Chapter Eight

Startling breakthrough

Shinji walks through the corridors of Nerv, having finished another sync test. He was told that his score has risen by a little.

Dr Akagi Ritsuko tells him that Unit 00 has completely been repaired, and will also be deployed in the next battle. However, since Rei's injuries haven't completely healed, it will be Kaworu fighting.

He muses over that. Nagisa-San seems quite an interesting person. Rei likes him, Dr Ritsuko cares about him, his father doesn't seem to trust him, his classmates hate him. Maybe he should ask why. But then, that may seem impolite indeed.

Deep in his thoughts, he did not see the older woman rushing from the corridor. He crashed into her, causing her to fall.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," he apologises quickly, helping her back up. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, don't worry." She smiles at him. "You must be Shinji-kun. It seems like you have grown up fine. I hope Gendo treated you well."

"Um… Who are you and how do you know my name?"

"Well, it has been a pleasure to meet you, but I must go see my daughter first. Let's leave the introductions for later!"

Carrying the heavy pile of files, she walks away. A few moments later, Dr Ritsuko's voice could be heard echoing through the hallways.

"MOTHER!"

"Welcome back, Akagi-san." He walks in.

"Oh, it's good to see you also, Kaworu."

"I hope that you are feeling better. The after effects of what I can do are not very pleasant."

"It's alright. How's Rei?"

"Pretty good," Ritsuko cuts in. "The new system is better than what Yui did. She doesn't need medication as frequently anymore. Now, mother, explain. They said you went into a coma. You were brought back because you were supposed to be dying. What. did. you. do."

"Well…" Naoko smiles. "I dreamed. With help of Kaworu-kun's A.T. Field I entered into a sleep within my subconscious which helped me discover the origins of mankind and also figure out certain things about Eva and Angels. He keeps me up to date with what's happening, and I help him find a way to resist the urge of the beginning."

"Wait." Ritsuko shakes her head. "I don't understand what you are talking about. How does he have an A.T. Field? What is the urge of the beginning? All those years I was worried, and you were dreaming?"

Naoko and Kaworu stares at each other.

"You didn't tell her?" They say in sync.

Ritsuko sighs.

"Well, Yui's not going to be happy." A new voice adds.

"Gendo, you old man." Naoko says. "Took you so long."

"I am the commander of Nerv. I have matters to deal with. Besides, how did you even escape the hospital room?"

All eyes on her, she smirks.

"I slammed whatever medication they gave me into everyone in my way. I then ran from a giant robot chasing after me in jealousy. Then, as she was chasing, I crashed into Shinji-kun, making it impossible for her to chase after me anymore. You better start repairs and hospitalisation for all involved."

"You were given very, very heavy sedatives."

"Then it's your job! You're the commander, you said so yourself. Go clean up."

Gendo sighs. Naoko's even harder than Yui.

Shinji walks on, heading to the cafeteria. That was a strange encounter.

To his surprise, Rei walks in, and buys a drink. She walks straight up to him, without pausing.

He takes a step backward, shocked.

"Um...what are you doing, Ayanami-san?"

"Here." She hands him the drink, and leaves.

Shinji stares at the drink. Taped to the top, is a tiny hard disc.

In Nerv Berlin, Germany, in a hospital, a girl makes a phone call.

Kaworu picks up his phone.

"Brother, Keel will be coming after Ramiel in a VTOL. With only me. Prepare explosives by then.

Also, Shamshel is coming. That is all. GoodBye."

There is a moment of silence.

"You all heard it, didn't you." He sighs.

"You have a strange sister."

"Your sister is alive?"

"Yes and yes…" he turns away. "But I guess we'll all have to leave this discussion for later. Shamshel is coming."

The three of the, walks out of the office. Kaworu goes to change into his plugsuit, while the two scientists direct the preparation for the Evas.

He sees Rei, walking towards him. He shakes his head.

I can't let you bear that pain.

*omake*(this does happen in the story, though)

Faraway, the girl makes another call.

Keel Lorenz sighs. He ponders for a moment. He picks up the phone.

"Screw you."

Keel Lorenz sighs. That cost.

(A/N): Yes, you will see more and more of my OC. She is NOT a self-insert. She is my muse.