"What I know for sure is, I've never seen this problem before-"

[...And right as he says that, he recognizes the lie. Hard to forget the expression Shinji had on his face, right after the accident. Akihiko really hopes he's not echoing that horrified, hopeless look. Better to stare at the ground for a second, to make sure.]

"Sorry. Scratch that. I've never personally dealt with this problem before. I know someone else who did... And how much it messed him up.

But it also feels like this is different from what happened to him. I can still direct it, if I keep my concentration. So... Maybe it does have something to do with the changes."

[He pulls his head back up, and takes a step back. Narrows his eyes, sees if he can somehow manage without an Evoker...

The best he can manage is a spark of blue electricity. Matches his ear in color, if he could see both at the same time. But it doesn't rage out of control.]

"I couldn't do that before, either. I'm guessing it gets worse, the more chaotic the fight gets."