Superwomen of Eva: Vengeful Devil

by OrionPax09

When Asuka nearly dies after defeating the Eigth Angel in the volcano, she comes back from the edge of death. Bringing something back with her... Completely overhauled.

2. A Demon's Demonstration

Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion, or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything belonging to Marvel Comics or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.

Chapter 2: A Demon's Demonstration

As the sun crept into her bedroom, blanketing Asuka in its warmth, the pleasant sensation was quick to lure her to the waking world. Her eyes fluttering open, she rolled her head in the direction of the window that the golden orb was shining in through.

As she looked towards the morning sun that the land of Japan was so famous for, Asuka found a smile tugging at her lips as she sat up in the ridiculous futon that passed for a bed in this country. Tossing aside her blanket, the German yawned deeply as she stretched out the entirety of her body before flopping back down. Wanting to enjoy this peaceful moment of solitude for a short while longer before she had to contend with her housemates, to reflect upon the triumph that she had claimed for herself, and everything that came with it.

It had only been a couple of days since the volcano mission, since Asuka had come very close to dying in the depths of a molten inferno. Since that unnerving vision of what some might call hell had come to her, the nightmarish voice that had sounded in her head. Things that had faded somewhat as she and the rest of them had left Mount Asuma, but had not been entirely forgotten.

But Asuka didn't really care about that. None of it mattered, not in the slightest. For what she had achieved was far greater, far more important than her close brush with death, or any foolish nightmares her overcooked brain had conjured up for her horror.

She had killed an Angel. The moment she had worked and studied and trained for roughly a decade had finally come. She had faced off against one of Adam's children and slain it.

This wasn't the first time Asuka had battled against the Angels, of course. She had already battled them twice, with one battle taking place before she had even arrived in Japan. But neither battle had gone the way she had so often envisioned such battles going. After all, she had trained most of her life for battle. She had been given courses in self-defense, on how to use various ranged and melee weapons, and had had extensive training in the combat simulators. She was far more advanced than any child her age, having even graduated from college, virtually an adult in a child's body. As ideal an Evangelion pilot as was possible. And so she had expected that she would have an infinitely easier time combating Angels than a barely trained idiot that had been brought onboard simply because his father had decided to give him an outdated kludge of an Eva for some reason or another.

Unfortunately, reality had refused to live up to her expectations. The battle against the 6th Angel had been nothing more than an utter and complete fiasco, with only Misato's strategy saving the day. The first attempt at destroying the 7th Angel had ended in Asuka's utter humiliation, thanks entirely to Shinji screwing everything up. And while the second attempt had been successful, she had once again been humiliated as a result of the 3rd Child's inexperience and bungling.

Yeah, I know, he's not as totally hopeless as I first thought he'd be, Asuka was forced to admit, if only to herself. Recalling how he had been able to keep his head somewhat during the battle with the 6th Angel, and had done a fairly decent job matching her moves during the second battle against the 7th Angel until he had fouled up at the end. But he doesn't have anywhere near my training, and it's shown in every battle! And I've had to depend on him every single time!

This had been bad enough for Asuka, for while being an Eva pilot marked Shinji as someone who was at least marginally better than most of the idiots the world was jam-packed with, he was still lesser than her in skill and ability. Being forced to rely on him to achieve victory had been a very bitter pill to swallow, especially since he had managed to kill two Angels completely unassisted, and had laid waste to a third with only minimal assistance from Rei. And if he had been capable of doing that with as little training as he had had, then there was absolutely no reason why Asuka should have needed to depend on him in any of her battles.

But this battle…this victory was all mine! Asuka thought, the thrill of such triumph still with her as she rose from her bed and began to prepare to get dressed. So what if he tossed me his prog knife? I wouldn't have needed it if the stupid suit I'd been using hadn't started falling apart like that! And I'm the one who taught him about thermal expansion, so that was all me, too! And as for him saving me -!

At this, Asuka winced, once again thinking back to that horrid vision she had suffered just before awakening to find herself being lifted out of the volcano, with Shinji having taken the unprotected Unit 01 into the molten magma to save her from falling into the depths of the abyss. Unable to get around the fact that, even if all she had experienced was nothing more than a delusion brought on by the heat and stress and momentarily passing out, if the 3rd Child she so frequently derided for his lack of skill and training had not risked his life that day, she would have died with the 8th Angel in the depths of that infernal pit.

Well...that had nothing to do with the battle! I still won it basically by myself! Asuka quickly told herself, trying to shove aside the fact that the only reason she was still alive was an untrained, unskilled boy who wasn't even close to matching her ability. Someone who was perfectly content to act like a spineless wimp most of the time had saved her. And I saved everybody else by killing that Angel! she quickly countered those miserable little doubts and concerns. If I hadn't killed that thing, the JSSDF would have bombed us all out of existence, Shinji included! So we're even, and that's that!

Concluding this inner debate with a vigorous nod, Asuka studied the wide variety of fancy dresses and clothes that filled her closet to capacity before settling upon a nice red sundress that went nicely with her hair. Wishing not for the first time that Misato owned a larger place, complete with closets and rooms large enough for all of the lovely things she had brought with her from Germany, the redhead got dressed and made her way out into the living room proper. The smell of food cooking instantly finding its way to her nose, cuing hungry rumbles from her stomach.

What the…can it be -?! Asuka wondered as she made her way to the dining area, where her other roommates were already in evidence. As was usual, Misato was presently knocking back one of the many beers she kept on hand, and the genetically engineered warm-water penguin known as PenPen was happily gulping down sardines for his morning repast. While that was going on, Shinji was busy puttering away in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Is that -?!

As the redhead made her way closer, trying to confirm what her nose was telling her, Misato turned about and took notice of her. "Why, good morning, Asuka!" the purple-haired woman smiled brightly, seemingly unaware of what her beverage of choice was doing to her breath. "Sleep well?"

Wrinkling her nose and wondering why anybody would drink the kind of swill known as beer, let alone at breakfast, Asuka shrugged and answered, "Yeah, I slept okay." Then she returned her attention to Shinji and his labors and asked, "Say, Third…are those waffles you're making?"

Turning to meet her gaze, Shinji smiled and nodded. "Uh-huh. I have some sausages and strawberries to go with them, too."

Her eyes widening, Asuka glanced about at the top of the stove, and confirmed that Shinji did indeed have all the necessary ingredients for her favorite breakfast. "Well, this is surprise!" she declared, giving a lopsided smile at their resident chef. "What's the occasion?"

"Uh, no occasion," Shinji quickly returned, giving a hapless shrug. "It's just that – well, you know. What with everything that happened back at Mount Asuma, and –" Wincing at the mentioning of that mission, the timid little boy glanced back at the food he was in the midst of preparing. "Anyway, I – I just thought you might like something special for breakfast, and – I had some time to go shopping yesterday, and – the store, they had everything I needed, so…"

As Shinji trailed off helplessly, Asuka couldn't help but give a small shake of her head and a roll of her eyes. For while the pitiably meek 3rd Child didn't come close to having as much skill and courage as she had in battle, even she had to admit that his heart was in the right place. "Well…" she hesitated, not one for excessive gratitude, "…I'm just glad it won't be rice and soup for breakfast or some other schisse the Japanese call breakfast."

Pausing to wonder not for the first time what it was with the Japanese and their abysmal taste in flood, furniture, clothing, and virtually everything else, the redhead sat down at the table, waiting for Shinji to finish preparing their morning repast. "So, Asuka," Misato began, taking another chug of her beer. "Have you talked to Hikari yet?"

These words immediately soured some of the pleasure Asuka was feeling at the prospect of having her favorite breakfast. Hikari Horaki was her best friend, pretty much the only one she had in Japan, but she was presently away with virtually every other student of their school in Okinawa for their class trip. A trip to a veritable paradise complete with surf, sun, and fun that the German and her fellow pilots had not been allowed to go on the basis that they had been needed in Tokyo-3, should an Angel attack during that time. And while an Angel had actually appeared, Asuka was still more than annoyed at Misato for causing her to miss out on that trip.

"No, not yet," Asuka muttered, not bothering to keep her annoyance with Misato out of her voice. "I tried calling her at her hotel, but she wasn't there. I couldn't even leave a message!"

Nodding to this, Misato then looked over at the other pilot present. "What about you, Shinji?" she wondered. "Any word from Toji or Kensuke?"

"Uh…yeah. I got a message from Toji," Shinji confirmed with a slight nod. Giving both women an embarrassed look, he then admitted, "He…said that they had been scuba diving and everything, and…" Making an irritated sound at this reminder of all the fun she was not having, Asuka shot him an annoyed glare, causing him to trail off. "Um…you know, I could try calling him, ask him to tell Hikari to call you, and…"

"Naw, don't bother, Third," Asuka grumbled irritably. "I'll try Hikari again later." Then she gave her fellow pilot a look and added, "Besides, knowing your little Stooge buddies, she's probably busy trying to keep them from doing anything stupid."

Issuing a feeble groan at this, Shinji then returned his attention to preparing their morning repast. Before long, breakfast was ready and was being served, allowing Asuka to take a long, deep breath filled with the aromatic and familiar food. Her mood softening somewhat as she and the others dug in.

As the three of them ate, Misato paused in her meal to say, "Anyway, you two, I hope you're ready for today's synch test. Especially you, Asuka."

Giving Misato a look, Asuka asked, "Well, why wouldn't we be?" Glancing over at Shinji, she then said, "It's just another dumb synch test, right? We get those all the time!"

"I know, but Ritsuko told me that this one will be really in-depth." When both pilots gave Misato a quizzical look, she elaborated with, "You both got pretty cooked in that volcano. Especially you, Asuka. And Ritsuko wants to have you both certified as being ready and able to pilot before Commander Ikari gets back to Japan."

"Wha- but of course I'm ready and able!" Asuka immediately declared. "Look, that stupid plug suit malfunctioned, alright?! My heart and everything else is perfectly fine!"

Shrugging helplessly, Misato returned, "Hey, you know that, I know that, but you know Rits. She isn't happy unless she has all the facts and figured categorized and on file." Then her expression hardened somewhat. "Besides, the Commander made it very clear that he wants you two certified as being ready for piloting as soon as possible. So be glad that she decided to give you both a few days off while she had the Evas inspected and repaired before putting you both through the wringer."

Shinji let out a wearied sigh even as Asuka groaned in disdain. Damn…Shinji's father really is an asshole! the German vehemently thought, taking an especially vicious jab at a piece of sausage. And I thought my old man was a bastard…

---

Breakfast passed relatively quickly, and before long, Misato was driving the two pilots to NERV. As Asuka was forced to wonder for the umpteenth time precisely what idiot had decided giving the purple-haired woman a driver's license was a good idea, the unlikely trio were riding one of the trams that carried them beneath Tokyo-3 into the self-sustained colony that was the Geofront.

As she looked out at the place that was the home of NERV Central, Asuka allowed herself a moment of contentment at the familiar sight of the bottoms of the various buildings poking through the roof of the Geofront, at the tranquil wooded area that surrounded the pyramid that was NERV Headquarters, for these were things that she deserved. That they were reminders of all the hard work she had done to claim the title of 2nd Child when there had been so many other candidates, that there were pilots and prospective pilots elsewhere in the world, only for them to be effectively sidelined and kept away from the battle for survival that was the Angel Wars. That her efforts to leave her miserable past and all its pain and weakness behind had all been worth it to be here, to be acknowledged as one of humanity's ultimate champions.

The best of the best. Above and beyond most of humanity.

And now, I have a solo kill on my record to prove it! Asuka thought smugly even as they exited Misato's battered Renault Alpine and started making the trek from the parking garage to the changing rooms, and from there, the Eva Cages. People won't be so quick to give all the praise and glory to the Third from here on in! They'll all know who the real top pilot is after that mission!

Smiling in a self-satisfied way as she imagined the way people would greet her on the bridge, as well as how her classmates would react when she began recounting her adventure within the depths of the volcano, Asuka walked alongside of Shinji and Misato, exchanging greetings in passing with the various technicians and other personnel that also walked the halls of NERV. Until she frowned, something getting her attention.

"Say…" Asuka began, narrowing her eyes as she took a deep breath. "Is it getting warm in here?"

"Uh…no…" came Shinji's hesitant voice. "Why do you…?"

As his words trailed off, Asuka felt a flare of annoyance at the weak-willed excuse for a pilot, and turned towards him. Only to frown in surprise when she found Shinji eyeing her with a strange expression. "What?!" she promptly demanded, becoming more than annoyed. "What are you looking at, Third?!"

Flinching at the harsh tone of her voice, Shinji gave a helpless shrug. "Oh, nothing! It's just…!" Scowling at his qualifier, Asuka was sorely tempted to tell the little wimp to try acting like he had a spine outside of an Eva when he gathered himself up and continued. "…well…you look a little…flushed, that's all."

As Asuka simply glared at this, more confused than annoyed now, Misato took notice of their conversation. "Hey…you are looking a little red in the face!" the Captain stated, coming to stand in the redhead's path. When Asuka stopped, Misato bent down and frowned. "Are you running a fever? Let me feel your forehead."

"Wha- no!" Asuka immediately protested, swatting Misato's hand away before she could touch her. "All I said was that I felt kinda warm! That doesn't make me sick or anything!"

"Maybe, but your color doesn't look right," Misato responded, all business as she again attempted to reach for the German's forehead. "Now stand still; this won't take a moment…"

Again, Asuka moved to protest, but before she could intercept Misato's hand once again, something caught her eye. A bit of movement coupled with something unusual, something that didn't seem right that prompted her to look and see what it was. Only for her mouth to pop open in surprised confusion.

A Section 2 agent was walking down the hallway, paying absolutely no attention to Asuka or the others as drew closer. This specimen of NERV's secret police was made recognizable by his hard expression and the black suit he wore. The suit made him virtually indistinguishable from other such agents in Asuka's eyes. If he had been part of a crowd, she doubted she would have been able to tell him from another such agent. There was absolutely nothing remarkable about him to set him apart from his fellows.

Except…

What…the…hell…?! Asuka moaned inwardly, her mental voice low with horror as her eyes rounded with shock. For as she watched, she saw several things swirling about the Section 2 man. Horrible things like cloudy black stars swarmed about him like angry bees, screeching and crying and howling in agony and hatred. Their tiny voices too soft for the German to be able to distinguish any words, if any were spoken, but too penetrating for her to be able to ignore them.

Which made it even more shocking and confusing that the Section 2 agent was seemingly unaware of them. Paying them no heed whatsoever as he came closer to the trio, completely unconcerned by them or the horrid things. It was only when he was virtually alongside of them that he paused, wrinkling his nose and taking an experimental sniff. "What the…?" he began, stopping to look at them. "Do you smell that?"

"Huh?" Shinji started, looking away from Asuka to stare at the agent. Seemingly unconcerned by the screeching horrors that swarmed about him. "Smell what?"

"That stink!" the Section 2 man complained, taking another whiff and grimacing as a result. "Ugh…its faint, but…!"

As Shinji frowned, Misato stood up and looked at the agent. Like the 3rd Child and the Section 2 man, she paid no heed to the screeching horrors that swirled about him, and sniffed the air. "Ugh, you're right!" the Captain frowned, making an expression of disgust. "Smells like…rotten eggs!"

They…they don't see them?! Asuka demanded incredulously, swinging her gaze from the people around her to the swarming horrors that surrounded the Section 2 man. But - but that's just – that doesn't -!

Disbelief and confusion mounting up rapidly, the German glanced about at the people around her one last time before she reached the limits of her tolerance. Forcing herself to look away from the black suited man, she started forward once more, marching away as fast as she could without looking like she was trying to get away. "Hey, c'mon, you two!" Asuka declared as she distanced herself from her housemates. "The sooner we get this dumb synch test over with, the better!"

"Huh? Hey, Asuka, wait!" Shinji sputtered out, his footsteps making it clear that he was moving to follow. With another set of steps signaling Misato was already catching up with them, the 3rd Child fell in step alongside the German, looking at her worriedly. "What's up with you? Is something wrong?"

"Of course not!" Asuka hurriedly spat out, actively avoiding turning to look back down the hallway, unwilling to risk seeing the Section 2 man and the apparently non-existent clouds of darkness that swarmed around him. "Why? Do you think something's wrong with me?!"

"Huh?!" Shinji started, only to quickly wave his hands before him, clearly realizing the error of having made such a foolish implication. "No, no! It's not that! It's just…"

"Well, whatever it is, I'm not in the mood for it!" Asuka huffily declared as she continued her forward march. "I just want to get this stupid test over and done with as soon as possible, that's all!" Then she narrowed her eyes and shot Shinji a sideways glare. "Why? Do you have a problem with that, Third?"

Shinji opened his mouth to respond, but never got the chance as Misato broke in. "Of course not, Asuka," the purple-haired woman declared, coming up on the redhead's other side and reaching for her forehead. "Now let me check your temperature real quick, okay?"

"Hey, leave me -!" Asuka hurriedly protested even as she ground to a halt. But her protested went unheeded as the Captain placed her hand upon her forehead.

"Hmm…you're a bit warm, but it doesn't feel like you have a fever or anything," Misato mused in a thoughtful manner. "Still, maybe we should stop by NERV Medical. Just to get you checked out."

"I'm fine, Misato!" Asuka promptly returned, wanting nothing more than to shove what had just happened out of her mind and forget it ever happened. Then she turned a cocky smirk at her guardian and added, "Just wait until the test gets going! I'll show you just how fine I am!"

Pressing her lips together, Misato glanced over at Shinji, and while Asuka didn't bother to look in his direction, she could almost see the helpless expression he wore that caused the Captain to shrug. "Okay…if you're sure," Misato finally decided before standing straight. "But if you start feeling sick or anything, don't try and tough it out. You let me know, understood?"

"Yeah, yeah," Asuka grumbled with a dismissive wave of her hand, already starting forward again.

"Because I don't want you or anybody else fighting an Angel and some nasty bug at the same time," Misato continued in full-on lecture mode. "And that goes for you, too, Shinji."

As Shinji naturally enough agreed to this, Asuka frowned irritably. For while she understood Misato's reasoning, could certainly see the logic in it, she didn't want to go to NERV Medical. She didn't want to take the chance that there might be something wrong with her, or at least that could be perceived as being wrong. She didn't want to show any signs of weakness or vulnerability, anything that could potentially get her sidelined when the next Angel appeared.

Especially not after I finally managed to kill an Angel myself! Asuka thought, flashing back to that moment of triumph. All the while trying to avoid thinking of the dream in the darkness that had tainted it. A nightmarish vision brought on by the combination of the extreme heat and coming deathly close to losing her life.

A vision that had been brought back to the forefront of Asuka's mind by what she had just seen. By those horrid things she had seen swarming about…

No! Asuka hurriedly told herself, stomping on both the vision and this recent incident with equal vigor and determination. That was…it was probably just my imagination, that's all! As this thought echoed in her mind, the German found herself nodding in satisfaction. Yeah, that's it. After all, nobody else saw those…whatever-they-were. I was probably just…just…

But even as she told herself that those things could only have been her imagination, Asuka found herself frowning, for this was an unsatisfactory explanation at best. After all, she was a pragmatic young woman, not given to flights of fancy. And she certainly wasn't the kind of person that would hallucinate something as hideously disturbing as those hideous things. Anymore than she would hallucinate about fire, death, and…

Just knock it off already! Asuka virtually roared within her own mind, taking these niggling voices of doubt and stomping down as best as she could. You were screwed up by the heat and everything else! There is absolutely nothing wrong with you! Do you hear me?! Heaving a deep breath, the German quickened her pace. Look, let's just do this stupid synch test and get it the hell over with!

Already making plans for a shopping spree to help take her mind off of everything that had happened, Asuka continued onwards. Frowning at the feeling that something, somewhere, was laughing lowly at her…

---

Synch tests. They were just another aspect of daily life at NERV, a part of the routine there. The pilots got into their Test Plugs, basically spent some time thinking at their Evangelions, with Ritsuko and the technicians scanning and evaluating their ability to synchronize with the mighty biomechanical titans.

They were also a part of the routine Misato hated with a passion. If for no other reason than it was her job to supervise the entire procedure, keeping abreast of the piloting ability of her little soldiers, children who should have been out enjoying the kind of life she had been denied. All the while basically doing absolutely nothing but cooling her heels and feeling guilty about the fact that it was them taking the risks out in the field, fighting her war on her behalf, courting death and disaster every time an Angel appeared.

Especially last time… Misato frowned, fighting down a shudder as she flashed back to just how close to utter disaster they had come during the operation at Mount Asuma. She had known going into that attempted capture that there had been a terrible risk of setting off a Third Impact by doing what they had gone in there to do. But what happened to Asuka…

This isn't the first time this has happened, Misato reminded herself. This isn't the first time one of the children has almost been killed…and I know it won't be the last. And this was true enough in and of itself. The 1st Child, Rei Ayanami, had been severely maimed and nearly killed in an activation test gone bad, and Shinji had nearly died during the disastrous first attempt to destroy the 5th Angel.

But these events had taken place inside of Tokyo-3, where she had full access to all the support equipment, weaponry, defensive systems, and medical facilities of NERV Headquarters. Everything that she could hope for in order to take a potential disaster and nip it in the bud was at her command. But she had knowingly, even eagerly fielded Asuka and the rest of the NERV bridge crew into one of the most hazardous situations imaginable, where the threat of Third Impact had hung over their heads like a Sword of Damocles. Where Asuka had essentially been on her own, without the possibility of backup or reinforcement from them, in one of the most dangerous environments for possible combat imaginable.

Captain Katsuragi, please! You have to stop this! came the memory of Makoto's desperate voice during that operation. A man frantically worried at the apparent lack of concern being shown for the person descending into what was effectively the depths of hell. This isn't another unmanned probe! There's a human being in that thing!

Misato had known he was correct, known just how dangerous the situation was. She had seen the unmanned probe they had sent to ferret out the Angel to begin with implode long before it had reached depths she had so insisted on sending Asuka to. She had known perfectly well, perhaps better than anyone else, all the ways that mission could have gone horribly wrong. And she also knew full well the way some of the people there felt about the decisions she had made.

Ritsuko was a scientist, shoving her human emotions to the side in favor of logical thinking that was not unlike that of a computer. She had weighed the risks of the mission against the benefits of capturing an Angel alive for study, of making a preemptive strike to stop one of the monsters that plagued them before it attack on its own terms, and had immediately agreed that it was worth the risk. Maya was Ritsuko's understudy, and held NERV's Head Scientist in the highest of esteem. There was no doubt she felt similarly to the faux-blonde doctor. But as for the rest of the people there…

"Shinji, Asuka, we're about to start the test," Ritsuko announced. Drawn by her best friend's voice, Misato looked up to see the doctor speaking to holographic windows holding the images of the two pilots. "Are you two ready?"

"Uh, yeah," Shinji nodded hesitantly. "I'm…ready whenever you are…"

"Of course I'm ready!" Asuka declared with absolute confidence. "Can we hurry up and get this thing over with already? I've got plans for today!"

Smiling weakly at this, Ritsuko replied, "Relax. We'll have this over and done with as quickly as possible." Glancing about at the rest of the staff present, including the bridge crew, the doctor continued, "Alright, everyone. Begin the –"

"Hold on a second, Ritsuko," Misato broke in, her thoughts and fears and concerns getting the better of her. When the Head Scientist and the others present shifted their gazes towards her, the Operations Director stepped closer to them, so as to be able to better look at them, study their expressions, including those of the children. "Before we get started, there's…there's something I need to say. To everyone here."

Giving Misato a quizzical look, one that was mirrored to some degree by all those present, Ritsuko eventually nodded. "I don't have a problem with that." Then she gave a pensive frown and asked, "What is it you have to say?"

"It has to do with the previous mission," Misato began, her voice low and serious as she surveyed the people that were at her command. For whom a single wrong order could mean the difference between life and death. "Now, I know that a lot of you here had some very serious concerns going into that one. Some of you probably didn't feel that trying to capture the Angel was worth the risks we were taking. Some of you would have aborted if they felt the danger was too great. And I don't doubt that every last one of you here was concerned about what might have happened to Asuka, given the situation we had put her in. And I don't blame you for feeling that way, or disagreeing with the calls I made then." Sweeping the faces that watched her with a weary gaze, the purple-haired woman heaved a deep breath. "But even though I understand your feelings, I don't regret the decisions I made. In fact, I honestly believe that aborting the mission would have been a critical mistake."

Looks of befuddlement were aimed at Misato, with NERV techs exchanging confused glances. Shinji looked on in concern, while Asuka looked more annoyed and impatient than anything. As for Ritsuko, her face remained impassive as the Captain continued. "As we've seen before, each Angel has had special abilities that gave it a distinct advantage in one sense or another. For example, the 6th Angel, which was encountered during the transport of Unit 02 to Japan. That Angel was ideally suited for moving freely underwater, making any attack on it problematic at best." Giving this a moment to sink in, Misato paused before continuing. "When I learned that the 8th Angel was incubating within the volcano, I had to take into account the possibility that it was adapted for life within molten magma. That it would be every bit as mobile and dangerous in magma as the 6th Angel was in the ocean. And if that were the case, then our mission at Mount Asuma would have been, in all likelihood, our only real chance of neutralizing it."

This got peoples' attention. Several brows were furrowed in worry or confusion as Misato continued. "It took everything we had in order to get at the Angel while it remained in its cocoon. If it had hatched before we had been able to get to it, it would have had virtually unlimited mobility down in the molten magma. It would have been able to move almost anywhere underground, and even worse, it might have been able to set off disruptions in the tectonic plates. Resulting in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or worse." Glancing over at Ritsuko, the Operations Director considered her before saying, "I realize that we could have presumably have used an N2 on the Angel, but to date, N2 explosives have been ineffective against them. This, coupled with the amount of damage that the N2 could have caused us, as well as the possibility of it being rendered inoperable by the depth pressure and heat before it even reached target, made it an unviable option in my opinion."

Taking note of Makoto as he lowered his eyes somewhat, as well as some of the other subdued faces around her, Misato turned her focus towards the pilots. Those most at risk in this war. "I'm sorry about what happened out there, and I regret that you had to do what you did. But I will be honest with you; if I had to do that mission all over again, I would make the same exact decisions I made the first time. Because this war is a war for survival. And the Angels won't be handing out any medals for second place if we lose." Pressing her lips together, the Captain studied the faces of her wards before saying, "I'm sorry you have to fight this war. I honestly wish you could have ordinary lives, and not have to live as soldiers. But I will tell you this; I will never give you an order that I would not be willing to carry out myself if our roles were reversed." A beat passed as this sank in, a moment in which Misato sighed heavily. "That's it. That's all I have to say," she eventually concluded. "I just wanted you to know that I wish that there was a better way…and that I hope you understand why I do things the way I do."

"Uh…of course I understand, Misato," Shinji hesitantly replied, managing a weak smile.

"Yeah, we get it." Then Asuka gave a cocky look before saying, "Now let me tell you something, Misato; I don't want what you'd call a normal life! I love being an Eva pilot, and I know we have to beat those damned Angels! And I wouldn't have done that mission any differently, either." Then the German made a face before looking over at Ritsuko, "Well, except for those ugly suits you stuck me and my Unit 02 with…"

As the Head Scientist ruefully rolled her eyes skyward, Misato gave a weak smile. "Fair enough," was all she said to this. All she really could say in return. "Well…I guess I've taken up enough of everybody's time." The Captain then turned to Ritsuko and said, "Go right ahead, Ritsuko."

"Of course," Ritsuko answered. And with that, the synch test began.

---

I swear, Misato's turning into another baka Shinji! Asuka muttered inwardly as the synch test preceded, the German doing little more than essentially sitting around in her Test Plug and thinking at her Unit 02. What's she getting so worked up over, anyway?! The mission's over, we won! No big deal!

The German had agreed with several of Misato's points, most particularly the one about how intercepting the Angel before it could leave Mount Asuma likely being their only chance to destroy it. All of that was just plain logical in her mind. So why would anybody feel that her decisions were wrong?

I knew what I was signing up for when I became an Eva pilot, Asuka thought, flashing back to that exhilarating moment of roughly ten years ago. And I wouldn't have it any other way! Eva is everything to me! Then she gave a roll of her eyes and asked, Besides, doesn't anybody remember what would have happened if we had blown this mission? Either the Angel got away and we'd never get it, or the JSSDF would have blown us all straight to hell! So there would have been no backing down either way!

Shaking her head in disbelief as she declared inwardly that she would never tolerate the kind of backtalk Misato had gotten, let alone put up with people disregarding or disrespecting her if she were in a command position, Asuka snorted loudly before sitting back and tried to let herself relax. Whatever issues the NERV techs had with the Captain's orders were none of her concern. Right now, her first and foremost priority was synchronizing with her Unit 02. With her connection to the biomechanical titan, a connection that was the proof of her superiority to others. That she was not just another little nobody lost among the masses that could be shoved aside without care or penalty.

I'm better than that! Better than him! Asuka thought, ignoring the temptation to shoot a glare in Shinji's general direction, and instead closed her eyes and focused on her Unit 02. On the personification of power that was hers to command, and the connection between them. A connection that allowed her to feel the crimson titan as if its body was in fact an extension of her own. To all the magnificent power that was an Evangelion, that came so quickly and readily to her in battle.

Power. Power exceeding that of even the mightiest army was what coursed through Unit 02. Power that rivaled that of the monsters bent on destroying humanity. Power that was now wrapping about Asuka like a warm, comforting blanket, making her feel safe, secure, and strong. Too strong for anyone to hurt, let alone conquer or destroy. Safe behind layer after layer of armor plating, beneath cables of biomechanical muscle. The Eva protecting her, and her guiding it.

It would be impossible for those who had never synched with an Evangelion to understand just how wonderful it felt. All that power and security, wrapped into one and coursing through one's body. And it was an experience Asuka reveled in. If not for the fact that this was a mere test, with her sitting still so that NERV could scrutinize, analyze, and pick apart her performance, the German would actually be enjoying herself. That… she slowly frowned, thinking back to her recent hallucination. Of the possibility that there might actually be something wrong with her. Something that might keep her from piloting. And something else…

---

"Hmm…that's odd," Ritsuko muttered in a thoughtful manner.

"What is it?" Misato wondered from her position behind them. "Is something wrong?"

Frowning somewhat as she studied the readings before her, Ritsuko answered, "Not exactly 'wrong'; more like 'unusual'." Hearing more than seeing her friend coming up from behind, the faux-blonde gestured at the data being displayed. "We're picking up an odd anomaly in Asuka's synch readings."

"Odd anomaly…meaning what?" Misato wondered uncertainly. "Is Asuka sick, or -?"

"No, nothing to indicate that," Ritsuko informed her. "However, we are picking up what looks to be some kind of afterimage of her brainwaves. Almost like an echo effect."

"It's nothing serious," Maya promptly chimed in from her station before Misato could say anything. "We have seen all kinds of different anomalies during synch tests before. Especially right after a battle."

"Are you sure about that?" Misato wondered, her expression hardening.

"Positive." Turning to look her friend in the eye, Ritsuko did her best to smile her reassurance. "You don't have to worry, Misato. This isn't anything serious. There's no sign of mental contamination." When Misato visibly failed to be reassured, the doctor added, "It's probably just an after-effect of the last battle. Don't forget, Asuka did have some pretty bad scares."

"Yeah, along with the rest of us," Misato remarked humorlessly.

Unable to deny this, Ritsuko continued to study the readings coming in from the two pilots. "Besides, take a look at these readings," the faux-blonde remarked, gesturing at another set of displays. "Some good might have come out of that mission after all."

Raising a genuinely purple eyebrow at this, Misato wondered, "Meaning…?"

"Since she's gotten here, Asuka's synch ratio and other statistics have been pretty consistent. That's not surprising, given how long she's been training with her Eva," Ritsuko explained, gesturing at the various data coming in. "But – look! Her harmonics and overall synch ability has increased substantially since the last mission. Furthermore, she's almost reached the contamination zone, and her readings are still quite impressive."

Narrowing her eyes, Misato studied the readings being provided to her, only for her mouth to pop open in surprise. "Wait a second…she's gone up by over five points!" When Ritsuko nodded in confirmation, the Captain frowned and asked, "But – it's only been a couple days since the last mission! Not even Shinji's ratio has jumped that fast!"

"I know. I can only assume that facing actual combat is somehow…stimulating Asuka. Making her more capable of synching with her Eva," Ritsuko declared with a helpless shrug. "Especially with what almost happened in the volcano."

Furrowing her brows at this, Misato countered, "In other words, you have no idea why her readings have gone up like this."

"Not a clue," Ritsuko was forced to admit. "I don't mind admitting that there are a lot of things that can affect any of the pilots' synch ability. All we can really do is keep steady track of it…and be glad when it goes up like this." With that, the doctor placed her hand on her understudy's shoulder. "Lower the graph depth on Unit 02 another 0.6, Maya. Let's see how well Asuka can do now."

---

This has to be the only real downside to being an Eva pilot, aside from all the dummkopfs I have to put up with, Asuka thought as she combed out her long red hair in the women's locker room. That Gott-damn LCL! Seriously, why does it have to smell and taste exactly like blood?!

Snorting mildly, Asuka continued to primp herself, having already showered off the Link Control Liquid that still clung to her after the synch test. The last thing she wanted was to taint her lovely dress and other personal garments with the stench of death, rot, and blood that LCL gave off as it dried. Especially since she felt exceptionally confident about the results of this latest synch test.

I just know I aced this thing! Maybe even set a new personal record! Asuka couldn't help but think as she exited the locker room and eagerly started towards the observation room to get the results of the test. She had been going through these tests for a good, long while now, ever since she had been given the first of the Production Model Evangelions that was Unit 02. But never before had synching with the mighty crimson giant been so completely effortless for her. She had been practically falling asleep when a voice had sounded over the PA, announcing the test's completion. This is gonna be great! I just know it!

When Asuka finally reached the observation room, she found that Shinji had already arrived, looking about as enthusiastic about getting the news as he looked about anything. Which was to say, not even the slightest bit enthusiastic. But Ritsuko took this in stride as she seemingly did with everything as she announced, "Excellent work, both of you. Shinji, your synch ability has increased by two points since your last test."

Shinji didn't say anything to this. He just stood there, looking as if he were being asked the time of day. Leaving Asuka caught between being annoyed at his progress, and his complete apathy towards it.

I swear, I'll never understand him! Doesn't he get just how lucky we are to be Eva pilots?! Asuka wondered incredulously, thinking of all the opportunities for glory and more Eva gave them. Honestly, his old man might be a jerk, and he might be stuck with an outdated kludge like Unit 01. But even so, doesn't he get that we -?!

"As for you, Asuka…" came Ritsuko's voice.

Instantly snapped from her irritable thoughts, Asuka returned, "Yes?"

Excitement, anticipation, and a sense like butterflies were fluttering about in her stomach, Asuka found herself practically standing at attention as the doctor paused to study the clipboard in her hand. "Well, I have to admit, I had been worried that your little adventure in the volcano might have had a negative impact on your synch ability." As these words entered the German's brain, they promptly sank into her stomach and began to burn. But before this could give rise to anxiety and concern, the doctor smiled in a reassuring manner. "However, that doesn't appear to be the case."

Taken aback by this sudden reversal, Asuka looked hard at the faux-blonde for a time. "Then – my synch ratio's okay?"

"Better than okay, actually," Ritsuko confirmed, clearing away the last of the burning in the German's stomach. "In fact, your synch value has increased by over five points since the last mission."

At these words, Asuka immediately forgot about what annoyance she felt at the doctor for baiting her, and instead grinned in delight. For while five points might not have seemed like much to people unfamiliar with the ratings of NERV, she knew full well how well that number padded her already-impressive synch ability. "What? Really?!" Asuka exclaimed, unable to recall the last time her synch ratio had increased by such a large number. Add to this was the fact that she had achieved such an increase in the span of a couple days, and her heart practically jumped through her throat in her excitement. "That's my highest score ever!"

"Yes, I know," Ritsuko replied with a hint of a smile. "As I said, excellent work, both of you." Glancing between the two pilots, she concluded with, "Alright, you can go now. And try and take it easy for a while. You've both earned it."

At this, some of the annoyance Asuka had felt before returned. For while she didn't doubt that Ritsuko was simply humoring the 3rd Child or trying to make him feel better over his relatively lackluster performance that day, the fact that she paid them both the same level of praise when their level of improvement was worlds apart irked her somewhat. And then she looked over at Shinji, and saw that he was reacting to this about the same as everything, and was even more annoyed as he answered, "Oh…okay, Akagi-san."

What?! Can't he be the slightest bit jealous?! Asuka demanded inwardly, once again wondering why she even bothered. C'mon, Invincible Baka Shinji! I just totally trounced you! Show me that it bugs you the way it would bug me! Make me feel like I earned this one!

Shinji did not cooperate in this regard. So Asuka decided the only thing to do was goad a bit of annoyance of her so-called rival. "Yeah, nice work, Third," the German grinned, just before she leaned into his face and narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Of course, it will never be as nice as mine!"

Shinji didn't say anything to this, increasing Asuka's annoyance. Something increased even more so when Misato made herself heard. "Asuka…" she intoned in a low voice of warning. When the German turned to face the Operations Director, she saw her with her eyes narrowed with annoyance. This didn't last long, for then Misato turned to the 3rd Child, her expression softening as she said, "Okay. As Rits said, you both can go now. You both did good today."

"Yeah, you did okay. If you call being second-best okay," Asuka declared in a mocking fashion, sticking her nose up in the air as she spoke. Then she shot Shinji a sideways glance before adding, "But then, I guess that's all we can expect from an untrained baka like you, anyway."

"Asuka…!" Misato muttered in a more menacing fashion.

"Hey, what's the matter, Misato? I'm just trying to help the Third feel better, that's all!" Asuka smirked in a sour-sweet fashion. Pausing once again to glance over in Shinji's direction, she added, "After all, he should get used to being second-best! Because if today's any indicator, I'm going to be enjoying the top spot for a good, long while!"

Shinji didn't say anything. Didn't do anything. Didn't show any sign that he was even remotely upset by the German's barbed comments. Unlike Misato, who growled, "Asuka, knock it off!"

"Agreed," Ritsuko seconded, giving the redhead a wearied look. "If you have to be obnoxious, please do so somewhere else. We still have work to do here."

Stung by this remark, Asuka swung her gaze towards the older women, ready to protest. Only to pause when she saw that it wasn't just the Captain and doctor glaring at her with annoyance. The rest of the personnel present, including the bridge bunnies, were giving her looks of patent annoyance or disdain. A reaction that promptly curdled any further urge to bait the solemn 3rd Child, and spoiled any enjoyment she was taking in it. "Okay, okay! Jeez! Don't make such a big deal of it!" the redhead declared in what even she recognized as being a sour grapes manner. Then she shot Shinji one last glance before stating, "I'm gonna go out to mall, so don't wait up for me, Third!"

Not waiting for Shinji to respond to this, Asuka marched out of the observation room in a grand flourish. Already planning on doing some serious shopping to make up for this bit of aggravation.

---

As soon as both Asuka and Shinji had departed the room, Shigeru muttered, "Ugh…I guess we should have seen this coming…"

"Tell me about it!" Makoto groaned, shaking his head wearily as he returned his attention to his duty. "And I thought she was full of herself before?"

"Looks like that mission and her new score went right to her head," Ritsuko decided, sounding more bored than anything else. "How pathetic."

On one level, Misato couldn't help but agree with the others there. Asuka's attitude towards Eva was something she had been worried might be a problem at one point or another, given how much time and value she placed on her status as a pilot. Added to this all her other problems and her difficulties with dealing with others, and the Captain couldn't help but be concerned that the German might wind up setting herself up for a bad fall later on. Especially since it takes more than a high synch value to win against the Angels, she thought warily, recalling the way Asuka's arrogance and need to prove herself had put herself and others in jeopardy during her first two sorties against the Angels.

"Don't worry. I'll talk to Asuka later, see if I can straighten her out," Misato promised her friend. "Hopefully before she winds up getting herself into a situation she can't get out of!"

---

As Asuka made her way through the halls of NERV, making a beeline for the trams that led to and from the NERV pyramid, the bad mood that had sent her marching away from the observation room slowly melted away, allowing her to focus on more pleasant things.

My highest score ever! she found herself thinking once again as she approached the station where the trams came and went. It was relatively empty at the moment, as it was between shift changes, meaning that Asuka was able to get a tram all to herself. Allowing her to savor her moment of triumph even more thoroughly, a broad grin plastered on her face as she began to ride up to the city above. My first real win against the Angels, and my best score ever! This is so perfect!

As this settled upon her, Asuka couldn't help but be more upbeat, some of her old fantasies from the past returning to her. So she had had a few missteps in her first few missions? Her instructors back at NERV Germany had assured her that, while she had excelled at the combat simulations, vastly outperforming the other candidates that had been there, it took time to get used to actual combat. To fighting a living creature with a mind of its own and capabilities that could not be predicted. Something that had been backed up by accounts of the powers and capabilities of the Angels that had appeared before her arrival in Japan.

But after today, I just know that things are going to be different! Asuka grinned, her picture of the future becoming rosier with each passing moment. For while it was obvious that some of the idiots at NERV were still hung up on Shinji, she was certain that would fade away when she started bringing in victory after victory, when it was her saving their lives instead of him. And when the Angel War ended, with her being remembered as the pilot with the most victories under her belt, and thus the one acknowledged as having played the key role in saving humanity. Statues would be made of her, parades held in her honor, she would be interviewed, idolized, and so much more.

And it won't stop there! Asuka thought, even more images of a bright future coming to her. After all, she had no doubt that the Evangelions would still be in use after the Angel War was over and done with. The world was still a mess as a result of Second Impact. Conflicts that had been set aside in order to rebuild in its wake would undoubtedly flare up, sooner or later. All kinds of tyrants and despots had risen up in the various Third World countries, having turned those nations into their own little empires that even now were fighting amongst themselves. Once the Angels are done with, they'll still need the Evas and their pilots! And who's going to be getting the big assignments, the promotions, the opportunities? Why, the best Eva pilot, naturally!

Scarcely able to imagine all the doors that would open up for her, the opportunities that would present themselves, Asuka settled back, wondering how exactly to celebrate this latest step she had taken to such a wonderful future. Clearly, this calls for some serious shopping! she decided, already considering which stores to raid when she reached the mall. And after that…well, I'll definitely have to share everything with Hikari and everyone else when they get back from Okinawa! Maybe some kind of victory celebration, and – oh! I'll definitely have to call Kaji! Pausing to conjure up an image of the handsome man that had been her guardian in Germany, the redhead issued a girlish giggle. Maybe I can get him to take me out to dinner to celebrate! And then -!

Are you pleased, Asuka?

"Huh?!" Asuka blurted, jumping a few inches up from her seat at the sound of this voice. A voice that caused her skin to turn into gooseflesh, a chill running up her spine as she sat up ramrod straight. Hurriedly looking about the interior of the tram, the German narrowed her eyes at the obviously interior, at the complete absence of any possible source of the eerie voice.

After several seconds passed, in which Asuka saw nothing and the voice did not repeat itself, she slowly settled back down. "Great. Now I'm hearing voices," the German grumbled, making a sound of annoyance in her throat as she folded her arms across her chest. "As if seeing things wasn't bad enough!"

Ah, yes, hearing voices. Seeing things, the voice came again. Sucking in a gasp, Asuka immediately flew to her feet, looking this way and that. That's how it always starts. Rationalizing, fantasizing, talk of dreams, hallucinations, and impossibilities. A low, cold, dangerous chuckle sounded as the redhead became more frantic in scanning her surroundings. You humans all have such an amazing capacity for denial.

"Huh?!" Asuka got out, still looking about, her initial fear quickly turning to anger in frustration. "What's going on here?!" she demanded, clenching her hands into fists as her eyes narrowed irritably. "I swear, if this is somebody's idea of a joke…!"

Oh, it's no joke, my dear. And you need not bother studying your surroundings. We are quite alone. No one here to see or hear you, and that's just the way I want it, the voice continued, sounding even more amused. You see, we have private business to speak of. We made a deal; remember, Asuka?A slow chill of fresh horror crept down the German's spine at this, becoming even more pronounced when the voice added, And now…it's time for you to uphold your end of it.

A…deal? Asuka thought, her eyes slowly widening as memories flooded her mind. Memoires of fire and brimstone, of tormented figures trapped in a fiery abyss. And a voice promising her life…or death.

Gulping as a chill rushed down her spine, Asuka whispered the name that had been stirring about in the back of her mind since her last battle. A name that had been haunting her, no matter how vigorously she tried to expunge it from her memories.

"Zarathos…"

Ah, good. You remember me, the voice replied, a smile to its words. Asuka gulping at this dread confirmation. I'm so glad to hear that. That will make things so much simpler.

"What do you want?!" Asuka hissed as she once again searched for the speaker. Of the creature that had followed her from the depths. "Where are you hiding?! Come out and face me!"

A dark, deadly chuckle cascaded through Asuka's mind at this. As much as I appreciate your courage, Asuka, I am afraid I cannot 'come out and face you', as you so requested. Another low chuckle sounded before Zarathos explained, For you see…I'm right here. Inside of you.

Of all the things the thing of horror and flame could have said, nothing could have surprised Asuka more than this. And, as her heart sank into the pit of her stomach, a heart that realized that the creature she had made a deal with was speaking the truth "I-inside…of me…?!" Asuka whispered in a low voice of dread. "H-how -?!"

Remember our deal, Asuka. I saved your life. Even as Asuka opened and closed her mouth, trying to work up the words to protest this, the thing within her countered, What that foolish doctor thought was a malfunction of your plug suit was my doing, a way of averting suspicion when I spared you. So I fulfilled my end of the deal. Issuing another low chuckle, Zarathos seemed to whisper in her ear, And in return…you allowed me to come to this world with you. To ride alongside your very soul…as it returned to your body.

Swallowing loudly, Asuka hurriedly checked to see how far along the tram was. How much longer she had until she had to contend with others possibly overhearing her having a conversation with herself. "Okay. So I gave you what you wanted; out of that damned fire pit!" she hissed out upon realizing that she had less than minutes until she reached her destination. "Then what are you still doing in my body?! Get out!"

I'm afraid that I will have to refuse you, Asuka, Zarathos answered in a bored tone. It's all part of the deal we made. You agreed to let me ride alongside of you, and so I am; inside of your body. Letting out an impatient growl of frustration, the redhead found herself pacing the interior of the tram like a caged animal as the creature continued. To be quite blunt…I do not wish to leave, and you…well, you have no way of making me, even if you really wanted to. And believe me, you don't.

"I don't, huh?!" Asuka growled in a voice dripping with sarcasm. "And why would that be, huh?!"

Because of the second part of our little deal, Zarathos continued with growing enthusiasm. Help me to seek vengeance against the guilty, and in return, I will give my power to help you slay your enemies. To show the world that you truly are the greatest warrior of your generation. At these words, a thick wad of bile borne of sudden, sharp suspicion rose up in Asuka's throat, prompting a laugh from her unwanted tenant. As you've already guessed, I've already been living up to my end of our arrangement.

Her heart sinking in horrified realization, Asuka felt as if slabs of solid granite had settled down upon her shoulders, forcing her to sit down once again. "The synch test…" she moaned despondently. "That was you…?"

Indeed. That, Asuka, is the least of what I am capable of, Zarathos stated, a flourish to his words. How do you think the people of NERV would respond to you having a synch ratio of, say…150? 200? Even 300, perhaps?

"What?" Asuka got out, immediately confused and confounded by equal and opposite reactions to these words. On the one hand, she felt sick to her stomach, knowing that her grand performance that day in the synch test had not been her own doing. That she had gloated and bragged about a demon's trick. And while she still did not like the fact that she was being overshadowed by Shinji in the eyes of the people at large and at NERV, the fact that she had taken such pleasure in raking him over the coals over a sham made her insides twist about uneasily.

But at the same time, if Zarathos was telling the truth, being able to demonstrate such extraordinary synch ability could not only further increase her standings as a pilot, but it could be incredibly useful in the heat of battle. The ability to control and make an Evangelion perform was completely dependent on the pilot's ability to synch with it. Below a certain synch ratio, an Eva simply would not move at all, no matter what the pilot did. But at the same time, an extremely high synch ability would allow a pilot to prompt the biomechanical titans to perform feats that were beyond extraordinary. That was one of the reasons why Asuka had been chosen to be a pilot; because her ability to synch with Unit 02 was vastly superior to that of the other possible candidates that had tried to claim that post. And if she were trapped in a difficult situation, where even a small increase in her ability to synch with the crimson titan could make the difference between victory and defeat…

"You can do that…?" Asuka found herself asking, numb and confused and not just a little bit afraid. "Seriously, you can do all that…?

Of course I can, Asuka. Increasing your ability to control Unit 02 is but a mere parlor trick for one such as I…and that is only the very beginning of what I can do for you. Than a low, dangerous chuckle was heard, just before Zarathos oozed, But first…I've lived up to my end of our deal. And now…

Now fear was replaced with a low groan of resignation as Asuka thought back to that time in the volcano. Of the deal she had struck with this devil. "And now, I have to live up to my end, right?!"

Precisely, Zarathos purred dangerously. Now you will act in my service, as a conduit of my power. You will act on my behalf, to claim vengeance upon the sinful, the guilty. Those who shed the blood of the innocent. As you agreed to do when I saved your life.

Pausing to glance about and see that they would soon arrive at the tram station, the German snorted, feeling more and more like a rat caught in a trap. "And let me guess," Asuka grumbled, her insides twisting about like a pit of snakes. "I say 'no', and I can kiss my synch ratio goodbye! Is that how it works?!"

I won't deny that I am capable of doing that, Zarathos admitted with a cold chuckle. I have myriad ways of encouraging you to heed our bargain. Even…forcing some cooperation from you. Then Asuka gasped in shock as she felt some kind of pressure about her heart. Like something was caressing it, like a clawed hand had reached inside of her chest, and was now tightening its grip about her heart. Indeed… the demon growled lowly even as the helpless girl crumpled over, very nearly falling from her seat as she clutched at her chest. I can make your life very, very unpleasant, if I so chose…

An instant later, the cruel hand released its grip on Asuka's heart, allowing her to gasp and heave in a desperate breath of relief. But that wouldn't really be…effective, Zarathos continued as the German slowly recovered from her ordeal. I've had problems with some of my…previous hosts, and I've learned that it's much better to have them be cooperative. And it would be better for the both of us to enjoy a…mutually beneficial relationship. After all, we have similar goals. We both wish destruction upon on our enemies. I see no reason why we cannot both have what we want.

And I thought I hated it when I thought that Shinji saved my life?! Asuka thought, still unable to believe this was happening to her. Dammit! What was I thinking when I -?! Then she cut herself, half-tempted to slap herself in the face of her own stupidity. Right. I figured that I wanted to live, and that was my only chance. Got it. Snorting loudly, the German heard the telltale sound of the tram entering the station. Dammit…I've gotta think! Gotta do something before this thing completely screws up my life! Got to…got to…!

In a flash, Asuka was hit by a burst of inspiration. Something that might just allow her to, if not get out of this abysmal deal with her personal vengeful devil, then at least soften the impact it had on her. "Alright – Zarathos – you've gone on and on about how powerful you are, all the things you can do and how you saved my life and everything – but can you back it up?!"

Are you saying that you doubt my word? Zarathos demanded, sounding like he was caught between being amused and angered. My abilities? My power?

"I'm saying that I didn't agree to any deal just so you can get me killed!" Shaking her head fervently, wanting to wrap up this unwanted conversation before anybody could potentially eavesdrop on it, Asuka snorted and explained, "Look, you said that you want me to go out and take on the guilty and sinful for you. And by that, I'm guessing you meant murderers and criminals and all that, right?!"

Yes. They and all the guilty, Zarathos confirmed. Your point being?

"My point is how the hell am I supposed to do all that?!" Asuka shrilled. "NERV's not gonna let me use Unit 02 for going after crooks, and I don't have any guns, or weapons, or -!"

Ah, I see now, Zarathos oozed, sounding almost like he was enjoying this. You wish for some reassurance in regards to your own safety. For me to show you that I am capable of empowering you to defeat your enemies and mine alike. A demonstration of my abilities, to show that I truly am…all I claim to be.

"Well, that would help!" Asuka rasped out as the tram slowed to a halt. "You don't think NERV gave me an Eva just because I asked for one, do you?!"

Of course not. You had to prove yourself. As it seems I now have to do the same. A beat passed as Zarathos gave a low, menacing chuckle before finally deciding, Very well. I suppose a small demonstration would not be…unreasonable.

"No, it wouldn't!" Asuka declared even as the tram door slid open. "So until you can back up your big mouth, everything else is on hold! Got that?!"

Marching out the door and into the tram station, Asuka found herself hoping that she had least bought herself a bit of time. At least enough to be able to figure some way of dealing with her unwanted tenant. Until she heard Zarathos chuckling once more. Oh, I 'got it', my dear Asuka, the demon informed her in a cunning voice. Which is I why I intend to prove to you my power…this very night.

Her eyes going wide with astonished horror, Asuka stopped in mid-step, all set to cry out in protest. But before she could give voice to her horror, she clamped both hands over her mouth. Hurriedly looking about, making certain that the tram station was unoccupied, she then whispered, "Tonight?! Are you kidding me?!"

I am not one for levity, Asuka. Nor am I inclined to wait needlessly, not when I am finally free once more to pursue my goals, Zarathos decreed in a voice that invited no rebuke. Your demand for a demonstration, however, is reasonable. So I will give you one...tonight.

"But - but -!" Asuka sputtered out, again scanning for any sign of any eyes or ears, human or otherwise.

Do not worry, my dear; I already have everything planned out. A beat passed, then Zarathos chuckled and added, Oh, and one more thing. You needn't speak aloud to talk to me. Asuka's eyes went wide at this, freezing in shock as her unwelcome guest went on to say, Just direct your thoughts to me, and I will hear them.

"What?!" Asuka gaped in shock, only to again look about her surroundings. That done, her cheeks flushed with rage as she did as was instructed. Can you hear me now?!

Certainly, Zarathos assured her.

Now even more angered by her unwelcome guest, Asuka snarled, I don't believe this! Why didn't you tell me I could just think to you sooner?!

You never asked, Zarathos replied smugly. Now, let us be going. We shall have to track the weight of innocent blood…so I can give you an appropriate demonstration…

Arrgh! I'll get you for this, Zarathos! Asuka mentally hissed as she made her way out of the tram station. You're a demon, you know that?!

Of course I am, the demon replied, not at all offended.

---

As night slowly settled upon Tokyo-3, Yahiko Senma stood at one of the many street corners, appreciating the relative peace and quiet that was now filling the city. The streets were not crowded, there was little to no pollution, no honking horns or people chattering needlessly or any of the other annoyances that were so frequent in a major metropolis such as this. A rare and enjoyable time in a city plagued by genuine monsters, things out of nightmares.

Too bad this crazy 'burg isn't this way more often, Yahiko thought as he surveyed the quiet streets before setting out towards his place of residence. But then he shrugged before reminding himself, Of course, if it weren't for the Angels turning this city into a ghost town…I probably would never have gotten a place here to begin with.

Snorting loudly, he thought of the abysmal luck he had had not that long ago. Of the misfortune that had plagued him so unjustly, the people that hated him simply for being what he was. Things that had cursed him, making it nearly impossible for him to simply survive. To get a steady job and a place to call home. The need to eke out some kind of living finally driving him to Tokyo-3, where businesses were often in need of help as people left the fortress city for safer havens, and real estate agents were so desperate to unload their empty lodgings, if only so that they didn't wind up losing even more money on them.

Nobody understands me, Yahiko thought not for the first time as he continued to walk along. They just don't know what it feels to be alone! What it's like to feel the way I do! They just -! But even as he got going, he frowned solemnly. Eh…oh, what am I doing? There's no point in moaning about what's already happened. What's past is past. Then he allowed himself a slight smile. I just have to make the best of…whatever hand I get dealt, and…and…

Something caught Yahiko's attention, another figure walking on the other side of the street. A girl who was moving in the same direction as he was, apparently unaware or uncaring of his presence.

Pausing just for a moment, Yahiko turned his eyes just enough to be able to study the girl in question. Even with the light fading, he could easily determine that she was a lovely young thing. She had a youthful face, and an exquisite body to go with it. A gaijin looking to be in her mid-teens, she had smooth, shapely legs and slender arms. Long, lustrous red hair spilled down past her shoulders, she had gorgeous blue eyes, and she had a considerable bust for a girl of her age. He couldn't make out her posterior, due to the red sundress she wore, but he had no doubt that she possessed a set of shapely buttocks to go along with everything else.

Without even thinking about it, Yahiko slowed down, allowing the girl to get a bit of distance between them as a familiar feeling overtook over him. Letting out a low moan that would have been impossible to hear unless someone were right next to him, he felt a warm sensation of need and desire wash over him, taking firm hold of his loins. His body relaxed somewhat, but then tensed in readiness as his breathing quickened ever so slightly, her heartbeat sped up as he allowed himself the luxury of licking his lips.

Then Yahiko shook himself out of this state, having learned from experience that the walls had eyes and ears, even if he couldn't see them. Without another thought, he started walking again at the same pace he had been maintaining before catching sight of the girl. He kept his face looking ahead, keeping his turned towards the girl just enough to be able to maintain his gaze upon her, to track her movements.

Oh…it's been so long…! Yahiko couldn't help but think as he maintained his distance from the girl in question. Feeling reinvigorated as he tracked her movements, keeping aware of their surroundings, as well as feeling grateful for the coming darkness. She was so young, so smooth…so innocent.

Already anticipating the pleasure that would soon be his, Yahiko continued to follow the girl. Awaiting the right opportunity to satiate his needs for the first time in years…

---

This Tokyo-3 truly is a splendid hunting ground, Zarathos oozed devilishly as the prey he had sensed started after Asuka. So filled with evil, with the wicked. It took almost no effort at all to track down a perfect specimen for my little…demonstration.

Hooray for you! Asuka thought nervously, doing her best to keep from looking back at the man who was now following her, and instead forcing herself to settle for the occasional glance at him out of the corner of her eye. Barely able to fathom how little time it had taken to find and bait a potential target. With herself as the bait. I still can't believe I let you talk me into ditching the Section 2 people I had following me! They might be dumb as rocks, but at least they know how to fight! Not to mention the fact that they would have had guns!

They would only have gotten in the way, Asuka, Zarathos promptly assured her. And you will not need weapons to deal with a creature as vile and lowly as this.

You better be right about that! Asuka thought nervously as she again surreptitiously glanced at her pursuer, at his eyes as he gazed upon her. He was careful, that much was obvious; if you weren't really paying attention, you wouldn't think he was looking at anything in particular, and just happened to be going in the same direction as the German girl. But every time she looked back at him, always careful about it, she saw that his eyes were following her every move. Glued to her every step. They were hungry, lusting eyes.

The eyes of a predator. And Asuka was his prey.

Something made even worse as Asuka again glanced back her pursuer, and something she had seen earlier that day. For just like the Section 2 man from NERV, her pursuer was surrounded by several of the screeching horrors she had seen earlier that day. The same dark stars wrapped in fog, crying out in anguish. Apparently unseen by the person they surrounded.

Tell me something, Zarathos, Asuka began, hoping to distract herself from her immediate fears and concerns. Those things that are floating around this creep…do you know what they are?

Indeed, I do, my dear,Zarathos informed her, sounding amused.

A beat passed afterward, a beat in which the demon completely failed to give further elaboration, something that made Asuka even more annoyed. Well, then tell me what they are! the German demanded irritably. I saw a bunch like them on this Section 2 guy at NERV! And there were even more on the agents that were following me when I left the tram station! Forcing her gaze away from her pursuer, the redhead scowled and added, And since I only saw them after you showed up in my body, I'm betting that they have something to do with you!

That's correct, Asuka. In fact, they have everything to do with me, Zarathos spoke darkly. They are the marks of guilt, the evil that stains the soul of the sinful, and can be seen only by one who carries my power. They are the taint that guides me to my prey. Resisting the urge to role her eyes at the dark, foreboding way in which the demon seemed to enjoy speaking, Asuka continued forward. For every stain about his aura, this fool has taken an innocent life, has committed an irrevocable act of barbarism. Has proven himself guilty, and deserving of the punishment that awaits him at my hand.

Asuka's eyes went wide at this, and again, she found herself glancing ever so subtly back at her pursuer. Again, she saw the dark, screeching marks that swirled about him. As far as she could tell, there were at least half a dozen of these evil things swarming about him, with their bearer completely unaware of their presence. So…wait. For every one of those things…he's killed somebody?!

Not precisely. For each of those marks, he's committed a grievous act of some kind against the innocent. Tarnishing himself with their pain, their suffering, Zarathos explained. These stains are not formed when one kills for survival; they are the thing of evil itself. The memory of a great injustice, marking his putrid soul.

Asuka wasn't certain she understood what was being told her. All she really could do was think about those evil marks and what they meant. That she was dealing with a possible killer, a rapist, or some hideous combination of the above or more. And she was essentially alone with him, with the word of a demon her only token of reassurance. The steady pace he kept and his watchful eye making it clear that he would not abandon his pursuit.

I could still ditch him… Asuka found herself thinking nervously. Call Misato for a pickup…call for backup…something… But even as she thought this, the German realized that this was not an option. Because if Zarathos spoke truly, then to do so would be to invoke his promise to obliterate her synch ratio, her ability to pilot. To cost her Eva and everything that came with it.

And in Asuka's eyes, that was a fate worth than death.

Turn left here, Asuka, Zarathos directed her, indicating a nearby alley. It is a dark place, free of living auras, where one can act without fear of being seen. The perfect place for a creature such as this to reveal his true nature…and to try and claim his prize.

Suppressing the urge to gulp, trying not to think about the fact that she was the prize in this case, Asuka hesitated a moment, considering the alley in question. It was indeed as dark and dank and miserable a place as could be imagined in a modern city such as Tokyo-3, the kind of thing that she would have picked if she setting up to do a murder scene for a movie. But this was no movie, and the entrance to the alley looked like the gaping jaws of a trap to her eye.

And I have no choice but to go in… Asuka fumed, forcing herself to proceed. Dammit…Zarathos, you better not screw this up!

You can be assured that I am more than ready, Asuka, Zarathos growled hungrily as they entered the alley proper. It's been so long…I can already feel my power rising up in response to this filthy soul. It won't be long now…

Asuka could sense the truth in the demon's words. Just like before at NERV, she could feel herself growing warmer, like the temperature had gone up several degrees. Her heartbeat was picking up, her breathing quickening, a tremor of anticipation rushing through her, despite the fact that she was in danger.

I feel so…excited…! Asuka found herself thinking as she began to carefully pick her way through the alley. Focusing her eyes on the various debris that littered the ground before her, making certain that she didn't wind up taking a bad step. If it weren't for the fact that I've got a monster behind me and a demon inside of me, I might even -!

A grunt of effort and a quickening of footsteps was the only warning Asuka had that the monster had just made his move. All the warning she had before she felt a powerful arm wrap about her waist, lifting her up off her feet even as a second hand clamped down on her mouth. Her eyes going wide with shock as her heart rate doubled, the redhead began thrashing wildly about, just before her assailant slammed her face-first into the side of the alley.

"Sh-shhh…!" her attacker whistled out, keeping a hand clamped down on her mouth even as Asuka tried desperately to cry out for help. All concerns regarding Zarathos and his potential hold on her forgotten as she struggled to escape. "Relax, little girl…I'm not gonna hurt you…!" A sick, breathy laugh issued straight into the German's ear, sending a chill down her increasingly heated form. "I just want to play…you like to play, don't you?"

When her attacker punctuated this statement by licking her cheek, Asuka felt like she wanted to throw up. She felt sick and helpless, even more than she had when she had been trapped in the volcano. Weak and powerless without her prized Unit 02 to empower her will. Zarathos! she cried out desperately even as the sick freak that held her captive pressed her tightly against the wall with his body, allowing him to free one of his hands so he could cup and fondle her breasts. Dammit, Zarathos! Do something!

Gladly…! Zarathos growled hungrily even as Asuka heard the sound of a zipper being undone. Now, Asuka, feel the power of fire burn through you! Surrender your mortal flesh…and be reborn as the Ghost Rider!

Surrender my mortal -?! Asuka shrieked inwardly, just before a wave of power surged through veins. Leaving her feeling like her blood was now literally boiling. Wh-what the hell?!

"Oh, you're feeling really hot, little girl," her attacker murmured even as Asuka thrashed even more intensely against the wall. "What's the matter, not feeling good?" A low chuckle erupted from his throat before he added, "Don't worry, you're gonna feel really good soon enough…!"

Asuka wasn't paying attention to him anymore. All she could see was her arms before her, turning a deep red as the heat flowing through her increased, as if being lit from some inner fire. Panicked and confused and acting on sheer instinct, she braced her feet against the wall and pushed back as hard as she could. To her increased shock and confused, the force of her push sent both herself and her attacker tumbling backwards. Crying out in surprised pain, the would-be rapist crashed to the ground with the German falling on top of him before rolling to the side. "Gahh! Dammit!" he cried out, struggling to get up on his hands and knees even as Asuka forced herself back up to her feet. "You little…oh, you just made this a lot harder on yourself, bitch! You – you just…you…"

Asuka could see the way her attacker's face shifted as his words trailed off, his expression going from pained anger to confusion to something hinting at fear. And as the redhead trembled before the forces being unleashed within her, she found she could not blame him.

Her entire body was shaking badly, the heat suffusing her leaving Asuka feeling as if she were literally burning in some internal inferno, leaving her in agony. Steam or smoke rose up from her body as she staggered about, flames rising up from her every footstep. Tears of pain rolled down her face, tears of molten magma as she cried out her torment.

Stop it, please! Stop it! Asuka wanted to shriek, wanted to beg. But her voice was no longer under control, instead bellowing out inhuman shrieks of suffering as she stumbled about helplessly. I'm burning up! Oh, Gott, my body…it's all burning up!

And to Asuka's horror, this was literally true. As the redness grew and the smoke rising up from her intensified, she could see tongues of flame leaping up from her arms. As she staggered about, she could she those same flames appearing about her legs, her skin smoldering and burning more and more.

Just as she became certain that she was about to die, however, the sensation caused by the flames suffused her changed tenure. The same fire burning away at her every neuron was no overwhelming the agony it caused with something else. Something even more pervasive. A feeling of pure, raw power came to her, a trickle in the river of torment she now floundered in, but before long, that trickle became an overwhelming flood. A power that rivaled even that she felt when piloting her prized Unit 02, a power that turned her shrieks of pain to laughs of triumph. A laughter that continued and became even more pervasive as she looked at her own arms and hands…and watched as holes were eaten in her skin, leaving behind bare bone wreathed in flame.

Ah, such power! Zarathos hissed in delight even as more and more of Asuka's flesh was consumed, rendering her little more than a flaming skeleton. None of my previous hosts ever could have handled what is now flowing through you. Oh, yes, Asuka Langley-Sohryu, you far more than you could ever have imagined!

As Asuka continued to laugh, to thrash with power within the inferno, she focused on her attacker, who was even now watching with eyes wide with horror. Whimpering helplessly as he watched her exposed skeleton begin to shift about, as the flames that had consumed her started to congeal. More and more, the raging inferno solidified, becoming as of flesh itself. All the while her exposed bones wrapped themselves around her new arms and legs, grafting themselves to a body that wasn't just on fire, but made of fire. A body of fire made flesh.

When at last the transformation ran its course, the man that had so ruthlessly attacked Asuka sat whimpering, tears of despair running down his cheeks as the foul scent of fear rose up from him. "P-please…" he moaned, shaking like a leaf as Asuka studied him. "…m-m-mercy…!"

The creature that Asuka had become simply studied the stains of guilt that surrounded him, saw his evil exposed…and grinned. And then she spoke, said something in a voice that she could barely even recognize as her own.

"Guilty…"

And then she lunged at her attacker. Leaving him only enough time to scream…

---

I wonder what's taking her? Shinji found himself wondering idly as he sat in Misato's apartment, glancing at a nearby clock.

He wasn't overly worried about Misato. Shinji knew from experience that, in the days that followed a battle against an Angel, she was frequently bogged down in paperwork, dealing with all the expenditures and collateral damage and making sure that all damaged or destroyed equipment was either repaired or replaced. But it wasn't like Asuka to be so late; even if she had gotten caught up in shopping and decided to eat out, she would have at least called to let him or Misato know the reason.

Besides, about the only time she takes this long shopping is when she has someone with her, Shinji thought, recalling the times Asuka had gone out with Hikari. As well as the one and only time he had been so foolish to let her talk her into going with her. Shuddering at the thought of all the things he had been forced to carry back for the redhead, he frowned. Maybe I should call Misato…or maybe -?

The sound of the front sliding open caught Shinji's attention, prompting him to make a querulous noise in his throat as he waited for one of his housemates to announce herself. Only for his confusion to turn to concern when no voice was heard. Only to sound of approaching footsteps.

"Who is it?" Shinji quietly wondered as he sat up in his beanbag chair. His query got no verbal response; only the sound of footsteps growing louder, heralding a figure appearing from the kitchen. As soon as he saw who it was, he smiled in relief. "Oh, Asuka! I was wondering where you -!"

Something was wrong. Something that was readily seen when Asuka turned at Shinji's voice. Something that stilled his words as he looked at the furtive way the redhead looked at him. The sweat that rolled down her features, the haunted look of her eyes, the fearful expression she wore.

Like she had been just seen hell on Earth.

Stunned and stricken by these things, Shinji could only stand there, gaping in astonishment. "Uh - A-Asuka?" he sputtered out as he stood there, facing the redhead. "Are...are you alright? What -?"

When words ultimately failed Shinji, the German frowned somewhat. "Am...am I...?" she shakily asked. Then she seemed to notice him, to really notice that he was there, and gave her head a quick shake. "Uh - yeah. Yeah, I'm fine, Third. I mean...of course I'm fine...I..."

"Asuka...?" Shinji asked when she trailed off uncertainly, not liking this at all. "What...you were late, and..."

"I...yeah. I...got...distracted...that's all," Asuka assured him in a hollow voice, sounding as if she were a ghost of herself. When Shinji opened his mouth to speak again, the redhead started away, saying, "I'm going to bed, Shinji. So...please don't bug me or anything...okay?"

"Uh..." Shinji started, watching helplessly as Asuka entered her room and slowly closed the door behind her. Leaving him able to only say, "O...kay..."

For a time, Shinji just stood there, staring at the closed door. Briefly wondering why Asuka did not bother to lock it as she usually did before he turned about, frowning in concern and wondering what could have left her looking so shaken...

---

Author's Notes: And it becomes clear that Asuka's own viciousness and ruthlessness are as of nothing when compared to that of her demon-powered form! Please, read and review! And check out my other stories while you're at it!

Now, I've had some people comment on how, in a way, Asuka's Superwomen story is similar to Rei's in that she receives a gift, and is instructed in how to use it. However, as you've seen here, that's where the similarity ends. Lilith is giving Rei the opportunity to choose, while Zarathos really isn't giving Asuka any choice in what happens to her. Also, there is the difference in how they handle the gifts.

Ultimately, it has to do with them being polar opposites, which is one of the reasons I chose Ghost Rider for Asuka; Rei got her powers from an Angel, and Asuka's are from a demon. It certainly works in my opinion.

Now, as for why Asuka is so much different from other Ghost Riders...that's something that will be explained later. Let's just say that I have some surprises in store for the Red Devil...and a lot of them won't be pleasant.

While working on the overhaul, I decided that Asuka embraced what she had become as a good deal much too quickly. In fact, I think I did a lot of things too quickly, and in the process, opened up a heck of a lot of plotholes in the process. Hopefully, with the overhaul, I am not only correcting the problems I have in writing Asuka, but also correcting all the problems that were so prevalent in the previous version.

Now, I've got Ritsuko and Maya's Superwomen stories in the works. Hope to have them out soon! Until next time, as Stan the Man Lee would say, Excelsior!

Omake

Ah, such power! Zarathos hissed in delight even as more and more of Asuka's flesh was consumed, rendering her little more than a flaming skeleton. None of my previous hosts ever could have handled what is now flowing through you. Oh, yes, Asuka Langley-Sohryu, you far more than you could ever have imagined!

As Asuka continued to laugh, to thrash with power within the inferno, she focused on her attacker, who was even now watching with eyes wide with horror. Whimpering helplessly as he watched her exposed skeleton begin to shift about, as the flames that had consumed her started to congeal. More and more, the raging inferno solidified, becoming as of flesh itself. All the while her exposed bones wrapped themselves around her new arms and legs, grafting themselves to a body that wasn't just on fire, but made of fire. A body of fire made flesh.

When at last the transformation ran its course, the man that had so ruthlessly attacked Asuka sat whimpering, tears of despair running down his cheeks as the foul scent of fear rose up from him. "P-please…" he moaned, shaking like a leaf as Asuka studied him. "…m-m-mwa-ha-ha-ha!"

Even as Asuka frowned, wondering what had set her prey off, an aggravated voice cried out, "Aw, not again!" Looking about in confusion, she saw OrionPax09 sitting in his director's chair, smacking himself in the face even as he threw his loudspeaker to the ground in disgust. "Cut! We've got another wardrobe malfunction here!"

At the words 'wardrobe malfunction', Asuka groaned heavily before looking down at herself. Sure enough, the flames of her transformation had utterly incinerated her garments, leaving her a nubile demon of flame and bone with nothing to conceal herself.

"Schisse! What the hell is going on here?!" Asuka demanded, fixing Orion with a hateful glare. "I thought you told those idiots in the wardrobe department to fireproof all my things!"

"I did! Obviously, they didn't bother listening!" Orion declared in a voice rife with aggravation. "Alright, that does it! Those idiots have had 17 takes to try and get it right! Asuka, feel free to go down there and give them some serious grief!"

"Hmph! Fine by me!" Asuka declared, for while she and Orion had a relationship that was based heavily on a mutual loathing, she hated being rendered bare-butt naked for the entire crew to see between takes even more.

"And somebody get me Reed Richards!" Orion demanded even as Asuka made her way to wreak some personal vengeance of her own. "This is the last straw! From now on, I want Unstable Molecule versions of all garments available at all times! Is that understood?!"