It had been a stressful day for all concerned at NERV. For Shinji, who had come at his father's instance only to being shanghai-ed into piloting a giant robot against a powerful monster, only for it to be destroyed in one shot by a powerful dragon... to say that it was a stressful day was the understatement of his life! As soon as he returned, he was left in the hospital for a while until someone came for him.
For the Bridge crew, things were even more chaotic.
Ritsuko Akagi, head scientist of Project E and main programmer of the MAGI supercomputers, was literally pulling off her faux-blonde hair in frustration, trying to make sense of the readings obtained of the battle, (If such one-sided encounter could be called 'battle') and subsequent major event. She was truly frustrated trying to find a scientific explanation of THAT one!
Misato Katsuragi, Head Tactician of NERV, was overall happy with the results. After all, any being that could destroy the angels and rebuild the city in one felt swoop was A-OK by her books! Not to mention keeping Shinji safe.
Maya Ibuki, Shigeru Aoba and Makoto Hyuga, the bridge bunnies in charge of coordinating orders and readings from battle and superiors, were still in shock, unable to fully assimilate what had happened in the surface.
As for Gendo Ikari, Supreme Commander of NERV... he was seething at having his own scenario derailed at such an early stage. But at the same time, his keen mind was already plotting on how to take advantage of this new... player. Things weren't so bad after all. The scenario was just starting and he could adapt. However, what he wasn't anticipating was what to say to the old men of SEELE regarding what happened.
________________________
Inside a private room in NERV's hospital, Rei Ayanami, the First Child, was sleeping. At first it was due to the drugs given to her to overcome the pain of her injuries. However, their effect was washed away during Ranma/Slyfer's healing along with all her injuries, instead turning it into a more natural sleep.
It is worth of notice that normally, she wasn't prone of having dreams. It simply wasn't in her nature. But this time, she was having one.
Rei was standing on top of a pool of what she identified as LCL, both liquid and the 'sky' above an orange-ish red hue; idly, she noticed that she was not sinking, instead she was standing as on a solid surface. She noticed she was dressed in her white plugsuit. There was not a sound, not even a breeze.
Daughter
Blinking at the sudden voice, Rei turned around, not finding anyone.
Daughter...
Turning around once more, she suddenly noticed in front of her... another Rei. But this one was sunken down to her mid-riff in the LCL, wearing a school fuku. "Who are you?"
You know who I am, Daughter of mine.
Startled, Rei could only murmur one word. "Lilith..."
That is right, Daughter. said Lilith, smiling. There is something important you have to know.
A new force of the Heavens have arrived at this city. A force that has the power to change Destiny from what the Usurpers wish. This one will steer my Children to a new path, away from the dark desires of those who only want to destroy everything.
Rei was stunned upon hearing those words. Her mind went into overdrive, trying to figure out what would happen to her if this was true. Lilith could sense her turmoil, however, so she tried to put them to rest.
Do not fear, my Daughter. Unlike the one who only wishes to use you, this one will protect you to the utmost, cherish you as one of his own.
Seek him. Join with him. And protect him from those who wish him harm. Once you find him, you will also find a new purpose outside that which was forced upon you.
Will you do as I ask, Daughter of mine?
Rei remained speechless for an undetermined length of time, trying to digest what she had learned. On one hand, what Lilith asked from her was to bertray Gendo, the man who had raised and cared for her. to forsake all he had taught her and told her was her purpose in life. But on the other hand, there was a chance to go beyond said boundaries, to explore all those things that the rest of humanity took for granted and she ignored about.
In the end, curiosity tipped the balance in favor of the second option.
"I will."
That is all I ask. Good luck, Daughter.
And with that, the dream ended, leaving Reai in a dreamless state. If someone had been watching her, would have noticed the slight smile on her lips.
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(Posted Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:34)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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