untitled

NEON GENESIS
EVANGELION: R'
ILLUSTRATED ORIGINAL FICTION

Episode 53’ "Don’t Look Back/ The Broken Child"
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(In an unremarkable housing complex in the Western quarter of greater Tokyo 3, the warmth of a midmorning Sunday sun streams through a clear, Cerulean sky in calm summer air, into the windows of an apartment situated nine-stories above ground level. On the street below, car traffic is both sparse and slow, indicative of the quiet mentality of the citizens enjoying the repose provided by the weekend’s unnaturally mild weather. . .

Within the walls of this small apartment, however, the tranquillity of the daytime is completely lost on one of the newly settled inhabitants of the homely complex. Indeed, even with all indications pointing to the contrary, at this very instant, everything in the world—perhaps all the universe—is totally and indelibly,

. . .wrong . . .)

Seyoko: What in GOD’S NAME do you mean!?!?!?

(Seyoko Okazaki—once Liaison for the pilot Lyn Anouilh to Tokyo 3, now a representative of the United Nations organization UNSynaps, shouts vehemently into the handset of a small portable telephone clutched with whitening knuckles in her hand. The girl’s normally pleasant features are twisted with utter rage, as a voice at the other end delivers news which, obviously, is not to the young lieutenant’s liking . . . )

Seyoko: This isn’t funny!! What do you mean "unreceptive!?" I’ve been doing
everything I was suppose to do!!

(The young woman’s face further contorts into a mask of acrimony as the voice at the other end continues --)

Seyoko: THEY DON’T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT!!!

(Okazaki nearly rattles the windows with this, her eyes falling to a small piece of paper marked "CONFIDENTIAL" which rests next to an open envelope on the kitchen table . . .)

Seyoko: Don’t just give me that "You have your orders" crap!!
Let me speak to your CO!! I have a right to know why—

(her request is refused, however, as the voice on the other end of the line
breaks off—an audibly loud "click" ringing in her ears . . .)

Seyoko: WAIT!!!!!

(Seyoko’s eyes appear to take on the consistency of clouded glass as, in the
first throes of what seems to be shock, she slowly stands up straight—the phone
slipping quietly from her fingers, only to land with a hollow CRACK on the floor
below . . .)

Seyoko: (thinking) of all the terrible things to do
. . . even transfer . . . . transfer me . . .

(Suddenly, the woman strikes the table with enraged fists—her teeth
clenched in frustration as she pounds its flat surface with unbound rage,
until the bones in her hands grow numb with the pain . . )

Seyoko: (loudly) OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN NERV, OF ALL THE PEOPLE ON EARTH,
WHY do I have to answer to HER!?!?!?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(Meanwhile . . . in the apartment not more than two stories below . . .

Shinji Ikari lies, sprawled on the small mattress that has served as his bed
for the past few months. The child’s face is a mask of exhaustion, the soundness
of his sleep only the second most obvious indicator of his fatigue. . .

This, at least, is disturbingly apparent to the person standing at the foot of his bed . . .)

Asuka: (whispering) who else knew you were so
peaceful when you sleep . ..

(The second child, Asuka Soryu, stands quietly above the slumbering
form of Shinji Ikari . . . strangely, the girl’s face seems to belie a sort
of—regret—as she stares down at the boy. Her hair still disheveled and
unkempt from a missed early morning ritual, Asuka merely stands there
for several moments, barely cognizant of the sound of the boy’s breathing . . .)

Asuka: (thinking) who, except me . . . right?

(It is with this final thought, the girl slowly begins to back away—
taking one final look at Shinji Ikari’s peaceful form before exiting the
small room with a careful shutting of the door. . .)

(once in the hallway, the second child breaths a quick sigh—
her hand still poised on the doorhandle as the image of the
sleeping boy slowly fades from her mind . . .)

Asuka: . . ?

(It is then, however, that the girl becomes aware of a hushed
voice in the room beyond—one that she recognizes as belonging
to Misato Katsuragi . . .)

Asuka: . . .

(Asuka’s lips become tight, as a brief tide of anger wells up
within her upon recognition of the voice—indeed, it would appear
that memories of events days before still present within the turmoil
of thoughts currently racing through her mind . .)

Misato: (quietly) He’s alright. He was so tired . . . he slept for
three days straight when he got home . . .

(Soryu utters something unintelligible under her breath, before
she turns in a huff—walking quickly toward the doorway to her room . . .

but then, however, she catches something that makes her
stop in her tracks . . .)

Misato: (into the phone) the second child?

Asuka: . . .

Misato: . . . no. I haven’t told him.

(Katsuragi’s voice, oddly, seems to take on a quieter, more bitter tone--)

Misato: She hasn’t changed her mind . . . she’s informed me that her decision is final.

Asuka: . . .

Misato: Look . . .There will be no need to delay the request any further.
There’s nothing more we can do . . .

Asuka: . . .

Misato: (thinking) She’s convinced there’s nothing more for her here.

(It is at this point, that Asuka blinks—snapping out of her momentary daze,
she proceeds to the door of her room where, as she slides it open,

a stack of DHL moving boxes, along with a small suitcase, can be seen . . .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(As the sound of Asuka Soryu’s door sliding shutting reaches Misato’s free
ear, the woman starts. Realizing, then, that her conversation may have been
overheard, Katsuragi shifts in her seat and cranes her neck sideways—squinting
down the dimly lit hallway beyond, only to find it now vacant and empty. . .

(blinking twice, the woman returns to her previous posture—her free hand rubbing
her now aching neck as, suddenly, she remembers the familiar, hollow-sounding
voice coming from the telephone’s tiny speaker . . .)

Hyuga: (over the phone) Major? Major Katsuragi, is everything alright?

(with a sigh, Misato runs her hand through her hair—her thin, short
ponytail falling loose from its place atop her shoulder and taking on a quick,
pendulous swing before it finally comes to a rest down the middle of her back.
It is only with slight disgust that Misato takes note of her disheveled reflection
in the countertop beneath her elbows as the woman places the receiver over
her ear once more . . .)

Misato: (quietly) yeah, I’m here.

Hyuga: As I was saying, command’s been quiet about the Unit 02 incident.

Misato: And what about our little "insubordination" incident?

Hyuga: It could go either way . . . depending on who you talk to, it
seems you’re up for either dismissal, or promotion . .

(The woman snorts, shaking her head at her reflection in the marble
countertop with a tired, condescending smile . . .)

Misato: I could care less. I’m not going anywhere in terms of rank—
it would just be a waste of time and effort, especially with the reshuffling
of the roster they’d have to do.

Hyuga: I guess. But don’t doubt the bureau’s capacity for red tape.

Misato: Hyuga . . what am I going to do?

Hyuga: what?

Misato: I think . . after what happened with unit 02’s entry plug . . .
Hyuga, I think she honestly hates me.

Hyuga: With all due respect, you know her better than anyone else here . . .
maybe this will be good for her, in the end.

Misato: I try to tell myself that . . .

(The woman pauses—gazing at the empty living room, where empty
couches and an unwatched, unpowered Television set sits . . .)

Misato: But the reset of me knows that . . . someone that has
dedicated their very life to something like EVA . . . can’t
give it up so quickly. Not without a lot of problems . . .

Hyuga: . . .

Misato: And I think Asuka’s the last person who should be
put through that kind of pain.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aoi: Are you still alive?

Lyn: Huh?

Aoi: What is up with you? 6?

Lyn: I dunno . . . I’m just . .

(Lyn Anouilh fingers the edges of the cast draped over his arm as he
mumbles his response—the moist air in the Tokyo 3 streets settling on
the skin of the two as he and the enigmatic girl with him walk down the
downtown quarter, . . . )

Lyn: I’m glad to be back, I guess . . .

Aoi: (annoyed) whatever . . . and stop playing with the edge of your cast.
You’re suppose to leave it alone.

Lyn: . uh . ..

(Realizing he is on the border of a rather complex predicament with this
girl, Anouilh eyes her carefully, looking for something to say . . .)

Lyn: By the way . .um . . what happened to your hair ribbon?

(Tamashii does not take her eyes from the street as she answers, however . .. )

Aoi: I got tired of it. why, you don’t like it this way?

Lyn: No, no that’s not—I mean yes, I like your hair . . it’s just different, that’s all . . .

Aoi: (quietly) Things change sometimes, 6. You have to deal with them. . .

Lyn: . . .um . .Aoi . .

Aoi: . . .?

(to Aoi’s surprise, Lyn comes to a halt—she is not more than two steps
ahead when she herself stops, facing him with a questioning look . . .)

Lyn: Speaking of acting strangely . . . I don’t think I’m the only
one of us being bothered by something . .

(Tamashii rolls her eyes, turning around . . )

Aoi: . . . whatever gave you that idea . . .

(The girl’s remark is both short and sudden, as she shrugs
her shoulders, continuing onward . . )

Lyn: Hey—wait!

Aoi: I have to get to school, sixth child. If I’m late I won’t be
given the same benefit of the doubt that you and the
rest of the pilots do . . .

(Anouilh runs to catch up to the girl, backpedaling when
he reaches her so that he may face her as he speaks . . .)

Lyn: Look, I’m sorry, I don’t want you to be late—

Aoi: . . .

(still unresponsive, the girl keeps her face low, not acknowledging the child’s words . . .)

Lyn: look now, Aoi . . . please, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. It’s just that you seem
worried about something . . .

Aoi: So what if I am . . . you don’t seem to care that I worry about you at all. . .

Lyn: Now that’s not true—

(the boy is cut off abruptly, however, by a hollow metallic CLANG)

Lyn: !!!!

(a surprised grunt is heard as Lyn Anouilh falls to the ground,
clutching the back of his head in pain as stars dance across his vision . . .)

Aoi: 6! Are you alright!?

(The girl drops to her knees, examining the back of the boy’s
head with worried eyes . .)

Lyn: Ooooww . .w . .what . .hit me . . .

Aoi: . .

(the girl looks up for a moment, then shakes her head—glaring
at the boy as she points to a steel light-pole which stands directly in his path . .)

Aoi: You have to watch where you’re going, 6!
You could have seriously hurt yourself!!

Lyn: ow . .unh .. that was dumb, huh?

Aoi: why do I even bother . . !.

(it is with this that the girl stands once more—storming off in the
direction of the school at a quickened pace . . .

. . .leaving Lyn behind, rubbing the back of his skull . . . )

Lyn: Aww . . good job, Anouilh . . .

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Fuyutsuki: So . . . This is the result of the Human complementation program . . .

Maya: Yes, sir.

Tenkei: -----

(Elsewhere . . .in a darkened chamber set a far, far cry from the
commons and low-clearance accesses of the Nerv subcomplex . . .

Maya Ibuki stands sullenly beneath the combined gaze of the secretive
organization’s supreme commander and primary subordinate officer.
The men stand silently, as light from banks nearly 45 feet overhead
illuminate the group in an unearthly halo . . .

the woman’s hand rests on the shoulder of a shorter figure which
stands draped in a cloth that is the color of bleached white—a color
nearly as stark as the hair that sits in wild tangles on his head, and
obscures the yellow irises in the child’s eyes . . .)

Gendo: What was the extent of the damage the unit incurred?

Maya: . . . which unit, sir?

Gendo: I beg your pardon?

(Ibuki seems to stumble a bit, the harshness of the man’s voice
striking a particularly dissonant chord within her . .. )

Maya: To which unit . . are you referring? Unit 00, or—

Gendo: (impatiently) I refer to the child which stands before us now.

(It is with narrow eyes that Gendo glares at the boy . . . the complement,
in turn, merely stares off into the darkness—a vacancy present in his gaze
that bespeaks a total absence of any will held within . .)

Gendo: will it still function?

Maya: oh . .yes. The damage it incurred was not severe . .

Fuyutsuki: Oh? It didn’t seem that way when you gave your initial report . . .

Maya: I understand how it may have sounded—

Fuyutsuki: "The unit’s biological integrity was compromised by the unit ITSELF,
in order to save the life of the unit’s co-complement."

Maya: . . .

Fuyutsuki: You’ll understand why I find this more than suspicious . .

(The man pauses—eyeing the small bandage wrapped around the child’s arm . . )

Maya: I don’t . .understand . .

Fuyutsuki: The real issue here, Miss Ibuki, is the fact that the complement failed in its
task---despite the fact that you assured us it was fully functional.

Gendo: All the more reason to question the truth of the report—

Maya: Sirs . . .I . . .if I may beg the commanders pardons, I have an explanation.

Gendo: . .?

Maya: . . .

(Before she goes on, Ibuki takes the boy’s hand in hers—squeezing it comfortingly.

Tenkei, however, remains as unresponsive and oblivious to this as before . . .)

Maya: We’ve reached the conclusion—that the unit requires human contact, if
it is to be of any use to us.

Fuyutsuki: Go on . . .

Maya: The supplement casing was designed and installed, because it was
            found that the complement’s nerve impulses interfered with those
            of the pilot. . . creating a potentially hazardous condition, in the event
            of a destructive waveform overlap. It allowed us to maintain and control
            the pulse flow and intermixing . . . But there are drawbacks to this.
            It seems—from what data we gathered in the field, the complement
            cannot function properly unless it has been in contact with its recipient.

Gendo: . . .

Fuyutsuki: Quite a paradox. Though I’m not yet ready to
accept this explanation, I will tender your solution—
if you have one, that is. . .

Maya: I do . . . sirs, It is my . . expert opinion . . . that the child be given the chance
to interact on a more natural level with those around him . . . outside the confines
of our lab.

Fuyutsuki: Absurd.

Maya: It cannot interface properly, because it has almost no
experience with human interaction!

Gendo: But you have said yourself, this child is not human.

(Gendo eyes the boy once more—the white wisps of the child’s hair
gleaming brightly in the light overhead . . . )

Maya: Yes, but . . . his mind has human . .components. . .
            and mankind is a social creature. Without the example
            of others, he cannot develop psychologically to the fullest
            of his capacity—All it knows of the beings which it must
            complement are what it has gathered from
            simple Outcomes Based interaction in terminal dogma--
             That type of artificial social stimuli can only be taken so far!

(Fuyutsuki, however, turns his nose down in disgust--)

Fuyutsuki: Miss Ibuki, what you’re proposing is totally unacceptable.
                The unit is not to be exposed to an environment where there is the
                 potential for damage or contamination! Not to mention the fact that this is not
                  something we want to expose to the possibility of hostile infiltration!

Maya: The interaction would not be unsupervised,
I assure you—

Fuyutsuki: And just what do you intend to do?
enroll it in school? Utter nonsense. . .

Maya: Sir . . . I would oversee the child’s development personally!

(The older man shakes his head, however--)

Fuyutsuki : Your motives are understandable, but I fail to
see the justification in your argument . . . eh?

(the man is silenced, however, by a wave of the supreme commander’s hand . . .)

Gendo: What level of interaction would you deem to be acceptable, Lieutenant Ibuki?

Fuyutsuki: Ikari, don’t be foolish—

(Gendo, however, ignores the older man’s words—his eyes locked
with Maya’s own, their gaze behind their tinted rims both cold, and unyielding --)

Gendo: how long?

(Maya glances down at the boy for a moment, before meeting
Ikari’s gaze once more--)

Maya: I . . . I am not sure . . . perhaps a matter of weeks . . maybe months . . .

(The man shuts his eyes, repositioning the tinted spectacles above his nose with the
touch of a gloved index finger. . .)

Gendo: You will be given a tentative two weeks. If the unit shows signs of improvement,
then more will be deemed permissible.

(Beside Ikari, Fuyutsuki starts, his voice filled with incredulity . . .)

Fuyutsuki: Ikari! You would make so rash decision?? Have you forgotten about the
time and resources behind this project!? To say nothing of the cost of
development? You would chance tossing all that aside!?

(Ikari’s voice, however, is resolute . . . indeed, it is almost
frightening in its harshness--)

Gendo: (firmly) Without its ability to interface, the unit is USELESS.
A weapon is not efficacious to our cause if it cannot be fired!

Fuyutsuki: . . .

Gendo: I trust, Lieutenant, that you understand the consequences
of your decision, should the Ev. N Complement’s interface
ratios fail to show improvement at the end of the allotted time?

(The woman swallows, managing a compliant nod under the
halogen glow of the lighting tiers high above . . .)

Maya: Yes sir . . . but . . .

Gendo: . . but what?

Maya: The chance—that it should exacerbate the unit’s current problems . .
if that should occur— Sir, that is always a possibility.

(Ikari’s voice, however, interrupts—its resolute tone combined with the
seriousness of the man’s words as they come are enough to send a
shiver down Lt. Ibuki’s spine . . )

Gendo: Do not allow that to happen, lieutenant.

Maya: . . .

Gendo: Is that clear?

(Maya’s voice is little more than a quiet echo in the massive chamber as
she utters her response to the question, her grip on the child’s
shoulder tightening ever so slightly . . .)

Maya: Yes sir.

Fuyutsuki: (under his breath) unbelievable . . .

Gendo: Moving onward, Lieutenant, there is one more aspect
to you and Major Katsuragi’s reports which must be addressed.

(Ibuki, at last, takes her hand from Tenkei’s shoulder—her posture
now that of a duty-minded subordinate, the woman nods . .)

Maya: What, sir?

Gendo: According to your reports, the second child is to be transferred from
Tokyo 3 to the branch in Berlin. Is that correct?

Maya: Yes, sir.

Gendo: I then take it, as such, that she is no longer an
asset to this organization?

Maya: no . .sir.

Gendo: Very well. Have the second child’s RAM removed from Unit 02, and load the standby.
A replacement standby must also be found.

Maya: We . . . already have a candidate, sir. One that can be in place before the week’s end.

Gendo: See that it is done.

(The dirge-like echo of slow footsteps resounds somewhat loudly in the open chamber as, after a moment’s silence, the figures of Gendo Ikari and Kouzou Fuyutsuki turn toward the exit.

And then, as all but three of the lights in the room are shut off,
Maya remains in a continued quietude—indeed, she speaks not a
word as her hand finds that of the small boy next to her.
The child, in turn, offers little to no resistance as she pulls him,
with gentle effort, toward the opposite doorway . . .)

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(Elsewhere . . . among the boxes and luggage in the bedroom of the second child . . )

Asuka: Don’t be, Hikari. There’s nothing you or anyone can say to change my mind.

Hikari: (over th phone) But Asuka,

Asuka: There aren’t any ‘buts’ about it. If you’re my friend you’ll respect my decision.

(Asuka Soryu sits in the dark atop a sheetless mattress, her ear
pressed to the earpiece of her small portable phone . . . )

Hikari: I don’t see why you have to . . . Asuka you’ve worked this out before!

Asuka: There’s no more to discuss. Nothing. I’m leaving this evening . . . the first flight out . . .

Hikari: Asuka WAI—*

(There is an abrupt ‘Click’ as the connection is closed with but a touch
of the child’s thumb. It is with a soft thud that, seconds later, the phone drops
from the girl’s ear—tumbling onto the uncovered mattress with a harmless
bounce, before coming to a rest with the muffled sound of a rusty bedspring.

The girl does not move from her place—her skin and clothes endowed
with gray tones and ashen hues in her unlit chamber, a place illuminated only
by the indirect sunlight of the midday sun outside. For an epoch of innumerous
seconds forever lost to the room’s stale air, the second child’s eyes remain
focused on nothing in particular in her small, caliginous corner of the world.

It is here then, one by one, that the thoughts come . . . the doubts, the misery.
All of it scrawled across her young features in a look of tired bitterness.
A wearied doldrum of loathing and defeat which gives her the appearance
of one many, many years older. . . )

Asuka: (thinking) Das Zweite kind . .

(The child squeezes her eyes shut, wincing with the strike of a mental dagger . . .)

Asuka: (thinking) I’m nothing.

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Shinji: Leaving!?!? What do you mean ‘Leaving?’

Misato: (quietly) Shinji . . . This can’t be that much of a shock to you. . .

Shinji: But . . . Misato, we should do something!

Misato: Should we, Shinji?

(Meanwhile . . . in the housing complex’s parking
area nearly 10 stories below . . .)

Shinji: I don’t know what you’re talking about—

Misato: (quietly) Asuka’s made her decision, because she
feels she can’t do her job anymore. Shinji,
who can say what’s best for her?

(The boy, however, is unheeding—unknowingly
clenching his hands into desperate fists . . )

Shinji: Misato . . . Eva is her life. It's been the most important thing in the world
to her . . . She can't just quit now--it's not her!

Misato: Why, Shinji?

Shinji: What do you mean, "why?"--didn't you hear what I just said--?

Misato: Before you answer that question, ask yourself, Shinji: why did you want to leave?

(the boy stares at her for a moment, before dropping his eyes with a forlorn expression . . )

Shinji: Because I was afraid . . . I was scared. . .

(Misato does not meet the boy’s downcast gaze, however,
as she pushes onward . . .)

Misato: And so, you can justify that coming back and staying with me was
the right thing for you to do?

Shinji: . I . . . suppose . . .

Misato: That’s where you two differ, Shinji.

Shinji: . . .

Misato: For all you know, her reasons are far different from yours . . .
Asuka is a different kind of person.

(Misato turns away from him, sucking in the humid air as cicadas sing their monotonous, noontime threnody to the pair from places unseen . . .)

Shinji: . . . her synch ratio . . .it isn't. . .

Misato: It's been a while since her last test.
But the trend is unmistakable. . . I'm sorry.

Shinji: (quietly) this is so wrong . . .

(She hesitates for a moment, then continues—speaking her mind in a single, unassuming breath . . .)

Misato: I know how you feel, Shinji.

(The boy starts—his eyes wide with realization
of his guardian’s words . . .)

Misato: You don’t have to say anything.

Shinji: . . .

(Ikari’s response is as obvious to Katsuragi as it is silent, and pensive. . .
uninterrupted, the woman forges on. . .)

Misato: Of course, I could be completely wrong.
            I won’t claim to know Asuka’s feelings.
             She hates me for what I did to her . . .
            And so be it. I was doing my job.

(She turns, eyeing the disconsolate young man carefully . . .)

Misato: But I don't think Asuka wants to accept that sacrifice.

Shinji: And that was wrong?

Misato: That’s something that you have to think about,
should you decide to say something. You, Rei, Lyn
and myself –we all have to consider our duty, Shinji.

(Ikari looks at the woman questioningly, his regret masked only by his

Shinji: Our duty to who? To Nerv?

Misato: No.

Shinji: . . ?

Misato: To ourselves.

(Shinji Ikari shuts his eyes, shaking his head . . . )

Shinji: that’s incredibly selfish . . .

Misato: It’s sad to think about, but it’s the truth, Shinji.
            All I'm asking is that you consider it--carefully. Do you want her to stay
            for her sake, or for your own? It may be better for both of you to
            accept her loss, and move on.

Shinji: I can't just let her go.

Misato: (firmly) It’s something we all must do.
I had to face this reality . . . twice.

Shinji: . . .

Misato: As painful as it all is . . . you have to accept
            the fact that there may be nothing
             you can say or do to change this outcome.
            You owe yourself that much, at least,
             before you go up there. I don't want her to leave any
            more than you do. But in the end, it's her decision.

Shinji: Misato . . .

Misato: . . ?

Shinji: I hope you're wrong.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Radio:   . . .other news, it has been confirmed that the
            Eastern Siberian National Protectorate, after a meeting
            of the general consulate last night that went well on into
            this morning, has officially withdrawn its ambassadors from
            its embassy in Beijing. This has come as as a shock to
            many representatives of the post-second impact third-world
            collective, citing it as, among other things, an act of war—

Asuka : Ja Vati. Ich hab mir einen Platz für den Flug heute abend
            gebucht. Ich warte dann morgen früh auf dich am Flughafen.
            Ich muß noch auf den Lieferservice warten der meine Sachen
            abholen soll . . .

(The girl seems to pause, here eyes having fallen to the bits of clothing crumpled in her hands . .

an edge of polka-dotted red and white cloth catches the girl’s eye,
before she shakes from her reverie, placing the garment in the suitcase at her feet.)

Asuka: Nein, ich bin. . . froh Mutter zu sehen. Aber du brauchst sie
nicht extra mitzubringen. Ich möchte da keine große Sache draus
machen . . .

(Asuka shuts the bag with a swipe of her foot, nodding absentmindedly to
the voice on the phone . . .)

Asuka: Ja, Ja dann. Ich sehe Sie dort.
Auf Wiedersehen, Vater.

(It is with a grateful sigh that the girl at last hangs up the phone—
tossing it onto the bedspreadonce again, without a second look . . .)

(She is startled, then, by the sound of the front door sliding
open . . .the girl’s hand falls to the radio, cutting the announcer
off in midsentence as the device is shut off.)

Asuka: . . .

(The second child does not break the silence that ensues
in the seconds to come, as a pitiable-looking figure emerges
from the hallway—a boy that is quick to drop his eyes upon
catching site of the girl who is, for all intents and purposes,
about to become a memory, and nothing more . . .)

Shinji: . . .

Asuka:. . .

(Soryu says nothing to the younger Ikari as she continues
gathering up her things, shoving them rudely into the open
mouth of her tote-bag, like so many of the thoughts which
now course through her mind . . . thoughts which, it seems,
she would rather not dwell upon . . .)

Shinji: . . . A . . .Asuka . . .

Asuka: I suppose she told you.

Shinji: . . .

(Ikari swallows hard upon hearing the indifferent tone
of the girl’s words, his voice seemingly lodged in his throat
like so much cotton. . . indeed, all he can manage is a
quick nod and an uneasy cough as Asuka goes on about
her packing . . .)

Shinji: I . . .

Asuka: You should be glad---you’ll finally get back
that stupid room you loved so much.

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: And you won’t have to worry about having to
go out of your way to help me anymore.

Shinji: . . . No . . no . . . I don’t—

Asuka: and why not?

Shinji: . . .

(The girl pauses, glaring at the boy with an icy scowl--)

Asuka: Why are you so uncertain? If our roles were
reversed I would certainly be happy about it!

Shinji: Why on earth would I be happy about you leaving!?

Asuka: (growling) You won’t have anyone to get on
your case when you screw up!

(Soryu grunts, shoving articles into the tote-bag with renewed fury . .. )

Shinji: Why do you do this!? I don’t care about any of that—

Asuka: What, you like having me around!? To be humiliated!?

Shinji: Asuka, That’s not true!

Asuka: STOP it, Ikari! I know what you’re trying to
do and it’s NOT going to work!!

Shinji: But-

Asuka: (interrupting) I’ve made my choice!
I won’t be made a fool of!

Shinji: You’re just doing this to yourself because you’re angry!

Asuka: I was angry, Shinji. Be glad I wasn’t angry with you.

Shinji: You’re so hell bent on winning . . . like it’s the only thing in the world—

Asuka: WHAT part of what I said don’t you get, DORK!?
Are you NEVER going to understand!?

(The girl grits her teeth, staring angrily at the boy as he reels in surprise—)

Asuka: (Thinking) I’m NOT EVEN adequate any more!!!!!!

Shinji: Y—you’ve had troubles before, but you’ve
dealt with them—who’s to say it-

Asuka: It’s OVER, Third child!! FACE IT!

Shinji: But ASUKA!

Asuka: (shouting) It’s OVER!!! You’re not going to carry my stone for me!!

(Asuka Soryu growls, wrenching her bag from its place
atop the counter and storming down the hallway. The angry
girl brushes past a solemn looking Misato Katsuragi without
a second glance, before disappearing out the doorway in a
red flash . . .)

Shinji: (quietly) don’t leave . . .

(As the door shuts with a short gust of air, Shinji Ikari’s eyes
fall to the figure of the somber looking woman standing next to it.
Misato does not offer any words of consolation, however . ..

she merely casts her eyes to the side . . .
unwilling to meet the third child’s own . . .)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Rei: . . .?

(meanwhile . . .)

Rei: I can feel nothing.

(The resonant drone of power couplings and massive
energy generators permeates the air like the sound of
electronic locusts, As Rei Ayanami rests, wearied and
still, in the padded confines of a test chair. The cybernetic
fervency of the equipment which hums around her serves
only to make this girl feel cold inside, however, as cylindrical
glass sensors glide over her body, scanning every centimeter
of both length and width—mechanical eyes which penetrate
deep beneath her skin, muscle and bone with lasers and
soundwaves that return to their emitters with insurmountable
pages of Data . . .

. . . All while Rei Ayanami sits . . . a look of dispirited
ennui on her pale face . . . )

Yuri: If there is any discomfort, let me know.

Rei: . . .

(The first child does not respond to the unsettled voice
which rings loudly over the intercom speaker situated above
her left ear. Rather, her thoughts seem divided—unfocused
—as images of random events seem to insert themselves into
key points in her awareness . . .

A flash of light . . .

and indistinct face . . .

a child’s smile . . .

and the sensation of tears. . .

. . .before the girl shifts in place—affixing her eyes
upon the slow, languorous movements of the scanner
encircling her head . . . inevitably, that gaze falls upon
the lines and curves of the device, which is an automated
chimera of sensors and servos, pieced together from
several components which allow it to swing over her
body in symmetric arcs, mapping her every aspect . . .

And Rei shudders.)

Yuri: What was that? Do you feel anything?

Rei: No.

(The girl says only this, however, and continues to
stare blankly at the wall of the scanning chamber . . .)

Rei: (thinking) I don’t want to feel . . anymore.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Shinji: Stop! Asuka, Wait!

Asuka: I waited long enough!

(The girl stops—spinning on her heel, she faces
the boy with a look bordering on unbridled fury . . .)

Asuka: HOW many times are we going to end up in
            this position!? You—following me
             like some sort of lost puppy!? I’m obviously
            the last person you should be coming to!

Shinji: But—I—

(The boy stammers as the girl steps forward, poking him in
the chest with an accusing finger--)

Asuka: I TOLD you for the last time that I do NOT
want your pity! And don’t think that
you’re going to get any from me!

Shinji: would ---

Asuka: (growling) Dumkopf!

(Then, however, as Soryu turns to continue on her way--)

Shinji: Would—WOULD you just SHUT UP and Listen for a minute!?

Asuka: . . .

(Asuka indeed comes to a stop—but that is all.
The second child does not turn to face Shinji Ikari as he pushes on--)

Shinji: This has nothing to do with pity, and you know it!

Asuka: . . .

Shinji: The only person that wants you to leave is YOU!
Hasn’t it occurred to you that maybe others want
you to stay? Maybe I want you to stay?!

(For an endless moment, the girl says nothing—staring
at the street ahead of her, as a car rushes past—kicking up
a draft that rustles her clothing and tosses the finer edges
of her hair about her shoulders . . .

it is a familiar feeling.)

Asuka: (quietly) . . . You want me to stay, Shinji?

Shinji: . . .yes.

Asuka: . . .why?

Shinji: . . .

(Though the question is simple, the answer, it seems,
is far more complex than Shinji Ikari would have expected.
The third child frowns, unable to speak . . .)

After a moment, Soryu gauges his response . . .)

Asuka: I didn’t think so.

(with these words, the girl turns around—locking gazes
with the boy as she steps toward him . . )

Asuka: What does that tell you, Ikari?

Shinji: I know. . .

Asuka: Listen to me, Shinji.

Shinji: . . .

(The boy falls totally silent, eyes affixed on the second child . . .)

Asuka: Do you understand why I’m leaving? Did you
consider maybe I know what’s best for me?

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: (firmly) It’s because I can’t do my job anymore.

Shinji: Asuka, that’s not tr—

Asuka: Shinji . . .!

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: My life up to this point has been all for not, third child.
Do you know how it feels to realize that you are totally
useless to those around you?

Shinji: . . no.

Asuka: It’s the worst thing, Shinji Ikari. Worse than death.
So awful that I wouldn’t wish it on anyone . .

(The girl turns away, adding with a note of disgust . ..)

Asuka: . . . even wondergirl.

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: So I’m leaving. There is no more life for me here.
There is NOTHING for me here.

(It is upon this remark that Asuka turns away from the boy—
continuing on down the streetas Shinji watches from behind . . .
unable to follow any further . . .

Shinji: You’re running away, Asuka. . .

(The girl’s response, however, is unanticipated. . .)

Asuka: Then . . . so be it.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(Elsewhere, In the Apartment of Lyn
Anouilh and his former liaison, . . .)

Lyn: Seyoko . . . are you home?

Seyoko: . . .

Lyn: You’re here? why didn’t you answer the door?

Seyoko: Pouf. All gone. all done. No more career. . .

Lyn: What’s wrong with you?

Seyoko: Leave me alone . . .

(the subtle draft of the automated door coming to a
close is audible far away in the ears of Seyoko Okazaki,
who sits slouched in her seat at the kitchen table, her head
buried in the crook of crossed arms . . .

Her charge looks at her inquisitively for a moment,
scratching the edge of his cast with habitual dexterity. . .)

Lyn: What? What’s the matter?

Seyoko: I said . . .leave me alone. . .

(The boy cocks his gaze to one side, frowning slightly)

Lyn: What’s gotten into you? you were suppose to be
at the base today, weren’t you?

Seyoko: I’m sorry, but I’m not gonna play there anymore.

(The child is startled by the woman’s unforeseen response,
taking a cursory step forward . . .

It is then, however, that the boy becomes aware of a rather
bitter aroma pervading the air . .)

Lyn: (sniffing) What’s that? What’s that smell?

Seyoko: . . .

(seconds later, the origin of the odor becomes startlingly
obvious, as Okazaki shifts in her seat—knocking over a half
empty can of rotgut Sake off the table with a hollow-sounding
‘clunk’ in the process . . .)

Lyn: . . .?

Seyoko: . . . . . . . . oops . . . .

(an uneasy silence descends into the room as the remaining
liquid in the small container begins to gush onto the floor in blunt,
noisy spurts. It is in absolute disbelief that the boy stares at it,
taking mental note of the image before he turns toward the
young lady lying inebriated at the table . . .. .)

Lyn: I don’t believe this! you’re Tipsy!?!?

(Okazaki, however, shakes her head with a lethargic
calm, raising a pair of half-closed eyelids toward the boy . . .)

Seyoko: No . . I’d say I am rather sh—shloshed at the moment . . .

Lyn: . . .You’re DRUNK!!

Seyoko: What is it to you?

Lyn: What the HELL brought this about!?
I thought you were more "responsible" than that!!

Seyoko: I’m suppose to be a -lot of things . . . miserable, for one . . .

Lyn: I don’t believe this. . . Of all people . . .

(gritting his teeth, the child says nothing more—
turning away in disgust as the girl returns to her woes . . . )

Seyoko: tha’s right . . . jus run away . .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Rei: . . .

Shinji: I don’t know what to do, Rei.

Rei: . . .

Shinji: I say that to you a lot, don’t I?

Rei: I wouldn’t know.

(shrugging in uncertainty, Shinji Ikari lets his eyes
wander to the stark blue walls of the well-lit hospital room.
The words CRANIAL NERVE 294 are stenciled above the door
of the chamber where Rei Ayanami now stays, the obscurity
of the reference now strangely befitting the somewhat
misplaced young pilot . . . )

Shinji: I don’t want her to leave. She knows I don’t
want her to leave. But . . .

Rei: But she still wishes to leave.

Shinji: Yeah . . .

(The first child does not so much as blink before
her response comes forth—its cold certainty as
unnerving to the young Ikari as its suddenness . . .)

Rei: Then there is no problem. There is nothing you
can do, and nothing that can be done.

Shinji: . . .

(The boy, seemingly, is struck speechless by the
girl’s words. He coughs twice, attempting to say
some justification, some explanation, or something
that, for all intents and purposes, does not exist . . .)

Rei: I’ve very little more to say on that matter, Pilot Ikari.

Shinji: . . . Pilot? Why . . .

Rei: because you refer to the second child in the
context of the EVAs . . . I assumed . .

Shinji: oh . .never mind . .it’s not important.

(A moment passes in silence as Shinji warily
accepts Ayanami’s remarks, deciding to leave
their contention for a better time . . .)

Shinji: So . . . how are you feeling?

Rei: I am alive.

Shinji: Oh . . . they . . .

Rei: . . .?

Shinji: . . .were worried about you at school . . .

(The girl’s ears seem to pick up on the lie
almost at once—her eyes following as they
dart to the figure of the boy seated in the
chair next to her bed, before closing. . .)

Rei: Do they . . .

Shinji: . . .

Rei: It is of no matter. I will have to repeat the
grade, if I cannot attend the sessions any longer.

Shinji: . . .ha. . .

(to his own amazement, Shinji Ikari finds a
laugh wallowed in the comprehension of the girl’s statement--)

Shinji: . . !!!!!

Rei: What are you laughing about? At me?

Shinji: (stammering) I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it isn’t you, I swear!

Rei: . . .

(Ayanami does not respond, though, and simply remains still,

much to Ikari’s further unease . . .)

Shinji: It was . . .the way you said that . . .I realized
that I had completely forgotten about . .school . . .

Rei: . . .

(The boy chuckles weakly to himself, scratching
the back of his head . . .)

Shinji: Even when I’m in class . . . I never realized I was still . .in class . . .

Rei: (sighing)

Shinji: It all seems so distant, after all that’s happened.

Rei: (quietly) such is the nature of death. And of those who risk it.
we don’t expect to return to the lives we live here.

Shinji: . . .

(Rei adds nothing to her statement as she
opens her eyes— securing her gaze on the
circular lighting fixture set 6 feet above the
surface of her bed . . .

the girl stares at it for a long time—as Shinji
watches on in an uneasy silence . . .)

(Finally, Ikari can bear the silence no longer---)

Shinji: What is it . . .?

Rei: . . .

Shinji: What’s wrong?

(strangely affixed on seemingly nothing at all,
the girl sinks into her pillow a bit, lowering her
eyes once again . . .)

Rei: The lights. They’ve changed the lighting fixture on the ceiling.

Shinji: . . .?

(with an befuddled intonation, the boy’s own
eyes go upward—gazing at the newly installed
curves and edges of the round glass halogen
tubing high above . . .)

Rei: It is no longer . . .familiar . . . to me.

Shinji: hunh . . . you’re . .right. .

Rei: I find it . . .

Shinji: . . .?

Rei: . . .disturbing.

Shinji: . . .

(it is then, however, that a spark of understanding
flickers momentarily in the third child’s mind—given
strength and fueled by the comments of the girl
beside him, as she continues on . . .)

Rei: perhaps that is your answer, Ikari.

Shinji:. . .

Rei: the way things change . . . and you cannot understand.

Shinji: . . . yeah.

Rei: Even when they change for what is best . . .

Shinji: . . .

Rei: It will still be painful.

Shinji: So . . .you think Asuka leaving is . . one of those things?

(weakly, the girl shakes her head—tilting it to
one side, unable to face Shinji any further .. . )

Rei: I don’t know.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Aoi: Just like that, then?

Asuka: Hmph.

Aoi: I don’t know what to say.

Asuka: You would’ve been the last person I
would have expected to be at a loss for words.

(Elsewhere. . . in the empty hallway outside
the administrative office just beyond the entryway
of the local junior high-school . . .)

Aoi: We all can’t live up to our reputations.

(Asuka noticeably flinches at the girl’s remark—
yet says nothing to effect its response . . .)

Aoi: Why are you taking your school records
yourself? I would have thought Miss
Katsuragi would be handling that for you.

Asuka: I want nothing more to do with her, and she knows it.

Aoi: But still . .

(the girl takes a curious step forward, the
seriousness on her face masked only by the
inquisitive look in her eyes . . .)

Aoi: . . . you’re leaving, without telling anyone?
What about all your friends?

Asuka: I’ve already told the people who matter.
There’s no point in making a bigger deal
out of it.

Aoi: still . . . there will be rumors, you know.

Asuka: I don’t give a damn.

(Tamashii shrugs, her hands clasped behind
her back as she turns away from the girl . . .)

Aoi: So be it. Don’t think I’m trying to stop
you from leaving. I was simply wondering . . .

Asuka: Wondering what?

Aoi: . . . well . . .

(Aoi smirks to herself, )

Aoi: How you could just leave Ikari out in the cold.

Asuka: . . .

Aoi: He really likes you, you know.

Asuka: Shut up, Flitchen.

Aoi: Oh, please. you know it better than
anyone else. You’re not the first girl to feign arrogance
when it comes to boys. . . pretty unladylike, if you ask me . . .

Asuka: would you stop!? I told you, my mind is made up. . .

Aoi: I already told you I’m not trying to stop you from leaving.

Asuka: . . ?

Aoi: I merely was wondering . . . how you
can think you have nothing left, when you have—

Asuka: STOP.

(Asuka raises her hand as she says this,
facing the entryway of the school, where light from the
glass windows mounted in the doorway streams
inward in a blaze of white . . .)

Aoi: . . . ?

(Tamashii turns around in surprise, a look
of stupefaction on her face . . .)

Asuka: Don’t say anymore.

(the girl shakes her head, gritting her teeth in disgust . .)

Asuka: I’ve wasted enough time here as is.

Aoi: fine by me. Asuka Soryu,

Asuka: . . .

Aoi: I’m going to miss you.

Asuka: . . . shut up, Aoi.

(Tamashii does not say more in response
to the girl’s words, however . .

she merely smiles . . .)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(Elsewhere . . . . The hum of machinery, and the
subtle pulsing of a calm heartbeat can be heard, as a
child stirs beneath the covers of a starched white
bedsheet. . . the boy’s miniature hands tug at the
edges of the cover, as wearied yellow eyes peek
out from beneath their lids . . .)

Tenkei: (sighing)

(A tired moan escapes the lips of the Ev. N
complement as the child blinks several times to
clear the clouds from in front of its eyes—
he sits up, pushing the covers back further,
allowing the snowy locks of his white hair
to spring free . . .)

Tenkei: whe’nac anna . . . ?

(the child throws the question to the air as he
looks about, finding himself in unfamiliar surroundings
. . . the surfaces of the stark, blue walls of the
chamber are uninterrupted, save for a small
window that hugs close to the ceiling . . .)

Tenkei: . . . . Rei?

(There is no response still, as the boy calls out
the name of the first child. As the moments tick
by, his heart seems to sink further.

Then, the boy looks down—glancing at the
white bandage wrapped tightly around the
crook of his elbow and forearm . . .)

Tenkei: . . .?

(With clumsy child fingers, he tugs at the small
trappings of gauze and tape, peeling them back
with an almost morbid uncertainty . . .)

(A moment passes. As the last of the
bandages falls away, the light provided by
the square fixture overhead is caught by the
slick surface of a plastic sterile pad, pressed
tightly to the boy’s flesh . . .

Tenkei: . . .

(awkwardly, Tenkei fingers the edges of
the seal—pulling back on it, wincing at the
sensation of pain that results. The first attempt
is abortive, and the child relents. Lying back
in the bed, he stares up at the ceiling . . .

. . . and then, unable to wait any further, he
returns to the task—pulling again at the bandage
with renewed determination . . .)

Tenkei: aaah . . .ah . .

(Once again, the child cringes in pain—yielding
to the discomfort as it reaches his receptors for a
second time . . . )

(closing his eyes, the boy lies down again,
listening to the humdrum of the air-conditioning
cycle from the vent in the leftmost corner of the
ceiling above . . .

for nearly five minutes, he lays there, waiting. . .

until, without warning, his hands fall to the bandage
again—pulling it free with a single, swift jerk – )

Tenkei: (panting) . . .

(Tenkei’s mind is flooded with the pain for a
moment—a dizzying heat that claws at the edges
of his very consciousness . . .

before, finally, it dulls—weakening into a low,
sore throbbing that is, at least in comparison to
the agony seconds before, bearable . . .)

Tenkei : . . .

(It is with a dark satisfaction that the child looks
at the wound—graced by the thin, dark bands of
twenty or so protein-fibrous stitches, still visibly
slick with alcohol and peroxide as the smell of
antiseptic wafts up the boy’s nostrils . . .)

(then, with almost mechanical motions, Tenkei
starts to redress his wound, grunting in residual
pain as the gauze is tightened over the cut once more . . .)

(Lying back in bed, The Ev.N Complement falls
silent again, as the dull drone of the air-circulation
system above ceases . . .

and, coldly, the boy smiles . . .)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Shinji: Hi.

Asuka: . .. ?

(Elsewhere . . . as the sun hangs low in the late afternoon
sky, a solitary figure standing atop a grassy overhang that
overlooks the entirety of Tokyo 3 finds herself not so
alone anymore . .

at least, not physically so . . )

Asuka: how did you know I was here . . .

Shinji: I don’t know . . I just hoped you were.

Asuka: . . .

(Asuka Soryu turns back to the magnificent view]
before her, as the boy takes a seat . . .his seat . . . next to her. )

Shinji: you’re leaving tonight. . .

Asuka: Yes.

Shinji: At least talk to me now . . .if I’m not going to see you again . . .

(sighing, the girl looks at him—brushing a few stray
hairs from in front of her face . . .)

Asuka: I’m . . sorry, Shinji.

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: . . .

(Both fall silent, as the words seem to hang in the
slowly cooling air. Shinji’s gaze finds purchase on the
buildings of the city far below, as the girl alongside looks at him . . . )

Shinji: you didn’t expect things to go so wrong for you. . .

Asuka: No.

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: Shinji . . . It’s not about winning.

Shinji: It isn’t?

Asuka: No. It’s about my place in life.
It’s about who I am.

Shinji: What are you talking about? You know who
you are . . . you’re Asuka Soryu . . .

Asuka: No, I’m not.

Shinji: What?

Asuka: Not in my mind.

Shinji: Because you haven’t been . . winning lately?

Asuka: Because of a lot of things. EVA is a part of it.

Shinji: Then why did you run off like that . . . why are
you running away now? why don’t you just tell me . . .

(The girl shakes her head, however . . . placing a
gentle hand atop Shinji’s . . )

Asuka: It’s too late for any of that now, Shinji.
You know if I stayed here, it would only remind me
of all the things I’ve failed at. Every awful memory . . .

Shinji: . . . but you can’t just run away from them!

Asuka: I can’t live with myself.

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: I’ve fallen so far . . . I can’t do anything right anymore . . .

Shinji: . . . Asuka—

Asuka: It’s not something you can make right with
words, or, or promises. There’s nothing anyone can do.

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: I’ve wanted to put an end to this for a long time, Ikari.
Shinji, I can’t be kind to myself anymore.

Shinji: . . .

(Soryu turns her eyes skyward, folding her arms across her knees . . .)

Asuka: Do you believe in God, Shinji?

Shinji: . . . ?

Asuka: Do you think we’re just . . . dolls to him?

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: Like some sort of living, breathing puppets . .

Shinji: . . .

(it is then, however, that Ikari becomes aware of
tears on the edges of the girl’s eyes . .

tears that she quickly wipes away with a swipe of her hand,

tears that Soryu believes have gone unnoticed . . .)

Asuka: Something to be played with . . . toyed
with . . until we’re broken. . .

Shinji: Where do you get something like that . . .?

Asuka: It’s how I feel . . how I’ve felt for the past few weeks . . .

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: I’m broken, Shinji. And I can’t go on anymore.

Shinji: Asuka , you mustn't say that!!

Asuka: I know you don’t want me to go, Shinji. . .

Shinji: Please . .can’t you try one more time . . .
one more—

Asuka: I’ve told myself that far too many times
already, Shinji.

Shinji: . .

Asuka: In the end, it was just another form of self-
deception. And I knew it. I knew I was lying
to myself, lying to everyone.

Shinji: But Asuka—

Asuka: I can’t lie to myself anymore, Shinji!.
If I stay, it will be for the wrong reasons!

Shinji . . .

Asuka: I have to leave this place, Shinji . . . there’s too much shame here. . .

Shinji: What will you do . . where will you go?

Asuka: I don’t know. It doesn’t matter . . .just away from here.

(With this, the girl stands, turning away from the
crimson sky stretching to infinity beyond, toward the
shadowy road leading down to the eastern quarter . . .)

Shinji: Asuka . . .

Asuka: . . .

Shinji: Before . . . those words . .

Asuka: . . ?

Shinji: The words you said to me . . .

Asuka: What words?

Shinji: You said . . .

Asuka: . . .

(as the boy stammers the unfamiliar syllables
out slowly, clumsily, Asuka’s face remains
unchanged, unfazed . . .)

Shinji: I . . Ich . .. leibe . .D .

Asuka: Ich Lebe dich?

Shinji: Yes . . .

Asuka: What about them. . . .

(The boy hesitates further—shutting his eyes
as he forces this last question forth . . .)

Shinji: Does it . . do they . .

Asuka: . . .

Shinji: Do they mean—

(Before he can finish the sentence, however, the
girl cuts in—her voice a tone no higher than a whisper . . .)

Asuka: Yes.

Shinji: . . .

Asuka: Yes, they do, Shinji.

(Ikari finds himself strangely dumbstruck . . . and
falls into a total silence, as the girl begins walking
onward, without further hesitation, without further
discussion . .

and without looking back . . .)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(Elsewhere . . .

Shinji Ikari is not the only person watching Tokyo 3’s
late afternoon sky . . .

high above the busy city streets . . on a balcony on the
ninth floor of a local apartment complex . . .)

Lyn: Let me get this straight . . . You’ve been . .. demoted!?

Seyoko: (mumbling) For lack of a better term . .yeah . . .

Lyn: I don’t understand—why?

Seyoko: Who knows . . . someone high up wasn’t
                satisfied with my work . . . or maybe
                 I’m not needed anymore, and they chose
                to get rid of me . . .

(the girl slouches over the balcony edge, groaning . .)

Seyoko: . . . In the absolute worst way possible!

Lyn: So . . . so now you’re here for good?

Seyoko: Yes .. .

Lyn: how?

Seyoko: I’ve been . . ugh . . . god, it sucks even to SAY it!!!

Lyn: dismissed?

(the woman shakes her head unhappily . .)

Seyoko: Transferred. . .

Lyn: to ..

Seyoko: where do you think? to THIS Godforsaken place!

(the woman winces—clutching her temple with
an unsteady hand . . .)

Lyn: oh, come on . . surely it can’t be . . painful—

Seyoko: That’s my hangover, stupid. .

Lyn: Oh . . .

Seyoko: But that’s not as bad as the reality of this situation!

Lyn: What’s so bad about it!?

Seyoko: Don’t you get it!? My career is OVER!
this place is a bigger dead end than retirement!!
Not to mention my . . .

(the woman shudders, seemingly, from an inner cold . .. )

Seyoko: My C/O . . .

Lyn: You’re career’s not over, Seyokochan . . it’s just . . well . .

Seyoko: . . .well . .what?

Lyn: It’s not so bad here . . I mean . . think of it as a change
of venue or something . .

(the woman glares at him with an icy countenance, her
voice a low rasp . . .)

Seyoko: I don’t like this sense of humor you’ve developed, Anouilh.

Lyn: I’m not joking—

Seyoko: You might as well be . . . .

Lyn: Whatever. it serves you right, for getting
sauced like that . . .

Seyoko: I was perfectly within my bounds to drink—

Lyn: but—

Seyoko: and if you have the gall to say I’m under age, I
will throw you off this balcony before you
can bat an eye, do you understand!!!?!?

Lyn: Bloody . . . look, the apartment smells like Sake now.

Seyoko: it’ll go away eventually . .

Lyn: I don’t care . . ! That was really stupid . . .Promise
me you won’t do that again!

Seyoko: WHAT?

Lyn: Promise me, you WON’T drink like that again!
In case you’ve forgotten, it IS my place . .
it’s contracted in my name--

Seyoko: Wh—WHAT? That’s the biggest load of cr—

(the woman comes to a halt in midsentence, however,
as she becomes aware of the boy’s narrow stare . . .

with a weary laugh, then, Seyoko shrugs . . )

Seyoko: fine . . . deal.

Lyn: Thank you. . .

Seyoko: But if you start throwing your weight around like this again for anything
else, kiddo, you’re going over the side.

Lyn: Whatever . . .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(nearly an hour later . . . as the setting sun sets the sky afire
with a wash of orange and crimson ,Misato Katsuragi passes
over the threshold into her apartment—her uniform seemingly
hanging off her tired form, the woman makes her way down the
short hallway to the living room. . .

It is here, that she finds the third child, Shinji Ikari, sitting in the
darkness—his face obscured by the shadows that play across
the room from the light streaming in from the windows beyond. . )

Misato: Shinji . . . How did it go?

Shinji: . . .

Misato: I see . . .

(the boy’s solemn posture conveys more than words
could say, as Misato takes a seat next to him.
The woman places a reassuring hand on his shoulder . . .

. . . but her effort is ineffectual, as the child remains silent.

Moments later, Katsuragi stands—glancing back at the boy
several times before uttering a final note of support . . .)

Misato: If you want to talk, Shinji . . .

Shinji: no . . .

Misato: (quietly). . . alright.

(it is without further pause that the woman leaves at last—
the door to her room shutting quietly, as Shinji Ikari remains
alone, in the unlit gloom . . .)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcer: . . . will be required for transit. Flight 1732,
                COM-Sai to Beijing, now boarding at gate 12.
                Flight 1281, for London, with holdover in Sydney
                and Seoul, will be arriving on schedule. Flight 1566,
                from Tokyo-3 to Berlin, with holdover in Canton, has
                been delayed for thirty minutes. Flight 1282, bound for
                Oahu, will be on two-hour delay . . .

Asuka: wònderbar . .

(The flight terminal in Tokyo-3 international airport is
almost completely vacant, save for Asuka Langely Soryu
and a lone, overworked boarding attendant who utters
quietly into a handset telephone . . . a single NERV security
officer, blacksuited and stout, stands at the hallway entrance.
His burly figure is yet the only indication of the importance
of this single passenger . . .

or, at least, the liability.

The girl sits with her head held low—facing the large
windows overlooking the windswept runway, her small
red carry-on held tightly between her feet . . .)

Asuka: (thinking) Where do I go from here . . .

(She stares straight ahead—her eyes focused on the
grim reflection staring back at her from the crystalline
barrier not more than half a meter away . . .)

Asuka: (thinking) no longer the second child . . . no longer anything.
This can’t get any worse, can it, mama?

(The girl’s thoughts are strangely answered, however,

by a gruff voice from behind . . .)

Touji: Humph. I never thought you were that conceited.
You jus’ gonna stare at yourself until your plane gets here?

Asuka: (thinking darkly) . . . then . again . .

(The girl raises her eyes, to find the reflection of Touji
Suzihara standing behind hers, leaning casually on the
headrest of her chair . . .)

(Asuka turns her head to the side—not bothering to
make eye contact with the boy as she responds . . .)

Asuka: What force in this galaxy . .no . .in this UNIVERSE,
could delude you into thinking that I’d want
to talk to you, of all the people on this planet!?

Touji: Huh, well, if there’s a higher power, it pales in
comparison to our class rep . . .

Asuka: Shut up. How the hell did you get past the guard?

(The boy smiles, brandishing a small NERV security
clearance card, complete with his photo and ‘vital’
data . . . the girl notices, with a chit of disgust, the
words "fourth children" circled in red . . .)

Touji: Misato let me keep dis. Comes in handy. . .

Asuka: (scoffing) You know I can get him to drag
your butt out of here, ID card or not.

Touji: I know. And frankly, I wouldn’t care.

Asuka: Then what are you doing here? want to
torment me in my final hours on the ground?

Touji: Not really, but If you’re offering . . .

Asuka: (growling) . . .

Touji: Whoa, whoa . . jus kidding . . .

Asuka: What is it. I don’t have time for t—

Touji: ah—say no more. I checked the big monitor they have out there.
You’ve got more time than you need.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: No, no. I came here --because I wanted to be
sure it was really you who was leaving.

Asuka: . . .? Just what the hell is that suppose to mean?

Touji: Well, thing is. . . I never would have figured you for a coward.

(The girl’s eyes widen at the remark—and she turns, face alight with rage--)

Asuka: What did you just call me??

Touji: A coward. I wouldn’t have expected it . . . now,
        a lanky-assed jerk, I would’ve figured
        you for . .but never someone who runs
        away from a fight.

(Asuka Soryu drops her carry on luggage, her right
hand balling into an incensed fist . . .)

Asuka: I am SO not in the mood for your crap right now, stooge!

Touji: (indignant) Really? So you still want a piece of me?

Asuka: You’ve never had the balls to hit me back--

(the boy crosses his arms, glaring at Asuka over the chair--)

Touji: As much as I’d like to, It’s not my way. I don’ hit girls.

Asuka: HA.

Touji: No no . . . I didn’t mean fight with ME.
at least, not entirely.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: you know, as much as I hate your guts . . and,
well, just about everything else about you . . .

Asuka: Get to the point . .

Touji: would you let me finish? Jeez . . .

Asuka: . . .

Touji: Anyway . . . as much as I despise you . .
I have to admit something. . .

Asuka: . . ?

Touji: As big a Jerk as you are—

Asuka: (growling) Suzihara . . .

Touji: I always kinda . . . admired you. ‘cause you were so tough . . .

Asuka: . . ?

Touji: Don’t let it get into your head that I look UP
to you, or anything . . . But you never took
any shit from anyone . . . and you did your job.

Asuka: . . ..

Touji: But you. . . you’re a big disappointment.

Asuka: you’re one to talk . . .

(Unrelenting, Suzihara leans forward, placing his face
within inches of hers--)

Touji: Hey .. . you think you have problems?
I got news for you, we all got problems.

(As if to emphasize, the boy opens the fist of his left
hand—the treated, tanned rubber shining unnaturally in the
sheer, overhead lighting . . .)

Touji: I at least had the balls to come back—you don’t
see me run crying home to daddy.

Asuka: I couldn’t care less—

Touji: Shut up. It’s because of you, Hikari’s been worrying all day—

Asuka: I thought you didn’t like our class rep that much . . .

Touji: It’s my business. Hunh, at least I ain’t moved in with her.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: My point is—who do you think is going to
be more disappointed?

Asuka: what of it?

Touji: You or Shinji? I’m only sayin’ this because
            I just know he’s going to mope about it
             until one of us keels over. Let’s just say I
            wanna save myself the trouble!

Asuka: It’s my business. . .

Touji: you want my point? Fine.

Asuka: . .?

Touji: you were the best at what you did—you may
        not have been perfect, but you never gave up.
         You ALWAYS put your ass in the front, even
        when you screwed up big time. But that at least
        was more admirable than this runnin’ away crap.

Asuka: What, you don’t want me to leave, now!?

Touji: Eh, you’d think not, huh? My problem is Shinji
did the same damn thing before you came---he
grew out of it, and actually showed some spine.

Asuka: I’m not doing this because I’m Afraid! I don’t
have to justify myself to you!

Touji: You owe me that much, I think! For puttin’ up
            with you!! Truth is, you CAN’T. and you
            KNOW it. A person isn’t truly a TOTAL loser
            until they run away from their problems.

Asuka: (sighing) you don’t understand . . .

Touji: I understand, alright. And that’s why I’m so
            pissed. You, of all people, running off.
             You were always the golden child when it
            came to the EVA stuff.

Asuka: Well, I guess you were wrong about me—

Touji: I don’t think so. You were the one who started that in the first place.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: Think about it, Soryu. If your worst enemy
can put his good foot forward and tell you that, what does it say?

Asuka: . ..

Touji: And don’t think I want you to stay. The less a you
            I see, the better, as far as I’m concerned.
             Kensuke’ll finally have somebody to go campin’
            with him on Sunday, leave me the hell alone.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: Face it, pilot-girl. you’ve got the biggest fight
            of your life ahead of you, and you’re just
             gonna run away? The way I see it, you’re kicking
            your own ass, least of all Shinji’s. And you’ll be
            exactly like I always said you were.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: That poor kid likes you. As much as I wish he
would open his eyes, it’s just too freakin’ obvious.

Asuka: wh . . whatever . . .

Touji: not so sure of yourself, huh? Get used to it.
you’re gonna spend the rest of your life wondering.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: that’s all I got to say.

Asuka: . . .

Touji: I’ll leave you ta think about it . . .

(speaking this at last, the boy plods off, waving
once without a second glance . . .)

Asuka: . . .

Touji: from the looks of it, you got a good twenty
minutes . . . have a nice flight.

(The girl watches Suzihara’s reflection, as it
disappears into the obsucirty far in the background.
The child’s words still ringing fresh in her ears,
she sits down—finding herself unable to take her
eyes off of her image in the glass wall before her . . .

It is only after ten minutes of this quiet, introspective
contemplation, that Asuka Soryu realizes that, sitting
there before her,

clutching her tote-bag, dressed in a saffron dress,

is a person whom she finds herself . .despising . .)

Asuka: . . .

(one by one, then . . . the tears begin to rise as a
well of rage mounts within her. She wipes furiously
at the now familiar wetness in her eyes—fighting it
back with a wavering resolve . . .

yet, as her gasps make their way to the attendant
at his desk in the corner of the room, the man glances
at the child, then returns to his busywork, choosing to
avoid the moment . . )

Asuka: (panting) RRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!!!

(The man is startled from his work, however, by the
sound of a coarse shout that is heard as far as the terminal end
of the corridor. The girl quickly stands—hurling her carry-on bag
at the hateful reflection in the glass . . . the satchel bounces
ineffectually against the reinforced transparent plane,
landing with a THUMP on the floor at her feet . . .

(Unconcerned about the bag, Soryu remains standing--
her hands balled in angry fists as she stares madly at the figure
opposite her . . .

Before, without forewarning, the entire room is shaken by
a titanic vibration—the girl takes a surprised step back as a
plane—a passenger transport—rolls into view. The air is filled
with the unearthly screech of its four turbine engines as the
bulbous white and blue contourous shape fill the two-story
windowpane entirely. . .

As the mammoth vehicle comes to a halt seconds later,
the airway jetty extends to the door below directly behind
the cockpit—locking into place with an audible latch.
High above, an automated voice rings distantly over the
intercom system . . .)

Announcer: Flight 1566, from Tokyo-3 to Berlin, has arrived at gate 13.

(Curiously, the attendant gazes up from his work, to
the sole passenger who is scheduled to board this flight.

And, strangely enough, the girl looks back at him—
her face still filled with the same disbelief, the same
surprise, and the same uncertainty as before . . .)

It is like this for a long moment,

before she turns—looking at the plane beyond the glass,

and sees herself, at last,

at the crossroads. . . )

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Shinji: . . .

(the lights remain dim in the apartment of Misato Katsuragi . . .

Shinji Ikari lies motionless, uncovered in the heat of
the midsummer’s night. Despite the stillness of his form,
the child is fully awake. . . )

(The boy’s eyes glint wetly in the darkness as he listens
soberly to the memories of times lost, ringing distantly in his
mind like the discordant strains of music playing through the
earpieces of his portable stereo. . .)

-(flashback)- Asuka: You’re so pathetic!!
What are you, an idiot?

-(flashback)- Asuka: I HATE YOU!!!

-(flashback)- Asuka: I HATE YOU!!!

-(flashback)- Asuka: I HATE YOU!!!

-(flashback)- Asuka: I HATE YOU!!!

-(flashback)- Asuka: Ich Lebe dich, you stupid JERK!

(The youth shuts his eyes—wincing from some
unrelenting, twisting pain in his stomach; a cold knife]
in his abdomen that stems from some inner realization . . .

Yet, it is a hurt that comes not from what has been,

but what, he realizes, could have been . .. )

Shinji: (thinking) Dammit, Asuka . . damn you . .
I was the coward . .this time . .all this time . . .

(the child’s morose thoughts, coupled with the cacophonous
white noise playing through the foam speakers of the boy’s
headphones, cause the third child to fail to notice something . . .

a gentle rustle in the darkness,

a hesitant footstep from the outer hallway into
the apartment corridor. . .)

Shinji: (thinking) fucking, spineless coward . . .

(Indeed, as Ikari shuts his clouded, stinging eyes,
the boy fails to see a subtle stream of light pass momentarily
into the apartment entrance—broken twice by the shadows
of two slender legs passing over the threshold, before winking
out, its cessation accompanied by another quiet rush of air, and
the rustle of loose clothing . . . )

Shinji: (thinking) why couldn’t you wipe the slate clean . .just one more time . . .

(the serene silence of the night is broken, then,

as the same pair of unseen legs collides with Shinji’s restless form . .)

Shinji: OOOF!!! UGH!

(Ikari's eyes bulge wide with stark surprise, and the
young man doubles over neatly on his side as
a foot buries itself deep in his abdomen, knocking the
wind from him completely. . . his mind barely has time
to register the pain through the starry haze that has exploded
in his senses, however, before the sensation of
something heavy collapsing atop him follows less than
a second later. . . as the weight of the interloper is transferred
entirely to a second foot which , by sheer chance, finds its way
to his groin on its way down . . .)

Shinji: !!!!!!

(nearly a moment passes . . .)

(As the whirlwinds begin to clear, and the freight-trains in
Shinji’s mind slowly cease their reckless abandon into
the sides of his skull, the third qualified child becomes aware of
something else assaulting his ears . .

It takes only a second or so for the pulsing in his
head to cease long enough,

to allow him to recognize the noise as a string of German curses . . .)

Asuka: (growling) perverse DUMKOPF!

(the boy turns groggily onto his back, catching view
of the hem of a yellow dress as the intruder staggers
to her feet, steadying herself on the coffee table before
finding her footing once more on solid ground . .. )

Asuka: (hushed) What stupid Japanese custom . . .
lying in the middle of the god-damn
FLOOR in the middle of the NIGHT!

(Ikari sits up straight—tearing away the headphones
as he catches sight of the darkness-enshrouded figure
disappearing into the shadows of the hallway beyond . . .
this is supervened, then, by the sound of a shutting door
only an instant later . . .)

Shinji: Was . . . . . that . . .

(collecting his wits about him, Shinji rubs his eyes—
the pain in his stomach now having faded into some
aching oblivion, he blinks . . .

. . . was it real?

Or the product of a longing memory? . . .

Ikari draws a short breath—listening to the humid
apartment air for any further indications to the former . . .

he hears, however, nothing. . .)

Shinji: . . .

(As his face falls, having come to the conclusion
that it was an unkind trick of the mind, his doubts are
suddenly and unquestionably laid to rest as the doorway
to the girl’s room slides open, the
light from within spilling into the corridor . .

the child’s eyes widen once more, as Asuka Soryu's unmistakably
spiteful, scarlet-haired form passes through— dressed now in a pair of
sleeping shorts and tank-top, the girl’s course quickly
becomes apparent to Shinji . . .

It being the bathroom at the opposite end of the hall . . .)

Shinji: . . .?

Asuka: . . ?

(It is but seconds after,

as her hand comes to its place on the doorhandle,

that the girl becomes aware of his gaze,

and returns it—glowering at him with angry furrows above her blue eyes . . .)

Asuka: What the hell do you want?!

(she does not wait for an answer, however,

and hurries inside—slamming the portal behind her without a second word.)

Shinji: . . . ?

(the third child raises a hand to the air, as if about to make a point . .

but then, realizing the time for it has already passed,

he chooses, instead, to lie down,

staring up at the roof where, illuminated by the lights from Soryu’s bedroom,

and partially obscured by the slow-spinning blades of the dusty ceiling fan

he can see the familiar looking, foursquare lighting fixture.

And it is upon noting this, that Ikari shakes his head,

wiping his sweatsoaked brow in relief.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To Be Continued . . .