Shinji Steel 61
Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
Author's Notes; Here we are. The moments we've been waiting for. A twist involving the 16th Angel, along with Rei's fate. Seeing as I didn't like what had happened to her in the series, I cooked up an alternate situation. Also another surprise or two, but you probably already can tell by now. Enjoy!
(Next morning; 0300 Tokyo-3 time; Ikari/Takamiya apartment)
Groggily opening her eyes, Rits moans at how she's feeling. Just mere hours ago, she was in top shape, ready for the next day. Presently, however, her body's telling her she's not as in top shape as she believed herself to be. Looking at Shinji's face as he sleeps, Rits softly pecks him on the cheek before getting up from him onto the bed. Stretching her arms upward, she gazes lovingly at him before getting up from the bed.
Walking nude out the bedroom door after sliding it open, she suddenly clamps her right hand over her mouth and runs into the bathroom. Barely making it to the toilet in time, she moves her hand and vomits into the toilet. Two minutes later, her vomiting done, Rits rinses her mouth out with mouthwash then staggers out the door. Yet with a soft smile on her face as she suspects what's going on.
'All I have to do is confirm it.' Making her way back to their bedroom, Rits can't help but smirk at how Shinji's still asleep before shaking her head and sliding the door closed. 'Of course, Shinji's got a lot going on right now, so he's entitled to a little more rest. Kami knows he can use as much of it as he can get.' Getting back into bed at his side, she puts her left hand onto her lower belly and gently rubs it. 'Please, let me be pregnant.' That thought in mind, she snuggles back into Shinji and smiles before falling back to sleep.
(0650 Tokyo-3 time)
Shinji opens his eyes and smiles softly upon seeing a peacefully sleeping Rits. Softly pecking her forehead, he slowly gets up from their bed and puts on his undershorts. Intending to serve his 'wife' breakfast in bed, he slides the door open and exits the bedroom. Unaware of Rits' eyes opening and a smirk curling her lips as she rises from the bed. Still nude and striding seductively behind him. Not wanting to startle him too badly, she wraps her arms around him.
"Where do you think you're going, stud?"
"I'm fixing to make breakfast in bed for you." Rits' face can't help but take on a smile before she gives her reply.
"Mmm, you're too sweet." Reaching her hands down into his shorts, she grins upon feeling his member harden. "But you can do that another day. Let's have breakfast in the kitchen." Running his shorts down his legs, she adds, "I've always wanted to have breakfast in the nude."
"Well, since you put it that way."
Shinji turns toward Rits and wraps her in his arms before gently lifting her up. With Rits wrapping her legs in response around his hips, he slides into her. Eliciting a softly sensuous moan from her.
"How about a wake-up fuck to get started?" A passionate kiss is Rits' response as he pumps into her. Getting an idea, he starts walking them toward the kitchen, causing Rits to giggle before ending the kiss.
"What're you doing?"
"I'm wondering if it's possible to make breakfast and lunch for today while making love to you." Rits can't help but giggle again as she softly holds Shinji's head, her gaze smoldering in passion in his blue eyes. "Only one way to find out, I guess."
With that, she and Shinji exchange yet another passionate lip-lock as he walks them both into the kitchen. Upon feeling the counter against her ass, Rits breaks away from the kiss before stroking his cheek.
"While I'm curious to see if it's possible, let's not tempt fate anymore than it's already been. Don't want any bad accidents, after all."
"Right." Shinji then kisses her as Rits feels a pressure she's all too familiar with and grins. Returning her grin, Shinji lets loose into her womb. Causing Rits to clutch onto him tightly as her orgasm washes over her.
"Mmm, far as I'm concerned, this is the best part of waking up." Engaging Shinji in another lip-lock, Rits loosens her legs from around his hips and feels him exit her before ending it. "Along with a breakfast by your hands, with a lunch to go." Stroking his cheeks, she pecks his lips again and murmurs, "And maybe, if we play our cards right, have enough for a picnic after school."
"Sounds good to me." Lip-locking with Rits again, Shinji luxuriates in the sensation, Rits tightening her arms around him. With Shinji returning serve before ending the kiss and looking into her eyes. He then notices her face and frowns in concern. "You okay, Rits? You look kinda pale."
"I'm a bit under the weather, but I think it's the happy kind." Upon seeing Shinji blink before smiling in query, Rits smiles right back as he puts his hands onto her belly. Putting hers onto his in turn.
"Does that mean what I think it means?"
"That's right, baby. I think we've a bun in the oven." She then squeals as Shinji takes her back into his arms and twirls her around. "AHH! SHINJI!"
Unable to help herself, she starts giggling in mirth, Shinji chortling as well. As they both laugh, Shinji holds her closely to him, with Rits returning serve before Shinji whispers into her right ear.
"When do you want to confirm?"
"As soon as possible." Rits' reply is soft as she goes on to ask, "Think I can get a walk-in with Dr Akagi?"
"I think we can arrange a little something for you on that." Upon seeing tears coming out of Rits' eyes, Shinji kisses her softly. Rits returning it whole-heartedly before deepening the kiss into a passionate Frencher.
(Ayanami/Nez household; same time)
As Richard awakens, his nose picks up the scent of burning and his ears pick up, well…
"Dammit!" The frustration is soon replaced by panic in the next shriek.
"Aw fuck!" The panic is then replaced by anger with the following shriek.
"Motherfucker!"
Curious about what he's hearing, and smelling, Richard gets out of bed and makes his way to the kitchen. Where he finds a naked Rei trying, and failing, to make breakfast.
"Ugh! How does SECGEN Nez do this?" Grumbling softly, much to Richard's silent amusement, Rei goes on. "It seems I'll have to ask Shinji for cooking lessons."
"That might be a good idea, sweetheart." Startled, Rei turns around and sees a smirking Richard before smiling sheepishly herself. "There's nothing finer than a fine naked woman making, and fucking up, breakfast. And, Rei, honey, you're all kinds of fine."
"The same could be said for a fine naked man smirking at said naked woman that's trying to make him breakfast in bed." Rei then frowns before turning back to the annihilated breakfast and groaning. "I've been trying to think of ways to thank you and decided on this course of action." Next thing she knows, Richard has his arms around her from behind, in a crossing pattern, with his hands gently cupping her breasts. "Richard…"
"No need to worry about it, Rei." Kissing the back of Rei's neck, Richard adds, "I appreciate your attempt and agree that cooking lessons from Shinji would be beneficial for you if you feel so." Rei melds herself into Richard's frame, thoroughly enjoying the way Richard's massaging her breasts.
"I do." Upon hearing Richard snicker, Rei asks, "What is it?"
"Again." Rei can't help but be baffled by what Richard just said.
"Huh? Richard?"
"I'd like to hear what you just said again."
"I do?" Somehow, Richard knows it's a question as he gives his reply.
"Yep." Unable to resist smirking, Rei does so.
"I do." Rei hears Richard snickering again and asks, "Are you wanting to do what Shinji and Rits did?"
"I am."
Richard gently coaxes the blue-haired beauty around in his arms and gazes into her ruby red eyes. Rei, in turn, gazes into his grass-green eyes.
"Richard…"
"I'd like for us to be married in our hearts, Rei. Just until we make it official." Tentatively, he asks, "What do you say, Rei Ayanami?" Rei smiles softly at him before giving her reply.
"I, Rei Ikari, wish to become your wife. Do you accept?" At Richard's puzzled blink, Rei expands. "Ayanami was the alias that the former Commander designated me with. I chose to attach to myself the surname of my brother and our Mother." Richard nods his understanding before giving his reply.
"I do." Upon seeing her eyes drip tears of joy, Richard goes on. "I, Richard Joshua Nez, wish to become your husband. Do you accept?"
"I do." With Rei's reply, they both start Frenching each other silly before Richard hoists her up into his arms. Getting Rei to giggle. "Richard!" Upon feeling his member slide into her, Rei gives Richard a sultry smile. "We'll have to make it quick, dear, if we're to make it to school on time today."
"That, my dear, won't be a problem." Next thing Rei knows is bliss as Richard's lips merge against hers, with Richard pumping into her. Within minutes, Rei feels the sensation of Richard's essence flowing into her womb. With Richard murmuring into her right ear, "I look forward to creating our first child."
"As do I, my heart." Rei's happy murmur has eagerness within as she adds, "I've been dreaming of children lately."
"How soon do you want them?"
"As soon as the war's over, and NERV's been decommissioned, we can leave this place and start our family." Mentally, she adds, 'Plus the threat of SEELE has to be neutralized as well.' Choosing to not voice that particular concern, however, she just luxuriates in their embrace.
(Treadwell Industries; CEO office; same time)
"Emmy? Emmy? Emily? Time to wake up, pumpkin." The sound of her Father's voice gets a groggy Emily to blink blearily to see his face. Sheepish grin in place. "How'd you sleep, kiddo?"
"Like a log, considering I got in 'bout six hours ago." Stretching her arms outward, Emily asks, "So, what gives with the wake-up, Pops?"
"Your Mother and I registered you to attend school for the next two weeks until we finish the pull-out from Tokyo-3." That gets Emily's attention as he goes on. "You're registered under your Mother's maiden name to save you some aggravation from the other students. Along with…"
"Conceal me from the guy trying to find you. Got it." Smirking at Sam, Emily adds, "But if I remember right, Japanese schools have uniform requirements and I don't think I have a uniform just yet."
"It's alright. Your Mother and I cleared it with the higher ups at the school, seeing as you'll be attending for a short time. Meaning you can wear your usual outfit, as long as you keep your manners." Emily gives a snort at that.
"I better get myself ready for a uniform, then. Because I don't think I'll be able to keep my manners." Sam can't help but snicker himself before Emily gets up from the couch and hugs him. "But I'll do my best, Dad."
"I know you will, Emmy." Softly kissing the top of her head, Sam gently sways with her in his arms. Fondly remembering her as a newborn infant just after Second Impact struck. Unknown to him, Emily rolls her eyes, knowing full well that he sees her as a baby still, before smiling softly.
'With my luck, he'll always see me as a baby even after I find my guy. If he's even out there, anyway.' Nestling into him, Emily then giggles softly before looking up at him. "I missed you guys so much."
"We missed you too, Emmy. We missed you so much." Grinning down at her, Sam then says, "So tell me about the boy Slim chased away." Emily snorts at that before gently nudging herself away from him.
"What's to tell? He had a rep for being cruel and heartless toward every girl he across and dated. When he set his sights on me, I felt flattered. Hopeful I could at least tame him. 'Uncle' Slim, however, didn't see it that way. So when he came around the shop, it was 'Machete' time. But, that wasn't the end of it."
"Oh? What happened?"
"The day after it happened, he said I had a homicidal maniac watching over me. And I told him that it was better than an abusive dickweed that likes to leave a trail of broken hearts." Emily then sniffles and adds, "It happened just about right after our call, too."
"Shh, shh. It's okay, pumpkin." Softly taking her into his arms again, Sam smiles softly and adds, "Besides, I think I know of a guy that'll be far better for you. A pretty decent kid. A diamond in the rough, if you get my drift."
"His name?" Her query is eager, yet tentative, getting Sam's smile to become a smirk as he tells her. He can tell she has a smirk as well as she adds, "Can't wait to meet him. But, what about 'Uncle' Slim?"
"I talked it over with him and he wants you to bring him by here after school today so he can gauge him by his merits. But, I've a pretty good feeling he'll like the kid. Much like I think you will." Emily snuggles into him before ending the hug and looking up into his face.
"I guess we'll see, won't we?"
(NERV HQ; Section-2 offices; Brian's office)
Blinking her eyes as she opens them, Nikita smiles softly as she sees Brian waking up as well.
"Good morning, sleepyhead."
"Morning, Nikki." Stretching his arms outward, causing his elbows to pop, Brian looks up at her before blinking. "Am I seeing things, or are you wearing your devil horns in your hair?" Puzzled, Nikita feels her long blond hair before her green eyes go wide and she softly curses in Russian.
"Shit!" Taking them out of her hair, Nikita smiles sheepishly. Getting Brian to softly chuckle himself.
"So, what'd you do with yourself to forget about your horns, anyway?"
"Oh, not much. Just paid a visit to a future resident that Lucifer is waiting to greet, is all." Eying the file about Brian's Father again, she nods toward it and asks, "How long have you been looking it over?"
"Ever since I graduated from high school. Trying to make sense of it all. But, I can't help but feel I'm missing something here."
"Any idea?"
"Not right off hand. I mean, it's in there somewhere. But I seem to keep missing it."
"Need any help?" At an arched eyebrow, she adds, "I'd been majoring in Criminal Psychology for a degree in Criminal Justice in college when I took on the 'Devilwoman' persona."
"Ah. So you're looking to be a profiler, or something like that?"
"Hmm, exactly." Brian nods before passing it over and Nikita's eyes pore over the details.
Case file; 889704123
Dyson, Thomas Joseph
Agent #; 678560
Deceased; Line of duty
Date of Death; 30 Sept 2000
Nikita blinks at that before looking up at Brian.
"He died just two weeks after Second Impact?"
"Yeah."
"He died in the line of duty, I see. What was the case he was working on when he died?"
"He was working on a rash of homicides where children were the victims. At the same time, he was helping to maintain what law and order he can."
"CHILDREN?" At his nod, she asks, "Is that why he bought you the wheel-gun?"
"Yep. The day the murders started, he came home, shaken and angry that someone would want to kill children. He just hugged me, saying, 'You're not going to be a victim. I don't care what the regs say. You're not going to be a victim because you won't let yourself be one'. That day, he bought me the .38 snub-nose. A Smith and Wesson." Bringing up the revolver his Father bought him, Brian adds, "Ironically enough, he died the day after he bought me this. We went to the firing range that day right after he bought it for me as he wanted me to be ready to protect myself straight away."
"How'd you do?"
"He said I was a natural on the trigger, loading and reloading of the cylinder. My aim was a hair off, but not too bad." Sadly smiling, he adds, "We were supposed to go back to the range the day he died."
"What of your Mother?"
"Never knew her. She died the day I was born. Dad raised me up best he can, by himself. When he died, my Aunt Cassandra came to watch over me. She wasn't thrilled with Dad giving the gun in the slightest."
"Oh? Which side of the family is she?"
"Dad's side. Mom was an only child and no cousins." Curious, Brian asks, "What about your Dad? Did your Mom meet him in the 'family'?" Nikita's face takes on a wary, yet pensive, look before she gives her reply.
"Never knew him. Mother never talked about him, either. Almost as if… she was ashamed." Shaking her head, she adds, "Let's table this topic for now and get back to what happened to your Father."
At Brian's nod, her eyes go back to the file.
Cause of death; gunshot
Number of gunshots; two
Location; back, spinal region; head, left temple
Caliber of bullet; 5.56mm/.223 caliber
Type of bullet; hollow point
"That's a nasty type of bullet."
"Yeah. The weapon was never found and there were no striations or other markings on the bullets at all."
"No striations? That can't be possible!"
"That's what I thought too. Best I can figure, the shooter put the rounds into a weapon that they're not chambered for. Maybe a caliber or two bigger."
"That must've sucked for the ballistics guys when they couldn't find any marks on them."
"Yeah. Even more, he was shot from behind…"
"So he never saw it coming."
"Yeah. Typically, I'd say anyone that shoots someone in the back before the temple is a coward. But I promised myself that if I find the guy, I'm going to do to him what he did to my Dad. A back/temple shoot for a back/temple shoot."
"Ah. And the cultist you kneecapped after your Father died? Whatever became of him?"
"He wound up having his legs amputated at above the knees and has to get around in a wheelchair. Other than that, I don't know, I don't give a shit, I don't want to give a shit." Brian's profane, yet blunt, reply can't help but give Nikita a case of the giggles. Kinking his head to the side, he asks, "What's it like, anyway? Being a mafiya Princess?" Nikita's giggles slowly taper off to a stop before she sighs.
"I'll put it to you like this. While I do enjoy the finer things in life, I'd really rather not have them associated with my family name." Grinning wryly, she adds, "I'll admit something to you in utmost confidence. You can never tell anyone what I'm about to say unless I tell you otherwise. Clear?"
"Crystal." Nikita nods before taking a deep breath to focus herself and closes her eyes before opening them back up.
"For as long as I can remember, I was a big fan of the ideal of Justice for all. Well, maybe seeing criminals get thrown in the gulag. Much to the point of wanting to be a Prosecutor when I started going to college. Of course, the Kamenev name was already well known by that time as a reputed Russian mafiya family." When Brian nods, she goes on.
"Everyone I came across that learned my name would cringe in fear, due to Mother's 'reputation'. Some others would tell me that to go against my family is the will of the Devil, as they would often turn out to be 'retainers' for the family. I always found myself to be smothered by all the attention."
"Didn't get to go out much, huh?"
"You'd better believe it. Much like you wouldn't believe how many times I'd heard that."
"I'll take your word for it. Is that how…"
"I became 'Devilwoman'? Kinda. See, I decided that if I distanced myself from my roots, I could have a clean slate of sorts. So I pledged myself to a sorority that had Satanism as a religion, as I was brought up Roman Catholic, if only to cause Mother to disown me. Boy, did that backfire big time."
"What happened?"
"She had me see every psychiatrist, psychologist, priest, minister she can think of. The first two groups to see if I'd been brainwashed by loons and the latter two groups to see if I can be exorcized." Brian's chuckles get Nikita to giggle herself before she goes on.
"Every time, the first two groups would say I was either going through a phase or put me on any kind of meds that might have a chance of fixing my mind 'back up', in their terms. The latter two groups, of course, would say I'm a fallen child in the eyes of God. Not worth the effort. Mother, of course, never gave up on me."
"Talk about dedication."
"Too true." In shame, she adds, "One night, a little over a year ago, I decided if I was indeed fallen in the eyes of God, I might as well finish myself off. So, I got somewhat 'heavily' drunk and stripped myself naked, if only to make it look like a drunken antic gone fatally wrong."
"Oh dear."
"Yeah. I went to the bridge and uttered one prayer. Not asking for forgiveness, but for Mother to be watched over and blessed for her love and devotion. I then tilted over and plummeted to the water. Only to be saved by someone I'd never seen before. Not sure what to make of it, I decided to introduce myself and offered to bear his heirs."
"What was the reply?"
"He said, 'Max Steel Jr. Pleased to meet you, Devilwoman. Though I'm really quite flattered by that'. He then took me back to the campus after I told him I was going to college and we parted ways. It was then that I decided that he was meant for me to meet him. But I needed a reason to come across him any chance I can get."
"So you decided to dress as 'Devilwoman' then?" At her nod, he can see her cheeks are a cute red and shakes his head. "What happened then?"
"Some time later, when I was out wreaking a little havoc, I managed to gather his attention long enough for me to ask him to meet with Mother."
"I bet that didn't go well."
"You got that right. I was so sure that she'd disapprove of him as I'd figured out he stands against criminals and terrorists. Along with my continuing to want to see him would result in me being disowned by her."
"Another big backfire, huh?"
"Oh yeah. It was then I decided to surrender as Mother's love was so absolute, she'd refuse to give me up under any circumstances." Smirking, she adds, "Quite frankly, I'm starting to think she'd be supportive of me becoming one that prosecutes criminals. Be they confirmed or reputed, of course."
"Of course." Tentatively, he asks, "Is the infatuation…?"
"Nyet. I realized a few truths over time and ultimately met you. In a way, I think that night wasn't my time to die. That God sent Max Steel Jr to save my life so I can ultimately meet you."
Nikita's eyes start dripping tears before she starts sobbing. When she feels arms around her, she returns serve as she completely breaks down. Five minutes later, she looks at him before softly pecking his lips. Only for him to return and deepen the kiss, causing her eyes to close in bliss.
'Thank you, Oh Heavenly Father, for giving this lowly wretch another chance through an Angel in the guise of Max Steel Jr. Please, watch over him, his friends and loved ones, as you've watched over myself and my Mother.' When the kiss ends, albeit reluctantly, Nikita smiles softly at Brian.
"That's the first time I've ever been kissed."
"Same for me." Unable to help himself, Brian kisses Nikita again, with Nikita returning the kiss in gusto. Once the kiss ends, again reluctantly, Brian looks into her eyes and asks, "Wanna look over the file some more or…?" Nikita gives a soft giggle before replying.
"Let's look over the file some more. We'll explore our status later on. Okay?"
"Works for me." With that, they both resume looking over the file.
(Tokyo-3 High School; 0900)
"Hello, I'm Emily Johnson. It's nice to meet you all." Emily can't help but be overwhelmed at the response of the males in the class. 'Talk about your hormonal overloads. These guys act like the kind that hadn't seen a girl in months!' The girls, however, are subdued, already having made their decision about her. 'Oh well. It's not like I'm here to be popular, anyway.' Looking over the class, she sees the one her Dad told her about. 'Oh, he's cute! Just sitting there, blinking repeatedly.' Hikari's voice brings Emily's awareness back to point.
"Does anyone have questions for Ms Johnson?"
"Yeah, I got one. Why are you here in Tokyo-3? Don't you know this is a war zone?"
"I'm just here for two weeks with my parents and 'Uncle' before we move on."
"What are your interests?"
"Well, I'm kinda leaning toward being a Tracker like my Mom was when she and my Dad met. So, I guess that would count as an interest. Oh, along with cute looking boys." Upon finding no other raised hands, Hikari gives Emily a nod.
"Okay, Ms Johnson, you can sit beside Aida there." Kensuke, in turn, rises to indicate where he's seated.
"Thanks, but you can just call me Emily, Miss Horaki."
"I'll keep that in mind, Ms Johnson." As Emily goes to take her seat, Hikari can't help but notice her walk. 'That strut! It's almost as if… Oh-ho-ho-ho! This is just too good for words!' Rits notices Emily's stride as well before examining her face and grins.
'Well, well, well, Aida's in for an interesting time. That's for sure.'
As Emily takes her seat, she gives Kensuke a soft smile and purses her lips toward him in a kissing manner. Causing a deep red blush to cross his face.
'She's so cute! But… I gotta be hallucinating!' Kensuke removes his glasses and cleans them off before putting them back on and blinking upon seeing the rust-haired femme willingly sitting beside him. 'She's still there!' In the background, those that know Kensuke are beside themselves in amusement. No one is more amused, however, than Touji.
'I can hardly wait for lunch to roll around. Maybe 'Suke will invite her to eat with us. He's been alone for too long far as I'm concerned.' What attention he has is then diverted to the old hack repeating his usual spiel about Second Impact.
(Lunchtime)
As class splits off for lunch, a shy, yet morose, Kensuke brings out his lunch. Not having noticed Emily doing the same right beside him. Emily notices his mood and slightly frowns.
"Why so glum?" Her voice startles Kensuke so badly, he quickly turns toward her before blinking repeatedly. Causing her to giggle. "You look funny, along with cute, doing that." Kensuke can't help but blush again before sighing.
"I think you're about the only girl that thinks that about me being cute. Let alone looking cute."
"Well, trust me. You're cute. I don't care what others will say." Before Kensuke can even ask, one of the other males in the class comes up to them before grinning toward her.
"Hey, Johnson, what say you ditch this loser of a geek and get to know each other?"
"You know, that's not a bad idea." Looking back toward Kensuke, she says, "Kensuke, let's go and ditch this loser of a geek so we can get to know each other." That has both Kensuke nodding and the male seething.
"I was talking about Aida, you ditz!" He then makes to grab her, only for her to kick him between the legs and belt him in the lower jaw with her right fist. Causing him to fall to the floor in pain as he holds his injured locations.
"And I was talking about you, numbnuts." Taking Kensuke's hand, Emily tugs him out of the classroom and asks, "Where do you usually eat, Kensuke?"
"Usually on the roof with Touji and Shinji. But lately they've been busy with their girlfriends. And don't even get me started on the Red Devil and the Ice Queen."
"Then the roof it is." At his sputtering, Emily rolls her eyes and grits out, "One way or another, you'll have to face up to your surroundings, along with what's going on."
"But… but most girls don't want anything to do with me!" Emily comes to a stop and turns toward Kensuke before arching an eyebrow. "Something you gotta know up front about me. To a lot of the girls here, I'm the class pervert. Lower than navel lint in their eyes. And to a lot of guys like the one back there in the classroom, I'm a loser."
"Then those bitches and bastards don't know shit." Emily then jabs her left index finger into Kensuke's chest before going on. "You may have that 'reputation' about you, but I don't really give a shit. So I do not want you marginalizing yourself like that again. Am I clear?"
Numbed to silence, Kensuke can only nod, getting a smile from Emily.
"Is there anyone else that doesn't think that way about you?"
"Just Touji and Shinji. Horaki's kinda okay, as is Takamiya. Nez and Ayanami, well lately, they've been getting so serious, there's a pool going on as to who gets to the altar first."
"Huh?"
"Yeah. Shinji and Takamiya, Touji and Horaki and Ayanami and Nez." Almost fearfully, he whispers, "There's also a rumor floating around that Red Devil is sweet on Touji's cousin, Kenoju."
"I see. Where's Kenoju now?"
"According to Touji, he's living in New Sekihara Bay. He only comes by every now and then to keep in touch with Touji."
"Ah. Well, I look forward to meeting him." Giving him a sly smirk, she adds, "Now let's eat. I'm hungry." Kensuke can only nod as he follows the rust-haired girl as she engages him in conversation. "So, what's it like living in a place that's under attack by Angels and protected by Evangelions?"
"Well, it can get pretty exciting. I just wish I was picked to Pilot, though."
"Why would you want to Pilot? I mean, long hours, highly hazardous situations and shitty pay?"
"It's because I'm highly-motivated, and sure I can handle it. I mean, Shinji managed to do it without any kind of training. In fact, there's even a rumor that Takamiya got a kill under her belt and she's not even a Pilot."
"Oh? How'd that happen?"
"Dunno. But I bet you dollars to donuts that the recent change in command at NERV has something to do with it."
"Only one way to find out then." When they reach where Touji and the others have their lunch, Emily turns back toward Kensuke and asks, "Would you like to meet my folks and 'Uncle' after school today?"
"Sure." Kensuke then looks around and sees grins all around on everyone. Especially Asuka. Only her grin is somewhat sinister.
"So, the 'class pervert' may be on his way to being tamed, hmm?" Asuka then lets off an amused snort, adding, "Lots of luck, Johnson. You're so gonna need it!"
"Shut it, Red Devil!" Kensuke's face is beet red as he cries out, "It's not like that at all!"
"Oh come on, Stooge." Asuka's grin is so predatory, Emily and Kensuke both gulp. "I can easily see Johnson's smitten with you, and you with her."
"You're wrong! No girl can ever think that about me! It's against the 'feminine code' when it comes to guys like me! Besides, she just got here!"
Desperately, Kensuke looks toward Emily, expecting her to see her smiling in a manner he's all too familiar with. 'It's gotta be a cruel joke. It's just gotta be!' Only to see Emily with a rosy red blush on her cheeks, along with a soft smile.
"Huh?"
"Hey, Johnson, why don't you sit with Asuka, Rits, Rei and Hikari while Richard, Touji and I 'educate' Kensuke?" As Emily nods, Shinji tugs Kensuke along, Touji and Richard in tow until they're estimated to be out of earshot. "A little advice, free of charge to you, my friend."
"Shinji?"
"If a young lady wants to be around you, it's her decision, not yours. Also… the 'rules of femininity'? Where did that come from? Kat explained to me the ins and outs of girls as best she could before I almost passed out one time. She then nut-shelled it for me, putting it like this. 'Let the girl make the first move'. And that was a year before I met Rits."
"That's easy for you to say, Shinji! You and Takamiya are practically at the altar! Nez and Ayanami are well on their way to starting to plan their trip to the altar! Touji and Horaki…" Kensuke shakes his head before bolting away from them.
"Hey, 'Suke! Come back, bud!" Touji starts after him, only to stop when he hears Johnson's voice.
"Stay here, Suzuhara." At the iron-filled feminine voice behind him, Touji turns around and sees a concerned look on Emily's face. "I think this requires a woman's touch."
Touji can only nod numbly as Emily takes off after Kensuke. Only to recover his wits before asking the question that's on everyone's mind.
"How will she know where to find him, though? She's only been here for less than half a day!"
(Overlook bluff; five minutes later)
Kensuke can only shake in sadness and disbelief over what he'd done. He can't help but be incredulous that Emily Johnson could even be interested in him, a geeky war otaku. Let alone the idea that she was willing to be seen with him.
'A cruel joke by my "friends". That's all it is. A cruel joke.'
"I gotta admit." Emily's voice wafting into his ears gets Kensuke to turn around rapidly in time to see her standing just five feet from him. A wide smile on her face as she takes in their surroundings. "Not even the Outer Ridges of Glory Hole has camping spots this beautiful."
"But… But how…"
"Did I find this place? I'm an apprentice Tracker, thanks to Mom's teachings. Of course, I think Dad's got some Tracker in him as well."
"What exactly is a Tracker?"
"Kinda like a bounty hunter, only a lot more dangerous. I can fight my way out of a crapshoot kinda like that party back in the classroom, use any kind of magazine-fed firearm proficiently and accurately, identify safe and unsafe plants for eating or avoiding and follow the slightest of tracks. Whether they happen to be in grass, topsoil and, if I'm in the mood, wet cement." Upon seeing him blink, she hastily adds, "Don't ask about that last one. It's an absurd story."
"I'll take your word for it." Sullenly, Kensuke turns back around and hears an exasperated snort from Emily.
"You really think that'll do you any good? I can still see you, you know."
"Why would you want to? I'm nobody, not worth mentioning. Let alone seeing."
"Shouldn't that be my decision?" Emily's query has slight amusement within, and Kensuke can easily feel her breath on his left ear. "Is it me? Am I repulsive to look at?"
"No!" Kensuke bolts back up and turns to face her. "It's because this is a cruel hoax! It has to be!"
"How do you figure that?" Kensuke snorts at that before turning around, not wanting Emily to see his face with his next words.
"You kidding me? A pretty girl like you, with a geek like me?" Kensuke's turn around keeps him from seeing Emily blushing beet red at being called 'pretty'.
'I'd never been called "pretty" before.'
"It just isn't done!" Shaking his head, Kensuke mutters, "Takonami had me pegged right. I am a loser."
"Oh really?"
"Really."
"I see." Emily's left eyebrow arches in anger before she asks, "And just where is this Takonami right now?"
"Um, he's the guy that approached you when lunchtime came around." Shamefaced, he softly adds, "He's the one that called me 'a loser of a geek'."
"Ah, so that's Takonami, huh?" Emily scoffs and adds, "He wasn't so tough. You, however…" Emily strides right toward Kensuke, turns him back around and gets right into his face. "You're marginalizing yourself again. What did I tell you about doing that?"
"To not to." Kensuke's reply is so soft, Emily can barely hear it, yet she does.
"Then why are you?" Gently cupping his cheek, she coaxes him to look into her hazel eyes. "You'll find I'm not like the other girls. Particularly those that never gave you a thought just because they were more worried about appearances."
"You never give up, huh?"
"Uh-huh. Much like Mom's business motto when she was a Tracker. 'Never says no'. I never give up, even when things look grim." Kensuke can't help but give a weak grin, prompting Emily to grin as well. "Now, seeing as we're out here, missing most of our lunch period, I propose we eat here before making our way back to school."
"Okay." Kensuke nods as Emily sits down beside him and carefully looks her over. Caucasian, petite with a slight bust, short-cut rust-colored hair and freckled cheeks. Dressed in a black tank-style shirt and blue jean shorts. Emily notices his careful scrutiny and smirks.
"See something you like?" Kensuke can't help but blush deep red, getting Emily to snicker. "No need to blush if you like what you see." Kensuke's blush recedes just enough in time for Emily to ask, "What's rest of the school day like here, anyway?"
"Other than the teacher droning on about Second Impact, not really much to tell. Of course, it happens every day." Emily's jaw can't help but drop at that.
"You gotta be shitting me!"
"I'm not. He talks about the same topic every single school day."
"But, why?"
"No one knows. Not even Horaki." Emily then shakes her head and puts her left hand onto Kensuke's right cheek.
"How do you get through such mind-numbing crap?"
"I think we've got some kind of good luck with the Angels attacking. Although if they really were to be Angels, they'd put the teacher out of everyone's misery and leave the rest of humanity alone." Kensuke's reply can't help but cause Emily to burst into giggles.
(JSSDF storage warehouse; same time)
As the guards make their rounds, they pass by the warehouse where 'Jet Alone' is being stored. Only to stop when they hear the sound of groaning metal. They look at the main door of the warehouse, only to see the door bulging outward. They don't even have time to scream as the shrapnel from the door rips them apart.
What was once 'Jet Alone' now stands as a warped version of it. The Angel-altered 'Jet Alone' looks upward and reaches the right hand up. Its hand makes contact with a yellowish chain before the chain fades into the hand. With that, the 16th and the 11th Angels make their way toward Tokyo-3. Set on their mission.
(School roof; same time)
"I just hope 'Suke is okay out there."
"I'm sure he'll be fine, Touji." Hikari then turns toward Asuka and asks, "Why'd you do that, anyway? You know he's got enough issues with that reputation about him."
"You kidding me? I saw how that girl walked and recognized it as the walk of a girl that's on the prowl." Smirking, she adds, "I can hardly wait to see those bitches' faces when those two show back up. Hand in hand."
"Wow, and to think you slapped the two of us that day on 'Over the Rainbow', only to become like you are now. What happened in that time?"
"I could tell you, 'Stomach', but then I'd have to kill you using Unit-02. So don't ask again." Giving Touji a wicked smirk, Asuka asks, "So when are you gonna pop the question on Hikari? Or at least the 'heart marriage' with her?"
"ASUKA!" Her face beet red, with a hint of eager amusement, Hikari shrieks out, "HOW CAN YOU ASK SUCH A THING SO BLITHELY?"
"It's really quite easy." Reaching into her box and bringing out a piece of fish, Asuka takes a bite and swallows it straight down before speaking again. "You've got all the classic signs. Much like Mr and Mrs Ikari over here did, along with Mr and Mrs Nez there." Hikari and Touji's jaws both drop as they both look toward Richard and Rei before seeing them blushing.
"Nez? Ayanami? Is that true?"
"It is, Class Rep Horaki. However, I must point out that recently, I changed my surname to Ikari, to match my brother."
"Brother? Wait, you don't mean…" At Rei and Shinji's nod, Hikari faints and Touji manages to catch her. He then looks toward Asuka and growls out.
"WHY YOU! I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR KENOJU TO DO THAT TO YOU!" Asuka gives another smirk before biting and swallowing again.
"I'm actually looking forward to it. Who knows? It might be even quieter that way." Looking toward Hikari with concern, Asuka asks, "She gonna be okay, 'Stomach Stooge'?"
"She should be, though I'm surprised I ain't passed out myself. Shin-man, why didn't you say anything about…"
"Rits and I only just found out ourselves, Touji. Rei told us, and Richard, that she's my sister." Looking toward Rei and Richard, knowing full well that he'd only explained half of the tale, Shinji adds, "It happened through some genetic engineering 'Dumbass' had done."
"Jeez, didn't he have anything better to do with his time? Like, maybe, I dunno, volunteering his time to be a crash-test dummy?" Upon seeing Shinji, Rits, Rei and Asuka blinking, Touji adds, "Kotuna told me about his brief tenure as a Pilot, and how Unit-03 went renegade because of that Angel. He's convinced that 'Dumbass' was expecting that to happen, and for Kotuna to die. Quite frankly…"
"You agree with him. Right. It seems that 'Dumbass' doesn't learn very well." Shinji sighs at that before shaking his head. "I need to pick something up after school today, Rits. Care to join me?"
"Sure. What're you picking up?" After Shinji tells her, they can't help but start guffawing. Just as Hikari comes back around.
"What's everyone laughing about?"
"Oh, just a little something involving a nail gun, a wall and 'Dumbass' ass, Hikari. No need to worry." Asuka's face has a wide, ferocious grin on it, causing Hikari to gulp audibly.
"Please tell me it's not what I think it's adding up to."
"Well, I could, Hikari, but it'd be a blatant lie." Asuka then breaks into giggles at the thought of it. "I would so be there for that, Shinji! I'll even bring the popcorn!"
With that, the redhead becomes, yet again, a helplessly giggling wreck as she wraps her arms around her midsection just before her giggles become raucous laughter. As Asuka laughs, Rei's speculative gaze goes toward Shinji and Rits, noting their amused expressions on their faces.
'This is the way I should have been to begin with. But, yet, the previous Commander sought to deny me a normal life. Should I take part in "nailing his ass to the wall" or let Shinji do it all?' Blinking, she adds, 'But finding his rectal area through a wall would be quite difficult. I shall ask.' Curious about it all, Rei pipes in.
"How do you expect to find the previous Commander's rectal area if it's behind a wall, Shinji?" However, the Pilots' NERV issued phones ring before Shinji can answer. Rei's the first to answer. "1st Child."
"Pilot Ayanami, you and Pilots Sohryu and Ikari are to report to NERV immediately. A Blue Pattern's just been detected." Rei nods at that before looking toward Shinji and Asuka.
"Understood. We will arrive in Pilot Ikari's car."
"Copy that. Section-2 Second-in-Command is en route to provide escort to NERV."
"Understood." Ending the call, Rei says, "We are needed at NERV. An Angel has arrived."
Yet Rits, Shinji, Asuka and Richard can hear fearful trembling in the girl's voice. With that, five minutes after Rei gives Richard a passionate Frencher, Rei, Shinji, Rits and Asuka go down to Shinji's car and get in. Just as Lt Hisnokasu arrives to give them an escort. Within three minutes, they arrive at NERV and are walking to the locker rooms. Making idle conversation. With Rits opening up.
"While you're all facing the Angel, I'm going to speak with Dr Akagi." Rei blinks at that before speaking up.
"Why do you wish to speak with the Doctor, Rits?" Rits just looks back toward Rei and smiles softly, getting Rei to gasp. "You mean…" Asuka picks up on it before grinning and asking in response.
"You've got a bun in the oven?"
"That's what I think." Giving Rei a grin, Rits adds, "You may die and be cloned, but don't think it'll get you out of babysitting your niece or nephew." Rei just gives a smile right back.
"I'm looking forward to it. Much like I'm looking forward to becoming a Mother myself."
(Three minutes later; bridge)
"Sorry to interrupt your 'school' day guys, but it seems 'Jet Alone' has somehow reactivated. Courtesy of the 16th Angel." Next thing Misato knows, Maya's voice cuts in.
"Um, Colonel Katsuragi, according to the readouts I'm seeing from 'Jet Alone', the 'Blue Pattern' is consistent with that of the 11th Angel. And there's another pattern coming from the 'Jet Alone' as well. But it's alternating back and forth between Orange and Blue."
"Okay, guys. You heard Maya. The 11th Angel's come back for a rematch of sorts in 'Jet Alone'. Though I'm surprised it took this long."
"I guess it was too busy licking its wounds and sulking about how bad Akagi and Ibuki both kicked its ass in the computer! But now that it's solid…" Asuka's voice trails off into a sinister snicker before she looks over at Rei and Shinji. "I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait to 'play' with this Angel!"
"Indeed. Perhaps we can hit it with an EVA-sized baseball bat." Shinji and Asuka both snicker at it.
(Two minutes later; battlefront)
"So, that's 'Jet Alone', huh? Not impressive one bit."
"Yeah, only it's butt-uglier than the last time I saw it, Asuka." Seeing the 11th Angel possessed 'Jet Alone' reach its right arm back before flinging it forward, Shinji catches sight of a long, yellow chain come out of the hand.
"Eyes out! Eyes out! Don't let it make contact!" As the purple Evangelion evades the chain, Shinji calls out.
"Can you get an analysis on the chain?"
"Already done, Shinji! Blue Pattern! It's a 'two-for-one' special today!" Hyuga's voice is edged with concern as he adds, "No fancy stuff this time, Shinji. I don't know what'll happen if it makes contact."
"Alright, thanks, Makoto. Rei, Asuka, you get all that?"
"Loud and clear, Shinji. But, how're we supposed to kill it?" Unit-00 then moves toward the Angel, causing Asuka to screech out, "What the Hell are you doing, Wondergirl? You heard what Hyuga said."
"It's the only way possible, Pilot Sohryu. Activating AT-Field, full power."
Once the field's materialized, Unit-00's hand grabs the 16th Angel just before it embeds itself into Unit-00's torso. The 16th Angel completely abandons its perch in the hand it was occupying before going completely into Unit-00. Shinji puts on a horrified expression before he calls out.
"Rei!"
(Bridge; one minute later)
"Unit-00's activated its D-Drive! It's going critical!" Maya's voice is horrified as she adds, "The LCL temperature's rising in the plug and Rei's AT-Field is…"
BAAAAARRRRRROOOOOOOMMMMMM
Just as Unit-00 explodes, Units 01 and 02 throw up their AT-Fields before the shockwave reaches them. Shielding them from the blast. Once the blast's ebbed away, their AT-Fields fade away. Just in time for the 11th Angel-possessed 'Jet Alone' to attack them.
"Shinji! Asuka! Watch out!" As the purple and red behemoths avoid the attack, Maya can see them deploying their progressive knives. "Prog knives deployed!"
"Hey, Asuka, wanna help me carve a large, ugly metal turkey?"
"Sure! I go low, you'll go high."
"Works for me." Both EVAs quickly go into a wild frenzy before stopping. Unit-02's prog blade in what would be the crotch on 'Jet Alone'. Prompting Maya to blink before giggling.
The 11th Angel possessed 'Jet Alone' then shudders before exploding just as Units 01 and 02 throw up their AT-Fields once again. The explosion taking all traces of the 11th Angel and 'Jet Alone'. As the blast-wave ebbs away, the comm. comes up.
"Aww. Does that mean no metal turkey for anyone? Verdamnt." Asuka's whine gets a grin from everyone on the bridge until they remember Unit-00.
"Pilots Ikari and Sohryu, get to where Unit-00 was last seen." Fuyutsuki, ever the realist, struggles to keep his composure as he goes on. "See if you can ascertain Pilot Ayanami's status."
"Roger."
With their united reply, both Units begin their 'search' and, five minutes later, find the remnants of the plug. With Rei right in the middle of the debris and unconscious. Yet breathing. Shinji then speaks up. His voice joyful.
"Pilot Ayanami's okay, Vice Commander. She's just unconscious."
"Excellent news, Shinji. Retrieval teams are en route to your position. Keep us posted."
"Yes, sir." Confused? Let's go back in time.
(Fifteen minutes ago; Tokyo-3 High School)
As they walk toward the exit, Shinji opens his comm. before transmitting.
'Is it ready?'
"It's ready and waiting in the girl's locker room. Kat snuck it in and assembled this morning while you were asleep."
'Got it. Rits? Asuka?' Upon seeing a nod from both, Shinji sends, 'Let's do this, then.' Asuka then grabs Rei's arm and tugs her toward the girl's locker room. Rits following suit with Shinji proceeding out the door.
"Gotta make a little pit stop first, Wondergirl, and the school locker room's the best place for it."
"Pilot Sohryu, time is of the essence. Why can we not make the 'pit stop' in NERV?"
"You'll see, Wondergirl. Open the locker." Rei incredulously raises an eyebrow and Asuka chortles out, "It's fine, it's fine." Rei raises the other one before shrugging and doing so.
Asuka sneakily brings out a patch dosed with a sleeping agent and prepares herself. As Rei opens the locker door, Asuka gently puts the patch onto the nape of the blue-head's neck. Just as the door fully opens, Rei can't help but blink at seeing a mirror-image of herself. Clad in a school uniform, with its eyes closed.
"Wha… why am I…" As the sleep agent takes effect, Rei slumps forward in sleep. Only for Asuka to catch her before looking toward Rei's mirror image.
"Wondergirl's asleep, Berto. Activate LMD-Rei."
"Activating LMD." With that, the LMD's eyes open and glow red before dulling down to no glow. As the LMD exits the locker, Rits enters and helps Asuka put Rei into the locker the LMD was in.
"The clock's ticking, Asuka. Lt Hisnokasu should be here at any moment. Shinji's waiting right outside. How's the LMD so far?"
"Well, it's got good locomotion, but it's also quiet like Wondergirl was once."
"Which is why I'm ready to stand in as Rei's voice using a voice replicating program. Anything I say will be in Rei's voice."
"We might just be able to pull it off then. Wait a sec. Berto, how well is it going to work in LCL?"
"I waterproofed the critical tech inside the LMD, Asuka. It should work in LCL as if it was water."
"You mean you don't even know off-hand?"
"That's right, Rits. This is the first time an LMD's about to be subjected to LCL."
"So you're gambling and hoping for the best, then." Rits and Asuka both groan at having spoken at the same time. Once the LMD's finished booting up, they exit the locker room. Passing Kat as she goes in and exit the school.
Upon entering the girl's locker room, Kat opens Rei's locker and smiles softly at seeing the blue-haired girl sleeping soundly. Easing Rei out of the locker, Kat quickly strips her down before putting a plug suit on her. She then lugs her toward the window and opens it. When she sees a body sling dangling downward, Kat smirks.
"How's our time looking?"
"Considering how on the fly the plan is, I'm amazed we made it this far. I just hope the winch on the 'Sparrow' doesn't burn out." Berto's voice in her earpiece gets a snicker out of Kat as she puts the sling onto Rei.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Berto gives her a soft chuckle as she finishes attaching the body sling to Rei. Hefting her up into the vent, she then says, "Take it away, Max."
"Okay." With that, Kat watches Rei's sleeping form exit the window before exiting through the door herself.
(Outside the school)
As he winches a sleeping Rei up into the cloaked 'Sparrow', Max keeps a careful eye out for anyone that could possibly see an unconscious Rei seemingly floating in thin air. Once she's behind him, Max closes the belly entrance and flies the 'Sparrow' away. Taking three minutes to get to the battle site, he takes extra caution to avoid getting hit by the battle. He then watches intently as the 16th Angel enters Unit-00.
"How're things on your end, Berto?"
"So far, so good. I'm surprised the download from the DP system into the LMD succeeded. Of course, having to speak to queries with the LMD's processor working in conjunction with the DP…"
"Yeah, I get your meaning. What's next?"
"Interesting you should happen to ask that. The 16th is showing signs of confusion. I'm beefing up the AT-Field before activating the self-destruct on both the LMD and Unit-00."
"Do you think she knows? The soul of Naoko Akagi in there, I mean."
"No way to tell for sure. Of course, since the DP's been active the whole time, if Dr Akagi approved or not is pretty much a moot point. Activating LMD self-destruct and Evangelion D-Drive… now."
(00 Dummy Plug)
As the Rei LMD begins self-destruction, the contamination of the 16th Angel begins burning away due to the increase in LCL temperature. Down in the core, however, the soul of Naoko Akagi…
(00 core)
"So, that's your truth. You're here while the actual Rei's elsewhere. I approve. See you on the other side… I hope. But now, perhaps I can finally rest in peace."
(Outside Unit-00)
As the blue Evangelion detonates, Max pulls the 'Sparrow' back just enough to avoid being hit by debris. Like pieces of Evangelion armor plating or pieces of alien tissue. Sure enough…
"Whoa! That's a big-ass honking piece of armor right there!" Taking the 'Sparrow' up, he barely avoids getting hit. "Talk about your close shaves." Only for a piece of tissue to go SPLAT against the 'Sparrow'.
"Aw man! I just got this thing detailed! Is that nerve tissue? With blood still coming out?"
Upon feeling the 'Sparrow' being buffeted by the shockwave of the blast, he fights to maintain control and regains it just before making contact with the top of a charred tree. Once the shockwave's ebbed away, he can't help but whistle.
"Man, those self-destructs are something else."
"I'll say. It doesn't look like there's much of anything left. Of Unit-00, I mean. The LMD, however…"
"Right. I'll scout for parts to retrieve before I put Rei into place."
"Right. I'll put something in the notes about thermite in the control boards and limb motors."
"Good to know. Touching down now."
Upon landing three feet from the remnants of what appear to be the Dummy Plug, Max opens the canopy and steps out. His blue eyes scour the surrounding area for anything that could reveal what had really happened. Finding nothing, he nods and turns back to the 'Sparrow' to get Rei.
"Looks good, bro. Not a trace of your tech within the radius an LMD self-destruct generates."
"Yeah, but the Evangelion self-destruct, on the other hand…" Max's jaw drops at that before he shakes his head.
"So there could still be pieces out there, then."
"Yeah, but as long as they're not within the area of the Plug, we're good."
"One of these days…"
"Oh, I'm so scared." The two share a chuckle as Max hefts Rei out of the cockpit and carries her over to the middle of the destroyed Plug. "It's pretty cool how the LMD's self-destruct was able to destroy the plug."
"Yeah, but it would appear as if we have a problem. No traces of LCL here to put on her." Gently laying her down onto the ground and taking the patch off of the nape of her neck, he then rises up and grimaces. "I seriously doubt NERV's going to believe she came out of this unscathed and dry."
"I'm afraid we're going to have to make do with what we've got, Max. Shinji and Asuka are about to put 'Jet Alone' down for keeps."
"I hear you. Evacuating the site now." With that, he rushes back to the 'Sparrow', gets in and closes the canopy. "Stealth mode." As the 'Sparrow' lifts off, Max can see 'Jet Alone' going down for the count. "Winner by destruction of opponent, Shinji and Asuka!"
"YYYEEEAAAHHH! Score another one for humanity!" With that, Max flies the 'Sparrow' away from the site just as Units-01 and 02 arrive. 'Searching' for their comrade.
(Two hours later)
"Uhhh." Groggily, Rei opens her eyes and sees a familiar ceiling. "I am in the medical ward for NERV. But, how did I get here? Am I still I or…"
"Oh good. You're awake, Wondergirl." Asuka's voice beside her gets Rei to look to her right. "How ya feeling?"
"Other than somewhat disoriented, not too bad."
"Yeah, tell me about it. Shinji told me the same thing about his first battle." Rei nods at that before her eyes bolt open. Turning toward Asuka, her red eyes narrow.
"Before I lost consciousness, I saw…"
"I've only got time to tell you this much. Officially, you went into action and kicked that Angel's ass."
"Unofficially?" Blinking, Rei asks, "Why am I asking about that? Sohryu, what's going on?"
"What you saw was an experimental body double. It took your place and was destroyed. As for what's going on, it's not my place to say."
"It's never stopped you before."
"True. But I'm serious." Asuka gives a shrug while grinning. "Hey, at least you're still you."
"So it would seem." Rei gingerly props herself upward before frowning in consternation. "Status of Unit-00?"
"Destroyed. Completely. If anyone asks, tell them you're very lucky to have survived it." Rei nods at that before she sighs.
"So what is my purpose now?"
"Well, offhand, seeing as you no longer have an EVA, you and Richard can split this dump and go have some kids. Can't think of any better purpose than that." Rei can only smirk at the redhead for that.
"You are simply incorrigible. You do realize that, do you not?"
"But of course." Looking toward the door, Asuka grins before getting up. "I'll just leave you two lovebirds be."
Rei can only blink before turning her head to follow Asuka's egress from the room and sees a widely smiling Richard. As the door closes, Asuka can be seen attaching a small card to the doorknob, wicked smirk on her face.
'Now what did she do?' Looking toward Richard, Rei smiles softly at him as he takes a seat by her bedside.
"Hey, beautiful." Softly kissing her lips, Richard asks, "How're you feeling?"
"Other than groggy, not too bad."
"Yeah well, considering you survived an explosion relatively unscathed, I don't doubt that."
"I was unscathed?" Looking herself over as best she can, Rei arches an eyebrow over seeing no injuries. "Most peculiar." Richard gives Rei a nod before waggling his eyebrows. Rei catches on and grins. "What?"
"Mom told me that Misato had approved your discharge seeing as you no longer have anything to Pilot. And that means…"
"We can leave here and start our family." Rei lets off a yawn, with Richard holding her hand. "Can I sleep first, Richard? It's been a long day."
"Only if I can sleep in the bed with you." Rei gives a nod and Richard gets into the bed behind her. Gently holding her midsection, he kisses her neck. "Sleep well, Rei."
"I will if you will." Richard only gives Rei a soft squeeze and the blue-head feels him nodding off. Allowing her to ponder what had happened.
'Why was that approach used? It wasn't like I couldn't be cloned.'
(Ritsu's office; same time)
"So, Miss Takamiya, I believe you're here for a pregnancy test." Rits gives her a nod before looking over toward where Gendo's on a gurney. "You alright?"
"I will be once that bastard's ass is nailed, literally, to a wall."
"I see. I guess you're not a fan of him either, then."
"Either? What do you mean?"
"Earlier, he had a visit. He did something stupid and wound up getting his reproductive system destroyed."
"Ah. Any idea as to who visited him?"
"Nope. But I'll tell you this much. Whoever did it has style." Rits gives Ritsu a nod as the latter swabs Rits' inner elbow. As Ritsu brings up a blood extractor, she says, "You might want to look away."
"Right." Rits, however, doesn't. Once Ritsu's done, the Doctor puts a piece of gauze onto the spot where the extractor was and Rits holds it in place. "How long will it take?"
"Positive." Rits blinks at that before looking at Ritsu. The woman has a smug grin on her face as she asks, "Fast enough for you?"
"You mean… I'm…"
"Uh-huh." Rits' eyes tear up before she puts her right hand onto her belly. "Have you experienced any morning sickness yet? It should be happening by now."
"Actually, I did vomit this morning."
"Alright. There's a new aid for expectant Mothers, ideal for first timers."
"Really? What is it?" Ritsu brings up a flesh-colored patch, getting Rits to raise an eyebrow. "Okay. What's it do?"
"What it does is alters your biological chemistry, regarding morning sickness, to where you expel it rectally."
"How long does it last?"
"It's good for a week." Ritsu lifts up her skirt, showing Rits a patch on her left shin. "Typically, you can adhere the patch anywhere, but for best results…"
"Adhere it to a shin or a thigh. Got it." Rits does a double take and asks, "You mean…?"
"Yep. I'm to be a Mother as well."
"How long? Does Dr Hanson know?"
"A month and a half. And yes. He's excited about it, much like I am." Rits gives Ritsu a smile right back.
"I suppose congrats is overdue, then."
"Hey, how could you have known? You're not exactly here every day, you know." Rits and Ritsu both share a chuckle before Rits looks back over at Gendo and scowls. Ritsu catching it. "He hurt you really badly, didn't he?"
"Bombing 'Perseus', killing my birth parents and trying to kill me. Yeah, he hurt me pretty badly. Oh, I forgot to ask you something."
"Shoot."
"How was I able to sync with the Evangelions anyway? I mean, it shouldn't even be possible."
"Well, best I can figure, you were shielded somehow. Deidre found you in a life-pod, correct?"
"Yep. But it sank before she could retrieve it." Shaking her head, Rits rubs her belly and smiles softly. "But enough about that. All that's left now is for Shinji to walk in."
"Looking for me?" Rits' face takes on a smile as she faces her beloved as he walks in. His package in hand. "How'd it go?" Rits doesn't say anything. She just idly rubs her belly, her smile going maternally warm. Shinji smiles as well before he kisses her. Rits ends the kiss before looking at the package.
"Are you really going to use that nail gun package in your hand on 'Dumbass' or are you just getting ready to make a nursery?"
"Both." Shinji looks over and grimaces at seeing Gendo. "Thinking of, why's 'Dumbass' out of the brig? Or do I even want to know?"
"You don't want to know."
"You got that right." Shinji shrugs as he unpacks the nail gun and gets it ready. "Oh well. Makes what I've got in mind easier to do. How asleep is he?"
"I can wake him up, using an air horn."
"Nah. I've got a better idea."
Shinji waggles his eyebrows, getting Rits and Ritsu both to giggle before he angles himself below the gurney. Whistling the tune to 'The Addams Family', he hears them both laughing raucously before pulling the trigger.
(Outer Tokyo-3; Treadwell Industries)
"EEEEEEYYYYYYOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!" At the agonized scream of pain, Kensuke and Emily both look at each other before shrugging. Kensuke can't help but be in awe at the building.
"This is where your parents work?"
"That's one way of looking at it." Making her way to the elevator, she nods softly to the male receptionist. Kensuke sees the man picking up the phone and gulps.
"Was that a good idea? Coming in here unannounced?"
"No need to worry. He's just letting my folks know I'm here and I've company. So relax, huh?" Kensuke gives Emily a tentative nod before the doors open. Once they open, Emily smiles widely. "Hey, guys. How was your day?" Kensuke's jaw drops in shock at seeing Mr and Mrs Treadwell in front of him. Along with one other man that's eying him intently.
"It was fine, Emmy. Mr Aida, I presume." Kensuke can only mutely nod as Mr Treadwell looks over at the man. "What do you think, Slim? Does he pass your muster?"
"He seems nice enough. But it looks like he's pretty intimidated, though." Kensuke summons what courage he can and smiles weakly.
"Sorry about that, but I was expecting to meet Emily's parents. Not the head honchos."
"How would you feel if it was both?"
"Huh?" Blinking rapidly at looking at Mrs Treadwell before Emily and Mrs Treadwell again, Kensuke puts it together. "You mean… " At Sam and Edith's nods, Emily strides out into their arms and smiles softly at Kensuke.
"Kensuke Aida, meet my folks." Kensuke's brain, however, shuts down. "Kensuke!" Catching him as he slumps to the floor, Emily checks him over before sighing in relief. "He's okay. He's just in shock." Slim gently hefts Kensuke up into his arms and carries him into the office before laying him onto the couch. "Thanks, Uncle."
"You're welcome, kiddo. Although I'd expected a better reaction than him passing out."
"I know. He doesn't have many friends and quite a lot of people don't like him much it seems."
"Hence his reaction when he met us. Poor kid." Slim's words get a nod from Sam and Edith. With Emily going to the washroom. "What're you doing?"
"Getting some water into a bowl so I can soak a rag in it. I mean, I drove him to this point and the intro just blew his mind. In a way, it's my fault." Coming back out with a blue wash basin and washcloth, she goes to his side and puts the cloth into the water.
(Dyson's office; thirty minutes later)
"Ugh, what a day." Brian rolls his head around, cracking his neck. "Aside from the Angels attacking and Unit-00 being destroyed, I don't think we made any headway in cracking Dad's case."
"Perhaps not. I begin to see what you mean by something not adding up. There's a discrepancy in one of the reports by an Agent assigned to work with your Father." Nikita's voice gets his attention as she goes on. "Your Father was facing the east when he was shot, correct?"
"Yeah, he was." Going to her side, he can't help but notice her perfume. "Nice scent." Nikita can only smile softly, her cheeks going pink.
"Thank you. The discrepancy is this. 'I was facing Agent John Dyson when a crack of a gunshot was heard. Dyson fell to the ground, only for his head to move toward the north when another shot was heard. I searched for the assailant to no avail'. Yet according to the ballistics report, and the Coroner's, he was shot point blank in the head."
"Meaning… Dad was betrayed. But by who? And why?" Shaking his head, Brian says, "Looks like I'll have to take a Leave of Absence so we can grill the guy partnered with Dad the day he died."
"You know who it was?"
"Yeah. He's an arrogant asshole. Meaning we'll just have to walk right into his office rather than make an appointment."
"Why not make an appointment?"
"He's notoriously bad when it comes to making appointments and not keeping them. For some time now, he's been ducking my calls left, right and center. Almost as if he's too good to talk to me."
"You make a compelling argument. How soon can you get ready?"
"Dunno. How about you?"
(New Rio de Janeiro)
A cell-phone rings, with a hand picking it up before accepting the call.
"Speak." The caller's voice is male and haughty, yet highly cultured.
"The hit you performed in the days after Second Impact is being investigated."
"By whom?"
"The mark's son. I found out recently that a copy of the file was dissimilated to him and he went right to work. Sooner or later he'll learn the truth. You must stop him."
"I'm not a shooter anymore. You know that. Much like you should've remembered my rule. 'No family men'. You told me the Fed had no family and you lied. You're lucky you didn't die for that to redeem my soul. I'm about tempted to do a hit on you before surrendering myself to the son's whims should he find where I am."
"Keep in mind I can arrange immunity for myself and finger you all the way. You'll be lucky to see the inside of a courtroom. Especially with what the son allegedly did to a cultist after you killed his Dad."
"Oh? And what was that?"
"He shot the cultists' kneecaps with a revolver the mark bought him." Wheezing laughter emanates from the former assassin, riling the caller's ire. "You find that amusing?"
"Oh yes. What does the son do now, I wonder?"
"He works for a UN-chartered organization called NERV. In the protection division designated Section-2. Lately, he's reputedly been in the company of Nikita Kamenev. Daughter of Anastasia Kamenev, head of the Kamenev mafiya family."
"Kamenev, eh? Been a long time since I heard that name. It'll be interesting to see how they're doing." Ending the call, the assassin looks longingly at a framed photo and smiles softly before speaking again in Russian. "Interesting indeed."
Author's notes; Well, here's Chap 61. Hope you liked the twists and Gendo literally getting nailed.