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

22. Chapter 22

Standard Disclaimer

Wanted to get this out before years end. I started with this story I thought it apt that it be the last chapter I put out for the year as well. 2013 is nearing an end, X-mass was a fun event but family issues made it a little strained. Hope you all had a good year! And I noticed this story is quickly nearing its end. I hate prolonging stories beyond their need (and this is a little long in the tooth already) and I completed most of what I set out for. So buckle up as the story goes into high drive!

X-X

The Friend of my Enemy

Chapter – 22

Sitting in Kuesu's apartment for the first time since he had been married to the woman, Shinji was beside himself with worry. The last week had been very taxing on him for both good and bad reasons. Officially his party, consisting of Himari, Chizuru, and himself, were to talk to Kuesu and Meruhi about the recent attacks in the city and their demonic taint. Unofficially Shinji needed to talk to Kuesu about the conditions he had, and allow her an out if she so wanted. He loved Kuesu to much to make her suffer a loveless marriage.

The city was on edge, after the last angel attack prominent business men and women along with politicians were found dead. Attacked by terrorists using large knifes and explosives, as the reporters said. Himari instantly recognized the sons of Yig's claws and Shuten-Douji's magic. But that was only the first of the attacks. After the big news of those deaths were made, smaller attacks were being found leading to Tokyo-3. Once they hit the city however, they escalated in number and terror. They were targeting police and military right now, but civilian injuries weren't unheard of. Adding to there fear was the missing Minori, what was she up to?

Himari thought it was a ploy to call out those remaining slayers and anybody siding with them. Something had to be done to stop those attacks, and Shinji proposed an alliance with his wife. Wife…if she remained so after he told Kuesu his feelings for Himari, Chizuru, and the rest it was yet to be seen.

And that was the positive side of the coin…very positive if tiring for the quasi family. Misato no longer tried to prevent them from sharing some affection in her presence, and boy did they! Now Shinji had a lot of stamina thanks to his training over the last few months, but his beloved ladies were insatiable! Color him surprised when Rei approached him with a white teddie clad Ritsuko with the word 'trainee' clumsily sewed into it. Apparently Chizuru had given Rei her blessing in taking her own pupil.

That had started off very awkwardly, as Shinji had always seen Ritsuko as a nice but aloof person. He had no idea she'd ever wish to be privy to anything they were up to. But over a full day of just Ritsuko, Rei, and him out on a lovely date that changed. Ritsuko confessed to her sorrow in life, her opinion of him as a caring and dependable young man, and he felt the same. Ritsuko was a tragic person in Shinji's mind at that, somebody he wanted to help and could see he'd be able to grow feelings for. However the woman wasn't prepared for his increased skills in lovemaking as she passed out the first time they made love without alcohol involved. Misato wasn't pleased with Ritsuko's wants or how Himari allowed it and Chizuru blessed it as part of Rei's own training. Odd, Shinji realized he was with a group of women with impossibly large and accepting hearts. He'd support them as they supported him though so he got a few less hours of sleep.

Thankfully Asuka was still overwhelmed with the little tryst she had with Himari which prevented the girl from being present today. Now that was something that left Shinji floored! To think Asuka and Himari, who oft were at arms with one another could do something like that! It had only been that one night, but Shinji had spoken to Himari about it, and while a little ashamed Himari confessed she thought Asuka a wonderful woman. It wasn't a declaration of love or request for more…just Himari recognized skill where she saw it and Asuka was an 'unpolished gem' according to the demon-cat.

Under the wilting gaze of Meruhi, Shinji found solace in the two hands holding his. This wasn't going to be easy. "Meruhi-san, Keusu-san we're sorry we had to come to you like this. But as sure as we know, you likely know it as well…our city is under attack and something must be done," he targeted Meruhi. Not the type to want to hold grudges, Shinji still felt some animosity towards Keusu's mother. Forcing Kuesu to marry without asking her wants, psychologically attacking him, and judging his companions as evil just for how they were born? Meruhi needed to wake up. Well waking up as Shinji did this morning would help to.

For the first time in ages, the game was a tie! Chizuru-four, Himari-four, and himself with four. When those two stopped fighting one another and came together for the first time last night in Chizuru's bed…Shinji found himself unprepared for their teamwork. Both covered his touch points expertly while he was besieged on both their sides! After he scored a point, his distraction would Himari's hand to sneak in and expertly rub under his other head and bam she scored. Or while he was lapping at the dew on Himari's flower, Chizuru would be using her babies to milk Shinji. It had been just for them though. The trio that started the mess, and they loved every moment of it.

Tapping her nails against the table though, Meruhi wasn't having any of the positive warmth the trio on the couch was offering. "We've known of Shuten-douji's actions for some time now, and his alliance with the Yig. But while my daughter goes out to fight them, and I use my contacts to try and locate their den, her husband plays games with demons," it was her typical condescending tone. Sipping from a coffee cup, she set it back on Kuesu's small desk.

Eyes on her desk, Kuesu was not the ever confident and proud woman she oft was. Timid, beaten down, and fearful of the woman to her side, Keusu flinched away from her mother. "It is as she says, husband," she did peek at the demons flanking Shinji, "I've been hunting for him in town. I've managed to gather he's in one of several locations. But to attack one and fail would drive him to ground and I'd need to start over from scratch." Her finger bounced off the black lacquer table, the wedding ring Meruhi got for her bounced with a loud crack. Meruhi had mailed Shinji his own ring, he got it two days prior.

"Mayhap a coordinated strike then? Yon fox and her sibling form a party, the snake and myself another, and if needed thee tea-sprite and master," Himari clenched Shinji's hand. The calm in Himari pervaded everything, she was in rare form and not rising to Meruhi's bate.

Did they have to attack though? Shinji hated the idea of a forced battle for various reasons. "We do have to stop his attacking people. Now that Shizuka's council is recovering we can hope to make peace with them, but this man…demon," Shinji corrected himself, "has to be made to stop his advances." Hopefully without needing to kill. Punished yes, the pure-blood had killed innocents, but blood did not cleanse blood. Shinji twisted the second wedding ring on his finger, and felt the impression of the forth ring in his pocket. Hopefully he'd be able to take off Meruhi's ring soon.

Still cold and emotionless, Meruhi raised a single eyebrow as she sipped her coffee. "Kuesu dear you need to learn to make better coffee or let the servants do it," she chided her daughter who wilted instantly. Not even trying the, as Shinji learned, much improved but still poor tasting cookies, Meruhi lithely got out of her chair and walked behind Keusu's high back leather chair. "So you want my daughter and her protégée to risk their lives under the hope your demons and half demon 'allies' support them? The fact they are in her home now is an affront to my daughter's pledge to you. They have done nothing to warrant trust from either of us, and you…" she sneered mockingly.

"Shin-chan has been trying his best to make things peaceful between us! It's her royal highness over there that doesn't want to come to the bargaining table!" Chizuru wasn't as controlled as Himari was. But that was the kitsune's strength as well, bold and emotional, able to act without needing to overly think and plan. It had been Chizuru's aim last night as well, sitting on Shinji's face as Himari rode him…a distraction that both enjoyed. Pointing a finger at the matriarch not the daughter, "And what of you? If you weren't here how would things be different? You claim to be working on finding the Yig's nest, but how often have you been attacked by them? It seems WE'RE the ones in danger not you."

Rubbing his thumb over the back of Chizuru's hand, Shinji tried to calm her down. Her passion was one of Chizuru's qualities Shinji envied and loved greatly, but taking it TOO far would only end in problems. "Chizuru-san is correct, Meruhi-san, we've constantly been attacked by agents of this Shuten-douji and a strange demon girl named Minori. You can't believe we'd side with them over my w-wife and her mother," Shinji still felt odd saying it. The forced marriage brought his group together like never before, but the actual wife was estranged.

Moving about in her chair, Kueus's tone was softened or blunted by the woman behind her, "I have been targeted in the past as well, husband, so don't think you're alone in that. But I would trust you in this mission. Mother, even though they are demons they can be…" Kuesu cringed deeply into her seat at Meruhi clamped down swift and hard on the back of her seat.

"You will NOT say that in my company daughter! They are demons and can never be trusted! Who was it that killed your father? Who forced our clan to adopt dangerous western magic, that magic is why I've had to seal your powers with that blemish on your head?" Meruhi pointed at the couch's occupants. "How the Ikari line has wilted and fell! Yui would be disgusted with what happened to her son. At best a willing traitor to humanity for the price of a little pussy, at worst a simpering PAWN! You're just as bad as your father," she hurled her accusation at the group.

As expected both Himari and Chizuru were off the couch instantly with violence in their mannerisms. "How dare thee compare my beloved to that monster of a man!" Himari had her hand on her cherished blade.

Ears and tail sprouting, Chizuru had a grapefruit sized ball of fox-fire in her hand. "Shin-chan is a darling man! He might not be a fighter, but he is warm and loving! Better than you a woman that makes her own daughter afraid and forces her to marry! I'm sure Shin-chan's momma would love what he's become!" she nodded at Himari and the two started circling around to flank the woman.

"You two will stop that now," Shinji said with as much authority as he could muster. It was hard to do, he rather take the submissive position with the two that risked their lives for him, but in this he had to be in command. Instantly Chizuru reverted to normal and Himari's hand fell to her side, they did turn to look at him questioningly though. "We didn't come here to fight. A common treat exists to all of us, one we have to force to stop however that comes to," Shinji felt his insides starting to quiver under Meruhi's stern expression. This woman…what was she aiming at, what was her plan!?

Taking off his wedding ring, Shinji saw Kuesu's eyes water as she watched him set it on the desk. "Meruhi-san, I think I know why you're so anger at us. And I agree with you. What I'm doing is unfair to Kuesu-san, I love your daughter as much as I love the two 'demons' here. Though I don't seem them as different than you or I," Shinji smiled at them. Chizuru's cheeks reddened as she scampered to his side and hung on, Himari bowed lightly as she went back to him. Pulling out the ring that matched the three they wore, Shinji set it next to the one Meruhi gave him. "It's strange I know, I don't try to understand why they think I'm worth it, but I won't question them. But I will give Kuesu the option to choose. I want her happy, I want her to be loved as she wants to," Shinji felt Himari grab his hand. Gods he needed that, he was terrified right now! It came to this.

"Perverted little boy! How dare you come to my daughter with that ultimatum? Just warm bodies for you isn't it, is that what the once great Ikari clan has become? A sniveling little boy wanting to fuck as many bodies as possible. Offering my daughter a pittance or servitude under your lusts?" Meruhi's fingernails tore into the fine leather and split it. "Keusu, he is right though, this is your choice. Yui and I may have forced this on you, but we had no idea how far he'd fall. We can find some way to annul your marriage, siding with the enemy is enough for that," she slipped her hands down to Kuesu's shoulders.

"Shinji-san…what are you meaning with this?" Kuesu took both rings in her hands and looked at them. No longer able to escape her mother's grasp the woman was held in place with the choices for her life before her.

Holding his hand up to silence his demon companions before they pounced on Meruhi's verbal assault, Shinji found his confidence returning. This wasn't for Meruhi or the clans, fuck them! When he was alone and in pain as a child who had been there for him? Keusu had been, not some old lineage or coat of arms! For this girl, who he had loved first, forgotten, and was growing to love again he'd suffer the mother's scorn. "I offer you what you want. Either we can be man and wife in name only," he pointed to the ring Meruhi gave him. Moving to the ring in her other hand, the matching set, "You can be equals with us, loved equally as we wanted before our mothers stepped in, or you can drop both of them and be free to move on." In all earnest, Shinji didn't know what to expect.

Kuesu was a proud and defiant woman, much like Asuka was. Sharing wasn't something such people wanted, but disobeying orders was something Kuesu seemed incapable of doing, not to her mother anyway. A group marriage would be odd, hell Shinji was still having an odd trying to live as they were and accept it. But whatever Kuesu chose he'd accept it, he cared to much about her to let her suffer. So he expected either she'd join them or toss both rings and find her own path.

Standing up, knocking her mother's hands off her, Kuesu approached Shinji with an unreadable expression. Himari and Chizuru took a step back leaving just Shinji next to her. "You offer me those things, truthfully?" she held both rings up before him. Turning to her mother, Kuesu just studied the woman for a good for moments.

"Toss them both, daughter, you don't need a corrupt slayer with no spine and a dishonor to his mother's name," Meruhi shoved the chair out of her way. Slamming both hands down on the desk, she leaned over Kuesu's spell book and delimiter. "While not as great as the Ikari clan used to be, we can find other slayer bloodlines. They will be dormant, but your superior genes will unlocked it in your offspring. Our clan will not be shamed or looked down upon any longer!" Meruhi's baleful expression locked onto both teenagers.

The faint tink of a ring hitting the ground made Shinji jump, she had dropped one ring but not the other. His eyes were locked on Kuesu's, unable to look away from her, he didn't know what to think. His head was swimming, heart beating so hard they had to be able to hear it! How were Himari and Chizuru taking this show? What did they think of it all? They had been rivals and even fought in the past, but after the marriage was announced they didn't seem upset. Now it was down to this, was their to be another ring fall or…

"You are so timid and weak, Shinji," Kuesu started softly. Her smile was there but was it cruel or sorrowful or what? "To quick to help girls, not willing to fight unless pushed to hard, slow minded, sniveling, weak…" Kuesu continued to rattle off. Each degrading comment sent Shinji into a small fidget as if pricked by a needle. She was going to drop the other ring, but he would not fault her. "And that is why you need me," she put the ring Shinji gave her own, "I knew that when we pledged ourselves at the lake…the lake where we had our first kiss." She leaned in and repeated the small chaste kiss.

Head down, hair obscuring her face Meruhi spoke slowly and evenly, "Do you know what this means, daughter? Choosing this man over me, over your birthright? Siding with these demons and demon-lovers?"

"I do mother. I love Shinji, and I know Noihara and Minamoto are not evil. They may tempt my husband…our husband, but they have never attacked humanity with malice or cruelty. It will be odd…I wanted him all for myself, but I know that cannot happen. He is to soft hearted to hurt anybody, and he needs me to protect him from being used to much." She hugged herself against Shinji's side.

Staring at the woman, his mother-in-law, Shinji felt the need to say something. Kuesu had finally stood up to the woman! How would she react? "I think I understand how you feel about me, but don't…don't take it out on Kuesu-chan," Shinji felt his hands grabbing hers now. Himari and Chizuru had hands on his back, supporting him in his decision and actions, "S-say something please. Even if just to curse me again."

But the woman threw back her hair and looked at them was anything but angry. No, the smile on Meruhi's face was wide and true. "Ah you two have grown so much! Yui'd be so proud of you to stand up to me like this, and daughter…you've finally made your own decision and stood on your own! I'm so proud of both of you!" Meruhi rushed over and crushed both daughter and son-in-law in a bear hug Misato would be jealous of. Sniffing as a few tears cascaded down, "I had to be sure you were doing this on your own free will. I'd never FORCE my daughter to marry. And I knew Yui's son would support his wife in anything…unlike that prick of a man she married. Sorry if I sounded so harsh. But I had to know. Now you two are coming with me to talk to Minamoto's mother. I've something she has to translate that might shed light on the guardians. And my daughter and son-in-law need to consecrate their wedding…no school tomorrow either so…"

"S-Shin-chan/Shinji-dono?!" Chizuru and Himari yelped as Meruhi practically picked up the stunned girls and carried them out. It would be awkward at first, for the newly weds, but it was officially their choice now, not something forced upon them. And for Kuesu's sake it took them a good hour of talking and sharing tales before they pounced one another like opposite magnetic fields. Shinji found Kuesu to be unskilled but VERY-VERY adaptable when it came to lovemaking. Her bed had been a big four post English make bed, her body supple and lovely and she admitted he was far more muscular than his thin body let on.

Room service was called and energy drinks provided. Kuesu claimed as she climbed atop her steed that she had a lot of time to make up for, and boy did she try. The slept in one another's arms, spooning, Shinji's hand had been guided to Kuesu's breast to feel her heart, and she felt his grow between her legs…but they had been spent by then. Next day, they'd have the next day and the next…and so many others. All of them, and in their recovery times they spoke of the plans for Shuten-douji and Minori, that had been the end of the night. Let the dark things wait outside, for that evening and next day was for the reunited couple. Himari and Chizuru weren't upset either, having expected it and made terms with.

X-X

"Kensuke, I don't have much time for this today. I have a date with Hikari in about an hour. So could you please tell me why you've dragged me out here early?" Tayura kicked his shoe on tighter. He had stopped dressing to the nines for his dates with Hikari, and both he and his girlfriend were happier for it. Tayura was capable of many things, but stylish dressing was not really part of it. Not that Hikari was a fashion diva either, both were more content in casual clothing as they moved about town. They had made it official three days ago, and Tayura was still debating if he should feel bad for his change in emotions. Growing just a little annoyed as Kensuke didn't speak but stared about the area, "If you're not saying anything I'm just going to leave."

With a heavy sigh, Kensuke pushed his glasses up and slapped his palm to his forehead, "Sorry for making you wait, I should have expected this. Just a few more minutes is all I ask. So why are you so antsy today? Worried about those attacks on the news?" The street in the shopping arcade he had picked to meet, adorn with electrical and computer shops, was devoid of people. The city was under martial law or curfew, but the populace was fearful and hiding at home.

Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Tayura didn't want Kensuke to see his fists. According to Chizuru's little meeting with the Jinguji girl yesterday, well Ikari girl now, something was going to be happening to stop that soon. He wasn't involved though, they didn't want him to go about and fight with them. 'Stay at the apartment and watch over it and Misato.' How Chizuru could ask him to do that while the rest of them go hunting Shuten-douji?! It wasn't fair! Well Chizuru hadn't been fair at all this morning when she told him. Apparently Shinji hadn't left his new wife's home after the meeting, her new 'mother-in-law' was still over with Tamamo going over tomes, and Chizuru and Himari felt helpless.

"I don't think we need to worry about those attacks. Surely somebody is doing something about it. Now why don't you stop hiding around the issue and tell me why YOU are out here," Tayura knew the geek had a reason. It hurt to know Chizuru was back at the apartment sulking with Rei and Himari as Shinji was off with this Kuesu girl. It hurt to know his mother accepted this Meruhi slayer and they were helping learn things. Everybody was doing something except for him, HE felt worthless. His fears for Kensuke though were palpable, Shuten-douji was hunting humans and demons. Checking his watch, "I'm out of here, I suggest you do the…"

Walking up to Kensuke from around the corner, the point of the little meeting made itself known. Touji waved at the geek, "What's up Ken? This better be good as I'm supposed to be heading over to Akane's house" Hair quaffed up a little with gel, not in his track suit, Touji was doing his damnedest to not show his anxiety. Something was up for the two, but Touji wasn't trying to give away any secrets.

"You're going to Asahina-san's house?! Suzuhara you god damned liar!" Tayura exploded with anger. This was the reason Kensuke brought him over here? Fucking humans! Rubbing his face in his buddy's success? Hikari was growing on Tayura in leaps and bounds, a charming woman in her own right that Tayura was only starting to appreciate, but his emotions for Akane remained. Shoving Kensuke out of the way, his strength barely contained, Tayura felt a sick satisfaction as the smaller boy collided with a store front. Advancing on the jock, he could smell the pheromones leaking off the human, "And what do you have planned for her, Suzuhara? Going to take a page from Shinji-kun's book and try and split her in half?!"

For a change, Touji didn't go to Kensuke's defense immediately, he was locked in place. "You dragged me over here to talk to this asshole? Ken, you've done some stupid things before, but this is the biggest cockup you've ever done!" Touji was recovering from the fierce glare he had been hit with. In a show of contention, Touji thrust his chest out and knocked Tayura back a step. Stomping one foot forward, his bravado running high, "And who are YOU to talk about being a liar? Telling me you had no plans for Hikari and I see you all over her in school? Almost expecting you to ask Shin-man what closet Noihara and he use so you can use it after they're done!"

This fragile and pitiful human was trying to talk down to him, trying to justify itself as correct! Tayura wasn't thinking straight, he was growing too really like Hikari, but it was the principle! Touji and promised to help him get with Akane, not steal her for himself! How Tayura felt for Hikari was different than how he felt for Chizuru an Akane, but he wasn't seeing that right now. Just a miserable and short lived bag of flesh that didn't know his place. Pulling his sleeves up, he didn't want them to get dirty or bloody. "I think you've said enough," Tayura could feel his fangs growing. He was not Shinji, Tayura wasn't ready for a physical relationship, damn intimidated by the prospect.

Both teens circled each other for a few moments, seeking the first opening in the others defenses. The time for words was over, the other needed to be taught a lesson, whoever won was correct and the other just a bitter failure! Touji spun quick, his footing going wild but his fist aimed at Tayura's gut. Tayura noticed the motion and opened his palm to slam against Touji's face. But before either fist could connect with its target, Kensuke elbowed both of the emotionally blinded teens in the stomach. They lurched forward, propped up by the other as the pain radiated out from the unexpected impact. Finally, Kensuke grabbed both by the hair, Touji's was a bit messier with all the product in it, and conked both of their thick skulls together.

"You two done acting like idiots?" Kensuke rubbed his hand against his pants. A stain of grease and gel smeared against the fabric in a dark patch. Pushing both teens away from each other, they fell to their butts and rubbed at the surprise injuries. Standing over them, the typically passive Aida was a ball of anger. "Neither of you are acting with any sense! If you'd opened your eyes for a moment you'll realize you forgot something important. It's not only how you feel for the class rep or Asahina-san, but how they feel about you! And sorry to burst your bubbles, but you're lucky to get the affection of the one you have! Why can't you be happy for each other?" Kensuke did a good job of keeping the two down.

The pain helped his brain to kick start itself out of its rage, and Tayura found himself stunned. It wasn't something he hadn't considered before, Akane liking Touji over him, but he hadn't factored Hikari into it. "I…you're right Aida-kun. I don't know what came over me," hormones and young love and he knew it. Misplaced anger for a lot of things just boiled over into something he could act on. His sense of helplessness to Chizuru, Shinji, and the others, his inability to woo Akane, and his failing to meet his end of the promise to Touji all added up to him needed to vent! Seeing Touji with the same dumbfounded expression he bet he had, "Suzuhara, I'm sorry. I won't lie and say I don't like Hokari-san. She's a really great girl, just like you said she was. And I'm glad Asahina-san is happy, even if it's not with me. I went too far."

Taking Kensuke's hand as he helped both fallen warriors down, Touji couldn't meet eye contact. "Maybe I said a bit too much to. I know I said I'd help you get with Akane-san, but now that we're dating I don't want to. And I know I can't have both of them…I'm not Shin-man," he gave a weak smile that brought a real light to his face. Rubbing at his forehead, a nice red lump forming, Touji turned to Kensuke and slugged him in the arm. Laughing softly, "You big jerk, getting in our way. I wasn't thinking, Hikari is, no was, a childhood friend and just thought in the end I'd end up with her. Part of me still wants to, but I wouldn't want to lose Akane for it."

"I know the feeling, I've been pining for Asahina-san for a while," Tayura joined Touji in slugging Kensuke. It would take some time, this little ordeal was an eye opener, but Tayura still didn't really want to be around Touji. "Look, I'm not saying you're forgiven for breaking our deal, but as long as you keep her happy I won't have to lay you out," boys had to show dominance somehow.

Patting both boys on the shoulder, Kensuke was not in a positive state. His arms were hardly held up, his face was red from its impact against the wall, but still he keeping things moving. "Put the testosterone away for now, both of you. I just wanted both of you to stop avoiding each other. Tired of watching you two acting like frightened girls," he ducked as both swung at him. Backing out of range from the two, the geek recollected his bag, "I did the best I could, up to you guys now. Later." He waved and left the two alone.

"I'll…try not to talk to much with Akane-san at school. Must be a bitch to see us together right now, you do the same with Hikari and maybe in a while we'll be able to hang out again," Touji offed his hand out in peace. Tayura looked at it for a few moments, and then took it. It was a single hand pump, both teen squeezing as hard as they could, and secretly thought the other stronger. "Later," Touji waved his sore hand as he walked, passing it off as just a gesture and not a way of lessening the pain.

Damn Touji had a strong grip, but Tayura kept the grimace off his face until Touji had turned and left. No good showing weakness in front of the enemy. Was Touji still an enemy, well yes! Touji would always be an enemy, just as Shinji would. Could they be friends again, in time yes but not until the emotional wound healed. He made his way towards the meeting spot with Hikari, she wanted to do some shopping for groceries and a hobby of hers and Tayura felt she needed protection. That would do his recovery a great boon, Hikari was really a great girl. She was different then Akane, but not in a bad way just different. Finally he could understand a little how his sister felt about Shinji, and it made him feel silly. How he felt for Chizuru wasn't anywhere near how he felt for Hikari now, puppy love wasn't real love.

"You're early!" Hikari chirped in her exasperated class-rep tone. Seated on the rim of a fountain, the girl had a lovely white sundress on and a matching handbag. Her hair down and wavy gave her face a more mature look than the pigtails did for her. A list on her lap, pen in hand, she was quick to hide it from her beau, "I was writing my list of things to buy. I haven't painted in a while and I f-forgot all I need." Her blush of embarrassment was darling, but she didn't let it stop her. Standing up and smoothing out her dress, she pulled Tayura close and kissed his cheek. Taking the lead as dominant member in the relationship, "So don't you make a fuss if it takes me longer than expected at the shop."

Why had he been angry before? Tayura couldn't remember, all he could think of was the softness of Hikari's budlike lips against his cheek and her warm hand in his. "I-uh-yeah I won't mind. Nothing going on today anyway. Chizuru is sulking with Noihara-san, something to do with Shinji not coming home yesterday and likely not today either," Tayura babbled. Picking at his hair, he was suddenly awash unexpected images in his mind. What he had heard between his buddy and his sister or Ayanami, only it was Hikari and him. Brain frazzled, Tayura was Hikari's plaything and companion as they head out.

"Well I'm sure that is…strange for all of them. Seriously from what Asuka says about them I have no idea how you can stand it," Hikari snuggled in close as they walked. Strange was an understatement for the whole mess his sister was involved in, but Tayura would support it. Even if it meant he had strange and listless nights as Chizuru's seals failed and he had to listen to them having at one another. Walking into the arts supply store, Hikari escorted Tayura into the world he had never known. "I need a good number of things, so you can walk with me or explore if you want," she patted his arm as she headed off into the aisles.

Tayura chose to stick with Hikari less he be overwhelmed by various things he had no idea about. Oh Hikari was more than happy to explain a lot of it to him. Being versed in oil painting, Hikari showed him various brushes, oils, and talked to him of various techniques she used. He hardly understood it, but was fascinated none the less. More than once they stopped as something caught his attention, and Hikari enlightened him as well as she could. Oft she surprised herself with knowing more than expected, and as they left Tayura had a few things himself. Various pencils of differing graphite and a sketch book in his hand, Tayura wanted to try sharing some of Hikari's hobby. Not well versed in art at all, he opted for the easiest he could think of.

"So, how about we get something to eat instead of groceries? Then I can introduce you to my sisters if you've nothing else going on. Kodama has been demanding I bring you over so she can evaluate you," Hikari skipped backwards as they walked. Giddy, Tayura had never seen Hikari giddy before and he was mesmerized by it. Outside of her job at the super market and her role as class representative, the girl was quite lively. Accidentally colliding with a man in a finely attired suit that hadn't been there before, Hikari was thrust into Tayura's arms. "Ouch, I-uh," she spun about and bowed, "s-sorry sir. I didn't see you."

Pushing Hikari behind him, Tayura could sense a power that left him afraid. "Don't apologize to him, Hikari, he got in your way on purpose," Tayura had seen him literally appear in her path. Judging from the man's body language and clothing, Tayura was chilled. Was this really Shuten-douji, who else could exude such a fierce aura! "Who are you, and why are you here?" he thankfully didn't see any Yig around. Funny how the plan to hunt this pure blood was to start tomorrow and Tayura had already succeeded.

"I come to offer you a role in my army, half-blood. You might not be the strongest, but I willing to offer you the same as I have all of our kind. Service against these worthless humans, a return to a land where might ruled and weakness shunned," the man held his hand out in a mighty fist. A ball of fire encased his show of might then vanished as he hooked a finely manicured finger at Hikari, "You'd no longer need to hide your true nature from those worthless failures."

Not even thinking about it, Tayura's ears and tails unfurled as he prepped to fight. He couldn't win, he knew that, but he had to get Hikari out of there. "Hikari-chan you have to run now. This guy is…" Tayura gasped as a moment later the man was gripping him by the throat. Being lifted off the ground by the chin, Tayura started to struggle as his windpipe closed. Kicking with all his might, Tayura found the man forcing his eye open and face to face with the monster. Clenching his teeth, Tayura wanted to say something, plead for Hikari's safety, but couldn't even open his mouth.

Throwing Tayura back down, the man fixed his suit and rolled his head around his shoulders. "Not worth my time. But that smell you have on you, it's powerful, very powerful. It gives me shivers," he put his foot on Tayura's head. Grinding it down, "I'll be back for you traitor. You and your human master. Enjoy your last moments, before long I'll rule this land again." And just as he appeared, Shuten-douji left.

Helping Tayura off the ground, Hikari frantically brushed the dust and dirt off of him. "Tayura-san, who was that man? Wh-what is wrong with your head? You've ears and a t-tail," she gently touched each as she assisted him as best she could.

That had to have been Shuten! Tayura was sure of it, but more to the matter, he had exposed his true nature to Hikari! "I-uh…would you believe cos-play?" Tayura asked knowing it was helpless. Thankfully nobody else was around to see his reveal. Taking Hikari quickly to an alley, he found she offered to resistance and actively clung to him. Her hands lightly tugged at his ears and tail. Uneasily, already expecting Hikari to scream and run from him, "I'm…not a full human, Hikari. It'll take a lot of time to explain, but I'd understand if you DON'T!" She'd gripped his tail by the base and it was quite the tender area.

"You look so cute like that!" Hikari wasn't fazed by the sudden change. She did stop playing with his tail though, much to his relief. The plan for the day changed from meeting Hikari's sisters, to her meeting Tayura's. Chizuru took great pride in startling Hikari with her true form, Himari was more reserved in her unfurling, and Rei simply did it without aplomb. Hikari was stunned, fainted, then woke up to see them still in their alternate form. They then explained the world as they knew it, complete with Shinji and Asuka's role in it, and who Tayura had ran into. Hikari took it well enough, she fainted again. Only this time Tayura took her home afterward.

X-X

Her hair done up in a ponytail and in a tight black body hugging garb, Asuka was flush and tingling. The mission wasn't something simple this time, not some low rate demon or demon-animal it was a mighty pure-blood. What if her training wasn't good enough, or she distracted Kuesu when she needed focus!? Moving down the industrial plaza towards the warehouse Kuesu picked as their target, Asuka never prayed to have bad info than now. Let Himari and Chizuru fight the beast, those two were a powerful pair even if Chizuru wasn't quite the skilled warrior. Himari was more than enough to…ok best not to think of Himari!

Using her powers to short out the lights for a few moments, Asuka had a lot less problem drawing from Kuesu than before. Moving through the darkness towards the building, an unused munitions depot for Nerv, Asuka lied to herself and tried to not feel the tremendous aura approaching them. "Maybe it would have been better if we didn't partner up as we did. What if I'm not good enough to be your backup, Kuesu? Wouldn't your husband be a better backup for you?" she ignored the fear in her voice. She hated feeling so intimidated!

"If Shin-chan were here, we'd not be focused on the mission, Asuka. Last two days have been magical for us," Kuesu pulled her sidearm out. Checking her rounds again, she twisted the barrel and set it back in. Holding her spell book in her other hand, she inched along the wall towards a window. Sliding down the wall, she sat on the ground and for the first time the evening she looked calm. Gushing a little, "I wouldn't have expected it end as it did. Mother testing us as she did, Shin-chan's offering to me. He is to soft, needs me to keep an eye on him and make him stronger. Maybe in time he'll stand up to those others."

Crawling closer to Kuesu, her hands on the ground and one knee as well, she kept her other leg taught and ready. "Is that all you two did was talk to your mother? That shouldn't have taken Saturday night and all of Sunday," Asuka chided. Having Himari pouting about the apartment in the way only the pride filled cat-demon could, Asuka knew there was more to it than just what Kuesu said. Having all his time stolen from him, Asuka couldn't ask Shinji about it either. Nerv had kept Misato in to go over the odd 'terrorist' attacks, so it was just Asuka and the strange demons. Wanting to prolong the little girl talk, more to prevent the potential fight, "So spill, did you let that little perv touch you?"

Dropping her gun to the ground, it clattered and the echo made both cringe, but Kuesu was quick to recapture it. "I-well-we…" Kuesu fumbled her hands a little as she fixed her own sneaking garb. Tucking her hair into the back of her shirt, less it get in her eyes in the battle, she twirled about to peek in the window. Softly she did amend, "It was our honeymoon, Asuka. Not the one my mother forced on us, but one of our own making. And it was more me w-wanting to than him. But he was gentle when I wanted and well…it was worth the wait." She nodded at Asuka and grabbed the window and slowly opened it.

"Wait!" Asuka hissed through clenched teeth. She wasn't ready yet, she had to prepare herself for this, the aura she felt was overwhelming! It was as she expected with Kuesu though, she was a woman now! The matter of her mother and Shinji talking and making some sort of arrangement would need more details later. But for now, it was on topic needs, getting hot and bothered wasn't such a good idea. "S-so why did you want to be partnered with me for this? Wouldn't you have preferred Himari than me for such a foe?" Himari and her svelte form and classic beau…oh god not this again!

Almost catching on Asuka's internal conundrum Kuesu comically inched her head closer towards Asuka's. Whispering with a hint of accusation, "You've mentioned Noihara twice in the last twenty minutes. And you're on more familiar terms with her now. What's happened between you two? And we made the parties to have a heavy hitters in one group and the extras we wanted safe off on a likely doing nothing." Close, far to close than Asuka was comfortable with, the magical warrior knew how to press Asuka's buttons. And she was practically radiating power and contentment. Whatever happened over the weekend had truly done Kuesu wonders.

Damn it Kuesu just had to be so near her that Asuka could smell the hint of perspiration on her! "Well," she had to do something shift Kuesu's attention off of her little slip, "Why send Shinji, Ayanami, and the tea sprite then? Which one of them is the heavy…Ayanami?" Thinking of Himari was confusing to Asuka right now. Being a young and inquisitive Asuka wondered what happened to her after her little black out, but was to mortified to admit it. Asuka was still quite attracted to Kaji, her mind was shifting more towards Shinji much to her dismay. But from time to time she found herself watching Himari or Lizlet at the apartment. Didn't hurt that with Kuesu so close Asuka got a little peek down her…she needed a boyfriend fast!

"That tea-sprite is the heavy there! Girl is insanely strong, immortal, and invincible as long as her cup is safe. Lizlet will keep the wolfling and my husband out of those Yig's way, if it is a den like we expect," Kuesu thankfully pulled away from the confused Asuka. Almost to spite the girl though, Kuesu leaned over, the moonlight shinning off her taught costume. Crawling up inside, she offered her hand to Asuka and pulled her in. "Now be quiet, but if it is Shuten-douji, call my mother and tell her I need my seal undone. With my powers sealed, and without Shin-chan's Light Ferry for defense, I'll need all my powers," Kuesu mostly mouthed.

Had Kuesu's breath always been so heated? Her breath was quite bad though, whatever she'd been eating wasn't something Asuka wanted to try. Taking the phone from Kuesu, Asuka just nodded as she stole deeper into the building. "This is strange, it's supposed to have rounds for our Eva's rifles, but its empty," and it was far to dark! This was a trap, it had to be. Taking her own sidearm out, one of Kuesu's old ones, she flexed her hands in her fighting gloves. "Are you ready for this?" Asuka forced odd thoughts away. Her attraction to Shinji and his menagerie, her loneliness, and confusion was lost on the darkness of the warehouse.

"So Crowley's daughter and her little pet have come to sacrifice themselves to me," a voice ran through the darkness. His feet resounded with each step as he moved to the center of the room. When the overhead lights turned on, the creature wasn't a harsh and villainous creature. No it was a smooth looking man with dark red hair and a smooth smile. Under other situations Asuka would have found him quite attractive, dashing almost, but his expression was anything but warm. He exuded condescending and radiated hatred. Undoing the buttons of his shirt, he curled them back, "Only two of you, I feel insulted. A human hunter thinking she could kill me."

Running away from Asuka, closer to her opponent, Kuesu called out without looking, "Asuka call now!" Drawing her infused weapon up, Kuesu let fire a barrage at the smug man. Shuten-douji held up his hand showing no concern for the income attack, until it struck him. His hand flung back with the first hit, and his body bounced with each connection. His clothing burning and falling away in a pile of dust and smoke. "I don't need Asuka's help to take you down, she's here because I wanted my friend to enjoy in my happiness," Kuesu reloaded using her speed-loader.

Amazed at her nimbleness, Asuka could feel the phone in her hand and yet was almost to fascinated to act. Married life had gone from being a dreadful thing Kuesu hated to something that vitalized her to unseen levels. Hitting her mother's number, Asuka watched as Kuesu hammered away at the man on the ground. The phone rang and rang, Asuka's chest hammered as she waited, "Come on pick up…pick up!" What did Kuesu mean in 'enjoy her happiness', Asuka couldn't help but wonder. Would she be the next Akagi? How that woman was over so much more in the last week, and it was evident as to why. Rei didn't know subtlety.

"Maybe I underestimated you human," Shuten-douji pulled at the remains of his clothing and let it fall to the ground. For a moment the image of a human remained with its pulsating and wilted member swinging. But then a sickening snap as the man's legs exploded outward, his chest followed, then his arms turned a sickly red, and lastly his face warped to match the demon statues Asuka remembered seeing in her history book. Truly the visage of an ancient beast, and standing at least four times of Kuesu's height, nearly bursting out of the warehouse. His lips didn't move as he spoke, the deep and monstrous voice spoke directly into their heads, "But maybe you underestimated me little one. Though courage such as yours is rare, I commend thee."

Diving out of the sudden kick that was far to quick for something of its size, Kuesu scrambled. "You truly are a demon among demons too. But your time has passed, the war is over, and you're just a relic that doesn't know how to adapt," she summoned her powers of flame and let it fly to distract more than hurt. It encased Shuten-douji's face, the mighty red claws reached up and swatted at it putting it out.

"Yes, Asuka, what do you need? I'm in the middle of a UN meeting, we've had something of a tragedy over here," Meruhi said exasperated.

Wincing as Kuesu took a glancing blow from the mighty claws and went tumbling, Asuka wanted to help but didn't know how. "Frau Jinguji! Kuesu is fighting Shuten-douji now! She said to remove her seal or whatever that means. I'm not sure what I can do to help her, but-but he's huge! His got shit big armor and…what can I do?" she hated panicking but what could she do! They were saying it was a one on one fight, but Asuka felt she needed to do something! If something tried to help Shuten, what would happen then?

Making shushing noises over the phone, Meruhi lost her annoyance and went straight to concern, "Calm down Asuka, I'll do what I can. You'd best just…support her as you can from a distance. You've improved a lot since we started training you, but this is outside your tolerance. Be safe, and if something happens…put her grimoire on her chest." The line went dead after that, meeting abandoned, a mother's duty was never done.

Do nothing? Do NOTHING? No, Asuka couldn't do that, even if it meant disobeying both Kuesu and her mother. Drawing her weapon from its holster, her fists wouldn't even register on his armor, Asuka took aim. "I might not be as strong as she is, but I can still help," she'd not be a load of worthless mass! Kuesu let out a gout of concentrated light that caught Shuten-douji's hand, sending him off step and arms wide. "Smile you son of a…" Asuka took aim at his left eye and let go a volley of three.

They caught the monster unprepared and he tumbled backward onto the ground writhing in pain. Kuesu capitalized on her moment to breathe by rushing Asuka. "You were supposed to watch! If I can't take him myself, what would happen to you!?" Kuesu was already reloading and opening her book. Finding a few choice spells she nodded and kicked her book away from them. "I did not suffer through my loneliness and pain only to claim victory just to have you die on me here! You have to go through this life with me! I won't…won't let it end in this building!" grabbing Asuka's arm she yanked hard as one of Shuten-douji's arms crashed down where they had just been.

"I was wondering when the gnat would join the fray. Brave, both of you, to face your demise so confidently," his mental growl racked at their minds. It was psychic nails on a chalkboard in their heads, grating and twisting. An itch unscratchable, a needle under the fingernails, his voice was so soft yet it was almost not heard yet undeniable. Getting back up to his feet, his eye marred with scuffs and soot, he slammed his palms on the ground making the glass all break. Roaring mentally in their minds, "I shall enjoy breaking you and drinking your fluids."

She was slower than Kuesu and less powerful, more so after the inverted moon vanished from the silver haired maiden's forehead, but Asuka slogged on. If nothing else, Asuka could take a hit a lot better and was quicker to adapt strategies. Sweeping attacks and ground vibrating assaults were not the beasts only means of attack, he opened his mouth wider and a small ball of light would form then moments later a heavy magical beam would lance out. They didn't get touched by that as it scorched the earth and left nothing in its wake.

"I'm running out of rounds, Kuesu, maybe you should stop playing around with him and hit him with the big guns," Asuka panted and whipped the blood from her eye. A claw had sent a part of the ceiling their way and Asuka took a fragment to the side of the head. It made her head swim and blood get into her eyes, but she could still fight. She only had about five or six rounds left before she had to fall on her weaker spell casting abilities, "Why don't we finish this so we can go let our husband pamper us for saving the day. Some prince he is having he queens do all the work."

Having mixed her attacks up, both full spells and her sidearm, Kuesu panted heavily. "I agree, though I'm unsure what you want from him. Aren't you more interested in that black cat of his? Your face gets red whenever I mention her. Or maybe you want to steal ME from Shinji?" Kuesu let lighting flicker off her hand and strike Shuten-douji in the chest. He fell to one knee, panting and bleeding profusely himself. His size actually put him at a disadvantage, his moves were to telegraphed to get a solid hit. The mocking mental jabs stopped after pieces of his armor fell off, it was just a drag out fight now, both sides confidence gone. "I'm finishing this now, cover me," she closed her eyes in concentration for a large spell.

"You're not Shinji, you tricked me into coming here! Making yourself smell like him," Minori took that moment to fly in through the upper destroyed windows. Nue no longer with her, and she no longer appeared as a small little girl. More masculine, aged to near fourteen years in appearance, the new intruder hovered between the trio. "But taking out the red-head is going to be fun. He needs to know the pain I feel, and this should do nicely!" Minori rose her hands above her head and a ball of light appeared.

Oh god not now! Asuka sent off a silent prayer to her maker. They were going to win, but not against two, not so damaged! "I'll take her you…oh shit!" Asuka felt her bladder let go. Shuten-douji's mouth was open, and they weren't quick enough to dodge both. Rushing as much as her battered and bruised body would allow, Asuka aimed up at the flying monstrosity and let go. Her uneven sight had the first three rounds go wild, Minori adjusted her aim and fired at Kuesu instead, then Asuka struck home in the shoulder and leg.

"It hurts! Nue! Nue what happened, what did she do?" Minori grabbed at the unsuspectingly potent ammo. Flinging herself about in the air, she called out to the missing Nue, falling outside of the window again.

Kuesu paled horribly as a small yen coin sized hole was in her chest letting light through. Her hand went wild, but Asuka grabbed it and pointed it at the hulking Shuten-douji. Much like what happened with the Fifth angel, both shots went at the same time. Only this time both scored a hit. Kuesu's magic guided by Asuka vaporized the gargantuan body, Shuten-douji's blast had been much thinner, and Asuka took the brunt of it.

Falling to the ground, Asuka felt cold but content. "I…helped…s-sorry for not," Asuka knew she wasn't going to make it. Kuesu would, the injury would only impede not kill, at least Asuka hoped. Falling to the ground, her vision already getting dark she groped out for Kuesu. Dying like this wasn't so bad, saving her best female friend, proving her training wasn't wasted. Unable to see, she felt a warm hand in hers and a strange pressure against her chest, a book? "It's dark…I can barely feel you. B-but I'll tell you…" she wheezed hard. Breathing was coming harder and harder to do, yet her body felt lighter.

"D-don't talk Asuka, save your strength, you're going to…we're going to be fine," Kuesu could be her rasping out. Something was tricking on Asuka, it felt warm but she couldn't be sure. Laying atop Asuka, the object she pressed between them cut deeply between them. Her palm cupped Asuka's face, but her voice was getting hard to hear, "You have to be there for me! K-keep those demons from stealing my Shinji away."

Oh how Asuka wished she could see Kuesu's face right now, she was likely crying and everything! Be nice to gloat about the brave and strong demon hunter breaking down over a trainee. But the time for jokes was over, "I have…to tell you…I l-love you, Kuesu, you and that idiot husband of yours." It hurt to talk, but she knew she'd never get another chance, she had to hold on long enough to get this out. Cold and numb, that's all Asuka felt, "You two were the only ones not to judge me, to see me as I am. I sorry I won't get to see you all fat and preggers, and I'm sorry I envied you…loved…Shin." Her body gave out and she knew nothingness.

But the void did not take her, the blackness did not encompass her as she thought it would. Her eyes opened, the sound of her friends rushing towards them trying to get past the debris from the destroyed warehouse. Her sneaking suit and the one Kuesu wore was in tatters, but Kuesu sat on her lap looking sickly and haggard. "I…I'm alive…you're alive…but our wounds were so…" Kuesu touched the place the wound on her chest was, right off set her heart. "Don't…don't say anything about this until I can talk to my mother," she held up her book and an identical one next to it, "This is yours now, where it came from I don't know. But you're earned the right to take off the trainee gloves."

Falling back to the ground, her head hitting the concrete hard, Asuka just let the others come to her. She didn't know what to feel or say. She had been sure she was going to die! Yet here she sat, alive and feeling better than ever! Shinji carried her home, Kuesu insisted with a smirk. Asuka knew she'd never live that little confession down, didn't want to think about it either. A hospital stay was what Ritsuko ordered for both girls, oh and Ritsuko said she'd stay and watch over the house using Asuka's room. Best not thought about indeed.

X-X

"A month ago if somebody said I'd be standing at either of your hospital beds and I'd be relieved, I'd have laughed at them," Chizuru fluffed the flowers at Kuesu's bedside. She had carried Asuka to Ritsuko's side while Himari took Kuesu the day before, they didn't like the look of the fainted duo. The pair seemed fine, better than fine considering the building they were pulled out of, and that worried Himari. Leaning over the thoughtful Kuesu, "Now however I admit you're skilled, though miles away from taking my place with Shin-chan."

Fumbling under her covers, Kuesu smirked up at her rival, "I wouldn't say that if I were you. But I do find it strange. Two demons at my bedside and I'm not worried about you trying to finish the job." Shooing Chizuru's hand away from her bed, old habits die hard, Kuesu drew her legs up closer to her chest. Voice tired and confused, "How went your search. We found the real prize, but how went Shinji and your night?"

"We haft found a den of Yig's spawn. They offered no challenge, and we saw to their fleeing the city. Shinji-dono said yon busty tea-sprite easily dispatched the small patrol they found. Yet he still managed to make matters more complex for us with another showing of Lights Ferry," Himari stood over Asuka's bed smiling. Pouring a glass of water for the young stripling, she dribbled a little water on the girl's face. Gripping her uniform around the waist, Himari leaned in, "Ye be silent for one that just bested one of the great demon lords, what are thee hiding?"

Twirling quickly, Chizuru stomped on Himari's foot, some girls just didn't get the hint. "Let's not badger them while they're in the hospital!" and Chizuru didn't want to know. Something smelled wrong about this room, and it wasn't the medicinal one hospitals had. Both of these girls weren't the same as they had been the day before, Kuesu did not have the same scent she had back in her hotel room. "And whatever Asuka is hiding, she can keep it until she's ready to talk. Now I'm only lending him to you for a little while, we have plans," Chizuru flinched her head towards the door.

"For once I'm agreeing with a demon…a rival. I'm not really in the mood to talk about our battle. Maybe in a day or two, after I talk with my mother. Some strange woman or man attacked while we were fighting Shuten-douji, said she was following Shin-chan," Kuesu needled deeply. Playing with her ring as lay on the bed, Kuesu was just trying to egg on the two demons in the room. Grabbing her own cup of water, "As for Asuka here, she had a small moment of panic. Said a few things she likely wouldn't have, but I'm glad to know. You do NOT get to know. We may be…partners…but that doesn't mean I have to share EVERYTHING."

Himari's knuckles popped as she clenched her hand, eyes closed, her head vibrated in frustration for a few moments. "Secrets shall be our destruction, but we shall not force you. Now we shall give you some time with my master. But only due to his kind nature will not let him relax to enjoy our outing otherwise," Himari did stop to rub Asuka's head. Mixed signals aside, Himari was being kinder than Chizuru expected. Kuesu had nearly destroyed Himari's cherished blade, hurt her horribly, but here Himari was not clawing the convalescing girl to tiny bits.

"Love makes fools of us all," Chizuru whispered to herself as she and her eternal rival left the room. Finding Shinji sitting in a chair across from the room, Chizuru gave it a thumbs up. "Now don't you go spoiling them, you've done that enough for the last few days and I'm getting all jealous. Five minutes and that's it. We have that picnic to get to," Chizuru gave Shinji's cheek a kiss. As he passed her, she couldn't help herself and gave his bum a nice squeeze. Gods she loved that man, never would stop regardless of how many other little moths were attracted to his flame.

Blushing softly, and yelping at the pinch, Shinji rubbed the tender spot, "I'll make it quick. I just have to see how they are. Misato-san is worried too, but she's at Nerv for some emergency." Shinji grabbed Himari's offered hand, and gave it a nice shake. They stood there holding hands for a moment, and he headed into the room with the swishing of the automatic door, he became animated on the other side as he rushed to their bedsides.

"Shinji-sama shall never be able to relax with the troubles that confound us," Himari shrugged as she headed down the hall. Nurses moved about doing their errands, people in robes sat watching television in a common room, a general air of uncertainty existed. "But you surprise me, yon fox, ye could have been far crueler to yon slayers, yet you abstained. Mayhap you're losing your fangs?" she quipped easily.

Keeping speed with the svelte and strangely focused girl, Chizuru had to admit to herself she had been soft. "If I upset them, they'd just complain to Shin-chan and then he'd be upset. I can play nice with those two, if they play nice with us," though Chizuru didn't like that ring play. She accepted Kuesu as a part of her life now only to keep Shinji happy. She would eventually play a global game of hide and seek with those other girls with Shinji at her side, but for now she'd tolerate them. Until her tail was…her tail…that damn Meruhi woman just had to have that strange text! "What about you," Chizuru needed to change topics, "fawning over Soryu? What happened to you two to make you not frustrated with her?'

Finding themselves standing outside the viewing room for newborns, Himari's hand went up to the glass. Smiling softly at the room of babies, "I have come to realize Soryu is much a kindred spirit to myself. We strive to be the best at our chosen craft, are strangers in a land where everybody be superior, and we have come to realize we need much to improve upon." Himari pressed her head to the glass and waved at a baby one of the nurses took out of her cradle for feeding.

"One of these days I'll have one of those," Chizuru patted her stomach. Smiling brightly at the baby, it light up as only an infant can in a gale of laughter and flailing arms. "You two can watch and spoil symbol of our love," she wasn't sure she wanted a child anytime soon though. At a time a few months ago she wondered if she shouldn't get pregnant to have an anchor baby, Shinji would never abandon his child. Now, after his little impassioned speech about wanting to stay with her, Chizuru figured she could wait a few years. Hip checking the dower Himari, "You can be the milkmaid, cats love milk. Just don't go drinking mine. Only our daughter and Shin-chan can drink from these." She hugged her bosom and marveled at their sensitivity. Been a few days since Shinji and she got to play, they felt lonely.

Countering Chizuru's bump with her own, Himari scoffed, "Ye child would be a while animal. Now Shinji-sama and my son shall be a skilled warrior. Proud and strong as the mother, yet caring and sensitive as the father." They continued to watch the nurse go about her duties of changing diapers and feedings. Both girls giggled as the forth diaper was tossed away, "Jinguji's daughter can tend to that for both of us" Himari tittered.

"You just had to bring that woman up, her and that damn book of hers," Chizuru didn't want to think about that! Spirit reincarnation, powerful demons being able to exist without physical bodies, and hints of origin of Chizuru's tails, Chizuru didn't want to know those things! "I won't be telling those two that they're victory was only temporary, how that monster will just be reborn in a new body in time," let Meruhi ruin her daughter's day. Stupid woman ruined Chizuru's month! She was NOT that monster of legend! She wasn't, she couldn't be destined to try wiping out humanity!

Fixing her hair, Himari caught on quickly as she always did. Himari would always be the mental superior to Chizuru, though she didn't mock Chizuru to much with it. "So what shall we do to alleviate Shinji-sama's fears? Even if Shuten-douji may reform, it shall take years before he be a physical threat again. It be this Minori that is tracking him for whatever reason. The attacks in the city should end, but he shall fear for us thanks to this latest event," Himari gripped her waist and paced.

Chizuru was going to have to teach Himari to relax, girl was far too high strung without the ability to vent. "Well I could help keep his mind off of things easily enough, well Rei-chan and I could," Chizuru put her finger to her lower lip and pulled down playfully. Teasing Himari would get the girl to relax a little, at least distract her. But Rei was off at Nerv with that Akagi woman, their newest trainee. To think that Nerv place was trying to clone human and demon-animal hybrids. Poor Ayanami, and poor Akagi. Chizuru and Himari had forced Ritsuko to confess a few things before they allowed Ayanami to take the reigns as teacher. Gendo's abuse, Rei's origin, and what her aims were caused both Chizuru and Himari to feel sorry for the scientist. Sorry enough to let the new clinger-on to join up. Temporarily hopefully.

"I could play the cat again, though ye did not like seeing that last time. Though Shinji-sama enjoyed the vibrations quite well," Himari rose an eyebrow. The incident in question had occurred two weeks ago. Chizuru had walked in to find Shinji wearing the scarf she made and a kitten Himari dozing on his lap purring loudly. Who was getting the reward there wasn't questioned, as Himari was never more adorable or calm and Shinji had a very awkward expression on his face. Apparently Himari's purring rose the sleeping beast. "Mayhap I could just tease him as you do though. I doth wonder what ye would offer if ye ever lost that insipid bust line or that tongue of yours," they started heading back towards the slayers room.

Passing an old man that boggled at the twin beauties and nearly fell, Chizuru waved at the man making his day. "I was happy you could get that stick out of your butt for a moment, but did you HAVE to kneed at his crotch? I'm the one that's supposed to get to do that. I swear you inferior stock will always be trying to take what is mine. And if I were to lose my babies, well we know Shin-chan isn't with me just because of my body," just as they weren't with him for his. Yes Shinji had the fingers of masseuse and the lower half that made Chizuru a little damp just thinking about it…but that was a secondary feature. If they never made love again, Chizuru would still be with him.

Running over towards the too, Himari's scathing retort went unsaid, they promised not to tease one another in front of Shinji, the husband of the group wasn't alone. "Sorry about being late, but I ran into Mari-chan here," Shinji gestured to the girl with him. Ten years old at first blush, long black hair, a slightly darker complexion, her face light up in a rosy blush as she fidgeted at Shinji's side. "Say 'hi' to them Mari-chan, this is Chizu-chan and Himari-san," Shinji knelt down by her and missed her reaction to his closeness.

"And who haft you abducted this time, Shinji-sama? She be a bit young is she not?" Himari just had to slight. Grabbing the edges of her skirt, Himari gave the girl a dainty greeting. Going down on one knee, Himari took one of Mari's hands and pressed it to her forehead. "You're convulsing seems to have vastly improved, hasn't she not Chizuru?" oh Himari knew this kid and was mocking!

Freeing her hand from Himari, Mari's eyes were wide with shock and a little humbled. "You're so pretty! Like a fairy princess," Mari patted Himari's face. Moving over to Chizuru though, Mari sulked and rubbed her own chest with a frown, "No fair! How can I compete with those! Big booby monster!"

Then it struck Chizuru, that face was somewhat familiar, far cuter than expected considering who her brother was! "So you're Mari Suzuhara! I've been wanting to see you," Chizuru leaned over the sulking girl. Mari wasn't the first girl to be intimidated by her babies, they were splendid even if she had to admit it. Leaning her bust in closer to the younger girl, "Want to touch them? They love attention, but only girls and Shin-chan gets the honor." She wasn't expecting Mari to slap the right one, damn they were really sensitive! Shinji was going to have to deal with that.

"Mari-chan that wasn't very nice of you," Shinji reprimanded the sulking girl. She lowered her head and puffed out her lower lip. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he turned her back towards Chizuru, "Now apologize to Chizu-chan, Mari-chan, or I'll tell Touji about this."

Kicking one foot about, Mari remained silent, likely to keep Shinji from letting go of her Chizuru thought. "I'm sorry I hit your tit" Mari showed her brother's influence in her vocabulary. A nurse called out for the little girl, time for more rehabilitation therapy. Going back to Himari, Mari again seemed almost enchanted by the classical visage, "I won't be beaten by you either. Shizuku-san is really pretty too, but she healed me so I won't mind her, but I won't lose!" Then the little girl ran off with a big wave at the group.

"Thought you'd like to meet her, Mari-chan doesn't get much in the way of visitors outside her brother," Shinji wrapped an arm around Chizuru's waist. Kissing the woman's cheek, "Sorry for her hitting you. Didn't think she'd be so…jealous." Shinji tried not to look at the fount of said suspicion, he was quite enamored with them as well. "So shall we go off to the Geo-Front to meet up with Shizuku and Liz-chan?" he tensed up as Chizuru pressed herself against him.

Making a sandwich out of their man, Himari put her arms around Chizuru's back and pulled them together tightly. Damn amazon was so much stronger physically, Chizuru was covetous. Rubbing just enough to distract Shinji from the front, "Mayhap we could forgo the meeting with those two for a while? I have missed just us being able to enjoy one another. A film, a walk, or just listening to you play your cello…I…" she went silent. Something was bothering her, and Chizuru knew what it was.

"I won't let you lose yourself, Himari, neither of us will. You're accident with those lizards was just that, an accident," Chizuru tickled Himari with one hand. Shinji would always get at least half of Chizuru's attention, but she would always be able to support one of her co-spouses. Feeling Shinji responding to the combined attack, she cooed softly and huskily into his ear, "We could find a nice open room here too, or one with just a free bed. I think Kuesu's room had a free one we could use. Show her that she isn't the only one that owns you." Bingo! That got him to rise even higher. Always good to know he still found her appealing, Himari helped she supposed.

Flustered and yet not fighting them off, Shinji just squirmed as a few nurses and patients commented on their show. "W-we promised Shizuku we'd not…remember?" Shinji didn't want to move just yet. He was quite tented, and a nurse pointed at the trio and laughed.

"Yon serpent would force punishment for breaking out vow. Let us go before thee Tea-Sprite comes rushing in search for you, or tries nursing you," Himari pulled back yet kept her hand in Shinji's pulling him along with her out of Chizuru's grasp. Walking in step with Shinji, her arms draped passively around him, she turned back to Chizuru, "And thank you…Chizuru…for your words and your acts. I know I haft been worried after our last battle. And I know neither Shinji-sama or yourself will forsake me. I just hope I do not fail you."

Rubbing his hands up and down her arm, Shinji spoke first, "You've never failed and you never will, Himari-san."

"Shin-chan is right. I've come to like having a cat in my life, even if it does steal from my plate," Chizuru jabbed back. Sadly she couldn't convince the pair to skip the picnic for a nice little private time at their favorite hotel. Shinji had been adamant though, they all needed to take their minds off of the current events. Shuten-douji was no longer a physical threat, but his soul was still a concern. The Yig's now were leaderless and unpredictable, and Minori was about. And each of them had personal issues to deal with, Himari's battle rage, Chizuru's tail, and Shinji kept his own fears so close to the chest they didn't know what it was.

But at the Geo-Front they met Lizlet, who 'fell' on Shinji purely on 'accident' and it took Shizuku making a hose to knock her off. After that, the drenched Lizlet gave them all a showing of the translucent effects of water on cloth. Chizuru was not happy to see the girl was 'growing' and trying to rival her babies! Not fair having no real body. Shinji had packed a Frisbee from Misato's stack of games, and they played for a bit. The food had been a combo of all three, Shinji/Lizlet/Shizuku, that went over swimmingly. Chizuru had to admit as the sun started to set, it had been better to do a group event. She was warming up to those others, not as much as Himari, but she could see herself liking them. After the picnic then headed back to Misato's where they cuddled up on the couch as best they could and watched a movie.

It wasn't the romantic evening that Chizuru wanted, but it had been good all the same. Things were happening all around them, had doing so with increasing frequency. But she'd go through hell and high water to keep things as they were. Chizuru loved her life and those in it. Not perfect, nothing was as even Shinji has a few foibles that she'd like to see changed. Mostly she wanted him to NOT bring home every stray that came his way, and maybe spoil her a little more…well A LOT more. But it was the life she didn't predict but prized all the same.

X-X

With all the madness going on around him, Kaji thought it best to capitalize on it and get access to a few places he wasn't supposed to be. Seele was in total disarray, with many of their members dead or missing. Reports were stating lizard men were to blame for the attacks, such details were not leaked to the press. It wouldn't do good for humanity at large to know of the existence of demons and the like, or that they're attacking. Then there was the issue Tendril's Leaf, some woman demon and a feathered companion were taking out small sects of the member groups. Anybody involved with Gendo's plots were being weeded out, and Kaji needed to learn why!

Crimping two wires to the elevator cables, Ryouji tricked the security on the elevator into lowering. "Just where are Katsuragi and Akagi? Those kids are out in the forest or the hospital," Kaji would have to visit Asuka. He had seen the damaged munitions building, the cover story was a small fire caused the rounds to go off. Looked like it! The whole place was ruined, and yet Asuka and that Kuesu girl were unharmed. "To many mysteries going on here, if only I had more time," he pressed himself against the wall of the cab.

"After I learn a few more things, I'll have to tell Katsuragi, she has the right to know," Kaji used a mirror to scan the hallways. Nobody was there, perfect! Not like many people had access to this floor, but it paid to be careful. Stealing out into the hallway, the white walls and polished floor were of higher quality than the higher floors. With less floor space and with the sensitive nature of the projects down here it wasn't unexpected. Voices, he could hear voices coming from an open door towards the end of the hall. "Is that...?" he could have sworn that was Ritsuko.

Odd rumors about his onetime bed companion were starting to circulate. She was in a relationship with Gendo, that rumor Kaji knew was true. Others about how Ritsuko was treating Rei better were varied. One said Ritsuko and Rei were doing things together, another was Ritsuko was trying to use Rei to get into Gendo's good graces, and the like. Ritsuko had access to Terminal Dogma though, one place he couldn't hack into. Maybe he could get her to let him in, his friend at his side would be good for adding that little extra oomph. Ritsuko being a pawn of Gendo, Ryouji was sad to hear that.

"It's hard to believe, I mean I'm seeing it, but my mind just doesn't want to accept it!" Misato's voice wafted out of the lab. The brighter light of the room spilled out into the dimmer hallway. Almost in awe or fear she continued, "What are you doing about it, student?"

Misato was down here? Calling Ritsuko student?! Just what had he missed in this? Misato a mastermind, the real threat? Pulling his weapon out, Kaji extended his hand and undid the safety. Turning his emotions off, Kaji readied himself to see the woman he once loved. Now just a friendship, powerful and alive, he wasn't going to risk humanity's future for it though. Keeping the barrel at the ground, he inched closer to the door and gazed in. Sucking in his breath, he wasn't expecting three people instead of two.

Removing a few medical pads from Rei, Ritsuko rolled her eyes as she cleaned up. "Are you still upset about that, or are you jealous? I have to admit I was wrong about him at the start. He's a lot warmer and enjoyable to be around with than I expected. Far smarter too, but I shouldn't be that stunned I guess," she handed Rei a gown to put on. Handing the girl a can of soda, she teased the teenager a little with a knuckle to the cheek. "He's a lot more skilled than Kaji ever was, and this one here is a great teacher. How you got so skilled is a little amazing," Ritsuko popped a sucker in her mouth and offered one to both girls.

Misato took one but Rei did not. Rei just donned her hospital gown and drank her soda in a single gulp. "Mistress was a good teacher, and you are a quick study. Though I was unaware Katsuragi-san wanted to join in. Judging from her past, I did not believe she to be the type to not go after a man she wanted," Rei hoped off the table and headed over to a tank Kaji couldn't see fully. Twirling around, giving Ryouji and unwanted view of her alabaster backside, "When will we attempt the procedure?"

Gendo was giving it to both Ritsuko and Rei?! But he had been so sure that Rei was genuine with her feelings for Shinji! It looked so pure and believable! A ruse, Gendo was a sick fucker using a teenager as his own plaything and using her to manipulate Shinji and his menagerie. Well Kaji wasn't going to allow it, not when Asuka was involved, girl kept him sane and gave him a reason to risk his life. That and the small hope he could repair his relationship with Misato. But he had to act now, expose this little sick story, but who did he go after when he went in? Misato…she'd be armed.

Kicking the door in, Ryouji burst in with his aim trained on Misato's center of mass…he missed that center of mass deeply. "Nobody move, I'm putting an end to this farce. Misato, hands up, Ritsuko you too," Kaji barked at the two of them. They didn't react, hell the didn't even seem to care that he had just burst into the room. Slowly the older women did comply to the demand, Ryouji quickly checked for and pulled Misato's sidearm out of the holster and tossed it away. Backing against the door, less he get surrounded, "I'm shocked at you Ayanami, and I was so sure you actually cared about Shinji. But here I hear Akagi and you are just Gendo's puppets!"

Keeping her hands up, Misato kept her attention on the eavesdropper. "You are so far off base here Kaji, it's not even funny. Well not anymore at least," she did offer Ritsuko a sympathetic head nod. Getting off the chair she was seated, Ryouji reaffixed his aim at her. "Ritsuko was with that pig for a while. He treated her as we'd expect that rat bastard to. What we were talking about, privately I might add, is Ritsuko's budding tutelage under Rei and Minamoto. I still can't believe Shinji-kun and you've…" she fumed and went back to glaring at Ritsuko.

Ritsuko and Shinji!? Kaji's aim lowered in shock. Had Ritsuko just went after a teenager? Well, it wasn't illegal with the new laws, but it was still a shock. "Ritsuko, you and…" that's when the pain exploded. A silver haired Ayanami complete with fluffy ears and tails, rushed and dove into his stomach. His weapon went flying thankfully not discharging. Pressed against the wall, Ayanami's crossed arms were like steel. Gasping out as best he could, "S-stop, Ayanami…stop!" He'd never seen the girl in her animal form! Never expected her to be so strong either.

"As always Kaji, your flare for the dramatic is always comical. But you'll find Ayanami and I have put our past behind us and are working together. At Nerv she is my pupil, and the apartment I'm hers. And I have to admit, I'm happier for it," Ritsuko handed Misato both firearms. Caressing the tank holding Nozomu Ezomori, she stared at the sleeping wolf girl. "He is a wonderfully supportive young man. I could really fall for him in time. Nice to have a man that realizes he's never going to be the best and that the woman…women in his life are superior to him. Well, superior outside the bedroom," she was remarkably candid.

Both Misato and Ryouji shouted out, "Ritsuko/What the fuck?" They weren't taking Ritsuko's openness well, Misato was livid and Kaji just in shock.

Releasing Kaji, his body slumped to the ground, Rei went to the tank and touched it as well. "Shinji-kun is many things, but forceful and aggressive are not among them. I agree with mistress Chizuru though in that such is a good thing. I would not like being…made to do things," Rei's hair returned to its azure hue. Again Rei flashed her backside without concern, "Ritsuko accepts her wants, so as Chizuru has allowed me happiness, I shall not block hers."

"This is just to much. I came here to find out what I could about Nerv's secrets. Never did I expect the big one is Nerv's lead scientist if boffing one of the pilots under the instructions of Gendo's pet demon-animal!" Ryouji tried to stand back up. It didn't help that he just insulted two of those in the room, and a very defensive friend of them. Kaji found himself surrounded by the three, the adults looking ready to castrate and Rei her illusive and blank self. Slowly pulling out his wallet, he knew he had to tell the truth. "I've been working with the JSSDF to insure Gendo didn't do anything to bad. A double agent," how would his old college buddies and more react to that?

Misato was her normal emotional self and back handed the man hard, "A damn spy?! All this time you've been watching us and reporting what we've been doing? I thought I could trust you!" Moving to hit him again, but Ritsuko caught it and held it. Throwing her arm down, freeing herself from Ritsuko she continued to glare daggers at the man, "So what did you learn. What big mystery did you find out other than the prick abused my friend here so much she ran to the arms of a caring but severely younger and already in a multiple partner relationship!"

Who Misato was angrier at, Ryouji wouldn't venture a bet. Checking his teeth, two were loose from Misato's little backhand, he spat out blood into the trash. "Nothing yet, I was about to try and…get you to let me into Terminal Dogma," best not to lie now. Rei likely could smell a lie on him, demon animals had strange abilities based on scent after all. He could offer some news though, "What I can tell you is that something big is going on. The groups that pull Gendo's strings are besieged." He went into a brief accounting of Seele and Tendril's Leaf.

"I remember a girl called Minori with a girl like that by the apartment ages ago!" Misato's mouth was formed into a perfect 'O'. The description had been basic, but enough to draw a firm comparison between the two. Handing Kaji back his weapon, Misato growled. "Get out of here, we've enough to deal with without your scheming. Ritsuko's trying to wake that little girl up without hurting Ayanami here. But now I think it would be best to not deal with that for now. If we've got some lunatic monsters hunting rich and protected men and women, putting Ayanami in harm's way isn't a great idea," Misato put her hands on Rei's shoulders, considerately.

Putting his weapon away, thoughts of Terminal Dogma vanished in light of all the new little facts he found, Kaji wasn't pressing his luck. "For what it's worth, Ritsuko, I'm happy for you. For getting away from that monster, and I guess for finding happiness. I'll have to congratulate Shinji-kun though. To think he'd be such a lady's man," Kaji had newfound respect for the lad. He had always had a soft spot for Shinji, but this was different. Ritsuko and he had been friends, close friends, and now the young man was with her and several others? Well, Kaji wasn't going to comment, doubted Ritsuko or Rei would tolerate it right now. "Well I better leave you three to your efforts," Kaji waved and left.

On his way out of the base, he saw Shinji and his small troupe in the Geo-Front playing Frisbee. Funny, kid had his pick of many women and yet he seemed so timid and mild. For a moment he thought of approaching the group but chose not to. Why bother them when they were having fun, some blond he hadn't known before faked falling on the lad. Smothering Shinji's face with her ample assets, Kaji wondered if Shinji had a thing for breasts as every girl save for one that looked like Rei was stacked. Well, no matter, he had a hospital to visit and a young German girl to see to. Then it was back to trying to figure out what the hell was going on.

X-X

Notes

And this year is at an end! I did my best to get this chapter out before the year ended. Start the year with it, end the year with it. Story is moving along quickly towards its conclusion but not screamingly fast.

Some of you might say 'what the hell Shuten-douji' is downed already? Well in the anime/manga he was more of a speed bump there as well, more a support villain than the 'big bad'. Hope you're not to upset. And I'm trying to get some nice loose ends tied up. But I need to get our lovable side characters more time! Lizlet, Shizuku, and Rei didn't get nearly enough time this chapter. But in time…hopefully

Well hope you had a good 2013 and I hope 2014 is just as good. I got a full story finished this year, one of my bigger ones (Due to Chance) and I'm about done with this one. I've plans, lots of them for new stories, and I will get to the Rebellion story line for Wandering Pilot so don't fret there.

Still no cat, still an avid anime watcher, but now I've a lot more social obligations…they suck! Less game time, more restrictions…ugh! Sorry for that everybody, it wasn't intentional ^_^

Happy New Year!

Mercaba