Disclaimer: Same as before

Chap. 2

AN: Okay, I will repeat myself. I got the idea from another person's fanfic, (apparently Blue Taboo). I simply wanted to do something like it in my own way and end it differently. But just so there is no mistake, I'll say this. "Inspired by Blue Taboo's: Neon Genesis Evangelion 'Cross'" Is that better? Please, don't let the fact that you've read 'Cross' deter you from reading this one. Another thing. I can't seem to find the fanfic 'Cross' anywhere. Has it been deleted? I wanted to see it so that I don't wind up writing the exact same thing. Anyway, what I do remember is that in 'Cross' even though they had one body, they still had a separate minds. But that won't be the case here as you will read.

Sorry for the trouble…

"Fused?"

Ritsuko nodded, "Yes. Apparently somewhere during the testing, the computer linked Rei's and Asuka's DNA and used the LCL to fuse the two girls. We are checking to see how this happened."

Gendo took in the information, "Is it reversible?"

"Possibly, but we can't be sure without sufficient data."

"Is she able to pilot?"

"Yes. In fact, far more so than either Asuka or Rei. She's showing a very high synch ratio that matches the Third Child."

"Will this affect the project?"

"More than likely, yes. But again, without enough data, we can't be sure."

"I suggest you get to work then, Doctor."

"Yes sir." Ritsuko paused. I'm going to regret saying this.

"Will...will she stay in the meantime?"

"That is not my concern. I'll leave it up to you."

Ritsuko nodded and left. Figures.

_______

Nerv medical room

Shinji and Misato waited outside of the room which held the strange new girl created from Asuka and Rei. Shinji held his head down, unable to know what to think of the situation. Misato stood nearby, watching the confused boy.

"Don't worry Shinji. I'm sure there's a way to bring them back."

Shinji slowly raised his head, "It's just...weird. She looks so...I don't know...strange."

Misato nodded, "Yeah, tell me about it. Just when you think things couldn't get any weirder around here, something like this happens."

Shinji put his head back down and Misato sat next to him

"You know, it's funny. Asuka and Rei as one person. I don't know what Rei would think, but Asuka would be livid."

Shinji looked up again and saw the half grin on Misato's face. Slowly, a small smile grew on his as well.

"Yeah. Who would have thought? Asuka and Rei. That's like mixing fire and ice."

Misato nodded and then blinked at the description, "Fire and ice? Come to think of it, they are like that." A full grin came up, "Seems like you've been observing them very closely, Shinji."

Shinji shot back, "No, it's not like that!"

"Sure, whatever you say Shinji. I just wonder, how do you describe me?"

Shinji stuttered, "Well...I....well...I never..."

"You are just too easy Shinji."

At that moment, Maya came out of the room, "You can come see them...her now."

Shinji stood up and Misato stood behind him and put her hand on his shoulder. They followed Maya into the room where the young girl was asleep. Shinji examined her. Her skin was Asuka's complexion, but a few shades pale. Her hair was medium length and was a bright purple, somewhat like Miasto's.

"How long has she been asleep?"

"For awhile. When she first awoke, she was hysterical. We had to sedate her just to calm her down."

A small beeping was heard and Misato picked up her cell phone.

"Hello...Yes...I'll be there."

She hung up and Shinji turned to her, "What is it?"

"That was Ritsuko. She wanted to see me about her." She patted Shinji's head, "Don't worry. I'll be back. Just stay here in the meantime. And don't try anything funny."

"Misato!"

Misato chuckled to herself before leaving the room. Maya left as well to conduct some more tests. This of course left Shinji with the young girl. Shinji nervously grabbed a chair and sat beside her. He just stared at the girl, not moving at all. Asuka and Rei, as one person. This is...just too much. What if she wakes up before they get back? What will I tell her if she wakes up? What if I say something wrong? It would be like me to do something wrong. Oh, man...

"Ikari Shinji."

Shinji blinked and it was then that he noticed the girl's eyes were not only open, but staring directly at him. If not for the chair, Shinji would have backed away to the wall. The girl's eyes were violet like her hair. But the way she looked at him was too much like Rei.

"....Aya...A...How are you?"

"I feel...strange. But I believe I'm fine."

"Do you know what happened to you?"

"I can't...all I remember...is being in the entry plug...no, two entry plugs. But how...what...who am I?"

Shinji backed away further as the girl sat up and clutched her head shrieking, "Who am I? Who am I! Who am I!!!"

Shinji watched the girl's desperate pleas and struggled to calm himself. I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away.

Shinji moved forward and held the girl's arm, something he never expected to do or believed he was doing now.

"Please. It's okay, it's okay."

The girl pulled her arms back and in one swift move, slapped Shinji across his left cheek.

"Don't touch me, baka!"

Shinji reeled back and looked at her. That's Asuka. The girl merely stared back and suddenly had a shocked expression on her face.

"Ikari-kun. I'm...I'm sorry."

Shinji rubbed his cheek and rose to face her again. "It's okay. You've had a rough day."

The girl slowly lay back in bed and Shinji sat in the chair beside her again. For a while they don't say a word. The girl merely stared at ceiling while Shinji stared at the window.

"So what now?"

Shinji blinked, "I...uhhh...don't know. But I think Dr. Akagi is looking for a way to help you."

"Help me. Or should I be saying us?"

"Uhh...me is good. I mean, I uhh...I don't mean me...you could... Just be you, okay?"

"Okay."

It was then that Misato entered the room, "Ah, you're awake. I have some news. Until we can get you back to normal, you can stay with us. It may be awhile so you'll have to attend school in the meantime. That means you can't tell anyone about this, Shinji."

Shinji solemnly nodded. It's not like anyone would believe me anyway. And having her in the house will be strange enough.

"As far school is concerned, Rei and Asuka went away for Nerv business and we are now with the Sixth Child. You."

The girl merely nodded, "Hai."

Misato cringed a bit. Just like Rei. "Well, we can go and pick up your things at Rei's apartment and then move them over to my house."

The girl suddenly jumped up out of bed, "Well, we might as well get started."

Shinji looked at her curiously. This girl was something else. She possessed Rei's calm demeanor, but also Asuka explosive expressions. It was strange...but comforting somewhat. Shinji was able to be relaxed around this girl.

"Do you...want my help?

She stared at him again. That same stare.

"Sure thing, Ikari-kun."

"Call me Shinji."

"Okay, Shinji. But what will you call me? At least until this mess is fixed?"

"Hmm. I don't know. Let me think." Shinji began to rack his brain and then he remembered what he said to Misato in the hallway.

"Asuka and Rei. That's like mixing fire and ice."

Fire and ice creates...water.

"How about Tsunami?"

The girl thought about it for awhile and then nodded, "Sounds good."

Shinji smiled at this and nodded as well, "Well, let's go Tsunami-chan."