Shinji Steel 18

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

At the Katsuragi/Ikari apartment, Doctor Akagi is enjoying dinner with Misato, Shinji and Josh. As she eats, Akagi looks over at Shinji and smiles widely.

"This is delightful, Pilot Ikari."

"Thank you, Doctor Akagi." Josh looks over at Shinji before Akagi and clears his throat.

"Doctor Akagi?"

"Yes, Mr McGrath?"

"Just why is it that Shinji was selected to be a Pilot for Evangelion to begin with? How, for that matter? I mean, none of us knew about what Shinji was in store for when he came back to Tokyo-3. Not even Shinji."

"His Father had the idea that if Pilot Ikari could sync with the EVA, he could get Unit-01 to activate. Even without training."

"Now that's just reckless."

"Much like you were, Mr McGrath?"

"That was back when I was a teen. I'm not so reckless anymore. At least then I had an excuse. But, your Commander, him I find unfathomable."

"I admit, Commander Ikari does have some flaws, but he's an excellent leader."

"Leader yes, Father no."

"Mr McGrath, please try to understand. Commander Ikari had important work to do. He couldn't do it and raise a child by himself."

"He had his responsibilities as a Father and shirked them. All just to do work that was 'so important' that he couldn't take time to watch over Shinji. When my parents died, my late adoptive Father was a busy man too. But he made time for me. Had he survived Second Impact and met Shinji when I took him home, he'd have had steam coming out of his ears. I bet he's rolling in his watery grave right now."

"Now I see where he gets the Commander-bashing from. It's you, Mr McGrath."

"Only partly. The remainder's all Shinji. The only thing of me that he got when it comes to bashing your 'Commander' is my disgust toward him for running away from his only child."

"I see." Giving Shinji a soft smile, she asks, "Did you mean what you asked when you'd enquired if it was a Military installation or a modeling agency?"

"But of course. Misato looks nice enough to be a model. Just as you do, Doctor Akagi."

"And what of your girlfriend?"

"No offense, Misato, but I'm afraid I'm biased by saying this much. She'd blow the both of you out of the water." Misato can only smile widely before nodding while Akagi slumps.

"It's true, Ritsu. Rits has you beat when it comes to Shinji's heart and eyes."

"I know, Misato." Suddenly snapping her fingers, Akagi adds, "By the way, Pilot Ikari, you and Ayanami have a sync test tomorrow."

"What Unit is she going to try syncing with?"

"Unit-00. The Bakelite's completely off and the plug's ready."

"Okay. Want me to tell her or is that on your 'to-do' list?"

"Good question! Matter of fact, I was wondering if you could take her new card to her tomorrow on your way to NERV." Reaching into her lab-coat's pocket, she brings out a laminated card with Ayanami's picture on it. "Be sure to tell her that her old card has to be destroyed as it's no longer valid."

"I will." Peering at the card, he notices her address and arches an eyebrow. "That's where she's living?" At Akagi's nod, Shinji sighs and remarks, "I better ask Rits if she'd like to come with me, then. She can give me an opinion on where a girl should live or not."

"Why your girlfriend?"

"I just can't help but feel Rits should see this for herself. If I told her without seeing for myself to confirm it, she'd give me a tongue-lashing before persuading Ayanami to move."

"She'd scold you?"

"Wrong kind of tongue-lashing." Josh and Misato are chortling while Akagi is stunned.

With that, a smirking Shinji gets up to take the dishes for cleaning. Josh getting up to help him. As the adoptive Father-son bonding begins, Misato can't help but smile before looking at her old college friend. Just looking at her tells Misato that Akagi is watching them intently. Josh in particular.

"Easy there, Ritsu."

"Misato?"

"Josh just rekindled his relationship with Ms Chen. You don't want to jeopardize that, do you?"

"No! No! I wasn't doing that, Misato!" Seeing Misato's unbelieving look, Akagi sighs before going on. "I'm just seeing how similar those two are. Even though they're of different nationalities and bloodlines. If it wasn't for those, they'd be truly Father and son."

"True. But like Shinji said to me last week, 'Bloodlines don't make a family. It's the heart in the family that makes a family'. At least that's the way he put it." Shrugging, she smiles and adds, "If that's the way it is, then I've no objections to being Shinji's family here in Tokyo-3. Albeit in a 'big sister' kind of way."

"Yes, you would be a 'big sister' to him even though you act like a 'mother hen' toward him."

"Well, what can I say? He brings out my maternal side. Much like he brings out Ms Ryan's. Oh yeah, Josh?"

"Yeah, Misato?"

"The attack Shinji used to tell the Third Angel it was defeated. He called it 'Ryan's Barrage'. Was Ms Ryan the one that taught him?"

"Oh yeah. Kat may not look it, but she's a well-skilled martial artist. She can take care of herself."

"What about Mr Martinez? He doesn't strike me as the physical kind. Let alone have an interest in athletics."

"That's because he really isn't and doesn't, Doc. Berto's the science whiz of us."

"I'll keep that in mind." Her eyes suddenly twinkling in mischief, she then asks, "Do you think he'd like to examine a top of the line computer system?"

"Ritsu? You're willing to give non-NERV personnel access to the MAGI?"

"I only asked if Mr Martinez would like to examine a top of the line computer system. Not that I mentioned giving him access to the MAGI in any way whatsoever, Misato."

"The MAGI is the only top of the line computer system for miles, Ritsu."

'That's what you think, Misato!' The smug thought of Shinji and Josh is echoed on their faces, prompting Misato to shake her head when she sees them. Akagi, however, can't help but be perplexed.

"Mr McGrath, what are you and Pilot Ikari smiling smugly about?"

"Oh, just that Berto created a new computer that's about to go operational. Next month, at that."

"That's around the time of the 'Jet Alone' demonstration, isn't it?"

"Huh?" Shinji and Josh both blink before turning to each other and then to Akagi. "What's 'Jet Alone', Doc?"

"Oh, it's a fancy tin-can that some company's developed to shame the EVAs and take their place." Misato cheerfully ignores Ritsu's waves for her to stop talking before she adds, "That's all I can tell you guys, really."

"Oh. Okay." Josh shrugs it off before checking his watch and sighing. "I gotta go turn in before we head back to Old Osaka. I just hope Berto and Kat are okay out there."

"I thought she can take care of the both of them."

"Something you gotta know about Kat, Doctor Akagi. Kat may know how to take care of both of them, but she has very low tolerance for stupidity. She could inadvertently wind up going too far."

(Tokyo-3 Cinema; movie's end)

As Kat and Berto exit the cinema, a giggling Kat leans against Berto. Trying to regain her breath.

"And, then, and then… HAHAHAHA!" A grinning Berto can only chuckle as he supports the laughing young woman as best he can. "I just can't believe where these screenplay writers and all get their ideas from!" With that, she howls in fresh laughter as she clutches Berto closer.

"Neither can I, Kat."

As the two walk along the sidewalk toward the 'Roadcruiser', they soon hear footsteps coming up behind them. Tilting his glasses to the side, he soon sees a reflection in the special coating in the lens.

"We've got a build-up of plaque and tartar coming up our six, Kat."

With that, Kat stops laughing hard, but still holds Berto close.

"Hey, cutie!" Those two words get the two to stop and Kat to scowl before the voice goes on. "Why don't you ditch the nerd and we can do a gang bang with me and my buds?"

"I don't think so. Even more, I'm not into shooting thugs unless they piss me off. So do the smart thing and don't piss me off."

"Not that kind of gang bang, bimbo!" The sight of Kat starting to shake in anger gets the lead thug to chortle. "Now you get the picture! Now, what say you ditch the loser so we can party?"

"The only loser here is the one that's making crude statements about my date and myself. I warn you, one more barb and I will hurt you."

"You, hurt me? Oh-hohoho! That's rich! I know hoes and you're not the kind of ho to hurt a hunk like me!" Kat lets out a sigh before releasing Berto from her grip and pecking his cheek.

"I won't be long, Berto."

"Have fun. Mind if I watch?"

"Nope. In fact, I believe you have some popcorn still."

"Yep. Want me to record so you can watch it later on?"

"Sure." With that, both turn around and see a terminally obese male wearing torn jeans and a t-shirt. One that's bursting at the seams from his body mass. "I hope you have a widescreen setting, Berto."

"I do. I'll be needing it too, won't I?"

"Most likely."

"Come on, are you going to ditch the wuss or not?"

"The only wuss here is the one that's fifteen seconds from being on the ground and bleeding heavily."

"We'll see about that!" With that, the thug charges to grab Kat's body. Only for Kat to sidestep him and kick him in his right kidney. "Stay still, you little slut!"

Next thing he knows, he feels a foot crash in between his legs. Causing his eyes to cross and him to groan. Collapsing onto the ground, he manages to wheeze out, albeit brokenly.

"I… thought… you… said… I'd… be… bleeding… heavily."

"You calling me a liar, fatso?" With that, Kat kicks him in the face, breaking his nose and upper jaw. "Fifteen seconds elapsed. Maybe less. I can never tell these days. Berto, what's my time?"

"Ten seconds, Kat. You've improved on your time."

"Why thank you." Giving him a tender kiss when she walks up to him, she murmurs, "Let's leave this waste of space behind."

"Sounds good to me, Kat." With that, the two walk off, not seeing three men in black suits walk up to the thug.

"What do we do with him?"

"Well, considering the Tokyo-3 '5-0' have been looking for this guy for multiple rape cases, I say we gift wrap him and leave him for 'em." Seeing the other two look at him strangely, he asks, "What?" Man number three looks at one before shrugging to number two.

"No one really says '5-0' around here, man. It's just 'Police' that's said."

"Ah. My bad." Shrugging, he adds, "Tell you guys what. You stick with your terms and I'll stick with mine."

"That's doable."

Once Kat and Berto reach the 'Roadcruiser', they go in and Berto gets into the driver's seat. Kat taking the passenger seat beside him. As Berto wheels the RV away, Kat sighs happily before scowling. Berto catching it.

"Something wrong, Kat?"

"Yeah. That thug's blood got onto my shoe. I guess I kicked him harder than I thought. I must be out of practice."

"You don't look it."

"Why, Mr Martinez, I do declare!" At his shy smile, Kat giggles before taking it easy on him. "Thanks for that, Berto."

"I mean it. And you're welcome." Stopping outside the apartment fifteen minutes later, Berto turns to Kat and says, "You can take the bed area. I'll just sleep up here."

"Nope. We'll just share my bed." At his face going beet red, Kat blushes as well, saying, "Mind out of the gutter. I mean fully-clothed, of course."

"Oh. Right." With that, the two head to the bedroom area of the RV. Berto allowing Kat on the bed first before joining her. Giving her a soft kiss on her cheek, he murmurs, "Night, Kat." Returning the peck, Kat lightly giggles as she snuggles Berto into her lithe body.

"Night, Berto." Upon hearing the sounds of light breathing from Berto, Kat can't help but smile softly. 'Sleeping like a baby.' Her eyes drooping closed, she lightly brushes her fingers through Berto's hair. Welcoming the dark embrace of sleep to await the next day.

The next day, at the Takamiya house, Ritsuko gets up, dresses and wanders to the kitchen upon smelling breakfast cooking. When she gets there, however, it's not Deidre that's cooking. It's Pete.

"Morning, Mr Costas." Ritsuko's surprised voice gets Pete to turn around and smile brightly at her.

"Oh, good morning, Ritsuko." Turning back to the stove, he asks, "Do you have any particular tastes for breakfast or are you okay with an American breakfast?"

"I'll take an American breakfast, if you please." Sitting down, she asks, "Where did you and Ms Chen sleep?"

"In the living room. Laura took the couch and I took the easy chair."

"Ah. I see." Curious, she then asks, "Just how exactly do you know Mr McGrath anyway?"

"Oh, we were best buds in college and Laura was his girlfriend."

"Until I acted heatedly and broke up with Josh over something he had no control over." Laura comes into the kitchen, wearing her business suit and smiling. "I hope you're ready to leave soon, Pete. I'm not sure how long Paul can hold out without us there."

"Already on it, Laura." Smirking widely, he then asks, "Are Paul and I going to hear anymore sad sighs from you when we get there?"

"I'll never tell you, Pete!" Laura can't help but burst into laughter before adding, "If I sigh sadly about anything, it's going to be because Josh isn't with me in Okinawa."

"He can still come visit you. So you have nothing to sigh sadly about."

"But it'd only be for business. Not personal."

"Personal time will come, Ms Chen." Deidre's voice gets everyone's attention as she goes on. "Sometimes it'd be in the guise of business and sometimes not. It's all a matter of perspective."

"You sound like one of us, Ms Takamiya." Laura gives Deidre a smirk before asking, "Ever done any law work?"

"Not as such. I was mainly a laborer. Particularly construction after I adopted Ritsy. It was good money, too."

"Ah." Checking the clock, Laura groans. "It's almost time for us to go. And for you to go to school, Ritsuko."

"Oh yeah. Okay. See you guys in four months." Next thing Ritsuko knows, a knock on the door is heard. "Who could that be?" Going to answer it, she opens it to a crack, peers out the crack and smiles widely. "Shinji!"

Opening the door all the way, she wraps her arms around him and gives him a massive Frencher. Just as quickly as the kiss starts, it ends. Much to their reluctance.

"Morning, Rits."

"Morning, Shin. Looking forward to school today?"

"Sorry. Can't today. I got a sync test today at NERV. As does Ayanami. Plus I gotta take her new ID card to her. Wanna come with until you get to school? It's on the way."

"Sure. I just wish I could see what you go through."

"No, you don't, Rits."

"Huh? What do you mean, Shin?"

"Any time I sync with it, I feel myself becoming one with the EVA. Anything it feels, I feel."

"Now that's nuts! Who's the nut that designed it?"

"According to Vi-Co Fuyutsuki, it was my Mother." Rits can't help but wince at her unintended insult to her boyfriend's Mother.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't know!"

"It's okay. Now, if it'd been anyone else, I'd be with you on that 100%."

"Ah, well, shall we?"

"We shall. Later, Deidre!"

"Later, you two! Have a good day!"

As the door closes, Deidre gives a light shudder. As if feeling something bad is in the horizon.

As Shinji and Rits walk along Tokyo-3, the silence is palpable and quite disconcerting to Rits. So, she starts talking.

"Why does Ayanami need that new ID card, anyway?"

"Her old one's invalid. You can't gain access with an invalid card."

"How often are they replaced?"

"No idea. I'll have to ask Misato on that. If anyone should know, she probably would."

"Yeah." Five minutes later, Rits' face takes on a dark look as she asks, "Are you sure she's living here?"

"That's what the card says."

"But, this is a slum area!" Scowling, she asks, "Who's the dimwit that assigned her this block to begin with?"

"It's a guess, but I'd say it's the same dumbass that wanted me quartered here."

"Who would… your own 'Father', Shin?"

"Know of any other dumbasses in charge of fortress cities?" Rits can't help but let out a peal of laughter at Shinji accurately describing Gendo that way.

"No, I sure don't!" Her laughter soon fades as they take in the sight. The building's foundation has cracks in it. The cracks are so big, she can't help but worry about those that are living here. "How many people are living in this dump, anyway?"

"Good question. Let's find out." With that, they go in and soon come across cobwebs stretching diagonally from one corner of the hall to the other. As Rits dodges as best she could, Shinji remarks, "I guess 'Commander Dumbass' doesn't consider an apartment building being clean a high priority."

"To say the least. What apartment is Ayanami in anyway?"

"According to the card, 402."

"Fourth floor, then. I just hope the elevator's up to code at least." When they get to the elevator, Rits presses the button, but hears no reaction. Sighing gustily, she gripes, "This building so far is a 'no-go', Shin."

"Yeah. It would appear as if we need to take the stairs."

"Let's just hope they're intact, at least, then."

At that, they go up the stairs which are, much to Rits' relief, intact. However, a drunken transient smiles crookedly and reaches out to her leg. As his hand makes contact, he chortles dirtily.

"Why don't you show a dirty old man a good time, cutie?"

Instead of replying verbally, however, Rits kicks him in the face so hard, he flies down the steps. Landing with a sickening thud at the bottom of the first landing. His voice wafts weakly back up.

"Forget I asked."

"She is so moving out of here, Shin. This is clearly no place for a lady. No matter how odd she is." With that, she goes on in front of Shinji. Allowing him a deliberate look up her skirt.

"Where do you think she should live, Rits? While I'm sure Misato wouldn't mind it, I seriously doubt we have the room." Enjoying the view of his girlfriend's backside, Shinji can't help but feel himself going erect. 'No panties!'

"I guess she can move in with me and Mom. I'll have to ask today after school, though." Smirking, she then asks, "Like the view, Shin?"

"What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't like the view up my girlfriend's skirt? Said girlfriend being sans underwear, no less."

"A lousy kind. I'm surprised you haven't even jumped me yet since you can easily see I'm not wearing panties."

"I don't want to chance bringing the building down around us and getting us killed. To me, the building looks so bad, it may collapse at your first orgasmic scream."

"Good point." Three minutes later, they're both at Ayanami's door. Neither of them breaking a sweat. "You want to knock or shall I?"

"I'll knock." Rits gives him a smile and he does so. Only to see the door come open. "Door can't stay closed for shit. I'm thinking the lock's not working either."

"Yeah." Pushing the door open, Rits calls out, "Ayanami? It's Shinji and Ritsuko! We've a delivery for you!"

Upon not hearing a reply, yet the soft sound of water running, Rits looks back at Shinji and shrugs. Stepping in, with Shinji sticking close and watching their backs, Rits goes on.

"Sorry for barging in on you like this, but your door wasn't locked!"

Upon hearing no reply still, the young couple looks around the apartment. As they do so, they can't help but grimace. Trash everywhere, the walls a drab grey with a minimal amount of light coming through the window. Rits looks over at Shinji in horror and he nods back before turning to look at her dresser. Prescription bottles, empty beakers and a glasses case on top of it.

Curious about the case, they both walk toward the dresser and see the case is broken in half. A pair of slightly-melted glasses in the remaining half.

"They look just like the Commander's, Shin."

"Yeah."

"What do you think caused them to look like that?"

"From what Doctor Akagi said, the LCL in the plug was hot. So it's likely the LCL did the damage."

"What are you doing in here?" At Ayanami's soft voice, Rits smiles.

"Hi, Shinji and I are just here to bring you your new ID card." Turning around, she continues. "Your door was unlocked and… Gaaack!" Her jaw dropping in shock, she notices Shinji turning toward her.

"What is it, Rits?"

"Shinji, whatever you do, don't turn around."

"Okay. Why shouldn't I turn around?"

"Because Ayanami is standing behind you. Naked as a jaybird." Inwardly, she mentally adds, 'Blue can be a natural hair color after all. Learn something new every day.'

"Ah." Bringing the card out, Shinji adds, "Doctor Akagi wanted me to bring you your new ID card and remind you to destroy your old one."

"I understand. Why do you not turn to face me, Ikari, when Takamiya has done so?"

"Probably because you're naked, Ayanami. And, well, in any case, the only girl Shinji's ever going to see naked is me."

"Very well, Takamiya. If my nudity disturbs you, I shall dress."

"It doesn't really disturb me. More like we don't have time for you to relish being buck naked!"

"Very well." As she dresses, she moves at a cautious pace, asking, "When was the first time Pilot Ikari saw you naked?"

"Are you going to keep calling him that title, Ayanami?"

"I can adjust if you prefer."

"I prefer that you did. Shinji's not going to be a Pilot forever. Neither are you. I mean, the war has to end sometime. Right?"

"Correct. The war will end when all the 'Angels' have been eliminated."

"How many more are to come?"

"At last count, we have thirteen Angels to destroy remaining, Shinji."

"Well, since we know how many more you and Shinji have to fight against, I believe you were wondering about when Shinji first saw me naked."

"I was. But we can discuss that another time. For now, let us go."

"Good enough for me." Smiling brightly as she looks over at Shinji, Rits sees that he's beet red.

"You're so cute beet red, Shin!"

Giggling happily, Rits pecks his cheek while turning him around to face Ayanami. "Let's get going, Ayanami. You and my boyfriend have 'sync' tests to do at NERV and I gotta get my ass to school."

"You and Shinji may call me Rei, Takamiya."

"In that case, then, you can call me Ritsuko or just Rits."

"Very well, Rits. I will do so."

With that, the group of three makes its' way down to the ground floor and see only a red stain where the pervert that Rits' kick had sent to the ground floor had landed. Along with a bullet hole.

"Guess he propositioned a woman that was armed after you kicked him, Rits."

"Maybe. Oh well. If that's what happened, he had it coming." Shinji can't help but be shocked.

"That's a little dark, Rits. Even for you." Rits can't help but blush, abashed, at his words.

"Sorry, Shin. I guess I'm still peeved about that filthy pervert grabbing my leg like that." Smiling sultrily, Rits adds, "Besides, the only one that can touch me like that is you."

"It's okay. I'll keep that in mind." Blinking, he then asks, "But where's the body at?"