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

16. Chapter 16

Standard Disclaimer

I actually had some good work to do lately! Works been good and that makes me relax a lot. Thank goodness for that. Trying to keep this story going in a nice pace, hope ya agree. ACEN (anime central, an anime convenction) is pretty soon! Can't wait. Hope to see ya there.

X-X

Friend of my Enemy

Chapter – 16

When his eyes opened, Shinji was aware of the comfortable heat that only so often graced him in the mornings. Misato was quite firm on Shinji sleeping alone, but from time to time Chizuru or Himari would sneak in regardless. With the shades drawn, the room was dark but it didn't matter. Rolling onto his side, Shinji let his hands wander just a tad. Not that it was only because he enjoyed their touch, but it was that sense of connection. Something didn't feel right though, while he was usually flustered by it, Shinji had come to know the shape and feel of his lovers busts. This wasn't…

"Ooh Shin-sama it is so early, but if you want," Lizlet's voice wafted softly in the room. The body trembled against Shinji's touch but didn't fight it off. In fact Lizlet spun around to face Shinji rather than away. Grabbing Shinji's hand, moved thanks to her spin, she reapplied it, "Please don't take offense to my brazen actions, but you were so cute sleeping."

Just a few moments ago Shinji was basking in a slow waking process with who he thought was one of his girlfriends, now his eyes were wide open. It was still to dark to make out subtle details, but Shinji could make out enough of Lizlet. "L-Liz-san, what…how did you get in here?" Shinji started to panic. Was it all a joke, was she going to hurt him? Where was Himari? Quite against his intent his palm and fingers flexed against the suppleness. Bigger than Himari but smaller than Chizuru, but still pliant and wonderful.

Cooing against his touch, Lizlet's palm went to Shinji's cheek. "I snuck in of course! I had to wait for Noihara-san to leave for her morning practice though. W-would you like h-have some of your t-tea?" her hand trailed down to Shinji's chest and stopped. Giggling softly she let out a moan as Shinji's hand flexed again. In a long raspy breath, "You are very skilled at that Shin-sama."

All but throwing himself away from the tea-sprite, Shinji daintily applied the back of his head to the wall. "Sorry! Sorry Liz-san I didn't know it was you…"his mind wasn't quite up to running at the moment. All he wanted to do was show his affection in a rare demonstrating of physicality. It was hard for him to be the initiator, so with his luck as it was of course when he does he's got the wrong woman. Wait… he realized something important. "Liz-san, what ARE you in my bed, this is my bed right?" it felt like it was his.

"It's my duty as your servant to see to your…every…single…need," Chelsia moaned seductively. Wiggling her way across the bed closer to her prone target, the ample blond had her arms snaked around Shinji neigh instantly. Rubbing her cheek against his, her legs entwined with his as she nestle like a second skin of his. Gasping loudly she finally noticed something was responding, "Oh! Shin-sama something is burning, shall I tend to that too?"

Check please, Shinji's brain was to frazzled to respond in any coherent way. He wouldn't lie and say what this woman was doing wasn't beyond pleasing, it was just all the 'why' he didn't know. "I don't think that's…I have to get up and get cooking. D-date today, movie…" Shinji stammered. Lizlet's leg split his legs apart and her calf rubbed against something private. Swallowing hard, Shinji heard something he didn't know if it was a blessing or a course, the door opening. "I can explain! I uh…um," Shinji couldn't actually explain. It was just supposed to be waking! Two days ago he was learning of his past with Kuesu and summoning the Light Ferry, today was supposed to be his little double or was it triple date, not waking up with the cute but little to flirty maid he saved.

Flipping the light on, a sweating and shell shocked Himari just paused as she took in the whole scene. Apparently Lizlet wasn't limited to just a maid outfit as she was clad in a white teddy that left little to the imagination. "Shinji-sama, I doth know you are not want for early morning engagement with myself, but I had not thought you would take to breaking in the servant so soon," she grimaced. Dabbing herself with the towel she had over her shoulder, Himari tossed the maid's outfit onto the bed. Scooping Lizlet up in her arms, she dropped the sprite on her plump rump, "And you haft crossed a border not yet discussed yet. Dress and see to the table!"

"I uh-I'll get right to that!" Lizlet gathered her clothing and with a wink at Shinji scampered out. She turned and blew a kiss to Shinji at the door before vanishing outside and into the apartment proper. A yell from a certain German alerted those in Shinji's room that somebody else was awake. Good, that would get things off to a wonderful start.

Taking stock of his own state of dress, clad in only his boxers and some shorts, Shinji was painfully aware of Himari's presence. "I-uh, how was your practice?" Shinji asked fearfully. Was she angry at him again? She had been a little perturbed with his meeting Kuesu under false pretenses, but he pampered her that night and she forgave him. Yesterday had been him telling Ayanami and Chizuru, another day of tending to exposed nerves to get them to forgive him. That had been a lot of cooking for Rei and an afternoon going about town with Chizuru. But this was something else, a strange girl in his bed, well Himari might take offense, "I don't know why she was here."

Tossing her towel over Shinji's face, Himari's smirk was dangerous. The sound of disrobing, of her workout attire being removed filled the tiny room with its soft nature. "Oh I trust you Shinji-sama, you doth not hunt for maidens, they seek you. Yon spirit of the tea, I have been expecting this and shall see to a test today," Himari could be heard opening Shinji and her shared closet. More sounds of cloth being moved, then a sudden yank and she freed Shinji's eyes of the smelly towel. Holding out Lizlet's cup with one hand, "But your punishment be to use this cup for the morn's drink." She crawled over the bed towards Shinji. Tickling his chin she looked as dangerous as she did alluring, "Now how did you learnt twasn't me?"

Sitting against the wall, the mouse before the cat, Shinji knew he was going to be toyed with and hoped to escape with his skin. "I-uh-well, woke with somebody next to me, I thought it was you. So I uh," he paused and looked at his hands. Shame filled him, his cheeks red, he rolled the cup in his palms. Even after all they've done together, why was it so hard to just say these things aloud. When she crawled closer to him, eying him up as if to eat or pet him Shinji didn't know, he lost his breathe. "I wanted to m-make you feel good. T-to you know…snuggle a bit before this date business today," he confessed as much as he could.

Stomping into the room, clad in her deep red robe, Asuka let out a haughty snort as she demanded attention. "What is going on here!? Why is that maid from the café here? And what are you two doing so early in the morning?" Asuka crossed her arms and tapped her elbow. Spinning her head quick and hard, she flipped her hair over her shoulder to her back. Standing at the foot of Shinji's bed, the fledgling slayer gazed down disapproving, "I'm waiting Shinji? One day you finally talk to my friend and the next I find some strange girl here?" Grabbing the teacup from Shinji's prone hand, Asuka actually appeared impressed.

Sitting back on Shinji's legs, Himari's head dipped so her chin pressed to her chest. "Doth you always need to spoil the moment fledgling? Master and I were about to have a moment, and now tis over," Himari griped. Patting Shinji's cheek in a telling motion, she understood him, she shimmed off the bed. "As for that cup, be careful with it, tis a cherished heirloom in Shinji-sama's tenure. Break it and ye shall never be forgiven," grasping Asuka's shoulders, Himari lead the girl out. "Come, give him time to dress for this movie," Himari forced the prone girl out of the room.

Well if this was how the day was starting, Shinji wondered if he'd live through it. Just sitting on the bed for a few moments to get himself collected, he felt his heart rate finally relax. This Lizlet business would be saw to before he left for the movie. He felt bad not taking Himari or Rei to the movie too, and he wanted to check in on Shizuka afterward. From dateless wonder to juggling three or four potential life mates, when it rains it pours. Finding the Chizuru approved attire already on his desk, Shinji quickly got dressed. Speed dressing was a feet he was quickly learning, as it seemed whenever he disrobed people had the nasty habit of breaking into the room on him.

"I'll have to try talking to Jinguji-san tomorrow," Shinji finished buttoning up his top. Standing by the door, Shinji listened to the conversation going on in the kitchen. His jumbled memories were slowly clearing further and further. The lake, his kiss and promise to marry Kuesu, her tearful departure, and how Himari in her cat form and been there to console him. While big parts of his past was blank, that was clear now, and it complicated things. He…he wanted to marry Chizuru, as Himari and his relationship went beyond such thing. He was bound to Himari for life already, but now what? One issue at a time, heading into the kitchen, "Sorry about the unexpected morning Asuka," he apologized.

Setting a steaming cup of cappuccino with a drizzle of chocolate sauce around the rim before him, Asuka sat across from Lizlet with Himari to her right. "You owe me more than a little apology for this madness. I'm inviting Kuesu to this odd date today, I will NOT be the sacrificial lamb to that geek," Asuka huffed. Sipping her own cup, as the other two girls eyed their speculatively, Asuka closed her eyes and hummed in enjoyment. "As for you floozy, I don't want a repeat of this morning ever again. I could do without seeing those…those udders," Asuka spied Lizlet's now covered bosom.

"You're taking me out on a date already?! Oh Shin-sama I'm so happy!" Lizlet squealed. Flailing about back and forth, she wobbled like pudding and quite hypnotically as Himari just stared at it. Picking up Asuka's offering, Lizlet sampled it and swished it about in her mouth savoring the flavor. With a very innuendo laden swallow, she eyed Shinji openly, "Tasty drink, but I bet you've something that tastes better Shin-sama."

Grabbing Lizlet behind the neck like a mother cat does her kitten, Himari kept the amorous sprite in her seat. "Ye need to curtail yon advances until after our chance at council. But this drink doth be quite exquisite, do try some Shinji-sama," Himari didn't take her eyes off the cup. "And if ye be taking this one to said film, I believe I shall be joining as well to keep her and your own hands at respectable distance," she finally let the wiggling girl free.

Well that just complicated things to the nth degree. "I guess we can make it a group thing, i-if Chizuru-san is willing," she'd not be but he could make a deal. She had been looking forward to a nice little date, now it was going to cost an arm and a leg. Bring the cup to his lips, Shinji sipped it and lapped at the drizzle of chocolate. The yelp that Lizlet let go was something unexpected, "Could we stop to check on Shizuka afterward though? I'm worried about her." To think she'd be attacked right outside of Tamamo's. They'd need to hunt this woman down that did such a heinous act.

"S-S-Shinji-sama what are you…is that MY cup?" Lizlet's face was pure crimson as she questioned. Her body pulsated as Shinji drank. Her hands went below the line of the table, her eyes unfocused and her breathing came out in short and hot puffs of air. "M-my you've…I've…Shinji!" she mewled out as her head went forward, hair blocking her face.

Eyebrow raising just a smidge, Himari's smile was again one of provocation and teasing. "Shinji-sama, that cup be Lizlet's actual body. So as yon skilled tongue works upon its rim and contours it is equivalent to doing so to her manifestation," Himari twirled her finger around the rim of her own cup. Propping herself up on her palms as both Asuka and Shinji balked, "Tis prove you doth not know of the connection, apology accepted."

With his tongue deep into the cup, trying to get some more of the syrup to augment the drink, Shinji was paralyzed. He was…by drinking out of Lizlet's cup he was in fact performing cunnalingis?! He didn't want to think about it, but as he disengaged from the cup, Lizlet let out a scream that he had heard before from Himari and Chizuru before. The boneless heap that was the girl was laying on the table gazing adoringly at Shinji. "I-uh…oh I didn't know, I thought it was just…that she…" Shinji turned to both Asuka and Himari in turn.

Wait, if this was how it really was, that the cup was the real body and the vivacious blonde just a manifestation? That meant Lizlet had actually given HERSELF to him to own! When she said things about 'teacups' she was referring to herself as a…he OWNED her?! Lizlet had actually given herself to him, he gingerly held the cup in his hand eliciting another mewling squeak from Lizlet. "Oh…oh….oooooooh," life just got a lot more complicate hadn't it.

"Clean that up, I'm going to go call Kuesu to tell her about the change of plans," Asuka excused herself from the table. Giving the quivering mass of girl a wide berth, Asuka headed to her room and shut the door.

Helping Lizlet to her feet, Himari trailed a hand down Shinji's arm. "Knowing why she hath done what she has one be a question only for her. But at the moment she be far to…appeased to speak. I shall see to her while you see to yon Fox and the changed events. We shall all enjoy a nice afternoon out," Himari lead Lizlet out and to the bathroom.

Just sitting there, Shinji dumbly drank more from Lizlet's cup as his mind refused to accept reality. Another shrill yell of orgasmic pleasure from the bathroom reminded Shinji to not drink from that cup ever again, well…no best not think of it. "I'll go tell Chizuru and cook over there today," Shinji packaged up Lizlet's cup safely again and made a hasty retreat.

X-X

Was that a pimple or just a skin discoloration? Touji didn't know but he picked at it anyway as he prepped himself for the date. His hair was smoothed back, a little greasy looking with too much styling moose, but he thought it made him look good. Clothing wasn't too fancy, the girls weren't thinking this was a full blown date after all. Mari had picked out his shirt, needing a twelve year old to pick out his clothing, not Touji's best point. After he applied his deodorant, he tended to sweat a lot when nervous and if how he felt now was any indication he'd need it, he picked up his cologne.

"Mellow or not?" the teenager alternated between both bottles. One was his father's the other was a birthday present he never had a need for before today. "I'll trust Mari again," he spritzed himself with the gift she got him. Really going to need to get Shinji to visit Mari, she was always asking Touji to bring the 'great hero of Tokyo-3' over. Sniffing himself he had to admit he dug the smell, that'd definitely grab Hikari's attention. Annoying that his sister had such a hero worship of a guy that had two girlfriends already, but it wasn't like Shinji was on the make for younger girls. "If he is though, those two would tear him apart for me," Touji smiled at that.

With one last examination of himself in the mirror, Touji gave himself a thumbs up. Not overly narcissistic, but Touji thought himself quite the dapper fellow. "Taller and more muscular than Shinji, bout the same as Tayura…I should be able to get her attention," Touji tugged his shirt down. Why was he so blasted nervous! It was just a movie with a girl he'd known for ages and his better male friends! Not a firing squad or an angel, just a little date. Putting his shoes on he took a deep breath before stepping out into the late morning air. It was hot, humid too, he doubly thanked himself for the deodorant.

Images of the date going well danced through his mind, of Hikari and him leaving the group after the movie ended. They'd not 'do' anything, not yet he wasn't ready yet. But maybe they'd get some food afterward, talk a bit more, or maybe just maybe he'd get to hold her hand or something. Big man would never admit it, but being physical with a girl terrified the hell out of him. As a jock and man though, he couldn't let the other see him as weak. Tugging on his collar, the humidity already making him uncomfortable, his throat felt dry. Shinji, he'd have to ask Shinji about such things eventually.

Other pedestrians walked about the street along Touji's way to the Cineplex. Couples walked with arms linked, oblivious to others around them. Older men and women had bags for groceries and other shopping. Touji felt obligated to help a particularly old woman across a busy street, she wouldn't have been able to make it across on her own. For his trouble the nice woman gave him a stick of gum which he stuck immediately in his mouth.

Finding Tayura standing at the corner by the theatre as planned, "Yo, you waiting here long?" Touji scanned for others, the kraut and Kensuke were going to be funny to watch. His nerdy buddy needed help getting a woman, but Touji really hoped it wasn't Asuka. That girl just rubbed him the wrong way, far to opinionated and haughty. Giving his co-conspirator and elbow bump, "You as nervous as I am?"

"Oh I'm about to book it out of here, but then I'd never forgive myself," Tayura looked just about the same as Touji. Clad in 'nicer' clothing but nothing to fancy, his hair done up just a little nicer, and twitching as if he drank a full pot of coffee himself. Leaning against the street sign, his stuffed his hands into his pockets. Adjusting his sunglasses, not often worn, he moaned, "Been here for about twenty minutes trying to calm down. Things got complicated yesterday with Shinji-kun, he couldn't get his harem to agree to anything."

Scoffing at the word, Touji doubled over, "H-harem, yeah I guess that word makes sense. So is it going to be Noihara-san and Chizuru-san then?" Touji kicked his shoes back on as he noticed something unique coming towards them. White hair, adorable face, moon tattoo on her forehead, and was she in a maid outfit?! "Whow man look at that, that chick's got to be boiling in that outfit," but wow was she beautiful. Wait was that the kraut next to her?!

"Hey guys I'm not late am I?" Kensuke waved at the two boys as he approached the stunned men from behind. Unlike them he was clad in his normal attire and unkempt hair, somebody didn't get the memo. "Where is everybody else? Got the movie picked out?" he fixed his glasses as he followed their line of sight and found his 'date'.

Crooning his head back, Tayura ground his foot against the ground and let out a long drawing hiss. "Oh man, she's bringing HER here too? This just got a lot more complicated," Tayura's face deflated as if all the joy he had planned vanished. Putting his hands behind his head, Tayura walked like a man condemned towards the approaching European duo. "Kuesu Jinguji is one of Soryu's friends, so Kensuke b-be polite to her and don't gawk," Tayura confessed.

Had he seen that girl before somewhere, he was sure he had, but Touji just couldn't remember. "Sounds familiar somehow, but too many new things have been happening for me to remember fully," Touji waved at the two girls only to find he had missed something important, two things important. "H-hi Hokari-san, Asahina-san didn't see you there," ouch that could have went better. Hikari and Akane just blended into the crowd when compared to the more vibrant girls they were flanking.

In her yellow sundress which appeared to glow next to Kuesu's black maid dress, Asuka huffed and fanned herself. "Let's get inside and wait for Shinji inside, it's too hot out here," a bead of sweat hung on her chin. Walking past the trio of males, Asuka held the door open for Kuesu, "If nothing else happens today we can at least have a nice talk." The German smiled warmly at Kuesu and her other female friends, "Right girls?"

"No reason to suffer while we wait for Ikari-kun, he's likely going to be a little late," Tayura added jogging up to Asahina' side. Keeping a respectable distance the taller boy head flinched towards the women in front, trying to get Kensuke to play decoy. Once in the wonderful A/C, Tayura pulled his v-neck shirt out to let the air careen inward, "Love it in here, so cool."

Holding the door open for Hikari, he had ran a bit to do it, Touji could swear he could smell her shampoo. It was citrus, definitely citrus. "So how are you f-four doing today? Not too early I hope, was thinking we could get some food afterward," Touji gushed as they passed. He could do this, it was just a movie, he had to will himself to calm down! Kensuke looked more at ease than he felt, but then again Kensuke was just happy to fawn over the attractive gothic Lolita.

Swapping places with Hikari, Akane leaned close to Touji and examined closely. "We're only here because of that bet Suzuhara, so you better be on your best behavior," she sounded stern and judgmental. She did smile and nod though as she straightened up, "You both pass for attire though, Aida not so much." For a moment Hikari and Akane shared a look, turned to the other two already at the snack counter and nodded.

"W-would you want something to eat or drink? Our treat since you did agree to coming out with us today," Tayura got in line behind Kuesu. Already pulling his wallet out, the lad had a glut of money in his hand. Waving Touji over, "While Touji said he'd pick the movie, we'd let you pick if you wanted."

The regal and mighty voice of Kuesu cut through din of the other movie goers. "We're seeing 'High school of the Living Dead', we don't need any of that sappy stuff," the girl eyed the males begging them to contradict her. Spinning around in line, her dresses fluttered about expertly, "Charmed to meet you all again I'm sure, please keep your salivating to yourself though. I'm spoken for already." She bowed her head politely and turned back to Asuka and her private conversation.

Shuddering for some reason, Touji wasn't upset at the new girl just unnerved. She sounded polite, saved them from a sappy lovefest, and unlike Asuka seemed to have some civility. But who would this woman deem worthy of her hand, if Touji was any judge of character this Kuesu was a ballbuster. She likely was domineering, power mad, and never able to be pleased. "Hokari want some food or soda?" he asked and spotted Kensuke filming Asuka and Kuesu. Leaning in close to her, she had a little lipstick on light pink, "You know that Jinguji girl or her boyfriend?"

Standing between Tayura and Touji, Hikari's face flushed just a little. "Well I've spoken with Kuesu-san a few times. The four of us have hung out once or twice. But she doesn't talk much about her fiancé, Kuesu-san is a lot more delicate than she appears. And I'll go for a diet soda, have to worry about my weight," Hikari admitted.

"I'll take a non-buttered popcorn," Akane relented after Hikari did. She was standing behind the trio, but was fidgeting with her pleated skirt. Playing with her hair, "Hope Ikari-kun and Minamoto-kun get here soon or we'll not be able to sit with them."

At this point Touji was pleading for Shinji to show up, being around the smaller boy made Touji more relaxed. He couldn't place it, but Shinji had a calming effect on everything, and Touji needed it. He made his order after Asuka and Kuesu got theirs, large soda and drink for them, and reluctantly gave up more money than expected. Damn movie theatre prices. They made pleasant small talk, well he tried to contribute but it usually came out awkward and stilted. As he handed Akane her popcorn, Touji spotted the door opening, "Shin-man you're la…you have ears and a tail?"

With Himari on one arm, Rei on the other, Shinji was truly humiliated by the looks of everything. He had big fluffy ears extruding form his head and a fluffy tail out of his back, Rei had silver ears and tail, and Himari had white. A trio of animal cosplayers, and Shinji appeared to be being carried by the two other women. "H-how are you guys doing? Himari-san wanted to try something she saw on TV yesterday so we're all…," he pointed at the ears and tail.

Hefting a large cloth bag, the casually dressed Himari looked extra ravishing not being in her kimono. "We donned them only for the stroll to the establishment, we shall remove them now that we've arrived," Himari patted Shinji's arm. Her tail swished about almost as if it were real and her ears twitched ever so slightly. "An added boon be the scarf and ears doth stifle Shinji-sama's allergies," she rubbed her ears right under his nose.

"Ikari-san and I shall go to the changing room now to get ours off. I have never been to this type of place before," Rei clung tightly to Shinji's arm and smiled softly. The silver ears twitched just like Himari's did. Her fluffy tail continued to hit Shinji's as she squirmed just a trifle. "Can we get some food before we sit?" she left her paw on Shinji's chest.

Handing Touji a large swatch of bills, Shinji shrugged reluctantly. "Touji would you be so kind as to get Rei-san some hotdogs, Himari you want anything?" Shinji asked the woman that finally released his arm. The coy woman just shook her head, "We got our tickets already so can you get this for me, four orders, and you can keep the change. We need to…to get changed for the movie."

"No Chizuru-san, Shinji? And her I thought that's who you were planning on bringing. As for the ears, well they look good on your companions, you though," Touji couldn't say Shinji looked cute. Guys didn't say that to other guys! But if his girlfriends wanted to wear ears outside, it was the boyfriend's duty to go along with it. But oh man he hoped Hikari never wanted to do something like that. Taking the wad of cash, Touji boggled as it was far more than needed, "Sure thing I'll get stuff for you. You go get that crap off and we'll meet you inside the theatre." So the movie was already planned, Asuka and Kuesu were dangerous people.

Reluctant to let go of Shinji's arm, Rei did so slowly. "Mi-Chizuru-san will be joining us shortly, but had to find an alternative means of getting over," Rei sniffed the air like a dog. Visibly salivating, she walked over to another dating couple who had food and just stared at it. "Shinji, can I have some of that too? After today's early activities I have burned a lot of calories," she asked without looking at him.

"Uh, just go Ayanami-san I'll take care of this for you," Touji wanted to NOT see that ever again. A girl drooling over junk food was just odd, the ever stoic Ayanami Rei in dog ears doing so was even crazier. Watching her tail swish, just enough pull upward to give a tantalizing glimpse of her thigh, Touji shuddered. Getting back in line, Akane was quick to come over to him with his ticket. "You just missed Shinji and his uh…brood. Noihara and Ayanami. They came in ears and tails if you can believe tha…hey aren't I supposed to pay for this?" he held up his ticket.

Shaking her head Akane smiled, "Not always. Consider it a second part of your prize for doing so well on your papers." Akane stayed with Touji as he stayed in line for Rei's food. They chatted about school work, some television shows, and their homelives. Smiles, all smiles Asahina was the picture of content as they made their way to the theatre. They found Asuka and Kuesu sitting up one row from them, Kensuke was bold enough to sit next to Asuka.

This wasn't what he was supposed to be doing! Touji was marveled at how talking to Akane went so fluently! Normally she was such a bitch, but today she was…he could just…this was wrong! Letting her take her seat first, he planned to walk past her and flank Hikari with Tayura, but she put her feet out preventing him. The order then became Hikari, Tayura, Asahina, and himself! Tayura you lucky jerk! What he got for letting them seat themselves without him.

Sitting down with a defiantly confused state of mind, Touji did laugh when Kensuke took a liberty not offered and touched Asuka's hand. The nerd got punted a good three seats down. "Movie is about to start soon, were is Shi-ma-an," Touji stared on unblinkingly. He couldn't believe it, Shinji had his full menagerie! Chizuru, Himari flanked Shinji as Rei and that cute waitress from the coffee shop was there! They sat right in front of Asuka and Kuesu…who let slip in a very angry demand just who here fiancé was! Shinji was engaged already?!

The movie went nervously but well, half way through Chizuru and Himari switched places with Rei and Lizlet. When Shinji went to the bathroom Kuesu ran off after him…they came back together. Touji accidentally held Asahina's hand during the scary parts of the movie. Apparently the girl was bad with horror movies and needed him as an anchor. It felt good, it felt very very good, but it wasn't supposed to! He like Hikari! Things were going good until the power went out.

X-X

Several miles away from the theatre and half an hour after the power went out, Asuka was sweltering in the heat. She wasn't the only one either, her fellow pilots were just as drenched as she was, the only one not suffering from the pace and heat was Kuesu. While it didn't look like anything was wrong, Rei had been insistent they go to Nerv once they realized it wasn't just the theatre that had lost power. But it was times like this she missed Germany, they had a lot easier time getting cars there. Stupid humidity was making her feel horrible.

"How are you so good in that heavy dress of yours?" Asuka wiped her head clear of sweat. Flanking Shinji with Kuesu on his other side, Asuka spied the albino moving without discomfort. The last few days have been odd for the fledgling slayer. Kuesu had told her of Shinji's meeting and his returning memory, Asuka had never seen the woman so happy before. But aside her friend was the interaction with those pure breeds and demon animals, and it left her confused. They just weren't evil! Not like the ones Kuesu said she interacted with. "I'm in lighter than you and I can barely keep going," she moaned.

Uneasy between the two slayers, Shinji kept attempting to alter his pace to get out from between them. They matched his quicker pace, "Agreed Jinguji-san, you look positively untouched by this heat. Even Rei-san is sweating a bit." The lad pointed at the stain in the middle of Rei' back. Shielding his eyes from the sun, he looked back over his shoulder, "You don't think anything is wrong do you, think they'll be safe?"

Effortlessly brushing her hair back over her shoulder, the silver haired Kuesu just smirked at her two friends. "I simply am using some low level spells. Either of you could do it if you ever tried it. I could teach you if you wanted," Kuesu took hold of Shinji's hand. Pressing the back of his hand to her cheek, "See how cool it feels, a layer of mist envelopes my body." The haughty look she had lost its bite as she smiled at Shinji. Peeking around him she nodded at Asuka, "Could teach you too but you'd have to draw from me to have the power to do it."

It felt like being betrayed a little, but Asuka had to admit Kuesu would be a little different now. Her friend was now side by side her fiancé and the boy she loved almost all her life who was remembering her. Asuka didn't have a person like that in her life, so she'd forgive Kuesu for now. But, a wicked idea passed her mind. Seeing the gates of Nerv coming up, "Sure, Kuesu, we need practice with this. As for your pets, Shinji, I'm sure it's just a fluke power outage." But it helped to yank him away from those monsters.

"Mistress and I are not Shinji-san's pets, we are his mates," Rei said without missing a beat. Increasing her pace just a little, Rei was practically dripping with sweat and her mouth hung open. Reading from her emergency pamphlet, "In cases of city wide emergency all Nerv personal are required to head to the base. While that applies to us three, why is Jinguji coming with us? If Shinji needs companionship I shall provide it."

That caused Asuka's eye to twitch again, just how easy this girl took to living in servitude. If Shinji was a worse person, Asuka would have feared what happened to her. Thankfully Kuesu's fiancé was cut from different ilk than those jerks he hung out with. "Ayanami, please stop pampering that sexist little runt. Kuesu's fiancé isn't going to be playing around much longer. As for why she's coming here, somebody has to 'protect' the idiot from whatever demons are out," Asuka wrapped an arm around Shinji and yanked him close. He was her friend, not a boyfriend, but she was damned if he wasn't becoming a great friend of hers.

Pinching Asuka's hand in a show of dominance, Kuesu took hold of one of Asuka's hands and one of Shinji's. "Don't play that hard Asuka, you overstep yourself a lot," she admonished with a raised eyebrow. Pulling the two to halt, she flinched her head towards Rei and winked. "Now all you need do is envision yourself surrounded by a cloud, feel that bud of power within you, Asuka you feel it in me, an repeat after me ad esse frigus." Upon the last syllable the western specialized slayer's hands chilled.

Closing her eyes, Asuka couldn't just accept defeat from Kuesu, so rather than draw from her she drew from Shinji. It was easier and felt nicer, she'd felt a new small sense of dread in Kuesu the last time she drew power from her. Likely caused by the issue of demons, Angels, and Shinji's darn menagerie. Repeating the words as best she could, Asuka instantly felt better, "Wow that is something else. I'm actually a little cold now." She huffed her breath and was amazed to see it form a small cloud.

"I-I-I think I d-di-did something wrong," Shinji's teeth chattered as he freed his hands and rubbed his arms. Returning to the walking to the base, the lad actually sneezed a little. "B-but Asuka is right this is amazing. Rei-san hold up!" Shinji yelled at the girl right outside the door. Running over towards her, leaving Kuesu and Asuka in his wake, the lad was over to Rei in a matter of seconds. Whatever training Himari was putting him through was truly increasing his physical abilities.

Attempting to tower of Asuka, Kuesu had her hands on her hips and grimaced. "And just what was that Asuka? I didn't feel you this time, so that means you tapped Ikari-kun didn't you?" as much as she wanted to sound angry it didn't reach her eyes. They were to expressive, to happy. Flicking Asuka's forehead, "But that was good work on your part. It took me a few times to get it my first time. You two though." Shaking her head, the silver tresses flailing about wildly, she shrugged. "Be careful though, if you keep drawing from people not me. You're comfortable with me, others can be more volatile," she continued after Shinji.

Rubbing her tiny injury, Asuka hardly noticed it. The sudden chill was amazing, she'd have to remember that one. Getting a compliment from her 'sensei' was also a rare thing. Catching up to her, Shinji and Rei had vanished inside the base, "So have you tried tapping into him? You looked a little worried when he first showed up at the theatre." Like herself, Asuka knew Kuesu hated being seen as weak. But Asuka couldn't help but feel tiny before the combined Shinji/Chizuru. Kuesu HAD to have felt it, right?

"It is wrong to probe people without their consent, Asuka you know that," she said flippantly. Her increased pace though, how she grabbed at her book and where she hid her sidearm spoke otherwise. Shoulders sagging, Kuesu did finally meet Asuka's gaze as they stood outside the door. With great reluctance, "Hypothetically, if I had both when he showed up and when he ran off after that…thing just now…all I'd say is the legends of the Ikari lineage were downplayed if anything."

Rubbing her hand against Kuesu's back, a friendly gesture Kuesu herself introduced Asuka too, the German felt a moment of connection. They were both intimidated by the merged form, Shinji's natural being though was just pleasant to Asuka. "I guess that's why your mother is forcing you to marry him," she knew it wasn't true. Kuesu talked to much about Shinji, was to moved by his memory returning for any attempt at lying was useless. Entering the door though, the lights on emergency, Asuka felt her ire rising. "SHINJI! Can't you keep it in your pants for ten minutes!? I can only imagine what happened at the theatre when you unmerged!" Asuka stomped her foot. She could even feel Kuesu's hair flowing outward with power.

With Rei all but wrapped around him, Shinji thrust his hands up into the air. "It's the heat is all! She noticed I was colder thanks to that-that spell and she went a little crazy!" Shinji was wide eyed. Spinning on the balls of his feet towards the offended duo. Rei moved with him, her head was pressed against his chest, arms wrapped around him, hardly a piece of paper could be put between them. "I-I'd do it to her if I could, but I wouldn't want to do something wrong," he gestured down but did his best not to touch her.

Rei took matters into her own hands and forced Shinji again to wrap his arms around her back. "It is much more comfortable this way. I do not mind being this close to you, enjoy it," she nuzzled his neck with her cheek. So content and relaxed her ears and tail popped back out, a low whimper rumbled out of her. Squeezing him tighter, "Something feels warmer now…shall we go and…no orders are orders."

Breezing past the prone Asuka, Kuesu wasn't taking the affront to her pride standing still. "Get your hands off him cur! If you are so bothered by the heat I'll deal with it!" the angry girl put her hands upon Rei's head. Repeating her incantation, Kuesu pealed Rei off of Shinji and pushed her towards the inner gate. Pointing an accusing finger at Shinji's lower half, "And you need to be firmer with your…friends. You let others use you far to much! I love that about you, but at times even I think you should be more firm! I dread to think what would have happened if those others were here, glad they coward away."

Passing the bickering couple, Asuka found the emergency opening device. It was some sort of hand powered generator, well that was 'mans work'. Asuka couldn't help but wonder about that, why had those other girls left Shinji behind. They were always so defensive about him, Himari more than others. Had Himari been a human, Asuka would have befriended that girl just as she did Kuesu, and it was happening regardless. That new girl, Lizlet, seemed almost positively enchanted by Shinji and she left him. Chizuru was in all things attached to Shinji like a second skin, so why wave off and leave?

"Mistress Chizuru did not leave willingly. It took Shinji-san's request that this be a means of forming trust with the intruder that she left. The same goes for Noihara-kun. She did leave me to keep out for her though," Rei started cranking the door open. Willing her demon-animal parts away, the girl was far stronger now than she was a year ago. The generator, something that had never been used and would take good effort for a full sized man, spun like a bike peddle without a chain.

A duo of voices were broken from whatever conversation they had and in harmony yelled, "Rei-san/What did she say?" All eyes then went onto Shinji who back peddled to the wall as both Asuka and Kuesu pressed him. And by press, Kuesu took it literally and was right up against him, either to entice him or to keep him prone, the woman was applying her advantages. "I-uh…I asked them to trust you as I trust you. I'm remembering more about us, and more than that if Asuka trusts you with her safety, so do I. Having seen you in action I have no doubts," Shinji looked ready to pop. His hands didn't know what or where to go, but they did their best to not touch anybody.

Finishing opening the door, Rei let the device fall to the ground. "Was I not supposed to speak the truth? Jinguji is the outsider in our group. She does not have a position in our hierarchy, nor does Chelsea –kun. But Noihara-san did mention she was going to see to that," Rei put her finger to her cheek, tilted her head and nodded. With more minds shattered, Rei ventured into the darkness that was the Nerv base.

"That girl really has no sense of social norms does she," Asuka just felt herself drifting in reality. Rei was just an amalgam of confusion for Asuka. Rei was a demon-animal, but was raised by Nerv. That meant that she had to trust the girl with her life. Slayer law stated not to trust any form of demon, but Rei was not dangerous either. At times Asuka wondered if Rei would follow any order, but this right now proved she was just naive and strange. Would she have been this way had she not meet and grown up with Kuesu? Pointing at the dark hallway, "Are you done seducing him or should I give you a few minutes to see where you rank in the hierarchy?"

Blushing from head down the neck, Asuka suspect Kuesu's full body was red, the gothic Lolita positioned her hands off the wall. Launching herself a few feet away from him, her hand pointed accusingly at the boy. "It's his fault not mine! I was just…sensing his power and I got lost. Blame HIM for that not me. Now let's get going so we can get back to my penthouse Asuka. You and me have some serious sparing to do. I NEED to get rid of this tension," her fists wiggled about at her side pensively. After another moment of full body twitching she huffed and walked off briskly after Rei.

Giving Kuesu a good head start, Shinji again proved to have gained some knowledge of the female heart. Walking up to Asuka, "I didn't want her to find out, wanted her to think she'd got them to trust her on her own. I know I'm being dumb, wanting everybody to get along, but I have to try." Shinji gestured Asuka to enter, ladies first after all. Shutting the gate behind him, Shinji had a very defeated aura about him. Eyes downcast and shoulders limp, "Everything got more confusing after my memories came back, Asuka. I…I know in the past we made a pledge, she was very important to me back then. But now…what now?"

With Kuesu and Rei further ahead, out of hearing range if quiet enough, Asuka found her heart warmed. He trusted her with her problems, and she owed her life to him due to that volcano save. It was a sign of friendship to trust somebody with their problems. She trusted Kuesu and Shinji, Kuesu trusted her, and now she knew Shinji trusted her. But how to handle it? Shinji loved two demons, maybe more if Rei was any indication, and that odd Mizuchi Shizuka too! But legally Shinji was already engaged…so if Kuesu came first?

Asuka's eyes widened and she covered her mouth in stunned surprise. Was she really considering letting Chizuru and Himari keep their hold on Shinji as long as he married and loved Kuesu too? "Maybe demons are evil, they get us to think evil thoughts," Asuka was amazed. It came so easily, slipped in so fast…just let them all be together? For demons maybe that was a thing, but for humans? "Shinji, I don't envy you at, Shinji? SHINJI!" Asuka yelled as her sole male friend gripped his head and pitched forward.

"Jinguji-kun are you well? Your complexion is pale," Rei could be heard asking. The albino who should never comment on pale, held the staggering Kuesu up by the shoulders. "Soryu your fri…" and then Kuesu hit the ground. Never let it be said that Rei was without favoritism. The half-wolf raced on all fours back to Shinji and Asuka, "Alpha what is wrong?" she used her pet name for him.

Shinji took hold of Rei's hand and gave it a shake. Getting back up on firmer standing, Shinji shook his head free of whatever was in it. "An angel is coming, I can…feel it. Jinguji-san can too. We have to hurry," Shinji told his compatriots. The eva pilots raced back over to Kuesu and helped her back up, Kuesu only frowned deeply at Rei's abuse. Using the map Rei had in her pack the quartet found an air duct that would take them to the cages. After knocking the grate down Shinji huffed but was still not recovered from what had hit the two strong slayers. Setting the ladder up he asked, "I've been meaning to ask Jinguji-san, are you safe to be in here? Misato keeps yelling at me how Chizuru isn't allowed in, and Himari had to be appointed my bodyguard."

Forcing Rei to climb the ladder first, Asuka watched the heart shaped rump climb up. "Well as that cat is your bodyguard, Kuesu is mine," she thumbed her chest. Winking at the girl Asuka started climbing, she'd let Kuesu decide whether or not to tempt Shinji in the confined space. "Not that I need one though, it's just for show and it gets her on base," Asuka muttered as she entered the duct. She paused to listen to the 'lovebirds' down below her.

"D-did you want me to go first or would you prefer Jinguji-san? I'd not want to…to offend you," Shinji was heard with his trademark mix of curiosity and timidity.

Kuesu's tone was markedly softer once everybody was out of sight. "I told you to call me Kuesu or Kuesu-chan haven't I? And I will not allow you to gawk at my best friends behind. You have yet to even look at…" and like that Kuesu stopped talking and could be heard climbing.

Asuka sped up to give the illusion she hadn't eavesdropped. But she had to admit to herself it was cute. Cute to hear Kuesu being so coy and unsure of herself. It was so different than the confident and assured woman that trained her and fought those horrid creatures. "If he hurts her, neither of those 'bodyguards' of his will stop me," Asuka was loyal to Kuesu first and Shinji a far second.

The crawl was annoying, and Asuka heard more than once Kuesu making comments to Shinji. She couldn't make them out, but by the tone they were teasing or inviting. One time apparently Kuesu's outfit caught on a screw and Shinji had to free her, didn't hurt that it was right by the girl's rump. The squeal Kuesu emitted had been ever so humorous to Asuka. But they eventually got to the hanger and were amazed to find the Eva's prepped and ready despite the lack of power. Shinji and Kuesu were right, an angel was attacking.

As for the fight, Asuka found it laughable. More climbing through vents, a quick three point plan. And after an argument over who would shoot and who would defend, Shinji winning. A giant pillar of light erupted from Unit-01…Shinji could exude the power of Light Ferry to his Eva. Thankfully no recording devices caught it and only the three pilots knew it happened. Another victory.

X-X

She felt a little bad leaving her human friends behind, and yes she considered Shinji's male friends hers as well, Chizuru had to go. Her mother, Chizuru had to see her mother regarding a feeling she had been sensing. It wasn't just her either, Himari had a pensive look about her too. So after seeing the humans to the closest shelter, Chizuru and the others used their various talents to sneak out. Apologize will be issued, excuses made, but for now it was more important to get to Tamamo's.

Standing on an abandoned street corner in the market district, Chizuru felt something else, another reason why she wanted to be away from normal people. "So Chelsie-kun, mind telling us a little about yourself? Last time we met in person you were quite condescending to my Shinji-kun, but here you are," Chizuru scrutinized the maid. Chizuru was selfish, she accepted that, but was it wrong to want to have your boyfriend all to yourself? Himari she accepted, Rei she adored, but others would be hard pressed. "And Tayura, what was all that gushing over that little girl in the shelter, you actually wanted to STAY?" a sister had to protect her idiot brother.

Smiling brilliantly, Lizlet didn't appear phased or even offended by Chizuru's standoffish attitude. Her head bopping from side to side as they walked, her beautiful blue eyes fluttered in mild shock. "Oh I thought Shin-sama would have already told you about me, since he invited me on our little group date today. I'm a tsukumogami and I owe my life to Shin-sama so I'll serve him," her eyes shut as the most content expression washed over her. Looking between the girls, she waved them in closer, "Is it true that Shin-sama is…is…w-well endowed?"

One could actually hear Himari's teeth grinding behind her stoic expression. The elusive cat demon was doing her best to reign in her anger and fighting a losing battle. In the face of that open declaration of open love-warfare it was hard not to. "Tis not the time to speak of such matters that doth require subtly and restraint. But if memory serve me well, did thee not molest my master in his slumber yon last night?" the vein in Himari's temple was throbbing. Jogging across an empty street, the quartet was making good time towards Tamamo.

Thank god she wasn't the only one frustrated by this, Chizuru thought. Usurpers had to be put in their place. Shinji had to spend a full three hours of doing everything Chizuru wanted to get forgiven for the Kuesu debacle, and now this? Movies, walking, helping her with her homework, and cooking her favorite meal had gotten Chizuru's seal of forgiveness. It didn't hurt that Himari had told her before Shinji confessed that she had stalked him to protect him meaning Shinji hadn't technically lied to her. But Kuesu was legally Shinji's fiancé by family orders, they'd have to deal with that. This tart of a girl though…where did she sit in the order of things?

Blushing and waggling her hands fast enough to generate a fast wind, Chelsie was not playing coy well. "Well I wanted to make sure he knew I was being serious! You just can't tell somebody that you-your willing to do anything. You have to show them. Shin-sama is quite shy as well…and it felt far to b-big to ever fit! So I wanted to ask," she hid her mouth behind her balled hand. If Tayura wasn't present, would she still have had such an act or was it true. Timid as a leaf…a tea leaf most likely, Chelsie didn't appear a threat, but Himari's little tidbit proved otherwise.

Adjusting her path to move closer to Chelsie, Chizuru did enjoy the fact the girl shrunk away unintentionally. At least the girl knew who was in control here. "Shinji-kun can be quite dense when it comes to the affections of others. A wondrous trait considering how many little girls are enamored with him," she poked Lizlet's side making the girl jump. Trying to keep herself from getting to agitated, she tried putting herself in the 'tea sprite's' shoes. Poking the girl just a little harder, the alpha female had to show dominance in the herd. "As for MY Shinji-kun though, I can't force you to remove your pledge, those things get messy. Just know that I come first and the cat comes second," she flinched her head towards Himari.

"Methinks that yon temptress has been infected by Shinji-sama's kindness," Himari clenched her temporary blade tighter. Rushing again across a street, just in case somebody was driving recklessly, the quartet entered the neighborhood they needed. "To think one that had fought so vigilantly against myself would just…lay on her back…for a new arrival be laughable. But thee mistress have naught the say in who beds the master," Himari fixed Chizuru with a challenging exchange. Kitty wanted to play and cut into the fox's power.

Gently Chizuru threw Lizlet backward and towards the bored looking Tayura. So the cat had the gall to bring that up did she? "Well unlike the servants, the 'mistress' has a place of importance in her beloved's life! Servants are a dime a dozen and can be replaced at anytime, a mistress is synonymous with wife in many cultures. AND I don't see a ring on his finger…yet," oh that was a good idea. She had gotten him a gift and he said he'd get her something. Drop a few hints and she'd rub THAT in the damn black cats face! Despite all her wishes her little idea put a damn big smile on her face. Seeing a dawning realization on Himari's face, "Anyway, I don't want to hear anything about that little waif of a girl that beat you. Shinji loves me…us not her."

Eyes closed, Himari held a hand up as they walked, an attempt to give both verbal combatants a moment reprieve. Amid hearing Lizlet starting to ask Tayura questions about Shinji, Himari slung her blade over her shoulder. "As loath as I be to admit such unfortunate news, Jinguji has prior ties to Shinji-sama. While I had been forbid to interact outside my animal form, she had been there for him. Yon temptress haft been his first kiss, his first friend, and his promised both by kin and themselves," Himari's words came out haggard and reluctantly.

So stunned by that little news flash, Chizuru didn't fully lift her foot off the ground and pitched forward. Spinning as she fell, her plush rump broke most of the fall, but it still hurt as a rock, tiny yet sharp, pierced her left cheek. "Couldn't you have warned me about that first!? I swear you love holding back information from me just to make me trip," Chizuru snapped at the samurai. She hadn't put any real credence to Kuesu's statements about fiancé or affection until now. Before it was a bluff, the slayer trying to get under their skin by striking their weakest point, Shinji. But if what Himari was saying was true, that opened a whole can of worms.

Rushing over to Chizuru's side, Tayura was quickly down on one knee and offering his hand in aid. "Are you alright, did you hurt yourself at all?" the ever doting younger brother. Helping Chizuru up, Tayura overstepped his bounds and went to dust off Chizuru's behind. His hand stopped over the wound, a trickle of blood already making the skirt stick to the skin. "You're bleeding…you're…you're…" the doomed lad realized where he was touching and he turned to his scorned sister.

Winding back long and hard, Chizuru smashed her fist into Tayura's stomach sending him flying up the road. "Stupid perverted brother! You shouldn't manhandle girls like that! What would your darling little Asahina think about that? Oh she's more worried about that Suzuhara boy isn't she," Chizuru actually asked pensively. Chizuru knew her brother had at least a passing fancy for the girl, said girl was a thorn in Chizuru's behind. But she had seen Akane clinging to Touji not Tayura doing the movie, Hikari however was leaning against him. Were those four in some sort of group dating too? She'd have to ask.

Chizuru's question on her brother's level of perversion was cut short however as a crash of a trashcan breaking through glass filled her ears. A trio of masked men jumped out of the broken window, bags of purloined goods over their shoulders. Looters taking advantage of the angel siren. The trio cut Himari and Chizuru off from Lizlet though. Standing up straight, large knives in hand, the men alternated between the girls. "Oh hell, who was on watch?" the shortest of the three yelled.

"I was but I didn't see anybody!" a tall lanky man said defensively. This man had some of his dirty blond hair spilling out from under his hat and over his green and blue dotted bandana mask. Swinging his bag, bulging at the seams over his other shoulder he stepped closer to Lizlet. "W-what do we do boss, they don't know who we is, we run?" he fumbled with his knife, extracting the blade.

Holding a hand out, Lizlet made what Chizuru thought was a huge mistake, she talked. "Um, you don't own those things. You should put them back before we have to stop you," her might blond tresses swayed with her head nod.

Oh that stupid girl! Chizuru wanted to throttle Lizlet and throw her into a drainage ditch! While she knew everybody on her side of the thugs could fight the lot with drastic ease, the buxom airhead was an unknown! Tea leaves were one thing, but unless Lizlet carried them on her all the time it was going to get messy. "Just drop the stuff and go, jerks. Using a citywide emergency to steal electronics. And to think you consider yourself men," she had to get their attention off Lizlet.

"Grab the blond, we use her as a hostage to get out, that one has a weapon," the short man pointed his blade at Himari. Obviously the smartest of the three, the strongest looking man hadn't said a word and looked not ready too. The lumbering man did follow orders and lunged at Lizlet. Wrapping a thick meaty arm around the girl's throat he spun her around to the other teenagers. "Good, now be good little girls and boys and lay on the ground. We got what we wanted, and we won't hurt your…wow she's stacked!" the short man laughed loudly.

Touching Chizuru's arm, Himari shook her head softly and looked at the ground. "Your fears be out of place. Remember harm to her body be nil," Himari slowly started getting down on her knees. Smirking at Chizuru though Himari had to get another dig in, "And she doth have a larger bust than thy own I doth believe. You haft lost one of thy strong points." Himari set her blade down before her.

"She is NOT bigger than me, it's just that demeaning costume of hers. If I wore it I'd burst out of it I bet. Think Shin-chan wants to try cosplay?" Chizuru would trust Himari. If anybody knew Lizlet in this group it'd be Himari, damn cat had more experience with her. All Chizuru really knew was Lizlet had a connection to the teacup in her bag, a cup wrapped in enough protective foam as to make it indestructible. And that Lizlet could summon herself into it. It had been Chizuru's idea to sneak into the theatre to save Shinji money. Lizlet went into the cup, Chizuru got to go to her favorite place inside Shinji…it was dangerous and fun. This was just dangerous.

As her superior demon sisters watched, Lizlet was offering no resistance to the man holding her. "Boss she's bigger dan my girlfriend," the burly man laughed. He made a mistake though and let his free hand act without forethought. Putting his knife away, he went to reach for Lizlet's chest and she caught the hand effortlessly. "W-what?" he eloquently asked before being forced to his knees.

Waggling a disapproving finger at the man, Lizlet admonished him. "That is not something you have the right to touch. Only Shin-sama can," she then twisted his arm as if it was a pipe cleaner. The man pitched forward to the ground and slapped it with his free hand as he yowled in pain. Forcing the man's arm up to between his shoulder blades, the dainty and petit maid brought the two-hundred and fifty pound muscle bound man down to a crying mess. "Now you two put those bags down or my…friends will have to hurt you," Lizlet turned to the other two men.

"B-boss…" the lanky guy dropped his bag and just turned yellow. Dropping his bag, the sound of breaking glass could be heard in it. Something didn't survive the fall, but he didn't care. He just fled leaving his companions to their fates.

Snarling the smaller man was not of the forgiving type though. "See how good you are after I ruin one of those flesh bags!" he whirled about and stabbed. The blade went in without resistance and without any blood. Pulling the blade out, the man looked at it and at Lizlet with wild amazement. "W-what the?" he just looked at the clean blade and the lovely skin it exposed on Lizlet's chest, a rosy pink nub exposed to the world.

"And that yon fox is why we needn't worry bout her," Himari was on the smaller man like geeks on a forum complaining. Without unsheathing her blade she bashed it against the back of his head knocking him out. Taking off his mask, she used it to tie his hands up. Chopping the still crying man Lizlet had held down, she administered the same treatment to him. Helping Lizlet back up, Himari gave those assets the men were captivated with a small hoist, "They do have more heft than yours, more pliant as well. Shinji-sama might prefer these to those flabby bags of yours."

Watching as Himari found a swatch of cloth somewhere to serve as a patch for Lizlet's shame, Chizuru turned Tayura around. "No peeking at things that aren't yours, haven't we been over this before," she propelled Tayura forward. So the meek little tea girl was neigh indestructible and crazy strong, good to know, and a good ally. Allies in this dangerous time were important…concessions had to be made for powerful allies. "Maybe Shin-chan is rubbing off on me and not in the typical way," though she could use that right now. Even though she wasn't in combat her adrenaline had been flowing. She had been afraid for that girl, and she was worried about Shinji.

They could all feel the guardian, could see part of it moving as they did. Oh they tried not to think about it, put it out of their minds. But it was there alright. What if any of the pilots or all of them died during the fight? Outside those giants they could help, but when the guardians of the seal attacked, the pilots were alone…alone with one another. Chizuru knew she'd be devastated if Shinji died only slightly less so if Rei did. And she had to admit it was fun to tease and taunt that fledgling. As long as Asuka wasn't on the make for Shinji, Chizuru would suffer her and maybe even befriend her.

"Look at that!" Tayura called out breaking all of the women from their thoughts. The biggest showing of Lights Ferry they ever saw was filling the sky with golden brilliance. "Guess they won again! Hope nobody got hurt," Tayura sounded as if he already knew that nobody was.

Walking over to the group, Tamamo and Yukihana stood and watched the show as well. "We suspected you earlier than this, something come up? Oh and isn't Shinji-sama's powers beautiful," Tamamo wiped a little something off her lips. Taking a handkerchief from Yukihana, she bowed her head and smiled, "Thank you, Yuki, as always. You can sense them, if you're worried. All three of them are beacons of light. It called me, he called me…as he does to you. Now, let us go and relax. Your friend is getting restless in her recovery. Once her fingers regrow she shall be ready to return to you," Tamamo gave her son a small hug.

"Mother! You ruined our surprise! We were going pop in and shock her! And you went and ruined it," Chizuru pouted. Trying to avoid her grasp, Chizuru was grabbed and hugged tightly by Tamamo's grasp. She couldn't fight it, that damn warmth it was intoxicating…and she broke down. Her worries about Shinji's safety was always on her mind during these maddening battles. If only they knew why they were coming…how to stop them. Tamamo would find out, if for no other reason than to tease Chizuru that she did.

They were led back to the bathhouse, Yukihana made them food. And they teased Shizuka about her missing fingers. And then they talked, talked about the Guardians of the Seal. Only Tamamo's smile lost some of its grace. She still didn't know fully what the seal was of, or why it had such guardians.

X-X

It was amazing, truly and utterly amazing on almost every conceivable level! Ritsuko marveled over her details from research over Chizuru's samples! The difference between human, demon animal, and pure breed was so slight but in that difference amazing things resulted. DNA longevity, resistance to disease, reaction to external stimuli, and energy production were just so much better of humans. But it could be harnessed, adapted to serve and help humanity without harming the other. Pulling away from her microscope, Ritsuko saw herself on the precipice of great things.

"You have to hide me Ritsuko, they're after me," Misato's harsh whisper broke the doctor out of her amazement. Silently shutting the door to Ritsuko's lab, the captain crouched below the window in it. Holding her finger before her lips she pleaded for silence and help. Kaji and a long haired woman walked by a few moments later, their muted voices heard through the door. A few moments later, Misato stood up and sighed heavily. Carrying a large stack of papers under her arm, she took up one of the spare chairs. Slamming the papers down, "I can't work in peace with those two hunting for me."

Swiveling her chair to face the sudden intrusion into scientific greatness, Ritsuko's smile was still wide and genuine. "Well as long as you play quietly and don't distract me I'll let you stay. Might want to draw the shade down or they'll spot you," Ritsuko pointed at that glass pane. It was always fun to watch Misato squirm, always fun to be around Misato. Life was an odd thing for her at the moment. Loneliness was permeating her life. With only Misato and Maya as friends, Kaji flirting was either fake or just wanting a body, and the rest…they walked past her. Then there was the commander. He was talking to her lately, showing interest in her opinions, and he wasn't too hard on the eyes.

Comically tiptoeing towards the door, Misato peeked out it and tugged the screen down. It wasn't much of a block, but any port in a storm. Stretching her arms above her head, Misato let out a shrill yelp of pleasure. "Oh thank god for you, Rits! If I had to put up with Kaji's puppy dog eyes, or that Meruhi woman demanding to meet with Shinji-kun any longer I'd do something bad," Misato fell into her chair again. Idly picking up some of Ritsuko's research papers, she flipped through the pages. "So what's been keeping you down here the last few days?" she started reading.

First and foremost she was avoiding people so they'd stop asking if 'she was alright.' Her depression was growing slowly and steadily. Nothing but work and fake people ate away at the poor scientist. Judging her against her mother's work, never thanking her for all the work she did. Well Misato, Maya, and the commander cared…well and Shinji oddly enough. Take what she could. Handing Misato a few of the tastier bits of data, "I got Ikari-kun to allow me a little time with that girl you hate so much. It's amazing, Misato, truly amazing! The cellular structure of that girl is just out of this world."

Her eyebrow raised just a little at the mentioning of Chizuru, but Misato kept her opinion to herself, for now. "How did you get Shinji-kun to let you get your grubby mitts on that precious little tramp of his? Girl is just…I hope she's not just playing with him," Misato put the paper back down. Pulling the pen she had riding on her ear off, she started working on her own work. "Himari I like, girl is disciplined and great for him. Chizuru is just to flighty. I see a small version of Kaji and myself in them. And what happened with us, I'd NEVER want for Shinji," Misato moaned.

Well the breakup between Kaji and Misato had devastated the normally happy woman, Ritsuko had been witness to. The weeks and months after the breakup, Ritsuko had been over at Misato's constantly to keep the girl's emotions up. Shinji, yeah Shinji was a lot like Misato, Ritsuko fathomed, just with a different coping mechanism. "Well I can't say much about Noihara, but Minamoto has been really good for Ikari-kun. So if she does hurt him, he's got people to pick up the pieces," and with tools like his Shinji's likely have to pry Chizuru away.

Drumming her fingers across the page, Misato looked at it then spilled them onto the floor in anger. "I wish I did…I wish I had somebody to pick up my pieces…I…I made a mistake during the last angel Ritsuko," Misato looked up with increasingly reddening eyes. Slamming her fist down on the small desk, the test tubes filled with Chizuru's samples jangled about their enclosure. "While I was stuck in that elevator during the power outage, Kaji and I…we…I know it's just a game to him. That I'm just a conquest," Misato gripped her head with her fingers tightly.

So that was the real reason Misato was hiding from Kaji, Ritsuko nodded mentally. "Well you don't have to worry about being alone, Misato. You can have just about any man you want and you know it," Ritsuko was aware that Misato was an achingly beautiful woman. But to think Misato wasn't happy about Kaji wanting to strike things back up with her was strange. "I'd have thought you'd be more than happy to have Kaji back though. After that little tidbit with the dancing angel, you seemed almost happy to have him back," Ritsuko countered. Finding a rather humorous bit of info, Ritsuko thought Misato could use a joke and handed the paper to the woman.

Taking the paper reluctantly, Misato took one shallow and breaking breath and nodded. "Sorry about that, just a little emotional. Going home every night and having not one but two happy relationships thrown in my face is painful. Those girls, both of them, will never hurt Shinji-kun nor he them. You should see it Rits, they're just…so compatible. Friends first and the lovers later. Kaji and I were never like that," she bemoaned. Looking at the paper finally, the emotions finally subsiding a bit, "What am I looking at? Some new bullet or something? That's a big caliber, really big." Tilting her head Misato examined the document further.

"That is Ikari-kun's love bullet, Misato. Took readings of his little girlfriend's stretching. Have to admit for a teenager, hell for a man he's got a lot going for him. Odd seeing how his at rest is…" Ritsuko shrugged but smiled. It wasn't unthinkable, Ritsuko had done research before in college. Some men were just a lot more elastic than others, and apparently Shinji Ikari was one of those types. Funny how by his cute almost feminine face to think he was packing a howitzer below the belt. "Think maybe that's why that Chizuru girl stays with him?" she giggled, "Think you'd be willing to rent him to me? Been ages since I had a man and none of that…caliber."

Snorting out her nose, Misato started laughing so hard tears were trickling down her eyes. "You'd have to get in line I bet. Ayanami's been sniffing about and I should have known. I-I saw it the other day," Misato snickered a little more. Handing back the rather impressive piece of paper, Misato blushed at the open gawking Ritsuko was giving her. Forcing back a stern look if to knock Ritsuko back, "Oh it was an accident! I got home early a few days ago, apparently he had just finished knocking Noihara-kun out with it. So I was in the kitchen getting a beer, he walked out of the shower…still half happy and." Misato rolled her hand over from back to front.

Now it was Ritsuko's turn to laugh, she could picture the scene perfectly in her mind. "Bet that ended well. Either you ran to your room, or he did. You two really are similar, if you don't know," Ritsuko's shoulders bumped with a last few laughs. Oh she needed this, it was good to be with friends. But if she took the commander up on his offer, she'd have to cut ties with them. Was it-was it worth it for the information? More classified information, more knowledge…was it worth losing this? She didn't know, her eyes fell to the vials of Chizuru and a little bit of Shinji. She'd have to check Shinji out again, see if he was changing due to prolonged access. "So why is that Meruhi woman looking for you?" Ritsuko piled her papers.

Scratching her nose, Misato looked away from Ritsuko bashfully. "She wants to meet with Shinij-kun regarding his actions during the volcano incident. And she's questioning why Asuka has that Jinguji girl as a bodyguard. Just being a bitch mostly. I want to be good to that boy who makes my lunches," Misato kicked at the bento she brought in with her along with her papers. Opening the box up, Misato sampled it with a joyful shiver, and offered some to Ritsuko. "Think maybe the two of us should just steal Shinji from those little girls. Get ourselves a little stallion, homemaker, and chef and we offer him divine pleasures," she laughed at her own silly notion.

"How you'd get those two, three if Ayanami is really interested, away is up to you. But I'd be game," oh Ritsuko smiled but she didn't know if she was joking. What would a nice relationship be like, she never had one before. Never had somebody that loved her, told her she was special to them. She wanted that, the clinical scientist part of her mind hadn't killed her humanity yet. "But then I'd have to share with you. That didn't go over to well in college did it?" it had only been once and was Kaji's birthday gift. Ritsuko recalled that well, it was the last time she'd been intimate with anybody, and she had been equally attracted to the two.

Gathering the papers back up, her mind a lot better than it had been a few minutes ago, Misato nodded solemnly. "God that was a nightmare of a night, and I blame Kaji for that. We had fun though during his many breaks," Misato fell back into memory. When the door opened though, her whole body cringed as two of her favorite people walked in. "Oh…hi," she held her hand up with a forced grin.

"Katsuragi/Misa-chan!" the two voices yelled in unison. And like that the little gathering of friends had ended, Misato drug out of the room. Left back to her own devices, Ritsuko let her mind wander down odd paths of thought. Maybe a lover wouldn't be such a bad thing, but what were her options? Kaji if only to save Misato the trouble, Makoto again to save Misato, maybe see if Maya was bi-curious, the commander oddly enough seemed an option, or something else? For now though it was researching that darling Minamoto's samples and all the wonders she could gleam from them.

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Notes

Well trying to keep each plotline moving along and a little left over affection for Due to Chance showing up with giving Ritsuko some sympathy. Wanted this chapter to be more comedic as I feel this story lost a little bit of that lately. This is to be more on the positive side not negative and I feared it was going down in 'to serious' hope you enjoyed it ^_^.

So many characters its hard to give them all enough focus as I want. Thankfully I've gotten all the real important characters introduced so I won't have to worry about more.

Well next up is Wandering Pilot…

Later!

Mercaba