-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Episode 42: "Yui, Beyond her heart/ A soul in tension . . ."
Nurse A: . . . So he told you it was either him-- or the DOG?
Nurse B: (nodding)You got it! Of all the nerve . . .
Nurse A: And what did you tell him?
Nurse B: I told him the truth--the dog was a much better listener than he ever was.
Nurse A: Ha! 'Probably more housebroken, too!
Nurse B: Eh . . .
(The woman pauses as a fellow RN walks into the room, shaking her head)
Nurse B: So, how was our patient?
(The Nurse looks up at her colleague, wearing an unsettled look on her face.)
Nurse C: If I was a doctor, I'd say much worse.
Nurse A: Oh? How so?
Nurse C: Well, you know That foreign boy? The one who was here to see her last time?
Nurse A yes . . ?
Nurse C: He came in to visit her again--he looked pleased when I told him she was awake, too. . .
Nurse B: And. . .?
Nurse C: Of course, I let him go in--and-
(She hesitates, looking at her companions'
curious faces)
Nurse A: What happened?
Nurse C: Well, he came out again only about ten minutes later--
he wasn't too happy. He had a this surprised look on his
face,you know?
Nurse B: What was wrong?
Nurse C: He wouldn't say. He just left really quickly. .
. Like he was in a
rush or something-- Like he wanted to get out
of there . . .
Nurse A: Hmmph.
Nurse C: That's not the half of it.
Nurse B: What do you mean?
Nurse C: I went into her room to check up on her--to see what was going on. . .
Nurse A: And . . ?
Nurse C: (sighing) . . . and. . . It was just as I'd thought.
Nurse B: You mean . . ?
Nurse C: (Nodding) Mmm-hmm.
Nurse A: (shaking her head) like before?
Nurse C: (continuing) No. . .
Nurse B: Then what?
Nurse C: . . . She was demanding to see her son . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ritsuko: (hanging up the phone) That was the hospital. The first child is awake.
Misato: And?
Ritsuko: She's Okay. . . Physically.
(In an armored transport bearing the markings of Nerv Special investigations, Dr. Ritsuko Akagi and Major Misato Katsuragi slowly encircle the restricted area surrounding the 70 foot wide hole created in the center of Tokyo 3's downtown district only days earlier. Around them, repair and restoration teams go about assessing the total damage caused)
Misato: (in an annoyed tone ) She wasn't put in the hospital because she had problems "physically".
(Ritsuko, however, does not return Misato's look)
Ritsuko: There may be some . . . complications . .
. with her,
emotionally. . . due to the mental intrusion.
Misato: What kind of "complications?"
Ritsuko: We won't know until the resident Psychologist has had
a chance to interview her.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: (thinking) It will be bad. There's no other possibility.
(she pauses, glancing at Misato)
Ritsuko: (thinking) God in heaven. . . It took six hours just to get the plug out of the EVA. . .
Ritsuko: Misato-
Misato: . . .?
Ritsuko: I want to ask you a favor.
(Katsuragi sighs, tilting her head back, looking at the clear blue sky outside . . .)
Misato: . . .? And that is?
Ritsuko: When the time comes, I want you to handle Rei's release from the hospital again.
(All is silent, save for the rumble of the truck's engine, as Misato considers. Then-)
Misato: I. . . guess.
Ritsuko: Thanks.
Misato: I take it you've got a special reason?
Ritsuko: Sort of.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: you see, I'm pretty sure-
(She pauses, thinking for a moment)
Misato: Sure of what?
Ritsuko: I don't have to justify myself. Just get her from the hospital.
Misato: Fine, fine . . . You don't have to get grumpy . .
Ritsuko: (thinking) I know you get it, Misato . . .
I'm sure that. . . She's afraid of me. . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shinji: -:-:-:-
Air . . .
breath . . .
slow . . .
so hard.
Mmnnh?
Asuka?
Is that you?
Mmnh. . . .
Rei?
No.
Not Rei
another.
Lyn?
Aoi?
Aida?
Suzihara?
Tezuka?
Misato?
. . .
Father?
No. please.
Not him.
Not-
To his left, the radio has been turned off--beside it, a chair sits, unoccupied. Shinji looks at this for a moment, then up at the ceiling, closing his eyes.)
Shinji: I'm hungry . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(almost 30 minutes later, at the reception area of
the service hospital
located near the outskirts of Tokyo 3's central district . . .)
Nurse : Here is her chart. As you can see, all her wounds
have
healed up nicely . . . what few she had, I mean.
Misato: (taking the clipboard in hand) What about the psychological report?
Nurse: (sighing) That . . . is a different matter.
(Misato gives the woman a questioning look)
Nurse: (going to the desk) Dr. Onizuka was quite surprised with this one-
Misato: What do you mean?
Nurse: Um -- She was a bit less . . . responsive . . . than usual.
Misato: There's nothing wrong with her, is there?
(Katsuragi grunts, annoyed, as the Nurse continues digging through a stack of papers)
Nurse: Oh, I don't believe so-Ah, here we go-
(removing a small packet of papers and attaching
them to another
clipboard, the nurse returns to Misato, handing her the results)
Nurse: (continuing) There were some difficulties, though.
(Misato is silent, reading the Doctor's notes on
the psychological report-
Her lips move subtly as she scans the paper, not showing a reaction
of any kind. . .
until, however, she reaches the very middle of the report . . .
then . . .)
Misato: Oh, my. . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Moments later, the sound of a lock being undone
can be heard from
outside the door to Rei Ayanami's hospital room. As it opens,
Misato steps
through, still holding both clipboards under her arm. . . She steps
inside
quickly, her eyes darting first to the hospital bed.
Surprisingly, however, it is vacant.
Inside, sitting in a chair at the far end of the
room, is Rei Ayanami.
Dressed in a simple white hospital gown, Her arms are folded, and she
is silent,
looking at the floor.
upon hearing Misato closing the door behind her, however, She uncrosses her arms, standing- )
Rei: (angrily) Okay, Just what the hell is going on?
Misato: (blinking several times, shocked) Wh-what?
Rei: (shouting) It's bad enough That I'm locked in some hospital
room when
there's nothing wrong with me, but then they bring some guy
in here to give me the third degree! And he wouldn't even tell
my why I'm here, either!
Misato: . . .!
Rei: (indicating her nightgown) And just where are my clothes,
anyway?
Is this some kind of sick joke? I have my rights!
Misato: Rei-are you feeling alright!?
(Ayanami starts, folding her arms again, in anger)
Rei: AGAIN with this "Rei" Business! Who the hell is "Ayanami!?"
Why does everyone keep CALLING me that!?
(At this, Major Katsuragi freezes--the clipboards
dropping to the floor with a clatter--
Rei jumps at the sudden noise, then relaxes-- eyeing
the woman.)
Rei: Listen. I'm telling you like I told the other one--my name is not "Rei."
(Misato stammers a response, gathering the loose papers from the floor)
Misato: Okay---then-what do you want me to call you?
Re: I don't want you to "call" me anything.
Misato: . . . ?
Rei: (angrily) My name is Yui. . . !
(There is a second loud clatter as Misato drops the clipboards once more . . . )
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gendo: (Slowly, in shock) What . .?!
Ritsuko: (coldly) You heard me. She believes she is Dr. Ikari. Your wife.
(ten minutes later, in the spacious, darkened office
of Gendo Ikari,
the Supreme Commander has a telephone receiver to his ear,
and a look of utter disbelief on his face-)
Gendo: How can this be?
Ritsuko: . . . -
Gendo: Dr. Akagi, I require an explanation. . . !
Ritsuko: My guess is It may have something to do with The contamination from Unit 01.
(strangely enough, Ritsuko sounds almost--amused--at the sound of Ikari's alarmed reaction)
Gendo: . . . I see. . .
Gendo: (thinking) Yui . . .
Ritsuko: I've already scheduled some tests for this afternoon--but
from what
Major Katsuragi told me when she called, it doesn't sound like she
will be willing to wait in the hospital that long.
Gendo: What do you mean?
Ritsuko: Let's just say she's been giving them some-problems-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rei: What are you talking about!? Get out of my way!
Misato: (standing in front of the door) I can't do that-you're not supposed to leave the room.
Rei: But-Why?!
Misato: look-even if I let you leave-where would you go?
Rei: Where do you think? I want to see my son!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ritsuko: (Over the phone) Let us just hope that whatever damage was done isn't permanent.
Gendo: Very well-You will appraise me of the situation once you get there.
Ritsuko: I'm already on my way-
(She hangs up the phone as the transport speeds off in the direction of the service hospital . . .)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Misato is silent. She can only stare down at Rei, in utter shock . . .)
Misato: . . . What?!
Rei: (desperately) His name is Shinji--Shinji Ikari-there
was
another boy in here a little while ago-a foreign boy. . .He
called
me "Rei" too. Then He told me that Shinji was here as well.
He said- he'd been hurt!
Misato: (scratching her head) Well--he's not really hurt, just-Oh,
what am I saying!?
(Seeing the woman's response, Ayanami walks over
to the Major, grabbing the edges of her jacket. . .)
Rei: Please, Miss! Let me see him! Only for a little
while! I don't care
what happens to me, I--I
just want to see him! I need
to be sure he's okay!
Misato: (looking around the room, apprehensively) --I-really--
Rei: Please!
(Misato looks down at the girl again-And, at the sight of Rei Ayanami so distressed, she loses her resolve.)
Misato: (putting her hands on the girl's shoulders) Okay. I'll let you see him--But listen-
Rei: Yes! yes! Anything!
Misato: If he's awake, you mustn't say anything to him.
Rei: (surprised) What? Why?
Misato: It's a long story. . . Just promise-
Rei: (hesitantly) Oke-okay. . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Moments later, At a separate wing of the hospital,
several sharp
knocks can be heard coming from outside the door of Shinji Ikari's
room. . . )
Shinji: (Sitting up in bed) Who is it?
Misato: It's me.
Shinji: (smiling) Misato?
Misato: Yes. May I come in?
Shinji: Yeah.
(Shinji watches the door as Misato opens it slowly, poking her head through. )
Misato: How are you feeling?
Shinji: Oh! I'm just fine now.
(he pauses curiously, noticing Misato has not entered the room . . .)
Shinji: Why are you standing outside?
Misato: Um-there's someone else here to check up on you.
Shinji: Who?
(strangely, Misato pulls her head back out, and the
sounds of a
whispered conversation register in Shinji's ears-though it is muffled
by the door-
finally, the door opens, revealing the visitor.
At the sight of her, Shinji's heart drops. . .)
Rei: . . .
(She makes no sound. She only looks at Shinji,
intently, from
the hallway outside his room. )
(To his surprise, a relieved smile alights her face.
. . As she takes a tentative
step closer to the door frame, Misato suddenly go tense . . .
Then, however, Ayanami's face falls-she is shaking,
seemingly on the verge
of some emotional outburst . . .)
(. . . but still, she is silent . . .)
Misato: (relaxing) She just wanted to make sure you were okay--
Shinji: Miss Misato--What's going on?
(Suddenly, Rei darts from Misato's side, into the room. Upon reaching the bed-
--She embraces Shinji . . .)
Rei: (crying) Oh God, Shinji! I was so worried when they told me-A-Are you okay?!
(Shinji's entire body goes numb at the girl's touch-indeed,
his very
heartbeat nearly stops-as the sheer, horrid reality of the moment
registers in his mind. )
Shinji: . !!!!!
Rei: (holding him tightly). . . What happened to you? I - -!
Shinji: G-GE-
(Rei tilts her head back, looking into the boy's eyes-softly, her hand caresses his cheek--)
Rei: What's-
(somewhere, deep in the pit of his very heart, Shinji Ikari finds the words-)
Shinji: GET-GET AWAY FROM ME!
(With this, he manages to push her away, almost
violently.
Rei is forced several steps back, looking at him in awful surprise--)
Shinji: (breathing quickly) . . ! . . !
(regaining her composure Misato steps quickly into the room)
Misato: I'm so sorry, Shinji!
Rei: (looking from Misato to Shinji)But-what's wrong? Shinji!?
(Rei turns and, seeing Katsuragi approaching
her, begins to
move toward Ikari again-but the Major is faster, and soon has the girl
by the arm-
--She is not willing to go so easily, however-)
Rei: (shouting) What's going on!? Let me talk to him! NNNGH!
(As she attempts to twist free, Katsuragi wraps
her arms around her, pulling her back-
Rei, in turn, begins to struggle --)
Rei: (Shouting) NO!! Let me talk to my son! UUUNH!! Let me see him! Please!
( The girl continues fighting as Misato pulls her
out into the hallway.
Around them, patients and hospital staff look on in surprise
as the girl begins wailing-)
Rei: (shouting) Why are you DOING this!? NO! LET ME SEE HIM!! Shinji! Please!
(Then from down the hall, another familiar voice can be heard calling out-)
Ritsuko: MISATO!?
Misato: Some help, here!
Rei: (shouting) Stop it! please!
(As she reaches toward Ikari one final time,
two hospital orderlies
appear from the hallway to her right, helping Misato to pull the girl
away--
Rei's angered shouts can still be heard down the corridor, only to
be silenced
moments later by a slamming door.)
(For a long time, Shinji is motionless. )
(Then, slowly, he falls back into bed-his eyes open, affixed on the ceiling. )
Shinji: Moth-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Moments later, in the ladies bathroom at the very end of the hall)
Ritsuko: (angrily) Are you insane? Taking an emotionally disturbed
girl--
to see another child who is in an equally fragile
state?
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: Just what has gotten into you, Major?
Rei: (looking at the floor) . . .
Misato: (to herself) This is all my fault, I know. That was dumb.
Rei: I'm . . . sorry. . .
Ritsuko: yes, well. That's not going to change the damage that's already been done.
Rei: D-Damage?
Ritsuko: We've had a hard enough time as it is keeping--
Rei: (looking at Ritsuko) What do you mean by Dama-
(As she looks closer at Ritsuko's face, however,
she stops--
and realization slowly dawns-)
Rei: You-
Ritsuko: Hmm?
Rei: (surprised) You!
Misato: What is it?
Rei: You're-you're --Dr. Akagi's daughter, aren't you?
Ritsuko: (eyes wide) What!?
(Ayanami steps forward, looking at the older woman's face)
Rei: Ritsuko? That was your name, wasn't it?!
(Dr. Akagi does not respond, however--as She is visibly taken aback by the girl's words)
Rei: (laughing) It IS you! I don't believe it! you've-
(She pauses, looking at the golden locks which
grace the woman's head)
Rei: you've changed your hair! You were a brunette in the
picture your mother showed me--
Ritsuko: . I . . .
(Ritsuko does not respond further. Instead,
she looks at the girl,
speechless, for a moment-then turns to Misato . . .)
Ritsuko: Misato-step outside for a minute.
Misato: Now wait just a minute-
Ritsuko: (firmly) That's an order, Major.
Misato: (sarcastically) Hmmph! "Yes, Sir."
(she turns and exits, the door swinging shut behind her)
(At this, Dr. Akagi falls to one knee,
putting her just below Rei's eye level)
Rei: Wait--What's going on?
Ritsuko: (to herself) . . . Can . . . it really be . . ?
Rei: Ritsuko. . . please,
(Ritsuko straightens up, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders)
Ritsuko: What is your name?
Rei: You of all people should-
(At Ritsuko's serious look, however, she stops,)
Rei: (Sighing) Ikari. Ikari Yui. Chief developmental
scientist of
special organization Gehirn. You DO know Gehirn, right?
Ritsuko: And what year is it?
(The girl smiles, almost laughing, as if the question were in jest -)
Rei: What do you mean? 2004.
(Her smile fades, however, as Dr. Akagi shakes her head)
Ritsuko: The year is 2015.
Rei: 20-2015?!?
Ritsuko: Gehirn was formally dissolved in 2010. . .
Rei: dissolved?!
Ritsuko: And you are not Yui Ikari.
Rei: What?
Ritsuko: You are Rei Ayanami, the designated pilot of Evangelion Unit 00.
Rei: (eyes wide) P-PILOT? Of Eva 00?!
Ritsuko: (nodding) . . . You suffered a high degree of mental
contamination
while piloting Unit 01 three days ago. What you
are experiencing right now is delirium produced by long
term exposure to the intrusion. . .
Rei: . . .
(At that moment, the girl does something totally unexpected-
--she begins laughing . . .)
Rei: (chuckling) Oh, that's good, Ritsuko. Very good.
Ritsuko: (matter-of-factly) You don't believe me.
Rei: Hmm?
(Akagi stands and, taking a step back, indicates herself.)
Ritsuko: Then how do you explain this?
(At this, Rei ceases her laughing)
Ritsuko: I'm not the 19 year old brunette you remember, am I?
Rei: Well-
Ritsuko: And what about Shinji? If things were as you say,
he'd be
about 3 years old. But he isn't, then, is he?
Rei: (unsure). . . No . . .
(Ritsuko steps forward, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders once more)
Ritsuko: (indicating the sink on wall behind Rei) Take a look. See for yourself.
Rei: . . . wait--
Ritsuko: Look!
(With these words, Ritsuko forcibly turns the
girl around, pushing
her toward the small mirror over the sink.)
(At once, Rei freezes at the sight of a stranger
in the mirror.
For a long time, she is absolutely still. . .
Then, she takes an uncertain step forward,
which is slowly followed
by another. Her hand goes to the reflection in the mirror, then
to her
cheek, touching the ashen white skin beneath her scarlet hued eyes
. . .)
Rei . . . No . . .
(still staring at herself, she begins to tremble)
Rei: . .No . .
(Finally, she begins to shake her head wildly)
Rei: (shouting) NO!!
(She covers her eyes, running past Ritsuko, and out the door.)
Ritsuko: Rei! Wait!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Misato, standing outside with her arms folded
and her back to
the wall, trys hard to hear the conversation going on inside.
When this fails,
she relaxes, listening to the sounds of the hospital around her . .
.)
Misato: (thinking) 5 minutes alone with the girl and you're
already
keeping secrets. "What's gotten into ME?" Ritsuko, Just
what the hell-
(her thoughts are interrupted, however, when the bathroom door suddenly slams open, and a frantic shape dashes out, running down the hallway at a sprinter's pace . . .)
Ritsuko: (from inside) Rei! Wait!
Misato: (mouthing the words to herself) Rei?! Wait?
(realizing the situation, she turns in the direction of the runner--Seconds later, Ritsuko is at her side. Desperately, the doctor turns to Misato--)
Ritsuko: Which way did she go?
(Shaking her head, Misato begins pulling Dr. Akagi down the hallway)
Misato: Come on . . . !
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rei: (weeping) No! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! I am NOT that CHILD!
(running at full speed almost 15 seconds ahead
of Major Katsuragi
and Dr. Akagi, the young pilot is nearly hysterical, in tears, as she
makes her way through the crowds of patients and hospital staff. .
.)
Rei: I am me! I am Yui! I-
I am I!!
(turning the corner, the girl runs out the
hospital exit, into the clear
morning air of the Tokyo 3 central district-surprised by the sudden,
bright sunlight, she runs blindly into someone, nearly knocking herself
down-)
Touji: OOF-!-Whoa! Easy there!
(the boy's reflexes are fast, and he absorbs the impact-catching the bewildered girl in his arms)
Rei: (sinking to the ground, weakly) No! no! no!
. . . It . . .
. . can't be . . .
Touji: (looking down, in surprise) A--Ayanami?
Hikari: What?
Kensuke: Rei?
Goro: Huh?
(seconds later, Misato and Ritsuko, followed
by nearly a dozen
orderlies, run out the exit, only to stop cold at the sight of the
girl
surrounded by the four children--)
Misato: That was close . . .
Ritsuko: (panting) Close?
(Ayanami opens her eyes, looking at the dozen
or so faces
around her. In the bright light of the city streets, the rush
of the
morning air, and the clamor of the living, bustling world around them,
she finds herself becoming dizzy . . .)
(As she looks up at the face of the boy holding her . . . an incredible feeling of familiarity enters her mind. The other faces-a girl, another boy-- one with glasses . . . )
(. . . and then, another image slowly forms in her clouding mind . . .an image of a broken pair of glasses . . .)
(to Touji's surprise, the girl shudders once, then collapses. . . All the world then goes silent as Rei relinquishes herself to oblivion . . .)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-(Flashback)-
2003 AD.
Germany
Yui: you say she's a computer scientist?
Gendo: (over the telephone) the very best in her field.
Yui: You seem to trust her a great deal?
Gendo: In a manner of speaking, yes.
Yui: Is she married?
Gendo: Not at the moment. But she has a daughter.
Yui: Hmm. . .
Gendo: a problem?
Yui: (laughing) Not really. I just had a thought.
Gendo: What?
Yui: The thought said-"I don't like him working so close to this other woman."
Gendo: You do not trust me?
Yui: As I said, husband, it was merely a thought.
Gendo: When does your flight leave?
Yui: Saturday morning. I don't want our son to be too tired for the trip.
Gendo: You're bringing him with you?
Yui: Yes.
Gendo: Why?
Yui: To show him my work.
(She pauses, looking down at the sleeping child in her lap)
Gendo: . . .
Yui: To show him the promise of the future . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(the Present,
2015 AD )
Yui: . . . .
Yui: . . . .
Yui: . . . .
Yui: . . . .
Yui: . . . . ?
(there is only the sound of the wind, in addition to a slow, rhythmic tapping)
Yui: . . . ?
(the sound of tapping, it seems, is complimented by humming)
(ed. Note-yes, the song is "Fly me to the Moon")
Yui: Unh . . .
(suddenly, the tapping ceases)
Asuka: finally . . .
(The scene is nearly 3 hours later, inside the apartment belonging to Misato Katsuragi. In a small bed, underneath an open window, lies the still form of Rei Ayanami-at the table, Asuka Soryu drums her fingers idly, watching the girl stir in her sleep.
(At the sounds of her awakening, however, The 2nd child stands-- relieved that her duty as sentinel may finally be ending)
Asuka: (calling) Hey, Misato---She's awake now.
(at once, there is an answer from the next room)
Misato: Just a minute-
Asuka: Come on! I don't have all day. . .
Misato: Just hold on-it's not like you have anything better to do . . .
Asuka: (indignantly) You mean better than watching first child sleep? I think I do.
(Finally, Misato enters the room-she is in the process of tying her hair back into a petite ponytail, indicating that, at least for now, she is off duty)
Asuka: Can I GO now?
Misato: Yes-yes. . . and close the door behind you, please.
Asuka: sure . . .
(she suddenly turns, eyeing the Major wryly)
Asuka: Makes you wish you had locks on them, huh?
(Misato rolls her eyes as Soryu shuts the door behind her)
(finally, she turns to Rei-who has opened her eyes, sitting up in bed)
Misato: How do you feel?
Yui: (quietly) . . . Like a ghost . . .
Misato: What?
Yui: (her hand going to her forehead) I mean--Kind of dizzy . . .
(She stops, looking at the room around her-)
Yui: Where am I?
Misato: You're at my place. The hospital was a little crowded-so I brought you here.
Yui: Oh. . .
Misato: I thought It might give us a chance to talk. . .
Yui: (closing her eyes) . . . You never told me your name.
Misato: Major Misato Katsuragi.
(As the name registers in her mind, the girl's
eyes open once more-
This time, however, they are wide with surprise)
Yui: K-Katsuragi?
(Misato simply nods)
Yui: As in - the Katsuragi expedition? To Antarctica? Dr. Katsura-
Misato: (shushing her) Don't-- worry about that, now.
Yui: But-
Misato: Please-you've had a rough morning.
Yui: (Sighing). . . Miss . . . Katsuragi . . . will you please tell me what is going on?
Misato: Yes. . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ritsuko: No. That would not be advisable.
Gendo: I am not requesting your permission, Doctor.
Ritsuko: Nevertheless, you asked me my professional
opinion on the subject in question--and my answer is no. . .
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: (coldly) . . .You should not go to see her.
(Elsewhere, in the darkened office of Nerv's
supreme commander--
Dr. Akagi stands before the wide, imposing desk of Gendo Ikari.
The man
himself stands across from her, his gloved hands clasped behind his
back,
as the two discuss the current matter at hand . . .)
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: The child's very mental state is in question. Any
further,
unsupervised contact with people she thinks she knows
intimately-
Gendo: (interrupting) You said she showed knowledge of things this Rei couldn't possibly be aware of.
Ritsuko: Not necessarily. There is the distinct possibility
that . . . this Rei . . .
may share some of the experiences of the first two . . .
Gendo: You mean a collective subconscious? Among the dummy system? Absurd.
Ritsuko: Absurd, yes. Impossible? Not likely.
Gendo: . . . but still, we want to know the extent of her knowledge.
Ritsuko: Yes--but we must be cautious. We mustn't lose this one
to mental instability.
Otherwise, there will be no replacement . . .
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: The girl is in danger of suffering a complete breakdown.
your contact with her would only
facilitate such an event occuring.
Gendo: your concern . . . surprises me . . .
Ritsuko: You are well aware of my feelings on the subject . . .
Gendo: . . am I?
Ritsuko: . . . I know how much you want to see her again.
You haven't stopped thinking about it for a moment.
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: (thinking) If it were my choice . . . I still wouldn't let you near her.
Gendo: Where is she now?
Ritsuko: For now, I've entrusted her care to Major Katsuragi.
For some reason, Misato seems to have . . . reached her. . . It
was brought to my knowledge that, prior to her contact, the child
refused to talk to any adults . . .
Gendo: . . . Very well. You shall keep me informed of the situation.
Ritsuko: Of course.
Gendo: (sitting in his chair) Tell me, what is the current state of your assignment?
Ritsuko: (flatly) Going as scheduled. We will be ready
to begin the
preliminary OB Interactions in about a month. Projected
estimate is about two.
Gendo: Good. See that it stays on schedule.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: And what of the Unit 06 project?
Ritsuko: That is not going well at all. We seem to be encountering
one barrier after another. The EVA simply will not accept the grafts.
Even our attempts at directed regeneration have failed.
Gendo: Hmm. . .
Ritsuko: It may have something to do with the inherent differences
between
Units 00 and 02. . . and maybe even the virus it contracted a month
or so ago. Either way, experimentation has come to a complete
standstill. . .
Gendo: So . . . it is a failure. . .
Ritsuko: I wouldn't say that. By all accounts, the EVA shouldn't
even exist.
And what we've learned from the techniques used to fabricate the
tissue,
we have been able to apply to our primary project to get it up to
speed.
Gendo: Even so, we will not achieve the desired result-
Ritsuko: By all indications, that would seem so.
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: There is something else-
Gendo: What?
Ritsuko: We analyzed the remains of the last angel's core, as you requested.
Gendo: And?
Ritsuko: . . . It is just as we thought.
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: The body was almost crushed beyond recognition.
We had to use DNA records from Balthazaar's database just to
verify the findings.
Gendo: Understood.
Ritsuko: But-
Gendo: You may leave, doctor.
Ritsuko: Yes, sir.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Elsewhere; far from Gendo, Nerv, and the rest of Tokyo 3 . . .)
Seele: Twice.
Seele: Twice you have failed us
Seele: The first one failed to penetrate their defenses . . .
Seele: . . . and the second was stopped before it could make final contact!
Kihl: Your funding has gone well past the available budget . . .
Seele: They will soon become unreachable by covert means . . .
Seele: Yes. Our plant has not been doing its job
Seele: You will see that it does
Seele: otherwise, you will be dropped in favor of more drastic measures!
Seele: The promised day must come . . . even if we ourselves must make it happen!
Kihl: One more blunder, and we shall be forced to take our plan to its final iiteration.
Seele: Are you Getting all this?
UNSynaps: Understood . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Almost 1 hour later, in The apartment of Major Katsuragi . . .)
Yui: I don't understand . . .
Misato: That is the truth.
Yui: (Looking down at her hands) But . . . this kind of thing . . .isn't possible!
Misato: I know how you must feel--but denying it will only make things worse.
Yui: . . .
Misato: Look--What is the last thing you remember?
Yui: (concentrating)Unh - - - The - - - The startup test- - -
Unit 01 . . .
a light . . .
pain . . .
Then-
Misato: Then?
Yui: . . .It's not clear-
Misato: Think hard-
Yui: Then-I remember waking up in the hospital. Then that English boy-
Misato: Lyn.
Yui: Yes! What was he doing there . . ?
Misato: He came to visit you - - I mean--Rei.
Yui: Rei . . . that name . . .
Misato: What about it?
Yui: (to herself) It . . . was what we were going to name the child . . . if it was a girl . . .
Misato: (Standing) I think that's enough for now. Are you hungry?
Yui: A little. But--I don't want to trouble you-
Misato: It's nothing. I'll have Asuka bring you something
while I get you some clothes-
Yui: Asuka? You mean that girl that was here earlier?
Misato: Yes
Yui: Is she--your daughter?
Misato: (laughing) No.
Yui: . . .
(Misato looks at her for a moment, then steps
out of the room.
From outside the door can be heard the sound of her calling to Soryu-)
Misato: (muffled by the door) Asuka! Would you bring Rei
something to eat?
I've got to get her some clothes.
Asuka: Yes Ma'am . . .
(A moment later, the young redhead appears at the door, carrying a plate of steamed vegetables and rice.
(She hands it to Yui, sighing)
Asuka: It's cold, but it's all we got.
Yui: . . .
Asuka: Looks like you're done with the diet, eh?
Yui: (eagerly taking a bite) Hmm?
Asuka: (sighing) But, then again, it's good at least to try . . .
Yui: . . .
(Asuka falls onto the bed next to her, folding
her hands behind her head.
For a while, there is only the sound of The young girl quietly eating
. . . then . . )
Yui: This . . . is very nice . . . did you make it?
Asuka: (eyeing her curiously) Of course not.
Yui: . . . then, who?
Asuka: Who do you think? Shinji, of course. . .
(at this, Yui stops eating)
Asuka: (closing her eyes) You're so weird . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Touji: That was beyond weird . . .
Kensuke: You're telling me!
Hikari: Do you think she's sick?
Touji: I doubt it. Misato took her OUT of the hospital, remember?
(elsewhere, on a sidewalk outside the very edge of Tokyo 3's downtown area . . .)
Goro: Wait a minute--she was acting NORMAL, and you wonder if she was sick?
Kensuke: For Rei-'Normal' must be sick. . .
Hikari: Aida!
Touji: It's true, really. . .
Hikari: Well . . . Shinji didn't sound too happy . . .
Goro: Eh, Don't Panic. There's always something eating him . . .
Hikari: Tezuka! That's a terrible thing to say!
Goro: Well, it's the truth, isn't it?
Hikari: . . .
Touji: . . .
Kensuke: . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-(Flashback)-
2003 AD
(the roar of an airplane engine fills the background)
Yui: Aren't you tired?
Shinji: (shaking his head) Uh-uh!
Yui: Don't you want to sleep YET?
Shinji: No.
Yui: Then what do you want?
Shinji: I want to look out the window 'gain.
(the woman smiles, reaching to the window by the seat)
Yui: Okay . . . but only for a minute . . .
Shinji: (nodding)
(Yui opens the window-shade, which affords
a view of the world below)
Yui: There.
Shinji: clouds!
Yui: Mm-Hmm. It is pretty.
Shinji: . . !
Yui: You like the sky, don't you?
Shinji: (Nodding)
Yui: I thought so. You are like me. . . Shinji?
Shinji: ?
Yui: You must always reach for the sky.
Shinji: ?
Yui: In whatever you do.
Shinji: . . .
Yui: Never give up . . .
Shinji: (yawning wide) . . .
Yui: And you will always. . .
(Yui pauses as the boy shifts, turning away from the airplane window)
Shinji: I want to sleep now, mama.
Yui: Oh? Is this enough?
Shinji: (nodding)
Yui: (pulling him close) Well, that's good for you . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(the Present,
2015 AD )
(In the apartment belonging to Misato Katsuragi,
Yui stares out the
window above her bed-- marveling at the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo
3's
inner citadel, which contrast brightly with the clear blue sky behind
them . . .)
Yui: The city has changed so much . . .
(At that moment, Misato enters the room)
Misato: Rei left these here the last time she stayed with us-I'm willing to bet they'll still fit . . .
Yui: (taking the cloths in hand) A-a school uniform?
Misato: Yeah.
Yui: Thank you . . .
Misato: Oh-it's no problem.
(For a long time, Rei looks at the starched
pale blue and white fabric. . .
then, at Misato, expectantly)
Misato: What is it?
Yui: Um . . . Can-I have some privacy?
Misato: (embarrassed, turning a bright shade of red) Oh! Of-Course! I'm sorry-
(Quickly, she steps out of the room. At this, Rei can only chuckle as she changes . . .)
(Removing the hospital gown, the girl notices
a small dressing just below her bare
shoulder-As she touches the gauze bandages, a sharp pain runs down
her arm, which
nearly knocks her over. I weak cry escapes her lips as she cringes
in momentary agony-
recovering, she decides it is best to leave it alone, and continues changing. . .)
(Moments later, she steps out of the room, fully dressed in the school attire.
Misato stands in the living room, pacing back and forth as she talks into her cellular phone--)
Misato: (into the phone) . . . Her 'Proxy?'
Ritsuko: (over the phone) It will only be a few days.
Misato: But Shinji-
Ritsuko: He'll be released in about an hour. I've got a
few more checkups to run,
then I'll drop him off myself.
Misato: How does he feel?
Ritsuko: He was a little surprised--He seemed a bit more reserved than usual when I talked to him . . .
Misato: But--why me? I don't know how to handle something like this!
Ritsuko: Oh, come on! look, around here, you're known as the resident baby-sitter. . .
Misato: HEY!! Now hold on a second--
Ritsuko: (interrupting) Just keep her out of trouble and you'll be fine.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: . . . As I said, we need to know the extent of the contamination. Watch her every reaction.
Misato: (Grumbling) . . .
Ritsuko: Is that understood, Major?
Misato: (noticing Rei) Okay-I gotta go.
Ritsuko: Good luck.
Misato: Yeah.
(There is a subtle "beep" as she turns off the phone)
Yui: I. . .won't be allowed to see him again, will I?
Misato: Right now, It's for the best.
Yui: . . . I see.
(For a long time, the girl looks at the floor-contemplating what to say next . . . )
Misato: If you're ready-
Yui: (looking at Misato) ready?
Misato: I can take you on a tour of our city.
Yui: I would like that . . . very much . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yui: Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!
Misato: You like it?
Yui: I never dreamed it would turn out so well-
(almost 10 minutes later, a red sports-car makes its way through the more picturesque areas of Tokyo 3 at a scenic pace. . . Rei Ayanami's head can be seen looking out an open window on the passenger's side, taking in the rich splendor of the metropolis around her . . . )
Misato: (calling over the wind) This is the lower Tokai district--
It's actually been under reconstruction for a few months . . .
Yui: Why? What happened?
(Misato suddenly goes silent as the memory of the near total destruction of Tokyo 3 invades her mind. . .)
Misato: (managing a smile) It's not important. . .
Yui: . . .
(The girl closes her eyes, allowing the wind to catch her hair-she smiles at the cool breeze, which is pure ecstasy in the sunny Tokyo 3 air . . .Beside her, Misato cannot help but stare at the image of Rei Ayanami in such a . . . carefree . . . state.
A moment later, she turns back to her driving, picking up speed --)
Misato: Oh, If you like this, I know something you're going to
love . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yui: (gasping) This is-the Geo-Front!?
Misato: That's right-
Yui: (her face pressed to the window) I never dreamed it would
be so magnificent!
(moments later, in the car-train descending over the cavernous Geo-front below-
(the sea-water that once occupied over 90% of the cave's interior is nearly gone, save for a large lake in the very center. Around it, the accessory structures meant to take advantage of the water's presence have all been removed, paving the way for the reconstruction of several buildings from the original design plans . . .Sunlight once more streams in from open shafts above, illuminating the space within . . . indeed, it once more resembles the Geo-front of old . . .)
Misato: This is Nerv central. We Reemerged in 2010, for the sole purpose of fighting the angels.
(Oddly enough, it seems that, despite the current
state of affairs involving Nerv, the EVAs, and her personal hardships,
Major Misato Katsuragi cannot help but speak with a certain degree of pride
in her voice . . .)
Yui: All our work . . . all our planning. . . And we still weren't ready . . .
Misato: Yes.
(The girl turns to Misato-the same sense of
wonder is apparent in her
eyes as she shows her gratitude)
Yui: Thank you, major-.
Misato: (thinking) No . . . thank you . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ritsuko: You're sure you'll be okay?
Shinji: Yes, Ritsuko-really, I'm just fine now.
(Meanwhile, on the street outside the apartment
complex where
Shinji lives . . . Dr. Akagi has fulfilled her promise to take the
boy home. . .
although, at the moment, she finds herself hesitant to leave him .
. .)
Ritsuko: You're sure?
Shinji: (closing the passenger door behind him) Yes.
Ritsuko: Shinji, if you have any problems-
Shinji: (with his back turned) I know . . .
Ritsuko: I'll see you later, then.
(Shinji gives no response as he walks to the door of the complex)
Ritsuko: (thinking) Like father . . .
(No more is said as the car slowly drives away.
Shinji pauses, watching it travel down the street, only to
disappear around the corner a moment later. . .)
(Silently, he opens the door, stepping inside)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Misato: I'm sorry--I'm still not used to these things. . .
Rei: It's alright. I can see how it would be confusing . . .
(There is a sudden rush of air from below as
the door ahead of them
slides open. As the moving platform on which they are standing
enters an
open shaft, an updraft kicks up the edges of Rei's dress . . . much
to her surprise . . .)
Yui: (flustered) I can see why someone wouldn't want to wear a skirt in here . . .
Misato: (smiling) yeah . . .
Yui: (to herself) . . . should have taken thermal air currents into account when we designed this . . .
Misato: If I remember right, the 33rd junction should be just ahead of us . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(24 minutes, and over 15 wrong-turns later,
the two finally reach
their destination- as the door leading to Nerv's control center slides
open,
Misato steps through with a sigh of relief . . .)
Misato: (to herself) Finally . . .!
(ahead of her, Sub commander Fuyutsuki takes notice of her presence, turning-)
Fuyutsuki: I wasn't expecting you until late this evening, Major . . .
Misato: Technically, I'm not reporting for duty . . . I'm on a special assignment . . .
Fuyutsuki: (turning away) Very well. Carry on . . .
Yui: (smiling) PROFESSOR!
(Fuyutsuki nearly jumps, surprised at hearing
such a young voice call
him in such a familiar tone--he turns, astonished)
(From behind Major Katsuragi, Rei Ayanami steps forth, bowing solemnly)
Fuyutsuki: what?
Yui: (standing, stepping toward him) They didn't tell me you were here!
Fuyutsuki: (looking to Misato)What-is-
Yui (taking his hand in hers) It's so wonderful to see you!
Fuyutsuki: . .I-
Yui: I had no idea you would stay with Gehirn so long!
(Fuyutsuki mouth drops at the word 'Gehirn')
Fuyutsuki: (shocked): How did--?
(Then, his eyes widen--)
Fuyutsuki: . . . Yui?
(still smiling, the girl nods her head)
Misato: (stepping forward) I'm sorry sir! I thought you had been informed of the situation.
(The man looks at Misato, his eyes bordering on rage--)
Fuyutsuki: Well, It certainly must be clear to you now that I was not!
Yui: You recognize your old student, don't you?
Fuyutsuki: (thinking) this can't be possible . . .
Fuyutsuki: Major--I believe you have some explaining to do . .
.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lyn: . . .
Aoi: You're not very talkative today . . .
Lyn: Huh? Oh. Yeah. I guess. . .
Aoi: (Holding his arm) well? What is it?
Lyn: Nothing . . .
Aoi: Come on, 6. You know you can't play that game with me--I've already mastered it myself. . .
Lyn: (smiling weakly) I can't fool you, eh?
(Far above Nerv, the Geo-front, and, seemingly,
all the troubles of
humanity, two solitary figures stand on the mountain road overlooking
the 3rd Tokyo city . . .
(Lyn is detached, seemingly far away in thought . . . much to Tamashii's chagrin . . .)
Aoi: It's because of what happened this morning, isn't it? With Ayanami?
Lyn: . . .
Aoi: (pulling closer) You know you can tell me, 6. . .
Lyn: She . . . sort of has something to do with it. . .
(Aoi rests her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes to the peaceful scenery below . . .)
Aoi: . . .You can tell me everything . . .
Lyn: (distantly) . . . Everything?
Aoi: Everything . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(elsewhere, several thousand meters below . . .)
Yui: I've never seen Professor Fuyutsuki so surprised in my life!
Misato: you should be getting used to it by now . . .
Yui: I suppose. . .
(deep in the brightly lit corridors of Nerv's eastern wing, Rei Ayanami and Misato Katsuragi wait at the elevator door, as the lift slowly ascends to their level)
Misato: How do you feel?
Yui: I feel . . .
Misato: . .?
Yui: . . . alive. It is so wonderful . . .
Misato: That's good. . .
(Their is a momentary silence as the two watch the indicator above the elevator door-it has momentarily stopped at G42-three floors below theirs)
Yui: When will I be allowed to see the EVAs?
Misato: Right now, if you want.
Yui: Yes--I'd like that very much-
(her words are cut off, however, by the sound of a bell, indicating the elevator has reached their level. The two turn from each other, to the doors, which slowly slide open--)
(And, at that instant, the smile which has decorated Rei Ayanami's pale young face since earlier that very morning-
-fades . . .
For, on the other side of the heavy steel doors, stands the silent, cold figure of Gendo Ikari . . . )
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To Be Continued . . .