Standard Disclaimer

And here it is, the winter weather is being stupid and cold. Work is now in a strange 'get these small things done but nothing massive' as I've finished much. Family is good, things are...alright. Glad it hasn't gotten to bad. Hope things are good for you, and I hope you're dealing well with this current 'phase of Covid'

X-X

On Angels' Wings

Chapter – 15

Hikari had let the class go for the day, but Asuka sat at her desk regardless. It wasn't her turn to clean, so she wasn't helping, but she was waiting for the act to complete. Somebody had to wait and watch over that idiot, if nobody did he kept getting into trouble! At least he was looking healthier now, two more weeks of reoperation tended to do that for you, doubly so when you live with as many people that cared as he did. And Shinji was her friend, she was learning to appreciate and accept that it wasn't bad to have those. Peeking out the window, she saw Tsukiumi and Kazehana waiting, and had a crowd of gawkers, their escort home could wait a little longer.

"You know you could actually help us out here Red, we'd get done faster if you did," Touji whined as he set desks about. Of course he would be on cleaning duty with Shinji, making a nice little teasing session harsher than she wanted. Hey, she was learning to like people more, that didn't translate into her having better social skills. Alone with the goober or with Tsukiumi was one thing, in a group…well that wasn't something she was comfortable with yet.

Gathering up the rags and buckets he used, Shinji waved off Touji's complaint, "She isn't here to help us, Misato-san wants somebody to watch after me a little longer. And Ayanami-san and Akitsu-san are needed at Nerv right now." For a moment the two friends shared a look, Asuka felt herself color just a little at being supported. It was new, being friends with the boy. Was also a little awkward since she did walk in on Tsukiumi and him going at it in their room, Asuka was quick to make her Sekirei make a few promises. Closing the storage locker, Shinji was looking just a little extra tired, "Did you want me to help you Touji?"

Snickering and gnashing her teeth at the annoying interloper, Asuka just had to antagonize, "Big guy like him needing the recovering weakling to help him? If he spent more time actually working and less time bitching about it, you'd both be done." But when Asuka saw Shinji start to set chairs, she got up and joined him. Idiot would help others to his death if allowed! Miya was still on patrol outside his room at nights keeping his fucking harem out the door at nights. Not jealous, Kaji still had HER heart, but she did see Tsukiumi suffer a little. Asuka didn't like that. The water Sekirei had grown on Asuka to the point of fierce loyalty.

"Hey, I let him do the easy stuff, and we have a lot of desks alright? And why is Ayanami and her…bodyguard at Nerv? I thought you guys said things like that might be over now," Touji's retort was a bit muted and weak, likely at being called out. The trio did make quick work of things though.

The two Children paused and exchanged a troubled set of facial contortions. Neither knew what had happened, Misato had been very tightlipped about the events of two days ago. They had the cover story, they knew what Shinji experienced in the bowels of Nerv, but vocalizing that was different. Asuka had forced Shinji to tell her about the being of white that had mentally scarred him, friends talked. She told him about her strained family relationship as proof.

Since neither were telepathic, and their facial exchange was failing to do anything, Asuka waved Shinji for silence. Kid couldn't lie, so nip that issue in the bud. Putting the last of the chairs atop the desks, she went to gather her stuff, "Nerv is in a small bit of defensive position. A lot of things were going on, not all of them good. The commanders were up to some stupid shit. You hear about that group of stupid old men right?" Asuka had to hope Touji paid attention to at least SOME of the world around him.

"Shield or something right? Seal? Old dudes trying to do some crazy shit? I saw them on TV the other day yeah. They and MBI are or were doing stuff. What that have to do with Nerv?" Touji actually put some of his books into his satchel. Passing a DVD to Shinji, he tried to mask it with a book but Asuka's eyes didn't miss much. Just what was Uzume trying to tease Shinji with now? Uzume hadn't moved back in yet, but her old room was ready and waiting for her. "We ready to go? Who of your harem is picking you up today?" Touji slapped Shinji's back.

Scoffing when Shinji mumbled 'not a harem', Asuka wouldn't let Touji's little show of friendship go unchallenged. Everything was competition to her, and being Shinji's best friend was becoming Asuka's next big goal. He needed to have female friends he wasn't fucking! Putting her arm around his neck, "Well those crazy old bastards were working with the commanders as well. Misato knows more of it, but she isn't talking. She did slip that the Vice Commander snuck in and did something in a lab or something. She won't tell us more than that, bet she doesn't even know." Stupid Misato just had to pretend she knew more than she did.

Flipping through his own satchel, Shinji nodded at the contents and sealed it. Picking it up with only a moment of strain, still not one-hundred percent back, he shrugged, "She doesn't want us to worry about things we can't deal with. But since both of the commanders are wanted for questioning, and there is tension between Nerv and MBI still they want one of us on base at all times. And since…" Asuka shoulder checked him to cut off his self-debasement. He suffered something no human had, it left a mark.

"Vice Commander," Touji said with a bit of anger, "that the fucker that was exploiting Uzume and Mari-chan? What is that prick trying to do now? Oh, speaking of Mari-chan, she moves into a better room soon. Whatever her new treatment is doing, it's really helping. Uzume-san says you better get ready for a big welcome home party Shin-man." Touji yanked Shinji out of Asuka's friendly embrace. Slapping down on Shinji's shoulder, trying to undo any imprinting Asuka had done.

Leaving the classroom, the sounds in other rooms were mirthful and oblivious to how close they got destruction. Asuka knew it, the reality of it was still dawning on her. What she gleamed from Misato's vague comments, and bribing Matsu with a few choice photos of Tsukiumi and Shinji, it wasn't good. A lot of it was psychobabble and religious insanity. What bothered Asuka the most was most of the 'scenario' revolved around Unit-01 while 00 and 02 weren't necessary. Just what did she avoid, what was she going to do now that the Angels might truly be gone for good. No Angels meant no Eva, and where did that leave her?

Puffing his chest out as they walked past a trio of chatting girls, Touji scowled when they waved at Asuka and laughed at the two males. "They don't know you at all do they Red? I can only imagine what you've told them about us. Oh, you mentioned tension between MBI and Nerv…that shit true? Did MBI actually send Sekirei in to attack or something? THAT was all over the News," Touji kept his rejection down.

Of course he'd pay attention to Sekirei conversations, they were mostly attractive older women in skimpy or unique outfits that tended to get cut open. News was always abuzz with stories and footage of 'faux battles' and the like. Just what a pervert would watch. "It happened, but not how the News is saying it. It was more a joint operation between Shinji's little posse and Misato. But have to keep his hush-hush. So it's just going to be some posturing and it'll blow over," Asuka expected at least. What could really happen other than a lot of hot air?

Opening the door to the outside world, Asuka was suddenly confused, "Hey…where did they go?" Asuka didn't see Tsukiumi or that slut! They were there a few minutes ago and now even the crowd of leering idiots were gone. Noticing a few people did have their phones out and looked confused. "Shinji, you get a message or anything?" Asuka dropped her bag and started rummaging for her phone. Just what was this happy horseshit? "I could understand that purple hussy getting dragged off," total lie, "but Tsukiumi wouldn't leave me like that."

"She wouldn't leave, should have seen how she was gushing about the date we were going to have," Shinji followed suit in the phone-hunters club. Running to the gate, just in case they were hiding or playing at something, Shinji leaned against it and lost color in his cheeks. Opening his phone, he scrolled through a few messages, blushing at something he saw, he just turned to the two confused. Sounding so fragile, so emotional, "What is going on here? Where…where did they go?" Eyes glassy, confused, and ready to break.

Faster than Touji, which was easy as he was on his phone and all thumbs with it, Asuka was at Shinji's side in moments. Filling his world with her face, hey it was pretty world then, she tried to act quickly. "Hey-hey, there is an answer for this, they'd not leave us without reason. Maybe Misato got them, or something. Nothing to spaz out about, right? Maybe a fight or something, we haven't heard about the next stage or whatever right?" Asuka tried to use logic to calm. But even she was starting to feel panicked. Tsukiumi wouldn't leave without telling either of them, this wasn't like her at all!

"Hey, you two need to see this, something big is going on," Touji was pointing at his phone. Asuka wasn't going to let that stand, so she liberated the device and waved Shinji in closer to her. Reading the title of the article was distressing enough. 'MBI CEO releases strange video, flees Tokyo-3 before questioning.' Being a speed reader, Asuka was able to read the whole article while the others were still reading. Hiroto Minaka fled Tokyo-3 and MBI to some small island off the coast. Man sent out a video to all the Sekirei, and now there was a panic.

Sending a quick text to Misato, Asuka wasn't sure she wanted watch Minaka's little speech. 'Is this true, is MBI under attack?' Misato said they needed to be ready to aid or step in with something between MBI and Nerv, even if the play fight with Shinji's Sekirei was eye opening with the power they had. "You two ready to watch the video, Shinji, you alright?" Asuka wouldn't play it if he wasn't.

"I'm good, I want to know, this is all so confusing," Shinji sniffed hard but he was strangely confident. It made Asuka a little confused to see him so confident yet soft. Maybe Tsukiumi had a reason to want to be with him, not the worst traits for a guy to have. His breath was tickling her, but she'd not show it, "So…play it?" Shinji asked after an awkward period of stagnation between all three.

Fumbling Touji's phone as the embarrassment hit her. Standing before what Asuka knew was a damned UFO (Tsukiumi told her about the extraterrestrial nature) was one unhinged Minaka. "To all Sekirei and Ashikabi! Phase 3 is escalating! Come to Kamikura Island immediately! Your home is going to be besieged by fools and you will defend is as part of Phase 3! Fail to show and you will be deactivated! Unwinged, I hereby wing you in MY name to compete. All agents still loyal to the cause, if you do not see motion, you are free to put them down. No hesitation, no waiting! We start END GAME!" and like that the image of Sekirei in formation was briefly glimpsed and then nothing.

"What the fuck does that mean? Can he even do any of the shit he just said?" Touji was confused and plucked his phone back. Rubbing off the fingerprints Asuka left on it, Touji pocketed it and started fidgeting.

His own phone pinged, and Shinji read it and almost dropped it. "I don't know if he can, but it's real. Rei-chan just texted me, she's says Nerv is reporting massive MBI movement across the city. Akitsu and her seem to be immune, but she says other Sekirei are…they've been recalled or something. Touji, sorry, but I have to get home and check things." And then weak and sickly Shinji turned off running as hard as he could, not that fast but still impressive.

"Idiot will make himself sick again. Go check on your sister, I'll go check on him and all this," Asuka flinched her head hoping Touji got the hint and ran. Feeling her phone vibrate, she waved Touji off and started walking after Shinji. He wouldn't be able to keep running for long and she'd close the distance quickly. Misato's message back to her was quick and to the point. 'JSDF plans leaked, planned invasion of MBI headquarters and island exposed. Nerv requested to aid with Evas. Shinji not responding to texts.'

Well that meant shit really just hit the fan didn't it? What any of this meant in the end, Asuka wasn't going to venture a guess. But Tsukiumi was going to have to beg for forgiveness after running at the beat of that jerks drum without asking permission! Ashikabi being the 'master' and what have you didn't equate to anything if some perverted old man snaps his finger and she runs off. Just as she thought, when she started to fun after Shinji, she found him two blocks ahead already leaning against a light post and heaving. "Hurting yourself won't bring them back," she put a hand to his back, "Try pushing more air out instead of taking air in, it'll help recover faster."

Holding a hand up, Shinji tried doing what Asuka said, it helped but only barely. People were watching them, didn't take much for people to start staring and pointing. But many had confused looks on their faces. All around them, the news was breaking that MBI was the center of some sort of government crackdown. Since the city was built and run by MBI it was hard to not see something that the company impacted. Once he could actually talk again, "This is…really happening…isn't it?"

"Yeah, but just like with everything else, it'll end soon. We didn't put up with those crazy women this long just for that guy to end things. Who does he think he even is?" Asuka wanted nothing more than to slap Minaka. People in power were always blind to the use of it. Well, they'd just have to teach the old bastard what was really going to happen. Helping Shinji to start moving again, "So we'll just have to go get our Sekirei again, they're stuck with us now."

Her own worries started to edge into her mind, but she kept those to herself. They fast walked the rest of the way to Izumi House in silence, hoping Asuka's bluster was more truth and less hope. Miya was there waiting for them, quickly followed by Misato who had Rei and Akitsu with them. The rest of the house was empty, the great summons having pulled them away. Misato had bad news for them as well, it was going to take a few days to get the extra battery packs charged for the Evas. There end destination didn't have Eva charging stations so they'd need a stockpile of batteries like when they crawled through the vents. Miya was there for all three Children. Asuka allowed it, they all needed a little extra encouragement.

X-X

Standing in the command station in the ship, overlooking the island, Minaka felt equal pride as he did frustration. It wasn't supposed to end like this, it wasn't his true plan to escalate things in this way. But he had to see the grand Sekirei plan fulfilled as he desired! So he abused his authority, lied about revoking Ashikabi/Sekirei bonds, and forced as many that would listen back to their home. Nothing had happened yet, not enough bond Sekirei were on the island to start fighting, but camps were already forming. Clutches were being made of allies, most were confused at the sudden nature of things, and more than a few were more than a little reluctant.

"Sorry Shinji-kun, but I needed yours more than others. You do have the most low numbers," Hiroto felt that sting. Of all the Ashikabi, Hiroto did pay most attention to Shinji when given the opportunity. Kid was doing great with what he had been given, and maybe it would end well. But since the order when to Sekirei and not Ashikabi, not many of the humans were here. Many wouldn't make it in time to play a part either. Sighing heavily, "And depending on how hard the JSDF hit, it would be safer if he isn't here."

Since he owned most of the satellites, Hiroto knew a large force was moving against him. Kochou contacted him with confidential details from the JSDF and that forced Hiroto's hand. Not as good as Matsu, Kochou was still pretty handy when computers were involved. But Kochou was one of Higa…Fuyutski's Sekirei. Why would she act without orders? Saving the ship made the most sense, a sense of honor maybe. Didn't matter, a large fleet had been amassed and incoming, and they tasked Nerv to assist. "They'll try to take us both out in one fell swoop. Have to act fast. Quell the attack, end the plan, and then I can bask in the glory of success."

The worry of Nerv was big, those Evangelion could hit hard, especially to the higher numbers. "And since the lower are working with Shinji-kun, they might not…if only Miya wasn't immune to the call," Hiroto slammed his fist against a console. Some of the workers on the deck took notice and he dismissed them. This was for the Sekirei and Ashikabi alone, the other workers were to abandon the island and come back when called back. He wouldn't fail, the Sekirei would easily repel the invasion, "I've come to far to lose now! It is impossible to lose!"

"But you will, because you're an idiot," Gendo shuffled into the command deck. He took a moment to examine the bridge of the alien ship, and nodded a few times. Scoffing, "So all of your advances were stolen. Should have thought, you aren't smart enough to make any of the technology." Beard unkempt, glasses cracked, and unsteady in his walk, Gendo was not the pinnacle of composure he oft tried to exude. Coughing a little harder, "Why am I not shocked you're a fraud."

Twirling around with a flourish, his lab coat billowed out with a flourish. Ah! This was perfect! Vendetta! "You have no idea how glad I am that you're here, brother. Have a seat and watch MY grand plan come to fruition. How is yours going again, you're little insane plan?" Hiroto was glad he had his glasses on. He could examine Gendo and not be noticed, and judging by the limp the gun was on the left hand side pocket. Slow and showing his hands, best not to startle the unsettled dick, "Want to have some coffee or tea? Watch a good plan come to its pinnacle?"

Stumbling against a chair, Gendo fell into it and sat heavily, "Somebody else's plan you're taking credit for. My plan is mine alone, and it isn't over yet. I still have enough to finalize it. If anything, you're little invasion will have sped it up!" His hand slid into his left pocket and stayed, his gloved right hand pulsed as it sat on the armrest.

"I had nothing to do with that, it was my son that did it. Smart one that kid. If I had to guess he had his hacker find your little backers and secrets. Then he sent his Sekirei in to finish the job. Chip off the old block that one. Never will forgive you for what you did to him," Hiroto gloated. His son, his son had done much in the Sekirei plan, it made Hiroto swell with pride to know HIS offspring was capable of so much. Just a shame what happened to Yui, he did love that woman. Ever since Gendo introduced her to him, Hiroto had powerful feelings for that woman. Pushing a plate of coffee over to Gendo, Hiroto sat down.

Horse coughs into his gloved hand, Gendo nearly fell out of his chair. Shaking his head hard, "Not your kid, and it was YOUR stupid freaks that ruined Seele. And all I did was…do what was necessary." Taking the decanter, he poured a cup, and took a drink all with that right hand. After another small bought of coughing, "I had to come here and watch you fail. Then after that…I'll reunite with Yui. All the pieces I need will be here. JSDF is going to attack…the Evas will be here…Ayanami…"

Pouring himself a cup, Hiroto's heart spiked at hearing Gendo's little plan. "So in the end that was what all of this was for? All your posturing, stupid plans, and abuse of power…was to get the girl that got away back? Never could accept when I beat you," Hiroto poured a little cream into his coffee. He could see his monitors from the corner of his eye, and he saw the numbers going up. More Sekirei were showing up, and the satellite footage of the invading fleet still gave him a few hours.

"How was my plan worse than yours? All you're doing is abusing your position over your slaves. Forcing them to fight for no reason, all so you can feel as if you're in power! What does this Sekirei Plan even do? I saved the planet, you had scantily clad women dance for morons," Gendo spilled some of his drink down his shirt. Making no effort to clean it up, he just let the cup fall.

Anger spiked, he had heard that from other ex-employees that didn't understand the grand design! Throwing his cup past Gendo's head, "They are NOT slaves! You wouldn't understand the plan even if I explained it to you. Determining who is the strong enough to rule, who could take control! And it wasn't YOU that saved anything, it was those Children, MY son!"

"He is MY son," Gendo said coldly and smirked just a little amount, "Yui never cared about you, she hated you, but she humored you because she felt sorry for you."

Reclining back in his chair he laughed till he almost fell out, Hiroto got up and went to his monitors. A few small fights had broken out, the discipline squad was flexing its powers, nothing to worrisome. "You never realized she was playing you did you? It was a Genetics Conference nine months before he was born…she told me the truth about you," Hiroto confessed. It had been only that day, but it had been a wonderful event.

"Yes, I remember our vacation after that conference she bitched about. You were just my annoying tag-along. You could never make anything on your own, followed behind me, and when you found this…thing…you pretended to be my equal. But now it's all ends. You're going to fail at this, like you did with everything else. And then you can watch me succeed, as you always did," Gendo finally pulled his left hand out and it empty. Seeing the shock, "What, did you expect a gun? I don't need that for you, never would."

Clapping his hands, Fuyutski joined and created a trio of older men. "It is always fun to listen to you two butt heads. Equally stupid and blind to everything other than your little schemes. All these years, all your endeavors, and both doomed to fail," Fuyutski let a Sekirei led him into the room and into a chair. He too looked far older than his years would lead to believe. Patting the girls hand, "Thank you Kaiha-chan. Go join the others. And when the forces from Nerv show up, aid them." The woman with her huge blades saluted and left the men to talk. Scooting the chair away from the bay of computers to make a triangle with the other two, "You two idiots…been watching you two act the fool for years. And now it is the end. For good or bad this nightmare ends."

"Ah Kozo, what…you got here faster than the other Ashikabi. But why are you here?" Hiroto was confused. Why would Kozo be here, why would he be talking as if he knew anything. A small chill was working its way up his spine, "What did you do?"

Helping himself to the coffee, Kozo took a small flask from his inner coat pocket and freshened it up. "I had to be here to watch both of you remember what you forgot. Poor woman, insane woman, played both of you and you left her to take the blame. I warned her, tried to tell her it wouldn't end well…and maybe it won't for anybody," Kozo took a deep drought of his drink and shivered comfortably.

"Ritsuko? W-what are you talking about. She just told me all about his stupid actions, let me know how he was failing with his little hybrid," Hiroto tugged on his collar. Ritsuko, what DID happen to her? She played games with him, pushed him a bit more sexually than he liked. It wasn't something he really was into but she was, so she pushed and he just acquiesced.

Scoffing, and reaching out for Kozo's flask, Gendo took a sip right from the bottle, "What about Akagi? I haven't heard from her since I learned she betrayed me…after she told me YOU betrayed me. Old man getting his rocks off with HIS freaks. Don't talk to me about what SHE did." Handing back the flask, Gendo actually got a little color back in his cheeks.

When an explosion rocked the room, Hiroto did not like Kozo's smug little grin. "The JSDF shouldn't be here yet. Did you leak me bad information, Kozo?" Hiroto rushed to the window and watched his Sekirei run about. The few fights he saw happening broke up and they started rushing towards the blast. Then another hit, another, and another. Cross shaped blasts hit all around the island, obliterating the rocks and letting more ocean slink into the already partially flooded island. "Angels? What?" Hiroto asked Gendo.

"Say hello to Akagi's creations. She took your little Sekirei and your vat of clones and made her own little hybrid. I found a room of them about to die of starvation a few days ago…I let them free. But they're not what Ritsuko thought they'd be. They're animals, and they have ONE thing on their mind. With Lilith gone…they're coming here. I KNEW you'd come to gloat about the JSDF invasion, so I leaked it to both of you. Now I just sit back and watch!" Kozo slapped his knee as the giggles wrapped over him.

Warning lights started popping up all over his bay of computers. Damage to the infrastructure was massive, and his forces would be spread thin. "What…why would you do this? My Sekirei can stop…" flashes of AT Fields stopped Hiroto's boast. Then another alarm went off, proximity warning, the JSDF and Nerv fleet were incoming!?

Tearing off his glove, Gendo grabbed his wrist painfully. "That isn't right! They won't have the S2 engine! What did she make, why would she…you!" Gendo dove at Kozo. A week or so earlier and Gendo would have had the strength to throttle the old man, but he was to sick now. They grabbed at one another, pushed and tried to trip one another, but in the end Kozo pushed Gendo's chest and the sickly man crumpled back into his chair. "Why…after all this time…why betray me now?" Gendo nearly wept.

Fixing his collar and hair, Kozo took a deep breath, "I woke up. After seeing how Seele was going to fall, I knew this wasn't going to end how we planned. Then seeing you two not seeing anything but your own madness…fuck you two." The old man actually started to laugh as more sirens started to go off, red lights flashing, and the building rocking from more blasts.

"To all Sekirei, report to section A42 and prepare to defend," Hiroto ordered but wasn't sure if the speakers were working. He could even see the stupid giant robots making and fall! This was still recoverable! Have the Discipline squad take out the hybrids, the lower numbers deal with the Evas, and the rest defend the ship from the JSDF. "Repeal all invaders, do not allow any footfall to be kept! And once this is over, we finish the Plan!" he hoped his yells got out to them.

Trying to get back up, panic starting to finally reach him, Gendo grabbed at Hiroto's coat. "You have to get us out of here. This is a losing battle. Your toys will fall, Ritsuko's hybrids will kill you, and they'll take Adam! A helicopter, one of your freaks, something!" Gendo forced Hiroto to spin around to see his frantic zeal.

"No! I won't abandon this ship or my plan! I can still see this through! I won't fail here! I cannot!" Hiroto found Gendo's insanity gave him strength to hold on. The two swayed back and forth each grabbing at the other until a shell from the JSDF toppled both of them.

Watching out the window, Kozo just continued to drink his coffee and snicker. "Both of you, so disappointed in both of you. But Yui loved you, don't know why, maybe she felt she could and save you from yourself. But in the end, it's those kids and the tools she helped create that will decide this," finishing his cup, he set it down and just watched the siblings fight.

Going over plans within plans for recovering from this nightmare, Hiroto starting thinking of more extreme options. He had access to military grade satellites, and some of those had a few little extra add-ons. It would have some casualties, more than he wanted, might even damage the ship, but it would be worth it in the end! He just had to have them hold off long enough to reorient the platforms so he could take out everything! "Sorry all of you, but if I have to crack a few eggs for the glorious plan…so be it!" That stated, Hiroto started trying to break into the JSDF's hidden assets that he helped create, it was his tech anyway, so he should get to use it!

X-X

The crack of face against knee vibrated up Musubi's leg and ended in her skull. The challenger had been a male this time, a staff user, and he hadn't even lasted a full two minutes before slumping to the rocky ground. The family salty smell of the ocean was potent here, waves crested not to far away from where Shinji's Sekirei were stationed. "This doesn't feel right to me, what about you?" Musubi pulled her gloves on tighter. What was the point of any of this? Fighting without her Ashikabi around, fighting for no purpose…it truly brought no joy to her.

Sitting in a shallow cave of rocks, more to block random mists from the ocean, Matsu appeared miserable. Her garb clung to her side like a second skin, her hair dripped, and her glasses foggy, none of which he liked. Using her knees as a table for her laptop, "Agreed. I never liked this whole Sekirei Plan business in the best of times. What the Professor just did, doubly so. I'm not even sure he can revoke our bonds with Shin-tan. But there are a lot of black boxes I couldn't hack in the upper systems."

"That means she's worried he could actually do it," Kazehana cleared up for the confused Kusano and Musubi. Now she had the appearance of Venus with the water cresting and her latent wind powers making in sheen around her. But unlike the others, she had an open disdain pouring off of her. Glaring up at the tower, where Gendo was just making his appearance, the woman flipped it off. Yelling up at the tower, "Come down here and explain things you jerk! To think I once…"

Setting the latest Sekirei to try stealing there Jinki in pile of them, Musubi's unrest was growing. Where was the challenge, where was the sportsmanship? A solid fight was fun, something to look forward to and enjoy. What was happening now was desperate people trying their best to not be separated from their beloved Ashikabi. It wasn't what she enjoyed in her fights. Why couldn't they fight without the threat of separation, why did they have this yolk around their necks? "How long do we have to stay here? I miss Shinji-sama," Musubi climbed a hill to watch the other assembled.

"Keep your head on your shoulders less the black bear come back to take it," Tsukiumi climbed up into the small bowl the others were in. Her maid frock was cut and she was dirty with muck and strain dripping from her hair. Wringing it out as the allies noticed, "The rats are scurrying looking for food among the little on this barren rock. No home is this anymore, its doors shut and the fire has gone cold."

Keeping an actual fire going, Homura tossed more rubbish into it for fuel. Sniffing and sneezing lightly, "I can agree with that. All those worried they'll be put to sleep, Minaka has outdone himself with cruelty this time. Forcing all of us here under threat, and now making us protect this from what he brought onto himself. Now we have what so few do and they see it. But I am glad Shinji isn't here, be to easy for somebody to go after him. And yeah, Musubi, don't let Karasuba see you again. I don't think we can find as nice of place to stay and fighting her before whatever is to come…bad idea." Using his flame control he made a nice warm glow and drew Kusano towards it.

Now fighting Karasuba did sound fun, not NEEDED but fun, as it was a challenge with a willing opponent. But Musubi had learned and grown, fighting just for fun would put her friends in danger. Maybe after all of this was over they could have a spar or something! Flanking Kusano with Kazehana, "Do any of you hear that? That whining sound?" Her ears were trained, but the wind and waves cut a lot of her precision. All of Shinji's Sekirei, either by winging or by affection, drew close around Kusano to protect the youngest and most afraid. No plants on the island meant the girl only had her small potted plant.

"Get down, I know that sound, it's the…" Matsu dove to the ground taking as many as she could with her. Several loud explosions broke out around them, rocks cracked and rained down around them. Not buried thankfully, but a few of the larger stones did bruise and cut them all to varying degrees. Scrambling up the ridge, Matsu pointed out at the small base of land they all shared, "That sound was water evaporating. Sudden heat does it. But those blasts…they're like those Angel beams. But how?"

Leaping up to Matsu's side, Musubi deflected a larger bit of shrapnel that was suddenly propelled towards the distracted hacker. Not a schooled person, Musubi was still quick to asses a battle. All around the island were broken and exposed bits of ocean that weren't there before, five different locations of localized devastation. "Ayanami-san could do that, remember she showed us. But there are to many places where that happened. Let's go check it out?" she reached out for Tsukiumi.

"Protect the hearth and home with my beloved's concubine. The pains the wife must suffer to see her cherished one again," Tsukiumi took the hand. Giving it a solid squeeze of camaraderie, she pulled herself up atop the rubble with the bear. Using the ambient water quickly she gathered another blasts worth of rubble and made a small shell. "We be the front and you…ARE the rear, while you…keep the heat so I might be freed of this smell," she ordered the rest to stay and be safe.

Part of Musubi thought it would have been safer to take at least Kazehana or Homura with them, she didn't want to push. Tsukiumi was delicate, Musubi believed, and when countered or challenged the woman got huffy. Musubi didn't really care for a huffy Tsukiumi or Asuka, they closed up and stopped being friendly. And nobody here was actually FORCED to listen to Tsukiumi, so if things changed they'd do what was best. Musubi trusted her family to look out for itself while Shinji wasn't there to offer his suggestions.

Jumping down the incline, sliding down the rocks and sand to the base, she saw the outcome of the sudden set of blasts. Sekirei were hurt and scattered all over. More cross shaped eruptions blossomed all around them, but thankfully smaller. And now that she could see them, they were spread out around the island and moving closer towards the ship. "That can't be Ayanami-chan, but its like her attack, just more wild. Let's stop at least the one closest to us!" Musubi tore off running towards the danger. Her family was at risk, her old home, and she wasn't going to let others get hurt if she could stop it.

"Agreed, protect the sheep and they may share their grass with us," Tsukiumi zoomed along with Musubi. With so much water around, Tsukiumi had enough to make a small ball that flowed on the ground and propelled her forward. Once she was a good distance ahead of her rival, "Is that the best legs can do in face of the raging torrent? Concubines truly are lesser than the wi…"

Musubi's eyes went wide as she saw the ground start to erupt before Tsukiumi but couldn't get a sound out before it blew. Not a direct hit thankfully, but close enough to blow Tsukiumi off the ground and rolling back towards Musubi. Red, so much red that is appeared impossible! Using the puddles as a buffer, Musubi slid leg first towards what once had been her proud co-wife. Once she had her arms around the woman, she looked back towards the dome her fellow Sekirei were. Collapsed, they were either trapped inside of it, or more likely the escaped further inland after the last hit and didn't see what happened.

Drawing Tsukiumi's top into lap, laying back so the woman's head was on her chest, Musubi wrapped her arms as best she could around the injured woman. "Are you alright, please say something. I don't want to win like this, it's a cheap win," Musubi cried. Following the trail of red, most was coming from the side of Tsukiumi's head, but the amount of torn clothing and riddle of small cuts and bruises made an ugly painting.

"Hurt, the second most hurt as I've been, only this time it is my shell and not my core that took the brunt," Tsukiumi panted out. Able to move, just slowly, she pushed out of Musubi's grasp and tried to stand. Had Musubi not caught her though, it would have ended poorly. Summing up some water, she did her best to clean herself, to little effect in the end. Weakly pointing, "That be the devil we seek. Ne'r have I seen Ayanami so loathsome as that. But even that child be not the type to walk as a new born babe."

Following the finger, Musubi didn't at first notice the nude albino walking slowly towards the tower. Gasping, Musubi almost ran to help the girl, and would have had Tsukiumi not nearly fell again. Putting the nearly disrobed woman on her back, oddly a comforting weight, "Do-do we try and talk to her?" But now Musubi was understanding what Tsukiumi said (it took a bit to crack the Tsukiumi code). This girl had even less emotion than Ayanami, was dirty and slimy with ocean and algae, plus Ayanami listened to Shinji about dressing outside of the privacy of the home. All around her Sekirei were scrambling, broken words came from the PA system but they were unidentifiable.

When the next explosion rang out, it was different than the angel based ones, Musubi even saw the shells incoming. Loud noises and shouting, the sound of weapons rang out all around her. Ugly, this was truly ugly and not how a fight should be. But she had a job to do, protect her rival, and she was going to do it. Hoisting up the protesting Tsukiumi, Musubi charged the extra pale Ayanami with a war cry. Getting a solid kick into the small of the girl's back, it went spiraling forward and rolled onto its back. "Stay down, don't make us hurt you any more…can you do anything?" Musubi panted as she asked her backpack.

"I be no invalid or sack of meat to be carried around!" Tsukiumi choked out. A weak and unsteady hand jutted outward towards the downed girl and encased her with a sphere of water. Coughing more wetness on Musubi's cheek, "That be not the doting fool that pretends to not know grace. Abomination, insane, not meant for this world."

Seeing the girl buck and thrash against the water prison, sending random blasts all around, one thankfully hitting an unloading ship. No casulties but forcing a retreat, Musubi tore off. With her hands supporting Tsukiumi, Musubi let her feet do the work. Jostling Tsuki as she did, her kicks struck stomach twice but the third was met with a strange shield and forced the two flying backwards. Doing her best to catch and buffer Tsuki in the fall, Musubi found her face encased in the girls exposed chest. Soft, they were soft and warm…was this why Shinji liked to…

"Do not sup of my chest, ye be not my husband and I haft not bade it," Tsukiumi muttered followed with a small pop to the side of Musubi's head. Using the remains of her tattered maid frock as a bandage, the water Sekirei sat up. Forming a few balls of water, she hurled them at the now approaching abomination. First salvo was at the front and that orange shield blocked them all, but when she sent a few from the side they scored its. Struggling to get back to her feet, "One shield is all it has, mighty be it, but a shield only goes one way."

Feeling the salt air on her skin openly, Musubi saw her curse struck again, her outfit was in tatters thanks to the action. Oh well, she would just keep her modesty with one hand and attack with the other! "I'll distract her then and you do what you can, if you can," not trying to be cheeky, it just came out that way. Musubi rushed in and when her fist hit the shield…pain. Not a pain in physical but her head hurt. Odd images of things she didn't understand washed into her mind. A need for something so powerful it overwhelmed her, Adam. Whatever this girl was, she was just a rabid dog now.

They did their best, Tsukiumi and Musubi, to fight in tandem. Musubi tried to keep the thing looking away from Tsukiumi, but each hit caused that pulse of headache. A clumsy fighter made for easy counters and blocks, but each blow had the strength of a truck behind it. Tsukiumi was getting weaker as well, so were in perfect condition she'd have taken the thing out with one it…best she could make was paintballs of annoyance. One solid hit, one good solid punch to the temple or stomach was all it would take, but the monstrous thing never gave the opportunity.

"Can you not actually hit the barn and be done with this, my vision is twice what it should when not in my beloved's embrace," Tsukiumi was sounding even more tired. Waving her hands about, she let loose a bevy of small hits, and finally did more than just annoy the thing. Around them they heard sounds of fighting and knew no hope would come from their allies, they were all busy with man and beast alike.

The girl turned from Musubi but leapt too quickly for the fighter to capitalize on it and tore off towards the enfeebled Tsukiumi. No, Musubi couldn't let this happen. Tsukiumi wasn't part of Shinji's harem of Sekirei, but that didn't matter. Friend, the woman was a friend, dear and true. And that alone drove Musubi onward, and when the blow hit, Musubi diving to intervene, her vision swam and her body turned to jelly. "You…ok?" she asked the yellow blob close to her.

The yellow blob made some sounds, but Musubi couldn't quite hear it. But the motion and warmth were proof enough. Fading, she was fading again like when she first fight with the Discipline Squad. It was warm and inviting, memories of Yumi and times before Tokyo. But just before she dipped into sleep, Musubi saw a massive purple shape, felt the crash of earth moving, and love filled her heart. "I knew you'd come," Musubi muttered.

When next she opened her eyes, she was laying in hand of Unit-01 alongside her other family. Alongside of Unit-01 were the red and blue beasts as well. At their feet were all the other Sekirei, most injured, a few unconscious, but they all were under the Evas. "All of you brace yourselves, something is going to happen, the soldiers are backing off. Keep those…keep those girls safe too if you can," Shinji's voice called out from the demonic visage of his mech.

"So the princess is back it seems. Though you're other half might have been better for the fight…get ready something big might be happening," Kazehana biffed Musubi on the shoulder. A sizable amount of leg shown, but it wasn't the smooth pristine beauty Musubi saw Shinji rubbing suntan oil into, it was bruised and bent strangely.

All of them were there, Sekirei and Children defending the ship from the forces of the JSDF, Musubi didn't know what she had missed, but she'd ask at a better time. She just huddled together with her family, she'd do what she could when needed, but for now it seemed they might not have much to do. Planes were flying towards them, and they looked dangerous.

X-X

This just wasn't happening, it wasn't happening! All around her on the command bridge was mayhem and shouting from JSDF officers, Nerv command, and Misato just couldn't fathom what she was seeing! How could things have gotten so bullocks so quickly, it went from zero to a hundred fucks per hour! And now everybody wanted to know who to blame, and how hard could they be blamed! And through it all, Miya stayed at Misato's side and kept anybody that got a little too confrontational to stand down.

"Katsuragi-kun, what sort of operation is Nerv running here? Those pilots, did you tell them to side with those things the moment they made landfall?" the JSDF captain thrust his clenched fists up and down. An attractive enough man, maybe two or three years older than Misato herself, and if things were different she'd think he could make a good drinking buddy. Now, that bridge was ash as the man was vexed just as Misato was. Pointing at the live footage, Unit-01 was shielding a group of Sekirei as Unit-02 was herding the Rei-things.

Makoto was just as quick to counter, go figure he was an Ashikabi as well, "They're just defending unarmed and weaker Sekirei from your armed invasion. This wasn't supposed to be an active battle unless Minaka-san didn't stand down. You shelled the island before any communique were made!" The stressed Ashikabi had to be restrained when that happened, who knew such a small guy could throw off two JSDF officers! Love does give people extra strength it seemed.

Holding her hands up to both upset people, Misato tried to get some sense of calm. She wanted to grab all three Pilots and hug them, smack them, and then put them in the brig in any number of orders. "I understand this operation has gone off the handle. Your forces aren't listening to you, mine are children and behaving as such, but you said you'd bring Akagi in to explain why we have a third faction. Status on that?" Misato rubbed the bridge of her nose. The longer this went the sooner the Evas ran out of power, those extended batteries only had so much juice in them.

"Yeah, she's here. We have here, where can we use to have your little talk? We will be present for it, she is our prisoner. With how your agents are working during this, we cannot leave you alone with her, might let her go," the Captain put his hat back on. Misato wanted to be angry at that, but the man had a point. If the man was telling the truth, the forces storming the island were acting against his orders, she saw him tell them to stand down, and the JSDF was a much bigger organization than Nerv. Somewhere somebody coopted the invasion. With a hand signal, two women entered with an orange jump suited Ritsuko in chains.

Pointing up at the ex-commanders office, Misato took a deep breath, "Sure, we can use that office. Its big enough for us. Miya is coming with me, she has every right to be there as well. These are her people being attacked after all." Miya hadn't said anything since the operation started, keeping people away from Misato by presence alone. People could just feel the radiating power the woman had, nobody even hinted at pushing back against that kimono clad beauty.

It was a short walk, most of those watching the ongoing insanity were glued to the monitors, but Misato had to be pushed by Miya to start moving. She hated this office, hated the man that used to call it his, and hated being back inside it. This man, he was supposed to aid humanity, she trusted the ex-commander, and he was going to betray all of humanity for personal wants. And this room was a testament to that abuse of power. What Misato thought was just a very strange art style was actually meaningful, the airs of a madman. Once Ritsuko and her handlers entered, the door was shut but not locked, no more locked doors at Nerv.

"Alright Ritsuko, spill. Why the hell are we seeing those Ayanami looking things firing what the Magi are saying are equivalent to the Angels? Why are they there, and how can we stop them?" Misato just went for it. She had wanted this meeting, the JSDF likely had been interrogating her for days.

Hair longer and showing its true color, Ritsuko did not have the air of superiority she had before. Tired looking, sunken eyes, and just a little paler than before, she was not the svelte and sophisticated woman of a month ago. The chains, around her wrists, ankles, and bound together, jangled as she fumbled over to a chair and sat down. "You mean my creations, I'm guessing. I would have thought they'd actually have starved. Everything happened so fast. I was going to use them against Gendo and Hiroto, show them I was more than a fuck rag or a curiosity. You said they were firing blasts?" Misato recognized the voice as that of extreme exhaustion. Ritsuko sounded this way after a two day drinking/partying binge back in college.

"What did you create, Akagi-kun, what did you do to that child…children," Miya finally spoke, and it was chilling. Gone was the woman that cooked wholesome breakfasts and threatened to hit people with a spoon for being to 'friendly' in the hallways. Miya floated over to Ritsuko and effortlessly lifted her out of the chair, if she was tense and weary Ritsuko would have to be as well. Bending just enough to be eye-to-eye with Akagi, Miya leaned in closely, "Can anything be done for them?"

Defeated and broken, being imprisoned had that effect on people, Ritsuko's shoulders slumped after a quick shrug. "I doubt it. Ayanami never told me she could do anything other than lift heavy things. Everybody lied…everybody. Betting the JSDF is already planning to N2-Mine the island…or Hiroto us those little satellite toys of his to vaporize anybody he doesn't like. And my girls…empty shells. If they can fire angel like attacks…betting Gendo is there and they're tracking Adam, he has it implanted in his hand," Ritsuko jangled just a bit more as Miya set her back down.

An N2 mine? Satellite weoponry? Would they go that far? Misato saw the disbelief but fear starting to work into the Captain from the JSDF. One of the women with Ritsuko actually smiled, "We have confirmation. The embryo is on the island, commence the run. Katsuragi-kun, Yamada-kun, we thank you for aiding us in this. It was hard on both of you, but Akagi refused to tell us where the Adam Embryo was. And from the reports from the SEELE members, it was pivotal that it be destroyed. Your assistance in this will not be overlooked." Shaking her head, the smug woman was up and already dragging the defeated Ritsuko back out of the room.

"What just happened?" Misato nearly shouted at the sudden shift. Both Captain Yamada and Misato ran out of the office while Miya glided as she always did. The command stations were all in uproar. Finding both Shigeru and Miya franticly yelling over their headsets, she went to find out what they knew. All three Eva's were now together with over a hundred Sekirei at their feet. Spinning Shigeru around, his chair resisted but the man didn't, "What is happening over there now? Any hope we can get them out of there soon?"

Eyes wide with disbelief, Shigeru shook his head, "The JSDF is backing out, but Maya pinged an unknown aircraft is flying towards the island that isn't responding to calls. This is looking like a setup or something, ma'am. With the batteries, the Eva's only have about ten minutes of power left. What can we do?"

Nothing, they couldn't do anything. Not here. If Minaka did have satellite tech however, and they could use that…idea. Turning to Miya, woman already pulling her sleeves back, "I have an idea. We take control of the satellite. But we'd have to get into the thick of things. Are you…are you alright with that?" Until now Miya had always been in the shadows, staying out of the true fight and just acting support for those at the Izumo Inn. There was no guarantee that she could take control of the system, or if it would even work, but Misato couldn't just stand here and watch. If she did nothing, the Eva's would run out of power, and either the JSDF would purge them, or maybe Hiroto would do it.

"What are you talking about, Katsuragi-san? How can we get over there or even take control with how much time we have?" Maya was sniffling. A gentle soul, she was already terrified of the potential outcome she was watching. A lot of people were hurt, on both Sekirei and JSDF, the pilots were at ground zero soon to be bereft of protection, and Maya had no way to help.

Patting Maya's shoulder, Miya wiped away the blossoming tears, "Not 'we' just us. And I will get you there and aid you as best I can. I vowed to protect them…all of them. Now we mustn't dawdle. Keep your neck firm but not too tightly." Miya gripped Misato by the back of the skull and put her forearm firmly against it as a brace. With a nod, "You WILL suffer some discomfort in the travel, you may wish to close your eyes." And as those around them started to get more than a little confused, Miya took off.

Misato took Miya's advice and shut her eyes quickly. When she went from the bridge to outside of Nerv in less than ten seconds, she thought it best. The g-force was telling, she felt pressed against a wall of air, made breathing hard, and when she felt water sprinkles Misato just gave up thinking. Miya was fast enough to run across water, of course she was! Stomach rumbling, body aching, and mind reeling, Misato opened her mouth in a silent scream and got a taste of saltwater. Then maybe after two minutes of such extremes, it stopped and she fell to her knees…but it was soft. Opening her eyes, she was kneeling on a chair Miya had for her. Before she could say anything, she vomitted as the effects hit her.

"Take a moment, drink this. Sorry for that, but if we want to have time to deal with this, I had to go a little faster than I wanted with you," Miya handed Misato a paper cup of water. Pulling her sleeves back down, she was back in tranquil appearance mode. After tending to Misato, getting her a second up of water, the first was used to wash out the inside of her mouth, the pair were ready to proceed. Leading the pair through 'the ship' Misato just marveled at the extreme duality of the place. It was stupid high tech, but also lacked any amenities that didn't appear to have been brought in by the human occupants.

Just what were the Sekirei to the makers of this ship? Misato had to wonder that as they walked. Solders, workers, toys, or something else? This did not have any comforts, didn't even have decorations, maybe it was best that they landed on Earth and could try to have a normal life. "Do you…know who made you?" Misato asked suddenly unable to keep quiet.

"No, we do not. Any such information was lost in the crash. They tried to learn our purpose when we were found. Takehito tried to learn as much as he could, but was quickly stopped when he learned of the various systems of control. I wonder…if it was him probing that got him…" Miya's gliding stopped and she shuddered just once before she resumed her flight. "Stay behind me, I hear three voices. Your commanders and Minaka. In case they are despite, I will not let them hurt you," Miya crumpled the locked door open effortlessly.

Unarmed, the run had resulted in her sidearm being flipped out of her holster somewhere in the pacific, Misato stood beside Miya anyway. "Sirs, please stand down from whatever you are doing and provide me with control of your satellite defense system. The JSDF are expected to be planning on using an N2-mine on this island," Misato felt a good defense was a stronger offense and just went for broke.

The room was so pitiful it was almost funny. Fuyutski was drinking and possibly drunk, Gendo was babbling and franticly demanding Minaka fly them away, and Hiroto was lording over a window with both hands raised and yelling into a broken comm system. These were the three masterminds of the world? A drunk, a coward, and a madman.

"Hiroto Minaka, please stand away from the console, you are no longer in control here," Misato was well aware of the ticking clock. From the window she could actually see the plane in the distance flying towards them. Gendo actually backed away, grumbling about 'how did you get here, get me out', while Fuyutski just held up his flask. Grabbing Hiroto by the arm, she tried to turn him, but he spun around and back handed her hard enough to make her taste copper.

Standing tall and zealous, Hiroto's grin nearly split his head in half, "I think not! This is all going according to plan! I will have the Discipline Squad take down the plane, and then MY satellite will mop up your little toys and any remaining solders. THEN we finalize the Sekirei Plan! Ah, Miya…you finally show up. Are you ready to defend your position as Guardian of Kouten? If you had been here sooner I'd not have to have…urk…"

Pulling her fist away from the man's crotch, Misato was not ashamed of her sudden and brutal attack. "Well I don't know what he was talking about, or what Kouten is, nor do I care. But he's logged in, and now I can use this thing to end things. Anything you want to tell me, please let it be something that I can use to supplant you and be Shinji's primary caregiver," Misato shoved the grimacing Hiroto's head against the console and knocked him out.

"I am…was the final Stage of the Sekirei plan. But I cannot follow that path, not now anyway. Those children need me…us. Maybe someday, but for now you and I will need to mend the rift," Miya rolled Minaka away from the controls and herded Gendo over to Fuyutski who was now drooling and semi dozing. Scoffing hotly, "To think these two were the leaders of your organization, and this one the father of my child. Are you able to do anything about…that?"

Ok, maybe she should have brought a tech or somebody more computer savvy to control this thing. Any idea that this would be easy was quickly dwindling as she saw buttons, readings, and numbers all over. Doing what she thought might help, she saw Unit-00 shut down and fall into Unit-02, the batteries were finally giving out. Where the Ayanami-things were, she didn't know, but judging from the lack of cross-shaped blasts, they were dealt with.

Standing alongside Misato, taking one hand, Miya held it gently, "Time is running out. If you think you can do it, I will trust you. If not, I can try to catch it…run it out to sea." The catching and running, Misato believed Miya could do. Survive the detonation, no, even a Sekirei would fall to that. Miya was putting all of their lives in her hands, Misato felt a sudden urge to kiss the woman for that…but she didn't want to risk winging the Sekirei. Let Shinji to that accidentally one day, a birthday or just an emotional day for the two, and let THAT play out for laughs.

"I've got this, I've…" Misato hit a button and the camera footage from up in space flashed so bright she had to look away. Between the plane and the island the beam evaporated so much water it made a whirlpool. She had missed, but then again she wasn't aiming FOR the plane. It was proof that they COULD lash out and defend themselves if needed, and it worked. The plane was already flying away…and judging from the camera footage, she broke the satellite, guess it was for softer hands and she overloaded it. Suddenly hit by a wave of fatigue, "Think I want a beer and a nap…you?"

Smiling as she stood at the window looking down, the Children were climbing out of there plugs, Miya actually sat down. One sigh later, "Agreed. I am not used to this level of stress. I'll let them deal with the rest of today. And I do believe I will allow you to order food today, I am not in a shape to cook. But we will have to turn these three over…but first." Miya went over to Gendo and crushed his hand and the embryo with it…Misato nearly vomitted again.

X-X

His teeth were still tightly clenched, but Shinji was calming down considerably. The ocean was starting to return to normal when his Eva powered down. Emergency power pushed his plug out and he was fiddling with the escape hatch. Just what happened, he wouldn't learn until later but whatever it was he felt it was for the best. That blast, whatever scared the planes off, could have obliterated anything not under an AT Field! But without power the Eva's were now big stationary obstacles. Hope Misato had a plan to get these things back to Tokyo-3.

"Idiot, are you alright in there? Get out and down here, we might have a problem soon," Asuka's voice cracked over the dying comm system. It had been Asuka's idea to instantly turn against the JSDF and back the Sekirei, Shinji wanted to see what was going to happen, and Rei was…well she would do whatever Shinji did. Damn glad Asuka was more the 'do what I want' type and not 'I need evidence'. And just to add to the ego, "And you both owe me one for this. Stupid jerks were never going to try for peace."

Well she was going to lord that over him for the foreseeable future, but he would gladly suffer her than let anything bad happen to anybody. With a final grunt of strain, the hatch finally popped open and he was hit with the cold wind that robbed him of most of his heat. Oh yeah, LCL was…don't think about LCL…was wet and the island was small so coastal winds were going to be nasty. Popping his head out though, Shinji didn't immediately notice anything off. "Uh…somebody want to catch me?" he asked from his vantage point.

Tsukiumi, Musubi, and Kazehana all rushed to the foot of Unit-01 and called out they would. Well, with three willing to try, Shinji didn't hesitate to jump. It was more of a slipping fall, but he'd claim he jumped. He was going to anyway, so why let them know he tripped, guy has to have SOME respect. His yelp of fear due to his spinning around was answered by Kusano's vine plucking him out of the air and a few feet away from the others vying for the catch. Tricky girl even set Shinji down next to her, others were just a little frustrated, so he pat her head affectionately, "Good girl, Ku-chan. Thanks a lot all of you."

So while Kusano stood proudly, if not smugly, before Shinji's assembled Sekirei, the others closed in. "We have a situation growing. Now that the external threat has exited, the other Sekirei are starting to close in. The order did state we were to 'finish the plan' upon completion of the previous task," Rei kept her eyes on the perimeter. Motion was happening all around them, shadows and heads popping up and dropping back. Surrounded, they were surrounded by other Sekirei and they knew they had two Jinki's. With Akitsu at her side, the twin ice-maidens covered one another expertly.

"Seriously? After all we just did today, they still want to fight? Couldn't we…I don't know just leave and NOT do this?" Shinji expounded. This was insane! They just knocked out five insanely powerful copies of Ayanami, were nearly bombed or something, and now they were going to have to fight more?

Starting another small fire, Homura pulled Shinji close to it and used his powers to warm up the lad. "Agreed, this is insanity. We shouldn't have to follow a madman's orders. But some Sekirei are loyal to the end to him, others just want to fight, some it's all they know, and fear drives the rest. Love for an Ashikabi will make us go through hell and back. You're to cold, warm up," Homura stayed close to share his internal heat.

"I can keep you warm/I'll warm you right up!" Musubi and Kazehana quipped and joined in the big hug session. Tsukiumi was to proud to say it, or even see it, but Shinji and she shared a glance. Nodding to her, he saw both Asuka and Tsukiumi partner up to keep warm. Stupid cold island. Startling Shinji with her earnestness, Musubi added her thoughts, "I like fighting, but I don't want to lose all of you if I get beat. But I won't lose here, anybody that tries to take you from me, by my bond to you I will never lose."

Chuckling a little, Matsu couldn't hold back, "Says the girl that was technically sleeping during the whole fight against those things. Your little split personality did come in handy. But what ARE we going to do? If you guys do fight, you can win a few times, maybe a lot, but fight after fight WILL wear you down. And we have no escape from the island right now." Matsu kept close to the core, but she kept Kusano shielded from the wind, even the hacker had a soft spot for the sniffling child.

Brain clicking and clacking, Shinji and Asuka both turned to one another, eyes wide with ideas. "We can try talking our way out of this," Shinji spoke for the pair of Ashikabi's. Gently disengaging himself from his confused family, Shinji and Asuka approached each other. As Tsukiumi joined the confused, the two humans were going to try something stupid. "It might work, might be stupid, but we can try. So…be ready jump in, but wait if you can," Shinji saw anxiety starting to brew, good he felt it too.

"Idiot, going to let you start this off, I'll support you if you need it. But…if I said what I think you're going to, I'd be a bit to confident and they wouldn't listen. So we'll need your meekness to get to them," Asuka bluffed. Power opposed power, so her attitude and brashness would put the more confrontational Sekirei off. Girl knew herself and her issues, but that meant she was putting all this on him. Shit.

Stepping out from behind the legs of the Eva's, Shinji saw a small force of Sekirei were gathering, a few even looking to start fighting among themselves. Could he do this, could he reach them? Starting to panic, he was about to back out when he felt a hand on his back. He didn't know who it was, didn't matter either, they trusted him with this. Nodding to himself, he had to try, couldn't give up without doing something. He wasn't the kid that just did what he was told anymore, he had a reason to push, to try and earn his happiness. "Hello, hey, can…can you all…you should listen to this!" he yelled the last and held out his Jinki.

His call got attention, the brewing fights calmed, Sekirei drew in and in a short time a semi-circle of them were all around him and his crew. Putting the Jinki back away, thank the gods the plugsuits did have at least two small containers. "I wanted to talk to all of you, stop any further fights or accidents before they started," some of those eyes on him were hungry, others desperate, but he prayed he saw hope.

"Just give me your Jinki/Give that to me/What do YOU want?" and other voices all started to yell at him. The line drew closer, tighter, and the die was cast. If he had misread the Sekirei, confused his wants with theirs, well he'd get torn down in a few moments and his Sekirei overwhelmed. But he had faith.

Standing as tall as his small frame would allow, he waved his hand briskly out. "Stop! We don't have to do this! Have we heard from Minaka-san since we got here? Where was he when the JSDF attacked? Did he do anything to stop those…girls?" Shinji didn't know what to think of the Ayanami-things, but was glad they weren't killed just knocked out. A few of those advancing stopped and exchanged a few confused agreements. Confidence in that hesitation, Shinji stepped further ahead, "You saved this island, we helped you. And if your Ashikabi were here, they'd be proud of you. But, as an Ashikabi, I don't want to fight anymore. Not if it means losing my Sekirei. I…I love them, don't want to be parted from them. What about you?"

"What about those without Ashikabi, or with a shit one? What about those of us that WANT to fight!" the Sekirei Shinji knew as Benitsubasa boldly declared. Standing bruised and in tattered uniform, the Discipline Squad member tried rallying others to her cause of battle. Pointing her finger at the Sekirei behind Shinji, "So what if Hiroto-sama isn't here for the defense, he has US to act for him! All I know is fighting, all I want is to fight! And you're saying we shouldn't do that? Why listen to you?"

And here came the cusp of it, Shinji expected opposition, but this was just the perfect point to pick his idea apart. Another hand touched his back, then another, another, and on it went. "You can still fight if you want. All of you that want to, but not as slaves, not for somebody that doesn't know you or care about you. My friend…he is an Ashikabi and his Sekirei, both of them, hated fighting. I helped them escape the city, and we heard of others," Shinji saw Benitsubasa take a step back, she had been there for that escape mission.

"Interesting idea you have there, little Ikari, but what exactly does that mean?" Hikari asked while supporting Hibari. The later of the twins was worse for wear and nearly unconscious. Gazing down at her belly, her free hand touched it, "We can have our fights without risk of losing our Ashikabi? Go on."

He did like the twins, he liked Seo as well, he was a nice guy and helped talk to Shinji about a lot of hard issues since this strange world was thrust upon him. "What I mean is...the world thinks all those fights are just some show or an act. What if we encourage that? Have planned fights, like sumo matches or something. Those that want to be part of it, can have their fill. Those that want out, can be with their Ashikabi and not risk losing anything. Why put ourselves at risk for some Plan we don't even know the point of?" Shinji pleaded to the Sekirei.

"What about those of us that have bad Ashikabi, that don't want one, why-why must we?" a small slip of a male Sekirei not much larger than Shinji asked. Others started to throw questions out as well, eyes were opening, and Benitsubasa, Haihane, and Karasuba were among them. With options they didn't think presented, with a new way of living possible, questions they didn't know they had were rising to the top of their minds.

Asuka stepped forward and took over, "You won't be put back to sleep if you want to drop your asshole Ashikabi's. Nobody should be…forced to be with an Ashikabi that they don't want. Hell some of us Ashikabi might not want Sekirei and got bond on accident. What this Idiot is saying is, why don't you fight for what YOU want and not for some rich jerk that only wants to watch you suffer. Why suffer when you don't have to! We can have our cake and eat it too, we are in control here, not some nerd in a tower or cave! Be free of abuse, be free to fight if you want without fear of losing your partners. Be free to live a life without fear!" Asuka put her arm around Shinji's neck and gave a fierce shake of her fist with her free hand.

When a cheer went up from the Sekirei around them, stoked to attention by Shinji and agreement by Asuka's passionate conclusion, Shinji gave Asuka a friendly kiss on the cheek. Girl had this planned didn't she? Let him set them up and she'd knock them down. Joining her in wrapping an arm around her waist, the hugged as the Sekirei closed in behind them. This was stupid, likely wouldn't work, but for today they were all going to try it!

"Silly girl says she wants none, but I shan't ask for another other than you. We are sisters, we are a pair, and you shall be my maid of honor," Tsukiumi fell against Asuka and rubbed her forehead against the firebrand.

And with that small spark, the Sekirei separated to tend their own wounds, and relax from a barely avoided deluge. Shinji and the rest of his crew all retired to the feet of the Eva's and just basked in a battle one, and the possibilities of the new world they just posited to those around them. Fears of being able to make good on it, if it was all a delusion, wafted through Shinji's mind. But right now, around the fire Homura made, holding Musubi's hand as Matsu rested her head on his thigh, he'd fight his best to see it happen.

Little over an hour later, a series of relief helicopters started to arrive, laden with medical workers, Ashikabi, and space to take them all home. Misato and Miya had arranged for a helicopter for them alone, Nerv was securing the Eva's so it was an easy exchange. One of the biggest hits though was when a military helicopter left with Hiroto, Kozo, and Gendo (hand wrapped in gauze). Arrested, all three, for various horrible abuses of power.

"So, what does this mean?" Shinji asked after Miya ushered him into the helicopter. It was a little cramped with so many, and the moment he sat there was a rush for who got the seats next to him. Once Miya took his right and Misato his left, the girls accepted the unspoken rule for calm. They had spoken to him about what his father had been doing, what Nerv's unknown purpose was for. But to see it end, to see those he suspected were better, arrested. Softly, almost unable to speak it, "Is he…gone forever?" No reconciliation? No closure? Just that last sight of the man broken and tired handcuffed and loaded into a chopper?

Wiggling down in her seat, not the easiest to do with so little space, Misato made it possible. Closing her eyes as she leaned against him, lazily, "Likely, and good riddance. I won't say you can't regret this, but don't let him ruin your future. I let my father dictate my life for most of my life. Don't do that. Mourn his passing, but when we get back to Tokyo-3, a new day will come. We've made it, no more stupid fights, no more angels, and only a boundless future. We'll be here for you, in turn we want you here with us. Going to be stupid, people will want to blame us for something. People are going to be upset. Not our fault, we stopped it…we…"

Whatever Misato said, Shinji didn't hear it, fatigue and stress took their toll on him and he fell asleep. To warm and safe to stay awake after all the madness of the day. And in private, that night, he did mourn his father's passing, not into death, but out of Shinji's life. It wasn't any less painful, and in some ways it hurt more. The man that had given him life, given him up for unknown reasons, and planned such horrible things would never answer the 'why' of it. And in the morning, a breakfast table full of food, friends, and family Shinji was understood what Misato meant. This was his family, it wasn't by blood, but that didn't matter.

X-X

Notes

And that is mostly the end of the story. Yeah a lot of things could keep going, but I completed the bulk of what I wanted. I'll have an epilogue to complete the bits that are still a bit open. Was a strange story, it was mostly influenced by the state of the world and personal stuff. Was in a big depression for a lot of it, but its getting better finally. Not my best, but I still enjoyed it. Next is going to be a short 3-chapter little thing I want then I've a few good ideas

Later

Mercaba