Second Chance

Chapter seven: The Melancholy of Life Act I

  Shinji found no trouble putting on his new school uniform. It was not much different from his usual attire, comprising of a simple white shirt and black trousers. Putting his computer into his bag, he walked out the door.

  "I'm leaving," he said, though not expecting an answer. "Misato-san, there's still some instant curry in the fridge. Save it for yourself."

  "Mmmmmmphhhhh" her reply came, muffled and unheard.

  Shinji sighed, then began walking to his school. Father had told him that the other pilots will be there, in the same class as him. Class 2A. He wondered about school.

  "Ikari-kun."

  Shinji turned around, and saw Rei standing there. To his surprised, she was alone.

  "Um... Ayanami?" He asked, hesitant. "I thought you would go to school with Nagisa-san."

  "He is unwell today," Rei turned away slightly. "Do not question this anymore. I would like to introduce you to the school campus. Follow me." 

  Shinji contemplated his options for a moment, before following her, quickening his steps. "So, uh, how long have you been piloting?"

  "Seven months," she answered. "What is the reason for this inquiry?"

  "Nothing," Shinji muttered quickly. "I hope your injuries heal soon."

  "They will not impede my ability to pilot," she said. "Besides, we have arrived."

  Rei led him to their room. Rei took a seat beside the window, and just before he could take the seat beside hers, she stared at him.

  "That's his seat. Please sit in the empty seat behind me."

  "Oh, oh I'm sorry." He apologised, feeling rather disturbed by her coldness. "I'll sit there then."

    "You're making the new student nervous, Ayanami," the class rep scolded lightly. "You must be Shinji," she smiled at him. "Welcome to Tokyo-3 middle school. You may use your computer int the lesson if you are not too loud."

  "Sure," Shinji replied. He unpacked his things, and found himself staring at the still back of Ayanami's head, her blue hair incomprehensible to him.

  Why is she so cold to me?

  The lessons flew by. It was monotonous, as Shinji guessed that what the sensei taught was a cover-up story. He tried to understand Ayanami, but found it impossible. She was so warm the other day, how is it that she seemed to dislike him so much now?

  "Stand! Bow! Sit!"

  The bell rang, and school was over. Shinji packed his things and prepared to leave, but not before a hand landed on his shoulder.

  "Hey, how is it that Ayanami hangs out with ya? She's like, the ice queen except to Nagisa. Those two are almost suffocating to look at." An athletic boy with dark skin said.

  "Well, we're both pilots..." Shinji hesitated, but before he could finish, he was interrupted by the gasp of the whole class.

  "Were you the one who piloted that giant purple robot that day? That's so cool!" A boy with freckles and glasses said.

  "I thought only Ayanami piloted!"

  "But no newbie could have fought like that! That was so skilled!"

  "Um.. it was Nagisa-san's work, really." Shinji protested. 

  "Uh, so it's still those freaks eh?"

  "Can't be anyone else."

  "Wish it was this kid, though. Ayanami and Nagisa just feels wrong to me. I mean, even this kid is more normal. He would be so much better."

  Shinji walked away quietly, not wanting to hear more of it. From what he knew, Ayanami and Nagisa were both rather nice people. Why would the others hate them so much though? What had they done?

  From the corner of his eye, he saw Rei watching him.

  I'm sorry, Ayanami, but I'm not strong enough...

  He realised why she was so cold to him though.

  Probably no one in school gave her and Nagisa credit for what they did.

  "How was school, Rei?" He smiled, floating in the tube of LCL. "I heard Shinji-kun went too."

  "It was as usual." She said, turning away. "I dislike how you always speak of him, Nagisa-kun."

  "That's a very human feeling," he laughed a little, bubbles forming from his mouth. "But don't worry, I won't leave you behind."

  "What if you do?" She asked. "You always say you will tell me why you always speak of him. Yet you have not done so."

  He sighed, the LCL draining out of the tube. "I am waiting for my sister. It will be easier to explain then."

  He stepped out of the tank, and casually tossed her a glance that she understood immediately. Meet me at night. 

  "I think the next Angel with arrive... very, very soon. I will fight in your place."

  He then left, leaving her alone in the room, staring at the clones.

  You have been my only hope, the only one who understood, despite that the members of Nerv are kind to me... they are human. And if you lay eyes for another, what will I do? 

  I need you.