The True Confessions of Ayanami Rei Chapter 15: She Screamed I Hate You Shinji Ikari!, an evangelion fanfic

Hello all! I am back! I appologize for taking so long with this chapter, I have been very lazy lately. Honestly, that's my best excuse. Unfortunately I start school in a few days. This will probably slow me down so expect less frequent updates.

I don't own Eva!

Don't forget to R & R!

Ch. 11: And She Screamed, "I hate you! Shinji Ikari!"

I had imprisoned myself in a cage of my own creation as a last defense against Leliel's attacks. It was constructed from my own A.T. field and pure will power. As long as I stayed inside Leliel could not find me however if I stuck so much as the end of my finger outside the boundary I had created, Leliel would find me in a heartbeat and it would all be over.

I had no idea how Leliel had survived berserker Units Zero and One. She had clung to life somewhere inside Unit Zero's core and maybe as deep as my own. I didn't know and there was no way to know for sure without leaving my protection. Still there was one thing I did know, Leliel was alive and that for me was in big trouble.

I was trapped with in this small sphere with nothing to do but to think. Trying to come up with a way to defeat Leliel and free myself. However I could come up with nothing that didn't involve me leaving the safety of the barrier I had erected. I already knew that I couldn't leave because if I did Leliel would capture me and rip my soul into pieces.

So I sat, thought, listened and waited. One day I felt at the very edge of my senses a presence similar to mine. I didn't dare try to get closer to the source or feel it out because that would betray my presence. So I sat watching the other presence, wondering who it was and what it was doing.

Misato made her way down the hallway towards Ritsuko's office carrying a fresh pot of coffee. This was her habit every day since she knew her long time scientist friend ran out of coffee about this time every morning. However this was not to be the usual morning conversation between the two friends. Misato intended to have a talk with Ritsuko after the coffee was delivered. The problem was she didn't know what to say. In her mind Misato was figuring out the right words to say to her long time scientist friend when she got there.

Misato reached Ritsuko's office to find the door ajar and the blond scientist inside typing away furiously at her computer. "Hello, Ritsu. Need some more coffee?"

Ritsuko turned around with an almost grateful smile on her face. "Thank-you, Misato. My cup was getting cold."

Ritsuko held out her coffee mug and Misato filled it with the pot she was holding. The pair sat down and Ritsuko drank deeply from her cup. Then Ritsuko leaned back in her chair and smiled. "I need to speak to you Ritsuko, alone." Misato said suddenly.

Ritsuko looked over the edge of her coffee mug her face displaying her surprise. Misato was usually quick to start a conversation but she seemed antsy today for some reason. "About?" She inquired trying to sound nonchalant.

Misato hesitated, still unsure of what to say, then burst out, "Well, everything. Ritsuko, what you're doing for Commander Ikari, it's insane! You need to get out while you still can!"

Ritsuko shook her head looking cynical. "Fool. It's too late to escape, for any of us. You should worry about protecting your own head."

A look of anger shot across Misato's face. "So you're asking me to forget about you and let you keep doing what you're doing?" She replied having to forcibly keep herself from raising her voice too high.

Ritsuko shrugged. "Exactly. It would be best for you to stay out of the business I'm in."

"I'm not an idiot Ritsu, I know what I saw down there last night. You're copying children with Eva technology and god knows what else. What next?" Misato demanded in a hard voice.

"I'm not going to answer that." Ritsuko replied stiffly.

Misato sighed and shook your head a look of disappointment on her face. "Ritsu I'd wish you'd stop being so stubborn and let an old friend help you out."

"Ha! That will be the day you get back into a serious relationship with Kaji."

Misato made a face. "You won't catch me near that good for nothing, lecherous, unshaven, slob of a pig man."

"Really? Section Two reports that the two of you have spent a lot of time together outside of the office lately."

Misato's face displayed her horror and disgust at Ritsuko's comment. "That's a pack of lies." She snapped.

"I wish it were but the evidence is shall we say, convincing."

Misato shot Ritsuko a dirty look and crossed her arms. "So this is how you conduct diplomacy, pathetic, Ritsuko. Really a standing example. I guess you and the Commander really should be stuck together down there."

"Get out." Ritsuko barked loudly.

Misato's face revealed her surprise at Ritsuko's sudden anger. "Fine. I will; just answer me one thing; where's the fourth child?" Misato said in a dejected, hurt voice.

"She's resting on the medical floor right now. Commander Ikari had her up all night reading over her assignment. I imagine he'll have a brief interview with her shortly and then you'll introduce her to the other two children when they arrive for their sync tests later."

Misato straightened up. "I see. Well, I'll leave your to your precious work then."

Ritsuko turned around without a word, her face still a mask of furry. Misato sighed and left knowing she'd get no more from the fake blond scientist.

I was a copy of a fake meant to replace a fake. How ironic is that? I wasn't even a proper copy. My lungs weren't formed correctly, my soul was not the same and there were other differences. All of these combined made me less controllable and easier to destroy. Obliterate. That's what the Commander wanted to do to me when my job was done. I was to disappear because I shouldn't have existed at all. My life was a threat to his plans so I would have to go.

Die, that's what I didn't want to do. So I would have to find someway to survive.

Reika, that's what he called me. It was his first and biggest mistake. By changing my soul and name, I was no longer under his control. I would not, could not be his puppet. Instead I would be his worst nightmare. That's who I was, Reika Ayanami.

Beyond that I knew he did not want me and would have preferred me dead. I had nothing to loose by challenging this 'Commander' if I died that was okay because I would have died anyway however if by some miracle I lived I would win freedom for myself and possible all of the other Ayanami's. From this moment on I was in secret rebellion against Commander Ikari and all of Nerv.

Slowly my eyes opened and the ceiling came into view. I was alone in the hospital wing until Commander Ikari summoned me for our meeting. There was a plug suit in the closet for me but nothing else except hospital gowns because there wasn't anything for me to wear. I guess I would have to find something better when I got out of here.

I guess it was a good thing I had a plug suit since the Commander wanted to test my compatibility with Unit Zero as soon as possible. Even if everything went okay my scores would not be as high as my sister's. We had different souls. I would still be expected to perform and prove my worth. If not I was as good as dead.

I had to wonder what the others would think of me. Despite the fact our DNA wasn't exactly the same, Rei and I were indistinguishable on the outside and as far as anyone else would know we were identical twin sisters. That was the plan. I was to be Rei's sister.

The disk on the table beside me went off, beeping loudly in the silence. I didn't move or flinch. So the Commander wanted to see me? Well, there was no point in not showing up as expected. Silently I rose to my feet and left the room headed to Commander Ikari's office.

When I entered the Commander's office he was waiting for me. On his desk was a cell phone an access card for NERV and several sheets of paper. He handed them all to me without comment. I took the seat across from him and flipped though the papers quickly. They stated that I was now officially the fourth child, Reika Ayanami. I was to live in the same apartment my sister did and was to join the same class she and the other pilots were in. There was also a lot of official stuff I did not completely understand.

"I assume you've read over your assignment and understand what you are to do."

"Yes, Commander Ikari, I understand that my position is only temporary. I will be obedient as long as I am useful."

"Very good you may go."

I hadn't said all I wanted to but I knew to do that was dangerous. With what I needed to say said I turned and left the room turning my back on the Commander. He would not dare touch me. I was too important to him, for now.

Commander Ikari angrily pulled his gun from his desk drawer and aimed it at the back of the head of the blue haired girl. He should have shot her then and there but didn't. She hadn't said so but he could tell by the way Reika looked in that instant when their eyes met that she would not be controlled. She should never have been allowed to live and he ought to kill her. Except, as she had pointed out she was important in the short term but easily expendable once her usefulness was gone. She would die when he was done with her. Of that he was sure.

He placed his gun on the desk and picked up the phone to call Doctor Akagi. "How hard would it be to change the specs on Unit Five to match those for Unit Zero?" He demanded.

"Not very. I believe the Russian's only recently began construction on Unit Five two months ago. Why?"

"I want you to copy Unit Zero's specs and send them to our Russian friends. Tell them I want Unit Five to be built according to the new design."

"Understood."

"Also. Start preparations for a soul transfer."

"Yes, sir."

Yes, with some slight effort he would destroy this insolent doll with Eva itself. A smirk appeared on Gendo's face as he assumed his usual stance. She thought she could challenge him but she would soon find out how powerful he was.

I returned for my room where I was to wait for major Katsuragi to come for me. She was, I had been told, to introduce me to the other two pilots before our sync test later this morning. My knowledge of them came largely from the files I had spent most of last night reading. Rei's memories had not transferred well to me because of our differences. Most of her interactions with them had been lost or were fuzzy. So I determined to form my own impressions of them based upon what I thought when I met them. Still I had somehow maintained my sister's knowledge of Nerv's inner workings and hidden secrets. A fact I hoped to make great use of should the need arise.

Time dragged slowly by and I found myself pacing the small room in anticipation. What was taking so long? I sighed and sat back down on the bed. I should be more patient. Things would happen when they did and getting anxious over it would not change anything.

Now that I was sitting down, the tiredness from being awake for several hours straight was beginning to catch up. I closed my eyes and let myself rest so I'd have energy when the Major arrived.

I was awakened sometime later when someone began shaking my shoulders. I opened my eyes to see Major Katsuragi staring down at me with a smile on her face. She was one of the people who'd saved my life the night before I recalled. I liked her already. "Its time to go met the other children. Are you ready?" She asked.

I nodded eagerly and sat up. She led the way out the door and I followed quickly. We made our way to the Eva cage where I found the other two waiting for me. Pilot Sohryu, I noticed, held herself high with an air of superiority in a simple red dress. Pilot Ikari on the other hand wore a white shirt and black pants, looking more reserved and hesitant. "Asuka, Shinji, I want you to meet the fourth child and new pilot of Unit Zero, Reika Ayanami."

I had noticed the way Pilot Sohryu was watching me but when the Major identified who I was it seemed to cause a violent reaction. "What a doll number two? What's going on around here? What's with all these walking talking doll freaks?" Pilot Sohryu exclaimed.

I felt thoroughly insulted. How dare she call me a doll? I would have her know I was nobody's puppet. "I am not a doll." I insisted firmly fixing her with a resolved stare.

"Yes! You are! You're a freak just like her!" She laughed back.

Now I was becoming highly annoyed, why was Pilot Sohryu persisting in insulting me? More importantly how could Pilot Ikari stand so silently by and let her do it? I would not stand for this. "No I'm not. I'm not a doll. I bow to no one." I said determinedly.

"Doll. Doll, doll, doll. You're just a stupid doll!" She jeered.

Smack "Never call me that again." I replied darkly.

I stomped over to Pilot Ikari and stared at him with as much vehemence as I could muster. I couldn't stand him. The spineless coward, he had let her walk all over me like that. He had also left Rei open before. Me I don't know how I knew this, I think it was more intuition then anything else. So much for the great Eva Pilot. "I hate you, Shinji Ikari!" I screamed.

I stood my ground glaring at both of them breathing hard in frustration. So far I was not impressed and I think they were stunned by how strongly I had come out. Had they expected me to be like my sister, Rei? Unfortunately I could not be her. It was not who I was.

I glared over at the Major who was standing a few feet away to my side. "This is normal behavior? You guys don't defend each other from insults?" I said sarcastically.

"Reika." She hissed angrily.

That's when I knew I had crossed the line.

Shinji stood frozen in shock at this compelling presence. "I hate you Shinji Ikari!" The voice rang loudly in his head.

Reika hated, hated him. He just wanted to run away from her and those eyes.

She looked exactly like Rei but the two couldn't be farther apart. Reika was fiery and passionate like Asuka. She was unlike anyone he had ever met.

Still there was something about her that was so like Rei. Shinji had to tell himself several times that Rei was no where near here and it was someone else who had said she hated him. Especially because what Reika had just said was what he feared Rei would one tell him.

Shinji unexpectedly realized that Rei had never mentioned her twin sister. It was highly possible she hadn't known but still something seemed odd about that . . .

Asuka allowed herself a slight grin after Reika slapped her. This new girl looked like the doll but she fought back. Reika had done what Rei would never dare to do and slapped the so-called 'German Fireball'. Asuka was impressed. She liked Reika already.

I sighed letting my shoulder slacken slightly. I feared I had made too strong an impression on them. Still I felt that in one respect they both deserved it. Pilot Ikari seemed to recover faster and was the first to approach me although the look he wore was akin to an abused puppy instead of bravery. "Sorry for offending you." He said weakly.

He looked like he half expected me to scream or hit him. Instead I tried to smile at him. "I apologize for over reacting." I said softly.

All three of them seemed surprise at my reaction. I guess I really had gone too far when I lashed out. I would have to work on watching my temper lest it come out in front of the Commander. "I'm afraid we're not sure what to make of a new pilot after loosing Rei." Major Katsuragi aid, sounding somewhat relieved.

I offered up a small smile and extended my hand to both pilots. "Then shall we start again?" I asked.

Pilot Ikari accepted very reluctantly and we shook hands briefly. I then turned to Pilot Sohryu. "What about you?"

A small smile tugged at the edge of her lips. "You're cool."

It seemed that I would get no more from the Second Child so I nodded and accepted what she had given him. "Where have you been living all these years?" Pilot Ikari asked.

"In northern Hokkaido with my foster parents."

It was a lie but one I must tell if I wished to stay alive. "Did you ever meet the First Child?" Pilot Sohryu asked.

"No. I'm afraid we were separated when we were young and I haven't seen her since. I was only a replacement if something happened to her."

"I see."

Next to me I saw Major Katsuragi nodding in approval. She seemed pleased that we had ceased fighting. "So, shall we begin sync tests?"

We agreed and the other two departed for the changing rooms to put on their plug suits. I sat down on one of the benches near Unit Zero to wait for their return. With my arms around my legs, I huddled tightly against a chill that seemed to hang in the air. Something felt off about the blue unit that was just off to my right.

It was only my imagination, I told myself sternly. There was nothing wrong with Unit Zero. Slowly my inner dread began to dissipate and I let myself relax. All too soon the second and third children returned dressed and ready to go. The major reappeared and we went sent to the entry plugs. I followed the example of the other two children and made my way to Unit Zero's entry plug. I starred up at it for several minutes, a hint of the fear coming back in a brief flash. I gritted my teeth and forced myself to ascend the steps. He was watching me; I could feel it. I must do this whether I liked it or not.

I opened the door and went inside, taking the pilot's chair. After few moments LCL began to flood filling the tube. As soon as it was over my head I removed the mask I wore over my face that allowed me to breath air. I took a deep breath of LCL allowing it to flood my lungs. My breath came easily almost instantly. Sigh, if only I could do this in air and not pass out, for that was what would happen if I didn't have oxygen tank and mask with me. My lungs were only able to absorb enough oxygen to keep me alive but not conscious.

"Synchronization test, begin." Said Dr. Akagi.

I closed my eyes and relaxed as connection was established between Unit Zero and myself. "Zero . . . How are you?"

I opened my eyes and looked around. No one was there. I was starting to think I had imagined it but then I heard it again. "Half breed, false one, zero . . ."

"Who are you?"

" . . . Leliel . . ."

"But you're . . .."

" . . . Dead. Ha! Hardly. The second zero couldn't do that. She succumbed to my powers allowing me to live on."

"Why, why are you here?"

"You should know . . ."

I gasped in horror. She wouldn't . . . "Oh, yes I would. If you don't believe me take a look at what I did to the second."

"No!"

"Synchronization is spiking, harmonics are off the chart." Exclaimed Ritsuko.

"Synchronization has crashed. Pilot has forced termination of the syncro graft." Maya cried.

Moments later the entry plug was ejected. Reika bolted from Unit Zero's entry plug; she seized her respirator and ran out of the room sobbing. All of the Nerv personal sat stunned, wondering what just happened.

The minute the door opened I was out of there, sprinting for the showers as fast as I could. I turned on the hot water full blast letting it mix with my tears as I couched on the shower floor. I wanted to burn out the memories Leliel had seared into my mind. I wanted to forget everything, make it all go away.

When Misato and Asuka found Reika she was sitting with her head on her knees under the hot water crying her eyes out. "Mein gott, she's crying!" Asuka exclaimed.

"Reika, are you okay?"

"You can't make me; I'll never go near Unit Zero again!" Reika shouted between tears.

"Reika, you're the pilot. We don't have a spare." Misato reminded her.

"I don't care; no one should be piloting that thing!"

"Relax. We won't make you pilot until you're ready."

Reika looked uncomforted by the Major's words but she had clamed down enough to be back in some control over herself. Misato turned off the water and Asuka wrapped a towel around her. "Come on new girl" Asuka said, "Let's get you something to eat."

A short time later Misato returned to testing room. "Well," asked Ritsuko "How is she? What did she have to say?"

"Not a lot," Misato replied, "She was too upset to say much. The best that I can understand is that something spooked her and now she's terrified of Unit Zero."

"Well, whatever it was that scared her it must have scared her well because she crashed all of Unit Zero's systems. It'll take me a week to get them all up."

"I wonder what she saw."

"We'll probably never know but she's got a week to get over it. I doubt the Commander will let her neglect her piloting duties beyond that."

After I had regained control over myself, I began to realize what had happened to Rei to change the scenario. I also knew how to save my sister from Leliel's grasp. The question was, did I dare to go that far? If I did I would die and she would be back in his grasp. Of that I was sure. Of course there was the biggest question of all: how best to ruin the Commanders plans while not getting myself destroyed?

I hadn't been lying when I said that Unit Zero should not be piloted. During the time Unit Zero was in the Sea of Durac Leliel had managed to place part of herself within the blue Eva. No one else would notice because angels and Evangelions were too similar. Leliel was free to attack anyone who attempted synchronization with Unit Zero and hold Rei hostage while remaining undetected.

That's what had happened to me. When I had tried to synchronize with Unit Zero Leliel had found me instantly and recognized me for what I was. She had wasted not time in attacking me and if I hadn't crashed the system Leliel would have ripped my mind to pieces. She had come deadly close and I was convinced of her power. From now I would take special precautions when I entered the blue beast.

I pondered my new information as I made my way out of Nerv. There was much for me to consider before I did anything, especially because for now my position is precarious.

I had clothes to wear now, apparently someone had found the clothes Rei had been wearing when she was here last and washed them for me. It was not my top choice being a stiff regulation school uniform but it was better then wearing a plug suit outside so I accepted what I had.

My path out of Nerv led me past the room where Rei was held. Her room was no longer restricted as of this morning because of my arrival. I figured that I should go to visit her and see Rei for myself. As I approached the door I noticed that it was open part way. Through the crack I could hear the sound of Pilot Ikari's voice drifting from with in.

He stopped abruptly and looked around before he saw me. "Reika? Did you come to visit your sister?" He asked in an unsure voice.

I nodded and took a step inside. I noticed that Pilot Ikari was still uncomfortable around me but trying unsuccessfully to hide it. It was something I wanted to change. I felt regret at hurting him with my rash outburst and somehow I knew Rei would not approve. "I haven't seen her since before I can remember so now seemed like a good time."

Pilot Ikari turned back to Rei and said in a soft excited voice that was clearly forced, "Your sister's here to see you."

It seemed he was trying to be happy for Rei about my arrival even if he wasn't. He turned back to me and said in a soft almost apologetic voice. "You should be proud of her. Rei's an amazingly strong person with a good heart."

I didn't say so but I believed I knew what he was talking about. After all I was on some level still Ayanami. He turned to leave but I called him back. "Don't go I won't be long."

He paused and stood silently by the door for a moment before he returned to his seat. I walked over to the side of her bed and placed my hand on top of hers. To my surprise I saw just how similar our hands really were; they were virtually identical. It was a stark reminder of how much we had in common despite our differences. Your plea has been heard sister. Rest assured, your suffering will not go on much longer. I will set you free.

I had yet to decide how exactly I would free Rei from her captivity. However as a fellow Ayanami I could not stand by and let her continue to suffer at Leliel's grasp. So be it by her death, or the destruction of Leliel or something else; I would not allow this to go on. I would release my sister from my prison.

I sat down in the folding chair near Pilot Ikari's. From his demeanor I had the impression he did not want to talk to me more. However I felt that it was time I make a more formal apology to him. "I am very sorry for yelling at you this morning. I was out of line and extremely disrespectful towards you."

I looked over at Pilot and saw the pain in his eyes. He believed he was a horrible person and my telling him I hated him had not done any good. I expected him to respond but Pilot Ikari continued to bite his lip. "I do not think you are a horrible person, nor do I hate you."

"You don't mean that. You must hate me?"

"Why?"

"Because everyone does. Asuka yells it at me often enough and I know my father hates me. Misato, well I'm just part of her job. Even Rei must hate me on some level although she won't admit it." Pilot Ikari said in a rush.

He blinked as if surprise he said so much to me. "Why would anyone hate you?"

"Because I'm a horrible, weak, disgusting person and a coward. That's why everyone hates me."

"No you are not. Had you been horrible, weak, disgusting, coward as you called yourself you would have run away and not apologized to me, nor would you be here at Rei's side. You would not be an Evangelion Pilot either. Instead you would have left NERV and never come back."

"You know about that?"

I watched as what I said sank in. Pilot Ikari didn't seem to be completely relieved of his self-defacing feelings but he didn't seem to hate himself as much as he had.

Shinji looked over at Reika surprised at how kind she was being. After her outburst earlier he had expected her to be much like Asuka and for them to have a similar relationship. Now though, Reika didn't seem so mean or scary. If fact there was something about her demeanor that reminded him of the gentleness and strength Rei had, if only just a little.

"You know about that, the day I arrived at Nerv?"

"Not the whole story, only what I was told. From what I understand you arrived at NERV during the height of an angel assault and where forced to choose between piloting Unit One and leaving. You chose to pilot, saving my sister's life and many other's."

"I only did it because I had no choice. I woke up in the middle of the fight to find myself trapped in the entry plug and Rei unconscious. If I hadn't piloted I would have died and so would she."

"You could have gotten out or said no, the entry plug is extremely safe from what I have been told. How do you know that by doing nothing you wouldn't survive? It is possible that you would have been fine and then be able to leave, right?"

"I guess so but as you pointed out, it's hard to know for sure."

"True but the point is, you had a choice and you decided to stay. I say that is a very brave thing."

"Did you hear about the fight with the square angel? Ayanami saved me because I couldn't make the shot on the first. She nearly died to give me a chance to win. That doesn't sound too heroic dose it?"

"No, but I understand that you got your second shot off in time to keep Rei from being badly injured or killed. Then you went to see of she was okay. Why?"

"Because I was scared she had died to protect me." He said after a long moment.

"Which means that you cared."

As we continued to talk I noticed that Pilot Ikari began to relax and spoke more freely with me. He never officially accepted my apology but it became understood that I did not hate him or anything like that.

I a way I need Pilot Ikari. He could enlighten me on what had been lost to me during memory transfer in a way no one else could for I sensed that he'd been close to Rei. So when the discussion went that direction, I waited to hear what Pilot Ikari. He talked mostly of Rei and the various events that had happened since his abrupt arrival at Nerv just over six months ago. He expressed regret that Rei, who he thought was one of the kindest souls he ever met, was so lost and lonely, unable to express her emotions. He seemed sadden that Rei was always the one who got hurt the worst when it came time for battle.

At one point he asked if I could stay at Nerv after Rei awakened so that I might help her escape from the cage his father had her in. I told him apologetically that I would not be able to stay long and I must leave once my sister was declared fit for active piloting duty once more. I did not tell him of course that I would be either on the run from the Commander or dead down below in terminal dogma.

I left him feeling even more confused then before. The Commander was my enemy. That was fact. Rei was my sister and someone I did not want to see back in his grasp again. Also fact. However after my talk with Pilot Ikari I had the feeling that Rei had made herself some distance and maybe even the beginnings of friends. I also gathered from his words that he cared deeply about my sister and what happened to her, possibly even romantically. The problem was: if I helped Rei free herself she would be back in the Commander's hands but she would also be able to continue her saga, maybe even change her destiny.

Did I want to deny her that?

No.

Still, the thought of placing her back into the Commander's hands was discomforting. What should I do? I wondered.

The monoliths of SEELE circled around the unhappy face of Gendo Ikari seated at his desk. The air was thick and silent with tension so great it was almost like a physical presence. Then SEELE 1 spoke breaking the long moment. "What have you done Ikari? You said you could present us with an unaffected Rei Ayanami and prove that the events with the twelfth angel while regrettably unplanned held no consequence. Instead we hear you've awakened the third early and she is defective."

"You're playing a twisted game, Ikari, and we don't like it." Insinuated SEELE 3.

"The committee has it wrong that I am playing some game. I'll admit that while the third did arrive early and unexpected. However as I have pointed out that she is far from complete and will be eliminated soon when the second awakens. Instead of the third we should look to the fourth as the ultimate version of Rei. Other then that the plan has not changed, gentlemen." Gendo Ikari said calmly.

"You're wrong Ikari. The board has changed drastically." SEELE 2 stated.

"This Committee doesn't not like what you've done with the pieces, from now on you must be less rash." Admonished SEELE 5.

"Furthermore this committee will be more wary with our support of you." SEELE 1 boomed.

"This committee does not tolerate betrayal, Ikari." SEELE 3 reminded him.

"I understand, gentlemen." Gendo Ikari explained.

The lights went out leaving Gendo once again alone in his office with a deepening frown on his face. Now he had SEELE on his case as well. This wasn't good. They thought Reika's appearance was linked to some sort of betrayal on his part. All the more reason to see that she was eliminated soon before she had a chance to further mess with his plans. Thankfully he might soon have a good excuse to do just that. He had a report from Ritsuko this afternoon about the damage Reika had done to Unit Zero. It had ended with the note that she was unwilling to pilot again. If Reika did not pilot Unit Zero she was useless to him and he could destroy her all the faster.

When I finally reached the place where, for the time being, was my home I was horrified. Not only was the area around it slums and suspicious, the inside was bare. It was quite possibly the most inhospitable place I had ever seen. Everything in there was bare and minimalist. Looking around I had to question why anyone would be here. However it seemed like the perfect place for Commander Ikari to imprison my sister.

Well, I thought looking around. Starting tomorrow I'll have to make these prison walls a little more hospitable.

There was nothing more I could do tonight so I changed into an old shirt and went to sleep much like my sister did.

The next morning I slept in until late the effects of yesterday taking their toll on my body. I was, nor would I ever, be physically strong or have great stamina because of my constant reliance on an oxygen tank to breathe.

When at nearly ten thirty I finally forced myself to leave the pleasant comforts of dreams and start my day, I discovered that there was no food to be found. So I would have to go out to eat. So I found one of Rei's clean school uniforms and made for the shower.

A half an hour later I was on my way thought the already crowded streets of Tokyo III, oxygen tank in tow behind me. I didn't have a specific destination in mind at the moment. My main objective was to see what was where and get a feel for things. Then I would have brunch. From there I would begin the project of buying me some clothes and furnishing for the apartment. I wondered if Rei would mind or even use any of the things I intended to buy when I was gone or if they would lay discarded in my absence. Only time would tell I guessed.

I passed a fried noodle stand after wandering a few blocks on my journey and the smell was irresistible. So I decided it was time to make use of my NERV credit card for the first time. I bought a large bowl of noodles with seafood from the vender and sat down at a nearby park bench to enjoy them.

"Rei!"

I swallowed and looked around wondering who was calling my sister's name. From the other side of the park came two boys who appeared to be my own age. One was bespectacled and had sandy blonde hair. Kensuke Aida, my memories told me after a minute. The other boy was taller, dressed in a sweat suit and had dark hair. I couldn't recall his name but he seemed familiar so he must have been in the same class as Rei. When they reached my they looked pleased and seemed not to have realized that I wasn't Rei. "Ayanami you're finally out of the hospital. I'm glad to see your doing better thought it must suck to carry around that big tank all day." Aida-san exclaimed.

"I'm afraid you have me confused with my sister. Sadly she's not out of the hospital yet." I replied, trying to be as gentle as I could.

"You're Ayanami's sister?" The other boy exclaimed.

I nodded. "Yes I am; my name is Reika. Who are you? Are you some of Rei's classmates?"

Aida-san puffed his chest out importantly. "Yes we are." He said proudly. "My name is Kensuke Aida and this is Touji Suzuhara."

"It's nice to meet you Aida-san, Suzuhara-san."

"I didn't know Rei had a sister. Why haven't we seen you around before?" Aida-san asked.

"I have been living in Hokkaido until yesterday. Apparently NERV didn't want me in Tokyo III unless I was needed."

"Wait, does that mean you're the new Eva pilot? I've heard rumors that a fourth child was selected recently"

"Yes, I am the Fourth Child and temporary pilot of Unit Zero."

Aida-san looked relieved and interested while Suzuhara-san was only curios. "Why have you been in Hokkaido all this time? Shouldn't you have been here with your sister?"

"You would think so but my sister and I were separated when we were young and by the time our relationship, we both had established lives. So it was decided that it would be best if we remain where we were for the time being."

"Bummer. So what about the tank?" Suzuhara inquired.

I looked over at the oxygen tank at my side that was connected to my nose by a thin tube. "This is to help me breathe because my lungs don't work right."

"Wouldn't that make it hard to pilot the Evangelion?" Aida insisted.

"Actually I am able to breathe just fine in the Eva but I was probably passed over as the first child because I can't under most circumstances."

"You said Rei was still in the hospital, right? What's wrong with her?"

"I don't understand exactly what's wrong with her but from what I've been told the angel did something to her mind and now she can't wake up."

"So she's laying in some bed asleep?"

I nodded. "It is hoped that she will wake up soon so that I won't have to be here long."

"You're leaving when Rei come back?" Aida-san questioned.

"I'm afraid I have to go back to Hokkaido and my life when my sister is fit to pilot again. I hope that we will be able to talk and get to know each other before I leave though."

"I can't believe this, you don't even know your own sister?"

"Neither can I."

I had a lengthy chat with both of them while I finished my noodles. They seemed pleased that I would be joining the class for the time being and eagerly filled me in on the other members. By the time they left I had a rough idea of what to expect when I arrived at class the next day.

After I left them I continued my day in the city. In the end I bought some new clothes and a porcelain statue of a girl in a kimono I couldn't resist, curtains for the window and sheets for the bed. Items in hand I returned home but had no energy to take care of things so I left them on the floor while I collapsed on the bed. I decided as I listened to the hollow sound of my gasping breath that I would have to learn to take it easy and control my energy. If I didn't I might collapse from lack of air.

The thought that Eva might kill me if the Commander did crossed my mind briefly. It was always a possibility, I knew. With a shutter I shook the whole idea off. There was time to worry about that later.

So how was that? R & R and tell me what you think!

And finally, a teaser:

A few moments later we were placed on the launch pad. "Evangelion Unit Zero lift off!" Major Katsuragi cried.

With that we were shot off towards the surface. When I arrived everything was quiet. A quick scan showed me that the action was about four miles from my present location. So that's the way I went.