Shinji Steel 15

Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.

Author's Notes; This is the first of a two-parter. Enjoy!

The next week in Tokyo-3 flies by quickly. During the course of the week, Gendo sees an increase of incoming traffic from all over Japan. Along with all over the world. Unsure what to make of it, he sends Chiron out to find out what's going on. At the same time, Rei's bandages are being removed just in time for the sync test between herself and Unit-00.

As Gendo pores over his reports in his office, his receptionist beeps in.

"Yes, Ms Okisona?"

"Sir, Captain Chiron has arrived. He says it's urgent."

"Very well, Ms Okisona." Buzzing Chiron in, he waits until the man reaches his desk before speaking. "Report, Captain."

"Sir, during my investigation into the increase in traffic into Tokyo-3, I came across papers covering a small portion of walls and poles in Tokyo-3."

"What kind of papers, Captain?"

"These, sir." Bringing one of them forward, he adds, "It seems the Third Child's guardians found the idea to their liking and started sending in what they could find. Equipment, people to operate the equipment. Even a celebrity or two."

"It's actually being done?" His eyes suddenly going wide, he says, "Let me see that, Chiron."

"Yes sir." Handing the flier to Gendo, Chiron adds, "I didn't think it'd be done myself, but here we are."

At Chiron's words, Gendo reads over the flyer.

'Tokyo-3 Sports Expo. All ages welcome. Event sponsored by "N-Tek Industries" and UN Special Agency NERV. Something for hopefully everyone. Parachuting, bungee jumping, motorcycle stunts, etc, etc.'

"When they do something, they seem to go all out."

"I'd say so, sir."

"Are any of your men intending to participate, Chiron?"

"Well, one or two might, sir. Psycho being one of them, sir."

"Psycho's interested in this 'circus' to occur?"

"Yes sir." Curious, he then asks, "Interested, sir?" Gendo can only roll his eyes at the notion.

"As fascinating as that may be to see, I cannot. My work is too important. Ensure that the First Child is ready for her sync test when the Bakelite is removed from Unit-00."

"Yes sir." Turning to exit, he starts walking out before hearing Gendo speak again. "Sir?"

"Get me a list of all NERV personnel intent on participating. Be they lowly or high on the Command chain."

"I've already got a prelim workup done, sir. It's behind the flyer there, sir."

"Very good, Chiron. That is all."

"Sir." With that, Chiron exits as Gendo looks over the paper Chiron had included. He's just finished closing the door when he hears Gendo's bellow.

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?"

Deciding he doesn't even want to know, Chiron just walks on. Intent on carrying out Gendo's orders.

Inside his office, Gendo's shaking in shock upon seeing a name he's all too familiar with. Picking up the phone, he quickly punches in a number. When the other end picks up, he doesn't wait.

"Get to my office, now. We have an urgent matter to discuss." Before the one he called can even ask, Gendo slams the phone down. It takes three minutes for his receptionist to beep in again. Once again, before she can announce, he says, "Send my visitor in. Now."

"Yes sir." With that, the door opens, admitting Gendo's visitor.

"You called, Commander?"

"Indeed." Holding up the paper, he asks, "Would you mind explaining this, Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki?"

"Explaining what, Commander?" Fuyutsuki's tone is innocent. Only Gendo will have none of it.

"Why you signed up for the sports expo!"

"Oh that."

"I can't see how you can be that casual about it. I'm having a hard enough time swallowing it as it is."

"I wasn't always a scholar, Gendo. I had a wild streak like you wouldn't believe in my younger days." Shrugging, he adds, "Of course, you had to be there."

"But that was before I was even born! Are you even fit enough for that?"

"I may have gotten old, Gendo, but I don't think I'm that bad off." Smirking, he adds, "I dare you to try it, Gendo. Who knows? You might just like it."

"I don't think so." Shaking his head, he mutters, "I should never have agreed to this 'circus' as it's bound to become."

"It may become a 'circus', but at least it'll be fun."

"Maybe to you."

"You don't know what you're missing."

"I think I have a general idea." Scowling, he adds, "No force on this Earth will compel me to take part in it."

"What if I told you about UN Secretary General Leeds being in attendance? Along with her views on people in command not taking part in events like these."

"She's coming here? To Tokyo-3?" At Fuyutsuki's nod, Gendo changes his scowl to a frown before sighing. "You'd use any means to get me to join in, wouldn't you?"

"Damn right I would."

"Dirty pool, old man. I like it. You're getting to be like me the more you're around me."

"What a horrifying thought." Fuyutsuki then smirks as Gendo signs up. Only to frown when Gendo doesn't sign the same way he does. "Gendo?"

"I'll just stick with the normal version, thank you very much. Even though I've never done it before."

"Very well then, Gendo." Before Fuyutsuki turns to leave, he hears Gendo muttering. "What was that, Commander? I didn't get that."

"I was wondering if you still have 'it' after all these years."

"But of course. I've gotten very attached to 'Tzu'. Any time I'd leave Tokyo-3 or university in the past, I'd check on 'him'. See how well 'he' is holding up without me. And I gotta say, 'he' is holding through like a champion."

"I see. That is all."

"Yes sir." As Fuyutsuki exits the office, he hears a muted 'thud' emanate from Gendo's office. Said 'thud' soon being joined by more like it. Prompting him to smirk. "Ms Okisona?"

"Yes, Vice-Commander?"

"You might want to see about getting the Commander some Tylenol."

"Yes sir." As the receptionist scurries to carry out the order, Fuyutsuki snickers meanly. Making his way back to his office, he snaps his fingers.

"I gotta check on the oil in 'Tzu', be sure 'he' is okay. Along with the starter. Last time, it was a little off-kilter. May need a tune-up." From there, he makes a mental list.

At the Katsuragi/Ikari apartment, Shinji's busy cooking when the doorbell rings. Before he can move, Misato does.

"I've got it, Shinji."

"Thanks, Misato. I'm just about done here." Misato smiles brightly before she gets to the door. When she opens it, her smile goes wider.

"Deidre, Rits, how're you two doing today?" Deidre smiles slightly before giving her reply.

"We're doing fine. Or, at least, I am. Ritsy's finally finished feeling the pain from the extraction and implantation today." Misato can't help but look toward the pretty young woman in concern.

"Was it that bad, Rits?"

"Yeah. I've finally gotten used to the new BCI that was put inside me. And the pain's gone. But, I swear, your Doctor Akagi has the bedside manner of a butcher! Hasn't she ever heard of this wonderful thing in medicine called 'local anesthetic'? Honestly…"

"Sorry about that. Ritsu's still doing a crash course on BCIs."

"She needs three years for the course to take effect. At least when that quack implanted, he used something to numb me up. Otherwise, I'd have known about it beforehand." Misato can't help but wince before smiling lightly.

"In any case, your future husband's cooking. Maybe seeing him will cheer you up and make you feel better."

"Not quite as good as sex with him, but it'll work." Putting on a smile for Shinji, she then goes into the kitchen and lightly embraces him from behind. "Hey, handsome."

"Hey, gorgeous." Putting the stove onto 'low' for the food to simmer, he turns back to Rits and pecks her lips. "How're you feeling?"

"I'm fine. Seeing as the pain finally subsided." Giving him a slight grin, she adds, "I might even be able to participate in the expo."

"That's good." At her nod, Shinji gently wraps his arms around her.

"Yeah." Giving him a kiss on the underside of his chin, she murmurs, "Sorry about what I said, but even though the extraction and implantation was two days ago, it just hurt like Hell."

"It's okay. You were in agony and I wasn't doing enough to give you comfort."

"You did what you could, sweetie. That's all a girl can ask of the boy she loves."

Gently holding her in his arms, Shinji starts to lightly sway. Getting a soft giggle from her.

"Brings back memories, doesn't it?"

"Oh yeah. Particularly the first time we danced. We were so badly uncoordinated, we stepped on each others' feet. Repeatedly." At his light chuckles, she lightly titters before adding, "Until you decided to simply sway with me in your arms."

"It was the best I could think of."

"It was good enough for me." Giving him a soft peck, she adds, "Sorry for calling you an idiot, saying you don't know what it's like for a woman."

"It's okay, Rits. You're right. I don't know. I was just…"

"Shh."

All Shinji's further attempts to talk are stifled by Rits' lips over his. Only for Shinji to start deepening the kiss into a passionate Frencher.

In the background, as Misato and Deidre watch the two swaying and kissing, Misato sighs softly. Deidre catching it.

"Something wrong, Misato?"

"Just a little sad Ritsu couldn't have been any gentler with Rits two days ago. That's all."

"She did her best. Though I do agree with Ritsy about her bedside manner." Watching as Shinji gently takes his girlfriend to the table, Deidre can only sigh. "He's been good for her. Much like she brought joy into his life."

"Yeah." Smiling lightly, she then asks, "Did the 'Doctor' being sued respond to the lawsuit yet?"

"Yes. As did his Lawyer."

"What'd they have to say?"

"They're wanting to settle. 20,000,000 yen."

"Cheapskate. Anything else?"

"Yeah. He understands that he'd put the wrong kind of BCI into Ritsy when confronted by Mr Lambert." Scoffing, she adds, "He even had the audacity to claim I'd authorized it even though I didn't sign the paperwork for it."

"Just how did that happen, anyway?"

"I don't know. But Mr Lambert is still looking into it. He's got a theory, though."

"What kind of theory?" That gets a shrug from Deidre before the woman verbally replies.

"Dunno. He didn't say. If anything, I guess he's wanting to wait until it's confirmed before he says anything."

"Well, seeing as there's nothing else to do, let's eat!"

"Sounds good to me, Misato." As three of the gathered four sit, Deidre smirks at Rits and asks, "Are you going to let your future husband do all the work, Ritsy?"

"He doesn't mind, Mom. Besides, he wants me to be nice and relaxed for the expo tomorrow."

"Oh yeah. That's right." Frowning, Deidre then asks, "Are you sure about what Shinji has in mind, though? It seems highly risky."

"Well, I may be a virgin when it comes to what Shinji has in mind, but at least he'll do what he can to keep me safe. How about you and Misato, Mom?"

"Truth be told, I'm a little nervous. I've never done that kind of thing before either. So I'm a virgin like you."

"Two virgins about to lose their cherries. What are the odds?"

Misato's question gets a giggle out of both of them. Misato joining in while Shinji shakes his head at how Misato's mind works. Only for the headshake to stop when Berto pipes in.

"I just hope Jo doesn't bring up your other name within hearing range of anyone, hermano. You'd never get any peace if she does."

The very thought of his 'other name' being learned is enough to send chills running up and down Shinji's spine. This, of course, gets Rits' attention. Causing her to get up and go to Shinji's aid.

"You okay, baby?" Checking him over by placing a hand against his forehead, she murmurs, "No fever. You worried about tomorrow?"

"Yeah, somewhat."

"Fine time to mention it! Well, I'm not letting you chicken out of…" Her eyes closing in bliss as Shinji kisses her, Rits drapes her arms around Shinji. A smile on her face as Shinji ends the kiss. "Now that was a confidence booster."

"Yeah. As for tomorrow, it's not what you think, Rits. I have another name when it comes to this kind of thing." Both teens unaware of it, Deidre's eyes bulge out in shock. Misato, however, isn't.

'He's known as Max Steel Jr. when it comes to these things? That ain't good!'

'He better not have been Max Steel Jr. during the expos in the past!'

"Well, whatever it is, we'll deal with it together."

"Yeah. Together."

With that, Shinji serves the dinner. All too aware of the glares being directed toward him from Deidre and Misato. With Rits being blissfully unaware of the glares.

The next morning, Tokyo-3 is abuzz with activity as the sports expo kicks off. Starting with a joint announcement by Gendo Ikari and UN Secretary General Rachel Leeds.

"Hello, Tokyo-3. I am UN Secretary General Rachel Leeds and I welcome you to the first ever Sports Expo for Morale!" As the crowd cheers, the statuesque blond smiles before resuming her speech, her crisp British accent unwavering.

"Ever since Second Impact occurred, humanity has taken a tremendous hit. Overall morale is at an all-time low. Today, we intend to change that trend in the face of adversity. Yeah, sure, aliens designated as 'Angels' are attacking. But that doesn't mean we should act like we're all going to die!"

At that, the crowd laughs uneasily. Only for the laughter to die down before the woman goes on.

"I know my joke was bad, but I didn't think it'd be that bad. I really need to work on my delivery. While I do that, I'll turn this over to NERV Commander Gendo Ikari."

"Thank you, Madam Secretary General Leeds. She is right in one aspect. We should not go through life like we're going to die at the hands of our extraterrestrial enemies. This is our defiance to our foes, the Evangelions being an additional defiance. Telling them we will not let them break us or kill us. So, on that note, let's raise our morale!"

At that, the crowd cheers and the expo is under way. While the hustle and bustle of people goes in search of activities, Gendo notices Shinji standing with the people that mean the most to him. Before he can even think, Secretary General Leeds gets his attention.

"Yes, Madam Secretary General?"

"That was a rumbling speech, Commander Ikari."

"Thank you, ma'am." Turning to look back at Shinji, he then says, "I don't think you've met the Third Child yet, have you."

"Actually, I have." Before Gendo can even ask, the woman steps away from him and heads toward the gathered group. Another man joining her. "Oh, Jake. Isn't this exciting?"

"Very exciting, Rachel." Jake smiles as they near Shinji's group, saying, "There he is! 'Suicide'! How've you been?"

At that, Misato, Rits and Deidre's eyes go wide. Along with the laughter from Josh, Kat and Berto, Jake turns to Rachel and sees she's trying to keep from laughing.

"Um, I think I'll go get some drinks. Yeah. Be right back." Jake then bolts away before anyone can even ask. Rachel then screeches with laughter.

"Oh, Jake!" As she laughs, she notices Shinji smiling bashfully. "How've you been doing, Shinji?"

"I've been okay, Ms Leeds."

"No, Shinji. No. It's just Rachel today."

"Okay, Rachel."

"So, have you gotten yourself a girlfriend yet?" At his shy nod, she smiles and asks, "Where is the lucky girl?" Shinji quietly clasps Ritsuko around her waist, with Rachel smiling widely at him. "Splendid."

Getting her senses back, Rits turns to Shinji. Her mouth opening to ask him what the man was talking about when another voice is heard.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't 'Suicide'. How've you been doing, you nut?"

"Hi, Jo. I'm doing fine. Though I could've done without my nickname being known to my girlfriend, her Mother and my guardian here."

"Sorry, 'Suicide', but you know I can't resist the chance to see you squirm." The young brunette Caucasian woman grins as she cuffs Shinji around his neck. "You should've seen 'Suicide' on his first jump!"

"Um, Jo, is it?"

"That's right. Jo Branson. I run 'Skydiving Enterprises' in San Jose, California. I'm also the jump-mistress for the expo today."

"Ah. I'm Ritsuko Takamiya. Shinji's girlfriend. My Mother, Deidre. Shinji's guardian, Misato. Along with his surrogate family." Before Rits can go on, Jo chortles lightly.

"Them I know already. Hey, Madam Secretary General, Josh, Kat and Berto. How've you all been?"

"We've been fine, Jo." Josh smiles widely at his old friend before asking, "About ready?"

"Just about." Jo brings up a clipboard, frowning as she goes on. "I'm waiting for someone named 'Kamikaze Kawasaki' to show up, along with a couple others. But I can spare a little time for questions."

"Perfect. I've a question, Jo."

"Go ahead, Ritsuko."

"Why is 'Suicide' my boyfriend's name? That one guy said it before you even walked up."

"The reason he's called 'Suicide' is because of his first skydive." Jo can't help but break into chuckles.

"What happened?"

"We were cruising at 20,000 feet and Shinji was the first to jump. When he got to the start of the ramp, he undid his parachute straps. I thought he'd changed his mind when he suddenly chucked it out of the plane. I was about to tear into him for that when he jumped out after it!"

"WHAT?"

At that, their eyes go wide. Rachel, Josh, Kat and Berto howling madly in laughter. Shinji's blushing furiously. Jo then nods and laughs loudly.

"That's right! He jumped out after it. I was so incensed at him and frightened by what Josh would do to me if Shinji had died. So I started strapping on a chute. Intent on grabbing him. But, much to my surprise, by the time I'd jumped, he was already strapping the chute back on. When I reached him, he smirked before pulling his chute. I followed suit and when we landed, I tore right into him. Asking him if he was trying to commit suicide."

"How'd he reply?" Deidre's question is a very good one. As Misato and Rits would like to know as well.

"He replied like this. 'Uh, no. Not that I know of.' From there, I called him 'Suicide' and still do. Isn't that right, 'Suicide'?"

"Yeah." Smiling sheepishly, Shinji says, "Sorry. But that's my other identity."

"Okay." Clutching the front of his shirt in her right hand, Rits adds, "But if you try that chute chucking while we're linked, I will give you a reason to not do it again. Is that clear?"

"Clear, Rits. But you needn't worry about that."

"Why's that, 'Suicide' Shinji?"

"I'm tandem jumping with 'precious cargo'. I'm not that crazy to risk you, Rits."

Her face slightly red, she gives him a smile and moves to kiss him. Only to stop when a retired 1970's model Kawasaki Police Special motorcycle pulls up beside them. A rider wearing black leathers and a black helmet with dark visor astride it. Jo notices it and kinks her head.

"I'm guessing you're 'Kamikaze Kawasaki'. Correct?" A twin rev is heard as the figure twists the throttle. "You came very close to missing the plane." The figure slumps down, as if in shame, before Jo lightens up. "But, at least you made it, 'Kamikaze'. Looking forward to this?" At that, the figure repeatedly twists the throttle in excitement. Getting a laugh out of Jo.

"Okay, okay. Save it for the jump." Getting a nod from the figure, Jo looks back at her notes before a name catches her eyes. "Ikari, Gendo. Hey 'Suicide', is this Gendo related to you by any chance?"

"Yeah. My 'Father'. Such as he is."

"Well, then, where the Hell is he?"

"I'm right here."

At the voice behind her, Jo jumps and sees a man vaguely resembling Shinji. Only slightly older and with facial hair. Standing with him is Rei Ayanami.

"I had to wait for the First Child to arrive." Much to Gendo's surprise, Rei had seen the fliers as well and signed up. Without instructions from him to do so.

"Alright." Suddenly frowning, Jo then asks, "You're not going to do something crazy, are you?"

"I'm not aware of any such intent."

"How about you, Miss…"

"I am Rei Ayanami. First Child of NERV."

"Okay. Either of you know how to 'chute?"

"No, but we're willing to take a quick crash course." At Gendo's words, Jo gets irritated.

"Don't say that, dumbass! It's bad luck!"

"Say what?"

"That 'word'. If there's a word you should never say around a skydiver, it's that 'word'. Clear?"

"Yes."

However, Gendo is quite unsure about what Jo meant by her tirade. With that, the jump-mistress guides them to a surplus C-130 Hercules. Giving them a quick rundown on the parachutes in the process. As the group goes up into the plane, Gendo hears 'Kamikaze's motor revving. Excitedly.

"Am I going to need a medic for you?" A single rev is his reply. "Let me see if I got this straight. One rev is no." Two revs come up, getting an eye-roll from Gendo. "Two for yes and multiple revs for how excited you are." As the engine revs excitedly, Gendo can only shake his head. 'I'm getting too old for this shit.'

"Are you well, Commander Ikari?"

"I am, Rei. I'm just finding this all too surreal, is all."

"Understood."