Shinji Steel 55
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
Author's Notes; This chapter will have the long-awaited appearance of the 13th Angel, only things will go quite differently. Enjoy!
(SEELE Meeting Room; five minutes later)
"I thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice, members of SEELE."
"Well, you did send an emergency summons, Ikari." Kiel's voice is calm, yet annoyed at the same time, as he goes on. "So what's the 'emergency', Ikari?"
"The emergency is 'Adam' has been stolen and subsequently destroyed." Instant pandemonium erupts at Gendo's level tone as he'd answered.
"Intolerable! We'd entrusted Adam to you for the purpose of initiating Instrumentality!" 2's voice grows in anger as 2 asks, "Do you know who did it?"
"An individual that Kiel and I know about, plus one other unexpected and most unwelcome factor."
"What kind of factor?"
"A person named 'Dragonette', Kiel. I expect we'll be able to locate her, however. With a name like that, she's bound to stick out like a sore thumb." Kiel lets out a snort at that, prompting Gendo to ask, "Something you wish to contribute?"
"Yes, but to you alone. All others, this meeting is adjourned." After assorted grumbling from the others, their markers fade out until Kiel shows his face to Gendo. "Just how do you expect to find 'Dragonette' when you can't even find a way to 'direct' the Third Child onto his intended path?"
"I admit I am skeptical of success on the former, but I have a plan for the latter. But given the destruction of Adam, however, it's pretty well safe to say that the 'Scenario' and prospect of Instrumentality are truly fucked."
"Then you better find a way to 'un-fuck' them. We did not kill millions of people just to be denied our glory before it could even be in our grasp!" Kiel then kinks his head to the side and smirks. "I once knew a person with a name like that, only it was Dragonelle. She was one of the finest espionage Agents on the planet until she died in Second Impact. It could be someone had found her remains and joined forces with Max Steel Jr."
"I've been wondering about something of late. Just how did you know Steel, Nez and Psycho?"
"That's for another time, Ikari. But, for now, concentrate on getting the 'Scenario' back on track so Instrumentality can happen." With that, Kiel's form fades out of sight, a perplexed Gendo just standing there.
"How can that happen without Adam, though?"
(Old Osaka Air Field; five minutes later)
As he stands on the outer portion of the tarmac, Dyson sees a white Cessna Citation 3 with Cyrillic characters touching down onto the runway. Getting access had been easy for him since he is with Section-2, with the air field guards there thinking he's there for NERV-business.
'In a way, I kinda am, but not really.'
As the Cessna rolls to a stop, he gets back into his Mustang and drives to the plane. A white Dodge Sprinter van right behind the car. As he sees the Cessna's door open, he comes to a stop and exits, with the Sprinter pulling up alongside his Mustang.
Next thing he knows, an attractive young woman wearing a brown skirt with a red blazer steps out of the plane, black stiletto heels on her feet. She's Caucasian, with long blond hair and wearing a pair of black sunglasses. As the sun goes down, however, she removes the sunglasses, revealing her eyes are green. When she sees him, her lips part into a wide smile.
"You must be Brian Dyson. Psycho told me about you. I'm Nikita Kamenev."
"Nice to meet you, Ms Kamenev. Captain Sychola told me about you."
"Sychola? Oh, you must mean Psycho!"
"Yeah, although he's trying to leave that other name behind him. Especially…"
"Especially what, Agent Dyson?" Dyson bites his lower lip thoughtfully before giving his reply.
"I think it'll be best for you to hear it from Captain Sychola instead of me, Ms Kamenev."
"Alright. Did you get your errand done okay?"
"I did and I was asked to relay a message to him upon arrival."
"Then we should get underway." Turning to one of the men with her, she switches to Russian before speaking. "Sergei, get the men into the van. I'll ride with Agent Dyson."
"Yes, Miss Kamenev. But do you have your Makarov should you need it?" Nikita gives Sergei a soft giggle before replying.
"I do, Sergei. Fully loaded and ready should I need it."
"Very well." Giving Dyson a hard look, he adds, "I don't like people like him."
"Be nice, Sergei. Agent Dyson's not a lawman."
"No, but his Father was. I did a little checking on Agent Dyson and found a link to his late Father. As an FBI Agent, he once busted one of your late Grandfather's operations." Giving Dyson one more hard look, he finishes with, "If not for Second Impact, it would have been a case of 'like Father, like son'."
"I know. I also had him checked out and I found that he's an honorable person and very loyal. Much like Tom Dyson was. He may not have loyalty you approve of, but he's a loyal person."
"But to who, though?"
"Humanity." With that, Nikita strides toward Dyson's Mustang and grins. Switching to English, she says, "You've a nice car, Agent."
"Thanks. Found this baby a couple years ago and fixed it up." Curious, he then asks, "What were you and your friend talking about?"
"Oh he was just unsure about you, is all."
"I don't think he likes me."
"He just needs to get to know you."
"I guess. Any bags?"
"Yes. But I'm thinking your car can't handle them."
"How many do you have?" Nikita blushes haplessly as she hikes her left thumb toward a pile of floral print roll bags. Fifteen of them and very big. "Good grief! You'd need a trailer to haul those around! Had I known how heavily you'd be loaded, I'd have brought my F-150 and a trailer instead!" Nikita can only giggle sheepishly.
"Sorry about that, but seeing as I don't know how long I'll be here, that's actually my entire wardrobe." Dyson looks over at Nikita and gulps.
"Do I even want to know what's what in your bags?" Nikita taps her chin in thought before grinning.
"Hmm, probably not." Dyson can't help but roll his eyes before Nikita goes on. "My associates will handle my baggage, in any case." Striding toward the Mustang's passenger side, Dyson right behind her, she says, "I want you to take me to see Captain Sychola so I can be briefed in full."
"Yes ma'am."
Opening the door for her, he helps her step in, only to gulp when he sees her skirt flare up, revealing her lack of underwear. Along with proof that she is, indeed, blond. Shaking his head furiously, he doesn't see Nikita's lips curling into a sultry smirk.
'He's so cute when he's shy!'
After he closes the door and makes his way to the driver's side, Nikita brings her skirt back down. 'Thank you, Mother, for those seduction lessons!' She then lightly frowns before mentally asking herself, 'So why didn't Max Jr. take the bait?' Upon Dyson getting in, his face slightly flushed still, Nikita lightly giggles before strapping in.
"I'd better call Captain Sychola we're en route." Checking his watch, he softly nods and adds, "If we drive nonstop, we can make it to Tokyo-3 in time for the exercise."
"What kind of exercise?" As Dyson fills her in while driving the mustang off of the tarmac, Nikita lightly giggles before asking one more thing. "Any chance I can get in on it? Or would I have to ask Captain Sychola about it?"
(Tokyo-3; Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; three hours later)
Misato can't help but laugh raucously while watching Shinji as Max Steel Jr. smashing the counterfeit 1st Angel into oblivion. While wishing he was smashing the real thing, even though it'll be evidence to be used against Gendo and SEELE. Looking over at Deidre and Rits, she then finds herself curious.
"So how did you become 'Dragonette' anyway, Ritsuko?"
"It was Mom and Peter's idea, believe it or not. I found Mom's old 'Dragonelle' suit in the van before the 12th Angel came along, though, and tried it on." Grinning sultrily, she adds, "I just wish Shinji could've seen me in it the night he and Rei killed the 5th Angel. I'd have been happy to strip and spread for him as congratulations after his return to the apartment. But, as luck would have it…"
"Ritsy passed out when she saw Peter smiling at her, thinking she was me."
"And Peter would be…"
"Well, you'd know him as 'Psycho', Misato. That was an alias tacked onto him by John Dread, current alias Lorenz Kiel. But at one time, 'Psycho' was a US Marine named Peter Sychola. Rank of Gunnery Sergeant." Deidre's eyes start dripping tears as she goes on to describe what had happened when Peter went 'psycho'. Along with what caused it. Misato, Shinji and Asuka are all aghast at it.
"Mein Gott in Himmel." Asuka's voice is so soft, yet filled with anger, the others can't help but gulp. "Why did Dread do that? And who else did he do it to?"
"Very good questions, Asuka. Here's another good question. Was 'Dumbass' the one that actually set the bomb that was intended to kill Ritsy's parents? I mean, sure he was carrying out a case of C-9, but that's all the footage showed."
"So other than a confession from 'Dumbass', we've nothing much to go on." Shinji lets out a sigh before running his fingers through his hair. "I guess all we can do is do what we can during the next two Angels. Hopefully we'll have enough manpower by then to oust 'Dumbass' and get him behind bars. Then we can see about finding this SEELE bunch and bring them all together to face a tribunal." Misato gives him a soft nod before speaking, knowing what charges they are already.
"Charges mainly of genocide, conspiracy of genocide, mass murder, conspiracy of mass murder, making a mess…" That last gets all four ladies smirking while Shinji snickers.
"That's what they did, alright. They made a mess out of the world when 'Second Impact' happened. A lot of people died when they decided to try poking Adam." Putting her hand between her breasts, where her scar is, Misato murmurs softly. In thought of what had happened.
"I can't help but wonder if my Dad knew what was going to happen or not, though. I mean, he was an archeologist and scientist."
"I'm afraid that's one item that's doomed to not be resolved any time soon, Misato." Before Shinji can say anything more, however, a knock is heard on the door. Checking the time and seeing it's getting to be late, Shinji gets up, asking, "Now who could be visiting at this time of evening?" Peering out the peephole, he suddenly grins widely before opening the door.
"Hoshi, Hinata!" Wrapping his friends in a hug, he asks, "What brings you two here at this time of evening? It's so good to see you!"
"Right back at you, Shinji." Hoshi smiles while Hinata giggles softly as they return the hug. Hoshi adding, "Hinata and I hadn't heard from you in so long, we were starting to get worried!"
"My bad, man! It's just been so crazy here of late! Come in, come in!"
"Thanks, buddy." They both walk in, carrying instrument cases with them.
"Hoshi and I don't doubt that it has been crazy of late, Shinji." Hinata's voice is soft, yet clearly audible as she goes on. "We'd been following the news of your exploits here. We missed seeing you at Kankino High. Mr. Kasona even sends his regards and hopes you'll come back to his classroom soon."
"Please tell him I send my regards as well and hope to be back with you after the war's over with."
"Right, because you're an Evangelion Pilot. We will relay it to Mr. Kasona and tell him you're doing as well as can be expected." Hoshi gives Shinji a wide smirk before going on. "But, that's not the important thing. What is important is that you and I are long overdue for a jam session!"
"Got your sax?" At Hoshi's nod, Shinji grins and adds, "I'll go get my cello after I introduce you guys. Misato Katsuragi, Asuka Langley Sohryu, my friends Hoshi Takoan and Hinata Ushado. Hoshi, Hinata, Misato and Asuka." Misato and Asuka both smile at the arrivals while Deidre and Rits grin happily. Hoshi and Hinata catching their smiles.
"Hey, Ms Takamiya, Ritsuko, long time no see, huh?" Hinata giggles at Hoshi's greeting, even though she silently nods her greeting to them both.
"Far too long, Hoshi, Hinata." Deidre gives them both a soft smile before asking, "How have you two been doing lately?"
"We've been doing well, though we're actually here to see Shinji so we can jam. It's been too long."
Hinata nods again at Hoshi's words before speaking as well.
"We didn't expect to see you and Ritsuko here, though, as we thought you two were in Kyoto-2 still."
"So, Hoshi, you're the one that got Shinji to do that 'mockery' of music, nicht?" Asuka's query has a hint of amused scorn as she goes on. "That was not music. That was a semi-elegant train wreck without the air horns blowing before impact!" Hoshi gives Asuka a nod as he grins before replying.
"Yeah, I thought something was missing as well. Which is why…"
"Oh no. No, no, no!" Asuka can only pale in horror as Hinata brings up a French Horn and grins wildly.
"You may find this hard to believe, but Hinata blows a mean horn. It may not be an air horn from a train, but it's close enough." Hoshi then looks at Rits and asks, "You got your clarinet still?"
"You bet I do. In fact…" Getting up, she adds, "In all the excitement, I forgot I left it in Shinji's room when we went back to our home here. I'll be right back." Striding to his room, she nonchalantly walks right in and comes back out, Shinji right behind her. His cello case and her clarinet case in their respective hands.
Asuka can only gape in horror as the four prepare for their first jam session together in Tokyo-3. Her blue eyes blink repeatedly, trying to make the horrifying image fade away. But, alas, the redhead's sorely disappointed as they do a check on their instruments. Misato and Deidre positioning themselves for it to be 'blown away' by the music to come.
Shinji goes first with his cello, the soft dulcet tones bring soft smiles to Misato and Deidre both. Up next is Hoshi with his saxophone, the tones gently catchy, yet lonely at the same time. Hinata goes next with the French Horn, the tones upping their heartbeat and anticipation. Rits is up last with her clarinet, with Deidre beaming on the inside. Asuka, however, can't help but cringe as Shinji does the count.
"One, two, three, go!"
As they play united, Asuka's eyes bulge out in horror while she leaves her ears uncovered. Not wanting to hurt their feelings by covering her ears, no matter how badly she wants to cover them. Over time, though, she starts enjoying the mangled sounds. Finally realizing full well that life is not life without butchering music at all. Once the cacophony ends, all three get to their feet and applaud them. Asuka then grins before clearing her throat.
"I think you're missing something still and I think I know what."
"What's that, Asuka?" Hinata's soft query gets Asuka to grin before going to her room.
"A violin, of course! Any chance I can get in on it?"
"You'll cause violinists the world over to cringe before either coming after you or killing themselves en masse. Can you really handle the prospect of that, Asuka?"
"Damn straight, Third Child! After all, as we listened, I've realized that I haven't really lived at all! And in order to truly live…" Asuka comes back out of her room, violin case in hand. Her face wears a homicidal grin as she pronounces, "You sometimes gotta murder music!"
"I don't see it as murder, Asuka."
"Oh right. It's, as you put it the day you and Ritsuko visited your parents' graves, messing around with it."
"Oh yeah, speaking of 'graves', Shinji, when is the source of your genes going into a grave?"
"Hell knows, Hoshi. Hell knows." Hoshi nods before turning to Rits.
"How about you? Any little McGraths in your future any time soon?"
"I don't know about McGraths, but I can expect to have a little Ikari in my womb by next month." Upon seeing Hoshi and Hinata blink, she then adds, "You'll be the best-suited to tell them, Shinji." Shinji gives her a nod before laying it all down. Hoshi and Hinata seem to take it well.
"He is a disgrace to the 'Ikari' name!" Hinata nods at Hoshi's proclamation before he adds, "I hope that Court Order sticks, man!"
"As do I, Shinji. But, since you don't call him 'Father', what do you call him?"
"Actually, Hinata, I normally call him 'Dumbass' or his original last name."
Hoshi and Hinata both share a chuckle while Rits and Asuka guffaw. Misato and Deidre pound on Misato's table while laughing, just as a knock on the door is heard. Getting Shinji to blink perplexedly.
"Now what?" Going to the door again, Shinji looks through the peephole before opening the door.
"Hey, Mr. Kaji."
"Hello, Shinji. I just thought I'd drop by and see Misato. She up still?"
"I'm up, Kaji, and we're entertaining guests. So come on in."
"Thank you, Misato." As Kaji walks in, he quickly recognizes Asuka and Ritsuko, but not the others. "Hello, I'm Ryoji Kaji. And who would you be?"
"I'm Deidre Takamiya, Ritsy's Mom."
"I'm Hoshi Takoan, Shinji's best friend from Old Osaka."
"I'm Hinata Ushado, Hoshi's girlfriend."
"Ah, nice to meet you all."
"Likewise, Mr. Kaji." Hoshi's reply gets Misato to smirk before she pipes up.
"But, for now, shall we see how it sounds with Asuka on her violin?"
"Sure!" Their united reply stuns Asuka to no end, getting her to gulp.
As the others flank Asuka at either side, she can't help but feel self-conscious all of a sudden. Kaji being in the same place as them, however, gives her some sense of normalcy. For ever since before they left Germany and after she got over her crush, the man treated her as if she was his pride and joy. Seeing him smiling softly at her gets a sheepish grin from her.
'I can't believe I'm about to do this!' Listening as the others prep their instruments, she waits for her cue. When Shinji gives it to her, she gently draws her bow along the strings. Then comes the moment she'd been anticipating and dreading all at once.
"One, two, three, go!"
As the five play their instruments in a ramshackle manner, Asuka can't help but find herself enjoying it immensely. Looking toward Kaji to see if he's being 'blown away' by the music, she inwardly snickers at seeing his eyes bugging out, his hair and his tie sticking right up.
'All he needs is a pair of glasses and he'll look like "Dilbert" like that!' Within three minutes, the chaotic din ends and the 'musicians' take their bows. A stunned Kaji looks toward Misato and Deidre as they applaud before shrugging and joining in the applause. Once the applause ends, however…
"Is that a new form of torture you've in mind for Commander Ikari, Shinji?"
"The last name of 'Dumbass' is Rokubungi, and yes, I think it'll do just fine as a torture method." Shinji then chuckles and adds, "But it's really just for messing around. No way we'll try to get a record deal."
"Oh, I don't know. I know some people that know some people that may find your sounds refreshing."
"Much as you think so highly, Mr. Kaji, like Shinji said, it's just us goofing around." Hinata's soft reply gets Hoshi to nod before she adds, "But we thank you for jesting about the prospect of a record deal. Let alone finding our sounds refreshing."
"Do all of you feel that way?" At seeing them nod, Kaji shrugs and grins. "I see. You're welcome. One other item. Who's with the black 4Runner with the cabin cruiser hitched up to it?"
"That'd be us. The cabin cruiser's named 'Mihke'. It's one of the boats my late Father restored." Rits' smile is soft, yet sad, as she adds, "We only just got around to going up to Hokkaido to see the home my parents had built. It's also where 'Mihke' sat for years, waiting."
"Then the wait for 'Mihke' has ended. However, I can't help but notice the shape 'Mihke' is in. If you need help, I'm open."
"I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Kaji. Thank you." Rits looks over at Shinji before asking, "Want to help me in getting 'Mihke' seaworthy again?"
"You needn't ask, Rits." Giving her a bow with a grin, he adds, "I'll even clean off the bird poop that's on its deck. Though I can't help but wonder…"
"You're a mess, Shinji!"
"Yeah, but I'm your mess."
"Oh you!" Rits giggles as she wraps Shinji into her arms and happily murmurs, "I love you."
"I love you too, Rits." Upon feeling Shinji's arms wrap around her, Rits giggles softly.
"I think it'll be best to adjourn for the night as Shinji and I have some catching up to do. Misato, is the apartment next door abandoned as well so Hoshi and Hinata would have someplace safe to rest at for the night?"
"It is, Rits, but don't you think…"
"It's alright, Misato." Deidre's voice is warm and strong as she goes on. "Besides, Ritsy could use a little 'Shinji Time' anyway." Before Rits can drag Shinji into his room, the phone rings. An exasperated Asuka getting up.
"I'll get it." Picking it up, she says, "Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu residence, Asuka Langley Sohryu speaking. Uh-huh. Right. Oh? Okay. Bye." Ending the call, she turns to Misato and says, "That was Dr Akagi. She says you need to turn on the TV to a news channel."
"I wonder why…" Turning the TV to a random news channel, her jaw drops at seeing Rachel Nez, live on television. 'That's some stunt you're pulling, Rachel.' The newscaster's voice flows out of the speakers as it goes on.
"If you're just now joining us, we're bringing you live coverage of UN SECGEN Rachel Leeds Nez about two days after her reported slaying. Madam Secretary General, can you tell us where you are now?"
"Not at present, just that I'm currently inside an underground bunker and bored to tears."
"I can understand that, ma'am. But I'm sure the populace is wanting to know if you're still alive, then who'd died?"
"That was a robotic body double that was created for foreign dignitaries any time a threat's been registered."
"Can you tell us who threatened you?"
"No, but the one that threatened me knows I'm going to come after them with full arrest powers when the time is right." Rachel's face takes on a look of menace as she adds, "If the dumbass is watching this, not really one of your best plans. I've seen other half-baked plots and they were far more impressive than yours. On that note, toodles!"
With that, the signal feed is cut and Misato turns off the TV.
"Well, if that doesn't beat all."
"I'd say so, Misato. But the big question is just who is the dumbass she was speaking about?"
"No idea, Kaji. But I do agree that the person is a dumbass."
(Gendo's Office; same time)
"DAMMIT! WHY CAN'T SOME PEOPLE JUST DIE?" Gendo's temper tantrum is so fierce, he looks longingly at the liquor cabinet before shaking it off. "No. I'm better than this. I'll just call a more competent sniper. But, why hasn't Duka called me back yet?"
(Tokyo-3; coffee shop; one hour later)
As the man with a scraggly beard, wearing a tattered overcoat, enters the shop, he goes right to the counter. Briefly noticing the numerous burly men wearing business suits and sunglasses, black being the dominant color. Along with only five Tokyo-3 Police Officers, which would normally raise his hackles somewhat. Only he puts it out of his mind. Looking up at the menu board, he briefly catches the attention of the attractive blond behind the counter and grins. Thinking this'll be his lucky night.
"Hi, sugar. Welcome to 'Café Tokyo-3'. What can I get you tonight?" Without warning, the man whips open his overcoat and brings up an Uzi submachine gun.
"Nobody move! Everything in the register now!"
Next thing he knows, the black-suited men and Police Officers draw on him with a variety of handguns. Sig-Sauers, Berettas, Heckler and Kochs, Smith and Wessons and even a snub-nosed .38 revolver. Remembering the lady behind the counter, he looks toward her and sees her leveling a 9mm Makarov right at him. The lady then gives him a smirk.
"I do believe we have you covered. But, one thing I gotta ask you."
"That is?"
"What's it like being a rocket scientist?" The woman then cracks up laughing. "I've always wanted to ask someone that!"
"Okay, Nikita. Exercise is over." Peter's voice gets everyone, including the scraggly-bearded man, to stand down. "Your response, Agents and Officers, is impressive for the most part and Nikita's quip was humorous. Now for what was wrong with the scenario here. Itachi, what was your mistake?" The scraggly-bearded Agent ponders it before grinning sheepishly.
"My overcoat. It's the dead of summer. Nobody in their right mind, let alone a criminal, would wear an overcoat when a 'small-of-the-back' holster would be sufficient." Snickering softly, he then asks, "Then again, what criminals are in their right minds, anyway?"
"Point to you." Turning toward the holder of the .38, Peter can only shake his head. Chuckling in amusement all the while. Nikita giggling as well.
"Dyson, Dyson, Dyson, while I appreciate your sentimentality in weapon choice, I'd really think a .38 should be your backup, not your primary."
"I know, sir. I've got something semi-auto on me. I just drew the .38 on reflex." Peter's eyebrows arch upward before he nods.
"Go ahead and whip it on out and let's see what you got." Dyson nods before putting the .38 back into place and brings out a 9mm Baby Eagle in black. "Oh, nice choice. 17rd magazine. I trust you've two magazines."
"Yes sir. Both fully loaded with hollow-points."
"Excellent. From here on out, I want you to practice drawing it in these kinds of scenarios until you reach for it instead of your .38 backup. Oh, thinking of… Hisnokasu?"
"Yes, Captain?"
"Any word on the requisition of .38 backup revolvers?"
"The only ones approved are of the 6 inch barrel Police model .38 as the snub-nosed are pretty rare nowadays. Far as I can tell though, Dyson's the only one with a snub-nose."
"Lucky dog." Dyson can only chuckle sheepishly, getting Peter to grin in amusement. "No need to be so sheepish. You're lucky you had a Dad that cared enough for your safety to buck the regs."
"Yeah, though I just wish…"
"He was still around, huh?" At Dyson's nod, Peter can't help but be curious. "They ever find the person that killed him?"
"No. It's still an open case, too. Agent Howard Rockentasio, one of Dad's colleagues, sent me a copy of the file about Dad's slaying. He's also one of the ones that felt the same way Dad and I did."
"You mean…" At Dyson's nod, Peter can only shake his head. "Now I know I'm getting too old for this shit."
"Nah, you can never be too old for this shit, sir." Dyson's retort can't help but get a snicker from Peter before Dyson adds, "By the way, sir, I'd been asked to relay a message for you. From Jefferson Smith."
"He lives?" At Dyson's nod, Peter quickly ushers him to an empty spot in the shop. "What'd he say?"
"He says, 'We may not have been best of acquaintances, but you always gave your all any time we met in opposition. I'm glad you'll continue to give your all when it comes to helping humanity survive'. That is all, sir."
"Thank you, Dyson. Now, go and have a good time with Nikita." Dyson looks over at the blond and audibly gulps upon seeing her sultry smirk.
"Yes sir." Peter then chortles as he claps Dyson's back before walking back over to Nikita.
"Be gentle with him."
"I will." She then strides over to Dyson, her black heels clacking on the floor before she tugs on his arm. "Let's go, Brian." Dyson can only glare back at Peter, only to see the man cackling quietly. In a fit of pique, Dyson lets out a cackle of his own.
"We ever get to that point, we're making you the Godfather to our kids, sir!" Much to his surprise, however…
"Looking forward to it, kid!" As Dyson and Nikita leave his view, Peter grins evilly and adds, "Really looking forward to it!"
(Outside the shop)
Dyson can't help but shake his head at Peter's laughter while Nikita giggles.
"Oh it wasn't that bad!" Dyson looks over at her before grinning himself. But before he could reply, Nikita's stomach grumbles. Getting her to blush beet red. "Oh how embarrassing!"
"Let's get something. What do you want to eat?"
"Twinkies, Ding-Dongs, Ho-Hos…." At her reply, Dyson can't help but grin.
"Ah, a fellow garbage belly." Nikita does a double take, getting Dyson to chuckle. "I like junk food, too. Along with burgers, pizza, hot dogs…." Nikita can only giggle again as the two walk to his Mustang.
(Two Weeks later; NERV HQ; Terminal Dogma)
"Here it is, Commander." As Ritsu and Gendo look up at the long red object, she goes on. "I burned the midnight oil for five nights to produce the final result."
"Excellent, Doctor Akagi. Can this be used in any Unit?"
"Unit-01's the most-likely match for it. Of course, the programming is based on Rei's mental imprints." Curious, she then asks, "But, given the destruction of 'Adam', doesn't it make having the Dummy Plug pointless?"
"Not necessarily. SEELE has assured me that the Scenario can still be salvaged. Meaning the Third Child can still be broken, making him suitable to our purposes."
"The Fourth Child, I take it?"
"Correct. Thinking of, I have a personal appointment with the prospective Fourth Child, Doctor." With that, he turns around and strides toward the exit. Only to stop upon looking toward the Rei-quarium. "Doctor Akagi, is it just me or are we missing one of the spare Rei clones?" Ritsu looks toward the tank before shrugging.
"I counted fourteen spares the other day and I see fourteen, sir. You're probably just tired."
"Perhaps." With that, he exits, narrowly missing Ritsu's exhaled sigh of relief.
'That was a close shave!' Walking to the Rei-quarium, she puts her hand against the glass and peers in to see the clear case holding the S-2 organ from Rei II on the tank's floor. 'Hard to believe that ploy of hiding something like that in plain sight worked!'
(Gendo's office; five minutes later)
"I thank you for coming to see me, Mr. Kotuna."
"I couldn't exactly decline the 'invitation' as it was, Commander Ikari." Tusano Kotuna visibly sneers at Gendo, indicating the two Section-2 Agents sandwiching him. "If you're wanting to see me because of that fracas between me and Pilot Ikari months ago, do your worst."
"Actually, I already know about what happened between you and the Third Child. And I must admit I'm quite impressed with how you comported yourself."
"What are you smoking? I got creamed!"
"I am well aware of that fact. Which is why I want you to Pilot Evangelion Unit-03 when it arrives."
"Now I know you're smoking something crazy. I detest Pilot Ikari!"
"I am also well aware of that. Which is why I'm giving you this opportunity to avenge your defeat at the hands of the Third Child. Only you won't be striking him directly, only indirectly. I am quite confident you can handle the next Angel so well, it will break the will of the Third Child."
"Thus making him feel like a simpering fool. Okay. I'm in. But no bullshit, sir."
"Of course, Pilot Kotuna." Gendo brings up the contract and covers his emerging grin as he watches Kotuna sign and stamp his life away. 'Yes. You will do quite well indeed.'
(Takamiya house; same time)
As Rits and Shinji work on 'Mihke', Deidre comes out of the house carrying a big plate holding six bologna sandwiches on it.
"Hey, you two. Thought you might be getting hungry, so I made you some sandwiches."
"Thanks, Deidre." Shinji grins as he wipes his brow with a socket-wrench holding hand. "All this work does build up an appetite. Doesn't it, Rits?"
"Yep. I still can't believe you're good with boat engines, though."
"Yeah, well, Berto got me into being interested in mechanicals about a year before we met." Shaking his head, he adds, "But the Mercruiser engines are hearty engines. All we had to do was switch out the oil sludge for fresh oil before we can turn them over."
"What's all the 'we' stuff, Shinji? You did all the mechanical work while I handed you the tools you needed."
"Which is why you make a good Nurse with a surgeon." Rits can only giggle as Shinji cleans the oil off of his hands. "After we eat, we'll fire up the engines before we look over the hull. Just to be sure there're no weak or leaky spots."
"Even though you looked it over already, Shinji?"
"That's right, Deidre. After all, you never know what'll happen until it does. If Rits and I are gonna go for a cruise after the war's over, I want to be sure the hull's totally seaworthy."
"I'm with Shinji on that, Mom. The both of us had been working on 'Mihke' for the past two weeks after school and doing our homework. I still can't believe Mr. Kaji bailed on us after seeing the amount of bird shit on there. It's like he'd never seen a boat's deck covered in bird shit."
"Chances are he hadn't Rits." Grinning, he asks, "Remember how Asuka reacted when she saw how much there was?" Rits can only giggle while nodding, with Deidre answering.
"Oh yeah. She wanted to know if it'd be alright to use a chainsaw on the deck to cut through the amount of bird shit on there. You both told her it wouldn't be necessary." As the two teens begin eating the sandwiches, ravenously, Deidre arches her eyebrows before asking, "Should I have made more?"
"Nah, we're good with three each Mom. Thanks." Deidre gives Rits a smirk before going back into the house. Once she's back inside, Rits asks, "Are you sure we have to check the hull again, Shinji?"
"Yep. But on the inside, if you know what I mean." Shinji then waggles his eyebrows, getting his 'wife' to giggle.
"Oh right. You want to be sure the boat can handle 'all kinds' of rocking. Whether at sea or…" Latching her lips onto his, they luxuriate in the kiss before Rits adds, "On dry land."
"Or maybe at least the trailer." Rits giggles again while Shinji chomps down onto the sandwich in his hands. Finishing it in one gulp and getting Rits to arch her eyebrows.
"You're really hungry, aren't you?" At his nod, Rits asks, "Is it because of the probes?"
"Nah. It's all the work we've done today. How about you?"
"I'm famished too. I may not be preggers just yet, but I'd like to practice eating for two or more. But I also gotta watch my weight and body size so I can still fit in my 'Dragonette' suit."
"Rits, you don't have to worry so much about it. After all, we can always burn off the calories through really energetic sex."
Shinji then gently tugs Rits to him, getting her to giggle before planting his lips onto hers. As the two kiss, Shinji's dimly aware of Rits leading him backward until he feels the stern of the cabin cruiser against his back. Ending the kiss, the two pant as they look into each others' eyes, with Rits' eyes glittering.
"I can't wait any longer, Shinji. I've gone without feeling you cream inside me for too long."
Shinji gives her a nod as he watches her reach for the dive ladder and heft herself up. Catching a glimpse of her crotch, sans panties, under her blue jean shorts, he then hears her snickering.
"Like what you see?"
Hoisting himself up after her, he gently wraps his arms around her midsection and tilts his head over her shoulder. Rits turns her face back toward his and the two lock lips while Shinji kneads her breasts from behind. They both then go forward into the cabin and close the door before ending the kiss.
Rits turns around and smiles sultrily as she pulls her blue tank top off, her breasts coming into view, sans bra and nipples hardening. Shinji then gets onto his knees and traps her right nipple into his lips, flicking the nub with his tongue. Putting his right hand onto her left breast, Shinji then reaches down with his left hand and rubs Rits' crotch through her shorts.
"Mmm, that feels so good, Shinji." Rits gingerly puts her hands onto Shinji's head and closes her eyes upon feeling an euphoric rush before giggling. "You might want to take my shorts off before I cream them." Shinji nods before taking his hands from where they were and gently undoes her shorts. As he runs them down her legs, he notices her patch.
"I see you trimmed some." Running his fingers gently through the sparse hairs, he gives her crotch a soft kiss and murmurs, "It must be because of your 'Dragonette' suit."
"Only partly. Mom also told me I should trim myself down there so I wouldn't chafe. When it was just me and Mom, of course." She then hears a zipper being run down and grins. "Already feeling hard, Shinji?"
Shinji slowly rising, kissing her belly and breasts before her lips, is her answer as she feels his member slide into her body. Out of reflex, she lifts her legs and wraps them around Shinji's waist as he pumps into her.
"I love you, Ritsuko Ikari."
At her 'unofficial married' name, Rits smiles happily before wrapping her lips around his. Their tongues dancing with each other, Rits is barely aware of being laid down onto her back, Shinji hovering just barely above her. As he pumps into her, Shinji ends the kiss and gazes down into her brown eyes.
"Ready to try making a baby?"
Rits only nods and pulls him further into her, a wide smile on her face. Her lips are soon covered by his as she feels his seed flowing into her womb. Triggering her orgasm. Holding Shinji tightly to her, Rits moves her tongue against Shinji's. With Shinji returning serve. She then feels the sensation of being lifted and turned around until feeling a mattress against her knees. Ending the kiss, she smiles softly upon feeling Shinji's hands on her breasts.
"You bet I am, Shinji."
Putting her hands over his, she gently pumps up and down on him. Only to feel an orgasm wash over her, getting her to arch backward. Shinji, worried for her safety, lunges upward and wraps his arms around her. Only to see her smiling softly.
"Hmm, I like this position too." Rits' voice has a sultry purr to it as Shinji continues pumping.
"I was worried you'd fall off." Shinji kisses her, with Rits returning the kiss, before adding, "If I lost you through something I did, I'd never forgive myself."
"You're so sweet." Kissing him again, Rits murmurs, "I can't stand the thought of losing you either, Shinji." Putting her hand to her lower belly, she adds, "We may have fucked on one of my 'safe' days, but at least we'll be getting lots of practice. My next cycle's in five days." Her hand is soon joined by Shinji's, along with feeling Shinji stroking her cheek.
"Practice is always good, Rits. And I'm looking forward to it." Shinji gently pulls her back down onto him, with her nuzzling into his embrace. Next thing Shinji knows, Rits snorts out a giggle. "Rits?"
"It's just that I just remembered we still have to start 'Mihke's motor, then we were going to check the hull." Shinji lets out a chuckle as well before Rits adds, "But a little post-sex nap sounds good for right now." Looking down into his blue eyes, Rits murmurs, "I can't help but wonder…"
"About what, Rits?"
"Is five children going to be enough for our family?"
"If you want more than five children, we can always go for it any time you like." Rits smiles softly before laying her head down onto his chest, her breathing slowing to where she's asleep.
(Four days later; Matsushiro NERV site)
"So, Pilot Kotuna, what do you think of your assigned Unit?" Kotuna peers upward toward the black-armored version of Unit-01, only Unit-03 is sans horn.
"I can't complain about the color, Major Katsuragi. But, just out of curiosity, how did Ikari do his first time out?"
"Despite not having been trained beforehand, he handled himself quite well."
"Then I can do better than he can!"
With that, Kotuna strides boldly to the entry plug's gantry. An exasperated Misato shaking her head.
'He's as bad as Asuka before she got "schooled" by Shinji!' She then walks to the testing area's control room, joining Akagi into position. "Just where did we get this schmuck from?"
"He was selected by the Commander personally four days ago." Misato gives Akagi a nod before noticing a slight glow from the fake blond. Along with her natural hair color joining the counterfeit.
"Going for a new look, Ritsu?"
"How do you mean, Misato?"
"Your roots are showing and meeting halfway to the ends." Akagi blinks rapidly before quickly pulling out a mirror and looking at herself. Misato's expecting a groan of dismay, yet Akagi does something unexpected. Smiling softly, Akagi nods.
"This could be a good look for me. I'll have to ask Matt about what he thinks. But, enough of that." Keying the comm., she asks, "Are you ready to sync, Pilot Kotuna?"
"I'm just chomping at it, Doc! So let's go for it!" A second later, the building rumbles. "Huh? What the fu…" The next is chaos and darkness.
(Tokyo-3; NERV HQ; Same time)
"I see. Matsushiro is lost, then. Very well, I'll implement the proper countermeasures." Gendo ends the communication before saying, "Issue the call for all EVA Pilots to report in. The 13th Angel is upon us." As the bridge crew issues the calls, Gendo sneers. 'Now the "Scenario" will be restored. Sort of.'
(Five minutes later; Unit-01 entry plug)
As Unit-01 shoots up toward the surface, Shinji communicates with Berto.
'What do we know about what's going on, Berto?'
"Not very much, Shinji. All contact was lost when Matsushiro fell. Kaji's en route to there now and… hello."
'What is it?'
"Shinji, the plug you're in is not a standard entry plug. It's the prototype!"
'Can you disable?'
"I'm working on it now. Why? You thinking what I'm thinking?"
'If you're thinking "This would be when 'Dumbass' makes his move", then yes.'
"My thoughts exactly and... yes! Dummy Plug prototype disabled. Only they won't know it until after they try activating it."
'Good to hear, Berto. Now to see about saving the brain donor that "Dumbass" had conned into becoming a Pilot!' Upon reaching the site for interception, he sees Units-00 and -02 come up alongside him. Asuka's voice comes up into his speakers.
"So how do we do this, Third?"
"I'm thinking that we take Unit-03 down hard, extract the plug and demolish the Angel."
"Hmm, simple and straightforward. I like that!" Rei doesn't say anything, yet Shinji can see Unit-00 nodding its head in agreement. Next thing they know, Gendo's voice pipes up.
"The plan proposed by Pilot Ikari is rejected. The 13th Angel is to be destroyed, along with the Pilot."
"Hey, Asuka, care to tell me why we're still getting the 'Dumbass Channel' on the radio here? I thought it was supposed to be deleted from our account!"
"No idea at all. Wondergirl?"
"I was not aware of it still being on our account either." Upon the Angel-possessed Unit-03 cresting the hill, Rei goes on. "We will have to deal with that matter later. We've a Pilot to rescue and an Angel to destroy."
"Now you're talking. Wondergirl, you and I are going to give this guy a trip he won't forget. Shinji'll extract the plug and then we'll massacre the Angel!" Once again, Gendo speaks up.
"Your plan will fail, Pilots. Carry out the orders. Unit-03 is lost and the Fourth Child is no more." Shinji can take no more.
"Bite us, dumbass!" Shutting off the comm. to NERV, he calls out, "Go, go!"
Units-00 and -02 rush onward toward the possessed EVA and extend their legs. Upon the EVA tripping, the blue and red Evangelions lunge down onto Unit-03's back and struggle mightily to hold it down. Within her plug, Asuka notices the armor plating over the plug had already been blown off and sees webbing over the plug.
"Looks like Kotuna tried ejecting, but the Angel wouldn't let him. You'll have to be careful to not damage the plug, Shinji."
"Roger that, Asuka."
Unit-01 deploys its prog knife and grips it like a surgeon would. In a slightly mischievous mood, he starts singing the Weird Al song 'Like a Surgeon'. Getting Asuka and Rei to giggle uncontrollably. Yet able to maintain their grips as the prog knife's blade starts cutting away at the webbing.
(NERV HQ; same time)
The sound of Shinji singing and the two female Pilots giggling is enough to stir Gendo's ire. His disobedience and concern for a Pilot that's expendable in Gendo's book is too much for Gendo to bear.
"Activate the Dummy Plug."
"But sir, the system hasn't been fully tested yet! Plus the rescue operation's already underway!"
"Activate it, Ibuki, or your tenure here ends!"
"Eep!" Maya hurriedly enters the command, only to feel both relief and confusion. "It's refusing to activate!"
"WHAT?"
Gendo storms to her side and physically forces her out of her seat. Plunking himself down, he types in the command, only to see the message that the Dummy Plug 'refuses' the command. Trying again, he gets the same message. Again, again, and again. Each and every time, he gets the same message.
'Activation refused.'
"How can this be happening?" Upon seeing the plug for Unit-03 being extracted delicately by Unit-00, he shakes in anger and bellows out, "Pilot Ayanami, you are to crush the plug!"
"Negative, Command. The plug is not contaminated in any way. It's likely the Fourth Child is free of Angelic contamination."
"Likelihood does not justify defiance of orders, Ayanami!"
"Oh yes it does, Dumbass!" At the sound of Shinji's voice, Gendo looks up and sees Unit-03 in a chokehold in Unit-01's hands. "Now that the Pilot is safe, we can proceed with killing the Angel. Asuka, you want in on this?"
"You bet I do, Third! Wondergirl, once you get the plug away from here, come on back. We'll save you a piece. Maybe an ear!"
"I will do so, Devil Girl." Asuka gives Rei a giggle as the blue Evangelion carries the plug for Unit-03 to a clearing. What Gendo hears next shocks him to no end.
"Hey, Shinji, is it just me or…" Units-01 and -02 start pulverizing the Angel while Asuka speaks. "Did Wondergirl have a personality change of sorts?"
"What can I say? Love has that effect on people."
Gendo can't help but shake his head in angrily horrified disbelief. The two Pilots are bantering while slaughtering an Angel. In the background, Maya is being helped up by Hyuga and Aoba while watching the slaughter on the screen. When Unit-00 returns, it gets in on it in an exceedingly brutal fashion.
So brutal, it makes Maya think about that time during Shinji's training. Her eyes go wide and she starts smiling sadistically while watching the 13th Angel get dismembered. Starting from toe to head. When Unit-03's neck is broken, Maya retakes her position, Hyuga and Aoba joining suit, while a bemused Gendo stares at the screen.
"Kill confirmed. The 13th Angel is dead and recovery crews are en route."
"Very well." Gendo's voice has steel within as he adds, "Once they're back within NERV's walls, all four Children are to be isolated from one another. The First, Second and Third in the brig and the Fourth in Medical for evaluation."
(Unit-04 entry plug)
Kotuna blearily blinks his eyes open upon hearing the plug opening. When he sees Shinji's grinning face, he can't help but groan out loud.
"I'm in Hell, ain't I?"
"Not even close, you knucklehead!" Shinji extends his hand toward Kotuna. When the youth reluctantly accepts it, Shinji hefts him out of the plug and sets him down onto the ground. Rei and Asuka standing behind him, Shinji goes on. "Just what were you thinking, getting yourself wrapped up in this mess, anyway?"
"Wanted to show you up. Your Father, the Commander, offered me the chance to do so. But then… boom! All fuckin' Hell broke loose!" Shaking his head, Kotuna then asks, "Just what the fuck happened, anyway? Where the Hell am I?"
"Well, you should at least know you encountered an Angel, without knowing it, and survived it. Albeit you were inside an Angel-possessed EVA, but there you go. As for where the Hell you are, you're on the outskirts of Tokyo-3."
"Ah. Major Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi?"
"The statuses of Major Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi are unknown as of the present time." Rei's soft reply gets his attention as the blue-haired girl goes on. "NERV Special Agent Ryoji Kaji is currently en route to what remains of Matsushiro to see what personnel NERV lost and still has. The facility itself is destroyed."
"Now that you've been brought up to speed…" Sychola's voice gets their attention as he goes on. "We gotta get you four back to NERV and isolate you all. Pilots Ayanami, Sohryu and Ikari, the brig for insubordination. Pilot Kotuna, Medical for evaluation." Grimacing, Sychola adds, "Quite frankly, though, were it up to me, you three would have been decorated for valor in saving a comrade's life. But…"
"We know, Captain Sychola." Asuka nods, with Shinji and Rei nodding as well. "We know." With that, they're put into separate cars, with Sychola telling them each one thing.
"Gutsy move." When Kotuna's put into a NERV Medical van, Sychola asks him, "You want to try again?"
"With a ride like that, no way in Hell!" Sychola gives Kotuna a nod of understanding as the doors slam closed and the van pulls away.
"I don't blame you one bit, kid. I don't blame you one bit."
(Matsushiro; three hours later)
Misato groans as she opens her eyes and smiles upon seeing a familiarly scruffy face.
"Hey."
"Hey yourself, Misato." Kaji smiles in relief as he asks, "How're you feeling?"
"Like a building caved in and…" Misato's eyes bolt open in horror as she yells out, "Unit-03! It's been…"
"It's already been taken care of, Misato. Unit-03 and the 13th Angel are no more."
"The Pilot?"
"Alive and intact. Shinji, Rei and Asuka managed to rescue him before dealing with it." Misato lets out a sigh of relief before taking note of Kaji's face.
"What happened, Ryoji?"
"The three of them are in separate cells in the brig, while Kotuna's in Medical. The Commander's pissed as all Hell that they pulled off a rescue instead of killing Kotuna outright."
"How long will they be in there? Where's Ritsu at?"
"I'm here, Misato." The purple-haired woman looks over and sees her best friend smiling softly. "It's a good thing you've got a hard head, Misato." Misato can't help but blow a raspberry, getting Akagi to chortle. "And here I thought you'd be more mature than that."
"Maturity's nice, but it's also overrated at times. How long are they in confinement for?"
"According to what Hisnokasu told me, Rei and Asuka are expected to be released before the end of the day, seeing as Shinji was the one that devised the plan. Shinji, however…"
"Is stuck cooling his heels in there until 'Dumbass' sees fit to release him." Ritsu's reply gets Misato and Kaji both to turn to her in shock. They see her smiling softly still before she adds, "I can hardly wait to get back to Matt, so I can tell him."
"Tell him what, Ritsu?" Instead of verbally replying to Misato's query, Ritsu smiles serenely.