Shinji Steel 52
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(Treadwell Industries Building; same time)
As a distraught E cries into her hands, a stunned Deidre can only shake her head in disbelief at the newscast as it airs.
'No way in Hell that can happen! Not even Dread could've killed her! So there's no way some schmuck could just come along and blow her head apart!' Moving to comfort E, she suddenly sees a harried Treadwell exiting his office.
"Sorry to sound cold, but the elevator for Site 40 just stopped moving, Deidre."
"On it." As she exits the office, she hears E's footsteps behind her. "E?"
"I'm coming along with you. Maybe some 'meatball' work will distract me from the tragedy."
"Okay. Mr. Treadwell?"
"Yeah, you two go on ahead. I'll pick things up here a bit to distract myself. I'll probably make my way down there later on." Once E and Deidre exit the office, Treadwell clenches his left hand into a fist. "Dammit. She was the best SECGEN there was, too."
(NERV HQ; Command Deck; ten minutes later)
Gendo feels the will to suppress an evil grin fading fast and decides to hurry and speak out the most impressive bullshit in his life.
"As I'm sure you're already aware, UN Secretary General Rachel Leeds Nez was gunned down by an unknown assailant. As of now, a massive manhunt is underway to apprehend the responsible party. What makes it even more difficult is the fact an Angel is attacking while we are in mourning. A most distasteful act. So, even though our morale took a hit, let's show this Angel that humanity will rise to the challenge. No matter what. It's what Madam Secretary General Nez would want. That is all." He then sits down, allowing an evil grin to spread over his face after concealing it with his hands.
'And who says politics is boring?' As he watches the three Evangelions launch up to the street, he focuses on Unit-01. 'Let's see you keep your strength with this one, Third Child!'
(Site 40; same time)
As she climbs up the building's framework, Deidre looks back down at E to see the woman is easily keeping up with her.
"You're in pretty good shape for someone that works in an office."
"I didn't always work in a typical office. I used to be a Tracker. That's how I met Sam."
"What was it like? Being a Tracker, I mean."
"Pay was pretty good. But there were some nuts out there that didn't like Trackers very much. One was a certifiable nut named Les."
"What became of him?"
"He died when he tried mounting a statue of a woman bigger than he was."
"Ah. Sam know about what happened to Les?"
"He was there." Deidre gives a nod before finding herself curious.
"Why'd Sam hire you, anyway?"
"It's a long story. One that's better told when plastered silly because it's too ridiculous to listen to sober."
"It can't be that bad off."
"It involves a robot wife that went into meltdown when a human husband got overly amorous when a dishwasher messed up the wife's CPU even more."
"On second thought, getting plastered silly sounds more sensible than listening to the story while sober." E only gives Deidre a cackle, getting Deidre to cackle as well. She then looks around and sees Shinji's EVA coming out of the ground. "See that purple mecha over there, E?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"That's the one my 'son-in-law' Pilots."
"Why don't you give him a wave, let him know you're here?"
"Nah. It'd distract him." Looking around some more, Deidre groans. "Just our fuckin' luck, E!"
"Why? What's going on?"
"See that big ass-honkin' zebra-striped beach ball over there?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"I think that's an Angel come to make trouble."
"Oh damn. We better get our asses on out of here, then."
"I'm with you on that." Deidre then notices the purple, blue and red Evangelions pulling back to outside the shadow on the ground. "Wonder what's going on."
(Unit-01 entry plug; one minute ago)
Shinji can't help but feel an uneasy feeling gnawing at his gut. The same feeling which had saved his life a few times in his past missions before and he would be foolish to ignore.
"Something's wrong. There's something about that Angel that's not sitting right with me."
"Are you kidding, Third? It's practically a gift-wrapped sitting duck!"
"I, scarily enough, concur with Pilot Sohryu, Ikari."
"That's what's bugging me. It's too much of a gift-wrapped sitting duck." Nodding, he adds, "Fall back to outside the shadow."
"What are you basing it on, Ikari?"
"A hunch, Ayanami. A hunch."
"Well, we all know better than to ignore a hunch if it's one of yours." Asuka's voice has no scorn within as she adds, "Unit-02 falling back ten feet before clearing the shadow."
"Unit-00 falling back five feet before clearing the shadow."
"Copy. Unit-01 falling back ten feet before clearing the shadow." Next thing Shinji knows, Gendo speaks up.
"All Units return to attack positions immediately. The Third Child's hunch is unfounded." Shinji rolls his eyes before snorting.
"Great. Not only do we have comm. capabilities in here, we also get the 'Dumbass Channel'. I need to check with the radio company to see if we could lose it." Looking around, his eyes suddenly go wide in horror. "Eyes out, eyes out! Civilians within the shadow zone. Moving to assist." As he moves Unit-01 toward the building under construction, Gendo's voice sneers toward him.
"Leave the civilians be, Third Child. Their lives are forfeit." Shinji once again rolls his eyes.
"Definitely going to see about losing the 'Dumbass Channel' when we get done here." Extending Unit-01's hand toward the building's framework, he turns on his external speakers. "Deidre, please get yourself and your coworker onto Unit-01's hand quickly. I'll take you to safety."
"Okay, Shinji. C'mon E!"
"With you, Deidre!" As the two women get onto Unit-01's hand, they both smile up at the horned face. "Never in my time as a Tracker did I come across something like this!" Shinji only nods the massive head before moving back. Just as Gendo issues yet another order. This time to Asuka.
"Unit-02, proceed with destruction of the Angel at once."
"Negative, Command. Unit-01 and precious cargo are not yet clear of the shadow."
"Unit-02, you will obey my orders! Shoot that zebra-striped ball immediately! Or I will order a missile launch on it!"
"Negative on that, dumbass."
"Very well, then. Missile batteries, fire one missile on the target."
"Firing one." Shinji sees one of the buildings opening to the side, revealing a missile. It then fires the missile right at the zebra-striped ball. Only for the ball to simply vanish. "What the fuck? Target's vanished, Command. No detonation at all."
"I don't believe it. Shinji's hunch was..." At the sudden trail-off, Asuka's voice comes back. Pallor evident in her voice. "Command, we've got problems. The shadow's starting to sink everything within the radius. Unit-01, hurry and get clear before you get stuck!"
"Aw, crap!" Feeling his feet get stuck, Shinji shakes his head. "Too late. Calling any UN aircraft in the downtown area of Tokyo-3. This is Evangelion Unit-01. I've two civilians that need immediate evac from the danger zone. Any of you copy?"
"This is UN Police V-TOL 47. Am reading you loud and clear, Unit-01. ETA, two minutes."
"Roger that." Next thing Shinji knows, Gendo speaks up.
"UN Police V-TOL 47, this is the Commander of NERV. You're to immediately halt your advance. Acknowledge."
"Negative on that, Command. According to the regulations, all civilian personnel are to be evacuated if at all possible from any engagement zone."
"It's too late for them, UN 47. Halt your advance at once or your career is over with."
"I've only one thing to say to that, Command. Bite me! Moving in to assist." As Shinji sees the Police V-TOL, he can't help but be amused it's a regular Police V-TOL. "Okay, Unit-01. I've your precious cargo in sight. Be advised you're at your knees in the shadow now."
"Copy, 47." When he sees Deidre shaking her head 'no', he sighs and says, "You've every right to survive this day, Deidre."
"So do you, Shinji!"
"I know. But the V-TOL's weight capacity is limited. You and your coworker have a better chance at survival."
"What about Ritsy?"
"I don't think I'd be able to face her if I'd failed saving you." By this time, Unit-01 is up to its chest and Shinji softly says, "Now go, Deidre. Please."
Deidre gives him a nod before taking an Officer's outstretched arm and getting hoisted up into the V-TOL beside a badly rattled E. One minute later, Unit-01 vanishes from view. Units 00 and 02 having tried a rescue of their comrade themselves. Only for Gendo to thwart it.
(NERV Staging Area; ten minutes later)
"Mom! Mom!" A panicked Rits races through the area, intent on finding the only Mother she'd known from her time in diapers. When she sees her, Rits cries out, "MOM!" Racing right to Deidre, she wraps her arms around her, tears falling from her eyes. "Oh, Mom!"
"Oh, Ritsy." Deidre's voice is on the verge of breaking as she says, "I'm so sorry I got Shinji trapped in there."
"There's no way you could've known what was going to happen, Mom." Rits sniffles before looking at the hated shadow that had swallowed up her beloved. "What's being done about Shinji? As in getting him out of there, I mean."
"I wish I knew, Ritsy. Misato and Dr Akagi are both trying to figure a way to get him out of there. But from what Dr Akagi said, he's got sixteen hours of life support as long as he doesn't do anything rash. Hopefully it'll be more than enough time for him to come back."
"Of course he's going to come back!" At Asuka's sure tone, Deidre and Rits look toward the highly-vocal redhead girl as she adds, "He's the 'Invincible Shinji' for a reason, after all! It's not in him to let an Angel get the better of him!" Next thing Asuka knows, Rei's soft voice chimes up in query.
"Are you trying to convince us or yourself, Pilot Sohryu?" Asuka can't help but bite her lower lip gently before sighing.
"Both, actually." Rits gives Asuka a nod before speaking as well.
"I'll settle for Shinji to come out of there alive." Gazing over the expansive shadow, she thinks, 'Shinji, stay strong, my love.' Looking around the area, Rits can't help but frown before asking, "Mom, where's the van?" Deidre's eyes can't help but go wide before she slumps her head down.
"It's gone, Ritsy. The fucking Angel swallowed it up!"
(12th Angel Dirac Sea; twenty minutes later)
After using his internal communications to cry calling Misato, Asuka, Josh, Jefferson, Kat and Berto to no avail, Shinji stops for the time being. Only to blink upon seeing a younger version of himself sitting across from him. Only the younger version's eyes are red like Rei's are.
"I'm guessing you're the 12th Angel."
"You'd be guessing right, lilim." The 12th sneers as it adds, "I must admit, you're quite courageous to have slain my predecessors. But now that you're before me, the tables can turn."
"Maybe, or maybe I can fuck up your party and kick your ass. What do you think about that, dickhead?"
"Just how do you propose to do that, Shinji Ikari? You're just a weakling with a strong spine. And strong spines only get you so far, after all. Not to mention you've based your self-worth on Piloting EVA."
"Life's about more than having strong spines or Piloting EVA. I already have self-worth from before I came to Pilot EVA. Which I don't even want."
"Then why Pilot if you don't want to? I must admit I'm confused." To that, Shinji only smirks.
"You're more than confused. You're totally befucked. Life's also about facing any odds against oneself head on to ensure humanity doesn't suffer horridly."
"You're a fine one to talk about suffering horridly when you've got a chip on your shoulder when it comes to your birth Father. You want revenge against him for his abandoning you."
"I've already gotten my revenge. What I'm after now is to make sure he doesn't use anyone as pawns ever again. And that means for him to be incarcerated." Shinji then smiles and adds, "Now would be a really good time for you to put Unit-01 back to where you got it from."
"Oh, I think not. I'll just let it stay where it is until it and you are digested. Along with the remainder of that one site your fellow lilim has been ever since when I popped by there for lunch." The 12th Angel points to behind Shinji, allowing Shinji to see what it means.
Remnants of buildings and human bodies rapidly disintegrating as if they're being digested. Along with the sight of Deidre's van as it disintegrates as well. Shinji can't help but clench his right hand into a fist in fury while the 12th Angel chortles malevolently.
"I also know that all the people that know Shinji Ikari have a picture of the real Shinji Ikari with them in their minds." The 12th Angel then starts yammering and Shinji notices one thing it hadn't mentioned. Getting him to grin. Only for the Angel to notice the grin. "What're you grinning for? Don't you know you're about to die?"
"Funny you should mention that last word. 'Die'. I suppose you're wondering why it's funny."
"I admit a curiosity on my part. Go ahead. Enlighten me."
"I've a list of options I'd like to go over with you. Three total."
"Options, huh? Do any of them involve you becoming one with me?"
"Not on your life, jackass. Option A; You put EVA-01 back where it was, leave our solar system and I won't hurt you." The 12th can't help but snort in disbelief.
"As if a lower life-form has a chance of hurting me."
"Option B; I 'persuade' you to put EVA-01 back and you'll be in a little pain."
"Ha! I'd like to see you try." Shinji pays it no mind as he finishes.
"Option C; I like to vary the details a little, but the punch-line is you die."
The 12th can't help but burst into raucous laughter before facing away from him. As the Angel starts to beat its fists and feet against the floor while laughing, Shinji switches over to Max Steel Jr. Once switchover's completed, the 12th's laughter tapers off.
"That's some punch-line! I gotta admit, you're the funniest lilim I've eaten yet!"
"Then I guess you never had something that disagreed with you at all."
At the level voice, the 12th looks back and instead of seeing a thin young man, it sees a young man with a semi-athletic build.
"I guess we're going with Option C, then. Works for me."
"How… it's impossible! Lilim technology is too primitive!"
"Yeah, well, in my line of work, the impossible happens every day." Stalking forward, Max goes on. "Now I don't know about you, but I've things to do today. Dying in an Angel isn't one of them. But since you pulled your little stunt, you've made me very grumpy. I don't like being very grumpy. You wouldn't like me when I'm very grumpy."
To make his point clear, Max cracks his knuckles. The very sound of them causes the 12th to cringe in horror. It then smiles nervously as it backs away from him, only for Max to step ever closer. Mouth in a bloodthirsty smile and blue eyes emitting an eerily green glow. Causing the 12th to say only one thing more.
"Mother..." When Max's fist makes contact with its face, the Angel snarls out, "Now it's on!"
Returning the punch, the 12th's stunned when Max wheels his way around the punch and launches a reverse roundhouse kick into its side. Holding its side while grimacing, the 12th widens its mouth, revealing fangs within.
"If you're trying to do a 'Dracula', you've got your work cut out for you."
"I will acquire your skills so we can be evenly matched!"
"I don't think so, Angel. Going turbo!" Accelerating his movements, Max commences to give the 12th such a beating, it quickly loses track of where it's injured. Once he's back to normal speed, he asks, "How about now? You give up now or are you thirsty for more?"
"I'm sure we can come to a mutual agreement of sorts."
"I've got one for you. I live, you die. Simple as that."
Little does he realize that a presence in the space doesn't recognize his other form. A presence that he knows is in there, no less. Taking the doppelganger by the throat, he snarls.
"You ruined an already fucked up day. How do you plead?" The 12th can't help but grin weakly, even with a heavily-bruised face, before giving its reply.
"Not guilty."
"I knew you'd say that." Starting to squeeze the doppelganger's throat, his eyes narrow as he says, "One of your kind killed millions in 'Second Impact'. Two of them the parents of my 'wife' and two more of them my guardian's parents. All so a bunch of loons can kill all of humanity for who knows why."
"You can't change that one bit." The 12th's voice is choked as it adds, "It's in the Scrolls. You're meant to bring about 'Third Impact' for 'Instrumentality' to occur."
"Yeah, well I'm doing things the 'Max Steel Jr. way'. Far as I'm concerned, the scrolls are rolled toilet paper that have yet to be used to wipe asses with." Next thing Max knows, Yui's voice comes to him.
"Shinji? Is that really you?" Max nods before replying.
"I'll be right with you, Mother. Just gotta finish this Angel off."
"Who're you calling 'Mother'? I don't know you."
"Maybe this'll help."
Max then switches forms, becoming Shinji again. Yui can't help but gasp in shock before looking back and forth at both males that appear to be Shinji. Both the present one and the younger one.
(NERV Staging Area; thirty minutes later)
"Are you nuts, Ritsu?" Misato's horrified voice gets a cringe from Ritsu as Misato goes on. "Dumping 2,000 N-2 mines into the shadow to force it to release Shinji and Unit-01? It'll kill him!"
"I know, Misato. The order's right from the Commander. It's to be done in twelve hours."
"If that much time gives Shinji a chance to escape before then…"
"He figures that Shinji's dead already."
"He's already written Shinji off?"
"Yes. As far as the Commander's concerned, retrieving Unit-01 is more important than figuring out how to retrieve a Pilot that's, in the Commander's words, extremely troublesome."
"I knew I should've given that dumbass a lead enema when I had the chance." Misato's words can't help but get Ritsu to grin in amusement.
"When was that, Misato?"
"When I found out Shinji was supposed to live in the slums, as the dumbass ordered no less, before I took him into my apartment."
"What?" Rits' voice is behind Misato as the young woman asks, "You mean Shinji was supposed to live in a slum area like Rei was before you took him in, Misato?"
"Yeah. I wanted to give 'Dumbass' a lead enema. But Shinji stopped me, saying it wasn't worth it." Grinning fiercely, she adds, "But there's always later on to give 'Dumbass' a lead enema." Rits can't help but giggle at the thought of Gendo being shot in the ass.
"I'll make the popcorn." All of a sudden, the ground starts moving. "What the fuck?" Racing to where Asuka and Rei are standing, Rits asks, "Did either of you just feel the ground move?"
"Yeah." Rei only nods at Asuka's reply before the redhead's eyes bolt open. "The shadow!" As the three young women head for the mark-off point, Rei looks up at the zebra-striped ball and speaks.
"The Angel's the shadow with the one above its shadow."
"Talk about your topsy-turvy worlds."
Rits' words get a nod from Asuka and Rei both as they see the zebra stripes fade into a solid black. Only to see a massive purple fist burst out of the Angel's side. Rits' eyes can't help but go wide before she cheers out.
"SHINJI!" As the purple fist is joined by another, Rits grins ferociously, adding, "That's it, baby! Tear this Angel a new asshole!" As Rei watches impassively, a stunned Asuka can only stare in abject horror as Unit-01 violently tears its way to freedom.
"Is that what I'm Piloting?" Even though she now knows the truth, it's very easy for her to view the Evangelions as vicious monsters. Once Unit-01 touches down onto the ground, it roars in victory before powering down. "C'mon! Let's get Shinji out of that plug!"
(Unit-01 entry plug; same time)
As Shinji feels Yui's ghostly fingers run through his hair, he hears her soft voice speaking to him through his probes.
"I'm so proud of you, Shinji. I'm also sorry I doubted you when I saw your other form holding the doppelganger up by the neck."
'It's cool. You weren't exactly expecting me to be able to change forms, anyway.'
"Indeed. I'm quite surprised you gave the Angel options when you didn't have to. But, I don't understand why you need another identity."
'It's like Dad said. "Shinji Ikari just can't go around fighting criminals and expect to lead a normal life". Hence Max Steel Jr.'
"I see. I think. But how'd it happen?"
'That'll have to wait for another time, Mother.'
"But why?"
'Retrieval crews are en route and I'm almost into the yellow. We'll talk another time, Mother. Promise.'
"Okay, Shinji. I expect the full story when you sync with me again." With that, Yui cuts contact and Shinji sighs.
'At least I didn't have to 'go turbo' this time around to talk to her.'
"I'll say, hermano. I gotta admit, though, we were all worried about you when we lost contact for a little over half an hour. Rachel's operation go over well at school?"
'It seems to have. I feel bad that Rachel had to fake her death using an LMD. But if it gets "Dumbass" to drop his guard just enough…'
"Then it'll be worth it. Talk to you later." With that, contact ends and Shinji hears the plug hatch opening.
'I hope Rachel's having better luck than I am.' Upon seeing Rits' face peering down into the plug, he can't help but say, "Now there's an Angel I wouldn't mind seeing." Rits can't help but giggle while blushing.
"You just wait until the next time you fuck me, buster."
(Classified location; same time)
The sniper comes to and quickly notices something amiss. Namely the room being upside down. Three seconds later, he realizes he's the one that's upside down. Clearing his throat, he decides to call out, even after figuring it'll be futile.
"Um, hello! Anyone here? I gotta tell you right up front I don't take too well to being upside down!"
"I don't take too well to having my life threatened by a half-wit that sends another half-wit to do the job. So that makes us even." Blinking at the feminine voice with the crisp British accent, he listens to it go on. "While your aim was impressive, it was far from artistic. Second rate at best."
"H… H… How? You're dead! I killed you!"
"Nope. You killed a prototype for a robotic body double. But enough about that. You're going to tell us what we want to know about what Gendo Rokubungi has in mind."
"Who's that?" At the query, the voice sighs before going on.
"Once again, he defied the Court Order barring him from using the Ikari name. Agent Steel, do you have the torch?"
"I do, ma'am." The sniper blinks at the new and male voice before hearing a hiss and then a pop of a flame igniting. "Torch is lit." The sniper can't help but be nervous before finding himself curious.
"What's the torch for?"
"4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Enough to turn depleted uranium armor plating into butter. And it's going to go into your back." The feminine voice is chilling as it goes on. "But when it makes contact, it won't hurt. It's too hot, see. It sears your nerve endings shut, killing them and you'll smell burning meat before you feel cold. Then, then it'll hurt. Isn't science fun?"
"You haven't the stones!"
"Perhaps not, but Agent Steel does." A second later, the sniper hears sizzling and smells meat burning before feeling a cold jab at his back. Which gets him to flinch.
"AAHH!" Getting his breath, he cries out, "You and your friend are crazy, bitch! You've both gone to the Dark Side!"
"Nope. The Dark Side is what Gendo Rokubungi is on. As for me being a bitch, you're lucky I'm not the kind of bitch with an itch to pull the trigger to blow you away. Now talk!"
"I don't know anything!"
"You've his phone number in your phone and it's NERV-issued. So you're bound to have some connection to him. Agent Steel."
"Yes, ma'am." At the sound of more sizzling and the smell of meat burning, the sniper feels another cold jab before Agent Steel speaks again. Chortle in his voice. "Smell that? I'm burning off some of your fat." One more jab of cold and the sniper screams out.
"I'll talk! I'll talk!" His words coming out in a shudder, he goes on. "I was a cleaner for NERV under Chiron. I also did double duty as a troubleshooter for Commander Ikari. Emphasis on 'troubleshooter', of course." The feminine voice has cold steel within with the next query.
"What kind of 'trouble' did you shoot?"
"Just those that Commander Ikari considered unfavorable elements capable of wresting control of NERV from him. He even said he'd pondered a hit on the Takamiya girl and would get back to me on it."
"Why a girl?"
"I don't know! All I know is that he considers her to be an impediment to his plans for the Third Child."
"That 'impediment' is staying alive and you're vanishing from the world at large. Agent Steel, you know what to do."
"Yes ma'am. With pleasure, no less." A second later, the sniper goes back into unconsciousness.
As she watches Max bring the sniper down from being dangled above the floor, Rachel can't help but shake her head. She then looks toward a workbench in the room and eyes a steel plate holding a slab of steak. Thoroughly browned from the heat, which was only about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. She can say only one thing.
"You're not a nice person anymore. What happened to the nice guy I knew when he joined 'N-Tek' as a teen?"
"The nice guy's still around. I'm just like this toward anyone that threatens my friends and family. This joker's lucky I used a popsicle on him instead of the torch."
"Ah. So, what's next? You gonna string up Gendo Rokubungi and blowtorch him?" Max can't help but give Rachel an amusingly evil grin.
"I like that idea. I may do it for real, though. But it's up to Shinji, though. He may want in on it."
"I understand. But, where'd you get the idea from, anyway?"
"Oh, just from a movie I saw once. Went about the same way, only the one being 'torched' became an operative of sorts for the guy 'torching' him." Rachel can't help but chuckle as Max finishes exiting the room, the sniper on his left shoulder.
"I really need to examine some of those teachings to be sure they're appropriate." Crossing to the back of the room, she opens a freezer and grins upon seeing the popsicles. "I think I'll have a grape one." Next thing she knows, Berto runs up to her.
"Rachel, we've got a hit on that mining company in Hokkaido."
"What is it, Berto? Is it relating to the Takusona murder investigation?"
"You bet it is. I found an inventory listing in the company's files from before it went belly up. You won't believe who signed the inventory sheet dated three days before Second Impact." As Berto tells her, Rachel feels her face go pale in horror before red in rage.
"Never did like that prick. Do we have enough evidence on him?"
"Short of an outright confession, I'm afraid not. Shall I expand the bug to include external outlets?"
"Yes, by all means you can, Berto."
"You got it." With that, Berto strides away and Rachel sticks the popsicle into her mouth.
(Tokyo-3; NERV; Gendo's office; thirty minutes later)
"Third Child, would you care to explain your rationale for your foolhardy stunt when you chose to rescue civilians when they were as good as dead?"
"Why should I bother explaining things to a dumbass when said dumbass is just going to ignore what I say?"
"You can at least humor me by answering my question."
"Alright. Deidre Takamiya and one of her coworkers were trapped within the shadow's radius. I couldn't in good conscience allow them to die like you probably would."
"I believe I told you previously to be ready for civilian casualties during a conflict. Be they by actions of an Angel or yourself."
"That may work fine for you. But that's not the way I work. Every single human life is precious. Except for yours as I highly doubt you're human."
"How dare you…" Gendo can't help but shake in rage before he grits out, "You're on report for your little stunt, Third Child. The next time you disobey orders, you'll be sent to the brig for a month."
"I'll be sure to pack my sleeping bag." At that, Shinji turns around and starts walking. Only to stop and add, "By the way, I believe NERV's loss compensation policy covers vehicles as well."
"It does. What of it?"
"You can expect a compensation claim from Deidre here pretty soon. Her van got swallowed up into the Angel."
"I can always refuse compensating her as she was parked in the engagement zone."
"I can tell you're contemplating it right now. But know this. One way or another, Deidre's loss will be compensated as she and Rits had been subjected to your bullshit as much as I have. Deidre and her coworker were at the site to do a job, only to wind up in danger from an Angel. Neither of them had any way of knowing of the shadow being the actual Angel."
Shinji then exits the office, leaving a stewing Gendo behind. Only for Gendo to stop stewing and start plotting more. Only to see the light for SEELE blinking on his panel.
'Might as well see what the old fossils want.' Rising from behind his desk, he crosses to the hidden doorway in his wall and opens it. Upon seeing the twelve monoliths, he greets them. "Good afternoon, my esteemed colleagues."
"Enough rubbish, Ikari." SEELE 5 grits out with, "We understand that the Third Child is still not the way we want him to be! Explain!"
"The Third Child has proven himself to be very resilient ever since his return to Tokyo-3. Due largely in part to his surrogate family and romance with a girl."
"You can't mean that Ritsuko Takamiya is alive still!"
"I do, 1. In fact, she recently had the BCI that Dr Akagi put in taken out so they can begin work on starting their family." His lips curling into a smirk, he adds, "I do, however, feel we have another way of disposing of her once and for all."
"That way being?"
"Unit-01, 2. She synced with it at 55% fairly recently. While it is impressive for someone that had never been trained to Pilot, she's still… wait. Something's not right here."
"What is it, Ikari?"
"Upon his first time syncing with Unit-01, the Third Child had a ratio of 70%, 4."
"What about it?"
"His initial ratio should have been much lower than that, 6. Around the 40s range, in fact." Positioning his hands before his face in thought, he muses, "So how could he have gotten such a high score? Let alone her?"
"How much do you know about the girl, Ikari?"
"Only that she was orphaned in Second Impact, 1. Adopted by a woman of Chinese descent and raised up as her own daughter."
"What was her birth surname?"
"I believe it was… I don't believe it!" Gendo's voice is filled with rage as he goes on. "I should've seen it earlier! 1, I wish to confer with you! Alone, now!"
"You heard Ikari, my friends. We wish to speak privately." With that, the monoliths blink out one by one until Gendo and the monolith for 1 are alone. "What do you wish to confer with me about, Ikari?"
"Kiel, do you remember the names Hoshio and Yuriko Takusona?"
Kiel gives a nod before he and Gendo discuss them. Once everything's settled, with Kiel congratulating Gendo on Rachel's death and wanting to 'speak' with Shinji.
"I will make the arrangements, Kiel." Kiel gives Gendo a nod and fades from sight. As he exits the room, Gendo can't help but wonder one thing.
"Just how exactly did you know her, Kiel? First you know of Max Steel Sr. Then you know Psycho and now the late UN SECGEN. What're you going to tell me next? They're your enemies?" Upon hearing a knock on his office door, he makes his way back to his desk before replying.
"Enter." Upon the door opening, he grimaces upon seeing Ritsu walking in. The reunion she had with her high school boyfriend had an unforeseen consequence for him. Putting it out of his mind, he says, "Report, Dr Akagi."
"Commander, Evangelion Unit-01 is ready to be washed off in the cleaning bay."
"Very well, Dr. Shall we proceed there now?" Ritsu gives Gendo a nod as she precedes him out the door. With Gendo asking, "How is Dr Hanson adapting to his surroundings here?"
"He's actually adapting quite well as he'd had a practice in Tokyo-2 for a couple years now, actually. So being in Tokyo-3 isn't much different than being in Tokyo-2." Chuckling, she adds, "Well, aside from Tokyo-3 being the site of the Angel war, of course." Gendo can barely suppress a chuckle himself before shaking his head.
"Of course. How does it feel for you to be working in close proximity to him given your past with him?"
"Admittedly, there was some tension, but it was mild." Unable to keep from smiling softly, she murmurs, "Other than that, it was as if we'd never even parted."
"Even though you had."
"Even though we had, yes. But we always wondered about how the other was doing at times." Glancing down at her right wrist, she asks, "Did I ever tell you how I got this scar on my wrist?"
"No, but I did ask you about it. Yet you deferred away from it."
"It's a reminder that no matter how bad things get, life's still worth living. Matt saving my life taught me that much." The smile on Ritsu's face is so soft, Gendo can't help but think about Yui's soft smile from when she had held Shinji when he was just a newborn. Shaking it away, Gendo snorts.
"I'd say you were fortunate that he came across you before it was too late to save your life."
"I was." Ten minutes later, they're in the cleaning bay, watching the purple titan being washed off from behind a glass partition. As the Angel's blood is washed off, Ritsu remembers another item.
"I attempted the procedure thirty minutes ago, but had to abort."
"What happened?"
"The embryo of Adam started to degrade the 'Custom Model' before I could even get within a foot of it."
"We'll simply have to do an implantation, Akagi. Where is the embryo now?"
"I left it in Terminal Dogma by the tube where…"
"A fitting location. Birdman's domicile for the past few months. But are you sure it was wise to leave it unsecured when we still don't know who had attempted to liberate Birdman?"
"Quite sure, sir. Even more, to bring the 'Custom Model' to life requires a soul and the only soul compatible enough is the First Child."
"Yes. Though we may have to use her imprint from before the Third Child arrived here. Is it available still?"
"It is, but what about the soul?"
"I'm thinking mechanical means to bring it to life."
"You can't mean the Dummy Plug programming!"
"I do. The soul of the current Rei is questionable now because of the presence of Richard Nez. She's become too warm for my liking. All undoubtedly because of the Third Child treating her like a sibling." Scowling, he adds, "That makes her useless for the Scenario as it stands. At least we can salvage the S-2 engine when the 16th Angel arrives and put it into the 'Custom Model'. Thus breaking the heart of Richard Nez and potentially driving him to suicide." He doesn't notice Ritsu giving off a shudder as the washing continues. Only for her to break the tense silence.
"Do you think they'll understand about their Evangelions?"
"They won't find out, Akagi. Much like the authorities won't figure out I had ordered the hit on the UN Secretary General."
(Old Osaka 'N-Tek' building; Surveillance Room; Sublevel Five)
Little does Gendo realize that not only were they overheard via the power outlets, they were overheard by an incensed Rachel Nez. Before she can say anything, Gendo goes on.
"How soon do you expect the Dummy Plug System to be operational?"
"I expect to have a working prototype in three weeks time. As per your orders, it'll be using Ayanami as the template."
"Excellent. I want you to find the Fourth Child immediately."
"Shall I search within the classroom of the Third Child?"
"No. I've got someone else in mind. An individual from outside the Third Child's class, yet has a bitter grudge from my understanding. He will fit in quite well for my plans to break the will of the Third Child."
"What kind of grudge?"
"It seems he didn't take too kindly to the Third Child defeating him with minimal effort and after telling him to stay down. I want you to recruit him, with the enticement that he'll get payback on the Third Child."
"Even though the 13th Angel is to infiltrate via Unit-03?"
"Even though. His death is a necessary end to break the will of the Third Child. Of course, the Fourth Child won't know of that side effect." Gendo gives off such an evil chortle, it sends chills up and down Rachel's spine.
"That's enough. Cut it out, Berto."
"Cutting." Upon ending the feed, Berto asks, "So what now, Rachel?"
"I've already given the green light for the infiltration team to start. But they won't be ready for operations until after the 14th Angel! Meaning that Shinji's on his own and that's unacceptable! Damn that panel!" Rachel can't help but slam her fist onto the console by Berto's hand. Luckily, there are no buttons under her fist. "I can hardly wait for this stint to be over with so I don't have to deal with all this damned red tape!"
"Same here. But how'd you convince the panel that you're alive still?"
"Easy. I've dirt on them all that only I know about. Berto, I want you to send Shinji back in."
"Terminal Dogma? After Adam?"
"Abso-fucking-lutely. I want that embryo under lock and key anywhere but there."
"You got it." Hitting the system for 'Shinji', he says, "Shinji, we've something for you to do."
"Talk to me, Berto." Three minutes later, Shinji chortles evilly. "It'll be my pleasure. What about the 'Custom Model' down there?"
"Destroy if you can." Rachel's voice is filled with compassion as she adds, "It'd be the humane thing to do for a being that's not even alive."
"You got it. Shinji out." With that, contact ends and Rachel sighs.
"Maybe now he can put that demon to rest. Birdman's death rattles him badly still, even though he stopped showing it."
"Yeah. It was pretty hard for him that night. I imagine it was harder for 'Dragonette'." Berto then frowns as he adds, "Come to think of it, that name sounds like a derivative of Dragonelle."
"But Dragonelle is listed as dead in Second Impact. Unless… holy shit! Dragonelle's been under our noses the whole time! Call Shinji back and tell him about our suspicions."
"You got it." As he recalls Shinji, he asks, "What do you want him to do, though?"
"Seeing as Dragonelle has kept quiet and gone straight by raising a daughter and Dragonette seems to be on his side, not to confront either one of them about it."
"But what if something happens that requires them to hash things out?"
"If it happens, it happens. Along with hope it doesn't cost either of them their love for each other."
(Takamiya house; same time)
As Rits puts on her Dragonette suit, Deidre comes into the doorway and quirks her eyebrows.
"Just where do you think you're going?"
"To NERV. Terminal Dogma to be exact."
"Why there?"
"To end this nightmare I'd been having ever since…"
"The death of Birdman." At Rits' silent nod, Deidre nods back and asks, "How do you propose to do that, Ritsy?"
"By destroying that poor girl that 'Dumbass' had modified. It's the least I could do. If it denies him at least one weapon to use, then so be it. I can't stand that nightmare anymore, Mom."
"I know. I've heard your screams late at night that rouse me from my sleep at times ever since that night." Walking into Rits' room, she adds, "I admit before we came here, I had nightmares as well."
"What kind of nightmares, Mom?"
"Those of you, dead and gutted by Dread's hands. And that was before we found out he's still alive."
"Guy sounds like a sicko."
"He is." Deidre shudders as she goes on. "Every single time, it'd be the same thing, with the same words Dread would say before killing you."
"Somehow I don't think I want to know."
"No, you don't." Gathering Rits into a hug, she murmurs, "I only hope you never actually meet that horrid man, baby." Rits returns the hug before murmuring right back.
"Same here. He sounds like a certifiably insane nightmare."
"He is, and then some." Pecking Rits on her forehead, Deidre exits the room, saying, "I've still got some explosives from the old days. I'll have to give you a quick and dirty lesson on them before you head out."
"Okay. Mom?" When Deidre turns back, Rits asks, "Do you think Max Steel Jr. will be there as well?"
"I don't think he's had it any easier, Ritsy. He could be on his way right now to do what he and Birdman had attempted."
"I hope so. There's something about him that's familiar somehow, but I can't put my finger on it."
"Maybe you'll resolve it before you see Shinji again." Grinning as she sees Rits' face going beet red, she adds, "You're not going to cheat on Shinji if that's what you're thinking about. You love him too much."
"I'll keep telling myself that. I'll even say Shinji's name softly if I have to."
"Even in front of Max Jr.?"
"If it comes down to it, yes." Putting her helmet on, she adds, "I've put too much work into this relationship to cast Shinji aside. We're going to have children, get married and live happily ever after." Deidre can only grin at Dragonette softly before exiting the room to get the explosives.
(NERV; ten minutes later; Max Jr.)
'If it's really Rits as "Dragonette", then she must've been training to try keeping me safe.' Max Jr. can only grin softly as he mutters, "I gotta return the favor."
"Return the favor to who?" At the familiar and feminine voice, Max turns around and sees Dragonette smiling playfully. "Little old me, perhaps? You're so sweet, Max."
"Well, you saw what I saw and that can't have been easy on you."
"It wasn't." Dragonette then gently cups Max's cheek and softly runs her palm up and down on it. "Much like I'm sure you've been hurting too."
"Yeah, which is why I'm here tonight. Much like I'm sure you're here for the same reason."
"Yeah." Dragonette nods and says, "So let's do something about that."
"Agreed." Making their way to Terminal Dogma, Max feels Dragonette pressing her lithe form against his back. A slight tremble coursing its way from her chest into his back. "Brings back unpleasant thoughts, doesn't it?"
"Yeah." Burying his face into his back, she adds, "I first came here so I can protect my beloved from what his Father has in mind for him. What I saw that night I can never tell him, though."
"Why?"
"Because while it'd be tremendously sweet of him, I can't let Shinji live with the repercussions."
"Shinji, huh? He got a last name?"
"Ikari." Next thing Dragonette knows, Max utters the last thing she'd ever expected.
"Oh Rits." Her eyes going wide, Dragonette moves back from Max before he changes form back to Shinji. "If you want to slap me, go ahead. I'll understand." In disbelief, Dragonette takes off her helmet, revealing Rits' eyes to him before she softly palms his face and sadly smiles.
"That explains everything. The slight nods, your typing before stopping the day of your birthday." Rits can't help but wrap him into her arms before nestling into him. She then chuckles out, "We're quite a pair, aren't we?"
"We are, Rits." Gently moving her back, he tilts her face toward him, getting her to grin. "We certainly are."
Gently pressing his lips to hers, he's surprised when her tongue taps onto his lips, requesting entry. He's only too happy to oblige. As their tongues duel, he brings his hand around to her 'baby bump' and grins before ending the kiss.
"I gotta admit, you had me going for a while, thinking there was a baby in there."
"Mmm, not just yet. But soon, my love." Running her hands over his chest, she then frowns and asks, "How long have you been like this?"
"Ever since the night we first met. But let's table that discussion for now, though. We've got business to wrap up." Shinji then becomes Max again and grins. "I'd always wanted to change in front of you." Rits nods her understanding before she puts her helmet back on.
"Much like I've been wanting to reveal what I've been doing for the last few months. And you're right. We do have unfinished business here with 'Dumbass'. For Birdman and SECGEN Nez. I still can't believe she's dead."
"Oh, about that." He waggles his eyebrows, getting Dragonette to grin right back.
"You mean she's still alive?"
"That she is."
"An excellent charade." At his nod, she giggles before frowning in thought. "But how'd they pull it off, though?"
"Through the use of a prototype robotic double Berto calls an 'LMD'. Rachel's had synthetic blood packs in its limbs, torso and head to indicate it had been shot." Dragonette can only snicker before speaking as Max leads on.
"I sure bought it, but I'm not so sure about Mom, though."
"I hated letting you and the others think that Rachel had died, but it was the only way in case 'Dumbass' had a spy in the classroom."
"That makes sense. Mean, but it makes sense. But, does that mean Rachel's one of yours too?"
"Oh yeah. From before my time."
"I'd like to hear that story some time. But for now, what're you after?"
"The 1st Angel. It's in the 'Room of Horrors'. I'm sure you're familiar with that place." Dragonette can't help but shudder in revulsion.
"Oh yeah. In fact it's part of my nightmares. Every time I think of Rei, the big tank of Reis and that tube of the Rei with wings sends chills up and down my spine. Combine that with Birdman dying and feel free to be shocked my sleep is fitful at times. Let alone slightly possible. How about you?"
"I saw a counselor that told me what I'm about to tell you. We stop the responsible parties in their tracks before anyone else gets hurt."
"Sounds easier said than done. But I'm willing to give it a try. How do we start?"
"Like I said, we get the 1st Angel and destroy the modified Rei clone."
"The first sounds easy, but what about the second part of it?"
"From what Berto gleaned from the listening outlets, the modified Rei clone started coming apart when the 1st Angel was within a foot of it. Thinking of, Berto, how're we looking so far?"
"So far, so good. The loop's still showing an empty hallway. I also got more information about what 'Dumbass' has in mind in regards to the 13th Angel when the time comes."
"What does he have in mind?"
"He's planning on using Kotuna as the Pilot on Unit-03. He's even expecting it to be used by the 13th Angel to infiltrate NERV."
"Well, that simply won't do. I'll fill in Dragonette while we do this. Oh, suspicions are verified."
"Good luck, hermano. She'll likely want to do something to 'Dumbass' just for that. Oh, I also got something for her to work with in regards to her parents' murders." Berto's tone is grim, telling Max it's not pleasant.
"I wouldn't blame her one bit. It must be pretty bad." Sighing, Max tells Dragonette what Berto said. Her reaction's exactly as expected.
"Let's cut off his log." Max only gives her a smirk before she asks, "What? You got any better ideas?"
"Matter of fact, yeah, but it's not mine. Rachel's the one that suggested it."
"Oh? What's that?"
"Stringing up 'Dumbass' and blowtorching him. Only for real." Dragonette can't help but giggle while nodding.
"That does sound entertaining. Shall I bring the marshmallows and hot dogs?"
"Sure. Wouldn't be a weenie roast without something to roast over the weenie." Dragonette gives another giggle before finding herself curious.
"What must be pretty bad?"
"Berto found something in relation to your parents' murders."
"What'd he find?"
"He didn't say. You'll have to ask him when we get done here."
"Then let's get done with this nightmare so we can find out what Berto found."
"That's my girl." Dragonette only giggles as Max leads her into the bowels of NERV. Upon arriving at the door, Max grimaces before saying, "I hope this'll be the last time we see this place."
"Same here." Watching as Max hacks his way into the door's security system, Dragonette smirks and says, "I'm guessing Berto taught you hacking."
"That he did. But only on the condition that I use the skills in the process of an investigation." Upon the door opening, he smirks and says, "After you, honey."
"Thank you, sweetheart." The room is the same from the last time Dragonette saw it, aside from the small yellow case by the tube Birdman had been in. "So any idea as to where the 1st Angel is?"
"Berto said that Dr Akagi said she'd put it close to the tube Birdman was in." Eying the case, he shrugs and says, "It couldn't hurt to take a look at the contents of the case."
"I guess. I mean, what are the odds an Angel will be inside that case?" Upon seeing Max open the case and peer in, Dragonette asks, "What's the verdict?"
"Berto, you picking up anything?"
"I'm registering a blue pattern via your probes. Max, meet Adam. Adam, meet Max." Max turns back to Dragonette and nods before closing the case and picking it up.
"Offhand, given what Berto found, the odds of an Angel being that case are pretty good."
"Smartass." Dragonette's chide has gentleness within before she haplessly grins. "Of course, I had to ask, didn't I?" Looking toward the tube containing the modified Rei, she then asks, "So how do we destroy the clone without setting off alarms?"
"I think 'Stolen Angel Surprise' will work." Walking toward the tube, Max opens the case and immediately sees the clone's flesh begin to deteriorate. Looking back toward Dragonette, he adds, "You might want to close your eyes. Lest you vomit again."
"I'll be okay. I came with my stomach empty. But thanks."
As the Rei clone deteriorates rapidly, Dragonette gives the poor form a Shinto prayer. Even though the clone hadn't even been rendered alive yet, it felt like the right thing to do. Once it's completely destroyed, Dragonette reaches up to her visor-covered eyes and wipes her tears to clear her vision.
"I can't help but feel bad for the clone either." Max's voice gets her attention as he goes on. "The 'Dumbass' wanted to use me to bring about 'Third Impact' so he could get my Mother out of Unit-01."
"I thought she was dead."
"As did I, but she isn't. She's trapped inside the core of Unit-01." Offering his arm to Dragonette, he asks, "Shall we continue during our exit?"
"Sure." Accepting his arm into hers, Dragonette grins as she and Max exit the room. Max taking care to close the door before they move onward. As they walk, Dragonette asks, "How'd you find out?"
"My probes. Any time they're accelerating my movements or giving me strength, they're able to pick her up somehow. Asuka's Mother is inside Unit-02 and Naoko Akagi is inside Unit-00."
"Any idea as to what had happened to cause that to happen?"
"None as of yet. Berto's still looking into it, though."
"Okay. What now?"
"Now we get out of here, get Adam to a more secure location and I take you home before I leave out for the weekend."
"What're you doing for the weekend?"
"Training Asuka. She's one of us now."
"What? How'd that happen?"
"I'll put it to you like this. That nosy redhead was offered a deal she couldn't refuse if she wanted to keep Piloting EVA." Dragonette can't help but giggle at how Asuka's pride of her status led to that.
"Okay. I'll grant you that. What'll I do during the weekend, though?"
"I'm thinking you can check the lead Berto found. It's a defunct mining company in Hokkaido. Berto, can you send her the info via e-mail?"
"Can do. Are you sure you don't want to tell her about…" Instead of verbally replying, Max uses his internal comm. array.
'I'm sure. I don't want her to be reckless enough to charge back in there to confront him without further proof. Especially given that he detests her presence. Possibly to the point of…'
"I understand. It sounds prudent. All the same, though, she at least should know where you stand."
'Got it.' Ending communications, he sighs before looking at his beloved, a sad look on his face. Getting her concern.
"What is it, sweetie?"
"I'll tell you when we're totally out of here, honey." Dragonette gives a nod before they make their way out. Fifteen minutes later, they're at the street level and Max drops his bombshell. "I think 'Dumbass' set the bomb that was intended to kill your parents." Instead of anger toward him, let alone a slap, she only gives him a compassionate smile before stroking his cheek.
"Somehow, I can actually see that. He fits the profile of a coward as it is." Sighing, she asks, "Big question is was he ordered to? Or rather requested to?"
"In the feed, 'Dumbass' mentioned Kiel, along with Dad, Psycho and Rachel. Berto's trying to find a common link with those names. Short of a voice-print check, we're in the dark."
"Maybe I'll find something about them at my family home in Hokkaido. 'Dumbass' and Kiel both." Max gives her a nod before a 'Sparrow' becomes visible to her eyes. Immediately she recognizes the shape, even the color's different, and smiles. "So that's what happened after 'Jet Alone'. You went to do a report."
"Not exactly. I was down in my energy levels and needed a recharge." As the canopy opens, he says, "Hop in. I'll give you a lift." She gives a nod and grins as Max gives her a hand into the cockpit.
"Hmm, you, my 'husband', are quite a gentleman."
"For you, my 'wife', I'll be a barbarian."
"Only in the bedroom, I hope." Max looks back and sees her eyes are smoldering behind her visor. As he closes the canopy, Dragonette lifts off her helmet, revealing Rits' face once more. "If not for the post-extraction restrictions, I'd be having you fuck me so hard, I wouldn't need hormones to get pregnant." Max reverts back to Shinji before grinning.
"Another month and a half and I'll knock you up, honey." Reaching his hand back toward her, he smiles as Rits interlaces her fingers with his. "We'll show 'Dumbass' and his cohorts why it's a bad idea to fuck with people they shouldn't fuck with."
"Under any circumstances. But, how'd you become Max Steel Jr., though? Did you volunteer for it?"
"Nope. 'Smiley' did it in Okinawa the night you and I first met. I was infused with nano-probes." Rits nods before her eyes bolt open.
"What about the times we were intimate with creampie endings? What kind of effects are there?"
"Well, aside from impregnation, not very much. It's a standalone system down there."
"So no babies that can change forms like you can?"
"That's right. They'll be totally normal. With a normal Mother and a semi-normal Father."
"Shinji, you're not semi-normal. You're normal, being an EVA Pilot and hero aside." As the 'Sparrow' nears the Takamiya house, Rits sighs softly. "All too soon, the flight's over with."
"Yeah." Bringing the 'Sparrow' to the back of the house, he sees the light turn on. "Looks like your Mom waited up for you." Rits gives a giggle as the canopy opens and leaps out onto the wing. Only to lean toward Shinji, her lips drawing near to his. Shinji's only too happy to oblige her. When the kiss ends, he murmurs, "You give me strength."
"As do you." Shinji gives her a soft smile as he runs his fingers through her long brown hair.
"Good luck in Hokkaido." Rits gives him a light snort before pecking his lips.
"Good luck in training Asuka. I only wish I could be there too."
"Maybe next time around?"
"You're on, Mr. Ikari. Good night."
"Good night, 'Mrs.' Ikari." Rits smile can't help but go wide before she sneaks him one more kiss. As the kiss deepens, she hears Deidre clearing her throat from behind her.
"Sorry to interrupt your tenderly romantic moment, but I can't help but notice an 'N-Tek' aircraft in my back lawn, with an 'N-Tek' Agent necking with my daughter." That itself gets the kiss to end and Rits to grin sheepishly.
"Hi, Deidre." Shinji's greeting is augmented with, "Or is it Dragonelle?" As his 'Mother-in-Law' chuckles, Shinji adds, "By the way, 'N-Tek' has surveillance on the both of you because of that hearing."
"I wonder why? Could it be because Ritsy and I pissed off people that pisses off the rest of humanity? People like John Dread perhaps?" Before Shinji can even ask, Berto's voice comes through the comm. panel in the 'Sparrow'.
"Dread? Are you sure, Deidre?"
"Quite sure, Dr Martinez." Leaning into the cockpit and seeing Berto's face, she grins and adds, "I'm sure you've figured me out by now, though."
"Dragonelle." Deidre's nod and soft smile can't help but get a grin from Berto. "I thought there was something familiar about you, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Nor could Jake, Josh, Kat Jefferson or Rachel."
"It comes from not seeing someone for a long time, combined with thinking that person died."
"Yeah, well, that point goes to you. Now why are you bringing up Dread? He's dead, isn't he?"
"No. He's alive. Peter found out before Dread tried frying his brain that Dread faked his death and became Lorenz Kiel." Shinji's the next to speak.
"I think 'Dumbass' and Dread conspired then, if that's the case."
"Conspired how, Shinji?"
"My birth parents, Mom." Rits' reply gets Deidre to turn toward her daughter to see tears welling up in her eyes. "Mr. Martinez found an old mining company in Hokkaido that went belly up. Shinji thinks 'Dumbass' set the bomb."
"And he can't confront 'Dumbass' about it without blowing his cover." When Shinji nods at Deidre's words, she asks, "What'll happen now?"
"For right now, an infiltration team from the UN is en route. Rachel, Jefferson and I vetted them all carefully and they're squeaky clean."
"How soon can they move in?"
"Not until after the 14th Angel, I'm afraid. Red tape, miles long and across. Rachel had a devil of a time getting the green light. But it's being done sporadically."
"To ward off suspicions as opposed to a large influx of personnel into a war zone." Deidre's reply gets a nod from Berto, getting her to smirk. "I still remember that time you went into outer space for your orchid project. Only for me to fuck things up by demanding Dread's release and your orchid…"
"I know. I'm also the kind to not hold a grudge. That's Kat."
"I heard that, Berto. Hey, Dragonelle."
"Hi, Kat. How long were you there? Oh, and did you ever remake that orchid, Dr Martinez? It was quite lovely."
"Oh, just long enough to hear Berto asking you if Dread was still alive. Yes, he did and it is quite lovely. Dread being alive is what our source on Dr Akagi reports, by the way. He sent his report three days ago, but it was buried under all the communiqués we'd been getting all over the world." Deidre, Rits and Shinji's eyes can't help but go wide at that before Rits clears her throat.
"What's being said, Kat?"
"There've been a lot of thefts of Evangelion parts for the past three months now. I'm talking armor plating, mechanicals, computers… you name it, they're grabbing it."
"I highly doubt they're making reinforcements for the NERV EVAs in service right now. What's Dad say?" Kat gives a smirk before replying.
"He's thinking it's time for Kaji to be brought into the fold. Jefferson and Rachel both agree." Grinning, she then asks, "So, Dragonette, would you care to come to training with Asuka?"
"I would if I could, Kat, but I gotta go to Hokkaido. It seems I got a lead from a trusted source that requires investigation. Next time, perhaps?"
"You better believe it. Have a good night. Shinji, you better get going so you can rest up. Asuka's got a big and busy weekend ahead of her."
"Okay, Kat." Shinji gives Rits one more kiss before saying, "I'll see you at school. But how're you and Deidre getting to Hokkaido, though?"
"I'll ask E for a lift." Deidre's reply gets a puzzled blink from Shinji before she goes on. "She's the woman that was with me when the 12th arrived. Oh, she asked me to give you something. Ritsy?"
"Go ahead, Mom." Rits can't help but giggle while Deidre pecks Shinji on his forehead before wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
"E sends 'hug and kiss' as a 'thank you', Shinji."
"Please tell E I send a 'hug' as a 'you're welcome', Deidre."
Deidre gives him a nod before Rits clears the wing and Shinji closes the canopy. As the 'Sparrow' lifts off of the ground vertically, Rits can't help but think of the scene from 'GI Joe' where the 'Joes' plane lifts off out of the 'Pit'. Without further warning, she starts humming the tune for it. Deidre accompanying her in the humming before smirking.
"Do you see yourself as 'Baroness' if you see Shinji as 'Duke', Ritsy?"
"It'd probably fit us." Rits gives a shrug before grinning softly. "Only we're in a slightly better situation than they were."
"Oh yeah." Deidre can't help but roll her eyes while grinning as well. "A 'slightly better situation' indeed." Rits and Deidre then share a giggle before Deidre asks, "So what all happened this time around?" Rits tells Deidre as they go into the house, Rits' expression definitely brighter than 'that' night.
(Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu Apartment; five minutes later)
"WHAT?" Misato and Asuka's query can't help but get Shinji to think they're like twin sisters. Only he's not going to tell either of them that. "Ritsuko's Dragonette and Deidre's Dragonelle?"
"It was a hunch from both Berto and Rachel. Rits provided the confirmation when she told me why she became Dragonette." Misato can't help but sigh happily while Asuka snorts in amusement.
"You two really were meant for each other." Curious, she then asks, "So what'll happen now?"
"Well, tonight we turn in and catch a few winks of sleep before we go to China, Asuka."