(Author's Note: "Hybrid Theory" uses several unreleased versions of its component songs, which may contain alternate lyrics. This is the first of them. I feel they assist the story's emotional draw, and strongly suggest that you find and listen to them; even though it is unnecessary to the enjoyment of the story, they are all at least as good as the final version.)

Chapter Four: Points of Authority

Forfeit the game, stop the talk show

Primed up to what you're taught to know

Forfeit the game, 'cause tomorrow

When it's all done, you reap what you sow

For the first time, spite entered Rei's apartment. She closed the door behind her with just enough calculated force to make her presence known, scanning the entryway with the prowling eyes of a predator. The apartment was unusually well furnished, at least compared to what she'd expected from Rei. If it corresponded to her personality, she thought, there wouldn't be a single piece of color in the house. Then again, these days the doll had seemed more talkative around everyone else. Must still be as smug and conceited as she always was if she won't speak more than a few words around me.

The first child was in the next room, kneeling amidst a sea of broken glass. She was collecting the many liquid-streaked slivers into a pile. It couldn't have been started more than a few moments before. She watched Asuka walk in, and said nothing.

"What happened in here?" she exclaimed.

Rei looked back to the floor and picked up another large shard.

"Well?" She leaned casually against the wall, close enough to both the girl and the bloodstain to cause discomfort. "Aren't you going to explain it all away?" Rei glanced up again. Asuka saw in her eyes that she'd gotten her attention.

You love the way I look at you

While taking pleasure in the awful things you put me through

You take away if I give in

My life, my pride, is broken

"There is nothing to explain," she said coldly, and resumed gathering the myriad pieces.

"Oh isn't there?" Asuka pointed idly at the length of crimson beside her, still wet near the lower edge. "I suppose that sort of thing just happens, then. Or have you been cutting up again?"

Rei stopped.

"I've heard the rumors, you know. Everyone has. About how you tried to off yourself? Most of NERV thinks you did it, you know. Of course, officially it was an error in communication. But it does make one wonder just why you're holding that sharp glass so tightly."

Releasing her grip somewhat, Rei stood to face her attacker. "What do you want?"

You like to think you're never wrong (You live what you've learned)

You have to act like you're someone (You live what you've learned)

You want someone to hurt like you (You live what you've learned)

You want to share what you've been through (You live what you've learned)

"Nothing at all," she said through a fake, sardonic smile. "I was just worried, that's all." She paused to wait for a response, and finding none, went on. "Shinji seemed very upset just now. He's barricaded himself in his room again. I just hoped nothing had happened here to cause it…"

"I'll ask you again. Why are you here?"

Asuka chuckled wryly. "Always the skeptic. Fine, then…" She searched for another weapon. "I hear more chatter at NERV than just what concerns you. According to some of it, I understand that yesterday our hero Shinji had a little…altercation during a training sim." Rei remained silent. "Made quite a mess from the sound of it. Tell me…is it true he killed?"

"No," she said solidly.

"Really? How disappointing." Asuka toyed with a drop of drying blood, nonchalantly smearing it with her finger. "For a minute I almost thought he'd developed a spine."

"He is not a coward."

"Is that so. Then tell me, why is he hiding in his room?" She didn't answer. "Maybe I'll go ask."

"You will do no such thing."

Asuka laughed aloud. "Well now. Getting a tad aggressive, hmm?" Her eyes were alive with the thrill of the hunt, and a fire burned behind them. "And what, dear wondergirl, do you intend to do to stop me? Should I be worried about that bloody glass you're holding? Are you going to cut me too?"

You love the things I say I'll do

The way I hurt myself again just to get back at you

You take away when I give in

My life, my pride, is broken

You like to think you're never wrong (You live what you've learned)

You have to act like you're someone (You live what you've learned)

You want someone to hurt like you (You live what you've learned)

You want to share what you've been through (You live what you've learned)

Asuka's muscles were tensed. Adrenaline coursed through her body. So close to the kill, just seconds away from finally taking that stupid doll out of competition…she stood, planted defiantly. And then, in an instant, her perfect plans shattered to the ground to the sound of breaking glass. Rei left the transparent dagger lying on the floor, and calmly passed the tigress at the doorway.

"Hah! You're both cowards!" she cried. "Run away just like your pathetic Shinji! Cowards!"

The only reply was the soft thud of the door.

Forfeit the game, stop the talk show

Primed up to what you're taught to know

Forfeit the game, 'cause tomorrow

When it's all done, reap what you sow

You like to think you're never wrong (Forfeit the game) You live what you've learned

You have to act like you're someone (Forfeit the game) You live what you've learned

You want someone to hurt like you (Forfeit the game) You live what you've learned

You want to share what you've been through

You live what you've learned

Asuka stood staring at the door, her rage boiling over. With a feral scream, she hurled a nearby book through the other glass plate. A shimmering typhoon engulfed the latter half of the room, led by the heavy novel as it smashed into the wall. As the silence gradually returned, she fell to the floor and wept, whispering quietly.

"Cowards…"