The fact of a familiar voice of one not an Eva pilot was almost unknown, and yet Rei recognized Aigis instantly. There was something in Ayanami that accepted the other, and she was not upset by the intrusion as she would note otherwise. Her hand dropped like dead weight, and she tilted her head to look at the other. Was there a point to simplifying here? "Not pain," she gave quietly. "I am only adjusting to something unwanted."

More truthful than she would otherwise be. Whether or not it would happen again, it remained as such. An Angel, something that masqueraded as one, and Byrne Faraday. Three, now, had entered her mind, forced their emotions on her, giving the sensation that was becoming known--to accept that will, to give in to becoming another.

She was herself. Only herself. This was a permanent fact, unmoving, and yet, she felt her body lightly shaking.