A/N: Wow! 664 reviews! We're almost there! 336 to go! And the only people I can depend on are you readers! You guys and gals rock!
A/O/N: And for those that claim they are offering "CC", at least be a little more helpful than just saying, "sub par". Because it looks like you want to flame but have some sense in you not to go through with it. Nonetheless, it still pisses me off, those who choose not to be helpful when they see problems. Hats off to the helpful, my middle finger to the hurtful.
And now I introduce you to the second part of the Project V Saga. Now that Vladimir is awake after being thought to have been dead, what will he do? Let's rock!
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"How long is this going to take Asuka?"
"Well if you'd quit squirming and whining like a baby, I'd be done sooner!"
"But… OW! You're so rough with that comb!"
"Shut up! I'm almost done!"
Asuka had bluntly decided that Shinji's hairdo was rather dull and bland. So she decided to give her boyfriend a quick spiff-up in the bathroom. Unfortunately, it was like a mother tending to her child with Shinji's complaining about Asuka being too rough.
"Yo Mamma Asuka, keep it down in there. Some of us are still waking up," called out a voice from the table. It was Zack, and already causing trouble right off the bat.
In response, she instinctively jerked one of her hands, which unfortunately held the comb, which had Shinji's hair in it, so he got jerked too. "Shut up Dämliches Arschloch!" Asuka shot back. "You've never looked good in your entire life! At least give Shinji a chance!"
"Watch your language young lady," called out Misato from the kitchen.
Meanwhile out in the kitchen, Misato was the one cooking and the bacon and sunny side up eggs already looked like hell. Not that Ivana looked much better. She looked as white as the glass of milk Rei was sipping on. And Zack was reading a copy of the Tokyo-3 Times.
As Misato decided to look away from the mess in the pans, she noticed how pale Ivana was. "Say Ivana, are you okay? You don't look so well."
"I don't think so," replied Ivana, "I've felt horrible since the moment I woke up this morning. And I felt a real chill last night as well."
"I got an idea," suggested Misato. "I'll make you some green tea. Shinji drinks it all the time. It's usually why he always has such great health." As one would expect of Misato, she left the stove unattended to turn on the kettle to get the water boiling.
'Breakfast will not be pleasant this morning,' thought Rei to herself.
'Uh oh,' thought Zack as he saw Misato leave the stove unattended to get the kettle going. He went back to his newspaper, hoping to find something interesting to read.
"There! All done!" said Asuka from the bathroom. "Go show everyone Shinji! Maybe I should become a hairdresser when I get older!"
So now once more Misato's attention was shifted, along with everyone else's to the boy coming out of the bathroom. Basically, his hair was obviously well combed and gelled back. And Asuka even added a little curl at the front for a little flash of style.
"Gotta say Shinji, not bad at all," commented Zack.
"Maybe Asuka is better off as a hairdresser," put in Ivana.
"Sometimes a change is required," added Rei.
"Wow Shinji," said Misato. "That hairstyle looks good on you. Now if you were only fifteen years older…"
"Why don't you keep your eyes off my boyfriend and back on the stove!" shot out Asuka.
"Hey relax Asuka," replied Misato. "I was just saying…" she trailed off as her eyes went back to the stove to see what had occurred. Another disaster that consisted of burnt eggs and bacon blacker than the tires of a car.
"Und wieder was für die Tonne... " sighed Asuka.
This didn't get Misato's spirits down. "So anyone up for going out for breakfast? You can all be late for school today."
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Gendo Ikari's Office (Please turn up the heat)
"Have my winnings been collected yet?" asked Gendo to an employee.
"Yes sir," the nervous employee replied. "You have won 135 million yen from yesterday's fight."
"I see. Very well, you are dismissed," said Gendo. Once the employee left, Gendo returned to his current matters. Some reports had indicated that a coup was breaking out in Russia. Since Russia had a NERV base, it was imperative that he found out what was going on for sure. He had tried numerous times to contact the head of NERV Russia, but each time gave no reply.
Now Fuyutski had come into his office. "Still no contact from any news organizations in Russia," he conceded.
"This is bad indeed," said Gendo. "If the wrong people get their hands on power in Russia, they will likely gain access to the NERV base there. They would easily have the technology to continue what many others tried to do so long ago: conquer the world."
"And a preemptive strike by us, let alone any country to stop the madness is out of the question, as we are kept rather under watch by every other country in the world," put in Fuyutski.
"Exactly, which is why I would rather much contact someone to find out the situation. Using normal means won't really happen until order is restored, be it by the government in power, or by whoever started this coup."
"And the UN?" wondered Fuyutski.
"Doing their usual," answered Gendo. "Twiddling their thumbs. And the Russian ambassador to the UN is staying rather silent about this issue."
A/N: I find the UN rather useless too.
"Have you been able to get in contact with NERV in Russia?"
"Unfortunately not," replied Gendo. "And I find it very disturbing that they have not sent any sort of message out period." He thought for a moment before making his decision. "Have the EVAs ready to launch immediately, but do not go to First Stage Alert."
"And the children?"
"When the time comes, I will summon them before me," finished Gendo. "As for everyone else, they are to continue their usual business."
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"How is the coup going Master?" asked a voice with that of a child's.
"It is going as expected. The Russian government should fall within a week or less, pending Vladimir wants to have a warm up with the Russian army," said the older of the two. "If he is not yet ready, I predict we will crush them in two weeks."
The two figures, clad always in complete black were looking at a screen. It consisted of a military position being suddenly attacked by a group of people who one would think they're rebels or terrorists trying to overthrow the government. "And as expected," the older one continued, "the government thinks it's Chechnyan terrorists making a comeback with the boldest move they have ever pulled in history, as these attacks are happening all over the place within Russia." Another question came to the leader's mind. "Speaking of Vladimir, how is his sync ratio coming along?"
"He's doing exceptionally well," replied the small one. "He started out around 35. And as we put him through some training exercises, his sync rose to the low fifties. And as we decided to test his mettle against some lesser demons, his sync rose to the mid-late sixties."
"Ah, so he hasn't lost his lust for power and superiority over others. And the fact that he can spill his opponent's blood gives him that rush he wants to be even more powerful. I wish I could have seen that lust myself."
"You should next time I put him through an exercise," said the short one. "He can still wield that scythe with incredible precision. It's almost as if he never spent time in that recovery tank."
"I see. It is all going according to plan then. Hmm, maybe we can speed this up by telling him that if he acts quickly and viciously, he will draw her to him that much sooner."
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School
Of course, as expected the kids were indeed late for school. But with a little explanation from Misato as to why they were late, being that nobody should start the school day without a good morning breakfast, the kids were excused for being late. However, because Ivana still looked rather pale, trumping Rei in paleness even. Well Rei isn't as pale as she used to be, but pale enough for Misato to forbid Ivana to attend school until she got some colour back in her face.
Other than that, the day seemed to be going as expected in Rei's opinion. Rei didn't feel the chill that she and Ivana felt last night, but Rei could sense that something was amidst out there. And whatever it was, it was anything but good. She tried her best to bury the thought and concentrate on her schoolwork, as she did not want her good grades to falter.
As she took a quick look around the classroom, she noticed a few boys were looking at her. Her thoughts flashed back to the time when she had first returned to school. Everyone was shocked by the way she looked upon her return. Rei's excuse at the time was that she had gone in for a complete makeover. To her luck she had managed to avoid being called a freak show. Her dual hair colours didn't at all impress the teachers, but it unfortunately wasn't her fault. To avert trouble in that department, Rei had originally requested hair dye to make her hair completely brown, but Dr. Akagi ordered against it for reasons Rei didn't understand.
She remembered how Ashika (Shinji and Asuka's merged state) once told her to open herself up and make herself more appealing. Saying it was one thing. Doing it was another thing altogether. Rei wouldn't mind speaking to a few of them, but she felt her tone and personality would give off a vibe that she was a dull girl. And really, the only boy she could open up to, was her brother Shinji. Perhaps when the opportunity arrived, she could speak to him about her troubles.
A voice interrupted her thoughts, "Rei can you answer question number eight please?" It was the teacher. Back to reality for the former albino.
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Misato's Apartment
Ivana still wasn't feeling better. So Misato told her to stay home till she got better. Now she was sitting on Zack's couch (after putting on a clean sheet and placing an air freshener) in the room. She and Misato were watching some Japanese soap opera. While the Russian girl herself didn't care that much about it, Misato on the other hand was wiping tear after tear from her eyes.
"Doesn't this make you want to cry Ivana?" asked Misato as she reached for the tissue box… again. "This story makes me so sad. How that woman just left him after he provided her comfort and a sense of identity. Like how could she do that?"
Ivana just sighed and gave Misato a look that said 'Are you stupid or something?' "Didn't you do the exact same thing with Kaji when you were in college?"
Misato's face began to go white with absolute shock. 'Oh God, where did she learn that? Does she know everything?' "Uh, who told you that?" she inquired.
"Kaji told me that," Ivana answered. "He told me how he was like your personal comforter, and then you abruptly broke off with him seven years ago."
"Well that's his point of view I guess," said Misato. "It probably wasn't the best move I've ever made. But now, just between you and me, I want to get back together with him sometime soon. Don't tell Asuka or anyone for that matter. She used to have a mad crush on Kaji before she went head over heels for Shinji."
"Count on that," smirked Ivana. "Been a while since I bothered to listen to a little gossip."
"Good," said Misato, relieved that Ivana didn't know the VERY sensitive details of what went on. "Say, you're starting to look a little better. You still up for cooking tonight? I want to try that borscht recipe soon."
"Perhaps."
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Gendo's Office
This was getting frustrating. His attempt to find out what was going in Russia was far from successful. But then an idea came to mind. He picked up the phone and dialed a number into it. He then spoke English into the phone, "I am Supreme Commander Gendo Ikari. Put Commander Moorehead on the phone immediately." Gendo didn't get anymore frustrated, so he must have gotten the response he hoped for. To say the truth, he was listening to 'Tea and Crumpets' again for at least a minute. Well at least this was better than the 'Cuppycake' song that someone recently installed into NERV Japan's hold tone.
After what felt like an eternity of listening to what some music critics would deem as absolute garbage, a man finally answered the phone. "Yes Gendo," the voice said. It was that of Commander James Moorehead.
"I'm sure you are aware of the situation in Russia," replied Gendo getting straight to the point.
"Yes I am. And I bet you are wishing for answers. One of the benefits of being within NATO was that we got access to spy technology that would enable us to get an idea of what is going on within Russia's borders."
"How bad is it?" asked the Supreme Commander.
"It's worse than what we imagined," replied Moorehead. "There is indeed a coup breaking out of some sorts in Russia. Some sources say rebels from Chechnya are fueling them. Others say that these rebels are getting their support from somewhere inside Russia. Basically, the rebels are probably as well equipped as the military itself. They may actually overthrow the government."
"What's the status of the NERV base in Russia?" was Gendo's most important question.
"Unfortunately, even I do not know," said Moorehead. "But I will keep you posted if anything new develops."
"Very well. I will be waiting. And let me know if NERV Russia sends out any messages of any sorts."
"Count on it. Because I have a very bad feeling about this."
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Hillside outside Tokyo-3
"I think I'm starting to rub off on you Shinji."
"Why's that?"
"Thinking of getting away out here so we can stay away from Casanova and the antics at home for a while. Pure genius. Genius, which I emit that you have finally picked up."
"I guess so. I guess I'm lucky to have fallen in love with someone as smart and as beautiful as you."
"You sure are."
Asuka and Shinji were stretched out on the grass in the place where Misato showed Shinji Tokyo-3 a year ago. Asuka was a tad frustrated that she hadn't had much time alone with Shinji as of late. So Shinji suggested they go to that place after school, as Zack hadn't known of this place yet. They could spend as much time here as they liked.
Asuka then rolled her slender body on top of Shinji's slim body. "Ah I feel like I could lie here all day," she sighed resting her forehead against his. "No Misato, no Casanova, no EVA, no Black Angels, just us." She kissed him softly on the lips. "I hope nothing ever breaks us apart."
"Me too," answered Shinji. "Now that I know what we can do together, I couldn't imagine us being apart." He wraps his arms around her back and then kisses her back. "Oh I love you so much Asuka."
"Oh stop stealing the lines out of mouth silly," the girl on top replied.
"Sorry," sighed Shinji.
"Do you want to make up for it?" asked Asuka with a smile.
"Sure."
"Then don't make up. Make out."
Within a second, their lips connected once more, as the two shared their love with each other. As their kissing went French style, Shinji tightened his grip around her, pulling her as close to him as he could. Asuka in a sense melted into his caress and his kiss, letting herself sink into his body."
If the human body didn't require oxygen, our favourite couple would still be kissing well into the next chapter. However, Shinji and Asuka ARE human, and because of that, they had to break off their kiss to gulp some much needed air.
"Great as always," commented Asuka on their kiss. "Let's do it again."
And so they kissed. It was basically a repeat of last time. This got Asuka to break off the kiss early. However, Shinji didn't get it. "What's wrong?"
And so, the redhead would have to educate the boy. "Look Shinjikins, when it's just the two of us out here by ourselves, you can let go a bit. You don't have to hold yourself back."
"What do you mean Asuka? I don't get you sometimes."
"I mean, when we're intimate like this, and Misato and Casanova aren't around, it's usually okay to take an inch if you know what I mean?" Asuka clarified.
"A-are you sure that's okay Asuka?" inquired Shinji.
"Of course it's okay idiot," answered Asuka playfully. "I know you like touching me, and I know you won't hurt me. So just reach out… I trust you."
She then laid her head on his collarbone to see what he would do. And then he reacted. Shinji took her head in his hands, and kissed her again. As he did such, he began to caress her hair and back with his soft hands. It seemed to be working so far, in Asuka's opinion. She could feel his hands sliding down her back, over her skirt, and resting on her white panty-covered butt. She shivered at the feel, but only for a moment.
Asuka let Shinji kiss her a bit more before breaking off. She felt some pressure on her thighs, which OBVIOUSLY meant a positive reaction from Shinji. She looked at him and grinned, "You like what you're feeling, don't you? You like your hands on my sexy ass huh?"
Shinji offered her a weak smile, "I sure do I guess."
"Gimme a squeeze then, if you dare," she challenged him.
It took a few seconds, but responding to the challenge seemed to be what he did best, as he straddled and squeezed her butt for a little while, before bringing his eager hands to an easing stop.
"Ah, that felt nice. Thank you," said Asuka as she nuzzled his cheek. "You've taken another step closer to becoming a man. It's been a long tough road, but with my help, you're more than guaranteed you'll make it."
"Uh, when will I become a man then?" Shinji begged the question.
"First night of our marriage. That night, I promise, you will become a man."
They continued to lie there, just letting time pass itself by. But Shinji and Asuka for while just didn't give a damn about whatever else was going on. They just lay there for the best of an hour so, with both eventually dozing off. As much as they would both like to stay in dreamland, Shinji's cell phone going off brought them both back to reality.
"Wow, it's gotten rather dark out," said Asuka who finally got herself off Shinji as she looked out at the sunset. "By the way, who called?"
"It's Misato," replied Shinji. "And she dropped a voice message."
"I gotta hear this," said Asuka. "I wonder what that old woman has to say."
Shinji pressed a few buttons, and then they could hear Misato's message being played on the phone. "Hi kids. I have no idea where you two are at the moment. Section 2 is probably getting lazy or they're picking up hookers, not that I'd mind being picked up by a nice looking man. Knowing how you two are always together, Asuka is probably ascending you prematurely into manhood Shinji. As much as I don't want to interrupt this great moment in your young and horny teenage life, dinner is almost ready. I don't care how deep in you are, pull it out and get home soon. And tell Asuka to brush her teeth when she gets in if she did what I hope she didn't do. And at least look like you haven't done anything, as that would set a very bad example for your sister. Oh shit, I think she just heard me say all that. Anyways, get home soon and tell me all about it. Bye bye!"
Just when they thought Misato couldn't scar the two anymore than she already had with her idea of sexual humour, she had just scarred them once more.
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Gendo Ikari's Office
The situation in Russia wasn't getting much better at all. Maybe he should have sent some EVAs over to Russia earlier when he had the chance. He had been in contact as well with NERV allies in Germany and America. All pretty much provided the same information.
Gendo also heard that the UN was going to hold a meeting on this matter. Not that a meeting would do that much, other than maybe disclose a few extra details. Russia itself was in no position to be commenting, as almost all media outlets had been shut down in and out of Russia.
Suddenly, his phone began to ring. "What is it?" he quickly spoke into the phone once picked up.
"Commander Ikari, it's Lieutenant Ibuki. We've received a message that was sent out of NERV Russia five minutes ago. Commander Moorehead of England had intercepted the message and then forwarded to us, saying it was of utmost importance."
"Who is the message from?" asked Gendo.
"I don't know sir," replied Maya. "Someone named General Sergei Berezov."
"Send me the message," the commander ordered.
"Already done."
"Good. You are dismissed." He hung up the phone and checked his messages. Sure enough, there was the voice message. Gendo immediately played it through.
There was quite a bit of static, but he could hear a voice speaking in English: "I don't have much time. I pray someone gets this. I am General Sergei Berezov of NERV Russia. As of twelve hours ago, our country was attacked by an unknown threat. We suspected it to be the rebels of… Chechnya. We made a grave miscalculation. This new enemy is much more powerful than mere rebels. We were overwhelmed in no time. They stormed our military bases and used our own power against us. For the last few hours, these unknown soldiers have pinned down myself and many other military and government officials along with the base's guards. They're unstoppable, and there's no doubt they'll eventually get in and kill everyone. Russia… has fallen."
Gendo's worst fears had come true. Russia had fallen to an unknown force. And if he knew any better, this attack on such a powerful country was an attempt to merely draw NERV Japan into this, as Russia had requested Gendo's help before and he turned them down due to lack of evidence. And now this country had Russia's military might in its control, so defeating them would not be easy whatsoever.
The message continued. As it played, it showed evidence that the device that sent this message was failing in power. "Whoever is reading this, if you know a young girl named Ivana Kharlamov, please inform her that she needs to return to Russia now, to save it from… him. He has returned Ivana. Vladimir is back. I know without a doubt in my mind that he is behind this operation. And if I know any better, he has the rest of the world in his crosshairs. Oh no, this device is running out of power. Ivana… you must… stop hi…"
Apparently, the device had gone dead before the message had completed. Gendo returned to the phone. He dialed Misato's residence. One ring and the phone was picked up.
"Major, bring the Children to me immediately. We have an emergency."
A/N: Okay people, you had the right to complain about the lack of SxA romance. Well I hope this rectifies it for a time. Since the attention is coming off Zack like it has for this chapter, perhaps I'll try to return to this trend, until Casanova does something else utterly stupid that makes us all want to know what the dweeb did. And to think I'm Canadian myself!
A/O/N: Now Russia has fallen to an unknown enemy. And that Vladimir is responsible for this. Are our heroes ready to deal with a resurrected bloodthirsty savage? Can they save the world once more? Will my university transfer be approved?
Until 66, be cool!
PS- Oh yeah, this is also the introduction of me having Asuka use some genuine German. This is where the translations for her German speech shall be.
Dämliches Arschloch! Stupid Asshole!
Und wieder was für die Tonne... And again something for the trash can...