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The Girl in White Bandages: The True Confessions of Ayanami Rei

Ch. 15 Saviours, Part Two

By Sesshy's Girl 00

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Commander Ikari smiled as a weary Ritsuko entered his office. The room was kept especially dark-the way he liked it, with the only light shining though the Kabbalah Tree of Sephiroth that decorated his office floor. Commander Ikari waited until Ritsuko stopped, standing on top of the glowing image of the Tree of Sephiroth, before he spoke. "I just received a report from our Russian allies. Unit Six is complete and will be sent to us by the end of the month. We must choose a pilot for her."

"The Russian's aren't providing one of their own? I thought that was part of the deal." Ritsuko replied, a mild note of confusion in her voice.

"It was but after the incidents with Units Three and Four; the Russian's are eager to hand Unit Six over to us and wash their hands of it."

Ritsuko made a small face of disgust. "I don't blame them. The Evangelions are not something to take lightly. They are weapons of chaos and destruction, as Yui and my mother designed them to be."

Gendo smiled slightly at Ritsuko's words. "How true you are. Have you received the information on Unit Six from them? We'll need to know so we may select a pilot."

"I received it this morning. From the comparison's I've made, I believe we have a candidate for Unit Six, Kensuke Aida."

"Kensuke Aida, you say. See to it, Doctor. Will you be able to test him?"

"Yes, the simulation program is ready to implement. It only works on Unit Zero currently. I should be able to run it in two days. "

"Excellent. Make it so."

--

"There is one more thing we wanted to give Touji." Horaki-san explained. "His sister Yukari is in the hospital too. She's been sick for a long time, Touji used to visit her regularly but he hasn't seen her since the last battle…"

An enthusiastic Aida-san interrupted Horaki-san before she could say anything more. "Ayanami-san, we would like you to arrange for Yukari to be brought down to see Touji for the day. It would mean a lot to him."

I nodded, a plan beginning to form in my mind. "Hai. I do not think that would be a problem."

"Thanks a lot." Aida-san cheered.

"Kensuke Itaru Aida!" Cried the accusing voice of Sana from the living room.

Everyone's eyes focused on the person in question. Sana did not sound happy at all, so we wondered what Aida-san had done to upset her. With a small frown on his face, Aida-san took the lead as we marched down the hallway to see what was wrong. We found Sana sitting in front of the computer. Her eyes were glaring at the name of one of the unopened e-mails on the screen.

When she saw us arrive, she pointed gravely at the name of the sender. "What have you done, Kensuke. NERV's…after you…" She uttered in a hoarse whisper.

A feeling of surprise and horror griped us all. I leaned over and read the address of the sender for myself. It was Doctor Akagi's; she'd sent this email. I wondered to myself what NERV would want with Aida-san. He did not fit the profile of someone involved in the kinds of things that went on there. Unless; Aida-san's penchant for hacking in his spare time had drawn unwanted attention.

With a painful sadness, I remembered that everyone in my class was an A-ranked candidate to pilot Eva. They would be called upon if a new Eva was completed or one of the current pilots was no longer able to fulfill their duties. I wasn't aware of either such events occurring but it was possible that another Eva, most likely Unit Six, had been completed. That meant only one thing; the Commander would want to test it now to assess its usefulness.

"Ayanami. Does this mean…?" Stammered Aida-san beside me.

"Hai?"

"Am I going to be the sixth child?"

The mix of excitement and apprehension in Aida-san's voice struck me. This was something he wanted badly, but he'd seen what it cost Ikari-kun and Suzuhara-san. I was amazed that he was still so unafraid. "Possibly."

"No way." Insisted Pilot Sohryu.

We all turned to look at her and it was plain from the expression on her face that she didn't believe her words. Horaki-san looked quite appalled and on the verge of tears. Pilot Sohryu turned away from our eyes and placed her hand on Horaki-san's shoulder. "Don't worry Hikari. Just because both Shinji and Touji are all messed up from piloting doesn't mean Kensuke will be. There's no way all three stooges will end up the same."

"You think so?"

Pilot Sohryu smiled confidently. "I know so. Now let's read this e-mail before everyone around here starts crying."

We all happily accepted that proposal. Sana turned around and clicked on the much stressed over e-mail icon. The message appeared on the screen a moment later.

Dear Mr. Keiji Aida,

I am Dr. Ritsuko Akagi, director of Project E and the head scientist at NERV. I wish to request permission to evaluate your son Kensuke Aida at NERV HQ as part of a test I'm running. If he passes, your security clearance will be raised to SPEACIAL ACESS REQUIRED and, of course, Kensuke will have to take a security oath as well.

If you agree, I have scheduled an appointment for Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM. Kensuke will naturally be excused from school that day and be allowed to make up any missed work.

Thank-you for your help.

Sincerely,

Ritsuko Akagi

Sana sighed and massaged her temples after reading the letter. She turned to Kensuke with a worried look on her face. "Dad's in Europe for the week. There's no way he's going to get this in time. I guess it's up to me. What do you think?"

Kensuke's eyes began widening in pleading excitement. "Please, say yes, Sana. Becoming an Eva pilot has been my dream."

Sana kept a serious neutral expression on her face for several minutes increasing the tension in the room. Then she broke into a wide grin. Kensuke took one look at the smile on his sister's face and started to smile back. "You can go. Just promise me one thing; nothing stupid, kay?"

"Thank-you! Sana you're the coolest!"

Aida-san dashed over to his sister and wrapped his arms around her. Sana smiled and hugged him back in return. At last she let Kensuke go, before sending him to the kitchen in search of food for everyone. Ikari-kun motioned me over to the sofa. I went over to the armchair to join him. Ikari-kun smiled as I sat down beside him. "No worries Ayanami. Everything will be okay."

I felt the release of a bit of tension I had been holding in. "Thank-you, Ikari-kun."

Later that evening, after Rei nodded off in an armchair, Shinji pulled out the letter from Ritsuko. He meticulously spread it out in his lap and smoothed the many wrinkles from it. Then he held it out to Hikari and Kensuke. Both teens looked at the letter with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. "It's from Ritsuko. I think she meant it for you guys." Shinji explained in a rush of embarrassment.

Kensuke took the letter and began to read it out loud.

Dear Sana Aida and Kodama Horaki,

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ritsuko Akagi, head scientist at NERV. I wouldn't ordinarily do something like this but I have a special request to make of the two of you. There is a young girl named Reika Ayanami, whose life is in extreme danger. Reika is also in need of medical attention, which is why I come to you. I want you two to take her away from NERV and see that she receives the treatment she needs. You are Reika's best hope for survival. Please consider my request before you answer.

Sincerely

Ritsuko Akagi

All five people in the room looked around at each other. They were so surprised that they were unable to speak. Kensuke blinked hard and Shinji shook his head in denial. Hikari and Asuka's faces remained impassively blank with shock. Meanwhile Sana looked intrigued and surprised.

It was Sana's calm voice that broke the silence of the room. "Horaki-san, when does your sister get home?"

Hikari looked at her watch with a small frown. "Kodama should be home right now. She normally rests after work."

Sana nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. She returned a moment later, carrying the telephone in her hand. Sana took the note from Kensuke and returned to her chair. She dialed Hikari's phone number. Kodama answered after two rings, then the two women spoke for a long time.

Meanwhile the four teenagers looked at each other. In Shinji's mind he was pondering how deep his father's secrets ran. He knew everyone around the Commander was helping him hide so many things in that place called NERV. He wished he could be free of them. Shinji didn't want to hurt anyone. He hated all these horrible things his father hid.

Rei, Shinji wanted to save her the most. He wanted to see her smile, instead of walking around with that blank, restrained, haunted look she usually wore. He wanted Rei to be…happy. He looked over at the girl beside him and smiled slightly. She looked so peaceful when she slept like that.

In that moment Shinji decided that he would not tell Rei about this latest development. His father had her wrapped up enough in his plans as it was. Somehow he knew that if Rei found out about Reika it would put both of them in even more danger. So he'd do his best to protect Rei from harm.

Oddly enough it was the sound of silence that disturbed my sleep. Slowly, I raised my head from my knees to look around. Horaki-san and Pilot Sohryu lay asleep in separate futons on the floor. Ikari-kun laid feigning sleep on the sofa. Sana and Aida-san were nowhere in sight so I assumed they must be sleeping in their rooms.

A small smile crossed Ikari-kun's face when he saw me begin to stir. My sleep had been uneasy and troubled; his smile helped ease my fears about what was to come. The angels were becoming angry and restless after so many defeats. They were going to resort to more forceful methods to achieve their goals. Those tactics were fated to destroy me in the end.

First, cousin Zeruel must be faced next.

Ikari-kun motioned for me to join him on the sofa. I liked the idea of being close to him at last. Things were better when he was near and at the moment, there was much I wished to forget. I carefully made my way past Pilot Sohryu and Horaki-san to the couch. I stepped over both sleeping figures, being carefully not to disturb them, in an effort to cross the room to the sofa where Ikari-kun was. I sat down next to him, cautious to maintain the peace of the room. Ikari-kun propped himself on one elbow so that we were closer to being on eye level.

A glimmer of a smile crossed his face and he gently bushed my bangs from my eyes. I smiled slightly at the soft contact. Ikari-kun made me feel like I was someone special-my life meant something to him. I had value to him-I; Rei Ayanami was important and human. The thought continued to amaze me.

"Are you tired, Ayanami?"

I nodded slightly in response. Ikari-kun patted the sofa in front of him. I looked at him to see that he serious about his offer. Ikari-kun didn't mind if we were close together. I felt the same way. Ikari-kun's presence made me feel calm and strong. If he was there, I feared nothing-except something terrible happening to him.

"Lay down, you look cold."

Ikari-kun gently wrapped his arms around me as I lowered myself onto the sofa. Automatically I began to undo the button on my jean shorts. It wasn't until I was reaching for the zipper that a thought occurred to me. Ikari-kun lay right behind me and it would not be proper for me to be too revealed. However I did trust him not to take advantage of me and I knew nothing would happen. Based on that I decided that it would not be a problem, as long as Ikari-kun agreed. Red cheeked, I turned and looked at him. At first, all Ikari-kun could do was blush crimson in return. Finally he nodded calmly and smiled.

Quietly as possible I unzipped my jeans. I grabbed the edge and slid them off my legs, and then I neatly folded them before I set my shorts aside. He pulled the blanket around my shoulders while I found a place for my head on the pillows. Gently, cautiously, Ikari-kun wrapped both of his hands around my own. Both of our hands lay curled on my chest covering my heart. I could feel Ikari-kun's warm breath tickling the back of my neck. I giggled and shivered slightly in response.

"Sorry."

Ikari-kun pulled me closer to him and placed his face against the back of my neck. His body was warm and soft against my own. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sensation of the moment. Ikari-kun's arms kept me safe, the way they had since the first day. Nothing evil could reach me through them. "Ayanami?"

"Hai."

There was a long pause and I could sense the blush growing on Ikari-kun's face. I was unsure what he had to be so upset about. I would not be offended by anything he said. Ikari-kun brought me nothing but good things. "You're hair smells nice. What shampoo did you use?"

"Horaki-san and Pilot Sohryu lent it to me, when I was showering earlier this evening." I replied calmly. "I am unfamiliar with the brand but it was strawberry scented." I explained quietly.

"Ichigo. (Strawberry.)" Ikari-kun repeated.

"You approve?"

Ikari-kun nodded slightly and sniffed my hair once more. I found myself blushing slightly. I hadn't realized he would like it so much. I would have to remember that from now on. I…it made me feel … content when Ikari-kun was happy, to see that smile on his face. So if this made him happy, I would do it.

Shinji breathed hard trying to suppress his embarrassment. He couldn't believe how close he was to Rei. Shinji didn't know such a thing was possible. However there was no way to deny the cushy feel of Rei's breast beneath his arms. She was amazingly soft and real. That made her all the more terrifying.

Shinji tried to suppress his steadily rising reaction to her presence. She is an attractive young woman and he is a young man. Only two thin t-shirts and two pairs of underwear separate their bodies from one another. Still Shinji preferred Rei not notice. He was afraid it would make her uncomfortable or frighten her away. After several tense moments it became apparent that Rei was fast sleep.

Shinji took a deep whiff of Rei's scent. It was fresh; clean with a hint of strawberry from the shampoo she'd used this evening. It wasn't her usual smell but Shinji liked it anyway.

Shinji felt Rei's breathing slow down along with her heart rate, as she drifted to sleep in his arms. Shinji took a small peak at the lovely figure before him and his breath caught at what he saw. Rei's flawless pale skin was perfectly highlighted by the light of the moon. Sleep had softened her features and removed the pain from her face. She was perfectly radiant, like a goddess or angel on earth.

Shinji timidly stretched out his hand and touched the side of her face. He gingerly ran his fingers over her delicate skin, enjoying the feel of its softness. In a fit of panic he quickly withdrew his hand and tucked it away. Shinji paused slightly, waiting to see if anyone was listening. Once he was assured that all three women were truly asleep he sighed quietly.

On impulse he carefully he leaned foreword and kissed her on the back of her neck.

Rei murmured quietly in her sleep. Shinji tensed, thinking she was about to wake up. Instead nothing happened and Shinji was able to join her in sleep a few minutes later.

Come back to me. You are my true daughter. You must return to your rightful place and do your duty. My baby, my child, my love…Rei Ayanami…

No. I am not one of you.

Don't be afraid of your mama's embrace. Mama won't hurt you.

I awoke suddenly, fighting the urge to scream. It was only by an immense exertion of will that I was able to suppress it. I breathed deeply, releasing the tension from my body. For a long time my mind felt blank and I lay silently trying to recall where I was. Eventually I began to register that I was not alone. Someone was lying with me.

A moment later I remembered. Ikari-kun's soft breathing whispered past my ear with each breath. I sighed and closed my eyes, letting my body relax. Everything was safe. It might be foolish to associate with Ikari-kun but that didn't matter to me. Right now there was only one place I wanted to be at and that's where I was right now. Ikari-kun's presence allowed me to breathe easier.

I…I was…almost happy. I could honestly admit to that with all my heart.

I moved my right hand from where it lay limp on the sofa and placed it overtop Ikari-kun's. I held his hand tightly as I dared to and prayed silently. I asked to be allowed to return to this place forever, once my usefulness was done. This was… my dream.

It wasn't long before I heard movement from Pilot Sohryu and Horaki-san. I listened as they climbed to their feet and stretched the stiffness from their muscles. "Hey, look at the baka and Wondergirl, Hikari. I wonder what they were doing last night." Pilot Sohryu jeered.

"Asuka!" Horaki-san snapped back.

There was a long awkward pause. I could sense the two of them staring at each other with combative expressions. Then Horaki-san's face softened. "I think it's sweet. They look so cute together. Do you see the smiles on their faces?"

"Whatever."

After that every thing faded out once more. I relaxed, drawing simple enjoyment from where I was. I didn't want to worry about anything or anyone for the moment. I wasn't particularly worried about what Pilot Sohryu thought of what I was doing. It was enough to have Ikari-kun near. I counted that as one of the few blessings I had received in my short life. I had found a reason to fight and live. I might have given up long ago if Ikari-kun hadn't showed up on that day. He'd saved me and us all. I would miss being near him once this moment was gone.

"Here we see a rare scene, two top Eva Pilots blissfully asleep while enjoying some down time. Is there love in the air?" Hissed Aida-san's voice.

Behind me I felt Ikari-kun move for the first time. "Kensuke, would you please cut it out. You're going to wake Rei."

"Shi, Um, Ahh…. Good morning Shinji. I…Ahh, I didn't know you were awake."

Ikari-kun sighed sadly. "Liar, Kensuke. You were doing this on purpose, weren't you?" Ikari-kun replied defensively.

A tickle rose in the back of my throat and I coughed slightly. With my left hand,I rubbed my eyes and opened them to look around. In front of me I could see Aida-san, still wearing his blue-stripped pajamas, carrying a camera in his hand. Behind me Ikari-kun watched me with a worried face. I think he was afraid of what my reaction would be. "Ohayo (Good morning), Ikari-kun, Aida-san."

"Konnichiwa (hello), Ayanami. Did you sleep well?"

I nodded in the affirmative. Ikari-kun carefully unwrapped his arms from my body and shifted his weight into a more comfortable position. I smiled encouragingly at him. Ikari-kun and Aida-san relaxed when they saw my reaction and smiles appeared on their faces. I stretched my arms and neck to remove any last trace of stiffness I felt. It didn't do me much good however. I was barely even stiff to begin with.

"Go on Kensuke. Tell the girls that I'll start breakfast in a minute."

Kensuke nodded and disappeared down the hallway. Once he was out of sight, I turned to face Ikari-kun. He blushed as my full gaze focused on him. His mouth worked slowly as he tried to say something. At last he shook his head and gave up. I gently moved my hand on top of his. "Is something wrong, Ikari-kun?"

Ikari-kun blushed and looked away. I placed my hand under his chin and turned his face back towards mine. I tried to say something but found myself unable to speak. "Ikissedyoulastnightwhileyouwerealseep. I'msorryIcouldn'thelpmyself." He blurted out.

After admitting what he'd done, Ikari-kun began to blush even more. I placed both of my hands on top of his and starred into his eyes. He seemed too afraid to hurt me. Ikari-kun didn't need to worry. His kissing me while I was asleep didn't bother me. In fact I was fine with that.

"Don't worry Ikari-kun. I do not mind if you wish to kiss me."

Ikari-kun's eyes widened in relief and surprise. "Really?"

I nodded. "I find kissing you to be… pleasurable."

Ikari-kun smiled slightly and gently placed his hand against my face. I began to smile at him and he smiled back. His smile seemed to say that he wanted me to depend on him like he trusted me. With all my heart, I agreed with him. I wanted to do what Ikari-kun suggested, but I was afraid of what the Commander would do. I didn't want him to hurt Ikari-kun. Unfortunately I had only one way to do that.

"I…um, Rei, you shouldn't be taken advantage of. You, of all people; earned the right to be happy. You're the bravest person I know."

I shook my head slowly, sadly. I was not the person he thought I was. "I doubt that. I am not a very brave person, Ikari-kun."

Ikari-kun seemed surprised and shook his head in an emphatic no. "Yes, you are, Ayanami. You would not be able to pilot the Eva if you did not have courage and compassion in your heart."

Ikari-kun's eyes were full of a pleading sadness. I felt bad about hurting him with my denial. That had not been my intent. I only wished to explain how I saw things. "Ayanami?"

"Hai."

Ikari-kun's hands gripped my upper arms with painful tightness. His blue eyes were shining with desperation. "Stop listening to my father. You don't owe him that allegiance. No, you're not indebted to him for anything. Rei, you deserve to be your own person, to do what you want."

"What I want?"

I had considered this concept on numerous occasions. However I was tentative to come to any conclusions. I knew what Commander Ikari had planed for me. There was not much room for my own individual freedom within that framework. In my own way, I had, against the odds, found my own motives to go on. Ikari-kun and Unit Zero kept me living from day to day. "I am not sure."

In my heart I knew that those words were a horrible lie and telling them were wrong. However I had no other choice. Ikari-kun was in danger if I told him the truth. I buried my head in my hands, ashamed to face Ikari-kun. He placed his hands on my shoulders and gently turned my face to his.

"I'm sorry, Ayanami. I only want what's best for you. I don't want to see you so sad. If you can't tell me, I won't ask. Okay?"

I nodded slightly as I struggled against the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. Ikari-kun, he must be so disappointed in me. I wanted to tell him the truth, I really did, but it wasn't worth his life. I would not jeopardize his safety. "Ikari-kun, please trust me it is to your benefit if you do not know. Everything would be in peril…"

"Rei. If you know that I will trust you. You know what my father's doing better then anyone."

"Thank-you, Ikari-kun. I don't want to go away and I don't want you being hurt."

Ikari-kun looked confused by my words. "What do you mean, go away? I don't understand."

"To disappear," I repeated softly. "That will be my fate, no matter what I want. I can't tell you anything or it will all be much worse. I don't want to expose you to that danger."

I emphasized my point by placing both of my hands over his and staring straight into his eyes. Ikari-kun's eyes widened and blinked hard. Then he settled again and met my gaze with one of his own. In his eyes I could that he was questioning, even if only slightly, if my words were true. I nodded my head with full seriousness. Doubt fled from that moment. "Rei, what kind of things has my father dragged you into? Isn't there some way to escape from his madness?"

I shook my head slowly but certainly. I knew there was no way for me to escape him. My best hope was to fight to stay alive. Ikari-kun was my reason, my will to survive and Unit Zero was my means. As long as I had them as my hope, my strength, nothing could harm me.

Ikari-kun nodded slowly in understanding and placed his hand against the side of my face. Suddenly his eyes widened and an embarrassed smile crossed his face. "Rei, I just had a strange idea. Would you like to go on a date with me?"

A date? I was completely caught off guard by the whole idea. It wasn't something I expected Ikari-kun to ask me. Still, I liked the idea. Going on a date with Ikari-kun sounded like a pleasurable experience. As important, it was not yet forbidden. Only kissing Ikari-kun was. "Hai, Ikari-kun. Where do you wish to go?"

Ikari-kun blushed uncertainly. His head cocked to the side as his mind raced to come up with an answer to the question. His hand twitched nervously in his lap as he thought. At last I saw a flicker of inspiration cross his face. "Have you been to that new restaurant, you know the one that honors FLCL? They have an international menu and vegetarian meals. What do you think?"

I didn't need to think it over twice. It seemed like a fun place to me. "It sounds acceptable. I agree to go there with you."

For a moment Ikari-kun seemed confused and then he started to smile. "Arigato, Ayanami, I…I…"

I placed my index finger over his lips to stop him from stammering. Ikari-kun smiled and wrapped his hands around my own. I smiled and leaned closer to him, he did the same. "You understand, I ask only for your safety and happiness, Ayanami."

"I, I wish for the same."

"I promise to protect you." There was conviction his voice "That night, when we fought the angel, I promised you that we'd see this through together. I wanted to see the end with you by my side. I wished for the two of us to make it through this."

"You do not need to worry about that, Ikari-kun. I promised to protect you and I don't break my word."

Ikari-kun frowned and placed his arms around me. "Rei, you shouldn't have to do everything. Let me take some of the burden from you. It's the least I can do. If you try too hard you'll end up dead. I don't want you to end up like that. It would be too sad."

I gently looked Ikari-kun in the eyes. I wanted to tell him that I was fated to die for him but I couldn't find the words to speak. Who knows maybe things could turn out differently this time. Before I knew it our faces were barely centimeters apart. "Let's consider this our promise to do this together." Ikari-kun whispered.

"For luck and hope." I mouthed back.

A small smile crossed Ikari-kun's lips. We closed the distance between us without any hesitation. Ikari-kun pressed his lips to mine. I kissed him back with equal want. I hoped he understood everything I was trying to tell him. I wanted him to find happiness because I cared. Tears of joy and sadness rolled down my face. There were so many things I wished and wanted, none of which I could have.

Reluctantly we broke apart at last, ending the moment. Ikari-kun smiled and disappeared through the kitchen door. I watched him go with a small smile on my face. Somehow I felt that everything would be okay.

"What do you want Rei?" Dr. Akagi snapped.

Unconsciously I took a step back toward the doorway. I did not want to face Dr. Akagi's wrath. I couldn't do it. In the mood she was in, she would love nothing more then to rip me to pieces. I needed to protect myself; otherwise it would hurt too much. Ikari-kun said I did not deserve the pain, but I was not so sure. I was simply a creation, with a fake body and soul. I was not special or unique by any means. I was not even…human…

I was a freak created by a mad man.

"Rei."

Dr. Akagi's voice brought me out of my thoughts. I looked up to find her looking right at me. Her blue eyes were dull and she had dark bruise like rings around both eyes. It looked like the fire had gone of her. She was too worn out and stretched too thin for her own good. I swallowed and resolved to make my request before I lost my nerve again. " I need your permission to move Yukari Suzuhara down to the Fifth Child's room for the day."

Dr. Akagi's face remained neutral as she listened. "Why?"

"Today is Suzuhara-san's 15th birthday. He has not seen his sister since the last angel battle. It would make an unexpected and happy surprise." I explained.

Dr. Akagi nodded as a mischievous grin caught the edge of her lips. "Very well. As long as you let her attending physician know and don't tire either of them out too much."

"Hai."

Dr. Akagi turned around and pulled off one of her numerous sticky notes from the wall. She handed it to me and I took it in my hand. Squinting slightly I was able to read the hastily written note on it, 'Yukari Suzuhara- heart transplant 11:00 AM 12/27. Touji Suzuhara-prosthetic fitting 5 PM 12/27.' I looked up at Dr. Akagi to see if this was some sort of trick. She nodded slightly. "We have a heart donor who's a perfect match for Miss Suzuhara. The family has agreed to cut life support tomorrow morning. From there everything should go smoothly."

It took a minute for Dr. Akagi's words to sink in. I realized that she must have been referring to one of the coma patients in NERV's Hospital. There were many of them with recent events being what they were. It was bitter sweet that someone would be dying for Yukari to finally receive the heart she'd needed for so many years. She'd been sick her entire life. "Arigato Doctor."

Dr. Akagi waved me off and turned back to her computer screen. I hurried through the door, eager to be out of sight before she decided to change her mind. As I made my way through NERV's corridors I stuffed the sticky note in my pocket. I would give it to the others once Yukari Suzuhara had been moved.

I turned the corner and saw Pilot Sohryu and Hikari-san waiting eagerly for me outside the Fifth Child's room. When she saw me Horaki-san ran down the hall towards me and Pilot Sohryu was not far behind. "What did she say Rei?"

"She said, yes. We may move her."

Horaki-san smiled slightly and Pilot Sohryu beamed with eagerness. Pilot Sohryu grabbed our arms and steered us down the hallway. "Let's go before the stooges notice we're gone."

Both Horaki-san and I agreed with that plan. Without another word we set off down the hallway. Ten minutes and two elevator rides later the three of us stood in front of room 190A on the 100th floor. The nametag read, 'Suzuhara, Yukari' with a red sticker following it to indicate her need for a heart transplant. None of us had met Suzuhara-san's sister so we were shy about going in. Pilot Sohryu, feeling the bravest, knocked firmly on the door and lead the way inside. Inside was the reason for our visit.

Yukari Suzuhara lay on the hospital bed and was hooked up to multiple machines by a mass of wires. She was awake and watching us with interest. "You're friends of Touji's," She said after a moment, "Where is my nii-san (big brother). I haven't seen him in so long.

Horaki-san took a deep breath and began to speak before Pilot Sohryu or I could. "He's been in the hospital for a long time now. Touji was hurt badly in the last Eva battle."

Her face fell at the bad news. Her hand tensed on the sheets and for a minute we all expected her to cry. "Poor Nii-san."

"We're going to take you up to see him as a surprise." Pilot Sohryu explained.

Her face brightened when she heard where we were going. "I can't wait to see Nii-san again!" She cried happily.

Hikari smiled and patted Yukari on the hand. Pilot Sohryu meanwhile began looking around. "Where do we find her attending resident? Any ideas Wondergirl? You spend most of your time here, as I've seen."

I took a minute to think over what I would do if I were in the hospital and needed to contact the doctor. After I moment, an idea came to me. I looked around and spotted the control panel along with the call button. I pressed my thumb against the button and held it down for five seconds. I looked to the others and Pilot Sohryu nodded to me. "Wondergirl, you better know what you're doing."

"Of course."

Pilot Sohryu nodded to me, to show that she heard my response. There were footsteps in the hallway and we turned as the door began to open. A young woman stood in the doorway with a concerned look on her face. She was dressed in a lab coat so I assumed that she was one of the doctors. "Can I help you Miss Suzuhara?"

"They say they can take me to see my brother. May I allow them to take me to his room?" Yukari asked.

The doctor appeared surprised. "Your brother is here?"

"He's the Fifth Child, Touji Suzuhara." I explained quickly.

The doctor looked at me for a moment and then recognition dawn on her face. She smiled and calmly nodded. A few minutes later the drum of feet filled the room as a small team of orderlies entered. In a matter of a few minutes they had managed to prepare Yukari to travel. Pilot Sohryu lead the way from the room while Horaki-san and I walked behind at Yukari's side. She smiled happily the whole way, asking about Touji, NERV and other topics of interest. Happily, Yukari was easy to distract, almost eager to have some diversion from her nervousness and pain.

Moving Yukari to the Fifth's room was harder than finding her room had been. Mostly this was because we had to take it slow for her sake. On top of that the bed was heavy and the machines were unwieldy. It took nearly twenty minutes for us to reach Suzuhara-san's room. When we arrived, Aida-san was waiting anxiously outside the door for us. He straightened up from his chair with a smile on his face when he saw us turn the corner.

"Thank god, you're here!" He cried in relief, "Touji is becoming suspicious. Shinji's distracting him with a game of cards but I don't think that will last much longer."

Pilot Sohryu grinned and nodded to Hikari and me. "Open the door, Stooge. We're ready."

"Yes, ma'am."

Kensuke opened the door and Pilot Sohryu lead the charge inside. Suzuhara-san and Ikari-kun looked up at us with surprise on their faces. Suzuhara-san's eyes nearly came out of his head; they were opened so wide. "Yuka-chan!" He stammered.

"Nii-chan!"

Both of the siblings smiled awkwardly and starred at each other in disbelief. I watched Yukari's eyes as they fell on Suzuhara-san's missing arm and leg. They looked so miserable. "Nii-chan… What happened to you?" She whispered.

Despite the sadness in her voice there was an edge of strength to it as well. I had the distinct impression Yukari wanted to scold Suzuhara-san with a smack to the back of the head. Suzuhara-san, ignoring his sister's threat, grinned widely and gave his sister a thumbs up. "I had a slight problem piloting Unit Three. This is nothing. Don't worry; I'll be patched up in no time."

Yukari's eyes narrowed and she glared hard at her older brother. I sensed concern for the other pass between them. Were they trying to protect each other? I think that made sense. "What about you, Yuka? How are you?"

Yukari smiled confidently. "I've been doing better lately. My heart's tough and so am I, just like you always said.."

Suzuhara-san smiled and nodded to his sister. "That's good to know."

It was then that I remembered the note Dr Akagi had given me earlier. I reached into my pocket and carefully pulled it out. Using both of my hands, I gently smoothed it out, while I waited for my opportunity to speak. Before I could begin Ikari-kun noticed what I was doing. "Something wrong, Ayanami?"

"I have a message for the Suzuhara siblings from Dr. Akagi."

I didn't have to say anything else. The room fell completely silent for me. I looked around to see that all eyes were on me. I…I had not expected such close attention from everyone… I blinked slowly and slid behind my calm mask. Inside I felt nervous but I never let my mind dwell on any of it. I couldn't afford to be anything but perfect.

I held up the note and read it out loud so that everyone could hear. Once I had done that I closed the note and sat down in the nearest chair before I collapsed. Ikari-kun knelt down next to me.

--

Ritsuko made her way downstairs to central dogma. In her arms she carried the latest round of chemical injections for the Rei clones. Her cover didn't provide her with much comfort, however. Ritsuko began to shiver as she walked through the isolated and little used hallways. In her mind, horrifying scenarios of what could go wrong; ran unendingly. Each was more terrible and worse then the last. Almost before Ritsuko realized it, she was standing in front of the door to her destination.

Ritsuko balanced her tray of chemicals on her knee and began fishing in her pocket for her key card. After a minute her fingers came into contact with the slick surface. She wrapped her fingers around it and pulled it from her pocket. Ritsuko swiped her card through the lock. The light flashed and the familiar click of the door unlocking was heard. Ritsuko opened the door and entered into the room beyond.

Ritsuko began by handling the reason she was supposed to be here, taking care of the Rei clones. She changed into her wetsuit and dove into the LCL tank. She gave each Rei clone her weekly injection. These shots would keep them from being affected by their long time submerged in the LCL.

At last Ritsuko approached the last clone near the bottom of the tank. However she stopped when she saw the glint in her eyes. Reika was at it again. Darn her for being such a brat. Ritsuko sighed and turned to where she knew the fourth child was floating within a metal cage. The blond scientist was both fascinated and disturbed by Reika's newest ability, she could sync with the other Rei clones through the LCL. "Very funny, Reika. Are you enjoying yourself?" Ritsuko asked.

A small smile quirked the edges of Reika's pale lips. She released her hold on the clone, so Ritsuko could finish her work. The grin never left her face however, Ritsuko noticed with dismay. Ritsuko finished injecting the final Rei clone and then swam over to Reika. She wrapped her hands around the bars to put herself at eye level with the albino girl on the other side. "It is time. You leave tonight."

Reika nodded calmly to show that she heard. "I'm ready when you are, doctor."

Ritsuko nodded back and released her hold on the bars. Her body began to float slowly towards the surface. Reika watched Ritsuko without comment. "No talking once you're out of the LCL." Ritsuko instructed her.

Reika frowned at the command but she accepted it quietly. Ritsuko smiled and then went back to gradually returning herself to the surface. Reika slipped easily between the bars and followed Ritsuko at a much slower pace. She lacked the necessary pace to keep up with the older woman. Before they reached the surface of the liquid Ritsuko grabbed Reika around the waist in preparation for what she needed to do. Ritsuko's head cleared the surface. She looked around; attempting to locate the oxygen mask she had set up in preparation for this. After a minute, Ritsuko saw what she was looking for. With her free hand, she grabbed the oxygen mask and pulled it towards the edge of the LCL Tank.

Ritsuko paused a moment to catch her breath. Then she hauled Reika out of the LCL and placed the mask over her face, with one quick movement. The result was Reika lying on her back, breathing with hard painful gasps. The transfer from LCL to air was especially difficult for her damaged lungs. While Reika tried to catch her breath, Ritsuko pulled herself from the LCL. She stripped off her wet suit and toweled off. Then Ritsuko dried off Reika as best she could.

Once both of them were dry Ritsuko carefully helped Reika to her feet. Reika tottered on uncooperative legs and was forced to lean a good portion of her weight against Ritsuko to stay upright. Slowly and awkwardly the pair of them made their way across the platform and down the stairs. At the bottom Ritsuko lowered Reika into a wheelchair.

Reika sighed and closed her eyes in exhaustion the moment she was seated. Her chest rose and sank rapidly, as Reika struggled to breath. Ritsuko took a spare hospital gown out of her bag. She carefully pulled the top half onto Reika and then followed with the bottom. Once Reika was dressed Ritsuko grabbed a blanket from the same bag and wrapped it around Reika. The blanket served the dual purposes of keeping Reika warm and making her presence undetectable.

Ritsuko disappeared into the next room and brought the duffle bag Reika had left in there over a week ago out. She set it in Reika's lap. Reika smiled and sighed in pain. Her hands lay limp and useless in her lap underneath her bag. Ritsuko took out a syringe and gave Reika a shot. "This medication will help your lungs heal and remain uninfected. It'll make you feel weird so I suggest you relax. Your medicines are all in your bag." Ritsuko explained quickly.

I nodded to show Ritsuko that I understood her. After seeing my response, Ritsuko did one last look around to see if she had forgotten anything. Then she seized the handles of my wheelchair and pushed me foreword. Ritsuko wheeled me through the halls of Nerv. She said nothing to me the entire time so I simply sat and watched.

I had no idea what the plan was to get me out of here. I wanted to trust that Ritsuko had something in mind. However the farther we went the more confused I became. It seemed that she was taking me outside. That didn't make sense, or maybe the spinning in my head was causing that. I had no idea what was so important that was there. At long last we arrived at the outside doors and went through them.

I looked around but saw no one or nothing in the darkness to give me a clue as to what was going on. I groaned slightly and let my headrest on my chest. I figured that I would be woken up if anything important happened. My eyes started to sag and I could feel my mind beginning to drift away.

"Reika!"

At the sound of my name, I forced myself awake and lifted my head. It took me a long minute to register that Hikari and Kensuke were running toward me. I blinked several times, to assure myself that my eyes were not lying to me. Every time I did they were still there. I couldn't believe it. This wasn't a dream. I smiled at both of them in happiness.

Both of them wrapped their arms around me in a massive bear hug. I felt like I was being crushed between them but at the same time I was so happy to see them that I didn't care. I was simply too ecstatic to see them again and have their arms around me. "Reika, we were so worried about you." Hikari cried.

"We heard you were dead." Kensuke wailed.

I smiled and embraced the both of them weakly with my arms. Their arms pulled me between them. My own body was like a piece of limp spaghetti and I had little control of my own over it. I noticed that Hikari was looking hard at my face. Her brown eyes met my own, questioning if I was truly okay. I squeezed her hand to let her know that I was. Hikari frowned slightly and narrowed her eyes at me.

Kensuke and Hikari pulled me to my feet with their superior strength. I wobbled slightly between them but remained standing. Now that I was on my feet I could feel a slight bit of clarity return to me. For the first time I noticed the car that was running a short distance away. As I watched, Sana and Kodama stepped out of it and walked over. I smiled and starred up at them.

They helped Hikari and Kensuke move me to the car. I collapsed into the car seat and closed my eyes. I breathed deeply and hard, trying to catch my breath; overwhelmed by how weak I had become. Although I was used to not being as strong as others, this weakness was almost beyond belief for me. My strength was completely gone. Hikari sat down on one side and Kensuke on the other. I don't remember much else because I began to dose off right away.

I came to as I was being carried inside. I groaned and shook my head to wake myself up. Hikari jumped slightly when she saw me awaken. This time I was not allowed to stand; instead I was forced to hang between them like a giant rag doll. It felt odd to be held there so helplessly between the four of them. Somehow the feeling was comforting too. I knew that I was completely safe.

They lay me in a spare bed and tucked me in. Sana and Kodama left immediately. Hikari and Kensuke however remained. They sat down next to me. I smiled at them and extended my hand. Hikari took it and squeezed my fingers with hers. "Don't worry. You'll be okay Reika. We'll be right here."

I smiled as I felt tears well up in my eyes. It felt so good to have them there. I hadn't expected to have any friends in this life. I must be truly fortunate, either that or I was putting them in an insane amount of danger. I hoped that it was the former and not the latter. No, I would do anything to see to it that nothing bad happened to those around me. I made a vow to do everything possible to protect those I cared for.

I closed my eyes and let the tiredness wash over me like a wave. I drifted away without resistance.

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Author's Notes:

Please Review, they are highly appriciated.

I don't own Eva!!! Nuf said

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