A/N: Heck, I'll bet the ending of the Iron Maiden Saga was quite the heartbreaker there at the end. It's a shame some may say, but for plot device, she had to die.
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A hooded man watched where the battle against Mana Kirishima and Unit 07 had taken place just yesterday. "It was quite the battle too," he said aloud. "It's a shame she had to lose."
A larger man also wearing a hood to conceal his identity spoke. "Master. What has become of the girl?"
"When she loses when using the Seal of Diablos, the Seal shattered her AT Field and took away her soul and she popped into what NERV calls LCL."
"And merged with out master's creation."
"Yes," said the shorter man. "God will pay for making me wander the earth for thousands of years. Only a bit longer now. How is our soul collecting coming along?"
The big man replied, "Slow, but it's happening. With some help from our contacts in Eurasia, we are training new soldiers with the Seal of Diablos. Those that succeed will aid in future attacks on NERV. Those that lose become merged into the one entity."
"Good. Tell him to keep up the good work. I'll be leaving to have a talk with SEELE again and discuss our Black Angel plans." The shorter man vanished. The big man vanished too.
'Those old men have no idea what we are really up to…'
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Asuka was in Misato's apartment all by herself. Shinji was there too, but he had been sleeping ever since his battle with Mana. She felt sorry for Shinji because she knew he hated to have to fight other humans, especially someone his age. Zack had gone out to flirt with some girls or go see Elly. Misato went to check on the status of the EVAs. Ivana was at the gym doing a workout. Rei had gone for a walk. And Pen-Pen was in his fridge.
"If only Shinji would wake up," she said aloud, faintly hoping he would hear her. It was early next morning and he had been sleeping since the battle yesterday. Upon examination earlier, Ritsuko suggested Shinji just needed time to rest after the 500 sync happened again.
Asuka went into Shinji's room. Unfortunately he was still sleeping. She laid down next to him, craving the boy's warmth that he would have to unfortunately give. She draped her arms over him. "Huh? That's weird. He's really warm. And looks really pale too." On impulse she put her hand on his forehead and her other hand on her forehead to compare temperatures. "Yikes, he's a lot warmer than I am!"
Asuka ran to the bathroom to find the thermometer. She found it quickly and brought it back to the sleeping but seemingly ill Shinji. After sticking it in his mouth she waited for the beeping sound. That beeping sound came after two minutes. Asuka checked the results and gasped. "103.2! Fuck! I gotta call Misato!" Before she did that, she got a cold damp cloth from the bathroom and placed it on Shinji's forehead. "Damn! It must be all the stress from that battle with that bitch!"
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NERV HQ
"So how are the EVAs doing?" asked the Major.
"So far so good," said Makoto. "Units 01, 00, and 06 are ready to fight," replied Makoto. "The others are still being repaired."
Just then Misato's phone rang. It was Asuka. "What is it Asuka? Has he woke up yet?"
"WOKE UP? WOKE UP? SHINJI'S RUNNING A GODAMN FEVER!"
"I see," replied Misato. "How bad?"
"He has a temperature of 103! Of course it's bad!" shouted Asuka over the phone. "Get a doctor over here!"
Misato sighed. "Calm down. I'll have Ritsuko go over."
"Good! If anything happens to Shinji I'll stomp on you with Unit 02!"
"Okay." Misato hung up and dialed Ritsuko.
"What is it Misato? I'm kinda busy at the moment."
"We have a problem Ritsuko. Asuka just called me and said Shinji's running a high temperature. Could you go over and check on him?"
"Okay Misato. You never know these days what a high temperature. I'll go right over." She hung up.
Now that Shinji would be taken care of, Misato went back to overseeing EVA repairs.
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Zack and Elly were watching watercraft racing on the NERV big-screen TV. They were watching a high-speed boat race.
"I love it when the boats crash. I just crave mindless destruction," said Elly.
"Whoa, are you okay? Not always the best thing to say," replied Zack.
"Hey, crashes are fun! I've been in a crash before! I landed on TV because of it as well!"
"You are one crazy girl Elly," said Zack.
"And you're quite the agent. You and Ivana dared to take on Mana who was extremely dangerous and you came out alive."
"Meh. That's what I was trained for," said Zack.
"Ready to take on everything as usual. But I guess that's what I dig about you Zack. What do you dig about me?"
Zack thought for a moment. "The fact that you live life without giving a damn about what someone thinks. And if they throw something at you, you throw it right back and make them look stupid."
Elly laughed at the remark. "That's me all over. And Asuka learned that the hard way in Australia." The thought of sandy beaches and Sea-Dooing made her feel homesick. "Aww, I miss Sydney so much."
Zack pulled her close. "I know how it feels. I miss good old Toronto as well. But we have to fight so we can have those places to cherish forever."
Elly was surprised. "You know, you're quite the gentleman when you want to be."
"Am I?"
"Yes, just make sure you don't become some lame duck when you get older."
"Like Gendo Ikari?"
"Yes!" said Elly. "Like him! He needs a girlfriend!"
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Misato's Apartment
"Dammit! Where is she?" Asuka was getting frustrated/worried that Ritsuko hadn't shown up yet. She went into Shinji's room so he would have some company. Just then the doorbell rang. Asuka raced to the door hoping it was Ritsuko. It was. She had a bag of gadgets a doctor would need.
"Ah Asuka. Where's Shinji?" she asked.
"He's in this room sleeping," said the red-head.
"Okay, just give me a few minutes to examine him and find out what's wrong," replied the doctor."
Asuka waited patiently outside while Ritsuko checked up on Shinji. 'Schiest! The day I get to spend time with Shinji he's SICK! He'll be in good hands though. He's got me watching over him! You can't find better care than that! I took excellent care of him after his first 500-sync incident!'
While Asuka was so lost in her thoughts about how good of a good caretaker she was, that Ritsuko had to call her a few times when she came back out. Once Asuka was back in reality, she asked Ritsuko, "How is he Doctor?"
"I think the fever is stress related," said Ritsuko. "Seeing Mana die before his eyes was a shock to him. He'll live though. But he needs to take it easy though. And when he wakes up, make sure he drinks plenty of fluids too."
"Is that it?" asked Asuka.
"Yeah that's about it. I'm going back to NERV. I'll give Misato a prescription for Shinji. Later."
So now Asuka was left alone with Shinji again. To Asuka's surprise, Shinji began to stir and wake up. "Asuka… ugh… feel weak…"
"Hey! Just relax! You're running a high fever! I can't have you dying on me!"
Shinji felt like hell. "What hit me? Head hurts…"
"Just take it slowly." Asuka helped Shinji sit up. "Good. Now you just wait there while I make you some soup to bring that temperature down." Asuka left the room to make chicken noodle soup for the sick boy.
While Asuka was cooking, Shinji tried to recollect his memories of what happened before he passed out. Then it all came back to him. Mana, the Seal of Diablos, how he showed her that light conquers the darkness, how she surrendered so he would live. Then he couldn't remember anything after that.
Just then Asuka came in with a tray with a bowl on it. "Your food."
"Thanks," replied Shinji. "Say Asuka, how long have I been asleep for?"
"Well, I'd have to say about 15 hours. And you fell asleep after the battle, so I had to drag you back."
"I see. Sorry."
"You don't have to apologize!" replied Asuka. "Just be happy you're still here!"
"Okay." Shinji went back to eating. After a few mouthfuls he asked, "Where's everyone else?"
"Well let's see. Wondergirl is out for a walk. She probably went to NERV for all I know. Zack also went to NERV to see Down-Under Girl. Shameless he is. Ivana went to the gym to workout. She's a crazy macho-girl. She's strong enough. And Misato is at NERV as well. And Hikari is out of town, so I'm stuck here looking after you. And now you're sick."
"Sorry."
"Oh never mind. I'll look after you because Misato isn't qualified to look after sick kids."
Once Shinji finished the soup he persuaded Asuka to help him into the TV room. Asuka then got him a glass of orange juice. "Ritsuko said you should drink plenty of fluids to bring your temperature down. And if possible, get some rest."
"If you say so," said Shinji as he turned on the TV. Asuka went to the kitchen to answer the phone that was ringing. He heard talking, then Asuka yelling, then hanging up with frustration. This sequence was unfortunately repeated three more times.
Asuka came back all angry. "What's wrong?" asked Shinji.
"Misato doesn't know anything about child care! She's spending the night somewhere else and made one of her flunkies deliver your prescription. I bet she's going to Kaji's again. Casanova, Machogirl, the Stooge, and Wondergirl are having a sleepover at Down-Under Girl's! And we can't go because you're too sick! Grrrrr!"
"Sorry."
"You don't have to apologize! I'll get back at Misato for this!" Asuka's face changes to a devilish smile. "Besides, that means you and I get some time alone! Just me being here should bring your temperature down."
Just then the doorbell rang. Asuka went to answer it. It was a Section-2 agent bringing over Shinji's medicine. Asuka thanked the guard and he went back to his post just down the hall, and told the other guards the relay system worked fine.
Once Asuka got Shinji to take some medicine, she had another idea. "Hey Shinji, I know something we can do and you don't have to get up."
"What do you have in mind?" asked the curious boy.
Asuka sits on his lap and leans closer to him. "Just this." And she began to kiss him.
Their kiss lasts about 30 seconds before Asuka breaks it off. "How do you feel now?" she asked.
"A little better I guess," replied Shinji. "How long does it take for the medicine to kick in?"
"Says only about 30 minutes," said Asuka.
"Can I get some more orange juice?"
"Sure. Dr. Sohryu is here to help!" She rushed off to the kitchen to get more orange juice. Once Shinji had downed the entire glass, Asuka decided it was time to check his temperature again. "103.0. Well, it's going down. So far so good. Once that medicine kicks in, it'll start dropping."
They took some time to watch TV. They decided to watch one of those police chases that had crooks trying to flee at very high speeds.
"It's so stupid," said Asuka. "Why doesn't the moron know he's gonna get caught? Chances are he'll wipe out and get himself killed!"
"I saw this one guy once doing 200 km/h on a motorcycle. And he was going so fast that he couldn't avoid the tractor-trailer in front of him. He went smack into the side of it and was killed instantly."
They watched some more police chases when Asuka felt hungry. "I'm gonna make lunch. What do you feel like?"
"Doesn't matter really," said Shinji. "I know whatever you make won't kill me. Your cooking is better than Misato's."
"Lunch coming up! I hope you can handle German smoked sausages!"
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SEELE's Meeting
SEELE 10: A loss of a valuable agent.
SEELE 05: But look at how capable she was in battle.
SEELE 03: It took a divine intervention of sorts for the Third Child to win.
SEELE 01: (Just logged in) Good day.
SEELE 04: Ah Chairman! What is the news?
SEELE 01: The time for Oholah and Ohlibah to awaken is soon.
SEELE 08: The Second and Third Child have had training in two-on-two combat. Chances are this may not work.
SEELE 06: Likely, but using the Black Angels costs us no money. Unlike those in Eurasia. That costs us a great deal of money and soldiers.
SEELE 11: But it goes quite a way to achieve 3rd Impact this time. And we will succeed.
SEELE 07: Will the 3rd and 4th be successful?
SEELE 01: These sisters are more deadly than the 7th Angel ever was!
SEELE 09: But if they are as powerful as you say, it makes me wonder how powerful the 17th Black Angel will be should the time come.
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NERV HQ
Gendo went over his reports. Out of the small pity he had for Mana Kirishima, he had ordered what was left of the LCL in Unit 07's entry plug, have it all placed in a casket and bury it at a gravesite, therefore giving the alleged Eighth Child a proper burial. He knew Shinji would want that.
He pondered the other things he had learned about Mana. Master's creation? Apparently, this meant she was working for somebody. And this also meant SEELE was working for someone else as well. Gendo knew those washed up old men could not come up with something like the Seal of Diablos on their own. Some unholy being had to have given it to them.
He learned from Kozou that Elly was planning a sleepover in her room. The First, Fifth, Fourth, and Sixth were invited. Apparently, the Third and the Second were still at Katsuragi's apartment. Shinji had come down with a temperature of 103. Dr. Akagi said it was from the stress of Shinji having to fight a child and the 500 sync score that he had gotten. The Second Child, Sohryu was apparently watching over Shinji when it should be Katsuragi. He made a note to Fuyutski to slash Misato's paycheck by 10 percent as a penalty.
Once he was done looking over his reports, he thought about his son. Hopefully his son would be able to forgive for all his wrongdoings. He went over to his phone and called for Kozou to come in.
Two minutes later, the Vice-Commander came in. "You called for me?"
"Yes. I have a question that you may be able to answer."
Kozou was curious now. For Gendo to ask him a question would always shock him. As he knew his superior to always have an answer or always looking for an answer to a problem. "And what would that question be?"
Gendo paused for a moment then spoke up. "I want Shinji to forgive me for my atrocities. What do you suggest I do to make it up to him?"
Now Kozou was even more shocked. He had an idea that may help, but he wondered if Gendo would be up to it, knowing his cold personality. "A father-son day?" he suggested.
"I see. That may work." Gendo had a way to make everything work. However, that day would have to wait until Shinji's health was better than it was now. "Inform Major Katsuragi that her paycheck is being docked for her actions with Shinji being sick. Where is she?"
"She's at Mr. Ryouji's place," replied Kozou.
"I see." Gendo had been through Misato's profile and he knew very well about her… lifestyle while she was in college when she was with Kaji Ryouji. "Was Shinji's prescription delivered?"
"Yes it was. Our Section-2 agents used the relay system they've been training with."
"Good," said Gendo. "That medicine will have his temperature down very quickly. One of our best creations."
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Misato's apartment – 2 1/2 hours later
"Well, that was quite the movie," said Asuka. After lunch, they had decided to watch a movie that Asuka knew very well in Germany. But for Shinji to understand it, they had to use Japanese subtitles. "Let's check your temperature again." And so she took out the thermometer and placed it in Shinji's mouth. "Hmm, 102.8. Slowly, but it's coming down. Told ya you were in good hands with Dr. Sohryu!"
"Hehe, I guess so," said Shinji. "I'm gonna take a nap now. Maybe a little rest will bring my temperature down some more."
"Good call!" said Asuka. "If there's one thing anyone should know, it's that rest is the best thing to do when you're sick."
"Okay." Shinji yawned and quickly fell asleep on the couch.
'He must be exhausted,' Asuka thought to herself. She laid down next to him on the couch. "Sleep tight Shinji," she whispered. She gave him a quick kiss and fell asleep next to him.
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NERV HQ – That night
Misato was on her way back to NERV from Kaji's place. As always, she enjoyed the times when she went to that man's house. He could make her feel special in ways no one else could.
Once she had gotten back to NERV, she logged on to a computer to check her messages. She had two messages that had come in while she was at Kaji's.
Message One was from Ritsuko.
Misato,
Just to inform you, Elly Simpson is having a sleepover in her room at NERV. Toji, Zack, Ivana, and Rei were all invited. Don't worry about the boys though, as Ivana is there and was told to annihilate those two should they try anything they shouldn't. I have word from the Section-2 agents that Shinji is doing much better now. That is all, as I plan to retire for the night and spend some time with my cats. Later.
Ritsuko.
'That's some good news. It'll be quiet tomorrow. Now what does message two say.
Message Two was from Gendo Ikari.
While you were off defiling your body again, you neglected to take the necessary action to deal with the sick EVA pilot Shinji Ikari, who is in your care. To make matters worse, you left EVA pilot Asuka Sohryu to look after him when they are both YOUR responsibility. To deter any further irresponsibility from you, 10 percent of your paycheck will be divided among the Section-2 agents you ordered to deliver Shinji's prescription. Hopefully this will prevent you from putting your body's desires before the EVA pilots again.
One can say Misato was not happy about this.
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Asuka woke up. She noticed Shinji was still sleeping. So she checked the time. She had been asleep for 4 ½ hours. She then checked Shinji's forehead. His temperature had gone right down. Ritsuko must have been right to assume Shinji's fever was stress related. And once the stress was gone, so was the temperature. She checked it again with the thermometer. It read 99.7. This brought a smile to the redhead's face.
'Just wait until Misato sees what a job Dr. Sohryu did. And unless she brings home something to eat, I'm gonna raise hell on that whore! I know what she was doing, and what she does with him is disgusting!'
A/N: And there you have it. A quick note to Chiban-Chan. Like I said, this will be posted by the time you wake up.
On top of that, the kids had better be ready for the arrival of Oholah and Ohlibah, the next Black Angels. Can they beat this terrible duo? Find out next time in Chapter 32! Until then, be cool!