The Real You

Chapter II The Return of Rei Ayanami

Wow…I didn't expect this many reviews in one day. It feels like Wings of an Angle all over again. I'll update it ASAP, as soon as I can get some ideas. It's a pain in the ass after if you suffer writers block for certain stories. Well anyways, one with the responses.

Midnight6: I actually never heard of that anime. What is it about?

Bigdave: If you mean why she was nerdy, you'll find out soon enough. If not this chapter, then most likely in the next.

As Rei walks down the hell, she smirks at the face Asuka wore when she put her in that lock. She continues to walk, and notices people gawking at her. She highly disliked the gawking, as she was used to people responding differently. But she knew she would not likely return to that status, and therefore maintained her composure. However someone tapped her from behind, thus drawing her attention, to a brown haired freckled faced girl.

"Horaki-san," Rei greets politely.

"It's been a long time Rei-san," she quietly replies.

"Has it? As I recall, it was two years since we have last talked," she replied, annoyance, creeping up along her face.

"We haven't talked since then. So how have you been?"

"I have been better, especially after what happened."

"You still haven't forgiven me?"

"No."

"What about Reika?"

"I have not completely forgiven her."

"Really? Why?"

"I cannot forgive her for something she did behind my back."

"But Rei, she was not herself that day, she was-"

"Agreed, she was not herself. But then she did it on a conscious level, which elevated to what it became back then. It is as simple as that."

"But Rei, she's your sister."

"That may be, but the fact is, she betrayed my trust and my feelings, and I cannot forgive something like that easily. She has been trying, but not hard enough, therefore, she is not entitled for my complete forgiveness."

"But-"

"This conversation has lost its meaning," she turns to go, "You should already know I do not like idle conversations. See you in class, Horaki-san." She then walks away, leaving the girl a disappointed.

Shinji who had been watching approaches the brunette and places his hand on her shoulder, "Hikari, you…okay?"

She looks back at him and nods, "Thank you for your concern Ikari-san," she looks towards Rei's back, "We were friends a few years back. But then something happened, and that all changed. She hasn't really been the same since then."

"Umm…mind telling me what happened?" he asks in a quiet voice.

Hikari however shook her head, "The twins made every party promise not to tell anyone without their permission. You'd have to ask one of them."

"Thank you, Hikari-san. I'll see you in Chemistry." He waves her goodbye and then walks along the same path as Rei, as they had the same Math class. He walks in to see no one present, and only Rei in her usual spot, staring out the window.

He walks in and is about to sit down she suddenly he hears someone calls out from behind him, "Rei-san? Is that you?" Shinji wheels around to see Kaoru Nagisa, approach Rei.

Rei turns her gaze as she looks at the tan haired boy, "Hai, Kaoru-san."

He stops in front of her and eyes her for a moment, "Wow, you look like…well…you, dear cousin."

"You can thank my sister Reika for that. She struck a deal with me."

"Yeah I heard. She said that in exchange for you returning to your old self, she'd get Asuka off you right?"

She nods, "Hai. However Asuka leaving me alone is no longer viable."

Kaoru raises an eyebrow, "What happened?"

"She talked to me, and was about to hit me, I retaliated. Suffice it to say, she will now be after me more than ever. And because you know I used to be a martial artist, I have to defend myself again."

"Well, the Martial Arts team does miss its Captain," Kaoru calmly replies.

"Rei was a martial artist?" Shinji says aloud surprising both Kaoru and Rei.

"How long have you been listening, Ikari-san?" Rei asks in a calm manner.

"The whole thing actually…" he meekly replies, as he starts to blush.

"Please keep this information to yourself."

She turns her attention back to Kaoru, "We will talk more this afternoon, if you wish to."

Kaoru looks at Shinji for a moment before facing Rei again, "I would, but I'm busy. I have to help Okaa-san with some things so I can't hang with you after school," he turns to go "But I'm sure there are others who would be more than glad to hang with you, especially now," giving Shinji a wink before walking out. Shinji lets out a sigh as he walks up to the empty seat next to Rei and sits down.

Rei notices this and look at him, raising an eyebrow, "Why are you here, Ikari-san? Do you not usually sit with your friends Suzuhara-san and Aida-san in the other corner?"

"Well the thing is…well…I uh…" Shinji begins, finding it difficult to talk to Rei, or any girl for that matter.

"Go on," she urges, as she patiently waits for Shinji to speak.

"The thing is…I asked Reika to make you come like this." Rei frowns at him.

"Why?" Her neutral tone nonexistent as it is replaced by an icy anger.

Shinji cringed at her sudden mood change as he leaned onto the desk, using his forearms to hide his face, "I uh…I just wanted to get to know the real you," he quietly replies.

"To…know me? As in…just talk to me like a normal person, instead of just wishing to be around my presence for the sake of being around me?" Shinji barely nods as he was still afraid at her icy attitude.

Her anger quickly dissipates as it is replaced by a soft smile, "Thank you," she quietly whispers.

"Huh?" Shinji asks in surprise, sitting up straight again.

"Thank you, for just wanting to know me," she repeats in the same quietly tone.

"Uh…your welcome? Care to full me in?"

"Most people, when I was popular, although most knew me at some level, not many wanted to know me personally. My only friends were members of the Martial Arts team. I was the Captain, and was a brown belt. Two years ago, I stopped training, and so I am not surprised some of my skills have diminished. However today I was glad, as I would have broken her arm had she did that and I continued training. To the point, besides a few people outside of the Martial Arts team, people were only interested in having me as an affiliate to turn to in terms of credentials I did not mind, as I did have friends who cared for me as a person. Not as a social being. My cousin was one, you have recently met him. My sister supported me, but only because I helped her out, Hikari was one of those who took the time to know me, but was not on the team. There are others, but they have graduated."

"Hey, I don't know about you, but I was never interested in this popularity."

"I had already come to that conclusion when I first saw you."

"Yeah, I guess. But personally, just because I have good grades, and nice body build, doesn't mean that I'm instantly ranked as a popular person. I'm not even rich. For crying out loud what kind of a person who has enough to get through the day, can be considered popular? And considering how my godmother spends whatever money after buying food and necessities on beer, I'm surprised I can be considered a rich boy."

Rei couldn't help but giggle, "You do have that aura of richness, Ikari-kun."

'At least she's starting to respect me,' he though to himself, "How? I simply have a simple haircut and I wear plain clothes, I mean how does that work out?"

"You wear them in a fashion popular people would. Plus, girls are drawn to quiet boys, especially at this school. You only talk to Suzuhara-san and Aida-san, or you are in your tree, listening to your music cutting yourself off from the world."

"I suppose, but it's better than all that shit I have to deal with," he groans, suddenly noticing a bunch of girls entering the classroom. As soon as they entered they were scandalized to see Rei and Shinji talking. Like clockwork they instantly surrounded him as they bombarded him with mindless words. As Shinji tries to push the girls away, he looks to Rei pleadingly who only smiles back. Seeing his desperation, she mouths, 'Lunch, Your Tree,' before turning her attention to the outside world again.

Shinji sees Toji and Kensuke enter and call out to them for help. The boys nodded and quickly dispersed the small group of girls, and then escort him back to their corner. The boys continued to yap on about things, but Shinji's attention was stuck on the girl across the room who had tugged on his heart for over a year now.

Rei let out a sigh as she was about to put the ear buds of her mp3 player back on when the sensei walks in, and hearing the familiar voice of Hikari calling out, "Rise, bow, sit." Math class went by rather quickly and more enjoyable as Asuka for one was no where in sight, as well as the fact that everyone was giving Rei a bit of respect. Her second class was a spare, and she remembered how she told Asuka she would remain in her 'popular' state for a while, so she decided to do some changes to herself.

As she walks down the hall, she thinks to herself, 'I did promise Soryu that I would remain. I may as well rejoin the Martial Arts team, as well as retake snowboarding when the season starts. I have missed both sports. It will be nice to be able to become Captain of the team again as well as, 'shred' a few slopes. She walks into the P.E. office where she sees a woman, with long crimson hair halfway down her thighs with blue eyes, wearing a tracksuit, sitting in a desk doing some paperwork.

"Excuse me sensei," she calls out to the woman, who looks up.

"Yes student, how can I help you?"

"Do you know the location of Mihaku-sensei?"

"I'm sorry, but he retired last year. I'm Mizuki-sensei, and the current coach for the Martial Arts team. Do you wish to join?"

Rei shook her head, "I am interested in rejoining the club."

"Oh really? You were a member? What's your name?"

"Ayanami Rei."

She turns to her computer and types in the name, and waits a moment, "Oh, so you were the Rei Ayanami your sensei spoke highly of," she turns to see Rei blushing slightly, "Hmm…Let's see, Team Captain, Brown Belt, on the verge of Black Belt, team trainer, legendary for your usage of Round Houses and Tornado Kicks, my, my, what an impressive record," she turns back to Rei with a serious expression on her face, "You know that you will have to be tested for your belt correct?" Rei nods, "Very well, practice this Friday, after school, if you have your old uniform, show up in that, with your old belt, and be prepared to fight me. Before, that honour went to you, because the sensei was old. But now there are some changes, and be assured, you will most likely not be team captain."

Rei opens her mouth to speak but Mizuki-sensei put up her hand, "I know what you are thinking, and no, I am not being malicious, or whatever. Normally I'd let you at least be the 2nd Captain. However, this is a completely new team to you more or less. The juniors during your time are now seniors and the leaders, and they did not know you as well as last years seniors did. They actually hoped you would come back, but sadly their hopes were answered one year too late. So, unless you can impress me, AND the current Captain and 2nd Captain, you will most likely only be a senior, depending on how good you are. Understand?"

"Hai," she firmly responds.

She smiles, "Good. I hope that you will impress me."

She then bows to the sensei, "Thank you for your time, and for giving me the opportunity to rejoin the team, Mizuki-sensei." She then backs out of the office and leaves.

'That is one team rejoined, and two more to go. Hopefully Terada-sensei is not teaching so that I can request to rejoin the Track team. I need to re-strengthen my legs if I am going to be in the martial arts team. Even if I return to my, knowledgeable stated, I may as well maintain my physical strength as I assume Soryu will wish to attack me.' She walks into the weight room where she knew Terada-sensei spends usually second class in, but finds it empty. 'He is not here. I shall ask him after school then.' She then looks at her watch to see it read 9:55. 'It is almost time for 3rd period. I must be going.' She leaves the weight training room and heads off towards her locker to get her things.

Eventually lunch began at 12:30. Rei had just closed her locker, her bento in one hand, her skateboard in the other. She turns to go only to see Asuka in front of her, this time with four boys with her.

"So, think you can just put me in a lock and not expect me to get back at you, Wonder Girl?" Asuka asks, smugly.

"Are you so afraid that you cannot beat me in one on one combat, Soryu," Rei asks calmly, "Or are you afraid that your, 'University' training has diminished?"

"What?" Asuka snarls out.

"Or it is possible that Germany has inadequate instructors, and you are too afraid to face me, so therefore, you ask your friends to do it for you."

"Why you, get that bitch!" pointing her finger towards her. Rei goes down on her knees, placing her board and bento down, and springs forward, and sweeps the person in front of her with her right leg. She spins around on her hands as she kicks the another person in the chin with her left foot before elbowing another in the chest, then smashing his face with the back of her hand. She moves one as she starts to throw a series of punches, elbows and knees to her four attackers eventually knocking them out cold.

There was already a large crowd, some of them whispering, "Rei's a fighter?" "I didn't know she could fight." "Wow…she's good."

Rei caught the comments and smirked, "Thank you for the comments, and yes, I know Karate." She approaches Asuka who takes up a stance, but stops. She bends down, picking up her bento and skateboard, and walks up next to her.

She then starts speaking in a low tone only Asuka could hear, "I am well aware you are a skilled fighter. However unlike you, I only fight to defend myself. And your lack of emotional control will be your downfall. I promise you, even if I leave and return as my other self, I may retaliate if you push me." She then walks away, leaving a very pissed off Asuka behind her.

Shinji, who had been watching the whole time, carefully approaches Rei as she leaves the building, "I saw what you did to Asuka."

"I did what was required," she calmly replied.

"Were you a fighter back then as well?"

"Yes. However I only fought in Martial Arts tournaments," 'And when Reika was in trouble,' she added mentally.

"Well personally, I kinda like it that you can defend yourself."

"Clarify."

"Did you always talk objectively, even back then?"

"Hai," Shinji bursts out laughing, "What is so funny, Ikari-kun?"

"Please call me Shinji, Rei-san, and boy I haven't laughed like that in a while. And as for why I laughed, I just find it funny how a popular person can talk like a well…a nerd."

Rei however frowned, "My sister and I talked in the same manner. However, two years ago, she changed her manner of speaking, and has since then been more open with her emotions."

"There you go; in fact a lot of people are babbling on about something from two years ago. What exactly happened two years ago?"

"I rather not say yet, Shinji-san."

'First name basis, but back to polite addressing. I guess this is going to take a bit longer than I had hoped,' he thought to himself.

"You were about to clarify why you like the concept of how I am able to defend myself, were you not?"

"Oh right…" he blurts out, "Well I…uh…I'm kinda attracted to girls who can defend themselves."

"That still does not explain why you are attracted to people like me," Rei replies as she sits herself down, leaning against Shinji's tree.

Shinji on the other hand starts climbing, "Well, for one thing, they have much more beautiful bodies in my opinion, that plus should you be attacked, you can at least defend yourself long enough for help to arrive."

"That is an adequate answer," Rei states as she opens up her bento box and starts eating.

"Care to join me?"

"Pardon me?"

"Up here in the tree. Join me."

"Are you sure, Shinji-san?"

"It's fine Rei-san, c'mon."

"Very well." She closes her bento box and passes it up to Shinji before she jumps up and starts climbing the tree. She quickly sits herself on a branch next to Shinji. She takes back her bento box and starts eating it again. 'I have always imagined being up here with Shinji-san, but I never expected to actually act out my imagination,' she thinks to herself.

'Rei-san looks so much more beautiful when she's wearing normal clothes. I prefer her in regular clothes over her, plain clothes.' "Damn she looks stunning," he whispers aloud.

However Rei was just able to hear it and gasp at the comment and looks at Shinji to see him looking at her, in a longing fashion. 'Does this boy have feelings for me? Or he is lusting for my body?'

"Why do you look at me that way, Shinji-san?" However Shinji did not respond. She leans over and gently shakes his shoulder, causing him to jump out of his reverie, and nearly falling off the branch.

"Uh…what happened?" he asks sheepishly after he rebalances himself.

"I asked; why do you look at me that way?"

"Oh well I uh…" he starts to blush, "Well that is to say that…"

Rei raises an eyebrow.

"Well I uh…the thing is that I uh…" 'I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away. Damn this is hard. Ah fuck this, I can't say it now.'

He suddenly jumps down, "I'm sorry Rei-san. I shouldn't have looked at you that way," he quickly replies as he quickly runs off back into the school building.

Rei looks at his retreating form, feeling a bit hurt, but mildly curious, "Shinji-san, so do you have feelings for me? If so, why do you run away from them?"

"Hey, why are you in Shinji's tree," a boy suddenly yells out from below. She looks down to see Toji, in his black tracksuit glaring up at her.

"He invited me up here," she calmly replies as she closes her bento box.

"Bullshit," he cries out, "He doesn't even let me or Kensuke up there, what makes you so sure that you would let you up there?"

"This conversation is going nowhere," she flatly replies as she jumps down, picking up her skateboard, "I shall be leaving. Good day." She walks away, leaving a very confused Toji behind her.

Meanwhile, Reika was having a walk around the school when she sees Shinji up on the roof, "I wonder what he's doing up there. Shouldn't he be trying to know my sis?" She decides to check things out and heads up to the roof. When she arrived, she sees him in a corner, curled up into a ball. Now that had highly confused her.

As she approaches him, she hears him muttering, "I'm a coward. And idiot, why did I run from her? She probably hates me now. Why do I have to be so weak? I hate my life; I hate what my father did to me, god damn it all; Rei probably really hates me now."

"What the hell are you babbling about?" Reika suddenly cries out, making Shinji scream in fright, "Damn, are you that jumpy, Shinji-san?"

"You could say that, Reika-san," he weakly replies, looking down.

"What happened?" she asks as she lowers herself to her level.

"I-err-uh…I was looking and your sister and…" he trails off.

"Lemmie guess, she wanted to know why you were looking at her," he weakly nods, "Didn't you tell her that you like her?"

"I wanted to but…I just, froze. So I kinda, ran away."

Reika groans, "Be glad she has a powerful curiosity."

"Huh?" he suddenly asks, looking at Reika.

"She's like a scientists, she wants to know why things happen," she replies in a matter-of-fact like tone, "Or in this case, why you ran. She probably has guessed that you have feelings for her, or you are lusting for her body, so she will probably try to ascertain which one is true. You've gotta capitalise on this and give her hints, or go straight out and say it. If she's calling you Shinji-san, that's hard I will say this right now. It usually takes a month for her to trust people, and if she trusts you in that manner already, you've got a shot at becoming a really good friend of hers, maybe even become her boyfriend later."

"You think so?" he asks hopefully.

"Hey, I am her twin after all. We so share a twin bond," she replies proudly, "Anyways, why don't you check out the Martial Arts team on Friday? My sister is rejoining the team. I don't know if she's still got the passion, but if she does, you'll like what you see," winking at him.

"But, what does that have to do with getting to know her?"

"Simple. Martial Art was one of her pastimes, along with reading books, and playing the violin, which I'm assuming she told you," Shinji merely nods, "Well now, if you see her fight, you might get to see what she's like when she does something she loves. At least I hope she's still into it, after she quit the team two years ago."

'Again with the two years ago. What happened two years ago?' he thinks to himself.

Reika looks at her watch, "It's almost time for class. I'll see you in final class." She gets up and waves to Shinji before she heads back down. Shinji sits there for a few minutes as he wonders whether he should show up and watch Rei in action as Reika has suggested. Looking up at the clock tower, he quickly gets up and also heads downstairs.

Later that afternoon, Rei and Reika get home together. Both girls go inside; however Reika simply flops onto the couch and turns on the TV while Rei headed upstairs and straight into the walk in closet, where she goes through the racks of clothes until she finds her old karate suit. Seeing that her suit still fits, she heads out into the back, through the kitchen, and onto a patch of grass.

She closes her eyes for a moment, breathing in the smell of the garden in front of her before she starts up with her warm-ups. Little that afternoon, Ritsuko returns from work. She gets out of her car to hear familiar karate battle cries of her sister. She quietly sneaks her way into the back, and peaks, to see Rei practicing her karate.

'She hasn't done that for two years. I wonder, has she rejoined the Martial Arts team? If so, that's a good thing. I just hope that this will help you out of your slump.' Ritsuko could only smile widely seeing her little sister returning to her true self. She heads back out to the front and enters the house, to see Reika on the couch doing her homework.

Later that evening, Rei quickly finished her homework and ate dinner, and went straight to bed, exhausted from her training. However for the longest time, she had never felt so refreshed from training.

'I rather enjoyed that session,' she thinks to herself as she lies in bed, 'And the fact is, I am gaining some friends again. Perhaps, just perhaps, Rei Ayanami's return shall be a permanent one.'

So what did you guys think? Okay, pretty good, excellent, please, your reviews are welcomed. Flame if you must, but will be disregarded. Anyways, that's all from me.

Cheers Ja ne