Shinji Steel 57
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(NERV HQ Brig; five hours later)
As Gendo rouses back to consciousness, he quickly notices that he's where he'd never expected to be again. Ever. A cell. A cell in NERV's brig, but a cell nonetheless. Grumbling as he gets up from the bunk, he strides to the door and starts banging on it.
"Let me out at once!" Upon not getting a reply, he bangs on it again and calls out, "Is anyone out there? As the Commander of NERV, I demand to be let out at once!"
"Not happening, Mr. Rokubungi." At the unfamiliar male voice, Gendo narrows his eyes and snarls.
"Who's there?"
"Who I am is not really important, but the charges against you are. Mass murder in relation to Second Impact, the 1st degree murders of Hoshio and Yuriko Takusona, three counts of attempted 1st degree murder of Ritsuko Takusona Takamiya." At that, Gendo cuts in.
"I only tried it once. I don't see how it could be three."
"Easy. The first time was when she was only two weeks old. The second time was just today when you had her put inside EVA-01. As for the third count…" When Gendo doesn't say anything in rebuttal, the voice goes on. Ice-cold in tone. "Attempting to facilitate a murder via cultist of Ritsuko Takamiya as she and Shinji Ikari were leaving Kyoto-2. A Section-2 Agent found the call in your call logs."
"I assume there are other 'charges' I'm to face? Spurious and dubious as they are, I can simply make them go away."
"I can hardly wait to see your pitiful attempt. Fraud in relation to the Angel wars, endangering the public welfare in relation to 'Jet Alone', endangering minors in relation to the Angel wars. The list goes on and on, meaning I'd be stuck with talking to you for hours. I don't really like the thought of that. But one thing I can tell you about myself is that I would not have walked away from Shinji Ikari if he was my son and I had just lost my wife."
"I had to decide between raising a mere whelp on my own or readying for a battle to come. I couldn't very well do both at the same time."
"Yet you made time to create and spend time with Miss Ayanami years after you walked away from Shinji? Bullshit! You didn't give a fuck about him one bit! How dare you call yourself a parent, Rokubungi? The Hague will have a picnic on this case alone."
"We shall see, but I predict I will be exonerated and you will be made to look foolish."
"As you said, Rokubungi, we shall see indeed." With that, Gendo hears footsteps receding away from the cell door and starts banging on the cell door again.
"LET ME OUT OF HERE! NOW!" In the cells adjacent to him, he hears another voice. One quite familiar to him.
"Oh stuff a sock in it, sir!" Gendo's eyes fly open at the feminine voice as it goes on. "I said the same thing and they told me I'm going on trial for attempted murder. If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me, sir!" Before Gendo can address her, another voice pipes up.
"I'm with Henderson on that. If I go down, you're going down with me!"
"Sakamoto? How…"
"The 2nd brat, of course! She grabbed me and Henderson while we were making a break for it!"
Outside in the hallway of the brig area, Jefferson shakes his head as he walks up to Rachel.
"Just being around him is giving me the creeps. As if Mr. Chiron wasn't bad enough, but Gendo's five times worse."
"I thoroughly agree, Jefferson. But I'm afraid we may be in for a rough go of prosecuting Rokubungi."
"What kind of a rough go?"
"Given our actions during this investigation, we crossed into a grey area six, seven times. Our best bet to get a full hearing going is to get SEELE and their backers as well."
"Which is easier said than done given they're much like Dread's bunch." At Rachel's nod, Jefferson rolls his eyes. "Looks like we're holding him in secret until further notice, then."
"Looks like. Let's just hope nothing else happens."
"Yeah."
(SEELE Meeting; three hours later)
The mood among the SEELE members is, needless to say, extremely tense. The report of Gendo's ouster from power by the UN, along with his reported incarceration from the news feeds, rile all of the members. Yet the most furious one of them is Kiel.
"This is intolerable! Ever since the return of the 3rd Child, the Scenario's been imperiled due to his refusal to break! But now with Ikari out of power and incarcerated, the Scenario's on its way to being no more!" Kiel looks all around him before going on. His voice somewhat calmer, but still infuriated.
"That will not do at all."
"So what do we do? With the loss of Adam, we cannot begin our ascension to Godhood after the demise of the 17th Angel. Even more, even if we had Adam still, it all requires the 3rd Child to be suicidal and he's nowhere near that point!"
As the others agree with SEELE 5, Kiel bows his head and sighs. Before he can say anything else, one of the others speaks up.
"I may not speak for the others, but I can say this much for myself." SEELE 7 lets out a huff as the scrambled voice says, "For too long has the Third Child gone 'unguided'. He must be punished in the one true way which is death." The other members murmur their assent.
"I approve. But first we must converse with Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki and get his information regarding the 3rd Child's movements. Perhaps then we can find out where the Scenario had gone so badly awry. This meeting is concluded." Once the obelisks have faded from sight, 'Kiel' smirks and says, "But I think I'll call an old friend of mine to 'acquire' a certain person for me."
Reaching into his pocket, he brings out an old, beaten up cell phone and presses the memory button on it before a number button. Removing his visor, he puts it at his ear and hears the line pick up.
"'I haven't had a call from this number in years, so if it isn't who I think it is, I'll give up my criminal lifestyle.'"
"'You do that and it'll be a crime, my old friend.'"
"'It is you, John! How's life as a dead man?'"
"'It's livable if you're used to being disguised all the time. I'll get to the point as I don't want our mutual foes getting wise to us.'"
"'I'm listening.'" As the voice on the other end listens intently, Dread makes one thing clear.
"'This individual's protection is your main priority. I don't care if he complains about the lack of comfort, but he is to be kept alive as I have plans for him. Is that clear, L'Etranger?'"
"'Explicitly, John. Explicitly. Any particular time you have in mind?'"
"'Just whenever's most convenient for you. No rush.'"
"'I see. What of our 'N-Tek friends'? They're undoubtedly watching him like a hawk, given our past run ins. Even though your plan to shut them down partially succeeded.'"
"'If they so much as put up a fight, they are to die. No, they die period. They'd disrupted too many plans, even after they'd been partially shut down. Your main target, of course, is Max Steel Jr.'"
"'But of course. I wouldn't have it any other way.'" With that, contact ends and Dread smirks widely.
'Your end is nigh, 3rd Child!' His smirk goes even wider as he verbally adds, "Or perhaps I should say Max Steel Jr.!" With that, he makes another call, this time to Kaji. "Mr. Kaji, this is Kiel. You're ordered to bring Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki to us so we may ascertain the condition of the Scenario. You have two weeks."
(Nez/Ayanami residence; same time)
While UN troopers are outside the house in armored vehicles, Rachel, Jake and Richard are sitting across from Shinji, Rits and Rei. Richard and Rei are in front of each other, with the others on either side of them. The reason for this meeting is for Rei to get something out into the open without fear from Gendo for she'd deviated from his envisioned purpose for her. Now, however, she fears how Richard would react.
"Now that we're settled in somewhat after a chaotic day, I believe Rei had mentioned wanting to speak with Richard. Of something relevant to what's been happening of late, I believe." Rachel's words get a soft nod from Rei before Rachel goes on.
"Richie, I want you to hear Rei out fully and not judge too rashly what she has to say. It hasn't exactly been easy for her, either."
"Okay, Mom." Richard reaches over, hoping to take Rei's hand into his, yet she doesn't reach over. Instead she looks down shamefaced, getting Richard's concern. "Rei?"
"I'm sorry, Richard, but I don't think you'd want to hold my hand after what I have to tell you." Rei's voice is trembling, prompting Shinji and Rits to softly rub her back to reassure her. Looking to both sides, she gives them a grateful, yet sad, smile, before speaking again. "I started our relationship with a lie about myself, Richard."
"What kind of lie, Rei?"
"When we started, I was a hybrid. Comprised of human and Angel DNA, with an S-2 organ where my womb would be. Rendering me barren."
"Angel, as in the kind you, Shinji and Asuka are fighting?" Rei softly nods before Richard blinks. "Wait, what do you mean by 'was', Rei?"
"The one that you knew is no more, while I am a full human now." Richard blinks again, getting Rei to sigh before explaining further. "I have numerous clones. Spare bodies, if you will, in the event I was to die during combat." Richard gives the blue-haired young woman a soft nod before speaking.
"Okay, I'm listening."
"Every two weeks, I would download my most-recent memories into a databank so the clone would be up to date upon activation once death has occurred." Putting her hands on her lap, she adds, "I'm the Third incarnation of Rei Ayanami. Well, technically, since my second body didn't really die, I guess I'm still the Second." Richard can't help but be curious about one aspect of her story.
"What happened to the first one?"
"I am unsure, as the memory download wasn't perfected until two years ago." Rei then kinks her head to the side before remarking, "You seem to be handling it well so far."
"Yeah, well, Mom did say for me to hear you out fully, and I've always been fond of sci-fi stories. You'd normally find something like that in sci-fi stories, but to see one brought to life…" Rei can only giggle lightly before Richard asks, "So let me get this straight." Ticking off by his fingers, he goes on.
"You were a hybrid that was unable to get knocked up because of an S-2 organ. You decided you wanted to be able to bear children, so you ditched the previous body into a new one, only without the S-2 option."
"Yes, although before his deposition, the Commander did not make it an option, but an order. I had it done behind his back, as the case was."
"To what end were you created for, Rei?" Upon noticing her trembling, Richard reaches over and takes her hands into his and says, "It's okay. You don't have to say if you don't want to."
"I must." Rei gently squeezes his hands and closes her eyes to steel up her resolve. Opening them back up, she says, "I was created for the purpose of initiating Third Impact upon the death of the 17th Angel. The previous Commander's motive for causing Third Impact was to regain his wife, Yui Ikari, after she was absorbed into the core of Unit-01. But when I met you, along with Shinji and Rits, I started to question my purpose. Along with Rokubungi's methods, something I'd never done in my years of knowing him."
"Good grief. Something like that would've killed everyone else, wouldn't it?" Jake's query gets a nod from Rei before he asks, "Okay, we know you were once half-Angel, but where'd the human half come from?" Rei smiles fondly over at Shinji before giving her reply.
"I was created using the DNA of Yui Ikari in conjunction with the DNA of Lilith, the 2nd Angel. Essentially making me Shinji's twin sister even though he was originally an only child." Shinji smiles softly at her before she looks over at Rits and gets a soft smile from her. "I'm glad my brother found someone that cares for him, Rits."
"I'm glad to care for him, Rei. I'm also glad to have you as my sister-in-law." Rits looks toward Richard and sees him smiling softly. Tears welling in his eyes. "You okay, Richard?"
"Yeah. I'm okay. I'm just finding this all to be surreal. The girl with the glow of a Biblical Angel was actually a half-Angel from outer space." Rei can't help but go beet red at the former and smirk at the latter.
"On top of that, she's for all intents and purposes an Evangelion Pilot and a sister to another Pilot fighting against… oh brain pain!" Next thing Richard knows, Rei's wrapping her arms around him, causing him to clutch her closely.
As she runs her fingers through his hair, Rei looks up at Rachel and Jake. Upon seeing them smile softly at her, Rei smiles back before putting her head against Richard's.
"I think we should leave you two be for Jake and I have something to discuss with Shinji and Ritsuko, Rei."
"Understood." With that, the four exit the room, leaving Rei to hold Richard closely. She then feels him trembling, in mirth, before he looks up. "Richard?"
"Leave it to me to fall for an actual Angel. What are the odds?"
"I don't know if it's any consolation, but I didn't exactly expect to fall in love. Let alone be accepted in your heart still."
"Yeah, well, no one's perfect. If anything, you got a really raw deal." Rei doesn't say anything, she only smiles softly. Richard then softly pecks Rei's lips, getting her to giggle softly before he goes on.
"But I can understand your fear of being rejected." Slyly, he puts his hands onto her breasts, resulting in a sultry smile on her face. "I'm just glad you got it off of your chest. Much like I wouldn't mind…"
"Richard, we're not exactly alone right now." Rei's face is beet red, yet has the sultry smile on her face still before she adds, "We'll have to be as quiet as possible while we make love."
"I love a challenge." Rei can only giggle at that before Richard gently tugs her to his room.
Meanwhile, Rachel and Jake are facing Shinji and Rits. Rachel with a stone heaviness in her heart, Jake with her to give his support.
"Miss Takamiya, I took the liberty of looking up your parents' dossiers in regards to 'N-Tek'. I must admit, I was quite impressed with their service to the planet up until the ATS was shut down. And even afterward." Handing Rits two CD-R discs, she goes on.
"Given they'd sought to warn people about what was going to happen, they're heroes that the world can sadly never know about." Rits eyes water up before she nods.
"I understand. Dread and his bunch of loons are out there still. But I can't help but wonder…"
"About what, Rits?"
"What we'll tell the kids about their grandparents when they notice the difference between me and Mom, Shinji. Even more, what'll we tell them about their other set of grandparents? Can't very well tell them they're related to a dumbass that sought to kill humanity even more and an eighty-foot tall cyborg."
"We'll just tell the truth without going into detail. Their maternal grandparents were good people that got dealt a shitty hand during one of the happiest times of their life. Their paternal grandparents wound up getting swallowed up by their work."
"That's about close enough." Rits then gently rubs her lower belly and smiles softly. "All we need now is to see that blue line and we can be content." Rachel gives her a wary glance before airing a concern.
"Will you be doing field work as 'Dragonette' during your pregnancy if you are?"
"Nope. Mom even told me that the minute I find out I'm preggers, she's putting the 'Dragonette' suit up into storage. She's not taking chances as she wants grandchildren to spoil rotten." Rits feels Shinji's lips against her temple and smiles warmly. Jake and Rachel both smile at her before the two teens leave, Rits snuggling into Shinji's side. Causing Jake and Rachel to chortle softly.
(Kaji's apartment; same time)
"Oh, Kaji. How long has it been?"
"Much too long, Misato." Kaji reaches for a cigarette, only for Misato to stop him.
"Ugh, don't. Please. I can't stand cigarette smoke still. You know that."
"Alright." Kaji then sighs softly before going on. "Misato, I've something for you to look after for me." The tone in his voice raises her hackles to no end.
"That'd better not be your way of saying, 'I'm gonna do something so stupid, it'll get more than likely me killed'!"
"I'd tell you the opposite, but you know how it is in searches for the truth. Especially with me."
"All too well." Out of frustration, Misato yanks Kaji by his ponytail before snarling out, "If you die on me, so help me I'll kill you! You understand me? I want to keep you around, buster!" To prove her point, Misato straddles him, not bothering with a condom and starts pumping on him. "I'd gone on too long without you inside me and I'll be damned to do it again because you're dead."
(Takamiya house; five minutes later)
As Shinji kisses Rits' lips, she smiles into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Shinji. Sighing happily. Shinji chuckles against her lips, getting her to giggle. Ending the kiss, she looks into his eyes before murmuring.
"Hmm, that tickles." Shinji grins before kissing her again, cupping her ass with his hands. Rits giggles again before ending the kiss. "Wanna come in for some sex?"
"Would if I could, Rits, but I've got a report due to 'N-Tek' regarding the ouster of 'Commander Dumbass'. Including what he had in mind for you."
"We could work on it together." Walking her right hand upward on his chest with her fingers, she adds, "It could be quite pleasant." Smiling seductively, she takes his right hand into her left and moves it to her belly. "Plus I'd like to feel you cream inside me again. Make sure my eggo's nice and preggo." Shinji has only one reply to that.
That night, while Shinji's making love to Rits, Richard and Rei are doing the same.
(Tokyo-3 Diner; same time)
"Ugh, what a day." As Aoba shakes his head, Retnuh gives him a sympathetic smile before reaching over.
"It couldn't have been that bad, Shig."
"Wanna bet, Rox?" At her nod, Aoba goes on. "The Commander was ousted from power by the UN Special Forces and immediately thrown into the brig. Vi-Co Fuyutsuki is considered to be a material witness of sorts. Major Katsuragi got kicked into the Commander's office and promoted to Colonel to boot. And those are the biggest things that come to mind, along with Miss Takamiya taking down an Angel with Pilot Ikari and Captain Psycho rooting for her."
"True, but at least no one got hurt."
"Yeah, that's true. But I can't help wondering…" As his voice trails off, Retnuh lightly scowls.
"What is it, Shig?"
"Just how did Shinji get out of the brig cell to begin with?"
(NERV HQ; two weeks later; Fuyutsuki's office)
"Miss Retnuh?"
"Yes, Sensei?" Fuyutsuki can only roll his eyes in amused exasperation. Ever since Anne Retnuh came to work for him, she'd always call him 'Sensei' in regards to what he did before. Making him quite nostalgic.
"I've some paperwork for you to take to Colonel Katsuragi regarding the transfer of Command."
"You got it, Sensei." With that, Anne giggles before the intercom clicks off and his office door opens. "Good morning, Sensei."
"Good morning, Miss Retnuh." As Anne picks up the file folder from his desk, he humorously asks, "Are you ever going to stop calling me Sensei, Miss Retnuh? I haven't been a professor in years."
"As to the first, only if you call me Anne, Sensei. As for not having been a Professor in years, so what?" Fuyutsuki gives Anne a chuckle as she smirks and exits. "I should be back in five minutes, Sensei."
"Make it three hours and take a break, Miss Retnuh." Smirking back, he adds, "It'll give you and Lieutenant Aoba a little social time with each other."
Anne can't help but blush beet red upon picking up his meaning. As she exits, Fuyutsuki snickers softly and sighs.
"Ah, young love." Checking his watch, he mutters, "I've enough time for brunch."
(Misato's office; three minutes later)
"Hi, Nemu."
"Hello, Miss Retnuh. Colonel Katsuragi is out of her office at the moment."
"Oh? Where is she at? I've paperwork for her to sign from Sensei." Nemu can't help a fond smirk at Anne referring to Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki in that manner.
"She is currently conversing with Miss Ryan in the cafeteria." Rising from her desk, Nemu adds, "I shall go get her. Please wait for me to return with the Colonel." Anne watches as Nemu walks away and nods once she's out of sight.
"Alright. Let's see what I can find in the Commander's office." Reaching into her pocket, Anne brings out a lock-pick kit and sets to work. Within three seconds, she's got the lock unlocked. "Good. I haven't lost my touch." She suddenly blinks and asks, "Did she just say 'Miss Ryan'?" Giving a shrug, she steps on into the office.
(NERV Cafeteria)
"…and the next thing Shinji knew, his trunks were down around his ankles and Ritsuko was smiling widely!" Misato can't help but laugh uproariously at Kat's story. "Deidre, of course, busted out laughing and shook her head!"
"Oh I wish I could've been there. Of course, I saw Shinji in the buff as well that first night in the apartment. So I can see why Ritsuko was smiling so widely."
"Oh, she wasn't only smiling. But she was also red as a radish! Her first time seeing a boy in the buff and they weren't even serious about each other yet!" Kat and Misato both howl in laughter before Kat sighs. "I still can't believe that Dragonelle's Deidre and raised up a little girl as normal as she could by herself."
"Yeah, well, that's Second Impact for you. It changed and ended a lot of lives when it happened." Putting her hand between her breasts, where her scar is, Misato shudders in sorrow. "If my Dad hadn't gotten me to go to Antarctica with the expedition, I might or might not even be here now."
"At least you had a Father. Me? I had no one but the fellow orphans and the gang from long ago." Kat lets out a sigh. Before she can say anything more, Nemu walks up to Misato and Kat.
"Yes, Nemu?"
"Colonel Katsuragi, Miss Retnuh is at your office right now with paperwork for you from Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki. I informed her that you're with a visitor and she is presently waiting." Misato catches Kat tensing at the visitor's name and nods.
"Very well, Nemu. I'll head on up now."
"What of Miss Ryan?"
"I'll go on up too." Kat's reply quickly gets Nemu's attention as she goes on. "I don't expect Miss Retnuh will object to my presence very much."
"Very well, Colonel, Miss Ryan." With that, Misato, Kat and Nemu go on back up to the office. Only to find the office door open. "This is not good. Shall I call Section-2, Colonel?"
"Nah, Nemu. We've got this."
"Very well, Colonel." With that, Misato and Kat step in and see a slender young woman with short cut blond hair. Caucasian with blue eyes. Kat's eyes fly open at who it is just as Misato greets her.
"Hello, Miss Retnuh." Anne jumps in surprise upon hearing Misato's voice. Upon seeing her standing with Kat, she audibly and visually gulps.
"Colonel Katsuragi, Sensei sent me up to you with Command transfer papers. I shan't take long, allowing you and your visitor to resume."
"That's real nice of you, Roxanne." At the sound of Kat's voice, Anne can only gulp. "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? You should've realized that anagram trick can only work so long unless you're around a person familiar with anagrams." Recovering herself, Roxanne Hunter, alias Anne Retnuh, smiles softly.
"Interesting choice of words, Kat." Looking the woman over, she hastily adds, "The years have been kind to you."
"You as well. But one thing's bugging me. Why aren't you in the clink still?"
"Oh, that." At the sound of Kat's knuckles cracking, and the sight of Kat stepping forward, Roxanne blurts it out. "I was hired to do a job for the American CIA!"
"Sit and spill, Rox!" Kat's tone is no-nonsense, getting Roxanne to sigh haplessly.
"I know better than to do otherwise when you sound like that."
"You're remembering my tone from the last time we spoke face-to-face, then."
"Kinda hard to forget it. Kat, you'll never know how many nights I wished I hadn't done that." Looking downward toward her right wrist, she murmurs, "Maybe our friendship would've survived and I would…" Kat looks at Roxanne's right wrist as well and gasps upon seeing a long scar running across it.
"You tried…" When Roxanne hastily nods, the venom quickly fades from Kat's voice. "When?"
"That night." Her eyes start dripping tears as she goes on. "I'd just finished slicing when a Guard came along and saw me bleeding out. She called in and I was taken to the Infirmary."
"I got bandaged up and a visit from the Prison Chaplain while recovering. He asked me why I attempted it and I told him I did something so stupid, it cost me my friendship with someone that was like a sister to me."
"What happened then?"
"He asked me who it was and I told him it wouldn't do any good to tell him. As I'd effectively been disavowed as a friend and she wouldn't give a fuck if I lived or died."
"Nice to see you've still got a potty mouth."
"Only by a bit these days." Smiling softly, she adds, "He wasn't even perturbed by my profanity. Yet he did tell me that just because I'd been disavowed as a friend doesn't mean I should try killing myself. Such an odd man, though."
"How so, Rox?"
"He had a little toy dinosaur, a brontosaurus he called Stephen, with him and he said I could talk to it if he wasn't around. A somewhat grown man just out of the seminary with a toy dinosaur." Shaking her head, she adds, "It was the first of many times I talked with Father Clifford. He helped me put things in perspective."
"I guess not even Chaplains outgrow their favorites."
"I guess not, Colonel. A year later, I was transferred to a women's facility in California for good behavior even though the Del Oro facility was top-ranked."
"That sounds odd."
"I know, Colonel. But it gets odder. I was the only transfer at all out of Del Oro. Three months later, Second Impact happened. I was in my cell when it happened, too." Shivering visibly, she says, "One minute I'm on my bunk, the next I'm being hustled to a watertight bunker, klaxons blaring all over the place. I tried asking several times what was going on, but no one would say anything at all. Almost as if they were in the dark themselves."
"Okay. That explains how you survived Second Impact. Now for the CIA. How'd they get you involved in this?"
"I dunno, really Kat. But they told me that they have their suspicions about the Commander of NERV. Along with concerns regarding his eagerness to use children to fight the Angels. Along with his own flesh-and-blood son. Even though the son doesn't consider him a Father at all."
"So what was your purpose?"
"I was to work in conjunction with a JSSDFI operative here. Of course, I've yet to start working with him. I thought with Colonel Katsuragi out of the office, I'd do a little legwork on the previous Commander's actions."
"Find anything?"
"Not as yet. He's got a lot of locked drawers that have yet to be opened."
"Well… wait. You're supposed to be working with a man from the JSSDFI?" At Roxanne's nod, Misato asks, "Was this man by any chance tall with a scruffy face and undone tie?"
"Yes, Colonel. Do you know him?"
"All too well." Misato groans audibly before smirking. Raising Roxanne's guard to no end as Misato speaks again. "But we'll discuss him later. How's Lt Aoba treating you?" That, in itself, gets Kat's attention.
"You mean the Bridge Bunny Lt Aoba? That Lt Aoba?"
"That I do, Kat." Kat gives a smirk to Roxanne before Roxanne smirks right back.
"What about you, Kat? Anyone special for you?"
"Oh yeah. We're even engaged to get married."
From there, the two start rebuilding their tattered friendship, bit by bit. Misato watching on wistfully. Up until she remembers what Roxanne was there for.
"Roxanne, seeing as the previous Commander's no longer in command, how'd you like to take what information you can find back to the CIA?" Roxanne can't help but blink incredulously.
"Just like that?" At Misato's cheerful nod, Roxanne looks over at Kat and asks, "Is she for real?"
"Yup." With that, Roxanne goes back to work. Kat in tow. "Where do you want to start, Rox?"
"Dunno off-hand. Never done this kind of thing before."
(Outside Takamiya residence; same time)
As Shinji's off-road coupe pulls to a stop, Shinji sees a familiar face walk up to the front of the car. Grinning slightly, he exits the car.
"Hey, Mr. Kaji."
"Hello, Shinji. Mind if I buy you a drink?"
"Um, Kaji, I'm a guy." Kaji can't help but give Shinji a smirk before looking over toward the Takamiya house. Upon seeing Rits come striding out toward him, Kaji greets her as well.
"How does the future Mrs. Ikari fare today?" Rits grins at Kaji.
"I'm doing well, Mr. Kaji. You?"
"I'm doing well. But I need to borrow Shinji for a quick moment, if it's alright with you."
"I think I can spare Shinji for a brief time, but I hope it's quick."
"Oh, it will be." With that, he turns back to Shinji and asks, "Shall we?"
"Yeah, okay." As the two walk away, Shinji adds, "I'm guessing what you're about to tell me is a doozy."
"It is." Three minutes later, Shinji's eyes can't help but go wide.
"Watermelons, huh?"
"Yep. Found this little spot sometime after I arrived here. I've two favors to ask of you if you're feeling up to it."
"Sure."
"This melon patch is one of them."
"That I can handle. The other one?"
"Take care of Misato for me. I've a sneaking suspicion my time here's coming to an end." Sighing, Kaji adds, "Looks like the wedding's off."
"No." At Shinji's tone, Kaji looks at him, only to go unconscious as Shinji adds, "It's not."
('Mihke'; five minutes later)
Rits gently bites her lower lip as Shinji pumps into her from behind, gently kneading her breasts. He then kisses her neck, getting her to gasp and smile.
"Mmm, I love it when you fuck me."
"I love fucking you." Rits can't help but smile seductively at that. Craning her face backward, she locks lips with him. As their tongues dance, Rits pulls away from him, only to turn around and lie down on her back. Never once separating herself from his member. Just in time to feel his essence flooding into her womb, getting a grin from her.
"Much like I love looking up at you during the climax." Shinji only Frenches her, with Rits returning the kiss with gusto as Shinji starts pumping again.
Rits, in turn, wraps her arms and legs snugly, yet gently, around him. Reluctantly ending the kiss, Shinji gazes into her brown eyes and sees unshed tears welling up in there. Concerned for his beloved, Shinji gently wipes a tear away from the edge of her eye.
"Is something wrong, Rits?"
"No, Shin. It's just that I'm so happy we're both here still." Unwrapping an arm from around him, she gently takes one of his hands and places it onto her belly. "Just as I'm thrilled at the thought of becoming a Mom."
"There's more, isn't there?" Rits softly nods, a tear escaping before Shinji can stop it. "Rits?"
"Do you know how many nights I'd wanted to just convince you we should pack up and leave this place far behind?" As more tears fall, Rits goes on. "No NERV or Evangelion. No SEELE or other shadowy cabals you'd probably dealt with as Max Steel Jr." Rits' openly sobbing now as Shinji tilts upright, taking her up with him in an embrace. "Just you and me, together, anywhere but here. Making our children, taking them to Old Osaka and Kyoto-2 for our families to fuss over. But…"
"Our enemies are out there, somewhere." At her nod, Shinji nuzzles his lips into her neck while groping her ass with his hands. "I'm sorry, Rits."
"It's okay, Shinji." Rits gently pecks his lips while murmuring, "It's not your fault humanity's in dire straits. You're doing what you can to keep it going. It's the kind of man you are." Her pumping kicking up in tempo, Rits purrs out, "If anything, it makes me randy even more for you."
"Likewise."
Shinji soon feels the pressure building up again and lets loose. Getting Rits to scream in ecstasy before they lock lips. While they French each other silly, Shinji gently leans his 'wife' back onto the bed as his pumping slows. Upon their lips separating, they both smile warmly at each other before snuggling for a post-sex nap.
(Misato's Office)
"Holy moly! Rokubungi and his SEELE buddies were behind Second Impact! The CIA and UN Security Council are going to have a field day with this! Maybe even the Hague!"
As Roxanne blubbers excitedly, Kat nodding in agreement, Misato grimaces.
(Tokyo-3 Diner; two minutes ago)
As Fuyutsuki finishes off his tea, he notices a familiarly scruffy face and smirks.
"Mr. Kaji, I doubt very much you're here to join me for brunch."
"Correct you are, Vice-Commander. The SEELE council wishes a meeting with you."
"Well, seeing as you're the messenger that brought me the invitation, I see no need to refuse. But I can't help but worry about you. Gendo still has a few allies and he'd undoubtedly order your death. Even while in a cell."
"Yeah, well, as long as I can get to the truth, that's the main thing."
"That's so sad, my boy. Misato'll be disappointed in you."
"She's strong. She'll pull through." With that, Kaji and Fuyutsuki walk on out of the Diner. Fuyutsuki's tab paid in full.
Overhead, in a cloaked Sparrow, Max grins softly.
"How's it looking on the SEELE front, Berto?"
"So far, so good. I used the voice synthesizer to replicate Kaji's voice to ask them where they want Fuyutsuki and got the information. Of course, it took some negotiating, but they agreed to a live contact meeting. Except for one. I'm sure you can guess as to who it is."
"Dread, then."
"You got it, hermano. Our Agents are staked out around the meeting site, waiting for the signal from the bugs."
"Copy that. Heading to the safe-house now."
"Speaking of safe-houses, I wonder how Doctor Tokisona's faring?"
"Same here."
(Tokisona safe-house; same time)
Shizuka looks down at herself and grins at the blue low-cut sundress she's wearing.
'You will be mine, Scott! Count on it!' Exiting her room, she strides out onto the porch where Scott is standing watch over the horizon. "Hello, Scott." Not turning her way, Scott returns the greeting.
"Miss Uramishi."
"It's just us out here." Shizuka's voice is playfully teasing as she says, "No need to be so formal with me." Stepping into his field of vision, she twirls around, giving him an interesting view. "What do you think?"
"It's a nice sundress. I'm just being professional, Miss Uramishi." Shizuka nods before smirking and darting her hand toward his crotch. "What the… Miss Uramishi!" His tone is low, yet wary.
"I wasn't referring to the sundress. I'm sure you noticed I'm not wearing panties. It's playtime, Scott and we're going to play a little game of 'Hide the Salami'." Her tone is sultry as she rubs his crotch. As she feels his member hardening, her smirk goes sultry. "Seems your little friend wants to play too." Scott moves away from her, only for her to move with him.
"Miss Uramishi, I'm flattered. Really, I am. But I'm not good enough for you." Lowly, he mutters, "I'm not good enough for anyone."
SLAP
As Scott's jaw drops in shock over the slap to his face, he sees tears dripping down from Shizuka's eyes.
"Don't you dare ever say that about yourself, Scott Walker." Shizuka's voice is in a hiss as she grits out, "I don't know what that bitch's problem was when she cheated on you, but I know this much. You're good enough for me. Hell, any woman on the planet would be lucky enough to have you in her life."
"Then why…" Shizuka's index finger on his lips stops his query before she gently strokes his slapped cheek.
"As I said, I don't know why she pulled that shit. But I know you're a sweet guy." Taking his hand into hers, she puts it against her chest between her breasts and asks, "Can you feel my heart beating rapidly?" At his silent nod, Shizuka leans upward to his lips and whispers, "Let me heal your heart. As Johnny Blaze from 'Ghost Rider' would say, 'You can't live in fear'." Scott nods, leans down and traps her lips with his, getting her to smile in the kiss.
'Your loss, bitch! I'm not going to do something stupid like you did by cheating on him!' Wrapping her arms around him, Shizuka thinks, 'Mmm, a good kisser!' As the two kiss in the sunlight, the other 'Marshals' and Dr Tokisona are smiling widely back in the safe-house.
"It's about time!" As the Agents nod at Dr Tokisona's words, he suddenly grimaces. With Myers catching it.
"You okay, Doc?" Tokisona's grimace fades before giving him a slight smile.
"I'm fine, my boy."
"Okay." As Myers looks back out toward Shizuka and Scott, Tokisona's smile fades away. To be replaced by a frown.
'It seems my time's naturally growing short.' Looking out toward Shizuka and Scott, his smile returns. 'I'll leave a little something in my Will for Shizuka and Scott both. Whether or not they make the distance.'
(Tokyo-3; Takamiya house; outside)
As Shinji holds Rits' hand, he grazes her knuckles with his thumb. Only for her to return serve.
"What're you thinking about, Shinji?"
"About when we want to get the fuck out of Tokyo-3." Rits can't help a giggle as Shinji goes on. "I'm thinking after the 17th Angel."
"You want to go all the way, then."
"But of course. Anything less would be uncivilized." Rits lets out a snorted giggle while Shinji chuckles.
"Oh, Shinji." Snuggling herself into his side, Rits sighs happily. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Dunno. But I know what I'm going to do with you." Shinji then tilts Rits' face up toward his and smiles softly. "I'm going to keep on loving you." Putting his hand onto her belly, he murmurs, "And our children." Smiling softly, Rits kisses Shinji, putting one of her hands onto the hand on her belly.
"Mmm, all we need now is to see that blue line and we'll be all set."
"That and SEELE to be in chains or dead." Rits giggles at that while Shinji holds her closely. Next thing they know, a black limousine pulls up alongside them. "Now what?" Almost as if in reply, a darkly tinted window in the left rear door slides down.
"Excuse me, is this the Takamiya residence before me?" The voice from the limo is feminine and cultured. Rits nods before replying verbally.
"It is. I'm Ritsuko Takamiya. Though it'll be Ikari pretty soon."
"So you're my niece." The limo's door opens without ceremony, revealing a slender woman. "Auntie Mariko's here, Rit-chan." Shinji and Rits can't help but sweat-drop at that. Mariko looks over at Shinji and says, "Judging from the way you're holding Rit-chan, I'd say you're Ikari."
"Yes, ma'am. Shinji Ikari." Extending his hand, he says, "Nice to meet you." Mariko returns the gesture, a wide smile on her face.
"Likewise, Shinji." Her smile tapering down, she adds, "I wish to speak with the woman that raised you up as best she can."
"Mom's at work right now. She'll be home in a couple hours, though. Mr. Treadwell's thinking of naming her 'Meatball Repairer of the Year'. Even though she'd only been with his firm a couple months now." Mariko can only blink in bewilderment at that.
"How does one repair meatballs?" Shinji and Rits can only look at each other and blink in disbelief. Both sharing the same thought.
'We're speaking with a bozo!' Shaking it off, they notice Mariko eying 'Mihke', a soft smile on her face.
"So that's 'Mihke', the cabin cruiser Hoshio fixed."
"Yeah. Mom and I drove to Hokkaido with Mr. and Mrs. Treadwell."
"Oh? What're they like?"
"They're actually pretty cool. Though I can tell they'd both seen chaos in their lives."
(Misato's Office; same time)
"Oh God." Roxanne's voice has a tremble to it as she adds, "I think I'm going to be sick." Kat and Misato look at her and see her face is pale and horrified. "How can Rokubungi do that? To his own flesh and blood, no less?"
"Rox?" Kat goes to her side and narrows her eyes. 'Is that the source of Gendo's "Scenario"? The "Dead Sea Scrolls"?' As she looks it over, her eyes narrow to slits as she grits out, "Looks like Shinji's not the only one Gendo is trying to fuck over."
"How so, Kat?"
"Have a listen, Misato. 'The 3rd Champion of humanity will enter a merger with his Mother and remain for 30 days after taking in the "Fruit of Life" from the 14th Messenger'. No idea what that means, though. There's also something about Rei and Asuka."
"Alright."
"'The 2nd Champion of humanity will have her mind invaded by the 15th Messenger, causing her effectiveness drop drastically. The 1st Champion of humanity will die during the battle with the 16th Messenger, only to be reborn with no memory of the 3rd Champion'." Before Kat can go on, Misato's door flies open, Sychola walking in.
"Captain Sychola, is there a reason for you to barge into my office unannounced?"
"My apologies, Commander Katsuragi, but Vi-Co Fuyutsuki has vanished. As has Mr. Kaji. As per operations protocol, I'm here to protect you personally should the cause be external."
"I see. Any idea as to what happened?"
"Still being established, ma'am. But recent reports have indicated you've been in the company of Mr. Kaji of late." Upon noticing Misato's not alone, he winces and asks, "I came at a bad time, didn't I?"
"Somewhat, but you being here could help the mood a little bit."
"Oh? How so?" As Roxanne silently brings the scroll forward, he notices her trembling. "You okay, Miss Retnuh?"
"I'm far from it, Captain Psycho." Handing it to him, she adds, "If you'll excuse me…"
"Oh sure." Watching as Roxanne shakily exits the office, he looks down at the scroll. His jaw drop can be felt throughout the Geofront. "What madness is this?"
"My thoughts exactly." Upon hearing Psycho start to seethe, Kat gulps. "Uh-oh. Psycho, calm down."
"Oh I'll calm down. As soon as Dread is actually six feet under!" Dropping the scroll onto the floor, Sychola storms out of the office. For a brief moment, Misato and Kat feel a small amount of pity for John Dread. Wherever he be.
(Three hours later)
"…And that's all there is, members of SEELE."
"A fairly interesting tale, Vice-Commander, but it's not the answer we're after!" 2's enraged bellow gets a smirk to etch along Fuyutsuki's face. "What're you smirking about?"
"I've one other thing to mention to you." Seeing that he has their attention, he adds, "You're all under arrest." At that moment, the lights blare on and UN Police Officers swarm into the building.
"UN Police! Hands on your heads!" The SEELE members can only stand stunned as each of them are secured in handcuffs and quickly squirreled out of the building. The lead UN Police Officer walks toward Fuyutsuki and grins.
"You okay, Mr. Fuyutsuki?"
"I believe I will be, Officer Ruynoski. It's too bad that Kiel didn't come."
"We'll get him another day. For now, though, let's get you back to Tokyo-3."
"Sounds good to me. But, what about Kaji?"
"He'll be alright."
(Dread's location; same time)
Dread seethes in contained anger, having remotely 'witnessed' the arrests of his fellow SEELE council members. Quickly getting himself under control, slightly, he grits his teeth.
'Damn that infernal "N-Tek"! They're always spoiling my brilliant plans, even in defeat!' Breathing deeply, he says, "Alright, if you want to play it like that, then I can play as well." Bringing out his cell phone, he presses a number and hears the other end pick up.
"I'm listening."
"Your mark is Ryoji Kaji. I want him dead, immediately."
"It will be done."
(Thirty minutes later)
As Kaji walks into where his meeting's supposed to be, he hears a hammer cock back and smirks.
"You're late."
BANG
As the body of Kaji falls to the floor, the shooter calls in.
"It's done, Mr. Kiel."
"Very good. Expect the deposit in twelve hours."
"I will." As the shooter walks away, a grin becomes visible. In a cloaked Sparrow hovering overhead, a scruffy face opens its' eyes.
"Whuh? What's… Shinji!" As Kaji looks around, he sees his 'contact' walking away from the usual meeting spot. When he sees Max Steel Sr., he asks, "What's going on here? Who are you?"
"Me? I'm your new best friend, Mr. Kaji." Max smirks as he adds, "Or rather, I'm with the 'Shadow Faction' you'd been wondering about." Kaji's eyes can't help but fly open as Max turns toward the 'contact' as she gets into her car. "I'm guessing you know her."
"Yeah. She's my contact. Or rather she used to be." Max nods and the car drives away. "What'll become of her?"
"She'll be stopped a little ways up the road and taken to an interrogation facility. You, however, are going into my version of the 'Witness Protection Program'. In fact, I believe that someone will be very interested in hearing about you. Discreetly, of course. But, for now, smile."
"No problems there. But why?"
"You've just been erased."
(NERV HQ; ten minutes later)
"Nemu, I'm heading out now."
"Very well, Colonel Katsuragi. I'll see you tomorrow then." Misato smiles at Nemu as she gets into the elevator to take her to the garage. Two minutes later, 'Kamikaze Katsuragi' rolls again and Tokyo-3 feels a chill up and down its spine.
(N-Tek Safe-House; same time)
"Okay, I got all that. But why do I have to go into hiding?"
"It's for your own protection. And ours." Max leans close to a seated Kaji and adds, "You're in an extremely high risk situation, Mr. Kaji. I believe that's already been explained to you." In the background, a freight elevator operates and Max grins. "Here comes your advocate now." As the elevator stops, Kaji hears footsteps that are very familiar to him.
'No way. It can't possibly…' When the source of the footsteps comes into view, Kaji blurts out. "Misato? How?"
"Now, now Ryoji. You're not the only one with secrets." A stunned Kaji can only nod his head as Misato grins toward Max. "Did he behave himself at least?" Max can only snort in amusement. "Thought not."