Warning: after this chap I'm pushing the rating up to M for verious reasons, mostly for violence and a few hints of other things. enjoy!

Chapter 0:15: Return to Tokyo-3

It felt like an eternity Shinji stared at the door to Asuka's room. "Did she say what I thought she said?" He asked out loud as he began his now trademark mantra 'Do not run away'. "A-Asuka? We need to talk." He said as he knocked on her door. "Asuka open up!"

"No," Came her muffled response.

"I didn't make a request," Shinji said as he opened the door and walked into her bedroom. "Did you really mean that, Asuka?" Shinji asked the girl laying on her belly with her face buried in her pillow.

"Get out," Asuka growled lifting her face from the bag of feathers.

"Don't be stubborn!" Shinji shot back, "Just answer me, did you mean what you said about being in love with me. All you have to say is yes or no. Well?"

Asuka said nothing, only laid perfectly still, barely breathing.

"I have to know, Asuka," Shinji sighed still standing in her door way.

"Why?" She asked finally turning her head to look at him with one eye.

"I … just do, ok!" Shinji replied, though he wondered if it came out over the pounding heart he was hearing in his ears.

"Not good enough," She said turning her head back to hide her face from him.

"First time we met, you flashed me, and then you hit me. Every time I even acted remotely interested in you, you hit me." Shinji said evenly his face showing calmness that was not actually present. "I want to know if your still playing with me or are you really finally returning how I feel." He asked, vaguely hearing a hiss from her sharp intake of breath.

"You mean … after how I've treated you love me too?" She asked finally pushing herself up onto her knees to look at him.

"Depends," Shinji shrugged. "If I say yes will you kick me in the crotch and punch me in the face?"

"I was just a girl then … now I'll only do that if you reject me …" She added playfully.

"Ok then," Shinji smiled shyly. "I guess then … I… I … I love you, Asuka."

Faster then any human being he'd ever seen move, Asuka was off the bed and tackling him, wrapping her arms around his back and burying her face into his chest. "I wish it didn't take watching you die … almost twice to realize how much you mean to me, Baka-kun."

"Baka-kun?" Shinji asked hugging her back.

"Yes, you're my Baka-kun, and if anyone else calls you that or anything close to that," She said smiling wickedly. "I feed them to your EVA."

"So now what?" Shinji asked, neither moving from their embrace.

"We go home early in the morning, so now we go to bed and sleep." She pulled away from him.

"You're right, so I guess … g'night Asuka-chan," Shinji said turning to leave but stopping when a pair of small hands grabbed his arm.

"And where do you think you're going, bucko?" Asuka asked, smiling brightly.

"Um … to my room?" Shinji blushed slightly, scratching the back of his neck.

"Nuhuh, you're gonna sleep with me tonight," Asuka nodded in finality. "And no funny business either, I just want to keep my sluty cousin's hands off you."

"Ok then … I guess …sure." Shinji stammered for the first real time since his return.

"Ever made out with a girl before, Shinji-kun?" Asuka asked grinning as she led him to the bed.

"Um … once really … um why do you ask?" Shinji asked blinking and being led like a lamb to slaughter. He was answered when she jerked him violently down on top of her onto the bed.

"Are you sure we can trust Kaoru, Commander Katsuragi?" Maya asked, monitoring the two entry plugs being inserted into the Evangelion and the Super Evangelion.

"As powerful as Rei and her new Evangelion are, I don't think she can face something that big on her own," Misato took a sip of coffee, "We don't have much choice."

"Raise the Evangelions to the surface," Misato ordered, as the two Evas were lifted rapidly through the tunnels to the upper level of the city.

Unit S-00 took a step out off the lifting platform and stared up at the floating sphere high above the city. "Kensuke-kun, is this the thing you warned us against?" Rei asked, narrowing her eyes at the odd object. "I see… Is that all you know about it? Drat."

Rei, try that energy blaster attack your EVA can do, Kaoru see how close you can get to it. Misato ordered.

"Roger," the two pilots said as the winged smiling Evangelion took to the air and the Super-Evangelion extended two large canons from its shoulders aiming them at the object. "Yes, Kensuke-kun," Rei spoke softly, a slight smile forming on her lips. "We are going to blow that son of a bitch back to hell." Rei narrowed her eyes as the targeting system locked on to the object. "Locked on to the target … prepping for firing." She said as the two canons began to glow with their anti-matter reactors. "Preparation complete… Fire, Kensuke-kun." She ordered her EVA, which obeyed without hesitation.

The massive energy blast shot toward the object and Rei gave a small smile when she saw it impact the object. The smile faded when there was a flash and she saw that same beam coming right back at her. "It's not supposed to do that …" She said before diving away from the blast that slammed into the ground where S-00 stood a moment earlier.

"You're right, Kensuke-kun," Rei nodded as the Evangelion got back to its feet. "But how was I to know it had a reflective barrier… do not take that tone of voice with me." The brunet shook her head, "Unit S-00 to base, that didn't work, it's up to Kaoru."

You heard the girl, Kaoru, you're up to bat, Misato said through the com.

"Roger that," Kaoru replied, as the smiling Unit 05 soared toward the large object. "I'm almost … AH!" He cried out in pain as the Evangelion was impelled by a spear right through the abdomen.

Misato's eyes widened in horror as ten Archangels appeared around Unit 05. "Even with Rei's new Evangelion, there's too many for just the two of them…" Misato breathed, as she watched the badly damaged Unit 05 plummet toward the ground.

Need back up? Asuka's voice called from the radio.

"A-Asuka?" Misato blanched as the whole command center fell silent.

Look if the others are in trouble, Shinji-kun just dropped me off and I'm in Unit 02's entry plug, Asuka said, crossing her arms over chest, I just rode three hours crammed in a tight Entry plug with Shinji-kun trying to get here to help, so lets make this fast, ok? Ok.

"Shinji-kun's here?" Misato asked, glancing to Maya.

"Affirmative," Maya responded a smile growing on her face. "Unit S-01 is approaching the target at Mach 1 speed!"

"Get Unit 02 in there, and give her the sniper plasma canon. We got a chance!" Misato cheered. "Shinji are you there!"

Right here, what's the game plan, Misato? Shinji's face appeared on the screen.

"God, you're beautiful!" Misato beamed, "OK, Kaoru can you still fight?"

I'm still willing and able, Commander, Kaoru replied on another screen.

"Ok, Kaoru keep those Archangels busy, Shinji-Kun I want you to use the anti-matter claws to tear open that reflective barrier. Once that's done, Rei, Asuka, I want you to blast into the opening Shinji-kun makes, got it?"

Roger, four voices replied.

"You heard her, girl, let's do this," Shinji said as S-01 flapped its massive wings and shot toward the floating object not unlike the shadow of Shinji's least favorite Angel. "I know, but would you have done things any different if you were in her place? Even I don't know if I can be fully trusted or not. Thanks, I really appreciate that."

S-01's talon-like claws seemed to extend and glow a shimmering green before it slammed into the reflective shield. "Push, girl, we can do this!" Shinji growled as the claws finally penetrated the shield, and he started ripping a large gap in the protective surface. "Rei! As-chan! NOW!"

"Got ya, Onii-chan," Rei replied as the cannons on her shoulders charged again, and Asuka took aim with her sniper rifle.

S-01 ducked the blasts as they tore through the opening blasting a large chunk of the floating object's armor away. Fire and smoke erupted from the object, grabbing the ten Archangels' attention.

Not a moment later the Archangels pulled back to the object that floated quickly away from Tokyo-3.

"Well, that wasn't so bad now was it?" Asuka asked as 02 shouldered its rifle.

"Um …" Shinji blinked as S-01 landed beside the 3 other Evangelions. "Onii-chan?"

"All will be explained inside." Rei replied as the Evangelions returned to the elevator shafts.

Shinji and Asuka waited nervously in the hall, unsure what was going to happen to them but more then willing to face it together. "As-chan, my fingers are going numb …" Shinji smiled slightly, glancing down to their joint hands. "Thought you said you weren't nervous."

"Whoever said I was nervous, baka-chan," Asuka humphed, "Maybe I just like holding your hand tightly?"

Both jumped slightly when the door opened and Misato and another girl walked out. She had hair the same color as Shinji's and was dressed in a button up blouse unbuttoned down to show a great deal of cleavage, almost painted on jeans and sunglasses. "It's … been a while Shinji-kun … Asuka-chan …" Misato said with a sad expression. "I'm … I'm really sorry … for what happened before … I know that isn't enough but I want you both to know I am willing to do anything to make it up to you."

"Me too Asuka-chan … Onii-chan …" the girl said removing her sunglasses to reveal blue eyes the same shade as Shinji's.

"R-Rei …" Asuka and Shinji squeaked in unison. Eyes growing wide as they finally recognized the girl.

Rei nodded shyly before reaching behind her and drawing a pistol from the elastic of her pants at her back. "Here, Asuka-chan …" Rei said handing the pistol to Asuka. "There are two bullets in the clip: one for each of us. Misato-chan and I have discussed it and should you see it fit we have arranged proof that would make it evident you were only defending yourself and my Onii-chan."

"We tried to kill Shinji, its only way we could see that could even remotely make up for our screw up," Misato added looking away.

Both girls closed their eyes tightly only to open them in shock when Asuka threw the gun away. "That won't do. That's the easy way out. Misato turn that security camera on that corner back on." Asuka said nodding to the closest camera.

"What are you …" Shinji blinked in surprise.

"Ok, Shinji-kun, turn around with me and drop um," Asuka said forcefully pulling him to face his back to the two women.

"What?" Shinji asked in surprised when Asuka pulled her pants down to her thighs and bent over.

"Do this too, Shinji-kun," Asuka said, before glancing back at the girls. "Ok, you bitches, squat down and kiss. Only way you're getting forgiveness from me, all four cheeks."

Rei and Misato looked to each other in surprise. "After you …" Misato motioned toward the two bare bottoms.

Rei gulped but she desperately wanted their forgiveness and did as told.

"Alright, Misato, ya ol' pervert, pucker up!" Asuka cackled, enjoying this a little too much.

Asuka watched Misato do as she was told to Shinji, and smiled to herself as she turned to her. "Ah, the beautiful feeling of being victorious, sweet huh, my Shinji-kun?" Asuka smiled, as she reached to pull up her pants, only to turn pale when Misato stopped her. "Mis-Misato? What are you doing?" She asked when the elder woman grabbed her hips. "AIIIIIIIIEEEEEEE!"

"Ah! I always figured you tasted tangy, Asuka-chan!"

"MISATO YOU PERVERT!"

"Why didn't I think of that …" Rei added.

"Why didn't I think of that … bitchy Wondergirl …" Asuka grumbled as she held tight to Shinji's arm, though the two accompanying her paid her ranting no mind.

"So …" Shinji said walking through the hall with Rei and the fuming Asuka. "How did … this happen?" he asked motioning to the changed Rei.

"My Evangelion was badly damaged and I was fatally injured in a fight not long ago …" Rei nodded, with a warm smile. "Kensuke-kun saved me, and then became my Super Evangelion's spirit. Even if it not for me being created from your mother's DNA, we are now brother and sister more over, Shinji-kun."

"Make sense … kind of … wait mom's DNA?" Shinji double took.

"Yes, the former Commander Ikari created me form a combination of Yui Ikari's DNA and the DNA from Lilith … though Kensuke purified me from the Angel's DNA. I am now as human as you and Asuka-chan." Rei nodded.

"Gendo …" Shinji growled, though Asuka and Rei both took a hand a piece in an attempt at comforting him.

"The bastard's going to pay for what he's done, I've already pressed charges and his trial is set for next month," Rei said, surprising both Asuka and Shinji with her language. "What? It's not like he doesn't deserved to be called one."

"So can we go home now?" Asuka asked, rubbing Shinji's arm comfortingly.

"I wish; Misato is going to brief us in fifteen minutes," Rei nodded, "Apparently she wants us to go after the Archangels while they're running, and before they can regroup." She then turned to face them, "So, now I want to know, when did this happen?" Rei asked, motioning toward where Asuka was hugging Shinji's arm.

"Huh?" Asuka blinked, "Oh yeah, he finally figured it out and we're a couple now. That's it in a nutshell."

"I see, did he finally figure it out or did you have to spell it out?" Rei grinned.

"I had to yell that I love him in his face before he finally got it through his thick skull." Asuka shrugged, "It was worth it though, even though he could improve on his kissing skills. Fun practicing that though."

"I agree though, he was a lot smarter when he was short and skinny," Rei giggled, "Now that he's big and strong, he's got the IQ of a cave man."

"You wouldn't talk about someone as if they weren't here would you?" Shinji asked deadpan.

"Just wait till you're not around, Onii-chan," Rei winked, "Then I'll ask the big questions. And on that note, I'll give you two some alone time. See you at the briefing!" She said before walking off.

"Like a totally different person …" Shinji shook his head at the girl walking away.

"Freaky, but I could get used to it," Asuka shrugged, "Now then … isn't there a broom closet around here somewhere …"

"Huh? What do we need a broom for?" Shinji blinked.

"Do I have to teach you everything, Baka?" Asuka rolled her eyes and pulled him by the hand through the hall.

"I wish I could give you a proper welcome home, Shinji-kun," Misato said standing between the video-board and Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Kaoru. "And Asuka, that welcome home gift I gave you will have to do for now too," She winked, and got a bird finger salute in response. "Moving right along, we've got the Archangels on the run, and we need to keep the pressure up."

"So we're going to slam bam them?" Asuka asked, nodding with a smile.

"Yes, Shinji, Rei, and Kaoru will pursue them while Asuka remains behind to protect Tokyo-3." Misato stated, enraging the redheaded German girl.

"WHAT?" Asuka snapped, jumping to her feet. "Why can't I go?"

"The object is over the ocean, Asuka," Misato smiled tightly, "The power cords only go so far. Besides we can't leave the city completely unprotected can we?"

"But …" Asuka looked uncertainly at Shinji.

"It'll be ok, As-chan," Shinji placed an arm around the redhead's shoulders. "We go in, blow it up, and we'll be back in time for me to take you out to dinner, any place you want."

"Ok …" She said sounding still unconvinced. "I just … be careful out there, Shinji-kun …" She said before leaning over to kiss him softly.

They turned back to Misato for further instructions only to see her staring at them with pale near transparent skin and a gapping jaw.

"Um … Misato?" Shinji asked, motioning for her to continue.

"Oh … oh … oh … uh … er … right … um … here's the … thing … where it's at …" Misato breathed, still staring at the couple as if they'd grown new heads. "That's all I got … good luck."

The group got up and went towards the plugs to begin the operation. Asuka followed Shinji to the S-01Entry Plug "You be careful out there, Baka, I won't be there to save your ungrateful ass if you get in trouble." Asuka said placing her hands on Shinji's shoulders and smiled warmly up at him.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Rei and Kaoru will make sure I don't do anything stupid," Shinji smiled back, brushing a lock of red behind her ear. "You know I could get used to this boyfriend/girlfriend thing."

"You're still stupid," Asuka snorted, "Oddly I find that endearing for some reason."

"When I get back we'll go out on the town, just the two of us," Shinji said before moving in to kiss her softly.

"It's a date, Baka, now get out there and kick some butt," She said, letting go of her boyfriend and watched him start to climb into the plug. "Be careful, Shinji-kun," Asuka said again before slapping his butt as she walked back toward the exit.

Asuka leaned against the railing in the Command Center near where Misato stood patiently watching the status of the operation. Asuka was bored and getting more irritated at not having anything to do by the second. "I still can't believe it." Misato stated bringing the redhead out of her thoughts.

"Believe what?" Asuka blinked at her former guardian.

"You and Shinji-kun," Misato said, glancing toward the Eva pilot. "I mean, I suspected it for a long time but it's the same as the Angels. You know they were going to hit but it's still a kick in the ass when they finally do." She turned to face the girl completely. "I have to admit I almost fainted in the floor when I saw you two kiss earlier."

"That's what the wine bottle was for, isn't it?" Asuka gave the woman a smug look. "You were just waiting for me to pop the question to the Baka, weren't you?"

"Traditionally the man asks the woman's hand in marriage, Asuka," Misato quirked an eyebrow.

"So, I'm not going to play it that way," Asuka shrugged, "Besides, do you honestly believe, despite the fact he's toughened up a lot, the Baka has the spine to drop to one knee and ask that?" She then turned to the monitor. "Shouldn't they have gotten there by now? They've been gone for two hours."

Misato furrowed her brow. "Yeah you'd think …" she turned to the com station. "Put me through to the Evangelions, Maya."

What's up, Misato? Shinji's face appeared on the screen.

"Have you caught up with the object yet?" Misato asked, her game face fully on.

Not yet, it's weird, no matter how close we get it's always just out of range. Shinji replied.

A moment later the alarm sounded. "Archangels, Eva's get back here as soon as possible!" Misato yelled, watching Shinji give a quick worried nod and his window closed "Asuka …"

"Already on it," Asuka replied already running out of room.

"Damn it, they wanted to lure the Super Evas away," Misato stomped her foot in frustration.

"Unit 02 is ready to launch," Maya replied over the active command center.

"Send her up," Misato ordered, "Asuka, be careful …" She prayed silently as the camera went outside to see the crimson Evangelion rise to the surface.

Evangelion Unit 02 lifted her rifle as Asuka took aim looking for any sign of the Archangels. Do you see anything, Asuka? Misato asked over the com. Readings are all around you.

"I don't see anything …" Asuka narrowed her eyes.

So you are the one who he fought back from death for … a voice boomed in Asuka's head as the demonic monster stepped out from behind a building directly in front of her. I have a proposition to make, child. Should you be willing to listen?

"Make a deal with the Devil?" Asuka snorted holding her gun trained on the helmeted head of the Archangel.

Devil? You wound me, Asuka Langley Sohryu. The demon said tilting his head to the side. I merely wish to see the Angels destroyed. Is that not your very mission is, my dear child? Including Lilith, the monster your leaders hide in your very fortress. The monster you unwittingly protect; the same monster that took your mother's soul, and will take your would-be lover's.

"I don't fight to protect NERV, and if you really saw inside my head you would know I'd not give a shit what Gendo Ikari hid inside Central Dogma." Asuka said turning off the safety of her rifle, "You'd also know I now know how my mother died, and also that if you couldn't kill my Shinji, a dead rotting carcass isn't going to stop him either."

Your faith in young Ikari is heartwarming, my child, Lucifer nodded, If you would simply step aside and let us take the angel's body … you and your Shinji will live happily ever after. Do you not wish to be with him, and give him the family he was never allowed in his first life?

"And how is me putting a bullet in your head going to stop me from doing that?" Asuka asked pulling the trigger firing an armor piercing shell directly toward the forehead of the monster.

Her eyes widened when he caught the bullet in his hand and let it drop to the ground. So be it. Take her.

Asuka didn't have time to react as all the remaining Archangels appeared around her grabbing her Evangelion's arms and waist and jerking the rifle out of her hands. You won't need this. One said as they jerked the power supply from her back.

You had the chance to be his support, Lucifer said glaring into the Evangelion with strange glowing eyes. Now you will be his example.

"What's going on?" Misato yelled, watching the Archangels hold Unit 02 tightly.

"Something's happened, Commander," Maya called out, "Her synch ratio just maxed out, she's fully connected to the Evangelion!"

"LET ME GO YOU JERKS!" Asuka yelled fighting against her captors, only to scream as Lucifer ripped the armored chest place off the Eva, followed by the shoulder pieces. Asuka screamed in pain as she felt as if parts of her own chest and shoulders were being removed. She glanced down to see parts of her plug suit rip and red fluid began to gather around the rips.

Lucifer said nothing as the Archangels took tighter grips on their victim. He snorted slightly as a long cat of nine tails appeared in his hand.

Asuka's eyes widened as the whip came down across the Evangelion's chest. She gripped her chest, and glanced down to see long rips across her Plug suit and deep cuts and whelps beneath the uniform. "Not good …" She didn't get to say anything else as the beating began again, this time more rapidly, causing her to do nothing but scream.

Misato closed her eyes and covered her ears as she backed against the back wall of the command center, Asuka's screams echoing through her mind and the image of the gang beating she was undertaking.

Misato ran to the com, and screamed into the radio. "SHINJI GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE NOW!"

"They're doing something, Commander …" someone spoke up, but Misato was to distraught to even pay attention to who was on duty. She glanced up at the screen to see the destroyed Unit 02 unable to stand on its own power held up by the arms by two Archangels while the rest continued to take turns hitting, slashing, and whipping her. Asuka's screams has degraded down to hoarse whimpers of Shinji's name.

"They're dragging her toward the hillside," Maya spoke from Misato's side, visibly sickened by the sight.

"What else are they going to do?" Misato whimpered, then gasped when she saw a large structure laying on the ground at the top of the hill.

Asuka was vaguely away that she was on her back as she sat back in the mixture of LCL and her own blood. "Shin …ji …" She breathed, as she felt her aching burning limbs stretched out. "Misato … Rei … take care of Shinji-kun for me … don't let the baka do anything stupid …" She breathed realizing her time was running short. "Misato? Can you hear me … damn it … probably can't …"

She vaguely felt something press into her wrist then … only pain.

"Can you handle Rei?" Shinji asked with a panicked tone as he handed the non-flying S-00 to Unit 05.

"I've got her, Shinji," Kaoru said with a nod.

"Go, Nii-chan, Asuka-chan needs you," Rei said just as worriedly as Shinji.

Shinji didn't need to be told twice as S-01 flew at its top speed back toward Tokyo 3. "Faster …" Shinji pressed, squeezing the control sticks as tight as I can. "Please … faster Eve, you have to go faster!"

S-01 roared in replied and flapped her wings to increase the speed, pushing as fast as she could.

It took half the time to return to Tokyo 3, and seeing a large object in the distance on the far hillside surrounded by NERV equipment and emergency crew made an eerie feeling wash over him. He pushed the Evangelion toward the cross on the hill with a sick feeling digging in his stomach. "Misato, where's Asuka?" He asked, but as soon as he got in range of the object, he got his answer.

"ASUKA! ASUKE COME IN! RESPOND!" Shinji screamed into the radio, as S-01 came to a stop before the Cross with the devastated Unit 02 pinned to it. Unit 02 was badly injured with bleeding cuts and torn skin all over its destroyed body. There was spikes pinning it to the cross at her hands, wrists, bend of the arms, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and feet.

"Misato, is Asuka still in there?" Shinji asked, his voice quivering in panic.

Yes, Shinji … Misato responded with a quiver of her own, we've been working at getting her down.

"Don't bother, I'll get her," Shinji replied, "Is she still synched?"

No, the whole system's down, Misato whispered.

"I'm sorry, Asuka …" Shinji whispered as he activated his anti-matter claws. A moment later he sliced across Unit 02's abdomen, severing the lower part of its body from the top, then brought both claws down through the shoulders, slicing the arms freeing the upper torso from the cross. S-01 deactivated the claws and caught the falling wreckage and lowered the body to the ground as S-01's plug rose from its back.

Shinji quickly climbed from the plug and leapt down to the remains of Unit 02. "Eve, help me …" Shinji begged trying to get the plug hatch open.

The Super Evangelion growled and its massive hand reached for the lock on the back of Unit 02's shoulders. A moment later the clamp was ripped from the back of the Evangelion and the Entry Plug rose with a hiss. Shinji gripped the scalding access hatch but paid no mind to the burning and twisted the lock. Shinji climbed in through the rushing LCL and gasped at the sight of the girl he loved covered in slashes bleeding pierced holes in her arms and legs.

"As-chan … wake up …" Shinji whispered cradling the badly injured girl in his arms. "As-chan … Asuka … wake up …"

"Asuka … wake up … wake up …" He said touching her clammy pale cheek. "Wake up …"

"Please wake up …"

To Be Continued …