Shinji Steel 12
Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
As they eat dinner together, Shinji and Ritsuko are seated side-by-side with each other. Deidre and Misato exchanging a giggle at how cute they look seated by each other. Three of them not knowing about Deidre knowing about Shinji's other identity. Or even Deidre's dark past as Dragonelle.
As Deidre gazes fondly at Ritsuko, she can't help but pray fervently that Ritsuko never finds her secret. For she fears not only her daughter's reaction, but being forced away from her. Shinji catches her look and can't help but wonder why she looks so sad.
"Um, Deidre?"
"Yes, Shinji?"
"You okay? You look a little down about something."
'Damn! He's as perceptive as Max Sr. is.' Shaking her head, she smiles and replies, "I'm okay, Shinji. I'm just thinking about…" Pausing briefly, she pictures Ritsuko in a wedding dress and smirks before going on. "Just how pretty Ritsy will look in her wedding dress. Especially since I feel like I'll lose my daughter to marriage when she marries you."
Shinji's blush ignites full force, as does Ritsuko's. While Misato guffaws.
"She's got you there, Shinji!" Looking over at Ritsuko, she adds, "I gotta admit, Shinji sure got lucky in meeting a pretty girl like you before Rei or even Asuka." Ritsuko can't help but blink in bewilderment.
"Who?"
"Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Sohryu. Of course, Asuka has yet to arrive in Tokyo-3."
"Where is Asuka at anyway and why is she coming here?"
"She's in Germany right now, awaiting transfer notification. Which brings me to my second answer. I'm sure you know by now that there is a war against an alien race designated 'Angels' by NERV."
"Misato, what about…"
"No need to worry, Shinji. I already informed Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki when I talked to him a couple of hours ago. He wants to meet Deidre and Ritsuko tomorrow morning."
"Sure. No problem." Glancing at Ritsuko, he then asks, "Would you like to meet with him, Rits? Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki is a nice guy. Far nicer than 'he' is, anyway."
"Yeah." Gently rubbing her belly, she asks, "If I am pregnant, what should we call him or her?"
"If it's a boy, James. If it's a girl, Molly." Seeing her question in her eyes, he goes on. "It was the names of Dad's birth parents. They died when he was little. The world lost a James and a Molly when James and Molly McGrath died. Maybe it could get new ones to carry their first names."
"A fitting tribute, Shinji." Josh's voice gets a slight smile from Shinji. Which goes bigger as he goes on. "Maybe later on down the road you can add a Jeff after Jefferson."
"Yeah." Shinji spoke it so softly, Ritsuko thought he was daydreaming at the table. Squeezing his hand, she can't help but smirk. "Thanks. I needed that."
"I can tell. Now, since we heard your ideas, which are very touching, I've got two names picked out already."
"Let's hear 'em." At his enthusiastic tone, Ritsuko nods before smiling softly.
"If it's a boy, Ichigo. If it's a girl, Rukia."
"From 'Bleach', right?" Ritsuko's nod tells Shinji all he needs to know. "Ichigo and Rukia Ikari. James and Molly Ikari. What a predicament. They sound so good." Ritsuko lets out a dismal sigh before nodding.
"Yeah. They do." Deidre and Misato both nod their agreement with the names. For they like them as well. Shinji then smiles as if he's got the answer.
"How about using one of the names suggested as the middle name? It'd be the best of both worlds!"
"Ichigo James Ikari. Rukia Molly Ikari. I.J. and R.M. for short. James Ichigo Ikari. Molly Rukia Ikari. J.I. and M.R. for short." Nodding, she adds, "They do have nice rings to them. Now which one should we go with?"
"We've a base idea, Rits. We'll just build that bridge when we get to that point."
"Yeah. No need to rush." Her face takes on a grin as she wraps a hand on Shinji's and squeezes. Before she can say anything else, however, the cell phone rings. Causing Deidre to sigh haplessly.
"If it isn't one thing, it's another." Getting up from the table, she crosses to the phone and picks it up. "Takamiya house, Deidre Takamiya speaking."
"Ms Takamiya, this is Doctor Satusami at Kyoto-2 General Hospital."
"Why, hello, Doctor. I didn't expect to hear from you until it came time for Ritsy's next check-up."
"I didn't expect to make this call myself. Did I call at a bad time?"
"Kinda. We're in the middle of dinner right now."
"In that case, I'll be brief. There's a satisfaction survey of birth control implants and Ritsuko's name is on the list of BCI recipients." Her jaw dropping in shock, Deidre recovers just in time to issue a retort.
"I didn't request one. Neither did Ritsy. When did this happen?"
"About nine months ago, ma'am." Nonplussed by her tone, Satusami goes on. "Have there been any complications or ill effects from the BCI?"
"Not that I know of. Now who put it in her so I can wring his or her neck?"
"According to the paperwork, it was Doctor Kyusuke Tokisona at Okinawa General. Is the something the matter? You sound quite displeased."
"You're fucking right I'm displeased! I did not authorize my Ritsy to be implanted with a BCI!" Hearing Ritsuko gasp, and not blaming her, she adds, "She's wanting to become a Mother right now, dammit!"
"I'm sorry. He sent the information about her implant to us. Along with the paperwork authorizing the implantation. Your signature on it."
"I signed no such document! The only thing I signed was the release form for Ritsy's medical records!"
"Oh dear."
"You got that right. 'Oh-fucking-dear' indeed!" Snarling as she runs her fingers through her hair, she asks, "Can it be easily removed by Ritsy or would a real Doctor have to do it?"
"A Doctor would have to take it out. Oh crap."
"I'm not liking the sound of that 'Oh crap', Doc. What is it?"
"The BCI inside your daughter is meant only for women in their twenties and thirties. What was he doing when he did it?"
"That is a good question. Can I make an appointment for extraction of it?"
"Um, Mom?" Ritsuko's voice quickly gets Deidre's attention and she nods.
"Hold that a bit, Doc."
"I will do so, Ms Takamiya." Turning back around, Deidre looks over Ritsuko and sees a concerned look on her face.
"What happened, Mom?"
"Apparently that quack Doctor in Okinawa implanted a birth control implant inside you. Without our consent or knowledge. Even more, he put the wrong kind inside of you."
"How long does it last?"
"I dunno. Let me find out." Turning back to the phone, she asks, "How long does the type inside Ritsy last?"
"Five years, according to the paperwork."
"I see." Turning back to Ritsuko, she says, "It lasts for five years."
"I'll be twenty by then." Her eyes shooting wide, she asks, "You don't suppose he's one of those 'dinosaurs', do you?"
"If you mean the kind that thinks a woman shouldn't start having kids until she's eighteen, or older, then it's a distinct possibility." Inhaling deeply, she asks, "Why do you ask, Ritsy. I thought you said you're ready for Motherhood."
"I am. But, at the same time, what if I'm not ready? What if I'm only telling myself that to increase Shinji's happiness?"
"Rits." At Shinji's gentle voice, Ritsuko turns and sees him smiling softly. "I wouldn't mind waiting. Much like I wouldn't mind becoming a Father now. Whatever you decide, I'll back it. 100%." Ritsuko gives him a nod and a smile before thinking it over. When she finishes, she gives her answer.
"I'm not ready to become a Mother yet. But when I turn twenty, the implant's coming out and I'm getting knocked up. The implant stays."
"Okay, Ritsy." Deidre turns back to the phone and says, "She's keeping the implant. With the express intent of getting impregnated once it comes out when she turns eighteen."
"Okay. For the record, I'm sorry for what Doctor Tokisona did. It was highly unethical."
"Yeah, well, he's going to find out it's not nice to be unethical when it comes to a woman's body. I'm calling a Lawyer to have a suit filed against him for medical malpractice, unauthorized procedure and who knows what else?"
"Justifiable. More than that, in fact. If you like, I can advocate against him on your behalf at the next Ethics meeting."
"I'd appreciate that. Thank you." Curious, she then asks, "Any chance you can send me a copy of the form authorizing the implantation?"
"But of course. I'll send it to you via courier."
"Thank you, Doctor Satusami. Good night."
"Good night. Enjoy your dinner." That in itself gets a chuckle from Deidre.
"I will. Bye." Ending the call, she sighs before asking, "Shinji, does your family use any law firms? I need to borrow one."
"Matter of fact, they do. It's a firm out of Okinawa."
"The name?"
"It's 'Costas, Lambert and Chen'. They specialize mainly in family matters. I don't know if they dabble in medical cases though."
"Any chance you can find out?"
"Sure." Turning to Misato, he asks, "Misato, can I…"
"Sure." Bringing out her phone and handing it to him, she adds, "I just hope you get a phone of your own soon. You're murder on my phone bill even though it's paid for by NERV."
"Sorry." As he punches in the number for McGrath Manor, he adds, "I'll put 'get a prepaid phone' on my 'to-do' list."
"Smartass."
The laughter from everyone else is contagious and Misato can't help joining in. If only to try keeping Shinji's secret intact. Not noticing Deidre nodding her head in approval.
'He just wants to live an ordinary life. Only that "dumbass" doesn't want him to! And those probes aren't making things any easier for him, either.' Next thing she knows, Shinji's speaking.
"Hey, Kat, how's it going tonight?"
"Hey, Shinji. It's going great here. I know why you're calling. Smooth move, bucko. Go ahead and ask. You're secure."
"Great. Do you have the number for 'Costas, Lambert and Chen' on hand? Deidre Takamiya wants to ask them if they handle medical lawsuits."
"Perfect. Put me on with her so I can give it to her. Oh, you'll be pleased to know that your time with Ritsuko was not monitored. Once she started undressing the both of you, Berto turned off the visual monitors. The auditory, he only left them on and put earmuffs over his ears to muffle out the sound. It was only when Josh and I came down to the control room and found him shaking his head two hours later."
"I see. Here she is." Passing the phone over, he says, "Kat's giving you the number you can call. This time of night, though, may not be anyone there."
"Oh. Okay." Putting the phone to her ear, she then says, "Hello, Kat. It's been a while."
"Oh yeah. Not since that picnic on the beach after Shinji and Ritsuko got together officially."
"Don't I know it." Smiling happily at the thought of it, she soon goes serious as she asks, "Do you know if your firm handles medical lawsuits?"
"I don't think they've ever tried one. But I'm betting they're willing to take a shot at dabbling in it. Couldn't hurt to ask."
"No. It couldn't hurt at all. Number?" As Kat gives her the number, Deidre's smile goes to 'Dragonelle-style' at the thought of the Doctor being sued by a firm that's only dabbling in it. Once Kat's done, Deidre says, "Thank you, Kat. Why don't we have a picnic sometime next summer? All of us, together. Only with one or two more."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." Looking over at Misato, she adds, "I'm thinking of bringing Shinji's guardian and an old friend of mine."
"Sure. The more the merrier. Can you put Shinji back on the phone, please? I need to ask him something important."
"Yeah. Sure." Not sure what to make of Kat's question, but putting it out of her mind as she has a slight hint, she passes it back over to Shinji. "Kat wants to ask you something."
"I think I have a feeling of what it is, too." Not elaborating further, even though Ritsuko has the look of someone that doesn't like mysteries very much, he says, "I'm here, Kat."
"You didn't go bare, did you?"
"I did, Kat."
"Oh man. Berto never took that into consideration when he made them to begin with. If they integrate…"
"I took it into consideration too. If something happens, I'll take full and sole responsibility."
"No, Shinji. We'll take responsibility. Even though my 'implant' is in place to prevent pregnancies." Her eyes starting to drip tears, she murmurs, "Even though I do want to become a Mother."
"Rits." Before Shinji can say anything more, Kat's voice cuts in.
"Put Ritsuko on, please, Shinji. I think it's time for a little 'girl talk' between us."
"Sure." Handing the phone to Ritsuko, he adds, "Kat wants to talk to you." Her eyes dripping tears still, Ritsuko accepts the phone.
"Hi, Kat."
"Hi, Ritsuko. First off, let me say this. If I was Shinji's birth Mother, I'd give my blessing for him to marry you. You know that, right?"
"I do."
"Good. You also know that Shinji cares for you to no end, right?"
"He does." Reaching over to his hand, with him taking it into his, she murmurs, "Much like I care for him to no end."
"Then you've got it made. There's no need to rush becoming a Mother. Even though you are of legal age. You can call me a 'dinosaur' if you like. You'd probably be right seeing as I'm old-fashioned."
"No. No. You just want Shinji to find happiness. Much as I want to make him happy."
"I want him to be more than happy. I want him to be successful in all he does. Happy, successful and kind. That's the most important thing right there. Kind. Shinji must take after his birth Mother." Ritsuko can't help but let out a giggle.
"Yeah. He told me Mr Martinez found a picture of her just today. One thing's bothering me though. What did his Mother ever see in 'that guy' anyway?"
"I have no idea. Maybe she had bad taste in men or he was the first person brave enough to approach her. A woman desperate enough, she'd probably be eager to settle down with someone like Rokubungi."
"I'm leaning toward the former."
"Or it could easily be the latter. But, the bottom line is this. Do you love 'my' boy?"
"I do." Smiling happily at Shinji, she adds, "Now and forever."
"Then that's all that matters, Rit-chan."
"Yeah. It is. Talk to you later, Kat?"
"You better believe you will. I'm not done with you yet. Not by a long shot. But, that's for another time. Bye."
"Bye, Kat. Oh, do you want me to put Shinji back on?"
"Please." Wordlessly, she passes the phone back to Shinji. When she's done so, Kat asks, "Has she shown any signs of integration? She didn't sound like you did when the probes first entered you."
"No. She didn't, Kat." Noticing Ritsuko's look of irritation that she was seemingly being badmouthed, he hastily adds, "It was surprising, but in a good way."
"Good cover. But that means I gotta plead my case to her. Or, you can always tell her about the probes."
"And chance her looking at me like I'm nuts?" Looking at Ritsuko, he notices she's already doing it. Smirking, he adds, "Too late. She already is. But, I love her, Kat. Always will."
"Okay. I'll let you go now. Don't want to bankrupt NERV even though it does sound like fun." Her laughter joins with Shinji's as he ends the call. Shaking his head in mirth.
"What was that about, Shinji?" At Ritsuko's question, Shinji calms down to a light chortle.
"She was wondering when I plan to propose to you." Shrugging, he adds, "We've got time yet. No need to rush things."
"Yeah. Time we have." Giving her belly another rub, she then pouts out, "I was so looking forward to seeing that line, too. But, yet, I guess I was scared at the same time. Does that make any sense at all?"
"It makes sense, Ritsuko." Misato's voice has a hint of sadness before she goes on. "It makes perfect sense." Not elaborating further, Misato resumes eating. The others following suit.
(Gendo's Office)
"Are you certain of this individual, Psycho?"
"Yes, Commander. Vitriol dislikes both Steels to no end whereas I hate them to no end. Working in tandem with each other, I expect to get Steel Jr. out of the way."
"Very well. I'll assign one of our freelance marksmen to target the Takamiya girl. A simple headshot. Quick and efficient. A peacefully violent death. Perfect to break his spirit and untraceable to NERV."
"Where and when do we strike, though?"
"That, Psycho, is a very good question." In his mind, Gendo thinks, 'A very good question indeed.' As Gendo ponders it, Psycho has other ideas.
'He'll want to be there to kill Max. As if that's even possible! He's hard to kill. Wait, doesn't Devilwoman… yeah. Perfect!' Chuckling gleefully, Psycho inadvertently attracts Gendo's attention.
"Did you come up with a usable venue, Psycho?" Gendo's question snaps him out of it. Even though he was just starting to enjoy himself.
'Damn his ass!' Nodding, Psycho replies, "As a matter of fact, Commander, yes." Crossing to the map of Tokyo-3, he asks, "Vice Commander Fuyutsuki frequents this diner on the map, right?"
"He does, yes. Why?"
"Say, for example, he was out for lunch, and they were with him when an unknown assailant fires on the Takamiya girl by 'mistake'. Only to be pursued by Steel into the alley here if he's in the area. Only Vitriol and I are waiting for him when he arrives at the other end of the alley. You then come along and shoot him. Easy as pie."
"A usable scenario. Implement it. I want the girl in a body bag by the end of tomorrow."
"Yes sir." Bringing out his phone, he mutters, "I just hope I remember his number."
"I thought you guys were friends."
"Nah. More like business associates that worked for the same guy. Only except it was a bitter rivalry. I try to pull one over on him, he tries to pull one over on me. It's a really vicious circle." Shrugging, he adds, "Besides, I haven't spoken to him in years. It'll be good to do a little catch up."
"So he's expendable then."
"I reckon so. Just don't let him hear you say that. His arm blasts will send you right through the wall. Into the Geofront. Through the trees. Through a bus. Through a pack of nuns. Get the picture, sir?"
"I do, Psycho. I do." Gendo suddenly blinks, asking, "Did you just say arm blasts?" But it's too late. Psycho's already out of earshot.
(Next day; Fuyutsuki's Office)
"Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki, I present to you Deidre Takamiya and her daughter, Ritsuko." Misato's introduction has Fuyutsuki nodding.
"A pleasure to meet you both, ladies Takamiya." Looking over the two of them, he adds, "I can't help but notice you two look nothing alike." Deidre and Ritsuko let out a giggle while Shinji and Misato lightly snicker. Deidre, however, takes it in stride.
"It's because Ritsy's adopted, Vice-Commander."
"Ah." Looking over Ritsuko even more, he then asks, "Just how are you familiar with Pilot Ikari?"
"He's my boyfriend and hopefully, husband in the future, sir."
"Interesting. Even though I told him he is not to foster any relationships while he's here, he still does so. Pilot Ikari, would you be so kind as to explain yourself?"
"I don't really have to, but since you asked, it's like this, Vice-Commander. Our relationship is from before I was 'summoned' here. We were supposed to go out that night, but I instead had to split my time between reassuring Ritsuko I was being serious and packing a meager pack. I, after all, had no intention of staying here any longer than necessary."
"So I see. Miss Takamiya, how serious are you with your statement about Pilot Ikari?"
"Serious enough to not like you not using his given name, sir. He is Shinji, not a tool to pilot one of those behemoths you have." Deidre grabbing her arm to keep her from lunging at the man, she asks, "Just why is Shinji here instead of Old Osaka? Why is he fighting your stupid war when adults should be fighting?"
"I understand your viewpoints, valid as they are, Miss Takamiya. Shinji is not a tool to pilot one of the Evangelions. He is here to save humanity from annihilation. The reason he is fighting this 'stupid' war of ours is because adults cannot pilot the Evangelion."
"Then why has he never mentioned it before? You'd think that someone selected would know about it and be preparing for it. But was Shinji aware of it and prepared? NO!"
"Easy, Rits." The sound of Shinji's voice, along with his hand on her back, calms her temper back down. "No need to bite his head off. If anyone needs to be yelled at, it's 'Commander Dumbass'." Fuyutsuki can't help but give a snort at that.
"I'm only relieved 'he' isn't here to hear you say that." Ritsuko can't help but let out a snort herself.
"Well, I could always march up there and give him a piece of my mind." Smirking, she adds, "With Shinji holding my hand, I tell him I love Shinji and intend to become his wife someday. See if that causes him to have a heart attack."
"He'd need a heart for that first, Rits."
"You're right, Shinji." As the two chuckle, Fuyutsuki can only smile and roll his eyes before looking at the clock.
"It's time for lunch. Would you four care to join me?"
"Sure. Rits?"
"Love to. Mom? Misato?"
"Okay."
"You bet. They have a curry dish that's so delicious, it's to die for." Shinji's gasp before his falling back onto the floor prompts Misato to face-palm. While Ritsuko freaks out, she adds, "Let me rephrase that."
"Yes. Please do so, Captain Katsuragi." He may not show it, but Fuyutsuki's struggling to keep from laughing out loud.
"It's so good, you'll feel like you're in Heaven."
"You call that rephrasing, Captain?"
"Okay. It could be worse."
"Yeah. You could be cooking." A recovered Shinji, a giggling Ritsuko at his side, bolts away. Laughing maniacally with a still-giggling Ritsuko in hand. Misato growling before giving chase.
"WHY YOU LITTLE! GET BACK HERE!"
As Misato curses and the two teens laugh about it, Fuyutsuki can't help but shake his head.
"There are times I wonder about her true age, Ms Takamiya."
"How so, Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki?" He doesn't say anything at all. Only exiting. Deidre in tow.