Standard Disclaimer

This virus is still making the world a strange and depressing place. All the things I wanted to do this summer, canceled. Working from home for months has me re-evaluating all the things I own and giving away so much. People needing money due to crazy things...its been stressful. Sorry its been taking time/energy to get these chapters out, but I'll keep trying!

X-X

On Angels' Wings

Chapter – 11

Walking to her car after an uneventful shift, Misato was feeling just a bit of dread settling in. Things back at the Izumo House were getting a little heated, a little strange since the party. Shinji and Miya continued to live in their own little world that Misato felt she was slowly being excluded from. She did not care for that, caused her agitation, caused her to get frustrated, and left her standing in this stupidly humid car park. "She is not replacing me, just doing things that I can't…not my way," Misato hoped at least.

"Talking to yourself now? Some people say that is a good thing, that it's only bad when you respond to yourself without prompting," Ritsuko jibbed as she approached. Stupid woman had her lab coat on and still looked calm and cool, how that worked Misato wanted to know. Finishing off a cigarette, the smoke clinging around her like a shawl, she leaned against Misato's car. After a long drag, thankfully exhaled away from other humans, "Any reason you're talking to your car? Thought it was fixed now."

Joining Ritsuko in a good lean against the expensive, and mostly fixed car, Misato grunted. Crossing her arms, "Didn't you work the morning shift? And yeah my baby is fixed and mostly back to how I bought her. I'm just…things between Miya and me regarding Shinji are strange. We heard that this Second Stage thing is nearly over so all those girls are in hyper mode when Shinji goes out to protect him. Ayanami and her bodyguard moved in and THAT is just causing oddities. It's the safest place in the city I bet, but I'm still worried about being there." Miya would end anything that dared threaten it.

Dropping her cashed cig and grinding it out, Ritsuko shrugged, "Bet you're partially right about that safety. MBI and Nerv have a few little extras. And I did work this morning, but those artificial bodies won't work on themselves. Making such wonderful progress with them. Things for me are…just about perfect." Giggling a little, eyes going glazed as some secret thing beset her glorious mind and dragged it away. Shaking her head back, "As for Shinji-kun…I wouldn't worry about that. That kid has bonded to you, even if it's not the same as that…woman…you're stuck with him."

"Yeah," Misato felt her heart lighten, "I guess you are right about that. Just not the same as Miya. We're different people, have different ways of doing things." Miya was more traditional Japanese woman and Misato was a woman of the modern age! Shinji cared about her, she knew that! So cares if Shinji and Miya cooked together, it was Shinji and her that played shoji! It was Misato that got him all blushing and stammering with comments about stealing Musubi off to love hotels! Different approaches, both good, both needed, and she shouldn't worry…as much. Leaning off the car, patting Ritsuko's shoulder, "Thanks, I needed that. Also need a good night out and maybe a one night stand. All the pheromones at that place are starting to affect me. Up for a girls' night out soon?"

Collected her crushed debris, no littering on camera, Ritsuko stopped her loafing and stood up. The car popped up a little and a nasty sounding grind accompanied it, maybe it wasn't as fixed as hoped. Checking her watch and nodding, "You could ask Kaji-kun to knock that out of you, we both know he'd help with that itch. He tried talking to me a bit…but I'm married to my work right now. She looks so near ready…but yeah I could be your wing-woman if you need it. Just text me the day and time and I'll try to be available. Now get going."

"I've seen those nightmare simulation bodies, how you can call them anything resembling human is beyond me. But you do you. As for Kaji…" Misato aborted that thought. With a wave, the two women shared a small laugh as Ritsuko walked off towards the security gates. Misato had to tear her eye away from Ritsuko, when did her friend start showing such overt sexuality? The swaying of her hips, long strident walk, something about Ritsuko just irked Misato more different than normal. Popping into her car, the weary major headed for home. Her love life was strange wasn't it, why she was wanting to hit the bars and not the men she knew. What men did she consider, well none right now, work did trump that. But she got the itch, and Musubi did NOT give her much private time in their shared room.

Swerving to avoid a slow going truck, Misato zipped around the bulk with practiced ease. "Well she does give me time when she's off in Shinji-kun's room. Now that was a highly contested place in the Inn. Tsukiumi and Musubi had almost daily challenges for the right to sleep there, glad Shinji didn't know of it. Kusano snuck in whenever she could, Matsu just snuck the poor kid up into her loft, Kazehana openly flirted to the point if Shinji didn't know she wanted to get in on the action he was blind. Now what to make of Ayanami, Asuka, and Akitsu…her little man was such a heartthrob!

"My love life is…" Misato slammed on the breaks as the light ahead had the audacity to turn to red. Kaji was always a mixed bag, old and new memories swirled about. Kaji of the past was a mistake, but a fun one until they both got scared of commitment. Who cheated first…did it matter? No, they weren't ready at that time so they hurt one another. Now she hated to admit…she thought Seo was a bit attractive in his mystery and devil may care attitude. Plus…well…she had 'accidentally' walked in on Kagari in the bath once or twice…younger yes, but still she had been to that club to see him more than once. The light turned green and she finished her drive in mental silence, letting the music take over for thought.

Spotting Matsu's motorcycle outside, the heat radiating off the thing, Misato was extra careful when parking. Bike was fancy for sure, maybe she'd ask for a ride someday, but not today. Judging by the fact it was out, she would bet all her remaining Yebisu that Matsu and Shinji had a small ride. "Likely getting groceries and they won't let him go alone," Misato was pleased by the dedication, pissed for the reason.

"You would be correct. As 'The Faucet with Legs' and 'The Obscene Exhibitionist' spared for the right, she snuck off with him. Currently he is with Kagari-kun, boy-chat apparently," Miya greeting Misato at the door. Her floating about the place, her mask currently that of tranquil landlord and not oni-possessed mother bear, caught Misato off guard. Woman didn't meet with Misato unless she had reason, letting Misato get comfortable first before dropping updates like this. Striding right up to Misato, side to side, she extended the arm of her kimono and let Misato see a small envelope inside, "This is for you to read. I am…vexed by it. I believe you will be as well."

Reaching into the folds of that silken folds, Misato felt the mass of the paper and swallowed hard. "I'll read it…" she was going to say 'in a while' but the look on Miya's face was demanding, "right now. Food going to be ready soon? Anything else I should worry about?" Miya wouldn't push unless it mattered, she was more a 'follow the rules and I don't care' type. Letting Miya open the door for her, Misato heard Musubi and Asuka talking about some odd show while Tsukiumi quarreled with Kusano about who got the bathroom, she was home.

Heading towards the bickering Sekirei, Miya shook her head and that massive hair nearly knocked a vase off a table. "See to that first, keep it to yourself for now. As for supper, I will have it done in about an hour. Girls, what did I say about loud bickering," Miya went about putting her rules back into effect. Trying to calm the insanity down, Miya got what she wanted from fear and intimidation.

Fleeing to her shared room, Misato found it in a slovenly state as typical lately. Musubi had her duplicate outfits and the few Shinji got her strewn about all over, Misato had bottles and snack bags, Pen-Pen's litter box was needing to be cleaned, futons all unmade…going to ask Shinji for a little help with this. Giving Pen-Pen a little affection, poor guy didn't get enough love for Misato's taste, she cleaned out some room at her little desk. Opening the large envelope, she pulled out a glut of papers, photos, even a flash drive. Well her computer was needing a charge, so she's wait on that, but she had enough to look over already.

It started very dry and confusing. Names, people, groups, and concepts Misato just didn't understand. Transmigration of the soul? Unification? Red Earth Ceremony? Biblical prophecies and mysticism? What was the point of all this fiction that Miya wanted her to read? What was Matsu playing at, and why were they pretending this was something to care about? Then she got to the pictures…saw faces she recognized as being on the UN council and things started to click. This…wasn't fake, not some story. This SEELE group had ties with Nerv and some of them were dealing with MBI? The angels, Evangelions, all of this was some sort of…magic ceremony? Even Second Impact might have been caused by them, and Gendo answered to them?!

"Misato-san, Misato-san supper is ready, are you…oooh…did you want me to clean up in here?" Shinji asked as he entered his old room. Clenching his nose as the smell wafted over him, Shinji quickly entered and started gathering bottles and trash.

Gathering up all the incriminating evidence, slamming it back into the envelope, Misato's heart nearly burst from her chest. Hide this, hide all of it! Don't let Shinji know its all a giant conspiracy yet! If he knew and let it slip he'd be in danger! Matsu and Miya, Misato had to talk to them, do something, expose this before things went to far! "Y-yeah, I'm good, and sorry about the state. That little lady of yours has been making a…" Misato turned to see her little man and just stopped. What was this? Hair all styled slick back, cheeks gleaming, and just a smidge of embarrassment as he noticed both Musubi and she left their delicates out. "And what do we have here? Trying to entice even more ladies?" Misato reached out for him, grabbed him, and hugged. Danger, they were all in danger and not from Angels!

Squirming a little as Misato's hands roamed in teasing ways, "K-Kagari-san said he wanted me to t-try something new. I don't think it suits me…but Tsukiumi and Musubi liked it. D-do you think I look silly?" Shinji tugged on some of his product laden hair. Once he realized Misato wasn't going to let go easily, Shinji just accepted his fate and actively returned the hug. But kid just had that empathic bond going so had to probe, "Is everything alright Misato-san? I-I don't mind a h-hug…wh-what were you reading?"

"Work stuff, things you don't have to worry about, I'll take care of it. And yeah I'm alright. Just a bad day. But getting my Shin-chan charge helps. As for the hair style…it does give you a 'cooler' vibe, but you don't need to go out of your way. You're cute enough on your own. But what brought on your little style change?" Misato reluctantly let the boy go. He slowly pulled away, that worried expression still present as he tried to accept what she said.

Gathering the garbage he piled up, Shinji stepped over some of Musubi's fighting gloves, "If you say so, I'll believe it. And I saw Kagari-san looking a bit down and asked how he was…he said he was thinking about something and then asked if I wanted to hang-hang out. With Kensuke gone and Touji with…her…I haven't had much time to hang out and do…boy things." Shinji shrugged a little and Misato knew he was shutting the mental door, she got all the juicy inner info as she would.

Rubbing his hair, making a greasy mess on her hand, Misato gave him a push to get moving. Trying to sound upbeat, "Just don't go getting a job at that club with him." Misato forgot all about that. Shinji's two male friends were now either gone or working with a traitor. She'd have to have a beer with Kagari, thank him for being there for Shinji. Kids Shinji's age did need a positive male influence, and if it was Kaji or Seo…Misato would worry.

Finding the dining table full, Misato gave Miya a mental thank-you. Taking the chair that would put her as Kusano's face cleaner and helper, she had Shinji on her left who would be next to Asuka. Guess the girls were being punished and not allowed to sit next to their Ashikabi. Oh they all eyed Misato enviously at the highly fought after seat, well let them. Misato wasn't being supplanted by Miya, Shinji still cared about him as she did him. It was just different than how those two worked, less Mother/Child and more…she didn't know but it was fine.

The meal was good, Miya was always on her game when it came to cooking. Company was insane as everybody tried to talk over everybody, tried to get a certain somebodies attention and put down the contenders. All through it, Misato watched and felt that trepidation grow. All three Children were here, all of them were being used as pawns for both MBI and Nerv, and Misato hated that. They should have lives without that yolk around them, and learning that Nerv's issues were manmade?! If MBI turned out to be the same, she'd send Shinji and Unit-01 into that building to destroy it!

As the feasting ended, the Children and their Sekirei all departing the table to engage in…who knew, Misato put a hand on Kagari's shoulder. "Got a moment to talk? I feel I owe you a beer," Misato felt the smooth operator jerk just a little as she touched him. Oh-ho, did the host club member have a bit of a touch issue. She knew she was attractive, so she wasn't worried Kagari disliked her. But as he traced Shinji leaving, "Not keeping you from anything am I?"

"Not feeling like drinking right now, but maybe in a few days. We could make a night of it. I'm…do you like the MBI Sekirei plan, Katsu-Misato-san?" Kagari leaned against the wall and got a very pensive expression. Tapping his foot, a very creased brow, Kagari was not the image of aloof coolness he oft had.

Getting herself a Yebisu regardless of the inability to share, Misato popped it open, "I like their phones. As for this fighting nonsense…they attacked two of my Children despite claiming to never do so. I hate knowing Shinji-kun has to have a guard whenever he leaves here cause of this stupid thing. He's lost friends, Ayanami-kun is acting strange, Asuka is complaining all the time…yeah I'd say I don't care for it." Rich and egomaniacal men are trying to rule the world or change it for what THEY think the better, Misato did not like that.

"Same…and I'm going to do something about it. But if…something happens…sorry," Kagari got dangerously close to Misato. Almost nose to nose, Misato's heart skipped a beat thinking the young man was going to kiss her. A moment later he just winked and walked off to join the madness of the others. Whatever that was, Misato wondered if it was for the better or worse. After spying on the group for a few minutes, they were playing some sort of game, Misato went back to her new info and back to researching what Matsu found. This was priority number three now! Her duties at Nerv, the Children, and lastly this conspiracy.

X-X

He had to do this, had to do it now, and had to do it alone! Homura felt his body spasm again, the instability growing with his own confusion. Still mostly male, his chest itched and hurt, but the change was coming and he could feel it and worried about it. Shinji, it had to be him that was Homura's Ashikabi and that was fueling the schism that was fueling this potential change. Sparking up a cigaratte, Homura paces back and forth on the roof of the Izumo Inn. Down below him, the big happy family was enjoying a night in doing fun and easy things. Good, he wanted them all happy, and he knew a way to protect that AND keep himself from being winged.

"A man is my Ashikabi, why couldn't it have been Katsuragi," Homura took a deep drag. A few days ago he had tried, gotten right up in her face and waited for her to take the next step. Misato didn't, and the relief Homura felt was the biggest tell. Yes she was a lovely woman in many ways, but Homura had that doubt she was his Ashikabi. That sealed the deal. Homura had known it was either Misato or Shinji, thank the maker it wasn't Soryu…that girl was just to childish for his cares. But even though he felt the call between himself and Shinji, Homura had always hoped his Ashikabi would be female. Just how he was, his preference, but his inner soul had said otherwise. Putting out the last of his smoke, "But if I take out Minaka this whole thing ends and I won't NEED an Ashikabi."

Affixing his mask, he readied himself for the mission. This was all in, no retreat until the job was done, hesitation would result in failure! Kill a person, he was going to have to do it! Cut the head off the snake and this whole Sekirei Plan would be over. No Plan everybody would be able to be happy with their partners with no fear of losing that. And no need for Homura to be winged! They could just hang out, he could be the cool older brother to the kid, keep that happiness between them. With all of his female Sekirei, Shinji had no use for a male one…right?

"I will not stop you from doing this. But are you sure this is the best move for you?" Miya asked from behind. Standing on the roof, her feet actually seen as the angled roof didn't help hide them under her kimono. Slowly approaching the man, she picked up the cashed butt and put it in Homura's hand. Gently reaching out, hand on Homura's shoulder, "There are other ways this could go. The potential pain from failure is even greater. You have a choice right now. It might be what your soul asks, what your lust craves, or what is forced upon you."

Not wanting to hear this right now, Homura threw the trash out into the lawn. Angrily glaring at Miya, "You could come with me! We could end those children's suffering right now…human and Sekirei alike! With YOUR aid we could cut the whole building down! And what if somebody snuck in here and winged YOU! You're a hypocrite. Playing at being a mother, but you're just a Sekirei like me. You're ignoring the call of your Ashikabi as well. I know you want to respect your husband…but he died! And rather than act, you just hide here in the tomb he built for you, and pretend! I won't do that, I won't sit idly by and let them suffer!" Actually panting after his little outburst, he hoped Miya took the bait.

Turning her back to Homura, Miya's head dipped just a bit as she shook her head. "If that is what you feel, I am sorry for you. Killing does not solve anything, only brings more pain. If you were not so blinded by your self-consciousness you would see love can exist between human and Sekirei that transcend the Ashikabi bond. Does The Faucet with Legs not prove that? Other options will always exist, but you will do what you will. And if you succeed, will you be able to look either of them in the eye cleanly again?" Walking to the edge of the roof, she leapt down and collected the trash again, "If you excuse me…my boy and I are going to cook supper."

"Damn it!" Homura punched the roof and shattered a tile, "I won't let her stop me!" But already that seed of doubt existed. Killing wasn't something people just got over, could he forgive himself for the act? That was for future him to accept, think of all the good that would happen for the result! No longer would Sekirei and Ashikabi fear being separated, Sekirei wouldn't have to fight for survival, and then they could relax and be what they wanted! The memory of Tsukiumi and Shinji kissing the night before, hiding away from others and only accidentally spied by Homura when he came back from work. They did not look upset or wanting…Sekirei and NOT Ashikabi. So even if Shinji was his Ashikabi, there wasn't necessarily a reason the bond between them would change!

NO! Stay focused, this had to be done! Minaka had gone too far, had too much power! Putting his mask on, taking one last moment to listen to the mayhem below, just in case. "I can do this, I can," he reaffirmed and took off running. Leaping off the roof and out of the compound, he put himself right in line with the MBI command tower and put his whole heart into it! Leaping from building to building, letting the streetlights blur as he pushed faster and faster, his target slowly started to grow in his view. Minaka would be in his tower, plotting his insane game, and it was going to be the final night!

Speeding up even more, legs humming, as he approached a large intersection and leapt into the air. Finding his landing space, he planned to roll and get back up, but a sudden pain in his gut cut the leap short. A metal ball on a chain slammed into him and he hit the ground prematurely and his back savaged the protection wall breaking it into concrete boulders. "W-who…why? I'm trying to end this stupidity!" he croaked out, his spittle mingling with his mask.

"I'm the one going to get the last unwinged Sekirei of Phase Two," the Sekirei with the chained scythe teased. Spinning the ball around her neck, she spun around and sent the projectile back at Homura. It failed to connect this time, splintered the concrete tile sending dust all over, she yanked it back and spun it around in prep. Cautiously stepping in, "So you are the great Unwinged Guardian? Where were you when I was winged huh? I had wanted Himari to be my Ashikabi…I get attacked and now I'm just another of Higa-sama's army."

Rubbing at the injury, a tear in his clothing already, he couldn't believe it! He was already intercepted by somebody? How did they know…how did anybody know he was doing this? Letting the flames fill his hand, he tossed two globes at the woman. Circling around the scrambling woman, who was putting out the frills of her outfit, "Sorry, but I couldn't be everywhere at once! But I'm trying to end this whole thing. Let me go and we can be free of the whole yolk of this stupid plan."

"I'd rather you be another of Higa-sama's brigade, you can serve the old goat with me! Why should I be made to suffer yet you run around, some failed hero?" the woman grunted. Putting out the last of her flaming leotard's frills, she spun the ball around faster and faster. Rushing inward, instead of throwing the ball, she tossed out the scythe past Homura and yanked it back scoring a cut along the back. Gathering up her tool, "You'll end up just like me, what you deserve for pretending to be some great rebel."

Sloppy, he was being sloppy and he knew he was better than this! Don't get emotional, stay collected on task, win, and move on! Waiting for the next toss, Homura side stepped it and grabbed it, letting her heat fill the metal to red hot, "I never claimed to be a hero. Just doing what I can, and I will save you from this." Once his opponent dropped her chain-scythe, Homura charged in the defenseless woman, and lashed out with his Snake Fist. He aimed for her stomach, but a quick jerk to avoid his fist left her over extended and it landed square in the jar sending her down to the ground unconscious. Panting hard, "Not a good start, but this was an outlier…press on."

Such was not to be the case. Not two blocks further up the street, MBI finally appearing large and not just a background monument. This time he saw the attacks coming and dove to avoid twin slashes, one from a halberd and another a thrusting spear that crackled with unknown energy. The brutish male Sekirei yanked his halberd out the road, "Tsk, nimble little man aren't you. But you can't take on both of us and win. Fina-sama will have a third Sekirei, need to thank Minaka for the hint."

"I don't know if I want another male for her, why couldn't you be a cute girl like me?" the spear wielding maid outfit clad Sekirei asked. Spinning her spear around fast enough to make it appear a massive circle, moving it around her body defensively, she stopped to poke quick and fast sending Homura closer to the butler.

Minaka was watching him? Was likely watching the whole Izumo Inn! Didn't Shinji say Minaka contacted him every so often, some sort of uncle or something? That was a terrible oversight, from the start he was behind the psychic eight-ball of luck! Pain rocked the small of his back, compliments of the back end of the halberd. Using the momentum of the blow, Homura ran at the maid, and judging by the shock, she hadn't expected it! Igniting his forearms, he dove towards her and caught her off guard. Taking her to the ground, "Let me go! I'm just doing this for all of us! I end this, you and your…uh…Fina won't have to fear losing one another when you get beat!" Blazing out, setting the frock up, he rolled off and leapt back to his feet. Eying the two he back stepped further.

"We'll get you for that! Here let me help put you out!" the male yelled. Slapping the burning clothing with his jacket, he wrapped her in the coat and rolled out the blaze. Yelling and cursing at Homura ran off, it was all threats of soon and not later.

Alright, three people were after him, and that little ordeal might have gave the first ninja girl to catch up! But just as he said at the start, this wasn't going to end with anything other than success. How many more stood between him and the MBI tower though? Didn't matter, he would not be beaten, would not be a trophy to this insane man's plan! Yells, calls, and sounds of all types got Homura to increase his pace. Was it more potential Ashikabi, was it all in his head, not going to wait and see!

By the time he got to within spitting distance of the MBI tower however, three more Sekirei got in between him and his goal. Each got a lick or two in, each said they were going to have him winged by their Ashikabi, and each time it was a very skin of the teeth escape. Tired already, tired and hurt, and now he was standing right at the block and already he felt he wasn't going to be able to do this. "But I'm going to, I'm going to do this!" Homura took off his mask, used it to clean off this blood and sweat and dropped it.

"There you are/Found you/Not escaping this time," among other calls rattled off. A glut of five Sekirei had caught up to him, circling around him, cutting off all avenues of escape. Closing in, weapons at the ready, each Sekirei were eying one another for who would get the prize. Nobody, NOBODY was going to. Letting that heat, that comforting heat that he used to funnel out to protect others and himself, he untapped. A plus rippled out of him, pure unabashed heat and that caused all of his would be captors to pause.

Pulling out one of his last cigs, he let the heat pop it alight and slid it into her mouth. "No prize here, nothing but ashes," the nicotine went down and soothed his lungs with its comforting toxins. But to end here, it was a damn shame! Failure, so close yet so far from Minaka. Taking another deep intake, he looked up at the top of the building and hoped Minaka could see him. More heat, now actually hurting, and those others were starting to realize the truth. Either they attack now and knock him out, or lose the target. Let them come…let them get the burn! As he flames increased, he found he was a bit at peace as he just let the furnace to wild. His body was unstable and it was burning away… "Sorry kid…didn't mean to abandon you."

"Kagari-san stop!" Shinji called out from above. Cradled in Musubi's arms, he was deposited on the ground after Musubi crashed into it and he rolled out. Guess Musubi still hasn't gotten good at landing. But it wasn't just Musubi and Shinji, no, Kazehana, Tsukiumi, and the two new quiet girls were with them! Each of those girls rushed to intercept the encroaching forces. Without fear of flame or pain, Shinji rushed towards the potential self-immolation. Shielding his eyes and face as he walked in, "We're here to help, cameras off!"

Trying to dial it back, not wanting to hurt his little buddy, Homura found the unbalance was to much. Letting himself go to wild, he couldn't put the cork back in. "Stay back, I can't stop it! Don't want to hurt…girls get him!" he clutched his sides to keep the pain down and trying to keep the pop from happening. They were busy though, fights all around him. This was his fault, Miya must have let them know about it, and of course his stupid guy that he wanted as his Ashikabi would be here. Hell, maybe Shinji even felt it like he did in the past and just asked to go check! The furnace was near bursting though, "Get…get away…please!"

"No, I can help…" Shinji's struggled to talk, the heat robbing the air of breathability. Reaching out blindly now, keeping his eyes shut out of instinct, Shinji's hands fumbled but finally bounced off Homura and found purchase. And after a moment hesitation, Homura felt his wings burst out and the power to control this flames increased and drew it all back in.

Then he felt that tingling…a choice…he could actually chose where he went. Did he join the harem or did he stay the cool older brother or… It wasn't his choice, he had an Ashikabi now. "Shinji…buddy…I don't know…how much you know of me…but…I can ch-change into a wo-woman if…" he cradled the reddish tinged body to his. Hurt, but thankfully not TO badly, Homura saw the others winning their fights.

Shaking his head, Shinji just smiled softly and muttered, "Be who you want…I want you happy." And sagely the overwhelmed teenager fainted. Well, that gave Homura the proof he need that Shinji was the right one for him, an Ashikabi that he could follow and believe in. Not selfish or overbearing, letting his Sekirei have their own joy.

"Will you let me try dating Katsuragi-san?" Homura did wonder in jest. But any jest was cut short as Minaka boldly declared the end of Phase Two and the start of Phase Three. Taking Shinji home with his new allies, he was terrified when Miya yanked the boy from his hands and rushed him inside to tend to the burns. Oh yeah…he'd have to beg for forgiveness for that wouldn't he?

X-X

If she had ever been allowed in a toy store as a child, Ritsuko suspected that would have been the same feeling as she had now. Giddy and excited, just waiting for the incubation period to finish and to reap the treasures she created! Four bodies lay on tables with various connection tubes feeding them a steady stream of chemicals and foods. Three were female and one male, and all thanks to the simulated body practice mixed with the cloning technique. And they were all hers! A little bit human, a dash of Sekirei, and a smidge of hybrid. Ooooh Ritsuko couldn't wait to see what they would do when they woke up!

"Above me the men are playing at being gods, down here I am a goddess!" Ritsuko felt that joyous pulse work down her spine. In one of the unused and unchecked rooms in Terminal Dogma, one she happened to hack the lock of so only she had access, she carried out her grand purpose. Checking the readouts on her creations, "You'll be the first. Proof that I am the superior woman and scientist. That I am not just some toy to be played with, or underestimated." Mother was wrong, she would be the better Akagi, Ritsuko was sure of it now.

Tapping the IV-bag connected to the male body, Ritsuko hummed in displeasure just a trifle. Maybe she was letting her latent anger at men influence her work a tad. The male wasn't doing as well as the female bodies, and she had to admit she wasn't paying it as much attention. But with her current male exposures, it wasn't HER fault right? Gendo was a cold and uncaring man that had only Yui in his mind, not bad in the sack but rather rough. Minaka was almost a child in a human's body that only cared about his little game and the aliens he found…he didn't create anything! Minaka just found greatness and pretended to know anything. And after the last few visits to his place…he was a real strange lay. Kaji was fun to play with, but the man was not long for the world with his actions. And then there was the command staff being afraid of her.

Caressing one of the female bodies, Ritsuko tittered happily, "You're all so beautiful, my children. I really hope once you wake you can smash that stupid game, and prove that Instrumentality is fruitless. Ruin both of their aims." Not bitter, no she had moved beyond bitterness at her treatment ages ago and fully embraced her destiny. Playing with the two brothers was still fun, their hatred for one another gave her the perfect access to their secrets. And now she was on the cusp of greatness. When her phone rang, her heart jerked and she slowly pulled out the device, she had a custom ringtone for Minaka. Fixing her hair and moving into an angle so the camera wouldn't expose her, "Hello Hiroto-san, is something wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, everything is great! We are over a week into Phase-Three and everything is going perfectly! I was…I was hoping you'd like to have dinner with me and watch some of the footage," Hiroto's smile was just on the cusp of off-putting. The man just had to show others his 'great plan' and have them bask in it. Ritsuko had become the primary one he showed it to lately. Didn't help she got him way wasted a few times, staged a few fake evenings together, and now he was a willing participant. His tone dropped a few notches on the happy chart when he asked, "And have you made any progress on our little plan?"

Ah, Hiroto's want to corrupt the tank and give him power over all the sleeping clones. Now that Ritsuko had one pure clone taken away and hidden for her own usage along with her babies she didn't care. Hitting a button on her phone, sending a small program across the lovely device, "It is good to go on your demand. You activate that little application and the tank shifts over. Should take a week to convert. That is the best I could do without rousing suspicion." She would cover her tracks, she was to close now to lose thanks to hasty actions.

Fixing his glasses as they slid down, more proof they were brothers, Hiroto's smile was a mile wide! Letting out a small chuckle, "He'll never accept how we stole his little mutant away from him, took his strange horrid scenario away. Did you see even more Seele have been captured? Rich old men running scared. Wonder how they got found out, only time now until one of them squeals and the whole thing falls apart." For a man with his own insipid plan, he was all too happy to see other such plans fail.

Sitting at her computer, she could at least review her progress as she continued to lead these men to her own aims, Ritsuko saw the finish line. Sipping some old coffee, "What about Fuyutski? He has been acting strange lately, going out more and more and he just knows more than he is letting on. Oh, and I think Misato said your tower was attacked last week, everything alright over there?" She updated her specs on the second female body, it was the furthest along.

"OH! I have that footage if you want to see it! Shinji-kun got another Sekirei! He one of the strongest groups, going to do so well during Phase-Three! One of the Single Numbers tried storming in, got to the block, and nearly burst. I'm damn proud of that kid, can't wait to see what he does next. Well…I've a few things to take care of…if you've time…" Minaka got distracted as typical and faded off and disconnected. At times he was worse than a child, man just couldn't keep his mind on things when his 'grand plan' was brought up.

Shrugging, Ritsuko was glad to be done with him and pocketed her specially printed phone. It was devoid of all the scanning devices the other MBI phones had, no spying on Hiroto or those he deemed worthy of his attention. Checking the time, nearly time for Asuka and Shinji's testing, Ritsuko spent the last of her free time insuring her tools were well tended too. The pilots…now that was a new place to have fun! They trusted her as they should, and that gave her more power. Only problem with that was Shinji had Misato and he trusted her far more. Anything that Ritsuko said to Shinji might make its way to Misato. "I still like her…she isn't like the others," Ritsuko suppressed the bitterness at the separation from her friend.

Spending just a few minutes in the restroom to wash the smell of chemicals off of her, they were potent after all, Ritsuko returned to her actual job. The always punctual Third Child and always annoying Second Child were sitting and waiting in their test chambers. "Sorry for the delay, had to validate a few tests on the simulated bodies. You two know about that test coming up correct?" Ritsuko confessed. She could hear the 'bodyguards' out in the waiting room talking. It was the best two to have, Tsukiumi and Musubi, as close to daytime television as Ritsuko got.

"Could we make this quick. I've plans for this evening and sitting here and listening to those two outside bicker about 'who is the wife' is getting old," Asuka scoffed. If irritation had an image in the dictionary, Asuka would be it. Arms and legs crossed, head twisted to show her angular profile perfectly. After another small grunt she shifted her anger from Ritsuko to the male in the tube, "And you, could you NOT have been so loud in the changing room? Why is she even over there with you!?"

Waving his hands trying to silence the firebrand, Shinji's eyes went wide, "She's just a bit worried about me! This Phase-Three stuff has her extra worried. Plus we have a d-date after today so she's…affectionate. S-sorry Akagi-san." His blush made him adorable, Ritsuko could understand why Misato did it so much. Trying to shift away from whatever he did with his buxom lady, "And…simulated bodies. I heard about it, but I don't understand the idea. Why simulated bodies?" Kid always wanted focus NOT on him.

Pulling up the footage of the last hour from the changing rooms, Ritsuko's curiosity got the better of her. "Well Ikari-kun, the idea is we put the simulated bodies in your plugs that go into the Eva, that way you can pilot in a safe place," Ritsuko did wonder if it would ever work. The souls in the Eva's, could they be confused with a copy of a soul? As she wondered, she watched the time lapse and nearly fell off her chair. Either Sekirei were extra sensitive to their Ashikabi, or that teenage was a natural. Musubi was a pile of mush after the footage ended. How long were they waiting for the tests to start? "As for what Asuka said, try to keep your bodyguard out of the changing room. Rules are rules," she made a copy for later, further research.

"What about you bring your NEW one over. I swear you're just some gigalo or something. How many of those stupid things do you have now? And I do count that ice cube!" Asuka continued to poke and prod the boy. Guess Asuka wanted some fun while she was waiting for the tests to start and needling Shinji was it. Those two interacting with one another was why the 'bodyguards' had to stay outside of the room. Last time Asuka went off, Kazehana nearly crushed the tank.

Finding his fingers a fun thing to play with and look at, Shinji bashfully fidgeted back and forth. Speaking in slow measured tones, "I don't think Homura-san is ready for that yet. We're still a little awkward. I did wing him without full consent…and since I got burned doing so the others are still upset."

Male Sekirei? Shinji's newest little pet was a male? If only she hadn't started her own male body already she'd have waited! Ritsuko cursed her impatience! Wait…wasn't Shinji fucking all his Sekirei except the young one? Was that…did it mean…Ritsuko gave Shinji a good once over. With his personality type, Ritsuko wondered if he would accept love anywhere it came from. "Homura huh, I'll have to visit and get to know this one. I missed the last party, I'll have to get the next one. Now are you two ready to actually get started?" she would need a sample of that new one.

"Y-you know them already. Homura was using the fake name of Kagari so he could work at the Host Club," Shinji timidly added. Ritsuko and Misato had both shown in the past a small liking for the suave and cool 'Kagari'. It was part and parcel of being a host club member, to get women's attention and make them feel good.

Blinking a few times, Ritsuko's mind went into a very strange place. Seeing Shinji and Kagari alone in a room, that host taking the lead and… Ritsuko pinched her thigh hard, "Well let's get going so you two can go deal with the brewing fight in the waiting room." Going to have to talk to Misato about THAT one. Misato mentioned Kagari from time to time, even said it was a bit strange at the Inn with the guy she spent money to have listen to her live down the hall. Now that guy was paired with Shinji. Starting up the tests, thankfully the Children were into the test and not continuing to fight.

In the hallway the two Sekirei continued to talk about how Tsukiumi was the wife and Musubi was just a lowly servant. Challenges were planned to prove how one would be above the other, and the other would counter with something else. It helped Ritsuko pass the time watching them. Turning off the microphones to the test tanks, she turned on the one to the waiting room. "Hey, just so you two know. Misato and I had the fight you two are having in the past. We solved it by sneaking into his room and whoever struck gold first got a point. Make a challenge out of it. Who he makes squirt more, who makes him go more," she turned off the mic and watched and listened. Wonder how Misato would react to THAT!

After her little comment, hinting at causing more mayhem for the Izumo House, Ritsuko was glad it had the desired effect. They two Sekirei stopped bickering, silent, and were red faced for the next hour. Doing her job, she was stunned to see that Shinji was nearly passing Asuka in his scores. If things continued as they were, he'd have the best scores in a month or so. Now that would cause some issues, the better the sync the greater the possibility of dependency between Pilot and Eva. Once the tests were over, "Alright you two, time is up. Asuka you're up fifteen points, Shinji-kun twenty two. He's slowly catching up on you Asuka better knuckle down. Or are you knuckling up that bodyguard of yours. Ashikabi and Sekirei love one another right?" She knew it wasn't always the case but…it would get those Children riled up. Gave her power over them, manipulating their mental states.

"She loves this idiot not me! We're just friends! Get that look off your face pervert!" Asuka denied everything and chased Shinji out of the room. Ritsuko saw Shinji collide with Tsukiumi, who wrapped her arms around him, and then Musubi join in before the door closed again. They all could be heard loudly leaving towards the changing rooms, wondering if one of them would take the bait and try Ritsuko's lie.

Don't push them TO hard and she could move them in the ways she wanted, Ritsuko was spreading out. In the past she would have been upset with her actions, unbalancing the Children and goading them into stupid actions. Now though, with her grand plan, she didn't care so much anymore. Gendo and Seele's insanity was something she could end at any time. Just destroy Gendo's hand OR the angel in the basement and it was over. Minaka's Sekirei plan was going to be upset with the addition of her augmented clones! So who cares if she screwed with the children now? They weren't important anymore! So use them like components as well! She was going to be the one on top when this was over!

A chime on Ritsuko's phone, the chime from the Yebisu commercial, disrupted the quiet. Misato had texted…oh she texted a lot! Guess with all the phone she had been having, Ritsuko was neglecting a few things. 'You promised me a Girls night out! I'm collecting! You have to hear the latest insanity and I need a drink!' The typical Misato memo, 'I need something', but Ritsuko actually didn't mind. Misato never betrayed her, never lied to her, and always had a good story…Ritsuko actually responded to the ultimatum. Some drinks and a good talk would be good, de-stress a bit! The timeline was running short, and she'd watch it all burn!

X-X

Ah the rare Sunday without tests, Asuka was extra hyped for today. It had been a little crazy since the stupid 'Plan' went into its next phase. She didn't really even understand what a Jinki was, but apparently she had to get one or Tsukiumi would be taken away. She had hope Shinji would get two and give her one, he was secretly doting on the top heavy blond. If he didn't, well she'd try and get one if it wasn't an extreme challenge. But that wasn't an issue for today, today was about being lazy, having fun, good food, and hopefully some shopping with Hikari later! Without one of those things, she wasn't a target so she didn't have to worry!

"Doth you sleep until the moon rise? Preparing for the day in dark is as useful as a painting in a cave," Tsukiumi grunted. Everybody saw the prim and proper version of the woman, the elegant hair and stupid talking pattern, but nobody saw this version of her. Well…Shinji saw it once yesterday as she slept in his room. They had a few dates now, always at the aggravation of Shinji's little Misato-clone, so it wasn't unexpected for them to spend a bit of extra time. Hearing Asuka, Tsukiumi turned the light on, still in her night cloths she was a disheveled mess. Gathering up her morning utensils, "Apologizes for the sun ravaging your eyes, but a wife need start early lest the husband do the same."

Throwing off her blanket, sitting up, Asuka just rubbed at her eyes. Head full of clouds, "Do whatever, I'll just go back to sleep after you leave. So what is the big plan today? Since you had your 'big night' the other day, figured that idiot would be with one of the others." She flopped back down on her pillow and the world spun around. Scratching at her stomach, already feeling the call of food and toilet, she grumbled at consciousness stealing away her will to sleep.

Going over her clothing, that insipid maid outfit she oft wore and other 'new' clothing, Tsukiumi picked up a few choice options. Her basket of toiletries at the ready, "I had hoped not bathe in a sea of enemies but with an ally this morn. And a wife need always be at the ready to strike while enemies be at the gate. One night would be a poison on the mind if it remained singular. Now which best suits the day?" Holding up her options, she tried not to show her concern over her appearance.

"I guess I can get started early. Get in on the whole communal breakfast and not eat it cold," Asuka tossed off her blanket and gave up. Tsukiumi could just be impossible to deal with if she wanted Asuka to act. Rolling over the pile of dirty clothing, she'd need Shinji to deal with this, she gathered her own toiletries and the waiting outfit she chose. It was her sundress…she knew it had an effect on guys as Shinji always watched her a bit more when she was in it. Scrutinizing the offerings Tsukiumi held up, "Your normal cloths are good enough for the day. You stand out enough in that, save those fancy things for actual dates."

Scoffing a little, Tsukiumi did take Asuka's opinion and hung the fancier clothing back away. Tossing the uniform over her shoulder, holding it by the hanger, "Ready to steal the heat before the others? It is the early bather that gets the warmth." Stupid early risers, they didn't need coffee or anything to wake up and be functional.

Opening the door to the Inn, Asuka listened and heard the signs that people were moving about. That meant one of two people were in the kitchen, chance! "I'm going to grab a cup of coffee, meet you there," Asuka ordered and left Tsukiumi to follow or leave. This whole Ashikabi/Sekirei thing Asuka didn't care about, she wasn't a slave master! But…as time went on, "If things with Shinji don't play out as you want…go shopping?"

"If mine husband be without want for me, I shall suffer your companionship as you squander coin on frills and fancy," Tsukiumi tried to sound hard but her cheeky grin gave her away. Heading towards the public bath, a dazed and half asleep Kusano entered the hall and bounced off her. Rather than leave the girl confused in the hall, Tsukiumi gathered the child up in her arms and took her. Chiding the plant-girl, "A trial for motherhood you be. Or a challenge to husband as you sneak about an unexpected viper."

Good for Tsukiumi, Asuka actually was glad the woman was making progress with that idiot. What Tsukiumi saw in Shinji, what all these freaks did, Asuka didn't see it. But hey, let them do whatever they wanted. Smelling coffee, its siren song summoned Asuka towards its shore, she accepted it'd be a small play session in the bath. Peeking into the kitchen, not that she thought she'd ever surprise Miya, she saw Shinji cooking. "Hey, got my coffee ready? Tsukiumi and I am going to hit the bath early. If you've nothing…" Asuka stalled when she found the kitchen wasn't devoid of Sekirei, "What are YOU doing?"

Clad in just a big fluffy apron, a very amorous looking Kazehana shifted to upset, "You ruined the surprise girl! I was going to play the naked-apron game! With how busy my little Ashikabi-chan has been, he hasn't had time to…smell the roses." Pulling on the straps of the apron, the Sekirei let the girl see she was not fibbing. Damn she was huge!

Spinning around, Shinji pressed himself against the counter, "Kazehana-san! Asuka! It isn't what you think its…coffee is on the table. Just be careful, Miya-san's cup is there." The lad had not expected the early morning accost judging by his attitude, good. If he was the type to fuck in the morning AND in the kitchen, Asuka wouldn't…

"I won't touch it, why would I want to, just want my coffee," Asuka gave Kazehana the stink eye. Woman of that quality would not go for such a boring kid, but here she was slinking off depressed at failing her little play. Pouring herself three-fourths of a cup and filling the rest with cream and sugar, she sampled the divine brew. Flinching her head at the departing purple hair, "So what is the story with that one? I know she's anther member of your little harem, but you make all of them do that? Got an apron for Tsukiumi, or do you pick those out together?" She was being mean yes, but Ritsuko's comments during their last test got her overly self-conscious around him. No false impressions!

Panting heavily, Shinji just took a deep breath, "Ever since Homura-san showed her the footage of the last angel, Kazehana-san has been asking for me to take her out. She said she 'couldn't ignore my hidden manliness' if you can believe that. And no…she just…I think that was Miya-san's apron. Better clean it before supper. Coffee good?" Shinji went back to his cleaning, but he stood a little looser than he normally did.

Sipping her brew, she felt the need to know what was up, so Asuka didn't flee as she intended. If she did leave so quickly, that bimbo would be right back in. Poking Shinji's side, "What has you so animated this morning. You and that girly-boy go out last night or something? Can't believe he lied about his name all these months!" And Asuka was not going to think about how she thought 'Kagari' was a bit cute, no Kaji but not hard on the eyes.

"Musubi-chan…somebody tricked her or something. Told her something that they shouldn't have. Going to have to…just a strange morning is all. You said Tsukiumi-chan was waiting for you?" Shinji tried to distract and misdirect as he oft did. Asuka humored him and pretended to let him think it worked. Had to throw the idiot a bone from time to time or he got depressed! The pains Asuka went suffered to maintain the peace of this place.

Refilling the mug to full, Asuka gave Shinji a small hip check, "Make mine a little runny this morning. We shouldn't be to long." He stammered something out, Asuka giggled as she left, he was to fun to play with. When she found arms grasping her shoulder, soft yet immovable, Asuka felt that fear rise up, "Don't make me spill." Had to at least TRY to sound tough.

Opening her eyes just a smidge, the raw energy overwhelming, Miya held Asuka down, "It wasn't you that told the "Airheaded Glutton" of her little game was it? I was going to wake Shinji-kun and found a very unwanted situation." Miya radiated pure malice, something troubled the woman fiercely.

"I don't know what you're talking about! He just…he just said somebody tricked her or something," Asuka let her typical attitude vanish. She was prideful yes, but she wasn't stupid. When a woman could lift her up with one finger with strength to spare and was fast enough clear a room in nanoseconds, it was alright to be leery of them. Slowly and softly, "Honestly, I don't know. I don't talk to Musubi much, only when he is around."

And like that Miya was all smiles again. Fixing Asuka's hair and moving past her, Miya fu-fu-fu'd into her sleeve, "Then I apologize for the fright. It sounded like a trick you might pull. But I shall trust you. Enjoy your bath." Floating into the kitchen, Asuka heard the two start their early morning banter and she wasn't jealous at all. Those two…well three if you added Misato to the mix, they had an odd bond going and it was something Asuka would always refuse herself.

"Whatever, let them have their little faux family. Going to make him play games with me later and ruin all their little plans," Asuka mumbled, totally not fearful of Miya hearing. Gathering what she forgot in the room, she found Tsukiumi was still tending to Kusano. Kid was a cute nightmare, too much power for something that small. It was hilarious to watch her vine up people or chew on a leg when Kusano didn't think she was getting enough attention. Disrobing and joining Tsukiumi in the cleaning stations, "Still fighting with this one, or waiting for me?"

Putting the eye shield on Kusano's head, no good getting shampoo in the girl's eyes, Tsukiumi dutifully washed the child's hair. "She be a terror of unknown quantity. Energy when wanted, plays at not when sneaking around owned men. A dangerous and hidden knife in the folds of a lovely bouquet. I spy you have garnered your beverage. All fine in the den of the beast?" Tsukiumi used her legs to press Kusano into a stationary position.

Scrubbing and cleaning quickly, Asuka did want a nice soak, "That drunk was trying to do something stupid, and apparently that fight junky did something strange to the Idiot this morning and the landlady saw it. She was not happy. You put Musubi up to anything?" She'd not wash her hair right now, she wasn't wanting to go through the hassle, maybe another bath later today and do it then!

"Get yourself into the warmth, child, do not dawdle," Tsukiumi used her powers to wash away the shampoo. Both of adults were glad Kusano was in her bathing suit as the kid slipped and fell as she wandered to the bath. After the spy was gone, Tsukiumi leaned in close to Asuka, "So she struck first in the new challenge. The faux goldenrod told us of her times past, of how she sparred with Katsuragi to garner affection by digging for oil. I had hoped time be on my side as Musubi is a bear in winter come morning…I'll have to double my efforts! Now the bath, and you may tell me of your great love affairs."

Putting the strange rubber duck back down, Asuka was a bit perplexed. "Ritsuko told you what? I swear that woman is just the strangest anymore. Anyway, you tell the landlady that and maybe she relaxes or she throws you into a wall, tread carefully alright. I need you to carry my shopping bags," Asuka bounced her shoulder off Tsukiumi's. It was odd, but Asuka didn't want Tsukiumi gone. When this started, she would have undergone a blood ceremony to transfer her to Shinji…but now it was nice. Didn't bother Asuka that Tsukiumi loved Shinji, she wasn't a lesbian so no attraction there. But having a captive friend, somebody that HAD to be there, somebody she trusted…two people she trusted now. Those two idiots were perfect for one another, both stupid and shy…just Tsukiumi was tsun as hell!

Nobody would catch Asuka being all tsundere! She went after who she wanted, they knew she wanted them, and…well…maybe Kaji wasn't really reacting the way she wanted. Soaking up to her neck, keeping her hair out, Asuka watched Tsukiumi struggle to contain the dervish that was Ku-chan. It was fun, she didn't believe such a stupid thing as a group bath could be enjoyable, but she would give this one to the Japanese. But all fun had to end, and just after ten minutes of talking two new arrivals appeared and it was time to get out.

"There are others here," Akitsu said announced the latest additions to the Izumo Inns arrival. Dropping her clothing with a heavy clang of the chain to the ground, she opted to ignore the cleaning.

Joining her 'not Sekirei', Ayanami let her clothing fall just as quickly and followed suit. "There is no sign up sheet, we are not imposing?" at least Rei had been trained a little by Shinji to ask. They were already looming over them, and showed no indication that they'd take any answer other than 'you are fine'.

Gathering Kusano up, Tsukiumi was already heading towards the rim of the bath. The annoyance was back, Asuka could read Tsukiumi much better now, "No rules exist for the water or the air. And we haft dawdled enough. Breakfast and husband await the early comers. Come Ku-chan, let us dry and dine." Using her powers of water, it was an easy escape for the Sekirei and her resisting captive.

Asuka however had the whole bath to traverse, and was not as graceful. Having received the go-ahead, both emotionally stunted females climbed into the bath…and the temperature dropped instantly. "Are you forming ice cubes in here on purpose? This is a hot bath, so why are you doing that? And what are you looking at me like that for?" Asuka challenged Ayanami. Girl was giving her a strange eye, and Asuka did not like Rei to look down on her!

"As her Ashikabi, inform her that we have plans for Shinji-kun today. He is going to help us organize our room," Rei quipped in that monotone way that Asuka hated. Getting into the water right next to the living ice cube.

Sloshing past them, making a point to splash both in the face, Asuka wasn't going to be errand girl! "Well I had plans to hang out with him, and Tsukiumi is dating him…so first come first serve I say. If we can distract him from cleaning up after you slobs…" Asuka shrugged and gave a toothy grin. But she knew as she got out and dried off, it wouldn't work. Stupid Shinji was loyal and kept his promises, was a good guy that could be trusted. Her plans to steal some of his time, gone. All because those two white-walled freaks could have him clean up after them!

Finding the table full when she got there, Musubi had a BIG grin on her face as Shinji fed her way to much food…yeah something happened between them for that action, Asuka found her plate just as she asked. And she saw Tsukiumi sitting next to him, leaving her flanked by Miya and Matsu…alone at the table effectively. This…she didn't know how she felt about this. Alone in a crowd with the two people she wanted to be with together away from her. It…it hurt?

X-X

Looking at the game sitting on the ground before him, Shinji scratched at his head as he thought of how to proceed. The Izumo Inn had a glut of games in one of the closets, compliments of Matsu's random gathering habit, and tonight he was a semi-involuntary player. Game after game was played since supper had been eaten, each time another challenge made and the night continued. While fun, Shinji was worried about this escalation. Musubi and Tsukiumi were in rare form tonight and neither were backing down. It didn't hurt that Miya was spending the day with Kusano so they didn't have their normal sparring session.

"Are you ready for the next round, idiot? You're so bad at this," Asuka teased and bounced her shoulder off of his. Ah yes, the fourth player for tonight was Asuka, and she was a lovely dichotomy of confusion. Wearing very light clothing, overly teasing, but somehow she seemed very relaxed. Typically in these random game sessions it was a house event, but tonight everybody was off doing something. Misato was forcing Matsu to do something, Ayanami was off at Nerv, and Miya was doing the 'stop ruining the plants' training with Ku-chan. Drawing more cards, "Seriously, I thought your fight-junkie would be the bad one not you," Asuka snickered.

On Shinji's other side was the oblivious to the insult Musubi, all smiles and wiggling in all the alluring ways. Kneeling on the pillow Shinji provided, "This game is so fun! And it isn't that Shinji-sama is doing bad, he just made a few mistakes is all. He did better in the previous game!" Yes Musubi, feed Asuka's ego and argument. Previous game was pure luck, rolling die with brains, feet, and blasts on them and the player had to press their luck, Shinji had luck for that one. Her hand going down, covering Shinji's on accident yet keeping it there and squeezing it once she found it, "And I won't lose! As Shinji-sama's wife I have to win."

"I am his wife, you are the concubine! And you are so far behind me the sun has yet to rise on your efforts," Tsukiumi hotly contested. Yes, Tsukiumi was soundly crushing the others, Asuka in second, and team Ikari was…well…hm…doing their best. Sitting across from Shinji, and contributing to his lack of score via distraction, Tsukiumi was doing a madding job of appearing delectable. Pointing her finger out at Shinji, bouncing just enough to draw his eyes, "And husband's mind is not always the sharpest blade, but his heart be a cannon."

Yeah, yeah he wasn't a mental dynamo and was surrounded by impossibly smart people, Shinji made peace with that. "Let's just continue. I'll do better," Shinji doubted that. His room was invaded by two women he was in love with and a nymph pretending to be human, and his mind was reeling. They were challenging each other over who got to sleep in there! After all the craziness Homura being his newest Sekirei and the ultimatum that he needed to get one of those Jenki things or lose all this, tonight was both needed and overwhelming!

Flipping over six cards, each stating a play condition for their playing pieces, Asuka leaned forward just enough to draw his eye. Was she doing this on purpose, not see him as a male, or maybe she was just not worried about him Shinji didn't know, but wow was Asuka making Shinji very confused. "Alright, on three…one…two…" tricky girl flipped the timer without saying three. She had to know he was looking at her and not the cards or timer, bad boy.

The three women all started stacking their colored balls in accordance to the random rules, Shinji had to re-evaluate them all. Great, he was just not able to focus to well right now. The smell in the room was sweet and a bit musky, it had been a little while since Musubi and he had a date-night and she was fighting for one right now. Musubi and any type of challenge got her all a titter, Tsukiumi and he had another small date a few days ago that ended abruptly when Asuka walked in on them mid-session (still clothed thankfully). So each of them were a little…antsy.

"And time! I think I got them all this time! Shinji-sama…did you knock yours over?" Musubi leaned in close. Hovering over Shinji's aborted pyramid of colored orbs, adoration and worry beaming out of her right into Shinji's soul. Eyes locked, she stated climbing closer until a tendril of water drilled into her forehead.

Doing her best to keep the floor dry, Tsukiumi stood tall and haughty over her rival, "Keep your eyes upon your own holdings, and not try sliding the knife before my eyes!" Bending at the waist, hands on her hips, Tsukiumi tried to brow-beat Musubi back into her quarter of the square.

Tossing an old rule card off of Shinji's forehead, Asuka winked at him after he rubbed at it. "Down girl, both of you back down. Game isn't over yet, and unless Musubi earns over a hundred points this round we have a tied set again. And you, could you not eye-hump m-my Sekirei? I know they're goal is daft, but that is for AFTER I leave. Keep it in your pants, perv," Asuka turned her nose up at him and let him see that slender and toned neck.

"Sorry, sorry both of you. All of you," Shinji corrected as Asuka gave him the stink eye, "I'll focus better. Anyway, lets score the round." He didn't take long, he hardly met any conditions, his mind was all over the place and not in this mind teaser of a game. Any of the games they played, Shinji's mind was just accosted by things and not focusing. Thankfully his small but growing itch only started with the previous game, the other troubles were more mundane. Angels, fights, school, how Uzume was doing, was Touji alright living with her, why was Misato so worried lately, and many other 'simple' problems. Grabbing a paltry few score tokens, "I did not do good at all, fun game, just beyond me today."

Looking between her tokens and Tsukiumi's, Musubi shook her fist as her challenger sense went off. Not angry, Musubi was impossible of that in times of peace, no she was excited to continue the challenge! "I'll get you next time! And when I win, Shin-chan and I are going to have such a fun time! I got a new training video of new things to try!" Musubi just had no filter…good or bad.

"Too much info! Too much! You two go get the next game as the loser here cleans up this one. I've time for one more before my show starts. So if you don't win, you're going to watch it with me, you got me started on it after all," Asuka shooed the Sekirei out of the room. Tsukiumi ran off first, likely hoping to get something she could destroy Musubi with, Musubi just bounded after her giggling all the time. If Musubi ever realized how serious Tsukiumi took these challenges…she'd likely be as lighthearted regardless. Once the sounds of stomping and yelling faded, Asuka turned slowly to Shinji, "Training videos? You give her training videos? Are they just porno or something you deviant?"

Color Shinji stunned when Asuka slowly started to stalk closer to him on all fours, eying him up like a predatory cat. Scooting his butt across the floor towards the wall, "No-no-no, not me! Matsu-chan likes to make…simulations. Hobby of hers, and she's been teasing Musubi…nearly everybody with them. If you ever see a something with your name and a number on it, don't watch it!" Shinji felt the wall gently caress the back of his head, but the wily tigress stopped. Spotting a large reflective circle and creepy smile from the door, Shinji realized Matsu had been watching and planning, "Y-you haven't found one have you?"

Flopping back on her rump, hands going straight down to support herself, Asuka shook her head hard, "N-no I haven't. And that lady is scary. She never leaves that loft if you're not around, like a moody cat! But I can believe she'd do freaky things like that. You need to pull the collar on that harem of yours!" Showing just the wrong amount of contrast to hint she was lying, Shinji was smart enough not to ask further. If she watched it, well Shinji knew how detailed those things could get after Matsu left one of him and her together…and the next day they made it real. Crawling back to her floor pillow, "Clean this up before they get back. And you are smarter than that pitiful score, what is wrong?"

Trying to not look at the object on display, thankfully Asuka had longer shorts on today, Shinji followed and did as ordered. Staking up the play boards first and then dropping the balls into the box, "Just all this fighting madness. I mean, we both have to deal with this battle royal nonsense AND the angels? Both my friends have been impacted by this thing…Misato-san has been in her room for days now. Homura-san was nearly killed…everything is just escalating all around us. I'm…I'm worried. I like my life now, I love it here, but if I lose…" It would all be gone. If he lost, would it be back to Misato's old apartment with her and Pen-Pen, pretend none of this happened?

"You won't lose idiot, that landlady alone would never allow it. MY Sekirei would help you after we tend to ours. I don't know why that Elizabethan freak loves you, but she does. So she might even get one for you before me! As for the Eva's and Angels…I won't lose, Ayanami won't lose, and you…you're not bad and just have to support your betters," Asuka drew her legs in close, oddly vulnerable for a girl that was always so vocal about her strength.

He didn't know why he did it, wasn't even sure it was a good idea, but Shinji felt he had to hug her. It wasn't a romantic hug, just plopping down next to her and putting one arm around her shoulder. They weren't alone in this madness, if they had others to support them they'd all get through, they had to! Do their best, be there for one another, and enjoy the small moments like this. "Yeah, Ayanami and you do have this. I'll try not to get in your way," he'd try at least. Last few angels had him in the forefront, but he did feel he was the lesser of the pilots. Sitting like this felt nice as well, different than his intimacy with his Sekirei (or Tsukiumi) it was closer to Miya and he enjoyed it.

Just sitting there for a few moments, her hand slowly went to Shinji's chest. That was when both of them actually realized how close they were to one another, and Asuka quickly got up. "Where are those two, they better not be fighting in the common room again, landlady said she'd make me clean it up if Tsukiumi got it wet again! I'll…I'll go get them!" Asuka scrambled to get out of the small hug and the room. Defiantly a strange encounter, but Shinji didn't regret it. Friends, they were friends, even if they fought about dumb things a lot of the time, and she kept teasing him.

"And here I thought she was going to pounce you, my little Ashikabi-sama," a sultry voice quipped from the door. Long and slender fingers gripped the door frame, and trailed up and down in a little play for a few moments before the intruder made herself known. Letting her exposed leg hitch in first, showing the purple dress sliding away, Kazehana winked as she twirled about the door in what had to be an intentional attempt to entice. It worked, woman was just made to cause breath to hitch and eyes to pop, and Shinji just blinked several times. Shutting the door behind her, a rosy hint to her cheeks, "And what are you up to in here, Ashikabi-sama, with three little lambs all lined up for you."

He knew that tone, heard it often, and it was the repeating sound of booze. Not a lot, but enough to get the tongue lose, the eyes wandering, and the teasing ramped up from light to searing. "Kazehana-san, how are you doing? I thought you were…were off with Homura-san," they had been last seen together at least.

Showing the large bottle that had been hidden behind her, Kazehana rubbed her cheek against it for a moment. After taking a swig, "Oh I was with him, until he was greased up enough to tell me about his winging…and what you let him do. Made me fall in love with you all over again…not that I fell out my little Ashikabi-sama." Closer and closer she got, and her actions mesmerized her prey, the wolf was approaching the lamb.

His tongue was heavy and felt three times larger in his mouth as Kazehana shifted and wobbled next to him. "H-Homura-san told you about that? I-I thought he'd want to…keep…keep it private," Shinji thought that little fact would never be known. It wasn't something Shinji intended to tell others, both his act of reckless aid or what Homura said about his body. Able to shift into a female body if Shinji wanted. Of course Shinji just wanted his friend to be happy and what they wanted, gender didn't matter to Shinji.

"Oh he tried, but he is a puppy after all, and after a few drinks…he gushed about it," Kazehana kicked Asuka's pillow over next to Shinji and filled it wonderfully. Draping her arms around him, drawing him in closer as he offered no resistance, "My darling Ashikabi-sama…one of a kind. So small and unassuming…but so daring and manly when needed." Pressing her forehead to his, nose rubbing softly and playfully, her fingers gripped his shirt tightly. A small wind storm started to twirl about the room moving papers about.

Having spent a nice amount of time with Kazehana now since her winging, this was strangely one of the only times they had been alone-alone. A creak from the ceiling, the panel moved and Shinji saw a camera…Matsu…mostly alone. "A-are you alright Kazehana-san? You sound a bit…off," Shinji pried. Her hands moved about up and down his sides and back, but something was more seeking support and not so much attempting to get a rise from him. When Kazehana and Misato (or occasionally Miya) chatted she was upbeat and positive to the extreme, now she was…delicate?

"Three spring chicks all in a row and here I am the old crow, wasted my time and love on a man that never cared, never would. And I find you now…the one that I know my heart truly yearns for…but to late. Matsu is exempt, she's the brain and body of a child…but…" Kazehana drew Shinji in closer, the winds increasing more and more. The bottle fell, it splashed along his back and his shorts, and damn it was cold. Cupping Shinji's cheeks with her hands, "Do you see me as you do them, or am I just the…older woman? My Ashikabi-sama…am I doomed again to lovelessness?"

Oh…ooooooooh…shit! Had he ever had just a night or date with Kazehana since her winging? No, no he didn't. It was always with Matsu, Kusano, Misato, somebody! She saw him doing all these things with his other Sekirei and now Tsukiumi, and yet they hadn't spent much time just getting to know one another. Whelp, time to get over his intimidation of her beauty and allure and owe up to his position. Yes, Kazehana initiated the winging, but he wasn't devoid of emotions for the sultry Sekirei of the winds. Kissing her lightly on the lips, "Would you do me the honor going out on the town with me? W-whenever you want. We can get to know one another better. A-and you're not old…I'm just…well…your so beautiful I'm a little afraid to…"

Down his throat her tongue went. Fears alleviated, booze applied, and a mind and heart wanting love and acceptance heard enough. It didn't last long, as a torrent of water blasted the two apart. Guess they got the game they wanted to try next, and weren't liking the idea of a fifth player. Feeling like a drown rat, Shinji hurried off to dry off and change while the ladies dealt with the fallout of what they walked in on. He'd have to do better for them…all of them were wanting this time, he wanted to spend more time with all of them. And all of it required that he not lose in this stupid plan, a growing nightmare of anxiety.

X-X

Notes

Had to rewrite that last scene a few times. Original idea was a lot faster/drastic for Kazehana and I felt after reading it that...slow that down.

Things are moving at a quick pace towards a lot of the things I wanted to write...I could slow down and pad a bit or keep going at my current pace and be done in 2-3 chapters.

Well we'll see. Hope you're safe, things are going well, stay healthy, and we'll overcome this craziness

Later

Mercaba