Okay people here it is! Chapter 5! This has to be my current favorite chapter and I think you understand once you read. Well, enough of that with out further delay here it is . . .
Oh and one final thing, I don't own Eva! Thank-you.
The Girl in White Bandages: The True Confessions of Ayanami Rei
Ch. 5 Kiss, Kiss And A Summer Festival
"Class I have a special announcement to make."
The entire class slowly shifted their gaze to the sensei at the head of the room. The sensei seeing he had their attention continued. "As you all know, the annual Summer Festival is coming up next weekend. Attendance is mandatory for such events. I want everyone to have a partner to go with come next Friday."
The class shifted uneasily in their seats. "That is all. Dismissed."
Class Rep. Horaki rose to her feet. "Stand. Bow."
Everyone grabbed their stuff and filed out of the room. Shinji left and went out front to wait for his friends Kensuke and Touji to catch up. He leaned against a tree and closed his eyes. This was bad, very bad. The next thing he knew his cell phone was going off. Quickly Shinji fished it from his pocket and pressed it to his ear. "Hello?"
"Shinji, it's me. I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Asuka and I are going to be at NERV until late tonight so we won't be home until tomorrow. The bad news is that that means I won't be able to take you to your cello rehearsal like I promised." Misato explained.
"Okay. I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yep. Oh, and Shinji? Try not to enjoy yourself too much, if you know what I mean."
"Misato!" Shinji screamed as the line went dead.
In a huff of anger he turned off his phone. "Damn her," he muttered.
Shinji actually enjoyed the rest of his evening alone, free from Misato's teasing about his lack of a love life and Asuka's constant berating about how stupid he was. It was getting late and Shinji was about to go to bed when there was a knock at the door. 'Who could that be?' Shinji wondered. It was far too late for any normal person to be out and there was no way it could be Misato and Asuka. Quickly he made his way to the door, slid the catch and pulled it open. On the other side stood a bruised and rain soaked Ayanami. "Rei!" he cried in surprise "What are you doing here? What happened?"
"Ikari?" she asked meekly "I need a place to stay tonight. Is it okay if I say here?"
"Sure. Of course it's okay. Come in."
Shinji grabbed her hand and drew her inside. He led her down the hallway to the bathroom. He left her there with instructions to remove her wet clothes and went to find some dry clothes for her. Something of Asuka's would have fit best, but a sign on her door proclaiming instant death to him if he put so much as one toe inside forced him to look elsewhere. Among some of his own clothing he found an old t-shirt and a pair of pajama bottoms he hoped would fit. Then he grabbed her some dry towels and returned to the bathroom. Not sure what state of undress she would be in he knocked and called out, "Ayanami, I've got some dry clothes and a couple of towels for you. I'm leaving them right outside the door. Just put your clothes on the bar over the shower."
"Arigato," Rei replied softly after a moment.
Shinji turned and headed to the kitchen to make some tea. He figured Rei had a good explanation and it would take a while for her to tell. Something warm would make it easier plus warm her up. Silently he was relieved tomorrow was a Saturday and he had nowhere he had to be early. It didn't take long for Rei to emerge drying her hair with a towel. Shinji offered her a glass of the tea he'd made and she accepted gratefully.
---
After he had given me my glass he made one for himself and the two of us then sat down at the table. For the next several minutes we sat in silence, pretending to be preoccupied with our tea. Ikari-kun was debating how to ask me about what had happened while I was wondering how to tell him when he asked. He was about to when he noticed a cut on my face was bleeding. "Rei, my god, what happened to you?" he exclaimed as he went to go get some bandages.
He returned and began to gently wipe my face with a wet wash cloth. To Ikari-kun's surprise and my own I opened my mouth and began to speak in a shaky voice.
"I lost my key and could not return home. I tried to reach Dr. Akagi or the Commander but failed. So I decided to come here. While on my way I was attacked by two upper classmen. I was able to get away and came here."
Ikari-kun clenched his fists in anger at the men who'd tried to hurt me. I had to wonder no longer if he considered me his friend and comrade. "What happened? Did they do anything to you?"
"No, they didn't do anything. I got away too quickly." I explained after a moment.
Ikari-kun sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're okay."
I watched the tears the tears come and before he realized it, Ikari-kun was crying. I placed my hand over his and stared at him in concern. "Ikari, you're crying." I said after a moment.
"I'm just glad you're alright."
Ikari-kun put some gauze over my face and upper left arm where I was sporting a large nasty bruise. "Come on," he said, "Let's get some rest."
I simply nodded.
---
The next morning Shinji awoke to find Rei lying a few feet away beside him. For an instant he wondered why she was there but then it all came back to him. The late night door bell, Rei injured and soaking wet. Shinji yawned, rubbed his eyes and stood up. He stepped carefully over her not wanting to wake Rei up. The first order of business was breakfast; then getting Ayanami a new key.
The first thing Shinji did was take Rei's wet clothes out of the bathroom to wash them. After he had collected her things he put her clothing in the wash. Then he went to the kitchen to make them something to eat. On his way to check on her clothes he poked his head in his room to see if Rei was up yet. She was still out and Shinji couldn't blame her. She probably had a long night last night.
Shinji returned to the kitchen and checked on his cooking. He was still there working on breakfast when Misato and Asuka came in the door. "Good Morning, Shinji-chan!" called Misato.
"Hey, you're up early." Asuka commented.
Shinji smiled. "Good morning Asuka, Misato!"
"Have a good evening?" Misato inquired.
"Eventful."
"Ohh, Get some last night did we?"
"Misato! Nothing of the sort happened."
"Ikari . . ." came a small voice from behind him.
Everyone turned to see Rei standing there with a forlorn look on her face. Asuka went pale and Misato's eyes got wide. "What's Wondergirl doing here?" demanded Asuka.
"She got locked out and needed a place to stay the night. Is that a crime?"
"As long as she's not wearing my clothes!"
"What do you think I am, crazy?"
---
A short time later I stood dressed and ready to leave at the Katsuragi door. Ikari-kun stood on the other side of me.
"So you're sure you'll be okay?" he asked.
"Yes. I will be fine."
"That's good to know. Listen there's something I need to ask you."
"What?"
"Do you want to go with me to the Summer Festival?"
I paused for a moment to consider the question. I had no one to go with and had been considering not going despite the fact it was mandatory. "Yes."
"Thank you Rei."
I turned and left, feeling unusually good about the day.
I reported to NERV and found my key first. I then went to see the Commander and Doctor Akagi for blood tests and more work with the dummy plug system. My weekend went quietly after that but unaware to me, things were getting interesting. Pilot Sohryu was making plans of her own.
---
Asuka came home from shopping with Hikari to find Shinji doing homework in front of the TV. "What's up, Third Child?"
"Not much. I'm trying to finish this pile of homework so I can turn it in on Monday." Shinji mumbled in reply.
Asuka looked over at the TV screen to see what he was watching. She frowned, obviously not in favor of his choice. "What? You're watching that crap?"
"Well, its better then some of the other stuff on."
Asuka lifted the remote from the sofa and aimed it at the TV screen. She pressed two numbers and the channel changed. On the screen, a romantic comedy appeared. Asuka flopped down on the sofa. "Ahh, now this is better."
Shinji glanced at her dubiously then turned back to his homework. Really he couldn't understand the shows she watched. He tried to concentrate on his homework but with Asuka constantly commenting on the shows she watched he was unable to focus. Sighing in frustration, Shinji gathered up his things and prepared to retreat to his room. Asuka watched him do this without comment but spoke up when he went to leave.
"What's wrong?"
"It would be best if . . . if I . . . if I had some . . . some peace and quiet." Shinji explained.
"Well excuse me if I'm bothering you."
"Unlike you, some of us have homework . . ." Shinji muttered.
"Speaking of homework, have you decided who you're going with to the Summer Festival yet?"
Shinji hesitated before responding. "I'm going to go with Ayanami, why?"
Asuka's eyes went wide. "What! You're going with Wondergirl? What possessed you to do a thing like that?"
Shinji looked flabbergasted as he tried to explain, "She's not a bad person, Asuka, and if I don't go with her I don't think anyone will."
"Wouldn't you much rather go with me? I'm cuter, smarter and much more talkative."
"Well, sure but . . ."
"Then it's a deal." Asuka explained.
Shinji open and closed his mouth several times but was unable to utter a word. What had he gotten himself into?
---
The next day at school Ikari-kun tried to explain what had happened to me. "Ayanami, can we talk?"
I took my gaze from the window and focused at him. "Yes."
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me from the room before I could protest. Once we were out in the hallway he led up to the roof. After we got there he stood with his back to me for a long time. "I don't know what to do." Ikari-kun said at last.
"About what?"
"The Festival. I promised you I'd go with you but now Asuka thinks I'm going with her."
"You must keep the promise you deem more important."
"What about you? Won't you be hurt if I break my promise?"
"I'm not sure what you mean."
"Won't you feel bad?"
I didn't have an answer for him. Below the five minute warning bell chimed through the school. Ikari-kun stood up and turned towards the door. "Come on, we need to get to class."
"I'll be down in a minute." I told him.
I sat there silently watching the clouds drift by. The words, Ikari-kun wasn't going with me kept running through my head. I had been sitting there for so long that I forgot where I was supposed to be. The voice of Class Representative Horaki brought me back to earth. "Rei, come on. It's time for class to start!"
Methodically rising to my feet, I brushed off my skirt and followed her inside. I assumed my seat and class started as usual. The minutes ticked away as I focused on my usual spot in the sky while I listened to the teacher. From the corner of my eye a blinking icon on my computer screen caught my attention. It was a message from the Class Rep. I hesitated but decided to see what it was.
H.H.: Rei, are you okay?
R.A.: Yes. I have no problems.
H.H.: I . . . I've just never seen you space out like that. Well, not out of class at least. You know what I mean
I looked at the screen wondering if I should ask for her help. I realized that it would be one way to fix the problem. The question was did I want to ask for help? Yes, I would . . . welcome some assistance.
R.A.: I . . . need some assistance. I have no one to accompany to the Summer Festival.
H.H.: I'd be happy to help you find someone to go with.
I glanced over and saw Class Representative Horaki looking at me. I nodded to her and she smiled encouragingly back. I wondered what she was planning but I was unable to tell. I sat silently maintaining my usual position awaiting her response. I didn't take long before I noticed a blinking icon on my computer screen. I clicked on it and saw that it was from Suzuhara-san.
T.S.: Hi Ayanami. I hear you need someone to go with to the Summer Festival. I'd be happy to go with you.
I looked over to see Suzuhara was receiving strange stares from Class Rep Horaki and he looked unsure about something. I had the impression I had missed something but I felt that it wasn't my place to ask.
R.A.: If I would not be an inconvenience. . .
T.S.: Of course not. I would be honored to go with you.
R.A.: If you are sure then, I accept.
T.S.: Then it's a deal.
I looked back a Suzuhara-san and he winked at me with a smile. I felt compelled to offer a weak smile back.
That afternoon Captain Katsuragi informed me that I was to go to the Katsuragi residence to study with Pilot Sohryu and Ikari-kun. From what I had gathered she had not been pleased with our recent report cards. So I was to walk back with them. The walk back was long and silent. Pilot Sohryu seemed angered by my presence and Ikari-kun appeared unsure how to approach me. We arrived at the Katsuragi apartment without incident and the three of us settled down on the porch to study. For a while all was silent then Pilot Sohryu slammed her book shut. "Tell me Shinji, have you actually ever kissed someone?" She demanded in a condescending voice.I glanced over the edge of the book; trying to see what was going on. Pilot Sohyu had set her book aside and was glaring at Ikari-kun. She appeared displeased about something. Ikari-kun appeared embarrassed by Pilot Sohyu's comment. He must remember the time he kissed me in Unit Zero's entry plug. I held no shame over the incident but clearly he did. "Well, I . . . . Um. ... What I mean to say is . . ."
"Get to the point baka!" Pilot Sohyu demanded.
"He has not kissed anyone." I told her flatly.
"Oh, really and how would you know that, Wondergirl?"
"I am aware of the answer."
"Ayanami..." Ikari put in.
"That does not count, Ikari-kun. It was an accident."
"What was an accident?" Pilot Sohyu snapped loudly.
She glared angrily at both of us looking like she wanted to kill if we did not tell. I met Ikari's eyes to read what he was thinking. He was afraid of telling but feeling pressure. This was unnecessary. I would stop it. "He kissed me accidentally some time ago. It is nothing to become upset over, Pilot Sohryu."
"What! He kissed you!"
She turned so that her face was in Ikari's. "You kissed her! You kissed Wondergirl?"
"It was an accident as Ayanami said."
"Hmp!"
Pilot Sohryu looked disgruntled as she went back to her seat. Suddenly she turned to face Ikari. "How about kissing a real girl for once?"
Before he could respond she grabbed him and pressed their lips together. My fingers flexed involuntarily at her actions as a wave of anger welled up inside me. How dare she kiss him? My book slipped of my hand as I rose to my feet. "Stop it, Sohryu. You're hurting him."
Pilot Sohryu let him go and he collapsed to his chair. She turned to face me with murder on her face. "What did you say?" she hissed in scarily sweet voice.
"You were hurting him; he did not express the desire to be kissed."
Pilot Sohryu screamed in anger and raised her fist. It collided hard with my face and jerked it roughly to the side. I stood there, stunned by the force of the blow. My cheek burned painfully. I touched it gently and felt the sharp sting of injured skin. Pilot Sohyu stormed inside, slamming the door behind her. A moment later I heard her bedroom door bang closed. I looked back over at Ikari who sat limply in his chair. "Are you okay, Ikari?"
"Yes, I'm okay Rei."
I nodded feeling relieved. I had removed the source of his unhappiness. I sat back down in my chair and picked up my book. I found my place and continued to read.
Throughout the rest of the week the excitement about the Summer Festival continued to grow. Everyone was asking each other who they were going with and what they were wearing. Generally I stayed out of these discussions but after hearing several talks of this nature I became aware that I had nothing to wear. This would be a problem if I did not have the proper attire for attendance. After some thought I decided I needed to ask Ikari-kun and Class Representative Horaki.
I waited after school on Thursday of that week the day they had cleanup duty together. Once the rest of the class had filed out I approached them. "Rei, is something wrong?" Ikari-kun asked when he saw I hadn't left.
"Don't be shy you can talk to us." Class Representative Horaki insisted.
I took a breath a spoke, "Is a kimono required attire for attendance at the Summer Festival?"
"Yeah, but everyone has at least one kimono, right?" Ikari-kun said.
I glanced at both of them and stated solemnly. "I do not have one."
They both froze in surprise and looked at me in disbelief. "You don't have a kimono?" Representative Horaki asked.
I nodded. They looked at each other and then at me. "Rei, why don't you stay and help us. Afterward we'll take you shopping."
I accepted their invitation and went to the closet to find an extra bucket.
After the three of us had finished cleaning the class room we gathered up our stuff to leave. We left the school and made our way single file down the street. Ikari-kun and Horaki-san seemed to know what they were doing so I let them lead me through the streets of Tokyo III. They stopped in front of several different shops but never went in. After nearly half an hour of walking they stopped in front of yet another store. "Do you think we'll find something here?" Ikari-kun asked Horaki-san.
She nodded, "Yes, we're going inside. This is a great place to find a kimono. Let's go inside."
Horaki-san took the lead and led us inside. All around us hung various kimonos in too many colors and patterns to count. I idly fingered a few but none seemed right. Meanwhile Horaki-san had gone to the front desk and rung the bell. A short heavyset older woman appeared. Her hair was grey with age and her skin wrinkled. Her dark eyes were still sharp and alive behind her glasses. "What can I do for you dears?" She asked in a friendly tone.
"Our friend needs a kimono for the Summer Festival. Can you help us out?" Horaki-san asked.
The woman looked over at me once then twice. I realized that the cause of the stares was the way I looked. An explanation appeared to be required. "I am albino." I explained.
"Oh, I see. Well, come with me. We'll find you something."
I followed the others through the store as they showed kimono after kimono to me. I shook my head at each of them. Nothing I saw seemed right. After I time I found myself at the clearance near the front window. I pulled back two kimonos and there it was. It was colored in shades of blue with delicate orchids painted on. I ran my hand over the material. It felt smooth and soft to the touch. "Ah, you have found a beautiful one. Shame no one wants it. You could wear it though."
I turned to see that the sales woman was standing behind me. "Why not?"
"I don't know. No one looks right in it. You need a fair complexion and dainty features to wear it."
"I see."
"Do you like it?"
I nodded. "Do you want the blue one or would you prefer green, red, or cream. The red would bring out your eyes and make them striking."
I shook my head. "I like the blue." I told her.
"Very well, blue it is."
She lifted it from the rack and carried it to the front counter with a flourish. She scribbled something on a note pad and handed me the kimono along with a key. "Go to the dressing rooms in the back and try this on. Just to be safe, you know."
I nodded and made my way to the dressing rooms in the back. After several unsuccessful tries I found the room that the key opened and went inside.
Once fully dressed I emerged to find the other three waiting on me. Ikari-kun gasped slightly and Horaki-san looked pleased. "It looks great on you Rei. Turn around and see for yourself." Ikari-kun said.
I turned around to face the mirror behind me. For a minute I didn't recognized the person starring back at me. Then I realized that it was me who was gazing back at me from its polished surface. I felt pleased by what I saw. I looked good. A small smile came to my lips as I turned around. "It looks marvelous. Do you still want it?" The sales woman asked.
"Yes."
I hurried to change and the sales woman rang me up. I paid with my Nerv credit card. It was the first time I had bought something so expensive with it. I felt guilty spending so much money but I was . . . happy as we left. We caught the train and rode back home. Horaki-san bid us good night and got off first. I looked over at Ikari-kun as the train pulled away. "I'm glad you're coming to the Festival, Rei."
"Why?"
"Because you seem to not get out much so it'll be good for you to be out with others."
"Is my social interaction problem?"
"No, it's just that, well, you must be lonely living by yourself with no friends."
"I am fine."
Ikari-kun said nothing after that. He spent his time gazing intently out the train window at nothing. From his expression I gathered that he was upset about something I'd said. After a time, I lost interest in watching him and closed my eyes.
The train arrived at my stop some time later and I rose to leave balancing my kimono in my arms. "Good-evening, Ikari-kun. I will see you tomorrow."
"Good-night Rei," He replied.
After much talk and anticipation the day of the Summer Festival arrived. I had sync test early that morning along with the other two pilots so I reported to NERV early. When I reached the locker rooms, Pilot Sohryu was in the middle of taking off her clothes. "I can't believe this; calling a sync test on the day of the Summer Festival. What are they thinking?"
"They want to be prepared if another angel attacks." I stated.
"Well, they could have had it yesterday or tomorrow but no, it has to be today."
I blocked her out as I normally did and set my mind to changing into my plug suit. Pilot Sohryu spent so much time complaining that we finished at the same time. We made our way in silence to the elevator to find Ikari-kun waiting for us.
It had been a tradition that no matter what we would always wait at the elevator and ride up together. Even if was only for a simple test and not to face the enemy we did this every time.
Ikari-kun opened the door and let us in before he followed us. He pressed the button for the floor where the tests where to occur and the elevator began to move. I rested my back against the side of the elevator and waited for it to reach our destination. Pilot Sohryu stood with her hands on her hips giving Ikari-kun dark stares. I received the impression that she was upset about something and it was only a matter of time before she exploded. My theory proved correct when she opened her mouth moments later. "So, Third Child, I assume you're all prepared for the festival tonight."
"Of course, Asuka."
"Do you have enough money? The food and games will not be free you know. And what about clothes? I hope you have something better then that shabby thing you showed to me."
"Asuka . . . I don't think it's that bad . . ." Ikari-kun protested.
Pilot Sohryu looked irritated as she frowned at him. She crossed her arms and leaned against the back wall of the elevator. I thought I saw a hint of a smile cross her lips for the briefest second before it vanished.
We rode the rest of the way in silence. When the elevator stopped we disembarked to find Dr. Akagi and Captain Katsuragi waiting for us. They looked unusually stiff and tense. "There is a new enemy hiding in the Mt. Asama Volcano." Dr. Akagi said.
"I want Asuka to take Unit Two out there to capture it. Shinji will go with her to assist and Rei will stay here as back up."
"Why me?" Pilot Sohryu demanded.
"Because the heat resistant armor required currently only fits Unit Two."
Dr. Akagi handed Pilot Sohryu a new plug suit and we were sent to our Eva's. It was a full twenty minutes before Pilot Sohryu appeared. The new plug suit was puffed out making her look like a blimp. "I can't believe they're making me wear this thing." she whined.
"I will go if you do not." I offered.
Pilot Sohryu jumped to her feet and glared at me angrily. "I will not let you in my Unit Two ever again." She hissed.
She turned and stalked off in the direction of Unit Two. I watched her go and turned to make my way to the way to Unit Zero. I waited inside there while I listened to the voices of the support crew and Pilot Sohryu. It was over three hours before the operation was complete and both Eva's returned to their cages.
Once everything was secure we were released. I headed directly for the showers after leaving Unit Zero. Pilot Sohryu joined me after a few minutes. "Ugh! I can't believe how hot that was."
"You did very well today."
"Yeah, but I nearly didn't make it out of there."
"But you did."
"Yeah, but I'll never get the LCL smell out of my hair. I'll reek of it all night."
I turned off the shower and grabbed one of the towels. I dried off and redressed as fast as I could. I had to be ready to meet Suzuhara-san on time. I said good-bye to Pilot Sohryu and left for home.
When I returned home I brushed my hair and put on my kimono. I was straightening my obi when there was a knock at my door. "Ayanami-san. It's me, Suzuhara."
"Come in. The door is open." I told him.
The door opened and he came in. He stopped suddenly and stared at me in wonder. "Wow. You look really nice tonight."
"Arigato."
We left for the train and headed for the fair grounds. There were lots of other students on the train from the middle school and the high school. They milled about in small groups. Suzuhara and I found seats and sat down. To my surprise we held a conversation during the ride, a feat I had only ever done with the Commander and Ikari-kun. We all got off at the same stop and walked the block to the area where the fair was being held.
Suzuhara and I made our way through the crowd. He bought me small bag of rice dumpling and we sat on the benches eating them. "Ayanami, I'm sorry but I have to go. There's somewhere I need to be," he said.
I looked over at Suzuhara-san trying to understand what he was saying. "Where are you going?" I asked.
I didn't mind being alone but I wanted to know where he was going. He blushed and lowered his gaze to his feet. "I'm going to see Class Representative Horaki-san." He said in a soft voice.
"Do you have feelings for her?"
I don't know why I asked such a question let alone how it even came to me. Suzuhara looked bewildered buy my inquiry. "I . . . I don't know but I'm positive that I want to, you know… be with her."
"I see. If that is the case you should hurry."
"Thank you for understanding, Ayanami."
I nodded and he hurried off into the crowd. I hoped I had done the right thing, I wasn't even sure I was allowed to do that. Still I as long as he was happy I was sure it was for the best. I watched the crowd go by wondering what to do. I could wander around but the thought of contact with so many other people was nerve raking. I was comfortable right where I was and I saw no reason to move for now.
I had been sitting there for a while when I spotted Ikari-kun. He saw me at the same time and approached eagerly. "I'm glad I found you Rei. I was hoping you could talk."
"Why aren't you with Pilot Sohryu?"
Ikari-kun sighed and leaned heavily against the tree. "I don't know. She's not a bad person, really she isn't but sometimes I just can't stand her. She can be so overbearing and insulting. She makes me so mad."
"You should not run away. You promised to stay with her and by being her you are going against your word."
"I know but . . ."
"You should not run away. You must go back."
Ikari-kun sighed and sat up straight. "You're right. I should get going. Goodbye Ayanami. Thank you for listening."
"You're welcome."
I nodded and he hurried off. I watched him go with the prayer that everything would turn out okay. It had taken all my strength to not advise him to stay away. I was by now familiar with the problems he had with Pilot Sohryu and it unsettled me to see him upset. Still the rational part of my mind had recognized that he had to go back.
After he was gone I worked up the courage to leave my bench. I walked slowly through the crowd looking at the faces of those around me. I didn't recognize any of them. I turned the corner and saw Aida-san buying himself egg rolls. "Ayanami!" he called between mouthfuls.
"Hello, Aida-san."
"Where's Touji? Did he leave you for the Class Rep?"
I had an idea of what he meant but I wasn't sure. "Yes…"
Aida grinned and took a large bite of his egg roll. "Relax, Ayanami. Life isn't meant to be taken serious."
"It isn't?"
"Yep, you can't take it seriously or you'll go crazy and have no fun."
"I see."
I caught myself walking in stride with him through the crowd. It didn't feel weird but I wasn't prepared for it. I forced myself to keep walking. "So are you having a good time?"
Was I? I wondered. "Yes."
"So I take it Shinji and the German fireball are still together. I'm surprised really. They're such opposites. You know I expected him to be with you."
"You did?"
"Yeah, Shinji's always looked out for you and been unafraid to get close to you. I don't know I guess what's I'm trying to say is that the two of you had a connection from the beginning."
I didn't have a response for that. We continued walking in silence eating the egg rolls one at a time. We passed an alcove and I saw Captain Katsuragi with Ryohji-san. Both of them were carrying bottles of sake and were evidently drunk. He had his arm around her waist and he was trying to kiss her. She however was resisting his advances. "Kaji! Don't you . . . I haven't had nearly enough sake, yet . . ."
She lost her balance and he caught her while placing his lips on hers.
I turned out of sight after that and didn't see anymore. Seeing that made me question human emotions. The Captain claimed to hate him but she hadn't seemed very reluctant to kiss him. It was all very confusing.
Farther on we spotted Pilot Sohryu and Ikari-kun walking together. She was pulling him by the hand down the street. Both were smiling and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I felt a small sigh of relief at seeing everything turned out okay.
A short distance away we stopped in front of a game. After studying it I realized it was a contest to knock over bottles with baseballs. "What do you think, Ayanami-san? Want to try?" Aida-san asked.
"Yes."
Aida-san grinned and brought us each a round at the game. He returned carrying two stacks of three balls each. "Ladies first." He said handing me one of them.
I took the balls and stepped up to the counter. A tall man of average build stood behind the counter. He grinned broadly at me. "So you want to hit as many bottles as you can with those three balls okay. Then you get a prize for how well you did."
I nodded and took the first ball in my hand. I tested the weight as I spun in around in my hand. I studied the target bottles and then the ball again. Carefully I pulled the ball back and aimed. I threw it as hard as I could. The ball crashed through the bottles taking several down with it.
I repeated the same procedure with the next two balls. By the time my last one had done its work I had put all but two of the bottles on the ground. Satisfied I stepped back to let Aida take his turn. The man behind the counter called me back. "Miss, you're one heck of a shot. You won the grand prize, don't you want it?"
Oh, a prize for knocking down the bottles. Fair enough. "Yes. I will accept my prize."
The man turned around and reached into a mound of stuffed animals behind him. He grabbed a large one modeled after a white tiger and set it on the counter in front of me. "For you." He said with a grin.
I looked at the giant thing before me. The stuffed tiger was almost as big as I was and amazingly life like. I wrapped my arms around it and lifted it from the counter. I was careful to hold it so the tale didn't touch the ground. "You were amazing," Aida said as he took his place at the counter, "Did you learn to shoot like that as an Eva pilot?"
"Yes."
"Wow. That is so cool. I wish I could be a pilot too."
I almost said something about the fact he was a fourth level candidate to be a pilot but then I remembered that that was secret. I stood back and watched as Aida-san made his throws. He was not as skilled a marksman as I was so his stuffed animal, a T-Rex, wasn't nearly as large as mine was. He grinned eagerly as he rejoined me. "So Ayanami, how do you become a pilot?" He asked.
"You must be selected by the Marduk Institute."
"And how do you get selected?"
"They have the names of all eligible candidates. When I new Eva is ready one is selected from that group."
Aida-san sighed unhappily. "That sucks. At this rate I'll never become a pilot."
"I would not give up hope yet."
"Ayanami-san!"
I turned to see Class Representative Goro approaching us. "Yes?" Asked Aida-san.
I had never liked him very much. It wasn't something personal I held against him he just gave me a weird feeling. "I was wondering if you two were having a good time."
"The best!" Aida-san exclaimed.
I was aware that Class Representative Goro was right behind me but before I could move he grabbed my arm. I felt something hard pressed against my back. "Don't move or I will fire," he whispered in my ear.
I kept my face calm and unaffected as possible. "I hope you don't mind but I need to take Ayanami with me."
"Okay! See you later!"
"Goodbye Aida-san."
I let Goro lead me through the crowd. The gun was well concealed so I already knew that I was not going to be rescued. So I had to do what he wanted. "You're a smart girl, you know. I was hoping you would be so then I wouldn't have to put a bullet in your stomach."
"What do you want with me?"
"That depends on if you behave or not."
Where is Goro taking Rei and why? You'll have to wait and see . . .
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