Chapter 125: Incapacitated
Walking down the hallways to the Eva cage, Shinji and Rana walked side by side in silence. She was looking at the ground while he was peering forward. Opening her mouth to say something, she closed it from not knowing what to say.
"Is something the matter Miss Rana?" he asked.
"…why…" she began quietly. "…why did he…take that form?"
"Which one?"
"…the one…that looked like…you and me."
"…" the Third Child answered blinking a couple of times then looked at her. "Could you elaborate Miss Rana?"
"…" the female twin replied meeting his stare. Recalling how the dark clone looked from the main screen, she felt a chill down her back.
"Well…it almost seemed like…he was a triplet."
"…I see…" he stated giving a small nod. "I would agree."
"Why did…he want Asuka?"
"Other than to interview Miss Souryu and Angel, he did not indicate any other reason."
"…" Rana commented with a slow blink. Noticing a restroom ahead, she grabbed his wrist and led him to the male's room.
"Miss Rana?"
"Shh," she said quietly while opening the door. Entering with him in tow, she walked to the sinks. Turning around and letting go of his wrist, she started getting paper towels and wetting them.
"Is it possible to speak freely without him hearing us?" she asked ringing them out. Turning away from the sink, the female twin got in front of him. Slowly wiping away the blood that was on his face, he only blinked while looking at her.
"I do not know. I have not found a pattern for when…Mr. Sid decides to speak or not let alone listen in or not. However, he becomes less active due to certain events," Shinji mentioned quietly seeing the paper towel become stained with crimson.
"I…I feel disgusted that I am a part…of that inhuman fragment," she whispered with a tense face. Stepping closer to press herself against his chest, she got another damp paper towel to continue.
"…" the male pilot responded not moving or backing away from her getting in his personal space. Feeling nothing being triggered or his body trembling, he just blinked.
"…I see…"
"Don't you find what it does to be beyond cruel and revolting?"
"…" Shinji answered waiting for a response in his head. Not hearing anything, a small suspicion that the evil voice was listening came to him. Thinking of the question again, he came up with his own answer.
"I do find…Mr. Sid's desires and wants…to be avant-garde and…distasteful," he said quietly looking at the floor to his right.
"Then…why do you listen…" she asked finished wiping his face off. Looking directly into his eyes, they looked straight back at her with an unfazed gaze. Tossing the bloody paper towels in the trash, she reached out and gently held his cheeks in her hands.
"…and obey him so much?"
"…" he said turning to look at her face. "Do you remember…what he gave?"
"…gave?" Rana asked with a mild surprise face.
"Yes…to you…to me…to Dr. Ikari."
"…" she replied trying to recall what event happened that the dark clone gave the three of them something. Remembering a lot of chaos, confusion, deception, and torture, not much good came from what it gave.
"Other than nightmarish torture and forced insanity?"
"…" he spoke blinking and waited.
"He…he did split us in two," Rana said moving her hands to hug him. Holding him firmly, she placed her head next to his.
"As much as I appreciate the aspect of becoming real…I rather be inside you."
"…" the Third Child reacted feeling nothing from the comment. Strangely, the way that she was holding him seemed not to trigger a memory when the sisters did the same gesture. Hearing her speak softly, she sounded more emotional than normal.
"Since being separated from you…it hurts more now than before. I…I constantly want to know where you are…what you are thinking…what you are feeling…how you are doing…why I can't be with you all the time…the questions and wants never stop."
"I don't feel at ease if I'm not with you. I feel jealous when others get close to you…touch you…and hold you. The aspect that neither parent accepted me…fills me with immense anger and sorrow," she said feeling tears fall down her face as she gripped him tighter and tighter.
"…Miss Rana?"
"But most of all…most of all…I…I don't want you near Ayanami," she said moving her head back to look at him. His expression didn't change nor did anything else of him. His arms were down at his side as he stared back at her. About to open his mouth, she continued.
"Why…why does she want to be with you all the time now? She stays at our place more than her own."
"…" Shinji answered blinking. He was not too sure how to react or proceed with the sudden unload she gave him. Processing what she was most agitated from, he thought about it before responding.
"I believe the turning point for Miss Ayanami was when the Commander rejected her in the D-econt lab. You passed out when that happened."
"…!?" Rana said feeling surprised then saw his hands go up. Thinking that he would push her away, he gently wiped the tears from her face. Feeling a little better from him doing that, she thought about what he stated.
"Rejected?…what do you mean?"
"Commander Ikari replaced what he lost from the past," he replied staring at her eyes and lowering his hands. "From that, he had no use for Miss Ayanami anymore."
"No use? As in what? Like a partner or something?"
"More or less, yes. For Miss Ayanami, the Commander was a figure of authority, a caretaker, and the person of her interests. Since Dr. Ikari had been recovered, the Commander's goal, objective, desires, and wants have been met. The substitute he used her for had reached its usefulness," he said blinking slowly.
"…that's…that's…" Rana said becoming visibly upset and placed her head on his shoulder. Feeling how tense she was, her aura was becoming dark and intense.
"…why…why are they…the ones that gave us birth," she asked through clenched teeth.
"Miss Rana?"
"His cruelty…their rejection…their fear of us…our lives have been under a constant torment from one thing to another."
"…" he commented blinking and gently placed his hands on her back. Rubbing a little bit, he still did not hear anything in his head or have flashbacks. Blinking again, a response to her statement came to mind.
"…from my understanding Miss Rana, that is how life and fate are for some people…how one evolves from them and what their self-will can handle gives them a reason to survive or not," Shinji stated feeling her embrace seem to relax a little.
"…does…does that mean…from the rejection Ayanami experienced…she sees you…as the replacement for the Commander?" she asked quietly.
"…" Shinji spoke blinking and thinking about the question. Recalling a majority of the interactions and actions from the First Child since that day, it seemed that way. However, the female pilot stated something more in-depth than just a replacement of the Commander. Hearing the dark clone still not tell or voice anything, he continued.
"That is possible to a certain extent...however, I do not seek to command or control Miss Ayanami."
"…" Rana said feeling bitter about understanding why the First Child was pursuing him. As much as she wanted to deny it and voice her disapproval, she bit her tongue. However, her emotional charge was seeping out of her body. Backing up a step and letting go of him, she grabbed his hands and interlace his fingers were hers.
"What…what is Ayanami to you?"
"A co-pilot…a colleague…a neighbor…a friend," the Third Child stated in a stoic tone.
"…anything…more than that?" she asked hesitant. Stepping back forward, she pulled his arms around her back.
"…in some respects Miss Rana…she is close to both of us."
"…" the female twin said blinking then lowering her head. "…that's…true…but."
"Is there a trust issue that I should be aware of Miss Rana?"
"…" Rana said cringing from hearing the question. Looking up at him and seeing the same expression he had, she felt more self-conscious.
"…I…I don't trust…anyone except you…"
"However?"
"…" she answered cringing again.
Looking down at the ground and thinking about what to say, something came to her. Lifting her head up, her eyes widen and froze from what was on top of the male pilot. The dark clone took the shape of a child version of the Third Child and was sitting on Shinji's shoulders. Hugging his small arms around the pilot's head with its legs slowly kicking around his neck, the dark clone stared manically back her with an inhumanly wide grin.
Behind both the Third Child and the dark clone was the bathroom sink mirror. Instead of a reflection of the room's interior, it was a sight of a red morbid wasteland. Liquid crimson flowed everywhere while human atrocities were happening everywhere. The display of carnage and torture kept growing as the scenes seeing kept getting grizzlier and gore-infested.
"…!?" Rana reacted blinking and seeing both the mirror vision and the child gone. What remained was Shinji still standing in the same spot with the same expression. Looking around herself, she had backed up to the wall on the other side of the mirror without noticing.
"Are you alright Miss Rana?"
"…he was…listening," she said quietly still feeling tense and alarmed.
'…I…m…A…l…W…a…Y…s…W…i…T…h…Y…o…U…m…Y…s…P…a…R…e…D…s…E…e…D' the evil voice whispered into her head and sending a icy chill down her spine.
'#$% #FEELINGALONE! #$% #$DON'TYOUUNDERSTANDTHEGIFTGIVEN! #$% #$' it screamed murderously all around her.
'WWWWWHHHHOOOOLLLLEEEENNNNEEEESSSSSSS…DON'TYOUGRASPTHECONCEPT!'
"I DON'T WANT TO UNDERSTAND!" Rana shouted out loud back and scanning around the bathroom to see where it was calling from.
' #$%#$...g…o…o…d…#$%#rEtAlIaTe$#$%#dIsObEy#$%#!MuTiNy#$%#uPrOaR#$#$ALLTHEQUALITIESTHATISOPPOSITE!'
"…what…do you mean…opposite?"
"#$YoU#$%#$cAn'T #$%#$Be$%#OnE$#$%#$%…w…I…t…Haaaaaaaaaa #$%# $SeEd," it breathed the words next to her with static and chaotic sounds in between. Rana felt a tidal wave of goosebumps litter her skin feeling its vile breath dampen her skin on her neck. Whipping around and throwing a hooking punch, there was no one behind her as she fisted the wall.
"Miss Rana?"
"…" the female twin said pressing her lips together. Slowly turning her head to look back at him, he still hadn't moved. Still stoically looking at her, he blinked slowly.
"Y-Yes?"
"I believe we should head down to the Eva cage and wait for the other pilots…are you ready now or will need to freshen yourself before departing?" he asked.
"…" she replied with her head downcast and clenching her hands into loose fists. Frustration and frightened, she made out a weak reply of freshening up. Hearing him say he will wait outside, she watched his shadow leave her sight. When the bathroom door opened then closed, tears started falling down her face from the emotions she was suppressing.
Back in the command center, the Commander had given the order for the retrieval of the Second Child. He also ordered the retrieval of Eva-01. Despite everyone feeling drained from the Angel battle, a small amount of relief came to all as they went on with the new instructions. Misato went with the retrieval teams to go topside. Ritsuko instructed the bridge monitors to gather all data from the entire battle for analysis. She would go down to the Eva cage to check in with the pilots.
Topside, the Major rides in an escort jeep to the entry plug. It had landed a couple of street blocks away from the purple war machine. Other teams had arrived already for Unit-01 and were doing the prep work needed to transport the Eva to a lift platform. Reaching the entry-plug, Misato got off to see that the team had secured it. Seeing the lead standing near the hatch, she headed toward him.
"How is she?" she asked getting next to him.
"Readings show that she is conscious Major. We are about to open it right now," he stated then tapped his head piece to communicate with the HQ. Getting a reply back, the hatch release mechanism engaged to depressurize. After seeing the door rise a little, a whirling sound came and the hatch slowly pulled up. When it fully opened up, Misato looked inside first.
"Asuka?" she called out into the entry-plug. Turning toward the cockpit, she saw the redhead lying on the ground.
"Asuka!?" the Major called carefully stepping inside and going to the pilot. Standing above her, Asuka was in a fetus position next to the cockpit seat. Kneeling down and placing a hand on the teen's shoulder, the Second Child slowly turned her head. Wide eyes were boring back at Misato that made her flinch a little. Looking at her mouth, the redhead was mumbling to herself.
"It is okay…it is okay," the Major stated slowly and gently pulling the teen up into a sitting position. Wrapping her arms around her, she began to stroke her head.
"It is over Asuka…you are safe. Everything will be fine," she whispers while continuing to comfort the Second Child.
"…utopia…everyone…a piece…of…the…crimson…" the redhead mutters softly while holding herself.
"Shhh…it is okay. There is no such thing. Just think about the here and now."
"…but…world…people…things…attached…to…pulsating…body…"
'…what is she talking about?' Misato thought feeling concerned about what the Second Child was muttering. Shaking her head, she tried to get Asuka to snap out of her daze. It took a few minutes of coaxing and reaffirming, but the redhead slowly unglued herself and was responding.
"Alright…let's get out of here. I bet a hot sauna is what you need after doing that killer shot."
"…y-yeah," Asuka answered with a small smile then perked up a little. "Yeah. That's right. I told you I could do it."
"Mmm-hmm," Misato mentioned smiling and helping her stand up. "You proved me wrong."
"Shame on you for doubting me," she stated with a confident smile letting the Major help her walk. The hatch opening was nearby and she went to step out first.
"Now that idiot has to…" Asuka said stepping out to see a lead tech standing nearby. Seeing that he offered his hand to help her step out, there was something in the distance. Focusing on it, she saw something and felt her mind ping.
"Who are you-" the Major said behind her.
"NO! STAY AWAY! DON'T COME NEAR ME!" the redhead shouted and tried rushing back into the entry-plug. Running into Misato, she clung onto her and started hyperventilating.
"DON'T MAKE ME GO NEAR IT! I WILL BEHAVE! PLEASE MISATO! PLEASE!"
"…!?" Misato reacted with a shocked expression holding onto Asuka.
Slowly bringing her down to sit down, the Major slowly looked in the direction that the Second Child had. Startled and feeling goosebumps flare on her arms, it was Eva-01. Its head was tilted to its side and looked at them with an open grinning mouth. Despite the eyes not glowing, it was the aspect of what was inside of it. A cold shiver went down her spine as she patted Asuka's head and tried to calm her down again.
"Major?" the lead stated nearby.
"It's alright. I will take care of the pilot. Continue with your recovery instructions."
"Roger," he said with a salute and walked away.
"Come on Asuka. Let's go somewhere away from here."
"W-Where!?" the Second Child asked still frightened and disturbed.
"We'll go to the medical facility and make sure there is nothing that is harming you," the Major stated gently pulling the teen up. "Don't look at it. Just let me guide you."
"…o-o-okay…" Asuka said keeping her head down.
Both walked to the escort vehicle and got in it. Driving off, they headed for a lift to take them down to HQ and eventually to the medical facility. The recovery of Unit-01 continued.
Back in the Eva cage, the other Eva pilots had grouped on the catwalk and were met by Ritsuko.
"Did she actually defeat the Angel by herself with one shot?" Toji asked in surprised after hearing what the scientist told them.
"She did. Because of her actions and quick completion, it has opened up the synch test for the rest of you," Ritsuko said looking at them all. When she looked at the Third Child, she visible shivered.
"Dr. Akagi?" he asked making her flinch.
"I-I'm fine. Come on. The quicker we get the test done, the quicker you all can go home," she responded turning around and walking toward the exit.
"…?" Toji said seeing the Third Child followed first then slowly by the other pilots. Shaking his head, he followed as well.
Leading the teen group to the synch test area, she would glance back at the Third Child. Given the developments of what happened during the Angel battle, she was both intrigued and disturbed. A small enjoyment came to her from seeing how the family relations with the Ikari family members seemed to be in a constant form of turmoil. Despite that, the aspect that the male pilot was also in the Eva was beyond her understanding. Shaking her head, she continued to lead the group while contemplating how things developed the way they had.
By the time the evening came, Gendo and Kozo got a message from SEELE for an emergency meeting. Heading towards the conference room used for those meetings, the Commander sat at the end of the table. Fuyutsuki stood further back from him with his hands behind his back. Slowly, all the members of the committee came with their holographic images. In looking at each individual, their faces looked tense and agitated.
[We shall begin the meeting] the older man with the eye visor at the other end of the table stated calmly. [Commander Ikari, explain yourself.]
"In regards to what?" Gendo said passively.
[Don't play dumb Commander] one of the committee members with an American accent stated mockingly. [What do you think this emergency meeting is about?]
"That is what I am here to find out. I'm not a mind reader."
[Playing innocent will not get you-] another member stated in a sneer before being interrupted by the head leader.
[Give us a detail account of the Angel attack Commander Ikari.]
"Was the summary report not detailed enough?"
[Detailed enough!? Poppycock!]
[Utterly ridiculous!]
[The whole outcome was preposterous!]
"And yet it happened," Gendo said with his hands interlaced in front of his mouth.
[Ha. Playing coy] a committee member with a German accent stated. [It has saved your skin so far, but not forever Commander.]
"And yet, I am entrusted with the new production series and training of pilots…something that all other branches have failed in producing equivalent results."
[Why you-!?]
[Silence!] the lead head stated and slammed his fist on the table. The room became quiet as the eye visor individual leaned forward.
[Now Commander Ikari…give us your account of the Angel battle] he demanded. Gendo gave his account of what he observed and lead through the Angel attack. When it came to the Second Child, the other committee members wanted to speak and interrupt. However, the head committee member shot them down.
"Instead of loading into Unit-02, the Second Child got into Unit-01."
[Why did the pilot do so?]
"The pilot has not given a statement regarding her insubordination."
[Was it purposeful? Was there a tactical reason to go into that Unit you ordered to be on standby only?]
"Again, the Second Child has not given a statement regarding her insubordination," Gendo replied again passively and not moving.
[Moving on…the positron rifle…insiders have told us that it could not reach the distance of the Angel in orbit.]
"Correct," the Commander stated when an image of the Angel battle came up.
It showed Unit-01 lifting the weapon in the air. A small shockwave spread out from the general area of the weapon that looked like air was enclosing into it. When it fired, the orange beam matched the same brightness of the light the Angel was shining down. Skipping frames, the ending ones showed the beam defy physics and logic as it punched through the AT-Field. Instead of exploding the Angel, the beam melted a hole in the mammoth's body.
[Explain this development Commander. What are you producing in that branch?]
"It is simple really…I am producing results," he stated calmly in which a couple of committee members seethed through their teeth. The sight was enough to get a corner of his mouth to rise behind his hands.
[So it appears. Does this weapon have a second function that made it capable to achieve its feat?]
"No."
[Are you saying the pilot did this?]
"At the time when the Second Child was piloting and attacked by the Angel, the pilot became incapacitated and non-responsive. Therefore, we engaged the Dummy Plug System at the time of the weapon's firing."
[…] the committee members murmured in surprise with some still unconvinced. [Are you saying the AI that took over displayed this much power and resistance to the Angel's attacks and defenses?]
"There has been a previous battle in which the system has displayed more abilities than the pilots could achieve at defeating the Angels."
[Nonsense! Using a computer system and the Unit's primal nature could never achieve its displays and feats! It is too uncontrollable and unwieldy] one committee piped in. The other committee members wasted no time agreeing with the statement. The head member piped down the others till there was calmness again.
[Despite the progress you have made and achieved Commander, it appears to this committee that Unit-01 is not within your control.]
"Indeed," Gendo said causing committee members to blink in surprise not expecting him to agree with them.
[Are you in agreement with the committee's statement?]
"By all means gentlemen. Despite the power Unit-01 has displayed and the advantages from it, it would be in the public and private interest to seal it away."
[…]
"Do I have your permission to place the Unit in Terminal Dogma as its holding area?" he asked still in his infamous sitting position.
[…] the head committee member stated seeing that the Commander had caught the other members off guard. Deciding to make a decision, he answered the question.
[You may proceed Commander. Give us a summary report of how the Unit will be secured in its holding area and restrict any access to it. Is that clear?]
"Of course."
[Very well. We shall be anticipating your report] he said. Slowly, the holographic images of the committee members went away till there was none left. The room's lights came on and Gendo remained in the same position. Hearing footsteps coming from behind him, he lowered his hands to the table.
"Is it wise to not use Unit-01 and place in Terminal Dogma?" Kozo asked.
"Despite the power and advantages the Unit has over the Angels, it has caused two pilots to become incapacitated in two Angel battles," the Commander mentioned standing up. "As much as using the Dummy Plug System would resolve the casualties of using a human pilot, it won't resolve the morale of the maintenance and technical staff. All issues that the staff has been stating revolves around that Unit."
"That is true," the Sub-Commander agreed feeling somewhat relieved that the Eva would be placed in the deepest level of NERV. "When will preparations for its transport be done?"
"It has already started," Gendo replied pushing up his shades. "By the end of today, the Unit will be secured in Terminal Dogma."
"What will you use to keep it from moving?" Fuyutsuki asked as both started walking toward the doors to leave the conference room.
"Same method that is holding the other being down there."
Down in Terminal Dogma, technicians transported Unit-01 into the massive open area. Despite a majority of ground being flooded, they used a platform area near the large double door entrance. Anchoring and securing the Eva to large metal cross, they used cranes to lift both up into the air. Gently lowering into a pre-dug out hole, the purple war machine stood erect and crucified.
Despite all the staff feeling eerie and uncomfortable, a large amount of relief and satisfaction came from placing the Unit in the deepest level of NERV. Leaving and closing the large metal doors behind them, the flashing red lights from the other side stopped pooling into the dark large cavern. Darkness filled the massive open area as the flooded ground became still again.
' #$%#soooooooo…t…H…e…R…e…Y…o…U#%a…R…e,' the dark clone stated in its mind as red irises formed behind the eye slots of the Unit's battle helmet. Narrowing them, metal bending echoed loudly and screeched staring at the albino giant at the other side of Terminal Dogma. Seeing its face mask with a familiar symbol on it, the evil voice breathed out of the Unit with a deep slow exhale.
'…DoN't…WoRrY… #$% #$YOURLINKTOTHEHYBRID #$%#…iS…sTiLl…a…c…t…i…v…e.'
'Go to sleep you disgusting wrench,' the albino giant thought back squirming minimally. It was unable to move from being crucified on its own metal cross. Despite having no lower half, something else prevented it from moving. The massive red lance that impaled it long ago still remained in its chest.
'You don't have any power left to do anything. I will take back what your tried to destroy you filth. Once I get control, I will personally erase your existence.'
'…y…o…u…w…i…l…l…' the dark clone responded in a weaker and weaker thought. Its red irises faded away and the Unit's head sank.
'…heHehEaHahAHA #$ %#$%…heeeeeeeeee…eee…e…e…e…'
In the medical facility, Asuka was admitted to a room. Misato stayed with her until she was able to unglue herself and calm down. The doctors took over and relieved the Major. Stating that they will keep her posted about the pilot's recovery, Misato nodded and told the Second Child that she will come by tomorrow to check on her. Instead of the redhead's normal confident and feisty self, she was more tense and anxious.
The following day, two adults checked in at the administration desk. Asking for an update on the Second Child, the person behind the desk said that a slow recovery was stated on the pilot's file. Nodding, both headed toward the redhead's room. While heading over there, both held different get well presents. One had a bouquet of flowers while the other had an assortment of knickknacks that the teen would enjoy.
"How were you able to get out of being interrogated by security and the Commander?" Misato asked.
"I didn't really get out of it. It has been postponed for sometime later," Kaji stated switching hands of holding the small assortment of sunflowers and roses. "Is she really doing okay? What happened?"
"Asuka…well," the Major said looking at him then looked down a little. "It be easier to understand if you saw her yourself."
"I heard that the Angel battle caused her trauma."
"You could say that," she said as they came to a hospital door. Knocking, they heard heels walking closer to the door. When it opened, Dr. Akagi was on the other side.
"Hey Rits," Misato said in a lower voice and leaned toward her. "She doing okay?"
"Other than still affected by what happened from the Angel battle, she is physically fine," the scientist said then stepped out of the way. Both the Major and Inspector walked in. The Second Child was sitting up on the bed and looking in their direction. First thing they noticed was she was a little pale with dark circles around her eyes.
"Hi Asuka," Misato said going toward her bedside with Kaji following. "How are you doing?"
"…" the redhead said blinking looking back and forth between them. "…hello…I am doing…better."
"That good to hear!" the Major said with a bright smile. "Based on what the doctors stated, you are not physically hurt. Is that right?"
"Yes," the redhead said keeping a neutral face at her.
"Hi Asuka. For you," Kaji stated giving the bouquet of flowers to the Second Child. Seeing her blink, she slowly grabbed them and brought them to her.
"Thanks," she replied passively then held a downcast head.
"…?" both Kaji and Misato said looking at each other with surprised expressions. Her normal fawning over him was replaced with indifference. Looking back at Ritsuko, she was on the phone for a few seconds then hanged up. Seeing them look at her, Dr. Akagi walked over to them.
"I know this will be in bad taste Asuka, but can I ask you a couple of questions about the Angel battle?" Misato asked turning back toward the female pilot.
"…" she said without moving. "What about it?"
"Why did you go into Unit-01?"
"…" Asuka stated keeping her head downcast. An uncomfortable silence passed by as she didn't say anything.
"Was there a reason for going into that Unit instead of your own?"
"…" the female pilot said pressing her lips together and tensing up.
"Asuka…I can't help you if you don't answer," Misato said watching the Second Child slowly pull her knees to chest.
"Dr. Akagi?"
"Yes?" Ritsuko said placing her hands in her lab coat pocket.
"Is the Third Child standing outside by chance?" she asked not lifting her head up and hugging her knees.
"…" everyone in the room stated with surprise and looked at each other.
"There was no one standing outside when we showed up," Kaji stated calmly and saw the redhead flinch. Her hands seemed to increase their grip around her legs.
"I can call him here if that is what—" Dr. Akagi started to say when there was three consecutive knocks with slight pauses in between each one. The adults flinched and turned toward the door. A few seconds went by with quiet silence.
"Come in," Asuka stated despite shaking a little. When the door opened, one person stepped in and gave a small bow.
"My apologies for disturbing you," Shinji said standing up straight. "May we come in to visit Dr. Akagi?"
'…did she know…he was there?' Misato asked feeling a little alarmed from him suddenly being there. Though a coincidence, the other aspect was he said there was more than one.
"Who is with you Ikari?" Ritsuko asked.
"The other Eva pilots."
"…sure. Come in."
One by one, the remaining Eva pilots entered. All of them were in school uniforms while Rayne was in her civilian clothes. In a surprising gesture, all of them had a get well box or bag. Seeing both Toji and Rei having one was a bit of a surprise.
"What brings you all here?" Misato asked looking at them, but more so at the Third Child.
"We all wanted to visit and check-up to see if Souryu was doing okay," the Fifth Child spoke on behalf of the others.
"…" the Second Child stated.
The comment caused her to lift her head up and look at them. Seeing each of them having a box or bag, it gave her mixed feelings. Rana and Rayne were two people that she felt better towards while Toji was more neutral. Ayanami was her rival though she wondered why she would give her a get well present. Then there was the Third Child. Flashbacks came to her vividly as she stared hard at him. Slowly, only his eyes moved to stare back at her. It caused something to stir in her mind.
"…I…want to talk you," she said continuing to stare then slowly pointed at him. "Alone."