Shinji Ikari was unfamiliar with these marine creatures. Before leaving, he only stopped to look at the oarfish, which interested him more than the others.
Also known as ribbonfish, the longest oarfish at the institute reached eleven meters. With their dragonlike bodies, they had often been mistaken for great sea serpents in ancient times, lending them a strong mythological aura.
Asuka had wanted to leave in a sulk, but when she saw Shinji Ikari holding Misato Katsuragi's hand, with Rei Ayanami following beside them, she could only grit her teeth and trail after him.
"It's big, but it isn't aggressive. It's different from an Angel." Rei Ayanami stood beside the observation chamber, watching a whale shark glide overhead.
"I'm happy to be here with you, Ikari."
Shinji Ikari could tell she really was happy, because she smiled. Lately, though, more and more of those once-rare expressions had been appearing on her face.
"It's just too cramped. It could have been swimming freely somewhere much bigger." Shinji Ikari stood beside her, gazing at the pale blue seawater they never saw outside.
They failed to notice the look Asuka cast their way from the bench behind them. The girl gave them an unreadable glance, then turned toward the surrounding observation chambers as though she were very busy.
Misato Katsuragi was struggling to overcome her psychological issues. All she could think about now was the hand Shinji Ikari was holding; she had no attention to spare for the boy and girl beside her.
Rei Ayanami paid no mind to Misato Katsuragi, who was immersed in her own world beside them. She gently stroked the glass, as though caressing those creatures that had long since perished, only to return from the dead.
"That's impossible. They can only survive here, just like me." Rei Ayanami's