Hand-in-hand might not be the most efficient way to tackle these steps, but Shinji wasn't about to deny Kai that bit of comfort as they ran their way up. Up was a good place to check, Shinji hasn't seen hide nor hair off either of them on the ground floor, after all, and having a goal to focus on made ignoring any stings of pain or fatigue coming from his limbs or lungs that much easier.

Just running up may not be enough, since Kai had been calling out for both of them. Cupping his free hand around his mouth, he adds his own voice to the search.

"Kyoko!"