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 14: Warzone

The sound of her heart pounding away was filling Rei's ears. Adrenaline and emotion were flooding her being as she raced down the stairs of the abandoned building. The events of this day having come quickly and chaotically, leaving the albino shaken.

Conflict was something Rei was unused to. For much of her life, she was given orders by Commander Ikari, and she would obey. The same held true with the battle with the Angels. She would do what she was told, knowing full well that even her death would not hinder the plans of her creator. For even if she died, she could easily be replaced.

But the events of this day were so beyond her experience that Rei realized that she was shaken. And badly. Things were happening that were so far out of line with her existence and Gendo's plans that she was unable to cope with them.

And she was not alone.

A quick glance at the face of Gendo Ikari was all it took to see the tension that lay there. The frustration, and even a hint of fear. All of these things unleashed because of things were happening which he had no control over.

The very idea of Gendo not being in control of something was an impossible notion for Rei. He had been in control of her, of everything her entire life.

And now, just like that, his control was gone. And all because of two people. Two very unusual people, it was true, but just two people, all the same.

Coming off on the landing, Rei was nearly knocked off her feet when someone collided with her from behind. Stumbling into a wall, the albino looked about for the source of the impact and saw her fellow hostage. A woman, older than Rei, but younger than Gendo. A person whose face was filled with fear, was completely unrelated to NERV, and who had been caught up in this madness for no reason, except perhaps the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And was now in the throes of terror, looking wildly about for any avenue of escape as she flung herself forward.

Looking towards Gendo, her creator, Rei watched him. Followed his lead as he ran as well. In a much more controlled fashion, and yet was far from being in control.

Eventually, the three of them reached the ground level, where the woman once again paused, looking wildly about. "W-which way?!" she asked, desperate for guidance. For reassurance.

Gendo didn't bother responding. He just picked a direction and kept moving, Rei following close behind. When the woman saw them moving, she followed, so overwhelmed that she did not question Gendo's lead. To her, any direction, any lead, was probably better than none.

Fortunately, Gendo's lead turned out to be correct. After passing by several empty rooms in the crumbling building, the three of them emerged onto the streets. The sight of the NERV APV, along with Shinji and the two agents within it, was one that sent waves of relief rippling through Rei's heart.

"Ayanami!" Shinji called out as the girl and the others ran up to the vehicle. Then, almost as an afterthought, he looked at the others present. "Father. And -"

"There's no time to waste here, 3rd Child," Gendo told him bluntly. "We have to get back to the Geofront as soon as possible. Driver!"

"Yes, sir!" spoke the agent at the wheel, giving a terse nod as he spoke.

"But…what about Mi- I mean, She-Hulk?!" Shinji pleaded, eyeing the woman who had come up to them as well. "She's fighting that monster, the Rhino!"

"There's nothing we can do for her here!" Gendo told him brusquely. "Our priority must be getting to the Geofront as quickly as possible!"

"Yes! We have to get out of here!" the woman pleaded desperately.

A protest forming on his face, Shinji then looked reluctantly at the other people there. And though Rei had often had trouble understanding the feelings of others, she had gotten to know Shinji better than most. She knew him to be caring, and while he was worried about Misato, and doubtlessly Spirit as well, he had also realized that they were capable of defending themselves.

The ordinary, unpowered people present there were far more vulnerable. Powerless in this battle of titans.

Shame and self-hatred writing themselves across his face, Shinji finally acceded. "Alright," he muttered. Watching as Gendo led the way into the back of the APV, quickly followed by the woman. Watching as Rei followed.

As the albino stepped up into the APV, she turned about and saw as Shinji cast one final, reluctant look out into the air which held two flying figures, locked in desperate combat. At the city in which two giants were actively seeking each other's destruction. And finally looked at her, his face cold and controlled as he joined the people within the APV and closed the door.

Distraught as the albino was, Shinji's expression scared her even more.


She-Hulk was furious.

The stupid, ugly horn man Shinji had called the Rhino was running fast, plumes of energy spewing from his back, pushing him even faster. She had one hand wrapped about his horn, with her free arm coiled about his neck. Distantly feeling the impact of wall after wall as the Rhino drove her through them, vaguely aware of the air being filling with dust and debris. Dull memories of the girl known as Spirit being in danger, of Shinji wanting her to return to him, fluttered about in her primitive mind.

Her main focus, her entire world at that moment, was the small, ugly pink face of the Rhino, set amidst the metal plates of his armor. A face she dearly wanted to smash.

Bare, green feet digging furrows in the concrete, She-Hulk snarled her hatred as she sought some measure of leverage, some purchase. But the stupid, weak, worthless floor within the dilapidated buildings kept breaking painlessly beneath her. Adding to her frustration. Her rage.

"Well, I have to say this for ya, greenstuff! You sure can take a lot more than my standard date!" Rhino grinned mockingly. His charge finally carrying the two of them free of the building, and back into the streets of Tokyo-3. "But c'mon! Give me a fight! Make this job fun for me!"

Though she was unable to articulate it with words, She-Hulk very much wanted to oblige the Rhino. And when her feet found a rut in the street, one in which her leg sank into, she roared her hatred as she used her newfound leverage to flip the horned monster overhead. Grunting his surprise, the Rhino just looked helplessly at the green beast he had been sent to torment as his own momentum pulled her free of the hole her leg had worked itself into.

Retaining her hold on the Rhino's horn, She-Hulk snarled as she slammed him down to the ground, rearing back with her fist. Eager to smash his stupid little face in.

The Rhino's shoulder plates hissed open, revealing a series of white cylinders. With a burst of fire, two of them exploded forth, catching She-Hulk in the face. Fire, heat, the sound of thunder and scraps of metal filled the beast-woman's eyes, the light and sound hurting her. Causing her to scream in outrage as she shook her head, trying to clear her vision.

"Hey, not bad!" the Rhino chortled as She-Hulk's eyes cleared. The biomechanical horror rising to his feet once more. "Not even a scratch on ya! This might be fun after all!"

The gear-like rings about his wrists spinning to life, the Rhino grinned eagerly as he drove a massive fist into the green Amazon's face. The force of the impact against her jaw, followed by the grinding of the gears against her flesh, ripping the top of her gown apart. The blow was irritating, the noise produced by the machinery infuriating. A sensation that was worsened when the Rhino followed up with another punch, and then another.

"Whoo, tasty bod, bitch!" Rhino cackled as more and more cloth was torn to shreds. "But c'mon! Put 'em up! Show me what you've got!"

This final goad, on top of all the other spurs the Rhino had shot at her, was all the incentive that She-Hulk needed. With a howl of utmost fury, the beast-woman caught the Rhino's armored fist with her left hand. Metal groaning in protest as she squeezed it, she delighted in the shocked expression on the monster's face as she drew back her own right fist, and sent it flying squarely into the Rhino's armored chin.

Grunting in surprise, the Rhino shot up into the air, spinning wildly about as he flew up towards one of the many skyscrapers within Tokyo-3. A series of badly garbled curses escaping his lips before he finally crashed through the wall.

The fury of battle instilled in her blood, She-Hulk coiled her legs muscles and propelled herself into the air. Shooting straight at the building she had just smashed the stupid horn man into, intent on making sure that he stayed smashed.

Her leap carrying her straight to the hole the Rhino had flown in through, the She-Hulk grunted hatefully as she searched for the armored beast within what appeared to be a small office. When the sound of rocks shifting about tickled her ears, she growled menacingly as she looked about, and saw another hole on the far side of the room. Rubble shifting about, she heard the sound of gears and servos working as the Rhino reappeared.

"Whew!" the Rhino grinned. "Lady, I gotta hand it to ya! When the bosses told me about you, I really wasn't sure I believed them! I mean, who'd a thunk a broad could hit that hard?!" His annoying prattle causing the She-Hulk to grit her teeth menacingly, the armored man chuckled menacingly. "And I thought this was gonna be just another boring assignment!"

Once again, the Rhino's shoulder plates split open, spitting out another set of missiles. Having already been on the end of one such attack, the She-Hulk bellowed her rage. The air rippled with the force of her power, slamming into the missiles and ripping them apart in a storm of fire.

Leaping straight at her foe, the She-Hulk leapt forward, driving her knee right into the Rhino's face. She then followed up with a crushing blow to the face. The Rhino was sent smashing backwards through several rooms, but he soon recovered, firing his ion boosters to counter the force of the blow. Charging forward, the horned monstrosity once again tackled the She-Hulk, the beast-woman catching him by the horn as he wrapped his massive arms about her waist.

"Come on, Greenie! Let's take this outside!" the Rhino snarled, the sheer force of his acceleration carrying them out through another wall. With nothing but empty air beneath the both of them, the green and grey beasts grappled mid-air, grunts and snarls of exertion filling the air between them as they finally crashed into another skyscraper. Lacking sufficient momentum to penetrate the wall, they began to tumble down the side of the building, the Rhino using his ion boosters to control their movement.

Spinning about wildly, their feet digging grooves in the side of the building as they continued to battle, Rhino and She-Hulk continued to wrestle at each other, struggling to dominate this battle. Her mind consumed with rage and hatred, the green-skinned Amazon put great power and conviction into her struggles, but the Rhino's ion boosters gave him control of this battle. Pushing them for everything they worth, the horned man directed their full thrust in line with gravity's pull, the two combatants plummeting down to the streets like a pair of missiles.

Completely tangled together, the two beasts crashed into the concrete, sending shards of synthetic stone flying from the crater they created. There was silence for a time until the rubble of the shattered street began to shift about, and a massive horn and a great, green fist rose into the sun.

"Man, Ikari sure built you to be tough, bitch!" Rhino growled as he unearthed himself.

Growling hatefully as she emerged, She-Hulk stared at her enemy. "Horn man can't hurt She-Hulk," the jade giantess snarled. "She-Hulk strongest one there is!"

"You ain't got no brains, green stuff! But that damned body sure makes up for it!" Rhino chortled, looking at the ragged remains of the medical gown that still hung about her. "C'mon! Let's do this! I gotta polish my horn after I'm done kicking that sweet butt of yours!"

Once again igniting his ion boosters, the Rhino charged in, pushing She-Hulk out of the crater. This time, the emerald savage was able to dig into the ground, and the two of them grappled at each other as the Rhino pushed forward. Using his motion to his advantage, the horned monster grabbed hold of She-Hulk's head, and was able to slam her down into the ground, the impact sending destructive shockwaves through the streets. The very field upon the two of them was battling breaking apart from the intensity of their struggles.

Sneering at the Rhino's efforts, her rage growing exponentially and her strength growing alongside it, the She-Hulk grabbed hold of his wrists and worked her legs up beneath him. Firing off a kick with the most powerful muscles of all, the green beast shot him up and off of her. Getting back to her feet, the beast-woman charged after the Rhino, and the two of them once again battled for supremacy.


Her wings flapping hard, Spirit strove to gain altitude, even as the mechanical wings of the Grey Gargoyle filled her ears. Sounds of chaos and destruction from a more distant place reverberating in her ears.

"Well, it sounds like the Rhino is enjoying himself to the fullest, eh?" the Grey Gargoyle commented. "And to think he was worried that this She-Hulk might not be able to provide him with suitable amusement!"

"Trust me, she's gonna do more than amuse him!" Spirit countered grimly. Ghosts of the pain she had suffered at Misato's mutated hands returning to her mind even as she looked down at her enemy. "If I were you, I'd be a bit more worried about myself!"

"My sentiments, exactly, Spirit!" Grey Gargoyle grinned wickedly. "You shall soon wish that you had abandoned your heroic efforts some time ago. Once I have left you battered and broken before me. Completely at my mercy."

Grimacing in revulsion, Spirit gathered up two spheres of power within her hands. "Sorry, pal! You're not my type!" the winged heroine declared, firing off a cross-blast at her stony antagonist.

Quickly dodging the destructive bolt, allowing it to split open one of the abandoned buildings below, the Grey Gargoyle chortled menacingly. "A good effort, but you are not the only one capable of ranged attacks, my dear!" the stone menace grated as he shot up towards her. Spirit countered with another cross-blast, but the Grey Gargoyle easily spun out of its way.

"My turn, little girl!" the Grey Gargoyle sneered. Coiled, metallic spikes then appeared from his wings, spikes which then launched directly at Spirit. The winged adventuress reacted instantly, raising her AT-Field while beating her wings, trying to get into a better position to counterattack.

Spirit soon realized that she was fortunate to have moved when she had, for the strange spikes tore through her AT-Field without resistance, and would have run her through had she not avoided them. Gasping at how close she had come, she then returned her attention to the source of the attack.

"Like my arsenal, little girl?" the Grey Gargoyle asked mockingly. "As you can well imagine, I was most appreciative of my employers providing me with weapons that can penetrate your AT-Field. Quite impressive, eh?"

Frowning at the realization that the level of danger had just gone up, Spirit looked hard at her enemy. "Maybe, but you'll run out of those things sooner or later!"

"Hmm, perhaps…but I can promise you this," the Grey Gargoyle sneered as he soared closer to his prey. "Even if that were to happen, you would most certainly not be alive to take advantage of such an occurrence!"

Gearing up to fire another cross-blast, Spirit's eyes widened in horror as the stone terror closed the span between the two of them. Giving another strong flap of her wings, the teenage heroine tried to distance herself from the Grey Gargoyle, only to find that his mechanical wings gave him speed superior to her own. His claws spread, the granite marauder swiped at the girl, slashing through her AT-Field and catching her across the arm.

"Argh!" Spirit growled, beating her wings as her adversary shot past her. Realizing that the Grey Gargoyle's speed came at the expense of maneuverability, the winged girl readied to fire at him. Only to gasp in horror as scales of stone began to spread from her wound.

"No!" Spirit cried out, using her free hand to grab at the ossifying flesh, screaming in greater pain as more bright red blood began to pour from the widening injury.

Rei was right! This creep can turn people to stone, just by touching them! Spirit thought rapidly, giving further groans of pain as she ripped away more and more skin. Once that last of the contaminated flesh was peeled away, the wound began to heal. Spirit didn't have time to watch this happen, for she looked up, and gasped as the Grey Gargoyle once again brought his claws to bear.

Folding her wings and diving, Spirit aimed for an alley below. I can't let him get close! the girl thought fearfully. His weapons are designed to punch right through my AT-Field! And if he gets me bad enough, I'll turn into a statue and fall like a rock!

The image of a solid stone version herself shattering upon the streets coming unbidden to her mind's eye, Spirit forced down the fear and pushed her wings for all they were worth. Her eyes darting wildly about as she scanned the buildings bordering the alley. Spying a broken window, the winged girl flung herself through it even as further spikes lashed out through the air.

Coming to her feet, Spirit gathered another sphere of hot white energy in her hand as she turned to look through the window. Waiting for the Grey Gargoyle to appear so she could give him a taste of her own power.

Then Spirit was sent sprawling as her ears were filled with the sound of wood and plaster being shattered, moments before she was pelted with debris from above! Her eyes watering at the dust-filled air, the girl watched as a stony figure fell upon her. "I see you had no tactical training before embarking in this line of work!" the Grey Gargoyle asked rhetorically as he grabbed hold of the girl's wing. "Unlike myself, of course!"

"Yeah, well, it's a good thing I'm a fast learner!" Spirit countered, performing a sweeping kick at her antagonist's leg. Driving his feet out from under, she then got back to her feet, firing a cross-blast squarely at the Grey Gargoyle.

Then, with a sinking heart, she realized that her wing was quickly stiffening. Looking over her shoulder, Spirit confirmed her dread suspicions as she saw that her wing was shifting from white to stone grey.

"A noble effort, girl, but all in vain!" the Grey Gargoyle sneered, charging towards her with his claws flashing in the dim light. "Soon, you will be a stone statue, and I'm afraid you won't be able to save yourself just by plucking out a few feathers!"

Gritting her teeth in hatred and anticipation, Spirit wrapped both her hands about the fossilizing appendage. "Then I'll just have to tear even more out!" she growled, only to howl in pain as she pulled with all her might. The transformed section of her wing breaking away from the normal flesh, sending blood spraying from the newly opened wound. Tears falling from her eyes as she glared at the enemy that had corrupted her very flesh and blood, Spirit did not wait for her body to regenerate. Even as a new wing was springing up from the gore, the costumed teenager swung the stone appendage like it was a baseball bat, catching the Grey Gargoyle right across the chest.

"Damn you!" Spirit growled, the ghost of her pain continuing to spur her fury to greater heights. She swung the petrified wing again and again, each strike backing the Grey Gargoyle even further away. "Do you have any idea how much that hurt?!"

Raising the stone wing above her head, Spirit then threw it at the rock-like monster that had caused her so much pain, sending him flying into the next room. Not even waiting for him to recover, the girl brought her hands together, a massive sphere of light resolving into existence.

"I don't know what creeps sent you, and right now, I don't really care!" Spirit howled as the light grew in intensity. "Just tell them to stay out of Tokyo-3, or they'll get this!"

With this declaration, Spirit unleashed all of her pent-up energy in the form of a massive blast with fiery wings and a ring of power around the front. His eyes wide in terror, the Grey Gargoyle could do nothing to ward off the Halo Wave as it smashed into him. The destructive force of the blast carried the stone horror through wall after wall, leaving the dilapidated building shattered until he finally flew out the other side. Screaming in horror and pain, his stone hide back cracked, the stone horror flew down several blocks of Tokyo-3 before impacting upon the streets.

As the Grey Gargoyle scraped across the streets, sparks and flecks of stone spraying from his body before he finally ground to a halt. Several seconds passed as the dust settled from his flight, leaving him able to only groan dazedly as he brought his hand to his temple. I certainly hope Rhino is doing better than I am, the rock monster thought wearily as stars and comets flew past his eyes. If not…our superiors will be rather unhappy...


Okay! I knew this broad was supposed to be strong, but this is too much! the Rhino growled inwardly as he charged at his prey. The decrepit neighborhood that was their battlefield sundered by the onslaught of the two beasts, the horned man employing his ion boosters in an effort to get within punching range of his adversary.

During the course of their battle, they had exchanged various attacks, with the Rhino's armor and She-Hulk's green hide absorbing the punishment without consequence. A battle that had carried them from neighborhood to neighborhood, leaving buildings shattered and streets in ruins.

After once again being sent flying by another massive punch from the green beast, the Rhino decided that enough was enough. Time to put his horn to work and put an end to all of the fun and games. The only problems were that the She-Hulk saw him coming, and decided it might be best to address her foe from a distance. So the green beast had decided to pick up the nearest available object and toss it at her enemy.

Which just happened to be an empty ten story building.

Watching in stunned disbelief, the Rhino had watched as She-Hulk dug her fingers into the concrete, taking hold of the building's foundation. A definite qualm taking form in his stomach as he watched the beast woman growl, concrete crumbling and steel twisting in her hands as she hauled the building up and above her head. Which was when the Rhino put on all the speed he could summon to work. Only to have the qualm grow three additional sizes as the green-skinned Amazon tossed the building like it was a feather.

His eyes bulging at the sight of untold tons of building setting to impact on top of him, the Rhino veered off to the side of the street, hugging the fronts of the buildings as the She-Hulk's impromptu projectile split like an overripe melon on the streets, filling the air with clouds of destruction.

"You're all mine now, Greenie!" the Rhino snarled, his horn glinting menacingly as he aim it squarely for the She-Hulk's exposed breasts.

The beast woman's response to this declaration was to roar hatefully, raising her fists overhead. She then brought them down on the streets, striking with all the savage might of her rage. All of Tokyo-3 felt her wrath as the entire city quaked, with the ground between her and the Rhino shattered. Unable to shut off his ion boosters in time, the Rhino was driven into the crevasse, and while it was certainly deep, it was narrow enough that he only sank up to his armpits.

"Damn!" he exclaimed, unable to believe his predicament as he scrabbled up to the side. Only to once again be stopped by a snarling she-beast out for his blood.

Her bare feet smacking against the concrete, exercising enough caution so as to avoid the same predicament her foe had fallen prey to, the She-Hulk rushed up to the Rhino. "Smash!" she cried out, once again raising her fists, swinging down with all her might. But the Rhino managed to shift about within the crevasse, falling forward and avoiding the blow while latching onto one of her wrists.

Grimacing at this, the savage beast-woman reacted impulsively, withdrawing her arm and pulling Rhino free of his predicament in the process. "Gotcha!" the armored monster grated as he regained his footing, and rewarded the She-Hulk with a punch to the jaw. Momentarily staggered by the blow, she quickly recovered and wrapped her brawny fingers about her foe's neck.

Claws of fear slowly squeezing his heart at the sound of armored plates crumpling, the Rhino tried to force his foe back, one hand finding its way to the beast-woman's chin while his free hand tried to find another handhold to help him fight back. She-Hulk not dissuaded by his efforts, the horned monster finally was able to grab on with his other hand, pushing as hard as he could.

The result was astonishing. Not only did the She-Hulk stop trying to squeeze the very life from him, but her eyes went wide as her mouth fell open. A surprised grunt escaping her lips as she looked down. His mind emptied by his confusion, the Rhino followed her gaze. Only to gulp in fear as he saw that his hand was securely planted about something large, soft, and resilient.

Giving an involuntary squeeze to the green beast's jug, Rhino looked up again. And found his gaze met by two green irises, blazing with mindless fury. She-Hulk sucked in several hateful breaths, and to the Rhino's horror, each inhalation caused her body to pulse, her muscles expanding further right before his very eyes.

"Aw, damn…!" Rhino squeaked out. Just before a green fist fueled by a power far exceeding that of an N2 slammed into him. Reeling in pain, the horned marauder was sent tumbling down the streets, only to crash through the wall of one of the skyscrapers.

Dazed, his body on fire with pain, the Rhino lay in the darkness of the structure, gazing dizzily upwards. Somewhere between consciousness and unconsciousness, fully aware that it would be a very good idea to get to his feet and prepare himself in case the She-Hulk decided to give him further demonstrations of her ire. However, despite be aware of this and that his life was surely in jeopardy, knowing this and having enough strength of body and mind to act on this were two very different things. And there was a substantial distance between the two.

As he struggled to get up the gumption to do so, his body aching and his armor groaning in protest of every movement he made, the Rhino was then interrupted by heavy breathing as a set of large, bare feet padded into the enclosure. Feeling a chill run down his spine, the armored monster looked up to see an even more dangerous creature standing before him.

Losing no time, the She-Hulk stomped up to her adversary and hefted him one by hand. Rearing back her free hand, she snarled hatefully before driving in a punch that left the Rhino reeling in agony. She punched him again and again, until the section of armor the savage she-beast was using as a handhold gave way. It remained in her hand while her latest punch lifted the Rhino through several layers of steel, his horn aiding in his ascent by tearing through the metal.

Ripping through one final ceiling, the Rhino collided with the one just above it, only to bounce off of it and fall back to the floor of that chamber. Rolling about the floor, the horned man groaned miserably.

"And I thought this was gonna be a fun, easy assignment?" the Rhino croaked miserably as he got to his feet, the room spinning about him. "Looks like it's time for me to drop the male chauvinist crap, and – huh?"

Blinking rapidly in the dark of the room, the Rhino's mouth fell open as he saw a series of objects surrounding him. Large, cylindrical shapes that ended in deadly tips pointed towards the ceiling. Each of the objects was marked with a serial number of some kind, and while the Rhino was no expert on such things, he knew a missile when he saw one. And he was presently surrounded by the harbingers of destruction.

Oh, right. I remember now, the Rhino thought in a garbled fashion. Tokyo-3 is like this big fortress for fighting Angels. So of course it would be loaded with…

In that instant, the normally dull thinking processes of the Rhino shifted into high gear. And something very much resembling a plan resolved into being. Just in time for the She-Hulk to leap through the hole in the floor.

Coming to her feet and flexing her muscle-laden arms, the She-Hulk roared her fury. Making it abundantly clear that, while she had no problem prancing about in overly revealing rags, she did not appreciate someone groping her breasts without permission. And she was definitely intent on giving the Rhino even further lessons on the subject.

Smiling wickedly, the Rhino glared at the green-skinned Amazon as she stomped closer. Wrapping his arms about one of the missiles, he grunted with effort as he wrenched the cylinder of death from its berth. Turning about to look at the She-Hulk, he took in the way she surveyed the large object. Her primitive mind trying to make sense of the Rhino's actions.

You're gonna be wishing that Ikari gave you bigger brains, Greenie! Rhino cackled within his own mind. Gently tossing the missile squarely into She-Hulk's arms, watching as something akin to realization sparked within her eyes. Once up you're up on some cloud, giving heaven the same kinda hell you've been giving me!

With that thought, the Rhino brought his entire remaining arsenal to bear, unleashing missiles and bullets throughout the entire room before igniting his ion boosters. Turning on his heel, the horned monster ripped through the wall and plunged into the air, even as a series of explosions rocked the building, the entire arsenal held within exploding.

Landing on his feet, a crater forming from the impact, the Rhino turned and looked up and smiled. The top of the entire skyscraper had exploded into a plume of fire and destruction, a massive cloud of smoke belching up into the air as debris were sent flying across the city.

"Ha! Take that, ya dumb broad!" the Rhino sneered, bringing up his fists in triumph. "Yeah, and maybe now, people won't think that the Rhino is so stupid! I -!"

Caught in mid-gloat, the Rhino's eyes popped out of their sockets as he spotted something. For a moment, he told himself that he couldn't possibly be seeing that which his eyes were telling him he was seeing. That it simply wasn't possible that he was seeing a large, completely nude woman falling towards him, her green skin darkly stained from the smoke. That she couldn't possibly land just a few feet away from him, resulting in a crater of her own.

Finally, all denial fell in the face of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, leaving the Rhino standing stock-still in horror. "No…" he moaned, unable to believe what he was seeing. He was wearing the most technologically advanced armor the world had ever produced, his body had been subjected to various forms of genetic manipulation and physiological enhancement. He was the end product of many years of research in the field human performance enhancement. And this day, both flesh and machine had been bludgeoned to the breaking point and beyond, while the green beast that had caused it lay before him. Apparently intact, and already getting to her feet.

Even as all hope abandoned him, the Rhino noticed something strange. She-Hulk was groaning as she staggered to her feet, her voice carrying the telltale sounds of pain as she shook her head miserably.

Whew! It's about time you started showing some hurting! the Rhino thought, actually feeling some relief despite his ragged condition. A laugh working its way through to his mouth, he just stood there watching as the She-Hulk stood hunched over. That's right, bitch! It's all over for you! I'm gonna -!

She-Hulk then flung herself into the standing position, the sound of vertebrae cracking echoing through the city. A long sigh of relief escaping her lips as she wobbled on her feet, still shaking her head.

The Rhino's jaw immediately clattered to the ground. His mind was completely emptied by the realization that the She-Hulk had just taken the explosive might of God knew how many missiles and all she had to show for it was a case of the dizzies and a kink in her back.

"No…" the Rhino groaned, taking an involuntary step forward. Another step followed as he shook his head, watching his foe recover. Not such much as scratch adorning the She-Hulk's body. Another step came as the Rhino thought of all the abuse he had been subjected to that day, his armor creaking badly even as he moved. "No!" he shouted more forcefully, increasing his pace, his fear giving way to frustration, and then finally, his mind was emptied by fury.

His ion boosters once again igniting, spitting out a blue inferno, the Rhino leapt forward. "I've had it with you, bitch!" he snarled as he rocketed forward, giving full power to the progressive lance that was his horn. Feeling the weapon's ultrasonic whir, the coiled metal glinted in the sun's light ominously as the Rhino bore down on his enemy. She-Hulk recovering her equilibrium just in time to watch the Rhino ram right into her, his horn catching her in the stomach.

Screeching in pain, She-Hulk was unable to stop herself as her enemy Rhino rammed her into another building, catching her against the wall. Roaring her outrage, the Amazonian destroyer brought her fists down on the Rhino's head, dislodging his horn. She then shoved the Rhino away, sending him to flop down on his back several meters distant.

Struggling to get back to his feet, the Rhino surveyed his prey, and for a moment was heartened by the sight of blood decorating the She-Hulk's twenty-four-pack abs. Then he frowned as three things occurred to him. One was that he had declared victory for himself a couple times already that day, only to be taken by surprise. The second was that the wound he had marked the She-Hulk with relatively small, and certainly not a serious impediment. The third was that the wound then closed up right before his eyes in less than a second, leaving only a trace of blood to be seen.

As far as the Rhino was concerned, this was the last straw. While not the brightest bulb in the bunch, he was smart enough to recognize when the time had come to cut his losses, and that time was now. Lighting up his ion boosters, the horned monster turned on his heel and began to run for his life.

"Gargoyle, come in! It's me! Rhino!" the horned monster cried out over his comlink. Only to gulp as he heard a large impact behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw She-Hulk behind him, coming down in another crater, only to gather herself and leap again. She soon flew out of his field of vision, but the Rhino knew enough to realize that altering his course might be a good idea.

Turning right down the streets, the Rhino was interrupted by his comlink crackling with a response. "Grey Gargoyle here, Rhino. Dare I hope that you are meeting with greater success than I have been enjoying?"

"Oh, I wish!" the Rhino answered, wincing at the sound of another impact. "I've been giving that bitch everything I've got, and she ain't even close to calling it quits! She's after me right now!"

"You can't hide from She-Hulk!" the savage she-beast roared in a guttural, wrathful voice.

"Yes, so I can hear!" the Grey Gargoyle commented. "And Spirit has also proven to be…unexpectedly resilient."

"Aw, damn!" Rhino grumbled, thinking of the frail wisp of a girl he had seen on the roof. The fact that she was apparently giving his partner such a hard time did not make him feel good. "Since when did broads get so tough, anyway?!"

"In any case, I am not yet prepared to wave the white flag of surrender," the Grey Gargoyle informed his partner. "How fortunate I was able to put a backup plan in place. In case we met with…unexpected resistance."

"Oh, right," the Rhino muttered. Backup plans were a good thing to have, and they usually involved the tried and true traditional methods of the field. Hostages, extortion, threats, fun stuff like that. Then he frowned unhappily. "Are you sure the boys can find the targets?"

"Easily," the Grey Gargoyle informed his partner. "Don't forget that my touch has some very…unique properties, eh?"

Rhino snorted knowingly. He was fully aware of what the Grey Gargoyle meant. How even after it was destroyed, his nano-virus remained within the bloodstream of his victims for a long time afterwards. And emitted a highly unique and narrow energy signature. Almost impossible to detect unless you knew what you were looking for, but easy as hell to trace once found.

Wincing as another penetrating roar shot through his consciousness, the Rhino picked up his pace. "Just tell me where to go already! I've got better things to do today than die!" the horned man growled. When the comlink clicked off, the Rhino shook his head unhappily. "Damn! I can practically hear that girl Spirit laughing her ass off right now!"


"Can't this thing go any faster?" the young woman asked fearfully. Rubbing her own arms as she looked at the other occupants of the APV.

Shinji just looked at the poor lady sympathetically. She was clearly scared out of her mind, and with good reason. "Oh, don't worry, miss. We're just a couple blocks away from the Geofront," the boy informed her brightly. "We'll be okay, uh…"

Blinking, the young woman nodded at the boy. "The name's Junko," she told him meekly. "Junko Marishima."

"Oh. Um…nice to meet you, Junko," Shinji murmured meekly. The woman sitting before him had a very plain appearance. A face that was just a face, the kind of person who wouldn't stick out even in an empty room, and everything else about her was average. "I really am…sorry about everything that's happened today. Really."

A wistful smile ghosting her lips, Junko shook her head. "Not as sorry as I am, I'll bet," she muttered, shaking her head as she darted a glance out of the window. Then she sighed wearily. "Look, I'm – I'm sorry to be like this, but -!"

"Oh, don't worry about it," Shinji replied earnestly. "I mean…anybody would be scared after something like this. Right, Ayanami?"

"Yes," Rei spoke. Displaying not even a whiff of fear, while Gendo sat right next to her, his arms folded across his chest.

Okay. I…guess that's not such a good example, Shinji thought ruefully, a drop of sweat appearing on his brow.

Clearing his throat as he tried to salvage the situation, Shinji looked at the two females occupying the APV. "Anyway, we're all alive, right?" he said. "And we'll be safe soon. We just have to -!"

Shinji's next word was obliterated by the sound of a tire exploding. The APV gave a sickening lurch as the driver spun the wheel about. "Hang on!" the other agent called out, following his own advice as he grabbed hold of the dash.

Crying out in terror, Junko grabbed hold of her seat as the transport vehicle ground to a halt. Shinji and Rei did their best to stabilize themselves while Gendo looked out the windows. Already searching for some clue as to what was happening.

"Oh, God! We're dead! We're dead, we're dead, we're -!" Junko cried out, holding up her arms before her face.

"Be silent and quit that sniveling," Gendo muttered as he got to his feet. While Shinji directed a disdainful glance at his father, the elder Ikari directed his attention to the driver. "What happened? Did the tire just blow out?"

"I don't think so, sir," the agent at the wheel replied grimly. "We've got company."

Before he had a chance to ask what the agent meant, a Shinji flinched at the sound of Junko gasping in terror. Looking at the fearful woman, the boy then followed her gaze to the window, only to have his eyes balloon out of their sockets. Just outside the window, several men in black garments were surrounding the APV. Each of them was in a battle-ready stance and cradled a machine gun, which was aimed at the vehicle.

Feeling a wave of fear washing over his skin, Shinji looked at the others. "What now?" the boy asked, his face begging for an answer.

Several moments passed before the boy was answered. "Get Captain Chiron on the line," Gendo ordered. "Tell him to dispatch every agent he has to this location. Have them fully armed and ready to engage the hostiles."

"They're gonna kill us…" Junko whimpered, her entire body trembling like a leaf.

"No," Gendo rumbled, his eyes slits set against his face. "They aren't here to kill us. Just to make sure we don't go anywhere for a while." When the others there looked at him, the Commander of NERV growled deep within his throat. "I'm sure they're holding us here…for others to deal with."

Her face falling with fear, Junko let go a whine as Shinji blanched. Though he was no tactical expert, the boy knew what his father meant. And what was soon to come.

Even as this dread thought filled his mind, another sound penetrated Shinji's ears. A mechanical roar that he instantly recognized, sending the boy's heart clear into his throat, even before the tramp of doom became clear as well. Before anyone could react, the side of the APV was ripped open as a massive horn of coiled metal burst through the side. The entire vehicle shifted to its side, the wheels crumpling beneath it as the occupants cried out.

As everyone fell to the floor, Shinji felt a wave of disorientation take him, the boy looking wonderingly about as he tried to make sense of everything. His attention was then riveted by a groan of intense pain. Blinking rapidly, Shinji searched for the source of the groans, only to gasp as he saw Gendo lying on his side, cradling his right arm. Examining the long gash that had been torn in both the fabric of his uniform and in his flesh and blood.

"Father!" the boy cried out. Before another word could escape his lips, two sets of fingers also tore through the side of the armored vehicle. While Junko was screaming in terror, the Rhino issued a grunt of effort before ripping open the vehicle and glaring hatefully at its occupants.

"Come here, you!" the Rhino snarled, reaching in with his massive hands to snag both Shinji and Rei. The two children struggled in vain to escape, only to be lifted into the air and dangled before the biomechanical monstrosity's face. "That's right, little girl! You're back on hostage duty again!"

"Let her go!" Shinji cried out, staring daggers at the monster that dangled him about, leaving him kicking about at thin air. Utterly powerless to defend himself or the girl he considered to be his friend.

"Hey there, kiddo!" the Rhino grinned, gladly shaking Shinji about. His smile deepening at the expression of helplessness that tinged the boy's features. "Damn, I'm sure glad to be seeing you right now! And you know something else? I'm betting that that big, green lady friend of yours will be even happier!"

Sucking in a quick breath, Shinji continued to hang there. His arm aching from all the weight that was being placed on it, not to mention from the pressure the Rhino's grasp was subjecting him to. But his pain was nothing compared to the anger and concern welling up within him. "Where is she?!" Shinji demanded, his young voice quaking beneath his fury. "If you've hurt her -!"

"Relax, kid! The green lady's okay!" the Rhino muttered bitterly. To Shinji's surprise, the tone of the horned man's voice made him think of Asuka, of how she had reacted after the failed first battle with the 7th Angel. The humiliation, the frustration that had been plain in the redhead's very being, these things were all seen in the Rhino's face, were heard in his voice.

Then Shinji looked more carefully at the Rhino. At the condition of his armor, and the swelling mounds on his face. Knowing the face of a defeated man when he saw it, the boy couldn't help but smile. Misato, you're incredible…

Then he heard a familiar roar off in the distance. A roar that made the smile on Shinji's face deepen, taking on an almost sadistic caste. "That sounds like her right now," the boy said. Savoring the dark fear that shadowed the Rhino's face. The knowledge that this monster was afraid almost taking away the pain and fear inherent in his situation.

"Yeah, and you're gonna be right here to help me greet her!" the Rhino snarled as a familiar figure was seen leaping across the skyline. Falling out of sight, only to reappear once again until she finally impacted upon the street they were in. A crater forming as the green she-beast glared at them, her eyes boring wrathfully into the Rhino's tiny orbs.

"Oh, no! That thing's back as well?!" Junko shrilled, even as the troops surrounding the shattered APV backed away, noises of fear escaping them.

What?! Shinji couldn't help but think at this. The thought of someone referring to his Misato as a thing…

Then She-Hulk flexed her arms, roaring her fury down the streets before she began stomping towards the Rhino. As she moved forward, Shinji felt twin waves of relief and embarrassment hit him at once. On the one hand, Misato was now completely nude, save for a layer of grime that completely failed to hide her ample curves and luscious figure. A figure that had the boy's cheeks coloring somewhat. However, this sensation was vastly overpowered by the fact that there wasn't any sign of injury to her. No sign that she was hurt, or anything other than supremely pissed off.

"Hey, hold it right there, ya dumb, green bitch!" the Rhino growled, dangling the two children before him. Both Shinji and Rei letting out noises of discomfort as they swung about helplessly from the horned monster's merciless grip. "You see these kids here?! Well, one more step, and I pop them open like a couple cans of soda!"

Though Shinji wasn't sure if She-Hulk understood the exact meaning of the Rhino's words, it was quite obvious that she comprehended the tone with which they were spoken. Halting her forward trek, the savage she-beast narrowed her eyes, a low growl echoing in her throat. "Let Shinji and Rei go, horn man!" she snarled, her words clumsy but filled with menace. "Let go now!"

"Naw, I don't think I will!" the Rhino told her mockingly. "In fact, I think these little twerps and I are gonna be going on a little road trip!" When She-Hulk growled hatefully, her fists tightening, the armored obscenity chuckled at her helplessness. "And if you know what's good for these two, you ain't gonna be following me! Got it?!"

Her features twisting with further hatred, She-Hulk snorted and looked up in surprise. The change in the beast-woman's posture taking the Rhino by surprise. Then a voice Shinji didn't recognize was heard. "Look out!" someone cried. When the Rhino turned to see what was going on, the boy gasped as he watched Spirit descend upon the ruined APV. The winged heroine came to stand before both Gendo and Junko, spreading her wings defiantly.

"You're back!" Junko cried, practically swooning in relief. Only to once again freeze as the commandos surrounding the APV brought their weapons to bear. "Please, you have to save us!"

"Don't worry, I will," Spirit assured the woman. Then she shot a cocky grin at the elder Ikari before addressing the commandoes. "Well, boys? Are you feeling lucky?" As winged adventuress spoke, she raised her AT-Field, and formed a ball of energy in her hand, gesturing at the aggressors. Daring them to try and attack.

Apparently, none of them were feeling particularly lucky. It was bad enough having She-Hulk nearby, a fair distance away and with about half a ton of Rhino between them and her. Having another superwoman standing even closer by, with no protective barriers separating her from them as well was a situation somewhat outside their pay grade. Each and every one of the commandos began to back away, only to break into a flat-out retreat.

"Hey, get back here!" the Rhino ordered. His words fell on deaf ears, however, and soon there was no sign of the troops that had once supported him. Rumbling in disgust, the biomechanical beast shot an accusatory look at the winged girl that had frightened away his forces. "I don't believe this! What's going on here?! How'd you find me, anyway?!"

"Let me give you a piece of advice, jerk," Spirit called out, her crimson eyes sparking beneath her mask. "The next time you want to take hostages, don't make such a scene of it. I heard you running around down here a couple blocks away!" Scowling hideously, the Rhino glared as the winged girl's lips curled laughingly. "So…did you manage to knock She-Hulk down with that one punch yet? Or are you still having fun playing with her?"

"Hey, watch it, bitch! Unless you want to see me turn these little brats into chunky salsa!" the Rhino grated, shaking the two Children about in his hands. "And don't think that I won't do it, because I will!"

Her mouth twisting about as she examined her foe, Spirit finally shook her head. "No, I don't think so. Not unless you're even dumber than I thought!"

"What'd you just say?!" Rhino demanded.

"You see, I watch plenty of crime dramas and anime on TV, and I've seen plenty of scenes just like this," Spirit explained slowly, her tone making it abundantly clear what she thought of the Rhino's intellectual capacity. "Bad guy gets in a bad spot, so he grabs a hostage or two, and starts making demands for his escape. And if he doesn't get his way, he threatens to kill the hostages. Just like you're doing right now." Taking a moment to shake her head derisively as her line of thought sank in, the Angelic heroine looked at the mangled Rhino. "However, there's just a few problems with that idea."

"Oh, yeah?" Rhino sneered. "What kinda problems?!"

"Well, where do I begin?" Spirit started, rolling her eyes up towards the sky. "For starters, there's the fact that, if you kill the hostages, then you have nothing to stop She-Hulk and me from tearing you apart. Especially since she's already done a pretty good job of that already." Practically seeing how hard his masked friend had to fight to keep from laughing, Shinji found his own restraint challenged. "And do you honestly think that NERV will actually allow you to escape with a couple of Eva pilots? Do you?"

"Well...it's not like I was planning on keeping 'em," Rhino retorted, some of his bravado slipping away. Then he reinforced it with even more ferocity. "Anyway, the way I see, that's even more reason for them to want these punks back in one piece. After all…without them, those oversized hunks of tin are useless, right?"

"Which brings us to problem number three. Namely, where are you planning to go from here, anyway?" Spirit asked reasonably. "I mean, look at you! You can't exactly fade into a crowd and disappear! And how do you expect to escape satellite detection?" His tiny eyes blinking as these cold, hard facts pounded into his armored skull, the Rhino could only stand there as the winged girl concluded her lecture. "Face it, jerk. You've lost this round. All you can really do is make things worse for yourself. Now, maybe if you set those kids down now, we might be able to get She-Hulk to let you off with just a light beating."

Time passed silently as the two superwomen gazed at the Rhino, who was slowly collapsing beneath Spirit's logic and the sound of She-Hulk cracking her knuckles. A silence that was finally broken for the Rhino and his two captives as his comlink came online again.

"Ah, Rhino!" came a mocking voice. "I see you've gotten yourself into quite the predicament!"

"Gargoyle! Where the hell are you, anyway?!" the Rhino demanded, fear and anger mixed in his roar. "Listen, I've got the hostages, but I've got Spirit and She-Hulk on my case and the troops cut out on me! I need backup, and I mean right freakin' now!" To the surprise of both Shinji and his captor, the response that the Rhino got was a low, mocking laugh. His features contorting with annoyance, the horned man growled, "Hey! This isn't funny!"

"Oh, but is very funny indeed. The fact that you still haven't figured out the role you have just played is quite amusing for me," the Grey Gargoyle laughed. "Truly, you were not brought into the organization on the weight of your intellectual properties."

"W-what are you talking about?!" the Rhino demanded, his veneer of toughness crumbling like his armor.

"Well, to be very blunt about it, my good comrade, the reason I sent you on that fool's errand was so that you would attract the attention of our foes. The one thing you have always been very good at," the Grey Gargoyle went on. "Which is why it is you who presently stands surrounded and alone, instead of me."

His eyes shifting about wildly in their sockets, the Rhino flushed with rage. "Hey, what's the deal here?! Where the hell are you, anyway?!"

"Me? I am presently several miles distant from Tokyo-3, and all thanks to you and our troops providing NERV with such an effective diversion," the Grey Gargoyle explained mockingly. "I must thank you, my dear partner. I could never have made it without you."

His mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, the Rhino then shook his head before regaining himself. "B-but what about me?! What am I supposed to do here?!"

"You?" the Grey Gargoyle asked. "You, my dear partner, are about to die a gloriously spectacular death, courtesy of the self-destruct mechanism built into your armor."

A dread chill falling on Shinji, the boy was then jerked about in the Rhino's grip as the monster's armor crackled and groaned before finally going limp, sending him to fall to his knees. Shinji then tumbled on the streets, recovering in time to see Rei suffer a similar fate. Then the boy's attention was drawn by the strangled cry of the Rhino, and more importantly, the expression of horror on his face.

The expression of abandonment, of betrayal. And of absolute powerlessness.

"No! No!" the Rhino screamed as the horror of it all fell down upon him. His armor surging with electricity, sending agony screaming through the horned man's body, sparks snapping at anything that happened to be close. "You can't do this to me!"

"I'm afraid I just did, my good friend. Let us hope that you are more impressive in the next life than you were in this one, eh?" the Grey Gargoyle cackled. "I so look forward to working with your…replacement."

As this last goad sent the Rhino screaming, Shinji recovered enough to look towards She-Hulk. "Misato! Hurry! The Rhino's armor is gonna explode any second!" She gave a nod and a grunt in answer as she rushed up to them.

"Here, I'll help!" Spirit called out. When Shinji turned to look, he saw the winged girl flutter down beside him, a look of grim determination on her face.

"But you can't touch him!" Shinji protested, gesturing at the electrical arcs surrounding the Rhino's body.

"Maybe not, but I can still shield the rest of you!" Spirit informed him. "Now get back! I don't know how long we have until this thing goes!"

Standing helplessly as he looked at his masked friend, Shinji felt a hand wrapped around his arm. "Ikari-kun, come," Rei murmured when Shinji turned to look at her. "There is nothing we can do."

Though Shinji knew the albino to be right, he still felt his stomach churning at his helplessness. His utter and absolute powerlessness in this battle that could only be fought and won by the titans surrounding him. When this feeling forced him to look at the superwomen, his mournful gaze was met by Spirit's kindly smile and She-Hulk's own concerned expression.

"Shinji, Rei, go," She-Hulk rumbled. "No get hurt. Go."

This last bit of incentive being all he needed, Shinji nodded and allowed Rei to escort him away. As the two children ran, the boy looked over his shoulder. Spirit had already spread her AT-Field, which was visible as the sparks of electricity landed upon it, even as She-Hulk went to work. The jade giantess snarled as she tore apart chunks of metal and circuitry, the electricity insufficient to even annoy her bare hands. She ripped apart the armor plating with impossible ease, the sound of metal screeching in protest merging with the Rhino's own agonized cries.

Finally, She-Hulk held up a large cylinder in her hands, one that shone with the intensity of the sun on a cloudless day, whose power sent bolts of light running up and down her body. Giving the object of doom a disgusted snort, she then reared back and threw it high up into the sky. Tumbling about amidst the blue, Shinji soon lost sight of it, until it finally split the sky apart with a savage explosion that blinded everyone there, filling their ears with thunder.

As the light and destruction finally subsided, allowing everyone there to open their eyes once more, Shinji watched as She-Hulk roared her fury, her intense dislike of overpowering lights and sound on full display. This was followed by the Rhino grumbling, "You said a mouthful, Greenie." When the green beast turned about, she looked disdainfully at the monster whose life she had just saved. "Damn. If I ever get my hands on that stone freak, I'll…!"

"Right now, I don't think you're in much shape to make threats, jerk," Spirit sniffed, giving Rhino a kick to his side.

"Stupid horn man," She-Hulk grunted, squinting at her now-powerless opponent. His armor shattered, and his horn rolling about besides him.

"Hmph. Can't exactly argue with ya there, lady," the Rhino muttered, his voice as broken and defeated as the rest of him.

As She-Hulk moved away from the Rhino, Shinji couldn't help but gaze upon her. The relief he felt at her triumph and survival all but palpable as the woman within the monster looked down at him, feeling no shame at looking at her nude form. And doing nothing to resist when the green woman smiled before crouching to pick him up, pressing his body against her own. Smiling as he wrapped his arms about her neck, feeling his pale, pink skin caressed by the soft yet strong green flesh of this woman who had become his hero.


"Shinji-kun…" She-Hulk growled affectionately as she drew the boy against her in a massive bear hug, cooing and bubbling happily as she caressed his cheek with her own. Paying absolutely no heed to the fact that her massive breasts were sandwiching Shinji.

A weary, exasperated sigh rattling about in her throat, Spirit could only shake her head in dismay. I don't believe this! came the annoyed voice of Hikari Horaki, the mentality of the prim and proper Class Representative lending a frown to her face as she watched the unabashed display of affection.

For a moment, Spirit considered commenting on whether or not the two of them were living in sin but then decided against it. If there was one she had learned from the time she had battled with She-Hulk, it was that you never argued with giant, green women. Not if you wanted to keep all your limbs in place.

Looking away from the two of them, Spirit quickly surveyed the rest of the people there. Crimson eyes met crimson eyes as the winged girl looked at Rei. "Are you alright?"

"I…am apparently uninjured," Rei explained, myriad emotions flitting about mercurial behind her normally placid expression. "And you?"

"I've had better days. And less painful ones," Spirit confessed, grimacing at the memories of that day. "That Grey Gargoyle creep was more annoying than an Angel!"

"The effect of his touch was…disturbing," Rei confessed. The memory of her own stone transformation clear in her eyes.

I just hope that there aren't any nasty side effects that my healing powers can't handle, Spirit thought to herself. The muted fears of her body's potential instability still echoing about in her mind. Maybe I'll ask Shinji about it later, after Rei and the others get checked out for it.

Satisfied that the albino was all right for the time, Spirit fluttered away from Rei to land near the occupants of the shattered APV. "What about you? Do any of you need any help?"

"No," Gendo growled, fire spitting from his eyes as he glared at Spirit. Somehow managing to come off as being cool and in command despite how he was cradling his right arm, blood having seeped out from between his fingers. "We are perfectly capable of dealing with this situation without the interference of some…vigilante showboater."

Her expression souring as Gendo's words made her sound like she was a used lump of gum that had somehow wound up on the bottom of his shoe, Spirit simply stood and watched as NERV's Commander stomped past her, groaning in pain as the Section 2 agents that had been in the front of the vehicle fell in line behind him. "Okay, fine. I'll be sure to keep that in mind the next time some whacko shows up and kidnaps you," the winged girl sneered. Though she was sure Gendo had heard this, he gave no indication of it as he continued onward.

Shinji had to have been adopted. That's the only explanation, Spirit thought ruefully. Well, either that or Gendo is his stepfather.

The winged girl was brought back to the present by someone coming up to her. Looking up, Spirit saw the woman hostage right before her, her hands clasped together as her strained face beamed with gratitude. "Well, I don't care what he says, but thank you! Thank you for saving me!"

A bit embarrassed, Spirit could only do one thing. Cover it up with the persona of a carefree teenage superhero. "Hey, it's not a problem," the Angelic adventuress shrugged. "It's all in the job description. Saving lives, fighting horrible monsters, that sort of thing."

Nodding shakily, the woman then frowned as she looked away. "Um, speaking of monsters…what about her?" With a definite frown, Spirit looked over at where She-Hulk was still snuggling and cuddling the boy like she didn't have a care in the world. "Don't you think you should do something about that…thing?"

Like what? Spirit thought incredulously. Drop a planet on her head and hope it doesn't just piss her off?

Aloud, the winged girl shook her head. "No, she's okay," she explained, much to the woman's surprise. Then Spirit curled the corner of her lip in a wry fashion. "Just don't mess with that kid she's got with her, or she'll go clear through the roof. Or punt you through it!"

"That little boy?" the woman murmured, only to jump fearfully as the She-Hulk growled. A quick look revealed that Gendo and his agents were right in front of her and Shinji, with the green beast cradling the boy away from his father, a fierce, protective snarl on her face.

A snarl that said, 'Stay away from him! He's mine!'


There were very few times when Shinji could allow himself to be happy. This was something that arose chiefly from leading a life that was all but devoid of any form of happiness for ten years. A life in which he was held away from the world, with casual acquaintances from school being the closest thing he had to friends. What few people he felt truly close to vanishing from his world, to move somewhere or just plain disappear. Over time, the boy had eventually stopped trying to be happy, for he knew the instant he enjoyed some measure of happiness, something would happen and take it away. Leaving him even further in the depths of misery.

But at the moment, Shinji surrendered himself to the pleasure of a warm embrace and gentle skin against his body. To the unabashed love that was being showered upon him by the primal manifestation of Misato's soul. And once again felt reassurance in the knowledge that someone truly cared for him. Wanted him in her life, to protect him and care for him.

It was wonderful beyond description. A wonderful that filled his eyes with tears as Shinji buried his face in She-Hulk's neck, letting her warmth take him away.

Only to have reality intrude once more, in the form of the voice of his father. "3rd Child," Gendo spoke, his voice terse with an undercurrent of pain.

When the She-Hulk reacted to Gendo's presence by snarling, holding Shinji up and away from him, the boy gasped. "No, Misato! Its okay, its okay!" he spoke as soothingly as he could manage. "It's Commander Ikari, remember? My father?"

The green woman snorted disbelievingly. "Ugly bastard man," she rumbled, her emerald eyes sparkling with hate.

With these words, the eyes of Shinji and the Section 2 agents flew open, and to no small wonder. While the opinion of Gendo was a painfully open and dirty secret, nobody would dare make any negative commentary about the Commander of NERV while he was present. And nobody, but nobody would call him an 'ugly bastard man' right to his face.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Misato never…liked Father at all, Shinji thought, recalling the outrage she had displayed when Gendo refused to even allow him to live in the same home. This did nothing to take away from his shock that Misato, even a part of Misato, would be so blatantly disrespectful of him.

Reigning in his shock, the boy surveyed Gendo's face for any sign of damage, only to find no emotion in his father's face. Stuttering noises escaping his lips, Shinji struggled to find something to say. Only to fall silent as he took note of the severity of his wound. "Are…you okay, Father?" the boy asked warily.

"I'm quite all right, 3rd Child," Gendo retorted, his eyes narrowed behind his glasses. "However, we have more important issues to deal with. I need you to get this…creature back to the Geofront immediately." Ignoring She-Hulk's menacing growl, the Commander looked about at the other Child present. "Rei, come here."

"Yes, sir," Rei answered in her usual quiet fashion.

"You and I will wait here," Gendo declared in the voice of control. "Section 2 has already deployed a team, and they should be arriving shortly. They will escort you back to base while I oversee the cleanup of this mess."

While Rei once again answered in an affirmative manner, Shinji frowned in thought. He already had a pretty good idea what his father meant by cleanup, especially in regards to the young woman standing next to Spirit. The one who had just had the bad luck to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and might even have overheard him when he had mistakenly blurted out Misato's name.

Please, don't do it, Father, Shinji pleaded within his own mind, his face falling in fear and suspicions. Don't make her suffer as well…

A wondering growl filled Shinji's ears, causing the boy to turn and see She-Hulk looking at him. Her face filled with worry, as if wondering what had happened to make the boy so sad. Sighing in response, the boy just looked at her, wanting nothing more than to surrender to her warmth and forget about the rest of the world.

But he couldn't. He had a job to do. To make sure that she stayed safe. And with a heavy heart that was made even heavier by the sound of engines drawing closer, Shinji finally looked at the woman who held him. "Alright, Misato. Let's go back."

She-Hulk's response was to frown. A low growl escaping her lips as she looked at the black cars and vans moving towards them. Rage and hatred returning to her.

Wincing at the memory of the last time that the beast-woman had been exposed to Section 2 and their bungling methodology, Shinji tried to affect damage control. "No, no, don't worry! They're not here to hurt you!" the boy murmured, even as She-Hulk growled warningly. "Now…let's just go back to…"

"She-Hulk go," the Amazonian destroyer rumbled as she started forward. Shinji gulped in surprise as she quickly picked up speed, his frail form held tightly but not painfully within her arms.

"W-wait! Misato! We have to get back to the Geofront!" the boy cried out in protest as the buildings blurred around them. The she-beast speeding about even faster than Misato could ever hope to drive her car, she then skipped into the air, her legs pedaling about before she landed. She then jumped once more, gaining even further altitude before landing again, only to give one final leap that sent both her and Shinji soaring into the sky.


"No!" Gendo growled, clenching his fists involuntarily as he watched She-Hulk disappear from sight.

The pain in his right arm neatly shelved in the back of his mind, Gendo watched as Section 2 agents flooded the area. Ready to heed his will as he tried to turn the disaster that this day had become into something he could control. Only to find that the elements that were these accidents of science and Angelic blood continuing to elude his reach and cast grains of sand in his face as they flaunted their ability to defy him.

As if he needed another reminder of this, Spirit called out, "Well, if you boys won't be needing me, I guess I'll be on my way." As Gendo turned to sneer at this winged nuisance that had given him so much grief, the girl looked at another unwitting problem, though a far more minor one. "Would you like me to give you a lift?"

"Oh, thanks, but no," the woman replied, a woman whose name had slipped Gendo's memory. "No offense, but I've had all the craziness I can take for one day. But thanks for the help."

"No problem," Spirit returned. Then she gave Gendo a look. A look of subtle warning before returning her attention to the young woman. "By the way, I never did catch your name."

"My name?" the woman repeated. Taken aback by this request, she finally shrugged and stuttered out, "Oh, it's Junko. Junko Marishima."

"Junko Marishima. Got it," Spirit nodded as she shot into the air with a single flap of her wings. "It was nice meeting you, though I sure wish this day had been as nice."

"Likewise!" Junko smiled, waving at the winged girl as she flew away.

As for Gendo, his frown deepened. He already knew that Spirit would be checking in on this woman in the days ahead. Just to make sure NERV didn't do anything untoward to her.

Undercutting his authority even more.

Your days are numbered, girl, Gendo thought sourly. Yours and whatever other freaks SEELE may send. I hold all the winds and dragons. And soon, I will hold a power greater than you could ever imagine.

"Commander Ikari, sir!" came a familiar voice, one that instantly snapped Gendo back to reality. And he looked up in time to see Captain Chiron striding towards him, a tightly controlled expression on the dark-haired man's face. "The area has been secured, sir. No sign of hostiles within a one block radius."

"Very well. Have both that woman and the 1st Child escorted back to NERV. I want your people to search Tokyo-3. I want the rest of those people found immediately," Gendo ordered, his left hand once again clasping his wounded forearm. A dull burning sensation already warning him about the possibility of infection. "And put me in touch with Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki. We need to track down She-Hulk as quickly as possible."

"Yes, sir," Chiron answered as he escorted the Commander to one of the vans. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the former Director would be causing trouble. Considering her…flamboyant ways."

With a face devoid of feeling, Gendo returned the Captain's gaze. Knowing that Chiron was saying some very unflattering things about Misato and how she had managed to get herself promoted without quite saying it. Deciding that he could hold off on giving Chiron his due, the Commander focused his attention on the business at hand. "Arrange an escort for both the 1st Child and that woman over there. I don't want her speaking to anyone until I've had the chance to…deal with her."

"Yes, sir," Chiron smirked. The prospect of shoving women around clearly a pleasant one in his eye.

"I also want the Rhino remanded to a holding cell. In one of our more…specialized facilities," Gendo continued as they got into the van. The Commander of NERV taking a seat before the computer gear and satellite-based equipment. "I have some questions I want answered. Both about him…and the people who sent him."

While Chiron was nodding his understanding, a connection was soon established between the van and NERV Headquarters. The screen crackled to life, revealing the elderly features of one of the few men Gendo Ikari genuinely respected, and to an extent even liked. "Fuyutsuki here," the old professor spoke wryly. "Should I assume that the opposition has been dealt with?"

"To an extent," Gendo returned. "However, we have another situation to deal with. She-Hulk has run off with the 3rd Child." Exhaling sharply, Fuyutsuki's grimace revealed that he was unsurprised by this development. "We need to track her down immediately."

"Understood," Fuyutsuki spoke. "Is there anything else, Ikari?"

Allowing this slip of formality as he usually did with the older man, Gendo continued to more pertinent matters of business. "The Rhino is being brought to NERV. Have Dr. Akagi ready. I want a full analysis performed on his armor, and tissue samples taken from the Rhino himself." Wincing as he wound flared for his attention, the Commander once again shoved the pain away. "We also have to deal with the third hostage. I'll be placing Captain Chiron in charge of her…debriefing."

"I…see," Fuyutsuki spoke reluctantly. Then a look of what could almost be concern appeared on his when Gendo hissed in discomfort. "Ikari? Is something wrong?"

"It is nothing, Sub-Commander," Gendo hissed tersely, sticking to decorum this time. Only to wince again

as his injury throbbed and burned just a bit more.

Clearly not dissuaded, Fuyutsuki studied his former student. "Ikari, it might be wise to come back now, and let Captain Chiron take care of matters there," the old professor advised. "If there's any of the Grey Gargoyle's nano-virus still in your system…"

"That's why I had Rei and the woman sent back," Gendo returned. "An examination of them should have the same results as it would with me."

"Perhaps," Fuyutsuki conceded grudgingly. "But still, it would be best for you to receive a full examination. Just to be safe."

"Make no mistakes, sensei, I have every intention of doing so," Gendo responded. Then his expression grew darker, a subtle menace in his eyes. "After I'm satisfied that everything is well in hand here."

It was obvious that Fuyutsuki wasn't happy about the Commander's decision, but Gendo didn't care. Any more than he cared for the worsening pain in his forearm. To his mind, the injury was nothing more than a simple scrape, and he would damned if he display any fear of the Grey Gargoyle's power. For if there was anything Gendo Ikari had learned over the course of his life, it was that you never allowed weakness to show. You never came off as anything other than as one who held all the power.

The world they lived in was one filled with sin, with people who only saw each other as potential victims for their greed and cruelty. To allow such displays of weakness was to make yourself the next target. The next victim to be used and disposed of. And Gendo Ikari had long since vowed that he would be the one in charge. The wolf, not the sheep.

It's just a simple scrape. I'll treat it and be done in good time, Gendo thought, fighting the ever-growing pain…


His heart pounding in his chest, Shinji held on for dear life, his arms tightly wrapped about She-Hulk's neck as she leapt miles at a time. For although she still held him securely, the boy couldn't help himself. The knowledge of what would happen if he should fall made him impossible to resist this urge. Especially in light of She-Hulk's rebellion. Her refusal to return to NERV.

I'm sorry, Misato, Shinji cried in his mind. I know it must be awful for you down there, always stuck in that place, but…

Fear and worry clinging to him, Shinji once again gulped as She-Hulk came down for another landing. Her impact creating another crater, her body absorbed the impact and prevented it from travelling to the boy she carried. Standing up straight and craning her neck, she snorted as she looked about, her emerald irises taking in every detail of their surroundings.

"Where are you taking me?" Shinji asked the beast-woman, his heart struggling to keep up with the sheer level of adrenaline that had flooded his system.

Not bothering or not able to answer, She-Hulk continued to turn her head about. Only to grunt as her eyes narrowed, and then she smiled and coiled her legs beneath her once more. Lurching in the she-beast's arms as she fired herself off into the sky once more, Shinji fought the dizziness, the fear, and the sheer intoxication. All the confused, tangled emotions he felt as they rose into the sky, with nothing beneath them but empty air.

Misato would probably kill to do something like this as herself, Shinji thought ruefully. Knowing that his guardian hadn't been given the nickname of 'Kamikaze Katsuragi' without good reason.

After this leap had been completed, She-Hulk jumped once more, but this time a much shorter distance. Far enough to place the both of them on an empty section of road many miles away from Tokyo-3. And when she stood this time, she didn't leap again. She simply started walking, loosening her grip on Shinji a tiny bit.

The boy frowned perplexedly, for it was clear that this was where She-Hulk had wanted to take him. Only Shinji had no idea where they were. Warily, he looked about the area before turning his gaze to the hulking giantess. "Where are we?"

"Good place," She-Hulk rumbled in way of a response as she continued forward. Leaving Shinji even more confused as he looked about, trying to make sense of his surroundings. Much to his surprise, this place seemed somehow…familiar. Very familiar. The boy found himself wracking his brain, trying to connect this place to the vague memories echoing within his mind.

Then She-Hulk came to a halt, looking at the boy in her arms and smiling before looking ahead once more. When Shinji frowned and followed her gaze, his confusion was immediately blasted apart…and replaced with wonderment.

Spread before him was the whole of Tokyo-3, nestled beneath the mountain road She-Hulk stood on, with only a guardrail between them and the magnificent vista. A view that left Shinji gasping in awe, and then memory. He had been there before, with it being the early afternoon rather than sunset being the only difference.

Blinking rapidly, Shinji looked at his guardian, his jaw popping open in awe. "This is where you took me before. When I first came to Tokyo-3," the boy murmured. Remembering that day when he had discovered that someone actually wanted him to share a home with her. If only because she couldn't stand the thought of him living alone.

Remember the place I took you to? You know, so I could show you the city? Misato's voice came in Shinji's mind. The day before she had set out to destroy the 10th Angel. It's too bad, you know. I really would have liked to have gone there again. You know, before the operation.

His heart going warm as he once again felt a surge of happiness flood him, Shinji felt his eyes watering as he smiled. "You wanted to come here again, didn't you?" he asked numbly. "You wanted to show me this place? To be here…with me?"

"Good place," She-Hulk rumbled happily. "Good place for She-Hulk. Good place for Shinji-kun."

Nodding, Shinji drew himself even closer to the beast-woman. "Yes…it is a good place," he agreed, once again savoring her warmth. The rest of the world, his duties and concerns now seeming so distant to him. Stupid, meaningless things that had no place here. Where there was just Misato, and himself.

Looking dreamily at the woman, Shinji murmured, "Would you…like to stay here for a while?" The answer he got was a simple nod, one that had him sniffle as his emotions threatened to overrun him. "Then…let's do that." With a rumble of approval, She-Hulk held the boy up even higher as he looked about.

"Let's…go over there," Shinji decided, pointing at the hillside filled with trees. With ample space to see the view, while making it more difficult for them to be seen by anyone who might just come along. "Besides, I'd like to rest for a while. Wouldn't you?"

Nodding, the beast-woman carried Shinji off the road and into the trees. Looking about, She-Hulk soon spotted a large, grassy patch, and made a noise of approval. Turning about so that she and Shinji were looking out on the view of the city, the green woman lay down, making sure that Shinji was securely tucked against her.

Giving no mind to She-Hulk's nudity, Shinji clung to her ever more tightly. "Thank you," the boy murmured. "Thank you…for bringing me here."

The only sound She-Hulk made was a low, happy growl as the two of them relaxed, watching the world go by, and feeling not a single worry as this perfectly happy moment stretched out into an eternity.


"So she hasn't left that spot?" Fuyutsuki asked, his formidable gaze ensuring optimum performance from the people on the bridge. A number that was somewhat less than usual, since all people below a certain clearance level had been banished for the time being. Leaving only those who were aware of Misato's secret.

"No, sir. Or at least, Shinji's cell phone hasn't." Chihiro answered. Maya's replacement was eyeing the satellite readout the marked a spot a few miles away from Tokyo-3. "According to the satellite readings, it's been holding position there for the past hour. I'm just assuming that he's still holding it."

Nodding, Fuyutsuki processed this information with a measure of relief. While he was definitely unhappy about She-Hulk roaming freely about, this was a far cry from the worst-case scenarios he had imagined before. And if the gamma mutant was content to just laze about for a time, then she would in all likelihood transform back into Misato on her own, at which point it would be simplicity itself to retrieve her. With this hopeful thought, he ordered, "In any case, continue monitoring the signal. Let me know if it changes location."

"No problem, sir," Chihiro answered in a playful fashion. "Of course, this only does us any good if Shinji remains in close proximity to She-Hulk, but…"

"I wouldn't worry too much about that," Makoto said reasonably. "There's no way the Major would take off on him."

Shigeru nodded his assent. "Besides, I'm sure Shinji would call us if something happens."

Smiling wryly, Chihiro finally nodded. "I guess you're right about that," she admitted before turning about in her seat. "So what now, Sub-Commander? Should we have Section 2 retrieve them?"

"No," Fuyutsuki countered. "Given the fact that She-Hulk ran off when Section 2 arrived, I'd say it's likely that their arrival would only result in her running off again. If not provoke her to violence." Giving these words a chance to penetrate the minds of those present, the old professor finally smiled. "For now, we'll let them be. Keep an eye on that signal, and wait for She-Hulk's pattern to disappear. As soon as it does, we'll try calling Pilot Ikari, and see if we can safely retrieve the Major."

"Understood, sir," Chihiro answered brightly.

"Well, this is sure gonna be one long wait," Shigeru commented as he leaned back in his seat, well aware of that tediousness that he was about to endure. Staring at a blip on the screen for the next hour.

"Tell me about it," Makoto grumbled. Leaving no doubt in anybody's mind that he was practically spitting with envy at the knowledge that Shinji was all alone with a very buff, very green, and very naked Misato.

"Well, I better check in with Captain Ibuki. See how the disposal of the Rhino and his armor is proceeding," Fuyutsuki grumbled. The complications of the day only beginning.


"I don't care where you stick me," the Rhino groaned as he was moved through NERV, securely manacled to a metallic gurney that several Section 2 agents were escorting. The tattered giant groaning as his flesh and blood continued to swell up, circuits and cables hanging limply from his body. "I just want some food and a sack right now. That's it."

"Whatever you say," Captain Chiron returned, walking alongside the defeated monster.

"I want a full work up of his physiology and his cybernetic components," Ritsuko declared as she paced the Section 2 people, with Maya and several NERV techs following close behind. "We're also going to have to do an analysis of the armor fragments you savaged, see if we can trace them back to their manufacturer."

"Lady, you can do anything you want with that damned crap," the Rhino moaned, his voice betraying every ache and pain he was feeling. "It sure as hell didn't do me a lot of good."

Watching from a short distance, Maya followed closely, keeping an attentive eye on everything that happened. All the while feeling overwhelmed, out of her element here. Trying to make sense of the aftermath of the battle, when she ultimately found her focus elsewhere. On the ruined sections of armor that she had seen being moved to the research labs, to the circuits and gears that remained connected to the Rhino's body. Even her thoughts were in line with her technician's mind. What kind of technology was used to accomplish such a fusion of machine components and living tissue? Was it similar to that employed in the Evangelions, or was it something altogether different? And what were the differences when such a fusion was performed with human flesh, rather than that cloned of Adam? Did it require major alterations of the Rhino's cell structure?

So many questions teased at Maya's thoughts. So many things she wanted to do in order to answer them. And so much that was beyond her, now that she was stuck with the position of Operations Director.

I hate my life, Maya thought sourly as the Rhino was finally placed in a secure holding cell. One that would hopefully be secure enough until something more formidable was constructed later on.

As the brunette somberly observed the proceedings, she started when Ritsuko came up to her, a concerned look on her face. "What is it, Maya?"

Sighing, Maya just looked at the older woman. "It's…pretty strange, sempai," the Captain finally confessed. "The Rhino…he seemed so terrifying before, and now…"

"Yes, I know," Ritsuko agreed. "He isn't really as impressive without his armor."

"That's not what I meant," Maya confessed. When the faux-blonde frowned her confusion, the Captain shrugged. "The way he was acting…it's strange. He really wasn't acting like a maniac or a killer. It was more like…he was just some guy. Like the kind you'd meet down at the bar, or see working in an auto shop."

Her lip curling up, Ritsuko admitted, "I know what you mean." The doctor then frowned in thought before her eyes lit up. "By the way, Rei and that other woman? They've already reported to NERV Medical."

"Are they all right?" Maya wondered.

"Well, they seem to be fine. But we're going to have to conduct a complete examination of them before we can be certain," Ritsuko admitted. "You know, I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I almost hope some of the Grey Gargoyle's nano-virus actually survived." When Maya gave her friend a shocked look, the doctor shrugged helplessly. "I mean, to be able to examine a virus of honestly turning a living person to stone…I'd love to be able to find out how that worked!"

Smiling ruefully, Maya found herself seeing the older woman's point. "I know what you mean," she admitted, the lure of discovery a powerful one for her as well. "So, I assume you're going to be overseeing the study of the Rhino and his armor."

"A safe assumption," Ritsuko concurred. Then she rolled her eyes at the thought. "As if I'm not busy enough with Misato's examinations. Honestly, I've never seen any mutation as pervasive and intricate as what's happened to her! Even with the MAGI's help, we've barely begun to understand the mechanism of the transformation! And now I have to deal with this as well?!"

"I really wish I could help you, ma'am," Maya told her earnestly.

"Believe me, I wish you could, too," Ritsuko confided. "Chihiro's got a good mind, but she's no match for you in the lab." As Maya lowered her head wistfully, the doctor placed a kindly hand on her shoulder. "Look, I know you're busy with your new job, but if you like, I could send you copies of our analyses."

A rush of hope filling her, Maya couldn't stop a smile from splitting her face in two. "Really?"

"Why not? It's not like you don't have the right clearance," Ritsuko reminded the younger woman. "Besides, there's every chance that you might see something I'd overlook, and anyway…I really do miss working with you." As Maya just stood there, completely floored by this, the doctor smiled, holding up her arms in invitation. "So? Are you interested?"

The Captain flung herself into Ritsuko's arms. "Sempai!" Maya cried out. Sorely tempted to kiss her mentor, questions about her sexuality be damned.


Shinji had no awareness of having fallen asleep. And as he slowly opened his eyes, he was actually shocked when he realized that he had indeed been asleep. With all the adrenaline that had been thumping through his body, he thought it would keep him up for a month at the least.

I guess…this has been a long day, Shinji thought to himself as he gained greater awareness of his situation. Is it even the same day? What time is it, anyway?

Blinking rapidly, Shinji looked about and saw that the sun was finally setting upon Tokyo-3. The scene below becoming more and more like that Misato had taken him to see on the day he had first come here, a time that felt like centuries ago.

Then the sound of low breathing drew Shinji's attention, and he became aware of other things. Of a warm body pressed against his own, of an arm draped about his shoulder. A slender arm coated in pink flesh. Upon coming to these realizations, Shinji looked about and saw the face of Misato Katsuragi hanging on his shoulder, her eyes closed and her lips curled in a blissful smile.

Looking at the woman's face, Shinji couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming sight. I guess…she must've transformed back in her sleep, the boy realized, happy for this. Now when she wakes up, she'll be able to see this place again as herself.

Grateful for this, Shinji once again lay back, unable to keep himself from studying the woman's sleeping face. And as he did so, he became aware of other things. Like the fact that, as Misato had her arms wrapped about the boy's frame, his were placed upon the woman's own tender frame. Soft, warm skin met his hands even as Misato's breathing drew his attention to her bosom, something that even all the dirt and grime that covered her could never hope to obscure.

His cheeks coloring, Shinji gulped somewhat. While he no longer felt shame at gazing at the primitive She-Hulk, looking at Misato in her more human form seemed like a somewhat different matter. He swiveled his eyes up above the woman's chest, focusing solely on her face, trying to ignore everything else. At which point his gaze was drawn irrevocably to Misato's lips, which were puckered ever so slightly.

Gulping loudly, Shinji felt his body reacting more and more, his mind being subjected to tremendous temptation. The combination of Misato's posture and the raging hormones bringing forth memories of a similar situation, when Asuka had come before him after sleepwalking. A situation whose consequences had rather unpleasant consequences in both the short and long term.

Even while Shinji was trying to use the memory of the argument he had with the redhead as the mental equivalent of a cold shower, his efforts to keep his hormones in-line running into opposition from two realities. One was the fact that Misato had kissed him before. A fierce, vigorous kiss that completely blew his mind away. The second was the fact, the hard, overwhelming reality that his body was pressed against Misato's own. His hands were about her slender waist, her bosom was just a glance away, and her hot breath was warming his skin, forcing him to shake his head in denial of what had already become inevitable.

I…I shouldn't… Shinji thought as he drew closer, his attention firmly on Misato's lips. His body surrendering to urges that were as primal as the She-Hulk. I really…I mean…with what happened with Asuka…I…!

The moment this thought crossed Shinji's mind, the boy hesitated, his mouth popping as he studied the woman. Half-expecting her to cry in her sleep, or to make some noise of distress such as he had heard her make in her sleep before. But this did not happen. Misato just kept sleeping the sleep of the innocent. Completely unaware of the less than innocent thoughts surging through Shinji's mind.

Unable to hold off the inevitable any longer, Shinji moved closer, his lips finding Misato's own. Instantly, the warmth he felt intensified. Oh, God…Misato! the boy thought, unable to believe himself capable of such emotion. When he did pull away, he did so with incredible reluctance, feeling tremendous relief as he realized that Misato was still asleep.

At this realization, Shinji felt something change within him. Like a well was opening inside, a yawning pit of unmet needs and desires. A hunger that the kiss had only served to awaken.

Swallowing a lump of bile that had formed in his throat, Shinji looked at the woman he was holding his arms, trying to deny what he felt, but was ultimately unable to fight it. The fact that he had been starved for love for ten long years, and this woman, even in her primal state, had been more than happy to provide it for him. So the boy leaned over to kiss her once more.

As his lips found Misato's once more, her touch stirring the fires of his heart even higher, a metaphorical bucket of ice water was dumped on Shinji's head when her brown eyes popped open. A surprised squeak sounded in Misato's lips as hiss eyes went wide. Both of them requiring a few moments to process the situation before the boy leapt off of Misato like she was on fire.

"Shinji…?" Misato got out, blinking her eyes rapidly as she sat. As the realization that he had been caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar, Shinji's mind went reeling. A thousand different worst-case scenarios flooded his mind, many of them ending with him becoming a smear on two sets of large, green knuckles.

"M-m-misato…!" Shinji stammered out. The boy proceeded to babble out an apology, only to find his vocal cords too badly shaken to give voice to anything coherent.

"You…" Misato got out, looking about as she tried to make sense of everything. "W-what...you…?"

"I'm sorry!" Shinji blurted, knowing that Misato would surely hate him for daring to take advantage of her while she was asleep. An idea that left the boy cursing himself and his stupid hormones. "I didn't mean – I know I shouldn't have – I couldn't help – I'm sorry!"

"For what?" Misato responded, looking dazed and confused as she tried to acclimate herself to her current surroundings. Getting to her feet, the purple-haired woman stepped gingerly as she looked around. "Shinji, I…wh-where are we?"

Taken aback by the revelation that Misato wasn't going to turn green and punt him several thousand miles distant, Shinji's nerves settled down about a notch. "Uh…this is where you brought me, remember?" the boy explained, carefully avoiding looking at the more sensitive regions of the nude woman's body. "You know? Before you…brought me home?"

Her confusion slowly turning to recognition, and then delight, Misato smiled before shaking her head. "Of course. I should've realized it sooner," she sighed wistfully. Fondly looking out at the panorama that was presented to her. "I'm sorry, Shinji-kun. I guess…"

"No, it's okay. I…didn't realize where you – She-Hulk – was going, either," Shinji confessed, still refusing to meet the woman's gaze. His insides churning mercilessly as he shook his head slowly, trying to find a way to express what he had to say. Then he finally cried, "Misato, please! I really am sorry!"

"For what?" Misato wondered, genuine confusion shading her features. When Shinji's response was to look straight at her, unable to express his confusion, the purple-haired woman smiled that impish smile that he was so familiar with as she knelt back down. "For her – me – bringing you here?" When Shinji refused to answer, the woman smiled even more broadly. "Or for the kiss?"

A strangled groan escaped Shinji's lips as he squirmed about. Looking as if he wished he could melt down beneath some rock and die. Which was ultimately all the answer Misato needed. "Shinji…" the woman spoke, shaking her head in disbelief. "Why on earth do you think I'd be mad at you for kissing me?"

His mouth falling open, Shinji struggled to answer. For while there were many reasons he could see her being mad for, the complete absent of wrath was much harder to explain. "Um…I dunno, I just…"

"Well, let me explain something to you, right here and now," Misato spoke, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I don't mind you kissing me. Not at all."

"Huh?" Shinji started, his confusion mounting. "R-really, Misato?"

"Really," Misato nodded. Then she quirked another of her famous smiles. "I mean, if I were mad, I think you'd know about it." As she laughed at her own joke, Shinji found his own spirits lightening. A lightness that made itself known in his throat and finally transformed into mild laughter.

Sighing as she shook her head at her ward, Misato then looked down at herself. Giving a dismayed groan, the woman grumbled, "Though I'm not sure how can you can even stand to look at me right now! I'm such a mess!"

"Oh, you…" Shinji fumbled, only to realize that he was about to say something perhaps none too wise. Then he shrugged and tried to fake it. "Well…I didn't really see it, but I heard some of the fighting. It must've been pretty serious."

"Boy, I'll say," Misato agreed, rolling her eyes up at the boy. "Ugh. I guess I shouldn't be surprised I'm so gross, considering the size of that blast."

"What blast?" Shinji wondered.

Giving a low sigh, Misato answered, "Well, the Rhino detonated one of the missile launchers with She-Hulk still in it, and…" Then the woman fell silent. Her mouth popping open, but nothing escaping it.

"Misato?" Shinji prompted as the woman's tongue fell flat in her mouth. Her eyes going round with astonishment, her entire posture thunderstruck. "Misato, what is it?"

"Shinji!" Misato cried out, placing her hands on his shoulders, her fingers digging deep into his body. "I remember! I remember what happened when I was She-Hulk!"

"What?!" Shinji gaped, once again floored with shock. "Y-you do?!"

"Yes! I remember…fighting the Rhino, and that explosion," Misato spoke, her excitement growing with each word she spoke. Then she frowned somewhat, her eyes narrowed with effort. "Then…I was tearing through the Rhino's armor…I think I was…looking for something…"

"You were!" Shinji agreed, his own shock turning to rejoice. He then quickly explained how the armored fiend had been betrayed by the Grey Gargoyle. "Anyway, you ripped out the explosive and tossed it away! You saved everybody's life, including his!"

Nodding quickly, Misato smiled the smile of those who had experienced salvation. "Shinji, don't you see?! I remember everything that happened! Before, I always blacked out when I changed! Every single time!" Panting with joy, the woman then looked wildly about. "Oh, we have to get back to NERV right away!"

"We do?" Shinji queried. Feeling his joy being washed away.

"Yes, we have to tell Ritsuko about this!" Misato went on as she got back to her feet. Her expression one big tension machine as she visibly processed what was going on in her mind. "This could be just the break we need in dealing with this thing! We need to run some tests! EEGs, CAT scans, the works!" Nodding to herself, Misato swung her gaze about in thought. "Shinji, this…this could be major. I…we need to run some tests, and…"

And go back to the depths of NERV. Far away from the fresh air, gentle breezes, the trees and natural beauty of the outside world. From the first breath of freedom that Misato Katsuragi had been able to enjoy in a horribly long time. Things that were reflected with painful ease off the woman's brown eyes as her excitement failed in the face of once again being locked away in her gilded cage.

Misato… Shinji thought mournfully. Only to jump in surprise as his cell phone rang. Hearing Misato's own expression of surprise, the boy fumbled with his clothing and eventually came up with that wretched necessity of modern living.

Hitting the receive button, Shinji put the phone to his ear. "Uh, hello?"

"Shinji! It's me, Ritsuko," came the voice of the faux-blonde.

"Oh, Akagi-san," Shinji answered, darting a glance at Misato. Her arms were folded across her chest, sadness clouding over her face.

"Shinji, is Misato still with you?" Ritsuko demanded.

"Uh, yeah. Misato's…right here," Shinji answered. His heart breaking at the sight of her growing desolation.

"Oh, that's a relief. Listen, we have to get her back to NERV as soon as possible," Ritsuko told him wearily. "Is she awake? We're not detecting her pattern anymore, but I don't want to take the chance of startling her awake."

A noise of hesitation rumbling in his throat, Shinji looked carefully at the soft, pink-skinned woman who had given him everything in his life. "Uh, no. No," he replied slowly. "Actually, Akagi-san…she hasn't changed back yet."

"What?!" Ritsuko got out, genuinely surprised by this. "That's strange! We're not picking up her pattern, and I would have thought for sure that she would've changed back by now."

"Well, I don't know what to say, Akagi-san," Shinji told her. The renewed smile on Misato's face giving greater strength to his fibbing. "But she's…asleep right now, and…I don't think we should disturb her."

A tired groan her initial response, Ritsuko then added to it. "Well, Fuyutsuki isn't going to be too happy about that," the doctor admitted. "But…okay, Shinji. But, please! As soon as Misato changes back, please call us. We'll send an ambulance up to you with some blankets."

"Okay," Shinji agreed. "I'll see you later." The boy heard the connection go dead, at which point he was floored by Misato practically falling on his face, rewarding his prevarication with a bare-busted bear hug.

"Oh, Shinji…" the woman smiled, practically choking on her joy. "God, I'm such a rotten guardian!" When a noise of confusion escaped the boy's lips, Misato laughed even more. "I mean, look at you! Lying with such a straight face! I have been such a terrible influence on you!"

The woman's happiness bringing renewed joy to Shinji, he couldn't help but look at her. Feeling no shame as he returned Misato's embrace, despite the telltale coloring of his cheeks. "So…what now?" he wondered, feeling his heart pounding that much harder in his chest.

"Well…" Misato mused, looking up at the sky. "Why don't we give it until dark? Call Rits then?" Tilting her head about, the purple-haired woman locked gazes with the boy. "After all, it's been forever since I've seen the sunset, and…I don't want to keep you out too late."

"Oh…I don't mind," Shinji murmured as the woman snuggled up even more tightly to him. "Uh, Misato? Are…you cold?"

"No, not really," Misato answered. Then her usual deviousness showed through. "What's wrong, Shinji-kun?"

"Um…" Shinji got out, trying very hard to keep his eyes from straying down to more forbidden territory. Something else that got a laugh out of his guardian.

"Relax, Shinji. After all, it's not the first time you've seen me naked, remember?" Misato murmured, tightening her grip on the boy. "Anyway, it's not like you're carrying a spare towel on you this time."

Privately admitting that the woman had a point, Shinji nodded. For a moment, he considered offering Misato his shirt, but he found himself doubting that it would be enough to cover up any real amount of her body. And as much as Misato didn't mind showing off her form, the boy found himself adverse to the notion of revealing any portion of his body to her.

Of course…if I had muscles like She-Hulk, that might be another story, Shinji thought as he nodded, calming down somewhat as Misato pressed her body against him.

"Besides…I think it's a little too late for me to try and be modest," Misato teased, delighting in the greater blush that resulted of her words and proximity. At which point Shinji could practically see a light bulb explode over her head, given her an air of pure mischief. "Oh, and just so you know, Shinji-kun, I don't mind you kissing me. Not now, not ever."

"Huh?" Shinji gaped.

"That's right," Misato assured him. Leaning in even closer to the boy, running her hand up and down the back of his neck. The feel of her skin against his raising goosebumps all over his body. "In fact…why don't I show you just how much…I don't mind."

Before Shinji's natural shyness could take hold and dominate his response, Misato leaned in closer and planted a firm, loving kiss upon his lips. Unable to help himself, the boy returned the gesture, feeling the blood swirl fiercely about within his veins like he was in constant danger of collapsing with a nosebleed, but unable to bring himself to care about it.

Maybe hormones aren't that stupid after all, Shinji decided as each kiss he received sent him further into the heights of heaven.


Author's Notes: Another long chapter, but thankfully, not as long as the last one. And I hope the fights entertained. Please, read and review! And maybe check out my other stories, please?

Now, about that last scene, I guess a lot of people would have expected Shinji to completely fall apart with Misato being draped about him, and completely naked, to boot. But I can't help but feel that his proximity to She-Hulk, and her prancing about in the buff as well, would have inured himself to being in such situations and that he would not be as prone to nosebleeding to death.

Besides, I can't imagine Misato being anything short of incredibly grateful to Shinji for helping her out there, considering how much a woman like her would hate being confined to the depths of NERV, day in and day out.

Mike313, if you think Gendo is insidious now, just wait and see what happens in the next few chapters!

Archdruid-Sephiroth, I'm surprised you don't know about the Rhino! He's only been running around causing wanton destruction for whoever's willing to pay him to do a job since the sixties, and I know he's been in at least two Spider-Man cartoons and a couple video games!

animefan29, I'm not sure I'm going to be really showcasing a Grey She-Hulk, except for in the omakes. I really don't want to complicate this story needlessly, but that doesn't mean I won't be getting into Misato's darker nature in this story. I'm just going to be doing it in a slightly different fashion. Still, that doesn't mean I won't change my mind later on.

And speaking of which…

Omake

"Ha! Take that, ya dumb broad!" the Rhino sneered, bringing up his fists in triumph. "Yeah, and maybe now, people won't think that the Rhino is so stupid! I -!"

"Stupid? You want to talk about being stupid?" She-Hulk shouted as she fell from the sky. Her tattered business suit revealing every curve the grey-skinned woman had to offer. "I'll tell you what's stupid! You coming here and trying to pick a fight with Misato Fixit! That's what's stupid!"

"Hey, lady, like I said before, it's nothing personal!" the Rhino responded, holding up his hands helplessly. "It's not like I enjoy getting the crap beaten outta me! But the bosses ordered me to stomp ya flat! So it's not like I've got a big choice!"

"Your bosses, huh?" the grey-skinned gangster mused thoughtfully. "Just out of curiosity, how much are these bosses paying you?"

"Huh?" the Rhino muttered, taken aback by this question. "W-why do you wanna know?"

"I don't know," She-Hulk cooed, twirling her hair about her finger. "It's just that…maybe I can make you a better offer…"


"What do you mean, I'm fired?!" Captain Chiron screamed, his horrified gaze falling on the grey-skinned monster that was the bane of his existence.

"Hey, don't act like you didn't see this coming, you male-chauvinist prick!" She-Hulk grinned. "After all, you had to have known that once I had Gendo locked away, it was only a matter of time before I found someone to replace your sorry ass as head of Section 2!"

"That's impossible!" Chiron protested in vain. "It takes a certain kind of man to handle these kind of responsibilities! And there's no way you could have found someone man enough to handle it!"

"Wrong as usual, Chiron!" She-Hulk grinned, wagging her finger in the air. Then she looked back out of the door to the man's office. "Hello! Rhino! Why don't you come in and check out your new office?"

"Sure thing, boss!" Rhino answered, his feet pounding heavily as he entered. To Chiron's shock, the biomechanical monster was dressed in a dark-grey business suit, with a set of sunglasses obscuring his eyes.

"So, what do you think?" She-Hulk asked even as Chiron wilted in horror.

"Not bad," the Rhino answered. "It's a damned sight better than all those damned abandoned warehouses I was always getting shafted with!" Then the horned man smirked in Chiron's direction. "In fact, the only problems I've got are the tiny furniture…and the little wimp stinking up the joint."

"Oh, don't worry about the furniture! I'll be arranging for stuff in your size," She-Hulk grinned. Then she shot Chiron a deadly glance. "As for the little wimp…why don't you show him the way out?"

"What?!" Chiron gasped.

"You sure?" Rhino asked eagerly.

"Of course I am!" She-Hulk answered, folding her arms across her chest. "Just think of it as your first official assignment…Captain Rhino!"

Nodding in barely restrained glee, the new Captain glared at Chiron, who broke into a terrified run. But was nowhere near fast enough to elude his doom as the Rhino shot forward, and horned him right in the butt.

Howling in pain, Iwao Chiron was sent flying through the window, his hands about his injured posterior as he slammed into the wall of the Geofront.