Shinji Steel 38

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

Ritsuko smiles softly as she opens her eyes. Being in Shinji's arms while she dozed proved to be so delightful, she wants to do it again. Only in his and her respective beds any time they're at their respective homes. Noticing the sun going down over the horizon, she can't help but sigh happily.

"So romantic." When Shinji doesn't say anything, she looks up at him and refrains from giggling. For he'd fallen asleep while holding the young woman he'd fallen for.

'My, how things quickly change. I come to keep him from going miserable, yet he does the same for me when I'm still broken up about my birth Mom and Dad.' Reaching up to brush his hair away from his face, she mentally adds, 'He's even cute while asleep!' Once her fingertips make contact, however, Shinji snaps his eyes open and smiles down at her.

"Hey, how're you feeling, Rits?"

"Better now, Shinji." Leaning up to kiss him, she's delighted that he's meeting her halfway. As the two kiss, Ritsuko snakes her hand down to his trousers and rubs his crotch. When their kiss ends, Ritsuko murmurs, "Now that I'm feeling better, I'm horny all of a sudden. I don't know why." She then feels Shinji's right hand encasing her left covered breast and grins.

"I'm feeling the same way, Ritsuko."

Without any further word, Ritsuko undoes his trousers and snakes her hand inside to feel his member hardening. Bringing it out, she then engulfs him in her mouth and starts bobbing up and down. Shinji, on the other hand, undoes her shirt's buttons and snakes his right hand into her shirt. Upon feeling her braless breast, he starts massaging it. Feeling the nipple harden and hearing Ritsuko moan sensually. She looks up at him before releasing him from her oral prison.

"We need to fuck. Now." Shinji gives her a nod as she runs her hands up under her skirt and brings her panties down. Lowering herself down to his member, she looks right into his eyes and says, "I love you, Shinji."

"I love you too, Ritsuko."

With that, she impales herself onto his shaft and feels Shinji's hands on her hips as she moves up and down on him. Only to be surprised when Shinji puts her onto her back while inside her still.

"You've been through so much this week. Let me lighten your load."

Ritsuko doesn't say anything. She just brings him down for a bliss-filled kiss while he pumps into her. Upon feeling her bra being moved away from her breasts, she grins against his mouth and feels him grinning as well before he starts massaging them. He then ends the kiss and mouths her left nipple. Causing her to hold his head in place while he suckles. He suckles for two minutes before moving to her right nipple. Upon both nipples being erect, Shinji stops suckling and looks her right in the eye.

"How soon do you want to get married?" Ritsuko only smiles warmly before cupping his cheek.

"Oh, Shinji, if we could get married right this minute, I'll be the happiest woman on the planet."

"Then I guess this'll do until we make it official." Ritsuko's eyes can't help but go wide at his next words. "I, Shinji Ikari, wish to become your husband. Do you accept?"

"I do." Her eyes dripping tears of joy, Ritsuko says, "I, Ritsuko Takamiya, wish to become your wife. Do you accept?"

"I do."

They both kiss just as Shinji's member sends his essence right into her womb. Triggering her orgasm. They both relish in the waves of passion that wash over them. Once the waves have ebbed away, their kiss ends and Ritsuko smiles happily at him.

"We're married in our hearts now, Shinji."

"Yes. Once we turn eighteen, we'll make it official and start work on our family."

"Mmm, I can hardly wait."

Unable to help herself, Ritsuko lunges up and kisses him again. Shinji returning the kiss with gusto as he brings them both upward. Only to start pumping in her again. Getting Ritsuko to giggle out loud.

She then murmurs, "Hmm, you keep fucking me like that and I'll get the BCI removed before we turn eighteen. Getting us started on our family sooner than expected."

"Would that really be so bad, Rits?" Ritsuko smirks dirtily at him.

"No chance in Hell, Shinji. The world needs to be repopulated after all." Wrapping his lips in hers, she moans as their tongues probe each other as they make love. When their kiss ends, she murmurs, "I can make an appointment with Dr Akagi to see about getting the BCI out. Once it's done, I'll have to wait two months before you can try knocking me up. Just say the word and it's done, my love."

"Let's see how the next couple of Angels go before the extraction. For now, let's just get used to being 'married' before we do anything else." At Ritsuko's pout, Shinji can't help but grin. "You really want to become a Mommy now, don't you?"

"I do, Shinji. Much like you want to become a Daddy and will be far better than 'Commander Dumbass' was in that regard. You'll be as good as Mr. McGrath is when it comes to our children."

All further words are halted when Shinji sends a fresh batch of baby-making serum into the womb of his 'wife'. Ritsuko arches backward as she screams in rapture.

"SHINJI!" As he holds her hips steady, Shinji sees Ritsuko panting heavily before leaning back toward him. A maternal smile on her face. As she gets her breathing under control, she asks, "So can I make the appointment for ASAP?"

"Yes." Holding her close, he murmurs, "We'll make it work, Rits. We'll make it work."

"Yes, we will, Shin. We will." With that, they exchange one more kiss. Not having noticed the sun setting during their love-making.

(Takamiya house; that night)

"I'll see you at school, Rits."

"Yeah, at school, Shin." Ritsuko gives him a large kiss before saying, "Sweet dreams, dear."

"You as well, darling." They both lightly chortle at how they sounded. Once their merriment ends, Shinji says, "Good night, 'Mrs.' Ikari." Ritsuko's smile widens at that before she gives her reply.

"Good night, 'Mr.' Ikari." With that, Ritsuko goes into the house and slows in closing the door. Giving the two precious seconds in seeing each other before the barrier conceals both. Once the door's closed, Ritsuko sighs happily before rubbing her lower belly.

"Soon, I'll have your baby in my belly, Shinji. All that I gotta do is get the BCI Dr Akagi implanted into me out and two months later we'll get started."

Ritsuko turns to her left and sees the mirror that's by the door. Turning to give herself a side profile, she pictures herself carrying Shinji's children. And liking what she's seeing. She's so heavily engrossed in her maternal fantasy, she doesn't notice Deidre coming up behind her until she feels a hand clamp down onto her shoulder. Giving Ritsuko a start before she turns around and sees a smirking Deidre.

"Fantasizing about carrying Shinji's children again, I take it."

"Yeah, Mom." Smiling radiantly, she then blushes and softly adds, "Since we're now unofficially 'wed' and all."

"Unofficially? You mean…" At Ritsuko's nod, Deidre can only chuckle in exasperation. "Oh, Ritsy. You're unofficially a beautiful 'bride' and are going to make such a beautiful bride when you and Shinji make it official." Her chuckles fade when she adds, "But that BCI Dr Akagi put into you is staying put until you turn eighteen. Isn't it?"

"I'm not so sure anymore, Mom." Ritsuko's soft voice has Deidre stunned. "Or maybe it was in the heat of passion when I decided to not wait any longer. Oh, I'm so confused, Mom!" Ritsuko's distressed tone causes Deidre to wrap her arms around her. As Ritsuko collapses into her embrace, Deidre whispers in soothing tones to her.

"Remember what I said back in Kyoto-2, Ritsy? Don't be afraid to come home with a bun in the oven." When Ritsuko looks up at her, Deidre smiles warmly before nodding. "Any way you decide, I'm with you. I may not have given birth at all, but one good Mother knows a potential good Mother when she sees one. And you'll make a wonderful Mother, Ritsy."

"Much like you're a wonderful Mother to me, Mom."

Deidre only clenches Ritsuko into her frame before both go into the kitchen. Ritsuko takes a seat while Deidre brings out two tubs of ice cream. Both mint chocolate chip flavor. Upon opening their tubs, they dig in and Ritsuko asks the biggest question that's just now floating through her mind.

"Did I just go through all that training for nothing if I'm going to get knocked up sooner than expected?"

"I wouldn't say that, Ritsy. After all, it was in heated emotions when you decided for the BCI's removal sooner than expected. So let's think about what brought that about."

"I'd guess it was during Miss Uramishi's testimony. Along with Laura's opening remarks about the other women having had their implants removed and are now expecting. It made me want to become one of you. A Mother." Snorting, Ritsuko says, "I was foolish and riding high in the feeling of possibly creating new life while being temporarily unable to do so."

"No, Ritsy. You weren't being foolish. It's the Mother within you. Your maternal clock's starting to tick even more now."

"So I should stick with the original plan then." A horrifying thought occurs to her all of a sudden. "What if Shinji dies during the war? Not like I think that, that is. I mean…"

"Shh, it's okay, Ritsy. I understand." Deidre sighs before going on. "Long ago, before I became Dragonelle, I was in love with a boy. He was Chinese like me and came from the poor side of our village. We'd met once a week for my tutoring him and 'other' activities. But we didn't go as far as full intercourse."

"What happened, Mom?"

"Two Chinese soldiers caught us one day. With his dick in my mouth."

"You mean…"

"Yep. I was giving him a blowjob and enjoying it. One of them called him a 'rapist' and shot him dead before I could even say anything. It was then when I became Dragonelle. I developed a severe dislike for anything resembling authority right on the spot."

Clenching her fist, she snarls out, "I was so incensed, I'd charged them and grabbed the weapon from the one that shot him and started beating him with it." Rubbing the back of her head, she winces lightly.

"The other soldier introduced the butt of his weapon's stock to the back of my head. Knocked me out, but not before I beat the one soldier's head to a pulp."

"What happened then?"

"I was charged with assault on a Chinese soldier and prostitution since I told them it was consensual after I regained consciousness. The soldier wound up brain damaged. The damage was so severe, the only thing he could do was stare off toward nothing. But I didn't care. I'd punished the one that killed the boy I loved dearly."

"I'm so sorry, Mom. It mustn't have been easy for you."

"It wasn't. I was about your age too when it happened." Deidre then smiles fondly as she adds, "I was looking forward to when I'd give my virginity to him, too. Along with our child."

"Don't you mean children, Mom?"

"Typically, yes, but back before Second Impact, the government controls were strict. One child per family in urban communities while those that lived in the countryside were allowed two. Even more, the women of China were expected to bear sons instead of daughters."

"But without daughters, how did China expect offspring back then? Didn't they ever think of that?"

"Who knows, Ritsy?" Giving her a warm smile, she remarks, "Now you've heard my tale. What'll Shinji think if you wish to become a Mother now?"

"He really wouldn't mind it, yet he asked if I could wait until after the next two Angel battles before we do anything else. Just to see where we stand and also give us a chance to get used to 'married' life." She then giggles and adds, "It's really quite ironic, come to think of it."

"What is, Ritsy?"

"We moved here so I could be closer to Shinji and ensure he wasn't miserable because of 'Commander Dumbass'. When I broke down in his arms today, he comforted me. What's that tell you?"

"Neither of you like to see the other in pain. When one is miserable, the other does anything to cheer the one up. Or at least give the one comfort when it's needed." Giving Ritsuko a dirty smirk, Deidre adds, "If all else fails, sex may be a band-aid of sorts, but it's a pleasurable one." Ritsuko can't help but giggle as she looks down onto her belly.

"Okay, so I'm not quite ready for the BCI to be removed yet. But at least Shinji and I can still practice making a baby until the time comes." Deidre gives Ritsuko a nod before grinning.

"Fair enough. But I expect to be the third one to know about your precious cargo, okay?"

"Okay, but who'll be the first two to know?" At Deidre's meaningful glance, Ritsuko blushes a dainty pink and says, "Oh. Me and Shinji. Silly me."

"Not silly, Ritsy." Tapping her chin thoughtfully, Deidre smirks and adds, "Well, maybe a little silly." They both have a good laugh at that before turning in for the night.

(Two weeks later)

"And class, remember to tell your parents that I'd like to confer with them about your prospects for the future. Mr. Ikari, that means your birth Father, not the surrogate one. Is that understood?"

"It is, Mr. Kobayashi, but I seriously doubt 'Commander Dipstick' would be interested."

"Why wouldn't he be interested, Mr. Ikari? He's your birth Father, after all."

"I realize that, but he certainly did not act it one bit." Kobayashi can't help but sigh in defeat.

"Very well, Mr. Ikari. You can call your surrogate Father if you prefer." Shinji nods at that as Hikari barks out their dismissal. Once the students have exited, Kobayashi snidely smirks. "Because I'll call your Father myself as I see you have a problem with him. One that has to be rectified." Picking up his phone, he presses a programmed number.

"NERV HQ, Miss Retnuh speaking. How can I direct your call?"

"Commander Ikari, please."

"Yes sir. Just a moment." Sure enough, one minute later, Gendo's voice comes through.

"What is it? I'm busy."

"Commander Ikari, this is Tatsu Kobayashi at Tokyo-3 High School. I'm calling to inform you about the parent-teacher conference."

"And this means what to me, exactly?"

"Sir, I'm talking about Shinji's future."

"I've relegated such matters to Captain Katsuragi. Do not bother me with this nonsense again. Out." With that, Gendo ends the call, getting Kobayashi to sigh.

"No wonder Shinji said the guy didn't seem interested in his future."

(Tokyo-3 Laundromat)

"Man, all this technology for washing clothes leaves much to be desired."

"Don't say that, Shigeru. I think it's neat!"

"Of course you would, Maya. After all, you're devoted to tech more than I am."

"What about your guitar? It's made with tech. As are the MAGI."

"Those are at my limit when it comes to tech." Looking over toward Akagi, he asks, "How about you, Doctor Akagi? How far are you devoted to tech?"

"I worship tech for all the possibilities it possesses." Looking down at her wrapped and washed clothing, she smirks and adds, "I understand Lt Hyuga had to pick up Misato's clothing for her."

"Poor Makoto. She's currently pursued by Mr. Kaji. He should set his sights on a more realistic girl."

"Who would that be, Maya? You?" At Maya's stunned expression and pink cheeks, Shigeru chortles as the rail-car comes up. "Yes, indeedy, I think you two are made for each other." Akagi can't help but be amused by how Shigeru's talking.

"You're a fine one to talk, Lt Aoba. I saw you with Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki's assistant last week." Akagi's voice can't help but be smug while Shigeru sputters and Maya giggles. "What was her name again? Retnuh?" With that, she boards the rail-car and sees the Vice-Commander reading his daily newspaper. "Good afternoon, sir."

"Afternoon, Dr Akagi." Right behind her, a blushing Shigeru and tittering Maya come in.

"Good afternoon, sir!"

"Afternoon, Lieutenants." Looking up from his paper, he sees Maya with an amused expression and Shigeru with a bright red blush. "Am I missing something or is it just me?"

"It seems that Shigeru here has a girlfriend of sorts." Maya can't help but giggle at the increase of Shigeru's blush. Fuyutsuki in turn chortles as well.

"Ah, you're referring to Miss Retnuh, correct Lt Ibuki?"

"I am, sir. I take it you've witnessed them as well." Much to Maya's surprise, Fuyutsuki chortles in amusement.

"Sort of." Looking right at Shigeru, he comments, "Just yesterday, I caught Miss Retnuh writing down 'Mrs. Aoba' on pieces of scrap paper." Chortling, he adds, "She'd even do the same thing at the top of the form's I'd have to sign." Shigeru's blush goes so red, Fuyutsuki can't help but decide to ease up on him. Somewhat. "She's a very beautiful young lady, Lt Aoba. I expect you to do right for her."

"Understood, sir." Sheepishly grinning, he then asks, "Are you giving your blessing, sir?"

"If I was her Father, I'd give it in a heartbeat. But since I'm not, all I can do is wish you both the best of luck." Sighing, he then remarks, "In any case, Commander Ikari has me doing the city council elections."

"That's next week, isn't it?"

"It is, Lt Aoba." Snorting, he adds, "Though there's really no point to it since the MAGI run the city since they're not corruptible."

"Sounds like you're not too happy about that, sir."

"Give me human politicians any day, Lt Ibuki. After all, a little corruption breaks up the tedium every now and then."

"Welcome to 'Tehnologistan' where people can often feel needlessly redundant." Aoba's comment gets Akagi to scowl and Maya to shake her head. Fuyutsuki, however, can't help but chuckle in amusement at the man's narcissist nature.

(Streets of Tokyo-3; ten minutes later)

As they walk along the sidewalk, Shinji, Ritsuko and Rei are subjected to non-stop complaints from Asuka. Particularly regarding Shinji's car.

"Your 'Dad' sure picked a fine time to give your car a tune-up, Shinji. It was running just fine, too."

"I agree with Pilot Sohryu, Shinji." Rei's voice gets their attention as she goes on. "What was Mr. McGrath's reason for the tune-up?"

"Just regular PMCS. You know, oil change, check the air filter, checking the suspension. All that good stuff."

"But since when does it take a full day, Shinji? I mean, most garages usually do that in an hour. Tops!"

"Maybe so, Asuka, but the garage Dad uses isn't like other garages at all. Every nut and bolt is gone over. In a nutshell, that is."

"Boy, talk about dedicated to their work." Asuka then notices Ritsuko hadn't said a thing at all. "You okay there, Takamiya?"

"Yeah, I'm okay, Asuka. Just thinking about that recording of my parents' voices." Upon feeling Shinji's hand encircling hers, Ritsuko gives him a smile. "Thanks, sweetie."

"You're welcome, honey." Next thing they know, Rei's giggling while Asuka…

"Ugh, could you two be any sicker? All the sweetness is going to give me cavities and a bad stomachache to boot."

"What do you expect, Asuka? Shinji and I are in love. It's what people in love do." Grinning archly, she adds, "Besides, we're 'married' in our hearts and souls now. This makes good practice for us."

When Asuka doesn't say anything, Shinji and Ritsuko turn around and see Asuka with her jaw dropped down to the ground. With Rei's eyes bulging out in shock. Shinji and Ritsuko look at each other before chuckling.

"I think we crashed their brains, Rits."

"Same here, Shin." Ritsuko looks over and sees a pair of pay phones three feet from them. "C'mon. Let's take this chance to call our folks and let them know about the conference."

"Right." As the two leave the 'brain-crashed' girls standing on the sidewalk, they make their way to the phones. On the way, however, Shinji notices the lights in the buildings around them going dark. "That can't be good."

"Shinji?"

"The lights in those buildings have just gone dark, Rits."

"Maybe since it's a nice sunny day today, they turned them off to let the sunlight provide the lighting."

"I guess that makes sense." Shrugging, he adds, "It's probably just me." Ritsuko smiles and gives him an understanding nod before picking up the phone. Her smile soon becomes a frown as she presses down on the plunger repeatedly. "Something wrong, Rits?"

"No dial tone at all." Passing Shinji the receiver, she asks, "Hear what I mean?"

"Yeah." Looking around, Shinji grimaces and says, "Something's not right here. Tokyo-3 has a series of emergency generators intended to power the city in case something like this happened. They should have activated by now."

(NERV HQ; Elevator 9; nine minutes ago)

"Hey! Hold the elevator!"

Kaji's voice cuts through to Misato as the unshaven man bolts to the elevator. Misato grimaces at the thought of being in the elevator with him until eying the 'door close' button. Giving him a grin as the doors begin closing, said grin fades when Kaji makes it into the elevator.

"Whew! I'm out of shape!" At that time, the elevator starts going downward.

"Chasing skirts doesn't give you enough of a workout?"

"You wound me, Katsuragi."

"Oh, you have no idea as to how much I'd like to wound you."

"You may say you want to wound me, but I can tell otherwise." Stepping close to her, he inhales of her long purple hair. "Hmm, my favorite fragrance of shampoo. Lavender and mint." Misato can't help but roll her brown eyes before chuckling.

"You haven't changed one bit since you got here, Kaji."

"You say it like it's a bad thing."

"I think it is." Eying Kaji's still-undone tie, Misato snarls as she fixes it. "Am I going to have to tighten your tie for you any time we come across each other?"

"If you want to, you can." Next thing they know, the elevator stops. Misato can't help but be dismayed when the lights go out.

"Aw shit."

"It's not so bad, Katsuragi."

"How do you figure that, Kaji?"

"Well, think about it, a semi-dark elevator can be romantic if in the right circumstances." His grin evident in his voice, Kaji murmurs, "You can't get any more right than these circumstances."

"Kaji!"

Next thing Misato knows, Kaji has his lips against hers. Unconsciously, she responds whole-heartedly and returns the kiss with gusto before remembering who she's with. Ending the kiss, both reluctantly and angrily, Misato snarls out her next words.

"You just stand over there, buster!" Kaji then chuckles before commenting.

"Anything you say, brown eyed beauty I know." Misato rolls her eyes again before going all business.

"So what do you think happened, anyway?"

"Maybe Akagi hit the wrong switch or something."

(NERV Lab 10; five minutes ago)

"Okay, the MAGI are fully within normal operation parameters." Akagi's voice is filled with triumph as she goes on. "Now for a general systems check." Next thing she knows, the power goes out. "It's okay. The backups should be powering up soon." When they don't, however, Akagi feels eyes on her. "Hey, don't look at me like that!"

(Topside; present time)

By this time, Rei and Asuka have recovered their thought processes and are back underway to an entry point for the Geofront. "Uh-oh. We'd better tell them about the blackout, Rits."

"Right, Shin." By the time they get to the other two girls, however, Asuka is already sliding her card into the reader. Only to get no reaction.

"Shiesse!" Asuka turns around and glares at Shinji. "What're you waiting for, Ikari? Fix this stupid thing!"

"Asuka, I'm a Pilot, not a technician. Even more, it's not the reader."

"What is it, then?"

"Ikari is likely referring to a possible blackout. Which should be impossible under normal circumstances."

"Wondergirl, since when is anything in this world normal?" Without waiting for a reply, Asuka hoists herself over the turnstile and goes toward the entry hatch. Intent on finding a manual opening mechanism. Only to not find one. "Shiesse!"

"This sucks." Shinji can only nod in agreement with Ritsuko. Rei then reaches into her handbag and brings out a snap-card. Curious, Ritsuko asks, "What're you doing, Rei?"

"Emergency protocols, Takamiya." Breaking the card in half, she reads it and goes on. "We are to access the Geofront through corridor 3-E in case of power loss." Asuka then cheerily bolts back over to them.

"Now that we know what to do, I propose myself as the leader for the expedition."

"Um, Asuka, you haven't been here long enough. Rei, on the other hand, knows this place inside and out. She should lead."

"Silence, Third!" Asuka catches sight of Ritsuko scowling and ignores it before addressing Ritsuko directly. "Even though you're not part of NERV, you cast the deciding vote, Takamiya."

"I vote Rei. Shinji's right. She knows this place and you don't."

"Alright then. I can at least show you to the way for 3-E. Let's move, people!" Asuka then starts away, only for Rei to call her back.

"You are heading the wrong way, Pilot Sohryu."

"Oh?" While Rei doesn't roll her eyes, Shinji and Ritsuko roll theirs. With that, they follow Rei, leaving Asuka by herself. "Oh hey! Wait up!" She quickly catches up to them and takes the lead. Glancing at Ritsuko from the side, she then asks, "So why are you in here with us, anyway?"

"I figure I'm safer in here with Shinji than out there by myself until I get home." Giving Asuka a playful smile, she adds, "Besides, I've always wanted to be fucked inside NERV. Can't get a better opportunity like this later on that I know of."

"Sex fiends, the both of you." Shinji and Ritsuko only give Asuka a chuckle as they come across a door with a turn-wheel release. "I guess this is your department, Shinji. So get to it."

Shinji can't help but roll his eyes as he goes to the turn-wheel. Taking hold of its turn-bar, he feels it straining against him until he discretely 'goes turbo'. Aiding him greatly in moving the wheel. As he turns it, he hears Berto's voice.

"Shinji, your T-juice levels just dipped down into yellow. What's going on?"

'I'm working to open what seems to be a blast door of some kind. It seems the maintenance personnel don't believe in using lubricants at all. Well, that or this door is made of very dense materials.'

"What about Tokyo-3 being the city of the future, Shinji?"

'It would appear as if the future isn't all that's cracked up to be.' Berto can't help but laugh in agreement on that. In five minutes, he's done. Going discretely back to normal, he remarks, "I don't know about you, but that was a good workout."

"Sure looked like it, Shinji." Ritsuko then giggles as she kisses him heavily. Once again, Asuka feels nauseated.

"Can you two please at least wait until I'm not with you before you start making out? Or more?" Without waiting for them to reply, Asuka goes in after Rei. Only to hear them stepping along behind them. Next thing they know, they come across a blockage in the corridor. "Nice going, Wondergirl, you got us trapped down here."

"No. I got us as far as one of the waypoints in here." Turning to her right, she reaches toward a grating and quickly undoes what appear to be bolts. Pulling out the grating, she reveals a small vent shaft. "This is a path to the Geofront from here. Follow me, if you please." Rei then clambers into the vent, Asuka right behind her.

Shinji and Ritsuko share a dirty smirk before Ritsuko clambers into it. Shinji right behind her and admiring her bare butt. Unable to help himself, Shinji moves up behind her and plants a kiss onto her ass.

Ritsuko only giggles dirtily at the affectionate gesture before stopping and slightly spreading her legs apart. Before Shinji can do anything more though, Rei's voice cuts through to them.

"We have no time for sexual adventures, Ikari and Takamiya. Please keep moving."

"Yeah. You heard Wondergirl. You can do your carnal explorations here after we get out of the vent and away from you two sex fiends."

"Pilot Sohryu."

"Yeah, Wondergirl?"

"Do not encourage them as we are likely to be busy shortly."

"Huh?" Asuka's query goes unanswered while Shinji hears Berto speaking again.

"She's right, Shinji. You'll be very busy shortly."

'What's the 411, Berto?'

"I'd adapted a sensory array on one of our satellites to detect the 'blue patterns' Angels emit."

'You mean…"

"Yep. You've got an incoming Angel, Shinji. Arriving in Tokyo-3 now. JSSDF has just dispatched a plane with a loudspeaker to let NERV know. Whatever's affecting NERV has caused the JSSDF to be unable to communicate by regular means."

'Got it, Berto. Thanks.' Giving Ritsuko one more kiss on her ass, Shinji says, "Ayanami's right, Rits. But we can have sex after we kill the Angel."

"I'll hold you to that, Shinji."

(Topside)

As he walks along with Misato's laundry, Makoto grumbles lightly until he hears an airplane motor flying overhead. Looking upward, he sees a JSSDF airplane. Next thing he knows, he hears a voice speaking from it.

"Attention! Attention! If anyone with NERV can hear this, an Angel has been spotted and is entering Tokyo-3 now! All civilians get to the nearest shelters. Attention! Attention! If anyone with NERV can hear this, an Angel's been spotted and is entering Tokyo-3 now! All civilians get to the nearest shelters!"

As the message repeats itself, Hyuga quickly looks around until he sees a van promoting a candidate for city council. Quickly waving it down, he smiles when it stops and goes to the passenger side door.

"I'm with NERV and am commanding you to drive me into the Geofront post-haste! Now move!"

"Yes sir!" With undisguised glee, the driver allows Makoto into the van. Once the man's seated, the man says, "Let's see how fast this son of a bitch can go!" With that, he hammers down. Within one minute, they reach the gate and he starts slowing down.

"Just ram through the gate, man! No time for being nice! So haul ass!"

"Music to my ears! You got it, sir!" With that, the van rams right through the gate.

(NERV Command Deck; three minutes later)

"An Angel's incoming! The JSSDF spotted it!" Hyuga's words get Gendo's immediate attention.

"Fuyutsuki, take over."

"What will you be doing, sir?"

"Getting the Evangelions ready."

"Without power?"

"We have diesel generators and ample manpower. We can do it."

With that, Gendo descends a nearby ladder and starts rallying the cage workers to the call. While Gendo is doing that, Fuyutsuki can't help but sweat-drop slightly.

'I meant without the Pilots.' Upon hearing the generators roaring, he nods and mutters, "All we need now are the Pilots." Suddenly, the vent above him starts creaking violently. "Eh? What the devil?"

Looking upward, his eyes suddenly go wide as he ducks himself out of the way in time to avoid being used as a landing pad. Shinji, Ritsuko and Asuka land in a semi-undignified heap. Rei, however, comes down from the ceiling and lands on her feet.

"So nice of you to join us, Pilots Ikari, Sohryu, Ayanami and Miss Takamiya."

Shinji gets up and offers Ritsuko and Asuka both a hand up. Which they both graciously accept. Well, Ritsuko more than Asuka anyway.

"Well, we wouldn't have had to drop in like this if Ikari and Takamiya didn't let their hormones get out of control!" Asuka can't help but visibly shudder, adding, "You don't even want to know what I heard!"

"I'll take your word for it, Pilot Sohryu. For now, though, get to your entry plugs. There's an Angel inbound, so you won't have time for your plug-suits."

"What about the power, Vice-Commander?" Shinji's question is shared by Rei and Asuka before Akagi answers.

"Commander Ikari felt you three would arrive shortly, so he started getting things ready."

"That right?" Shinji looks over and quirks an eyebrow upon seeing Gendo working with the cage workers in getting the purple war machine ready. "If that don't beat all." Shrugging, he turns back toward Fuyutsuki and Akagi before asking, "Any chance Rits can wait here with you until we get back from whacking the Angel?"

"But of course. I'd like to hear how her life's been so far." Fuyutsuki's words get a nod from Ritsuko before she gives Shinji a massive kiss. When the kiss ends, Ritsuko smiles proudly at Shinji.

"Go get it, tiger." Shinji gives her a nod before heading for the cages and his entry plug. Barely acknowledging Gendo, Shinji hops into the partially-loaded entry plug. As she watches the plug's hatch close, she murmurs, "Watch yourself out there, my darling."

"He'll be alright, Miss Takamiya." Akagi's voice gets her attention as she turns to the bottle blond. "After all, Shinji's a natural Pilot."

"He didn't know about it until after he got here, so I think I'm right to worry about him." She then hears Gendo's voice loud and clear.

"Sever the main hydraulic lines!" Upon hearing fluid splash down, Ritsuko hears one more command from him. "All Evangelions push the gantries away by force!"

Ritsuko then sees her beloved's Evangelion clearing the gantry away from itself before turning to face her. Unable to resist the urge to call out, she does so.

"Live forever, ape!" Much to her surprise, he replies.

"Ho!"

With that, Unit-01 leads the other Evangelions to a nearby EVA-sized tunnel. Only to offer Units-00 and 02 to go first before giving her one more glance. With that, Unit-01 walks into the tunnel behind the other Units. Ritsuko places her right hand between her breasts, her left hand over it, before murmuring.

"May you all come back safely." Little does she realize that Gendo had observed her from below and is eying her intently.

(En route to the Angel's expected location; Unit-02's plug)

"This sucks! We look so ridiculous crawling like this!" Asuka's whining is so annoying, Shinji can't help but turn on his comm. window.

"We're deep underground, Asuka. I think we're safe from prying eyes."

"I know that, Third! I'm just saying that we look ridiculous crawling our Evangelions like babies!" That in itself gets a snicker from Shinji. Prompting her to remark, "I don't think I want to know what you're snickering about."

"I wish to know, Ikari."

"Okay. I was just thinking how funny it'd be for our Evangelions to be wearing diapers." Asuka can't help but groan at that before snickering herself.

"Yeah, that is pretty funny. But I seriously doubt they make 'Huggies' or 'Pampers' in Evangelion size." Shinji's snickers taper off slightly and Asuka sighs contentedly. "By the way, that was a pretty cool send-off Takamiya did for you."

"By the way, Pilot Ikari, why did Takamiya call you 'ape'? You are not within the primate family."

"It's a term of endearment for soldiers. Much like 'dog-face' and 'gropo' are."

"It seems I have much to learn still, then."

"I'll say, Wondergirl. In any case, we're coming up on our destination now. So get ready for glory, you two."

Before they can say anything more, Asuka has Unit-02 punch the grating away from their exit point. Just as she lunges out, she shrieks upon feeling burning on her arm and right shoulder. Looking at the affected areas, she sees the armor plating melting slowly.

"It's acid! Fall back!" Once they'd done so, Asuka checks her damage. "Shiesse!" Going back to Japanese, she says, "My backup batteries are scrapped." Mentally commanding Unit-02 to drop the backup power source, she asks, "How about you two?"

"My batteries are depleted." Rei's voice is level as always as she releases her batteries. "Ikari?"

"Same here. Even more, our rifles are at the bottom of the shaft." His Unit dropping the batteries, he adds, "I've heard of being given the shaft, but this is just ridiculous!"

"Then that's what we'll do. We'll give the Angel the shaft. Here's the plan. Three positions. Offense, Defense and Backup. Shinji's on offense."

"I will take Defense."

"No you won't, Wondergirl. You're Backup. You're to go down to the bottom of the shaft and throw a pallet rifle up to Shinji. I'm the Defense."

"But, you'll get hurt, Asuka!" Asuka only gives him a wry grin for his concern.

"Nice of you to be worried, Shinji. But I have to pay you back for Mt Asuma." Taking a deep breath to steel herself, Asuka yells out, "EVA charge!"

Unit-02 lunges back out into the acid rain falling from the street above. Upon feeling the burning of the acid through her synch ratio, she just grits her teeth and closes her eyes. Silently pleading for Ayanami to hurry so Shinji can kill this latest monster.

(Unit-00)

As her Unit nears the bottom of the shaft, Rei activates the retro rockets built into Unit-00's legs. Picking up the first rifle she comes across and seeing it's not damaged, she turns her attention upward.

"Ikari, incoming weapon." Upon seeing Unit-01 reach down below its form, Rei tosses it upward. 'It's all up to you now, Shinji.'

(Unit-01)

Bracing Unit-01 against the walls of the shaft, Shinji can't help but wince at Asuka's escaping gasps of pain. All of a sudden, he hears Ayanami's voice.

"Ikari, incoming weapon." Directing Unit-01 to reach down below, he quickly feels the pallet rifle fly up into his hands.

"Asuka, get clear!"

"Roger!" Once Unit-02's clear of the line of fire, Shinji pulls the trigger.

"Now die you miserable sack of Angel shit!" Fifty rounds fly out of the rifle in seconds, perforating the Angel to death. Next thing he knows, Unit-02 lands face up onto Unit-01.

"I guess that makes us even now, Third Child!"

"If you insist, but like I said that day, you don't have to."

"Ugh. That's the trouble with you. You don't consider yourself a hero even though you are!"

"I'm just doing this to do what I can for humanity to survive. That's all."

"Yeah, well, I bet Takamiya's getting ready for you right now. So what say we get these beasts out of here before we wind up getting stuck in here?"

"I find that to be agreeable, Pilot Sohryu."

Rei's voice gets a grin from Shinji as he hefts Unit-02 upright so it could descend into the shaft before orienting Unit-01 the same way. Once on the ground, he ejects his plug. Upon opening the hatch, he expels the LCL from his lungs before exiting Unit-01. Looking around the shaft, his eyes see Rei climbing up the shaft's ladder.

"What're you looking around for, Third? Let's get out of here so we can get a bath."

"Sounds good to me, Asuka." With that, Shinji starts climbing up the ladder. Not seeing Asuka watching him intently as she follows suit.

'He's in tremendous shape even though his frame suggests otherwise. The way he handled that blast door is proof of that.' Glancing upward, she thinks about the car Shinji had gotten and its purported 'maintenance' schedule. 'No way that car's in for "maintenance"! Something else is going on!'

(Elevator 9; twenty minutes later)

"Someone please hurry and get us out of here before I have an accident!"

Kaji had managed to get the doors open by force, allowing them to see that they're just a fraction away from the external doors. So having Misato get onto his shoulders, he lets her pound onto them while calling out loud. Misato then looks back down at him and scowls.

"You'd better not be looking up my skirt, Kaji!"

"I'm not, Katsuragi. I may not look it, but I do have some class."

"Yeah right. That'll be the day." Next thing she knows, the door opens, allowing her to see Akagi. "Ritsu! How good it is to see you!"

"I could say the same thing, Misato. Need a hand up?"

"Oh like you wouldn't believe." As Akagi gives her a hand up, she sees Maya grinning at her. "Maya?"

"You and Mr. Kaji are so madly in love still!" Her grin turns to a scowl before she adds, "Sex fiends."

"It's not like that at all, Maya." Once Misato's clear of the elevator, she runs for the nearest washroom and goes in. Kaji, on the other hand, clambers out of the elevator and grins.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I've got things to do elsewhere. Please tell Misato I'll see her around, Ritsu."

"I'll pass the message, Kaji." As he strides away, Akagi can't help but chortle. "Those two are like kerosene and matches."

"Which is which, though?" Akagi can't help but chortle at her protégé's question.

"That, Maya, is a good question."

(Tokyo-3; that evening)

As a freshly-showered Shinji holds Ritsuko close to him, Asuka glances over at them and can't help but be envious of her. Ayanami's voice suddenly shocks her.

"Mankind uses light to chase away the darkness. The same is true between Ikari and Takamiya, Pilot Sohryu."

"How's that, Wondergirl?"

"They're the light in each other's lives. Without one, the other would dim until it goes completely out."

"Huh. Never took you to be a philosopher, Wondergirl. Give me artificial lights any day though." With that, the lights in tokyo-3 suddenly come back on. "That's more like it."

"So it would seem."

"Seems like you're enjoying the lights as well, Wondergirl." Grinning, Asuka adds, "Seems there's more to you than there appears to be."

"Much is the same for Ikari." Looking over at him, Rei murmurs, "I'm not entirely sure of it myself, but I can't help but feel Ikari is worth scrutinizing further." Asuka can't help but scowl at that.

"Are those orders from the Commander? Because if they are…" Asuka's comment is cut off as Rei speaks up.

"They are not, for lately Ikari and Takamiya have led me to question the Commander's directives." Asuka can't help but blink incredulously at that.

"That's a first. The Commander's favorite questioning him."

"I am not Commander Ikari's favorite. My designated living quarters are beginning to show me that much."

"Sounds to me like you're coming out of your shell, Wondergirl." Asuka smirks as she looks over at Shinji and Ritsuko once more. "I'd think they're having a hand in it more than I am." Rei doesn't reply. She just gazes over Tokyo-3. Causing Asuka to shrug.

'Oh well.' Giving Shinji and Ritsuko one more look, she notices one more thing. Shinji and Rei share a slight resemblance to each other. "Say, Wondergirl, have you ever noticed how you and Shinji look somewhat alike?"

"I can't say as I have, Pilot Sohryu."

"Well, you do." Shinji and Ritsuko, however, are having their own discussion.

"So I don't know if I want to wait or go ahead and start making babies, Shinji. I mean, what I said two weeks ago was in the heat of passion." Shinji's lips against her temple gets a sigh from her.

"It's okay, Rits. We have plenty of time still." Holding her close, he murmurs, "But I can tell you this right now. You're a beautiful 'wife' and will make a beautiful Mother when our time comes."

"Hmm, say it again, Shinji." Shinji can't help but smile softly as he knows what 'it' is.

"My beautiful 'wife' and future Mother-to-be for our children."

"My darling 'husband', I love you." Shinji tilts her head upward and the two lock lips with each other. Upon ending the kiss, she sighs before looking over toward the lake before them. Curious, she asks, "Any idea as to how deep the lake is?"

"The lake is fifteen feet deep, Takamiya." Rei's voice cuts through to them both. "Though swimming is not generally recommended as the water is too cold for survival."

"Aw nuts. I was hoping to do some skinny dipping with Shinji." Asuka's jaw can't help but drop before the redhead shakes her head.

"Don't you think of anything besides sex with Shinji?"

"Hmm, not really." Holding Shinji close, she adds, "Well, other than ensuring 'Commander Dumbass' doesn't drive him to misery, that is."

(Tokyo-3 Diner; same time)

"Table for two, please." The woman manning the front table gives him a nod as Aoba turns to Retnuh. "I hope you like what they have here, Anne."

"I'm sure I will, Shigeru." When they're seated, she adds, "But please, just call me Roxy."

"You got it, Roxy." Giving her a sheepish smile, Shigeru toasts her with a water glass. "Our first date." Roxy returns serve as well. Wide smile on her face.

"Our first date." Clinking their glasses together, Roxy adds, "Hopefully with many more to come."