Asuka splashed water on her face and looked into the mirror above the sink. She was alone in the bathroom, having just changed out after another synch test. “Damn it! Damn it! Damn it” She glared at her reflection as she heaved for breath, her hands aching from where she had slammed them against the sink. She looked down as she felt angry tears. “Damn it! It was bad enough when I was losing to the worthless loser Shinji, but now even that damn doll is beating me. I can’t stand it! Rharrrgggh!“ swinging away from the sink, Asuka lashed out with her foot and kicked at the wall over and over, cursing in German the entire time until she finally slid down to the ground and hugged her legs to her chest in silence, her rage spent as the water continued to run.
After a while, she stood up, splashed another handful of water on her face, turned off the faucet, and after glaring at her reflection again, sighed, and left to do what she knew had to be done.

“So you want a P.E.T. suit of your own now? What happened to all the cries of indecency and perversion?”
“I–“ Asuka stopped, and after swallowing her response, answered in a more moderated tone. “Yes mamn. “ She grit her teeth. “While my …feelings…haven’t changed on that point, I can’t argue with the demonstrated increase in performance. In order to more effectively fight the angels, I need to use everything available.” Asuka felt herself burn with anger as Ritsuko laughed in her face.
“Hahahahahaha! Don’t you mean, ‘In order to stay competitive with Rei?” She laughed again for another minute or so before she finally addressed a red-faced Asuka as she wiped a tear from her check.
“Still, that was very good. You obeyed all the formalities. However…” Her face split in a wicked grin. “It’s not enough.”
Ritsuko picked up her chair, and walking over to a clear space in the lab, right past an open-mouthed Asuka. She dropped the chair with a clatter and sat with her legs crossed before fixing Asuka with a suddenly hard glare. “Come here.”
Asuka, unsure, stepped forward, and moved until Ritsuko stopped her a few meters from where she sat. Ritsuko grinned again.
“You’re going to ask me again, in the proper Japanese style. On your knees.”
“What—“
“Do it, or you can forget about your new suit.”
“Grrrrr.”
Asuka was left with no choice. Slowly, looking down at the ground, she slid to her knees. Ritsuko spoke again.
“Stretch your arms out ahead of you, and touch your forehead to the ground.”
“Are you out of your—“
Ritsuko waggled a finger “Ah, ah, ah. I’m pretty sure I didn’t ask you to look into my eyes. And I know I didn’t ask for any back-talk. I guess you don’t want this after all. Your just wasting my time.” Saying that, Ritsuko made as if to get up out of her seat, until Asuka reached out a hand towards her.
“No, wait, please!” Gritting her teeth, she swallowed and bowed down, her head touching the ground.
“Please. Please. Please.”
Asuka heard Ritsuko settle back into her chair. “Very good. Now all you have to do is ask me politely. I think sama will do nicely. Say, ‘Please help me Akagai-sama. Please, make me a P.E.T.’
Asuka swallowed again, her face red as she stared at the ground and slowly began.

“Please help me Akagai-sama. Please, make me a P.E.T.”
“Again.”
“Please help me Akagai-sama. Please, make me a P.E.T.”
“Again.”
“Please help me Akagai-sama. Please, make me a P.E.T.”
“Again.”
“Please help me Akagai-sama. Please, make me a P.E.T.”
“Get up.”

Asuka lifted her head off the ground to see Ritsuko standing in front of her with her arms extended, a red suit in one hand, and a pair of red A10 clips in the other. Asuka’s face lit up, and she bowed again. “Thank you Dr. Akagi! Thank you so much!” Ritsuko smiled.
“You didn’t really think I was spending so much time in the lab doing nothing, did you?”
Asuka grabbed everything and ran out of the lab. “Thank you!” As she ran down the corridor, Ritsuko stuck her head out the door. “Don’t forget to allow for 24 hours for integration!” Once Asuka passed out of sight, Ritsuko walked back to her chair and sat. Pulling a cigarette from her coat pocket, she light it and took a deep drag before calling out. “You can come in now Maya.”
“Ah! Sorry sempai. I didn’t mean to spy on anything! I was just coming with the most recent test results, and thought that it would be best not to intrude.” She sweated, embarrassed. “Though I have to ask Sempai; was all that really necessary?”
Ritsuko took another long drag off of her cigarette before responding. “That girl needs to learn some humility. You know what they say about the nail that sticks up.”
“…Yes sempai.”

Asuka flew into the changing room and locked the door behind her, glorying in her triumph. Finally! Watch out First Child. I’m not going to let some damned doll take what’s mine. She looked down, and squeezed the suit to her chest tightly. Not again.  Not wasting anytime, she quickly discarded her clothes and started to change.

Suiting up was pretty much the same as it was for a regular plug suit, though even as she was sliding it on, Asuka noticed how much slimmer it was. While she didn’t have any trouble putting it on, it was still a lot less bulky then the old suits before you activated them. As she slid the suit up her legs, she admired at how much smoother it felt on the inside as well. She couldn’t even understand how it was possible. She pulled until she felt her toes touch the bottom, and frowned. It felt like her feet were almost vertical. Still, if that doll can do it, then so can I! Moving on, she put her arms into the sleeves, pulling the suit further up her body. It was surprisingly cool, considering that it must have been in Dr. Akagi’s lab for a while. It was enough to give her goosebumbs, and she felt herself blush as the suit rubbed against her pointed nipples as it slid along her stomach. As she slid her arms more fully into the sleeves, she noticed that it also felt a lot lighter as well. She tugged at the sleeves until she felt her fingers touch the tips of the gloves. Making sure everything was in place, she checked the wrists, found the buttons she was looking for, and pressed them, causing the suit to tighten around her with a suddenness that was startling, causing her to gasp. It’s much tighter than the old suits. Skin tight.
She attached the new A10 clips to her head, and turned to look at herself in the mirror, when she noticed a tingling sensation that had been building throughout her entire body. Suddenly, her vision split, and she staggered, disoriented. When she came back to her senses, she was leaning on one of the long benches, short for breath. “Must be…part of… the integration process.” Once the dizziness passed completely, Asuka shook her head and cautiously stood up and turned to look at herself in the mirror.

It’s not that bad really. The first thing that caught her attention was how stable she felt on the heels, which really surprised her. Now that she was standing, she could tell that the heel was connected with part of the foot that touched the ground, and it felt completely level. Looking in the mirror, she struck a pose and smirked. I actually make this look good.. She examined herself fully, trying to remember everything Ritsuko had said about it when Rei had gotten hers a month ago.  Not difficult, as Ritsuko had shot down her complaints very thoroughly.

P.E.T. stood for Physical Enhancement Technology. All the black and red areas of the suit connected directly with the wearer’s nervous system through the skin, granting abilities that could only be called superhuman. Asuka stuck her hands behind her head and thrust her chest out while she stuck out her tongue with a wink. The clear areas were a type of light-weight anti-kinetic armor to protect the internal organs, with a strip of red crossing the breasts for decency and to display the NERV logo on the right side. And boy, do I fill it out! The blue “eye” underneath her chest was a camera that gathered combat data. As the whole thing integrated itself into the nerves, it didn’t need a defibrillator or anything like that. Computers and monitoring systems were stored in the wrists, making it possible to slim down the design. She smiled at her name printed above the large 02 on her upper chest. Every suit has to be specially designed for the wearer, meaning that this one is mine. Just like my EVA. The shoulder stripes look okay, and the green around the neck isn't too bad either, though it looks a little too much like a collar for my taste .Now for the lower half.As the suit was made to be worn for longer periods of time, there were openings to use the bathroom when necessary. In addition to that, the suit’s name was printed in white on a shiny black patch on the inside thigh. While she understood the anagram, she still didn’t like having the word “PET’ written on her, much less the Japanese word for dog. To add to the insult, the suit had a tail. A dog’s tail, tipped with black, with the words “© Ritusko Akagi”. Ritsuko said that there were systems stored in it, but I get the feeling that she did it as some kind of joke. And that’s not even mentioning the new A10 clips.

Turning around, she spread her legs and looked over her shoulder at her rear. It was only after a few minutes of intense searching along with running her hands over the area that she was able to tell there were openings at all. I have to admit, it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be. It doesn’t really matter what’s written on it. I bet INU is another acronym for something, but I didn’t bother to ask. The tail is even kind of cute, wagging there. Back and forth...back and forth…back and forth.

Asuka shook her head, feeling dazed and oddly pleasant. I must have zoned out for a second there.   It was then that she noticed that her body seemed oddly excited, causing her to jump back in alarm. Ahhh! No! What is this? Some kind of side effect of the suit? I need a bathroom!”

Asuka walked through the bathroom door. “That was close. I hope no one saw—“
And right into Rei.
“Ahhh! Damn it! What are you doing standing right in front of the door?!”
“ I have been sent to retrieve you. Dr. Akagi wishes to test your altered synch ratio, as well as confirm that there were no complications.”
Asuka looked Rei up and down, measuring her up. She had changed in the last month. Her hair had grow thick and wild, framing her face and hiding her ears, which worked with the A10 clips on her head to create the illusion of cat ears. She wore a mirror of her own suit, black and white, with a long tail. She had the same expressionless face, but there was something different about it that Asuka just couldn’t place. She almost looks like a damn cat. She shook her head in an attempt to banish the thought. I’m imagining things. She’s just a doll. I doubt that she even feels anything at all.
“Pilot Soryu, are you all right?”
Asuka blinked to see Rei standing almost on top of her, her head tilted with a faint look of curiosity on her face. Asuka stepped back, her face red.
“What do you think you’re doing? Why don’t you stay out of my face!”
“You did not respond to my inquires. I believed something may have been wrong.”
“I’m fine, thank you very much! Come on! We need to go to the testing rooms, right?”
Asuka stomped off, with Rei following a short distance behind her, hiding a small cat-like smile.  
It was several minutes before Rei spoke to Asuka’s back.
“Pilot Soryu?”
“Yeah, what do you want?”
“You are going the wrong way. Te testing rooms are in the opposite direction.”
Asuka spun around to see Rei’s back as she traveled back the way they had come. She stood there for a moment before growling in frustration and following behind. After catching up, she walked behind Rei, and noticing something, had to ask.

“Why are your gloves inflated?”
“Dr. Akagi requested it. Also, I rather enjoy them, Nya.”
“Wait, did you just say ‘Nya’?”
“I did not.”
“You did so!”
“I am sure I have no idea what you are talking about, pilot Soryu. Let us continue. We are almost to the testing room.”

Asuka fumed silently as she walked behind Rei until she suddenly realized that Rei’s tail was waving back and forth in a way that just seemed to draw her attention. Her eyes locked onto it, and her head swung back and forth as she followed the end of Rei’s tail. Her whole body felt tense, and she quivered with anticipation. Then suddenly, the tail jerked to one side, and Asuka lunged forward, landing on top of something on all fours, panting.

“Ummm, Asuka? What exactly are you doing with Rei?”
Asuka blinked and looked up to see Misato standing to one side of her with a confused look on her face. Looking down, she met Rei’s eyes as she lay on her back, a faint puzzled look on her face as she lay pinned down by Asuka’s hands and legs on her body. Asuka looked up, and looked down again to see Rei staring at her with a faint blush and large, almost pleading eyes. “Mew.”
Asuka felt her face turn red and practically leapt off of Rei, breathing heavily and extremely confused. Some distance away, she could see Shinji trying to hide a nose bleed. Maya was pointedly not looking at them. After a few minutes of silence, Misato, sweating a little, cleared her throat and spoke.
“Ooookayyyyy. Moving on. Asuka, we’re just looking to test your synch ratio in the P.E.T. suit. When we’re finished up here, make sure to go talk to Ritsuko in her lab.”
Asuka replied with a “right,” and quickly left the room. Misato turned to look at Unit 02. Ritsuko said that there would be side effects. She also said that the EVA wouldn’t go berserk this time, but the fact that she isn’t here doesn’t really inspire confidence. Then again, the same thing could be said for the fact that Gendo has been missing for almost 2 months now. “Alright, get everything set up. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready to call it a day already.
“Yes mamn.”

Asuka was skipping on her way to the lab. Thirty percent! A thirty percent increase without even being fully integrated with the suit yet! Take that you stupid doll! You won’t beat me! No one will! I’ll be the greatest there ever was! I won’t be forgotten! Not now, not ever again!

“So I heard your synchronization test went well.”
“It’s all thanks to you Dr. Akagi. I couldn’t have done it without your help!”
“Yes, I know. Any difficulties or abnormalities with the suit?”
“Well, as a matter of fact, there were several.”
“Dizziness, short term memory loss, physical arousal or impulsive behavior?”
“Yes, all of those things!”
“Standard symptoms. The human body is a delicate balance of systems. Integration into the body and nervous system is a taxing process on the wearer, and can throw the hormonal system into a mild state of confusion. Rei suffered from the same systems, though yours are much less severe than hers were. I’ll have a patch for it that should take care of everything ready by the end of the day tomorrow. I’ll see you again then. Until then, keep the suit on and let it integrate with your systems.”
“Yes doctor. Thank you very much. I’m glad it’s nothing too severe. Also, there was this thing about Rei that I wanted to a—“
“”Don’t care. Good bye Asuka. I will see you at around this time tomorrow.”
And with that curt sentence, Ritsuko got out of her chair and walked away, waving Asuka towards the door. Tempted to follow her for a minute, she eventually left. Still, it’s weird. I don’t remember her lab being so big in the past. I guess she just moved to another one. She yawned. “I am tired though. I really could use some sleep.” She grinned. “That Baka Shinji won’t know where to look tonight. I almost feel sorry for him.” She grinned even wider. “Almost.”

The lights off, Asuka settled down in her so-called “bed” on the floor and thought about the evening with a grin. It happened just like I thought it would. Misato started drinking as soon as she walked through the door. Shinji couldn’t figure out where to stick his eyes at. He’s such a loser. So how is it that he fights so hard? Ah well. Who would want to figure him out anyway? She yawned. Alright, time to get some sleep. She shifted on her futon, and yawned again. Weird. The floor almost feels comfortable tonight. I must be more tired than I thought. Stupid Japanese!  At the very least, the people who are fighting to save the world deserve more than sleeping on the floor.
Her thoughts continued on like this as she tossed and turned, trying to get to sleep, until she threw back the covers in frustration. “Damn it! What’s wrong with me? I was ready to hit the floor just a second ago. I just don’t get it! I’ve got this funny feeling, like something is going to happen. My whole body feels like it’s on the edge. Damn it, it’s so frustrating! And why do I feel so hot all of a sudden?” Breaking away from her thoughts, Asuka could feel her heart pounding in her chest, and her breathing felt ragged. But it was only when she felt a familiar ache that she realized with horror what was happening.
“Damn it! Not again! Stupid suit! I swear that every last person in Japan is some kind of pervert! I bet that Ritsuko did this on purpose! Damn it, what am I going to do? Asuka’s thoughts were interrupted as her hand brushed her aching breast, drawing a startled gasp from her lips. It’s so sensitive. Asuka threw her head back and gasped as she ran her hands along her suit-clad body, sending jolts of pleasure lancing through her. I can’t help it. I’m shaking all over. My body aches. Head…fuzzy. Can’t…think. I need…I need…I need…

Asuka woke up with a start and looked around her, twisting around to take in her surroundings.
She was in her room, well-lit with morning sunlight. She yawned, and scratched at an itch behind her ear, the sensation causing her to close her eyes and open her mouth slightly. She continued on with this until she felt her stomach rumble with an audible growl. Hungry. She sniffed the air, and caught the smell of something that made her mouth water. Food.
She crawled around for a little while before rising unsteadily to her feet. With cautious steps, she walked forward until she stopped and stared at the door.

Shinji turned as he heard a shaking sound, and saw Asuka slid open the door to her room. “Good morning Asuka. Breakfast will be ready in just a minute.” She replied with a grunt, and practically fell to her knees at the table. She must have had a rough night wearing that suit the whole time. I could hear her moaning almost the whole time I was still awake. “Misato! Breakfast is ready!”
There was a shifting sound, and the door rattled for a few moments before sliding open, revealing a very hung-over Misato. “Good morning Misato.” Misato blinked and replied with a “Blegh,” before stumbling over to the table and having a seat. With everything ready, Shinji brought over a tray of food, and set bowls in front of everyone. Shinji looked at Misato with a sigh. She really shouldn’t drink so much. “Here Misato, I poured you an extra-large cup of coffee.”
“Shhhuussh! Not so loud! Ugh, my head is killing me. I really put it away last night.” She peered across the table at Asuka, who was sitting quietly with her head hanging down, and then turned to look at Shinji. “I don’t really remember too much of last night, so refresh my memory. I didn’t give Asuka anything to drink, did I?”
“No, you didn’t. She had a rough time last night. I guess it was the suit. She was moaning the whole night.”
On hearing this, Misato broke out in a sly grin. “Moaning all night huh? You wouldn’t be responsible for that, would you?”
“What?! No, of course not! What are you saying? Go on Asuka, tell her!”
“…Head…hurts. Hun…gry.”
Right, right, let’s eat already. And you should relax Shinji. It’s not good to get so worked up all the time. Oh! Hey Pen-pen, when did you come in?”
“Wark!”

When the penguin walked through the door, Asuka immediately locked-on to it. As it sat down, she leaned forward and sniffed at it intensively. It’s…so good. I have to…
Shinji and Misato could only watch in bemusement as Asuka munched on the top of Pen-pen’s head with a look of deep contentment. She started as Misato called out her name, and looked around with confused and slightly sorrowful eyes. Shinji and Misato watched as she turned and began drunkenly chasing her suit’s tail, then looked at each other.
“I’ll talk to Ritsuko.”
“That would probably be for the best.”

“Thanks Ritsuko.”
“Not a problem. Feeling any better?”
“A bit. The pain is gone, but my head feels like it’s stuffed with wool. What did you give me?”
“If I told you, we’d be here all day. Now go on, they’re waiting for you upstairs.  I look forward to seeing how you do in the simulation today. And don’t forget to come back at the end of the day.”
“Right. I’ll be sure to come back.”
“Good girl.”
Ritsuko patted her on the head, and grinned as she gave off a happy wuf and ran along on her way. She lit a cigarette and took a deep drag as she watched Asuka’s retreating back. Yes, run along my little pet. You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to this evening.

A few minutes after the simulation started up, those watching could only stare nonplussed at the scene that played out on the monitors before them. Misato was the only one with the courage to break the silence. “Maya, you’re absolutely sure--“
“I’m telling you Major, the program is running perfectly.”
“Then why in the hell am I looking at Unit 00 clinging to the top of a building while Unit 02 tries to jump at it from all fours!?”
“Maybe their playing a joke on us?”
“You mean to tell me Asuka and Rei decided to put aside their differences so that they could look like morons? Not a chance in hell! Damn it! Shut down the simulation. This is ridiculous!” I’m going to have a long talk with Ritsuko about all this Misato buried her face in her hand and rubbed at her eyes. It’s a good thing that Commander Ikari wasn’t here. I need a drink.

“This is entirely new technology. There’s no real way to predict what’s going to happen until we test it!”
“But it’s your damn design! You could have at least done your best to make sure that it would have as few adverse effects as possible! I mean, God damn it Ritsuko! What in the hell happened to you! You were always a cold fish, but at least you were always serious when it came to your work. But now you’re treating children like research subjects! I want this project shut down now!”
Ritsuko glared at Misato, and her voice was cold enough to make her shiver. “That’s not up to you to decide, Major. I have full written authority from Commander Ikari to continue development of the P.E.T.s, regardless of results.”
“Fine then! As Asuka’s guardian, I’m denying you the right to experiment on her!”
“Haven’t you heard yet? Custody over the Second Child has been transferred to me. I will be responsible for her from now on.”
“What?! I didn’t approve of that!”
“It wasn’t up to you. I originally requested it in order to conduct full-time observations in case anything went awry, but now I think I’ll see about making it permanent.” Ritsuko turned her back Misato, and looked at her over her shoulder. “I was going to tell you under different circumstances, but you just had to push where you had no business doing so.” She brought her head forward, and began walking away. “I’ll be monitoring the pilots to see where exactly I need to make improvements. Don’t come looking for me. You’d only get in my way.”
Misato could only stare at Ritsuko’s back in astonished disbelief. “Well fine then! And good luck with having Rei and Asuka under one roof! I hope they drive you up the wall!”

As she heard Misato run off in the other direction, she smirked. Oh, I wouldn’t be too worried about that. And don’t worry. You’ll be joining them soon enough. She made her way through the lab to the observation rooms, where Rei was already waiting. She stopped and ruffled Rei’s hair, scratching behind her ears and drawing out a satisfied purr. She hardly noticed as Rei began rubbing her head against her, lost in thoughts of soon to come revenge. Eventually, she shook her head and moved on to Asuka’s room, leaving Rei to follow behind. She walked in, and looked at Asuka in her suit, lying unconscious on the floor, and couldn’t help but laugh. She leaned down, and idly played with Asuka’s hair as she began speaking.

“You know, I really do prefer cats. Their more intelligent, more independent, and cleaner then dogs, not to mention much cuter. However, for you, I was willing to make an exception. It all went exactly as planned. I knew that you’d become jealous of Rei’s improved performance and eventually come to me for a suit of your own. I have to say, I really enjoyed that begging. It was what made me sure that I wanted you as a dog. My dog, to be precise. They’re all fools, every last one of them. Especially that Misato. She’ll see. They’ll all see! …but I digress. This is about you, my little bitch. You should be ecstatic. You’re finally getting all the attention you could want.” She reached into another pocket, and pulled out a metal collar with a bone shape on it. With a wrench, she pulled it open, and settled it around her neck. “You should be happy. I’m making you a pet, just like you asked for.” She snapped the collar into place around her neck as she laughed wildly at her own humor.

Who am I? My head…it’s so hazy. My body…I can’t move! Why? Why can’t I move?! Please, someone, anyone, please help me! I don’t want to disappear. I don’t want to die. I’m not a doll. I’m a girl! Please, won’t anyone help me? I’m not a doll. I’m not a doll. I’m not a doll. I’m not a doll. I’m not a girl. I’m not a girl. I’m not a girl. I’m not a girl. I am a dog. I am a dog. I am a dog. I am a dog. I am a dog.

Asuka blinked, and opened her eyes to see a woman standing above her. As soon as she saw her, she felt herself consumed in a storm of loyalty. She quickly rolled over onto her belly and looked up at her with bright eyes and her tail wagging with excitement. Oh, I hope she plays with me! Please look at me! Please love me! the woman looked into her eyes, and she felt herself wiggle with excitement. I know this smell. This is my new master. She smells really nice. Oh, I hope she likes me! She barked to get her attention, and began licking at her shoes. See? See? I’ll do anything! Please won’t you love me? She tried to look up at her master with pleading eyes while continuing to lick her shoes. Suddenly, her master moved, causing Asuka to jerk back as she made a noise for a long time. She waited anxiously, until finally the noise stopped, and her master bent down and pet her on the head, causing her to quake with happiness. She praised me! She praised me! She praised me! She praised me! She praised me! She praised me! She stopped suddenly as her eyes twitched. Master was talking. She listened intently, trying very hard to focus on what her master was saying. I didn’t understand all of that, but it sounds nice! I can’t wait! Mistress began moving, and made a motion for her to follow. Oh boy! We’re going somewhere! I hope it’s to my new home! I can’t wait! I’m going to go home with mistress and do all kinds of fun things! She’ll feed me and play with me, and if I’m really good, maybe she’ll even pet my special place! Oh, I can’t wait! I wanna go now!”