Chapter 5
Misato was sitting in her study. Technically, it was Kaji's as well, but he was always out and about.
Kami-sama knows what an ex-spy could possibly be doing in Heaven.
The Ryoji home was pretty much the same as any other home in Heaven. It was whatever the people occupying it wanted. Thus, the study was in a room on the second floor, with a large window looking out into Heaven. The desk had been placed facing away from the window, but it allowed the person seated there to turn around and look out the window, as well as allowing the sunlight to obscure the person in the chair to anyone entering.
Kaji liked to joke that Misato stole the set-up from Kami-sama.
She didn't discourage that thought, but in truth, she liked the view of heaven from her desk.
She heard the door to the study open. She knew, even without any powers, that it was family. No one else could enter her home otherwise. She turned her chair around to find Shinji standing before her desk, his face emotionless and frozen.
"I figured you'd be in the Council room," Misato said, "Watching Saturn get his."
"I'd rather be." Shinji replied, his face still a mask, "But this is more important."
"What is?"
"Family."
Misato sat up.
"What is it?" she asked, "Is someone hurt?"
"Someone was hurt." Shinji replied, "And I'm here to see it never happens again."
Misato now frowned.
"What are you talking about Shinji?"
"Arael."
Misato's frown deepened.
"That monster got what it…." She began.
"Quiet." Misato sat back in her chair in shock. Shinji's voice held no anger, but it still felt like a slap.
"I'm tired of hearing that Misato." Shinji said softly. "For the past fifty years since Arael has returned, she's taken abuse, verbal tirades, even been threatened by Council members." Shinji's eyes narrowed, "And then there are your comments, as well as the little matter of pulling a weapon on her. Through all of this, you know how she's responded?"
Misato remained silent.
"Exactly," Shinji said pointing, "She's said nothing! She's done nothing! Oh I know it bothers her, but she takes it as punishment for what she did in the past." He stared at Misato. "What did Arael do to you Misato?"
"The angel's killed my father and countless millions of people." Misato replied.
"Wrong. Adam caused Second Impact, with the help of SEELE. The deaths in Tokyo-3, yes, Angels were to blame. The Third, the Fifth…. Many Angels caused destruction in Tokyo-3. What did Arael do when she attacked?"
Misato had barely opened her mouth when Shinji interrupted her.
"She 'raped' the minds of Asuka and Sayoko. She didn't kill anyone." He replied, "They have forgiven her."
"It doesn't deserve….." Misato began.
"Arael didn't harm you." Shinji interrupted again, "And you have no right to continue a grudge against someone who doesn't deserve it, nor for acts that weren't committed against you."
"But Asuka was……"
"I know," Shinji said, "She was attacked, but she's moved on. Hell, Asuka now looks at Arael as a kind of daughter. Yui is practically a sister to her." Shinji gave a small smile. "And she's a great student to teach how to cook."
Misato remained silent, staring at her former ward. Shinji moved to the window and looked out.
"It may surprise you to know this," he said, "but when Arael attacked Tokyo-3, she wasn't in complete control."
"What?"
Shinji turned back to Misato.
"There was a link between her and Adam. A link she shared with all the others. Adam could control each Angel, enforce his desires on them. Only due to his weakened state, he could only summon them one at a time. Arael was like how the old dummy plug system was to be: obey orders without hesitation."
"But if there's a link then it can be….."
"The rogues already exploited that link." Shinji said sadly, "It was only through her new found emotions that she was able to break the rogue's control of her. The link has since been removed." He looked back out the window. "That brings us to the current situation. I assume you know what happened."
"I know Saturn did something to Sentaro and Arael." Misato replied, "Nothing more."
"He sent them to the Judgment Gate." Shinji stated. Misato gasped, knowing from Skuld what the Gate was. "When they passed through it successfully, he kidnapped Sentaro and held him in a sick fantasy world. Arael, he changed her memory of what happened, making her think Sentaro had been sent away by the Gate." He glanced at Misato. "It was only through Belldandy going into Arael's mind that we figured out what happened."
"Where are they now?" Misato asked softly.
"Terra 2." Shinji replied, "They were released from the Infirmary a few hours ago."
"I suppose Yui is with them?" Misato asked.
"As well as Asuka." Shinji replied, "Misato, I want you to apologize to Arael."
Misato turned her chair slightly.
"I knew that was coming." She grumbled, "And if I refuse?"
Shinji's face was unreadable.
"Asuka is beyond just being annoyed with you." He said softly, "Yui is quite frustrated with your attitude as well."
Misato felt her stomach drop.
"You?" She asked, a slight tremor in her voice.
Shinji stood up and stared at a picture on the wall. It was of Misato, Kaji, himself, Asuka, and Rei.
"You took me in," he said, "When no one else would or wanted to. You became the mother I lost for a time. For that, I will always be grateful." He turned and looked at Misato. "I consider you family Misato, just like I think of Arael as family. I refuse to stand by and watch family members hurt each other." He turned and started towards the door. "You have a choice Misato. You can apologize to her." He opened the door and paused for a moment before speaking again.
"Or you can have your adopted family be forever disappointed in you." Shinji walked out, closing the door behind him.
Misato stared at the door for a long time after Shinji left.
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Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
"Arael?"
"Yes?" Thud.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Keima finds this therapeutic." Thud.
"Pounding your head into the kitchen table isn't therapeutic." Asuka said, "It's a quick way to get a bad headache."
"Perhaps." Thud.
"Arael?"
"Yes?"
"WHY are you pounding your head into the table?"
Arael slowly raised her head and stared at Asuka long and hard.
"I've been kept for five days in a medical ward," Arael replied slowly, "healers constantly walking by, trying to prevent me from being with my Sentaro. Now I'm finally home and……."
"You get 'invaded' by me and Yui." Asuka finished, "I understand. Yui and I just want to make sure you two are alright."
"It's not that….. exactly." Arael said, shifting slightly in her chair. "I don't mind you being here…… it's just……"
"What?"
"I….." Arael began, her face beginning to turn red, "……I was hoping……. Sentaro and I……could……..umm…."
Asuka blinked and stared at the Angel. Arael shifted under the Guardian's gaze. A smirk then appeared on Asuka's face, one that caused Arael to blush even more.
"You want to screw Sentaro's brains out." She stated.
The Angel's face was almost as red as the Guardian's hair.
"I wouldn't put it that way……." She grumbled.
Asuka's smirk became a full smile.
"You do." She said, "You want to climb on and ride him."
Arael looked fit to burst.
"It's nothing to be embarrassed about." Asuka continued, "It's just another step in your relationship."
"One I'd prefer to take without anyone else around." Arael grumbled.
"That's why sound proofing spells were created." The Guardian replied, "How else do you think Sayoko was conceived? Especially with Urd and Skuld around?"
Arael shifted again and stared at the floor.
"I would still prefer a bit more…… privacy." She said, "This is a very…… personal thing."
"Understandable." Asuka nodded. She then sighed. "Look Arael, you've had a very rough week. Between Misato's comments and Saturn's actions, you're a wreck. Do you really want to have sex with him while your emotions are running wild?"
Arael didn't reply. Asuka looked down at her hands.
"Yui and I are going to stay for a few days." She said looking back up. "We just want to make sure you've recovered."
Arael continued to stare at the floor. Asuka reached over and grabbed her hand.
"We care for you Arael." Asuka said softly, "Me, Shinji, Yui, Sayoko, Belldandy, everyone. We just want the best for you. And right now, that's you and Sentaro recovering."
Asuka heard a sniff from the Angel. She got up from her chair and knelt down in front of Arael. She looked up into the Angel's face. Tears were running down Arael's cheeks. Asuka wrapped her arms around her.
"It's alright." She said softly.
"No it isn't." Arael sobbed, "I don't deserve this, any of this. I hurt you and you've taken me in. I don't deserve Sentaro. But I can't live without him. I am a monster, I don't deserve……" She broke down completely, speaking in broken sentences and random words, as the last week's stress flowed out of her.
Asuka continued to hold Arael and speak softly to her until she fell asleep. The Guardian waited a bit longer, then carefully lifted Arael up and carried her out of the kitchen. Yui and Sentaro glanced up as she carried the Angel through the living room. Sentaro started to rise to his feet, but Asuka shook her head. She took Arael down the hall and into her and Sentaro's bedroom. Asuka set her on the bed, and quickly left, closing the door behind her. She returned to the living room.
"Is she….?" Sentaro asked.
"She's fine." Asuka said, "Just stressed from everything that's happened."
"She's not the only one." Sentaro said with a sigh. "I haven't been able to close my eyes without that stupid game of 'Go Fish' popping into my head."
Asuka glanced over at Yui who shook her head.
"Any word on Mom?" Sentaro asked.
"She's been named to the Council." Asuka replied, "But she wasn't physically present."
"Three Norse?" Sentaro asked, "Didn't the others protest?"
"Sayoko is the first new member in five hundred years." Yui pointed out, "And mortal religion isn't what it was then."
Sentaro nodded.
"So how long are you two going to stay?" he asked.
"Long enough to make sure Arael is alright." Asuka replied. A smirk then appeared on her face. "And to make sure you don't take advantage of her current emotional condition."
"WHAT!" Sentaro and Yui both shouted.
"I'd never……!" Sentaro began.
"Mom!" Yui shouted.
Asuka chuckled.
"Sorry." She chuckled, "But you should see your faces."
"It's not funny!" Yui shouted, "Arael really wanted to….. she….uhhh……"
Sentaro dropped his head into his hands and sighed.
"Thanks a lot Yui." He grumbled.
"You didn't tease Arael did you?" Yui asked.
"Only a little." Asuka replied, "I know she feels strongly for Sentaro. But she doesn't want us to be around when she seduces him."
Sentaro raised his head slightly.
"I thought she already had."
The smirk reappeared on Asuka's face.
"Oh this is nothing, it gets better." she then leaned in and smirked "A lot better."
Sentaro stared at Asuka.
"But, Yui and I are going to stay for a bit. So you can forget any ideas you have on finding out if Arael's a screamer or not."
"AUNTIE/MOTHER!"
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That night.
Asuka sat in front of the TV, flipping through the various channels. Down the hall, Sentaro, Arael, and Yui were all asleep.
"Geez," she grumbled, "They have a worse selection then Toyko-3."
"I think my Father had a hand in that."
Asuka turned to see Shinji leaning over the sofa behind her.
"Hey Baka." She said sweetly, "What have you been doing?"
"Talking to Misato."
Asuka blinked. "I thought we were going to do that together."
"I decided against it." Shinji said softly as he sat down next to her. "You can be a bit aggressive."
"I am not aggressive!" Asuka growled. Shinji only raised an eyebrow.
"Ok, I'm a little aggressive." She admitted. "But that's the way I am."
"I know and I love you for it." Shinji replied.
"So how'd it go?"
Shinji sighed. "Bad."
"Bad?" Asuka looked at her husband curiously. "How bad?"
A deeper sigh. "I think I issued her an ultimatum."
"You what!"
"I got a bit worked up!" Shinji said, "On my way over there, I was thinking about the cooking lessons I gave Arael and how sweet a person she is. Even on the days when she heard how Saturn had attacked her in the council, she didn't raise her voice." He ran his hands through his hair. "It was like she accepted that. And I thought how awful it was that she might actually believe what others said about her….." He paused for a moment. "Misato started one of her tirades about her and I couldn't stop myself. I finally told her that if she didn't apologize to Arael, that we would be deeply disappointed with her."
"You shouldn't have done that." Asuka said softly, "Misato thinks of us as her kids."
"I know." Shinji admitted, "But somewhere along the way, I started thinking of Arael as our child. She's spent enough time around Yui their practically sisters."
"Yeah," Asuka said, "I feel the same way about her. Who'd have thought it, eh?" Asuka leaned her head against Shinji. "Gave it a day or two. When we're all nice and calm, we'll talk to Misato together alright?"
"Alright." Shinji agreed, "But I think the damage has already been done."
The two settled in on the sofa, returning their attention to the TV.
They never noticed the pair of red eyes watching them from the darkened hallway. Nor when that figure silently vanished.
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Misato was still sitting in the study. Night had fallen in Heaven, and most of its residents were asleep. Even Kaji was asleep.
Misato couldn't though.
Her mind was still reeling from the events of earlier, when Shinji had stopped by. After he'd delivered his ultimatum, he'd left without a further word or glance. Since then, she rethought everything she'd said or done in regards to the Fifteenth Angel, also know as Arael.
If what Shinji had said was true, she'd been used as a pawn by Adam. Misato knew what that felt like. Gendo had used NERV personal as his chess pieces towards regaining his wife. He'd even dared to use a Goddess. For this, he'd been punished severely and sent to the deepest layer of Hell. Adam, of course, had been defeated four times by Misato's count. He'd lost to the Heavens originally, and she liked to think rendering him to an embryo was also a defeat, done by those under her father's command. He'd lost when Third Impact failed, and then again when his clone was destroyed by Sentaro….. and Arael.
A knock at the door brought her out of her thoughts.
"Come in." she called out.
The person that entered was the absolute last one she'd ever thought would come to see her.
It was Arael.
"How did you get in?" Misato asked, more curious then angry.
Arael sat down in a chair before Misato's desk. Unlike previous times Misato had seen her, Arael was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Her hair was also down and she looked like she'd only woken moments ago.
"Yui. She told me the security code back during the last invasion." Arael replied softly, but not enough that Misato couldn't hear her nervousness.
"I see." Misato leaned forward and assumed the pose that Gendo Ikari had made infamous: fingers interlinked while leaning your head against them, allowing only your eyes to be seen.
Silence filled the room as the two stared at each other. Misato could tell Arael was nervous, perhaps even a bit afraid? She'd been told repeatedly that Arael had gone out of her way to avoid Misato, especially after Misato had threatened her so long ago. What could possibly have brought the Angel here?
And since when did Misato start referring to Arael as 'her' instead of 'it'.
"Why are you here?" Misato asked.
"Shinji and Asuka." Arael replied, her voice very quiet.
"What about them?"
Arael shifted in her chair, looking down at the desk.
"I heard them talking tonight, about what Shinji said today." The Angel raised her eyes and finally met Misato's. "I don't expect you to apologize."
"You don't?" Misato asked.
Arael shook her head.
"I don't. I deserve everything you've said to me. I….." Arael looked back at the floor. "I don't want to be the reason you lose them. I'll say you apologized. If they ask, you can say the same. Only we will know any different."
"You want me to lie?" Misato asked, lowering her hands.
Arael nodded. "I don't want to destroy your family. This way, things will return to the way they were."
Misato sighed. "I can't do that."
"You must!" Arael said, her eyes going wide. "It would destroy them if they lost you! And vise versa."
"And what about you?" Misato asked.
"Me?"
Misato rose to her feet and paced the room. "They'll find out we're lying eventually. All the Gods and Goddesses can tell." Misato glanced at Arael. "The Morisatos are very close to the Ikaris."
"I'm hoping they won't find out for sometime." Arael admitted.
Misato sighed and returned to pacing the room. As she walked by, she glanced at Arael through the corner of her eye. The Angel was looking at the floor before the desk, seemingly in thought, or simply waiting for Misato's response. Misato sighed as she made her decision. She sat down in the chair beside Arael.
"I won't do it."
"What?" Arael's head snapped up. "You must!"
"I won't do it." Misato replied.
Arael looked close to tears.
"Why won't you?"
"Because it would be a lie." Misato replied, "And I refuse to lie."
Arael dropped her head in defeat. She'd thought that by coming here, she could save the Ikaris from loosing the one person they thought of as a mother. And now she failed.
"I'd rather speak the truth." Misato said. She placed a hand on Arael's shoulder, causing the Angel to look up.
"Arael," Misato said softly, "I'm sorry for the way I've treated you."
"Whhha?" Arael stuttered.
"I've treated you badly," Misato continued, "For the past fifty years, I've treated you worse then shit. I've never even tried to get to know you like the others have. I'm just as guilty as Saturn in that."
"But….." Arael started, stopping as Misato raised her hand.
"You've never done anything to me." She raised her hand again as Arael started to speak. "If you're about to mention the attack you did on Tokyo-3, don't. That's five hundred years ago, and you weren't in complete control. Even more recently when you attacked Terra 2, it wasn't your fault." Misato looked into Arael's eyes. "I've been blaming you for taking my father away from me, just when we were beginning to understand each other. But that wasn't you, it was Adam. Please, accept my apology."
Arael closed her eyes before speaking.
"Of all those I encountered, that I affected, I feared Asuka the most. Sayoko was quick to forgive me, because that is who she is." She opened her eyes and looked at Misato. "I understood why you hated me. Many hate me for what I am, who I represent. I have come to accept that."
"You shouldn't." Misato said quickly, "Their prejudiced against you, just like I was."
"But I deserved it." Arael said, "I did many things against the heavens for which I'm ashamed, even if Adam was influencing me. They're forever with me."
Arael started to rise.
"I accept your apology, even if it wasn't needed."
"It was needed." Misato said.
Arael nodded and started towards the door. She paused when Misato spoke.
"You know this means I'm expecting you at Christmas."
Arael paused and looked back at Misato curiously.
"It's a family thing." Misato explained, "Rei, Asuka, Shinji, Yui, they'd all gather here with me, Kaji, Taro, and a few other generations of Ryojis."
"If it's family, then why am I…"
Misato walked over and placed her hands on the Angel's shoulders.
"Shinji, Asuka, and Yui have thought of you as a member have they not?"
Arael nodded.
"Well I want my 'adopted' granddaughter to join us."
Arael's eyes went wide in shock. Misato watched as tears began to form in the Angel's eyes.
"Ah screw it." Misato said before enveloping Arael in a hug.
She held the Angel for a long time, while Arael let her tears of joy fall.
After a moment, Misato finally released the hug. She led the still crying Arael to the couch set against the wall.
"Now," Misato said, "Tell me about Sentaro. I don't get to see him that much and I want to make sure he's treating you right."
Arael smiled and began to talk about the love of her life.
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Asuka lifted her head and looked around. Apparently she and Shinji had fallen asleep on the sofa the night before, while watching TV. Currently the morning news was running.
With a slight creak of her joints, Asuka rose to her feet and walked towards the kitchen. Arael was already up, slowly sipping coffee. Asuka headed right to the coffee maker and poured herself a cup. Within seconds her eyes had popped open wide.
"Damn Arael!" Asuka said, "That's mean coffee! Where the hell did you find that recipe?"
"Someone passed it along to me." Arael replied.
Asuka stared at the cup. "I haven't had anything like this since….." Her eyes narrowed and she turned and looked at Arael. The Angel continued to stare at her cup and take small sips.
Frowning, Asuka made a second cup and walked out to where Shinji was still asleep.
"Hey Baka." She called out.
"Mmmm lemme sleep." Shinji muttered.
Asuka smirked.
"Shinji…" she cooed softly, "I'm standing here all naked and wet from the shower. Don't you want to touch me while I'm still slippery?"
Shinji's eyes snapped open.
"WHAT?" he said sitting up, "Asuka what are you thinking! We're not…." He paused and looked at her, noticing she was fully dressed.
"You aren't naked." He said.
"No my little Hentai." Asuka said with a smile, "You must have been dreaming. Here." She handed Shinji the second cup of coffee. He took a sip and his eye nearly popped from his head.
"Are you trying to kill me Asuka!" he asked, "Why'd you go and make Misato's special hangover coffee!"
Asuka glanced back towards the kitchen.
"That's just it Shinji. I didn't."
"Then who…?" Shinji started to ask.
"Arael."
"Arael?" Shinji frowned. "I don't remember teaching her how to make it."
Asuka started to reply when she noticed something. She slowly walked to the shelf.
"What is it?" Shinji asked.
"Come here and see for yourself."
Shinji got up and moved next to Asuka.
The shelf had many things he'd seen already. The little angel figurines that Sentaro had gotten Arael, as well as pictures of the Morisato family, the Ikari family, Mana and her adopted and alternate universe daughters, and one of Arael and Yui at the sleepover. But now there was a new one. This one showed Arael and Misato, sitting on a sofa beside each other. Even more shocking was that Misato had her arm around the Angel. Both looked quite happy.
"When did this happen?" Asuka asked softly.
"I don't know." Shinji replied.
Both looked into the kitchen to find Arael still sitting at the table.
"You think we should ask her?" Shinji asked.
"No." Asuka replied, "She'll tell us, or Misato will. For now, let her be."
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Within a week, Asuka returned to the Heavens, but Yui remained. This caused Arael much annoyance, and led her to mutter about freeloading sisters. Yui ignored the comments for a week or so, then began to fight back.
She started by exchanging the waffle mix for cream of wheat. This obviously didn't cook as intended.
It also caused Arael to declare war on Yui.
Spread out over several months, Sentaro was treated to the sight of Arael or Yui grumbling, or sporting the latest exchange.
One night, he found Arael sitting on the couch…….. with blue hair.
Another night, he discovered Yui hanging by her ankles upside down in the pantry.
One night he was treated to the sight Arael with a moustache and blacks eyes drawn on her face, and Yui with a pair of goofy glasses glued to her face.
He made no comment, choosing instead to go to bed.
Sadly, even neutral parties weren't safe.
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Sentaro sighed.
It had been almost five months now since the prank war had begun between Arael and Yui, but it'd been almost two weeks since anything had been done. Sentaro had thought that a truce had finally been called.
Instead, he found Yui stapled to the living room ceiling, wrapped in her blanket.
He did what he normally did, he ignored it. Instead, he continued to the kitchen and began to make coffee. He'd just filled the maker with water and grabbed the coffee can. Prying open the lid, he was immediately greeted by a poof of something hitting him in the face. Setting the can down, Sentaro walked back to the bathroom and looked in the mirror.
His face was now a nice green color.
"ARAEL!"
He heard two loud thuds. One came from the bedroom, the other from the living room. Both Yui and Arael came to the bathroom door. Sentaro glared hard at them.
"I didn't mind the pranks at first." He said slowly, "But this has gone on long enough!" He pointed at his face. "How exactly am I suppose to go to work with a green face?"
"No one said it was easy being green." Yui replied with a straight face. Beside her Arael turned beet red and struggled not to laugh.
Sentaro sighed.
"I need a drink." He grumbled as he marched past the two women back to the kitchen.
"Think we should warn him about the juice?" Yui asked.
"The juice?" Arael looked at Yui curiously, "What about it?"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" came a scream from the kitchen.
"Never mind." Yui said, "He knows now."
That day, Celes was left in the dark as to why Sentaro's face was green, as well as why smoke was drifting out from his ears.
Sentaro refused to say anything to Arael or Yui for a week.
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Christmas time had rolled around again.
Sentaro had mostly gotten over the 'Pepper juice' incident. Arael had been very apologetic in the weeks following the incident. She had been quite worried when Sentaro refused to speak to her for the following week, and was overjoyed when he finally spoke to her again.
Now with Christmas coming, Arael really wanted to get Sentaro something to let him know how much she cared.
"But what?" she grumbled.
"You could always lay naked in bed with a bow wrapped around you." Misato said.
Arael stared at Misato stunned.
"I'm kidding." Misato snickered, "The look on your face was worth it."
"Actually," Arael said slowly, "I might consider something along those lines."
Misato blinked.
"Are you serious?"
Arael shifted in her chair.
"I told Yui I was taking my relationship with Sentaro step by step." She said softly, "I think…… I'm ready for this one."
"Are you sure?" Misato asked.
"Very sure." Arael replied, "I would have….. sooner, but with Asuka and Yui being there, especially still Yui."
"Well," Misato said, putting her hand to her chin. "My 'infamous' Christmas party is going to be held Christmas Eve here. I think I might be able to keep Yui here over night."
Arael's eyes lit up.
"You can?"
Misato nodded. "Think of it as an early Christmas present."
Arael leaped at Misato and wrapped the woman in a hug.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou."
From the doorway, Kaji watched in puzzlement as his wife returned the hug of the 'Murderous angel' she'd hated for so long.
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Christmas Eve.
Asuka stared out of the kitchen, where she, Shinji, and Kaji were sitting, and into the living room.
"I don't get it." She muttered.
"I don't think any of us do." Kaji replied, "I've given up understanding women."
"One day Misato hates Arael with a passion." Asuka continued to mutter, "And the next…." She waved her hand towards the living room where the other party guests were gathered. Seemingly oblivious to what those in the kitchen were talking about, were Misato and Arael, chatting beside each other on the couch with Belldandy.
"I asked Misato about it after we found the picture." Shinji spoke up, "But she wouldn't say anything other then they've reached an understanding."
"That's all she'll tell me." Kaji said, "She's got the same picture now sitting with the other family pictures."
"At least you've gotten more out of Misato then I have out of Arael." Asuka said, "She refuses to say a thing to me about it. She won't even talk to Yui."
"What about Sentaro?" Kaji asked.
"Told me it was Arael's choice if I wanted to know what happened." Asuka replied.
"I do know they've met more since that picture went up." Kaji stated. "Misato's been running low on waffle mix."
Shinji looked back out into the living room. Besides the three previously mentioned, Sentaro, Skuld, Kensuke, Rei, Keiichi, Yui, Dawn, and even little Yoko were present.
"Any word on Sayoko or Mana?" Shinji asked.
"Only from Mana." Asuka said sadly, "And even her message was brief."
"They aren't together?" Kaji asked surprised.
"No. They separated."
"Why?"
"To cover more ground." Asuka sighed and stared into the living room. "I agree though, it was a stupid idea."
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The darkened living room lit up brightly as Arael and Sentaro appeared. Both were laughing, having had a great time at the party.
"You sure you don't want to tell Asuka and Shinji that you and Misato have buried the hatchet?"
Arael blinked.
"There was no hatchet involved." She said, slightly confused.
"Mortal saying." Sentaro said, "It means you two get along."
"Oh." Arael said, "Misato and I agreed, we'd give them to New Years, then tell them. She's taking a kind of perverse pleasure out of driving them crazy."
Sentaro chuckled. "Sounds like something she'd do."
Arael smiled, then tugged on his arm.
"Let's go to bed." She said softly.
Sentaro allowed Arael to lead him to the bedroom. But once there, she closed the door and pushed him onto the bed.
"Arael?" he asked curiously.
"We have been together over a year." She said softly, "This is our second Christmas together."
"Yes, it is." Sentaro replied. He raised his hand up and ran it through her hair. Arael closed her eyes and leaned into Sentaro's hand. After a moment, she reached up and gently took his hand from her hair and moved it down her neck and on to her……
Sentaro's eyes widened as he realized exactly what his hand now covered. Unnoticed by him, Arael had made her shirt vanished.
"Arael?" he was able to choke out.
"I love you." She said softly, "And I want to be with you, heart, body, and soul."
Sentaro's mouth moved, but no words came out. When he was finally able to speak, he said the first thing to come to his mind.
"So I guess this is the second part?" he asked.
Arael laughed and kissed him deeply. Sentaro fell back on the bed with Arael on top of him.
As it finally happened, Sentaro's eyes met Arael's.
Her eyes were glowing in happiness and love.
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A slight chime echoed through the bedroom.
Arael cracked one eye open and rolled it towards the alarm clock.
3am.
The chime went off again.
Arael turned her head to see Sentaro sleeping soundly with a smile on his face. She knew exactly what he was dreaming about, and wanted to return to her dream as quickly as she could…..
Chime.
…As soon as she found that damn chime.
She climbed out of bed, still naked from the activities of several hours before. She quickly threw on a large fluffy robe and hurried into the living room. There on the shelf where she had left it sat her communicator. A light was flashing on it, signaling an incoming call. To reinforce this, it let off another chime. Arael quickly grabbed it and set it on the coffee table before flipping it open.
"There had better be a good reason why you're calling in the middle of the night." She growled at the image that began to form. Just as quickly the connection ended. Arael frowned and started to reach for the communicator when a hand slapped itself over her mouth and pulled her backwards.
Arael's eyes flashed red and she whirled about, ready to blast the person to Hell. Just as quickly the glow faded and her eyes went wide in shock.
"Sayoko!"
Sayoko Aida, Goddess Class 0 Unlimited, stood smiling at Arael.
"Uh Arael," The Goddess said, blushing a bit, "You may want to close that."
Arael looked down to see that her robe had fallen open. Letting out an 'eep', she quickly closed it.
"Judging by your attire," Sayoko said, "I assume Sentaro has opened that particular present?"
Arael turned deep red and looked at the floor. Sayoko waved her hand in dismissal.
"Don't worry about it, I'm not mad. New Age Goddess and all that." Sayoko walked over to the shelves and looked at the pictures. She looked over the angel figurines gathered there. "Is he happy?" she asked.
"Yes." Arael replied.
Sayoko glanced at the Angel.
"Are you?" she asked softly.
"Very much so."
Sayoko smiled and looked at the pictures gathered on the shelf. She picked up the one with Arael and Misato. She looked over at Arael.
"When did this happen?"
"A few months ago." Arael said, "She and I, had a talk. The result, is a new relationship between us."
"Better one I'd hope."
"It is."
Sayoko nodded.
"Please don't take this wrong," Arael said, "but, what brings you here at this time of night?"
"With all the universe hopping Mana and I have been doing, it's hard to keep track of the time here." Sayoko said. She smiled. "I'm here for Christmas, and at least until mother's birthday." She looked around. "This place doesn't look ready for Christmas though."
"Everything is at the Restaurant." Arael replied, "It's one of the few days that Sentaro and Keima can put aside their differences."
"Still fighting?"
"They've gotten better." Arael said weakly.
"Right." Sayoko sighed and sat down on the couch.
Arael sat down beside her.
"I take it the search isn't going that well?"
"That's putting it mildly." Sayoko grumbled, "I swear, Grandpa must have had a lot of free time on his hands. No two universes I've been to are alike. And then there's what Yggdrasil has done."
"What has it done?" Arael asked.
Sayoko leaned forward a bit and began to gesture with her hands.
"Each of these universes is run by a mini Yggdrasil," Sayoko explained, "They in turn are attached to the main system here. The problem is since the main system is primarily concerned with things going on here, the mini Yggdrasil's have a bit of independence. Following the most basic programming, each has determined there is an imbalance in their Universe."
Arael frowned. Sayoko noticed it.
"Ok, let me explain." The Goddess said, "In our Universe, there's a hierarchy. It goes from the Gods and Demons, all the way done to mortals. All these mini-Yggdrasil Universes have no gods, and no demons. All the deities are in this universe. But at some point, a few deities DID visit these other universes, so the people there believe in the Gods."
"I didn't think the demons knew of these other universes." Arael said.
"Most don't." Sayoko explained, "But Hild knew. She was there watching the creations of them. From what Mana has learned, she even sent a few demons out to corrupt them. Grandpa responded with a few Gods and Goddesses. They couldn't do much to each other, the Doublet system was in force, but then several of them were of the Older Gods and Demons and weren't part of the system." Sayoko blinked and waved her hand. "Back on track. The Mini-Yggdrasils haven't been able to detect any deities, or if they did, didn't believe there were enough. They tried to signal the main Yggdrasil here, but while it was supposed to provide some support, they didn't get any. Those who knew of these Universes had pretty much left them on their own, looking only to our universe. So, the Mini-Yggdrasil decided to act on their own. They 'modified' some mortals."
"Modified?" Arael asked.
"You remember those comic books of Kensuke's?" Sayoko asked. Seeing Arael nod, she continued. "Its along those lines. Some mortals have magical powers, superhero powers, etc. And since mortals have the capacity for doing things for the greater good, or their own destruction, you get your mortal 'Demons and Gods'."
"That's weird." Arael stated.
"Which is why I need a break." Sayoko said, "Besides the fact we've only found a slight trace on Loki." The Goddess suddenly leaned forward.
"So tell me…… What's my son like in bed?"
"What!" Arael's eyes shot wide open.
"Well I want to know how his performance was." Sayoko replied, "If he's anything like his father, you are in for one heck of a time."
Arael's only reply was to turn as red as a tomato.
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Christmas Morning
Sentaro opened his eyes. Sunlight was streaming in through the window, and shining directly into his face.
Rolling onto his back, he realized that Arael's side of the bed was empty. Frowning, Sentaro rose to his feet and searched around for his pajama bottoms and then a t-shirt. He shuffled out into the hall and past the living room into the kitchen. He started to make coffee, when his mind suddenly shifted into gear. He turned and reentered the living room.
There, sitting on the sofa, was a sleeping Arael. Right beside her, with a giant bow stuck on her head was his mother.
"Mom?" he called out.
"Sentaro go back to bed." His mother muttered in her sleep, "Santa won't come if you're not in bed."
Sentaro blinked.
"Uhh Mom?" he said again.
His mother grumbled something in old Norse regarding something almost physically impossible involving a horned helmet and an orifice on the human body.
Or at least that's what Sentaro thought she said.
Deciding it was better to let sleeping Goddesses lay, he turned to Arael. Even though it was Christmas and such things as practical jokes were frowned upon, Sentaro couldn't resist. He knelt down just beside the sofa and began to whisper things in Arael's ear. The Angel's reaction was to turn several shades of red and let out a low moan.
It was the moan that snapped Sayoko awake.
"Eh…wha?" The Goddess glanced over at her evilly grinning son who was kneeling beside his sleeping, and very turned on girlfriend.
"Dare I ask."
"Don't." Sentaro replied. He then stood up and walked to his mother, pulling her up into a hug.
"Merry Christmas Mom."
"Merry Christmas Sentaro."
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"You're evil you know that."
Sentaro just smiled and looked around at the Christmas party going on around them. Keima was sitting at the bar getting an earful from his sister. Kristine and Dawn were standing beside a karaoke machine with little Yoko, butchering a Christmas classic. Mana was off in another spot talking to Lime, Celes, and Megami. The Marionette Lime was helping Cherry with the cooking, while Bloodberry worked on getting drunk.
"I thought you rather enjoyed that." He said finally.
Arael just stared at him.
"In front of your mother of all people!" She thudded her head into the tabletop. "I'll never be able to look her in the face again."
Sentaro chuckled.
"You know I'll make it up to you."
"There is nothing you can do to possibly make this up to me." Her muffled voice replied.
Sentaro looked over at his mother a moment. She glanced at him briefly but continued to talk to Keima. Sentaro then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, then looked over at his mother again. She looked over at him again, then returned her attention back to Keima, but only for a second. She stared at her son, mouth hanging open in shock.
Are you serious? He heard in his head. He replied with a nod.
With a deep breath, he rose from his seat and knelt down before Arael.
"Are you sure there's nothing I can do?" he asked, holding up the box.
At the Karaoke machine, Kristine happened to glance over. Her eyes went wide and she dropped the microphone in shock. In the other corner, Celes, Megami, Mana, and Lime watched the scene very closely. Even Keima looked on with some interest.
"There is absolutly nothing you can do." Arael's muffled voice came in reply.
"Well, how about this," Sentaro began, "Arael, would you marry me?"
All was quiet in the room. Arael slowly raised her head and turned to look at Sentaro.
"What did you say?" she asked softly.
Sentaro held the box up higher.
"I asked if you would marry me?"
Arael stared in shock.
"A…a….a……a…a….are you…serious?" she stuttered.
Sentaro opened the box, revealing an engagement ring. He then reached foreword and held her hand in his.
"Very serious." He said softly.
Arael fell to her knees before him and wrapped him in a hug, sobbing into his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.
"Is that a yes?" he asked.
"Yes!" came Arael's muffled reply. She looked up, tears still running from her eyes. "The answer is yes."
Sentaro gently took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. Behind them, everyone in the restaurant began to cheer.
"You know what these means right?" Sentaro asked.
"We live happily ever after?" Arael asked, wiping her tears away.
"Well, yes." Sentaro replied, "But I was thinking along the lines of we're doomed to my Mom demanding Grandchildren."
"I suppose that will happen," Arael replied, "In time."
"Yeah, in time." He replied, "We have a whole future waiting for us."
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I don't wanna go
another day,
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind.
Seems
like everybody's breaking up
Throwing their love away,
But I
know I got a good thing right here
That's why I say (Hey)
Nobody
gonna love me better
I must stick with you forever.
Nobody
gonna take me higher
I must stick with you.
You know how to
appreciate me
I must stick with you, my baby.
Nobody ever made
me feel this way
I must stick with you.
I don't wanna go
another day
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind.
See
the way we ride in our private lives,
Ain't nobody getting in
between.
I want you to know that you're the only one for me (one
for me)
And I say
Nobody gonna love me better
I must
stick with you forever.
Nobody gonna take me higher
I must
stick with you.
You know how to appreciate me
I must stick with
you, my baby.
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I must stick
with you.
And now
Ain't nothing else I can need
(nothing else I can need)
And now
I'm singing 'cause you're so,
so into me.
I got you,
We'll be making love endlessly.
I'm
with you (baby, I'm with you)
Baby, you're with me (Baby, you're
with me)
So don't you worry about
People hanging
around,
They ain't bringing us down.
I know you and you know
me
And that's all that counts.
So don't you worry about
People
hanging around,
They ain't bringing us down.
I know you and you
know me
And that's why I say
Nobody gonna love me
better
I must stick with you forever.
Nobody gonna take me
higher
I must stick with you.
You know how to appreciate me
I
must stick with you, my baby.
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I
must stick with you.
Nobody gonna love me
better
I must stick with you forever.
Nobody gonna take me
higher
I must stick with you.
You know how to appreciate me
I
must stick with you, my baby.
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I
must stick with you.
Pussycat Dolls – Stickwitu
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Coming soon.
Neon Genesis Angel 3: Redemption
"She was found in the crater beside the Evas." Ritsuko told Commander Gendo Ikari and Vice Commander Kouzou Fuyutsuki as they walked down a hall deep in NERV. Ritsuko approached a door and ran her card through the reader.
The door opened to a large room. Dominating this room on the far side was a thick glass wall, looking into a cell. A door to the left of the glass wall permitted entry into the cell. Hanging from the ceiling were several heavy weapons, lasers from the looks of them, pointed at the cell.
Inside the cell, secured to the chair was the woman. She was dressed only in a surgical gown. Her head was down, chin against her chest.
Ikari approached the window and looked at the woman.
"Is she an Angel?" he asked.
The woman looked up, apparently hearing him through the thick glass. Her red eyes bored into him.
"From the samples I've taken from her," Ritsuko said, "I would have to say yes."
"Are we safe?" Fuyutsuki asked, looking at the Angel curiously.
"She's being given intravenously the same cocktail as Rei to control her AT-Field and core." Ritsuko replied, "The most she can do is heal." She then looked back down at her data.
"It's strange, but she is very similar to Rei in quite a few ways."
"Explain" Ikari asked.
"I can't be sure," Ritsuko said, "But the Magi are 75 percent sure this woman was created artificially."
"SEELE?" Fuyutsuki asked.
"I doubt it." Ikari said, "Creating her would jeopardize their precious timeline."
"Then where did she come from?"
Ikari looked at Ritsuko.
"Given certain factors of the time needed to grow a clone." Ritsuko began, "And the approximate age of this person, I would postulate that she is from the future."
"How far from the future?" Ikari asked.
"We don't have enough information to determine that."
"I see." Ikari said, looking back to the cell. "Then we shall get you the information you need."
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Arael stared at the man known as Gendo Ikari. Just behind him she could see Ritsuko Akagi and Kouzou Fuyutsuki. Akagi seemed to be talking about her.
She didn't know quite how she got here. But from the look on Ikari's face, she knew she was in trouble.
Big trouble.
