04 has already begun] a member mentioned with an Indian accent. [It shall be ready in one years time.]
[Commander Ikari] the member with the eye visor stated. [A pilot for that Unit has already been chosen. The individual will be stationed at your branch for the time being for training and as a backup pilot.]
"Very well," Gendo answered then pushed up his shades a little. "If my branch is to become the safe haven for Eva units and training ground for all future pilots, more resources will be needed regarding all assets."
[You are given more than your allocated share Commander Ikari] one committee member retorted.
[There are other branches that require those resources] another added in.
"If that is so, what results have you been able to produce?" the Commander questioned not moving from his seated spot.
[Why you-]
[Silence!] the leader ordered quieting the room instantly. [If you request more resources, go through the normal channels like the other heads of NERV branches.]
"Very well."
[If there is nothing more to add, this meeting is adjourn]
One by one, the SELEE committee members logged off and their holographic images went away. In darkness for a couple of seconds, the room's lights turned on. The Commander was still sitting in his spot with his hands interlaced in front of his mouth. Another smirk came on his face.
"SELEE already having a pilot lined up for a Unit that isn't built yet seems suspicious," Kozo commented stepping away from the wall and walking toward the conference table.
"Most likely a spy," Gendo stated standing up and turning to the Sub-Commander.
"You think so?"
"Those old fools are desperate. They are making decisions without current information or sight of what is happening here."
"So I gathered," the older man said blinking. "So you have given the Third Child the order?"
"Yes," Gendo replied starting to walk out of the conference room with the Sub-Commander following.
"What was the boy's reaction?"
"Neutral though compliant."
"And Dr. Ikari?"
"…" Gendo answered as both exited the room. The doors slowly close and shut with the metallic click. Both two men walked down the hallway continuing to talk and discuss.
Later on during the night, Rei was not able to fall asleep. With the events that happened earlier, her mind was going in a constant loop of thoughts. Her questions of what action she should have took to what she should have done differently swam in her head. Feeling a headache and irritation from not being able to get rid of them, she decided that she needed to know the answers. Getting up and out of bed, she put on a night gown over her underwear. Leaving her room, she quietly moved toward the front door. Grabbing her keycard, she slowly and quietly opened and closed the entrance door.
"..." she said looking down toward the neighboring apartment. Heading towards it, anticipation and wonder filled her head the closer she got. Reaching the door, she was about to hit the doorbell when she stopped herself.
'That will disturb them,' she thought then knocked on the door quietly. Knowing that it was too quiet, she knocked again.
"Ikari?" Ayanami called quietly. Thinking that she would get a better response from contacting him via cellphone, the door unlocked softly. Opening a little, the Third Child was standing behind it. She could see his dark magenta eyes pierce through the darkness from inside the apartment.
"Evening Miss Ayanami. Is there something the matter?" he asked quietly with his face covered in shadows.
"Evening Ikari," Rei said feeling a little pleased that he answered her. "I am having difficulty falling asleep. Could…you help me sort out my questions and thoughts?"
"…" Shinji stated hearing a bloody rip in mind. Distant maniacal laughter and deep groaning cries were heard in the background. Blinking, he stepped aside and opened the door.
"If I can be of some help, please come in," he replied with a blink. Seeing her nod, she entered the apartment. Hearing him close the door, her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness in the hallway. Feeling him walk around her, she reached out grabbed the lower part of his shirt.
"My eyes haven't adjusted yet…could you guide me inside?"
"Very well," he answered and started leading her into the main area of the apartment. Eventually getting into the living room, there was more illumination to see around. Letting go of him, he stopped and turned around.
"Were you in your room Ikari?" she asked quietly.
"No. I was on the couch," he commented quietly back. "I was having trouble sleeping as well."
"I see," Rei said then thought of something. "Did what happen at NERV change your view of the staff and your perspective?"
"In a way," he said blinking and thinking about it. "It changes some, but the rest remains the same."
"Does it make you trust the staff less?" she asked feeling anxious.
"Depending on their actions and what they have done...yes and no."
"…" she mentioned feeling insecure. "Are…are you wary of me?"
"No," he said with a blink and saw her body language relaxing. "Are you cold Miss Ayanami?"
"I…I will be fine," she replied though had a small smile hidden in the darkness.
"Very well," the Third Child stated. "If you wish to stay Miss Ayanami, you are welcomed to."
"…" she said nodding her head at the offer. "Thank you Ikari."
"You can use my room to sleep in while I will occupy the sofa.
"…Ikari?" she asked taking a step closer to him and looking directly at him. "Could…I be on the couch with you."
"Is there still something still troubling you Miss Ayanami?"
"…yes…"
"Very well," he said with a small bow. Both walked to the sofa and sat down.
"What seems to be causing you restlessness?"
"…" Ayanami said feeling more at ease from being closer to him. Scooting over to be sitting next to him, it made her feel better. Only the Third Child's ears picked up distant sounds in the apartment.
"I feel strange when the Commander replaced me with Dr. Ikari," she whispered feeling calmer.
"In what way?"
"When I saw the Commander before, I would feel better if I spoke to him and was near him…now," the First Child stated slowly leaning her head onto his right shoulder. "I feel these sensations and impulses much stronger than before…directly towards you."
"In what way are these impulses trying to get you to do?" he asked stoically.
"…they want me to…be near you…more…and to…hold you," she whispered feeling redness on her cheeks and drowsiness. "I have...noticed that being in...physical contact with you…gives me...sense of...ease and…happiness…I believe."
"These sensations and urges become stronger when there is distance between you and I?"
"…it…feels…that…way," Rei said starting to feel anxiety and the barrage of thoughts and questions go down. Tiredness started to take control as being next to him and leaning on his shoulder was relaxing and soothing. Her eyes started to become heavier and heavier.
"Miss Ayanami?" he asked softly not looking at her.
"…zzz…zzz…" she said as sleep took over quickly.
"…" the Third Child stated feeling his right eye twitch a little. Hearing soft quiet footsteps to his left, he turned his head in that direction. Rana was at the armrest hugging a pillow in front of her while her eyes shined a bit. Both stared at each other for a bit before they blinked at the same time.
"…" Rana said staring hard at him.
"…" Shinji said staring at her from the corner of his eyes. Before he opened his mouth she silently and quickly got next to him. Putting a finger perpendicular to his lips, she leaned in.
"Why is she here?"
"Miss Ayanami had trouble sleeping and asked for assistance."
"Use you as a body pillow?"
"Seems to be."
"May I?" Rana asked placing her head down on his lap. She saw his eyes getting a bright haunting glow and immediately sat back up. The eye illumination went back to normal. Sitting next to him and putting her head on his shoulder, his eyes did not change illumination.
"Better?" she asked hugging his free arm.
"…" he said feeling both eyes starting to twitch. At the same time, the dark clone was laughing and screaming excitedly. Multiple stabbing sounds were heard as if a hailstorm of knives were falling on the ground. Not looking at her, he slowly blinked.
"It is…acceptable," he answered evenly. Feeling her get more comfortable with hugging his arm, Rei started adjusting herself a little and seemed to be pressing against him. Throughout the night, the dark clone challenged him to stay awake. If he fell asleep, he will have both of them for midnight entertainment.
By next morning, Rei and Rana were slowly waking up. Blinking and rubbing their eyes, they noticed that there was someone missing next to them. Looking at each other, they started to smell something. Sitting up and looking towards the kitchen area, he was there preparing something. Also from the looks of it, he was already dressed in his school attire. Seeing him turn around and come out to the living room, they noticed four bento boxes in his hands. Setting them on the table, he was wearing an apron.
"Good morning madams," he said bowing a little. "How was your sleep?"
"…" both females said blinking. Looking closer at him, there were noticeable dark circles under his eyes. It pronounced the haunting glow of his dark magenta eyes more.
"It was well Ikari," Rei stated standing up followed by Rana who just smiled and nodded toward him.
"That is good to hear. I have prepared lunches if you care to take one," he commented with a lethargic blink. "There is plenty of time before departing for school. Excuse me as I will go clean in the kitchen."
"…" both said watching him turn around. He went back into the kitchen area and began cleaning.
"I will go back to the Major's apartment and get ready," Ayanami stated and started heading toward the entrance hallway.
Stopping at the dining table and looking at the bento boxes, there were sticky notes on them. Each had a label of what was inside. One of them did not have any meat in it which the First Child picked up. Looking at the one that had more meats in it, she picked up that one for Asuka. Looking back at the kitchen, she blinked and headed toward the hallway. While walking back to her apartment, she assessed herself. The First Child did feel better from coming over last night.
Walking into the kitchen area, Rana watched the Third Child. He was placing kitchen utensils and cookware on a laid out towel to air dry. Wiping his hands, two familiar arms wrapped around his mid torso. Hugging him from behind, the female twin leaned her head against his on the left side.
"Thank you for making lunch," Rana said smiling.
"You are welcome," he said stoically. "I have prepared breakfast as well if you are hungry."
"Thank you," she said retracting her arms from him.
The female twin stated that she will get ready quickly. Putting other things away, he could feel the twisted voice only grinning at him. It did not say anything to him, only giving a silent eerie stare at him. The male pilot continued cleaning things up and got out the prepared items for breakfast. Placing them on the table, he sat and waited.
By the time Rei got back to her apartment, Asuka was the only one in the apartment and still asleep. Placing both bento boxes on the dining table, the First Child retrieved her school uniform and took a shower. By the time she finished and exited, the Second Child was up and moving around. When heading back to her room, the bathroom door closed again and the water was turned on again.
Back in the other apartment, both ate the light breakfast that was prepared. While Shinji put the remaining food away, Rana went back into her room to grab things. Coming back out, she found the Third Child standing in front of the dining table. He seemed to be facing the wall while not staring at anything in particular. Moving only his eyes to look at her, she blinked.
"I'm ready!" she said smiling in which he nodded to her.
"I have already placed our lunches in our school bags," he said. Nodding, both walk to the entrance hallway then toward the front door. About to stop and kneel down to put on his shoes, he was embraced from behind again.
"Something the matter Miss Rana?" he asked feeling her press herself into his back.
"You know…it makes me happy to hold you and be next to you too," she said softly. "There are times that…I want more."
"…" the Third Child said blinking and thinking about what she stated. "Are you joking Miss Rana?"
"…" the female twin whispered into his ear with redness on her cheeks.
Letting go of him and going to get her shoes on, she didn't look at what facial expression he had. She was a little embarrassed from telling him what she felt at certain times. Placing her shoes on and picking up her bag, she stood up to see him kneeling down and putting his shoes on. Deciding to go ring the other pilots' apartment doorbell first, she opened the front door and started heading toward the neighboring apartment.
"…" Shinji said done tying his shoes and kicking them a little.
Making sure he had everything, he left the apartment and locked it. Facing the apartment door and turning to his right, the female twin had pressed the doorbell of Misato's apartment. Walking toward her, what she stated prior to leaving repeated in his head. Feeling nothing from it, his body flared with goosebumps. Oddly, no flashbacks came from it.
Despite the corrupted voice hissing and cackling quietly, it was making sounds of slithering. It did not state anything regarding what the female twin stated. Reaching to where she was standing, both waited. Eventually, the front door opened with Ayanami behind it.
"Morning again Miss Ayanami," the male pilot stated with a stoic expression.
"…morning again Ikari…Rana," she replied after exiting and closing the door behind her.
"Morning Ayanami. Is Asuka still sleeping?" Rana asked with a neutral face.
"She is almost ready when I last saw her," the First Child answered as the three heard movement from within the apartment. The door opened suddenly revealing the Second Child. She looked at them with a slight irritated face. Her eyes moved toward the Third Child as he slowly moved his eyes toward her.
"Morning Miss Souryu. How are you?" he said with a small bow toward her.
"Just fine Third," she stated turning around and got her shoes on. Grabbing her bag, she exited the apartment and closed the door.
"Morning Asuka," Rana said to her with a small smile.
"Morning Rana," she said looking less irritated at the female twin. The redhead just glanced at the First Child as the blue-haired teen just glanced back.
"…" both said when the Second Child clenched her teeth together a little.
"Well come on! We'll be late from just standing here like at a funeral," she stated then grabbed the female twin's wrist. Pulling her along, both walked first toward the elevators.
"W-What's wrong Asuka?" Rana asked in surprise from the sudden action.
"Shh! I have questions and you have answers," the female pilot stated loud enough for only them to hear. Looking back, both the First and Third Child were following them. They were walking in step with the same expression. Oddly, both blinked at the same time that made her feel a little agitated.
"First of all, where the hell did he get all those scars from?" Asuka asked as the two reached the elevators first.
"…" Rana said looking uncomfortable and pressed the call button.
"Was he tortured?"
"…" the female twin said looking down and continued to not say anything.
'So he was,' the redhead thought hearing the elevator ding and opened up.
Entering with Rana, the remaining two were close behind. The doors started to close when both Rei and Shinji came into view. Putting his arm through, the doors stopped abruptly then opened. Both came in and the doors closed again. The elevator went down as a silence came over.
Only the Second Child felt the atmosphere become tense despite nothing happening or anyone saying anything. Once the lift went down to the lobby and opened, the four walked to school. Asuka walked in front with the female twin continuing to ask her questions while the other two pilots followed behind.
After leaving the apartment earlier, Misato was given orders to pick up the Fifth Child. Surprised that the next pilot was already picked, she thought it would have been Rana. Surprised again, it turned out to be someone different. Turning down a street and heading toward the correct apartment building, there was someone standing on the curb. It was a young woman with a carryon bag next to her feet.
'…strange…' the Major thought looking at the person. 'She seems familiar.'
"…!?" Misato said recognizing the person. The person turned her head towards her with rustic orange color eyes.
"She's the new pilot!?"
Slowing the car down to a stop, the Major got out of her car and stood looking at the person. The young woman stood with an unreadable expression as she gave a small bow.
"Morning Major Katsuragi," Rayne stated after standing back straight. "Are you my pickup driver?"
"Y-Yeah," Misato said scratching the side of her head. "You are the new Eva pilot?"
"I guess so."
"Huh…well, hop in," she stated getting back into her car. The younger woman got to the passenger side and got in.
"Mind if I see your documents?" the Major asked.
"Sure," Rayne replied opening up her carryon bag and pulling out a folder. Taking it and opening it up, Misato scanned the papers slowly.
"Aren't you still with the police force?"
"I was removed from that position when I was notified about being in this new position."
"Are you upset about it?"
"A little bit."
"I'm surprised they would remove you from being a peace officer. You would think the government would pick someone that isn't tied down or employed," Misato stated not finding anything out of the ordinary in her documents. It made her more suspicious on what was going on given the specific events that happened during the ex-officer's involvement with NERV, SELEE, and the local government.
"Must be an easy job transfer given that it is within government realms…however far fetch it seems," Rayne stated with a small smile. Being handed back her papers, she put them away in her carryon bag. Misato started her car and headed off to HQ. After a small amount silence, the ex-officer spoke.
"Thank you."
"…?" the Major responded not taking her eyes off the road. "For what?"
"If it wasn't for the GPS tracking signal, I would have been in SELEEs custody for who knows how long until now."
"Oh," the lavender haired woman said with a small smile. "Glad to hear it helped. Wait, you were in SELEE's custody?"
"For a little bit before debriefing me on the Eva pilot position."
"That's odd…normally NERV does the debriefing of selected pilots."
"Guess they handpicked their own pilot this time. Is that too strange given what SELEE's overseer position is of NERV?"
"…well…when you put it like that, it isn't too strange. Normally SELEE will leave us with the selection process."
"I see," Rayne said looking out the window as they continued driving to NERV HQ.
"…" Misato said turning onto the main streets still feeling suspicious about why the ex-officer was selected as the new Eva pilot.
Arriving at the school grounds, some of the students saw that the usual group of Eva pilots were walking together. Rana saw people she knows and waves at them. Asuka guides the female twin towards them as a way to break away from the silent pair behind them.
"…" both Shinji and Rei said seeing the two walking toward a small group of a couple of female students. Blinking, both Eva pilots head to their homeroom. Reaching and entering the classroom, there was little to no people inside. Finding that they were alone, Ayanami turned around to face him. He was at his desk and put his bag on its side.
"Yes Miss Ayanami?" he said standing up and blinking.
"About last night…did I…make you uncomfortable?" she asked quietly.
"…" he said with a slow blink ignoring the rapid and multiple slithering sounds. It was followed by a horrid of painful gasps and demented giggling.
"No. Why?"
"You appear to have not slept well or at all."
"You are correct. It is difficult to sleep in a sitting position with two people sleeping on you."
"…" Rei said recalling how she and Rana were the only two on the couch. Though she felt irritated that the twin was getting between them again, the emotion decreased in severity quickly. Shaking her head, she looked back at him.
"If I have more nights of unrest…may I…sleep with you again?" she asked feeling a little embarrassed from asking. A small part of her felt nervous from thinking that he will probably say no.
"…" Shinji said about to answer when the evil voice spoke slowly and viciously.
'…S…h…E…i…S…p…A…r…T…o…F#$%# $^…processssssssssss…TOOBTAINTHECRIMSONWORLD' it stated with harsh mirth and static.
'Very well sir,' he thought with a small internal bow.
"If it helps you Miss Ayanami, I do not mind."
"…?" Rei said with a mild surprise on her face. It slowly turned into a small smile.
"Thank you Ikari," she stated taking a step closer to him feeling the urge to hug him.
"There you two are," Rana stated with a smile entering the classroom.
"…" Ayanami said going back into a neutral expression. Taking a step back, she forced herself to hold off the urge. The female twin walked toward them as she told the Third Child about the classmates. Two more people came into the classroom being Hikari and Asuka. The Class Rep looked up and stopped from seeing someone.
'He's back!' she thought going toward him with Asuka following a little. As if he heard her thought, the male pilot turned his head toward her. Seeing that his eyes were back to normal, she smiled at him.
"Ikari, welcome back. How are you?"
"Greetings Miss Horaki, I am doing better. How are you?" he stated with a small nod to her though kept his face emotionless.
"I am doing good. Asuka stated that you went through eye treatment at NERV."
"…" he said blinking before responding. "Yes. It was rather time consuming and a long recovery time. But my eyes are functioning normally."
"That's good," Hikari stated smiling then motioned him to come closer.
"…" he said blinking again then leaned forward a little toward her.
"Thanks for the advice about the bento. It seemed to work out," she whispered.
"Glad to hear it worked for you Miss Horaki," the Third Child whispered back and leaned back straight.
"…" Rei, Rana, and Asuka said watching them.
Both Rei and Rana felt jealousy rising inside, but grounded themselves. Despite seeing them only conversing, they didn't know what he did to make the Class Rep appear happy. Asuka felt irritated from seeing her best friend getting that close to him and what body language she was showing him. Remembering the bento box that the First Child stated Shinji made for them, it made her wonder if it was a peace offering or something else. Shaking her head, she planned on talk to her later regarding about what did she whisper to him.
"Hey Shinji!" Kensuke stated entering the classroom followed by Toji. Both headed towards him.
"Greetings gentlemen," he said turning toward them and nodding his head.
"How ya feeling Shin-man?"
"Better."
"Your eyes aren't as sensitive as they were?"
"Correct. NERV was able to treat them."
"That's good," the Fourth Child stated with a small smile. Kensuke proceeded to ask the Third Child as many questions prior to the bell ringing.