NERV HQ
He didn't want to be there. General Talbot was not an easily intimated man, but this room made him feel uneasy. Huge, dark with strange symbols on the walls and floor, the only furniture was a simple desk The man behind the desk was not a man you wanted mad at you. Gendo Ikari was one of the most powerful and influential men on the planet. Talbot had never had much contact with Ikari before, just a few cordial phone calls, now he finds himself trying to explain an incident that had occurred a few days ago.
"So General how do you explain what happened?" asked Gendo Ikari, his hand folded in front of his mouth.
"I apologize for any problems or inconvenience we caused by our arrival. " the General explained "We made several attempts to contact NERV but received no response due to the power failure. When the Angel appeared we felt honor bound to lend assistance."
"I see," said Gendo Ikari his voice flat. Talbot prided himself on being able to read a man by voice or gestures but Ikari guarded himself better than any man Talbot had encountered.
The older man next to Ikari spoke up "I see no reason for this incident to cause strife. The Angel is dead with no extra damage done to the EVAs. This was a far cry from the Godinner incident"
"I agree," said Ikari "You will transfer the mechs and pilots in question to NERV control immediately "
"Yes sir" responded Talbot "Well, how did it go?"
General Talbot looked to see a blonde woman leaning against the wall as he exited Ikari's office.
"I nearly got ripped a new one. " said the General "We're just lucky the Angel was destroyed without much effort"
"Lucky nothing, that's a skill" retorted the woman
"Dr. Meiru I know you're proud of them but let's be more careful"
"Are they allowed to contact the pilots now? Both have been very eager to see them" asked Dr Meiru
"Once the papers are finalized," Answered the General " Just be careful, I don't need Ikari calling me back to his office."
"Oh please, I know Ikari. As long they kill the Angels, follow orders, and don't create a public spectacle for NERV he won't care what they do. They could have a pilot sex party and he wouldn't care as long as they don't broadcast it over the internet.
"Doctor, let's not go there. The pilots are just children" said the General
"Teenagers," corrected Dr. Meiru softly "Teenagers whose hormones are starting to kick in, while doing the most dangerous job in the world. "
General Talbot didn't respond. He knew Dr. Meiru was right. Teenagers bearing the burden of the world. He hated that idea as did most of his counterparts worldwide. Unlike other military leaders, Talbot saw the situation as it was. The regular armed forces had their chance to fight these Angels and failed. Only NERV's weapons could stop them and for some unknown reason, only teenagers could control these weapons. Military leaders around the world said soldiers should be piloting these weapons, did those men think that wasn't tried? Did they honestly think someone at NERV said "Hey forget trained soldiers, let's have unpredictable, hormonally charged teenagers save the world!"? Idiots.
Then there was the issue of machines like Brandt Industries Combat Unit 3 from America. As much as Talbot hated to admit it, going strictly by the data, its current pilot was the best choice even if he was only fourteen. Then there were the two he had escorted to Tokyo-3. Their mechs had to be tailor-made for them so the robots would not work as well for someone else. It seemed like the world was destined to be saved by teenagers. When did the world turn into some crazy T.V. show? MISATO'S APARTMENT
Asuka's stomach growled hungrily, a delicious smell filled the apartment.
The Pervert and the Idiot were working on dinner. She flipped through channels, Misato's cable plan was pretty good and still, there was nothing on. Wondergirl was there too, sitting next to Misato. Why was that doll here? Misato was at the dining room table working on her laptop.
She and Kaji were stuck in an elevator during the blackout the other day. Damn, why couldn't it have been Asuka stuck in that elevator with Kaji? Instead, she had to crawl aroused in duct work with those idiots looking up her skirt.
"So you say the Angel just blew up on its own?" asked Misato
"Correct" replied Rei
"You guys didn't see anything at the time?" asked Misato
"What's it matter?" asked Asuka "It's dead, isn't it?
"That's not good enough," said Misato her tone business like 'We need to know why it died."
"Indigestion?" a voice called from the kitchen
"Stupid!" shouted Asuka "Angels don't eat."
"Prove it" called the voice while a second voice was heard as restrained laughter
"Knock it off you two," said Misato gravely
The boys entered the room carrying plates of food.
"Soups on," said Draven
Misato sighed, closing down the laptop
The food was as good as she had come to expect from her guys. These boys were going to spoil her, they do so much around the house and one of them didn't even live there.
The phone ran just as they had finished Misato was closest and grabbed it
"Hello? Hi Rits, you missed a great dinner. Hm? Oh, plans huh? Hot date? It's about time you got some action."
Ritsuko's voice suddenly became loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Take it easy I'm joking." said Misato trying to calm her friend "Hm? Wait you found out what happened?"
The teens were suddenly interested. They might finally find out what happened to that Angel.
They listen eagerly to Misato's conversation
"Not again. I thought they were under control" responded Misato her eyes flitting over to Draven "OK, I see. Right, I'll tell them"
Misato hung up the phone.
"So what happened?" asked Shinji eagerly
"You robot pilots sure have a thing for the dramatic" commented Misato looking at Draven
"Uh what?" asked the confused American
"Seems it was another non-Eva robot that took out the Angel. Two of them were coming here for combat testing but when the power went out and the Angel attacked, they decided to step in and help."
"Well at least it's not another Godinner situation," said Draven "Which robot is it?"
"It's called Core Gunner," said Misato "It's a long-range specialist from England."
There was a sharp gasp from the Danner pilot.
"You alright Draven?" asked Shinji
The American's face paled at the name of the new arrival
"Did you say Core Gunner?" he repeated
"That's right" affirmed Misato "Do you know it?"
"Yeah," said Draven blankly "I do."
Oh no, not her. thought Draven
The rest of the event passed peacefully but Draven was uncharacteristically quiet.
When he and Rei left for the evening Misato stopped him
'You know something about this robot" she said in her business tone.
"I have some history with the pilot" revealed Draven. "It's nothing that will impact my duties or anything like that. She's just...a handful"
Without another word, he followed Rei out of the apartment.
It was a cool, brisk night, seasons were returning to the city The two friends made small talk most of the way back to their building.
Draven walked Rei to her apartment, just as she was about to go in he spoke "Rei, you've fallen for Shinji haven't you?"
Rei's head turned downward. She felt like she was caught doing something she wasn't supposed to. "Yes," she replied quietly "I'm sorry."
"For what?" asked Draven
"For not choosing you," answered Rei. Rei had a feeling of guilt for having to choose one of the other. Draven was kind to her as few others were. Both of the boys had become very precious to her, but precious in different ways.
Draven shrugged his shoulders "Wasn't in the cards. Maybe if the deck was shuffled differently, it might have been you and me. But that's not why I asked."
He paused a moment looking for the right words. "If another girl made a serious attempt at Shinji, what would you do?
Rei looked at him " Do you mean Pilot Soryu?
"I hope not" replied Draven quietly, then asked, "I mean would you fight for him?"
"My combat skills are adequate" replied Rei
"I don't mean a fistfight, I mean a fight for Shinji's heart."
Rei paused a moment "If someone wanted Shinji, I would compete for him. Do you believe I will face such a competition? "
"I don't know" admitted Draven "But knowing her anything is possible"
"Does this have something to do with the new robot?" asked Rei.
"IT maybe nothing, but knowing her. Things might get, hectic." Draven turned for his own apartment "Good Night"

Draven entered his apartment carefully, After shutting the door, he remained next to it, locking it securely. Then his eyes carefully traced every inch of the main room. Quietly and cautions, alert to every sound he looked at the bathroom, spare bedroom, and finally his bedroom. Only after a complete search did he let out a sigh of relief.
Times like this I wish I was old enough to drink he thought as he mixed a coffee and chocolate drink. A noise in the hallway made him pause as it came closer to his door. Draven slowly reached into the school bag for his beam katana Some incomprehensible babble accompanied the sound of a key hitting the door but missing the lock. More indecipherable words mixed with a few swears. Then the sound of a body shuffling back down the hallway Draven released the breath he didn't realize he was holding Just that drunken idiot getting off on the wrong floor again
He walked to the living room window. There was a nice view of the city and mountains beyond
The Core Gunner, that means she's here too. thought Draven he took a deep drink. Here we go again

Rei was still thinking about Draven's words as she prepared for bed. Dressed in her preferred sleeping attire, a long white shirt and plain white underwear. She had thoughts of buying underwear of a more intimate style that only Shinji would see, maybe something inspired by Captain Katsuragi. He was still in her dreams and Rei longed to have him in her arms at night. Draven was suggesting there might be competition for him. She had known other girls at school desired Shinji. There had been a suggestion that Pilot Soryu might try for him. Draven seemed disturbed at this idea. That was another mystery. Why would it upset him? Unless...could it be he had fallen for the violent red-head? Why? Pilot Soryu was selfish, egotistical, and violent towards the boys. Surely Draven wasn't so shallow as to fall for her based on looks alone. Rei would have to watch this very carefully. She was not going to let one of her few friends make such a serious mistake.

The sun was bright with only a few clouds in the sky.
The four pilots headed off to school together. Kensuke had called Shinji earlier to say he was sick, this did earn him some comforting words from Misato, and to tell them Toji had to go in early to some extra help sessions. Asuka had joined Shinji Draven and Rei on their walk to school. Hikari was mysteriously absent as well.
"Don't you usually walk to school with Hikari?" asked Shinji.
"She volunteered to go in early to help your fellow Stooge" replied Asuka gruffly as if it was Shinji's fault Hikari wasn't there
"I heard Toji was having problems." replied Draven "So Hikari agreed to tutor him?" he asked with a grin
"Why she lowers herself to help that jock I'll never understand" Asuka muttered bitterly
"No" Rei agreed "You won't"
During her observation of the boys Rei had realized the Class Rep desired the boy Toji. Shinji had confirmed this and commented that Toji hadn't realized it yet.
Asuka spun around and glared at Rei. "What was that?" she demanded
"I simply agree you will never understand the Class Representative's actions towards Suzuhara," Rei said "You lackthe maturity"
The two girls locked eyes, tension in the air was heavy. Shinji and Draven stood on either side of the girls. They had realized some time ago it was just a matter of time before the girls would start swinging at each other. They just didn't need that to happen today. Rage was building on Asuka's face while Rei appeared stone cold, devoid of emotion.
"Fire and Ice just like I've heard" a female voice called.
Three heads turned the alley behind Draven, who remained perfectly still. A girl stepped out of the shadows, she was like no girl Shinji had ever seen. Her eyes were emerald-green and her shoulder-length blonde hair shone like gold in the sun. His eyes were then drawn to her school uniform, it was just like Rei and Asuka but unlike the other girls it look the shirt could barely contain her...assets.
"So," she said, "I finally get to meet the famous EVA pilots."
"Who the hell are you?" demanded Asuka
"I'm the one who saved your asses the other day" she replied with a smug tone not very different fro, what one might hear from Asuka
She noticed one person had not turned. Draven was still facing the other way
"How long are you going to stand there Draven?" she asked lightly poking him gently in the back.
Slowly as if expecting to see a terrifying sight the young man turned to face the new arrival
"Hello Myna," he said quietly
With a squeal of joy, she launched herself at the young man, nearly tackling him to the ground in a hug.
"I finally found you!" she said happily.
"HEY!" shouted Asuka "Just who the hell are you?"
"Her name's Myna," said Draven his voice still low "She's a robot pilot like me."
"That's right," said Myna. She pulled Draven along and leaned in close to Shinji. The shy boy's face turned red as her face was just inches from his.
Rei's face also twinged red in annoyance
"What do you think you are doing?" she demanded
"You have beautiful eyes," Myna said ignoring Rei and staring directly into Shinji's face.
"So?" a second female voice called "Came I come out now?"
"Sure thing Sis," replied Myna
"Sis?" asked Shinji
"Oh no" muttered Draven in evident horror "There's another one?"
A second girl came out of the shadows, she was just like her sister except her hair was longer, down to her mid-back.
"So this is the Third Child I've heard so much about," she said ignoring Rei and Asuka completely.
The new girl leaned close to Shinji, "I love blue eyes" she said smiling.
She walked around Shinji, examining him as one might examine a new car.
Giving him a light slap on the rear. "Hmm nice," she said.
Shinji's face became more red with embarrassment a Rei's grew red with anger.
"Oh yes he's great," the new girl said as she stepped in front of Shinji again. "Cute and brave. A perfect combination"
"Th-thanks" stammered Shinji
Rei could take no more she stepped forward between Shinji and the new girl "I demanded you identify yourself" she said firmly. Her red eyes locked on to the girl's green ones
"Erica, from England" she replied "Myna's sister and pilot of Volspina."
"Volspina?" asked Asuka, she looked at Draven
Draven was struggling to free himself from Myna's grasp without hurting her "Don't look at me" he said "I've never heard of it"
"You wouldn't, it was kept top-secret until NERV took control of our mechs." answered. Erica. "Now my sister and I are here for a bit of real combat testing" Her smile widened as she glanced back at Shinji "As well as a few other things. Right Sis?"
"Hell yeah!" cheered Myna tightening her grip on Draven pushing his face in her shirt.
"HEY!" shouted Asuka "You're going to smother him."
"Oh?" asked Myna curiously as she loosened her grip "Why do you care? Are you interested in him too?"
"Are you crazy?!" said Asuka her face going red
"You cannot have Shinji," said Rei firmly standing between Shinji and Erica
"Hmm?" Erica responded looking at Rei "So you're my competition huh?" The blonde girl looked Rei over as carefully as she did Shinji "You definitively got an exotic look. Blue hair, pale skin, and red eyes. Although, you're not much competition in other areas"
Erica was looking down, at Rei's chest comparing it to her own.
"There are things more important than chest size," Rei said irritated
"Not to a teenage boy, Right Shinji?" Erica said gleefully, winking at the boy behind Rei
Shinji had remained quiet for the time his face was burning . What in the world was he going to do? When Misato did this it was one thing but now a girl his age was doing it and he suspected she wasn't just teasing
Asuka and Myna were still arguing
"HMRPH," Said Asuka "Like I'd want this pervert!"
"Pervert?" Myna asked curiously "Draven's a pervert to you?"
"Always making disgusting comments. Staring at my rear, among other things."
"Draven" whined Myna "Why are you never a pervert with me?"
"You want him to be a pervert?" asked Asuka, her eye twitching
"Well yeah, he's a teenage boy, it just means his hormones are working," said Myna finally releasing Draven. "So you aren't interested in him?"
"Of course not," said Asuka gruffly
"Good," said Myna smiling "Maybe we can be friends then." She looked Asuka up and down examining her as Erica had done with Rei " After all, you're not much competition either."
"WHAT!" shouted Asuka her voice echoing off the building around them "I'll have you know I'm the most popular girl in school!"
"That was before us," said Myna smiling. "Right, Draven...hey were did..."
Draven had managed to slip away from the arguing girls unnoticed. He grabbed Shinji's arm "RUN" he shouted
"W-w-what?" stammered Shinji
"Just run." insisted Draven as he pulled his friend away from Rei and Erica.
Draven pulled Shinji down the street running as fast as they could manage.
"Aw, they got away," said Erica watching the boys
"Just for now" her sister replied happily. "We know where they live, work, and go to school remember? We'll get them eventually. Besides the chase is half the fun."
Erica looked back and an angry Rei and a bewildered Asuka "Let the games begin." NERV HQ
"Now that's cool," said Misato as she stared with application at the two newest robots
Ritsuko sighed and smiled at her old friend "Honestly Misato sometimes I think you're still a teenager."
"Why? Because I can appreciate an awesome-looking robot?" asked Misato
The two new arrivals were a little shorter than the EVAs but just as slender. Both had a very human appearance. A very female human appearance. They looked like EVA-size women wearing armor and visor helmets
One was mostly a light purple with gray areas and a large cannon mounted on its back. The other was a dark pink with a lighter pink at the shoulders, stomach, and thigh region.
"I'm pleased you like my work, Captain."
The two women saw a third woman, a rather attractive blonde enter the room. Misato recognized her as the woman Kaji had been eying the other day.
"I'm Dr Amanda Meiru. These are my creations" She said shaking Misato's hand.
She pointed to the purple robot "This is the Core Gunner: She pointed at the pink robot "That is Volspina."
"Impressive alright," said Misato "What I don't get is how it destroyed the Angel"
"It is impossible to destroy an Angel with the AT Field up" responded Dr Meiru. "These two have sensors that detect the power of the field. Once she saw it was down, Myna took the shot."
"Myna?" asked Misato
"My daughter and pilot of the Core Gunner" explained Dr. Meiru
"You let your daughter pilot?" asked Ritsuko shocked
"Of course, The pilot will be someone's child. If it's mine I know she will be perfectly capable of handling it. Her sister is the pilot of Volspina"
"I thought Draven was the only teenage pilot." commented Misato "Well aside from the EVA pilots
Dr. Meiru smiled "Draven is a fine young man but his role as a pilot is only because of the death of Micheal."
"You knew him?" asked Misato. Draven had never really gone into details about his brother.
"I did know Micheal. A wonderful man, brave, intelligent, and very reliable. Draven takes after him quite well." said Dr, Meiru fondly
"Did someone call?" a new voice called
Ryoji Kaji had arrived. His trademark smirk on his face "Ah Amanda how great to see you again."
Misato's face darkened "We were talking about a good man, not a jerk."
"You wound me Misato," said Kaji lightly.
"I'll wound you alright" muttered Misato
"Still at your old tricks I see." said Dr, Meiru coolly. "I've been here at NERV for a few days now."
I'm sorry I didn't recognize you earlier" apologized Kaji bowing slightly
"That would be because you never looked at my face in England, Kaji" responded Amanda crossing her arms under her rather sizable chest.
Ritsuko successfully restrained her laugh, and Misato made no attempt
Kaji looked from Misato to Amanda. This wasn't going well. Amanda had never gone for his charms like other women had and Misato was far too angry with him for leaving her all those years ago. Ritsuko had also never been affected. Sometimes Kaji wondered if she was even into men.
"Well I have an appointment with Commander Ikari," said the unshaven man "If you ladies will excuse me."
Once Kaji had left the room
"So I see you know Kaji too," said Misato
"Oh yes," replied Dr. Meiru "He tried to get in my pants many times."
"Did he succeed?" Misato asked before she could stop herself
"Oh no," said Dr Meiru lightly "I have much higher standards than him."
The door opened a second time. Lt Hyuga entered "I have those reports you wanted Captain."
"Thanks, Hyuga" replied Misato
"Break times over I guess," said Dr Akagi. She rose and walked with Hyuga out of the room
"Yeah I need to look these over," said Misato holding up the report.
"Those are the complete files on my creations?" asked Dr Meiru, her eyes following Hyuga as he left the room.
"Yeah, the Commanders want to review them and set up some mock combat drills between your robots and the EVAs"
"Hmm" answered Dr Meiru not fully listening "Tell me, who was that man, the one who just left?"
"Hyuga?" asked Misato "He's a First Lieutenant with several responsibilities here at NERV including monitoring the EVA and Danner during battles. Personality wise he's a nice guy if a bit of a...well geek"
"Interesting. Is he married?"
"I don't think he even has a girlfriend, the poor guy." Misato laughed her infamous smile creeping on her face "Why? Is he your type of guy?"
"I don't have a 'type' of guy Captain." Dr Meiru said lightly " I am however always on the lookout for interesting prospects. As I have told my daughters you can find good men in the most unlikely places.":
Dr Meiru exited the room to catch up with Hyuga
That was unexpected thought Misato
Still she had to agree with Dr Meiru that good men were found in odd places. Misato herself found two of them in the form of teenage boys. So the new pilots were Dr. Meiru's daughters, but why did Draven seem so unsettled about them being here? She remembered the conversation between the boys and how Draven stated he avoided blondes. Could it be because of these girls? Misato began to wonder even more what exactly had happened between them. Maybe she would invite Dr Meiru over for dinner then she could get some answers or at the very least some entertainment.

TOKYO-3 HIGH SCHOOL
Shinji was out of breath. He had never run so hard in his life.
"OK," he gasped "Just what happened back there?"
"You met Myna and her sister," said Draven looking back the way they had come.
"I know that much but what's their deal?"
"They want us." said Draven "Simple as that."
"By "want"... you mean?" asked Shinji
"I mean drag us by the collar and throw us in their bedroom and claim us as their own" he explained.
"WHAT?" exclaimed Shinji "But I just met her"
"Doesn't matter" said Draven "You fill the requirements."
"When does this start making sense?" asked Shinji
"Myna wants a hero or a potential one." said Draven "Right now that means current EVA and robot pilots. She's not into older guys so they need to be in her age range. I didn't even know Myna had a sister but it's safe to assume she feels the same way."
"So why us?" asked Shinji
"We're the only two guys on Earth who meet their requirements," Said Draven "Think about it. Potential EVA pilots are kept top secret until they're needed and all other robot pilots are in their mid-twenties or older. That just leaves two guys. You and me"
"And I thought Prysmos was weird," said Shinji finally recovering his breath
"Shinji my friend," Draven said looking over his shoulder "You have no idea how strange"