Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything belonging to Marvel Comics or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Superwomen of Eva: Emerald Fury
Chapter 3: Savage Awakening
"This is completely unacceptable," Gendo muttered lowly, not even bothering to look at the reports that lay before him on his desk. Meaningless scraps of nothing that he had already read through and would discard just as soon as he was done with the people that had presented them to him. "It's been four days since the incident with Major Katsuragi. Four days. And neither of you have presented me with a suitable explanation as to what caused it. Let alone how to keep it from happening again."
"I'm sorry, sir. I can't offer any explanation," Ritsuko admitted, her expression the mirror image of the kind her mother had worn whenever she had been confronted with an insoluble scientific dilemma and had been called to court as a result of this failure. "I've pored over the test results, I've had the MAGI search for any possible precedents, I've even called Misato in for follow-ups on her examination. But so far, we haven't been able to find such as a single anomaly. Certainly nothing that could account for her…reaction to Adam."
"And you're sure about that?" Fuyutsuki inquired from his usual place at Gendo's side. "What about that experimental sedative that was dumped in Lake Ashi? Could it have anything to do with this?"
"Sedative?" Kaji spoke up even as Ritsuko let out a tiny hiss of frustration. "Wait, that sounds familiar. Weren't you experimenting with some kind of sedative -?"
"For the Evas, yes. To stop them in case one or more of them went berserk," Ritsuko broke in, not even bothering to try and hide her exasperation in regards to that particular incident. "But it didn't work, Kaji. And we had to dump the entire project."
"Yes, into Lake Ashi. Several thousand gallons of LCL mixed with DNA from Unit 00 dumped in Tokyo-3's drinking water," Gendo commented, feeling an edge of irritation. "And we all know the result of that act of carelessness. Don't we, Dr. Akagi?"
Her features tensing with annoyance she didn't dare express, Ritsuko heaved a deep breath before speaking. "Yes, sir. I am aware of what happened," she gritted, barely managing to sugarcoat her words in a veneer of graciousness. "But at the same time, I can't see how it could have anything to do with what's going on with Misato. The sedative was released into the lake well before the 3rd Angel even appeared, and from what we can tell, she hadn't exhibited any unusual behavior until much more recently. And even if the Angelic DNA had somehow infiltrated her system, it would still be detectable."
Frowning tersely, Gendo was forced to admit that his Head Scientist had a valid point. As a scientist himself, he was quite familiar with Angelic DNA, as well as its various properties. "Then do you have any other possible explanations, Doctor? For this…sensitivity of the Major's?"
"Yes, sir. And I think it's actually quite simple," Ritsuko responded in a firm, professional fashion. "As we know, Misato was at ground zero when Second Impact occurred. The only person to be directly exposed to Adam's power, and to live to tell about it." Taking a step closer to the Commander, she gave him a stern look, showing no emotional attachment as she continued. "Now, people have been known to become sensitive to certain elements or energies when they're exposed to large quantities of them. A person exposed to amounts of snake venom can develop a limited resistance to it while someone who's badly burned by the sun or other forms of radiation can become sick because of subsequent exposures."
"So what you're saying is that the Major's reaction is due to her previous exposure to Adam?" Fuyutsuki intuited in the same manner he had as a college professor.
"It would seem likely," Ritsuko agreed. "After all, she's the only person we know of to have absorbed such large amount of energy from Adam, so I would consider it to be at least a possibility. And if she recognized the sensations caused by Adam's power, even if it was only on a subconscious level, then that would explain why she fainted as well." Gendo didn't say anything to this; he simply sat there and considered these possibilities. Something which emboldened the doctor to step forward and press her point. "Misato was deeply traumatized in that event, both physically and mentally. And if she did sense Adam, and associated that sensation with Second Impact, then it's possible that her fainting spell was a result of her attempting to escape whatever psychological stress being in close proximity to Adam may have caused her. A way of protecting herself from it."
Frowning in thought, Gendo continued to sit there, his fingers steepled together before him. "Your theory is sound, Dr. Akagi," he finally conceded. "But that is all it is; a theory. And even if it is correct, it still doesn't help us resolve our primary concern." Pausing just long enough to let this sink in, Gendo narrowed his eyes and asked, "How do we keep Major Katsuragi from discovering the truth about Adam?"
Sitting in his seat of power, the position that he had fought long and hard to obtain, Gendo watched as those under his thrall exchanged a look, fully aware that their friend's life was in his hands, as were their own. And they both knew what they had to do in order to survive, as well as keep Major Katsuragi alive. They all knew that keeping her away from her Commander wasn't a viable option, especially after what happened. Despite her more outlandish mannerisms, Gendo knew her to be an intelligent woman. And while she was likely confused by recent events, sooner or later, she would start putting the pieces together. And that was something that none of them could afford.
"Well…" Ritsuko began, fearful and determined at the same time. "If we can't neutralize Misato's sensitivity to Adam, then it might be possible to mask its presence from her."
Gendo frowned, displeased with the fact that he was once again only being handed a theory. But at the same time, he knew that Ritsuko was good at her work and that she wouldn't have suggested this unless she felt it was a viable possibility. "Very well. Begin work on that, see what can be done."
"Sir, there is something else," Kaji spoke up, taking Gendo by surprise. All eyes shifting to the Commander's agent, they watched as he flashed them a knowing smile. "I happened to 'bump into' Shinji and Asuka yesterday when they were here for their synch tests."
Studying the unshaven man, knowing that he must have something important to say but hating his tendency to draw out the suspense when he felt he could get away with it, Gendo was about to ask him what his point was when Fuyutsuki spared him the necessity. "I take it that they told you something that might shed some light on the situation?"
"You could definitely say that," Kaji agreed, warming to the subject. "I asked them how things were going at home. You know, making basic chit-chat. And then Asuka mentioned something rather interesting." Pausing again to milk the drama of the situation, the unshaven spy cocked his head to the side before saying, "Turns out that Katsuragi had one hell of a nightmare before last night."
"A nightmare?" Gendo repeated blankly.
"What does that prove?" Ritsuko wondered, her brows furrowed with confusion. "So she had a nightmare. So what?"
Giving a casual shrug, Kaji responded, "Well, I have to admit, I felt pretty much the same way at first. That is until she mentioned that she's been having the same nightmare again and again for some time now." Turning to focus on his superiors, he added, "Now, they didn't know much about the dream itself – Katsuragi never went into details about that. But they did know one thing; that she's had this same dream several times, and she started having it right after she took down Jet Alone."
"Really," Gendo murmured, his interest now piqued by what could be a genuine clue. Turning towards Ritsuko, he asked, "Has she ever mentioned this to you, Dr. Akagi?"
Ritsuko's expression soured with displeasure at this. "No…but she never did talk about this sort of thing. Not even when we were back in college."
"Dr. Akagi, as I recall, when you gave us your report on the Jet Alone mission, you did mention certain…anomalies," Fuyutsuki muttered sternly. "'Would you care to elaborate on them? Perhaps they might shed some light on the current situation."
"Yes, sir," Ritsuko began, taking a moment to clear her thoughts before speaking in full. "As I had already explained, Misato cracked the helmet of her suit before she was able to enter Jet Alone. However, there was no sign of radiation contamination, either in her or the suit, so I assumed that the break must not have been as severe as it looked." The doctor's expression soured that much more before she went on. "However, there was something else that was strange about it."
"The manner in which the Major was able to shut down the reactor?" Fuyutsuki guessed. "You said that it had been her that had deactivated it, rather than your virus."
"That's right. Misato said that she had no memory of what happened next, but Shinji reported that she was able to manually force the nuclear control rods back into place. Something which is confirmed by Unit 01's onboard recorders." Her features tightening with concern, the doctor shifted nervously about on her feet before continuing. "Now, those rods are solid lead, and under normal circumstances, would be extremely difficult for a single human being to move on her own. But Misato was somehow able to get them all back into place, and very quickly."
Gendo narrowed his somewhat at this. Thinking back, he did recall Ritsuko mentioning something to this effect, but she had been rather vague in terms of details. And he had not paid it any mind, and ultimately brushed it off as being inconsequential. His overall plan had been achieved and had not been impacted by Misato's actions. However, it didn't take him long to see the folly in their inattention. "And you didn't think this worth mentioning in detail?"
Wincing at her omission, Ritsuko shook her head and said, "At the time, I didn't think it was important. After all, the fact that one of our people risked her life to stop Jet Alone did a lot for our relations with the Japanese government, as well as the UN. Besides, there are many recorded instances of people exhibiting superhuman strength in times of great stress or need, so…"
"So you assumed that this was just another such instance," Gendo muttered, sending the doctor back a step with the force of his glare. "Dr. Akagi, I want you to go over all the materials pertaining to the Jet Alone, including the Major's suit and the records of any exams done on her both before and after the mission. If there's any connection between that and her, then I want to know about it." Ritsuko gave a curt, affirmative nod to this. "Also, I want the both of you to talk to the Major, get her to discuss these dreams with you. See if they can give us any insight into this situation. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir," Ritsuko and Kaji immediately responded. A moment later, the unshaven man asked, "Will there be anything else, sir?"
"No. You're dismissed." Watching disinterestedly as the two of them offered him a polite bow before turning to leave, Gendo lowered his gaze somewhat. Looking at the worthless reports handed to him, but not seeing them. Not seeing anything but the dilemma confronting him. The latest in many thorns lining the path that would reunite him with his wife, and win him everything else he had fought so long to claim. A thorn that he wasn't precisely sure how to handle.
"So, Ikari." Even as Fuyutsuki began to speak, Gendo knew what his old professor was going to ask him. "What will you do now?"
Gendo didn't say anything right away, simply because he didn't have an answer himself. In an ideal world, he would have arranged a suitable fatal accident for the Major, found someone else to take her place in NERV, and be done with it. A simple solution with minimal risk, and one that had worked in dealing with several annoyances in the past.
But the truth was that the sinful world he lived in was far from perfect, and this solution could likely cause him far more problems in the long run than he could foresee. The first problem, Gendo knew, was that people with Misato's qualifications were few and far between. True, there were plenty of ranking officers with command experience that could theoretically take her place, but there just weren't that many people with her kind of ingenuity for strategy, especially in dealing with the Angels. Her solutions for dealing with the 5th and 6th Angels were a prime example of what she could do under pressure, and such ingenuity would likely be key to dealing with the rest of Adam's kin.
The next problem was that there were few people with as much reason to want to kill the Angels as Misato did. Gendo knew full well of her loathing of Adam and his children and had read the many psychological evaluations conducted on her during her slow recovery from Second Impact. He knew the kind of hatred seething in her would prove to be an excellent motivator for a person in her position. It would help make sure that she got the job done. No matter what it took.
Another problem had to do with the troops Misato commanded. Most soldiers of her rank and experience were used to dealing with adult troops while the Evangelions could only be piloted by children. Not too many people could treat children as soldiers, and work with them on that basis; half of her peers in the military regarded the Children as inferiors to be brushed aside while the other half were utterly appalled by the concept of conscripting youths such as them for combat purposes.
And there's another problem. The Children themselves, Gendo frowned, images of them and how they would react to the Major's untimely demise popping into his mind. Rei wouldn't be a problem; her loyalty was ultimately to him and him alone. But Pilot Sohryu was a discipline problem waiting to happen, and her eagerness to prove her superiority was something that needed to be reined in constantly. Things that couldn't be handled by someone who didn't understand her as much as Major Katsuragi did. And as for the 3rd Child…
As he thought of his son, Gendo suppressed the urge to snort. When he had agreed to let Misato become Shinji's guardian, he had been certain that living with someone like her would keep the boy emotionally suppressed, easier to control. But instead, the exact opposite had happened, and the two of them had bonded with each other over the past few months. So much so that when Misato had been brought into NERV Medical after the Jet Alone incident, the boy was grief-stricken, weeping uncontrollably as she had been raced into isolation. And had ultimately remained there in waiting, even after he had been told that she would be alright. Consumed with guilt and the certainty that it had been his fault that his guardian was dead.
On the one hand, Gendo knew that the ability to instantly plunge his son into such a state could very well be useful. But on the other, he knew that Shinji's synch ratio had grown rapidly since he had started piloting, far more than he would have anticipated. And he suspected that he knew who was responsible for getting the morose 3rd Child to open up. In which case, if the Major were to die, it would likely have a negative impact on his synch ability, he thought sourly. And we can't afford that now. Not with so many Angels remaining.
After considering all these things, Gendo finally made his decision. "We'll deal with her, should it prove necessary. But for now, I want Katsuragi supervised at all times. Arrange for a Section 2 detail to monitor her activities."
"Very well," Fuyutsuki replied. "But it might take a time to select suitable agents. Considering the situation between Chiron and Katsuragi."
Though Gendo found himself chafing at the possibility of a delay, he had to admit that his old professor had a valid point. Though Captain Chiron was a capable agent and about the only one who could wring some competence out of Section 2, he and Katsuragi had a deep-seated loathing for each other. Something that could very easily make a sensitive situation spiral out of control. "Agreed. Select a team that can be trusted to handle the situation discreetly. We can't afford any mistakes." When his second-in-command nodded, Gendo considered his next move. "And in the meantime, we must prevent any further contact between the Major and Adam." He paused for a moment, thinking of potential means of accomplishing this. "The old men…they're making preparations for our expedition to the South Pole. To retrieve the one true Lance."
"Yes, they are," Fuyutsuki confirmed. "But it will still be some time before the expedition is ready to depart."
"Perhaps, but…it may be prudent for us to conduct an inspection of the fleet. Make sure that everything is on schedule," Gendo sounded out, liking the convincing fashion in which his words rolled off his tongue. "This mission will be under our direct command, sensei. It would be foolish not to make certain that everything will be in readiness. Wouldn't you agree?"
Fuyutsuki didn't say anything to this. He didn't have to. After all the years they had known each other, his silence was answer enough. "I'll have the arrangements made with the harbormaster," Gendo said mostly to himself. "In the meantime, I suggest you prepare the surveillance detail. We can't afford any missteps."
"Very well, Ikari," Fuyutsuki conceded. Just as Gendo had known he would.
As Ritsuko stood in the control rooms of one of NERV's Eva Test Facilities, overseeing yet another afternoon synch test, she found herself doing everything she could to act like it was just another day at NERV. To act like her earlier meeting with Gendo hadn't happened. To push it and all her other concerns to the side, and focus solely on the facts and figures being recorded.
On the one hand, she felt it should have been simple. She had been putting on a façade of normalcy for years now, almost from the day she became NERV's Head Scientist. And she had had plenty other onerous assignments handed down upon her by Commander Ikari. But on the other hand, never before had she had to deal with an assignment that came so close to home. Or had she been as fearful of the potential outcome.
I can't believe this is happening, Ritsuko found herself thinking as she looked about the observation room. At the various techs there that were monitoring the synch test, as well as the woman who was quite likely her best friend in the entire world. Why did it have to turn out this way? Why?!
But even as Ritsuko asked herself these questions, she knew that she already knew the answer. Because a possible monkey wrench had appeared out of nowhere, and from the most unlikely of places. And if it weren't dealt with promptly, it could very easily find its way into the delicate works of both Gendo's and SEELE's plans. Something she knew neither one of them would tolerate.
Heaving a weary sigh, Ritsuko looked in the direction of her friend. As was usual, Misato was standing at the back of the observation room, her arms folded across her chest as she silently observed the synch test. Radiating her disapproval of the role the Children had been forced into. What would you think of me, if you knew? the faux-blonde sadly wondered, suffering the terrible feeling that she knew the answer to this question as well. What would you have done in my place?
Ritsuko didn't have the answer to this question. And even as she strived to put it out of her mind, one of the female techs there announced that the synch test had been completed. Huffing a weary breath, the doctor looked down into the testing area and watched as the three Test Plugs opened up. "Good work, all of you," Ritsuko announced, barely glancing at the individual scores as she pushed her fears and concerns out of her mind and forced a look of scientific interest onto her face. "Report to the control room for your scores."
It was a bit easier for Ritsuko to act like everything was normal after that, because, in a way, it was normal. She knew this part of her routine so well that she could practically take care of it in her sleep. After the Children had exited the Test Plugs and showered off the lingering LCL, they came to the observation room. Even the way they reacted to Ritsuko giving them their test scores was the same as always, with Rei displaying no emotion at all and Asuka grinning over the fact that her scores were the highest of them all. Then they would go home, and Ritsuko and the rest of them would file their reports, and…
"Hey, there, everyone," sounded a familiar voice. One that was jolted her with surprise. One that was not part of her routine.
"Why, hello, Kaji-kun!" Asuka cooed. Before Ritsuko could turn to look, the German girl had somehow managed to materialize right next to him, her arms wrapped about his. "What are you doing here? Did you come to see what my new test score is?"
"And hello to you, too, Asuka," Kaji returned easily, grinning that usual grin that made so many people dismiss him as an idiot. A perception that couldn't be further from the truth, as Ritsuko well knew.
Right, right. Of course, Ritsuko frowned somewhat, her anxieties struggling to return to the fore. Today wasn't another day. She couldn't rely on her routine to get her through it. She had a job to do. Kaji's doing his part…and now it's my turn.
"I have to admit, I'm surprised to see you here as well," Ritsuko began, keeping any unwanted emotions out of her voice. "So, what brings NERV's official UN Supervisor here today? Business, or pleasure?"
"Hmm, a bit of both, you could say," Kaji commented, still smiling that famous smile as he looked at the doctor and Misato. "As I recall, the three of us were considering going to celebrate. And I thought that maybe if your schedules were clear for tonight, then maybe…"
While Asuka's features twisted with displeasure over the fact that she was no longer the focus of Kaji's attention, Shinji's were shifting with confusion. "Uh…celebrate?" he asked as he looked blankly about. "Celebrate what?"
"Why, Katsuragi's big promotion, of course!" Kaji explained enthusiastically. When the 2nd and 3rd Children gasped in surprise, he shot them a quizzical look. "What, didn't she tell you?"
"Uh, no!" Asuka returned, her foul mood forgotten as she looked at her guardian. "A promotion, huh?! I didn't even notice!"
"Me neither," Shinji admitted. "When did this happen?"
"Uh…about five days ago, I think," Misato muttered, glancing about warily at her coworkers. "You know, when I had to stay late that night?"
"Oh, I see! So that's what the big holdup was all about!" Asuka declared before casting a glance over at Shinji. "The baka'd been wondering about that one!"
Clearly startled by this shift in the conversation, Shinji let his mouth fall open as he looked over at the German. "Uh, well…" he fumbled, looking between Asuka and Misato, "I wasn't…that is…" After a few more bungled attempts at coherent speech, Shinji sighed and tried again. "So…you got promoted, huh?"
Grateful for the momentary distraction, Ritsuko nodded and came up to her friend's side. "That's right. Misato's a Major now."
"Wow." Looking over at his guardian, Shinji managed a tiny smile. "That's…really nice, Misato."
Asuka raised an eyebrow at this statement and looked like she was about to say something when Misato said, "Thanks, Shinji. But to be honest…it's not that big a deal."
"Not that big a deal?!" Asuka repeated, sounding as if she had doubts about her guardian's sanity. "What, are you kidding?! You've been promoted! You're a Major now! Don't you know what that means?!"
Misato didn't answer. Nor did anyone else, for that matter. Leaving the German to look expectantly at the people around her for a time, until Shinji finally asked, "Uh…so what does it mean, Asuka?"
Her eyes went wide with astonishment before they shifted into an annoyed glower. "It means, baka, that Misato's status went up! She's going to be known throughout the Japanese government!" Asuka declared, leaning over towards Shinji with her hands on her hips. "She'll be able to write her own ticket into any part of the military! Hell, maybe even a better paycheck! Does that answer your question?!"
While Shinji responded with a distressed look that confirmed he got the idea, Misato chuckled ruefully. "Actually, I'm pretty sure that all it means is that I'm going to have even more paperwork dumped on me than before."
"Aw, why do you have to be such a pessimist? After all, being a Major does look pretty good on one's resume!" Kaji informed her in a teasing fashion. "And that's reason enough to celebrate. Wouldn't you agree?"
Misato frowned in consideration. "Well…"
"I certainly think so," Ritsuko agreed, playing her own role in this. "Besides, it has been a long time since the three of us got together for a night out on the town."
Making a thoughtful sound in her throat that said that her resistance was flagging, Misato glanced mischievously at the doctor. "Are you sure, Rits? Don't you have paperwork of your own, waiting for your signature?"
"Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. And right now, I could use a stiff drink," Ritsuko assured her, putting heavy emphasis on the last part.
"Well…I don't know," Misato muttered before looking towards the Children. "What about you two? Would you be okay if I…"
"Decided to get yourself drunk off your ass?" Asuka concluded with a snide look. "Sure, go right ahead! At least this way we won't have to watch!"
"Asuka…!" Shinji muttered disapprovingly, even as a derisive snigger escaped Ritsuko's lips. For while she wasn't overly fond of the German's obnoxiousness at times, she well understood her feelings on that point.
Additional snorts of laughter made themselves heard, drawing a poisonous look from the subject of them. "Thanks a bunch, Ritsuko," Misato glowered, a vein bulging from her forehead.
Recognizing the look shot at her, and realizing that Misato might decline their invitation if she continued laughing, Ritsuko clamped her lips shut and cleared her throat. "So," she tried again, hoping to get their conversation back on course. "Do you feel up for a night out on the town?"
Still annoyed, Misato glanced about at her friends and her wards for a time. "Well...okay. Sure. But only if you two are buying," she finally decided. "If we're celebrating my promotion, then I don't see why I should be the one to pay."
Inwardly wincing at the hit her bank account was about to take, Ritsuko kept her smile in place and nodded. "Okay, deal," she agreed, watching as Misato smirked in triumph. "Just give us a few minutes to finish up here, and we can get going. Oh, and Misato? One more thing." The Major frowned somewhat as the doctor smirked herself. "I think it would be best if you left your car here. We can take the subway to wherever we're going."
"Huh? The subway?! But why?!" Misato squawked, her smile instantly erased. "If you're making another crack about my driving…!"
"No. I'm just thinking that, if tonight runs true to form, then none of us are going to be in any shape to drive anywhere tonight," Ritsuko retorted, mixing her teasing with a healthy dose of common sense. "And I'd rather we all got home in one piece, thank you so much."
For a moment, Ritsuko was convinced that she had teased Misato one time too many that night. But eventually, the purple-haired woman curled her lips and gave her friend an evil look. "Fine. Have it your way," she stated. "I just hope you're ready to make it up to me tonight. Because if I can't drive, then I'm sure as hell am going to enjoy myself some other way!"
Translation, I'm really glad that I just got paid, Ritsuko grimaced. Wondering if she could somehow get her impending bill treated as a business expense, and maybe have it compensated for later on, she threw up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I get the idea," she replied. She considered commenting on how they were going to have to carry Misato back to her apartment on their backs but decided that she didn't want to risk her changing her mind. "So how about if we meet at the eastern entrance in about half an hour?"
"Sure thing," Kaji grinned in agreement before looking down at the pilots. "And while you ladies get ready, I can escort the Children out and see them off. That is if they're free to go…"
Asuka, who had been looking increasingly annoyed over the fact that Kaji was going to spending a considerable amount of time in close proximity to two other women, instantly beamed in delight. "Why certainly, Kaji-kun!" she smiled, tightening her grip on the unshaven man's arm. "Just be sure to get Misato back early. She does have to work tomorrow, remember?"
"Yes, yes, I know. More's the pity, I say, but…" Shrugging helplessly, Kaji departed the control room with the Children. Leaving Misato and Ritsuko to look at each other.
"I better get going, too," Misato admitted. "There's a few things I need to get cleared up before I can take off."
"Same here," Ritsuko agreed. "So, I'll see you in half an hour then."
"You bet you will!" Misato grinned before turning to depart as well. Apparently carefree as she exited the control room. Leaving Ritsuko wishing that she felt that way herself.
"Ah…" Misato sighed contentedly as she sat back in her seat after emptying her latest round. "You know, I'm probably gonna regret saying this, but this is a great place Kaji found for us."
"It is indeed," Ritsuko agreed as she took a sip of her own drink. "And by the way, just how many drinks are you going to have tonight? Your liver is going to turn into a prune if you keep this up!"
"Hmph! Are you sure you're not just saying that because you're the one footing the bill?" Misato grinned crookedly even as her surroundings swam a bit.
As Ritsuko responded by shooting her friend a dirty look, the third member of their group reappeared with several glasses in hand. "Hello, ladies," Kaji smiled as he sat himself down at the circular table they had commandeered for their celebration. After placing one of the fresh glasses before Misato, he hoisted another one into the air. "I'd like to propose a toast. To good friendships; may they outlast any of the stupid problems the three of us have."
Snorting, Misato was momentarily tempted to comment on how damned unlikely that was, considering the person proposing the toast. But at the moment, she was feeling too warm and cozy with good beer in her system and a nice, comfortable bar and restaurant to enjoy them in to say anything like that. Besides, Ritsuko was already raising her glass to this. "To good friendships," the doctor smiled before glancing the Major's way. A smile she responded to by raising her glass and echoing her sentiment.
As the three of them knocked back a portion of their drinks, Kaji glanced across the dining area, at the few people enjoying their evening there. "It sure is getting quiet in this city," he commented with a hint of sadness. "It feels like more and more people are moving away from here every single day."
"I know," Misato muttered. "Not that I can blame them, though."
"True. It's hard to make a life here, now that the Angels have returned," Ritsuko concurred. "But then, that's what we're here for. To make sure that people can have a life. Right?"
"Exactly. And I must say, it's nice to see you showing such an upbeat attitude towards the situation, Ritsy," Kaji commented, flashing a grin that had grated Misato, even back when they had been together. "Usually, you're so caught up in being a scientist with all your facts and figures and what-not…"
"I am a scientist, Kaji," Ritsuko countered smugly. "And I was just stating a fact."
Shrugging as if he couldn't have cared less one way or the other, Kaji muttered, "Well, it's the thought that counts." Seeing her former boyfriend and resident pain in the butt taken down a notch, Misato snickered loudly and decided that this in and of itself warranted a victory sip. "And it's also nice to see you enjoying yourself."
"Though I personally think you're enjoying yourself that way a bit too much," Ritsuko commented. "I swear, whenever you get like this, you're completely out of control."
"Wrong. This is my way of staying in control, Rits," Misato countered impishly.
Groaning somewhat, Ritsuko retorted, "Look, I'm just saying that…"
"Whatever you're saying, you can stuff it until you manage to get through a day at work without going through three or four cigarettes…you hypocrite," Misato smirked. Her grin of triumph widening when she saw the stung expression her words got out of her friend.
The two of them sat there for a time, studying each other, before Ritsuko wrinkled her nose and declared, "You always have to have the last word, don't you?"
"Yup! And do you know why?" Chuckling wickedly, Misato took another sip and slammed down her glass. "Because there's no better word than the last word!"
"Heh. Truer words have never been spoken. Cheers!" Kaji commented before downing a few chugs of his own beverage. Misato did the same, and after grumbling a bit more, Ritsuko did as well.
The evening continued to proceed in this fashion, with the three of them talking about their times together, both in the past and more recently. And the longer they talked and the more booze found its way into her system, the harder it was for Misato to think about the reality of modern life, of the Angels, her responsibilities at NERV, and even the two children she was supposed to be the guardian of. Even as she watched, her vision blurred, and time seemed to slide away from the three of them.
The more things change, the more they stay the same, Misato found herself thinking dully, the meaning of these words never as clear before as they were then. There they were, their lives having taken such divergent courses, and here they were, back together again. Talking and drinking as if nothing had happened. As if they had never gone their separate ways.
As Misato slowly relaxed, wishing she could take that bit of fantasy and wrap it about herself like a warm blanket, she was brought back to the present by Kaji's voice. "By the way, Katsuragi, I happened to bump into the kids earlier today," he began, his grinning face blurring before her. "Had a nice talk with Shinji and Asuka. Man, that girl can talk when she sets her mind to it!"
"I know," Misato agreed, her neck shifting about like rubber as she tried to focus on Kaji. "Just be sure to keep your hands off of her, you over-sexed idiot! She's still underage!"
Laughing loudly in response, Kaji smirked. "Aw, c'mon. I don't deny that Asuka's going to be a real beauty someday, but I'm not one to sneak around, hunting for presents before they're made available." Snorting disbelievingly, Misato averted her eyes, the room wobbling somewhat as she did. "Besides, we were just having a nice little chat. Just the way the three of us are doing right now."
"Hmph. That's a likely story," Misato grumbled. "And just what did she happen to chat about that's so interesting, huh?"
"Oh, a few little things," Kaji told her, still grinning like an idiot. "For example, she happened to mention that you've been having some rough nights."
It took Misato's well-soused mind a few seconds to process this statement, but it succeeded in doing so, her good mood went up in a puff of smoke. "Aw, I don't believe this! What's she doing, going around, talking about that?!" Growling deep in her throat, she gathered together whatever scraps of sobriety were left to her, and used them to focus on the people that were supposed to be her friends. "So, what? Is that why you decided you wanted to 'celebrate my promotion'? Because you wanted to talk to me about that?!"
"No, of course not!" Kaji declared, something Misato viewed with a heavy measure of suspicion. "What, is there some law that says I can't be just a bit worried when something's troubling you in your sleep?"
Misato didn't say anything to this. Instead, she shifted her glare over at her other 'friend'. "And what about you, Rits?" she grumbled sourly. "Were you just…a little worried?"
Meeting Misato's gaze, Ritsuko sat there for a time before heaving a deep breath. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," she finally admitted. "And no offense, Misato, but you're not the easiest person to get to open up about herself."
Aw, damn. I guess I should've known Ritsuko wouldn't foot the bill unless she had some kind of ulterior motive, Misato thought vehemently as she speared her companions with a glare. At least she has the decency to look guilty about it. Snorting at this, she shook her head and decided to try and heap a little extra guilt on while she was at it. "Should've known this little party was too good to be true," she muttered, taking a grim satisfaction in the way their faces darkened. "Alright, you two. What do you want me to tell you?"
"Well, the truth would be a good place to start," Kaji decided, tossing away his downcast expression with the ease of shedding his coat. "Like why you've been waking up screaming at least two or three times a month?"
"Geh. Bad enough Asuka has to blab about it, she has to go and exaggerate as well. It's only been once this month so far," Misato growled deep in her throat, only to groan and bring her hand to her forehead as she belatedly realized she had said just the wrong thing. "Look, it's no big deal. It's just a bad dream. So what? Everyone has them."
"Tell me about it," Ritsuko harshly agreed. "But I don't think Asuka or Shinji would have made such a big deal about it if it were just another bad dream."
"Besides, Shinji said you've been having this same one for a while now. Since before I even arrived." Groaning as Kaji scored a direct hit and making a mental note to have a word with the 3rd Child when she was a bit less drunk, Misato sat back and listened as the unshaven man followed up. "Now, I'm no psychologist, but even I know that when you have the same nightmare that much, then something's wrong."
Exhaling sharply out her lips, Misato bent over the table and wished there was some way she could magically disappear. "I suppose it's too much to hope that you two will stop bugging me about this if I ask you really nicely, huh?" When the two of them didn't say anything to this, which was answer enough for her, she sat up straighter and muttered, "Fine, fine. If it'll get you to back off, then I'll tell you all the gory details." Heaving a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts as best as she could, and told them about the hideous nightmare that had given her no peace. A chill ran up and down her spine as she talked to them about it, something that brought the terror of the nightmare realm that much closer to her. She could almost feel the decimated landscape with all its ghosts, almost hear them talking to her. Could very nearly see the survival capsule, as well as the horror within, demanding to be released.
"And that's where I wake up," Misato concluded, shuddering with relief as she completed her narrative. "It ends the same way every single time, with this…thing telling me to let it out." Narrowing her eyes at the others, she frowned as she watched them exchange glances of concern. "So, are you satisfied yet? Or do I have to tell you just how many times this stupid dream has shown up, or how sick I am of having it already?!"
"Misato, I'm sorry. We're not trying to upset you," Ritsuko told her earnestly. "But if this thing's been bothering you so much, then I wish you'd have told one of us a lot sooner."
"Heh. You're a fine one to be talking about that, Ritsuko," Misato snorted. "Besides, what good would it do me, anyway? You think just talking about it is going to magically make this thing go away and not come back another day." Snorting once again, she hefted up her drink and downed the last of it in one chug. "Shit…talk about the perfect way to ruin the perfect evening…"
"On the contrary, I think it's still a perfect evening," Kaji smiled. Her eyes going wide with outrage, Misato felt a scathing commentary regarding Kaji's manners, upbringing, and parentage coming to her lips before he added, "After all, the fact that you can trust us with something like this says a lot about how much you've grown up. I can't imagine you ever doing something like this back when we were kids."
Her face wrinkling like she had just spent the past hours sucking overripe lemons, Misato leaned forward and asked, "Do you want to know another sign that I've grown up?" She waited for a beat before snatching Kaji's glass. "The fact that I'm going to drink this and ask you to fetch me a few more rounds instead of throwing it in your face and smashing your mother and father buttons. Permanently." Punctuating this declaration by dumping the drink down her throat, she slammed the glass back down. "Now hurry up and get me those extra rounds. I want to hurry up and forget this night ever happened. Got it?"
"Well, that could have gone better," Ritsuko commented mildly about an hour later.
"True, but it could have gone a lot worse," Kaji returned, his usual smile a bit more strained than he cared to admit. "And considering the situation, I guess that's the best that we could have hoped for."
Giving a wry curl of her lip, Ritsuko nodded. "I suppose so. At least she didn't blow up in our faces," she decided. "As I recall, Misato mad and drunk is not a good combination."
"You don't have to remind me of that," Kaji informed her. "I haven't forgotten what happened at the Blue Swan café."
"Ugh. I wish I could," Ritsuko moaned, bringing her hand to her temple. "What a mess! And the whole class was stuck cleaning it up, too!" Pressing her lips together, she sighed and murmured, "I wonder if they ever fixed that one wall…?"
Snickering at this, Kaji shook his head and replied, "Dunno. All I know is that things went a lot better than we probably could have asked for."
Raising an eyebrow at this, Ritsuko cocked her head to the side and said, "Maybe so…but I would still feel better if Misato hadn't passed out halfway here!"
Truth be told, Kaji wasn't exactly thrilled about that part, either. There they were, all of them a bit sloshed and tipsy as they walked the streets of Tokyo-3, tired and maybe a bit down about how their celebration how finally soured, doing their best to make it back home in one piece. Unfortunately for them, Misato had gone out of her way to get herself drunk after their discussion regarding her recurring nightmare. Which was why, after a couple blocks of tottering about on her feet and even requiring a hand here and there to remain stable, Misato had finally toppled to the ground with a resounding thud, and had remained there despite their varied attempts to arouse her. Finally, Kaji had been forced to pick her up and carry the unconscious Major piggyback-style all the way to the subway terminal.
It's times like these that I'm glad that I keep fit, Kaji thought as he navigated the steps with a modicum of difficulty. Taking them carefully and bracing himself against the wall, he was able to slowly make his way down to the terminal. Only to be brought up short when he heard a peculiar clatter. "Huh? What was…?"
"Hold on. One of her shoes just fell off," Ritsuko grumbled, pausing to glare at her friend in an accusing manner before bending down. Sitting down on the steps, the faux-blonde grumbled wearily as she puttered about. Frowning and wondering what was taking so long, Kaji soon got his answer when Ritsuko stood up again with both shoes in hand. "I figured I might as well take them both off," she explained somewhat snidely. "At least this way, we won't have to worry about them disappearing somewhere between here and her apartment."
"Heh. Good thinking," Kaji nodded approvingly. "I always knew you were more than just another pretty face."
"Well, someone around here has to have some common sense," Ritsuko grumbled good-naturedly as the two of them started down the stairs again. "And as far as I'm concerned, that leaves the both of you out!"
"Oh, now that's cold," Kaji muttered, deciding that further rebuttal would be a waste of energy and breath, and good shape or not, he felt that he needed to save as much of both as he could. And so he contented himself with plotting various witty comebacks to be made at a more appropriate time as the two of them came to stand at the side of the tracks, waiting wearily for the next train to come along to whisk them away from there.
Fortunately for the beleaguered travelers, they didn't have long to wait. Barely five minutes had passed before they heard the scheduled train roll up the tracks before finally coming to stop before them. Even more fortunately, when they boarded the train, they found it to be empty save for themselves and whoever was running it. "Huh," Kaji commented as he looked about the empty train car. "This city must be more empty than I thought."
"Either that or we're the only ones stupid enough to be up this late," Ritsuko grumbled, eliciting a chuckle from Kaji. "Aw, damn. I can already tell I'm going to have the worst hangover of my entire life tomorrow morning."
"The price we pay for doing our duty," Kaji commented idly as he made his way over to a nearby row of seats. Moving as carefully as he was capable of, he gently eased Misato off his back and onto the seats. Once she was safely down, he turned and looked at her, her hair an untidy mop, her dress and jacket a rumpled mess, and looking like something that had just been dumped out of bed.
And yet she still looks beautiful, Kaji thought wistfully before bending down next to her. With a few moments' effort, he pulled her jacket off of her shoulders before folding it up. Placing it down on the seats, he then shifted her about so that she lay more comfortably, and her head was resting easily on the makeshift pillow. "There. That should hold her until we get her home."
"I hope so," Ritsuko agreed. Then she cocked her head in the direction of the next car up the train. "C'mon, let's go over there for now."
Looking up in surprise, Kaji furrowed his brow as he tried to digest what was said. "What? You want to leave her here? Alone?"
"I don't see a problem. In case you haven't noticed, there's no one else here," Ritsuko pointed out, looking both ways up and down the train. Sure enough, there was no sign of any other commuters, and certainly no one to take advantage of the insensate female. "Besides, there're a few things I want to talk to you about, and I'd rather not take the chance of her waking up and hearing us talking about them."
"Oh," Kaji groaned, seeing where this was going. "I don't suppose there's any chance of putting this off until tomorrow morning?"
"Are you kidding? The way I feel right now, I'll be lucky if I can even move tomorrow, let alone think intelligently," Ritsuko grumbled wearily. "C'mon. We'll be one car over, and that's it. What could possibly happen?" The unshaven man frowned at this, for it had been his experience that Murphy's Law could cause just about anything to happen, given the chance. But at the same time, he knew that the odds of something crazy happening now were fairly slim.
Besides, Rits is right. We better discuss what we found out, Kaji thought ruefully. We have to figure out what's going on with Katsuragi as soon as we can. Besides, I don't think the Commander is going to cut us any slack in the morning, just because we drunk ourselves sick in the line of duty. Snorting as he tried to imagine the result of Gendo attempting this sort of thing himself, Kaji rose unsteadily to his feet.
"Alright," Kaji finally conceded before looking back at the woman he once played house with. "Don't you go anywhere, Katsuragi. We'll be back for you soon."
With that, Kaji followed Ritsuko into the next car. Not even realizing as they left Misato that her closed eyes were moving rapidly, feverishly…
Ugh…damn, I should know better than to drink this much. Especially when I have to go to work tomorrow! Ritsuko thought woefully, massaging what was sure to be a full-blown hangover in the morning.
All too glad to sit down and take the pressure off her wearied feet, Ritsuko felt more than saw Kaji doing the same. "Well…now we know what the dream is about," she muttered beneath her breath. "What do you make of it?"
"I think I understand some of it. Like I said, I'm no psychologist, but that bit about…ghosts of the past, seeing the people that died in Second Impact?" Kaji began, his eyes narrowed in thought and showing no sign of the numerous drinks he'd imbibed in earlier. "Sounds like survivor's guilt to me."
"I agree," Ritsuko nodded. The faux-blonde had made a study of psychology in order to better understand how a person's individual personality and whatever issues they might have could impact their synch ability, which was a necessity in dealing with the pilots. "I understand that she had had to go through a lot of counseling to deal with it before coming to college. But what I don't understand is why it's manifesting now, and like this."
"Your guess is as good as mine," Kaji shrugged.
Once again, Misato was trapped in the nightmare that had haunted her for months. Again she found herself walking across the crimson water of what had once been Antarctica, seeing and listening to the people that were trapped in the lingering ice.
But she wasn't paying attention to them. The only thing she could really see or hear was the capsule that she was now approaching. The capsule that had allowed her to survive when everyone else had not, and was thrashing violently, sending small waves up as something hammered savagely at its walls. The noise and fury with which it fought to free itself far more intense than ever.
Let me out, the thing demanded. Let me out let me out let me out…!
"And then there's the bit about that…thing in the capsule," Kaji intoned thoughtfully. "Do you think that could be related to Adam?"
Ritsuko considered this possibility before shaking her head. "No, that doesn't make sense. I mean, if that were the case, why would it be inside the capsule?" Giving Kaji a moment to digest this, the faux-blonde furrowed her brow in thought. "No…perhaps it has to do with her father. He died getting her into that capsule, remember?"
As Misato stood next to the capsule, she realized that something was horribly wrong.
The cruel green light that shown from within was far brighter than ever, pulsating like the beating of a heart. The determined thrashing of whatever was trapped inside of was far more ferocious than it had even been. And the voice of the thing inside was becoming louder and more hate-filled every time it repeated its incessant demand.
Let me out! Let me out! the thing roared like a wild animal as it fought to free itself. There was a momentary pause in its struggling, and then it snarled savagely by another loud bang was heard. A bang that sent Misato jumping back a step as a large bulge appeared in the capsule's side…
"Eh, I thought of that myself, Ritsy, but that doesn't track, either," Kaji frowned. "I know Katsuragi has plenty of issues with her father – believe me, I know – but she was never afraid of him." His frown intensifying, he glanced over into the next car, where Misato was still sleeping. "Whatever this thing in her dreams is, she's scared of it. And if there's one thing I know about her, it's that she doesn't scare easy."
Ritsuko slowly nodded as she found herself agreeing with Kaji's analysis. "No arguments there," she finally intoned. "Well, all things considered, it's looking more and more like Jet Alone had more of an effect on Misato than I realized."
Let me out! LET ME OUT!
"No!" Misato screamed as further lumps appeared in the capsule's side. "No! I can't! I won't!"
LET ME OUUUTT!
"Yeah, but how?" Kaji inquired. "You said it yourself. There was no sign of any radioactive contamination, no injuries…nothing!"
"Well, perhaps it wasn't something as obvious," Ritsuko explained. "Perhaps the stress of the situation triggered some preexisting condition caused by Second Impact. Something that's been laying dormant all these years." Then she narrowed her eyes sharply, her wearied mind managing to come up with a few more ideas. "Maybe the pressure of being in a situation where it looked like she was about to die caused it." Kaji made a quizzical sound in his throat at this. "If it hadn't been for her father, Misato would have died in Second Impact. Now being in another situation where she thought she was about to die caused her nightmares." Shrugging somewhat, Ritsuko then guessed, "Hell, that might even explain this sensitivity of hers."
"Hmm…I dunno, Ritsy," Kaji frowned heavily. "If it were as simple as that, wouldn't she have started having these dreams or something like them a lot sooner? I mean, I heard about what happened when she went to bring Shinji to NERV, and the 3rd Angel was attacking."
"Possible, but as strange as it may seem, Misato wasn't actually in as much danger then as she was in Jet Alone," Ritsuko countered, warming to the notion. "With the 3rd Angel, she wasn't in close proximity to it for very long, whereas with Jet Alone, she was right in the center of a nuclear reactor that was about to go explode."
"No! Stop it!" Misato screamed in terror. Watching helplessly as the capsule continued to shake, bulging out from the many impacts it was suffered from the monster it contained.
Let me out! LET ME OUT!
"No!" Misato cried out, unable to move. Unable to think of running from the capsule or trying to shove it away. All she could do was stand there and quake, holding up her hands as if she didn't know what to do with them. Shaking her head in slow denial of what was about to happen.
LET ME OUUUUUTTTT! the thing screeched one more time as the capsule surrendered to the inevitable. With a sound like thunder crashing, the hatch tore off the survival capsule and was sent flying up into the air. A strangled whimper escaping Misato's lips, she watched the object go flying off into the horizon, and then looked back at the capsule itself. A deadly green haze flowing out of it as roars and snarls of triumph and release filled the air around her.
"No…" Misato gasped out, just before something exploded from the haze.
It was a hand. A monstrous green hand that grabbed her by the head, stifling the resulting scream…
As Misato's eyes flew open and she jolted upright, her ears were filled with the sound of her own haggard breathing, as well as the thunderous beating of her heart. On one level, she was vaguely aware that she had had another nightmare, but she couldn't really focus on it. She couldn't really think at all; all she could do was act on automatic pilot as she struggled to climb to her feet.
Stepping away from the bench she'd been laying on, still heaving ragged gasps, she looked about wildly at the subway car she was in. But she didn't recognize it as such; she couldn't make sense of anything, or remember how she even got there. Nothing made any sense at all as she wrapped her arms about her frame, feeling her sweat-soaked dress, her trembling, feverish skin.
Her mouth opening and closing, no sound coming out of it, Misato glanced this way and that and very nearly screamed when she saw something looking at her. Something horrible and monstrous and powerful. Something that glared at her with animalistic rage. Something so terrifying that it took several moments for her overwhelmed mind to process what it was that she seeing.
Her reflection. Nothing more than her reflection in the far window.
But at the same time…it was something else altogether.
The features of the woman Misato saw were twisted with primal fear and rage, her hair hung in tangled lumps. Her fingers were arched and tensed like claws, and her chest was heaving rapidly. But as terrible as these things were, they were nothing compared to the eyes. Eyes that glowed with the same hideous green light that had shined from the survival capsule. Eyes that were twisted with inhuman savagery and anger.
This wasn't a woman Misato was looking at; it was something wild and savage. A monstrosity given human form.
Her mouth flew open, allowing a tiny shriek to escape her lips as Misato looked wildly about, seeking a path of escape. When she looked towards the right, she spotted something in the next car over. Two people sitting next to each other, apparently unaware of her. Ritsuko and Kaji.
Misato's first impulse was to go to them, to seek shelter and comfort from the beast confronting her. But even as she thought this, her own jumbled mind rebuked her. She couldn't go to her friends. She couldn't afford to be anywhere near them. She didn't know how or why she knew this, nor was she capable of caring at that moment. All she knew was that she had to get away, to run as far and fast from them as she could. And so, her conscious mind barely functional, acting on pure instinct alone, she turned in the opposite direction and ran.
Her bare feet pounding on the metal floor, eliciting little or no sound, Misato ran as fast as she could. And the monster followed. She could see it in every window, chasing her, looming at her. More twisted and savage and horrifying every time she caught a glimpse of it.
She came to the end of the train car and was so caught up in her terror that she slammed into the door and very nearly came crashing down to the floor. But she caught hold of the door handle just in time and used it to pull her back up to her feet. Even as she heard the monster growling wrathfully in her ears.
It was the same voice, Misato knew. The same terrible voice as the monster from her dreams.
Somehow, it had escaped the capsule. Escaped her nightmares. And was now chasing her.
More terrified than ever, Misato forced the door open and began running again. But it was harder now; her body wasn't functioning right. Her balance, her sight, her coordination, everything was off. She couldn't stay on her own feet, and instead fell down against one of the rows of seats, barely catching herself on one of the armrests.
Free! Free! the monster roared in triumph. Free to crush! Free to SMASH!
Gasping in terror, Misato struggled to get back to her feet, to keep running. Her fevered brain a confused jumble of emotions, devoid of coherent thought. And as a result, her conscious mind was blissfully unaware of what was happening to her.
The same green light she had seen in the creature's eyes was now rushing through her blood, and as it spread throughout her body, it began to shift and change. Her scrabbling feet swelled and grew, the bones crunching and expanding, and were soon followed by the muscles. Her arms and hands were undergoing a similar change; her biceps bulged into mountains of coiled steel as she took firmer hold of the seat, crushing the top of it as she forced herself back up.
As Misato's body continued to throb and grow, the dress that had easily shown off her every curve became increasingly stressed by the changes she was undergoing. Where it had once run down to her thighs, the bottom had ridden up until it was barely concealing her shapely buttocks and was growing ever tighter about them. Then a distinct snapping sound was heard as her panties fell away, having fallen victim to their owner's growth. As she struggled to keep moving forward, her swelling hips and thighs strained against the flimsy fabric, causing it to burst apart along the seams, one stitch popping after another.
Along Misato's shoulders and beneath her arms, more seams were failing as her arms grew ever larger and stronger. The collar of her dress was constricting her throat, which was now lined with coiled sinew. Throwing her head to the side, she caused the collar to tear almost completely free of the rest of the embattled garment. As she breathed ever more deeply, it caused two increasingly huge mounds to press even harder against the simple fabric constraints that were struggling to hold them back. As she staggered somewhat, her sense of balance hampered by her quickening transformation, she fell against a row of seats, smashing them as she caught herself and continued forward. Snarling her annoyance, she stood up sharply, thrusting her mountainous chest forward and snapping her bra. She growled again, allowing the two mountains of flesh to fill the dress to capacity and complete overwhelm it. The dress tore right down the center from the tattered collar down towards the region of her abdomen, allowing her massive breasts to rise up into the air.
As her dress continued to deteriorate, other changes became visible in Misato's body. Her smooth abdomen pulsated and grew, transforming into a steely six-pack of muscle, and continued to grow hard and larger, until it became an even more impressive twenty-four-pack. Her purple hair became longer and wilder, and her skin began to darken. First it looked as if she was developing a slight tan, but the color change became more drastic as her flesh took on a distinctive greenish hue. It spread across the entirety of her body, covering every inch of her except for a jagged patch of deathly pale skin beneath her right breast. But a moment later, the green spilled into the massive scar, and obliterated it completely.
A final burst of growth ripped through Misato's body, sending the tattered remains of her dress falling to the floor, with the only thing surviving it being her crucifix pendant. It hung tightly about her neck, but there was still enough slack in its string that there was no danger of it snapping. But Misato didn't notice this; her mind was already gone, buried in the darkness of her subconscious. Leaving only the creature she had dreaded for so long to suck in a deep breath, reveling in its newfound freedom, and its triumph over her. Roaring its victory, it arched its back and spread its arms out to the side before bringing its fists together and smashed them down upon the floor.
"I guess you're right about that," Kaji was forced to admit. "Even if she'd run full out, there's no way she could have gotten out before the reactor went blooey."
"Precisely. That, coupled with her damaged helmet, would only have added to the image of an imminent death," Ritsuko continued. "And when you factor in the danger to Atsugi City, then…"
Ritsuko was cut off by a loud, thunderous blast of sound, the force of which caused her to go rigid and sent her hands flying to her ears. Paling with shock, she jumped up and instinctively looked towards Kaji, and found herself met with a face that was as lambasted with astonished confusion as hers was. "What the -?!" the unshaven man began as they turned some more. "What in the -?!"
Kaji never got the chance to finish his question, because even as the two of them were turning, the train was hit by a hammer blow from above. The car they were in and the next one or two behind it were sent flying up off the tracks, separating the train from the third rail and causing the lights to go dark. The two of them were sent flying into the air and were momentarily left in freefall before gravity reclaimed its hold on both them and the train, both of which came crashing down.
Stunned and the air driven from their lungs, the two of them lay helpless on the floor when the train was subjected to another brutal blow, this time from the side. The entire length of the train was sent skewing closer to the wall, with every window on one side shattering. Instinctively shielding their faces from the sudden rain of broken glass, Ritsuko and Kaji continued to lie perfectly still, struck numb this unforeseen assault. Able only to wait and listen as another furious roar was heard, and was quickly followed by a horrendous shriek…like metal ripping apart.
Wincing in pain at the two horrendous sounds, Ritsuko looked up a bit, aware that Kaji was doing the same. "Wh-what…?" she gasped out as she looked slack-jawed in the direction of the shocks and noises. The train's lights were without power, leaving them with only the lights of the tunnel to see by. Just enough to let them make out each other, as well as their immediate surroundings. "Wh-what's happening?! What -?!"
The doctor was caught off by another massive booming, this one like stone being shattered. This was followed by a sound almost like that of a landslide, only far louder and more intense. Moments later, clouds of dust billowed up around the train and rushed up the sides of it, spilling in through the broken windows. As the two of them were left choking on the clouds of debris, Kaji waved as much of it aside as he could before starting forward. "Ka -!" Ritsuko started, only to be interrupted by a fit of coughing. Grabbing hold of the collar of her lab coat, she raised it up to her mouth and nose. "Kaji, what are you -?!"
"Katsuragi!" Kaji cried out in response as he entered the next car. Realizing what he was talking about and gasping as that meaning hit her like a physical blow, Ritsuko darted after him.
Oh, God, please let her be okay, please let her be okay…! Ritsuko thought feverishly, cursing herself for her stupidity in leaving her best friend there. For thinking for even a moment that it would be okay to leave her alone in her drunken state. Uncertain and scared out of her wits, she looked towards the bench where they had left the purple-haired woman…only for her eyes to bulge out when she saw nothing there. Nothing but her flight jacket, which Kaji was picking up off the floor.
Gasping at the sight of the familiar garment, Ritsuko looked up at Kaji, a look he met with his own. "Wh-what's going on?! Where is she?!"
Shaking his head in obvious confusion, Kaji looked up and down the train. "She couldn't have passed us without our noticing, so," he sounded out before looking down towards the next car, "she must've gone that way."
This statement triggered a flood of questions in Ritsuko. She wanted to ask why Misato would have left her jacket, or where she had gone or why she had gone anywhere without seeking them out. But at the moment, her own curiosity was unimportant. All that mattered to her was her friend's life and safety. So without any hesitation, Ritsuko started towards the other end of the car, with Kaji a short distance behind. The two of them soon found the door to the next car already open, and went in it…only to stop, dumbstruck with shock with what felt like the umpteenth time that day.
The train car they had just entered had been completely destroyed. There was simply no other way to describe it. The seats and windows had been demolished, and the car itself had been split apart, with the other half of it a good fifty feet from where they stood. "Oh, my god…" Ritsuko breathed despite herself. "What…did this? Where's Misato?!"
"I don't know, Ritsuko," Kaji admitted grimly. "But I can tell you this much; whatever it was that did this is long gone." Before she could ask how he could possibly know this, Ritsuko turned and noticed that her friend was looking off to the side. And a moment later, she saw what he was looking at; a large pile of masonry and earth that lay nearby, blocking half of the tunnel. And just above it, a tremendous hole had been ripped in the roof of the subway.
"Good God," Ritsuko breathed as she stepped closer to the immense hole. Close enough to be able to see the light of the city filtering down upon them. To be able to hear another bestial roar echoing down to them.
For the longest time, Ritsuko just stood there, fearfully marveling at the impossible destruction that had been wreaked. Unable to move or even think until she heard Kaji flip open his cell phone. "I better call Section 2, let them know that we need help here," he said by way of explanation. Then he looked grimly at the remainder of the train, and added, "And that they better send a search and rescue team as well."
"I'm afraid we're going to need a lot more than that, Kaji," Ritsuko breathed fearfully as another roar was heard in the distance. "A lot more."
Sitting bolt upright in her bed, Hikari's eyes went wide as she came to full awareness, awake before she even realized what was happening. She looked about her tiny room, her heart beating like a runaway train.
What is it? What's going on?! she silently demanded as she looked about. When she didn't see anything unusual, she let out a low sigh and brushed an errant strand of hair out of her face. Ugh…I don't believe this. And I'd just gotten to sleep, too. Heaving a deep breath, she frowned as she looked over a small, nearby table. What time is it, anyway? I -?
Before she could complete this thought, Hikari became aware of something else. A sensation of impending danger, familiar and strange to her all at the same time. "What the…?" she muttered aloud as she got to her feet. Making her way over to the window, she slid it open and stuck her head out into the night air, scanning the cityscape around her.
While she searched with her eyes, a sound reached her ears. A monstrous sound of rumbling thunder twisted into a horrible, savage roar. Goosebumps appearing from her flesh, Hikari looked in the direction the sound had come from and shuddered when it repeated itself.
What…what's going on? Hikari thought nervously.
Elsewhere in Tokyo-3, in the section that had once been known as Hakone, Rei Ayanami was awakened by a similar sensation of dread. And like Hikari, she was prompted to go to her window, to try and see if she could spot the source of the dread sensation.
As Rei stood at one of her windows, peering through the perpetually filthy glass at the rundown buildings that surrounded her own apartment, she watched and listened. Disregarding the distant sounds of people getting drunk, of fighting and possibly killing themselves. All the things that she had long since learned to block out as she searched for the one thing that had roused her from her slumber.
After several seconds had passed, a massive noise shook the air around her, even causing the structure of her apartment to tremble somewhat. It was a voice, twisted with savage rage and hatred. A voice that was equal parts human and monster.
But what? What could be making it? Rei wondered distantly. It is not an Angel, so what -? Before she could complete this thought, the albino heard something else. Something very distant. Swiveling her gaze, she felt her eyes widen as she realized what had just happened.
A large building, about a block or two distant from where she was, was collapsing. Falling over as if one or more of the supports on one side had just been destroyed. As Rei watched the towering structure disintegrate into a shower of broken concrete and rusted metal, she frowned intently and leaned closer to the filth-streaked glass.
At first, she thought it might have been an optical illusion of some sort, caused by the clouds billowing up from the building's destruction. But as she continued to watch, Rei realized that there was indeed something down there, running from the base of the doomed building. And while she couldn't see it at all clearly, she could make out enough detail to be able to tell that it was human-shaped but too large and powerfully built to be anything human.
Continuing to stand at her window, Rei watched the creature continue on its course, racing through the streets, moving faster and faster until it jumped up into the sky. Her mouth popping open somewhat, she followed the creature's leap as it flew up and out of sight. Bounding up and over the buildings like it had been nothing.
As soon as the creature was out of sight, Rei considered what to do next. Clearly, whatever that creature had been, it was dangerous. The fact that it had apparently destroyed an entire building was proof enough of that. And she also knew that allowing such a beast free reign in Tokyo-3 would be a very bad idea. Therefore, she did the only thing she could do. She picked up her telephone and contacted Section 2.
After a single ring, someone picked up on the other end. "This is Special Agent Misawa speaking. Who is this?"
"Pilot Ayanami," she answered simply. Ignoring the hushed silence that was heard on the other end of the line, Rei continued to focus on the world beyond her window. Watching as a huge plume of smoke billowed up from beyond the nearby buildings. "There is a situation near my apartment. Something destroyed one of the buildings here, and seems to be moving to the southwest."
"Aw, damn! You mean it's over there?! Already?!" Agent Misawa cried out in dismay. Picking up on these words but not saying anything in response, Rei frowned and listened as the Section 2 man cursed beneath his breath before ordering, "Alright! Just stay there, 1st Child! I'm routing a team to pick you up and bring you to Headquarters! Understood?"
"Yes," Rei answered simply. She listened a few moments longer as she was given additional instructions, and then set the phone back down, already analyzing what she had heard. NERV was already aware of this creature, she thought, unsurprised by this. In that case, it must not be the 10th Angel.
Rei didn't waste time conjecturing what the creature was or was not. Nor did she bother wondering what NERV's response to this creature would eventually be. Instead, she went to her closet and began dressing. Content that someone would tell her what to do when the time was right.
I don't have a clue what to do now! Ritsuko moaned inwardly as she sat within one of the examination rooms of NERV Medical. Barely aware of the nurse who was finishing up her impromptu examination and giving her a clean bill of health.
Less than an hour ago, Ritsuko and Kaji had been found by Section 2, and with a skill and precision she would not have attributed to NERV's Keystone Kops, retrieved them and the train engineer from the shattered subway. While the engineer was made to wait for an ambulance, which he protested with a volley of curses that would make an Angel wince, the two members of NERV were promptly escorted back to the safety of the Geofront, where they received examinations, as well as treatment for whatever bumps and bruises they had acquired over the course of their misadventure.
Sighing heavily as she was finally allowed to escape the examination room, Ritsuko barely had a moment to catch her breath before she noticed someone approaching her. "Sempai!" Maya called out, very nearly sending the overwrought doctor jumping out of her skin. "Oh, my gosh! Are you alright?!"
"M-Maya?" Ritsuko got out, raising an eyebrow at her understudy. "Wh-what are you doing here?"
"Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki. He's ordered the main bridge crew to report," Maya explained tersely. "Anyway, when I got here, I heard that you'd been hurt, so…"
Despite everything that had happened that night, Ritsuko managed a tiny smile for the younger woman. "Thanks, Maya," she murmured, genuinely touched by the concern shown for her. Then she set this emotion aside and focused on more immediate concerns. "Did he tell you why you were being called in?"
Nodding, Maya answered, "He said that there's some kind of…creature loose in Tokyo-3. That it had attacked the subway, and…" Trailing off, the brunette frowned in deep concern. "He wanted to be ready to mobilize the Evas. In case of the worst."
"I see," Ritsuko answered grimly, not liking this in the least. "Then the Children have been called in?"
Maya nodded again. "Shinji and Asuka are with Kaji and Fuyutsuki. And he's ordered Rei to get into her plug suit and be ready for launch."
Exhaling sharply, Ritsuko frowned in thought, recalling the damage she had seen caused by the unknown creature. If Fuyutsuki felt that it might necessary to send out the Evas, then the situation had to be far worse than she had realized. "We better get going, then."
"Right," Maya agreed. "I should warn you, though, Fuyutsuki was asking Kaji about what happened down there. And he didn't seem very happy about the answers he wasn't getting!"
Ritsuko didn't doubt this for a moment. "In that case, he isn't going to be any happier with me," she decided with a distinct frown. "Oh, well…lead the way, then." As Maya nodded sharply, the doctor straightened herself out and allowed herself to be guided towards her impromptu meeting.
Doing her best to look businesslike and alert, despite the numerous bandages marking her form, as well as her ruined stockings, Ritsuko strode just behind her younger friend, until at last the two of them arrived at the main waiting room of NERV Medical. True to Maya's word, Shinji, Asuka, and Kaji were already present, with the German girl cuddling up to the unshaven man and practically oozing charm and concern for him. While Kaji attempted unsuccessfully to dissuade her, Shinji was standing there, dark shadows of concern enveloping his features, while Fuyutsuki stood nearby, the perfect picture of command and composure. His eyes narrowing in a hawk-like fashion when he became aware of the doctor's presence.
"Dr. Akagi. It's good to see that you're up and about," Fuyutsuki spoke tersely.
"Thank you, sir," Ritsuko answered. Then she frowned and asked the question that had been bothering her for some time now. "Sir, has Section 2 been able to find Misato?"
"Unfortunately, no," Fuyutsuki responded, his features growing taut. "They've searched the entirety of the train, as well as much of the subway tunnel. So far, nothing."
Ritsuko didn't like the sound of that. And judging by the look on his face, neither did Shinji. "Sir…" he began, drawing both their attentions upon his forlorn face. "Do you…think that whatever attacked the train…that it…?"
"Right now, we don't have enough information to make any assumptions, one way or the other," Fuyutsuki responded before Shinji could give voice to whatever dread possibilities his mind was conjuring up. "However, until we learn otherwise, we will act under the assumption that Major Katsuragi is alive, and awaiting rescue."
It was obvious to anyone that Shinji found no comfort in this assurance, something that Kaji quickly picked up on. "Hey, I wouldn't worry too much, Shinji," he stated, displaying none of the grimness he had shown earlier. "I've known Katsuragi for a while now, and if there's anything I've learned about her, it's that she's a survivor."
A look of annoyance flashed across Asuka's face at this, but then she looked at Shinji and managed a knowing smile. "Yeah, Third. Besides, if anything had happened to her, they'd have already found her -!" The German immediately broke as she realized what she was about to say, her face fell. "Uhh…well, what I meant was that there'd be…" she tried again, only to growl in disgust as she gave it up as a bad job. Folding her arms across her chest, she looked away and scowled heavily. "Look, they'll find her, okay?!"
Heaving a weary sigh of one already consigning himself to impending doom, Shinji muttered, "Yeah…they'll find her."
Pressing her lips together, Ritsuko found that she honestly couldn't blame the 3rd Child for his morbid thoughts. She knew from his file alone that life had not been good to him, and had taught him to expect the worse in any given situation. Besides…whatever that thing was… she thought, feeling a chill run through her as she thought back to that moment on the train, to when she had heard that awful roar. A roar that seemed to be nothing more than the manifestation of all the primal rage and fury that the world had ever known. Then she pictured Misato, asleep and helpless and alone with whatever monstrosity could give voice to such savagery…
Even as her imagination began to conjure up images of Misato being ravaged by whatever abomination had appeared that night, another part of Ritsuko took over and banished those awful images. The part of her that was a scientist, that focused on facts and figures, ratios and results. That part of her caused her to look towards Fuyutsuki and asked, "Sub-Commander…what about the creature that attacked us? Have there been any more sightings?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Fuyutsuki muttered unhappily. "So far, it has attacked seven different parts of the city – at least, that we know of. And we've already received word that there are several eyewitnesses who claim to have seen the creature." Then the old professor frowned and added, "Unfortunately, no one seems to have gotten a very good look at it so far. Unless…"
Sensing the unspoken question in these words, Ritsuko shook her head. "I'm afraid I didn't see it either, sir," she informed, well aware of how such a failure made her look. "I take it that everyone who saw the thing were too busy running away to get a good look at it?"
"Everyone…save for one." These words immediately resulted in everyone locking their eyes on Fuyutsuki. "Apparently, the 1st Child sighted the creature from her apartment."
"What?! Wondergirl saw the thing?!" Asuka demanded, seemingly annoyed by this development.
"Indeed. Unfortunately, due to the distance and lack of light, she couldn't get a very good look at it," Fuyutsuki admitted sourly. He then went on to describe the exact circumstances of the sighting, including the fact that it had single-handedly demolished an entire skyscraper. "So far, there's nothing to indicate that this creature is an Angel, but the fact remains that it is obviously powerful and extremely dangerous."
As these words settled down upon them like a cloud of doom, they were startled from their individual thoughts by the sound of a cell phone. Without preamble, Fuyutsuki reached into his coat and brought out his phone. "Fuyutsuki here." Watching the Sub-Commander out of the corner of her eyes, Ritsuko was aware of the stern expression he wore. And expression that soon shifted to surprise, and finally, pleasure. "They did? She's where?" Their ears pricking at the mentioning of a 'she', the others looked up and watched in anticipation as the old professor chuckled wanly. "I see. Very well, I'll send someone to pick her right away." Clicking his phone off, Fuyutsuki lowered to give a wry smile at his impromptu audience. "That was Section 2. It seems that the Major has been located."
"Really?!" Shinji cried out, suddenly beaming with hope.
"She has?!" Asuka demanded.
"Is she alright?!" Maya wondered.
"Was she hurt?" Kaji asked worriedly.
"Where is she?" Ritsuko inquired.
"Oh, ha ha. Yuck it up, why don't you?" Misato demanded grumpily, her arms folded before her as she sat back and looked at her audience. The scowl on her face a result of her presently being locked up in a prison cell, as well as the fact that three out of four of her friends were laughing like idiots over her current status, with only Shinji smiling his relief upon seeing her alive and well.
'I…I'm sorry, Misato! Really!" Ritsuko giggled, caught between relief at seeing her friend alive and well, and amusement at her present predicament. "But…I have to be honest…I always figured you'd wind up here someday!"
"I'll say. Especially with her traffic record," chimed in the police officer who was standing next to Ritsuko. While veins were bulging from Misato's forehead, the doctor turned to the officer, who smiled boyishly for her. "Anyway, it's like we told you, Dr. Akagi. We were on patrol, checking out a supermarket that got sacked by that…that…well, whatever-it-was…and then we found your friend here curled up in an alley and out like a light." The officer averted his eyes somewhat, his smile becoming rather sheepish as he continued. "And…well, the only thing she had one was that pendant of hers, so we took her prints. And when we found out that she was with NERV…"
"Yeah, we get the idea," Asuka smirked before turning back to look at Misato, as well as the cheap robe she was wearing. "Heh. I never figured you for the type to go around streaking, but hey, if that's how you get your kicks…!"
"Grrr! Asuka, are you trying to piss me off?!" Misato demanded, her eyes narrowing with lethal intensity. "Because I am warning you right here and now that you do not want to piss me off!"
While Asuka responded to this dire threat by chortling even more, Shinji was focusing on the source of the threat. "So, Misato…do you have any idea what happened to you? Or how you got to that alley, or…?"
The concerned look worn by her charge instantly defused Misato's ire. "I don't have a clue," she admitted, holding her up hands before letting them flop down to her sides. "The last thing I remember, we had left the bar and were heading back to the subway." Then she gave the officer a sideways glance that would do a basilisk proud. "The next thing I know, I'm lying in some back alley with him and his buddy shining flashlights in my face, asking what happened to my clothes!"
Taking a moment to snicker at her annoyance, Kaji glanced over at the officer. "Well, I know that her jacket and her shoes are currently sitting in Ritsy's back seat," he joked casually. Then he sobered somewhat and told Misato, "And as for your dress…"
"My dress?" Misato began, clearly not liking the hesitation in the unshaven man's voice. "What about my dress?"
"It's…a long story," Ritsuko broke in, deciding that then and now were not the best time for an interrogation. "Right now, let's just get you to NERV Medical. We can have you checked up, and -!"
"Forget it, Ritsuko! The only place I'm interested in going right now is home!" Misato declared in her best voice of doom. "This day has officially become one of the worst days of my entire life! And all I want to do is go to my apartment, have a nice, long, hot bath, go to bed, and try to forget that it ever happened! Got it?!"
Ritsuko opened her mouth to protest this, to make it clear that they needed to get Misato checked up. After all, the fact that she had been found naked suggested all kinds of nasty things to the doctor, especially given the kind of people that populated Tokyo-3's seedier regions. But even as she considered all the possible arguments she could use to sway her friend, she processed the glare Misato had leveled her and realized that logic would be a waste of time. Not that it's ever much use with her, Ritsuko admitted with a roll of her eyes. Aw, damn, why does she have to be so stubborn…?
While Ritsuko was considering this, Shinji shot the officer a hopeful look. "Uh…she can come home, can't she?" he asked nervously as if he were unwilling to tempt fate. "That is…there's nothing wrong with her, is there?"
"Not that we can tell," the officer admitted. "I mean, she flunked the breathalyzer test, but that ain't a crime so long as she isn't driving. And there's no sign that she was attacked or anything like that, so…sure. She can go anywhere she wants." Then he gave her a mocking look and added, "But you can't keep the robe. You do know that, right?"
"Ugh! Who'd want to, anyway?!" Misato snarled, her cheeks puffing out as she looked away.
Suppressing the urge to chuckle over the reputation that Misato had garnered with the police, Ritsuko smiled reassuringly at her friend. "Don't worry, we stopped by your place, and I got you some new clothes." When Misato looked up at this, the faux-blonde frowned pensively before asking, "Now, are you sure I can't convince you to stop by NERV Medical? At least for a quick checkup?"
"No, you can't. And if you ask me that again, you're the one who'll need to have a checkup. Got that?!" Snorting loudly, Misato got to her feet and glared dangerously at the doctor. "Dammit, Rits! Okay, so this isn't exactly a shining moment in my life! But why is everybody giving me such a hard time about it?! It's not like it's my fault!"
"It isn't about you, Misato," Ritsuko informed, wishing she could take satisfaction in the way that her friend's annoyance fell flat. "A lot of stuff's been happening in the city lately, and it hasn't been good."
"Boy, I'll say!" the officer chimed in. "Man, it's bad enough having to clear out the looters we get after the Angels show up! But with the mess this thing made -!"
"Angels? Thing?" Misato broke in, pouncing on the words like a tiger did on its prey. Marching up to the prison bars, she gripped them with such intensity that Ritsuko thought that they might well snap. "Ritsuko, what happened?! Did an Angel attack, or -?!"
"No, no! Nothing like that! It's…" It was then that words failed Ritsuko. She was tired, she was out of it, she was operating on virtually zero sleep, and the booze was catching up to her in a very serious way. "We'll explain on the way home. I promise. Okay?"
Giving her look that would sour milk chocolate, Misato grumbled a few times before saying, "Okay, fine. But this better be one hell of a story, Rits!"
"Trust me, it is," Ritsuko muttered as the officer moved to unlock the cell. Well aware that it was a story that she only knew bits and pieces of. A story she had a bad feeling would get much worse before it finally got better…
Author's Notes: Well, what can I say? When Ritsuko's right, she's right! Please, read and review! And check out my other stories, if you like!
Mike, in an earlier review, you said that the Hulk's powers would be about to the last thing you would have given Misato. Just out of curiosity, what would have been your first choice?
riderkid98, I honestly had never heard of EvaHulk before I started my story, though I guess I shouldn't be surprised that someone else had come up with the idea. Still, thanks for the compliments!
Jess D, I agree with you. Asuka is a permanent member of my Bad List, and Shinji deserves way better than the Red Devil (Even though I'm doing an Asuka/Shinji pairing for the Superwomen of Eva series. Still, I will give her a major personality overhaul in the process!) As for Third Impact…well, let's wait and see, shall we?
One more thing: I'm not planning on making Misato an exact duplicate of the Hulk. Her origin is somewhat different from his, and so her powers will be slightly different as well. Just so you all know.
And now that that's done, it's omake time!
Omake
A final burst of growth ripped through Misato's body, sending the tattered remains of her dress falling to the floor, with the only thing surviving it being her crucifix pendant. It hung tightly about her neck, but there was still enough slack in its string that there was no danger of it snapping. But Misato didn't notice this; her mind was already gone, buried in the darkness of her subconscious. Leaving only the creature she had dreaded for so long to suck in a deep breath, reveling in its newfound freedom, and it's her triumph over her. Roaring its victory, it arched its back and spread its arms out to the side, and…
"Oh, man…" came a voice from seeming out of nowhere. "This is like…wow!"
Stopping in place, the green beast frowned and looked about for the source of the voice. Her wrathful expression turning to one of teasing mischief. "Well, hello there!" she cooed as she stood up straighter, placing her hands to her hips. "I take it all you boys out there are enjoying my very first hulk-out?" A chorus of various affirmatives, as well as a wolf-whistle and other sounds of approval was her immediate answer. "Yeah, I figured as much. And what about the rest of you?" Leaning forward and smiling deviously, the mega-muscle Amazon scrutinized other members of her audience. "Yes, I can see you there, acting all shy and nervous."
A horde of 'uh, wells,' 'oh…that is,' and other stalls and nervous noises were heard from a multitude of other readers. "Aw, you don't have to be ashamed of yourselves! After all, I'm rather enjoying the attention…not to mention this brand-new body of mine!" Then she grinned boisterously before arching her back, allowing her monumental breasts to dance provocatively. "And I just know you are, too!"
"Uh…" came another voice, this one from off to the side. Looking about, the emerald behemoth saw Ritsuko standing there, arching an eyebrow at her. "Misato – She-Hulk – uh, whichever you are now – what do you think you're doing?"
"What's it look like, Rits? I'm working the audience!" she grinned deviously even as she swung about to give said audience a magnificent view of her shapely buttocks. "Oh, yeah! I think I'm going to enjoy these powers!"
"Of course you will," Ritsuko groaned even as several readers passed out with nosebleeds. "And I thought you were impossible before…?"
