NGE retold

Chapter 5: I'll make you proud

Being the only son of the man behind NERV himself, Shinji Ikari isn't exactly clueless about his father's work. He is aware of some of the things that are going on inside NERV, not that he wanted to. It is almost the topic of all the conversations between his father and himself whenever he gets the chance to have the rare occasion of his father's presence at home.

"Two prototypes are currently ready for synchronization. The first actual unit for combat will be delivered soon from Germany," Gendo was saying one night while he and Shinji are having dinner.

Shinji is just happy whenever his father spends time with him. So he just contented himself with occasional mutters of "Oh, that's great" or "Really? That's good."

Shinji heard many more information. Being an Eva pilot is a real job. Although there are things he doesn't know, Shinji is pretty sure he has a good idea of what's ahead of an Eva pilot and he was seriously thinking of his situation and his father. 'At least I get to be in NERV and maybe,…….see his father?' Stupid thought.

Although he would have really liked to, he never ask for his for more of his father's time. He has done so in the past but each time only ended in severe disappointment. After breaking his promise to be with Shinji on his tenth birthday, Shinji thought that was the last straw. After that, a gap was created. They didn't exactly hate each other but they just got used to being apart.

But tonight they'll meet again, after a few months. Shinji was expecting it.

"So you've heard," Shinji said walking towards the table of their vast living room. As soon as he entered, he saw his father's outline seated in one of the armchairs.

"What do you mean heard? If you mean the information about you being a pilot, I've read it weeks ago. What I did hear is that you've been informed earlier today at school," Gendo said.

"…Yes, I meant that," Shinji answered. Why does his father have to talk this way? Is this his idea of lessening the shock?

But then again there wasn't a shock. Not today at least. But Shinji has been thinking about what his father would say about this since Misato told him he's going to be a pilot.

"…….So?" Shinji asked uncertainly.

"So what?"

"What 'so what?'"

"Shinji…."

"Are going to let me?" Shinji asked desperately.

"I should be asking you how you feel---" Gendo began but he was cut off. Shinji began shooting questions after questions, not listening to Gendo. Gendo was in turn cutting Shinji off.

"Aren't you worried?"

"Can you take it?"

"Are you afraid for me?"

"Will you do it?"

"………………………………………."

It was as if they suddenly heard what the other said and they were silent. Gendo remained staring unflinching at Shinji whose head was directed at the floor, also unflinching.

Apparently, I was not the only one doing a lot of thinking, Shinji thought. He shifted his gaze from the floor to his father and decided to break the silence.

"..Hey..dad,……Do you want me to be a pilot?" Shinji didn't know why he asked it but he was certain that he wanted an answer.

"No. I don't want you to be," Gendo answered flatly.

That wasn't expected. Shinji somehow thought his father would really like him to be a pilot. All of his life Shinji has been nothing but an average student while his father gives brain power to NERV and is always being mentioned or interviewed by TV reporters. Shinji thought Gendo would like this opportunity to attach an achievement to his name other than being his father's son.

"Why?"

"I may not show it often Shinji but I do care for you very much. I don't think any father would like his son to be put in danger," Gendo said smiling.

"But then again, we are men. Even if I don't want you to get killed, I want you to be strong and take some responsibility even if it weren't for you to take it." Gendo walked towards his son.

"If only I could take the burden from you and carry it myself, I wouldn't think twice before doing so. It is hard for me, to let you do this; to fight a grown man's fight. In fact I feel a bit like a coward for hiding behind your back," Gendo added his smile gone.

"Don't. Don't feel that way. I'm not a child anymore. I will do what I have to do," Shinji said.

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"Asuka! Asuka! Open the door!"

The wooden door shook as Alexander Soryu knocked (or more like punched) on it. Sweat was starting to form on his forehead but he didn't mind. He continued to pound the poor door.

'There he goes again! I can't believe how mistreated I am in this house!' Asuka thought. She was sitting on the sofa of the mini living room of her bedroom trying to calm herself from her outburst.

"I am going to break down this door if you don't let me in!" Alexander said. He sighed. 'this girl is just too stubborn……just like…..her mom.'

"Asuka, please open the door. I need to talk to you."

Alexander's voice became softer and his pounding also became more like knocking. Asuka opened the door. He went in and slowly walked to the sofa and sat down. Asuka sat down hugging her knees.

"Mariko did the wrong thing. I am sorry." Alexander said.

"If you really are sorry, you will send that woman away," Asuka said not facing his father.

"You know how much I love Mariko. I can't do that," he replied.

"I hate her. You know that but you don't care," muttered Asuka.

"You are being so difficult. Why don't you try at least to get along with your new mother?" Alexander asked.

"You mean your new wife! She is not my mother and she won't be for the rest of her evil life."

"You will not speak about Mariko that way!"

"I speak about her in whatever way that I want!" Asuka shot back standing up.

"I knew you didn't come here to say sorry or to make me feel better. You didn't come for me but for her."

Alexander chose not to say anything.

"I'm tired. Please go," said Asuka sitting down again.

Alexander walked towards the door and went out closing the door carefully behind him.

"By the way, I was told this morning by Misato Katsuragi of NERV that I am going to be a pilot of an Eva," Asuka muttered shaking unable to stop the tears clouding her eyes.

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Sort of like parental blues huh? Well, all of us have issues. Hope you like it and please review…….

To JoseHernandez: Thank you very much!!!!