-AN-

I don't watch much new anime these days. A lot of the old tropes do get old after a while. That said, gotta say Dandadan has got me hooked. I might have to pick up the manga and catch up with the story, looks fun and kinda wacky. Reminds me a little of FLCL.

-Story Start-

Humming a tune to herself, Asuka was all grins as she rode her own personal elevator up from the temporary pilot lockers up to the EVA gantry. Long practiced motions had her plugsuit on quickly, a final snap of the wrist clasp had the suit vacuum sealing to her skin, snugging everything up and reminder her that she had had a rather wonderful night. For a moment she wondered what Shinji and Hikari were doing, before finally shrugging and deciding she would know later. After this task, after she joined the Hybrid club.

Phone chirping merrily on the counter, Asuka tapped the accept call and smirked as Misato's picture showed up, "Heya Misato, come to give me a pep talk?"

"Something like that, I still really don't like this plan." Misato and Ritsuko had listened to Rei's plan involving the next Evangelion's activation. That it was already infected and they wouldn't be able to destroy the Angel beforehand was on its own a tough pill to swallow. But knowingly putting Asuka in danger based on a chance? If Misato didn't trust these kids so much, she wouldn't have ever let it happen. "But I trust you, so I'll be rooting for you from here." Misato looked about the busy command bunker nearly two hundred meters from the currently stored and waiting EVA, Ritsuko was bent over a control console, she and a technician going over dozens of lines of code and data every few seconds. Misato could tell she was more focused than usual and left her alone.

Asuka sighed and leaned against the glass of the elevator, her own thoughts taking a small dip. "I, I appreciate that Misato. Gotta admit, for the longest time I've admired you." Finding the mirror on the wall, Asuka set out adjusting her hair. No hair down today, hair pulled into a high ponytail while she affixed her neural clips tightly in place where they belonged. "At first, I thought being more mature was what I needed. To be accepted, to be valued, to be loved. Especially the way my Baka idolized you. Whether I realized it or not, I tried to be you for the longest time, until I learned my lesson." Had taken more than a few runs and a couple of really painful deaths, but the lesson had finally sunk home.

Finally walking out of the command bunker, Misato smirked and turned to look at the EVA in the distance. Trucks and workers ran every which way, while overhead two helicopters hooked to what looked like a power transformer were coming towards them. "Yeah, and what lesson was that?"

"The usual. That I couldn't be anyone else but me. Sure, I like being the life of the party and all feminine grace. But I also like my quiet time, a chance to love my people. I have my own hobbies and interests and things I love to do that don't involve anyone else. I didn't need to be your carbon copy, especially not for him to finally see me for me." Twisting this way and that to check herself, Asuka bounced once and smiled at the response. "By the way, can I borrow this plugsuit? I think the Baka would like it."

Rolling her eyes, Misato had to remind herself that while mentally they might just be close to the same age, Asuka was still in the body of a teenager. "Keep it in your pants, you pull this off and I'll let you and Shinji do whatever you want." Within reason at least. Last thing she needed was for Asuka to set up a wild party for their entire class over this.

"Score." Both women shared a laugh, before Asuka's elevator slowed to a stop, "I know you're worried. Heck, I'm not one hundred percent about this either. But Rei believes in me. Shinji believes in me. You believe in me. So there's no way I'm going to lose here."

Something pulled in her chest, before settling into that once more odd warmth at her core. Misato rubbed at her belly for the feeling to go away. "Well you better ace this thing. Because I do not want to think about what Shinji or Rei will do if something happens to you." Nor did she want to consider what she would do. There was still more to learn, more secrets Ritsuko was getting around to updating her on. This organization, Seele. She'd hunt them down personally if something happened to her family.

"I can give you a play by play of what that might entail." Asuka was smirking as the door to the elevator opened up. No one else was up here, just her and the exposed test plug a few paces away. Thankfully she had some time before the tests began. "But…if things do go wrong. Please. Don't let Shinji go off the deep end." Rei she could count on not to fall apart, but something told her one bad move could send Shinji screaming over the edge of sanity. They were keeping him distracted well enough, but they knew well enough that that was all it was. Big distractions.

"Don't you worry." Turning away from the black themed EVA, Misato started back for the suddenly very busy bunker, "I'll take good care of him as head wife. We'll make a nice altar for you too." Deflection was key, Asuka needed a target just like she did. Something to focus on besides the concerns of the mission.

"Hump, I thought you loved me Misato." An alarm on her plugsuit chimed and Asuka checked the built in watch. Guess it was time to go.

Misato sighed as she paused at the sunken stairwell, Ritsuko finally looking up and giving her a subtle nod. "I do love you Asuka. So you better bring your butt home."

One last grin on her face, Asuka nodded even though her friend couldn't see her, "Don't you worry. I'll be back. If only because there's only one real head wife here. And it's pretty little me."

"Heavy on the little part." Misato and Asuka shared another laugh before the younger girl hung up, leaving Misato to put her phone away and walk up to Ritsuko. "We ready for this?"

Sighing and standing, Ritsuko took in the flurry of activity around them. If only they had more time, a proper full tear-down and inspection. But no, the commander was adamant that the EVA initialization test happen as soon as possible. Either he knew it was supposed to go haywire, or he was hoping for it. Misato came within her personal space, not that Ritsuko cared about that anymore, "As ready as we can be. Pay attention. If I hit the deck, you better be right behind me." The truth was no matter how much she tried to crunch the odds, she had no clue how this was going to go. It was all up to Asuka and her willpower.

Misato nodded as her expression turned serious, "Gotcha, we've got a family to get home too as well. What do you think Asuka's chances are?" Thankfully in the middle of all this noise and chatter it was easy to have a conversation to themselves.

"Having a full mental battle against an Angel and coming out on top? If it was anyone but Asuka I'd say zero." Ritsuko shook her head as Misato finally turned to lean against the same console as her, both now looking out of the bunker's windows to the EVA mobile restraint tower. "But with her? Best I can say is fifty fifty."

That probably was the best set of odds there were going to get. Misato's hand continued its gentle massage, "Guess we'll add some prayers on top of that, and here's hoping for the best."

Ritsuko noted Misato's movements and considered that. It wasn't the first time she'd seen Misato paying more attention to her body lately. "Something wrong?" Maybe she should pull the major in for a checkup. Never hurt to be careful.

Seeing Ritsuko looking at her hand, Misato shook her head as she let it fall back to her side, "No. Just a little warm is all."

"Little warm huh." Ritsuko wanted to say more, before someone called for her attention once more, "Stay close."

Misato nodded and walked with the scientist. "Sure thing bossy lady." When in doubt, tease. It was all she could do.

-b-

Staring out into the distance as the sun began its dip down below the horizon, Shinji leaned against the railing of the overpass they had found themselves on. Rei was on his right, leaning against him and exuding all of the calming aura that she could. It helped, but the worry was always still there. On his left Hikari held his hand, leaning against the railing herself as she considered the danger her friend was in. They had just finished a short after school date for themselves. Spending time wandering the halls of the mall and window shopping as a distraction from their missing member. But their collective worry for Asuka ended up worrying them all for most of the time.

"Is there, anything you can do?" Hikari's question was quiet, something she had been holding in all this time. She knew it was probably unfair but she couldn't keep it to herself anymore. The world the pilot's lived in was still foreign to her, their love life was one thing. Piloting and war was completely another.

Shinji shook his head slowly, "No. This is Asuka's fight. If we have to get involved, it will be later…when there's nothing else we can do but fight." Saving the pilot once the Angel infected them was always hit or miss. Sometimes it worked out. Yet more times than not it ended, badly. Shaking himself lightly, he turned and nudged his forehead against Hikari's with a smile. "This is Asuka we're talking about though. She's strong, probably stronger than either of us in a lot of ways. She'll make it through this." Certainly in his heart he sure hoped so. "She'll probably be gloating about getting her solo kill when she gets home."

Feeling her phone vibrate, Hikari began to root through her bag for it, "I know. I know you're right. I guess I'm just worrying over nothing. She'll probably be ready and raring to go first thing in the morning as always, ready to tease you like she always does." Sighing and seeing her father's caller id, Hikari leaned over and kissed Shinji gently. "I have to go."

"It's okay, We'll see you tomorrow. Promise." Shinji watched as she hesitated for a moment, eyes searching his as if holding in something she wanted to say. He would give her time, no reason to rush anything.

Leaning in one last time, Hikari kissed the boy once more. Gentle yet firm, she placed her hands on his chest and stayed in his warmth for an extra few precious seconds. Then she pulled away, wiping a small tear from her eye as she turned to jog away, "Make sure to give that to Asuka when she gets back. You got that!"

Smiling brightly and nodding, Shinji waved to the retreating girl, "You got it Kari!" Then she was gone, jogging down the stairs back home and leaving himself and Rei alone to watch the sunset while awaiting news.

"She is…coming into herself nicely." Rei's voice was quiet, eyes still closed as she enjoyed the simple closeness that she and Shinji could share in this moment. "Should we head towards NERV?"

"Logically we probably should." Shinji sighed as his eyes tracked the sun lowering further down towards the horizon. If it just made it to actually sunset. If they made it to evening, then that would mean Asuka made it. "It feels like, if we head that way. If we acknowledge the chance, then it'll jinx her."

Rei wrapped an arm around his waist, drawing herself closer to him, "You know, it is not like that. It is only so we can be fully prepared for whatever outcome we are dealt."

"I know. I know." Shinji hugged Rei in return, both once again falling into silence as Shinji watched the sun continue to drop another millimeter in the sky. "I think I've done something to Misato." The link between himself and Rei was now always present, something comfortable and warm. The now temporary one he had made with Misato was now beginning to dim, becoming faint background noise. It only worried him as he still did not know what it meant.

"It is nothing she will not appreciate." Rei smiled as Shinji sighed heavily. He would not ask for specifics, just like she would not give them. Not outright at least. It was all part of the fun.

That did not mean Shinji couldn't needle her all the same. "Of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that you've got a running bet with Asuka, something you can give her a big 'I told you so' for."

Ah, so he was paying attention to some of their games. "I do not know what you are discussing beloved."

"Uh huh. So I shouldn't take a peek in your phone then."

Looking up and batter her eyelashes at him, Rei tried to give him her best pout, "Darling. I thought you loved me?" Even willing forth some tears for extra affect, Rei enjoyed the forehead kiss he gave her.

Something tingling at his senses, Shinji turned back to look out towards the horizon. In the direction Asuka's activation test was most likely beginning. "You know I do, but you also know I don't approve of all of your games." He couldn't stop them anyway. Best to chastise where he could.

"We know. That is why we keep things civil and lighthearted." Eyes following Shinji's, Rei steeled herself, "We will know soon."

"Asuka's got this." Speaking more to himself really, Shinji smirked. Asuka wasn't someone to go down without a fight. He would believe in her, just as she would believe in him if the roles were reversed.

-b-

Settling herself properly into her plug, Asuka refused to let any worry or doubt enter her mind. This was her arena, her stage and the spotlight was on her. No Shinji to come to the rescue. No Rei to show up and ruthlessly mock her just by existing. Just her and her mama against the world.

"Well, I guess just against this Angel." Muttering to herself at the plug powered on, Asuka took note that the synchronization sequence was taking its time. Slower than normal for sure now that she was paying more attention. She supposed they wanted to be cautious with the activation of a new unit so soon after the destruction of an experimental model.

Ritsuko's voice echoed within the tube, "Starting slow, all layers through 96 have passed."

Feeling the beast beginning to power up around her, Asuka relaxed back and decided to forgo taking the control yokes in hand. It wasn't like any of them really needed them anymore. Her sync ratio was whatever she felt like it needed to be in the moment. Today, she would need everything she could give. "Hmm, when this is all over. I'm taking everyone and moving to Spain. At least there are civilized people there." A villa, lots of property with a wide meadow. Plenty of space and room to grow. Rei would want her greenhouse, while Shinji would probably go on his building spree again.

Misato's voice was next to answer her, "Spain huh? So what, warm beaches and daily siestas?"

"Sounds like a good plan to me." Something brushed against her mind. A feeling, a warm hug. It was a breath of coming home, and Asuka smiled as her mother woke from her long slumber. No. She was never truly alone. Ever. "I am head wife after all."

Then things shifted.

The plug went dark, starting from the bottom, a ripping and tearing sound that saw the darkness encroach upon her seat before finally enveloping her completely. Left floating in nothingness, Asuka finally let the feral grin stretch across her face as the Angel showed itself. "Well hello there beastie. It's time to play."

Within the command bunker alarms began to sound, even as Ritsuko began typing furiously at a computer terminal, "Check feedback relays, her beta waves have become erratic! Don't let the plug depth drop any further!"

"Blue pattern confirmed! There's an Angel!"

"Contamination detected within EVA unit 3! Reading show it is centered around the core!"

"EVA activation confirmed! Beginning to tear restraints!"

"Pilot signals crashing! Emergency plug ejection impossible and signals are bouncing back!"

Ritsuko wanted to punch something, "Kill all power! Cut coolant lines and bring up the bakelite trucks!"

Through all the chaos Misato stood and watched. Eyes never leaving the struggling EVA unit as its arms finally broke free from their restraints. Increasing its struggle to free itself, she watched as the tower began to buckle and groan. The only sign she could guess that the pilot was struggling, was that the eyes of the EVA continued to shift between white and red. Her hand came up, grasping her cross as she silently prayed that things would end in their favor. It hurt, having nothing in her that she could do to help.

"Contamination spreading! Pilot theta waves inverting!"

"Plug depth critical, reversing signals all blocked! We can't stop the Angel from drawing it in!"

"Sync ratio above one hundred and fifty percent! Still climbing!"

"Right tower upright beginning to buckle, sixty seconds until complete failure!"

Ritsuko continued to type, continued to try to do what she could as her mind raced to give Asuka every advantage that she could. But it was cascading out of control to quickly. There was nothing they could do from here. Even as emergency bakelite was pumped into the test tower to further restrain the EVA, it was only a stopgap. Something to buy the pilot a few extra seconds.

Inside the entry plug, Asuka floated before a more corrupted version of herself. Or maybe it was the Angel's perception of her. Grinning wildly and eyes glowing an eerie blue, the thick blue veins that crossed the fake's body were not doing it any favors in the looks department. Most offensive, the thing looked like it decided to stop eating for weeks. It certainly needed a full meal or three. The real thing was much more filled out thank you very much.

"You are one ugly bitch. Ya know that?" Asuka kicked off from nothing, floating towards this thing that thought itself better than her. When all else failed, close in for the kill.

"We will join. Be one. Understand. Search. Find. Father. Need father. Claim father. Become whole." Tendrils of black ink came from its back, racing forward and piercing Asuka. Forcing a scream from her throat as she was halted in her tracks, the thing watched her give a defiant snarl of rage. "Do not resist. We do not wish harm."

Grunting and pulling herself forward, Asuka did her best to ignore the tendrils of flesh digging further and further into her. "So what, going to dig through my memories. Try to understand how to be human. Maybe torture me a bit to soften me up?"

"Lilim. So arrogant, you are nothing special." A flash of memory. A doll hanging from a ceiling. Rafters creaking from the load. A body with no soul, at least, not enough of one to be recognizable. Once upon a time the memory of her mother would have sent her into either a rage or catatonics. Now?

Forcefully ripping a tendril from her leg, Asuka pulled herself another meter forward. "Yeah, that all happened. So what. Should I cry about it. Tuck into myself and cry for mommy to come fix my problems?" Gritting her teeth and ignoring the blue crawling up her veins under her skin, Asuka focused on what was important. "I have something you can't understand."

"I can make it go away. The loss. The Pain. The memories." More flashes of memory. A grand fire, a house reduced to ashes. The heat from a gun muzzle pressed to her forehead. Blood. So much blood and screaming. Hers. Theirs. A memory of loss so profound it had followed her from one life to the next.

Edging herself just a bit closer, Asuka let the tears fall. "Bring them up again, and I'll reach into hell and tear your soul apart. Know your place, Bardiel."

"Maybe. You should learn yours Lilim." The being known as an Angel gasps as thin yet powerful hands grasped its neck, squeezing and lifting it up. "I-dd-d-don't understand." It's tendrils lost substance, thinning and fading with each passing moment as Asuka began to gain momentum. "What are you?" When had it allowed the girl with glowing eyes so close?

Teeth beginning to show, Asuka kept eye contact with the thing trying to infect her and her mother. Trying to defile her memories and soul. "You don't need to. You are just a lamb, a tiny thing led to the slaughter." Fingers digging deeper into the fake flesh, Asuka drew it down closer to her, close enough to see her reflection within those pools of blue. "All powerful? Hah. All that power but no real mind to drive it. Only instincts. Feelings. Base emotions. No wonder your kind will always fall to humanity. You simply, are incapable of understanding the real threat that we are."

"I…I am you. Will be you. You would kill yourself? Wh-why." Beginning to struggle, there was no freeing itself from Asuka's grip. "We would be one, something new, something whole. Greater than what each individual could be alone."

Choking the thing off and feeling something beginning to give, Asuka felt fire run through her veins. "Except I am whole. So I don't need you. Just your power. This, connection that you have but waste. I'll take that from you. Add it to myself. So I can stand together with my real soulmates. My real family." Hearing something beginning to give, Asuka squeezed even harder while ignoring something gripping her heart tightly, "I have too much to lose to give into you." She let her memories drive her. A future that had almost worked out, a future that burned in her soul so brightly that she wanted to come true without fail. They would not lose this time. They would have their happily ever after.

Panic and desperation filled the Angel, trying its hardest to pull back from the lilim and what was turning out to potentially be its end. Yes. It would retreat. Eject the plug and get rid of this monster. Then it would use this perverse copy to hunt for their father. Hunt for the key they needed. It needed. "Monster…" More tendrils appeared from its back, thin but sharp. They would injure this thing and allow itself to run.

"Look in a mirror sometime." A crack echoed in the plug, the feeling of bones shifting underneath flesh tickled her hands, and Asuka was once more sitting in her command chair. Suddenly out of breath, the girl was left panting for breath in the lcl as the sounds of alarms and panicked voices filled her ears. The static and kaleidoscope of colors shifted before settling into an actual image before her. Several bakelite trucks were at her feet, her EVA was encased up to its hips, but her arms had been locked while trying to escape from the test tower. Taking a huge gulp of fluid and willing her heartbeat to slow and calm, Asuka smiled as once more something warm filled her mind. "Ugh. What's all the noise about. Can't a girl get some peace?" Flexing her fingers, she idly noted the EVA mimicking her movements. Synchronization was much easier now and this feeling. This. Oneness. No wonder Shinji looked like he wanted to vibrate out of his skin those first few days. She felt like a literal god. This was a lesser Angel being? She couldn't begin to think about what Rei and Shinji felt on a daily basis if this was a taste of it. What could she do, accomplish, if she gave into this power?

It was with a heavy effort that she crushed that feeling down ruthlessly. She was not about to upend everything they had done so far.

"As-Asuka!" Misato's voice rang out, and Asuka mentally toned down the volume from the radio to something more manageable that wouldn't make her head pound. "You're alright? We lost all your signals early on." There was worry there, panic. If Asuka didn't know better, she'd say Misato looked close to tears.

Huffing and finally getting her breathing under control, Asuka smirked into the camera, "Yeah well. I'm here, all in one piece. Anyone want to explain what happened?" Along with her breathing, she could feel something begin to settle within her. What was it Rei said? Let it fall to the background. Like the ringing of tinnitus, a noise only she could hear, only capable of leveling cities.

"We're looking into it. You sure you're okay Asuka?" Misato was vibrating in place, watching as the EVA seemed to slump in on itself, while on the monitor Asuka gave them all a thumbs up.

"As perfect as always. Though maybe I could use a nap."

"No can do, you stay awake until this test is done and over with." Ritsuko spoke up before Asuka could make good on that promise. Quietly the crew confirmed that the blue pattern was dissipating. Though now there was a new problem. Something she couldn't bring up in front of everyone as data continue to scroll across the screen. "Misato." Standing and walking towards the operations director, Ritsuko had her by the arm gently.

Hoping this wasn't secret bad news, Misato leaned into Ritsuko, "Something wrong?"

"The EVA…it is not generating power on its own, instead running on its own internal batteries. We'll hook it up again once we confirm for sure no Angel presence. But I'm concerned about what happened to its core." Ritsuko took a deep breath before slowly releasing a shuddering exhale. The power Asuka potentially now had, what this EVA was capable of. It was unheard of. "We have to be careful. This is…this wasn't supposed to happen." If Rei had explained things correctly, the core was supposed to reside within the EVA, but it was beginning to look like the core might have bonded with Asuka instead. What that could mean or what the consequences of that could be, no one truly knew. Rei was one thing, altered and designed to house an Angel's core. But Asuka was human, fully. Or at least she used to be, now with this, no longer. Humanity was never supposed to have this power.

Misato could feel her friend trembling against her and nodded, eyes never leaving the worn out Asuka, "Got it. Keep things calm and light hearted then. No high emotions."

Ritsuko nodded as she pulled away and returned to her station. Leaning down to her row of technicians, she motioned for silence, "No one breaths a word of the Angel. The pilot most likely doesn't know a thing, and causing a panic wouldn't help."

"Yes ma'am."

"Understood."

Back inside the EVA and ignoring the chatter of the tech crew, Asuka sighed and finally let herself relax. Sure, that had been a razor's edge win, but she had won. A solo win at that. Hah. She'd make sure to gloat to Rei about it when she got back. Well, maybe after she made Shinji dote on her and tell her she did a good job. Yeah. Pampering first, gloating later. Eyes drifting shut the girl almost let herself doze off. She felt like she had just eaten a full course meal hand made by Shinji. It made her sleepy and want to take a nap.

"Asuka! I meant it, stay awake!" Ritsuko's voice filled the entry plug at full volume and Asuka jolted into a sitting up position.

"I'm up, I'm up! Blame Shinji for keeping me up all night." Admittedly her mind was a little frazzled, and Asuka was not in the mood for this test anymore. She wanted out. To go home. Killing an Angel with her bare hands was hard work, took a lot out of a girl.

Sighing and shaking her head as technicians nervously giggled, Misato keyed up her radio. "You fall asleep and we're going to have to do this all over again. That'll really put a dent in your plans now won't it?"

"Ugggh, I'll stay awake. I get it." Sighing and leaning forward to gently caress the controls, Asuka sighed and did her best to focus. She'd have all the time in the world to sleep later.

Ritsuko grunted and analyzed Asuka's brain waves, just in case. "Any sign of Angel material remaining?"

"No ma'am, scans of the plug and core show clean. We will need to tear down the EVA back at headquarters for a more in depth analysis." The technician turned back to the science director and shrugged. "All evidence supports that the Angel was completely destroyed and expelled by the EVA."

"Schedule the work and see that it is done. I don't want any more surprises." More like Asuka was just that good at her job. Ritsuko stood and stretched her back for some relief. What a day. At the least, Rei's plan had worked. Asuka was able to destroy the Angel on her own. They would have to check and make sure nothing went wrong, but whatever those kids were planning, it looked like it was beginning to go their way.

-b-

Far away and deep underground on the NERV command bridge, Gendo sat and waited. The message had been clear. The next Angel was to appear with the activation of the new unit. Only, the activation had apparently been a success. Or rather, either through Akagi's efforts of the Second Child's, the Angel had been defeated without intervention from them. That was…well outside of the scenario. Next to him, Fuyutsuki bent down to his ear.

"I believe the council will want an update about this. This was not expected at all."

"No. Without this Angel there will be no test of the dummy plug system. Without the system, the council will become even more suspicious than they already have. That will bring our own scenario to an end." Gendo knew it was still too early. Unit 1 had yet to wake, Shinji still maintained a good sense of self. Confident he may be, it might be time for Gendo to step in and take a more active role in making sure things went they way they needed. "Sensei. Perhaps it is time to take matters into our own hands."

Standing up straight, Fuyutsuki sighed and folded his hands behind his back. The only thing that could help him focus right now. "What did you have in mind?"

"The boy is too secure. With this, now the Second will also help bolster his resolve. Unit 1 may require a new catalyst, which means…"

"You would have to remove his supports." It was distasteful, knowing full well what Gendo intended. They all knew the rumors now, some having more substance than others. The old Sensei didn't believe any of them, short of the pilots perhaps exploring themselves. But Gendo seemed to believe, and that was more than enough reason for the other man to start making moves. "This is dangerous new territory Ikari."

Shrugging and mentally preparing what was to be done, Gendo knew he did not have much time. Things needed to begin moving back his way, now. "He will act as he is meant to. I've warned him that attachments are a hindrance. It is time for him to learn." Whether the boy was in fact involved with his guardian or not was irrelevant. However Akagi was a slightly more important piece, one that if the rumors were true, Gendo needed to stamp out right away. She had her own role to play in enacting instrumentality. She would need to be swayed, one way or another.

Wanting to mention that it seemed like Gendo was the one with unhealthy attachments, Fuyutsuki held his tongue. This was all for Yui in the end. To see her returned to them. "Shall I prepare anything?"

"Hmmm. No. I will take care of this. I need you to run interference for the committee. You can do that for me, yes?" Gendo was already standing, making for the elevator that would take him to his office. "Sensei?"

"Yes, I can do that much." turning to watch Gendo leave, Fuyutsuki wondered if he should offer a warning to Shinji. Blunt the blow that was to come, so to speak. Except if that led to their failure, Gendo would never let him forget such an action. Death would be the only painless part of his eventual punishment. "The curse of age and wisdom."

Below the commander's station, Shigeru called out to the remaining leader, "Update from the satellite station. EVA unit three activated successfully. Asuka will begin going through trials. Should last no more than a hour before return to base."

Well, at least some good news. Fuyutsuki strode forward to stand over the rest of the bridge. "Good then. Stand down high alert and return to normal operations. Looks like we have a new unit at our disposal." For how long was questionable. Ritsuko wasn't wrong, the Americans would come crying now that their toy was deemed safe. The rest of the world would put up token complaints as well, but so long as the Angel's continued to be drawn here, they would all fall in line eventually. At least, that was what should happen. Human nature was a fickle thing.

-b-

The next day and slumped against the fence, Shinji did his best to ignore the girl tucked into his side doing her level best to wear him like a second skin. Much like him, Asuka was having an interesting reaction to having the power of an Angel within her. If anything, she became even more cuddly than before. If she wasn't attached to him, it was Hikari. If not Hikari is was Rei. Back and forth she went, never more than a breath away from one of the people she considered most important in her life. Shinji considered that maybe they should have called off today before throwing the idea out of the window. No point debating the past. Plus if they had stayed home, he would probably have ended up as a dried up husk by now. Waking up with Asuka on his chest and glowing blue eyes was certainly an experience.

Hikari smirked and poked her friend in the side. Getting no reaction, she giggled and kept it up, "So. Is she going to come back down to earth any time soon or is this a permanent break?" Hikari knew Shinji was good, but to do this to Asuka of all people? Hikari needed to find more time to spend the night, this looked like a biblical experience.

Remembering that they had not told Hikari everything just yet, Shinji turned bored eyes to a serene looking Rei who would not look his way. So that was the cover story she gave? Oh so helpful. "She'll be fine. Maybe. Probably by tomorrow." Well, he hoped so at least. It took him about that long to stop vibrating. A few extra days to come into being able to consciously use his new power at least at a basic level. Asuka should be able to adapt quickly. If for nothing else, she was always the fighter.

"Why do you smell sooo gooood Shinji?" Leaning into him and inhaling deeply, Asuka smiled and nuzzled into his neck. Was this bleed over from the Angel? Maybe a reaction to him holding the core of Adam while she held a lesser Angel's? This was new territory, something unexpected. Unexplained. They were fully flying by the seat of their pants when it came to this. So exciting. "There's no one up here, let's get to it." Pressing her lips to his ear, she enjoyed his shivers, "Let's make that baby. Rei can watch the door." The final joining that was necessary. Wasn't that what the Angel's wanted all this time, to be re-united with Adam. Well, she would be happy to make that happen. Repeatedly if necessary.

Rei reached back and pinched Asuka in the thigh, smirking at the other girl as she yelped and pulled away slightly, "Control yourself or be controlled." Slightly glowing red met glowing blue, before Asuka seemed to snap out of it, blinking owlishly as if seeing Rei for the first time today.

Blinking and scanning her surroundings, Asuka realized that she didn't really remember much of this morning. Only that they were at school. Boy, this really was a big adjustment. "Okay, for once I'll give credit. This is a lot harder than it looks." Pulling away from Shinji a bit and accepting a bento from him, Asuka still had her thigh pressed to his. She still needed some contact. Some reassurance that she was here on Earth and not floating away on an ethereal powered cloud. "I feel like I can do everything everywhere all at once."

Nodding along as the roof access opened, Rei took a sip of her tea, "Just remember, you can not do everything yourself. You are still just one person." Though human was debatable, they were all now a matched set. Not human and not Angel, something all together better in her opinion.

Eyes settling on their new additions, Hikari sighed and got ready for another fight. "Toji, Kensuke. Come to join us?" She had explained her talk with Toji to Shinji, both to reassure him and herself. Her crush for Toji was long gone, but she would miss her friend if that was the decision that he made. She would not decide for him. She was happy that Shinji was okay giving her that space to determine what she wanted. So patient he was.

Looking up and seeing both boys coming towards them, Shinji sighed and readied for another day of the silent treatment or possibly a mad dash across the school yard. It was starting to get old, but there wasn't much he could say that would make things better. He was dating Hikari now, publicly at that. Of course Toji would be angry. "Hey guys, we uh-"

"Shinji." Toji's voice was clear, firm even, eyes only on the missing member of the boy trio. Standing tall and dropping his bag, Toji pointed to himself. "Hit me."

Rolling her eyes, Hikari sighed, "Oh brother, not this again. Is this really necessary?"

Toji nodded once, eyes never leaving Shinji's, "Yeah. Yeah it is. You were right. I keep running away. Keep being a coward about things." Taking a deep breath and releasing it, Toji now pointed at Shinji. "I know it's not your fault, and I know you were trying to help me and I was too pigheaded to see that. I still accused you and made it all your fault anyway. And that wasn't right." Now hooking his thumb at his chest, Toji once again proclaimed his wishes. "So. For all the dumb shit I did. Hit me. Then we're even." Even though he felt a small bit like a broken record, Toji kept it up all the same. This was the only way he really knew how to settle things, it was his way.

Rolling that over in his mind, Shinji knew that Toji was just this sort of guy. So upfront. No chance of deceit here. At least, not yet while they were so young. Waving Toji off, Shinji did maintain eye contact with him. "No."

Sputtering and nearly falling, Toji took a menacing step his way, "Wha-what the hell? I worked up my courage to come and say I was stupid and wrong and you-" Toji paused as Shinji pointed back at the taller boy, eyes focused only on him.

"That's the thing. This is for you. For you to feel better. I told you didn't I? You're my friend. I want us to stay friends. All of us. If you're feeling bad about the stupid stuff you did, then start by showing your changed behavior. When I can see that you're trying to be better, then I'll accept your apology."

"Just like that?" Toji watched Shinji nod, the rest of the group slowly nodding along minus Kensuke who was watching him with some nervousness. He couldn't understand it, it was like Shinji was miles ahead of him in the maturity department. What sort of life had the shorter boy been through to become this way. Did Toji want to know in the end? Shinji was a giant robot pilot that endured the weapon's pain along with his own. Maybe, Toji just couldn't compete with that sort of resolve. Not yet. "Yeah. You're right. I'm sorry. Really. I…want to stay friends too."

"Kami, finally. Get over yourself and come eat lunch, maybe we can brainstorm you finally getting a girlfriend. Maybe some love will mellow you out." Asuka didn't mean to be so harsh, and the soothing touch from Rei told her she might have overdone it a bit. This was certainly going to be an adjustment to get her emotions back under control.

Though as the groups came together, Kensuke beginning to banter with Hikari about some manga or other while Asuka and Rei watched on, Shinji shrugged. This was probably the best and most peaceful resolution they were going to get. At the least, Toji didn't outwardly hate him so much. He wouldn't guess on what Toji was keeping inside himself. It didn't matter in the end. Shinji would continue on with what he wanted to do in this life.

-b-

Later on that day and strolling through NERV with Asuka and Rei, a new cross synchronization test scheduled for them, Shinji thought about what their options were now. All three of them were technically part Angel. Though Rei was also partially missing some of herself. That said, they had never done this before, certainly hadn't made it this far. It was…worrying.

Rei nudged his side, "You are overthinking things beloved. You should relax." Leaning into him, they all ignored giggles from some of the base staff as they made their way towards the EVA cages. "I can get you a pretest massage."

Asuka reached around and pinched Rei's ear, eliciting a yelp from the shorter girl. "No can do. I do believe you had him to yourself for a good portion of the day yesterday. I require pampering and praise. I did kill an Angel all by myself. Nearly died too" Leaning in and catching Shinji's eye, Asuka began to pout, "Right? I did a good job didn't I? I deserve something for that don't I?"

Reaching around and pulling Asuka into his side by her waist, Shinji nodded but kept right on walking, "You did an amazing job Asuka and I couldn't be more proud of you. You're such a good girl." Feeling Asuka shiver and latch onto his arm, Shinji sighed and rolled with it. It was his fault anyway. "And yes, when we get home I'll pamper you all you want."

"Yes! I want a deep body massage and a full dinner tonight. Something french. And then we can invite Hikari over and-" A finger was pressed to her lips, and Asuka turned to see Rei's arm held across Shinji. Pulling away, Asuka gave her the stink eye, "What gives?"

Rei took a few extra paces ahead and shrugged, "As if we don't already know what you want. You have such a one track mind."

"One track. Oh I'll show you one track." Asuka felt her new power begin to respond to her emotions. Having to check herself, she sighed and wiggled a finger into Shinji's chest. "Baka. She's being mean to me. Do something. I'm fragile."

Chuckling and winking at Rei, Shinji sighed as the staff population began to fall, "You and fragile don't really go in the same sentence together." Today was a good day, and this test shouldn't hold them up long. A good relaxed day sounded perfect after the last couple of days of craziness.

All three children paused as something brushed against their senses. Rei and Shinji were more used to it, looking up and through the bulkhead where this new presence was headed their way. Asuka looked up as well with some confusion, but had a feeling about what she felt based on how the other two reacted. She was the first to push away from Shinji. "Angel?"

Rei nodded, "Yes. The fourteenth."

Shinji smirked and flexed a fist, his knuckles popping ominously. "Finally. I owe this one a special sort of beating."

Rei shook her head, pulling Shinji along as they continued their journey to the showers. "Nonsense. You will defeat this one quickly, no showboating and no chance of getting swallowed by your EVA. Remember how long you took to come back last time?"

Shinji did remember. When he had come back Rei had apparently went crazy and leveled the geofront all by herself in her grief, sure that he would never return. Also in her state she had nearly killed him in her celebration of his return. "Yeah. Won't do that again."

Asuka joined Rei in dragging him along, "You better not. I'm fragile and need cuddles."

"Now you understand."

"I do. I apologize for harping on you all this time."

"All is forgiven sister."

"Perfect."

Rolling his eyes as he was taken away, Shinji eyed the women's locker room coming up, "Uh, think letting me go is a good idea yeah?" The girls continued to pull and he deciding fighting it wasn't worth it. Not like it was a secret anymore. "You keep this up and you really will end up pregnant before this is over."

Asuka began to pull more insistently, "Perfect motivation for me. Let's get to it!" Her eyes began to shine, and Shinji looked to Rei to be the voice of reason.

Instead her uniform was already coming loose around her shoulders, "We will make this quick darling."

It was never, ever quick.

-AN-

Now all three children have Angel powers. Will this be enough, or will Gendo be able to throw a wrench in the works. What can an scheming old man get up to this late in the game?