The way NERV HQ had been designed, every nook and cranny of the structure was made to be useful in some form or another. There was no room for waste and there was no empty space to be wasted. This had caused some problems when members of NERV's new friend Bethel appeared and wanted to set up shop somewhere. After a considerable amount of arguing and rearranging they had managed to clear out a single decently sized room that was as Bethel put it, adequate for their needs. It was largely empty, with Bethel's technicians setting up all sorts of computers and devices, with the final touch being placed in the centre.

Misato and Ritsuko watched carefully from the sides, trying their best to stay out of the way. Neither of them truly trusted Bethel, and if anything were to go wrong they wanted to be the first to know about it. For all they knew, all this could be to set up a bomb that would blow them all to hell and back. Misato flicked her gaze across the room, trying to pick out the potential threats among the unimpressive and honestly somewhat sad looking technicians. Ritsuko on the other hand analysed the technology rather than the people. So far it seemed to be harmless. Well, as harmless as a computer could be. It certainly wasn't in her hands, she thought with a smirk.

The technicians stepped away from the object in the middle of the room, now hooked up to wires and connected to their computers. It looked like a prayer wheel of some kind with glowing symbols inscribed on the surface of the metal. As part of the Prime Minister's generous multi-terabyte library of information, Ritsuko had read up on such devices. Terminals, as they were called, were able to transport people over great distances almost instantly and, if Bethel was to be believed, even across dimensions by drawing on power from the space between realities. In theory, it made sense to her. Multiverse theory wasn't a new concept and if this was proof of that, well it wasn't exactly a theory anymore. But she still needed that proof. Other dimensions were easy enough to accept, but the demons? That was a little trickier.

Satisfied with their work, the technicians powered on their devices, linking them up with NERV's systems. No alarms went off, no explosions, nothing. Misato realised she had been holding her breath. "Geez, this stuff is going to take years off my life," She murmured to her friend who couldn't help but snort.

"Worried are you? And here I thought you didn't give a damn."

"Hey, that's not fair." The captain flicked Ritsuko's forehead. "I have every reason to be worried. If things go wrong it's going to be on my head. And the paperwork will be hellish." She paused. "Also I don't want Shinji to be hurt."

"Then why'd you bring him along?"

"Because I thought it'd be cool!" She huffed, crossing her arms. "That kid needs to see not everything is doom and gloom. It's depressing."

"And if things went wrong today, that might have proven his perspective."

"Well I didn't realise that until after, all right? Cut me some slack here."

From across the room, one of Bethel's members called out to the pair. "Everything's been set up. We're about to perform a test, so if you want to leave for your safety now is the time."

Ritsuko nodded. "Thank you, but I want to see this with my own eyes." Seeing is believing after all. Misato gave a similar response, only in a more flirtatious manner.

"I'm sticking around too. After you went to all this trouble, I want to see it in action!"

Satisfied and only mildly thrown off by Misato's tone, the man pressed a button on his earpiece and spoke to an unknown party. "We're set up in Tokyo-3, sir. Ready for testing." He paused. "Are you sure? If something goes wrong-" He was cut off. "Of course. Whenever you're ready."

There was a brief moment of silence before the pressure in the room shifted. The symbols on the terminal blazed to life before all three sections began to spin somehow without disturbing the wires attached to it. The sound of electricity echoed the air as the smell of ozone filled the air. The symbols, now moving so fast they blurred together, suddenly flashed a brilliant blue, the light expanding out like a supernova. Then it pulled back and coalesced into a physical form, and when the terminal became still and dull Hayao Koshimizu stood before them, blasé as always.

"There," He said coolly, stepping away from the device in the centre of the room. "As I said, there was no cause for concern."

The man from before bowed his head. "Apologies, Director."

"There is no need. Though I appreciate your concern." He came to a stop before the two women. "Akagi, Katsuragi. A pleasure to see you both again."

"Likewise." Misato offered her hand, all business. She didn't want to humiliate herself again. Or try to kill him again. He took her hand and offered a politician's handshake without hesitation. "I'm glad that we can make both our jobs a bit easier."

"Indeed," His face formed a harrowing smile. "We will be bringing your counterparts over momentarily. Though I advise that she is not as easy to get along with."

She frowned. "Counterpart?"

"The leader of our military forces," He explained. "An Archangel who has led our forces for some time."

"An angel?" Ristuko couldn't help herself. After thinking of Angels as the enemy, being told that one was going to help them seemed a bit strange. But of course, she realised, he means it in the Biblical sense.

Koshimizu, for his part, didn't seem to notice her internal dispute. "Bethel was established by the servants of God to protect humanity. Angels are simply a part of that order."

"I see," Misato nodded slowly. "Would it be safe to watch them arrive? I brought someone that I thought would enjoy this but I won't put him in any danger."

The man smiled and shook his head. "Have no fear, there is no risk of such things. Fierce as she may be, she stands on the side of humanity. And anyone in NERV is free to watch."

"Thank you, Prime Minister."

He raised a hand. "Please, merely Director or Koshimizu is enough."

"Well then," Misato bowed her head. "Thank you, Director Koshimizu." She turned and left the room, not seeing Koshimizu crack an honest smile over her loophole for continued formalities.

Strolling down the halls, it didn't take long to find the slumped figure of Shinji Ikari sitting alone, short brown hair ruffled around the headphones resting on his head as he listened to the same songs he always did, lost in his own world. Misato sighed. The boy was so unengaged with what was going on around him that he didn't notice her until pulled his headphones off, almost sending the startled boy to the floor.

"Come on, I wasn't even gone that long."

"Sorry!" He fumbled with his bag as he tried to stuff his SDAT and headphones away. "I was just waiting so I thought-"

"You need to relax, kiddo. I'm not mad at you."

He opened his mouth to continue, then dropped his head and mumbled. "Sorry, Miss Misato."

"I told you to relax," She said while slapping him enthusiastically on the back. "Come on, you've got to see this thing. You're going to love it!"

The woman grabbed and practically dragged into the dimly lit room making him the centre of attention, a place he was certainly uncomfortable with, especially with all these strangers. Dr Akagi watched him, raising an eyebrow at her friend, and a man with slicked back hair assessed him with a critical eye. Shinji frowned. He looked familiar somehow.

"Ah," He said, approaching the pair. "This is one of the pilots I presume?"

Shinji stood bolt upright, face flushed with embarrassment. "Hello! I'm Shinji Ikari, sir!"

"I see," The man nodded. "The commander's boy. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Hayao Koshimizu, director of Bethel."

"Um, like Prime Minister Koshimizu?"

"The very same."

"Huh?!" Shinji felt his jaw drop. That's why he looked familiar?! The Prime Minister was the head of this Bethel organisation? I'm talking to the Prime Minister! As if possessed, his entire body shifted into a bow. "S-sir! I'm sorry!"

Koshimizu chuckled and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, making Shinji flinch. "There is no need for such things. You are the one that fought in Tokyo, are you not? Stand tall, Shinji Ikari." Slowly, Shinji raised his gaze. "We have you to thank for this alliance. You saved lives, and proved yourself a courageous young man. So, on behalf of both Bethel and Japan, I thank you."

Shinji blinked, unsure of how to respond. He took a step back, stumbling into Misato who laughed. "This is when you thank him."

"Thank you!" He blurted out, his nerves completely on edge. He couldn't have been in the room more than a minute, yet he was already a wreck. Koshimizu merely smiled and returned his attention to those under his command.

"Is she ready?"

"Yes sir," Came the response. "Just waiting for your confirmation."

"Very well." He raised his hand. "Bring her over. For those from NERV present, I advise you to take a step back. This room isn't as big as the one in Tokyo."

As Misato, Ritsuko and Shinji followed his instructions, the Terminal lit up once again. The symbols spun once again, and Shinji was enthralled by the sight. For the briefest of moments, it was as if he could see into the heart of reality as light exploded off the cylinder before once again coalescing into solid matter, only this time there more than one person had appeared. Everyone was silent.

The first six figures wore identical white gowns and golden masks, the only skin exposed being that on the arms and legs. Each one held a golden spear, and at their backs were a pair of pale wings, their movements playing with their long, brown hair, upon which a halo rested. Angels. True, Biblical Angels. They observed the room's inhabitants with an air of indifference and caution, their weapons held loosely, but held all the same. The seventh figure, stepping forward from the Angels that flanked each side, was another story. This one was a woman, tall and head held high. She wore nothing but boots, gauntlets and a leotard forged from gold, the latter of which left little to the imagination and made Misato question if she should have brought Shinji. Her silver hair was short, held back by a tiara of sorts and framed by a collar once again forged from gold and trembling wings pointed skywards. Her skin was deeply tanned, almost blending in with her armour, but contrasting greatly with the cobalt blue of her lips and nails. In her right hand she held a sword, the cross guard resembling a crucifix, with the quillons and blade more pointed spears than cutting edges.

Her gaze, framed by a mask of metal seemingly fused to her skin, raked over the assembled group. Eventually her green reptilian eyes settled on Koshimizu, and with a tisk of disapproval she moved to meet him. It was only when it reflected the light that the trio from NERV realised to their horror that her skin was made of metal rather than flesh. She came to a stop and her wings, pure white but tipped with black, unfurled as if to increase her size before a predator.

"Director," She huffed.

"Abdiel," Koshimizu returned, bowing slightly. "Allow me to introduce everyone." He turned to his companions. "Representatives of NERV, this is the Archangel Abdiel, leader of the Holy Army of Bethel. Abdiel, this is Doctor Ritsuko Akagi, head of NERV's science division. Captain Misato Katsuragi, chief strategist and tactician against the Angel threat. And this," He gestured to Shinji, drawing the baleful gaze of the golden woman. "Is the Third Child, Shinji Ikkari."

The woman, Abdiel, regarded him like an insect. "So, you're the boy who rampaged through Tokyo." Her voice was harsh, reverberating as if passing through a metal pipe. Shinji stepped back, afraid of the harshness in her voice, prompting Misato to step between them. She glared at the Angel, who met her gaze. Eventually she relented, furling up her wings. "I suppose that I should express gratitude for your services to Bethel. This alliance would be nothing if not for you." She glared at Ritsuko. "And I assume you are to blame for insulting my brethren."

She blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Am I correct in assuming that you are responsible for all matters regarding those… abominations you battle with?" She took a step forward, looming over the scientist. "Tell me, for what reason have you chosen to associate my kin with those creatures?"

Ritsuko refused to be intimidated, standing her ground. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand. It seems that I offended you in some way-"

"You have."

Oh, She realised. He was sugarcoating it. She won't be easy to get along with at all .

"Those creatures that gave the names of my fellow servants of God, insulting their memories. Pray tell, what possessed you to name them Sachiel and Shamshel?"

Ritsuko took a deep breath before smiling. "Noted. We'll be sure to name the next Angel 'Abdiel' so we can avoid little mistakes like that."

The Angel glowered, the grip on her sword tightening. "That does not answer my question."

"That's enough." Koshimizu stepped between them, shooting them both a warning look. "I would prefer our alliance not fracture with the first interaction between our leaders."

Abdiel narrowed her eyes but relented, stepping back in line with the other angels. "Very well. Then if I have no further business here I shall inspect this facility."

"A sound idea," Koshimizu turned to the women. "Could you procure a qualified guide for her? I imagine she wants a thorough tour."

"Right away," Misato murmured, her eyes watching the angel long enough to see her scowl at Koshimizu. With an appropriate guide sorted, Abdiel started down the halls of the building, leaving her supposed guide to try and catch up with her and the floating white figures accompanying her. When she was finally out of sight, Koshimizu let out a sigh.

"So," Ristuko crossed her arms. "Did that go better or worse than you hoped?"

"That went precisely how I expected it to," He replied, not taking his eyes off the hallway. "Though I still apologise for her behaviour."

"Damn right," Misato growled, turning her attention to the boy behind her. "Shinji, are you ok?"

"Yeah," He stammered, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. I just… I don't think she likes me."

"Abdiel has always been harsh," Explained Koshimizu. "Her loyalty is unshakeable, and that makes her inflexible. Do not think she holds any malice towards you."

Shinji pulled at the sleeve of his right arm, uncertain. "If you say so." He winced. "Sir! Sorry sir."

The Director looked at the boy, raising an eyebrow. "Did I not say such formalities were unneeded?"

"Probably?" He couldn't remember. It felt like the adults were just talking around him today so he hadn't been paying that much attention. "If it's ok, I think I'd rather call you Prime Minister, sir."

Koshimizu sighed. "Very well. But at least call me Director, not Prime Minister."

"Sure," Shinji didn't quite understand the difference, but it would be rude to call him something he didn't want to be.

"Are we done here?" Ritsuko interjected, growing impatient. "I have more work to do, which includes programming the MAGI with the data you've given us."

"MAGI?" Koshimizu brought his hand to his chin. "Yes, I would like to see this device myself. However, there is one last matter to attend to." He turned to Shinji and smiled. "I assure you that this one will be far more agreeable than the last."

The boy didn't quite understand what that was supposed to mean, but his curiosity was piqued. The Director nodded to the technicians who once more activated the terminal. Light flashed, thunder cracked, and when it faded there were two figures standing before them. They had no aura of grand authority like Koshimizu did, nor the terrifying presence of Abdiel. No, Shinji realised, these were normal humans. School children at that.

Both were a few years older than he was, probably in their last year of school before graduation, and their uniforms were designed with intricate symbols that no school he had ever seen would have allowed or afforded. The one on the left was a girl, wearing a light blue jacket over a white shirt and grey plaid skirt, her dark hair reflecting the fading light of the terminal. Her grey eyes flickered around the room as she regained her bearings until it settled on the group before her, to whom she flashed a friendly smile. The one on the right, the you man, seemed much less disoriented. He was wearing a dark uniform adorned with bright white lilies across his shirt and pants, the entire thing maintained to perfection with nary a speck of dust to be seen. A leather satchel was slung over his shoulder that he gripped with his right hand. His hair though neat had a mismatched fringe, as if cut blindly before being corrected as best he could, and from behind those messy bangs were a pair of pale blue eyes that seemed to betray his cool persona. Shinji could see something in them, not quite fear and closer to uncertainty but not completely removed from them. Koshimizu gestured them to come closer and they complied, the boy a hesitant step behind the girl.

"Hello!" The girl waved to them, her voice surprisingly cool. "I'm guessing you're working for NERV, huh?"

"Uh, yeah." Shinji hadn't expected the next set of arrivals to simply be some kids like him, but he had to admit this was more agreeable than the half naked angry metal woman that may or may not stab him. "You're from Bethel?"

"That's correct," Koshimizu answered for them. "Meet two of our greatest assets. The saint of Bethel, and…" He paused just long enough for the two women to notice. "Our newest and brightest combatant. Feel free to introduce yourselves."

Silence hung in the air, with both parties hardly willing to make the first move until the girl stepped forward. "I guess I'll go first then. Hi," She offered her hand to Shinji. "I'm Tao Isonokami. I'm a third year at Jouin High School, and I've been working with Bethel for a few years now. Nice to meet you."

Taking her hand, Shinji gave a careful shake. "I'm Shinji Ikari. I've been a pilot at NERV for a few, uh, weeks. It's very nice to meet you, Isonokami."

She giggled. "Aw, you don't need to be so respectful. Just call me Tao. It takes less time anyway."

"Ok then," Shinji slumped. This was becoming a pattern. He turned to the young man, expecting an introduction of his own, but he remained quiet.

"There's no need to be shy here kid," Misato teased. "We won't bite you."

The boy looked to the captain but remained silent. Eventually Tao grew impatient and elbowed him in the ribs. "Come on, it's only fair."

He rubbed his sides, lips forming a narrow line before he relented, turning to face the strangers.

"Hey," He murmured, his voice rather soft and delicate. "I'm Kazuki Saito." At another elbow to his side, he offered his hand to Shinji. The shake was weaker than Tao's.

"So then," Misato leaned down slightly. "How long have you been working for Bethel, Mr 'Newest and Brightest' ?"

Kazuki turned to face her with no urgency. "A day."

Misato blinked. So did Shinji. "What?" He blurted out.

"Maybe two," The young man admitted, nervously gripping his satchel.

"One or two?" Ritsuko frowned. "What, you can't remember something with that small of a window?"

He winced slightly. "It's complicated."

"Hey, give him a break." Tao stepped forward, her brow creased. "A lot's happened, ok? He's still new to all this."

Shinji felt shame well up inside him. "I'm sorry, we didn't mean anything-"

"You're fine." It was surprising how such a soft voice could cut through the air so decisively. "It's just… weird."

Koshimizu cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to him. "Young Saito here joined the day before my proposal to Commander Ikari. But he has already proven himself to be a skilled ally." He rested his hands in his pockets. "Now, I have business to attend to with Captain Katsuragi and Dr Akagi. You two are free to explore this facility- within reason." He added quickly as he saw Ritsuko tense up. "If you need to return to Tokyo, simply use the terminal. I know you have academic responsibilities and do not wish for them to suffer due to my actions. Oh, and Saito?" The young man looked up. "I should warn you that Abdiel is also inspecting this facility. I advise against crossing her path."

He gave a solemn nod, and before the director could leave he found his voice. "Director Koshimizu?"

He turned back, eyebrow arched. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to ask about Aogami." He fidgeted with his satchel. "I haven't seen him since returning. Is he ok?"

Koshimizu's expression softened. "Ah, I see. We're still running repairs on him, as he was out of commission for some time. But do not fear," He smiled. "It will not be long now, and once that is complete you will be the first to know."

That seemed to satisfy him. "Thank you sir."

With that the three adults made their way down the halls of the HQ in silence, each one stewing in their own thoughts. Repairing him? Ritsuko wondered, eyeing the sharp man. Do they have some sort of artificial life form? And they said 'him', not 'it'. What the hell are they working on?

"So Shinji," Tao stretched as they walked. "What's it like at NERV? It seems pretty similar to Bethel, but at the same time completely different."

"I can't really say," He admitted as he led them through the facility. "I just pilot the Evangelion. Though it is a bit confusing to know where I'm going."

Tao sighed. "That sounds fun. What about Tokyo-3? It's really different from old Tokyo."

"Yeah, it is." Shinji hadn't really been to Tokyo-1, but he knew there was nothing quite like Tokyo-3. "It's really incredible. Miss Misato once took me to see all the buildings come out when I first arrived."

"Come out?" The pair turned to face Kazuki, who had remained silent until then but had apparently been listening intently. "What does that mean?"

Shinji suddenly found himself struggling to talk. "Uh, well, the buildings can go into the geofront to protect them. To stop people from getting hurt, I suppose."

Tao brought up her hand with a finger pointing skyward. "From those 'Angel' things, right?"

Shinji nodded. "Your angels are… different."

Kazuki grimaced. "You met Abdiel, didn't you?"

Shinji shouldn't have been surprised that they figured out what he meant so easily, but his reaction was more than just sympathy. "She doesn't like me," He muttered, crestfallen.

"I don't think she likes anyone." Kazuki looked away. "But she really hates me."

"You two aren't being fair to her," Tao scolded. "She has a lot of responsibility. She's a good person, you just haven't seen that part of her."

Kazuki had some choice words at that, but bit his tongue. "Is there anyone else like you?" He asked instead.

"Like me?" Shinji nodded. "Yeah, there's Rei. She's a pilot too, but she's… I'm not sure."

Tao tilted her head. "You don't know her?"

"No. I'd like to, but I don't know if… if she'd like to be around me."

No one said anything for a moment.

"Do… Do you like being around her?"

Shinji raised his gaze. "What?"

"Do you like her?" Kazuki repeated.

"Huh?" Shinji stepped back. "What does that mean?"

He shifted slightly. "Do you dislike her?"

"No, I… I don't know." Shinji shook his head, confused. They were asking too much too quickly.

"I think what Kazuki is trying to say," Tao offered. "Is that you're probably overthinking it. Most people don't dislike other people for no reason." She patted the younger boy on the shoulder lightly. "Maybe we should change the subject. Do you want to ask us some questions?"

Shinji sighed, frustrated. He knew they were trying to be polite, but he couldn't talk to them the same way, especially considering they were a few years older than him. "I don't know." He mumbled. "Maybe… who was Aogami? You mentioned that name, right Kazuki?"

The young man in question made a face. Of course, Shinji thought. The only time I use someone's first name and it's someone that doesn't like it. Is this some badly written comedy? Kazuki, however, didn't voice any complaints.

"Aogami…" He spoke the name with both fear and fondness. "He saved my life. But he's not like us."

Shinji thought for a moment, trying to distract himself. "A demon? Like those flying black things?"

"No," Kazuki shook his head. "No, not at all. He's closer to Abdiel, but even then…" Shinji paused, unnerved by the expression on the young man's face before he continued. "The other day, those Daemons- I mean, those flying black things- they were going to kill me. But then he was there, and he swore to protect me." Kazuki forced himself to look back at Shinji. "I haven't seen him since that day, so I was hoping…"

The way he was speaking made something twinge within Shinji. To miss someone that badly, to have that sort of connection…

Am I jealous? He asked himself. No, I can't be. He's talking about a demon. That'd be like me missing Unit 1. Though… it did protect me, once. This was all making his head hurt worse.

Having been so lost in their own world the three had wandered around, not noticing the clacking of footsteps until they rounded the corner and came face to face with Abdiel and her entourage. All three children froze up. Shinji heard Tao swear under her breath. The Angel raked her gaze over them all in silence, settling on Kazuki. Her face contorted and eyes narrowed, Shinji realised Kazuki hadn't been exaggerating; She hated him.

"Kazuki Saito," She murmured. "I was not aware that you were being brought over." The boy in question swallowed nervously, unable to find his voice. It was Tao who found it for him.

"Archangel Abdiel," She bowed slightly. "The Director thought it would be best if we familiarise ourselves with the pilot, since we'll be working together."

"I see," She turned her attention to the girl. "Were Atsuta and Dazai not brought along?"

"No," Tao's voice wavered slightly. "Dazai is still learning how to use the program, and I believe Atsuta had familial obligations."

Abdiel grunted, shooting one last glare at Kazuki. "Be sure to keep this one on a tight leash. He is your responsibility. Remember that." She moved through the halls once again, her metal heels clacking faster than before and her guide silently following nervously her from behind. Shinji didn't fail to notice how tightly she was gripping her sword. When she was gone, he looked at his two companions. Tao looked relieved, but Kazuki… he was far from fine. Both his hands were clenched at his sides, and he was looking at the floor. He didn't look scared. He didn't quite look angry, either. Actually, it reminded him of Rei.

"Oof." Tao sighed, catching both of their attentions. "Sorry, I guess she really doesn't leave the best first impression huh?" She rubbed the back of her neck, offering a weak smile. "Is there somewhere we could sit down Shinji? I think we all need some rest."

"I'm no good at this."

Tao leaned forward, frowning. "What is that supposed to mean? What's 'this'?"

"This!" Kazuki gestured in the vague direction of everything. "Everything going on here. I'm no good at any of it."

"You're overthinking it. You just started at Bethel, it's no wonder that there's going to be a few bumps."

"That's not it," He glanced over to Shinji, who was sitting alone at the other end of the cafeteria. "I'm not used to people. I wasn't trying to be rude but…"

Tao placed her hand on his shoulder, smiling. "Hey, you're not doing too badly. You're talking to me, aren't you?"

Kazuki blinked. That was true. He had always kept to himself throughout his education, not because he hated those around him or that they hated him, but simply because no one seemed to care enough either way. Certainly there were people that had been friendly to him over the years and a few he might even say liked him, but he would never go so far as to say they were friends, and if asked they would have assured him that they were, that he was always welcome to talk and hang out before promptly forgetting he existed. He didn't hold any ill will towards them, he wasn't petty enough to hold disdain for someone like that, but as a result he had grown used to keeping himself company. He was more than used to walking back to the Jouin dormitories alone before the killing put everyone on edge. But now he was sitting and talking with Tao Isonokami, the school idol, top of the class, envied by the girls and desired by the boys but liked by all. In all honesty Kazuki had never paid her much thought, not really having the chance to engage in all the gossip around her, but she had seemed nice enough. It was only because of Atsuta that he had even had the chance to talk to her- well, listen to her at least- but after the incident, the Netherworld, Tao had stuck around. She had remembered his name, apologised for what had happened despite having nothing to do with it, and approached him after class. Maybe it was just because he was a part of Bethel now but it was nice. "I suppose," He whispered under his breath. "But still, I don't know why I'm here. I didn't agree to be a part of Bethel."

Tao's smile wavered. "I know you didn't have a choice, but you can do great things here. You and Aogami make a great team, and no one else can bond with him like you have."

"That doesn't make it fair."

"I guess I can't argue against that." She sighed. "Bethel exists to help people, and you have the power to save people in a way no one else can. Don't you want to help people?"

Kazuki said nothing, looking back at the Ikari boy. He had to be no older than 14 at most. Did he want to be doing this? Or was he shackled by obligation like he was? He saw the boy, alone, in his own world, ignoring them ever since they arrived. At the very least, Kazuki felt he should try to make things right between them.

"I'll stay for now," He conceded, looking back at Tao who was beaming at him.

"Thank you. Hopefully you and I can work things out together."

For a moment he was caught off guard by her smile. "Ah, right." He strangely liked the idea. The idea of fighting demons again was intimidating, but the idea of working with Tao was actually enticing. A change at least from just drifting through life until graduation. Maybe this was an opportunity. But still a sense of dread persisted, a prickling at the back of his neck and a hollowness in his spine, something that stirred whenever the thought of what he was, what they were.

Nahobino. What does that mean? What is the Condemnation? Why does Abdiel hate me? And why does this place remind me of when we joined?

It feels like… I shouldn't be here.

I just want to make it clear I am not writing this of my own free will. I am being haunted by ideas that if I don't get down will burrow inside me like parasites and kill me. I'd much rather write my own story right now but apparently that's not happening so you get more of this.

Anyway, this was surprisingly harder than I thought. Writing Shinji was difficult as his dialog seemed, I don't know, off? Like I'm no expert of Evangelion, as I said I am writing this because I hate myself, but even I was like "This seems dumb." I'd like to avoid watching the series again because PTSD (not really but like I'm scared of it) but I try to research and get it as close as possible.

As for the Nahobino, I hoped you liked the introduction of Kazuki Saito. The name is what I used for my playthrough of SMTV, and allegedly Kazuki means "Harmony" or "Hope of Peace" which I think is appropriate. Unfortunately, I don't know if that's accurate because I am an Australian that has failed all languages I have tried to study, and if it isn't, well I'm too attached to the name now to change it.

As for his character, I sort of focused on what we know about them from the start of the game; For example, when everyone is supposed to leave school in groups because of the murders he initially tries but then decides to just go off by himself until Yuzuru Atsuta gets him to join his group. I also threw in a bit of my own experiences from high school for his characterization. Overall he's quiet and a bit of a loner but ultimately kind.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it because I'm going to keep writing it until my brain decides this hostage situation is over.