Part 39: Mission 23 - Cloister of Illusions - Part 1
: The third to seventh Angels emerged in accordance to the Dead Sea Scrolls and were eliminated by the EVAs.
: …
: However the Eighth Angel and beyond haven’t done so yet… Even allowing some margin of error in the schedule, it’s clear that things have deviated from what was written.: Yes. And that’s why I assigned the three EVAs to the Magnate Ten – it’ll also serve to buy us time to recover the lance.: Said Magnate Ten are a problem. They count the RahXephon… and the Zeorymer in their ranks, no?: Didn’t you take all that into account when you authorized their reassignment?: The Zeorymer aside, that mechanical god has the old man’s fingers all around it. Should it awaken, the expression “nourish a viper in one’s bosom” would be a vast understatement.: Although they share no direct connection with one another, we still cannot allow it anywhere near Central Dogma. : Indeed… And it’s likely we’ll see some activity from the MU before the lance can be used.: Can’t we simply recall the EVAs and let the Magnate Ten play decoy, then?: That would mean beckoning risk factors into Neo Tokyo 3. Is it truly necessary?: … That group is a deterrent for problems that may arise in the future. I’d wager TERRA also considered that when they transferred the RahXephon. : The jury is still out on whether machines like the Raideen could fulfill that role.: Ascertaining that is likely why Bähbem allowed the RahXephon to be sent – much like we’ve allowed the Zeorymer to exist in the first place.: Gathering deterrents into the Magnate Ten is in accordance to the script you devised, is it not?: …That depends on what kind of force is being gathered. They’re meant as no more than a means of keeping the schedule on track. : …
: …Very well; we’ll leave aside this discussion on your actions thus far. (his name is Keel): The MU’s appearance in this world left us no choice but to elect a different script… and that is how it should be. : …: Remember, Ikari: we have no need for a “Tuner”… or for you to create a new script.: … Understood. May everything proceed in accordance to SEELE’s script.
Location: NERV HQ
Fuyutsuki relates how our group’s almost arriving in Neo Tokyo 3 and asks what the Committee had to say. Gendou relates how they’re uncomfortable with him summoning them over, though Fuyutsuki sees why face the new additions to the team.
Moreover, he figures the Magnate Ten themselves must have some questions as to how suddenly they were called. Gendou is sure it’ll be fine, as he said it was to test the EVA’s harmonics and try out a new weapon.
Fuyutsuki asks about the lance but Gendou says there’s no need for them to get it now; not messing with it will help alleviate SEELE’s doubts a bit. But what about something that's expected to happen soon? Gendou says they’ll intentionally play into their hands. It’s necessary, in order to keep their OWN schedule on track.
Back to our group, Asuka sighs at how long it’s been since she was back in Neo Tokyo 3. When Megumi asks, Asuka explains how EVA kids will be heading to NERV HQ for some harmonics test – it’s something like a periodic physical exam, she says.
Meg asks if that means they’ll be measuring their sync rate with the EVAs and Asuka confirms, as having a high enough rate is how the pilots are chosen. This sounds like a group affair to Ayato, though Rei has gone on ahead; she told Shinji she had something else to handle at HQ.
Asuka is eager to get tested and show Shinji just how much of a badass she is, so she wants to go right now. While Ayato wishes Shinji good luck, Asuka apologizes to Meg for having to cancel on their plans to go shopping together.
Misato had also made plans to go eat some grill with Haruka but those will also need to be canceled. What, they were going to go eat just by themselves? And have a ton of beer – don’t forget that.
Megumi sighs at how much of kindred spirits her sister and Misato are.
: (…): (This is me… this object is me… the form that shapes me.)
: (But… I feel as though I’m not me. Very strange…): (I feel as if my body is melting away…My form is fading… I’m becoming nothing…): (I feel another person’s presence… Is someone there, across all this?)
: (Who are you?)
: W h o a r e y o u ?
Seems like Ritsuko’s put Rei inside the EVA-01 and she asks how it feels – it smells like Shinji. Regardless, that test is done so Ritsuko tells her to head to the EVA-00 next. Ritsuko observes that Rei’s synchro rate in the #01 was pretty much the same as the #00. Maya figures it’s because those two EVAs have very similar personal data patterns.
Gendou thinks this means that "that project" is feasible now, and leaves the rest up to Ritsuko – the other pilots should be arriving soon. Said project is the Dummy System, something Maya isn’t too excited with. Ritsuko understands but says it is necessary for everyone to survive.
Maya respects her mentor and will still do her job but she can’t well give this her approval. Ritsuko observes that it's going to be hard living with everyone else after this – this will all leave her feeling like scum.
Misato enters right then and notes the heavy atmosphere in here. Ritsuko says it’s nothing, chalking it up to her being annoyed at their late arrival. Misato swears she tried getting here on time… did she make a pit stop along the way? Maybe.
But, regardless, she’s already sent Shinji and Asuka over to their EVAs. The three of them want to get this done ASAP to enjoy the R&R that’s been allowed the entire squad. Misato can still make her grill and beer date with Haruka!
Sounds important but Ritsuko points out Misato will still need to fill out some paperwork regarding the test… as well as about five hundred pages of stuff relating to stuff that’s been piling on her desk during her absence.
As Misato lies stunned, Ritsuko says that Kaji has also stopped by. Once her work’s done, why not invite him as well for that beer? Misato, a dark cloud setting upon her, says no.
Location: Neo Tokyo 3
Meg has decided to drag Ayato along on her shopping trip – what an honor to take Asuka’s place! But… what exactly are they shopping for? Ayato still has no idea. Meg says anything works and that hardly gets the kid excited.
Meg spots a nice tie on sale and asks Ayato what he thinks. Oh, so she’s buying a present for a guy? Yes but, just to be clear, it’s NOT FOR HIM. Sure, sure.
*People walk over.*
: Oh? Are you two on a date?
: NO!: Denying it like that isn’t helping your case...
: What about you two? Are you on a date?
: N-Not really…
: Hmm, curious and curiouser…: R-Really, it’s not. It’s just that this was my first time in this city, so…
: So I offered to show him around.
: Well, if it’s not a date, then even better! Wanna go shopping with me, Miku? Ayato so bad at this… I want a woman’s opinion.: I’d love to… what about you, Masato?
: I’m good – don’t worry about me.: OK. I’ll call you once we’re finished.: Alrighty, I’m borrowing her for a bit! Here we goooo!*Off they go.*
: Why didn’t she just ask another girl in the first place…?
: ... Um, Ayato.
: Hm?
: What… What do you take me as? : Huh…? You’re a comrade, no?: But I’m…: …: Relax. I know what you’re going through. : Huh…?: On a regular day, you got taken, set inside a robot and told to fight. Not an easy thing to make peace with, right?: …: And from what others told me, a bunch of folks in our team are in the same boat as us. : Really…?: Yeah. There’s Kaine group, Kouji, Shinji, Ginga and Hokuto… : Judau… is a bit different, I think, but you can see that plenty of us went through similar stuff.
: Oh! Is that you, Ayato?
: Hey there. What’re you up to?: … Akira, too. It can be said that we all share the same fate.: …: Weren’t you going out with Meg, Ayato?: That didn’t fly, as you can see.: Why don’t you two come with us, then? We’re gonna grab something to eat with Ryouko, Kaine and the others.: Yeah, sure.: And you, Masato?: I…: Come on, Masato. They’re inviting you.: OK…
Some time later, Miku’s help Megumi pick out a nice tie. When she asks, Meg says it’s a present to her superior officer. Bright? NO, it’s a TERRA guy not Magnate Ten. Alright, alright, Miku is still sure the guy will love it.
Meg hopes so, figuring this would be so much easier if she was more like Haruka – she may not look like it but she’s got a very girly side to her. That’s difficult for Miku to imagine but Meg says that Haruka used to have this huuuuge crush as a child and, even after all those years, she’s still not over the guy.
Miku confesses to be a bit jealous that Haruka could carry such strong feelings for one person for such a long time…
: That’s the place, Lt.
: A-alright.
: We know it’s a bit early for dinner but…: … I still need to manage our squadron composition. I’d prefer to get back to the ship sooner rather than later—: No, no, don’t worry about that. We asked Lt. Quattro to take care of it.: (Tough luck, Char…): Still, why me?
: Hmm, how can I explain…?
: We just… felt like we should ask you to dinner. 
: ?And, come Alpha 3, it’s Misato’s turn to try and land Tuxedo Mask.
Kaine pops out of the woodwork and confirms target sighted. In comes Ryouko, Kouji and a bunch of people, much to Vega’s shock. Judau and Sai wonder if they were planning on hitting the restaurant ahead of them, hogging all the best food for themselves.
O-Of course not – this is a strategy meeting, honest! Haruka stammers a confirmation, saying they’re debating future operations. They wouldn’t be lying to them, Tap wonders coyly. That’s the most transparent lie Ryouko’s heard, even.
Akira, Ayato and Masato’s group arrives right then, adding more people to the pile. Seems to Amuro that the ladies will just have to accept these extra tag-alongs… we can send the bill to GEAR, right? Vega thought they were sending it to TERRA!
Seems like that they’ll need to take the middle road here… send the bill to NERV! Or not, as the city alarm starts blaring right then.
Back in NERV, the test is underway. The Third Children’s – Shinji – results are quite impressive and Misato hopes it’ll give him a confidence boost.
Ritsuko warns about giving him too much praise, leading to overconfidence in battle but Misato figures he’ll be fine. Regardless, it seems clear that the EVA-01 will be the one to receive a certain new weapon.
Misato calls Shinji and he asks how he did. Her answer is quite enthusiastic: YOU ARE NUMBER ONE! Yay!
: We lost… and it wasn’t even close. I’m actually a little bit annoyed at how easily he beat me…: …
: Oooh, he’s so awesome, so wonderful! Master Shinji is invincible! This means we can take it easy now, right?: …: Well... I guess we still have to work our butts off to try and keep up with him.*Alarm!*
: !
NERV’s detecting a group of flying objects on approach to Neo Tokyo 3 – they tag an unknown type of D1 Dolem leading. Gendou and Fuyutsuki were expecting this and he asks Misato to have the Magnate Ten deploy only the EVAs and RahXephon to intercept.
Misato wants to know why as our people should meet the enemy’s numbers in kind. Gendou replies that he need not explain himself, and tells her to follow his orders.
Mission 23 – Cloister of Illusions
The Dolem enters the city and Bright is more than a little confused when Haruka relays Gendou’s request to us. When Vega asks, Megumi relates no sign of the D1 Aria – doesn’t look like the thing’s here to attack.
What, is it just observing? That strikes Haruka as very odd, considering all previous Dolems attacked in earnest. George ponders that it could have a different objective today but Chibodee doubts it – those things only care about the RahXephon, right?
Haruka figures NERV wants to deploy the RahXephon to see what the Dolem will do and Amuro sees their reasoning: like the Angels, we don’t know what the thing might do against us. Bright decides to go along with Gendou’s plan but tells all other units to be on standby and ready to deploy.
: Haruka, is Misato still at NERV HQ?
: Yes. We’re getting instructions from her but…: Then I guess we’ll have to assume the on-site command. 
: EVA-01 is ready to launch! : OK…!
: EVA-01, launch! (this is a voiced event, of course)
: Roger…!
: (Huh? That voice was…): What do you think? Sound like her?: V-Vega? It was you?: Exigent circumstances, you know how it is.: RahXephon, EVA-02 and EVA-00 are ready to deploy!: Carry on, then. Launch!
The scene, as before, shifts back and forth between us and NERV HQ down in the Geofront.
: Commander, please have the other units deploy! The EVAs aside, the RahXephon’s the D1’s target! It’s too dangerous to send it out like that!: I won’t change my orders.
: (Why…?! Does he have some reason for all this?!)
: Are you sure about this, Ikari? It’s quite the risky gamble.: That matters not. If this goes well, it’ll answer two questions at once. : Are we clear? The D1 data we sent is all the information we have right now. Approach it with care and see how it responds… if possible, try to guide it out the city. One unit will lead while the others will provide support.: Aye, aye, Ms. Vega! And I think Shinji’ll work as our point man! 
: Huh?!: What’s wrong? Isn’t that a job for the brave and outstanding Mr. Number 1? : …!: Or are you not up for it, Shinji?
: No, I’ll do it!: ?!: I’ll show how it’s done, Asuka. : Wh-wh-whaaat?!: Now, hold on a second, children!: “You are number one”… that’s what Misato told me.
: Ah?!: It’s a man’s job to fight, so that's what I'll do!: H-He’s…
: My, Shinji’s grown quite manly since joining the Magnate Ten, huh?: No, no, no... I’m going to give him a big talking-to once he gets back.: Oh? You might just make for a fine teacher. 
: Vega, I wanna take point too.: Huh?: You can’t! We still don’t know what abilities the D1 has!: Which is precisely why I was sent out here, no?
: We can let the invincible duo here try their hand since they’re running their mouths so much, no? Come on – show us how badass you guys are.: Jealous much, aren’t we?: D-Don’t be stupid! What the hell do you think you know?!: Fine, Shinji and I’ll engage the D1. Back us up, please.
: Roger. We’ll hold position and provide covering fire.: Don’t come crying for help later! EVA-02, holding position!
: Alright, here we go!: R-Right!
: …!*The Dolem charges after Ayato.*
: Wha?!: Ayato!*Aaaaariaaaaaaaaaa*
: Ugh…GWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!: !
: What’s going on?!: The D1’s made contact with the RahXephon! We’re detecting a strong magnetic pulse!: I-it’s the same as the Tokyo Jupiter phenomenon…?! : What did you say?!: It’s as if it…! : Aaargh! GAAAAAAAAAAH! UWAAAAAAAAAAAH!: Pilot’s heart rate decreasing rapidly! The FH suit’s life support systems are inoperable! If this keeps going, Ayato will…!
: The D1’s pulse modulation pattern is syncing up to the RahXephon’s tune!
: I can’t be…! Ayato!: EVA-01, moving to rescue him!: Shinji, wait!!*Shinji goes after the Dolem*
: …*Aaaaariaaaaaaaaaa*
: What’s going on?!: Shinji!
: What was that song?! Urk…UWAAAAAAAAAAH!
: The D1’s made contact with the EVA-01 as well! It’s being bound along with the RahXephon! 
: Ikari!: What are you doing, idiot?!: Vega! Vega, what’s happening?! Misato?! Misato!!
: Shinji!
: His synchro-graph is reversing! The pulses are flowing backward! : Cut the circuit! Block it!
: We can’t! The signal’s being rejected! It’s not receiving!
: What did you say?!: His mental graphs are going crazy! We’re detecting major mental interference!
: A psychic attack…?! The Dolem’s trying to peer into their minds!: …: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!: Units #00 and #02, get the #01 and RahXephon away from the Dolem! Hurry!: Urgh, that huge idiot! If you only do well on tests, then what’s the goddamn point?!: Uurgh! GWAAAAAAAH!: Aaah… UWAAAAAAAA!!
: It’s glowing?!: What’s happening?!: The D1’s expanding an unknown field, forming an enclosed space! The RahXephon and EVA-01 are being taken inside!: Shinji!: No…! Run… RUUUUUN!!*Both units blip out of existence.*
: !
: The RahXephon and EVA… disappeared?!
: Shinji! Ayato!
: This is a joke, right?!: Ayato…!: Shinji…!
: Shinji! Ayato! Say something! Shinji! Ayato!!: No… how could they just disappear…!
: The D1 has shifted into its unknown field… All communication with the RahXephon and EVA-01… has stopped…!
: Don’t throw the towel yet, idiot!
: She’s right! We’re going out there!
: … It’s too late.: Ruri?!: The D1’s no longer there. 
: What are you talking about? The thing’s right there—!: That’s likely just a shadow.
: A shadow!?: For now, I think we should pull back and think of a plan.
: But!
: She’s right. There’s too much we don’t know at the moment…!
: Retreat is our only option…!Title for EVA 4.0: You Can (Not) Be a Badass.
Our people have been trying to get in touch with the boys but Light says we’re getting nothing. It’s like they’re not even in this world. Ginga worries that they might be dead and ears himself a punch from Ryouko – don’t jinx them!
But if they’re still alive, where did they go, then? Ryouko doesn’t know but Miku has a theory that they got taken into a different dimension. Kaine figures that since they got taken in, they can come back out, right? Miku isn’t sure.
Ginga doesn’t like that we don’t even know if Ayato and Shinji are still alive but Kazuya tells him to calm down – both their units have life support aboard, so he’s sure they’re safe. Hayato points out that said life support can’t run forever, though. Michiru frowns but he says that's the jist of it: if they don’t hurry and rescue them before the systems fail, then it’ll all be for nothing.
We’ve a race against time on our hands, so Masato asks if we can’t do anything but sit on our hands. Light argues that just attacking willy-nilly won’t do anything – folks tried bombarding the Dolem and all their attacks simply got absorbed by the shadow. The thing’s like the worst garbage bin in the universe…..
: Well, the only ones to blame for this are those two. Doing whatever they felt like, not caring about the plan… they got what they deserved – especially Shinji.: He gets some slightly good result in that test and figures he can “show how it’s done”? Hah, what a big-headed moron.
: Oi, what the hell is with that attitude?!: Zip it! You’re even worse than them!: What you say?!: Shinji and Ayato screwed up like that because of the bad influence of folks like you and Ryouko! Why don’t you go sit in a corner and think about that for a bit, huh?!
: You trying to start something?!
: Enough! Bickering isn’t going to get us anywhere!: That’s right.: ?!
: (Now that’s new… Never expected her to cut in like that.)
: Should we be on lookout for flying birds tomorrow?: Flying pigs, Ginga. Flying birds wouldn’t be anything special.: Right, right…: What are you getting at, wonder girl?: …: You got a problem with me talking smack about Shinji?: Are you piloting the EVA just so others will praise you?: No! I do it for my own praise, not of others! *Door opens.*
: Pipe down, you two.: Misato!: I agree with you in that Shinji did act arbitrarily. That is why I’ve quite the lecture waiting for after he comes back.: …: Prof. Ritsuko is ready to explain our plan. Everyone please gather in the briefing room immediately.
: Understood.
So, Ritsuko does have a plan with which she believes we can rescue the EVA-01 and RahXephon. That’s good. The plan involves tossing all nine hundred and ninety two N² (Non-Nuclear) mines onto the Dolem. Oh.
While that’s going on, the remaining EVAs will deploy their A.T. Fields in unison which should disrupt the Dolem’s enclosed space for one thousandth of a second. If we focus all that explosive energy into that microsecond, it’ll destroy the space itself. But then, Vega asks, what will happen to Shinji and Ayato? This plan isn’t what Vega would call a “rescue” operation but, Ritsuko points out, is the only conceivable option in our time limit.
Haruka and Misato don’t look satisfied and Saburouta sighs at the huge gamble we’re going to be taking. Still, Duke and Kouji know that if we don’t take this option, there’ll be nothing to do before their friends die.
Judau remembers that rescuing Ginga and Hokuto from the Spiral Castle was nigh-impossible, too, and we pulled it off… we’ll just have to defy the odds again. The kids are more than willing to do the saving this time.
As Misato thanks them, Masato asks if it would be possible to use the Zeorymer’s Dimensional Coupling System to rescue Ayato and Shinji. That strikes Tap as a good idea, what with the thing’s name and the two being stuck in a different dimension, but Kouji isn’t too sure that’s enough proof of concept.
Misato seems a bit queasy, so Ritsuko cuts in and shuts that idea down: the system is one huge black box. There are far too many unknowns surrounding it to consider using it in this operation. Masato and Miku are dejected but Misato appreciates the thought nonetheless.
And what will the rest of us do, Ruri asks? The MU are expected to anticipate us attempting something, so our job will be to keep on alert and intercept any enemies that might emerge. The operation will happen in two hours and both Ritsuko and Misato will be in charge.
Misato apologizes for usurping Bright’s command here but he doesn’t mind – he’s quite confident in the ladies’ capacity. With that, everyone’s sent to their posts.
As they leave, Nana turns to Kyoshiro. These N² mines are really powerful, right? Is it really OK for us to huge so many of the things? Not really since if our timing’s off by even a second, it’ll blow not just us but the entire city to kingdom come. Which is why, Kazuya says, we need to make sure everything goes perfectly.
If there’s even a one in a million chance that we can rescue Shinji and Ayato, then Kazuya is willing to stake his life on it. That’s how he’s made it to this point. And another thing to keep in mind: if we fail here, there’ll be no one to save Erika.
: Prof. Akagi… what are you thinking with that operation?: Our top priority is the recovery of the EVA-01… even if it means destroying its body.: Now wait a second! What about Ayato and the RahXephon?!: The pilots’ survival is a nonissue right now.: !*Slap!*
: Urk…! It was the Magnate Ten’s fault that we lost those two, Misato! You’d do well to remember that!: Why do you and the Commander care so much about the #01?! Just what’s so special about that EVA?!: It’s all there in the information you were given!: Bull! The brass would never have approved this operation if there wasn’t something else!: Then, what, are you saying we should use the Zeorymer’s Dimensional Coupling System? The thing that, like your father’s S² theory, was made in pursuit of a limitless power source?: …!
: … Just trust in me, Misato. *Ritsuko leaves.*
: (…The Second Impact, the Human Instrumentality Project, Adam… There are still so many things I don’t know.)
Haruka, meanwhile, has gotten on the phone with Itsuki; he agrees that it’s quite the extreme plan we’re going with. Haruka’s ill at ease with how risky this will be to Ayato and Shinji and is looking for any other option. Itsuki figures Ayato’s the crux of this matter – there has to be a reason why he was separated from the rest of them.
Haruka tells him to speak of things in the past in past tense, but he says that, to him, it's past perfect continuous. Still, he understands where Haruka’s coming from: time has stopped to her fifteen years ago. She joined TERRA in hopes that they could get it flowing again, right? Sadly, Itsuki wasn’t capable of doing that for her.
Haruka says it’s not his fault but Itsuki confesses that he did want to help her break away from the past; but it didn’t happen. He’s always a replacement, no matter where he goes. Itsuki and Haruka have both changed over the years but Ayato hasn’t. Honestly, Itsuki envies him in more ways than one.
: … Please. We’ve so little time left.
: … Alright, Haruka. I can spare an idea of mine.
: What is the best way to open a locked door? It’s to use the key. 
: “Key”?: Yes; the other key which resonates with the RahXephon.: Do you mean…?!: Mind you, this is purely conjecture. There is absolutely no data to support this… but it’s better than doing nothing, no?: …
Elsewhere, Mari’s looking for Akira; oddly enough, Haruka had asked Hugo the same thing before he got here. No one’s seen the guy for a bit now, not even during the mission briefing.
Did she check his room? He shouldn’t be there, what with us on alert, but Hugo suggests her give it a try. Maybe he decided to take a nap after the last battle?
Akira IS in his room, though he’s not napping too well. A voice calls out to his mind, warning that his destiny is on the verge of a major turning point – one he must discern with his own eyes.
The voice adds that a certain person may end up as Akira’s enemy… or maybe not. She tells him to listen to his voice along with the Raideen, and then decide. Akira, now recognizing the voice as his mother’s, asks whose voice she’s talking about. What is his fate?!
Mari bursts him and wakes Akira up from his dream – he doesn’t remember falling asleep, mind. Still, it’s almost time for the operation so they need to get going. Akira agrees, saying he’ll get going after washing his face.
Mari warns him not to fall asleep again or she’ll tell Bright. As she goes, ponders hearing the voice is his late mother. What exactly was she trying to tell him?
And we’re back with Ayato who, surprisingly, finds himself in Tokyo again. And he’s very surprised when Asahina and Mamoru walk over to greet him.
He’s glad to see that they’re both still safe but can’t help but wonder what could be going on here. Asahina has no idea what he’s talking about – everything’s the same as ever. What about the attack? What attack? Is Ayato sleepwalking or something?
Ayato wonders if he could be dreaming… or, maybe, everything that had happened up to now was a dream? His train of thought is interrupted when Haruka shows up.
Ayato figures this isn’t inside Tokyo Jupiter but, then, what is he doing in Tokyo? This has to be a dream as he can’t possibly be here but everything is still just like he remembers. The city’s the same, Mamoru and Asahina are the same… Haruka says the other side is what feels like the dream. Isn’t that right?
Ayato knows that to be wrong but can’t well deny it. Haruka sees no problem with that; whether he's dreaming of being a butterfly or whether the butterfly is dreaming of being him, if he feels this to be reality, that's what it is.
In fact, this can be taken as a blessing – in here, he won’t have to fight or be hurt anymore. In fact, since this is his world, he’s free to do whatever he wants. And, by that, she means that he doesn’t need to hold back his desires just because she’s older than him – just man up and be honest.
Ayato yells that she’s wrong – he’s not being dishonest, holding anything back or whatever. Haruka knows that’s just the lie he keeps telling himself. Exactly like that boy.
What does he want to do? Can he play the music yet? Can he perform the tuning? Did the Star of La Mu shine? Haruka wants answers but Ayato has no idea what she’s even talking about.
Shinji’s having an illusion of his own, inside a train with a copy of himself. The other Shinji says all people have another version of themselves hiding within their hearts – that is to say, a “self” can be defined as being composed of these two versions.
One side of the self is that which is actually shown, while the other is that which sees. In truth, there isn’t ONE Shinji Ikari: there’s the other one hidden inside his mind, the one in Misato’s mind, in Asuka’s, in Rei’s, in Gendou’s… all of them are different Shinji Ikaris and, yet, they’re all the real him.
And the problem is that Shinji fears all those other versions of himself within others. Indeed, he’s afraid of being hated by others – of being hurt – and, thus, he closes himself off inside. He clings, ruminates, to any shred of happiness he’s found as he carries on his life. Always fooling himself.
“Everyone does that…! That’s how they survive!” Shinji argues. People must find satisfaction in who they are and what they have, or there’s no way to go on living. This world is filled with too much hardship to survive otherwise. The clone says Shinji’s shut his eyes and ears to everything he didn’t like.
“But I’m fighting with the EVA, no?!” Shinji yells. “I can’t stand fighting but I don’t have a choice…! I didn’t have any choice! They just told me to do it!”
“See? You make excuses and you run. That’s how you’ve always been,” the clone says. “You lock away even the memories of what you seen, fleeing from the truth.”
Back to Ayato! He really wants to go home now but the suddenly Maya points out that this IS his home. And, by the by, Shinji’s also here. When he asks, Ayato introduces his mother.
Shinji’s a bit jealous of how Ayato has her in his life – his own mother perished in an accident a long time ago. Maya asks what happened but Shinji doesn’t know. He can’t even remember her face.
Maya does actually know Shinji’s mother, though. While she never met the woman in person, his mother was quite the renowned bioengineer.
: No… My… my mother wasn’t a scientist…
: She was. “Eva, created from Adam”… it was her who proposed the basic theory. : !: And, actually… weren’t you watching the moment your mother disappeared? : Wa- watching…?: Yes… during an experiment with the Evangelion.: Mom, what are you…?!: How can you say that…?: You know what you saw, no?: You’re lying…! That’s not true! It’s not! I didn’t see anything like that!: You’ve only convinced yourself of that. You’ve locked away, deep inside, the tragedy you saw unfold before your very eyes. : No! My mother…!
: She was smiling…: …: I… I…: If it hurts, you’re welcome to stay. In here, you’ll have all you desire – you won’t have to suffer or fight.: But I’d be alone… I might not feel any pain or sadness but I’d still be alone… And I can’t stand that. I can’t stand this place… I don’t want to be alone anymore…: I see. Then, Ayato… please listen to what your mother has to say.: !: You are the rightful Instrumentalist of the RahXephon. It’s what you were born to do. And an Instrumentalist only shows his worth when he follows his score. You are far too young for improvisation, understand?: You can’t even properly tune the RahXephon yet. Still, it’s understandable – all that you’ve went through has left you confused. 
: …: But here, Ayato… you can find peace. You can live out your normal life, as well as your life as the RahXephon’s Instrumentalist. : You won’t be threatened by the divine birdman of the lost star. You’ll be with she who gave you life – wouldn’t you like that?: What about Shinji…?: He’s not here anymore.: !: His mother may have called him back – that's just how it is. Still, I’ll be happy if I just have you. Stay with me and those voices from the outside won’t confuse you anymore.: The outside…?
: (Ayato…) ( I don’t have the file for her hidden portrait!): !: (Come find me, Ayato…): Who… who is that…?!: Listen to me, Ayato… I always did anything you wanted, didn’t I? I care for you so…: Liar…!: …: It’s true that you did everything I asked for… Even when I said I wanted to be a painter, you didn’t complain. But when I just wanted to be with you… when I needed you to be there… you never were!: Ayato… I was working for your sake. I was—!
: Stay away from me!*Ayato runs off.*
: Why…? Why won’t you listen to me…? You’re my son…!And that’s quite enough for today. I’ll get the next half ready to go in a day or two.
See you all then!