Disclaimer: See previous chapters
Chap. 6
'Ayanami's causing that?' Shinji blinked. 'Of course she is', he scolded himself. It would be only natural that Rei would be Force-sensitive as well. But he never thought she would be this strong. More yet, she seemed to be...controlling it somewhat. Like she knew about it. But how can that be? Shinji calmly walked in as normal, but his mind was still plagued with questions, none of which he had the answers to. 'Maybe her control is from being an Eva pilot the longest. I guess she managed to control the Force in that degree. But how?' These questions dulled down as the day began and the teacher went on his usual ranting of Second Impact. Shinji tried to focus his mind, but he sometimes had trouble doing so. Just as his head was clear enough, a message appeared on his e-mail. Shinji blinked and opened it. He guessed it was from either Touji of Kensuke, commenting on their latest schemes and ideas. But that wasn't the case.
"You are different, Ikari-kun."
Shinji blinked. There was only one person who called him that. Turning his head, he looked over to Rei's seat, only to find her head was still looking out the window. Her eyes, or rather eye, however were another story as it was focused upon him. But that was brief and she refocused her gaze outside. Shinji turned forward. She...noticed? True, he hadn't changed outwardly, but his new state of mind made him act different only in a way a person would notice if they were fiercely observant. Which means that Rei had been observing his actions earlier on. But if she was that observant...? It looks like he would have to talk to her later. Like that's an easy thing to do. Rei may be his friend, but he had trouble when it came to talking to her. Mostly because she never talks back. But perhaps that is part of her control. It was the same as what Qui-Gon taught him.
"You can learn more about a person by simply listening to them. Their feelings, thoughts, and emotions are revealed when they speak."
That made sense. She seemed the type to do that. But it'll have to wait until after class.
_____
"Ayanami, can we talk?"
The class was in recess now. But since many of the gym teachers were absent that day, the girls and boys had to share one class, much to Asuka's disgust. While many of them did there normal gym activities, Rei was by the side gate looking out, much as she does during class. It was then that Shinji approached her. Rei looked at him with those crimson eyes of hers and simply nodded. Shinji partially gulped. Her gazes were always penetrating, but now he wasn't affected as much as before.
"What did you mean when you said I was different?"
Rei considered it thoughtfully and answered, "You are different. That is all. I can not explain it any more than that." Her gaze returned, "But you know that as well."
Surprisingly, her answer made more sense than he thought. Because she is Force-sensitive, then it appears that she was also able to detect the changes in his use of the Force. But she would have to have been trained to do that, wouldn't she?
"Well if it isn't Ikari."
Shinji turned around. Behind him, a large student came up and towered over him. Shinji reconized the boy as Goro Sakato. He was in the same grade as he was, but not the same class. He was also a known bully in the school. At the sight of him, many of the students moved away. But Shinji showed no fear. 'Fear attracts the fearful.' That also explains much of his life…
"Hello, Sakato-san."
The large boy was slightly confused by his attitude, but that quickly changed.
"You're the Eva pilot, aren't you? You think you're special just because you ride in that giant machine of yours? I have right a mind to..."
"Why don't you back off, Goro?"
At this point Touji came up from beside Shinji and glared at Goro. At this, many more of the student flocked away, while a couple others began moving closer in anticipation of a possible fight. Only Rei remained where she was, seemingly impassive to it all, but watching nevertheless.
"Move it Suzahara. This is between me and him."
Even though Goro was a good foot over him, Touji wasn't going to back down. "If you have a problem with Shinji, then you have a problem with..."
"It's alright, Touji."
Touji blinked in surprise as Shinji put his hand on his shoulder and tugged slightly.
"Shinji?"
Shinji merely nodded and Touji unconsciously stepped aside. Goro gave a grin and crackled his knuckles.
"That's right. Take your beating, wuss."
Shinji looked at him straight in the eyes and waved his hand in a slight gesture, "You do not want to fight me."
"I do not want to fight you." Goro muttered.
Shinji continued, "This is just a misunderstanding."
"This is just a misunderstanding." Goro repeated.
"See you later."
"See you later." With that, Goro walked away with an empty expression on his face. Touji was baffled by what just occurred and the other students were a bit confused as well. Touji blinked repeatedly.
"Ikari, what just happened?"
Shinji turned to him and gave a slight smile, "I guess he changed his mind."
With that, Shinji walked away from the confused crowd, but not before sharing a brief glance with Rei. A glance that she promptly returned as if they both were saying something.
'We'll talk later.'
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Nerv HQ, Commander Ikari's office
"Here it is sir."
The Section 2 guard left the chamber immediately after he delivered a tape to the Commander. He had been ordered to watch and record any changes that may have come over The Third Child. It may give a clue as to who Qui-Gon truly was. So far, Shinji had shown no real change, at least not according to the guard. But Gendo was a patient man.
'Everything comes to he who waits.'
Gendo watched the tape of the event the guard recorded. It was the scene where Shinji had confronted Goro. The bully seemed ready to fight with Shinji and then backed away for no reason at all. Shinji made no threats, no indication that he was even going to fight. 'Part of the training no doubt.' he mused. But he had never seen this kind of control over a person. It didn't seem possible at all. But also being a scientist, Gendo knew that there had to be a reason, an explanation. He just didn't understand it, yet. But he will. He tapped his intercom.
"Doctor. Have the Children brought in for a synch test."
"A test, sir?"
"The Third Child's data hasn't been recorded in a while and must be brought up to speed immediately."
"Yes sir."
Gendo cut the link and sat back. Now all he had to do was wait and see what happens.