View source for 2022-06-29: Inquiry (A Worry I Don't Recognize)

*'''Log: 2022-06-29: Inquiry (A Worry I Don't Recognize)'''
*'''Cast:''' [[Character :: Asuka Shikinami Langley]], [[Character :: Rei Ayanami]], [[Character :: Ouka Nagisa]], [[Character :: Akane Shinjo]]
*'''Where:''' Tsutsujidai - Ryuutei
*'''OOC - IC Date:''' 2022-06-29
*'''Summary''': ''The Neon Genesis Junior High Students (no, not Gridman's pals; the Evangelion kids!) and Ouka follow up on some Tsutsujidai-related leads.''

----


 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

The train to Nouvelle Tokyo was packed like a sardine can.  Standing room only, nevertheless. "Excuse you?  Oh you must think you're real important, thinking your bags deserve a seat apiece.  Get the hell up right now."

Asuka made room.  By literally yanking a college aged man up into the throng and tossing his bags at him.

It was framed to both Rei and Ouka as strictly necessary that they have a seat, after all, without fail one always falls asleep going to Tsutsujidai.  Ouka of course took the center, because she was the one responsible for the other pair.

Eventually came the fog, the lulling haze...  and the inexorable march towards dreamless sleep.  The sound of a trainbell marks their entrance into the Otherside.  The three were now the only ones in the car.  Asuka's head against Ouka's shoulder, her cheek all but buried into it in how it's pushed up into the hollow of her jaw, Ouka's green hair brushing against her.  A small fleck of drool moving off of her lower lip and pooling onto her shoulder.  Like a little sister who felt asleep against the older one.

There's a small snort, and she doesn't seem to recognize her position, until she goes cross-eyed at the green hair.  And sits bolt upright, startled.  Her cheeks turning a shade of pink.

Clearing her throat, "We're here, everyone up now." The other two are probably already up, they likely even awakened before her.  As they move out of the train station, Asuka gestures at the skyline. "The Kaiju don't move...  so no need to gawk." Those Kaiju though certainly look imposing, each one nearly as big as the one that just attacked Tokyo-3, if not even bigger for some.

If they do gawk, she at least understands even if she acts annoyed.  Asuka's in a strapless form fitting white blouse over a darker tank top, a dark blue skirt with lace fringe, and a black belt.  She's got on a pair of white sneakers.

Perhaps more mysteriously is the full tote bag she's carrying.  Though it's likely just good cover for mission critical items.

Given her experience around this place, but more importantly with Anti in particular, she takes the lead on actually directing them about, even if Ouka is nominally (in her eyes at least) the leader, "The food court first.  We'll work our way out from there.  If he doesn't turn up...  we'll have to check with our informants."

She's been surprisingly professional hasn't she?  What an interesting turn of even- "Geez, Fifth String really knows how to waste resources.  Sending us after a dangerous fugitive just to tell him he's been very bad.  Does he want us to slap his wrists with a ruler before we go?"

Ah, there it is.


</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>

Speech:

"Yes," Rei Ayanami said to Ouka Nagisa, "I'll come."

Silence:

The eight minutes of searching and re-searching fruitlessly for a proper container for this journey. The one she had, which was otherwise perfect, elegant in its black simplicity, was no good -- the NERV logo on its flap was enormous, and worked into the material, not a simple applique.

In the end, Rei gave up. She needed to break a fifty-gilla note anyway. Thirteen-ninety-five poorer and one bag richer, Rei Ayanami was prepared.

Speech, again:

"No," Rei said, when the top was thrust at her. The color was not unpleasant, but -

The Second could not understand. Rei saw no reason to attempt to enlighten her. When it was pushed into her hand, she simply let her hand go slack; it fell to the ground, a rumpled and discarded thing.

It was, perhaps, that thought - and a brief tactical assessment from the First Boosted Child - which changed Rei's mind. Yet even so, it had seemed important to her that she leave it on the display shelves where there were several dozen hues of similar garments, and to pick one two steps down -- even if this one's color was more 'faded orange sherbet' than a sunset pink.

It was fortunate indeed that Rei already had an appropriate hat, and the bottoms even matched it. The remaining fourteen gilla and change went into her pocket. It fit better, she would be forced to admit if asked, than it did in the uniform dress.

Even so.

Silence, again:

Rei's hat veils her face. She has remained, in the greater part, upright as she dozed during that transition into Tsutsujidai; stirred to wakefulness by the bell, Rei -- who had indeed slouched against Ouka along the way even if her head remained upright -- straightens, and adjusts her hat, eyes staying half-lidded in several seconds.

Silence, continued:

Rei did not contribute much during the investigation... directly.

She watched things - she saw things. These she would indicate, with a few words, here and there. She did not speak to anyone other than the two girls she was with, save if addressed directly. And then too, the majority of her conversation was with Ouka.

"I see them, too."

And:

"Look. I don't see the moon."

being prominent among them, as well as street directions. It seems Rei Ayanami has been here a few times, although it seems also that her route had been rather limited - unless and until the investigation tour takes them to within a four or so block radius of the Takarada junk shop.

Speech, in conclusion:

As the sun dimmed, Rei heard doubts, and gazed upon her hands.

Thin. Frail, nearly. Pale, despite the sun on them all day.

She remembers warm words: 'Victory goes to those with courage, Rei.'

"If you want to leave, leave," Rei says. Her head lifted up, then. "I can continue."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        It has been several hours since Ouka Nagisa has arrived within Tsutsujidai alongside the First and Second Children.  Despite being the First Boosted Child herself, her relationship with the other two is tenuous at best and she sits very much as the outlier in the group.  That said the beginning of the journey began innocently enough:  Helping pick out an outfit for Rei, and an eventual train ride together.  She was surprised when she felt the sudden weight on one of her shoulders, and glanced to see Asuka leaning against her.  She didn't know what to do in this situation... so she did nothing.  Rei soon followed, slouching against her even as her head remaind upright.  Though any illusion that this sleep was natural was dispelled when she noticed her own consciousness start to drift.  Very much within the grip of the fog something in her started screaming something was wrong, she needed to move, she needed to fight.  But at that point the world faded into the sleep's warm embrace.

        Thanks to that experience, she seemed very much disassociated with the others early on.  Her eyes constantly wary, constantly searching the horizon for some unseen threat.  And there appeared to be threats worth worrying about:  The titanic Kaiju, statuelike and yet unseen by the denizens of this strange dimension.  Asuka's assertion that they don't move and so there's no need to gawk earns her a cursory nod... but Ouka could not help but continue to glance at them in case they should awaken to a murderous rampage.

        And yet they did not.  And with time even someone as hypervigilant as she is will begin to filter out threatening shapes if they don't present an actual threat.  Eventually she starts to interact more with the pair.  And what an odd trio they make:  Two middle schoolers, and one high schooler.  All with different hair, eye, and skin palettes, and of no apparent relation to the other.

        ... and yet as the trip continues, Ouka feels comfortable patterns re-emerging.  These two girls are after all familiar shapes to her.  All three of them have been involved in some sort of program that was designed to produce combat pilots.  And while, like their appearances, these programs all differed there were aspects to them that rhyme.  And in that rhyme Ouka settles back into the rhythm of a caretaker of those younger than her.  She remains on constant overwatch, at first making sure Rei doesn't fall behind and eventually indulging her developing inquisitiveness.  With Asuka she keeps an especially close eye.  She recognizes the bristles of a prickly hedgehog with a hole in her heart, and a desire to keep anything from getting in.  She doesn't want to hurt Asuka, in spite of what has come before... but for the purposes of this mission she needs to keep her close and in hand.

        Between the two she will also act as a calm mediator in case of any potential squabbles, whatever form they may take.  As the oldest and the one assigned the lead of the mission she considers that part of her responsibility, to maintain squad cohesion and morale.  She attempts to protect Rei's burgeoning assertiveness from Asuka's bristling shell, and vice versa.

        Throughout the trip Ouka actually takes a few opportunities to try and pick up souveniers.  This was actually an impulse planted in her by Egret Feff, who has an interest in this strange pocket dimension and its composition.  However it has manifested in her wanting to bring back a Special Dog (or three) for Arado, and a box of assorted sweets for Seolla.  They have been tucked away safely into a jute tote she has carried along with her for this mission, as the light blue halter sundress she wears lack any sort of pockets much to her chagrin.  Her outfits are picked for her by her handlers, after all, and much like in her own design appearance is put before practicality.

        Throughout these last few hours, the three have been working together to explore Tsutsujidai and to learn more about the individual known as Anti.  Of the three Asuka seems to know him best, and so it is her knowledge they lean on the most first.  So they follow her to the food court, as recommended, andwork their way out from there.  Eventually though it comes to following the trail left by clues and see how far it takes them.  Sometimes these involve rumors of a child eating from garbage in the alley, or him hanging around the school.  This also resolved in them visiting a park where the Sheryl Nome concert took place (a shame the last bit of it got rained out... everyone in town agrees).  However as more and more clues are followed and run down, the trails start to run cold.  Day starts moving into evening, and around dinner time considerations have to be made as to whether or not to continue the investigation or to head home and go over what they have gathered.  It is at this point she also takes a moment to check the darkening sky.  Once again, noting as Rei had done earlier, that there is no moon here.

        Ultimately it falls to Aurum-1, the assigned leader of this expedition, to make a decision.  She decides they will head to a local noodle shop, Ryuutei, which will serve multiple purposes:  Allow them to sit together and go over the clues they could gather, brainstorm over them, determine what their next steps should be... and allow Asuka and Rei to get something to eat, if they'd like.

        'If you want to leave, leave.  I can continue.'

        Ouka glances at Rei and her assertion of her intentions.  The First Boosted Child frowns a bit at this, "Well that's what we're here to discuss:  What our next steps should be.  We're still under a directive to remain in groups, however, and I would not leave you alone here."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
Seated at one of the tables in that ramen shop are none other than Akane &#42;and&#42; one of her best friends, Marusan; the two of them are having what appears to be a pretty casual, friendly conversation, from a distance.

"So... can I ask why? It's not just that I found out, right?" Akane asks, sipping at her tomato juice. It's the only thing she has; there's a pretty lavish spread, but it's all on Ramo's side of the table.

"I just need my dad to lay off a little... I know you said you'd keep everything secret, but I don't need the money that badly." Ramo glances off to one side for a moment, not quite able to meet Akane's eyes. She takes a moment to eat, instead.

"No, I get it." Akane shrugs it off. "Don't worry about it."

As people start to filter in one after another, both girls look up. "Oh, huh. Hey," Akane starts, calling out to the NERV contingent. "I remember a couple of you! Marusan, this is the girl who they called me out of class for! And... the other one I think I met at the grocery store?"

The other girl absently plays with her long, brown-black hair a bit. "Oh, okay. I think I've met some of them too, actually, but just in case... My name's Ramo Marusa, though people usually just call me Marusan. Hi." She looks... still pretty tired, but less tired than the last time the NERV kids encountered her.

Akane decides to let things sit for now. She could press them for details on the NERV kaiju attack, but she doesn't want to be &#42;too&#42; aggressive with Marusan directly in the conversation.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

At the store previously:

Asuka cocks an eyebrow at Rei as she refuses her offering to the point of letting it fall.  "Well would you look who put her big girl panties on today." Strangely, it doesn't start a fight.  Ouka has to take it over though, because Asuka at that point stepped back and took no part in dressing up the doll.  In her eyes, she'd at least proven that she could decide ''that much'' on her own.

Asuka did not pick up any souvenirs, however she did become more and more annoyed as each route led to a dead end.  Almost certainly she snapped at the others in terse ways.

She does not buy souvenirs, certainly her bag seems overloaded enough, what's even in it?  Did she bring some sort of heavy ordnance or something?

When the Moon Rises:

"Yeah, it's like that here." Asuka grumbles of the moon, acting like it's hardly worth mention.  They're in another dimension after all, she thinks???  So who needs to worry about things like tides?

After doubts are raised:

Asuka gives Rei an appraising look, like she's a bit surprised, before she clucks her tongue, "Tck.  Trying to act tough?  What do you think running around aimlessly on an empty tank is going to do?  We can talk it out over dinner."

There's something Asuka has been avoiding this whole trip if she can help it.  The idea of leaning on her in particular after how she treated her last visit makes her feel a bit uncomfortable...  and yet her attention to detail...  she's starting to realize that she might be more useful than anyone in the Gridman Alliance.

Whatever, it's not even an option, because of course, she doesn't know where she lives - and it's this late.  They'd have to wait until tomorrow and catch her at school.  Once in the noodle shop though, Asuka halts, totally not expecting to run into her.  It takes her a moment to recover.  "Well if it isn't Cram School." As Asuka gives her a nickname based solely on her perceived monofocus over exams to the exclusion of all else including classmate safety, before giving the other girl with her a look and a nod.  Not even taking the time to introduce herself or her companions.

She then sideeyes the others...  as she slips her tote bag off of her shoulder. "We've got a few more questions for you-"

Asuka undoes the bag, and takes out a hefty box, which she puts on the table in front of Akane and turns around to face her. It's a limited edition Yaldagoaz statue from Tarabaman X4.  38 cm in height, 33 cm in length. Complete with certificate of authenticity from its run.

What it is, even if she'd never admit it, is an apology.  However...  she doesn't frame it that way...

"-and we can make it worth your while." -instead, she offers it simply as a bribe.  Laser targeted towards her, specifically.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        It would seem that of the three that arrived, Ouka Nagisa is the one most disadvantaged in the presence of Akane Shinjo and Ramo Marusa.  For her part, she is fairly certain she has never laid eyes on either of them before.  She does notice the odd balance of the table:  The full spread on one side, the lonely tomato juice on the other.  There's also the tired expression on Marusan's face, and lacking any context for it, she does not know for certain whether she is improving or not.

        From the perspective of the girls at the table though the First Boosted Child might look a bit ominous.  In spite of her rather cute looking summer dress and sandals, the golden circlet upon her forehead and golden arm bracelet are both odd style choices.

        And there is more to her that may seem unnerving.  Like how the dim light of the restaurant occasionally catches in her eye, causing them to flash in a way peculiar to nocturnal predators.  Those same eyes glance curiously at Asuka as she approaches the table and deposits the mystery item from her tote bag.  Her eyes widen slightly in surprise at the hefty box, and who it is presented for.

        '... and we can make it worth your while.'

        A ... bribe?  Ouka rolls this over in her brain.  This girl must be important or have particularly valuable information in.  And it certainly isn't out of character for Asuka to take upon herself independent action.  Nor is this the sort of independent action she is opposed to.  So while she is a bit disappointed that Asuka did not share this part of her plan with her, she figures she won't engage in a reprimand later.  Though... it might be worth asking it about why she didn't share, just in case.

        "It's a pleasure to meet you."  The dark haired girl and golden eyes offers a sweeping, graceful bow before rising up to a full height that seems greater than it is in reality.  "I am a schoolmate with both Langley-san and Ayanami-san.  We were just stopping by for dinner.  My name is Ouka Nagisa."  She then focuses her eyes upon Akane and offers a pleasant smile. "And since I seem to be the only one who hasn't met you yet, may I ask your name?"
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>

Then: Rei looks at Asuka as if her analogy was taken directly and literally. She does not speak the obvious question. This may be an expression of contempt suitable for a synthetic taraboid -- but that was a short-lived concept, anyway.

Now, at least: Rei has appreciated the value of the lighter clothing. She has sweated a lot less, or at least it has evaporated more efficiently. A positive outcome.

"Understood," Rei replies to Ouka's statement, before her attention drifts down towards the menu. She sets the bag on her corner of the table, where it makes a faintly rattling sound - it contains medicine, it seems. Maybe that's why she can continue: she has all that she 'needs' here, and can...

Eat trash?

Maybe.

But then there is a familiar voice. Rei looks up, but Asuka is moving faster. Her head turns to look over towards where Akane and Marusan are sitting. "Marusan," Rei echoes the self-introduction with a nod, and then she shifts to get back out of her chair, reaching into her pocket and taking out the wad of money. She inventories it carefully, setting down a 5 and three 1s and several small coins on the table. The remainder is folded up into a neat package.

".... Good evening," Rei says, more or less prompted by Ouka. She dips her still-behatted head -- the hat is a wide-brimmed straw thing of excellent quality, with a blue and white ribbon for a hat band. It has thus far not been decorated or worn down further. "I am Rei Ayanami."

She steps forwards then, standing on Asuka's flank, looking over the Second's shoulder towards Akane. Her expression is almost completely neutral. She seems to be... waiting her turn?

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
'Cram School,' huh. As nicknames go: not the worst. But it's a nickname, so Akane hates it; she's a little bit protective of 'Akane Shinjo,' but... she isn't really ready to assert that protection.

On the other hand, there's a bribe. Akane's brain instantly sees a gift as an obligation... and she really wants the gift. It's very hard &#42;not&#42; to want the gift. It feels a little cruel to her to respond to this with a bunch of lies...

... but this is a place for unfair people. "Uh --" Akane looks at Marusan slightly helplessly.

"... Sounds like that one might be related to Kaworu?" Ramo offers, with a small, acknowledging tilt of her head toward Ouka. "Don't worry. I'm... actually free tonight. If you need to pull away for 15 minutes, I'll be fine. ... you did leave me with a whole lot of food to work through..." She's actually had a couple days of eating &#42;very&#42; well on someone else's dime, now.

"Akane Shinjo," Akane says, with an apologetic nod to Marusan as she stands up. "Let's grab a seat for a bit." She moves over to the next table over, gesturing for everyone to sit down. "Order whatever you want. I'll pay. I've been coming here pretty regularly since January, so I get a bit of a discount..." She looks over to Rei and notes, "The vegetable dumplings are really good, if you want something with no meat."

... it's a little bit about reducing the mental transactional sting of Yaldagoaz.

"You know, come to think of it... I know a lot of people from NERV over there..." She furrows her brow. "Where's Kaworu? He transferred in over here recently, but I haven't seen him in a little while... I know he's not attending full-time, but still!"
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

Asuka doesn't say anything about Ouka's politeness, nor Rei hovering like she's waiting her turn.  She merely sideeyes her with a look which says 'What?' without actually asking it.  She doesn't sit down either.  She just stays standing, her hand on the box.

Asuka's eyes shoot to Ramo as she invokes Kaworu, giving her this strange look.  She wasn't even aware Kaworu was in this orbit at all.  It makes sense though, he was investigating independently.  Likely he'd be drawn to the people who can remember things after the fact too.  When Akane suggests that they move to the table, Asuka takes the box with her.  And unsubtly turns it to face Akane again.

Asuka doesn't order at first, despite the offer.  Asuka answers her question bluntly, "He was shot by an assassin on a train platform in Tokyo-3.  He's stable now - but it was done with some kind of radioactive munitions.  So there's no telling whether he'll pull through or not." Asuka's hand remains on the box. "Not long before that..."

She brings up the cell phone, showing Akane the picture of that same kid's face that she showed her on her last visit.  It's definitely Anti, with his usual dour expression, face half-hidden by a scarf. "...  I arranged for this kid to come to Tokyo-3 before it happened.  And he sure came alright." Her fingers subtly grip the phone tighter on the edges, "To attack someone we had under our protection with some freaky Circular Saw.  Messed up a cyborg with state of the art combat enhancements in an attempt to take him prisoner."

Putting her phone down on the table so the picture can keep appearing, "The assassin that got him on the train platform was similarly enhanced.  They did things like jump from someone's shoulder to the rooftops several stories up.  So maybe it's connected.  Maybe not.  So we're looking for the munchkin...  we just want to talk.  I know you said that you hadn't seen him before - but you sure did have an eye for detail when it came to that Kaiju.  Described almost all of its features right off the top of your head.  Occurs to me you've probably seen ''something'' since...  he's pretty hard to miss.  You give us a lead so we can have that chat, and this is yours."

It's only then that Asuka turns to make her order, "I'll take a Curry Udon." ''In the summer''???  What a masochist...


</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        '... Sounds like that one might be related to Kaworu?'

        This causes Ouka to jolt a little.  It took her a while to realize she shared the same last name with Kaworu, or how that might end up confusing to others.  This was in spite of the fact that there was a lot of rumor mongering from her classmates with regards to her possible being related to Kaworu.  A ridiculous notion she thought then.  But she was beginning to understand more and more the source of the confusion.  It's still odd to her though... the notion that sharing the same name could signal you were part of a family...

        ... she shared no names with either Arado or Seolla, and yet they were more family to her than Kaworu had even been.

        "... ah... actually I'm not..."  she begins, but before she can finish the conversation sweeps on.  The First Boosted Child just sort of... fidgits.  She's clearly uncomfortable not being able to correct the record!!  But when the two move back to the other table, and Akane Shinjo offers to A. Pay for the meal (which is fine, Ouka supposes... though as the eldest she was planning to pay it out of her tactical stipend) and that B. Kaworu had transferred over recently?

        That last bit of information causes her to blink a few times.  Though it does make sense.  After all, those associated with NERV and herself, in G-Hound, often had to make unexpected absences depending on situation needs.  She though had always just assumed he was involved with his role in NERV.  She never thought that he was going to Tsutsujidai's school to do... what, exactly?

        Considering Akane asked so quickly she assumes she has some investment with regard to Kaworu.  Perhaps this a moment to consider how to respond.  How to word things to explain his condition without overly worrying Akane so that she can focus on the questions...

        ... and then Asuka rips the metaphorical band-aid off.  Ouka shoots her a sharp look.  But she doesn't do more than that, and to sigh as she settles back into her own chair at the table.

        "Precisely so."  The First Boosted Child confirms, "While none of these instances are explicitly connected, there is a lot of odd coincidences.  Anti and the mystery assailants' abilities, the timing, the connection with Anti and now also Kaworu to Tsutsujidai."

        She then pauses.  Her eyes take in Akane again.  Who is this person, precisely?  Some school age girl.  A girl with lilac hair... she speaks softly, "I am sorry, I know this must be a lot to take in all at once.  If you need a moment to process, please feel free.  Just know that we would appreciate knowing anything you have seen or heard that has been useful.  Our friends have been hurt, and we're just trying to see to their safety."

        Meanwhile when it's Ouka's turn to order something to eat she hesitates, and then bows her head in apology, "I am sorry, I am not hungry at the moment, maybe just some water for now."  She then quickly turns her gaze toward Ayanami.  "How about you, Ayanami?  ... hm?  Did you have something you wanted to add?"  She adds, noticing Rei's expression.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>
\\
Marusan observes something. It has occurred to Rei in the past, but she has understood that Nagisa is not a rare surname, and as such the likelihood of direct relation between Kaworu Nagisa and Ouka Nagisa has seemed...

... honestly, Rei has never really pursued it. It just didn't seem likely.

Rei looks at Asuka for a moment, and reveals nothing further.

"I'll try them," Rei tells Akane, as they are indicated to sit down. Rei sits in the nearest available seat, which means she isn't looking over Asuka's shoulder any more like some kind of hungry ghost. She crosses her hands together. Asuka is showing a picture of Anti, that boy, the person about whom they seek. Rei's hands unfold; she rests her chin in one, looking off at nothing in particular.

But instead of towards the wall, it's towards Marusan and Ouka!

"The vegetable dumplings," Rei says for her order. "Small miso ramen; no pork. Extra garlic."

But Ouka is prompting her.

Her attention turns towards Akane.

Rei reaches out with her other hand. "... I constructed the pizza successfully," Rei says. "It took many attempts. I will prepare it for you if you wish, but I do not have an oven now." The hand comes down in front of Akane and unfolds:

G6.35 in bills and coins.

Rei tilts her head slightly, and says, abstractly, "He liked it."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
"Hey! Curry udon, small miso ramen with no pork and double garlic, vegetable dumplings! And a pitcher of water!" Akane calls, before adding, "And another tomato juice, please!"

Slurp. Akane finishes her first one.

They start at Kaworu, and the distress enters Akane's face &#42;immediately&#42;. "He &#42;what&#42;? When was this? Tell me everything." She reaches into her bag, pulling out a notebook with a map of circles and lines on it. She acknowledges Ouka's contributions too, adding blobs for 'Kaworu' and 'Mystery assailant' and drawing lines.

Before too long, though -- things come back to her domain. They always do. It's time for her to keep the plates spinning.

Akane sees the picture of Anti again, immediately. "Huh... why would he do that?" she asks, before chewing on this. Will they know if she lies? Sayla said she'd keep things between herself, Anti, and Akane -- and for the moment, Akane trusts that. But who else knows? And how much would she be expected to know?

"I've seen him around town a lot... not lately, but I have." She thinks on that for a long time. "Usually he hangs out at the park, I think... I've seen him on my street a couple times too. I live a little ways down from the junk shop."

That ought to be enough. Things are falling apart anyway, and it's not like that was dishonest, strictly speaking. All the &#42;components&#42; are true information that she has access to and that's all they're really entitled to, right? They don't need her emotional landscape.

It's at this point that Marusan glances back, too -- gaze tracking to Asuka's phone. She spots Anti. Thinks a moment. Stares at Akane.

Akane looks back at her. Their eyes meet. They exchange no words.

Marusan doesn't say anything.

A moment later... Rei offers pizza. "I, ah..." She rubs at the back of her head. "... We can deal with that later. I'm glad for you, though."

This sucks. Akane doesn't need pizza, and she certainly doesn't deserve it.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

Asuka catches the look from Ouka of course, though she doesn't act to soften the blow at all.  Not at all.  If Ouka wants to, she leaves it to her.  Honestly she doesn't even know to what extent this girl knew Kaworu at all, she's assuming casual acquaintance, though perhaps she underestimates how squeamish civilians can be for this kind of information.

"Just a little under two weeks ago.  There's not much more to tell though.  They shot him from afar, then closed in to attack him with knives.  The assassination attempt got interrupted by Guy Shishioh and the assassin fled." Yeah she's not giving Shinji any credit there at all, "Anything other than what I've said is above our paygrade.  We wouldn't even know if he croaked two days ago unless someone deigned to give us that update."

Asuka says, not sugar coating it even a little.  Granted, Misato would almost certainly tell them - but Misato herself might not know either.  Still she continues on about why Anti would do that, "As for the Munchkin - the labrat he attacked is someone who had escaped from a certain black site project in Area 11 - a part of Japan that's under the control of the Britannian Union." She explains believing Akane doesn't know THAT much about the outside world, "The most likely reason is the people in charge of it wanted their property back, and they contracted this kid to do it.  Which makes it interesting, given that he lives here, don't you think?  Why's a kid who eats garbage out of dumpsters in a place like this a boosted human?  Why's he working for someone on the outside? Lot of questions, no good answers."

However, Akane does offer some interesting information, and Asuka's brow furrows, "The Park I knew...  mind giving us your street address?" Asuka shifts the box subtly towards Akane, as if indicating that...  might just be enough, on it's own.  However, she misses the look between Marusan and Akane being meaningful.  After all, most people here can't remember a thing after the attacks - or know anything about the outside world.  For all she knows Marusan might be just going 'What is all this crazy nonsense?' to her friend.

Rei orders a vegetarian meal which rankles her ''AGAIN''.  "Of course you will." She knows it's likely Rei doesn't understand why it annoys her, but it definitely does.  However Ouka then asks if Rei has something to add...  and she says she constructed the pizza after many attempts.  At first she just rolls her eyes...

...  'He liked it.'

Suddenly Asuka's eyes shoot towards Rei, as she just stares at her.  The tension radiating off of her palpable.  Perhaps in that short amount of time one could potentially hear a pin drop...  for roughly ten seconds, before, "Oh yeah?  Mind clarifying who you went to all that effort for?"

Rei Ayanami tosses a coin: Heads

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>

The discussion of Kaworu and his near death is something that is not helping Rei's mood. It is subtle, of course, but her eyes are drawn down - it could be taken for fatigue if it wasn't simply the context.

Useless noise. Painful.

Her eyes squeeze close, almost but not quite a blink, then open again.

If you don't have 'courage,' at least have regard.

She turns towards Akane-- and sees a system of sephirot -- no, she realizes, nearly instantly, but she sits suddenly upright and leans forwards, not to the point of crowding but getting a clear look at the chart. Her hands rest on the tabletop as she stares, as if memorizing it.

The logic is instantly intuitive; Rei, for whatever reason, can easily understand charts like this.

She thrusts one pale finger forwards. "These," she says, indicating the locations. "'Yours'. What does 'Yours' mean, for these places?"

Rei's fingers curl and then uncurl. They point at 'Other Girl.' "Do you know who this is? Describe them," Rei says, her voice toneless but somehow imploring.

Something annoying happens. Rei turns her head, which threatens to make the sun hat fall off. "Ikari gave me food," Rei tells Asuka. "I gave him food, too. There was no meat." She doesn't finish the statement before looking back to the chart, but there's a big fat 'you wouldn't want it' hanging in the air, before she stares at the chart again.

"Do the colors mean something?"

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        Ouka notices, or perhaps noticed, Akane's expression when they mentioned what had happened to Kaworu.  While she was not certain of the level of Akane's acquaintance with the NERV Administrator... that expression seems genuine enough to her.  And while she does not remember it, there is a part of her that recognizes the shape of this experience.  That of losing someone, or nearly losing someone, and not even having known what may have happened to them.  That burning, devouring ache deep in your gut.  A feeling like your insides are emptying you out.  Leaving you cold and hollow.

        Her expression in turn to Akane is one of empathy.  It's all the more reason why Asuka's constant bombardment of information and question is so gauling to her.  Several times the questions earn Asuka additional sharp looks.  But she holds her tongue for now.

        Then the topic of pizza comes up.

        She was the one who prompted Rei to speak, but even she is surprised when she starts talking about pizza of all things.  Not knowing the context she briefly considers... perhaps this is some sort of code, the two established?  If so what do they have to communicate on that they couldn't share with Ouka and Asuka.  Perhaps...

        ... well no, actually, that notion is dispelled when Asuka grabs onto the portion about ''who'' liked it and switches from grilling Akane to grilling Rei.

        Then Rei starts questioning Akane as well, thrusting her finger at the chart and demanding what it means.  Ouka is again shocked by how assertive Rei has become during this trip.  Her experience with her is that she has been entirely passive... but now she, without any prompting, is investigating the content's of Akane's notebook.  Demanding more detail.  Asking questions of... again, a girl that may just be a schoolgirl as far as anyone understands.

        &#42;SLAP&#42;

        The palm of Ouka's hand cracks down hard against the surface of the table.  Hard enough to shake the glasses, and even cause the contents of the water pitcher to briefly slosh.  The first Boosted Child's eyes are hard and cold as she stands, drawing herself up so that she can give both Rei and Asuka a cold glare.  Her expression imperious, and somehow despite not being that much taller than either of them she feels like she has suddenly grown a full half foot in height.

        "That is enough."  Ouka Nagisa says cold but calm, "Keep in mind that we're asking for Shinjo-san's assistance, and that she is not the assailant we are looking for.  I understand you both may be... concerned about what has happened to Liam and Kaworu, but that's no cause for interrogating her like this."

        She holds her gaze on them to see if they will attempt to challenge her, or try to run off, or whatever else may be possible.  But then her gaze looks towards Akane again, and once again her expression softens.  She offers the girl a polite, formal bow, "Please excuse us.  I understand you just received some terrible news, and you have my condolences.  Please though... if any of the information we're asking for could help us, even if it may not be obvious, please consider providing it."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
Oh, for... I'm going to have to start slapping dates on these, Akane thinks to herself, at 'a little under two weeks ago.' She looks a little ill as she hears Kaworu's potentially dead; her eyes snap wide open for a moment, and the world feels small, claustrophobic in a way that extends out to &#42;everyone&#42; as opposed to just her -- the vague vertigo of standing at the edge of a Dividing Driver deployment, almost, but on an emotional level.

Every step of this gets worse and worse. Akane focuses on drawing new circles. The feeling passes.

"Is this black site part of the Britannian government, or is this science crime?" Akane asks, before turning the page, writing down her street address, and shoving it toward Asuka. "You're not allowed in," she says, "but that's where my house is."

Rei asks questions. "I don't think this world and your world are the same, since like, we're not at war with the PLANTs and we didn't have all the fights you guys did the last 15 years or so," Akane explains. "I keep having to draw this up for people from your world, so I stopped... you know, making it like it was for me."

A slap on the table. A flinch, from Akane -- but it fully grounds her here, now. "It's -- fine. You guys have a lot going on. And... to tell you the truth, I like working on a mystery." If perhaps not for the same reason the rest of them do.

She returns her attention to Rei's questions. "I just got new gel pens. All I know about the other girl is that Riika Sheder talked to her, and that she knows Riika made a kaiju, and that the person who helped her -- Alexis Kerib -- talked to her, too."

(In a larger group pooling its intelligence, it might be easy to fill in that bubble with another name: Ruri Hoshino.)

"... Hey," she asks. "I know there was a kaiju attack in Tokyo-3 around the same time Kaworu got..." She looks down. 'Real' violence (and to her that's very much real in a way the violence she commits on Tsutsujidai(herself) isn't) still kind of upsets her. "Do you have any pics?"

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem> 
"Unclear.  Wouldn't surprise me if it was a little of both.  But I don't have anything to back that up."  Asuka replies to Akane, actually honestly for once??? Then as she takes the address. "I don't have any interest in barging into your place." She also reports just as honestly, because...  visting someone to hang out???  Do a small talk?  Why would anyone???
 
Rei focuses on the chart.  Asuka had seen Akane marking it before like someone taking notes in school and thought there was no value of it.  Though as Rei points out facet after facet of it, she starts to get this sense of subtle interest.  Like perhaps Rei has seen something worth knowing there.  She doesn't snatch the chart away or anything like that.  She just watches it.
 
Rei's reaction to Asuka's inquiry causes her posture to become more tense.  Shinji makes ''her'' lunch.  He's not supposed to be doing it for anyone else.  Yet not only did he, she went to effort and cooked for him in turn.  She's painstakingly researched the expectations of femininity so she could pass as a girl in this world.  The question is whether Rei herself knows that...  or if she's acting the part of the doll.
 
Asuka finds to her surprise as she files this away that she's ''jealous''???  What has even happened to her that she feels this way in such a short time?
 
Ouka's palm slaps down on the table.  And Asuka had been so focused on Rei that suddenly she starts as if suddenly an attacker had entered the noodle joint.  Asuka gives her a glare and a cluck of her tongue, "Tck.  What are you, stupid?  It's got nothing to do with either of them.  It's just our mission.  And she just said she'd seen the kid on her street, if you think following up and asking her address after she told us that is 'interrogating' her...  then you're the one with issues."
 
All the same, Asuka finally slides the box across the table towards Akane and takes her hand off of it.  It's apparently hers for just that?  One would think she'd make her twist in the wind more...  but no.
 
Akane flinches though, and...  says its fine.  That she likes working on a mystery, and Asuka might still be staring at Ouka as she relays the information about Riika. "That ZAFT girl again." Asuka scowls for a reason other than Ouka.  She is NOT happy with the idea that she's going to be meeting with her soon.
 
However Akane asks for pictures of the Kaiju that attacked...  "It happened right after." Asuka's eyes slide to the wall, she is NOT happy remembering how badly that went for her, much less that Ouka is the one who pulled her out of there first, "I didn't catch a picture on my phone of this one.  Too big a crisis to stop to take the time.  It was the size of a mountain, vaguely lizard - toad shaped, spiked tail.  We'd fought ''that'' one before.  However, this time it had robotic turtlelike features of another Kaiju we'd fought at FumoFumo land.  Similar armaments and a field of light protecting it."
 
It's only now that Asuka cracks apart her chopsticks, and starts to slurp up some noodles.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>
&#42;SLAP&#42;
 
Rei isn't struck.
 
Rei looks at Ouka with something not unlike wonder. The classical sort of wonder; an outside-context problem has dawned. Her hat, having been slightly precarious, falls the rest of the way off of her head; as she is leaning over a fairly generous length of table, it just lands top-down in an annoyingly spacious way rather than falling to the floor.
 
Rei stares at Ouka.
 
It's too much force.
Like the oven, at too high a temperature.
 
She looks away from Ouka. Rei settles back down into her seat, gazing at the tabletop-- no; she's still looking at Akane's notebook, but she's sort of looking sideways at it.
 
Rei shifts the dumplings over nearer to herself. She pops open her chopsticks if with a great deal less force and vigor than Asuka, and picks one up; dipping it into the sauce, swirling it, and taking a bite of about half of it, still gazing at Akane's sheet of paper.
 
"I understand," she says, and perhaps proves it by saying, "There is a connection to Granada... I don't understand. A colony? The Earth place?" She glances up at Akane, and then seems to taper off, perhaps in recognition of Ouka's force. Akane has said it's alright, but better safe, perhaps, than sorry.
 
"Yes," Rei says. "Like the great mountain kaiju, but..." She tilts her head towards Asuka, as if to say her summary is accurate.
 
Rei finishes her dumpling. She opens her bag and takes out what must be a weekly pill minder, except that she immediately takes out three pills and puts them in her mouth before washing them down with a sip of water. She eats another dumpling; two pills, different ones. A pause to try the noodles, which seem to engage her for a while; after this she uses the broth to wash down the next... five...
 
... at least that seems to be the limit of it, at least until she opens another bottle and takes out one black pill, which she dry-swallows. After this she is silent for a moment.
 
She looks at Akane.
 
"That's love," she says.
 
No she didn't.
 
Rei glances at Asuka as she says it again. "Aida," she reiterates.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem> 
        'And... to tell you the truth, I like working on a mystery.'
 
        Ouka Nagisa is a bit stunned.  Perhaps she had assumed too much of a connection with Akane and another person she had once known.  Another girl with lilac hair.  Maybe that's what triggered her protectiveness.  Her frustration toward Rei and Asuka for trying so hard to press her for more information.  She wanted to be able to help Akane... in the way she wasn't able to help Latooni anymore.
 
        Being told 'no', in not so many words, hit her hard.  But it's not her place to argue.  "Acknowledged."  Ouka Nagisa responds softly.  Her hand is pulled back from the table and she somehow manages to shrink a full half foot again before she moves to take her seat.
 
        At this point Asuka decides to criticize her.  Ouka's face is placid - both at being called stupid, and being derided for following down the leads.  One might expect her to get indignant... or to explain that her intention was not for them NOT to ask the question, but to simply be aware that there's other ways to ask the question.  Instead she simply responds:  "I apologize.  Please continue."
 
        For her part Ouka will settle back in an observation role while the others work to progress the investigation further.  She notes the gaze being held on her back Asuka.  It's fair, she realizes.  The last time she slapped something around Asuka... that thing she slapped WAS Asuka.  At this moment though she is only taking an interest in her glass of water, sipping in gingerly while occasionally casting scanning glances through the interior of the restaurant.  As always, on overwatch.
 
        When the conversation shifts to describing the kaiju that attacked NERV following Kaworu's injury though, she leans down to pull something from her tote.  It appears to be a large phone, or perhaps even a tablet.  Pulling a stylus from the the side of the device, she sets to the task of dutifully moving it across the surface of the screen.  When she is finished she lays it down on the table - and what is on display is actually... a fairly faithful black and white recreation of Gill'yavec:  The creature that was a marriage between Go'yavec and Gillvalis.  "I don't have any pictures either, but perhaps this will suffice."
        
</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
The box slides across the table. Akane... takes it, cautiously; it fits neatly into her own bag, albeit barely, and only because she left her homework at school. (She doesn't feel motivated by school lately -- and besides, she's not really stimulated by it. Even here, the lessons she's getting don't really stay far enough ahead of her.)

What Asuka says &#42;after&#42; is the real problem. It'd tear Akane up to show why it's the real problem -- so she can keep it together a bit longer. "Ahaha, really... it was my class that was in the mountains when you guys showed up that time. I got separated from everyone else, so I didn't catch the same train home," Akane volunteers, at the mention of their mountain-toad. "And -- that other one? Uhhh... huh."

She can hang in there long enough to explain to Rei. "Oh, um -- I think it might be Copernicus City in your world. On the moon? There was an attack there."

Akane then watches Rei take... a lot... of pills. How does she &#42;manage&#42; that? Even if the other two are the best friends of her life, and Akane doesn't get that vibe... how can she be that comfortable showing that kind of --

Akane finds herself mentally in a very different place, for a few moments. A school lunch table. ... Three years ago? More than two, certainly. ... She does her best to shove that down. If Rei had a shared-and-unshared feeling in that time, well: Akane missed it, drowning in her sea of self.

Ouka provides a drawing. Actually &#42;seeing&#42; it is a little more confronting than just hearing the descriptions and knowing it's the case; Akane affirms, "Yep! That's definitely the kaiju that attacked the giants in the mountains with some more guns on it!" she affirms, moving to stand.

Hand darts into bag. Finds roughly 120 gilla in loose change. Slams it on the table. "Ahaha, I just realized when I was putting this in my bag that I don't have my math book! Sorry, gotta run before the school building closes!" she says, before drawing up to her full height and scooting. "Sorry Marusan! See you at school!"

When Akane wants to scoot, Akane: can scoot.

Marusan looks slightly mystified. Her eyes widen in a way that draws attention to the bags underneath them. "... I missed most of your conversation," Ramo notes, "But, uh. Is she okay?"

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

Asuka's eyes are on Ouka for a while after she says she apologizes.  She's not sure how to take being apologized to after certain experiences.  Especially with that placid acceptance of all of that heat after chiding them.  Much easier if she'd just spar with her.

         Much easier for her at least.

Akane though indicates that her class was in the mountains, and Asuka of course doesn't know she's offering an alibi, "That's right...  there were civilians there." She says, looking somewhat abstracted, "Good thing you cleared out.  It got..." Asuka's eyes turn to Rei, "...  a bit rough for ''some of us''." She cants her head Rei's way, "Commander's Pet over there had a spinal injury, couldn't move part of her body for a while after that."

Those pills again, ordinarily she'd just try to ignore Rei in most things as she slurps up her noodles, however her mind can see a pattern.  Asuka watches Rei take them with her meal and water.  She watches her dry swallow another.

        She does not remark.

It takes Rei saying 'It's love' for her eyebrows to shoot up, as Rei gets a searching look.  The clarification though, takes the edge off whatever anger she was about to feel and turns it into a groan. "Ugh.  You want us to have to deal with that loser?  I don't even want to think of what all he'd have on that film reel."

It's unnecessary though, because Ouka pulls out something like a tablet, and a stylus.  And the end result, Asuka actually looks, slightly impressed???  "Well would you look at that?  Didn't realize you'd graduated art school before becoming a professional mother goose."

Akane adds it to her chart, and Asuka simply checks the address of Akane's street again, memorizing it just in case for some reason she loses the slip of paper.  Akane though indicates she's gotta go as she left her math book, "Best get on that then.  Exams are your priority after all, aren't they Cram School?" Interestingly enough though...  she no longer thinks that's true.  After all, people only concerned about exams don't draw conspiracy diagrams.

She doesn't thank her.  Or tell her goodbye, or any of that.  She got what she came for, and at least took the edge off how she treated her before didn't she?

As Akane's friend though speaks up, Asuka folds up the slip of the paper, and she looks towards Ramo, "How should I know?  She's your friend isn't she?" Asuka holds up her phone again on the picture of Anti as she casually asks her. "Don't suppose you've ever seen this brat around before yourself?"

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>

Rei eats efficiently, though she seems, in so far as her demeanor permits it, to be enjoying herself. Her eyes turn towards Ouka and her presentation of a drawn image-- she drew that? Rei perhaps is impressed. It is hard to say.

Her eyes turn up towards Akane -- and she says something that relieves Rei in a subtle way. Hard to tell externally, of course, but Akane's name has been removed from consideration of a particular topic. Her eyes lower when Asuka speaks of her injury, but she does pause to say, "He will have footage of the damaged sectors."

Which he probably shouldn't, but Rei isn't going to rat him out. Or, well: not any more than mentioning him would.

But then Akane rises -- throwing down coins and fleeing the area precipitatiously! Did Rei determine something prematurely? She turns slightly to watch after her, even as she seems to conclude her noodles.

The bowl is set down.

Rei blinks twice at the swift departure of Akane. She looks towards Ouka and blinks once again. Perhaps a silent moment of communion. Did you see that?

Then she looks at Marusan.

... And doesn't say anything, beyond sitting there, sedate and expressionless.

Watching, perhaps.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        If Asuka's stares bother her, Ouka makes no sign of it.  She doesn't even bother to glance in her direction - there's nothing for her to gain in challenging her at this point.  After all, Akane herself had said she was fine with the treatment she was getting.  It's ... perplexing for her still.  But she's not the sort of person to defend someone if they seem to be handling it well enough.

        ... not that she knows really how well Akane is handling all this information.

        Perhaps the first hint that she isn't handling it well comes after she produces a drawing and lays it out on the table.  The way she practically throws money and sprints out of the door is not the behavior of someone who seems comfortable with staying in current company, after all.  But she has no reason to suspect a lie to her excuses for her sudden need to leave.  All she manages is a faint "Of course, thank you for your assistance."  before the girl has sprinted out the door.

        Meanwhile the attention she receives from both Rei and Asuka with regards to her drawing is ... uncomfortable for her.  Asuka looking impressed, and calling it art in particular, causes her to grimace.  "It's nothing special."  The First Boosted Child says softly, "All I did was copy what I saw."

        And then she is called 'mother goose', and for the first time she meets Asuka's gaze again.  Her expression says it all:  She is looking at Asuka as if she has grown a second head.  "I... have never had anything to do with geese, much less mothering them.  It's unlikely that I can even..."  She stops cold, her teeth coming together to produce an audible click.  She almost said something unnecessary and she really doesn't want to produce any distractions from the mission at this point.

        Though speaking of distractions, thankfully Marusan approaches the table.  Ouka listens stoically as Asuka speaks with regard to Akane's feeling, or perhaps her lack of regard for them, and instead suggests Marusan should know better.  The First Boosted Child can only say: "She seemed fine, though I don't know for sure either.  Though if you do have any information regarding the individual in the picture, we would certainly appreciate the assistance."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
There's a long, lingering silence from Ramo, as Akane leaves. Asuka showing her the picture of Anti has her glancing back. Is Akane... gone?

She said she'd keep Akane's secrets -- but then, on the other hand, the terms of their deal were...

'I'll keep your secret if you keep mine. I'll even help you come up with more excuses for your dad. You can keep the gilla, too.'

She raises a finger. Opens her mouth to speak. "... Just a second? I want to check something outside quick..." Marusan scoots toward the door, leaning back and craning her head out. (She doesn't seem to mind Rei watching her.)

Akane gets on a bus, just at the edge of where Ramo can see it.

Ramo walks back to the group, taking a deep breath and sighing it out. ... Yeah. Yeah, okay. "Sorry about that. This is kinda... it's a complicated situation." She pushes her long, brown-black hair back over her shoulders. Fluffs it out a bit. She looks a tiny bit less tired.

"... That's Akane's little brother."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

"And?  It's still a skill.  There's nothing wrong with showing some pride in your abilities."

At least, that's how Asuka lives her life.  Though it's perhaps the most complimentary she's ever been of Ouka.  However her response to her comment gets a roll of the eyes while she's slurping up more of her spicy noodles...  though they stop mid-motion and shoot over to her at 'It's unlikely that I can even...' ...  she decides not to comment on that.

It would go nowhere good for anyone at this table.

"What are you, stupid?  It's slang.  It just means you're near neurotic about fussing over people in your care."

Perhaps it will distract Ouka from that thought at least.

Marusan though gets up, and Asuka follows her as she moves to the front, putting a hand on the back of her chair.  Her expression seeming to slowly understand that something more is going on.  Then follows her back as she returns.  She can read the room.

A complicated situation?  Asuka lofts a single eyebrow, her expression becoming more and more focused on Marusan, and then she just says it.

"You have got to be ''KIDDING'' me!" Rising up from her seat angrily, she looks like she's going to throw her phone at the wall.  "SHE'S...  the one?!" Thinking better of it at the last second, she stands up, arms crossed, and starts to pace angrily beside the table. "''Complicated''." She says it as if it's an understatement

So much fits together all at once. The girl getting him to do the things for her with Tarabaman.  The girl he debased himself for.  The girl who's got him so wound up he freezes up when Asuka yells at her.  He's eating garbage off the streets, scraps off tables.

Yet not EVERYTHING fits together, and it's pissing her off the more she thinks about it.  What is going on that her little brother is some kind of Boosted Human but just ''takes'' all this from her?  Is Akane one too?  Her movements didn't seem like anything special, but if she's a good enough liar...  could she be Kaworu's assassin?  She doesn't know.

Finally her attention comes back to Marusan, and she seems at least calmer again, like she deescalated herself somewhat...  but still tense.  She wants to be sure she's not making connections that aren't there, "... how would you describe their relationship?  From what you've seen?"

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>

Ouka receives a sobriquet from Asuka, or at least, Rei hears it used. Rei's eyes turn towards Ouka for a moment, then downwards.

Names. A necessary thing.
Without names, we are all objects; formless motion.

To name a thing is to control it.
To bring it into the system of words.
I hate them.

But Rei's loathing of the concept of verbalization is blown away like a thick cloud of smoke on a grudging seaside breeze because Ramo leaves, which is not remarkable; but what is more remarkable is that she comes back.

Her little brother, Rei thinks. (It takes her a moment or two to recall the exact connotations of the term. It does not come up frequently in Rei's life.) Her head tilts to the side by several degrees.

Feeding on the leavings of the daytime world.
Seeking tribute for 'her'.
The actions of one who seeks approval?
Is he like...?

Rei's brow knits just the slightest bit, eyes turning down to the table for a moment. There are other topics. They float through her mind. The confirmation of something Akane said - Copernicus City, a place she knew by another name. The stockpile?

For a moment Rei wonders if she's having a fit, because something seems to cramp in her chest. A desire she said once. It rolls aside, wet and heavy and jagged, and she looks back up, focusing on Ramo.

She settles back in her seat - in fact, she takes the initative to rise slightly, pivot the seat twenty or twenty-five degrees, and THEN settle back, all without words, so as  to better (or at least more comfortably) regard Ms. Marusa. This may be a little uncanny, of course.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        'It just means you're near neurotic about fussing over people in your care.'

        That... actually causes a reaction from Ouka.  And it's not a happy one.  Her eyes narrow, flashing dangerously in the low light of the restaurant.  A hand clenches a glass.

        It cracks, but fortunately does not shatter.

        Just as fortunately this was enough of a distraction for Ouka to pull her mind away from what Asuka just said.  Even though Akane's own actions had said much the same, perhaps... hearing someone like Asuka mock her for her overprotectiveness is something else entirely.  It causes an ache deep in the darkest pits of her heart.  Where human-shaped holes have been left scorched out from living memory.  The fact she can still remember Latooni, and having lost her, doesn't help matters either.

        Just because you don't have any distractions... how DARE you mock her for clinging so desperately to her own.

        Speaking of distractions though, Ouka is momentarily distracted by the glass leaking out of the crack on its side and running down over the table.  While Marusan is busy checking to see if, in fact, Akane is out of earshot Ouka is herself desperately trying to figure out how to not make a bigger mess.  She finally just pours out the water out of the stricken glass into the pitcher.  A shame she had to contaminate the rest... she'll get another pitcher for the table later, and pay for the glass...

        But that's when Marusan comes back to the table, and drops the metaphorical other shoe.  She was expecting many things, but that Anti was Akane's brother?  If this is true that throws everything that Akane just shared with them into question.  Even now their mission could be compromised.  The First Boosted Child has to consider that potential risk while she has... well... two others in her nearly neurotic care.

        Speaking of the others, when Asuka starts getting heated she stands up.  She doesn't make any further moves to intervene, but she is signaling her willingness to do so.  Her eyes are on Marusan...

        ... except for when they're briefly on Rei, who stands up, reorients her seat, and then sits down again.  Ouka seems unperturbed by the slight uncannyness of this though, and returns her attention to Marusan and Asuka.
        
</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
The anger rolling off of both Asuka and Ouka makes Marusan flinch a little bit; she takes a few moments to get back to the situation -- though she &#42;is&#42; ready to answer Asuka's questions when they come, she seems tense. (She doesn't actually seem to find Rei's mannerisms that unsettling... because there are circumstances in which she isn't all that dissimilar. For that matter, Akane's mannerisms are a little bit alien too...)

"... I mostly only know things secondhand through our other friend," Marusan says, tired, "but I'll try. They're..." She sighs. "I think Akane takes things out on him. Their guardian doesn't take care of either of them... Ako had to buy -- Anti? -- a set of clothes. ... I never actually realized that I'd only ever seen Akane wearing the one set, either, until it came up."

Her eyes shut for several seconds. She looks a little better-rested when she opens them again. "We brought it up to our teacher, but in the end there's not a lot they can do, apparently. Akane won't confirm any of that stuff at school, and Anti... I don't think he even goes to school."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

Does Asuka worry about that look?  The crack of the glass?  The killing intent?  One wouldn't know it by the way she stares back.  It's dangerous ground she's treading on, but she's not the type to back down or clarify her intent, placing her pride above all other considerations.  It is yet another moment of miscommunication because she's just unable to be honest about her feelings.

Marusan seems nervous, and Asuka's pose remains with arms crossed, cell phone held in just two fingers, tapping it on her opposite arm.  She doesn't try to assuage her fears, she just listens.  When she's finished - "That tracks." She looks behind them, at the door, and also at the noodle shop owner to make sure he's not listening in, "The Munchkin didn't confirm all of that, but he didn't have to.  And he almost certainly doesn't go to school.  I caught him in the food court during school hours eating table scraps."

After double checking to make certain noone is listening in, she looks back to Marusan, less angry in a sense like she might set the room on fire but still real focused on her, "Don't bring it up to your classmates or teachers again if you know what's good for you.  Just let us take care of it." A small concession perhaps, saying the word 'us' - not one she would have made too long ago.  A distinction likely lost,  "You're caught up in something real dangerous - even knowing these things." She uncrosses her arms, holding up one hand, "So we didn't have this conversation." She then adds more quietly, "It never happened."

In a city where everyone forgets the Kaiju attacks and the victims thereof, she suspects that's an easy request.

"But before we go our separate ways - if there's anything else you can tell us about where to find him...  or anything else you've noticed.  Anything at all..."

She's not about to promise anything other than the fact she'll forget this though.  The rest is up to her.


</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>

Something is tugging at the corner of Rei's thoughts.

She had, initially, thought that perhaps in showing this demonstration, this behavior, Anti resembled someone who she knows. But that feels wrong now. There's something else.

The thought is enormous; it feels like the passage of Evangelion Unit One's hand; like a train moving past her. She cannot see it or taste it or hear it; it is only through indirect inference that the sensation, the idea, is present for her. In an abstract way Rei wonders if there is something there in the place where she

can't look, and...

The face of Anti swims through her thoughts. He reminds her of...

Of...

Of...

Rei does not react to Ouka's cracking the glass, although if Ouka is looking her attention does travel as she takes the unusual step of pouring her water back into the pitcher, reunifying it with the touch of her lips at a tertiary remove. Contaminated, Rei notes abstractly, but the motion was abnormal. She sees the crack, and then looks past to where the Second is saying things.

Rei reaches Marusan's eyes for a moment. She says something quietly enough that only Ouka probably hears it, but she lifts her voice to repeat herself --

"Does she care for him?" Rei asks Marusan.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        Anger was rolling off of Ouka, but none for Marusan.  Still she notices the concern in the girl's eyes and tries her best to give her a warm smile.  Trying, if at all possible, to assert nonverbally that it's not for her that she is standing up.  Instead her eyes glance meaningfully towards Asuka.  An Asuka who, thankfully, seems to have cooled down some and isn't expressing any hostility.

        But still she stands.

        Meanwhile Ouka listens to her describe the plight of Anti.  Her expression is ... mixed.  She is thinking back on Akane.  The girl had plenty of money to buy food - for them, at least.  Though oddly enough she didn't have any food of her own?  Just some tomato juice?  That would suggest she's not hungry and definitely not struggling to pay for her own food, or clothes for that matter.  The fact that Anti, according to Asuka, is eating table scraps and had to have someone other than his 'sister' buy him clothes.  Well, that bothers her.

        He is the enemy.  He is apparently strong enough to take on a combat cyborg and put him in the hospital.  And yet, it would seem in this conversation that somehow he is the victim?

        Who is Akane Shinjou?  The girl who looked worried about the condition of the boy named Kaworu, but who neglects that of the boy named Anti.

        Once again she shoots a sideways glance at Asuka as she makes some veiled threats towards Marusan.  Her expression still mixed.  Part of her thinks this is a good idea too - though they are not the threat so much perhaps as Akane is?  Either way she tries to give another reassuring smile towards Marusan.  Though is it really reassuring to smile after someone you are working alongside just threatened to kill someone else?

        'Does he care for him?'

        Rei's question indicates that Ouka isn't the only one who felt some odd sympathy for the boy.  Though this isn't the time to do so, she will have to remind them that while it is fine to feel sympathetic they can't let it interfere with their mission.  Though perhaps this will make it easier for the three of them not to antagonize him in the future.  To this though she adds her own question:

        "Is he afraid of her, or is there someone else he is afraid of?  A father or mother, perhaps?  Or someone else?"
        
</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
Sorting through what she knows, what she ought to know, and what she's heard... is a lot. She looks at Asuka, agreeing, "That sounds... like him, from what I know. At first Ako thought they might be related to Kaworu, from school, but..." ... well, it's hard to say anything for sure, at any rate.

Rei's question, then Ouka's, back to back -- "No, or maybe only sometimes? They do have a guardian... it's -- sorry. I shouldn't just guess... you guys are looking for facts." She tries to cut through the muddle. "I don't know enough about them. But I know they have a guardian and I know he doesn't do enough for them."

The idea that she's in danger even knowing this stuff... "I'll do my best," she says to Asuka. It's all she can promise. She... definitely shouldn't tell Akane about this.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

Asuka gives Rei a 'What are you, stupid?' look, as she asks that.  Though she doesn't actually offer it audibly, stopping short of that.  ...  She unfortunately knows far too well it's possible to mistreat someone and still care for them.  It's just...  going that far.

'No, or maybe only sometimes?' Asuka doesn't actually say anything to that one.  The fact they have a 'Guardian' though causes her to raise an eyebrow, as she looks at Ouka, despite the tension - sharing a look there.  After all they have the theory that Anti might be a Boosted Human.  And Asuka certainly has followed Ouka to her black site to see her 'Guardian'.

However, she knows better than to open her mouth about that.

Asuka to be clear wasn't trying to make veiled threats, she certainly has no interest in hurting her but to imply that her life is under threat by others for having already told them this.  Still the distinction is lost - because Asuka is just 'like that'.

Ouka's question though, she can certainly answer that one, at least the first part.  As Marusan says she can't speculate, she juts in. "He is." As she looks her way to regard her with a cold expression, "He's terrified of being yelled at by any girl.  Not just her."

There's no reason to let them know how she feels about it.  The humiliation she feels still stands.  All she can do is own it.

Eventually though she addresses Marusan about trying her best, "Good.  You do that." She could offer her the advice of skipping town, going to Tokyo-03 if she's able...  but how well did that work the last time she did?

Instead she looks to the others, "We need to keep a close eye out.  Not impossible she's sending the munchkin our way right now."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
<poem>

The relative tension of Ouka Nagisa is obscurely troubling to Rei. She has to speculate as to why, and speculating as to the motives and behaviors of other people is exhausting at best. However, it is not just her here; she is confident she could wend her way back to Tokyo-3.

But if she couldn't, it isn't so bad.

She, after all, can be replaced. Can the Second? Can Nagisa? A difficult question.

She speaks of fear. Rei's attention returns to Marusan. "..."

Enough?

The thought quells Rei. She can remember what Marusan said, and how she appeared, but there seems to be no more to be said. Asuka looks at her around this point; her implication...

Enough?

Is clear.

Asuka is now, in her turn, looking at them. "Then, we should leave," Rei answers. "If he intercepts us, I will yell at him."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.
<poem>
        Ouka Nagisa does share that glance with Asuka.  Her expression grim.  She too chooses not to express her conclusions on what Marusan has shared with her.  But from Asuka's on gaze it looks like she doesn't need to.  And besides, there will be plenty of time for the three of them to go over their theories.

        Those golden eyes return to regard Marusan kindly.  She bows her head politely in appreciation, "Thank you for your cooperation."  The mature sounding girl says warmly.  "I realize you are putting your trust with us as well.  Please rest assured that we won't do anything to betray that trust."  Well... not willingly at least.  Unfortunately her mind is not her own and so too are her memories subject to the control of another.  Though in this moment... her concern is more with Asuka than with her own guardians.

        "Stay safe, Marusan."

        With that the First Boosted Child will move to convene with the others.  When Asuka expresses her concern that Akane could be sending Anti after them at this moment she simply nods in agreement, having thought the same thing.  Then when Rei suggests they should leave, Ouka nods in agreement again.  At this point they are too much at risk and unlikely to get more that is useful to outweigh the risks.

        ... but then Rei offers to yell at Anti should he show up.  This causes Ouka's eyes to widen slightly in confusion for a couple of seconds, before comprehension dawns.  She looks slightly abashed... though she adds: "I... can yell too, if that would help."

        Regardless she will lean down to collect her tote bag and belongings.  From within her tote bag she will pull some of the money she brought from her mission expenses account and lay it across the table.  For the glass, of course.  "We will make our way to the train station then, I will guard the rear.  Asuka, you take point."

        After all, Asuka IS quite competent when it comes to yelling.
        
</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.
<poem>
This whole situation feels... so paralyzingly big. Ramo has no idea what Akane's stuck into, that there's all these questions about her personal life from... middle schoolers? But very official-seeming middle schoolers who have very specific questions.

There's a little bit of pain there; Marusan doesn't want to think of Akane as a bad person. Indeed, she &#42;doesn't&#42;. But... apparently her little brother is so scared of teenage girls that he'll flinch? That's --

... Marusan doesn't think of it as damning, but trying to figure out how to feel about it or what to do about it leaves her feeling paralyzed.

"I'm... going to go." It's all she can manage. She's back to looking &#42;very&#42; tired. "I hope... whatever you're looking for... you find it. Please don't let Akane and Anti get hurt." For all she's heard -- for all it sounds like these strangers think Anti and Akane are the nexus of something very dangerous -- her own takeaway is that it's Akane and Anti who're in danger, now.

She moves to leave -- but ends up glancing back at her half-eaten dinner, and moves to the counter with a:

"Hey -- can I get this to go...?"

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.
<poem>

Asuka doesn't promise Marusan that they won't get hurt.  It's not their mission, but would that change if Akane were Kaworu's assassin?  ...  Almost certainly.  She doesn't thank her either.  Ouka already did, and such gestures simply aren't for her. "Wait and leave a few minutes after us.  Act like nothing is wrong."

Anyone out there would be more likely to be clocking them than her after all.

Asuka looks at Rei as if she sprouted a second head when she offers to yell at him.  Followed up by Ouka's abashed look and offer to do the same...

It's so ''weird'' listening to them do that, like they're fish out of water over the simplest things.  Things that come naturally to her.

With a cluck of her tongue, she decides to at least abide by Ouka's directions, "Tck, fine." However, before she leaves out the door, she indicates, "Keep it in your back pocket.  There's no need to do it unless he does something stupid." Is she mad at Anti?  Absolutely, but she also remembers how she felt when he froze up, and she realized why.  What happened to Eight York when she yelled at her.  And Callisto Diana...  it's not a pleasant feeling...

"We're not trying to pick a fight, but gather information.  And if he freezes up we'll get absolutely nothing."

Heading towards the door, she opens it more brazenly than carefully, as she takes point out of the place, leaving her less than half eaten dinner behind.

It's possible her actions will be seen as reckless but her instinct is, Anti would hesitate the moment he sees it was her.
[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Phase 1]]
[[Category:Phase 1, Turn 2]]