No Alternative

by Mercaba

When something other than the angels start attacking Tokyo-3, Shinji finds himself drafted into a fight he doesn't understand or belong to. But when their is nobody else to fight, you take what you got.

21. Chapter 21

Standard Disclaimer

And just like that family health issues go into overdrive and…unfortunately are quite terminal. But that just means make the best out of what time they have left. Turkey day 2016 is on its way and I'm looking forward to eating a lot and veging out!

X-X

No Alternative

Chapter – 21

Staring off into space, her mind a million miles away from Millers, Akira leaned against a table with her palm to her chin. Has it only been two days since she had visited that Hokari girl in the hospital? Two days since Katsuragi was abducted? It felt so much longer…so much shorter too. Everything was just confusing and a little frightening right now. A lot of people could sense it, but nobody was saying anything. Hell the restaurant was hardly populated, and teenage boys weren't often easily swayed from scantily clad maid girls offering them time. "But I've only had two customers all day," Akira was miffed. Without customers, and it had been this way since the incident, she wasn't making money.

"Hey Akira-kun, looks like you can take off early if you want. You were first in and we've just don't have the business today. Things will get better sooner though," Manager tapped Akira in the shoulder. When Akira jumped up and nearly fell, Manager laughed a little. Still holding her hand against Akira, the older woman gave her a little shake, "Even my little money maker doesn't have any customers lined up. And you know how popular those have gotten." Ah yes, Shinji's meals with whoever wanted to pay for them, the majority of the female customers they had. From time to time a girl did want to see pretty maids, but their clientele was mostly teenage boys.

Head dropping down, Akira let out a massive sigh, this was just no good. "Can't I stay on later and let somebody else leave early? I know its not how things work, but I need the money. Being let go so many times…I won't be able to make rent," Akira pleaded. With Karen still at her parents, she only had her income and it was woefully inefficient. The slow shake of Manager's head was telling enough, it was a no go. Asking more herself than Manager, "What do I do then?"

"Could ask Ikari-kun for it. You just work it off or something with your body. Then again he's been sniffing around Kino-kun and that Kusakabe-kun girl when you're not around. Guess he finally realized you're just a brute without Karen around to buffer your edges," one of the other girl's chided…bitch had two tables and was the most popular girl at the moment.

Akira was about to retort but Manager did so first, "Chidori, keep talking like that and you'll find yourself without a job here. This place is all about entertainment of the PG variety. And I've heard a few rumors about you and a few of your regulars." That got Chidori running off with a red face to her tables. Yeah, some girls were a little more willing to do things than others. With a frown, Manager gave Akira's back a small slap, "And while I do hate to agree with her though, Ikari-kun might be able to float you a loan or something. He does work here more to be with you two"

"But I don't…" Akira was met with the wall of stone that was her Manager, "Fine. See you tomorrow…?" That slow head shake filled Akira with bitterness and depression! Short shifts were one thing, no shifts were worse! Shrugging off Manager's hand, Akira wasn't wanting fake camaraderie. Manager didn't lose any money over this downtick in business, just the young girls, hard to take fake sympathy. Heading into the kitchen, on her way to the changing room, she saw something that made her heart sink just a little bit more. "Hey Makoto-kun," at least Makoto got to work longer since she was on cooking duty.

One of three cooks, they normally had six, Makoto was sweating and messy. "Oh hey Akira-san, need something? I've three orders all on me right now so I've not a lot of time to talk. And Ami-chan wanted to go out on a date on Saturday, you have plans or we good to go?" Makoto looked up a brief moment and smiled.

"You're a workhorse if I ever saw one," Akira laughed just a little. Envious of the fact cooks made a static wage and were more in demand than frilly dresses, Akira swallowed her pride. "I'm going to go pick up Karen on Saturday so you're fine. Just remember not keep him busy. This Katsuragi stuff is really…" Akira sagely shut up. They restaurant wasn't empty, and some people did spy on them from time to time.

Nerv kept it a secret that Unit-03 was corrupted, that it lost its lead strategy planner, and whatever happened that Shinji refused to talk about. But people could read between the lines, current workload was proof, and the city was scared. Watching Makoto work, skilled hands moving over food to expertly prepare it, "Maybe he would be better off with…" she muttered.

Almost hearing Akira, Makoto stopped her lighting quick knife work, "Did you say something?" Flour was dabbed on her cheek and forehead as if she was a geisha getting ready for her lord, and Akira found herself mystified.

"No, just hope you have a good evening. I'm being sent home already since we're so slow. Guess I'll go see what Maron and Shinji are up to. See ya," Akira waved and quickly fled the room. Karen was girly and cute, Makoto was womanly and skilled, and she was…she had…big breasts and could punch hard. Akira didn't even want to think of the other girls that got drawn into the magnetic sphere around her boyfriend! But he loved her, she knew that, just had to make an effort! Changing quickly, she paused to put her palm to Karen's locker. "Will your parents let you back, or will we have to…" let Karen go or break free of Karen's parents aid? It was going to be a transition period wasn't it?

Back in her school uniform, Akira considered going back to her apartment and just wallowing in disappointment. Depression had a nasty effect on the girl, made her lethargic. She didn't want to do anything, just veg out on the couch and watch stupid television as the hours clicked by. Her powers were still mostly gone, returning thankfully, but slow as molasses. Standing at the door to Anne Millers, her reflections stared back at her with dark circles under her eyes and she thought she looked a bit heavier. Has it only been two days?

Stepping out into the afternoon sun, it was well into cresting the horizon and cast the world in a golden light, she felt like crying. No Karen, no money, no powers, no purpose! Yeah just go back to the apartment and let Maron and Shinji have a nice evening between the two of them. Why butt in where she wasn't wanted, well not expected as Shinji would always want her by him she knew. "But I'm a drag on him right now. Asking for money…how can I do that to him? OH hey Shinji you're fighting monsters to keep us all safe, that woman you care about is kidnapped, but can I borrow some rent money? I'll let you fuck me!" Akira gave her leg a playful kick up and felt sick.

"Or should I say I'll have to start charging you for it," Akira's head dropped down with a heaviness. Oh wait he didn't have to pay for such, not with Ayanami, Kino, and gods knew who else! It made her sick that she even thought that about the man she loved. He'd give her whatever she asked, no question, but it was the pride that took the hit! She was the provider! She was the protector! She was the warrior! A small chirp from her phone got her attention as she trudged towards her apartment…did she bother checking it? No, likely just junk mail or some girl teasing her about Karen being gone or something.

People passed by, some looked at her with a hint of disgust, others worry, one boy her age appeared ready to talk to her but she glared at him and he ran off scared. That's right, be afraid! Her phone chirped again, another message? Maybe it wasn't junk mail, but it was likely something she didn't want. Just ignore it…shut everything out. Don't be a drag…don't be a drag…don't…she pulled her phone out and saw the messages and nearly dropped her phone as emotions surged through her. Her two favorite people…damn them for knowing her so well, for caring!

'I miss you!'-Karen

'Come over whenever you get the chance, love you'-Shinji

Her hand held out for the handle of her apartment stalled and she turned around. This wasn't like her, wallowing like a pig in her depression. Things were bad yes, but if she fought and fought hard it would get good again! When they had initially been captured by the rock-men, she fought. When those drugs were administered, the training beat into her, she had fought. And when they escaped, Karen at her side, life changed for the better! Karen supported her then, just as she did likewise, support didn't make somebody weak! Running…she was running now towards Shinji's place. Depression still there, such a devious thing wasn't so easily banished forever, but her mindset had shifted.

Bowling people over as they were in her way, leaping over some little kids and flashing them her polka dots, she felt her heart swell. So what if she needed a little money right now! She'd repay him! Either with snuggles or with actual money, who cared! Who cared if others loved him, she loved him more than they did, that's what mattered! Taking the stairs up two or three at a time, she was smiling again as she pulled out the cardkey to Shinji's apartment. With Asuka still in the hospital for observation and Katsuragi gone…Akira might just stay the night here. Getting a wicked idea, she stealthily entered the apartment, and yup there was Maron's shoes. Finding Pen-Pen waddling over to her, Akira rubbing the bird's head, whispering, "They doing something in there, boy?"

"Wark-wark," the bird responded and seemed to bob his head up and down. Odd how the penguin seemed to understand her from time to time, those eyes flashed with an odd gleam. Puffing his chest out, gyrating his wings, Akira just had to pet that plumage a little. Silly bird, cute bird. Putting a finger to her lips she made a shushing noise and put her finger to Pen-Pen's beck before she took her shoes off and tiptoed into the apartment. The light of the television illuminated the room, but she didn't see her pray. She heard them alright, little make-out session did make quite the loud sound and Maron was apparently quite vocal.

What would it be, a little kiss, would she take the initiative like Akira said she'd have to, or was it going to be something more daring? Before she could see anything she stopped, and was struck by something. She wasn't upset or even bitter about this!? Maron had been a dear friend, one of the few tried and true ones. Shinji wasn't going to love her less if he started something with Maron, so why not let her friend be happy too? Just her self-esteem made her think poorly of herself, made her think he'd replace her. But she had to have confidence in him and herself…yeah…this was a two way street.

"So what is it going to be…" Akira whispered again to Pen-Pen as she peeked around the couch and felt her full body blush! Ok, she had seen this sight before, but not often from this angle. Maron was pressed up against the armrest , hands on Shinji's head as it was pressed dutifully between her legs.

He was fully clothed, she was mostly, just she was panting so hard, nearly singing with her bliss. Akira saw that loving expression on Karen when Shinji did his little tongue trick on her, knew how it felt personally. But normally she was the couch cushion for Karen and never got a full on look at the full on cherishing look Maron was giving. For a moment she was tempted to continue hiding until they finished, another moment and a spicy yelp of joy got her thinking…maybe just slide the panty to the side and get a good finger in. But before she could make up her mind, Maron screamed out in ecstasy. Whelp, Shinji was quite skilled and was improving all the time.

Panting heavily, Shinji could be heard scooting away from the woman with lungs of steel. "A-are you alright Maron-chan. That was a little l-loud," he was always so concerned and considerate.

"That was…so much different than when…it wasn't anything like what Akira-chan said it'd feel like," Maron was nearly breathless. More sounds of movement on the couch could be heard, somebody was moving closer to somebody else. Ah yes, the post coital snuggle, Akira loved that moment of oneness and safety. As if emotions became a blanket that wrapped you up and chased away all the bad of the world. Meekly, a tone Akira never heard from Maron, "D-did you want me to…it's only fair. I'm not sure I'm ready for…you know…but I could…"

Standing up tall now, towering over the two, Akira saw Maron laying atop Shinji with a rosy gleam, positively radiant. "No need for that right now, not unless I get a little sugar too," Akira could see Shinji's body go ridged. His eyes popped, his hands protectively clung to Maron, and the moment he recognized her it all seemed out of him. Sitting on the armrest by his head, "Got your text. Betting you weren't expecting me to get off early." She made Shinji sit up and slide in between him and the armrest and pulled him against her, pinning the boy between them. Leaning over him, "And didn't I tell you his was good? All you have to do is get past his reluctance and…" Well Maron was butter against him right now.

"Sorry for being scared…thought you were Lilith for a second. I've been seeing her everywhere. At the grocer, at school, even at the hospital. I don't know if it's really her or just my nerves. We have supper in the kitchen if you're hungry," Shinji did have that sheepishness about him. Hard not to, he was just caught given a lovely tongue lashing to somebody and was sandwiched between said girl and his girlfriend. Interesting place to be. Akira took his hand and he squeezed it warmly, kissing her cheek, "Going to stay tonight?"

He could just read her, maybe he was psycic after all, Akira rolled her eyes. "I bet that woman is tailing you. But while we're all depowered like we are, doubting she can make a move. Even she has to be suffering through this right now. As for food…later, right now I just want to sit like this. So tell me, did you two even try working on that play or was it all couch time?" again Akira was amazed she wasn't even slightly miffed at this!

"I uh-well…we did START with the play, but it was the kissing scene and…" Maron was beside herself. While Akira got to be with Karen and Shinji like this before, the oddness long since worn off, Maron wasn't. And Akira could tell how it went after that. Little caste kiss, go in for a deeper…deeper…lead him to the couch, confess, and then well their man was a sucker for emotion. He drank it up and reciprocated in kind if not more. Just as adorable as Karen was, Akira snuggled up right close to him and let her arm drape onto Maron.

For the next hour the two just sat there and listened to the television and talked. It was a little awkward at first, but it melted in time. After the hour, Maron got a call from somebody and had to leave, Shinji gave her a little sugar when she left. Akira had to needle him just a smidge, remind him that he was only on loan to those others. He rewarmed her food, ate a little with her as she did, and they had a little spar up on the roof.

His powers were mostly back while hers were still woefully lacking, didn't matter though. As they went to shower together, Akira did ask shamefully if she could get a little loan. She hadn't even finished asking before he said she could. No hesitation, no qualifiers, just pure unbridled want to help. Well the shower went a little long…then they went to Asuka's room, Akira made it a point to do it in Asuka's room, and that was where they slept, and woke up.

X-X

Sitting at his desk, Shinji tried not to dwell on the bad but it was hard. How could he not think of Misato being gone? When every night he went to sleep, the empty apartment was there to mock him. True last night Akira had been there with him, and that was marvelous, but he knew it was only temporary. His Misato was out there somewhere in the dark. Lilith, what was that woman…creature…doing to Misato? The only saving grace for his sanity was Pen-Pen assured him Lilith needed Misato alive for whatever reason he had for her. But for how long? How long with Ritsuko's wave take to wear off and then Lilith would act? Not long, that was the problem not long at all.

"And I have to act like nothing is wrong," Shinji muttered into his school computer. Looking to his left he saw the empty desks of Hikari Hokari and Asuka, he looked right and…There sitting in Touji's chair was Lilith clad in a school uniform. Their eyes met and Lilith gave Shinji a fluttering finger wave and a mocking smile. Shaking his head, Shinji was about to transform and attack but when his eyes cleared the chair was empty again. Mocking him! He was seeing little flashes of Lilith like this all the time now! Even this morning when he went to take a morning shower as Akira slept he found Lilith standing nude in the bathroom teasingly!

Taking a few steadying breaths, Shinji was on the verge of collapse here. To much stress and worry was taking its toll on him. Thank the gods for the few people in his life were there to distract and calm him. Maron's late night play practice turned petting session was great at calming him, sleeping with Akira in his arms an oasis. But times like this, alone while surrounded by people was always there waiting for him.

'Are you needing to leave? Say the word and we shall go.' Rei's instant message popped up on his screen. How could Shinji forget about his constant companion, Rei was always there. Even when he suspected himself totally alone, that albino just had to correct him and he loved her all the more for it. Looking up at her, those red eyes bore down on him with compassion and fret, he smiled and shook his head. Best they stay for now, they had a meeting at the Hikawa Shrine with all their gems today.

Typing slowly and carefully, retyping the message a few times to insure Rei didn't misunderstand it, 'I'm fine Rei-chan. Just a little worried is all. Going to go to the shrine after school or did you want to meet me at the apartment?' Rei wasn't a social creature, didn't want to hang out with people aside Shinji and work purposes. So he'd give her the option, not like she was in danger since she had her new form.

'I shall be waiting at your apartment, I will let myself in,' and like that Rei was back to her window. Likely watching him from the corner of his eye, never could hide from her.

Doing his best to pay attention for the latter half of the school day, it was hard and his foot was constantly tapping in impatience, but he did it. The new class representative dismissed everybody and Shinji hated the boy for existing. Hikari should be the one to dismiss them, not this new kid. But Hikari was in a hospital bed next to Asuka, an invalid and they didn't have the healing powers to cure her! "What good are these powers if all they do is hurt?" Shinji grumbled as he gathered his stuff. About to stand up, Shinji felt the shadow of somebody fall over him and his heart seized up. A girl wanting to ask him out, Lilith tormenting him again, or somebody he knew?

"Hey Shin-man got a moment?" Kensuke asked with an uncharacteristic worry. His heel bounced and he tugged on his collar a few times. Seeing that got Shinji to nod, this looked like a private conversation if he ever saw one.

Gesturing to the seat across from him, Shinji scooted his chair closer as students fled the room. There were fewer of them, somehow people knew something bad happened at Nerv the other day and parents were shipping kids away. "I've a few minutes before I have to go. Meeting with the study group at the shrine," Shinji let Kensuke fill in any details he wanted with that. Let the rumors grow that it was a big love fest, that it was just school work, or whatever the flavor of the day was for him.

"Thanks, I don't know who else to talk to about this," Kensuke sat heavily and let his bag drop with a thud. For Kensuke to not treat his laptop with reverence was more telling than the circles under his eyes. Taking in a deep breath, his chest puffing out comically, he sighed, "Two things man. One good and one bad. What you want to hear first?" More and more people left the room, only the cleaners were left and they had very little to do since half the students weren't present today.

Good or bad? Well Shinji wanted to leave on a good note so, "Why don't we start with the bad. That way we can leave in a good mood?" Shinji shifted his satchel to his other side and felt it jingle with all the smaller gems bouncing off the bigger. If Kensuke heard it, he didn't comment.

"I saw Touji after the accident. I saw him in video Nene hacked from Nerv's cameras, Unit-02 to be exact. He was…is that rock man that hurt Hikari," what started off sad ended angry. Kensuke's whole body was vibrating with a small building rage. Grabbing out and taking Shinji's wrist, the intensity of that gaze was frightening, "I saw him crawl out of that rock shell after what he did and run off. He's working with those monster man…that's why he isn't here. But side note on that Tachibana is back in school…doesn't remember much of the last month."

If he hadn't suspected it on some level, Shinji would have felt more betrayed than he had. But it all fell into place so perfectly that Shinji just sat there numb to the news. "What do we do about it?" Shinji had a suspicion on what Shiki could do. His knuckles popped as he squeezed his fist tight, Touji was this betrayal worth it? Was a girlfriend so important that you'd hurt people, maybe worse, just to have some…doll?

"Don't know what we can do. Keep an eye out for him and if we see him call the police or Nerv?" Kensuke offered. Though Kensuke had a peculiar look about him, as if he wanted to say something but didn't. Slowly shaking his head, "Just thought you should know, you know…just in case," Kensuke definitely knew or thought something. Clapping his hands together, getting a jump from Shinji thanks to the sudden burst of sound, "But the good news…Nene is wanting another group date. She got the official OK from the ladies she works with. We're making it official…going steady."

Standing up as Kensuke did, Shinji did feel quite good at hearing that! Clapping down on his buddies shoulders, "Congratulations man! Never would have…well I knew you'd find somebody and Romanova-san and you click. Hope things go well with it." He scanned the clock and it weighed down on him. He would have to hurry to get to the shrine on time, it was a ways off from the school. But could he leave Kensuke like this? The good and the bad, didn't they necessitate him staying longer?

"Get going man. You have stuff to do, important stuff. Just give me a call if you get a chance. And keep an eye out for Touji. He was gunning for you last time, could be worse now," Kensuke gave Shinji a light shove. Another shared look, an unspoken conversation…Kensuke didn't know what he suspected was real but he suspected Shinji had a hand in this current madness.

With a nod, "I'll call you when I can. Maybe we can go visit Hokari-san again soon, she deserves company." Shinji re-shouldered his bag, it jangled very loudly, and he rushed off. The talk with Kensuke hadn't taken to long, but the other students did vanish quickly. Clubs were meeting, friends meeting friends, and all of them had a subtle look of desperation. Passing the people he was responsible for protecting, he ran harder. Every so often he'd catch Lilith looking at him in from the corner of his eye, that woman he'd seen in his dreams but not the same personality. Don't fall for it, don't let her get to you, just keep going!

"There are too many stairs here," Shinji groaned as he vaulted up the steps. Taking a break midway up, Shinji saw Rei's grandfather walking down to meet him. Odd man, little to interested in the ladies for Shinji's taste, but he never did anything but tease. "Hello Hino-sama, how are you today?" Shinji bowed showing proper respect to a holy man. First time he did such the old man slapped him on the back with such a smile it was frightening.

Having mandala beads in his hands, the man was going over the sutras and was actually knocked out of his prayers. "Oh, Ikari-kun, sorry I didn't see you. There is an odd spirit in the air, the energies aren't how they're supposed to be. It is like that day fourteen years…" the aged man's eyes cracked open and he gazed at the setting sun. Eyes going misty he rubbed at them for a moment before reverting to his normally happy demeanor. Hand to Shinji's back, pushing softly up the steps, "Here to see my granddaughter again are you, her and those friends of hers? They're all here, even Usagi-chan, go right on up and in. Good luck young man, good luck."

"Thank you Hino-sama, anything I can…" Shinji saw the man wasn't even really listening to him. Shinji always wondered if the old man was really a spiritualist or if it was just a ploy to get girls to talk to him. Well that comment the man just said and the look about him, Shinji bowed again and rushed up the last of the steps. Not three steps away Shinji heard the mantra's being prayed again, guess Rei's grandfather knew when to play and when to be serious. Everybody was dealing with the shift in their own ways. Knocking on the door to the shrine proper, Rei was going to do a fire reading. He had heard about these readings before but never present for it, "Hello…sorry I'm late?"

Opening the door with a wink, Minako quickly saddled up to Shinji's side, "Bad boy, Usagi-chan is the one that is supposed to be late. But you're only a few minutes where she'd be…OW!" An eraser bounced off Minako's cheek complements of the spiritual leader of the Sailor Senshi. Rubbing the wound, Minako grabbed the eraser, taking Shinji along for the ride, and pitched it expertly at Usagi's forehead. Turning to Shinji she closed her eyes and leaned her cheek at him, "Kiss it and make it better?"

"You can't be…" Shinji exclaimed but Minako hummed expectantly as the other inner Senshi looked on, even the cats where here. This was so odd, he was getting to comfortable with this idea of an 'open relationship', but if they were ok with it, who was he to argue? Leaning in to kiss Minako's cheek, the girl just had to shift at the last moment leaving them locking lips. Girl knew what she wanted and went right for it, never did Shinji believe Minako was stupid…girl was a talented actress and just played everybody! Her hands wrapped around his head and drew him in deeply, a little inexperienced but made up with it with gusto.

Coughing loudly, Makoto brutishly pushed Minako away, "We don't have time for this right now Mina-chan. We have more important things to do." Said they girl they all knew had a date with Shinji and Ami in two days. Akira was going to go get Karen back so they allowed Shinji to venture off. Oh how Shinji hoped Karen's return wasn't an ordeal, he had heard horror stories of her parents before from Akira and he was worried she'd be forbidden from returning. His dainty flower, Shinji wanted her back right beside Akira where they all wished her to be. Hip checking Minako over into an empty spot in the circle, Makoto lead Shinji to Rei and sat him down. "Usagi-chan and you will flank her," Makoto kept her hand holding his.

"I'll be drawing from you two as you've the most spiritual powers right now, well more fuel for my powers than the others," Rei looked delightful in her finery. She didn't wear her heavy priestess robes often, going more for the shrine maidens. Today was special though, the woman was going to be channeling her full powers today. Taking his back, she opened it without hesitation, what was his was hers, Rei spilled the cantaloupe sized gem onto the ground along with the few smaller Shinji had, adding them to the few extra's the Senshi had gotten since they pooled their resources. Arranging the gems in a circle around the largest, "Once I get started I won't be able to stop. So Usagi if you have to get anything out…do it now alright?"

Letting out a masterful belch, Usagi was in her prime as she patted her stomach. "Just glad you're all here. Shin-chan…thanks for being here with my friends. I know Mako-chan and Ami-chan already really like you. Minako…well I'm shocked, and give Rei-chan time to thaw out…she's such a Tsun…but they all really like you. And I can see you really like them. I'm…I'm glad you can all be happy together. And…and…why are all of you looking at me like AH!" It was Ami that started the great Usagi-hunt again, girl could move when she needed to. But Minako and Makoto each grabbed one of the twin tails and locked her in place.

"You were saying?" Rei quipped as she pulled out a marker and proceeded to draw on Usagi's face. During the five minutes of madness, Shinji just sat there watching it all and taking it all in. De-stressing, this was how they relaxed when they were together and he enjoyed it. When Rei turned to him though… "Now your turn Shinji-kun," Rei waggled the marker threateningly! Before Shinji could act they all dog piled on him, laughing all the while. By the time they got the giggles out of them, Shinji was covered with each of their names (even Usagi's) written on him somewhere, each with a personal little message. "Now that we got that out of our systems," Rei took Shinji's had as they all sat again, "link hands and I'll begin."

Starting a fire, the room was soon very warm, yet Rei was not fazed by the heat as the others were. Mystified by the woman, Shinji was witness to his first spiritual fire reading, and felt coldness as time went by as Rei drew energy from him to power it. Listening to Rei chant, the words reverberated in the small room, the room felt as if it expanded. What had been quite cozy now felt cavernous, Shinji could even see Ami anymore, just Rei and Makoto as he held their hands.

Only the fire and the hands mattered now…and the gems started to pulsate faster and faster. Slowly the gems started merge together. Lifting off the ground they amalgamation of gems flashed bright and turned into a star that spun in the air. "Little…bit…more…" Rei was struggling now, her body bucking and weaving so much that Shinji had to strain to keep her in place. The star spun around so fast now it looked like a disk now, and out of the disk they all saw a vision over the fire. It was of Misato as a teen in Antarctica. They saw her with a man being put into an escape pod, bleeding. A being of light erupted behind them…the man sealed the pod and fell atop it as the light washed over everything. Then they saw three balls of light…each flew off in different directions, but one of them went right into the pod which glowed green.

"Misato-san…she's the great earth mother?" Shinji understood what he saw and stood up. The moment his hands separated from Rei's the fire died down and the room snapped back to normal. The event had passed, they had their information. Lilith was one of those lights, the other the great earth mother that now inhabited Misato, and the last…they didn't know. Helping Rei as she lurched forward, Shinji caught her before she fell into the remains of the pit, the others were quick to help him.

"We'll talk about this later, Shinji-chan," Ami was checking Rei's eyes, "We'll take care of her right now. See you tomorrow." The four girls all supported the fifth as they went into the home, Shinji gathered the star up, and was glad for the moment of solitude. Misato was some reincarnation of the great earth mother that everybody had been hunting for since the start. She had been right under his nose the whole time, her encounter in Antarctica as a teen had triggered it! All this time, everybody had been looking for a teenager…well joke was on them, Misato had been a teenager when it happened then went into a coma.

Walking home, the star in his bag felt warm through his satchel, he just was mystified by it all. When he got home, Ayanami was there and he hugged her so hard she was startled. He made her favorite dish, they ate and played chess, Rei soundly beating him, and slept in one another's arms. Both tiring the other out with some much needed loving.

X-X

Looking down at the IV in her arm, Rei felt a dichotomy of emotions in her right now. Ritsuko and Honey were talking as if she wasn't in the room, an oddity for the girl. Typically she was the center of attention with armed guards and fearful expressions centered on her. Not her, not anymore, not after Shinji confessed his elation at her freedom. Lilith had been using her body for as long as she had the bracelet around her wrist. Lilith had took over her body whenever she wanted to cause mayhem. Lilith was gone from her now. That alone was a reason to be happy, but she also had her growing relationship with Shinji. Ah yes, that confusingly enjoyable sensation of elation that being with him caused. Last night had truly been lovely, sleeping in the arms of somebody she cared about, only person she fully cared about.

"So how are you feeling today, Ayanami? No sickness, weakness, or anything else bad?" Ritsuko put the armband on the girl's bicep. Pumping it up, an unlit cigarette bounced in her lips, the woman did her best with one arm still in a sling. Once she jotted down Rei's blood pressure, Ritsuko let the air out and grumbled. Writing with her off hand, more scribbles than actual words, "I hate being right handed right now. And Kisaragi-kun I told you, the new sensors aren't picking up anything from the target. We don't know where the target is." They had at least tried talking in code, not let others who might spy understand them.

Rei being Rei understood the cryptic conversation and felt no need to mask that, "I feel fine, and you still do not know where Katsuragi-san is? Shinji-kun will be much distressed by that. Maybe I'll stay the night again today to keep watch." Keep watch and enjoy what warmth of humanity she could, he was the only one to offer it freely to her. Flinching around on the paper that covered the lab table, it crinkled cheaply as if she were a side of beef slapped down, she saw both women staring open mouthed at her. "Ah yes, he did say I should keep such things secret," but why Rei didn't know.

"You know about this do you then Ayanami-kun?" Honey was pacing the small lab that Ritsuko used. Woman had terrible circles under her eyes as if she hadn't slept since the day Lilith was reborn. Leaning forward gazing deeply into Rei's crimson orbs, "And how IS Ikari-kun doing? I should have stepped up to keep tabs on him. But I've been…busy. Why haven't you been watching him considering?" The question had been directed at Ritsuko who was still struggling to write down on her notepad.

Time for secrets had passed, Rei knew this. Shinji had confided in her so much last night during one of their breaks. Rei's grew a little damp at that memory, it had been after she climbed up and nestled into his legs, wrapped her legs around his back and…something to think of later. "Yes. I know Lilith took the body that was in Terminal Dogma. She separated from me fully then allowing me still able to transform into not only my original form but hers as well," Rei demonstrated her skills as she talked. Ritsuko dropped her pad and Honey leapt away and drew her sidearm. Holding a hand up as she still sat there in her new form, "I am in control now. I am telling you this as Shinji trusts you as a friend, teacher, and…is the proper term lover or slave?" Rei didn't understand the whole master/servant thing.

"I uh-uh-uh I can explain?" Ritsuko's voice cracked so bad and she pressed herself against the wall heavily. Her back slide down and her jacket stayed up leaving a very hunchback view of the good doctor. Eying the door, Honey stood in front of it, Ritsuko appeared ready to rush it if she thought possible she might slip. When Honey locked the door, Ritsuko just slumped down sitting, "Fine…It started off the latter and slowly became the former. Misato knows, you likely know some of it considering how close you two got. As for you Ayanami, guess you confirm my modifications to the anti-magic wave worked. Powers all back yet?"

Towering over Ritsuko, arms still crossed, Honey bent and gave Rei a view right up the woman's skirt to white silk, "Akagi-kun…you hound. Always the quiet ones isn't it?" Honey turned back to look at the quintessential quiet one then snicker at the realization. After a few moments of laughter, Honey's eyes reddened, her laughter became panting and finally sniffling and soft cries, "Misato would love to hear this…that her little man is so popular. She loves him you know, tries to hide it, but she can't hide from me. Not anymore…she…we…"

Sliding off the bench, the time for the hunt was nearing and Rei had to leave to join Shinji and Mercury. "You were together. Just as Shinji and I are together. We are going to find her and bring her back. Our powers are almost fully back, so we much find Katsuragi before then. Excuse me," Rei headed for the door only for the crying Honey to still be standing there.

"Take me with you! I can fight as well…Honey Flash!" Honey transformed several times to show her point. A Chinese waitress, a scientist, and lastly a plugsuit were her little show before ending in her red-headed and armed form. Grabbing Rei's sharp bits, holding tightly, "I won't stand back and let you do this without me!"

Swinging her arm sharply and flinging Honey over to Ritsuko, Rei shook her head. "Not now. We will be moving quickly, Shiki and a Sailor Senshi. We have a planned route. When we find her though, we will inform you and allow you to join the strike party," Rei wouldn't prevent that. Right now they needed steady hands and minds, Honey would rush in before they were ready, ruin the surprise, and maybe cause disaster. Crinkling the locked door open, oops Honey did lock that didn't she? This new form was far more powerful than her previous, and ran down the corridors of the lower levels of Nerv. Nobody came down here except Ritsuko and the people she brought with her.

Light as the wind and as strong as a speeding subway, Rei destroyed steel panals as she ran. Her feet burrowed into the trappings as she stomped, the rare door was cut in half with her new blade and within moments she was out in the night sky. Leaping up and up the buildings, clawed hand sliding into the buildings effortlessly as she used them to ascend. Shinji was waiting, if she was late he might go without her. If his comments about seeing Lilith around where true, if he went alone Lilith might find him. "She will not touch him, he is ours," Rei would end her one time kidnapper!

Today at school had been telling, Shinji slept fitfully even if he didn't know it. He talked in his sleep, Lilith was pervading his dreams. At school those four girls he had meet and learned Katsuragi was some sort of reincarnation of the spirit of the earth flocked around him. Rei didn't mind, she had her time with him and that was good enough for her. Not cast aside, simple other things to do at the moment, and those women helped keep his spirits up. A depressed Shinji was a very scary thing, Rei didn't like it.

"They are still there," Rei let out a small breath she hadn't known she was holding. Only ten minutes late, Ritsuko's tests did go longer than planned due to the doctor's broken arm, Rei was never late only on time or absent. Making a massive leap across a street from one building to another, she smashed into the roof and felt the building bow underneath her…need to work on that. "Are you ready to go, Shiki? Mercury?" She did not know who the Sailor Senshi were, not for sure, but Rei was not stupid and had a very good theory.

With her blue visor up, masking part of her face, Mercury nodded, "We're all in position. Alright Jupiter stay with Jeanne, Venus you stay with Kira, and Shiki and Witchblade will stay with me. That way we can all keep in contact in our search. Find anything out of the ordinary report it in. And remember what we heard from Shinji-kun…the Suzuhara boy is Geo and the Shadow man is that Ryouji Kaji person." Rei could hear a few voices over Mercury's communicator but couldn't make out the words. A map of the city was mirrored on that visor now, Rei saw four routes with various colors on it making concentric circles. That was their path for the day.

"How are you feeling tonight Witchblade? New form causing you any issues?" Shiki was quick to ask and close the distance between them. Always so concerned, always so worried about others, that was something Shinji had in spades. Nobody cared about her before this, maybe people might after…her new co-girlfriends, but never to the same degree.

Ruining a lot of people's evenings, Rei tore out a circuit box from the roof which contained the internet cables, and tied them in a knot. Actions spoke louder than words, and her words were soft enough already so Rei went for a practical demonstration. "Carry Mercury, we can move faster than they can. We'll cover more ground," Rei flinched her head to the eavesdropper. If Rei was right, that was Ami Mizuno and she had powerful emotions for Shinji but to shy to act on them. Rei had been somewhat similar until Lilith forced the issue. One thing Rei did want to thank Lilith for, her new life was a direct result of Lilith's tampering.

"Oh you don't have to-YIP!" Mercury squeaked out cutely as Shiki lifted her bridal fashion. Swaying her back and forth a little playfully, Shiki showed her prized catch to Rei for review. "You two are incorrigible! I'm not helpless…or slow…just you two are monsters! Glad you're on our side…Jeanne as well. You solo girls are something ELSE!" Mercury screamed as with a nod from Rei, Shiki and she jumped off the roof and went running.

Easily keeping up with Shiki, Rei suspected in this form she was faster if wanted, she spied the nightlife as best she could. Talk at Nerv today was how Makoto was coordinating the Knight Sabers about the city to clear out monster dens. With their magic low, the invading creatures were easy pickings for the technological terrors. Terrors that had the proclivity of teasing the poor man with demands for certain services after they finished. After this Lilith business was over, there was a good chance that they might know peace.

"I think I have an idea, something we overlooked," Shiki tore off of the designated path. Moving out to the city outskirts in a few minutes, the buildings getting smaller and smaller, and people actually noticing them run, they moved quickly. Mercury did her best to update the others, but their group was the outer most due to their speed, and now they were running away. Setting Mercury down, Shiki looked about a small glade frantically. Nodding to something unspoken, "Yeah, this is about where it was. Kensuke…he camped out here, said he left his gear here and…" Shiki lead the others deeper.

Moving closer to Mercury, Rei found it time to interrogate one of the potential additions. Quietly, Rei covered Mercury's mouth and clamped down hard enough to silence but not hurt. "Quiet, need to talk about your joining our…group," what else to call it Rei didn't really know, words and here were bitter enemies at times. As Mercury bucked and fought, Rei recalled a scene like this in one of those video's Lilith had provided. In the movie, a female demon would capture the magic girls, grow tendrils from the ground and…oops. "I do not aim to violate you, just talk. Nod if you understand." There that would calm the girl.

A sharp shrill nasal sound was all Mercury could make with Rei's hand clamped over her mouth, but she frantically nodded her head. Shiki was a few yards off, hunting for some trail or familiar patch, good…Rei had time before Shinji realized they had separated.

"You want to be with Shinji, correct? Again nod yes, shake no," Rei commanded, better to keep things quiet or Shinji might hear and come back. Just two girls talking, nothing he needed be bothered with. Female bonding was odd…she didn't bring her 'Unit-01' to share with, and felt a little selfish in not wanting to use it on the girl or be with them like that at all. But if those videos were correct, it was expected of girls to kiss, fondle, and don faux masculinity and split one another in half like a piece of wood.

Again Mercury nodded, just a bit more reluctantly this time. Good, Rei like honesty. "He is with me, he is with others, will this cause a problem or will you attempt to take him from me?" Rei found she had to grab and pull Mercury's arm up her back. Another yelp but this time a head shake. Excellent. "Good, I would dislike for us to need fight. I have suffered much in life, he brings me joy, I will not be denied. But sharing I have learned is good…and as you are likely unaware…his genitalia is quite large. You best prepare yourself if you wish to…" Rei noticed the flashing light on Mercury's scanner, "Is that broadcasting?"

Mercury's head nodded.

"Yeah we can all hear your Witchblade…thanks for the warning? We won't steal him from you, we all made a pact to stay together…all of us except Sailor Moon as she has somebody already," a voice Rei associated with Venus answered. With no more questions needed, Rei let Mercury go who quickly made a good distance between them.

"Shiki did you find anything yet!" Mercury called out as she all but ran. Crushing tall reeds and grasses as she fled, the ever so brave Senshi of water looked more the rabbit than Usagi did. Rei had to wonder, did she breach female/female decorum?

Joining the pair I a small glade, Rei felt that sense of peace wash over her as she stood alongside of Shiki. Shiki was standing over a small circle of burnt wood and ash, "This is the fire pit we use, feels warm…but its so dark I can't see if he's out here. And I think I kicked over the rice cooker on my way here. Touji! Come out! We're just here to talk! Tell us where Lilith is and maybe start making amends for what you did!"

Nudging Mercury in the gut, the smaller girl stumbled back a few feet, Rei asked, "Does that scouter have thermal optics?" If it did, easy to find a hiding man. If not…Rei slashed her blades together and the long tor of sparks restarted the fire. "Suzuhara either come forward and answer for your crimes or we burn it all down," Rei called out as she gathered a bundle of twigs to work as a torch.

"I can see him…or at least a human male over there," Mercury pointed and Rei leapt that moment. Standing over the prone male, indeed it was Touji, and he was illuminated by Rei's little torch. Calling out frantically, "Don't hurt him! Everybody can be redeemed and if he helps us find Lilith it's a great boon!"

Surrounded by Shiki, Mercury, and Witchblade, Touji didn't try to flee he just sat up with his head cast down. "I ain't running anymore. Stupid to think I could hide from you. Just afraid…afraid of what you'd do to me. Just don't hurt me…let me go…and I'll tell you," Touji looked around at his captives. They could see him try to summon his rock crust but it only shimmered and vanished, Lilith had recalled her gifted powers.

"Where is she, Touji? Is Misato-san with her?" Shiki lifted Touji off the ground, firmly but not painfully. Shiki was not playing, was not giving any illusion of who was in control here. The others joined them at this point, making a larger circle around the inner one. Lifting Touji off the ground by the collar, "Tell me where she is!"

Rei put her hand on Shiki's shoulder, and that got Touji placed back on the ground. Couldn't talk when you couldn't breathe. Shaking off Shiki's grasp, Touji sank back down again to the ground, "She's alive and in some old abandon building…near part of the town being rebuilt." He rattled off the description and location and it was Rei's turn to be stunned. Her old apartment building?

It made sense! It was in the city, nobody visited it, Lilith forced Rei OUT of the building, and who knew what additions somebody of Lilith's powers could have made to the place? "Let us leave him here, we must try to find this place," Rei lied and lead the group away from the untrustworthy. If Touji knew they knew the location, he might go back to Lilith to curry favor…her old apartment…she let them know of it after they were free of Touji's spying. Now they just had to wait for their powers to get back enough to state an invasion.

X-X

Finishing dressing, Asuka was glad to finally be cleared so she could leave. Being in the hospital always left her in a bad mood, bad memories after all. It had only been a few days, but Shinji did visit once so at least it wasn't all bad. His offer to talk to Hikari though, well Asuka passed on that. Some deep part of her mind told her not to do so, safer for her to do so. But she was leaving, and Hikari was staying so Asuka felt it necessary to at least say goodbye for now. Not much to say to a girl what got maimed while piloting and was officially no longer a Child. If only Asuka could remember the battle, could remember a lot of things.

"So many things are foggy right now," Asuka quipped as she tossed her hospital gown in a bit. Akagi said she was clear to go and could either go home or to the second half of the school day. Well that was a stupid question, she was headed home to relax and get some good food. Passing a few nurses on her way back to her old bed, "Just hope that utter cow isn't there." Thinking about Akira was flaring a lot of bad vibes in Asuka's mind. What did that dumb bitch do to get Asuka so upset she'd forget about it? No matter, she was getting out of here, she was on the rebound for her score, everything was good.

Rubbing her belly she smiled widely, "And I've my little Baka to play with now. I remember that good enough." Asuka could recall the evening Shinji and she knocked boots quite well, who knew the idiot could be so romantic. Candles, movie, heavy petting, and a long night of just the two of them…was quite a great memory. Finding the door open, Asuka stood outside of it and listened, "Who would have come though?"

"You can't just wallow like this, Hi-chan, it's not like you! Fight, let them do some tests on you, try asking for some of those magical girls to heal you…something! Don't shut me out like this," an older voice called out in pain. Asuka recognized that voice, the stuck up Kodama! What brought the high and mighty free spirit down to interact with the commoners? A loud smash, the shattering of glass reminded Asuka why Kodama was there.

A harsh bark, not what Asuka was used to hearing, Hikari was having none of it, "I can wallow if I want to! All my hopes, all my dreams…gone! I can't even wipe my own ass anymore! How can I go to college this way? How can I get married like this! I wish he did kill me and not just ruin me." The tears were gone, this was just plain rage.

"You're just upset, and you have every reason to be. But I'm not giving up on you, you shouldn't either. We'll work through this, just don't give up alright," Kodama was strained, barely keeping it together. And when she fled from her younger sister and into the side of Asuka she was dabbing tears from her eyes. Indignantly crossing her arms and making a point to not look at Asuka, "What do you want? You've all your shit don't you? Going to go rub this in her face, cause if you plan to I'll throw you out a window!"

Holding her hand out, palm first, Asuka grimaced angrily, "She's my friend too. I've just been dealing with the whole memory loss thing! Sorry I'm not worse off to make you happy. Anyway don't you have some guy's leg to go hang off of?" That girl always had a boyfriend or girlfriend, always the clinger. Kodama was likely just upset she had to take care of the house now that Hikari was laid up. Stepping to the door, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a friend to talk to!" Walking into the darkened room, Asuka tugged on her satchel as she saw the silhouette of Hikari sitting there. "H-how you doing today, Hikari?" Asuka shut the door as she spoke, easier to talk when she couldn't see the target. Part of her laughed at her hypocrisy.

"What do you want Asuka? No fame here, no glory, and no Akira," Hikari slapped her good hand on the bed. The slapping echoed in the room while her voice was emotionless and flat. Louder and louder each slap just made Asuka flinch. The sound of the bed being elevated could be heard, better view, "Took you long enough to talk to me. Few days of us sharing a room…but I can't cater to you so I guess you don't care to talk to me. No cooking, no games, and no fun just Hikari the useless girl. And I do remember how you almost smashed me. If it was Akira, would you have done it? Been a murderer? Because if you think you have it in you, could you do me a favor and finish the job?" Hikari sounded far too sincere for Asuka's taste.

Memories flittered to her mind, dark wings that battered at her sanity and tried to become reality again. Stuttering just a little as she moved to the window shades and opened them, "What are you talking about? I wouldn't kill that shrew…she's just a hurdle for me to jump over. That's all. And you'll be fine, Akagi has done some crazy things in the past, fixing you should be fine." Asuka saw the gaunt complexion and sunken eyes of her friend and regretted the light. One could tell if somebody had a death wish, and Hikari was pleading for it. The shattered glass crinkled under her feet as she walked towards the door and chair. "W-want to talk about things? Why you think I might have done that?" what was Hikari talking about?

"I won't tell anybody, I didn't tell anybody. Ikari-kun knows, he saw it all too, and he saw Suzuhara turn me down quite harshly. You were right Asuka, you're always right, Touji wasn't right for me," Hikari gestured at her body. Twirling off the blanket, showing Asuka the gnarled and twisted limbs and bruises over her body, "Have a good look, have a good hard look. You could have stopped this, but you just stood there and watched as Suzuhara ruined me and Ikari-kun stopped him. Wish he didn't…" Who Hikari meant, Asuka didn't know, didn't want to.

Call her a coward as much as you want, Asuka couldn't handle the sight before her anymore and fled the scene. Leaving the door open as she ran, Asuka saw a few doctors and orderlies as she left the hospital. Never did she want to have more bad memories of hospital rooms! More bad memories fluttered about, threatened to come back to her mind and force her to remember things she blocked out! "No! NO! NO! Stay out…stay way," she screamed once she got outside. Clutching both sides of her head, she squeezed her eyes so tightly shut they hurt and she saw white! Suppress, suppress, suppress….and gone.

Panting heavily, a few strangers gave her a wide berth to avoid her, let them! She was going home to relax, get some of Misato's booze, not like she was going to drink it! Her breathing under control she nodded, "Not until she gets back. And she will just to spite me I know it." Why was she fighting with Misato lately? Teasing Shinji in front of the woman…Kaji? No, Asuka knew for a fact she was wrong about Kaji now. Misato's favoritism of Shinji? NO! It was because Misato didn't like the idea of them being together! That's right!

Finding the apartment empty, except for that dumb bird, Asuka tossed her bag into her room and did just as she wanted. Grabbing two cans of Yebisu she stopped and grabbed a third, she was celebrating! Popping on the television, cans nestled on her belly, she flipped through the daytime television. Boring, who liked these stupid soap operas? Life was more interesting than this shit! Just look at Shinji and his menagerie of…pain laced Asuka's skull like electricity. Yeah, Shinji had few people circling around him that she'd have to remove so she could be the queen of the hive.

"God this stuff takes like shit, sucks imports cost so much," Asuka blanched as she drank the rest of her first beer. German beer was far superior, Germany was far superior. Crushing the can in her hands, Asuka lofted it at Pen-Pen's head and scored a hit as the bird seemed to be watching a bra commercial. Laughing as the bird panicked and ran about madly, "That's what you get pervert. Can't wait for this madness to end so we can move out. Leave Misato and you to rot in this sty."

Shinji would move out with her wouldn't he? They were close; he was the closest person to her anymore. She drank and watched television as her mind wandered. Her family never called unless they needed access to her funds, Hikari had shut her out, and the others were floozies. There was another, but it hurt Asuka's head to try thinking about that one. Lily? Did she know somebody named Lily? Defiantly an L name. Popping open her last can she started drinking it, "I'll remember it eventually."

Taking another drink, Pen-Pen got his revenge by warking really loud right at her side. Her whole body jerked in shock and she spilled half the can down her shirt and on the couch. "Fucking bird!" she made things worse by tossing the can at the fleeing bird. Flinging herself off the couch, already stained, she just swung her hands to get some of the amber juice off her. Rolling her eyes, and promising herself to a penguin dinner someday, "Guess I'll take a shower then."

Tossing her soiled sundress in the wash bin Shinji left for them, she smiled at that. He was so thoughtful, played with her, spent time with her, and then ran off to be with those others. "But since we've been together that'll change. When DID we have sex though?" she wondered as she took her underwear off. Checking the door again, she had sworn she saw it open, but it was closed. Whatever, booze messing with her head. She walked into the bath and came to a stop. "Who the fuck's panty's are these?" Asuka ripped the hanging garments off the drying line!

Far to small to be Misato's, unless Misato shrank a good few inches. They weren't as nice as her specials, but Asuka saw a little fanciness to them. "Who the hell has hearts on their panty's in this day in age?" well those who weren't expecting somebody to see them. Somebody to see them? Somebody was here that wanted to get fucked!? Somebody was here that was fucking Shinji! "That damn pig! I swear the only reason I let him was because…because…" she tricked him. No, she didn't trick him that was stupid. Right?

No…no it wasn't. The image of her looking at him in a body not hers, a defender of Justice. She was being punished for lying though so she had to do what she was told. But Shinji was faithful and wouldn't cheat so she lied. Lied and said she was…NO! NO! That's wrong!

"Bath now, more booze after!" Asuka shook those horrid thoughts from her head. It was stupid, she was being stupid! She remembered that night they made love so well, one of her most clear memories of the last few weeks. Her shower was nice, but she kept thinking she felt odd touches along her leg, feathers? Washing the shampoo out of her hair, "Just drunker than I expected." Had to be it, it had to.

Putting her bra and panty back on, she forgot her change of clothing in her room, she wrapped a towel around herself as she left the bathroom. Stupid bird wasn't going to get any free peeks at her. Only her little Baka got to look, he earned it with his actions. Those inferior girls had to fuck him to keep him interested, Asuka only had to make love to him once! "Maybe today we'll do it again, nothing else to do and no Misato to stop us," it was a new skill and Asuka hated being unskilled.

"ASUKA! You're home?" Shinji yelped out as Asuka opened the bathroom door. They nearly collided as Shinji was headed by. He had his cello on an instrument caddy with the school's name on it. Quickly averting his eyes, he spun around to face the window over the sink, "I didn't know you were being released today. I'd have made you some food before leaving. Been in the bathroom this whole time?"

Whole time, what was he talking about? A quick look at the clock however had it two hours past school let out? How had she gotten so distracted to bathe for three hours? "Yeah, had to get the hospital stink off me. Antiseptic doesn't do my skin good, care for a sniff?" she teased and draped her arms around him. One when under his nose while the other hung lazily over his chest.

'Go for what you want, do no hesitate, do not lie. Live free!'

Another moment of vertigo washed over her as those words floated out of the ether. Her bust gently brushed against his back, "Where you going? Want to just stay in instead? You can miss whatever school band recital you planned can't you?" She didn't want to be alone. Not right now, especially with Shinji here.

"I'm going to Hino-san's place to help her with some new music she's writing," Shinji was firm but not harsh in freeing himself from her gasp. Taking a few steps away from her, Shinji's head dipped a little. "I have some money in my room, in the book on my desk. Order yourself something to eat alright? I have to go," he tried to flee.

Reaching out quickly, Asuka couldn't believe what she was seeing! He couldn't leave her like this? She was just out of the shower, she was in her undergarments, she was desirable, and they cared about each other damn it! Why couldn't that lunk-head read the mood? Grabbing his bicep, Asuka's grip was steel, "Why are you leaving to be with that girl instead of me? After what happened…I know you've some odd going on with those girls. Rumors at school being what they are. Open relationship and we've already…"

"You didn't talk to Hikari did you?" Shinji didn't fight, didn't try to break free. But his voice was so soft it was hard to hear. His shoulders puffed up as he took a deep breath, "I didn't want to tell you, not like this. I thought you'd get home Sunday and I could have spent the whole day with you talking. But I've my date with Hino-san tonight and tomorrow is Ami and Makoto-chan. So…I'll tell you the short story and let you absorb it." He pulled his phone out and with one hand typed and sent a message.

Letting go of his hand, Asuka felt coldness seep into her. He was going to tell her something, something she didn't want to hear, she had to shut him up now! Looking about frantically, she saw one of the heavy cooking trays on the table and grabbed it as quietly as possible. One good whack on the back of the head would shut him up! "Y-you're dating all my friends now are you? Didn't know you were such a…swinger…so who is after the wall flower and the amazon?" she pulled her hands back over her head.

'Do it! Smash him! Stop him from making you remember! Memories will destroy you and the carefully constructed world you live in! Do it now!'

"You worked with Lilith for awhile Asuka. I don't know the full of it. You said it was to dispense justice, but from what I've seen you did some really bad things. You…you considered killing Hokari-san because you thought she was Akira-chan. I asked Kensuke to email you the video his friend hacked from Nerv. Watch it or don't, I can't make you. But know that I do still care about you. Some good is still in you, or you'd have crushed the plug the other day. Be…be the Asuka I know and care about…now I have to go," Shinji started walking away.

He'll never love you now. You're dirty and garbage! You're just cast off! Better to kill him now! Better to just kill both him and yourself! What good is a broken doll anyway?

Doll…doll? She was no doll! She was Asuka Langely Soryu! "Yeah…I'll watch it and then prove that you're all wrong! Go have fun and you better be telling the truth about Sunday Baka. You and I are going to game and talk!" Asuka yelled at him as she put the tray back down. Memories already spilling over the side. Good he left, no good to see her cry, and she felt it coming. And when she got the video from Kensuke and watched it, she did cry. How far had she fallen and for what? That thing on the screen wasn't her, not the girl she wanted to be. But…how did she start to redeem herself? Could she even? Pen-Pen didn't know, but the bird did sleep against her as she sat on the couch in deep thought.

X-X

Sitting in a corner of a small restaurant, Shinji was thoroughly enjoying his evening with two of his favorite ladies. It was not the same as being with Akira and Karen, he'd not expect it to be. Everybody was different, everybody had their own good and bad about them, and these two were exactly the same. He wasn't going to question why they were so willing to share, but again he was more than happy to go along with it. Makoto was trying not to blush as her stomach rumbled again, and Ami was flustered at how busy the restaurant was. Ami didn't do crowds to well, and Makoto had missed lunch as she prepped for the date.

"Sorry we couldn't do the same as our first date, but they were full up already. Don't mind this place do you Ami-chan?" Shinji asked as he examined the menu. It took his Nerv badge and Makoto cracking her knuckles to get the trio into a seat ahead of the long line waiting to get in. The plan had been a repeat of their first 'group date' from ages ago, and so far it had been. Aquarium had a live show today, the park had a few new activities, but the feeling had been the same. Flipping through the menu he asked, "We could go back to my apartment and I'd cook if you'd rather. But Asuka might be there."

Coyly batting her hand at Shinji, Ami was doing her best to improve her social skills, "I'll be fine, Shinji-san. Just worried this is to expensive a place. Mother and I came here when it opened, she made a comment about it. Can you afford this?" Ami was going to be the worrier of the group, more so than Karen was. The burden of a powerful mind, being able to see threats and difficulties where others didn't.

Clad in the lovely brown dress she had bought when she officially confessed, Makoto slowly shut her menu eyes wide with terror. "But they don't have prices on the menu, doesn't that mean it's cheap? I…I can help pay if you want. I don't want to be a d-drag or anything," money was Makoto's bane. Being an orphan and having to pay her own way, gods bless her for her offering to help.

"I've been saving for this for a while. That and I've two paying jobs and Misato-san pays most of the bills. Don't worry about it, my pleasure to take you both out," Shinji bashfully admitted. They both exchanged looks with one another and then him and were all smiles. Being earnest was always best, and Shinji found his ability to lie horribly crippled. "And I did lose the Frisbee golf game, so its my place to suffer the punishment game right?" Shinji peeked at them as they giggled.

It had been a slaughter, that game in the park not an hour ago. Makoto's superior strength had her win by covering further distance per throw, Ami was second with her ability to calculate the perfect throw based on wind resistance and angles…Shinji wasn't that coordinated with the disk. Oh how the guys watching them play mocked him for his lack of skills. 'Give it up man, you're out of your league!' He nearly did run off at that point and end the game early. Even with all he'd done, Shinji's self-esteem wasn't something to risk. Makoto lost a stroke, not that they counted it against her, when she bounced it off one of there heads.

"Well if you're sure then, I'll try not to splurge. But Mako-chan you get whatever you want," Ami casually touched Makoto's hand. That was something Shinji had noticed all afternoon, how those two were just a little closer. It was how Shinji suspected Akira and Karen started off, probing and hesitant. Not wanting to cross a line, but wanting more. The trio continued to peruse the menu and chat idly as they did. They avoided the elephant in the room, their building powers and the fact that before next Saturday they'd have to strike.

Clearing his throat, the matradee rolled his eyes annoyed at having 'children' in his section. "Are you finally ready to order? We do not allow loiterers and the menu is quite high quality," he looked right at Makoto with that condescending tone. Yes Makoto did appear just a little 'poorer' than Shinji and Ami, as she was. No judging or mocking, it was just a fact and it didn't matter to them.

"You say such, but the French in your menu is inaccurate in several places and describe things poorly. This here claims 'roast duck under potted plant' where you meant to say 'rice'. An amateurish mistake that would have been seen any competent speaker of the language," Ami retorted without any increase in vocal timber. As the man's eyes went wide, face going flush with embarrassment and rage. Ami just batted those lovely big blue eyes and then, "So your mistakes did take us longer to grasp what you intended not what you said. But we are ready to order. Shall we speak in standard Japanese or are you comfortable in your French?"

It took all Shinji had to not burst out laughing at how the man bristle. He lasted just long enough for them to make their orders and the man to bustle off before his giggles overcame him. "Ami-chan that was almost rude of you, but bless you for it," he reach out and found Ami taking his hand. Not to be left out, Ami reached out to Makoto who finished the circle. The three of them sat laughing and holding hands, it did so much to help calm Shinji's mind. Today was just them, it was an evening for them alone. Don't let the fear get to him, don't ruin this perfect evening with Lilith's plans.

A different server, an attractive if not little plump woman came out with the dishes, and she asked Ami for the proper spelling for the menu to boot! With a small discount from Ami's work, Shinji paid the bill and was the better man and didn't stiff on the tip. The food was top quality, some of the best he ever had, and Makoto made a little pig of herself by finishing both Ami and Shinji's meals when they tapped out full. When they left, she patted her full belly, and linked Ami and Shinji's elbows with hers in the center. "Now where did…where did we want to go?" Makoto asked using her strength to pull them closer.

"M-my mother is home for the evening. She pulled a double shift at the hospital yesterday so she stayed home today," Ami was quick to say and quicker to watch her feet as they walked. With the sun set, it set as they ate, the street lights were on and they all noticed the few couples walking past them. This had been building and building for weeks now. And they all felt that spark coursing through them, they wanted a place to be alone. "Are you sure Soryu-san will be at your apartment, Shin-chan?" Ami wouldn't say such affectionate words in public, far to shy.

Not wanting to have expectations or the like, but Shinji could swear he felt the desire in the air. Fear did drag out of even the most calm individuals, and they were facing death in the face. "I don't know, she was odd yesterday. Still claims she doesn't remember anything, but I did get her a video of…she's likely there," best not to talk about these bad things. It'd only make things worse, ruin the mood. Just like thinking how his last text from Akira was worrisome. 'If we need help…you'll help us right?' What did that mean? He had no issues lending or even just giving Akira money for rent. Hell most of the reason he worked at Anne Millers was just to be with them.

"Then we go to my place, just let me clean up a bit before you wander about," Makoto increased her pace and lead the pair. Well somebody wasn't playing around, then again Makoto wasn't coy. Girl just went for what she wanted, when she deemed it worthy of her attempt. Part of what lead them to her bedchamber, she just laid it all out on him and what happened happened. Slowing her walk as Ami stumbled, Makoto let go of Shinji to help catch the falling girl, "You don't…mind do you Ami-chan? I mean, I could let you both in and go for a walk or…you know what we talked about right?"

Taking Makoto's place as the center ring, Ami nodded but her voice was tender as possible, "I know and I want you there, I want both of you there. I…I care so deeply about both of you. I never thought I could feel so much for two people. B-but I do and I'm afraid." That sucked the wind out of the others, but they both understood, or appeared to at least.

"I care for both of you as well," Shinji confessed, "I feel like I'm cheating by saying it though. But I understand what you're saying Ami-chan." Nuzzling her temple, he rewarded her with a small peck for her courage. He DID understand exactly what Ami was saying. He felt the same for these two, Akira and Karen, Ayanami, and was growing on the others! If even one of them lashed out, got hurt, or betrayed him the outcome Shinji didn't know of! How could he survive if they died?

Her powerful voice filled the air as Makoto stomped her foot down, "None of that talk right now! Today is a good day, it is our date night! Now lets go and make good on it!" With her fist upturned in a fighters pose, Shinji and Ami were gob smacked at the bold declaration. Opening the door to her apartment building, she still hadn't noticed just what she said but kept on going, "Not like we can get pregnant either so lets…lets…" There it was, her brain clicked and noticed it, so she disappeared into the building.

"Ami-chan…you all keep saying that you can't have children, that you're together for ever. Why do you and your friends all say that?" Shinji asked as he opened the door for Ami. He always wished to be a gentleman for these lovely ladies that deemed him worthy of their time. But Usagi mentioned it during the big confession at Hino's fire reading, and they all gleamed it from time to time. Just what were they knowing but not saying?

Putting a hand to Shinji's chest, his heart rate spiked at that simple act, Ami looked for people around them. Finding none, Makoto lived in a fairly peaceful neighborhood, Ami leaned up and stole a small peck on the lips. "Because we've been contacted by the future. A few months before you came to the city, Usagi-chan's daughter came from the future, the thirtieth century. We are all live there, and Chibi-Usa never mentioned any children for us," Ami pressed her head against Shinji's chest.

"Thirtieth century? Does that mean we win against the angels then? I mean if you're alive so far…means we have to win…but…wait…" Shinji tied to back away from Ami but her hands hand sneaked around him. He didn't doubt her words, Ami wasn't a liar, but the repercussions were too hard to accept! Over a thousand years from now, how could they still be alive? Humans didn't live that long, did that mean she'd watch him die? "W-what happened to all of you?" Shinji never talked to them about their time as Sailor Senshi.

Hugging Shinji tighter, nearly pressing herself fully against him, Ami shuddered. Slowly, carefully, "I wish I could tell you yes, but I can't. All I know is something happens that puts earth in a deep sleep. Usagi-chan wakes up first and wakes the world. Humans live a lot longer after that, her crystal gives life to all. And what happened to all of us was…we died. I've died at least twice, but Usagi-chan brought us back. Once against Beryl and another against Sailor Galaxia. We've had our dreams invaded, our souls taken, killed and reincarnated, and targeted time and time again…but we win. We have to…and now we have you as a new ally. For my friends, for my family, and for you…its all been worth it."

Stunned, fully speechless at Ami's confession, Shinji just stood there as she met his gaze and closed her eyes leaning in. Never did he hesitate and went right in, how could he not when she was so fragile and defenseless. He had died once in Unit-01, he knew that, but to do so multiple times…well he faced death over and over against the angels, every time he saw them. He could relate to them (to a small degree). Wrapping his arms around her he held that small frame against him and embraced her. They stood there until Makoto coughed and the broke, a silver link of spittle clung for a moment before breaking. "You two…outside isn't really the best place, and I cleaned upstairs…l-lets go," Makoto held the door open for them, and they followed.

It was a walk in silence as each of them came to terms with what was happening, what they were doing, and what was to happen. They weren't going upstairs to watch a movie or play a game. Shinji had the most experience of the three, and even he was pins and needles, Makoto's bluster was failing her as he held the door to her actual apartment open for Ami, and Ami was walking comically robotic! Shinji and she had their time in the rock-man cave, but this was different…it was the last moment for them to back out. An open relationship, nobody greater than the other, treat one another equally…everybody. Shinji looked at them with that questioning glance, and both nodded once so he shut and locked the door. Decision made.

But just because they decision was unanimous, didn't make the progress forward any easier or less awkward. "So um…what…what do we do?" Ami asked the two more experienced. They stood in a half circle between Makoto's kitchen and living room, not making eye contact and being every bit the embarrassed teenagers they were.

"Really? I thought you'd know how sex works Ami-chan," Makoto said plainly. Either an attempt at a joke or seriousness wasn't know, the result was a trio of giggling idiots. After the laughter left them, "I think we should…go to my bedroom. The couch isn't that big and with three of us." She trailed off eyes firmly set on Shinji, but slowly shifted to Ami. Grabbing the girl by the shoulders, Makoto nudged the ridged genius into moving.

They were really doing this, Shinji couldn't believe it, but he was seeing it. Following slowly behind the two that did come to him offering to be 'a set' just like Akira, Karen, and he were, he just couldn't believe it. Life was truly unpredictable and strange. Back inside Makoto's bedroom, the dim light from the overhead fixture bathed the trio in a dusty lemon light and highlighted the stuffed bear Shinji got her and a few potted plants. "Are you sure you want to do this Ami-chan, Makoto-chan? Little…little different for a-for a first time,"

"I want to, I want both of you here, its just…you know…intimidating?" Ami rubbed her arms as she sat on the twin bed. Not much bigger than the couch, but it would accommodate the three of them if they got really familiar, which they intended to. Slowly pulling on her top, she stopped after her belly was exposed, "Am I going to do this alone? Being the only one is really embarrassing!"

With a shared look, Shinji and Makoto joined Ami in the sans-clothing club and they all just drank in the sight. Ami was so much smaller than Makoto, in nearly everyway! Almost comical to see the two side by side, and where Makoto trimmed her nethers Ami's was a wild growth of bush. "Ami-chan you don't shave?" Makoto asked as she tried NOT looking at how Shinji was getting turgid.

"I didn't think about it! Why would I think about…well I did…but I don't have the utensils and I didn't want to ask my mother," Ami turned around quickly. Now showing them a bum that was trim enough to bounce a coin off of, her hands went down to cover her flower. Looking over her shoulder at Makoto, "And what about you? A heart? Isn't that a little…presumptuous?"

They were getting nervous and frustrated, Shinji saw the need to act so he did. He'd never be a Casanova, never wanted to be, but his time learning and watching people had benefits. All his life he was afraid of people, well until Tokyo-3, and that fear gave him the knack for knowing what upset or made people happy. It was a way to avoid pain and upsetting others, right now however…

Walking past Makoto, trailing his hand across that muscular stomach, he wrapped his arms around Ami's waist. His member pressed firmly into that peach she showed, "Ami-chan it doesn't matter. You're beautiful, Mako-chan is beautiful, a little hair doesn't make much of a difference does it? I mean I'm nude down there because of my plug-suit. You don't judge me do you?" He swayed back and forth and his little friend wiggled deeper into Ami's peach and he felt that longing grow. Damn he'd die for these women, he'd fight for them, and believed they'd do the same. Just hoped it never came to that.

"He's right, I'm just really nervous about what you think of me, Ami-chan. I know Shin-chan has odd taste and thinks I'm pretty…but you…until recently I didn't know what I really felt about you. You made me feel like a lady when others mocked me for my size, you never judged, you were just adorable Ami-chan. But now…" she hugged Shinji and Ami together. Her large breasts spread out across Shinji's back as she hugged both tightly.

Alright they needed to separate or Ami's pert bum was going to strangle his little friend, but it felt so heavenly right then. "S-should we start? Ami-chan if you'd lie down on the bed, Mako-chan….my side? This, I've done this before," Shinji confessed again to his prowess at multiple partners. It was often the three of them whenever Shinji, Akira, and Karen were together, a man had to learn to multi-task.

"A-alright," Ami whimpered as Makoto let them go. Crawling away from the two she laid down, already glistening with anticipation. Twisting onto her back, she kept her legs so tightly together they'd split a walnut if one was put between them, she looked over at Makoto who sat next to her. Gasping as Makoto's hand went to her stomach and gently rubbed, "Mako-chan what are you doing?"

One hand holding Shinji's she sat on the edge of the bed with her legs slightly split where one of his hands slide between. She jolted as Shinji's finger entered her, "This isn't just him and us Ami-chan, you and I…if you don't mind me." Makoto offered her affection to both in the room openly.

"Ami-chan," Shinji asked as he positioned himself and asked the unspoken question. The room smelt of both of them, Shinji realized. A musky and human smell, not good or bad, but he liked it as it was from them. His fingers dutifully worked Makoto's flower as he had learned to, and felt them get slick as Makoto bucked against him in small circles. Slowly and timidly Ami's knees separated they both got a glimpse of the gushing Ami. Guess Ami was 'a quiet one' as well as she was primed and ready to go. Pushing just the tip into that vice like crevice, Shinji said a silent prayer to his mother…thanking her for watching over him and blessing him if she had any hand in this. "Ready?" he worked Makoto deeper.

Moving her hand up Ami's stomach to her small chest, Makoto pinched playfully before going in for a taste. Today was Ami's day apparently, maybe they worked this out or Makoto felt she 'cheated' Ami out of whatever plans they set. "Shin-chan, Mako-chan…thank you," Ami had tears in her eyes, and she gasped aloud as Shinji sunk into her. Meeting no barrier, Shinji's heart spiked, but Ami bashfully looked away as she noticed him noticing, "Being a Senshi…actually most girls break their hymens from activity. It is more ra-rare for a girl to be our age an-and-oh-oh…what is…" Ami's mind tried to work to overcome her sensations but failed.

"Ami-chan are you alright?" Shinji slowed his insertion to a stop. Not trying to be piggish, but of the ladies he made love to none had been so vocal so fast, he wasn't even a quarter in yet and she was panting like Akira during a good session! Girl didn't answer verbally, she just started shucking closer to him, so he accommodated her. Once he got a steady rhythm going, Shinji directed Makoto position herself over Ami ever so slightly. Taking her engorged nipple into his mouth he played both of them. It helped actually, splitting his attention kept him from firing off to quickly thanks to Ami's strangle hold.

He alternated between her lovely assets and kissing Makoto deeply as Ami's moans were the serenade for them. The amazon's massive strength kept Shinji's head in place when the sensation came to much. Shinji learned Makoto's left nipple was just a little more sensitive than the left as he licked the underside she clutched his head so hard, and he released inside of Ami. The chain reaction continued as Ami sat up shrieking like a banshee eyes going wide before falling back down.

"Ami-chan are-are you alright?" Makoto asked a little winded at her own small orgasm. Crawling over to Ami, on her hands and knees, she hovered over her dear friend giving Shinji a look right into her love canal.

Squeezing Shinji tighter and tighter as he pulled himself out of her, Ami pouted cutely. "Again…can we do it again?" Ami was almost horse from her calling out.

"Ami-chan what are you? Isn't that selfish of you? We're all here tonight, don't I get AH!" Makoto had started to ask but Shinji did learn to tease. Ritsuko's training had left a profound impact on the lad. Don't let up, don't surrender, be dominate, and be strong. So while Makoto was distracted with the very pleased if not selfish Ami, he pounced. Nearly falling atop Ami, her elbows keeping her from face planting, "S-Shin-chan that wasn't fair." Oh she was hardly complaining.

Feeling Ami's thighs rub up and down his sides as he lovingly tended to the mighty Jupiter, Shinji realized he was seeing something magic. Ami and Makoto loved one another almost if not more than the cared for him…emotions were hard to quantify and Shinji decided not to even try. Could he say who he loved more? No, it wasn't something he could even conceptualize. It had been a chaste kiss the girls shared, not the soul searching Akira and Karen shared, but it was the first of many if the future allowed it.

"I love you, Ami-chan…Mako-chan," Shinji grunted out as he started to pant. Sex was hard work, ate a lot of calories and he was already on round two. The view of two perfect bodies nestled so close, the moans from both mingling in angelic chorus, Shinji did his best. And after he finished and Makoto DID collapse atop Ami, he rolled onto the bed and lay on his back next to them. Ami…having her first taste and awakening something primal insider herself opted to take the lead and mounted Shinji.

"Mako-chan his mouth is open for you…lets…we don't know what Lilith might cause…so lets live now," Ami mounted her steed and her head rocked back and her hand went to her chin. Damn, girl must still be super sensitive as Shinji felt her have a few small climaxes just from that. Makoto took Ami's advice, but not a kiss…nope…she pulled and Akira and sat atop his face and he applied his tongue more.

It was a long night, a very tiring night, but damn if they all didn't need it. And when they did sleep, Shinji in between them with his arms around both, it was the end of a lovely evening. The official start of something between them, and Shinji's acceptance that he would defeat Lilith come whatever cost to himself. It was needed. They, all of those that fought and defended humanity and found peace amidst one another, deserved no less.

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Notes

And there was the long promised and hinted at Ami/Makoto/Shinji relationship starting in earnest. A lot of impossible relationship stuff in this story, but it is more 'comedy' and 'wish fullfillment' than other stories so…if you were expecting seriousness you learned not to expect that after so many chapters of this darn thing.

I'm thinking one maybe two more chapters left to it. Going to be sad to see it go, but all stories need to end.

Later

Mercaba