Shinji Steel 39

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

(Three nights after the 9th Angel; Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment)

"Third!" Asuka slams the bathroom door open, incensed. "There's no more hot water!" Shinji stops his cooking to look over toward a towel-clad Asuka.

"That so?" Turning on the faucet's 'hot' valve, Shinji runs his fingers under the water before frowning. "Water heater must be shot or the pilot light is out."

"Don't give me any 'must be' or any 'or' excuses, Third! Fix it!"

"Do I look like a plumber to you, Second?" Looking down at his butt, he asks, "Do you see my butt-crack showing at the top of my pants?"

"No, but still…"

"Asuka, I'll call the 'super' in the morning to see about getting the water heater replaced." Misato takes a drink of Yebisu before going on. "Shinji can't be expected to do all the upkeep around here."

"Why not? He takes care of a lot around here. What's another issue for him to tackle?" Snorting, Asuka adds, "Besides, that 'super' will just turn you down anyway. If anyone's more responsible, it's the 'Invincible Shinji' that puts people like the 'super' to shame!"

"I'm flattered, Asuka, really."

"Good. Because I don't do it very often. So be thankful for your good fortune!" Stomping toward her bedroom, Asuka snarls out, "I expect that hot water heater to be fixed by morning!" Slamming her door closed, Asuka ends the discussion. Shinji can't help but sigh.

"Just when I think I've got her pegged…"

"I know, Shinji. But Asuka's not exactly the easiest person to get along with."

"You got that right." Putting the stove on 'low', he says, "I'll go take a look and see if I can find the problem."

"Okay. Good luck, Shinji."

"Thanks. I'm going to need it, I plum reckon."

Misato can't help but giggle at that as Shinji takes off his apron and exits the apartment. Two minutes later, a sundress-wearing Asuka sneaks out of the apartment without a sound. Managing to avoid Misato's sight.

'Let's go, Asuka.'

Following Shinji down into the basement of the apartment building, she manages to keep quiet as he nears the building's sole water heater.

Eying the water heater, Shinji's eyes pick up remnants of a large puddle before he groans.

"I hate being right." Leaning down toward the heater, he asks, "How old do you think the heater is, Berto?"

Asuka's eyes can't help but go wide at the sight of Shinji talking to himself once again. She then wishes that she can hear what Shinji hears.

"Dunno, Shinji. From the looks of things, though, I'd say it's about thirty years old."

"Well past its operations life, then."

"Yeah." Berto then adds, "By the way, Shinji, Asuka's right behind you."

"Then I guess we should take care of it, Berto." Meaning both the water heater and Asuka.

Only Asuka thinks he means the water heater and nothing more. Sure that she hadn't been noticed, Asuka silently goes back up into the apartment. Sneaking back in under Misato's nose, the redhead goes to her bedroom and slides the door in time for Misato to notice her door closing once more. Shinji entering the apartment and giving Misato a nod.

(September 2000; Antarctica)

"It's out of control! Evac! Evac!" Doctor Hiroshio Katsuragi carried his fourteen-year-old daughter along to the escape pods. "Hurry! Before it blows!"

Next thing he knew, a building exploded, sending shrapnel into his midsection. Said shrapnel going right through him and into his daughter's chest. Knowing his damage was fatal, while hers was serious, Hiroshio mustered his remaining strength and got her into the first pod he got to. His daughter looked up at him.

"Daddy?"

"I love you, Misato." Misato's eyes went wide as he removed his cross and draped it over her neck. "Have a good life, my daughter. I wish we had more time together. You, your Mother and I." Misato reached up toward him, whimpering.

"Daddy…"

Next thing she knew, the pod closed, concealing her Father's face from her ever more. Next thing Misato knew, she felt an explosion rock the escape pod she was in. A brief sensation of flight and the next thing she felt was gentle bobbing up and down. Opening the hatch, she looked outward and saw the sight that would horrify her into mute catatonia for years to come.

Large orange wings. A tall figure looking hatefully at her before emitting a loud hateful roar. Damning humanity to destruction. Misato couldn't help but clench her Father's cross to her. With her blood exiting her slowly through her parka.

(Present day; Tokyo-3; one month after the 9th Angel)

Misato bolts up in her bed, breathing heavily. Putting her right hand over the scar between her breasts, she calms down. That is before allowing her tears to fall. Quickly drying her eyes, Misato sets about getting dressed. Putting her bra on, she gazes at the scar that had resulted from the shrapnel that had fatally wounded her Father.

"Eight more Angels remain. Then humanity will never be threatened again." Putting her clothes on, she then palms her late Father's cross before adding, "Once they're gone, you can rest knowing you've been avenged, Mother and Father. Maybe then I can move on as well." Upon smelling the delicious smells of breakfast, Misato can't help but smile warmly.

"Good old Shinji. Always ensuring we're eating good."

"Yeah, that's Shinji for you." Kat's voice gets a smile from Misato before she adds, "Sounded pretty bad from your end, Misato."

"It was, Kat." Sighing, she adds, "I was remembering Second Impact and how my Dad saved my life. Even when he was dying."

"Sounds like there's some resentment there."

"Yeah. Dad hardly ever had time for Mom and me. He was always busy with his lab work and what not." Curious, she then asks, "Did you ever have complications when it came to your folks?"

"Never really knew my folks, actually. I was a ward of the State and fell in with a bad crowd. That's when I met Roxanne Hunter. I thought she had all the answers to life. But one day, we were caught mugging a pair of tourists and sent to Juvenile Hall. I got my act straightened out and became an 'N-Tek' field operative a couple years later. Roxanne, however…"

"Stayed a troublemaker."

"You got it." Kat sighs at that before adding, "All that time, though, she was the closest thing I had to a sister. You know, Misato?"

"I know. Much like Shinji's the little brother I never got to have."

"I know. I heard you tell him that." Misato can't help but be curious.

"What was it like, being an 'N-Tek' field operative?"

"Long hours, saving a world that doesn't know it's being saved." Sheepishly, she then adds, "Of course, that's when we were still active. But when Dread pulled his stunt and caused the ATS to be shut down, we couldn't do a thing to stop Second Impact when it happened."

"It's okay, Kat. I don't blame you. I blame the idiots that shut you guys' unit down." She then grins, sensing the chance to change the topic and for some mischief.

"Any chance you and Berto are thinking about having children of your own?"

"Later on down the road, but who knows?" Kat then has a blush in her voice as she cries out, "MISATO!" Kat then asks, "How about you and Mr. Kaji? I heard your voice during that blackout last month and I heard longing in your tone."

"You're hearing things that aren't there, Kat."

"If you say so." Kat's sing-song tone is accompanied by a snicker while Misato rolls her eyes.

"While it's true we were involved, it was long ago and I got wise. That's all there is. No more, no less."

"Yeah, and I have beachfront property in Del Oro I'd like to sell you."

"Isn't Del Oro underwater?" Kat's cackles can't help but cause Misato to groan. "I walked right into that one, didn't I?"

"That you did, Misato. That you did. Now go eat some breakfast otherwise Shinji will worry about you."

"Yeah, yeah." Unable to resist smiling at the banter she'd just exchanged with Kat, she opens the door. Only to be shocked when Asuka falls sideways into her room. Quickly recovering, she asks, "You mind telling me what you were just doing, Asuka?"

"Nothing at all, Misato." Checking her watch, she adds, "Gotta go! Later!" Before Misato can grab hold of her, the redhead bolts away and grabs her lunch. "See you at school, Third!" As they hear Asuka's footsteps recede, Misato sighs dismally.

"Why do I get the feeling that nosy redhead heard everything on my end?"

"I can check if you like, Misato."

"Please?" Shinji gives her a nod before going to her room's door. Focusing his eyes on the door, he quickly sees an oil-spot that resembles an ear.

"Yeah, she heard everything you said, Misato."

"Oh, man, I'm so sorry, Shinji. I may have just gotten us blown."

"Maybe not, Misato. I think it's time for a little chat with Pilot Sohryu to find out where she stands."

"You mean…"

"I'll put it to you like this. She's going to get an offer she can't refuse. Not if she wants to keep Piloting EVA, that is." Kat's words get Shinji and Misato to chortle helplessly. Next thing they know, there's a knock on the door. Shinji goes to answer it and smiles upon seeing Ritsuko.

"Good morning, stud."

"Good morning, sexy." Giving her a kiss, he says, "I'm guessing you'd like to leave out with me in my car from here today."

"Hmm, you got that right."

"Okay." Turning to a grinning Misato, he then says, "I made your lunch already, Misato. Later."

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

"We will, Misato." Ritsuko's reply gets Misato to grin as they exit.

(Street level)

As she runs along the sidewalks of Tokyo-3, Asuka can't help but think about what she'd overheard. 'Kat was a spy? Like Kaji is an international man of mystery? Misato is working with them? Is Shinji a spy too?' At that last thought, Asuka can't help but snicker.

"Oh man. I can just see it now. 'Ikari. Shinji Ikari'. 'License to cook'. Too much!"

"Is something amusing, Pilot Sohryu?" At the sound of Rei's soft voice, Asuka can't help but sigh.

"Just thinking a very amusing thought. Shinji as a spy."

"In what way would that be amusing?"

"Are you kidding me? He'd make delicious meals that encourage people to blab their plans!" Asuka can't help but laugh even more while Rei lightly giggles.

"I see your point, Pilot Sohryu. But by what rationale are you thinking?" Asuka can only shrug while her laughter tapers off.

"Dunno. Like I said, just a very amusing thought is all."

Ten minutes later, they hear Shinji's car roll up beside them. Shinji behind the wheel and Ritsuko in the passenger seat.

"Need a lift, ladies?" Ritsuko can't help but give him a playful jab to his side.

"Thank you, but no, Shinji. I'll just keep walking. Wondergirl?"

"I accept, Ikari."

At Asuka's dropped jaw, Rei gets into the car and fastens in when Ritsuko gets out and moves the seat forward. Ritsuko then looks back at Asuka to see if the redhead will change her mind. Sure enough…

"Then again, a ride does sound good. Thank you, Shinji."

"You're welcome, Asuka." As the redhead gets in and buckles up, Shinji watches Ritsuko get back in after putting the seat back into place and buckling back in. "All set, sweetheart?"

"We are, honey."

"Let's get going, then." With that, Shinji moves the car onward. Keeping an eye on Asuka to ensure the redhead doesn't show any signs of blabbing.

(NERV HQ; three hours later; Gendo's office)

"Captain Katsuragi reporting as ordered, sir." Giving Gendo a salute, she then hears him speak.

"Stand at ease, Captain." Once Misato's done so, Gendo goes on. "So far, you've successfully commanded six engagements against our extraterrestrial foes. Even though one Pilot has yet to fully obey my orders, I can't say I'm entirely dissatisfied."

"Sir."

"To that effect, I'm promoting you to Major. As such, your next paycheck will reflect your new rank."

"Sir." With that, Gendo hands her new rank to her, allowing Misato to remove her Captain's badge to put the new badge into place.

"Now seeing as that's done, Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki and I are leaving Tokyo-3 to go to what remains of Antarctica. Leaving Tokyo-3 and the rest of the world in your hands." His gaze going cold, he intones, "A responsibility like this can be a career booster or terminator. I expect good results upon my return, Major."

"Sir."

"Dismissed, Major Katsuragi."

"Sir." Giving him one more salute, she sees him return it and turns around before making to exit the cavernous office. Only to hear Gendo speak once more.

"Major Katsuragi, how are the Second and Third Children adjusting to their living arrangements?" Misato turns around to face him before giving her reply.

"All things considered, they're adjusting quite well, Commander."

"No serious complications or other various issues?"

"There was a bit of disorder when Pilot Sohryu moved in, but they quickly came to a mutual agreement of sorts."

"I see. That is all, Major."

"Sir." Turning around once more, she rolls her eyes before exiting. Once she's gone, Gendo turns to Fuyutsuki.

"Are you sure it was wise for Katsuragi to be promoted? Her performance may have been exemplary, but her loyalty is suspect."

"Katsuragi's loyalty is to the human race. That much is certain. But it would be suspicious if she was kept a Captain. With the additional responsibilities, she'll be too busy to work on anything else."

"If you say so, Fuyutsuki." Looking over his notes regarding Shinji, his scowl deepens. "The Third Child, however, presents a conundrum. While his piloting is excellent, he's far from what we need for the scenario to work. If only there was a way to get him to fall to within acceptable parameters."

"I don't see how that'll be possible. He's much more resilient than even I expected. Anything done now may just fall to the wayside."

"Agreed. He'd been given obscenely tremendous amounts of support by Mr. McGrath, McGrath's cohorts and Miss Takamiya." Slamming his fist down onto the desk, he grits out, "That is unacceptable!"

"So what do you intend to do?"

"I do not know yet. However, it does involve the Takamiya girl. Psycho's proven to be unreliable, which means this must be done by Captain Chiron." Scowling, he adds, "I should've gone with Chiron right from the start."

"How so, sir?"

"Psycho's been showing signs of compassion toward people of late. How that's been brought about, I know not. I do, however, know that I do not like it." Nodding slightly to himself, he picks up the phone receiver.

"Captain Chiron, I want you to handle the project regarding the Third Child personally from here on out. Psycho's proven to be unreliable. No, he still has a use. Pilot Ikari has a car and is but a novice still. Yes, her demise would certainly break his spirit and heart in one blow. That is all." Ending the call, he curls his upper lip into an evil smirk. 'Your end is nigh, girl!'

(Outside Gendo's office; same time)

Upon stepping outside, Misato sees Kaji's grinning face waiting for her.

"Ugh, I don't have time for nonsense, Kaji."

"Oh, don't be like that, beautiful. I just came to congratulate you on your promotion."

"You already know I'm a Major?"

"You bet. Which means I have to be Major-ly nice to you." Misato can't help but groan.

"Only you would be so tacky to use a terrible pun like that."

"At least you know it's me."

"True, though I'm beginning to wonder if it's a good thing."

(Akagi's lab; one hour later)

"Um, Doctor Akagi?" The voice behind the fake blond gets her attention, causing her to turn around with a start. "Did I come at a bad time?"

"Not at all, Agent Psycho." Motioning to a chair, she adds, "Have a seat."

"Thank you." Psycho does so and pauses for a minute before speaking. "Lately, I've been having dreams and was wondering if you can tell me anything about them."

"I'm not exactly an expert on dreams, but I'm willing to listen." Smiling wryly, she adds, "Besides, I've been wondering if it's possible for cyborgs to dream." Psycho's mask can't help but give a sheepish grin before he takes it off. Revealing his eternally-evil grin.

"Lately, my dreams have been of me getting this evilly fucked up grin." Bringing his cybernetic arm up, he adds, "Along with this arm."

"What do you see in your dreams?"

"Men in the shadows, bringing up implements of a surgical nature. Hold on." Reaching into his right outer jacket pocket, he brings out a small binder. "I wrote down what I can remember. Including…"

"Including what, Psycho?"

"My face being smashed in by a metal bar. Repeatedly." Looking downward, he murmurs, "It could be how I became psychotic to begin with."

"If I can do an MRI, I can see if I can find bone fragments in your brain. However, since your skull is composed of metal, it'll more than likely kill you than tell me anything useful."

"So my guess may be spot on and can't be verified for certain."

"I'm afraid so, Psycho. Sorry."

"No, no need to apologize." Sighing, he adds, "I also remember seeing my reflection in a mirror. From long before what had happened to me."

"What was it you saw?"

"A US Marine uniform. Dress blues, gloves, saber, the whole nine yards. I also saw a reflection of a nameplate."

"What was the name on the nameplate?" At his head tilting up toward her, she quickly adds, "Even though the records of half of the world's population have been wiped out in Second Impact, I'm sure I can do a general search by name."

"It's Sychola. That's the name on the plate. Ironic really."

"How so?"

"I introduced myself as Peter Sychola."

"Well, Psycho, off-hand, I'd say you're having flashes of memory from long ago." Turning toward her computer, she adds, "I'll do a search right now to see if I can find a match."

"Okay. Mind if I stick around?"

"Not at all." Typing in the search parameters, she then grins wryly and adds, "The MAGI has access to every remaining database on the planet. If there are any matches to Sychola and US Marines, it'll probably find it."

"Yeah. Seeing as, like you said, the records of half the world's population were wiped out in Second Impact." Before she can reply, a hit pops up. "We've got something already?"

"I dunno. Let me see here." On the screen, she sees a newspaper article.

"Gunnery Sergeant Peter Sychola was found beaten at the scene of a mugging in Seattle Washington on April 19, 1997.

The intended victim stated that a trio of men had approached her and demanding money. GS Sychola happened upon the scene and fought off the attackers. Allowing the victim to go for help.

However, one of them was armed with a crowbar and started beating on GS Sychola. When Seattle Police arrived, his life signs were faint. He was then pronounced dead on arrival at Seattle Memorial Hospital by Dr John D Readson.

Funeral arrangements are pending. USMC Spokesman Staff Sergeant Tom Kukerson says that GS Sychola will be buried with Full Military Honors rendered."

Right at the top of the article is a man that vaguely resembles Psycho's human-mask.

"The cheekbones are a little deeper than yours, and the forehead is not as narrow." Turning around, she sees that Psycho's eying the screen intently. "Psycho, please."

"Oh, right." Looking back at her, his left fist starts to tremble with rage. "Does it list the injuries incurred?"

"I'll have to see about accessing the Medical records Dr Readson had for GS Sychola. Let me make a call." Picking up her phone, she hits an extension. "This is Dr Akagi of NERV. I'd like access to a medical file done by Dr John D Readson. Yes, for a Gunnery Sergeant Peter Sychola. United States Marine Corps. Seattle Memorial Hospital. Listed injuries and ToD. That's right. Time of Death for GS Sychola. Oh? Okay, thank you." Akagi ends the call before looking at Psycho. Which concerns him.

"No file?"

"There's a file, but the name is pronounced differently." Looking back at the monitor, she smiles widely and goes on. "Skull destroyed, right arm's socket severed at the shoulder, right shoulder destroyed to the collarbone region, five destroyed ribs. If it's you, you suffered some ugly damage."

Psycho can't help but shudder at her words before finding himself curious.

"Whatever happened to Dr Readson?"

"Let me check." Entering the parameters once more, her eyebrows scrunch upward. "Interesting."

"Why am I not liking the way you said that?"

"According to the search, Dr Readson died in a car crash a month after GS Sychola did."

"Any pictures of the Doctor?" At her headshake of 'no', Psycho murmurs, "Meaning square one." His tone downtrodden as he looks down, he feels Akagi's hand on his left shoulder. Looking back up, he sees her face wearing compassion. "Doc?"

"I think I know a way to find out for sure. Follow me." Curious, Psycho does so and soon sees a full body scanner. "Step behind the scanner if you please. I'll set it to detect metal and it won't be hazardous to you."

"You got it." Stepping behind the scanner, he then sees its sides folding around him while one side remains stationary. "A tri-folder, huh?"

"Yep. Shinji went through the same thing. As had Rei and Asuka when they became active Pilots." Upon seeing a grid around his body, Psycho tries to relax. On the outside, Akagi whistles. Highly impressed by what she's seeing.

"The front of your skull is comprised of metal. With what appears to be a breathing device implanted into your right lung. Your right side, from the ribs up, is metal all the way to your collarbone. Hello."

"Doc? What is it?"

"I'm seeing bone fragments in your frontal lobe. They're pretty much visible from the back of your head. The frontal lobes control your emotional state. Including…"

"The impulse for psychosis." At that, the sides move away from him and Psycho has one thing to say. "GS Sychola didn't die. He was remade as a monster."

"Even monsters can be redeemed if they wish it."

"If you say so, Doc. But, one thing's bugging me. If I'm a guy that's supposed to be dead, then how did I stop being psychotic?" Akagi ponders thoughtfully before finding a suitable question.

"Were you in any kind of extreme temperatures for an extended period of time?" Psycho shrugs before giving his reply.

"Not really. Aside from…" His voice trails off before he palms his forehead with his left hand. "My nearly nine-year underwater walk from Antarctica to Tokyo-3! It's gotta be! That and my exposure to…" His voice trailing off once more worries Akagi to no end.

"Gunny? You okay?" He then plasters his human face back on before making for the doorway.

"I am. I gotta go, Doc. Thanks!" Just before he exits the room, however, he turns around and sheepishly asks, "Any chance we can keep this between us, Doc?"

"I believe that 'Doctor-Patient Confidentiality' applies in your case, Gunny." He gives her a wide smile and nods in thanks before exiting. Once he's gone, Ritsuko seals the file she'd just established. 'May not be enough, but he does deserve some measure of privacy.'

(That afternoon; outside Tokyo-3 High School)

Behind the wheel of a yellow sedan, stolen earlier by himself to avoid Section-2 being identified, Captain Hitoshi Chiron watches as the First, Second and Third Children come out of the building. Followed by the Third Child's girlfriend. Upon them getting into the Third Child's car, Chiron starts his car and grins.

'May be a nice car, but like Commander Ikari said, the Third Child's a novice still. He undoubtedly won't be pleased I'd endangered the First Child, but at least it'll show her that the Third Child doesn't have my skills.' Watching as the car pulls away from the school, Chiron pulls after them.

As Shinji drives the car, Ritsuko at his side with Asuka and Rei in the back seat, Shinji thinks about how best to deliver Asuka to Kat for interrogation. Next thing he knows, he's looking in his rearview mirror and sees a yellow sedan. The same make and model that Section-2 is notorious for using. Focusing his eyes into the reflection, he sees the ubiquitous black shades and suit worn by the Agents. The Agent in the reflection's unfamiliar to him, but Shinji can easily see the car speeding up. Activating his internal comm., he transmits.

'MX2 to any N-Tek asset around Tokyo-3. Am under attack and have precious cargo with me.'

"MX1 to MX2. I read you loud and clear, Shinji."

'Hey, Dad. Where are ya?'

"I'm across town, having just been relieved on Kaji watch by Agent Granger. How soon do you need me with you?"

'As soon as you can get here. I can handle myself alright, but I don't want to expose myself unless I have to.'

"I copy, Shinji. I'm en route to you now. Just do what you can to keep your precious cargo and yourself safe."

'Roger.' Ending transmission, Shinji verbally speaks up.

"Eyes out, eyes out!" Startling the girls with his words, Shinji goes on. "Hang on tight, ladies." Pressing down on the gas, Shinji barely escapes getting bumped from behind by the yellow sedan.

"Shinji, what's going on?"

"Dunno Rits, but off-hand I'd say we're under attack."

"Why?" Asuka's query is quickly joined by another. "Who?"

"Good questions. Let's find out." Rei's the next to speak.

"How do you intend to find out, Ikari?"

"Oh, just a little something I picked up at a demolition derby in Yokohama last year." Upon seeing the yellow sedan draw near again, Shinji eyes a stationary earth mover and aims toward it. Increasing his speed as he does so. Asuka can't help but notice before gulping.

"Um, Shinji, you do realize that's an earth mover we're heading toward. Right?"

"Yep."

Inside the sedan, Chiron shakes his head and says, "You're making it too easy for me to crush you, Third." Hammering down on his throttle as well, he gets close enough to the blue coupe in time to see Shinji stick his left middle finger up. "Huh?" The car suddenly turns away from the earth mover, with it looming close to him. Chiron swerves in the opposite direction.

Only to wind up hitting a pile of soil and flipping the car over into a barrel roll. When the car hits the road again, it's on its roof and Chiron's eyes are spinning dizzily. Getting his bearings back quickly, however, he sees four sets of feet coming toward him and tries extricating himself from the car. Only to wind up halfway out when the three EVA Pilots and his target arrive.

"Well, well, well. What've we here? A Section-2 goober." Shinji leans down close to him and asks, "What's your name, goober?" Upon getting no reply, Shinji turns toward Rei. "Do you know this schmuck, Rei?"

"He is Captain Chiron of Section-2. He's the one that handles dirty work under Commander Ikari's behest."

"So 'Dumbass' sent him then." Nodding, Shinji turns back to Chiron and asks, "I'm going to ask this just once. Why were you trying to ram me?"

"I don't got to tell you nothing, Third." Smiling triumphantly while Shinji scowls, he suddenly feels worried when Shinji sniffs the air.

"Rei, is that gasoline I smell?" Rei sniffs the air as well before going to the back of the upside down car.

"You are correct, Ikari. Gasoline is pouring from a minor gash in the fuel tank."

"Then let's do our Section-2 Captain a favor. Asuka, in the trunk of my car you'll find a miniature welding torch. Would you please be so kind as to bring it over here so we can seal up this leak?" Asuka can't help but smirk at that.

"You got it, Shinji." As the redhead walks over to the car, Chiron snarls angrily.

"You don't have the balls, Third Child!"

"Oh, I don't know about that, Captain Chiron." Ritsuko glares evenly at him before going on. "His balls are bigger than yours are. That's for damned sure."

"I've got the torch, Shinji!"

"How steady is your hand, Asuka?"

"Fairly steady."

"That'll work. If you'll do the honors?"

"Sure." Asuka's happy chirp gets Chiron to gulp loudly as the redhead goes to where Rei's standing. "You might want to stand back, Wondergirl. You might melt if it goes hot."

"I think I can take the heat, Pilot Sohryu." Asuka only shrugs before igniting the torch. As she brings it near the gash, Chiron screams out.

"No, don't do it!" His yell slightly startles Asuka, causing her to slightly 'fumble' the torch and 'trying to get it back' into her hands.

"Oh, this is getting very hot, Shinji!"

"Then you better drop it!"

"No, no, no! I'll talk! I'll talk!" Chiron glares balefully at Ritsuko before turning back to Shinji, snarling, "Commander Ikari wanted your nerves rattled so badly, you'd be ideal for what he has in mind."

"What would that be, Chiron?"

"I don't know." Shinji shakes his head to Chiron before looking up and nodding to Asuka. The redhead gleefully takes the torch back toward the gash. Causing Chiron to cry out, "I really don't know! I swear!" Shinji then sighs out before looking toward Rei.

"I think he's telling the truth. Rei?"

"Captain Chiron is indeed being truthful, Ikari." Looking back down at Chiron, she then asks, "What will be done with Captain Chiron, though?"

"Can't leave him for the vultures seeing as there are none around here." Glaring down at Chiron, Shinji adds, "Even if there were, they'd likely die from poisoning."

"I'll take custody of him." At the voice, all four turn around and see a grinning Caucasian man with brown hair. "UN Special Agent Max Steel." Stepping close to Chiron, he adds, "I'd been observing the goings on in Tokyo-3 for the past four months. You four are lucky I happened along before you went too far."

"Aw, we just wanted to scare the porker, Agent Steel." Curious, Asuka then asks, "Are you by any chance related to Max Steel Jr.?"

"Yes. He's my son." Grabbing up Chiron and securing his wrists with fast-cuffs, he adds, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm taking this guy in for interrogation."

"Okay, Agent Steel." Shinji then asks, "You need any kind of statements from us?"

"I'll get back to you on that. But, for now, make no mention of Captain Chiron being in UN custody. Deal?" All four teens look toward each other before nodding and turning back to Agent Steel.

"Deal!"

Agent Steel nods and grins before tugging Chiron along to a waiting two-seater aircraft with UN markings. Upon getting him secured into the seat, Agent Steel looks back toward them and nods before getting into the aircraft's pilot seat and closing the canopy. As the aircraft lifts away from the ground before flying away, Asuka lightly chortles.

"I'd sure hate to be in that fat pig's shoes when Agent Steel's people get their hands on him."

'Yes, you certainly would, Asuka. But somehow I think you'll get a better deal than him.' Shrugging, Shinji remarks, "I think we all would, Asuka." Offering Ritsuko his arm, Shinji gets a grin from her in return as she accepts and they walk arm-in-arm to his car. Rei and Asuka giggling lightly at each other. With Asuka noticing something different about Rei.

"You're acting more like a regular girl now, Wondergirl."

"Is that bad, Pilot Sohryu?"

"No, not at all. It's a good change for you." Curious, she then asks, "How'd that come about?"

"I stopped taking the medications Dr Akagi had me on." Rei's reply can't help but get Shinji's attention. Causing he and Ritsuko to stop and turn around.

"Medications? What kind?" Shinji's question is mentally shared by Ritsuko as she lightly squeezes his hand.

"Correct. Mainly emotional and neural inhibitors." Reaching into her purse and bringing out a pill bottle, she adds, "I stopped taking them three weeks ago, but am unsure as to disposal procedures."

"Flush 'em. Simple as that." Asuka's comment is nodded at by Shinji and Ritsuko before Rei finds herself curious.

"Is there a ceremony involved or is simply flushing enough?" Asuka's retort of a question is cut short before she goes on.

"Why would a…"

"You know, a ceremony of general silliness might actually be good." Shinji's reply gets their attention before he goes on.

"We act as if we're cultists, offering the pills as a sacrifice to the 'God of Sewage'. It'll be great!" Next thing they know, rain starts falling. "Let's get to the apartment. We'll do the ceremony there before I take you home, Rei." The blue-haired girl can't help but smile softly at him.

"Thank you, Shinji." Shinji gives her a nod before they pile back into the car.

(Classified location; ten minutes later)

Chiron's led blindfolded into a room with only a reflective window and a door that locks from the outside. Feeling himself being forced to sit down, he does so. Confident that NERV will get him out of the UN's custody. Feeling restraints being locked onto his body, he then feels the blindfold move away from his face. Upon seeing nothing but darkness, he can't help but feel snide.

"Oh, the dark. I'm so scared." Next thing he knows, a bright white light shines down upon him. "Are you trying to blind me?"

"We'll ask the questions, Section-2 Captain Hitoshi Chiron." Agent Steel's voice is filled with iron before it goes on. "What was your purpose in attacking the Evangelion Pilots, along with the girlfriend of one of said Pilots?"

"I just wanted to put a scare into the Third Child. No harm, no foul."

"Funny. Looked to me like you were intending to do harm most foul."

"Look, buddy, let's cut to the chase here, huh? I'm with NERV. You, as the UN, can't touch anyone with NERV as we're immune from your legal processes."

"We're not with the UN." Chiron's face can't help but go pale as Agent Steel goes on. "We only told the children that to ensure they don't know about our freelance status." Stepping closer to Chiron, Agent Steel adds, "In short, we're a 'Black Squad' of sorts. If needed, we can make you vanish without explanation. No one but us will know, and even then, at times we generally forget about where your ass goes when we're done with you." Getting a nervous gulp from Chiron, Agent Steel exits the room.

"Where're you going?"

"Just to get some 'tools' for your interrogation. That's all you need to know." With that, he closes the door. Subjecting Chiron to the blinding white light. Going to Jefferson's side, he nods. "How long should we leave him alone in there, Dad?"

"I figure an hour and a half before you go back in. Chiron should be ready to try negotiating by then."

"Right." Looking at the restrained figure through the window, he then asks, "When do you want Sohryu brought here?"

"Tonight. Kat's arranging the logistics with Shinji."

(Tokyo-3; Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; two hours later)

"Oh man, to think we missed the party for disposing of Ayanami's medications." Kensuke can't help but chortle as he goes on. "I'd have loved to have seen her dumping them into the toilet. That must've been a sight to see!"

"I'm sure it was, 'Suke." Grimacing as he drips onto the carpet, Touji adds, "Thanks a heap, Shin-man."

"You're welcome, Touji." Shinji then goes to get two of his male friends towels so they can dry off. "Just try not to be so loud, okay?"

"Why, what's up?"

"Misato's home and she's exhausted."

"What are they doing here, Third?" Asuka's voice gets their attention before she goes on. "I'm waiting!"

"They just came to get out of the rain."

"Okay, but they'd better not disturb Misato."

"It's okay, Asuka." Misato's voice gets the redhead's attention. "I just took a slight nap when I got home." When the purple-haired woman comes out of her room, Kensuke can't help but notice her rank.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Major Katsuragi." Shinji and Asuka blink before turning to each other.

"Did you know?" Their united question gets Kensuke and Touji both to shudder. Shinji and Asuka, however, smile sheepishly. Amusing Misato to no end.

"I see that sync training's more effective than I thought." Kensuke recovers his wits before turning to Touji.

"We should celebrate her promotion, Touji. And I've got the idea."

"Promotion party, with Shinji and Red Devil's guardian as the guest of honor? Sure!"

"You guys don't have to do that."

"Nonsense, Major. After all the work you put in, you deserve a party." Kensuke turns toward Shinji and asks, "Shinji, could you see if Ms Takamiya and Ritsuko would like to come?"

"Okay, but I really…" Kensuke suddenly turns to Asuka before scowling.

"Why don't you invite the Class Rep while Touji and I invite Richard and Ayanami?"

"Hmm, alright. But the party better be tasteful, Stooge."

"Oh it will. It will." At that point, Shinji knows just when to take Asuka to 'N-Tek' in Old Osaka. After Misato's promotion party.

(Takamiya home; same time)

Knocking on the door, Psycho feels greatly uneasy with what he's wanting to say. Upon seeing Deidre's face, he smiles softly before greeting her.

"Hey, 'Nelle."

"Hey, Psycho." Checking her watch, she lightly grimaces before adding, "A little late for a visit and Ritsy's asleep."

"I know, but I need to talk to you." The tone in his voice gets her attention, getting her to nod.

"C'mon in." Opening the door fully, she lets him in and shows him to a seat. Once he's comfortable, she asks, "So what's going on, Psycho?"

"'Nelle, I think I'm a man that's supposed to have been dead since '97. Doctor Akagi thinks so too."

"How so?"

"I'd been having what seem to be flashes of memory. Memories that are not supposed to be mine, but at the same time feels like they are." Deidre only gives him a reassuring smile and clasps his hand.