The Friend of my Enemy

by Mercaba

A spring rain and a short walk bring Shinji to the the attention of a young woman that changes not only his destiny but the lives of all the staff of Nerv

11. Chapter 11

Standard disclaimer

Going to another anime con in about two weeks, should be fun since its smaller than ACEN but not tiny…good mix I hear. This oddity is back up and I'm finding this story has so many damn options I love it ^_^. Mixing these three shows has infinite potential for fun…just hopefully FFNET doesn't drop it due to somebody reading to deep into it. If it does get taken down it'll go to yourffent

X-X

Friend of my Enemy

Chapter – 11

Life was good, Chizuru realized, very good indeed. Lounging in Shinji's futon, the sun streaming in the window signifying a new day had yet again dawned, she drank in the joy she felt. Naked as the day she was born under his sheet, she wiggled back against his sleeping form. Spooning was becoming her absolute favorite way to sleep, shame they didn't get to do it that often. Misato was vocally opposed to many (any) nights of Chizuru staying over. Just made nights like the previous where Misato worked night shift all the better.

Murmuring pleasantly in his sleep the equally dressed Shinji snuggled closer to his bedmate. His right hand draped over Chizuru's body cupping and idling teasing the mound of flesh it incased. Thanks to her wiggling closer to him, a certain hard part of the lad rubbed antagonizing between the flesh of Chizuru's peach like behind. But all good things ended, "Uh, morning already?"

Oh poo, Chizuru had hoped he'd stay sleeping just a little bit longer, as the longer he slept the longer she got to feel that heat permeate her backside and be held by the man she loved. As she knew once he woke it was going to be separation, gentleness, and then eventually annoying real life again. "Want to sleep in some more?" she couldn't help but try. He'd not though, they had school and of course the others would object. Spying the empty cat bed in the corner, Chizuru was happy that her eternal rival hadn't spied on the previous evenings events.

"I need to start making breakfast, or Asuka will be a living terror. And if she catches you here, you can bet she'd tell Misato-san," Shinji sleep spoke. Despite his words, Shinji's hand shifted to Chizuru's waist and hugged her. "Thanks for the date last night, Chizu-chan, been an odd week at Nerv and everything," he kissed her cheek before reluctantly pulling free. Already rolling off the futon, his morning condition bobbed in the streaming light from the window. "Though I don't think I'd mind if she did. Stay for breakfast?" he asked as he stretched.

Stepping out of the closet, her elongated tongue practically danced, "Of course I would like breakfast, slayer. Your ward wore off some time ago Kitsu-hime, Neko-hime was not pleased but I enjoyed the show." The Mizuchi allowed herself to drink in the sight of the erect slayer who cried out cutely as he went to cover himself with his cast off shirt. "Don't cover yourself on my account, I've seen you in action," her dry and sharp wit was left in open air.

Well despite how wonderful her life had become, Chizuru did acknowledge a few glaring annoyances. "Stop eye humping my boyfriend! And why would you watch us anyway?" grabbing the first thing she could, her bra, Chizuru hurled it at the intruder. Annoyed at the ball of silk's inability to connect with the intruder, Chizuru sat up, pulling the sheet up to cover her impressive bust. "And don't think I forgot what you said when you healed him," honestly how crude could the Mizuchi be…getting off while healing.

Hastily dawning his clothing, Shinji stood between the sitting Chizuru and the advancing Shizuka. "Now-now, Chizuru-san," in company he never said chan, "Shizuka-san had…a right to get something out of healing me?" It sounded as hollow and forced as could be, but Shinji at least tried to defend the water demon's self-fulfillment. Sniffing the room, "Misato-san will be sleeping or close to it, so if you wanted to stay for breakfast, Chizuru, you can probably get a shower in beforehand. Himari-san bathes at night, and Asuka is a late sleeper."

Stepping up to Shinji, Shizuka gave Chizuru a wicked grin, "A full week since the last guardian, three dates with the Kitsu-hime and three with Neko-hime and yet such an early riser. Slayers do have wonderful stamina." Her hand went to Shinji's cheek, winking at Chizuru the Mizuchi acted quickly, darting her snakelike tongue into Shinji's mouth and stealing an early morning open mouthed kiss. Pulling out…a full five inches of tongue…Shizuka let it slide down Shinji's cheek leaving a trail, "You taste delicious, even if it is sullied by her juices. FYI the score for last night was Kitsu-hime 5 times while the slayer only 2…tsk tsk tsk Neko-hime got 3 during her last time."

Having fully planned on staying the night, her darling could never refuse her requests, Chizuru grabbed her clothing from her bag. "Go on, Shin-chan, I'll deal with her and then meet you for breakfast," she shooed the blushing and mind-fried Shinji away. Just as he reached the door though, she pulled the mental chain, "But don't forget we have our actual date today after school. Last night was just a sampling of dessert first." He fled flustered, and she found that just adorable…but the cause was irksome. Standing up, letting her glorious body show to the intruder, "I'm working on improving those scores, bet Kuro-neko didn't do what I did last night." She was proud of using her babies to make her man squirm.

Flowing over behind the kitsune, Shizuka sampled the goods first hand, hefting them up and dropping them. "The elasticity is amazing, but you were beaten to the plump by Neko-hime two days ago. You did strike oil a little faster than she did with the task though," Shizuka pet Chizuru's cheek with her tongue. Reforming her face after Chizuru's fist flew though it in anger, she 'hu-hu-hu'd' and headed to the door, "Though she did lose some points when she let her ears out, Slayer-chan can't handle that to well."

Without further ceremony, and her good mood slightly tarnished at learning she'd been preempted by Himari, Chizuru slinked off to the bathroom. The damn cat was at Shinji's side, as always when Chizuru couldn't prevent it, learning how to cook (at least pretending when not flirting), but Chizuru didn't mind too much. She hated it, but Chizuru was depending on Himari for a great deal now, even Shizuka and to a degree her young protégée. Tayura's encounter with Saku had left Chizuru rattled, and opened her acceptance of the other women in Shinji's life. Hell Asuka alone was a cause of concern, fledgling slayers were dangerous.

Tempted to break Himari and Shinji up, Chizuru opted not to, let them have their morning too. She could still feel Shinji's warmth inside her, and well walking like that could make a mess. Discarding the shirt, Shinji's of course, on the floor the moment she got into the bathroom, she pouted. "Why are they still hanging their panties in here for him to see?" she groaned. Even the Soryu girl was doing it, odd given how quick the German was to allege perversion. But they were having Shinji do their laundry, so it wasn't as if he didn't have access. Grabbing one of Himari's 'old style' cloth wraps she quipped, "How she uses this is beyond me, has a nice cos-play feel though." Maybe she'd try it and see if Shinji enjoyed it.

"They need a bigger bath, this is too small for my tastes," Chizuru climbed into substandard bath and sank in to her neck. Defiantly would be better if Shinji was in with her, but then they'd need to clean up again. "Though he could clean me thoroughly," she tittered as she worked out the mess that Shinji had left behind. As her fingers worked, slowly and carefully to not stir the pot to much, Chizuru sloshed in the water. If only she could be with him all the time she wouldn't be so worried. On his own, Ikari bloodline or not, Shinji was vulnerable especially with his kind nature. Saku's words about working for somebody, that Shinji was his target…she needed to know more.

Enjoying the bath as best she could, being unable to fully stretch out made it less than ideal, she tried to think who would want to target Shinji. It had to be somebody that knew about his true nature, but that meant it was a demonic force. So why capture and not kill, not that Chizuru minded them wanting to keep her darling alive. So, when Chizuru had her school work, occasional sibling bonding time, or otherwise distracted she'd let the concubines see to Shinji's safety. Getting out, reaching for a towel, "Rei-chan's been asking if she needed to 'assist' more often."

Fluffing her hair, she increased her body's temperature to dry it quickly, Chizuru examined herself in the foggy mirror. "I know he doesn't mind if I go without, but…" Chizuru applied her makeup more to drive off any would be boyfriend thieves. Girls could be evil, and if they sensed weakness (like a girl not dressing up for her man) they'd strike. "Not today, but maybe next time I'll let Rei-chan have a turn," she did cherish her little pupil. Rei was adorable when flustered, and well Chizuru loved adorable things.

Checking her bag again, she had a few toys for tonight's date, she smiled in anticipation. A nice night on the town, the wine in her bag would be drank at the park, they'd dance and talk and laugh…it'd be magical. Spinning around, she tapped the mirror satisfactorily, "You my dear are one beautiful creature." Winking at her reflection, Chizuru wondered what Himari did on her dates with Shinji then realized they'd be boring and laughed. Heading to the door, she opened it only to find a glaring blue eyed German, "Oh, Asuka-chan, I didn't expect you up this early." Not that she cared.

"Great the other one, it's not bad enough that I have to live with TWO demons, I have to have my bathroom sullied by you," Asuka grumbled and brushed past Chizuru. Looking at the bathwater, "You didn't DO anything to that did you? And when did you get here anyway, I didn't hear the do…you didn't did you?"

Curling back her lips in a mock grin, Chizuru never had a problem putting trouble in its place, and Asuka was trouble incarnate. So she'd not mention the cream she dissolved in the water that Shinji and her made the night before, "Oh no, it's fine. And you have to admit Asuka-chan, we demons aren't as bad as all that stuffy slayer lore states. New times call for new ideology." Asuka just had to many secrets that she wasn't telling to put Chizuru at ease, and the girl had calculating eyes and was far too smart for her own good. "Maybe your 'friend' should have studied harder before training you," Chizuru did fear that unknown 'friend'.

Eying the water for a moment longer, Asuka sniffed the air like a dog then nodded. "Whatever, I've had heard something anyway if you did. Tell Baka that I want pancakes this morning," Asuka ordered with obvious disdain. Keeping her back to Chizuru, Asuka disrobed and got into the bath with an audible sigh, "Japanese need bigger bathtubs I can't really relax in this."

"On that we can agree. If you weren't so opposed to Shin-chan and I being together I'd have offered to let you try mine out," Chizuru teased as she left the German to soak. Finding Shinji setting the table, she pondered if telling him that his flatmate was stewing in their juices, then just smiled at him after kissing his cheek. "The uber-wench wants pancakes, which I see you've already made," she adored his cooking. Taking the seat at his side, Himari and Shizuka across the table from them, she squeezed his hand under the table.

Scoffing at the door, Himari rolled her eyes, "Yon fledgling does make many demands and offers little in recompense. Tis a sad boon Katsuragi insists they stay together in the event they doth need repeat their unity." She was nibbling on a piece of bread, a cup of tea in hand, and after Shinji jumped in his char slightly, "Shinji-sama doth spoil her to much this one believes. Tis he trying to get yet another fragile maiden in his sway?" Those eyes danced with wicked delight and offered no sincerity in the accusation just simple teasing.

Trying his best to cut his pancakes with his chopsticks, Shinji appeared frustrated at his inability to separate a chunk off. "Asuka is just having a hard time adjusting to things. New country, new roommates, and…well she wasn't expecting to be living with me let along two of her 'enemies'. Just hope she realizes how…" his face went crimson and he jumped again, "I…uh he he, um d-don't mind cooking this type of food either. S-so what will you two be doing today? W-we played games yesterday, Himari-s-san, and today is our d-date Chizuru-san?"

Ok, who was playing with her man in front of her, Chizuru sampled her food as she looked at her opponents. Yes, it was the new game of the day, under-table hand and foot to balls, winner was the one that got the best result. It had been a three player game, (Himari, Shinji, and herself) but after that last round, Himari looked just as shocked as she had been. Could…no…please don't say the Mizuchi was starting to grow fond and it wasn't just overt spying for the elder!

"I intend to see how far you've progressed in training Puppy-kun," Shizuka opted to just cut the breakfast with her tongue rather than use utensils. "If I were to bet, I'd say Neko-hime will be stalking you on your date, Slayer. She was stalked outside the room last night, though maybe it's because you kicked her out of her bedroom to be with," her head flinched towards Chizuru, and that look on her face was full of evil trickery.

Dabbing her lips with a napkin, syrup had worked its way out of the corner of her mouth, Himari gave Shizuka a sidelong glance. "Sadly that be not the case today. A marked up turn in news reports of singed and damaged property has been noticed. Possibly another looking for Shinji-sama, I shall go on the hunt tonight and prey that one does not…yon beast of Ero stop abusing my master before my eyes as I sup! Tis my duty to see to his morning needs, not the mistress!" Himari slammed her chopsticks down. "Shinji-sama, perhaps you spoil her to much as well. Your health will decline if you let her continue to suck your fluids dry!" she admonished her master quite openly.

One moment open and flirting, the next angry at Shinji for being just a little to flippant, yup Chizuru saw Himari was in raw form today. But wait… "I thought it was you that was…" They both turned from Shinji to Shizuka and back, "Shin-chan, care to explain?" The look of pale and unabashed confusion left little suspicion though, "You didn't know it was her, did you?" He just nodded and set his chopsticks down, giggling, "You're so cute when you're flustered. Makes me want to spoil you as Kuro-neko says!"

But a very tired looking and angry Misato, stomped out of her room, chugged a beer, and gave them all the stink eye. "Quite children, mother needs her beauty rest or all playtime is canceled. Himari I'll have you at base for training, Chizuru you'd just not be here, and Shinji you'd be giving me a massage all night long," she slammed the can against her forehead and dropped it to the floor. Retreating to her cave, Pen-Pen in tow, the captain had spoken and it ended the teasing.

"W-well we better get going, we need to get Tayura and Ayanami," Shinji gathered the plates and took them to the sink. They all followed closely, well all save Shizuka who stayed behind to do the dishes and watch the apartment. Rei was waiting at the door of the apartment complex, and hugged Shinji with her lack of expression it came off as comical. Tayura did appear in better spirits, cooking for only two (one of which ate lettuce and bread) was much easier.

Chizuru's mood however was spoiled at school though, one of the other students was sick meaning she'd have to do clean up. So rather than a nice date with Shinji, she had to clean up the classroom instead. But if could talk to Tayura to act as backup, maybe this worked out for the best. It was time to give Rei-chan a little trial run, and while Shinji was distracted she could hunt down Saku. Who was looking for her man, why were they, and what really did happen at that shrine? Chizuru wanted all of these answers, she just hadn't expected to go on the prowl so fast, but life was never exactly what she wanted. But she loved it regardless, and she would defend it.

X-X

"Man only two more weeks till the trip to Okinawa, I'm so pumped up!" Touji thrust his fists into the air in excitement. Walking out of the school, books if any in his curiously thin bag banged against his side. Walking backwards, hands behind his head, "So who do you think will have the better swimsuit? I'm betting Minamoto, but I have to admit the Devil might be nice too."

Ah yes, the trip that everybody was so excited about, Shinji doubted he'd get to go but why ruin Touji's fun for now. "Well haven't you seen them all in suits already during PE?" he hadn't put much thought into swimsuits. Despite Asuka's quite amorous form, Shinji had to admit he would rather see Chizuru or Himari. Having seen both women in far less, he found it odd that the idea of swimwear did peek his interests slightly. Scanning the gate for signs of Chizuru, Shinji readied himself for her hug, "And shouldn't you be more interested in how Hikari looks?"

Fixing his glasses, Kensuke chuckled slightly, "Yeah, with how much you go on about her, I'd figure you'd be salivating at the idea of the class rep." His laptop in his bag hung comically at his side due to its heavier nature. His expression turned dreamy though, "Now I'd love to see Misato-san in a nice bikini, but I doubt she'd be going as a chaperone."

Stumbling but not falling, Touji hopped on one foot to keep his balance. After sputtering and putting his hand to his chest for a few calming breaths, "W-what are you talking about. I don't go on about Hokari. She's flat anyway…well not flat really just not as pronounced as Minamoto. Hell hardly anybody is like your girlfriend, Shin-man. You got lucky." Poking his buddy in this side with a finger, "Are they firm or flabby?"

"Chizuru is firm and supple," Rei stated without any hint of shame. "Ikari-kun has shown thought that they are quite malleable and sensitive despite the normal instance of large mammaries being dull." Stepping out from shadows of the school gate, Rei bowed her head softly before latching onto Shinji's arm.

Well Rei was totally correct in her statement, Shinji didn't want anything the albino said to be common knowledge. Especially his familiarity with them, but Rei was still learning the social graces. "I-um…anyway, what are you guys up to? Rei-san, why are you here, not that I mind you being here," he was quick to amend less he hurt her feelings. Then he noticed not one pale girl but two, "Shizuka-san, you're here too? Isn't it a bit hot for you?"

Holding out a popsicle, the Mizuchi stuck it into her mouth provocatively and Fellated the cylindrical treat. While her tongue coiled around it, "I do leave the apartment from time to time. I had intended to work on Puppy-kun's vocabulary. Unless you want her talking about how you fondle Kitsu-hime into a froth?" Thankfully the deathly pale girl said it only so loud as for Shinji to hear, rather than make an interesting situation explode.

"Going to play some basketball and then do homework at Ken's place, welcome to come too," Touji leaned over Kensuke's shoulder pushing the geek down slightly. In a rather unbecoming showing of lust, Touji eyed over both Rei and Shizuka, both garbed in slightly more casual clothing. "Shin-man the sex fiend, all dem girls talking about you as the playboy might be onto something. You got yourself another girl?" he didn't linger on Shizuka for long.

Groaning and pinching his brow, Shinji felt the rather uncomfortable drive to throttle Touji into a tiny pile. More girls had heard the comment as they walked by and he could hear them giggling and saw them pointing. The legend of Shinji Ikari Mega-Playboy and sex-fiend were growing. "Shizuka is a relative of Rei-san," a lie but vary believable due to the skin tones. "And she's been helping Rei-san to get more socially active. So no I did NOT get another one. Talking like that isn't going to help me much either," he pleaded with his buddies, but doubted they cared.

A tease or serious Shinji didn't know, but Shizuka batted her eyelashes in apparent shock. "But you are important to me, you are not casting me aside already after all we've done together?" she sauntered up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She gave him a masked wink before she added yet another page to Shinji's legend by kissing him in the open…and it wasn't a soft peck on the cheek.

As Shizuka's tongue unfurled in his mouth, cold and clammy like a fish, Shinji willed himself not to react. As odd as her touch was, Shizuka had skill with her tongue that Himari was finally catching on to. Shinji was aware that Kensuke and Touji said they were going to take off, but his mind was to overloaded by the mizuchi's little play. After she broke her hold, Touji and Kensuke out of word range, "W-why are you here a-again? Chizuru-san and I were going to…"

"Chizuru had to cancel due to school priorities, much as Soryu has. So she asked me to fill in for her," Rei's eyes danced with some hidden delight. Moving over to where Shizuka had been, "Shall I greet you in the same fashion as Shizuka-kun?" Eagerness had always been something Rei showed, willing to partake in any mission or objective without hesitation or falter. So it wasn't unexpected that without waiting for Shinji to respond she acted as Shizuka had, just far less skilled but made up for it with enthusiasm.

Being kissed by two very attractive, if not a little on the off emotionally side, so soon after getting out of class was something the young Ikari quite enjoyed. It wasn't his girlfriend or his bodyguard though, so that made his mind hurt a little. "I-if she's ok with it, I guess we can go along with the plan she had set. Y-you don't mind a nice walk in the park, picnic lunch, and a little shopping do you?" Chizuru had set the plan while he provided the food, standard situation.

Linking to his left side, Shizuka nodded, "If I didn't know any better slayer, I'd think you enjoyed us kissing you. But know that tonight you are ours, you are our toy, not Neko-hime or Kitsu-hime's, ours!" As a show of dominance she yanked him a little closer to her room-temperature body.

Rei, every the apt pupil, took Shinji's right side, and the young man was lead into afternoon streets. As they walked, people stopped at the odd show, one man being practically owned by two women. Those that knew Shinji, well know OF Shinji, spoke amongst one another of how lady killer Ikari struck again. The park was fairly simple, Rei was her typically quiet self, and Shizuka…well Shizuka teased and taunted the young slayer something relentlessly.

After a good hour of just casual conversation, Rei actually added when prompted but otherwise just basking at being at her Alpha's side, Shinji noticed a sweating Shizuka. "Heat finally getting to you Shizuka-san? Should we stop inside a café or something to get you a drink to cool off?" he was well aware of the Mizuchi's susceptibility to temperature. "I wouldn't mind a drink myself. I'll pay even?" he hoped she wouldn't push it off as a sign of defiance.

"I'll deem you worthy of providing for me today, your supper was good enough," Shizuka burped slightly after her little barb. Now just holding Shinji's hand, the green haired demon listed softly against the boy's side. "You warrant so much more observation, maybe not just second or third hand either," she tickled his side with her hand.

Not to be outdone, Rei tried her hand at the 'sensual' art of rib tickling and accidentally pushed Shinji over and atop Shizuka. "Are you alright, I was only attempting to move on to the next phase of the date as Shizuka-kun was," Rei reached down to support her pack leader.

Gazing into Shizuka's crisp red eyes, Shinji was lost in them for a moment. Just like Rei, the pale skin and soft features blended into a vision of a woman. Svelte and petite, but lovely none the less. Pastel pink lips that were borderline white just begged for his attention, "W-we're fine, R-Rei-san, it was an accident." But why was his heart beating so fast, this was ridiculous, he liked Shizuka and Rei alright, but this date wasn't…he wasn't supposed to…

"Slayer, is that a roll of yen coins in your pocket or are we going to have to find someplace private as you ravish us against our wills?" Shizuka coyly drew her ribbon to just below her eye shielding her face.

That got Shinji's attention as he threw himself off of her and stood rod stiff facing the other way. He had…oh god he actually did! "S-sorry about that Shizuka-san, I know this is just you…observing. I didn't mean, I wasn't my intent to, oh this is so embarrassing," he stammered. After opting to not hear Rei saying she wouldn't mind and in fact wanted to, Shinji lead the two girls to his favorite café. Opening the door to the smiling face of Lizet, "Lizet-san, can I have a table for three please?"

Her smile going from genuine to faker than a promise from Misato go give up beer, Lizet shakily pointed to a booth. "W-w-w-why hello Ikari-san, y-you've brought n-new friends today. H-h-have a s-seat and I'll be over i-in a bit," she stammered hard as she hid behind a menu.

"Did you force yourself on her as well slayer, or is she your next target?" Shizuka jabbed despite a full blush on her face. As the walked, Lizet yelping out in some sort of terror after Shizuka's comment, they found their seats and tried to relax. Slumping fully against the table, chin resting on the surface, the Mizuchi looked drained and semi-transparent. "Fluids, I don't care what type, I demand them. If that big breasted maid doesn't show up soon, I'll make you produce your Ikari special cream," she bemoaned.

Eyes following Lizet as she moved about the small café, Rei cupped her own breasts. "Do you prefer women have breasts like hers? Chizuru and Himari have them…am I not satisfactory to you?" she actually sounded sincere and worried.

"Not at all Rei-san! It's not the size of your…or her…I don't care about that," Shinji fought to maintain his capillary functions. Leave it to Rei to think of the most blatant things, just because Lizet had a captivating form wasn't a reason he'd try for her, not when his plate was quite fill already. "Thanks Lizet-san, sorry if they gave you the wrong impression of me," Shinji thanked the maid who set down some complementary water…Shizuka's was gone in moments.

Once her glass was empty, and the condensation licked off the side, Shizuka appeared more amongst the living. "So you won't drag her off to a room to slay her like you have Kitsu-hime," again Lizet stumbled after the comment but continued on her way. Waggling her tongue mockingly, "And was that a complement on our less than busty figures? Do I need to worry about you trying your hand against me?"

Was she being serious or just joking, Shinji could never tell. The girl at times sounded to have genuine feelings for him, he wasn't dense, but others she came off as just joking. "Well you are very attractive Shizuka-san, you as well Rei-san," Misato and Chizuru's training kicked in. Women love compliments, well that's what Misato said, and it seemed to work to diffuse odd situations.

And work it did, for Rei at least, who clutched Shinji's shirt under the table with one hand. Reading the menu, she refused to release her hold, but said nothing. When Lizet finally came back, she simply pointed at the drink she wanted. Something in Rei's mind was whirling and twirling and Shinji's apparent attraction was the cause.

Drinking his espresso, he blew the steam off it, sighing contently, "This is a lot more fun than I'd thought it'd be. I was…worried I would bore you two. I don't have much real experience with dates, and it was Chizuru that normally leads the way." But he was having fun. It wasn't as overwhelmingly exciting as his dates with Chizuru were, but it was nice to finally sit down with these two lovely ladies. Talking and joking for several hours, they left the café to head out to the park to eat again.

After the meal eaten, Rei looked just a trifle still hungry at the lack of meat in the basket, turned an eye to Shinji. "Now that we have bonded and eaten, it is time for mating now correct? Shall we use the woman's bathroom, the bushes, or find one of the many love motels?" her eyes softened and a small bud of a smile crested her lips in hope. "C-Chizuru said you would…rock my world?" she said unfamiliar with the phrase.

Both Shizuka and Shinji just gaped at the brazen comment, Shinji's hand went lax while Shizuka's tongue unfurled and hung low. Then, while still in a state of shock, Rei started leading them to the first hotel she could find, more to keep Shizuka cool than for any other reason.

X-X

Somehow Tayura just knew that the day wasn't going to be a good one, but the why and how eluded him. At the moment things were good, well they were very good in some ways. Cleaning the classroom wasn't a bad thing in and of itself, boring and tedious but not bad, so that wasn't a big deal. Working with Asahina was a perk anyway he looked at it, the other two helpers however. He'd admit that at times Hokari was nice to chat with, girl was polite, energetic, and not hard on the eyes. However number four on the cleaning committee for the day was…

"Tayura work faster! I don't want to stay here all night, I have things to do!" Asuka yelled as she finished stacking the desks up. Girl was a whirlwind of activity and actions, moving from task to task without batting an eye or even being winded. Having done at least half of work herself, Asuka was out to prove something. Grabbing a spare cloth she started washing the chalkboard with Asahina, "I swear, why can't you Japanese have janitors like we do in the west."

Grumbling Tayura stepped up gathering wads of paper and garbage and tossing them into the bag Hikari held open. Asuka was a storm of confusion and hostility that the young fox demon would have liked to avoid. "Does she have to be so loud all the time? Seriously, I don't know how Shinji can live with that," he muttered. To make matters worse was Chizuru and Asuka had some odd rivalry going on, and anything that upset Chizuru found a way of making his life harder. Actually looking at Hikari, "Does she ever take a break?"

"Nope, Asuka-chan is all work all the time," Hikari giggled but for some reason just couldn't maintain eye-contact. Poised just a few scant inches from Tayura's had, Hikari's hands fumbled and wrangled the plastic lip of the trash bag. Reaching down to grab a fallen piece of paper, her hand was eclipsed by Tayura's eliciting a yelp from her, "S-s-sorry about that, Minamoto-kun, and for her attitude. She said a friend of hers came into town today and she's wanting to meet up with her."

Friend, not THAT friend he hoped, but Tayura couldn't think of anything else. "You don't say, guess that is a reason to want to hurry. I've got nothing to do myself. Chizuru is out on a date with Shinji-kun, so it's just an empty apartment," and that's how he liked it anymore. No preening, lectures on feminine whiles for Ayanami, just peace and quiet. Grabbing the bag from Hikari, not noticing the blush, he tied it shut, "What about you, work? DONE!"

"NO!" Hikari yelped a bit, moving closer to Tayura's side as they approached their taskmaster. "I've just got homework to do. I-if you're not doing anything, I noticed you've been having a little trouble in English…I could t-tutor y…" Hikari hinted at only to be cut short as Asuka spun around.

Her voice loud and boisterous, Asuka yanked the bag of trash and tossed it amid the others, "About time!" Tossing her washcloth into the bucket of water, she fixed her hair, "You really need to step up your game Tayura, can't be making the women do all the work for you can you? Or is that all we can expect from 'your kind'."

Fixing her glasses, Asahina tapped her foot, "Soryu-san, has a point Minamoto-kun, you're usually faster than this when Ikari-kun is around. So why were you slacking today?" Her stern disapproving glare was only accented by the glint of fading sunlight off her brow. But it didn't last long, her scowl faded to neutral, "But you did go faster than Aida tends to so it's not all bad. We're done here right Hokari?"

'My kind' Tayura didn't like that phrase one bit coming from the fledgling slayer. Idly listening to the girls talking amongst each other as he prepared the bags for gathering by the night crew, Tayura watched them interact. Asuka was just so domineering and overpowering in so many things, she was even cutting into Shinji's time over at his place. That made Chizuru upset, and made him cook more, double whammy. But Shinji played it safe and placated the volatile girl and played games with her and chatted. Over hearing Asuka asking if Shinji wanted some help recovering his slayer heritage though, that made Tayura nervous. So lost in thought however, Tayura didn't notice the topic of his inner debate saddling up at his side.

"I see you watching Hikari, Tayura, I also see you watching Akane. So, you going to tell me what your goal is?" the young slayer said dangerously as she whispered. Keeping her back to the other girls, Asuka pretended to help Tayura in the very last task of the day. Inside and dangerous, "I know I'm not able to do much to you, any of you, but I overheard Hikari telling you about my friend. She's in town now, has been for a few days actually. Hear the news reports about odd patches of scalded earth and concrete?"

Falling on his butt, Tayura felt his mouth go dry and his stomach chilled, "Y-yeah I heard about those. The police don't know what to make of it. Shinji said Noihara-san was going out to investigate it." If anybody had to go check, Tayura agreed Himari was optimal. She was the powerhouse of the group when Chizuru and Shinji weren't combined, and no brother wants his sister combining with boys. Staring into Asuka's icy blue eyes, fighting the attraction for that exotic face, "A-as for Asahina…I…"

"Minamoto-kun, you never answered me before, did you want me to help tutor you in English?" Hikari asked from over Asuka's shoulder. Her satchel in hand, she idly waved at Akane as the other girl walked out of the room. Some rivalries never died completely. Checked her watch, situated on her inner left wrist, asked, "What time did you need to meet your friend Asuka, Kuesu-san right?"

One single solitary moment later the thin veiled threat and dangerous beauty that hovered over Asuka's features melted into a graceful smile. "Oh, a little before supper actually. I guess I should get headed there now, Misato thankfully will be at Nerv so I won't have to deal with that. Seriously, she makes me check in like I'm in grade school or something," oh how she laughed the titter of angels, as if she could do no wrong.

Barging into the room, daintily knocking Asuka to the side as she approached her brother, Chizuru grabbed Tayura's hand. "Get up, we have some work to do today," turning to Asuka she covered her mouth and hand a well-practiced fake shock. "Oh so sorry Soryu-san, I didn't see you there, you seemed so small," leaning forward Chizuru let her rather large ones dangle over the fallen Second Child. Dragging Tayura out of the room, "You can play with your girlfriends later."

"S-sorry Hokari-san," was all Tayura got out before being wretched into the school hallways. He hadn't really wanted the girl to help him study, but acknowledged he needed it, maybe they could make a study group or something. Now nearly running as Chizuru lead him up to the roof, he tried not to think of how soft her hands were or how nice they felt against his. She was Shinji's woman and his sister, two very big reasons NOT to get aroused. Sheer force of will allowed him to toss himself free of Chizuru's grip, "What did you need, aren't you supposed to be on a date with Shinji?"

Opening the door to the roof, Chizuru let her ears and tail out the moment she found nobody up there. "We're going to find Saku and get some information out of him. If he is as hurt as Kuro-neko made it sound and you saw, we can pressure him. I want to know who paid him to find Shin-chan. As for our date, I had classroom duties due to Toriyama being sick so Rei-chan is filling in for me," a sense of whimsy flirted with Chizuru's tone. Grabbing at the railing, she scanned the city, "You can play with those other girls later, I wouldn't even mind you playing with Soryu if only to get her to stop messing with Shin-chan."

"Well thank you for the offer, but I think I'll stay away from that girl. She's too dangerous, and apparently that friend of hers is in town now too, Kuesu something," Tayura let his own ears and tail out. If Chizuru wanted this, he'd back her up if to keep her safe. A weakened Saku was maybe something they could combat, and he did want to know who was after Shinji. Slayers hadn't been a big deal in decades, but if an old grudge brought back the hunting times…well then Asuka would liking find herself dwarfed by the resurgence. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, "So how are we going to find him?"

Confidence in the operation tanked as Chizuru yelped suddenly and pitched forward onto the ground. Thankfully able to spin around and fall on her rump rather than face, the fox glared at her brother. "I'll think of something! Or you could too, don't see me poking holes in your plans," indignantly she got back up and dusted her bruised behind. Muttering to herself, arms crossed and pressed to her flat stomach, "Wish you were a dog demon and could sniff him out."

Well sorry sister for not being born exactly as you wanted. Tayura groaned as his hope for a quiet night alone was obliterated on the unmovable coast that was Chizuru's determination. Tracking and hunting hadn't been either of their specialties, hell he hardly had the spiritual power to track his sister…wait. "Wait a minute! Your foxfire!" Tayura exclaimed as if it was the answer to life the universe and everything. He got a face full of Chizuru's tail as she smacked him with it.

"You pervert, what does my foxfire have to do with anything?" she demanded to know. Flickering and bouncing about with untold energy, her tail was a snake of anger and frustration. Leaning in close, scrutinizing the fallen teen, "Going to explain or will I have to ask Shinji to save me from you?"

STUPID! How could he forget something so basic, her foxfire was a manifestation of her emotions in spirit form! That was why she made such a big deal of showing off how large Shinji and her combined one was. But he knew he could calm her quickly, "Not your fire itself but what it represents. It's like…well a wave or fingerprint. When you used to run off, I'd track you by um…well…" Well maybe he'd get in more trouble first before she relaxed. "I'd fell the air for hints of it. W-we could do the same with the energy from that ability of Shinji's! Saku was there for it, so he should have some residual energy about him," he pleaded she wouldn't hit him again.

Her tail, wound back and ready to lash out, stalled in the air as she contemplated it. Curling around her leg eventually, Chizuru let her tail relax as she nodded. "Ok, best option we have right now, but if you track me by that again I will let Kuro-neko use you as a scratching post," she warned. Her eyes shifted from their normal form to the mind shattering visions of infinity, more tails erupted from her back, eight of the nine, "I'll need more power for this. Slayer energy isn't the same as ours. So be quiet and don't steal peeks under my skirt, only Shin-chan can."

This, this was the reward he was given for his day being spoiled and he was mesmerized by the sight before him. The twilight incased Chizuru's body making her appear aflame with reds, golds, and yellows as she focused more and more power. Pristine elegance and splendor were the closest he could come up with to explain what he saw. Yes he still loved Chizuru, more so than he should, and it brought a tear to his eye to see this. "You've never seen this as I have, have you Shinji?" he felt a small pride in that, a jealous and covetous seed in his mind.

But the purity didn't stay for long, Chizuru's focus intensified and the light she exuded brightened. "M-more…almost there," she grunted and fought to stay standing. A black tendril of energy rippled through the gold though, it weaved and danced in resplendence at being free. Bouncing in and off of Chizuru and her other tails, the snake like tendril hovered around the base of Chizuru's tails and struck out to join its kindred. "NO!" she bellowed and fell to her knees, the show was over as all but one of her tails rescinded. "B-bastard nearly…" she shook her head, "I think I got it. But Shin-chan wasn't make it easy, he's nearly covering the whole city with golden…" She smiled weakly.

Whatever that was, Tayura wasn't sure he wanted to know. Helping Chizuru to stand up, hands in only safe places, "You sure you're up for this? You look tired now," She felt strong though in his hands, whatever that snake was it had only intruded for a moment. Reluctant to let go, he was forced to when Chizuru batted his hands away, "Chizuru?"

"You don't have to worry about that, it'll be fine, and we have to hurry as I think I'm losing it," Chizuru assured her brother. Leaping off the roof, the kitsune leapt from rooftop to rooftop at breakneck speeds. Far faster than she normally went, she might have been challenge for Himari if the situation wasn't urgent. Slowing to a stop at the top of a wharf, "Keep up Tayura, or I'll leave you behind!"

All he could do was smile, when she was driven like this Tayura could only support and smile. She was happy, deliciously and insanely joyous and he knew why. She was trying to help Shinji, the man she chose, and it didn't involve Himari. Tayura could see the friction between the two women, and it was one of skill. Unfocused and raw Chizuru just couldn't hold a candle to the flame of Himari's focused precision and talent, but in this Chizuru had the advantage.

The wharfs lead to the industrial complex, followed by an upscale residential neighborhood, the shopping arcade, park, and finally outside a love motel. "You lost him didn't you?" Tayura asked seeing Chizuru clenching her fist." The street lamps illuminated the night, their search taking several hours, had slowed from its bullet pace to a slower much more manageable run. "HE is here isn't he?" Tayura understood what happened. The trail had gone cold, so Chizuru sought solace in her man, odd how it was at a hotel like this. "T-think he's c-cheating?" if Shinji was, Tayura would have words with the slayer.

"Not cheating if I told Rei-chan to do it is it?" Chizuru's smile was back and it appeared genuine. "I won't lie and say I was expecting to share my darling, but they know who is on top," Chizuru sat on a bench and fanned herself. Stretching her arms across the back of the wooden rest stop, she ordered, "Get me a soda or something, I'm dying here."

To care or not to care, that was the question and Tayura's brain was to frazzled to contemplate which was better. He had known about Shinji and Himari having something, that was so obvious if Touji and Kensuke might be able to see it. But if Chizuru was ok with others, well that was a problem for them to deal with wasn't it? Finding a vending machine he bought two cans, one tea and one grape soda so she could have a choice. Heading back he was just in time for Shinji to walk out with Rei unconscious on his back and Shizuka at his side, "Wha?" he asked eloquently.

It was Shizuka who answered, "The slayers tongue trick was too much for her, I observed. Slayer – 5, Puppy-kun 0. Multi-combo finish."

Tayura wouldn't ask, hell he didn't want to know. But before anything else could come of their conversation a fire in the distance caught there attention. Something was afoot, and oddly Chizuru ordered him to take Ayanami back to their apartment before finding out. Arguing with Chizuru was a moot point as she had already phased into Shinji, leaving a long eared and tailed Shinji running off with Shizuka and him holding the bag…or girl as it were. "You better tell me what happened," he pleaded with the running forms.

"Shinji-sama…again," Rei answered in a dreamy and euphoric tone that she neigh never used…not answering Tayura's real question but unnerving him to say the least.

X-X

The streetlights were on, but Himari didn't need their luminescence to see well. Leaping from utility pole to pole, her eyes slit vertically like the spirit she intoned, she scanned the fourth location from the news reports. The television was such an odd device, normally Himari cared nothing for the insipid yapping box. That is when it wasn't Shinji and her watching something then she was all about it. Teasing and playing with her master's innocent mind, or watching one of those delightfully sinful romance dramas. They got Shinji and her in the mood for a little time in his room.

When that accursed fledgling wasn't about to throw water on everything, Himari hated water. She was doing her best not to hate Soryu as well, but at times she was vexed to her breaking point. "Shinji-sama shant dote on her as much as he wilt," she muttered and clenched Yasutsuna tighter. Time and time again Shinji would stop doing what he wanted to spend a little time with the new intruder into their lives. It was always something simple such as play a game, watch a show, cook, or chat but Himari swore she saw a deeper meaning in it. Soryu only intruded when Shinji was spending private time with her, or the rare occasion when Chizuru was over. Soryu was butting in, and Himari would venture a guess that Asuka's trainer had some part in this.

Leaping off the high pole, Himari landed gracefully with her kimono fluttered up slightly revealing a milky thigh and her ponytail ruffled. Running her finger along the scorch mark, found behind a convenience store, she rubbed the ash between her fingers. Closing her eyes, "Demonic remnant, pure blood by the feel. Western magic?" She couldn't quite place the signature of the cause of the blast that could obliterate a pure blood, which eliminated most of the local flair. With a small grimace she leapt back atop her lofty runway and headed to the next site.

A full week of hearing off reports of odd burnt circles, Katsuragi brought her attention to it, Himari felt the need to act. With her cherished young master in the care of his flighty yet powerful mistress, Himari felt she could move without fear tonight. Chizuru, odd how that girl was growing on her but with such outflow of positivity it was a little hard not to. Added to the benefit was despite Chizuru's place as 'matriarch' it hadn't changed Himari's relationship with Shinji at all. He was still tender and kind, and allowed her all the sensuousness she could take. Still a novice in the bedchamber, Himari was all too willing to let Shinji train her. She welcomed it.

"Mayhap this eve upon my return our studies into one another might resume," she licked her lips in anticipation. Such pleasures hadn't been known to Himari while growing and training, so she'd let Chizuru have her moments as they only served to add to Himari's own. Nearly missing a step as images of hands groping and pulling her bound chest, Himari hissed, "Let your thoughts be before you not beside!" Small issue with being in love was it was very distracting. She had made great strides in recovering her honor since her shame, but she was leery of Shinji trying to repeat his use of Light Ferry.

Pulling her list out from the inside of her kimono, a stray hand brought memories of Shinji and her last tryst two nights ago back to her mind. "Shinji-sama twas quite overwhelmed by thee," she hoisted her chest for a moment. Guess Chizuru's bulk didn't give her as much of an advantage than expected. Reading the next location, alongside a small drainage channel on the outskirts of the city, she nodded and adjusted course. "What to tease him with next," she tittered as she practically flew unseen along the poles.

As funny, alluring, and downright lewd (tastefully maybe) ideas raced at the background of her mind, Himari dove. Spinning in a front summersault, the spry cat-demon landed at the last reported site of unexplained devastation. Sniffing the air, she could smell the remnants of the fresh magical energies. Kicking at the ashen remains of one of her kind, "tis but one clan of slayers proficient in this style still, Jinguji. But she left ages past." Rubbing her chin, eyes cast at the circle, Himari had but a moment to recognize the searing ball of flame hurtling her way.

Rolling to her side, Yasutsuna leaving its sheath, raising to one knee, blade held horizontally before her face for defense. Hunting for her assailant, Himari felt her emotions withdrawing, the cold detachment of a trained warrior taking over. The switch was flipped, the flirty and philosophic Himari was gone and replaced with clinical and detached precision. "Show yourself Jinguji, tis you is it not? What other slayer tarnished the slayer lineages with outside taint?" to a demon it didn't matter, but know an enemy's weakness is also important.

Revolving around the light post Himari had descended from, clad in classic gothic Lolita garb which didn't fit with her cup size (which matched Himari's), long straight pure white hair, and forehead adorned with a black crescent moon, the woman held an open tome with a finger to the pages. "My how the mighty Blade of the Noihara has fallen, if she couldn't tell I was beneath her," the woman's haughty voice rang richly due to the moisture of the tributary. Chanting low, she let another gout of energy, this time slim and purple fly from her finger.

Forward rolling to avoid the blast, it erupted once it hit the water but did no damage, Himari sprung to her feet. "What doth I care for what is beneath me, as thou claim. Inferior things aren't of concern," she pointed the blade at her opponent and held her left palm to the pummel. This blasted woman again, Himari had hoped that she'd never see her again after the time at the ancestral Ikari household. Noticing the irritation on Kuesu's face, "So what doth bring the last of the weakest slayer clans back to its home soil? Stoking petty rivalries with weakened foes that no longer have will to fight?"

Keeping a solid distance between Himari and herself, Kuesu kept flinging small blasts at the ground in front of her to prevent encroachment. "Well unlike you, I've friends and one of them just came to this city. She also told me of some unpleasantness," Kuesu's eyes hardened into half slits. A particularly large fireball erupted from her hand aimed at Himari's legs. The blast was large enough to be seen across the waterway and the shopping district. "You've been playing with things that I warned you against. The Jinguji and Ikari clans stated what is to happen. I even had to put a little spell on my betrothed and yet…" she fired a bolt of lightning.

Forced to abandon her plan of dashing in and knocking that book at the moment, Himari deflected the energy with her blade. Laughing haughtily, Himari chided her opponent, "Thy abusive tart, tis you that put that pox upon Shinji-sama that make felines his bane. Does myself well to see you realize you need cheat to win. Though at the lake, when you besmirched my master's lips, thy hair was black, bite off more than thou could handle?" Spells of forbidden nature stole life force from the user, and Himari knew it. She also knew that the girl Shinji kept talking about kissing at the lake was Kuesu, but she wasn't in a hurry to confess that little fact.

Not taking the slight very well, Kuesu alternated her strategy, filling her right hand with power she started dashing towards her opponent. "Unlike you demons, we humans have to make sacrifices for power. We need to keep your foul ilk in check or the less servile of your kind would and do kill rampantly," she cursed. Diving toward Himari, arm out stretched, she sung her hand at the nimble cat-demon who simple jumped high to avoid her. "Tsk-tsk kitty, maybe all your time playing with my things made you lose your skill," she teased and smiled.

Her mind started screaming out for her to panic and fear, but Himari fought to maintain control. Descending towards the ground, no avenue of egress, she felt her body chill and her heart clench. Kuesu had a plan, and she was falling into it. When the ball of energy finally left the woman's hand, it set the ground a flame with might flame that was exactly where Himari was going to land. Only one option, though she was loath to accept it. Throwing her cherished and inherited blade into the flame, she provided herself a footfall, "Thy horrid wretch of a girl, twas a gift from Ikari-dono!"

"Look before you leap," Kuesu said without any concern or care.

As Kuesu's words lingered in the air, another voice joined in, "Then how about we save both then?" Springing out from the bushes, a small bundle of brown and white entered the flame, grabbed the sword hilt, pitched Himari into the air, and rolled out. "That was hot Shin-chan! Why couldn't we have just let, oh-oh the scarf is on fire!" the body of Shinji Ikari gushed out in a very feminine voice. Patting the smoldering edges of the scarf he was wearing, Shinji caught Himari after dropping the blade to the ground. A little tarnished, but repairable in time.

Gasping loudly at the sudden intrusion into the fight, and the partial saving of her blade, Himari couldn't help but hug Shinji's head to her thigh. "Shinji-sama, I had not believed your arrival possible, wait thy ears and…" she grimaced but accepted it. Without merging with Chizuru he wouldn't have had the speed or protection to dive into the magically induced flame. Getting out of Shinji's embrace, she felt sorrow strike her core at the extent of the damage her blade too. It was indeed severely damaged, but not destroyed, "I have failed to maintain the blade entrusted to me."

Advancing on Kuesu, Shinji held his hands up in peace, voice back to its normal mellow qualities, "There isn't a reason for us to be fighting is there miss? W-we're all friends here." Gesturing to Himari and the slowly advancing Shizuka, "They don't mean you any real harm, it's just a misunderstanding I'm sure." Getting to within a five foot distance from the woman, Shinji came to a total standstill when she pulled what looked like a gun, hidden on the side of her leg (flashing said leg to the boy as she did).

Pointing the barrel at Shinji's face, Kuesu's face was unreadable, "Demons are not friends. They are liars, cheaters, murders, and without remorse. How the Ikari clan has fallen if you are their last remaining descendant." Alternating between all three, Kuesu slide her spell book away into another hidden compartment. "Do you truly not remember me, Shinji, was Asuka right in that you've…you've…"

"Human weapons are not a threat against," Shizuka warned as she made a move to broach and defend Shinji. The bullet that left the gun, buried between Shizuka's legs sizzled with green whispy energy. Falling to her knees gagging, the mizuchi slinked off to the water and dissolved into it.

Pulling a second gun out, one on Himari now, "Magic infused bullets. But don't worry I haven't slain your captors yet." Kuesu then in a show of skill twirled the weapons in her hands and set them in her holsters. Leaning in quickly, wrapping her arms around Shinji's head, the white haired and large busted girl laid a big ol' fat kiss on his unexpected lips.

Fueled by rage and indignation, Himari tore off after the tart. Slashing with her elongated fingernails, "How dare they take liberties with my master before mine eyes?" Oh Himari wanted to hurt this girl, break her down like the girl deserved. Not kill her, Shinji would never forgive it, but Kuesu was getting close to needing a very painful lesson. "Release him now, tart, face me without that book and know your place!" she pounced only to have her target leap daintily away.

Breaking her kiss with Shinji, Kuesu tilted her head to the side and giggled. "If I wasn't using my grimoire I'd have destroyed most of the city with my powers. As for you Ikari," she leant in and kissed him again. His prone and stunned body was an easy and supple target. But before long, a tail wrapped around her arm, and Kuesu's hands accidentally found a set of ears. Breaking the second kiss, "You've…have you been…a kitsune here?"

Forcing herself partially out of Shinji's body, the topless Chizuru was red faced and flustered. "Don't just kiss people like that! Especially my Shin-chan you hussy!" Hovering outside of Shinji's body, Chizuru appeared just as floored (and seemed to enjoy it equally if not more so) by the kiss the new woman bestowed. Covering her exposed chest, "And what are you looking at, not like having somebody of higher quality than you?"

Throwing herself away from Shinji's conjoined body, Kuesu just looked on hatefully. "This isn't over yet, I'll put an end to this little demon party, and you fail slayer, you'll have to answer for a lot!" she stormed. As Himari and the reformed Shizuka launched twin attacks on her, Kuesu's body filled with light and vanished with an audible pop…she had teleported away.

Holding up a hand before Chizuru could spout off another of her trademark rants, Himari bent at the knees and reclaimed her sword. "Kuesu Jinguji, last of the Jinguji clan, proficient in western magics, and tis a foul temptress. Both of ye were beset by her and did nothing. Mayhap Shinji-sama enjoyed the attention?" she teased. Seeing his eyes downcast, face marred with confusion, she hoped he didn't recall the sensation of those lips, hoped he never remembered his promises to the girl that just escaped. No, Himari wanted to meet with her in private, break her, and send her packing. "And if mine mind be as sharp as my blade had been, we have met the one who provided Soryu tutelage," sliding the blade unevenly into its sheath, Himari would need to summon a repair worker.

Exiting Shinji's body, taking her clothing from the bag the lad had brought them in, Chizuru scowled. "Sorry, I wasn't prepared to know what being kissed was like in Shin-chan's body. It was a totally new experience, and…well…no another time," she shook whatever thought that was in her head away. "Let's get going home, I'm tired and want a bath," she took hold of Shinji's hand and started walking.

Doing likewise, Himari answered Shinji's questions about her day and how it went. Always so worried and concerned for her, so unexpected in a master for a bodyguard. It was part of why she loved the man at her side. But she could feel it, the rage she felt, it threatened to overcome her again. Even now she wanted to split the girl in half and bathe in her blood. Thankfully Chizuru went to her own home, saying the Katsuragi bath was to small, and Soryu was nowhere to be seen. As such…well…Shinji extinguished the battle-lust with just good old fashion lust. After a solid three goes, Himari slept purring at his side…Shinji sniffling and coughing as her ears and tail erupted after the final climactic finish.

"Neko-hime -3, Slayer -1" Shizuka joked as the trio finally went to sleep. Himari would work at beating Shinji in time, but tonight she wanted to be comforted. Fear of losing herself forever to darkness and madness or worse forcing her kind hearted master to slay her was averted.

X-X

Her dry swimsuit irritated her skin, but hiding her dark blue suit under her heavy lab coat, Ritsuko found herself in the prinbow box. Just leave it to Misato to take advantage of the fact she liked to swim on her off nights. Bare foot and feeling the A/C full bore on her exposed skin, she rubbed her arms through the sleeves. Thankful for the light crew that made up the night shift, she had only saw three techs giving her a sideward glance (only one actually hit on her), she wanted to make swift work of Misato's 'important needs'.

"If she asks me to help her with the paperwork for the last angel I'm going to throw her into LCL," Ritsuko grumbled. Knowing her friend as well as she did, Ritsuko fully suspected that work assistance was the real cause of the call. Finding only Misato and Shigeru on the bridge, she sighed in aggravation. If Makoto was there it would give more credence to Misato having a legitimate issue, he'd have been doing her work for her. Stalking behind Misato as softly as she could, Ritsuko played the adult well by slapping Misato's waist playfully and yelling, "BOO!"

In a chorus line of screams, Misato belched out a real ear strainer and slapped her hand on Shigeru's shoulder which caused him to yelp. Turning around quickly, nearly tossing Ritsuko over, "Don't DO that! I thought you were the commander or something." Running her hand through her hair, a trait Ritsuko knew was a tell of embarrassment, Misato tried to appear fierce. "Sure took your time getting here, you plan on scaring me half to death or was it just a side benefit?" she lead the woman further away from the lone male to a station all on its lonesome.

Feeling better after getting some semblance of revenge, Ritsuko actually smiled. Misato could do that, the doctor realized, make her smile. Her life was shit, but in a few moments Misato could just make her feel better. No love life, Gendo's bi-weekly bed warmings' didn't count and Kaji was still sniffing Misato's panties, few friends, and no time for hobbies Ritsuko would take whatever joy she could. "Side benefit of you spoiling my swimming time. You do know I'm off the clock right now, right?" she tapped her toes impatiently.

Calling up some documents, and handing Ritsuko a hefty folder full of papers, Misato raised an eyebrow, "Technically neither of us are ever 'off', and you know it. We just have times of reprieve." Opening up one of Nerv's little secret toys, background checks with full government backed databases, Misato pointed at the screen. Dryly commenting, "Point out the flaws if you can, or to make it easier point out the factual statements."

Leaning over Misato's shoulder, getting a good whiff of lavender perfume in the process, Ritsuko examined what Misato was so obsessed with. Offhandedly asking, "You miss a date with Kaji or something, why you got your stink juice on?" That stench was synonymous with Kaji and simpler but stupider times in her life. Reading details on one Chizuru Minamoto and Tayura Minamoto, Ritsuko felt that old fashioned anger growing. "You're not still going all mother hen about Shinji-kun's girlfriend are you? I thought you were over this little jealousy," she hoped it was a joke and not real jealousy.

Taken back a moment by the Kaji comment, Misato withdrew emotionally a trifle. Unevenly answering, "No date with Kaji, I just…it's stupid but I wanted to tease Asuka with it. She goes on and on about how good it smells, but I won't let her use it. Girl has been a royal bitch at the apartment, driving Shinji-kun from his room and all. Why he didn't tell her 'no' is," she went silent and shook her head.

Troubled waters ahead, Ritsuko shrugged though. It wasn't her problem to deal with the pilots; she just got to watch the results as a form of entertainment. Knowing the profiles on each pilot though, she offered the opinion of, "You know Shinji-kun's too passive to put up a fight for something he doesn't care about. So he has a smaller room, did he need the space?" Question was what Asuka thought of the whole personal bodyguard and the sexpot across the street. If that girl walked in on the couple having at each other, well Shinji would need to be super human to survive.

Crossing her leg, Misato kicked idly at the air with a growing sense of brooding. "Place was better when it was just Shinji-kun and me. Like a little family, little brother cooking supper and doing chores while big sis brought home the bacon. Bad days he'd bring me a drink and massage my back and shoulders. And NOW if I even hint at wanting one, Asuka goes off calling him a pervert for looking at me. If Chizuru is over or Himari and him are doing something, Asuka is either piss and vinegar or forcing them apart. Girl is itching for a fight with those girls, and Shinji's going to suffer for it regardless," Misato's shoulders dipped as she sulked.

Spotting a few oddities in Chizuru's file, Ritsuko leaned in to examine them closer. Half paying attention to Misato now, more intrigued, "If Asuka tries to fight that Noihara girl, she's going to lose. Asuka is skilled I'll admit, but she can't catch bullets." Having seen that little demonstration, Ritsuko would put her money on Himari every time. "And it was your idea to keep Asuka at your place, good idea too if we ever need to repeat that little cross synchronization of units again," she'd not tell Misato that Gendo ordered it before she suggested it.

"Shinji-kun would try to prevent it though. He doesn't want people fighting, especially that little cat of his," oddly Misato sounded pleased by that. Grabbing the folder from Ritsuko's hand, she started hunting for an article in particular. "You should see them together Rits, it's so cute. I never would think Himari-kun as the bashful sort, but put them in front of a romance movie and the girl is all squishy," she gushed. Finally finding what she wanted, Misato shut the folder and set it down so it wouldn't spill.

Chizuru's documents were forgeries, all of them but stamped with an official seal! Ritsuko ran her finger down the screen of correlating dates going back decades. "Sounds like a little favoritism for the bodyguard over the girlfriend. Any reason for that, or still upset that you 'little brother' is getting all the hot sweaty action and you're left the spinster?" with either relationship Shinji's scores were higher so Ritsuko didn't care either way. But, the more she read the more she was starting to fear…the girl was a demon or were the documents just that bad. Shinji with a demon, that could mess up a lot of things.

Handing Ritsuko the article she found, a scan of a pre-Second Impact clipping, Misato leaned forward on the desk. Reading the reports on Tayura and Chizuru herself, "Yes I have favoritism for Himari-kun over Chizuru, and I bet you can tell why if you think about it. The cat is earnest, sensual but not too much, and I trust her. But as for them, I'm getting worried that something greater is in place that I can't see all the pieces of." Pointing to the page, Misato pleaded with Ritsuko with her eyes.

Looking at the paper, it wasn't anything groundbreaking just an article from the Tokyo press about a Beauty Pageant back in 1983, only Chizuru was the winner looking exactly as she did today. A pure blood, oh god in heaven a pure blood. Far stronger than the little demon animal in the bowels of Nerv that they could barely control, and it was dating one of the three people needed to keep mankind alive. "That's the second time you called Noihara a cat, what gives with that? Oh has little Kuro been back lately, miss that cat," she wanted to adopt that little cutie and take it home. Pampering kitties was something Ritsuko did quite enjoy. Her own fat, happy, and spoiled rotten cat could certainly attest.

"I've been debating this for a real long time, Ritsuko, and I want you to hear me out before you call me crazy," Misato took the article from Ritsuko and put it back with the others. Over the next thirty minutes, a few breaks to insure Shigeru wasn't spying, Misato went into full detail about Himari, Chizuru, Rei, and all the other information she had about demon-animals, pure bloods, and slayers. After her long winded explanation ended, "So go ahead and laugh."

More shocked that Misato knew about one of the greatest secrets of the world, she had been, Ritsuko just shook her head. Having to cover for her foreknowledge, "Sounds farfetched, but after seeing Noihara move, makes sense…so she's Kuro I take it, shame." Ritsuko was quick to make the assumption based on facts, not anything Misato stated. Popping her back, "And it doesn't explain why you favor one non-human over another." Much like Misato, Ritsuko would choose Himari over Chizuru for two reasons. One Himari was a cat-demon and cats were superior to all things, and two…Himari could be killed with reasonable force. If Chizuru attacked, truly attacked Nerv, it would take more than a few armed men to put her down.

Throwing her hands up and cursing, "I never thought of it but that makes so much sense! Oh the next time I see that cat slinking off into Shinji-kun's room I'll have a surprise for both of them!" Misato shook her fist in righteous anger before her eyes. "As for…the other thing, it's because Chizuru reminds me of myself in college. Just looking to have a fun time, life is a game and love is the best variant. But…when I got scared I ran. What if she gets scared and runs? Shinji-kun's been through so much, and yeah he has Himari, but I think it'd really hurt him. The-the more I see them together the higher the house of cards seems. If she did leave, run like I did, I'd have to find her Ritsuko, find and end her," she said with grim and stark determination.

Knowing Misato had Gendo's chance of surviving a room of her cloned mother, Ritsuko held up her hands to fend off any bad juju. "First off Misato, Chizuru is a lot more focused on the relationship than you were with Kaji. She doesn't have issues like you do, I hope. And she's a better catch than you, if anything you'd have to worry about her stealing him away and leaving you to a life of dirty cloths and junk food. Now I've a lot to think about, thanks to your little news bomb, mind if I go swim?" she asked gently. Misato had to be handled special, just like volatile chemicals, and Ritsuko didn't want an unexpected reaction.

"Sure thing Rits, heavy stuff I know. Shinji-kun and I were floored when we both learned. But leave it to the scientist to take it in stride," Misato grabbed Ritsuko's arm reassuringly and gave it a squeeze. "I know I'm being stupid, thinking to deeply on this. I'm just worried about him being hurt is all. The Eva's are the cross we thrust on him, Himari is the one his birthright dumped on him, but Chizuru is a choice. If I could lighten his load I would…but I doubt a guy like him and a woman like me would go over well." Her smile was all chiding and little substance at the end, but Misato sank into a perplexed state.

Having enough of the daily drama of the house of Katsuragi, Ritsuko returned to the pool. Swimming her laps, or just lounging in the water though, her mind was fixated on Chizuru. A pure blood…one she had access to. Maybe, maybe if she asked nicely she could experiment? She'd only had demon-animals before to look into and it was just the one. Now she knew of more, it could help her research. "All I have to do is ask Shinji-kun too, those girls wouldn't refuse him if I did. But what can I do to get him to do that, he's not his father," she swam little circles. Shinji wouldn't betray those girls for something minor or even willingly, wonderful trait in a mate. She'd think about it, maybe they could fix the issue with the Dummy Plug System with a few more samples…maybe.

X-X

Notes

Man this story is an interesting mix of fun to write and terror. Mainly Himari is such a dynamic character its hard to know if I'm portraying her correctly or believably. Lil on the happier tone this chapter, felt like the story needed it.

Going to be going to Anime World Chicago in about two weeks…hope to have fun. Next on the doctit of writing is Wandering Pilot.

Later

Mercaba