Briefly, Mari spends much of her beast-mode time out in low Earth orbit fending off the Lance and one of the Ayanamis. Nobody really knows her circumstances until she tries biting Asuka's unit's behind.
 
I'd forgotten what ANIMA is like, exactly, so I leafed through it recently. Man, the kids are going to have a wild time reading that.

Oh yeah, Anima's gonna be insane for them to go through :p
Honestly just looking at the synopses for the five volumes, it just descends into gobbledygook that I can barely follow. Like vol 4 starts off by saying the moon broke up and is threatening Earth and I have no idea how they got there :V

For that matter, how would they react to Mari in that universe being a beast girl?

"Cat ears suit me."

"We are not giving you a body with cat ears, Mari."

"Aww you're n-no fun."
:V
 
M: Well, Senpai, at least they're still humanoid, technically.

R: You aren't wrong. That, and the platform seems to offer a variety of positive benefits. Longer battery time, heavy weapons capabilities...

A: I am not turning my mama into a horse. Two legs is just fine, thank you very much.
 
What sort of music would mock Gendo or Seele?
Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life? :)

Briefly, Mari spends much of her beast-mode time out in low Earth orbit fending off the Lance and one of the Ayanamis. Nobody really knows her circumstances until she tries biting Asuka's unit's behind.
I have many questions and I don't want any of them answered.

Ok, writing is about to begin. We are getting some sort of A&T canon post up before midnight!
 
Chapter 12.3
Last update was page 1800. Last even preview was 1869. I have been a bad, slow writer. I blame 2020.

But we're back.
This is less than I wanted and I know I am missing bits I thought of for Shinji and Asuka's scene, but we're going live now!
Unbeta'd, and my keyboard is dying, so please forgive typos.

Art!



One for Shinji's missed birthday:

And one for our second pair:

Chapter 12.3
Götterdämmerung

+++

The phone mount in Misato's center console trilled an oddly cheery note against the angry silence Misato had maintained since leaving the Geofront's 'main level'. The solitude of the train to the surface left her with plenty of time to think, but right now the interruption of a call was almost welcome.

Her finger stabbed at the 'ACCEPT' button. "Major Katsuragi."

"Major, this is Vice Commander Fuyutsuki. I have some special instructions for tomorrow's affairs."

She mildly perked up. Vice Commander Fuyutsuki calling was a lot better than Commander Ikari calling, even before what she knew now to be true about his overall plans. Fuyutsuki had at least a chance of being invested in the Pilots and their conditions. More than Commander Ikari, anyway. "Sir."

"The First Child is to report at 0600 to Doctor Akagi's lab for some new specialized synchronization testing. An augmented detail from Section 2 and the perimeter guard force. You are to supervise the rendezvous and ensure the First Child is safely passed to their care. The Second, Fourth, and Fifth Children are to report to the Pribnow Box in their plugsuits by 0800. A Section 2 detail with augmented guard forces will arrive at your apartment by 0715…"

+++

Down, down, down, brush, brush, brush. A high gloss being polished to an even sleeker sheen.

"This is definitely the way to plan strategy," Asuka groaned happily. She let her head loll a bit further back, allowing her boyfriend better access to her hair. She idly played with his toes, as his legs on the outside of hers as they sat on their bed left them in easy range to play with. "Keep going, cabana boy!"

Shinji rolled his eyes, but kept running the hairbrush through Asuka's glossy mane. "Yes, dear."

"Getting a head start our-" 'nope nope nope too scary' part of her mind objected. 'Abort! Abort!' "Er… the um, the automatic reflexes?" 'Still too close, but let's hope he doesn't follow up?'

Shinji's hands hesitated only a fraction of a second, but she noticed. "Not automatic, no. Felt like the right response, though. But back to strategy planning?"

A part of Asuka's heart sighed in relief from panic, but another part let out a small pang of disappointment at not hearing what he might have said. She let the first part brush it aside and refocused. "Planning, yes. We can't know how much longer we've got, but if Kaworu is getting shot at by SEELE, Commander Asshole has to have some plan of his own for taking out the neue Fisch, and soo-"

Asuka broke off and cocked her head. A wicked grin spread on her face. She looked back over her shoulder enough to wink at Shinji, and put her finger to her lips.

Then she gave out a very loud, pleasured moan.

Shinji's eyes widened. She loved it when he brushed her hair, but this was...

She did it again, louder. "Gott, I love this. I love you, Shinji! Unnnf! Harder! Longer strokes! Faster! Oh Gott, YES, do it to me!"

Misato whipped open the sliding door to the Pilots' bedroom and rolled her eyes. "Oh, for pity's sake, Asuka, knock it off," she snapped.

Asuka stuck her tongue out at the Major and then turned her face away from the door, letting Shinji resume brushing her hair into a glossy shine as she sat on their bed in front of him. "You didn't even knock! How shameful and un-Japanese! What if we'd been indecent?!"

"If you had actually been naked, Asuka, I'm 100% sure you would not have been giving the least-believable acting routine about 'middle-of-sex' since I was a college freshman in the dorms," Misato retorted. "I know you could hear me come in the front door, and that nonsense was you being a brat for fun."

"Which it was, thanks," Asuka grinned unrepentantly. "So what is so important it's got you busting into our room at this hour?" Asuka's face darkened. "It's something from Commander Asshole, isn't it? Only something 'official' would have you coming in without even knocking. Or yelling at us, if you thought we really were getting 'busy', I guess."

Misato grimaced. "Sadly, you're right. I got a call from Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki on the way home. He says all Pilots but Shinji are ordered to report for a special Synch Test at 0800 tomorrow. He's still on med-hold until Ritsuko passes him. Everyone else has to be up for pickup a 0715. Except for Rei, who they want in at 0600 for some reason. A combined Section 2 and Main Security group will pick her up at 0530."

"She'll love that," Asuka muttered.

"What is this 'special' test, Misato-san? And why Rei early? Can't she just... go with us like always?" Shinji asked quietly. He kept right on steadily brushing his girlfriend's hair. It was already perfectly smoothed and shining, but she was visibly enjoying the tactile sensation and the intimate attention.

"He didn't say, and I haven't gotten a response from Rits about it so far. But he was very clear it was an order from the Commander, and specific. Something's up, I'm sure."

Asuka shifted slightly, subtly signaling for Shinji to stop brushing so she could turn. The two Pilots looked at each other silently for a moment. They broke the shared gaze and looked at Misato. "We were just kind of talking about that, actually," Asuka began. "Rei said she had to report about Kaworu to Commander Fuckface a while ago, since they probably suspected what he was anyhow, and it would be way too suspicious if Rei didn't confirm it. So they know what he is, where he is, and that he's the ah... last one. So why is he still alive?"

"It's not like they haven't tried, Asuka," Misato pointed out. "Or..." she grimaced again. "Like he didn't nearly get me to do it anyhow."

"Yeah, but that was... not NERV. Why hasn't the Commander just... ordered one of us to smash him or something? There's got to be a reason."

"And we're having a hard time thinking of any that aren't just worse than where we are now," Shinji added. "Waiting for the Sword of Damocles to drop is bad, but... why is my father waiting? If SEELE is already trying to..." his face clouded, "kill my friend to set him off and end the world, why isn't my father? I don't think it's because he's had a sudden outburst of decency. Not him."

Misato shook her head. "I can't think of a good one either, Shinji. We'll just have to be careful tomorrow and keep our eyes open. Kaji is trying to do some stuff on his end with his bosses, but he's not come back with any good news yet."

"Kaworu's coming with us, right?" Shinji asked. "My father's not having him moved or anything?"

"Yes."

"We'll keep him safe, then," Asuka nodded firmly.

"Isn't he the half-Angel, superpowers, bulletproof AT-Field?"

"Not so bulletproof lately, but yes. It's the principle of the thing, Misato." Asuka frowned for a moment. "Can't say I'm too thrilled about leaving my beloved baka here alone, though. Can't he come down with us anyway?"

Misato shook her head again. "I doubt it, from how the Sub-Commander sounded. I'll check in the morning, but at the moment he's still supposed to be on bed rest. We shouldn't be at NERV HQ all day. We'll have you back here to pamper your luvvvvv in plenty of time for dinner." She shot a wry look at Shinji. "Which I think we'll have to tie him to his bed to keep him from making for us anyway."

Asuka's frown did not ease. "I still don't want to leave him by himself, for exactly that kind of reason, Misato. He'll start… compulsively cleaning or cooking, I know it."

"I will not," Shinji snorted.

"Bet you will," she retorted.

"Won't."

"Will."

"Wo-"

"Ai yai yai, enough, both of you," Misato interrupted.

Shinji poked Asuka in the flank with the hairbrush. "I won't, because I won't be alone, Asuka. Kensuke texted me while you were in the bathroom and said he'd come by tomorrow with his girlfriends. I think he and they just kind of want to see I'm alive and mostly well after... er, everything."

Asuka's expression relaxed some. "I suppose Geek Stooge and his two better halves is better than nothing."

"He'll have the guards and Section 2 detail just outside if he needs serious help," Misato pointed out. At Asuka's renewed frown, she went on, "And I know how much faith you have in them right now, but it does mean your friends would have help at hand."

"Fiiiiiiine," Asuka grumbled. "Geek Stooge better not be weird and ask to see his bullet wounds or something, though."

Misato rolled her eyes again. "I'm going to pop downstairs and brief Rei and Kaworu. I take it you two are about to go to sleep?"

"Wellllll, to bed, but-" At Misato's glower, Asuka dropped her teasing, salacious tone. "Oh, give me some credit, Misato. I'm not going to strain his lungs or heart right now. I am going to wrap myself around every inch of him I can and hold him all night, since I was going crazy with worry when he was in the hospital. There will probably be a mushy amount of kissing and such, but I am going to make sure he gets plenty of rest."

"See that you do," Misato said sternly. Then she sighed. "Is this what parenting feels like?"

Asuka snorted. "You're doing better than my parents, at least."

"Or mine," Shinji added. "Way better. Ugh, can you imagine what it would be like if I had been living alone the last year? Or worse, with my father? I am so glad you took me in, Misato. Best ersatz mom."

"I'm sure the fact you two are about to go to bed together is a factor in there somewhere," Misato added drily.

"That too," the two teens said in stereo.

"I've created monsters. Go to sleep, you two."

+++

Rei's eyes popped open at 0530 on the dot. After less than a second, she smiled. She could feel him.

Like a warm morning caress on the soul, she had to suppress an urge to curl like a cat as she felt his AT-Field lovingly brush against hers. She opened her eyes a slit and looked up through four floors of concrete and metal. He was looking back at her.

She reached for her phone.

WERE YOU SITTING THERE JUST WAITING FOR ME TO AWAKEN?

MAYBE. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN REST. IT WAS QUITE PEACEFUL TO WATCH. YOUR FRACTURED SPLENDOR IS… IS...
I AM BAD AT SIMILES.

STUPID FISH.


With a sigh, she put the phone down and gave him a spiritual bop on the head as she got up. She hoped whatever tests Doctor Akagi had planned were not too lengthy. She was looking forward to dinner with her loves tonight.

+++
 
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Last update was page 1800. Last even preview was 1869. I have been a bad, slow writer. I blame 2020.

But we're back.

And just like that, a late-night return outta nowhere like he's "Stone Cold" Steve Austin or something!



"And make no mistake: you kids are going to get your feels and emotions out, front and center for everyone to ooh and aah at, and that's the bottom line! Cause Stryp-jee-uh SAID so!"

/and I'm sure there's nothing nefarious about Rei going in first before everyone else
//not at all
 
"So what is so important it's got you busting into our room at this hour?"
I mean, she's perfectly welcome to help do up Asuka's hair for the night-is-still-young activities. Though I wonder what paper-rock-scissors of maturity, snarkiness and recovering from bullet holes all overlapping would play out for these flatmates.

Nice update, Strypgia.
 
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Shinji: "We forgot to tell Rei about Murphy, didn't we?"
Misato: "Yes, yes we did forget."
Asuka: "Something tells me Commander Arschloch doesn't believe in Murphy because of his oh so grand plan that cannot possibly fail."
 
"The First Child is to report at 0600 to Doctor Akagi's lab for some new specialized synchronization testing. An augmented detail from Section 2 and the perimeter guard force. You are to supervise the rendezvous and ensure the First Child is safely passed to their care. The Second, Fourth, and Fifth Children are to report to the Pribnow Box in their plugsuits by 0800. A Section 2 detail with augmented guard forces will arrive at your apartment by 0715…"

"The First Child is to report for her execution- I mean specialised testing. My apologies, I get those words mixed up all the time." As he scratched the back of his head.

Misato glowered.

She did it again, louder. "Gott, I love this. I love you, Shinji! Unnnf! Harder! Longer strokes! Faster! Oh Gott, YES, do it to me!"

Misato whipped open the sliding door to the Pilots' bedroom and rolled her eyes. "Oh, for pity's sake, Asuka, knock it off," she snapped.

If there's one thing that'll get the attention of your ersatz mum, it's that :V

What is this 'special' test, Misato-san? And why Rei early? Can't she just... go with us like always?" Shinji asked quietly. He kept right on steadily brushing his girlfriend's hair. It was already perfectly smoothed and shining, but she was visibly enjoying the tactile sensation and the intimate attention.

"He didn't say, and I haven't gotten a response from Rits about it so far. But he was very clear it was an order from the Commander, and specific. Something's up, I'm sure."

"This isn't like that time Ritsuko had to give me a brain scan and tried putting me in a guillotine to do so, right?"

"No! Maybe. She what?!"

"Yeah apparently you can't scan brains while they're still attached. Weird, ain't it?"

"You seem incredibly blase about that."

We'll have you back here to pamper your luvvvvv in plenty of time for dinner." She shot a wry look at Shinji. "Which I think we'll have to tie him to his bed to keep him from making for us anyway."

Watch as they don't make it back there.

"Fiiiiiiine," Asuka grumbled. "Geek Stooge better not be weird and ask to see his bullet wounds or something, though."

"Dude you got shot with 5.56 and didn't tell me?"

"Kensuke how the hell can you tell that from the wound?"

Oh, give me some credit, Misato. I'm not going to strain his lungs or heart right now. I am going to wrap myself around every inch of him I can and hold him all night, since I was going crazy with worry when he was in the hospital. There will probably be a mushy amount of kissing and such, but I am going to make sure he gets plenty of rest."

"Bet you're gonna do that later though."

"You said it, not me."

MAYBE. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN REST. IT WAS QUITE PEACEFUL TO WATCH. YOUR FRACTURED SPLENDOR IS… IS...
I AM BAD AT SIMILES.

STUPID FISH.

Happens to the best of us Kaworu :)

She hoped whatever tests Doctor Akagi had planned were not too lengthy. She was looking forward to dinner with her loves tonight.

Narrator: They did not make it to dinner that night

Great to see you back at it Stryp :D
 
Commander Ikari may think he has the upper hand, but just you wait and see when Rei overrides her evil counterpart.

Kaworu: Rei... What's going on?
Two Rei's speaking at once: Ikari attempted to replace me with another me, but I used my powers to slave her to my control and now I have two different bodies. Perhaps you'd like a... demonstration of how well I can use them both?
Kaworu: Meep...
 
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Gendo: "I have this theory, Fuyutsuki, that Rei has bonded with Tabris on a soul-level. So my plan is to kill Rei, which will also kill Tabris without any sort of fight that could contaminate one of the pilots or the EVA units."

Fuyutsuki: "Efficient and stunningly diabolical, my student. Is that the full extent of your newest scheme?"

Gendo: "Ah ah, I hear a question in there, yet we both know the answer…"

Fuyutsuki: "…"

Gendo: "…"

Fuyutsuki: "N-"

Gendo: "Noooo, of course not. The next step involves my dear Yui's son. You see I have hired programmers from across the world for a special training mission."

Fuyutsuki: "His mental-"

Gendo: "Yes, his last mental anchor, the half-trained pilot he's begun following like a puppy." Sniff
"What is the world coming to… the next generation of lion-hearted men cannot follow some female's wishes like a minion! I've never seen quite so pathetic a youth as the Third Child."

Fuyutsuki: "He wears his emotions on his sleeve, I suppose. These obsessive flaws would be much more pronounced in an adult though. The world doesn't need such a broken person in a position of power… such a person should be kept far, far away from any projects as instrumental as the EVA units."

Gendo: "Tch. He did not acquire any such weakness from me," he says, eyeing the stash of sake beneath his desk.

Fuyutsuki: raises a gloved hand to his lips, fist clenched, as his lips struggle to restrain the barking laugh building inside.

Gendo: sighs, sloshing the fresh drink carelessly across his desk. "Did I ever tell you about the time Yui…"

The scene fades out, the Deputy Commander's thoughts focused on how much he can lower his hearing aid's volume without Gendo noticing.
 
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"The First Child is to report at 0600 to Doctor Akagi's lab for some new specialized synchronization testing. An augmented detail from Section 2 and the perimeter guard force. You are to supervise the rendezvous and ensure the First Child is safely passed to their care. The Second, Fourth, and Fifth Children are to report to the Pribnow Box in their plugsuits by 0800. A Section 2 detail with augmented guard forces will arrive at your apartment by 0715…"
Well... fuck.

Great that you're back on writing, Stryp, but that also means my anxiety over the survival of fictional pilots is about to go up a thousand-fold, right? :p

...Asshole is going to try and replace Rei with his super secret emergency backup clone, isn't he?

This is not likely to go well, for anyone involved
Watch as Rei III manages to jump her consciousness and memories into Rei IV the moment Gendo attempts to execute her.

Shinji: "We forgot to tell Rei about Murphy, didn't we?"
Misato: "Yes, yes we did forget."
Asuka: "Something tells me Commander Arschloch doesn't believe in Murphy because of his oh so grand plan that cannot possibly fail."
"Murphy's Law can suck it." - Gordon Freeman Gendo Ikari

"Dude you got shot with 5.56 and didn't tell me?"

"Kensuke how the hell can you tell that from the wound?"
"If you feel the need to ask like that, you already know you don't actually want to know, right?"

"...no. Seriously, Ken, what the actual fu--"

Narrator: They did not make it to dinner that night
Something tells me none of the pilots are going to be making it to dinner, tonight, if SEELE and their towering red-white monstrosities have anything to say about it. :p

Commander Ikari may think he has the upper hand, but just you wait and see when Rei overrides her evil counterpart.

Kaworu: Rei... What's going on?
Two Rei's speaking at once: Ikari attempted to replace me with another me, but I used my powers to slave her to my control and now I have two different bodies. Perhaps you'd like a... demonstration of how well I can use them both?
Kaworu: Meep...
At this point, where does Lilith end and Rei begin?
 
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