Shinji Steel 21

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

As Rits blearily opens her eyes, she feels a cool sensation on her forehead dissipate. Along with its source moving off of her head. Looking to the side, she catches a faint outline of what appears to be Deidre.

"Mom?"

"I'm here, baby." The sound of water in a bucket is heard as Deidre wrings out a cloth and puts it back onto Rits' head. "Your forehead was burning fiercely."

"That explains the bizarre dream I just had."

"Oh?" Deidre's voice has equal parts curiosity and amusement. "What happened?"

"Well, it started when some Lawyer with a weird-ass name showed up wanting to discuss my parents' estate. Feel free to laugh if I tell you they were rich, but they kept it quiet." Rits can't help but lightly giggle merrily, with Deidre chuckling slightly. Nonplussed, however, Rits goes on.

"Even more, the guy we're suing is actually my Grandfather and he's wanting custody of me. However, the dumbass Lawyer added Grandfather was willing to withdraw his petition if we dropped our lawsuit in light of you giving me a happy home-life. Isn't that a hoot?" Rits can't help but giggle again, Deidre chuckling and another laughter joins in. This one decidedly male, yet Rits puts it out of her mind before going on.

"You then had me go keep myself busy while you 'educated' the dumbass as to why it's a bad idea to blackmail people under other terms. As I was about to clean the van, the dumbass came out looking like he went toe-to-toe with Tatiana Ali and lost. You were so livid, you yelled his buddies in the firm will get what he did if they come knocking and blackmailing." Her giggles turn to chuckles while Deidre's chuckles turn to giggles and the male laughter rumbles on. Rits then goes serious with what's next.

"While I cleaned up the inside of the van, I found a black and gold gym bag under the passenger seat. Inside, I found an outfit that can be construed easily as a Halloween costume, yet I'd never seen you wear it. I placed it against me and found aside from it being a little big, it might fit on me. I then stuffed it back into the bag, shaking the idea off." No laughter this time, with Rits sighing.

"It was then I saw a newspaper clipping. It was about an industrial spy named Dragonelle having been declared dead in Second Impact. When I saw the picture, I saw your face. Isn't that messed up?"

"Yes. Messed up. Definitely messed up."

"But it doesn't end there. Hours later, I decided to try it on and see if it fits. Once I'd done so, I snuck out to watch Shinji's EVA blast the Angel with the backing of Japan's electrical grid. I perched myself up in a tree. He was masterful in destroying the Angel's drill. Even though it wasn't his target. He had to reload and the rifle recharge while the Angel got ready to blast again."

"This is getting exciting. What happened then?"

"The Angel blasted again, only Rei's EVA shielded Shinji's EVA. Her EVA then started melting under the blast's heat even while semi-protected by the shield. Shinji triggered again and the Angel was annihilated. I wanted to cheer out loud for him, but I couldn't because Shinji's adopted family was right below me. They were discussing Rei and her possibly being Shinji's sister before they left. They were discussing it after Shinji got Rei out of her EVA's entry plug."

"I'd have never seen that coming. What happened then?"

"After they left, I dropped down from the tree. I couldn't help but feel jealous, even though Rei kinda does look like Shinji. Explaining the idea she's his sister. I waved it off, adding that Shinji was just ensuring she was okay. I then heard mechanical whirring and a voice call me 'Nelle'. Saying it was good to see me in the outfit again. I'm guessing it was short for Dragonelle. I turned around and there stood the man that went to the school the night we found out about the implant."

"I see. What happened then?"

"He said I wasn't 'Nelle' before asking, 'Ritsy?'. Next thing I knew, darkness." Her eyes coming into focus now, she sees a grey sweat-suit wearing Deidre with a soft smile on her face. One tempered with concern and amusement.

"So, how'd the costume fit?"

"Well, aside from being a bit loose around my bust and hips, not too bad, actually. If I look down right now, I shouldn't even see it on me." Looking down at herself, her eyes suddenly go wide at seeing the outfit she'd described. "WUAAGH!" Bolting up from the bed, she can't help but scream, "I'M STILL DREAMING! I JUST GOTTA BE!" Deidre's arms go around her, with Rits thrashing around.

"Ritsy! Calm down, baby! You're not dreaming!"

"But I'm wearing it, Mom! I'm wearing it!" Rits wails out before a hiss of an injector is heard. Looking to the side, she sees Psycho with a seldom-seen expression. One of concern. "Psycho."

"Hiya, kid. Nice to actually finally meet ya." With that, Rits slumps unconscious into Deidre's arms, with Psycho muttering, "At least she took it well."

"I'm just glad you brought a tranquilizer injector in with you." With tears falling from her eyes, Deidre sighs out loud. "I thought I'd put my past as Dragonelle behind me. But now my precious little girl is caught up in my past."

"There are things in life we can never truly escape, 'Nelle. Our dark pasts being one of them. We can elude and hide all we like, but sooner or later, those we care for most will get caught up in them."

"Oh sure. This coming from a guy with very little background or personal life." Psycho can only sheepishly grin before Deidre sighs. "You have a good point, though. Psycho, what am I supposed to do?"

"Way I see it, we've two options. Option one; we get rid of your old outfit once and for all. Ritsy's young enough still, so she'll forget all about it. With a lot of therapy."

"And how likely is that to happen?"

"Exacto. Option two, and this is gonna sound really fucking funny to you; She becomes a hidden ally to Shinji and his allies. With our tutelage, she can become quite formidable."

"You're right." Deidre can't help but laugh, saying, "It's really fucking funny!"

"It is!" Both of them exchange mirthful laughter while Deidre lies Ritsuko back down onto her futon. As she brushes Ritsuko's hair back behind her ear, Deidre calms herself down. Unable to smile in both sadness and mirth.

"Option two, then. But what'll we call her in that guise? Dragonelle?"

"Nope." The smile on Psycho's face is both amusing and disconcerting to Deidre before he goes on. "Dragonette."

"A derivative of Dragonelle, huh?" At his nod, Deidre can't help but roll her eyes, a smile on her face. "You so need a hobby." Before Psycho can even tell her, she adds, "And I don't mean watching classic comedies like 'Get Smart', either."

"What do you think I should do for a hobby?"

"There's always cooking."

"Me in a kitchen? Are you high? Do you remember the last time I was in a kitchen?"

"Good point."

Shuddering at the thought of him destroying Dread's kitchen when he was ordered by the man to make him a snack before his encounter with Josh McGrath, Deidre then giggles.

"Okay. Cooking's out. Why don't you ask Shinji? He might have an idea or two."

"Maybe later. I'm not too keen on bantering while fighting him."

"Who says you have to fight him? You can always meet with him on neutral territory."

"What if there is no neutral territory?"

"Then you'll have to establish it."

"Wow. Who'd have thought that Motherhood would bring out a mature side of you?"

"I'll show you mature!" Deidre can't help but launch herself at Psycho, locking her lips to his. As a stunned Psycho succumbs to the kiss, Deidre smiles in triumph. Quickly ending the kiss, she murmurs, "You'll never know how much I've been wanting to do that."

"Likewise." As Deidre giggles, Psycho asks, "What's happening between us, 'Nelle?"

"I dunno." Her tone is innocent, yet the smirk on her face is smoldering. "Wanna find out?"

The only reply she gets is Psycho's lips against hers. Relishing in the kiss, she nudges Psycho out of Rits' room and closes the door. Leading him into her own room, she closes and locks the door. Lunging at herself at Psycho, she hurls them both onto her futon, Psycho underneath her. Plastering him with endless kisses, she grins.

"I've missed you so much, Psycho."

"I missed you too. All those years, alone and underwater, all I could think about was if you were truly dead or just in hiding."

Deidre only kisses him sultrily, placing his human hand onto her right breast. As he gives it a gentle squeeze, Deidre gives him a giggle.

"How does my tit feel, Psycho?"

"Soft and firm. You've kept yourself in excellent shape."

"I could say the same about you. Of course, walking underwater in cross-currents clearly gave your legs a workout." Bringing herself upright, she lifts off her sweat-suit's top, revealing a black sport bra. As an afterthought, she lifts off the sport bra, revealing her breasts to him.

'B-cup, huh? Nice.' Starting to lean upward, he's stopped when Deidre gently pushes back down on him. "'Nelle?"

"You can play later. For now, you will submit to me." For some reason, he can't help but feel she sounds like a dominatrix.

Reaching down to his trousers, she undoes his belt buckle before undoing his trousers. Lifting herself up slightly, she runs the trousers down Psycho's legs before bringing down her sweat-suit bottom. Revealing a pair of black thong panties. Skinning them off, she then lowers herself onto Psycho. Moaning in delight as she feels his member enter her.

"Oh, yes. Mmm." As she looks down upon his face, she sees that he's entranced by her as she starts pumping on him. "You're the first man I've ever had inside me. Be glad for your good fortune."

"But, I thought you had a thing for Dread."

"I did. But he was always too busy hatching plots. Much like I'd plot to impress him for him to notice my devotion to him. And you know how well those plots came out."

"Oh yeah." Psycho and Deidre both share a chortle before they speak in unison.

"We'd have gotten away with them too if it weren't for that pesky Team Steel!" They both share another chortle before Psycho sighs.

"I'd have had us add, 'And their dog too!' But they didn't even have a dog."

"No, they didn't. Though it would've been pretty fucking funny!" As Deidre and Psycho both laugh about it, she pumps up and down even faster on Psycho, with him gently holding her hips. Next thing she knows, she screams, "PSYCHO!" Her orgasm taking hold of her, she falls forward to kiss him. With Psycho accepting the kiss before putting her onto her back.

"I hope you don't mind, but I think it's time I had some fun." Deidre only smirks before wrapping her legs around his hips.

"I don't mind at all, Psycho. Now, fuck me hard." With her tone of voice, Psycho does as he's bid. As he pumps into her, he feels his pressure growing.

"Um, 'Nelle?"

"Yes, Psycho?" Her voice has a playful lilt to it. Laced with maternal warmth as she goes on. "Something on your mind?"

"Yeah. I'm about to let loose. Do you want me inside or outside?"

"With my legs around your hips, what do you think?"

With that, Psycho lets loose. Flooding Deidre's insides with his essence. Deidre placing her lips against his, they allow their tongues to duel one another as their passion ebbs. Ending their kiss, they look each other in the eyes. Or, rather, eyes to covered optical sensors, in their case.

"How was it, Psycho?"

"I had a good time. You?"

"Oh yes. I had a very good time." Running her fingers along his hairline, Deidre smirks. "Thank you for making my first time memorable, Psycho."

"Likewise." At her eyes shooting open, he nods and adds, "That's right. It seems being a homicidal cyborg doesn't exactly lead to a conducive or active sex life."

Deidre can't help but giggle out loud as she wraps her arms around Psycho's torso. Psycho can't help but laugh as well before kissing Deidre full on the mouth. Remembering what'd happened just now, he gently strokes Deidre's face.

"Looking after Ritsy brought out your maternal side, huh."

"Yeah. Though I'm not looking to giving birth any time soon." At his puzzled blink, she smirks and adds, "I'm on BC. But, someday, in the future, I can see myself getting knocked up if it's with you."

"Ah." Remembering what Deidre told him about Ritsuko's desire, he asks, "How goes Ritsuko's desire to get knocked up?"

"Slight snag there."

"What kind?"

From there, she tells him about the unauthorized BCI having been implanted into Ritsuko. The ensuing lawsuit and the blackmail attempt by Ritsuko's Grandfather. The very man that had implanted her to begin with. He seems to take it well.

"I will grind his bones to dust!" Or maybe not.

Deidre can only sweat-drop in amusement as Psycho rants and raves about what crimes are acceptable and not acceptable.

"Mass murder, not okay. Arson without death, okay. BCI implantation without actual approval by parent or guardian when it's a minor, fuck no!"

"Calm down, Psycho. That will be made clear at the hearing in Okinawa in about three months."

"You go, I go. I've got a bone to pick with that guy and his lawyers!"

"Psycho, no. Bad idea."

"Why's that?"

"Two of the lawyers I've retained are old friends of Josh McGrath's. If they see your arm, they'll probably recognize you and you'll likely be arrested. Hindering your intent to help Ritsy and Shinji."

"That's bad. Very bad." Looking at his mechanical arm, he mutters, "Maybe I can get by without it being on. If they don't see the arm, then maybe I won't be arrested."

"Are you sure it can even be removed? I mean, I know your arm's outer shell can come off, but what about the rest of it?"

"How did… oh right. When you saw me in that site, you only saw my arm's frame."

"Yes. Thinking of, just how did your arm's outer shell come off, anyway?"

"A little button on my wrist that I'd put on a week after Shinji got to Tokyo-3." Smiling widely, he adds, "I'd hoped he'd have seen it at some point. But never like that at the school."

"I see." At that murmur, Deidre pecks him on his lips before saying, "We better get some sleep. Ritsy's going to want a long-overdue explanation when she wakes up."

"Yeah." Tentatively, Psycho then asks, "What'll we tell her about Shinji? Or even if at all?"

"Nothing. We let her learn on her own. It's bad enough we're letting her get mixed up in this. I don't want her agonizing over whether or not she has a chance of making a life with Shinji. Be it in marriage or literally making a life."

"Yeah." Psycho then can't help but chuckle lightly, asking, "Who'd have thought those two would be the bridge between us?"

"When it comes to Shinji's family and his probes or Ritsy becoming Dragonette to aid him in secret?"

"Both." Gingerly putting his lips to hers, he murmurs, "I sure didn't."

"Me neither. But, it would make for an interesting family discussion."

"You got that right!" Psycho can't help but let out a peal of laughter while Deidre giggles in merriment before yawning. "Sorry I disturbed you bringing Ritsuko home."

"It's okay. I wasn't really asleep anyway. I just happened to be up thinking about Ritsy's suggestion after we moved here."

"Oh?"

"She suggested I be a teacher."

"Hmm, you as a teacher and me as a teacher. That'd be a step up for us."

"A big step up." Tightening her arms around him, she murmurs, "We'll discuss this at sunup. Night, Psycho."

"Night, 'Nelle." Falling to her side so he can avoid crushing her, he kisses her neck before falling asleep.

While Psycho descends into the realm of sleep, Deidre closes her eyes, expecting more nightmares to come. This night, however, the nightmares stay away.

At the Katsuragi/Ikari apartment that night, a different discussion is taking place.

"Why didn't you ask me if Rei can move in with us first? Let alone move out of that dump."

"Two reasons, Misato. One, I don't know how much room we have left. Two; Rei may or may not be my sibling. But I don't want to bring her into my world."

"You didn't have a problem with me entering your world."

"I didn't really bring you in. It's more like you stumbled onto it and Berto took a chance." Smiling softly, he adds, "A chance that ultimately paid off."

"So, why couldn't it pay off with Rei?"

"Who's been around her most of all? Who does she trust implicitly with everything she comes across?"

"Commander Ikari."

"Yeah." Running his fingers through his hair, he murmurs, "Sorry I didn't ask you, Misato."

"It's okay, Shinji." Wrapping her arms around him, she adds, "I guess we can move her into an apartment next door if Deidre can't take her in. After what you told me about that place, it'll be a palace compared to that dump."

"Spend much time in palaces, Misato?"

"Why you!" With that, Misato tickles Shinji fiercely. Causing him to laugh uproariously. Giving him a soft kiss on his forehead, she stops tickling him and holds him close to her. "I may not be Ritsuko, as she's your future wife, but I'll love you like a big sister would, Shinji."

"Right back at you, Misato. I'll love you like a little brother would." Misato can't help but smile softly at him.

"That's my cute little brother."

"Misato!" The woman can't help but giggle as she squeezes Shinji before letting him go.

"I've always wanted a little brother. And got one in you, Shinji." His shy smile gets another giggle from Misato before she adds, "Go ahead and turn in, Shinji. Your future wife will want to congratulate you when she sees you. And what better congratulation for her future husband than sex?" A beet red blushing Shinji can only smile in fond exasperation before responding.

"Good night, Misato."

"Good night, Shinji." As he heads into his room, she gets in one more tease. "You know, you still have yet to show Ritsuko your room. Why don't you bring her over after school tomorrow so she can finally be in your bed?" Although he now knows she's ruthless and he shouldn't rise to her bait, Shinji just can't help himself.

"Okay. But I gotta warn ya. Rits is a screamer."

"Silent or highly vocal?"

"The latter."

"I'll buy myself some ear plugs then." Giggling as he finally goes into his room, Misato sighs as his door slides closed. "If I was just fifteen years younger…" Turning in for the night, she looks up at her ceiling before sighing.

"Where are you at now? What are you doing with yourself? Are you even alive still?"

Surrendering herself to sleep, she smiles upon having completed her nightly ritual. One she'd done ever since graduating from college.

(Germany; NERV Third Branch)

"Asuka?"

"Yes, Kaji?"

"I just got word from Herr Anhaust."

"And?" The excitement in Asuka's voice is palpable, causing Kaji to chuckle.

"Green light." As Asuka squeals in joy, Kaji adds, "Pack your bags, kiddo. You're going to war!"

"Yes! Now the world will see my greatness and the Third Child will just be on the sidelines as he's fought enough!"

"He won't be on the sidelines, Asuka. He'll be fighting at your side."

"Bah. I don't need anyone to fight at my side. I can fight just fine by myself."

"Maybe, maybe not. But keep in mind, Asuka, that as of now, the Third Child has seen more action than you have. Three Angel kills, with the most recent one being an assist by the First."

"Yeah, yeah. I know. He's a veteran, so follow his cues. But I've also trained extensively. When do we leave?"

"Two days time. That'll give you time to get your affairs here in order, out-processed from the facility here and also…"

"If you're going to say what I think you're going to say, I'll just pass on that. Thank you very much."

"Asuka, he's your…"

"I know. But he wasn't much of one since I was selected. So what would be the point in it?" Curious, she then asks, "How're we getting there?"

"By sea. A super tanker under the name of 'Othello'. The manifest is listed as oil, but the true cargo is Unit-02. A UN Naval fleet is escorting us there and off-loading at New Yokosuka. The lead ship is the super-carrier 'Over the Rainbow'. The voyage will take two weeks."

"Two weeks?" At his nod of confirmation, Asuka shrugs and remarks, "Well, if I gotta wait two weeks to show the First and Third Children how it's really done, then I gotta wait."

"Yeah."

"Will I know anyone there already?"

"Oh yeah. Misato Katsuragi."

"Misato? Oh, it'll be so good to see her again!" Biting her lower lip gently, she asks, "Do you know anything about the Third Child? Just out of curiosity, of course."

"Just that he has a chip on his shoulder about his Father, the Commander. Has a tendency to call the man a 'dumbass' any time he feels the Commander makes a bad call." Asuka's jaw drops down in shock before she grins seductively.

"Maybe working with him won't be so bad if he has balls to do that. Especially to his own Father. I think I'll wear my yellow sundress. Without panties. I want to make sure he notices me and nobody else."

"Um, about that, Asuka…" But it's too late. For Asuka is already entertaining designs on the Third Child. 'Oh, this ain't gonna end well. I just feel it in my bones.' Shaking his head, he grins and says, "Rest up, Asuka. We've got a busy day tomorrow and the day after, we leave for Tokyo-3."

"Okay, Kaji. Night."

"Night, Asuka." Closing the door behind him, Kaji looks up to the ceiling and mutters, "God, I know what I'm doing isn't right. But I'm doing it for the right reasons. But I'm asking you to watch over Asuka. Be with her when she's in pain for she's in for some heartbreak on down the road. Amen."

Making his way to his quarters, he can't help but smile fondly at the thought of seeing Misato again.

'I'll be with you again soon, Katsuragi. I intend to put things right between us. I can only hope you'll be receptive to it.'

(Tokyo-3; Katsuragi/Ikari apartment)

Shrieking, Misato bolts up on her futon before wrapping her arms around herself.

"Just a bad dream. Just a bad dream. I'm never seeing Kaji again. No matter how many times I do it, I'm never seeing him again." Plopping herself back down, she murmurs, "Even if I miss him like Hell."

(Next morning; Takamiya house)

Getting up from her futon, Rits notices she's indeed wearing the outfit and realizes last night truly happened. Taking it off, she quickly puts on a t-shirt and shorts before exiting her room. Heading to the kitchen upon smelling a delicious scent waft through the household. When she gets there, however…