Shinji Steel 14
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
After Ritsuko cleaned her hands of the blood, the remaining four sat down to eat. Misato suddenly groans, getting Shinji's attention.
"What is it, Misato?"
"I just remembered you and I have to meet Ritsu at the site the Fourth Angel's at. She's in the process of analyzing it."
"Any idea as to when we're expected to meet with her?"
"It was supposed to be this morning. Let me call her right quick and let her know we're on our way."
"Alright. What about our lunch, though?"
"Take-out. Besides, I think it'll be better for your stomach to be empty for this."
"Right." Watching as Shinji orders two take-out trays, Ritsuko puts her hand up for one. Deidre following suit. "Rits? Deidre?"
"We're coming with you, Shinji." Deidre nods at Ritsuko's words as her daughter goes on. "I've been wondering what those things look like up close lately."
"Forget the look, think about the smell." Misato's words don't make sense to either of them until Shinji elaborates.
"Smell that stench? The one that smells like something took a big-ass dump and then died?" Deidre and Ritsuko both sniff before gagging. "That's the dead Angel. If you think that's bad, wait till you get up close to it. Then you'll want to hack off your nose with a chainsaw."
"Any way to counter it?"
"Yes. Matter of fact, Deidre, there is." Misato reaches into her handbag and brings out a small vial. "Peppermint ointment. It goes under your nose to ward off the stink. However, something that foul, peppermint might not be enough."
"Gas masks, then?"
"Has some potential, Ritsuko, and I mean some. But we are talking about a huge, stinking corpse. Best thing for you if you're intent is to squeeze your nose shut. Sure, you'll sound funny, but at least you won't smell a thing." Deidre and Ritsuko both look at each other before nodding. Deidre giving their collective reply.
"We'll go with the peppermint and nose squeezing."
"Or I could just use my nose plugs from when I was a little girl." Reaching into her pocket, Ritsuko grins, adding, "I'm such a packrat, I never know what I need until I need it."
"Good thinking, Ritsy. But seeing as I lost mine years ago, I'll go with the nose squeezing."
"Same here." Misato chimes in, adding, "Plus the peppermint." Deidre nods right back before replying.
"Yeah. Peppermint for me too." Next thing they know, Shinji speaks up.
"You have your plugs too?" At Ritsuko's nod, Shinji grins as he brings his out too. "I've had these ever since Kat taught me to swim. She figured I'd go under at some point. So, to keep water from going up my nose, she got me these."
"You too? Ugh, I hate getting water up my nose!"
"If you think getting water up your nose is bad, try breathing LCL. Then you'll know bad."
"How bad is it?"
"Just feeling it going down my windpipe and into my lungs is enough to make me wanna barf!"
"Ugh! That's a 'pretty' picture!"
From there, they exchange idle banter while the trays arrive. They even banter while putting the food into the trays. As the couple banters back and forth, Misato and Deidre bounce their heads back and forth between the two. Feeling like they're at Wimbledon. Misato then can't help but feel curious.
"Um, do they do this often?"
"Trade banter back and forth? Oh yeah." Smirking, Deidre adds, "In fact, any time they'd get together in public, it'd be 'banter time' for them."
"How long does 'banter time' last?"
"It all depends on what topic they have pop up in their minds during it. We could be going through 'banter time' on our way there for all we know."
"I think it'd be a hoot if the Commander was nearby during that time. I'd like to see him bust a blood vessel and get an aneurysm." At the word 'Commander', the couple goes into a banter about him. "They heard me?"
"Oh yeah. Just because they're bantering doesn't mean they're off into their own world. Have a listen."
"What I wanna know is just how 'he' became Commander to begin with."
"Who knows with that bearded asshole, Shinji? If you get him alone, what do you think should be done with him?"
"Bust a cap into his ass and throw in into a car trunk before dumping him into the ocean. No one will know about it."
"Even if I had one, it wouldn't be my car trunk."
"We can hear you two, you know." Misato's voice snaps them out of it, causing them to look her way. "No one's busting any caps into any asses unless I say so. Even if said asses deserve it. Clear?"
"Clear, Misato." Their united reply gets a grin from Misato and Deidre both, with the two teens asking, "What?"
"Nothing. It's just that you two speaking in stereo sounds so much like you're married already." Deidre nods in agreement with Misato's words before taking over.
"It does indeed." Her face taking on a playful frown, she then asks, "You two didn't elope any time in the past, did you?"
"No, Mom. We didn't." Ritsuko's solitary reply, combined with a blush, gets a smile from Deidre. "We don't want to exclude you or Shinji's family. It would've been just rude."
"Oh, so you're planning on getting married?" Misato's smile is bright, causing the two teens to smile back. Red blushes on their faces. "Big ceremony or small?"
"Small. We want to keep low key, Misato. What with Shinji's situation and all."
"Who's thinking of getting married?" The new voice gets everyone's attention. Causing them to look and see Suzuhara with Aida. Aida with a smile as he holds his camcorder and Suzuhara with a smirk on his face. "If it's Ikari and Takamiya, I can hardly wait."
"As a matter of fact, they're currently discussing it." Deidre smiles widely while Ritsuko blushes prettily. "But you know how wedding planning goes. It can take up to a year or even longer. Even though Ritsy's not fussy."
"Ritsy, huh? Cute nickname for a cute bride-to-be."
"Suzuhara!" Blushing furiously, Ritsuko murmurs out, "Mom's been calling me 'Ritsy' ever since I was in diapers." Before Aida can say anything, Rits adds, "Don't even think about asking, Aida."
"This is your Mom?" Looking Deidre over, Suzuhara bounces back over to Ritsuko and back to Deidre before turning back to Ritsuko. "But, you two…"
"Look nothing alike." Aida's finish gets a titter from Ritsuko and Deidre both. Prompting Aida to remark, "I'm guessing you get that a lot."
"That's correct, Mr Aida. I adopted Ritsy after I found her at sea."
"Second Impact orphan, huh?" At their nods, Suzuhara looks over at Shinji and remarks, "You're lucky, Ikari. Your Dad's still alive."
"If you're regarding Gendo, not so much. He hasn't been my 'Father' ever since he ditched me at the train station." Smiling fondly, he adds, "Josh McGrath, on the other hand, is more a Father to me than 'he' was."
"Josh McGrath? The retired extreme sports star? The Executive Director of 'N-Tek Industries'? That Josh McGrath?"
"Uh yeah, Aida. Why?"
"My old man followed his extreme sports career until he unexpectedly retired while he was a teenager. He always found it strange since he was so good. Any idea as to why?"
"My guess is because he felt like he was in a rut." Shinji gives a shrug before going on. "Bored with the monotony of the sports world."
"Great cover, Shinji." Josh's voice gets a soft smile from Shinji. One that Misato catches. As do the others.
"What're you smiling about, Ikari?" Suzuhara's question gets a chuckle from Shinji.
"Just the thought of Dad coming here so you guys can meet him."
"You really think he'd come?" Aida's eyes have stars in them as he goes on. "Oh man, if he does, do you think he can give my Dad an autograph?"
"You know, that does sound like a good idea, Shinji." Josh's tone has musing within as he goes on. "A sports expo in Tokyo-3 to raise the morale of the people there. Maybe it'd stop Gendo from being such a sourpuss." The idea gets a smirk from Shinji as he considers it.
"I can just imagine the Commander on a skateboard. He'd either shred the ramp or get shredded on the ramp." Deidre, Misato and Ritsuko picture it and find it too funny for words. "I'll call Dad tonight and see what he says. I just hope he won't be too busy to do a sports expo as a morale booster here. Board meetings and all, you know?"
"Too busy spending time with you? No way, Shinji. Oh, and can you imagine the board members being in the competition?" Josh's voice has a laugh within as he goes on. "That'd really be a sight to see. A bunch of stuffy old men wearing sports gear."
That idea itself gets a snicker from Shinji. Catching Ritsuko's attention.
"Shinji?"
"Just thinking about 'N-Tek's' board members taking part in it if it happens. Can't you just picture them wearing sports gear?" Ritsuko does so and then erupts into giggles.
"Oh my Kami!" As Ritsuko giggles, Deidre and Misato chortle as well before Misato examines his statement.
"What do you mean by 'if', Shinji? A sports expo here would be a great morale booster."
"Yeah, it would. But somehow I get the feeling the Commander won't sign off on it." Thinking on Shinji's words, Misato groans.
"I hadn't thought of that. The Commander's not exactly the kind to concern himself with the morale of others."
"Let us handle that end if 'he' refuses, Shinji." Josh's voice brings a soft smile to Shinji's face as Josh goes on. "We've got an 'in' of sorts from before your time." Before Shinji can say anything to anyone else, Misato shrugs.
"As fun as the picturing is, I'm afraid we gotta get going, guys. We've got matters to tend to."
"Oh, right." Turning to Suzuhara, Shinji says, "I'll see you around, Suzuhara."
"You can just call me Touji. Aida's Kensuke."
"Touji. Kensuke." Giving both a nod, Shinji stands and offers Ritsuko a hand up.
"Why thank you, Shinji." Giving him a tender peck on his cheek, she adds, "Anyone that says chivalry is dead doesn't know what they're talking about." Shinji only smiles softly before pecking Ritsuko's hand. With Ritsuko giggling out, "You're so gallant."
"You two really are meant for each other." Misato then gets up and says, "Let's go, guys. We're far too behind as it is."
"Yeah. See you two at school tomorrow?"
"You bet, Shin-man." Grabbing Kensuke by the scruff of his neck, he says, "Let's go, 'Suke. You can record them to your heart's content tomorrow."
"Bye Shinji! Bye Takamiya!"
"It's Ritsuko, you silly gander!" Ritsuko can't help but giggle before sighing. "Your life sure became interesting since you got here, Shinji."
"So did yours, Rits." As the four walk away from the diner, Shinji can't help but notice Deidre's eyes tearing up. "You okay, Deidre?"
"Yeah, Shinji. I'm just thinking of how much Ritsy's birth parents would've loved meeting you." Her lips smiling widely, she adds, "Along with them asking when they can expect grandchildren to spoil rotten."
"I'm sure we'd have enjoyed telling them, Deidre." Gently looping his right arm into Ritsuko's left, Shinji asks, "How does this feel?"
"Wonderful, Shinji." Ritsuko's happy sigh gets a soft smile from Deidre and Misato. Along with a gentle grin from Shinji. "Simply wonderful."
The walk to the scene of the Fourth Angel's demise is expected to be twenty minutes long. As all four were on foot as opposed to riding in Misato's Renault or Deidre's Toyota. Both of which were back at the Geofront. Meaning Misato and Deidre would probably have to catch a lift from Akagi to pick them up. As they walk, Misato dials up Akagi's phone and waits for her old college friend to pick up.
"Akagi here."
"Hey, Ritsu."
"Misato? Where are you and the Third Child at?"
"We're walking to the scene. Shinji's girlfriend and her Mother are walking with us."
"You're not walking anymore. What street are you all on?"
"Main, coming up on Chaos."
"Funny. So am I." At the sound of a truck engine coming up behind them, all four turn around and see a frowning Akagi before she goes on. "Why are two un-cleared civilians with you, anyway?"
"Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki wanted to meet with them to discuss Shinji's life. We then went out for lunch when some joker tried whacking the Vice-Commander. Shinji took off on foot and…"
"I know, Misato. I heard the radio call. Along with the update from Section 2 about the shooter turning up dead." At that, the truck pulls to a halt and Akagi looks over the extra passengers.
"It'll be a tight fit, but we can squeeze you two in."
"As long as I can cuddle up to Shinji, I don't really mind, ma'am." Ritsuko's reply gets an arched eyebrow from Akagi before the latter nods.
"Okay. But no hanky panky."
"Of course not." Ritsuko can't help but smile archly as she goes on. "Our hanky panky is for the bedroom." Akagi's jaw can't help but drop at the girl's audacity. Along with Shinji's blushing beet red. Deidre and Misato, on the other hand…
"You two were definitely meant for each other!" Misato howls with laughter as Deidre giggles out, "That's my Ritsy!"
"I can hardly wait for the story about how you and the Third Child met." Next thing she knows, Ritsuko opens up. Infuriated to no end at her beloved's current situation.
"Look, I'm getting sick and tired of Shinji being addressed in that fashion! No more of this 'Third Child' bullshit! Or any other nonsense you want to call him! His name's Shinji! Got it?" Akagi can only nod meekly at the fire in Ritsuko's brown eyes.
"Uh-huh."
"Good. Because the next person that refers to Shinji that way is going to have a really bad day." Clenching her right fist and holding it up, she adds, "I'm kinda torn between wanting to carry it through and not. So don't push it!"
'She reminds me of Asuka on her period!' Misato then genially smiles and says, "Ready to go when you are, Ritsu."
"Hop on in, Misato, Shinji, um…"
"Terribly sorry, Doctor Akagi." Shinji smiles sheepishly at his girlfriend's sharp tongue before going on. "My girlfriend, Ritsuko Takamiya and her Mother, Deidre." As Akagi notices and before she can go on, he quickly adds, "Deidre adopted her. That's why they look nothing alike."
"That explains it." Smirking now, she adds, "Of course, that wasn't the only thing I was going to comment on."
"Well, it'll have to wait." Misato's voice is filled with resolve as she goes on. "We have a big-ass corpse to examine."
With that, they squeeze into the truck, Ritsuko and Shinji cuddling together in the back. Only for them to get squeezed in tighter by Misato and Deidre both on either side of them. Not that they mind, of course, as they relish the extremely close contact with one another. Bringing a fond smile to Akagi's face.
"Just how close are you and Ritsuko, Shinji?"
"To the point of pre-planning our wedding, Doctor Akagi." Shinji's smile is with a pink blush, but Ritsuko has a blush as well. With a happy smile of her own.
"Wow. How long have you known each other?"
"A year, Doctor Akagi." Curious, Ritsuko then asks, "What exactly are you a Doctor of, anyway?"
"Bio-mechanics, human anatomy, medicine, physics. Odds and ends." Giving off a shrug, Akagi then grins as she adds, "It's not very often I meet a girl that shares my first name." Glancing back at Misato, she smirks. "No wonder you've been calling me Ritsu of late. To prevent confusion between the two of us."
"Pretty much. She's Rits and you're Ritsu. Easy as pie."
"I see. Just as long as you don't make the pie, Misato."
"Hey! I'm not that bad and you know it, Ritsu!"
"Misato, I wound up with a black and yellow face after I had my stomach pumped. If a face goes that color, then it is bad."
"RITSU!" This prompts a 'bicker-fest' between the two.
As the two bicker back and forth, Shinji, Rits and Deidre share a soft, yet audible, chortle with each other. Prompting the driver, Lieutenant Shigeru Aoba, to shake his head.
'I don't think I'll live to collect that pension at the rate those two are bickering!'
Five minutes later, they arrive at the site. Shinji and Rits both put their nose plugs on while Misato and Deidre smear peppermint ointment under their noses before Akagi opens the door. Gas mask in place. Aoba following suit with his mask as all six exit the truck. As the six approach the analysis site, they see Gendo standing there. No covering of any kind on his face or him holding his nose.
"Good grief. Does that 'man' have no nose at all? How does he smell?"
"Probably awful, Berto." Josh's reply gets the both of them to laugh loudly and Shinji to snicker. With Kat muttering in the background.
"Boys and their jokes." Yet she's unable to resist a giggle herself. "Though you might have a point. His behavior stinks, so it stands to reason he would physically as well!"
That in itself gets a loud laugh from Shinji. Attracting even Gendo's attention. Only for him to turn away before looking back again, only toward the two women with Shinji and Misato.
"What are un-cleared personnel doing here, Captain Katsuragi?"
"They're here to see the Angel Shinji killed."
"Only NERV personnel are allowed here." Smirking, he then adds, "Then again, perhaps they should be in NERV." Only for his eyes to wide at the words that fly out of Rits' mouth.
"I fucking hope that's not a fucking job offer because I'll fucking turn it down fucking flatter than a fucking pancake, you fucking jackass!"
Impressed with the invective the girl spat out, yet unwilling to admit it, Gendo pushes his glasses up onto his face as they had slipped down during Rits' tirade.
"Captain, you have five seconds to tell me who they are."
"Commander Ikari, these are Deidre Takamiya and her daughter, Ritsuko." Misato smiles and adds, "Ritsuko's Shinji's girlfriend."
"Ah."
Without any further words, or interest at all, Gendo turns back to the corpse. Looking up and down at it. With Shinji noticing the gloves covering his hands. Rits as well.
"Doctor Akagi?"
"Yes, Shinji?"
"Why is he wearing gloves on his hands?" Thinking back, he adds, "I don't think I've ever seen him with his gloves off since I arrived here, for that matter."
"His hands were badly burned when he rescued Ayanami after her failed attempt to sync with Unit-00. She later wound up in an accident with Unit-01 when she tried syncing with it."
"Hence Shinji being 'summoned' here."
"That is correct, Rits." Turning to one of the techs, she then asks, "Maya, what do you have?"
"Analyzing now, Doctor Akagi." Seconds later, Maya gets a reply on the screen. "601, Doctor."
"Meaning?"
"It's code for 'can't be analyzed', Misato." Akagi's reply gets everyone's attention as she goes on. "Yet, it shares some commonalities with us. Answering questions. Along with raising new ones."
"What about the Angel's internal structure?"
"Well, aside from the core being destroyed by Shinji's attack, I can't say I'm dissatisfied, Misato." Giving Shinji a smile, she adds, "Because of you, Shinji, we're one step closer to understanding the Angels."
"But why are they coming, Doctor Akagi? It makes no sense whatsoever."
"To cause Third Impact, Shinji. That is NERV's mission. To stop the Angels before they can cause Third Impact." Seeing their confused faces gets a sigh from her. "Why don't I tell you guys tonight over dinner? Misato, Commander Ikari would like a word with you, if you please."
"Sure, Ritsu." Smiling at them, she looks at Deidre and asks, "Could you take them outside and wait for me please, Deidre? I don't expect I'll take long."
"Sure, Misato." Gently prodding the teens outside, she murmurs, "Something tells me this is not going to be pleasant."
"You're probably right, Deidre." Once they're gone, Gendo steps up to Misato. A scowl on his face. "Sir."
"Captain Katsuragi, you endangered security by bringing un-cleared civilians in here with yourself and the Third Child. One of them with an acerbic tongue, no less."
"That's Shinji's girlfriend for you. She cares for him deeply. Much like he does for her."
"So I gather." Misato pursing her lips in consternation causes Gendo to arch an eyebrow. "Captain?"
"Sir, would you object to an event being here in Tokyo-3 as a morale booster for the populace?"
"What kind of an event, who would be sponsoring and how would it benefit NERV?"
"A sports expo. Ranging from standard sports to extreme sports. Shinji suggested 'N-Tek Industries' as the sponsor. NERV would benefit greatly by seeing smiles on the people's faces."
"Approved, though I'm quite sure while the Third Child is confident, it's unwise for him to get his hopes up." Shrugging, he then adds, "Though the benefit is dubious, it would be a morale booster."
"Thank you, sir." Getting a nod from Gendo, Misato salutes and walks away. Gendo, on the other hand…
'This could be what I need to put the Third Child in his place. A little leaning the right way on Mr McGrath and his associates and the Third Child will be broken!' Gendo's lips then curl into an eerily evil smile. Causing Akagi, Maya and the others to cringe at the sight.
As Misato joins the others outside the area, she sees the teen couple standing facing each other. Before mashing their faces together in a kiss. Deidre in the background talking on her phone. Giving the two lovebirds a hidden grin, she walks to Deidre's side in time to hear Deidre speaking.
"Yes. That is correct, Mr Costas. A BCI was placed into my daughter without my knowledge or consent. I want that Doctor fined, his license and credentials revoked and his career ruined. I'm talking 'torpedoed', here." Deidre nods before smiling. "I thank you, Mr Costas. Oh? Okay. I'll make an appointment for that then. Thank you once more, Mr Costas. Good day." Ending the call, Deidre sighs both happily and sadly.
"What is it, Deidre?"
"The firm accepted the case. However, it seems the BCI has to be extracted as evidence of the quack's lack of ethics. Along with his incompetence in using the wrong one for Ritsy's age."
"Well, maybe this'll cheer you up. Commander Ikari approved of Shinji's idea. Tokyo-3's having a sports expo." Shrugging, she adds, "It's up to Shinji and the sponsors he has in mind now."