even though you are merely dreaming, you are (not) alone

[a_young_legend]

[inside Unit 01...]

Comments

[klan_klan_klan]

[This being the land of strange metaphors, Klan is hundreds of times Shinji's size, instead of just being like ten times his size.]

How can you pilot the Eva, if you don't even know who you are?

[a_young_legend]

-He tries his best not to shake upon sight of the strange giant.-

It's... it's because I have to. Father said so. If I don't pilot the Eva, it would be useless. Only I can do it. Only me. It means I have a purpose. Somebody wants me. If I stop piloting the Eva, then I...

-He trails off.-

[klan_klan_klan]

That's not a reason. A reason to fight has to come from you. Not your father, not your duty. Try again.

[a_young_legend]

-He snaps at her.-

Aren't you listening?! It doesn't matter why I fight, just that I do, okay?! Why do you even care? Why does anybody? Why won't people just leave me alone?

[klan_klan_klan]

Because we're not weapons.

[As Shinji snaps at Klan, she's normal size again, looking about the same age as him.]

Isn't it normal for people to want to know more about each other?

[a_young_legend]

But... but that other person said...

-His hands fly to his head, as he tries to force the unwanted thoughts out.-

Every time I get close to someone, I only wind up getting hurt! They leave, they abandon me, they hate me in the end! That's how the world works, and I hate it! What's the point of knowing someone if they're just going to betray you like that?!

[klan_klan_klan]

What's wrong with a little pain? It makes the good parts more satisfying.

[a_young_legend]

It's more than a little! What would you know about it? People don't treat you like they treat me! You're no better than everyone else, trying to lecture me because you think you know what's best! Well, I'm not listening anymore!

-Shinji reels his fist back to hit her.-

Why don't you all just DISAPPEAR?!

-But his fist falls short, and Shinji simply hangs there, tears rolling down his cheeks.-

Why don't you all just forget about me?

[klan_klan_klan]

Okay...

...but why don't you think about whether or not that's actually better?

[And she's gone, leaving Shinji alone.]

[a_young_legend]

-His hand hovers in air and quivers along with the rest of him.-

I... I don't...

Someone... wants to remember me...?

Klan...

You are a weapon

You are not a weapon

You are...?

-With that, Shinji falls to his knees, drained.-