After the Volcano

by MichaelCross

What were Gendo's thoughts after Shinji's heroic action? And what if an unexpected element arrives to shake up things in Tokyo-3? The element being a new breed of lawman known simply as a Highwayman. Rating bumped up to M due to lemony content.

13. Chapter 13

After the Volcano 13

Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Highwayman. Wish I did, though.

After Shinji's psychotic laughter tapers off, the crew hustles Tabris into a room where the hybrid Rei could keep his AT-field neutralized. Securing the door solidly, they each cast a tentative glance at the renegade. As they observe the Seventeenth Angel, under hybrid Rei's guard, Asuka can't help but shake her head in disbelief.

"So hard to believe he's an Angel when he looks like one of us."

"Too right." Jetto then lets out a snort and adds, "In a way, he kinda reminds me of Captain Testarossa's dead evil older brother. Such a prick, that bloke." Seeing the others blink perplexedly, he goes on. "It's something relating to my part-time gig. No big deal."

"Why don't we decide for ourselves, Jetto? I am quite curious as to where you vanish off to once a month, every month." The tone in Tania's voice tells Jetto arguing, let alone trying to get out of telling, is not an option. Sighing, he agrees.

"Leonard Testarossa was part of a terrorist group named 'Amalgam'. His younger sister, Teletha, is Captain for an anti-terrorist strike force named 'Mithril'. On a month-by-month basis, I go to one of their training facilities and train the rooks there to survive wherever they find themselves. Be it behind enemy lines or in the regular wilderness."

"Okay. That explains that. But, I'm curious. What made Leonard an evil prick, Jetto?"

"He was entertaining designs on a young woman named Kaname Chidori, Tania. While she was having desires for a young man named Sousuke Sagara. Of course, she'd denied it while poor Sousuke was still trying to figure out his feelings. Both as a merc assigned to protect her and as a teen. On top of that, Captain Testarossa had a huge crush on Sousuke. It must not have been easy for those three."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. You mean to tell us that Leonard considered this 'Sousuke' guy a rival of sorts for the affections of Kaname? Just because Sousuke's a merc assigned to protect her?"

"That's right, Asuka. Of course, he called Lieutenant Sagara a different word. He called him a 'murderer' because Lieutenant Sagara had been forced to kill to survive ever since he was eight years old."

"EIGHT?" At Jetto's nod, everyone else considers the circumstances before Shinji breaks the silence.

"So, how'd Leonard bite the big one? It must've been horribly painful for him as he died."

"Oh, it was painful, Shinji. No doubts about that at all."Kaname shot him, repeatedly, during her honeymoon with Lieutenant Sagara."

"Why, Jetto?"

"He wanted to go after their son with a chemical concoction of some kind, Major Katsuragi. I'm not really sure what it was meant to do, but the punch-line is basically she decided not to allow Leonard the chance to get near him. Or her, ever again."

"While I'm sensing there's more to the story, it'll have to wait for another time. But, I admit, it's sounding quite interesting." Misato turns a scornful glare toward a confined Tabris before adding, "I may not know much about what you're talking about, Jetto, but if this 'Leonard' character was in the same category of evil as our 'guest' here, then I'd say he got what was coming to him."

"Too right." Letting out a snort of amusement, Jetto adds, "It's too bad I forgot to ask Lieutenant Sagara if I could borrow his jar of nitro. Those magnum rounds he used on his 'Godfather' must've had quite a kick to them with that nitro in the tips. Using them on Tabris sounds like a right lot of fun right about now." Noting everyone's face is as pale as Rei's, with Rei's face going even paler, he shakes his head. 'Why can't I simply keep my big fat mouth shut just once?'

"Um, Jetto, please tell us you're telling us an Australian joke. A terribly tasteless one."

"I would, Annie, but then it'd be a bald-assed lie. Lieutenant Sagara used nitro-enhanced .44 magnum rounds to kill his 'Godfather'. According to the report afterward, the scene was so messy, the Sagara couple had to demo the place."

"For the love of all that's good, why?"

"According to the report, Hangi Oshimura, Sousuke's 'Godfather', killed Sousuke's parents because they refused to allow Oshimura to experiment on the boy, Doctor Akagi." Sighing sadly, Jetto adds, "The boy was eight years old when he saw his parents get gunned down in cold blood." Asuka's gasp of shock is echoed by the other women before Asuka shakes with rage.

"Who the Hell made that arschloch Sousuke's 'Godfather'? What kind of experiment did he want to do on him?"

"His maternal Grandmother. As for the kind, remember that concoction Leonard wanted to use on Sousuke and Kaname's son?" At Asuka's uneasy nod, Jetto adds, "That's the kind of experiment that got Leonard killed. He died in the same compound as Oshimura."

"Did Kaname use nitro-rounds as well?"

"Nope, Shinji. She stuck with the standard rounds. But, she was very tempted to let Sousuke modify her rounds." Smirking, he adds, "And I do mean very, very tempted." Shinji's wince is echoed by the other men.

"I'm guessing Kaname's the kind you don't want to piss off, much like Sousuke's the kind to hold a substantial grudge."

"Yes on Kaname, no on Sousuke, 'Highway'. But, when he recalls a past injustice done to him or his loved ones, along with who did it, watch out. Because he will take that person down hard."

"Sounds like an interesting guy. Sure like to meet him sometime." Smirking, Shinji adds, "Kaname as well. They sure sound like Asuka and I. Aside from our lives going differently from their lives, of course."

"I'm sure they'd like to meet you as well, Shinji. If they were in the same dimension as us right now, anyway." Thinking on it, Jetto asks, "Doc Akagi, any idea as to how we got here to begin with? I'm still bugging out about that."

"Sorry, Jetto. I'm still going over my notes regarding 'Stealth' and it's arrival here. So far, I can't make heads or tails out of it. It makes absolutely no sense at all." Shrugging, she adds, "Maybe some higher power felt you were supposed to come here and enabled you to. Whether it allows both ways on a constant basis, I'm not really sure. The very concept of inter-dimensional travel is mind-boggling. Even for a scientist like me."

"I see." Turning his attention to a still-restrained Tabris, with the hybrid Rei standing in the room watching over him, negating his attempts to generate an AT-field, Jetto asks, "So what do you want to do with Tabris?"

"I'm leaning toward 'N2 mine golf'. But I'd really like to see how he handles Misato's 'curry' first. See what kind of effects it has on an Angel. If he's still alive afterward, 'N2 mine golf' time. But I don't know if it'd be best to stake him to a field or some other means. I'm still trying to work out the particulars."

"Sounds like a solid plan. How soon do you want to do it?"

"Still working out the details. Doctor Akagi, how long will it take to rig up a GPS unit to an N2 mine?"

"Not possible, Shinji." At the discouraged look on his face, she quickly adds, "But, I can put the mine into a ball-shaped shell, equipped with GPS guidance. I then factor in the conditions, adjusting how much power the EVA's swing should have. All that jazz."

"Okay. Misato, I better see if we have any leftover 'Curry Surprise'. If not, I can replicate your recipe perfectly."

"Sure, Shinji. What are you going to do with it, though?"

"We're going to see just how deadly it is to an Angel. Or at least see if it gives an Angel a bad case of indigestion." Misato scowls lightly at that as Shinji walks away and Asuka gets an idea.

"Now taking votes! What kills the Angel first? 'Misato's Curry Surprise' or 'Shinji's N2 Mine Golf'! Step right up and place your votes! Come one, come all!"

Snickering, she adds, "Along with another vote. A fun one for all. 'Shinji's psychotic slice'. Will it be transferred to the EVA while he's within it or will it be a solid line drive?" At that moment, fists are raised. With people shouting in manic glee. Misato and Ritsuko the most vocal.

"A vote says 'Misato's Curry Surprise' kills Tabris!"

"Idiotic mad scientist! It's the 'N2 Mine Golf' that kills Tabris!"

"The 'Curry Surprise' death, booze breath!"

"The 'N2 Mine Golf' killing Tabris, scientific lunatic!" The two college roommates/best friends then get into each others' faces before cracking into forced giggles. "Well, since we have an impasse, Ritsu, I say Shinji slices the N2 mine!"

"I say no way Shinji slices the N2 mine! It's just not possible, Misato!"

"It is! With Shinji, anyway!"

"That was with 'grenade golf'! And even then, it shouldn't have been remotely possible!"

With that, the two resume their bickering. As the two bicker, Gendo can't help but wonder if he should get into the voting pool as well. Along with tell the Bridge crew and Fuyutsuki about it.

Shrugging, he says, "Sure. Let's get them into this." Stepping forward, he calmly adds, "Asuka, I vote that Tabris dies in the 'N2 Mine Golf' and another vote that Shinji slices the mine. I'll discuss it with Lieutenants Ibuki, Hyuga and Aoba when I get to the Command Post before heading to my office. See what they have to say." Much to his surprise, Misato and Ritsuko do not stop bickering one bit. 'Am I invisible or is it just me?'

"You got it, Commander!"

'It's just me.'

Inside the room, Tabris can't help but feel an ill-boding chill run up and down his spine. Needless to say, he doesn't like the feeling. One bit.

"Is it chilly in here, or is it just me?" Hybrid Rei doesn't reply. She just glares at him angrily, prompting him to answer himself. "It's probably just me. Yeah." Wanting to make conversation, he adds, "I don't see how humans can stand these sensations at all." Still no reply. Just a steady glare. "Are you even alive? Blink once if you are." Much to his surprise, he gets a blink.

Hybrid Rei is laughing hysterically on the inside. Finding it fun messing with Tabris' mind. Telepathically, she asks the other Rei, 'Is that what you had in mind for messing with the Angel's mind?'

'Yes, it is. How are you finding it?'

'This is most enjoyable. However, the sooner I get away from him, the better. He gives me the creeps.'

'Worry not. Shinji is seeing about Major Katsuragi's "Curry Surprise" to see how Tabris handles it. Or, rather, to see if he even survives it at all. Asuka's even taking votes about when or at least how Tabris dies. Want in on the action?'

'I do not know. What kind of odds is he getting?'

'You don't want to know. But here're the basics of it. They're voting on the curry and "N2 Mine Golf" as Tabris' means of death. They're split right down the middle, however. Major Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi are, anyway. They're still bickering about it. So it could go either way.'

'You are probably right on that I do not want to know. Put me down for a vote of that he dies during the "N2 Mine Golf" game Shinji has in mind.'

'Got it. There's also a side bet whether "Shinji's psychotic slice" gets transferred to the EVA or not. Currently, the Major and the Doctor are now bickering on that aspect.'

'Very tempting. But I think I will pass on that all the same.'

'Your choice. But you don't know what you're missing.'

'You are probably right. Does Tabris need to know about what is in store for him should he happen to survive the "curry surprise" at all?'

'No, he doesn't. It's to be a surprise.'

'Very well. I will not inform him.' Smirking internally, she adds, 'But I do not think he will like this surprise at all.'

'If he does like it, I'd be very surprised.' Pausing briefly, Rei adds, 'Here comes Shinji. He's carrying a pot.'

'That was quick.'

'Agreed. Chances are, it's leftover from when Asuka was abducted and Shinji took some to Germany for the purpose of interrogation or torture.'

'Chances are you are correct.' At that point, the door opens, admitting Shinji and Misato, curry pot being carried between both of them. With Shinji carrying the burden of the load. "Is it that heavy, Major and brother?"

"It's not that, but it's more like Shinji wants to build up his muscles a little bit so he can carry Asuka over the threshold." Shinji's blush gets a cackle from Misato and a squeal of delight from Asuka. "See, Shinji? Asuka likes that idea."

With that, Asuka pictures herself being carried into their new home in Shinji's arms. And liking it. Her glee-filled smile evident of it.

"So she does. It's a good thing we have leftovers in the kitchen. I about gave the decon squad in the kitchen a heart attack when I told them I'd be using the leftover 'Curry Surprise' on the Angel here."

"You assume that Asuka Ikari will survive to be 'carried over the threshold'. I tell you now she won't survive to that point. SEELE will see to that above all else." Upon seeing Shinji shake in suppressed rage, Tabris smirks and adds, "Such delicious rage." Shinji raises his eyebrows lightly before scowling.

"Oh, you think my rage is delicious, do you?" Giving Tabris a sinister grin, Shinji adds, "Then taste this, asshole!" Bringing out a spoon, he dunks it into the pot, brings out some of Misato's curry and thrusts it right into Tabris' mouth.

His eyes going wide, Tabris screams at the feeling of the curry starting to eat it's way through his esophagus. He then starts screaming in rage as the feeling passes.

"You in NERV will all die when the Mass-Produced EVAs get here! I guarantee it! You will not live past that day! SEELE will see to that!" That alone gets him another spoonful. This time, it starts burning it's way to his S2. When it reaches it, Tabris screams in agonized pain.

As smoke rises from his mouth, Tabris can't help but think, 'What's in this crap? It feels like acid! Is this why he said "decon squad" in the kitchen?'

"Then we'll simply have to kill SEELE before they get the chance to do so."

Panting as the pain in his S2 starts subsiding, slightly, Tabris smirks and asks, "Just how do you propose to do that, Third Child? SEELE is mightier than you could ever hope to be."

"I'm still working on it, Tabris. But I do have an idea or two." Crossing to the intercom, Shinji asks, "Father, how's everything on your end?"

"I'm on the phone with Kiel right now. With the 'mute' on. What do you have in mind, Shinji?"

Outside the room

Upon hearing Shinji's plan for SEELE, Gendo only has one reply. "Perfect." Taking the phone off of 'mute', Gendo says, "Let's have a live-contact meeting with the remaining members of SEELE, Kiel. I have an important announcement to make regarding the scenario and Third Impact."

"I see nothing wrong with that, Gendo. But, be warned. The announcement better be to our liking." Upon Kiel ending the call on his end, Gendo smirks evilly before chortling.

"You won't like this announcement, Kiel. Not one bit." Turning back, he gives the gathering 'two-thumbs-up', 'Fonzie-style'. "Aaay!"

Sweatdropping at the sight of her Father-in-law, Asuka can't help thinking, 'Okay, why's he doing the "Fonzie"? I guess some "Einstein-wannabe" must've gave him access to the "Happy Days" DVD sets. Next thing I know, he'll start wearing a black leather jacket and riding a Harley.' Turning toward Shinji, she lets out a giggle of amused glee at the thought of Shinji dressing like 'Fonzie'.

"Though a leather jacket would actually look pretty good on Shinji. While he's astride a Harley, no less." Imagining herself dressed like a '50s era girl, her giggles of glee go sultry. With thoughts of the next Halloween party. The '50's-style outfit, with no panties under her skirt at all. Sure that they'd survive SEELE's machinations. Turning toward Gendo, she sees that he's examining her intently and fondly. "Commander?"

"You and Shinji remind me of Yui and myself, Asuka." Snorting, he adds, "Sentimental, I know. But that's the way I feel."

"Thank you, sir."

"Once everything is done here, what do you wish to do?"

"Get myself and Shinji the heck out of Tokyo-3, sir. Raise our babies as far away from here as possible. Tokyo-3 may be where we found love, but it's no place for a young family at all."

"I see. Where do you think would be a good place to establish your home?"

"I'm not sure yet. We'll probably wander around a good while until we find a place to call home." Shrugging, she adds, "Maybe a rural point in Germany, far away from the big cities. Maybe here in Japan at Okinawa. Anywhere with Shinji and our babies I can make our home with I'd be happy at."

"I suggest Okinawa, Asuka. Yui had enjoyed our honeymoon there, as had I." Smiling conspiratorially, he adds, "It's also where Shinji was conceived." Chortling gleefully, he says, "I believe I still have that copy of the 'Kama Sutra', too." Realizing he's not exactly alone with his daughter-in-law, her face beet red, he clears his throat and adds, "I'll be in my office if you have any further questions."

As Gendo walks away, Asuka thinks, 'I so didn't need to hear that!'

Fifteen minutes later

Once Gendo's passed through the Command Center to tell the three Lieutenants and Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki about the vote going on, he goes to his office. Marveling at the dust trail the four had kicked up, he starts dancing in joy, calling out as he does so.

"Yui, you'd be so proud that our son is so manly!" Crossing to his office's bookcase, Gendo brings out a large encyclopedia and opens it. Revealing a copy of the 'Kama Sutra' within. 'With this book, Shinji'll be even manlier! Yui always wanted lots of grandchildren.'

Smirking lightly, he verbally adds, "As have I. With good fortune, Yui will be back here to spoil the grandbabies rotten. While I bounce them on my knees. Though I didn't quite expect it to be Kyoko's daughter. Thinking of, didn't Kyoko…" Crossing to his desk, he opens the lowest drawer, muttering, "I'm pretty sure she did. Yeah." Upon finding his intended goal, Gendo smiles softly upon reading the label.

'Yui's Favor Box'

'It's been quite a while since I last peered into you. Let's see if I can find what I'm thinking is in here.' Opening the box, he sees his wife's elegant handwriting on the first note.

'Take good care of Shinji.' That note in itself gets him to roll his eyes as he puts it to the side.

"Sure blew that one. Next."

'Move on with your life and find happiness.' Shaking his head sadly, he only has one reply as he puts it with the first note.

"Not without you, Yui. Not without you."

'Get therapy.' That right there has his eyebrow arching upward.

"Get therapy? For what?" Putting it with the others, he shakes his head in bemusement as he goes through several more notes. When he finds what he's looking for, he grins widely.

"There you are." The Will of Kyoko Zeppelin Sohryu being before his eyes, along with the note at the top of it, gives Gendo pause. 'So why did Kyoko send Yui her Will anyway? It's not like they were close personal friends. Hello?' Seeing the note fully, Gendo starts reading it.

'Dear Gendo, if you're reading this, then something's happened to me. Along with Kyoko. That's right. She and I are old friends of sorts. While we'd never actually met face to face, we knew of each other quite enough to establish a foundation of friendship. Kyoko even proposed the silly idea to get Shinji and her daughter, Asuka, together. I sent her a picture of Shinji and she sent a picture of Asuka. I can only hope our children are spared further agony, Gendo. Both from Evangelion and the coming threats.'

'Okay. So why did she send Yui the Will instead of to an attorney? Oh? There's more.'

'Kyoko had a suspicion that Reinhardt was going behind her back, having an affair. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but she sent me her Will, with the message that if Reinhardt knew about the Will, he'd do anything to get it suppressed. She never had much faith in lawyers, seeing as she constantly called them psychopathically bloodthirsty sharks, so she sent it to me. With instructions that it's not to be opened unless one of three things happens.

1; Asuka comes of age.

2; Asuka gets married.

3; Reinhardt dies a horribly painful death.'

'Two out of three's not so bad.' Pondering it, Gendo verbally adds, "Of course, Asuka did come of age when she realized her love for Shinji." Chuckling lightly, he asks, "Thinking of, what's that daughter-in-law of mine doing right now?"

Confinement room

Tabris is starting to look a little green in the face as Misato 'gives' him another spoonful of curry. Turning toward a savagely-grinning Third Child, he speaks his mind.

"Please. Kill me now. You'd be doing me a big favor. You don't even need your Evangelion." Misato hears the tone in Tabris' voice and scowls.

"Oh? Is this another ploy for you to try breaking Shinji's spirit?"

"No." Smirking mentally, he mentally adds, 'Of course I want to break his spirit.' Keeping his face serious, he verbally says, "I really do want to die to end my suffering."

"Oh, poor little baby." Asuka's voice is snide as she strides toward Tabris, smirking evilly. "I just thought you should know. 'Misato's Curry Surprise' is starting to look more and more like the way you're going to die, Angel boy." Smirking at his sickly green face, she adds, "I told you your cooking can and should be used against Angels, Misato. He's as good as dead. We won't even have to use an Evangelion this time."

"It's only making me suffer agonizing pain, Mrs Ikari. I won't die from food poisoning. My superior Angelic genes won't let me."

"Then I guess it's time for Shinji to play 'golf', then. Are you familiar with it?"

"I know the basics of it, Mrs Ikari." Quirking his head to the side, Tabris then asks, "Matter of fact, didn't you say you'd be discussing golf with me, Shinji?"

"Yes. I did, didn't I?" Turning out toward Ritsuko, he asks, "When can you get started on what was discussed earlier, Dr Akagi?"

"I'll get fabrications started right now, Shinji. It should be done by tomorrow morning. Afternoon at the latest."

"Great. But we'll be cutting it close, won't we?"

"Very close, but you're used to it." Her eyes alit with mischief, she adds, "If my calculations are correct, it should be done just in time for SEELE's meeting to start. Which gives us a small window of opportunity. A very small window." Shinji only has one reply to that.

"Groovy." It sounded so sarcastic, Asuka can't help rolling her eyes.

'Like Father, like son. They both like old-ass comedy sitcoms.' Back in his office, Gendo sneezes.

'Damned allergies.' Grinning as he opens another drawer, he verbally muses, "I've got a little time still before SEELE buys the farm, so I might as well indulge myself with 'Fonzie' and the gang." Setting up the portable DVD player and his 'Happy Days' DVD set, he kicks back, adding, "It's certainly been a while since I last watched this. I play my cards right, I should have enough time for five, maybe ten episodes."

Back at the confinement room, Misato is arranging Security coverage of the room with Section 2. With a sentence of warning.

"Don't underestimate that Angel."

"Yes, Major."

That night; Katsuragi/Ikari apartment

As Asuka and Shinji hold each other on the futon, Asuka can't help noticing the intense look on Shinji's face.

"What's wrong, Shinji?"

"Just thinking about the Security arrangements for Tabris. I can't help feeling he's going to try something that'll get people hurt or worse."

"Yeah, I can understand that. But, you don't have to worry, sweetie. Angel boy's locked up tighter than the chastity belt I got when I was twelve." That alone gets Shinji's eyes to bulge out as she reaches down to his shorts and strokes his member.

"I never knew that about you."

"Two reasons. One, you didn't ask, silly. Two, I picked the lock when I turned thirteen. I hid it in my old bedroom, without 'them' even being aware of it." Grinning as she straddles him, she adds, "It's a good thing I did it, too."

"Oh? Why's that?" Softly caressing her breasts as she goes up and down, he smiles at her sultry smirk as she lies along his form. Still pumping on him.

"The next day, after I hid that belt, I had an accident during training that tore my hymen. That's why I didn't feel any pain when I had you fuck me for the very first time."

"What happened?" The concern for her in Shinji's voice is so touching, Asuka smiles softly.

"It happened during an exercise involving climbing into an EVA with no ladders or anything like that. I don't know how, but my right leg went one way and my left leg went another way. I felt like I was being pulled apart like a wishbone." Shinji's wince gets a nod from the beautiful young redhead. "You got that right… oh Shinji!"

As his wife orgasms, Shinji softly strokes her back before sending his sperm into her womb. Clutching Shinji close to her, Asuka puts her face against his shoulder, letting out a scream against his flesh. Which starts turning him on even more. Coming down from her euphoric high, Asuka lifts herself up to gaze upon his face and smirks upon seeing him grinning.

"You liked that, huh?"

"Yeah." Running his fingers through her long red hair, he adds, "I did."

NERV HQ; confinement quarters

'May not have been part of my plan, but it'll work just as well. My S2's almost finished with self-repair, so I can start right now. Starting with…' Getting up from his seat, Tabris starts stretching, getting the attention from the grim Section 2 Agent in the room with him.

"What do you think you're doing, Seventeenth Angel?"

"Stretching. What else, you primitive ape?" Smirking as he feels his S2 powering up, he adds, "Along with this." Casting his arm to the side, he flings the Agent into the concrete wall and through it. Killing the Agent upon impact. "Fascinating. Had the others known about humans being so weak against their own creations, Third Impact would've happened by now. If not earlier."

Walking out of the room, he grimaces upon seeing the black-suit wearing Agents heading toward him. The grimace is brief, however, before he casts both arms to the sides. Surprising the Agents to no end. With the same result, only on a bigger and messier scale. Walking along the hallway, he casts his eyes to each side to ensure every Agent is dead or dying. Upon seeing they're all dead, he nods in satisfaction before heading toward his objective.

Katsuragi/Ikari apartment

As Shinji runs his fingers through his wife's tresses, he hears her sighing in contentment. Strangely enough, they sound like purrs from a cat. In amusement, he keeps running them through her hair before giving his observation.

"It seems sex isn't the only thing that gets you to purr."

"Huh?" Her face beet red, Asuka gazes into his blue eyes and sees they're filled with amusement and love. Her blue eyes twinkle in amused mischief as she says, "If I purr from something other than hot sex, then you must do something as well."

"I do." Giving her a tender kiss, he adds, "I love you more and more, Asuka." Feeling his member hardening in her canal again, he starts pumping again. Until…

"SHINJI! ASUKA! BIG TROUBLE AT NERV!"

Misato's yell through their closed door has the effect of ice-cold water as the two young lovers disengage themselves from one another. As they get dressed, Asuka finds herself wanting to know what it is. Misato's reply displeases her and Shinji both to no end.

"That asshole can't keep himself out of trouble one damned bit!"

Asuka's comment, while sarcastic, is echoed by Shinji and both 'Highwaymen' as they ready their shotguns before getting into Jetto's rig. Shinji and Asuka with them. Misato going ahead in her 'Blue Bullet of Doom' toward NERV.

Shinji's about to ask how they'll get into the car train with the rig when he feels the flat-bodied rig separate from it's trailer and start following Misato's Renault. As Jetto drives, 'Highway' grimaces while drumming his fingers. Needless to say, it drives Jetto nuts.

"You gotta do that, mate?"

"How else am I supposed to express my anger toward Tabris for escaping, Jetto? Shoot up Tokyo-3 in the dead of night?"

"As long as it's not finger drumming, you can whistle or hum 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' for all I care." Much to his surprise, 'Highway' starts humming. Shinji and Asuka joining in. Jetto can only smirk while rolling his eyes before considering it. 'In a way, it is kinda appropriate.' Arriving behind Misato's Renault, Jetto pulls the rig into the next space beside the car.

Upon feeling the car train moving, Jetto rolls down his window and asks, "What's the situation so far, Major?"

NERV HQ; EVA cages; same time frame

Gazing upon the visage of Unit-02, Tabris smirks and says, "Soul within, you're powerless to stand against me. You shall do my bidding." Looking toward Unit-01, he adds, "I'll break your son's spirit with what I have in mind. Even if it kills me."

His eyes glowing, he grins as Unit-02 powers up, thinking, 'Matter of fact, I'm counting on it.'

Car train; same time frame

"He's reached the EVA cages and is making his way to Asuka's EVA."

"WHAT? My Unit-02? What for?"

"I don't know, Asuka. Shinji, you won't have time to suit up. Get to Unit-01 and intercept. But be careful not to damage Unit-02. Also…"

"What is it, Misato?"

"It could be another ploy by Tabris to break your spirit. Whatever happens, remember he's actually an Angel. Not a person."

"You got it, Misato. I just hope I can believe that when the time comes. Or…" His mind processing his idea, along with the current situation, he then grins and adds, "If he wants to die by my hands that badly, then it might as well be by 'N2 Mine Golf'. Misato, how long do you think it'll take to attach restraints to the mine?"

"It shouldn't take too long. Why… oh you little rascal." Shinji's snicker gets a cackle from Misato. Along with puzzled blinks from everyone else until Asuka figures it out.

"That is the meanest, dirtiest, most insanely cockamamie idea I've heard yet, Shinji. I love it." Giving him a sensual kiss, she adds, "If you can, please keep from incurring heavy damage on Unit-02."

"I'll do what I can, honey." Grimacing, Shinji adds, "But something tells me I'll be incurring some kind of damage no matter what."

"Well, just do what you can." Misato's alarmed cry gets her attention. "What's wrong, Misato?"

"Unit-02's active, Asuka. Tabris is controlling it and heading toward the bowels of NERV."

"What? But, what could be down there?"

NERV's bowels; Terminal Dogma; five minutes later

Upon reaching his destination, Tabris smirks as he levitates himself over the LCL lagoon, with Unit-02 acting as sentry. As he moves himself toward his goal, he starts frowning until he recognizes the form.

"Lilith."

"TABRIS!" Shinji's enraged roar gets his attention as he turns around. Just in time to see Unit-02 struggling against Unit-01. "Get out of my way!"

With a roar of fury, Shinji engages his prog knife, uttering a soft apology to Asuka, and sticks it in the most non-reachable spot he can find. As the titan falls to the ground, Shinji reaches Tabris and encircles Unit-01's hand around the Angel. His grip tightening, Shinji begins chastising Tabris.

"You caused a lot of trouble tonight. Taking Asuka's EVA for a joyride, no less. So what should I do with an Angel that's not so angelic?"

"You kill me. That's what." Smirking inwardly, he adds, "It's what you do, isn't it. Kill others of my kind. Though unlike them, I welcome death."

"You want to die that badly?" At the nod from Tabris, Shinji smirks, remembering what Misato said. "Okay. But, it won't be the way you expect. No, I have something else in mind for you, Tabris." Shinji's evil chuckle starts up again, causing Tabris to gulp nervously. As Shinji chuckles, Tabris only has one thought.

'This was not in the scenario at all!'

Next morning; SEELE live contact point

As the members of SEELE arrive in their limos, they're unaware that they're under intense observation by Tania and Annie in a NERV sedan. Parked two miles away, watching through powerful field glasses capable of ranges up to five miles. Annie can only scoff as she shakes her head.

"Why are these SEELE schmucks so pretentious as to ride around in limos? Don't they know it makes them stick out like sore thumbs? Or maybe they're compensating for something minor about them."

"That's what I want to know and wonder as well, Annie. But I get the feeling that question is going to have to remain unanswered. Especially with what Shinji has in mind."

"Yeah." Smiling widely now, Annie asks, "What do you think the odds of Shinji slicing the N2 Golf Ball will be, Tania?"

"Well, seeing as I've never seen Shinji slice before, especially with a 'passenger', or at all, for that matter, I can't really say for sure." Her smile equally wide, Tania adds, "Either way, an Angel's going to die or at the very least get hurt very badly." Annie's snicker at that is wicked and Tania joins in.

N2 golf 'ball' launching point

Shinji can't help but yawn as he watches Tabris be strapped onto place. He'd stayed awake through an impressive force of willpower, maintaining his grip on Tabris until he was notified that the first N2 mine in golf ball form for an Evangelion was finished.

It just about took everything Shinji had to keep awake and abstaining from squeezing Tabris until his head popped off. Literally. Along with the sight of Asuka dancing like a belly dancer outside of the Evangelion to keep his blood going. Even while dressed like one with a hint of a baby bump.

'My wife sure knows how to keep me going.' Casting his gaze toward Gendo, he sees the man is on the phone, seemingly with SEELE. Little does he realize just how right he is.

"Is everyone gathered, Kiel?"

"We're here, Ikari. Why aren't you?"

"Wouldn't you know it? I'm on my way, but traffic is murder. I mean, have a listen." Nodding toward Misato, he grins while she reaches down to her car's horn and starts blasting it.

"MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, YA FUCKIN' FUCKERS! I'VE GOT THINGS TO DO!" As Misato yells out, Gendo grins as he goes on.

"Hear what I mean, Kiel?"

"I do, Ikari. Shall I go ahead and start without you?"

"Yeah, you might as well. It's probably the usual B.S. before we get the heart of the matter. I should be there before you get to the good stuff."

SEELE meeting point

"I expect so, Ikari." Smiling evilly, Kiel ends the call before growling. "That man is so irresponsible. Members, it's time to vote. Seeing as we lost controlling ability of the Japanese Special Forces due to the death of Hamoda, we might as well solely use the M.P. EVAs to take control of NERV and begin our ascension to godhood." 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 all nod while 7, a woman, finds herself curious.

"What about the bet, Kiel? We don't know if Tabris failed or succeeded yet."

"We're still waiting to see what Gendo has to say. The EVAs are our backup plan should Gendo's announcement not be to our liking." Smirking, Kiel then asks, "Why? Big plans for the money, if you win, that is?"

"Well, yeah. Venice, Monaco, Morocco. What do those names say to you?"

"Shopping spree." 7's nod has 2 groaning and the others snickering. "Oh, sure. Yuk it up. But don't forget that 7 has a bad addiction to shopping." At this point, Kiel's phone rings again.

"Kiel here."

"It's Gendo. I'm not going to be able to make it there." Kiel's eyes go wide before he grimaces and gives the signal for the M.P. EVAs to be deployed. Returning to his call, he keeps his voice cool and casual.

"Is it that badly backed up, Ikari?"

"Traffic's that badly backed up. But I can tell you what I'm intending to tell you right now. The previous scenario is no more. The Second Child is with child. The 'Highwaymen' are alive still. Tabris is on his way back to you right now." At those words, the whistle of a falling object can be heard through the building's walls and Gendo chuckles. "You're getting a Third Impact, alright. Just not the kind you had in mind, Kiel."

Launching point; two minutes ago

Positioning EVA-01 to just above the ball, Shinji yawns again before grasping the golf club from the building beside him. As the building sinks back down, Shinji finds himself curious.

"I only have one shot at this. Are you sure these calculations will correct my slice or will they compensate for it at least?"

"They'll compensate for the event, unlikely as it seems to me, that you slice, Shinji." Ritsuko's voice is full of reassurance as she adds, "I am pretty sure you won't slice, Shinji. But if you do, the guidance processor inside the ball will correct the ball's path and deliver it to the hole."

"Okay. Let's see if I can hit a 'birdie' or some SEELE idiots at least." Turning his attention toward Tabris, he asks, "Any questions before I swing, Tabris?"

"Just one. Is this going to hurt?"

"It's absolutely painless." Readying for his swing, he waggles his eyebrows and adds, "I won't even feel a thing!" Hitting the 'ball', and Tabris at the same time, Shinji can hear the Angel screaming in angered agony. As the 'ball' slices, it's guidance system compensates, correcting the egress. Resulting in a perfect 360 degree loop.

Which causes Ritsuko's jaw to drop to the ground, in sheer disbelief, with Asuka dancing in a celebratory fashion. While Gendo and Fuyutsuki watch the sliced ball intently, Fuyutsuki makes his opinion known.

"He's inherited another Rokubungi trait, hasn't he, Gendo?"

"Yes, Kozo. He has inherited the infamous 'Rokubungi Slice'. Only he embraced it as a weapon." He smirks wickedly and watches as it flies away. Toward it's programmed target. With Tabris screaming in outrage.

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!" A split second later, he adds the ever obligatory, "I CAN SEE MY HOUSE FROM HERE!"

SEELE meeting point

Kiel growls and asks, "Do you realize what you've brought upon yourself, Ikari? I've had the command sent. If we cannot become gods, all of humanity will be..." The building, SEELE and Tabris all go up in a mushroom cloud of non-nuclear fire. 7's final thought as she goes up?

'So much for my shopping trip in Venice.' While Tabris has only one thought.

'I went, I saw, I got blown up.' His close proximity to the mine gave him a severe disadvantage for he couldn't protect himself with his AT-field. Sure, it minimized the damage from the club upon impact. But surviving a point-blank range detonation? No way at all.

New Hokkaido; EVA manufacturing site

Wiping his brow upon finishing his work, Kasugi grins before hearing the launch alert blaring.

'Boy, talk about last minute completions of sabotage.' Sneaking himself onto one of the black transports as the M.P. EVAs are loaded, he chortles lightly at the thought of seeing his beloved once again. 'I'm coming, Misato. With an impressive fireworks display, no less.' Ryo Kasugi, aka Ryoji Kaji, can only smirk as he verbally adds, "Nothing like making a big entrance."

Tokyo-3

Shinji stands down the EVA and is about to eject his plug when he sees Gendo's face wearing a frown.

"Father? What's wrong?"

"We have trouble coming, Shinji."

"What kind?"

"SEELE's ordered the deployment of the Mass-Produced EVAs. They're bound to be en route as we speak, my son." Shinji considers the situation before expressing his feelings about it.

"Oh shit. Not cool."