Shinji Steel 27
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(One week later)
"Oh wow! A Mig-55D transport helicopter! I never thought I'd be flying in one of these beauties! Shinji, you're one of the best friends a guy like me could ever hope for!" As Kensuke records the area around him, Touji looks over at Shinji. Rits snuggled into Shinji's side.
"So why ask me along, Shin-man?" Instead of Shinji that answers, it's Rits.
"Just thought you guys would like to get out of town for a bit, is all, Touji." Looking toward the front, Rits then asks, "How far out are we now, Misato?"
"We're about two miles out, Rits. Be advised, however, that the deck of the boat we're going to can get windy. So, Rits, I hope you're wearing something substantial underneath your skirt."
"No need to worry about me, Misato. I've got a pair of bike shorts on. I'm just sad that Hikari couldn't come though. This excursion would've been good for her." At that, Touji gives her a light smirk.
"Something about Class Rep you gotta know, Ritsuko. Horaki's too much of a busybody. She doesn't take time for herself at all."
"That sucks. When we get done here, I'm taking her for a 'girl's day out' so she can let loose and be a girl for a change."
"Sounds good, Ritsuko." Smiling slightly, Touji asks, "Why don't you ask your Mom if she'd like to go along with you?"
"I might. Mom's been busy of late, though. So we'll have to wait and see." Before Touji can even ask, Misato pops her head into the back of the helo.
"Our destination's below us just now, you four." Shinji gives her a nod before replying.
"Okay, Misato." Shinji looks out the window, as does Rits beside him. Plus Kensuke with his camcorder. Kensuke can't help but blubber excitedly.
"Oh wow! Five frigates, two destroyers, an aircraft carrier and a super-tanker! Cool, cool, cool!" Shinji's eyes rove over the carrier, causing him to grimace. Unsure what the grimace means, Rits takes a guess.
"The carrier looks like it's ready to sink." Kensuke can only roll his eyes before retorting.
"It was made before Second Impact, Takamiya! The carrier 'Over the Rainbow'! It has a distinguished history and is of quality work!"
On the upper level of the carrier, Asuka Langley Sohryu watches as the helicopter lands. Her yellow sundress and red hair flapping in the rotor blades' wash before she makes her way to the deck.
'Now, "Third Child", you will be mine!'
When she gets to the deck, she sees Misato exiting the helo. Followed by a tall young man in a black tracksuit.
'Jock. Ugh. As if I hadn't seen enough of those apes.' Up next, a slightly shorter young man wearing a loud shirt in a floral pattern and with a camcorder.
'He just screams otaku. Loudly dressed at that.' She then sees a young man wearing a white shirt and black slacks helping a girl wearing a blue dress down from the helo. Getting a tenderly passionate kiss from her for his help.
'That eliminates him as it looks like he's with that girl.' Sighing, she mentally adds, 'So the "Third Child" is either the jock or the otaku. Just my luck.'
As she walks toward the party, she begins wishing she hadn't gone sans panties under her sundress. Along with deciding that if the otaku takes any video of her, he and the jock would both pay. The boyfriend too, if need be.
"Hello, Misato. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"Hi, Asuka. You've certainly grown since the last time I saw you."
"Yeah. And I've filled out my curves too!" Misato gives the girl a smile before introducing her.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet the designated Pilot of Unit-02. 'The Second Child'. Asuka Langley Sohryu." At the same time, Berto's voice comes up into Shinji's ear.
"Wind's picking up, Shinji. So unless you want a slap from Ritsuko, turn around." Silently, Shinji turns around. Confusing Rits until she sees why Shinji's turned around.
The wind picks up and blows Asuka's skirt right up. Revealing her lack of underwear.
"AHH! Filthy perverts!"
SLAP "OWW!"
SLAP "OWW!"
She then starts toward the boy that had turned around. Not caring that he had turned around before the unveiling of her crotch. Before she could grab his shoulder to mete out 'justice', however, the girlfriend stops her.
"Just what do you think you're doing, bitch?"
"I'm teaching your pervert boyfriend a lesson, geisha."
"Shinji didn't look as he turned around. Reason he turned around is because he's too honorable to look at a whore's crotch. Especially when the whore doesn't plan ahead for what can happen on an aircraft carrier's deck."
"You dare call me a whore? I'm the Great Asuka Langley Sohryu."
"I don't care what you consider yourself to be. Your lack of planning appropriately caused your reaction. Kensuke and Touji there may have looked, sure, and maybe they had it coming. Shinji, however, desires to only see the crotch of one woman and one woman alone."
"That woman being?"
"This geisha, you red-headed twit." Asuka can't help but drop her jaw in shock before recovering it.
"Fine then. I won't attack Shinji since you vouched for him." At that point, an incensed Touji turns around and barks at Asuka.
"Just what was that all about?"
"That was the viewing fee." A smug Asuka turns around to face Touji. Not noticing the girl that had accosted her turning around. Having a hunch about where this is going. "Quite the bargain, nicht?"
"A little overpriced. But that's all right. Here's your change!" With that, Touji brings down his tracksuit pants and boxers, causing Asuka to shriek in revulsion.
"GAAAAK!"
SLAP
As Touji nurses another slap-mark, Asuka looks toward Misato and walks up to her.
"So, Misato, which one of these two is the famous 'Third Child' I've heard so much about?" Looking back at Touji, she grimaces and adds, "Ach, nein. Not him."
"No, Asuka. The boy facing away from you is him."
"Him? But, he's got a girlfriend!"
"No shit, Sherlock." The girl that had accosted her giggles out before turning the both of them around. "Asuka Langley Sohryu, my boyfriend, 'fiancé' and Pilot of Unit-01, Shinji Ikari."
Asuka gets a close look at Shinji before grimacing.
"Hmm, not much to look at."
"Is that so? Oh, my. I had absolutely no idea that appearances were so intrinsic when it comes to piloting an EVA. Rits, did you?" The girl, now identified as 'Rits', can only give Shinji a giggle for his sarcastic remark.
"No idea at all, Shinji. If you like, I can give you a makeover of sorts. See if it'll make you look better. Though you're just fine the way you are."
"Thanks, honey." Rits can't help but giggle as she gives Shinji a passionate kiss. A steamed Asuka going beet red in irritation over the display.
"Of course appearances are important! We're EVA Pilots tasked to save the world! If you're going to be famous, you gotta look good for the public!"
"I'm not really interested in being famous. I just want to see the end of this war and settle down into a nice quiet life with Rits by my side as my wife." Smiling softly at Rits, he murmurs, "With her glowing in maternal warmth as our children get ready to come into the world."
"Oh, Shinji." Rits gives Shinji a soft smile before reaching for his face. Only to be stopped by Asuka's gasp. "What now, Sohryu?"
"Did you just say the 'Third' is your fiancé?" With that, Rits growls angrily. Asuka backs off, asking, "What's with your growling?" Instead of Rits that answers, it's Misato.
"That she did, Asuka. As to why she's growling, she doesn't like when people use Shinji's designation. To her, he's Shinji Ikari. No more, no less."
"But he's an EVA Pilot. He's supposed to be thrilled about being one. I know I am."
"Shinji doesn't do it to be thrilled." Rits' voice is filled with steel, yet velvet soft, as she goes on. "He only does it because of the code he lives by."
"That code being?"
"Never walk away from those in need. Especially if they don't know they need you."
"Now that's just stupid."
"Perhaps to you, Sohryu, but to Shinji it's what keeps him down to Earth."
"Are you going to do his talking for him or can he speak for himself?"
"I only speak when it's necessary." Smiling softly, Shinji adds, "Besides, Rits' voice is nicer to hear anyway." Rits can't help but blush rosily while smiling demurely.
"Charmer." Leaning up to his ear, she murmurs, "Keep it up and I just might drag you into one of the ship's cabins for a little 'us time' at sea." Upon feeling Shinji's lips nibbling at her earlobe, Rits can't help but giggle until she sees the grimace on Asuka's face.
"What now?"
"If you two are engaged, where are your rings at?"
"I don't want a ring just yet. We're in pre-engagement planning right now. But, when we turn eighteen, I expect Shinji to put a rock on my finger. Then we'll be engaged for real."
"So it's a simulation for you two then?"
"Yep. So far, it's going well." Without any further words, Rits hauls Shinji away, adding, "The sea air's making me horny, Shinji. We need to do a quickie fuck. Now."
"Okay." At that, the two walk away, steaming Asuka to no end before she turns toward Misato.
"Just who is she, Misato?"
"Her name's Ritsuko Takamiya. She and Shinji have been together for a little over a year now."
"My competition has a name. Exquisite." Misato can't help but groan at Asuka's tone.
"Asuka, whatever you're thinking, don't. It's a bad idea to get between those two. Let alone think about it." Asuka, however, doesn't hear her. Instead, she just walks off. Misato can only roll her eyes and mutter, "This isn't going to be pretty."
Twenty minutes later, a rumpled Shinji and Rits are with Misato, listening to the Admiral rant and rave. Touji and Asuka standing with Misato. Yet, they take it in stride while Misato sighs haplessly as he rants on.
"Not to mention, they were caught copulating by the Master-at-Arms in the Ready Room! They were so intent on disrupting activities here, some of the sailors were cheering the boy on! Even worse, they were even egging the girl on! Captain Katsuragi, I suggest you discipline the both of them this instant!"
"Yes, Admiral." Sighing again, Misato says, "Shinji, Ritsuko, if you two can keep your hormones in check for the duration of the journey, you won't be reprimanded."
"That's not what I mean, Captain Katsuragi!" The Admiral seethes before adding, "This is the way to discipline them!" Looking toward Shinji and Ritsuko, he snarls out, "If you two are caught in such a position again for the duration of this voyage on this ship, you both will be made to walk the plank!"
"Um, Admiral Teach, we have no plank for them to walk." The voice of the Executive Officer snaps him out of it.
"Oh, right. Okay then, the brig for you two. In separate cells!" Turning to the XO, he then asks, "We've got a brig, right, XO?"
"Yes, Admiral, we do have a brig."
"Good." Turning back to the teen couple, he asks, "Do you understand me?"
"Yes sir." Their tandem reply gets a nod of acceptance from the Admiral before he turns back to Misato.
"That, Captain Katsuragi, is how to discipline violators of such nature." Sighing in a long-suffering way, he adds, "Now, as to why you're here…"
"Yes, sir. I have the documentation for Unit-02 for you to sign. Along with a plug for emergencies should anything occur."
"Such nonsense. You wasted a trip for nothing as I have no intention of activating that toy while at sea. The 'Third Branch' in Germany entrusted us with it and we will be off-loading in New Yokosuka as planned."
"Very well, sir. But please keep in mind that in an emergency, NERV's authority overrides yours."
"Now that I wouldn't mind." The new voice gets Misato's attention, along with the Admiral's, while Asuka smiles happily. "You haven't changed a bit, Katsuragi."
"Mr Kaji, I will thank you to not invite yourself onto my bridge! Now remove yourself from here at once!" Upon seeing Kensuke going around the aircraft deck down below, he adds, "Corral that little pest before he winds up in the brig! Or going overboard!"
"I'll get 'Suke." Touji's voice gets the Admiral's attention before he goes on. "He doesn't get out of Tokyo-3 much. So he's naturally very excited about seeing this fleet."
"I need to know nothing more about him. Just get him under control or else!"
"I'm gone." Touji then splits. Intent on gathering Kensuke. Just in time to miss seeing Misato's explosion.
"Just what are you doing here?"
"I'm aboard escorting Asuka and Unit-02." Looking her up and down, Kaji grins and adds, "The years have been good to you."
"And you're still the same scruffy vagabond as ever! Haven't you ever heard of this wonderful invention called an electric razor?" Noticing his tie's undone, as his usual norm, Misato snarls before tightening it up. Right to his Adam's Apple. "When are you going to get your damn tie right?"
"I like being casual."
"I know that, but you sometimes took it too far! Ugh!" Scowling at him, she adds, "You're still taking it too far, too! Dammit! When are you going to grow up?"
"I'll tell you later. For now, though, let's talk in the galley. I'd like to get to know Shinji and his girlfriend in depth."
"Sure." Rits gives Kaji a slight wink before adding, "Not too in depth, though. There are some things better off unknown."
Three minutes later, they're all in the galley together when Kaji opens the first round.
"So, Shinji, I understand you're living with Katsuragi now."
"Yep. That I am."
"Is she still so… wild in bed?"
BWUAK
"Just what the Hell's that supposed to mean?" Everyone's eyes, except for Shinji's, are wide open in shock.
"I really wouldn't know." Shinji's tone is calm, yet irritated at the same time. "I haven't seen how Misato sleeps. Besides, I've a fiancé. We're going to get married when we turn twenty."
"Well, now, congratulations to you both." Kaji gives the couple a smile before looking back to Misato and sighing, "No, I guess she hasn't changed a bit."
"If you say so. But how do you know about me?"
"Why you're quite famous in the Defense Circles. The Pilot that defeated the 'Third Angel' efficiently and brutally with no prior training. A natural, you are."
"I was just lucky, is all. I had no idea what I was in for at all."
"Luck is only part of it. You're destined for greatness."
"Yeah, well, someone else can have the greatness. I'd rather live a nice quiet life than be hounded by reporters and what-not."
"I can understand that." Looking over toward Rits, he grins gently before asking, "Am I to understand you're the thief of the young hero's heart?"
"You are, indeed, Mr Kaji. I'm Ritsuko Takamiya. Shinji has no desire to be a hero, though. He only desires to help those in need. Even if they don't know they need help."
"Ah, humility. A fine trait for a hero to have." Next thing everyone knows, Asuka raises her hand. Causing Rits to arch an eyebrow before responding.
"Yes, Sohryu?"
"How'd you two meet, anyway?"
"We met on the beach in Okinawa last year. We were both on break from our respective schools." Rits smiles tenderly at Shinji before going on. "After about three months, we became serious. At that time, our schools were both doing a class trip to Okinawa. Just around the time when…" Her voice trailing off, Rits' eyes start shimmering with unshed tears before she says, "Please excuse me."
Rising from the table, she exits the galley. Much to Asuka's glee. To the redhead's surprise, though…
"Excuse me, please." Shinji rises as well before adding, "Rits needs me." With that, he exits. Intent on ensuring his beloved's alright. Once he's exited, Asuka blinks before turning to a frowning Misato.
"What's with her?"
"I'll tell you later, Asuka. But I'll tell you this much. Rits was tampered with in the most hideous way. Without the knowledge or consent of either her Mother or herself." Asuka can't help but feel a slight amount of pity for the other girl before her mind celebrates.
'If it means what I think it means, I can take over in the heart of the "Third"! Lucky!' Suddenly 'feeling' the need for some air, she asks, "Kaji, can I talk to you outside?"
"Sure, Asuka." Giving a frowning Misato a soft smile, he rises and exits. Asuka right on his heels. Leaving a bewildered Touji blinking before turning to Misato.
"What's got Ritsuko all bent out of shape, Misato?"
"It's a feminine issue, Touji. So unless you're interested in that kind of topic for your future, I suggest you zip it. Kensuke, that goes for you too."
"Yes, ma'am." The two boys' tandem reply gets a nod from Misato before she sighs.
As she walks along the corridor of the ship, Rits can hear Shinji moving to keep pace with her. Ordinarily, she'd be happy for his concern and company. But not today as Asuka's question was irrelevant and disrespectful. Still hearing his footsteps behind her, she can't help but smile fondly.
'He's sweetly devoted. I'll give him that much.' Taking a random turn, she waits until Shinji's joined her before pouncing onto his chest. Tears dripping from her eyes. "Gotcha!" Much to his credit, Shinji holds her close to him before kissing her tears away.
"It's okay, Rits. It's okay." Shinji's comforting murmurs break down her walls before she breaks down into wails.
"It's not okay, Shinji! My Grandfather invaded me to put that BCI in! It's as bad as rape!" His hold on her only gets stronger before she goes on. "Remember when I had the allergic reaction to the peanut surprise at dinner?"
"Yeah, I do." Giving a light shudder, he murmurs, "I remember being so worried about you, I carried you to the Hospital in my arms. Pleading for you to stay with me. I didn't even know you were allergic."
"Neither did I." She gives a light giggle within her sobs before she goes on. "You called my Mother at the hotel we were staying at and told her where we were. When she got there, she signed a Medical release form for emergencies and they found out about my allergy."
"I'm listening." Walking them over to a chair, he sits down and holds her close as she straddles him, folding her legs on either side of him. "Let it all out, honey."
"After I was treated, the Doctor we're suing gave me some kind of drug to knock me out and dull the sensation of being invaded. But I didn't know what it was for until…"
"The call from your family Doctor in Kyoto-2." At her nod, Shinji gently pecks her lips and murmurs, "It'll be alright, honey." Blinking, he then asks, "Your Grandfather is the one responsible?"
"Yeah." Sniffling, she then tells him about the visit from the Lawyer handling her deceased parents' affairs. Along with the attempt at blackmail. Needless to say, he doesn't take it well.
"Next time I'm in Unit-01, I'm paying your 'Grandfather' a little visit, Rits." She can't help but giggle at the thought of her beloved's Evangelion at the office of her 'Grandfather'. "His 'Lawyers' too, if need be." The giggles soon become raucous laughter before she kisses Shinji passionately. When their kiss ends, Rits can't help but shriek out loud while laughing.
"Oh my Kami, I can just imagine that!" The two share a laugh before Rits sighs contentedly before going serious. "Don't do it, Shinji. Please, baby? As fun as that would be to see, I'd prefer letting the courts handle it."
"Okay. But if they don't, EVA-01 will be paying him a little 'visit'. Along with his 'Lawyers'."
"Deal." With that, Rits seductively kisses Shinji and feels his hands caressing her breasts. "Mmm, if we wind up getting caught having sex again, we'll be doing 'brig time' apart until we reach shore."
"Good point." Settling for kissing her, he murmurs, "I'll just hold you until you're back together, then."
"That'll be nice, Shinji." Nestling down into him further, she happily murmurs, "Very nice." Shinji only smiles warmly as his fiancée pecks him on his neck before giggling. "Thanks for coming after me, Shinji."
"You're welcome." With that, the young couple blissfully holds each other. Meanwhile, elsewhere on the ship…
As Asuka kicks her legs up from her perch on the railing, she relishes in the feeling of the sea breeze flowing through her hair. By her side, Kaji's facing away to avoid blowing cigarette smoke into her face.
"So, Asuka, what do you want to discuss?"
"Mainly the 'Third Child' and his fiancée as she claims herself to be."
"What do you think of them?"
"He's plain and boring. She can do a lot better than him. I don't even know how he managed to last this long anyway being an inferior Pilot, after all."
"He may be inferior to you, Asuka, but he did get a 70% sync ratio his first time out under battle conditions with no prior training. At all." At that, Asuka's eyes can't help but go wide in shock.
"Mein Gott!" Switching back to Japanese, she says, "He's surpassed me right out of the gate!" Hopping backward from her perch, she rushes away, calling out, "Later, Kaji!" Kaji can only do one thing. Chuckle lightly at his ward and friend's antics.
Five minutes later, Shinji's holding Rits tightly from behind as they go up the ship's escalator. Giving her tender pecks on her cheeks. Rits trying, and succeeding, to return the affection. Affectionately smiling at him, Rits gets ready to give him another kiss when…
"Hey Ikari!" They both look up at the direction of Asuka's voice in time to see the redhead scowling down at them as she goes on. "You're coming with me!"
"With an invitation like that, how can we refuse? Rits?"
"Love to."
"Nuh-uh, Ikari." Asuka's chiding grates on both of them before she adds, "Just you."
"In that case, then, I decline your invitation."
"WHAT? WHY?"
"Because Rits and I are a package deal. She doesn't go, I don't go. Make sense?"
"Fine. Perhaps it'll be better for her to see this up close and personal." Glancing at Rits, she smirks and adds, "I hope you're ready to be impressed, Takamiya." Three minutes later, the three are on a skiff heading for the tanker 'Othello'. As she looks over at the couple, she snickers inwardly, thinking, 'She'll be so badly freaked, Ikari will break up with her. Leaving me access to swoop in to be at his side.'
Up on the deck of the 'Othello', a feminine figure is watching the approaching skiff. Scorn in her eyes. Ever since the spoiled redhead had loaded their 'precious cargo', she'd called every six hours. Wanting to know how her 'precious EVA' was doing. The Captain of the ship took it in stride. The woman, however…
"I can't stand that girl. She's annoying, bratty..."
"Tehurn, get back to work!"
"Aye-aye, sir!" As the woman gets back to work, her supervisor of the loading and unloading crew rails on her.
"Just because the Skipper gave you a pass despite no sea history, Tehurn, I'm not him! You've been on this ship for a week now ever since that helo dropped you off onto us! What have you learned so far?"
"Sir, I've learned knots, crew boarding/discharging and cargo loading/unloading safety protocols, sir!" Smirking inwardly, she mentally adds, 'And then some, you loathsome peon.'
"Not enough! If you expect to make the cut, you're to learn every single aspect when it comes to tanker work! You never know when an emergency situation will pop up that will require you to act wherever you are! Do you get me?"
"Sir, I get you, sir!"
"Then make ready for that redhead and her two new friends!"
"Sir, yes, sir!" With that, Tehurn makes her way to the gangway and lowers it. Scowling at the crew of two men manning it. "Look alive, boys! We've got a VIP, plus two, coming on board!"
"We're just waiting on you, Tehurn!" The woman rolls her eyes as the other man chuckles at the man that had spoken.
Once the gangway's been lowered, Tehurn sees the redhead come up the gangway. Followed by a young man and another young lady. From the looks on both their faces, it's evident they're not exactly there of their own free will.
'That spoiled, superficial, snotty, little airhead of a bitch! She must be wanting to show off our cargo to them!' When the redhead reaches the top of the gangway, Tehurn says, "Welcome aboard, Miss Sohryu."
"Thank you, Ms Tehurn. My guests Shinji Ikari and his fiancée Ritsuko Takamiya."
"Ah. Welcome aboard, Mr Ikari and Miss Takamiya. Congratulations to you on your upcoming nuptials." Beaming inwardly, she mentally adds, 'This I mean! They're a cute couple!'
"Thanks, though it won't be until we turn twenty so we can get started on our family." Ritsuko's smile is wide and filled with joy as she adds, "If you like, we can include you on the guest list."
"Thank you, Miss Takamiya." Tehurn's face takes on a look of pure joy before she adds, "I look forward to it." Ritsuko gives her a nod before grasping Shinji's hand to keep her steady as the 'Othello' rocks slightly in the waves. "First time on a tanker, Miss Takamiya?"
"Yeah. I'm used to being on dry land. It seems I still haven't gotten my sea legs yet."
"Oh, I know that feeling all too well. Mr Ikari, you may want to stay close to her."
"I will, Miss Tehurn. I will." With that, they walk off, Asuka leading the way while Tehurn brings the gangway back up.
"Now those two. She can take a lesson in niceness from them." Once the gangway's back up, she looks out over the horizon and softly murmurs, "Where are you at now, old friend?"
Meanwhile, Asuka is showing her 'guests' to where the cargo is stowed. When they get there, they see a tan tarp covering it. Asuka lifts it up and smirks. Expecting Ritsuko to freak out. Instead…
"That's a really interesting color." Shinji's voice has a trace of boredom within as he adds, "I didn't know it was red. Rits, what do you think?"
"I like purple better." Rits' reply has a hint of dirtiness within as she adds, "Purple and horny, that is."
'Dammit! She's stronger than I'd expected. Okay then…' Clearing her throat, she says, "That's not all about it, Ikari and Takamiya." Nodding them in, she waits until they've gone in before going in herself. Upon seeing Ritsuko and Shinji starting to gag, she grins and says, "It's the coolant/LCL combo, Takamiya and Ikari."
"Good grief." Ritsuko reaches into her pocket and brings out her nose plugs. Putting them on, she says, "Shinji said LCL smells like blood, but mixed with coolant, it smells to me a lot like anal emissions." Shinji gives her a nod as he puts on his nose plugs.
"I'll have to go with Rits on this one. It does smell like farts." Asuka can't help but chortle at that.
"True. But there's a reason for this particular mixture. Unit-02's in stasis until we get to NERV. Well, unless something happens that requires my superior Piloting skills."
"If you're a superior Pilot, then why haven't you nailed any Angels yet?" Ritsuko's voice is smug before she adds, "Shinji's 3-0, with one being an assist."
"It's because Units-00 and -01 are the prototype and test models respectively. So it's no real surprise that they've synced with inferior Pilots. Once this Unit, however, reaches Tokyo-03, you can go back to your peaceful and quiet life. Your piece of scrap will be outdated as Unit-02 is the world's first true Evangelion!"
"Boy." Berto's voice gets a slight smirk from Shinji before he goes on. "Someone's got some screws loose."
"That's a nice speech, Sohryu. Problem is, however, the Angels are unpredictable." Shinji's words strike a chord within her as the young man goes on. "We have to match them blow for blow to survive. That means outnumbering them as much as possible or necessary. Didn't they teach you anything at that facility you were at?"
"Rubbish! If an untrained newbie like you can do it, then I can do it easily without help!"
Next thing they know, 'Othello' is rocked by a sudden shockwave. Shinji grabs Ritsuko to keep her from falling into the mixture. Giving Shinji a nod she's okay, Rits looks back up at Asuka.
"What the fuck was that?"