All characters, settings, etc. property of Gainax, blah blah blah. You know the deal.
Forever Rei
"Well? If you're going to pilot it, get in. If not, leave!"
"NO! I can't pilot that thing! I won't!"
"Fine. So be it… Bring Rei here."
--
As Shinji Ikari knelt there, still reeling from the shock of being asked to pilot Unit 01 and rejecting his father's orders, the sound of a bed being wheeled in echoed throughout the holding bay. Shinji looked up at the origin of the sound and saw a girl being brought in by two nurses. The sight of this unusual girl brought a strange feeling to Shinji, something he had never felt before, something unique. He felt as if the girl and he had some sort of bond between them…
"No, that's preposterous, I just caught a glimpse of her and I don't even know her name or who she even is." whispered Shinji, to really no one in particular.
He tossed away that previous thought, and concentrated on just looking at the girl. As the bed was wheeled past him, he discovered that she was quite injured. A bandage was taped to her right eye and her arm and leg were wrapped as if she had suffered major trauma to both. What struck Shinji as most odd about her was the fact that she was albino. Her skin had an almost translucent glow to it and her eyes were the color of a penetrating red. To Shinji's surprise, her hair was a light blue color, which he had never seen before. Once the bed had passed him, he caught a glance at the clipboard that was hanging of the end of the bed. "Rei Ayanami; First Child" it read."Ayanami… lovely name." thought Shinji. "I wonder who she is."
The girl was wheeled to the center of the connecting bridge, and Commander Ikari spoke to her.
"Rei, the spare is useless. You must pilot Unit 01 in his absence."
"Yes, sir" Ayanami quietly said, obviously in much pain at the moment.
"Shinji? Are you okay?" The voice of Misato Katsuragi, Shinji's commanding officer, calmed the boy.
Miss Katsuragi.. Who is that?"
"That would be Rei Ayanami, the first child."
At that precise moment, a tremor from Sachiel's [The Angel] an attack shook the underground facility. Parts of the ceiling crumbled and a large piece of debris was falling directly at where Shinji was standing. As the piece was about to hit him, the right arm of the Evangelion ripped out of its restraints and a hand prevented the debris from harming Shinji, causing it to fly and hit the glass behind which Gendou Ikari was standing. While everyone stood in shock at what had just occurred, Shinji noticed that Rei was sprawled on the bridge, seemingly having fell from the bed in which she was in. Rushing to her side, he saw that she was in much pain. As he held her, she arched her back and let out a scream of pure agony. As Shinji tried to help her, he realized that this girl could not pilot the machine in her state. He knew his father was a horrible man, but to have an injured girl pilot that thing made Shinji incredibly angry. He realized he had to overcome his fears and stand up to his cruel father, at least so this girl wouldn't have to suffer. He looked at Rei, then at the huge robot in front of him… and made a decision that would forever change him and the world as he knew it.
"I'll do it! I'll pilot the Evangelion!" Shinji cried at his father while still holding Rei up. "Just don't make her do it!" Commander Ikari just stood there and nodded.
"Prepare 01 for launch!" Captain Katsuragi called to the technicians.
As the crews scrambled to get the Evangelion ready, Shinji stayed by Rei's side, cradling her in his arms. He had no idea what would happen later on, but he really didn't care. He looked up at the Eva and then back down again at the now somewhat calm Rei, he realized that he didn't have to be so alone anymore. He actually smiled… for the first time in 3 years…
Author's Notes: Okay, I rewrote the first chapter to make it a bit longer. I want to continue this series, but.. er.. I'm stuck as to how I should continue it. =)
