jlee100441@aol.com (JLee100441)


Alternate Future

By James Lee

Disclaimer: The following characters are not mine. They belong to
other people who could destroy me if they wanted to. Please don't sue
me!

Part 1
Nerima Present Day:
        Urd shook with uncontrolled fury at the scene that had just
unfolded. To say she was mad was to say that there was a little ice in
the Arctic. She wanted to kill. She wanted to rip out Mr. Tendo's
so-called spine and hand it to him. She wanted to vaporize all
Nerima in a radioactive mushroom cloud.
        *CURSE THEM! How could they do this!?* Urd slammed her
fist down onto the bridge railing, denting it. How could she stand for
this!
        Her hobby. Her pet project. Something she'd secretly been
working on the side while trying to get her sister and Keiichi together.
A half a year of hard labor. Something that was actually beginning to
look like a success was smashed in less than half an hour!
        *And that little tramp! How could she do that? After all the
work I put in making her attractive to him. Granted she didn't know I
was helping but the little viper really needed it.* Urd growled. *How
could she do this to me!? Even more so, how could she do this to
HIM!? After all he's done for her. After all the times he's saved her
ass. After he threw away his CURE FOR HER! Her and her family
just threw him away like garbage! And why? Because he's Burakumin!?
Because some ancestor of his was a meat butcher 300 years ago!?*
"ARRRGH THAT'S IT! SHE DIES TONIGHT!"
        Urd turned to carry out her threat, but stopped when she heard
a sob from under the bridge. Urd looked down at the boy with a
pigtail who was curled up in a ball and crying. Urd sighed. "Poor kid.
He's the one who's really going to suffer for this. Now that everyone
knows he'll probably won't be able to graduate high school, let alone
find a job. His life here might as well be over."
        Suddenly an idea popped in her head. *What if he was
somewhere else?* Urd quickly shook her head. "No! If I do that I'll
be in all sorts of trouble!" Urd then looked back at the boy near the
canal. A look of determination came to her face. "Aww. When am I
not in trouble!?" Urd jumped the railing and landed on front of the boy.
        The boy looked up at the strange woman. "W-Who?"
        "It's OK Ranma. I'm a friend." Said Urd as she placed a finger
on Ranma's forehead. "SLEEP."
        Ranma collapsed in blissful sleep. Urd then began to draw a
magic circle around her and Ranma. After half an hour the circle was
complete. Chanting a spell, both Urd and Ranma disappeared.

                        *****

NERV Headquarters 2015  0200 HRS
        Gendo walked past the EVA cages, looking at the EVAs.
His EVAs. Not NERV's. Sure as hell not SEELE's, but HIS EVAs.
He stopped to look at unit 01, the key to everything. *Some day.*
Thought Gendo as he turned to return to his office. Suddenly Gendo
whirled. "Who's there!"
        There was no one there. *Hmmm I could have sworn someone
was near the entry plug.* Gendo crawled up to the entry plug of unit
01. It was empty. Gendo was about to crawl down when he was
overcome with the desire to enter the entry plug. Although Gendo
didn't know why, he felt it was important to get into the plug. Crawling
into the plug Gendo looked around the controls. Suddenly the hatch
slammed shut on Gendo and the entry plug twisted into unit 01.
        For a brief moment Gendo felt something that was very rare
for him, panic. He began to bang on the hatch trying to open it. That
not working, Gendo then tried the eject system. It too was inoperable.
        "Gendo." The NERV commander froze at the sound of the
voice that just spoke to him. A voice that he had not heard in years. A
voice he that he had dedicated his life to hearing again. "Y-Yui?"
        "Yes it's me Gendo."
        "H-how?"
        "I've been given this time to tell you something important."
        "W-What?"
        "Tomorrow a boy will be found. His name will be Ranma and
he will have no memory. Gendo you MUST make him a pilot. He is
a mighty avatar, a powerful warrior sent to help you."
        "An avatar?"
        "Yes. There is something else I need to tell you."
        "Yes?"
        "Gendo, SEELE is wrong. We were wrong. If what's going
on continues unchecked it will lead to the end of the world. Both you
and SEELE are tampering with things that no human should. SEELE
must be stopped, but you must stop also. You have to let it go Gendo.
You have to let me go Gendo."
        "B-But Yui I can't!"
        "Please Gendo! I'm dead. You cannot release my soul from
this machine. But there is a part of me that still lives though and it's
not Rei Ayanami."
        Gendo blinked.
        "My son Gendo. Our son, Shinji."
        "S-Shinji?"
        "Yes Gendo. It's not too late. Being part of this EVA lets me
see all of Shinji's thoughts and memories. I know many of the things
he doe's at NERV he does for you! He wants your acceptance more
than anything right now."
        "I-I don't know Yui."
        "Please try Gendo. PLEASE!" The entry plug began to move.
"I have to go now. Good bye Gendo. Remember, I love you."
        "YUI! DON'T GO!"
        Entry plug hatch opened. Gendo crawled out to see Maya
standing by the auxiliary controls. She jumped at the sight of the
commander. Gendo looked at her. "What are you doing?"
        "Y-Your orders were for all the EVAs to be combat ready at
all times. I'm sorry sir. I-I didn't know you where in there."
        Gendo waved his hand. "Carry on."
        "YES SIR!" Maya turned and left for Central Dogma, glad
that she had somehow avoided the commanders wrath. She did find it
odd that he of all people were in unit 01's entry plug.
        Gendo returned to his office. He had much to think about.

                        *****

        Urd and Ranma appeared on a street in Tokyo 3. Urd placed
Ranma against a nearby wall and put a hand on his chest. As Urd
chanted a spell, Ranma became younger. He became slightly smaller
and his face became less angled. "There. That should make you a
suitable pilot."
        Urd then placed her hands on Ranma's head. Chanting another
spell, Urd removed a large part of Ranma's memory, leaving only his
name and martial arts. That finished, she bent down and kissed Ranma
on the forehead. "Good luck with your new life Ranma Saotome." She
then started to draw another magic circle, this time around only herself.
In an instant Urd was gone, leaving only an unconscious Ranma.

                        *****

Tendo Dojo Present Day:
        Akane Tendo was watching the TV as her family purged the
house of anything that might of connected them to the Saotomes. She
couldn't believe that she had come so close to marrying one of THEM.
Then there was Nabiki screaming about how stupid her family was
being. *Hmph! Who is she to judge us, with all her scams!?*
        Suddenly the image on the television was replaced with that
of a woman. The woman had long silver hair and odd marks on her
face. The woman spoke. "Akane Tendo. Get your family here. I want
to talk to you all."
        *What the?* Thought Akane as she reached for the remote.
        <click>
        "No use doing that."
        <click>
        "I'm on every channel!"
        <click>
        "I control the horizontal."
        <click>
        "I control the vertical."
        <BZZZZTT> Akane screamed and dropped the now electrified
remote control.
        "I control that little box that turns it on and off!"
        Kasumi and Soun hearing Akane scream, quickly enter the
room. Soun yelled. "What's going on!?"
        "Ah good! Your all here. Now we can get started. Wait a
minute...." Said the woman counting with her finger. "you're short one."
        "Nabiki didn't agree with our decision. She packed her things
and left a while ago." Said Kasumi.
        The woman on the TV smiled. "Heh. Smart girl. Has more
sense than her family. Must come from her mother."
        Akane didn't like that remark. "Who are you!? What do you
want!?"
        "I am the goddess Urd. The Cupid of Love and Norn of the
past. Your treatment of Ranma is appalling. I have decided that you
are unworthy of him. To this end I have taken him away. I have sent
him across time and space so that you'll never find him. Even if you
did, I have removed his memory so he won't even recognize you."
        Soun scowled. "So What!? Why should we care? We don't
need that TRASH around here!"
        Urd's face darkened. "Oh? Who will defeat the next demon
Happosai releases? Who will rescue your daughter the next time she's
kidnapped? Know this TENDO. Some day your going to NEED Ranma
Saotome and he will not be there to help you."
        Urd let that sink in for a moment before going to a news caster
voice. "We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming."
Urd's face was replaced with an episode of 'Barnie'.
        "Well, she wasn't very nice." Said Kasumi as she went back
to her work.
        Akane decided she had enough TV for the night and headed
for her room. She couldn't help being bothered by the woman's last
words.

                        *****

        As Urd entered the temple she could hear the phone ringing.
Urd sighed. There was no doubt in her mind as to who it was. "I'll
get it. It's for me."
        Urd picked up the phone. She knew she was in for it. There
was no talking her way out of this one. "I'm going to be terminated for
this aren't I?"
        [No.] Said the voice on the other end. [Although your means
were wrong again, your reasons were good. What's done is done.]
        Urd blinked.
        [However you have broken several laws. Illegal travel in time
and space. Illegal transport of a mortal in time and space. Deliberate
changing of a mortal's life path. I'm sorry Urd but I must put you on
indefinite suspension.]
        Urd winced. It was however, the best she could hope for. "I
understand sir."
        [Urd, where did you put him?]
        "I placed him on E306/2015."

        Up in heaven Kamisama smiled. *Perfect!* "Good. He could
be very valuable there." Kamisama then frowned as something occurred
to him.

        [Oh, Urd.]
        "Yes Kamisama?"
        [You did remember to do something about the Jusenkyo curse,
right?]
        "D'OH!!!"

To be continued

I like to acknowledge Susan Doenime for her fanfic "Poison" for which
most of this part is based on.

Please send C&C, etc., etc. to JLee100441@aol.com


Alternate Future
By James Lee

Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. They are the property
of there owners, people far better than me.

Part 2 Here's Ranma Again?
TOKYO 3 0700 HRS (From now on, unless otherwise noted,
everything will be taking place in Tokyo 3. JL)
        Ritsuko Akagi locked the door to her apartment and started
to head for work. As she entered the elevator she went over her
schedule for the day. The EVA pilots were to have a harmonics test
today. This test was particularly important for Shinji. Ritsuko wanted
to see if his being trapped in the 12th Angel had effected his sync rate.
        Stepping outside her apartment building, Ritsuko looked up at
the sky. Some dark clouds were forming. *Hmm, looks like rain today.*
Thought Ritsuko as she made her umbrella handy. She then headed for
the train station. Looking back up at the sky, Ritsuko sighed. Normally
on days like this she would ask Misato for a ride, but today she couldn't
reach her. *I really should look into getting a car. After all. If a
impractical,
disorganized, slob, like Misato can afford one, I should have no...YAA!*
Ritsuko stumbled and nearly fell on her face.
        Looking down to see what she tripped on, Ritsuko saw a leg.
The leg was attached to a boy who appeared to be 14-15 years old.
The boy had black hair done in a pig-tail and seemed to be passed
out. Bending done Ritsuko shook the boy's shoulder.
        "Excuse me. Are you all right?"
        There was no response. Ritsuko checked the boys pulse and
breathing. *Well he's alive.* Ritsuko reached into her purse and took
out her cellular phone. Opening it, she dialed a number.
        "Hello, Tokyo 3 General?"
        It began to rain.
        "Yes. I need you to send an ambulance.....to....the...never mind!"
Ritsuko quickly shut the phone as she watched the boy in front of her
begin to transform. In an instant the boy was replaced by a girl with
red hair. Ritsuko reopened her phone and dialed another number.
        "Hello Maya? It's me. Have the infirmary send an ambulance
to the corner of 54th and Ribbon street and meet me at the infirmary.
..Oh, and cancel the sync test for today."
        Ritsuko closed the phone and looked back at the boy now
girl. "What are you?"

                        *****

        Gendo, Fuyuzuki, and Misato entered the NERV infirmary
under the Geo-Front. They were followed by the three EVA pilots,
who were curious about what had canceled the sync test. Gendo oddly
didn't seem to mind when Shinji had asked if they could come along.
The six enter a room marked privet, Ritsuko was waiting inside. On the
wall was a large two way mirror looking into the next room. In the
next room was a boy laying in the bed. The boy had black hair done
in a pigtail. Also inside the room was Maya, writing some things on a
notepad. Gendo turned to Ritsuko.
        "Well Dr. Akagi, tell us what's so important."
        "I found this kid earlier this morning on my way to work. I
think it would be better to show you than tell you." Ritsuko pushed
the button on the room's intercom. "Maya. Do the water test again."
        Maya nodded and went to the sink. Filling two glasses with
water she returned to the bed and began to pour one of the glasses
onto the boy.
        "What? Is he a plant?" Asked Asuka. Ritsuko ignored her.
The whole room, minus Ritsuko and Gendo, gasped as the boy changed
into a girl. Ritsuko spoke into the intercom again.
        "Use the hot water now."
        Maya poured the other glass onto the girl changing her back
into a boy.
        "This is odd." Said Rei.
        Asuka glared at her. "Well DUHH Wonder Girl!! The guy just
changed sex for crying out loud!"
        "How is this possible Dr. Akagi? Is he...she an Angel?" Asked
Fuyuzuki.
        "I don't know. We haven't gotten all the tests back yet, but
what we do have say the he's as human as anybody. The only thing
we do know about it is that cold water changes him into a girl and hot
water changes him back."
        "So what's wrong with him?" Asked Misato.
        "He appears to be in a very deep sleep, like he's been sedated.
However, the tests we've gotten back so far show no signs of tranquilizers
or any other type of sedative."
        "Will it look's like Sleeping Weird is awake now." Said Asuka.
The others turned back to the mirror. The boy was indeed awake and
was starting to sit up.
        "Well I guess we should go talk to him now." Said Ritsuko as
she turned to head for the door. The other's soon followed, however
as Misato neared the door she turned to the three pilots.
        "You three wait here."
        "Huh What for?" Asked Asuka.
        "There'll be enough people in there already. Besides you can
see everything through the mirror." Said Misato as she left the room.

                        *****

        The boy watched the four people enter the room. One was an old
man in a uniform. The man had a look of wisdom. Another man that
came in was middle aged and wore dark glasses. The other two were
women. One had long black hair and was in a red and black uniform.
The other was a blond in a white lab coat. The blond went to the boy's
bedside.
        "Ah. I see your awake. How do you feel?"
        "Umm OK." The boy looked around the room. "Where am I?"
        "Your at the NERV infirmary. You were brought here earlier
today. I'm Dr. Ritsuko Akagi. Now do you mind answering some
questions?"
        The boy shrugged. "Sure."
        "Name?"
        "Ranma Saotome." Gendo raised an eyebrow.
        "Do you know how you ended up on that street this morning?"
        Ranma thought for a moment. "I-I can't remember."
        "Can you tell me where you live? Is there anybody we can
call?"
        Ranma thought harder, but there was nothing. "I-I don't know."
        "OK. Is there anything else you can remember? Friends,
places you've might of been, anything."
        Ranma shook his head. "There's something, but I can't put
my finger on it."
        "Ranma, you change sex with water. Do you know why?"
        Ranma looked at her. "You're joking right."
        Rather than answering him, Ritsuko poured some more water
on him. At first the just looked surprised, but as she realized the change
she began to breathe rapidly. Ritsuko realized that the girl was
hyperventilating. Taking a barf bag out of a nearby medical stand, Ritsuko
placed it to the young girls mouth. Once the girl's breathing returned
to normal, she pushed the bag away and started screaming.
        "NNNOOOOOO!!!" Misato and Maya tried to restrain the
girl, while Ritsuko tried to calm her down.
        "RANMA, CALM DOWN! IT CAN BE REVERSED!"
        Braking free of Misato, Ranma grabbed Ritsuko by the collar.
Dragging Ritsuko down (an impressive feat considering the woman
was twice her size), Ranma began shaking her violently.
        "CHANGE ME BACK! CHANGE ME BACK!"
        "MAAAAYAYAYAYAAAA!" Maya quickly got some hot
water and poured it on the girl. After Ranma changed form again, he
backed up against the wall.
        "Wh-What have you done t-to me!?"
        "We haven't done anything to you Ranma. You were like
this when we found you." Said Ritsuko, still waiting for the world to
stop spinning. *That kid doesn't know his own strength!*
        "Th-This c-can't be right! W-What's wrong with me!?"
        "We don't know Ranma. Perhaps we'll find out in time. Do
you know what sex you are?" Asked Ritsuko.
        "I'm a guy."
        "Are you sure? How do you know?"
        Ranma stopped. How did he know? He didn't. It just felt
right. "I just know. I'm a guy."
        Ritsuko realized that she wasn't going to get anymore good
answers out of Ranma for a little while. "It's all right. Why don't you
get a little rest, we'll continue in a moment. Is there anything I can get
you?"
        "I-I am a little hungry." Maya pushed a tray of food up to the
bed. "It's still hot." Ranma began to eat the food.
        Ritsuko watched for a moment before she and the others went
into the hall. *The kid knows how to put the stuff away!*

                        *****

        Out in the hall the five adults gathered around to discuss Ranma.
        "Are you OK Ritsuko?" Asked Misato.
        "Yeah I think so. The boy's got some strength!" Said Ritsuko,
rubbing her neck. "Can't really blame him I guess. I wouldn't be too
happy to find out something like that."
        "Yeah, I guess your right."
        "Well?" Asked Gendo.
        "He appears to be normal, outside of you-know-what. I think
we should get some more information on him." Said Misato. Gendo
nodded.
        "I would like to get some more tests done on him as well."
Said Ritsuko. Once again Gendo nodded.
        "Are there any other health problems other than what we've seen?"
        Ritsuko shook her head. "No sir. Boy or girl he's one of the
healthiest kids I've ever seen."
        "Very well. Major, have NERV intelligence do a check on the
name Ranma Saotome." Misato nodded. "In the mean time, designate
him as the forth child and assign him to unit 03 when it arrives from
the U.S." The others looked at him in disbelief.
        Misato spoke up. "C-Commander!? We don't know who this
kid really is or where he comes from!"
        Ritsuko broke in. "For once I have to agree with Major Katsuragi
Commander. We don't know if he's even human!"
        Fuyuzuki looked at Gendo. "Are you sure Gendo? This isn't like
you."
        The commander looked at the others. How was he supposed
to tell them that the GHOST of his wife told him it would be a good
idea? He really wasn't sure himself. Even if what he was told in the
entry was true, Yui had made no mention of the boy being a shapeshifter
Fortunately there were also some good reason for Gendo to do this.
        "As a member of NERV he will be required to have a complete
physical examination, as well as a polygraph test. If he does prove to
be telling the truth and to be human then his shape shifting ability may
provide us with valuable information. At any rate it will allow us to keep
an eye on him. To this end I want him staying with one of you."
        Misato shook her head. "I've got my hands full with Shinji and
Asuka."
        *Hands full with what? They do all your house work!* Thought
Ritsuko. However, she had to admit that with Shinji, Asuka, and Pen2
there things were getting cramped. Maya was no better. Her apartment
being no bigger than Rei's. "I guess he can stay at my place."
        "Make it so." Gendo then turned and left with Fuyuzuki following.

                                *****

        Asuka looked at the boy through the two way mirror. *This
Ranma is too weird. I wonder what the others are talking about?*
Asuka was about to go out in the hall and check when Ritsuko, Maya,
and Misato reentered Ranma's room. Ritsuko went back to Ranma's
bedside. Ranma, who had calm down some, looked up at the doctor.
        "I-I'm sorry about earlier. I-I just lost it when that happened."
        "That's all right Ranma, are you ready to continue?" Ranma
nodded. "Ranma, you know what the Angels are?"
        "Umm aren't those suppose to be the messengers of god?"
        *He doesn't know what the Angels are!?* Thought Asuka.
        Ritsuko shook her head. "Do you know what second impact
is?"
        Ranma thought then shook his head. "Umm no."
        Asuka turned to her fellow pilots. "That's it! He's from another
planet!" Shinji and Rei just shrugged.
        Ritsuko continued. "Well you see Ranma, fifteen years ago. A
being known as the first Angel exploded in Antarctica, causing what
we call second impact. This disaster devastated the world and killed
2.5 Billion people." Ranma gasped. "Now the Angels have returned.
They attack this city often in hopes of starting a third impact that will
destroy all mankind."
        Suddenly an idea entered Asuka's head and she didn't like
where the conversation was going. *They wouldn't!*
        "Conventional weapons have proven useless against the Angels,
but NERV does have a weapon that does work. The artificial lifeform
Evangelion is the only weapon that can defeat an Angel. That is the
purpose of NERV, to defeat the Angels."
        *T-They couldn't!*
        "However only a chosen few young children can pilot an EVA.
What I'm asking Ranma is would you be willing to pilot an EVA?"
        "WHAATTT!!!!"

                        *****

        Ranma looked back at the mirror. He could have sworn he
heard something from the other side. Ritsuko winced. *Damn! I forgot
they were in there! I should have waited until Misato took them home.*
Ritsuko felt sorry for her coworker. She wasn't going to hear the end of
this soon.
        Ranma thought about what Dr. Akagi asked him. The truth
was, outside of finding his memory, he literally had nothing better to do.
Also, these people had been very kind to him even after he went
berserk and they were in trouble. He felt he should at least try to help
them. "Umm yes. I'll try to be an EVA pilot."
        Ritsuko smiled. "Good! Now you'll have to have some tests.
Also for the time being you'll be staying at my....."
        Suddenly the door burst open and a girl with long auburn hair
stormed into the room. "I DON'T BELIEVE THIS! Your going to
make this THING an EVA pilot!"
        "Those are Commander Ikari's orders Asuka!" Said Misato.
        "Wonder Girl I can understand! Shinji I can understand! Even
one of the other two Stooges I might understand! But this complete
FREAK of a stranger that you found on the street!? You don't even
know if he's a boy or a girl!"
        Something about what this Asuka said lit a spark in Ranma.
"HEY! I'm a GUY!"
        "Hard to tell Hydro Girl!" Said Asuka as she grabbed a glass
of water off the lunch tray and splashed Ranma. She then returned to
yelling at Misato.
        Ranma-chan muttered. "At least I'm not a witch."
        "WHAT DID YOU SAY!?"
        That was it. "I said at least as a girl I'm better built than you!"
        "AARRRGGGGHH"
        Ritsuko watch Asuka as she left the room, slamming the door.
She then turned to Ranma-chan who was now unconscious due to the
metal serving tray slammed in her face. "Now that he deserved."
        Misato and Maya just nodded their heads.

To be continued.

Send C&C to JLee100441@aol.com


Alternate Future

By James Lee

Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. They are the property
of their respected owners. Etc., etc., etc.

Part 3 Home and School

        Ritsuko opened the door to her apartment then looked back
at Ranma. He looked a little worse for wear, and she couldn't blame
him. After he had awoken from his Asuka-induced slumber, he'd gone
through a full battery of medical tests in both forms. Afterwards Ritsuko
had taken him shopping for clothes and school supplies.
        "Welcome to your new home Ranma." Ritsuko said as she
entered her apartment. Ranma followed her in. The apartment was
well kept and clean. There were cat collectibles all over. Cat pictures,
cat calendar, cat pillows, cat clock, cat rug, toys that looked like cats.
        "Well, what you think Ranma?.....Ranma?" Ritsuko turned to
see Ranma standing nervously just inside the room. He seemed to be
eyeing all the cat collectibles everywhere. "Something wrong Ranma?"
        "I-I don't know. Something about this place makes me uneasy."
        "Oh? What?" Ritsuko couldn't see what there was to be uneasy
about. The place wasn't a disaster area like Misato's had been when
Shinji arrived. All her cat things were neatly arranged. There were no
bags of trash all over the place.
        "I-I don't know."
        "Well your room is two doors down the hall, on the left. Why
don't you get unpacked and get a bath while I make dinner."
        "OK." Ranma left for his room. Ritsuko went into the kitchen
and started to work on a meal. As she worked she thought about the
boy that was now staying with her. She was a little worried about this.
Before, she didn't have a cat because she didn't think she had the time
to take care of one. Now she had a boy to take care of and she wasn't
exactly sure if she could handle it. She thought about asking Misato
for advice, but didn't want to go crawling to her yet. She also still
didn't know if Ranma was human yet. Truth be told, she was a bit
nervous about having Ranma in her home. However, Ritsuko was
also a little excited.(No, not like that! Get your minds out of the
gutter!) Although she wasn't sure about Gendo's decision, she had to
admit that Ranma may prove useful. If Ranma was human and he
could synchronize with an EVA, he could provide valuable data on
the differences between male and female pilots.
        A while later Ranma entered the kitchen to find Ritsuko sitting
at the table, she was writing on a small note pad. On the table were
two plates of food. Sitting at the table, Ranma began to eat.
        Ritsuko watched as Ranma inhal...er ate his dinner. *If he eats
like that all the time I'm going to have to ask for a special food bonus!*
"Okay Ranma. I think I've worked out how we'll handle the chores.
Are you ready."
        "Mmm Hmm" Ranma nodded, not slowing down on his eating.
        "OK here's how it will go. Everyday each of us will do half of
the chores. Who does a certain chore will alternate each day. So I'll
do dishes Monday, you'll do them Tuesday, I'll do them Wednesday,
etc., etc. That's sound's fair, ne?"
        Ranma swallowed. "Umm sure I guess so."
        "Good! now it's getting late, so you better get some sleep.
You'll be starting school tomorrow. You'll be in the same class as
Asuka and the other pilots."
        "Oh joy." Ranma dryly as left the table. After he left, Ritsuko
put the note pad down and started to eat her dinner. *WHAT THE
HELL!* She found her plate already half empty. *Why that little....I'm
definitely going to have to ask for that food bonus.*

                        *****

        The next morning Ritsuko awoke to a noise. At first she thought
it might have been a prowler, but then remembered Ranma. Putting on
a robe, Ritsuko went to Ranma's room. Opening the door she found
Ranma had cleared a large space on the floor and appeared to be
doing some sort of shadow boxing. Noticing her Ranma spoke.
"Ritsuko, I remembered something!"
        "What Ranma?"
        "This!" Ranma did another more complex kata. "I was a
martial artist!"
        "I see Ranma. Do you remember where you learned that?"
        Ranma thought for a moment then looked down. "No. I don't.
All I can remember is the moves. I can't remember when or how I
learned them. Nor can I remember anything else. I stayed up half the
night trying to figure out just who I am. But I can't remember anything.
I can't remember my parents, where I went to school, nothing at all."
        "It will be OK Ranma. Perhaps you'll remember in time. Now
I think you should get a bath and get ready for school. I'll start on
breakfast." Ranma nodded and headed for the bathroom. Ritsuko
went to the kitchen and started to cook. On a hunch she made a
double portion for Ranma. Entering the kitchen dressed in his new
school uniform Ranma, true to form, tore into his meal. *Um-Hm.
Definitely need that food bonus.*
        Ranma finished his meal(and a quarter of Ritsuko's) and was
about to leave when Ritsuko stopped him. "Ranma wait. There are
some things I need to give you."
        Ranma sat back down. Ritsuko then put a bag on the table.
Reaching into the bag, she pulled out a cellular phone and a piece of
paper. "Keep this phone on you at all times. This is how we will reach
you in case of an emergency. That piece of paper has the numbers for
headquarters, and the apartment." Ritsuko then took out a small packet
and handed it to Ranma. "Keep this on you at all times also. This contains
your emergency orders. In case headquarters is destroyed, there's a
power outage, or you're hurt, or any other thing. If you don't know
what to do and can't reach us, open that packet and read. It will tell
you what to do hopefully."
        "Now your shape shifting ability has been deemed classified
by NERV. I don't think you really want people to know either."
Remembering the girl Asuka, Ranma nodded. Ritsuko handed Ranma
a umbrella and a thermos. "Here's an umbrella in case it rains. We've
already explained to your school that you can't take part in swimming
classes. This is hot water to change back. DO NOT change back in
public. If your stuck in a crowd pretend to be someone else."
        Ranma looked at the thermos. "Umm...OK."
        "Now hurry. You don't want to be late."

                        *****

Meanwhile at the Katsuragi Institute for the Mentally Unbalanced:
        "Hurry up Third Child we're going to be late!" Yelled Asuka
as she dragged Shinji to the door. Suddenly Misato stepped in front
of them. "HOLD IT you two. I need to talk to you."
        Asuka and Shinji went back to the table. Once they were seated
Misato spoke.
        "OK. Starting today Ranma will be in your class."
        "WHATT!? The Hydrosexual is going to our school!?"
        "Yes. And that's another thing. Ranma's shape shifting ability
has been deemed classified and is considered a NERV secret. That
mean's you're not to discuss it with anyone. Not your teachers, not
your classmates, not ANYONE. Is that understood?"
        "Umm Yes Ma'am."
        "Yeah yeah."
        "That goes DOUBLE for you Asuka!"
        "All right all ready! I get your point!"
        "Good! Now get to school."

                        *****

        Ranma was walking to his new school when he heard a voice
he didn't care to hear again anytime soon.
        "What the hell are you doing up there!?"
        Ranma looked down from the fence to see a girl with long
auburn hair in a blue and white school uniform. *Oh oh. It's that witch
Asuka.* There was also a boy and another girl with her. The boy had
dark hair and was dressed in the same uniform he was. The girl had
very pale skin and blue hair and was dressed in the same uniform as
Asuka. *They must be the other pilots.*
        "I said what are doing up there!?"
        "I'm walking to school. What's it to you?"
        "Are you stupid!? That's what they make sidewalks for!"
        "Well maybe I like walking this way, especially if means I
don't have to walk next to YOU!"
        "GRRR FINE! I hope you fall and break your neck!" Asuka
turned and start stomping to school. "Stupid hydrosexual."
        "Uh hi I'm Shinji Ikari." Ranma looked back at the boy who
was holding his hand up. Ranma knelt down and shook it.
        "Hi Ranma Saotome."
        "Yeah I know. Umm why are you up there?"
        "I don't know. It just feels right that's all."
        "Oh."
        With that they started walking to school. While they walked,
Ranma tried to get to know his fellow pilots. Asuka gave Ranma
the cold shoulder treatment, to which Ranma replied with the I don't
care look. Shinji seem to a bit nervous but otherwise all right person.
The other girl Rei seemed to be the silent type, the VARY, VARY
silent type.

                        *****

        "Uhh Hi I'm Ranma Saotome." Said Ranma in front of his name
on the chalk board. "I look forward to class here."
        "Now I expect to You all to make Mr. Saotome welcome
here. Mr. Saotome you may sit over there next to Mr. Aida." Said
the Teacher. Ranma moved to the desk he was pointed to. He was
next to a boy with glasses and freckles. The boy was talking to Shinji.
        "That's the new EVA pilot isn't it Shinji?"
        Shinji looked at the boy. "Umm how did you know?"
        "That's all my dad was yelling about last night. Couldn't you
have put in a good word for me!?"
        "Put in a good word for you?"
        "Yeah! I do anything to pilot an EVA." The boy looked at
Ranma. "What's he got that I don't"
        *Besides proper flesh to bone ratio?* Thought Ranma. He then
heard a voice behind him. "Don't mind Kensuke, he's got EVAs on the
brain."
        Ranma turned and saw a tall boy dressed in a sweat suit with
short spiky hair. "Hi I'm Toji Suzuhara."
        "Umm hi."
        "So you into any sports?"
        "I think so."
        Asuka watched as Ranma and Toji talked. "Figures, he get
together with the three stooges."
        "Is he really the new EVA pilot?" Asked Hikari.
        "Yes Unfortunately!"
        "So what's wrong? He's cute and he seems like a nice guy."
        Asuka turned to Hikari. "Are you joking!? He's an idiot, a
jerk, and he's weird!"
        "Weird? What you mean?"
        "HE...he.." Asuka remembered what Misato told her. "he's
just weird all right!"
        Before Hikari could ask Asuka for more clarification, class
started.

                        *****

        Ritsuko entered Gendo's office carrying a file. Approaching
Gendo's desk she placed the file in front of him. Opening the file
Gendo began to look through it. "Well?"
        "We've gotten all the tests back. They all say he's human."
        "And the girl?"
        "The tests say the same thing for his female side. We still haven't
figured out how or why he changes. The only thing we have found out,
besides that water activates it, is that the change is complete down to
the DNA level."
        "What's this request for a FOOD BONUS?"
        Ritsuko looked a little nervous then sighed. "He's got the right
name sir. He eats like a horse. You saw him at hospital. It's nothing
compared to what he's like at home."
        Misato snickered while Gendo raised an eyebrow. "I'll think
about it. Major Katsuragi?"
        Misato stepped forward. "We haven't been able to find any
Ranma Saotome in the records. The closest we've come is a Genma
and Nodoka Saotome. They however were killed in a car crash shortly
after they were married in 1979, no children."
        "I see." Gendo began to think. Although he wouldn't admit it,
he was very unsure about making this boy an EVA pilot. All the
medical test stated that Ranma was human, but the fact that there was
no record of him made Gendo uneasy. "Major schedule Saotome's
polygraph test for tomorrow. I also want it backed up with a true serum
test afterwards."
        "Yes sir." Said Misato who then turned and left the office.
        Gendo then turned to Ritsuko. "Unit 03 has arrived from the
United States. Schedule the activation test for three days from now."
        Ritsuko nodded and left the office. Gendo leaned back on
his chair and began to think some more. Even if Ranma passed both
the polygraph and the serum test, there would still be problems.
Namely how to explain his decision to SEELE when they found out.

                                *****

        Lunch time at the high school found the pilots, Hikari, and
Kensuke eating in the classroom. It was raining outside. Ranma was
eating his lunch with the usual gusto. Asuka looked at him disgusted.
        "Your a real PIG, you know that Ranma!"
        "Who asked you!?" Retorted Ranma.
        "Just pointing out the obvious. Doesn't Ritsuko feed you?"
*Why doesn't Shinji put more food in these things!?*
        "Sounds like love." Whispered Hikari.
        Asuka turned to Hikari "WHAT!?"
        "Nothing." Said Hikari smiling and shaking her head. She
then returned to her lunch. *Strange? I could have sworn I put four
meatballs in here.*
        Kensuke decided to change the subject. "Man! It was real
bummer, it raining like that in the middle of gym class. Hey Ranma.
Where did you disappear to? I thought you were out on the track when
it started."
        Ranma stopped eating and looked at him. "Umm I was close
to one of the entrances; so I-I just ran in when it started."
        "Oh. I was just curious. It was like you just vanished." Said
Kensuke. *Funny? I thought I had more rice than this.*
        Toji walked up and flopped down on his desk. "Aww Man.
I lost her."
        "Lost who?" Asked Shinji looking up from his bento. He didn't
notice the lightning quick hand that snatched an unsuspecting pickle
from his lunch.
        "The girl of my dreams. I saw her after gym class running
inside from the rain. I tried to follow her, but she disappeared. I've
checked all the classrooms, but I can't find her anywhere."
        Hikari narrowed her eyes. "The GIRL of your DREAMS!?"
        "So what's the girl of your dreams look like?" Asked Kensuke.
        "She had this killer body. I mean she could give Misato-sama
a run for her money. She had these big blue eyes and bright red hair
done in some sort of pigtail."
        "Urk!" Shinji choked on his tea. Rei raised an eyebrow. Hikari
glared at Toji. Ranma looked nervous and a little pale. Asuka snickered.
        Toji noticed Asuka. "What's so funny?"
        "Nothing (snicker) nothing."
        "You know something don't you!? Come on Asuka tell me
about her!"
        "Yeah Asuka, tell us about her!" Said a darker Hikari.
        "Sorry (snicker) can't tell you. (snicker) Classified, (snicker)
need to know information. (snicker)" With that Asuka ran from the
room and burst out laughing.

                                *****

        Later the four pilots were walking home from school. It had
stopped raining and Ranma was walking on the fence again. Asuka
was still snickering whenever she looked at Ranma.
        "You know Ranma, (snicker) that's some boyfriend you've
managed to catch. (snicker)"
        "Awww shut up! I told you I'm a guy!"
        "Yeah right! Honestly, I don't understand why they make a
freakazoid like you an EVA pilot. What's next? They gonna put an
angel in the cockpit?"
        "At least maybe the Angel won't be a stuck up witch."
        "WHAT DID YOU SAY"
        "I SAID YOUR AN UNCUTE, UNSEXY, STUCK UP
WITCH!"
        "THAT'S IT! ARRGH" Asuka swung her bookbag at Ranma's
feet, trying to take them out from under him. Ranma however, jumped
over the swing. Landing back on the fence, he stuck out his tongue and
went "NYYAHH". Ranma then took off down the fence running.
        "COME BACK HERE YOU STUPID HYDROSEXUAL!"
Asuka followed Ranma in hot pursuit. Shinji and Rei watch the two
quickly disappear down the street. Shrugging, they continued on their
way home.

To be continued.

Epilogue:
Six Blocks Later:
        "come (huf) (huf) back (huf) (huf) h-here (huf) (hyaaahhh)"
An exhausted Asuka collapsed onto the street.



Send C&C to JLee100441@aol.com


Alternate Future

By James Lee

Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. I'm using them without
permission.

Part 4 EVA 03
        The boys gym class was running laps today. As the boys each
waited there turn they did what they did best, watch the girls class at
the pool just behind the track. Shinji was watching Rei, who was (as
usual) just leaning against the fence. Suddenly Toji was in front of him.
        "What ya doing Shinji?"
        Shinji jumped. "Umm ahh nothing!"
        "Yeah Right! You were watching Rei again weren't you?"
        "I-I-I-I"
        Kensuke walked up. "Come on Shinji. We have to be blind
not to notice you got a thing for her. When ya gonna ask her out?"
        "A-Ask her out!?"
        Toji nodded. "Yeah! You really should too, considering your
job."
        "My job?"
        Kensuke nodded his head. "Yeah Shinji, both you and her got
a dangerous job. If you wait too long, it might be too late. After all you
know what they say. Drink and be marry today for tomorrow..."
Kensuke put his hand's on his hart and put on a tragic voice. "You
Diiieee." Shinji didn't see the humor in that. "But seriously Shinji, at
least you can see your girl. Toji's still looking for his dream girl."
        Shinji looked at Toji. "Y-your still looking for her?"
        "Yeah. I can't find her anywhere. I tell you it's weird. It's like
she's disappeared off the face of the planet. By the way Shinji, where's
Ranma? I was hoping to race him today."
        "Oh he, Ritsuko, and Misato went to Matsushiro for the
activation of unit 03."
        Kensuke jumped up. "THE ACTIVATION OF UNIT 03!?
Aww man, they didn't invite us!"

                                *****

        Ritsuko, Misato, and Ranma were on the train to Matsushiro.
Ranma spent most of the trip trying to watch the scenery go by. Ritsuko
spent her time going over the various tests they had planed for the day.
Misato just snickered at Ranma most of the time. Ranma had his
polygraph and true serum tests yesterday. Although he had pass both
tests, some of the questions had given Misato some amusing answers.
Finally Ranma couldn't take it anymore.
        "Aww cut it already will ya!"
        Ritsuko looked up and smiled. "Well Ranma, you have to admit
you do have an interesting problem."
        "You don't know the half of it. Not only do I have to worry
about Toji, but I think that Hikari girl is jealous."
        "HIKARI'S JEALOUS!?" Misato lost it and started laughing
hard. Ranma glared at her and decided to change the subject. "So why
are we having the test way out here."
        "Oh that's because of what happened to unit 04 Urk." Misato
stopped laughing and elbowed Ritsuko hard. This wasn't lost on Ranma.
"What happened to unit 04?"
        "Oh umm nothing important." Said Misato. Ranma wasn't sure if
he believed her. She seemed to be hiding something.

                        *****

NERV testing facility, Matsushiro.
        "Begin LCL flood."
         Ranma looked down to see a liquid begin to fill the entry
plug. "Hey! What is this stuff!?"
        "Don't worry Ranma. Once your lungs fill with LCL your
blood will be oxidized directly." Said Ritsuko from the control room.
        "You expect me to BREATHE this STUFF!"
        "Ranma, we all spend nine months breathing liquid. You just
need to get used to it again." Ranma tried to hold his breath, but he
eventually opened his mouth. He felt like he was going to be sick, but
wasn't going to admit it. The various technical personal began to speak.
        "LCL pressure is good."
        "Cardiac monitor system good."
        "Power systems are go."
        Ritsuko looked up at unit 03 and at Ranma on one of the view
screens. She was pleased to note that the LCL didn't trigger a change.
"Set Language Perimeters to Japanese. Begin activation!"
        "Beginning activation."
        "Approaching border line."
        "Border line reached......and passed."
        "Activation complete. Sync rate is at 60%."
        "Whoa that's pretty good!" Said Misato.
        Ritsuko nodded. "Ranma, how do you feel?"
        "Umm OK."
        "Good. Now try moving the arms." Ranma brought unit 03's
right arm up and made a fist. He then did the same for the left arm.
        "Very good Ranma. We're moving on to the next test. Ranma,
we're going to open the cage and remove the restraints. We want you
to try walking. Go slow at first. Are you ready?"
        "Yes ma'am."
        "Open the cage."
        The sides of the cage that surrounded the massive beast slide
open. Soon the restraints that held the EVA upright snapped open and
unit lurched forward. Ranma's first steps with the EVA were clumsy
and it almost fell. However, after walking around the small testing
room a few times, Ranma got used to it. Soon Ranma had unit 03
doing one of his practice kata.
        "OK Ranma that's enough for now. Back up to the cage so
we can lock it down."
        "That was pretty impressive." Said Misato as unit 03 began
to back up to the cage with little problem. "So what now?"
        Ritsuko sipped her coffee. "Now we have Ranma 'change'.
We then give 'her' the other plug suit and start over. If everything
works out, we then go back to Tokyo 3 and prepare for the exercise."
        Misato nodded.

                                *****

        That night Ritsuko, Misato and the pilots were eating dinner
at Misato's apartment. Ranma (after a considerable argument) had
proven to be just as good a pilot in female form as in male and unit
03 was now on it's way to Tokyo 3. Ranma was eating as he usually did.
He was glad to be having dinner at Misato's. He didn't know why, but
Ritsuko's apartment still made him uneasy. The only place there that
didn't make him nervous was his room. Ranma didn't know which was
worst, being scared or not knowing what he was scared of.
        As they ate, Ritsuko moved back from the table for a chance
to see Ranma the food bandit in action. Watching carefully, she was
able to make several observations.
        Observation 1: Ranma got away with his attacks by use of
incredible speed. Even Ritsuko, who knew what to look for, could
barely see his hands move. The only other person to notice was Rei,
when Ranma took a vegetable off her plate. Rei looked at Ranma, but
said nothing.
        Observation 2: The more people eating the more likely Ranma
was to get away with his attacks. Ranma never hit the same plate twice in
a row. Also the more plates aloud Ranma to take less from each plate,
thus the victims didn't noticed the slight reduction in food.
        Observation 3: Ranma seemed to be doing his attacks
subconsciously! Ritsuko watched as Ranma got into a full argument
with Asuka, yet still take food from Misato and Shinji. This concerned
Ritsuko. If this habit of his was programmed into him, it would take a
lot of work for her to brake it.
        Observation 4: No food item was safe from Ranma. The entire
meal was made by Misato, yet Ranma was eating at only a slightly
lower rate. He'd even taken a fish from Pen Pen's bowl! Ritsuko had
to wonder what type of poison Ranma must have been exposed to.
Not only did he eat Misato's cooking, but he seemingly enjoyed it.
        Finally Ranma got caught when he grabbed a piece of food
at the same time as someone else. Fortunately for Ranma it was a
piece of food that was on the table, not on someone's plate. Unfortunately
for Ranma it was a piece that Asuka had been grabbing for.
        "Hey Hydrosexual! That's mine!"
        "No way! I saw it first!"
        "Did not!"
        "Did too!"
        As they argued, Ranma and Asuka started to have a tug a war
for the morsel. This ended when Pen Pen jumped on the table, took
said piece of food, and popped it in his mouth; thus ending the fight....
NOT!
        "Now look what you did!"
        "ME? Your the one who has to be so greedy!"
        "Well what am I supposed to eat now huh!?"
        "Ahh you can use some weight loss."
        "WHATT!?" Asuka jumped up ready to attack.
        "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Misato yelled. "Asuka sit down! That's
an order! And be quite."
        "That goes for you too Ranma!" Ritsuko added in. *The first
thing I going to have to do is teach you some tact!*
        Asuka sat down grumbling. Ranma just glared at her.
        "Well now that dinner is over, We can talk about the little
exercise we have planned tomorrow." Said Misato.
        "Exercise?" Asked Shinji.
        "Yes. Tomorrow you will be doing a team combat exercise
at the outdoors combat range outside Tokyo 3." Said Ritsuko. "Ranma.
You should make the most of this exercise. It will give you a chance
to see how an EVA operates on real terrain. It's a lot different from
the clear test room. There's a lot of stuff out there that your EVA can
trip on: woods, power lines, even a few old buildings."
        Misato took over. "The scenario is as follows. It will be a meeting
engagement. You four will be broken up into two teams. Each team
will start on opposite ends of the combat range. You are to move in and
destroy the opposing team."
        "All range weapons will be equipped with a MILES(1) laser system.
All of the EVAs will have a false cores attached to them. If your core
is hit by a MILES laser or destroyed in hand to hand combat; then
your EVA will be considered destroyed and you will have to sit out
the rest of the battle. An AT field can stop a MILES laser. So as
always, you will have to neutralize your opponents AT field before you
fire."
        "The teams will be as follows. Team one will be Shinji and
Ranma. Shinji will be mark and Ranma will be point. Team two will
be Rei and Asuka. Rei will be mark and Asuka will be point."
        Asuka spoke up. "Girls verses the boys huh. Hmph no contest."
        "I'll say. I feel sorry for poor Rei being stuck with the Wicked
Witch of the West." Said Ranma.
        "Will at least she isn't stuck with the Hydrosexual Rookie!"
        "ASUKA/RANMA!" Misato and Ritsuko growled at the same
time. The two quitted down.
        "Now if there aren't any questions, I suggest you go home and
rest. Shinji. You'll be staying at Ritsuko's tonight with Ranma."
        "Umm yes ma'am."
        "Rei. You'll be staying here with Asuka."
        "Understood."
        "Wonder Girl's staying here? What for?"
        "This is so each team can spend some time discussing battle
plans for tomorrow. Don't stay up too late. The exercise will start
sometime tomorrow. The city will be having a civil defense drill at the
same time; so it will be like a real combat alert. There will be sirens
and we'll be calling you on your cell phones. So be ready and good
luck."

(1)MILES: Military Integrated Laser Engagement System
                        *****

        The next day Misato stood at Central Dogma. They had started
the alert at 09:30. All the pilots had made it to Headquarters in good
time and were now waiting to be launched. It was time to start the
exercise.
        "Okay guys and girls are you ready?"
        "This is unit 01, yes ma'am."
        "This is unit 03, ready."
        "This is unit 02, ready to win."
        "This is unit 00, I am ready"
        Misato turned to Aoba. "How's the weather up there?"
        "It's a little drizzly and there's some sort of fog over entry point
nine."
        "Well that's nothing they can't handle. Commander?" Up at
the commander's station Gendo just nodded. "Begin exercise, EVAs
LAUNCH!"
        In a few seconds the EVAs where at different points on the
combat range. Asuka moved out immediately.
        "Cover me Wonder Girl." Not waiting for a response, Asuka
charged on. Using the many hills in the area for cover, she made it
halfway though the combat range before she saw a flash of black.
*Must be unit 03, the Hydrosexual!*
        "Hey Wonder Girl, it looks like I about to mix it up with the
Hydrosexual. Keep an eye out for the Third Child."
        Suddenly a red light filled Asuka's entry plug and pleasant, Kasumi
like voice proclaimed. "EVA killed, direct Fire. EVA killed, direct fire."
        "Whahh!?" Asuka turned to see unit 00 emptying it's rifle
into her. "Oh ha ha Wonder Girl, VERY FUNNY. Are you stupid!?
You're supposed to kill THEM not ME!"
        Back at Headquarters Misato and the control crew groaned.
Misato put her hands to her head. "All right, let's start over. Move
back to your start positions." *Hell of a time for Rei to get a sense of
humor!*
        Back at the range Asuka began to return to her start position.
"Well Wonder Girl, you heard her, back to the start positions."
        The blue EVA dropped the now empty weapon, but didn't
move. "Hey Wonder Girl, you got problem!?"
        There was no response. "Wonder Girl?"
        When Asuka screamed, Misato looked up at the screen to
see unit 00 throwing unit 02 around like a rag doll. Misato noted that
unit 00 looked different. The EVAs arms were longer and it was hunched
a little making it look less like an EVA and more like a Cyclops guerrilla.
"What the hells going on!? Rei!?"
        "We're picking up an AT field!" Shouted Hyuga. "Type blue!"
        "A-An Angel has taken over unit 00!?" Misato didn't want to
believe it, but as it slammed unit 02 down one last time it seemed that
was just what happened.
        "Unit 02 is out of action!" Maya began yelling. "Unit 00 has changed
curse and is headed towards Tokyo 3!"
        Gendo jumped up from his chair. "Eject the entry plug, NOW!"
        "Ejecting entry plug......It won't eject! Something stopped it
halfway!"
        "NO!" Gendo cursed, things were getting worst by the second.
        "We just got the report from the MAGI! All three consider
the unit too dangerous to attack hand to hand! They recommend range
weapons only!"
        "Commander?" Asked Misato looking up at Gendo.
        The NERV commander sweated. Why couldn't it be unit 02
or 03? Why unit 00? Why Rei? Gendo shut his eyes, he was going to
hate this for a long time. "S-Send a loaded rifle to both units 01 and
03. D-Designate unit 00 as the 13th Angel and.......destroy the target!"
        "C-Commander!? You can't be serious!? What about Rei!?"
        "We have no choice Major! Destroy the target! That's an order!"
        Misato looked at Gendo a moment then nodded. As much of
a bastard she thought he was, she knew he wouldn't sacrifice his precious
Rei unless it was absolutely necessary. She then turned to the view screen.
"Shinji, Ranma?"
        "Yes ma'am. What's going on?"
        "Yeah Major, I just saw Rei trash the Witch."
        "Stand by to receive new weapons. Ranma go to the building
marked with the red P. You'll find the weapon in there." Misato turned
to Aoba. "As soon as unit 01 is armed freeze it's controls and cut
comm link between the two unit's."
        Aoba raised an eyebrow, but did as he was ordered. Misato
then took a deep breath. She knew there was no way Shinji was going
to follow the next order.
        "OK Major. I got the gun, but I've lost commo with unit 01."
        "Misato, I've rearmed. Why have you frozen my controls?"
        "L-Lesson very carefully. Unit 00 has been taken over by an
angel. R-Ranma, engage and destroy the Angel."
        "WHATT!?" Both pilots yelled.
        "Ahh Major what about Rei?"
        "I-I'm sorry. We have no choice, Ranma."
        "YOU WANT ME TO KILL HER!?"
        Misato didn't look at the screen. "Ranma, if that angel makes
it to NERV headquarters then we'll all be dead! I'm sorry Ranma, but
you have to do this!"
        "RANMA YOU CAN'T!! RANMA!?"
        Ranma however couldn't hear Shinji's pleas. Unit 03 aimed
it's rifle at the EVA now angel unit 00. Ranma then hesitated. This
was not what he had signed up for. Ranma had been told that the
angels were all monsters. This however, was another EVA unit. An
EVA unit with a human pilot, a GIRL EVEN. Looking at the EVA through
the gun sight he could see her entry plug sticking out of the back. *THE ENTRY
PLUG!!*
        "Unit 03 has dropped it's weapon and is increasing speed!"
        Misato looked up. "WHAT! Ranma! What the hell are you
doing!?"
        "Tell Shinji to stand by! I'm going for the entry plug!"
        "Ranma NO! You can't fight that thing hand to hand!"
        "It's too late! It's noticed him!"
        Unit 00 turned and lunched an elongated arm at unit 03, but
Ranma easily dodged it. The arm missed, but it did take out unit 03's
power cable.
        "Ranma! Without that cable you got five minutes!" Ranma
didn't reply, instead he pushed his assault. Slowly unit 03 closed on
the angel, dodging a fury of blows at ever increasing speed. When
it was close to unit 00, unit 03 launched it's own attack. Unit 03 arms
became a blur as they struck the angel multiple times. Misato turned
to Ritsuko.
        "I didn't know an EVA could move that fast."
        Ritsuko just looked at the screen. "Nether did I!"
        "IMPOSSIBLE!" Maya cried out. Ritsuko turned to her.
"What!?"
        "According to this, unit 03's fist struck the target 158 times in
less than FIVE SECONDS!" Misato looked at Maya in disbelief.
"What! No way!"
        Unit 03 then kicked the dazed angel in the stomach, causing it
to bend over. Grabbing hold of the entry plug as carefully as possible,
unit 03 ripped it out of unit 00's back. Then everything stopped. Inside
unit 03, Ranma looked at the counter on his screen that was now a
line of zeros. "Oh shit!"
        "Unit 03's battery power is depleted!"
        "No! Not now!"
        Unit 00 quickly recovered and slammed the helpless unit 03
into a nearby hill. The now powerless unit 03 lost it's grip on the entry
plug. The plug flew several hundred feet before smashing into the
ground.
        "Unfreeze unit 01's controls!" Misato shouted. "Shinji! Rei's
out! DESTROY UNIT 00 NOW!!"
        As if sensing the order, unit 00 leaped at unit 01.  Shinji
however, was fast at aiming. Blood rained down as 21 depleted
uranium slugs tore through unit 00 in midair. The angel landed in front
of unit 01 and tried to attack, but was blown back as Shinji emptied
his rifle into it. Finally the angel infected EVA unit collapsed.
        "Unit...I mean enemy target destroyed."
        "What's the condition of the pilots?"
        "Asuka's alive, so is Ranma. We're not getting anything from
Rei's entry plug! The transmitter's been damaged!"
        "Send the rescue crews out now!"

To be continued



Send C&C to JLee100441@aol.com


Alternate Future

By James Lee

Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and Evangelion are not mine. They are the
creations of people much better than myself.

Part 5 Aftermath

Warning Spoilers ahead!

        Rei sat in unit 00 waiting to be launched. They were to be having
a team combat exercise today. To her dismay she was teamed up with
Asuka. She was surprised by her feelings on this. Normally she didn't
care about such things, but this time she found herself wishing she had
been teamed with Ikari-kun. She had been feeling the need to be close
to him a while now and didn't know what to do. She thought of asking
Ikari-san, but wasn't sure how to ask him. Misato's voice then came
over the comm channel.
        "Begin exercise. EVAs launch!" In an instant unit 00 was racing
for the surface. Upon reaching the surface however, something odd
happen. Unit 00's controls freezed and Rei found herself facing
'herself'?
        "Who are you?" Asked Rei.
        "I am you." Said 'herself'.
        Something about that wasn't right. Rei narrowed her eyes.
"No your not."
        "Your right I'm not you. I not a DOLL." Rei narrowed her
eyes even more. She started to feel something that was very rare and
a bit scary to her, anger. "I am not a doll!"
        "Yes you are. You're Commander Ikari's doll. His toy. His
tool. You exist only to serve his needs." Said 'herself' smiling.
        "No I don't!"
        "Yes you do. You have nothing. You are nothing outside this
metal shell. You have no friends. There is nothing outside this place
for you."
        "Yes there is!"
        "Oh? What? Commander Ikari, who see's you as the reincarnation
of his dead wife? His coward son?..."
        "SHINJI IS NOT A COWARD!!" Screamed Rei, surprised
by her outburst. One of the reason this emotion anger scared her was
because she had so little control over it.
        "I see. What would he see in a half angel freak like you? Why
would he want a weirdo half bree....AHHHHHH" 'Herself' suddenly
screamed and everything went black.
        When Rei woke up she found herself in all too familiar surroundings.
She was in the infirmary. Her head hurt as well as her chest. Looking
down she could see her leg in a very large cast.. Looking to her right
she could see Shinji sleeping in a chair next to the bed. "S-Shinji?"
        Shinji woke up. "Ayanami? How do you feel?"
        "H-head hurts. What happened?"
        "Umm your EVA was taken over by an angel. It attacked and
took out unit 02. Ranma manage to get you out, but we had to destroy
unit 00. You were hurt when unit 03 lost it's grip on the entry plug.
You've been unconscious for over a day now."
        "I see. You stayed here with me?"
        "Umm Y-Yeah. I-I wanted to make sure you were all right."
        Rei smiled at this. She tried to think of what to say next. "Thank
you." That sounded right.
        "W-Well I'll let you rest." Said Shinji getting up. Then he stopped.
He remembered what Kensuke had told him. *Drink and be merry
today for tomorrow you die.* After yesterdays events, it seemed like
that was true. Shinji looked back at Rei. Could he do this? "Umm
Rei?"
        Rei looked at Shinji. "Yes?"
        "Umm I-I was wondering i-if you would l-like to g-g-go out.
Umm Maybe to a-a movie or something a-after you get out o-of
h-here?"
        Rei thought about this. She wasn't quite sure how to respond.
She then thought of what 'herself' had said, that she had nothing. Rei
smiled because now she knew that the angel (that's what she assumed
was 'herself') was wrong. "Yes. I-I think I'd like that."
        "GREAT! Umm I see you later then." Rei just nodded. Shinji
left the room smiling. He lost this smile when he saw the next visitor
coming down the hall. "Father."
        Gendo looked at his approaching son. Normally Shinji could
not look at him, but this time he was glaring at him with a face full of
hatred.
        "Those orders to destroy unit 00. Those where your orders
weren't they!?" Gendo tried to walk past him. "I don't have time for
this."
        Shinji grabbed his arm "MAKE TIME! Those were your
orders weren't they!?" Gendo looked at him then nodded. "Why!?"
        Gendo thought for a moment. He thought about what Yui had
told him. That he should try to come closer to his son. But was Shinji
ready for the truth. No Gendo decided Shinji wasn't ready, not for all
of it. But Gendo had to answer him.
        "If we should ever fail to defeat an angel; if an angel should
succeed to reach NERV Headquarters. Then all humanity, 2.5 billion
people, will parish. What is more important: the life of one pilot or
the lives of every man, woman, and child on earth." Shinji couldn't
answer him. "I made my decision on the knowledge I had at the time.
I did not know of Saotome's ability to combat the angel hand to hand.
If I had know I would have order a rescue attempt, but if he failed I
would have order the destruction of unit 00 anyway. Those are the
decisions I have to make. Now if you will excuse me." Gendo left
Shinji to think about what he said.

                        *****

        Meanwhile in another part of the infirmary, Asuka and Ranma
were getting discharged for their minor injuries. As usual Ranma and
Asuka were fighting. Ritsuko and Misato tried to look like they didn't
know them. This was silly since this was the NERV infirmary and
almost every one knew who the children and their guardians were.
        "Are you stupid Hydrosexual? I mean really, letting your
power run out in the middle of combat."
        "Oh yeah? You did a good job getting thrown around all over
the place!"
        "Well you did a good job too! Putting Rei in the hospital that
is!"
        "Better in the HOSPITAL than in a CASKET!"
        Asuka tried to retort, but couldn't think of anything. Instead
she marched away grumbling about stupid hydrosexuals. After Asuka
was gone, Ranma turned to Misato.
        "What's with her? Did I beat up on her in some past life?"
        Misato took a deep breath. "Ranma, Asuka just very
competitive. She wants to be the best EVA pilot in NERV and right
now things aren't going her way."
        "And she's taken it out on me because I'm the competition."
        "Asuka's very proud and a little arrogant. She has her reasons."
        "And those are?" Asked Ranma.
        "I can't tell you that Ranma. I have no right. Only Asuka can
tell you why, when she's ready." Misato moved to follow Asuka, but
then stopped. "Oh....Ranma. I should chew your ass off for breaking
orders yesterday, but I can't. Ranma...thanks. You did a very good job
yesterday."
        Ranma watched Misato leave then turned to Ritsuko. "Well
we going home or what?"
        "Or what. We're going to the lab. I want to talk to you about
that attack you did yesterday."
        Ranma grimaced. "Not more tests?"
        "Um hm." Said Ritsuko nodding her head smiling.
        "Oh WONDERFUL." Said Ranma sarcastically.

                                *****

        In a dark room in some corner of the world, the five men that
were the SEELE conceal discussed recent events. In front of them were
the holograms of Gendo and Fuyuzuki.
        "Damn it Ikari what's going on? Just where did you get this
new pilot. This kid isn't even on the Muldock Report."
        "Isn't on the Muldock Report? He's not on any report! It's like
this boy doesn't exist."
        "What's the idea of putting this child with no record what so
ever in the cockpit of an EVA Ikari?" Asked Keele.
        "Pilot Saotome was found a few days ago by one of my
employees. Although he had no record and no memory, medical tests
showed that he had unique qualifications for EVA testing. After a complete
background check and polygraph test that showed no hostile intent, he
was assigned to unit 03. A decision that proved to be wise, considering
yesterdays events."
        "True, this new pilot has if anything proven to be.....effective."
Said Mr. Green.
        "But what about the risk he put unit 03 in when he broke orders?
What about the damage the unit sustained as a result?"
        "The damage to unit 03 was light. Pilot Saotome broke orders
to save his fellow pilot Rei. A action he was successful in. I doubt
either of the pilots would have open fired on the angel in any other
case." Said Gendo.
        "Yeah some rescue! The girl now has a broken leg, cracked
ribs, and a concussion. She'll be out of action for months!"
        "Yes but she is alive." Replied Gendo.
        "If you were worried about the pilots not engaging, why didn't
you just activate the dummy plugs?"
        "Need I remind you that Rei is a vital part of the Human
Compliment Project?" Asked Gendo.
        "Yes, but a part that can easily be replaced." Said Keele
        Mr. Green broke in. "True however, Pilot Saotome's actions
have saved us the considerable cost of reviving and retraining a
replacement."
        Keele looked at Mr. Green then back at Gendo. "Alright Gendo,
you may continue to use this new pilot. Keep in mind however, that
we'll be watching you from now on. The rest of this meeting doesn't
concern you." With that the holograms of Gendo and Ikari vanished.
*What are you up to Ikari?* Thought Keele.

                        *****

        Later in the day Misato went down to Ritsuko's lab. Like
Ritsuko, Misato was curious as to what Ranma did yesterday. Entering
the room Misato saw Ritsuko and Maya writing notes on notepads as
Ranma was grabbing objects at incredible speed. Misato spoke to
Ritsuko.
        "He can do that without the EVA!?"
        "Not only can he do it, but he's even faster without the EVA."
Ritsuko looked down at her notepad. "In a period of five seconds he
hit a target 203 times."
        Misato whistled. Then Maya spoke up. "Not only that but his
female form is faster still. She hit the target 257 times in five seconds."
        "That's pretty intense."
        Ritsuko nodded. "Look at what he's doing now. Do you notice
anything?"
        Misato looked at Ranma. He was now grabbing nuts and bolts
out of a tray of water and putting them into two separate piles. She
could barely see his hands as he put them into the water. WATER!?
"Ahh isn't water supposed to change him?"
        Ritsuko smiled. "That's right. Ranma's moving so fast that his
hands aren't getting wet. Do you here that snapping sound?" Misato
nodded while wondering if Ranma was from another planet. "At
first we thought it was his fist impacting. We now know it's really his
hands actually breaking the sound barrier!"
        "Speaking of changing, I've been meaning to ask you why
doesn't Ranma change in the LCL? It's kind of like water, isn't it?"
        Ritsuko shook her head. "LCL is like water but it isn't. It's
oxygen rich and has very little water content. We've found that Ranma's
changes are highly dependent on the water content of the liquid that
changes him. Liquids with very low water content like LCL won't
change him. On the other hand, liquids with high water content like
coffee or tea will change him."
        "I see. Do you think he can teach this attack to the other pilots?"
        "Hmm he might, but it would probably take years for them to
get to that level. I been working on a theory as to why Ranma's able to
do things like this."
        Misato looked at Ritsuko. "Oh? Let's hear it."
        "I think that Ranma was raised solely to be a martial artist."
        Misato had trouble believing that. "Oh come on Ritsuko!
There's no way that can be done with just martial arts! Besides who
would raise their kid like that!?"
        "I don't know, but that's what's seemed to happen with Ranma.
I've been looking up some info on the martial arts ever since Ranma
told me that he was a martial artist. After I discarded all the crap about
ki blast, battle auras, and such; I found documented proof that a
martial artist can do some pretty interesting things with years of
training and discipline."
        "Now I've been looking at Ranma's school grades for the
past few day's. His grades in science, math, history, and writing are
the worse I've seen. However, I've also given Ranma some basic
intellect tests. Ranma is actually a very smart problem solver and a
natural learner. You saw how fast he took to piloting an EVA." Misato
nodded. "I think with the proper upbringing Ranma could have been
as smart as Asuka, if not smarter."
        "Don't tell either of them that." Ritsuko nodded, she wouldn't
want to see the fight that would come from that bit of knowledge.
        "Also his physical condition is better than any Olympic athlete.
He'd have to spend years exercising to get to his current level of health.
        "Anyway, I know this sounds crazy. However, I think that
this evidence proves that Ranma has spent the bulk of his childhood
learning martial arts and not much else."
        "Well it's nice that he can do all these things but isn't growing
up like that kind of unhealthy in the long run. I mean you said his school
grades are the worst you've seen and look at his social skills. He has
almost none." Said Misato.
        Ritsuko nodded her head. "Yes I know. I plan to have a talk
with him about his school work and his social skills sometime."

                        *****

        The next day Hikari entered the school in a foul mood. She
had missed her train that morning and was now considerably late. As
class representative, she was supposed to be setting a good example.
Yet here she was twenty minutes late. Suddenly Hikari felt someone
bump into her from behind. Turning around she saw a girl digging in
her school bag for something. Pulling out a thermos the girl looked up
at Hikari. "Umm...Sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."
        "That's okay." Said Hikari as the girl quickly passed her. *At
least I'm not the only one late for class. Funny, that girl's wearing a
boys uniform.* Hikari then froze as she looked at the girls hair. The
girls BRIGHT RED hair, done in a PIGTAIL. Hikari quickly ran up
to the girl. "HEY YOU! STOP!"
        The pigtailed girl jumped and muttered something that sounded
like "Oh shit!". The girl then turned to face Hikari. Hikari glared at the
girl. "What are you doing in that uniform!? Just who are you!?"
        The pigtailed girl seemed to have trouble answering Hikari's
questions. Suddenly the girls eyes widen and she pointed behind
Hikari. "Oh my god! What's that!?"
        Hikari turned her head for two seconds, but quickly turned it
back. "Oh Please! You can't think...Whaah!?" Two seconds however,
was all the girl needed. She was now halfway down the hall and bolting
through a door.
        "Your not going to get away that easily!" Hikari ran down to
the door. Without looking she entered the room, only to run strait into
a slightly damp Ranma. "Where is she!?"
        Ranma looked a little nervous. "Ah Where's who?"
        "That pigtailed girl! I saw her come in here!"
        "Umm there's no girl here Hikari, this is...."
        "This is what!?"
        "Umm this is the boys room." As if on cue a boy exited one
of the stalls zipping up his pants. He froze at the sight of the girl.
Hikari bolted from the restroom, her face now a nice shade of purple.
*That bitch! She deliberately lead me there. Oooooo wait till I get my
hands on her!"

                        *****

        Gendo looked up as Ritsuko entered his office. "Well?"
        "I have the final damage assessment for unit 00."
        "Go on."
        "We can find no trace of the angel that entered unit 00. It is
the Magi's opinion that the angel was destroyed during the battle.
Therefor the unit may be recovered. The damage to unit 00 however,
is quite extensive and it will be two months before it can be ready for
combat."
        Gendo nodded his head. "Proceed with the recovery of unit
00. If there is any chance of the unit being combat capable again, then
we must take it."
        "Yes sir. Umm sir?"
        Gendo looked up. "Yes?"
        "Since we've just received a S2 engine for testing and we'll
be almost completely rebuilding the unit. I would like to go through
with the XX upgrade. Even with the last upgrade the unit has been
lacking the combat edge that the other units have, being only a test
model. The XX upgrade would give it the edge it needs."
        Gendo thought about that. He had to admit that unit 00, just
didn't measure up to the newer combat units. He was uneasy about
the untested S2 engine, but why put a combat capable unit at risk?
"How long will it take to upgrade the unit."
        "With the XX upgrade, two maybe three months. With her
broken leg, Rei is going to be off the combat roster for most that time
anyway."
        Gendo nodded. "Alright. You may upgrade the unit."
        "Thank you sir." Ritsuko then turned and left the office.

                        *****

        Asuka was almost finished with her lunch when Toji  sat down
in front of her. Asuka just looked at him for a moment. "What do
want?"
        Toji pushed an envelope to her. "I need you to take this..."
        "What is it?"
        "It's a love letter." Said Toji. Asuka pushed the envelope back
to him. "No thanks. I get enough of those from the rest of the perverts."
        "It's not for you! It's for the pigtailed girl. I know you know her."
        Asuka looked back at the letter. *That's for Ranma!?* It took
all her will not to laugh out loud. Asuka began to think of all the humiliating
ways she could deliver the note. Then something better occurred to
her. Most people think that Asuka likes to think with her fist. This is
true for the most part. However Asuka is also very, very smart and
she couldn't miss this beautiful setup. "Yes Toji I do know her. Tell
you what! You buy me an ice-cream and I'll tell you the fastest way
to get that letter to your Pigtailed Girl."

                        *****

        Ranma and Shinji were walking home after school when they
heard a sound behind them. They turned to see Toji and Kensuke
approaching them. Toji walked up to Ranma holding a note. "Ranma
I want to know why I have to give this to you."
        "What is it?" Asked Ranma.
        "It's a love letter."
        "Hey man you aren't weird are you?" Said Ranma backing
away from Toji.
        "No! Asuka said 'The best way to get your letter to the pigtailed
girl is to give it to Ranma'. So what's she to you?"
        Ranma tried to calm himself down as he answered. "Listen,
that girl want's nothing to do with you and you really don't want
anything to do with her. Believe me. Now if you will excuse me I've
got dishes to do."
        With that said Ranma ran down the street and turned the corner.
"Hey wait a minute!" Toji took off after Ranma and was greeted with
a face full of water when he turned the corner. A automatic sprinkler
system had just gone off. Toji thoughts however, where on the girl that
he had been looking for and was now in front of him. They were
particularly drawn to the way the water made her shirt stick to her skin,
doing a good job of showing the fact that she wasn't wearing a bra.
A now wet and angry Ranma walked past the boy, ignoring him. Toji
quickly collected himself. "Ah hi. I'm Toji Suzuhara, what's your name?"
        "Go away." Said Ranma.
        "Aww don't be like that. I just want to talk. Maybe you'd like
something to eat?"
        Ranma stopped and glared at Toji. "Listen I'm not interested
OK."
        "What's your problem. Wait a minute it's Ranma, isn't it? He's
your boyfriend isn't he."
        "WHAT!?" *Great. Does it get any better?* Thought Ranma.
        "Hey you!" Said a new voice. Ranma turned to see an angry
Hikari and a smirking Asuka walking up to her. "I want to talk to you!
What's the big idea leading me to the...." Hikari saw Ranma's shirt. "Oh
my god! Have you no modesty!"
        Ranma looked at the shocked and angry Hikari. She looked
at Toji who seemed to be trying to figure out what was going on. She
could also see Shinji and Kensuke walking up. Ranma then looked
sourly at the smirking Asuka. *She's no doubt getting her kicks off
of all this.* It was Asuka who had sent Toji to her. Ranma also had
no doubt as to who pointed her out to Hikari. Suddenly Ranma got
an idea. An idea that, if it worked, would get both Toji and Hikari off
his back and teach Asuka a lesson at the same time. Ranma turned to
Toji. "Listen I'm not interest in you, Ranma, or any other boy!"
        "huh?"
        "I want a GIRLFRIEND!"
        "WHAT!!??" Everyone cried out at once.
        "I like GIRLS, like HER!" Ranma suddenly grabbed Asuka's
arms and pinned them to her sides. She then kissed Asuka full on the
lips! Asuka's eyes widen in shock. Toji's, Hikari's, and Kensuke's
eyes widen in disbelief. Shinji looked on with a forbodding sense of
dread. Although he had absolutely nothing to do with this, some how
he knew it was going to suffer for it. Ranma disengaged the shocked
Asuka and turned to the others. "So there!"
        Noticing the expression on Asuka's face turn from shock to
anger to insane rage, Ranma took off down the street. Asuka was
fast on his tail screaming German curses all the way.
        Toji, Hikari, and Kensuke collapsed onto the street. "S-She's
a lesbian!?" They said at once. Shinji watched as Ranma and Asuka
became small dots on the horizon. He wondered if it was now a good
time to run away again.

                                *****
Later that night:
        "(BAM)(BAM)(BAM) Open this damn door Ritsuko! (BAM)
(BAM)(BAM) I know that perverted Bastard's in there!" Ritsuko
listen to Asuka banging on the door. There was no way she was going
to open the door. She had no desire to see her home and collection
destroyed in the ensuing fight. Putting her hands to her head, she could
feel a headache coming on. *So this is the shit Misato has to put up
with.* Ritsuko looked up at Ranma. "Ranma. I'm very disappointed
in you."
        "Meee! She's the one who started..." Ritsuko cut him off.
"Ranma I know Asuka can be annoying at times. I also know she took
advantage of your condition. But getting revenge by kissing her in public
in girl form was going to far. I can not approve of your actions Ranma
and I can assure you that Major Katsuragi is probably very upset
about this too." *Who am I kidding!*

        Back at Misato's palace loud laughter could be heard
throughout the apartment. "BWAHAHAHAHA ALL RIGHT RANMA
he he YOU GO GIRL BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

        *Yeah. She's probably laughing her ass off right now.* Thought
Ritsuko before she started speaking again. "And what about Hikari
and the others. Did you stop to think what they would think about
seeing that..."

        Hikari laid on her bed thinking about what she had seen
earlier. *I've known Asuka since she first came here. Could she
really be like that? If not why didn't she resist when that girl kissed her.
Granted the girl was holding Asuka's arms, but how strong can the
girl be?* "Well Asuka's still my best friend. If she's really is like that
then I'll have to give her all the support I can."

        "Ranma, you have the bad habit of acting before thinking. Did
you think about what might happen with Asuka, when you did that?"
Ranma didn't answer. "I thought not. Now we're going to have Asuka
beating on the door all night! I think after she's calmed down some
you should apologize to her, probably tomorrow." Ranma just nodded
 "Ranma, your initiative does you credit but you must consider the
consequences of your actions. Do you understand?"
        Ranma nodded again. "I think so."
        "Also I think you need to be a little more polite when talking
to people."
        Ranma blinked. "More polite? What do mean?"
        "Ranma right now you tend to say what's on your mind too
much. You have the bad habit of putting your foot in your mouth when
dealing with people you're upset with. This just tends to make the
situation worse."  Ritsuko heard more banging on the door. "Now I
know it can difficult with some people, but I think you'll find it easier
to deal with people if your a little more polite to them. Do you
understand?"
        Ranma looked back at the door, which was shaking from
Asuka's continued bombardment. "I-I guess so."
        "Good. Now I think you should go to bed now. You have
school tomorrow and I think Asuka's going to keep us up most of
the night." As if to show the fact, another round of banging and cursing
could be heard from the door. Ranma nodded his head headed for his
room. As he walked to the his room he thought about what he had done
today. Maybe he had gone to far. *At least Toji's off my case.*

        Back at the Suzuhara home, Toji was watching TV. His mind
wasn't on the show however, it was on what he had seen earlier in the
day. His dream girl kissing Asuka! "That girls too cute to be gay. It's
obviously my duty to show her the right path of the strait and narrow!
I'll start tomorrow!"

        Ranma went into his room. As he got ready for bed he thought
about the kiss he gave Asuka. His first kiss, at least the first one that
he could remember. He thought about the way her face had changed
from shock to anger to rage. There was something else there, but he
couldn't make it out. He thought about how cute her face was before
it started changing. *Whoa I couldn't like a stuck up girl like her, could
I?* "Nahhh."

To be continued

Notes:
Some of you probably want to know what the XX upgrade is. All I can say
is you'll find out later.

Send C&C, etc. to JLee100441@aol.com

URL:http://members.aol.com/JLee100441@aol.com


Alternate Future

By James Lee

Disclaimer: Ranma and Evangelion characters are not mine.

Part 6 The 14th Angel

        Ritsuko and Ranma were eating breakfast in the kitchen. Neither
seemed to be in top shape. They had both spent the night listening to
Asuka bang on the door, so they didn't get much sleep. As Ranma
ate he eyed the kitchen nervously. He still couldn't figure out what in
the apartment was making him so nervous.
        Finishing his breakfast Ranma started for the door to go to
school. He stopped however just short of it. Ritsuko noticed this and
watched as Ranma moved away from the door over to the window.
"Ranma? Is there something wrong?"
        "Nothing. I'm just not ready to deal with Asuka yet." Said
Ranma as he jumped out the window.
        "RANMA THIS IS THE FIFTH FLOOR!!!" Yelled Ritsuko.
She ran up to the window afraid to look out expecting to see street
pizza. Instead she saw Ranma land on a tree branch then jump down
to the fence to run to school. *He doesn't need a guardian, he needs
a leash!*
        Ritsuko grabbed her things and headed for the door to go to
work. When she opened the door she was surprised to have a sleeping
Asuka flop down on the floor. In an instant Asuka's eyes shot open
and she bolted upright. "Where is he!?"
        "He's already left Asuka."
        "No he hasn't! I would have woken up if he opened that door!"
        "He went out the window."
        "Yeah right Ritsuko! You think I'm stupid? This is the FIFTH
floor!"
        "I know Asuka. I do live here." Asuka not satisfied, quickly
did a room to room search of the apartment. Finding no trace of her
target Asuka went back to the living room.
        "Stupid hydrosexual. Hey Ritsuko, what time is it?"
        "It's 7:30."
        "WHATT!! I'll be late for school!" Asuka ran out of the apartment
grabbing her bookbag on the way.
        "Well at least your still dressed for school." Said Ritsuko locking
the door and heading for work. As she entered the elevator her cell phone
rang. "Hello?"
        [Hello Ritsuko? Have you seen Asuka? She didn't come home
last night.]

                                *****

        When Asuka sat down at her desk she was already in a bad
mood. Not only was she late, but rumors about what had happen
yesterday had already began to circulate. Most of them saying that
Asuka and the "Pigtailed girl" were lesbian lovers. Asuka glared at
Ranma who was at the moment talking to Toji.

        "Look Toji. The girl ain't going to change. Ah I've tried. She
likes girls and that's it." Said Ranma. His little plan was not working
out as he'd planned. Sure Hikari had stopped caring about the Pigtailed
girl, but Toji would not give up. It was getting to the point where Ranma
wanted to scream in Toji's face that he was the Pigtailed girl.
        "That's just because she hasn't meet the right guy yet Ranma."
        "And I suppose you're that right guy." Said Ranma in a tired
tone. Ranma then looked at Rei, who was being helped to her seat by
Shinji. Rei had just gotten out of the infirmary and Ranma made a mental
note to see how she was doing. Despite what he said the other day, Ranma
did feel that what happen to Rei was partially his fault.

        "Stupid Hydrosexual." Muttered Asuka as she got her books
out. Asuka looked up as Hikari sat down next to her. For some reason
the girl seemed uneasy to Asuka. "Hi Hikari what's up?"
        "Umm Asuka?"
        "What?"
        "I want you to know that I'll always be your friend."
        "What are you talking about?"
        Hikari became very nervous "Y-You and the P-Pigtailed Girl.
I-I didn't know things were l-like that."
        "WHAT!? Not you too! Listen, that bitch had no right to kiss
me. I'm NOT LIKE THAT!" In an instant Asuka's mind went into
targeting mode.
                TARGET KENZUKE: OUT OF RANGE
                TARGET TOJI: OUT OF RANGE, RESTRICTED
                TARGET RANMA: TOO FAST
                TARGET SHINJI: TARGET LOCKED
        Asuka quickly closed range with Shinji and grabbed him by
his collar. She then dragged the surprised boy up and crashed her lips
into his. *Hmm not as good as Ranma.* Asuka thought. Asuka's
subconscious mob quickly lynched this thought and hanged it from
the nearest imaginary tree. Disengaging from Shinji and turned back
to Hikari. "There you see!"
        (SLAP!)
        The entire room became deathly quiet. A stunned Asuka
watch as Rei lowered her hand and sat back down. She (as well as
most the class) was surprised that Rei could do anything emotional,
let alone strike out. Asuka's surprise however was quickly replaced by anger.
Balling up her fist, Asuka pulled back to strike but didn't get the chance
as someone grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the room. "What
the hell!!?"
        Asuka turned to see Ranma letting her arm go. "I'm not going
to let you beat up on Rei, Asuka. She's in no condition to fight."
        (CRACK!)
        Ranma rubbed his now slightly sore jaw. "What you do that
for!?" *Ritsuko wants me to apologize to this girl!?*
        "You know damn good and well what I did that for!!"
        "And that makes you feel better!?"
        "You bet it does!" Said Asuka shaking her hand. *OWW...
What's he made of, rock!?*
        Ranma just looked as Asuka walked back to the class room.
"Why do you have to be such a mean witch?"
        Asuka turned. "What did you say!?"
        Unfortunately(or fortunately) both Ranma's and Asuka's cell phones
rang before Ranma could answer. Answering the phones the two pilots
just nodded and mumbled yes at the voice on the other end. Closing
her phone Asuka looked at Ranma as warning sirens started.
"Well it looks like your saved by the bell this time Hydrosexual. Hey
Shinji move your ass! They want us at headquarters!"

                        *****

        "What we got?" Asked Misato running into the control room.
        "It entered Japanese airspace an hour ago. It's already broken
through all the outer defense lines. We should have visual anytime now."
Said Hyuga. "There it is!"
        Misato looked up at the screen to see a large black and white
angel approaching the center of town. The angel had a wide body with
stubs that appeared to be arms and legs. It also had a face that looked
somewhat like a skull. The second line defense units, a group of UN
MLRS launchers, opened fire with the usual results, no effect. Suddenly
the eye sockets on the face glowed and shot a burst of energy.
        "It just penetrated eighteen layers of armor! Eighteen layers in
ONE SHOT!" Yelled Hyuga.
        "We're not going to have time to stop it on the surface. Deploy
the EVAs for combat inside the geofront! Are you guys ready?" Misato
asked the pilots.
        "Ready ma'am." Replied Shinji.
        "Yeah I'm ready."
        "Ready and able! Just keep the Hydrosexual out of my way."
                "Hey what ya mean by that!?"
        "I mean stay out of my way and watch how a real EVA pilot
handles an angel."
        "Enough!" Misato yelled "You two can have a lover's quarrel
later. Launch EVAs!"
        "WE'RE NOT LOVERS!" Screamed Asuka and Ranma at the
same time as they were rocketed up to the geofront.
        "Unit 01 didn't launch!" Yelled Aoba. "The launch pad isn't
working!"
        "Well hurry up and fix it! I want all three units up there!"
        Suddenly the control room shook and Misato looked up
at the screen to see debris falling from ceiling of the geofront. *OK
Ranma, Asuka it's up to you.*

        Ranma and Asuka watched the debris fell from the ceiling.
Various polearms and weapons had been placed around the geofront.
Asuka had armed unit 02 with two machine guns while Ranma had
grabbed a rifle for unit 03. With a final explosion, a large part of the
geofront ceiling collapsed and the 14th angel began to descend through
the hole. As the angle appeared both Asuka and Ranma opened fired
on it. The rounds seemed to be having no effect however.
        "Aren't we neutralizing it's AT field!?" Asked Ranma.
        Apparently they weren't as both EVAs emptied their weapons
with no apparent effect. Asuka became enraged. Grabbing a pair of
rocket launchers, she renewed her assault.
        "Damnit! I can't lose again! NOT AGAIN!"
        Still the angel did not seemed to be effected by the intense
bombardment. Suddenly the angel's seemingly stubby arms unfolded
and lashed out at unit 02. Asuka howled in pain as both of unit 02's
arms were severed. The intense pain only served to enrage Asuka
more.
        "DAMN YOOUUU!!!" Asuka screamed as she charged the
now armless unit 02 at the angel.

        "Oh no Asuka! Quick cut her nerve connections!" Yelled Misato,
but she could see that it was too late as the angel lashed out again.

        Asuka saw the bladed arm headed strait for unit 02's head,
but continued to charge. Suddenly there was splash of blood and unit
02 crashed down onto the ground. At first Asuka had thought that the
angel had cut off unit 02's head and that they had managed to cut the
nerve connections. As she looked up however, she could see unit 03
staggering off unit 02, blood gushing from it's left leg.
        "R-Ranma? You idiot! What are you doing!?"
        "Keeping you from getting your head cut off!" Grunted Ranma
in obvious pain. Unit 03 then hopped away from unit 02 drawing the
angel away with it. Asuka watched as unit 03 jumped away. "Dumkopf."
        Once they were far enough away, Asuka tried to get her EVA
 to stand up again. The EVA however wouldn't respond. "What the hell!?"
        Misato's voice came over the comm channel. "Forget it Asuka."
        "WHAT!? Damnit Misato unlock my controls!"
        "What are you going to do? Kick the angel to death!? It's over
Asuka, your out of it."
        Asuka screamed and brought her fist down on the controls.
"DAMNIT!"

        Misato sighed in relief. Deep down she was beginning to
worry about Asuka. Despite all Asuka's criticisms of Rei, Misato
was beginning to see that the two girls seem have one thing in common,
a seemingly disregard for their own lives. However where Rei displayed
this disregard by simply obeying any order, no matter how dangerous,
Asuka displayed it in the form of reckless courage. This last time it was
almost if she wanted to die. That scared Misato, knowing Asuka's past.
She would have to talk to Asuka sometime. Misato put aside these thoughts,
there were more important matters at hand.
        "What's the status of unit 01?"
        "It's no good! We're transferring the unit to another pad, five
minutes!" Said Aoba
        "We don't need it in five minutes, we need it NOW! I don't
how long Ranma can hold that thing off!"

        Up in the geofront Ranma was beginning to get frustrated.
Despite the severe damage to his unit's leg, he was able to avoid the
angel's attacks by using his good leg to hop around. None of his attacks
however, were getting through. He thought about closing to hand to
hand range, but if the guns weren't getting through the angel's AT field
why would his fist? Another idea came to him as he fought. He didn't
know where it came from and it sounded crazy even to him. *Well
nothing else is working.* That in mind Ranma began to jump unit 03
away from the angel.

        "Unit 03 is moving away from the target."
        "Ranma, what's wrong?" Asked Ritsuko. Maybe the damaged
leg was giving him problems.
        "Nothing. I want to try something." Misato looked at Ritsuko.
Ritsuko just shrugged.
        Jumping outside the presumed range of the Angel, Ranma
brought unit 03's hands together.
        Maya looked at her display. "What!? UNIT 03'S AT FIELD IS CONDENSING!"
        Misato turned to Maya. "What did you say!?"
        "Unit 03's AT field is condensing to one point!"
        "Condensing where!?" Asked Ritsuko.
        Maya looked at her display, then looked up and pointed at
the screen. "There!"
        Misato and Ritsuko looked up to see an orange ball of AT
energy forming between unit 03's hands. The whole unit seemed to
glow with energy, feeding the ball.

        Asuka looked at the orange ball forming in between unit 03's
hands with a puzzled expression. *What is he doing!?*
        With a cry, that some said could be heard from unit 03, Ranma
launched the ball at the 14th angel. The concentrated AT energy flew
strait at the angel. There was a bright flash as the ball impacted the
angel's AT field seeming to hover at that point for a few seconds, it
then punched through. The angel's left arm and shoulder were blown
off in a very spectacular and gory explosion.
        Asuka watched all this in shock. "Mein Gott!"

        *What the hell was that!?* Thought Misato. Turning to Ritsuko,
Misato could see her pouring over the data readouts. *Guess she doesn't
know either. Well whatever that was it got through!* Misato yelled.
"Ranma, the AT field is down! NOW's your chance!"

        Ranma didn't hesitate. Grabbing a nearby axe, Ranma hopped
unit 03 over to the wounded angel. Standing over it, Ranma brought
the axe down onto the core with all unit 03's power. Ranma had been
told that this was the most vulnerable spot on an angel and a hit there
would kill it. The axe didn't make it however as an armored plate slide
over the core stopping the weapon cold. Suddenly the angel's right arm
lashed out and severed unit 03's head. There was no time to cut the nerve
connections.

        "We've lost contact with unit 03!" Yelled Hyuga. "THE PILOT'S
HEART HAS STOPPED!!"
        "WHAT!? NOO!!" Ritsuko screamed. "Give him a heart massage,
NOW!" In an instant a charge of electricity went through Ranma's
plug suit causing his body to convulse.
        "Nothing!"
        "Do it again!"
        "Charging...charged!" Once again Ranma's body convulsed.
        "Just a spike that's all!"
        "DO IT AGAIN DAMNIT!" *Don't you die on me, Ranma!*
        "Charging...charged!" Ranma's body convulsed once more.
        "We got heartbeat."
        Ritsuko's heart also started beating again. "OK, he isn't breathing
though. We can't wait for this to be over. If he doesn't get medical
care now we'll lose him. Maya contact EVA Rescue(1), tell them we
need a rescue team sent out NOW!" *God, hope he doesn't get brain
damage from this!*
        "On it!" Said Maya.
        "Make sure they have a portable respirator."
        Misato looked a little surprised at her usually cold hearted
friend. It wasn't like Ritsuko to lose it like that. *Maybe Ranma's
presence is having an positive effect on her.* Misato was shaken out
of her thoughts by a loud noise. A now regenerated 14th angel was
renewing it's attack.
        "The target has renewed it's attack! It's penetrated NERV
headquarters and headed for Central Dogma!"
        "It's headed here! All personnel evacuate..." Misato's orders
were interrupted as the angel came through the front wall of Central
Dogma, crouched on all fours like a giant bulldog. Misato gasped as
the angel's started to glow, preparing to fire a blast that would destroy
the control room. Suddenly unit 01 burst through the side wall. "SHINJI!"

        Shinji wrestled the angel back through the wall into the EVA
cages. Even as the angel fired a blast at unit 01, blowing off it's arm,
Shinji continued to fight screaming all the way. All Shinji could think
about was getting the angel out of Headquarters. That in mind Shinji
pushed the angel onto a launching pad that he hoped worked.
        "MISATO NOW!!"

        Misato caught on a turned to Aoba. "Launch Pad four NOW!"

        The angel and unit 01 shot back to the surface. The two life
forms went up a two hundred feet before crashing to the ground. Unit
01, which had now lost it's grip of the angel, began to pommel the
monster relentlessly. The EVA then grabbed hold of the now armored
core, began trying to pull it out of the angel. Suddenly unit 01 stopped.

        "Unit 01's battery power has run out!" Said Maya looking at a
portable display. Misato, Ritsuko, and the rest of the control crew
were now in the elevator headed up to the surface. There was no point in
staying in the control room with most of the equipment now ruined.
*Damnit not again!* Thought Misato.

        The angel, seemingly sensing the unit 01's loss of power, wrapped
an arm around the head of unit 01 and threw the EVA away from it.
With a crash the unit 01 landed onto the NERV pyramid. Inside unit
01, Shinji was beginning to panic.
        "MOVE! MOVE! MOVE DAMN YOU MOVE!!"
        Misato and the others came outside just in time to see the
angel blow off unit 01's belly armor to reveal a dark red core. "What
is that?" Asked Misato. Straiting it's arms, the angel began to pound
on the core relentlessly.
        Inside the EVA the entry plug was beginning to crack and
Shinji really began to panic. "OH YOU GOT A MOVE NOW!
MOVE! MOVE! MOVE YOU GODDAMN FILTHY MONSTER!"
        Suddenly everything seemed to become calm for Shinji. The
entry plug became quiet and Shinji could almost hear someone's or
something's heart beating.
        Unit 01 grabbed one of the angel's arms and pulled the angel
up to it's face. Growling the EVA then kicked the angel, sending it
flying and ripping it's arm off at the same time.
        "How can unit 01 move without power?" Asked Misato.
        "Impossible! How could Shinji's sync rate be higher than
400%?" Asked Maya looking at her portable display.
        Ritsuko watched as unit 01 put the remains of the angel's arm
up to it's own damaged arm. The remains morphed into a new arm for
the EVA. "Oh God! It's finally happened! She's aware!"
        Grunting like a wild gorilla, unit 01 advanced on the wounded
angel. As the EVA got closer the angel tried to ready another blast.
This was stopped as unit 01 slammed the angel's head back down. Unit
01 then began to gorge on the angel.
        Misato watched horrified. "I-It's eating the angel!?"
        "She's taking the S-2 unit into herself!" Said Ritsuko. Maya
was now too busy throwing up to read the display. As the EVA finished
eating, it stood up and howled. The armor plates the unit's chest and
arms burst off.
        "She's broken free!" Yelled Ritsuko.
        "Broken free!? Broken free of what!?" Asked Hyuga.
        "Those plates weren't just armor. They were also restraints.
Those restraints binded the Evangelion to our will. Now that they're
gone the beast that is the EVA is now FREE!"
        Gendo and Fuyuzuki watched from Gendo's office as EVA
unit 01 roared in defiance.
        "Was this in your plans Gendo?" Asked Fuyuzuki.
        Gendo grimaced at the sight of unit 01. If asked that question
two weeks ago, Gendo wouldn't have been concerned, maybe even
glad that this had happen. Now, after talking with Yui, he wasn't too
sure. It was too late however, to do anything about it now. "Whether
it was in the plans or not we'll have to deal with it. As will SEELE."
*It ought to give the old bastards something to think about.*

To be continued.

Notes:
(1) EVA rescue: This is a special pilot rescue unit like a air, land, sea
rescue. They are specially trained to rescue EVA pilots.

Send C&C, etc. to JLee100441@aol.com

URL:http://members.aol.com/JLee100441/index
From: JLee100441@aol.com

   Here's Alternate Future part 8. Send C&C to JLee100441@aol.com. Previous
parts can be found at my web page at 
URL:http://members.aol.com/JLee100441/index.html



Alternate Future 

By: James Lee

Disclaimer: These are not my characters. Suing me will get you nowhere.

*Spoiler Warning*

Part 8


	"I'm gonna kick your ass this time Hydrosexual!" Said Asuka
as she and Ranma walked to the NERV pilot fitness center. Although
she meant every word of it, Asuka had the sagging feeling that she 
was going to be on the learning end again. Ever since they had started
practicing three weeks ago, Ranma had proven, if anything, that he 
was an expert martial artist. No matter how fast, how agile, or how 
sneaky she got, Ranma would always pull something on Asuka that
would throw her off. It was frustrating as hell. Still, she had to admit
that she was beginning to feel better about her combat skills and 
herself in general. And besides he looked really good when he took his
shirt off to cool down. *Where did that come from!?*
	Asuka looked back at Ranma. He was becoming a mystery
to her. Why was he trying to help her? Since he'd gotten here she had
treated him like shit, yet here he was trying to help her be a better pilot.
Then there was that stunt he pulled during the attack of the 14th angel.
Why had he done that? Why had he put himself in danger just to keep
her from getting her head cut off? Why did it bothered her that he had 
done that? *I...he ..couldn't...NO! You don't need anyone Asuka!*
 	Ranma looked at Asuka as they walked. He was quite surprised
when he started teaching her. He found that she already knew some
basic hand-to-hand from her EVA training in Germany and she was
in great shape. But what he had to really admire, was the way she put
her all into it. Once Asuka put her mind to something she gave it every
thing she had. As that she now had her mind set on "kicking his ass", 
Asuka would stay up late practicing and taking her body to the limit.
	Asuka was getting better too. She was proving to be a fast 
learner and a very sneaky opponent. Just yesterday she nearly got a 
few good hits in when she had come to practice wearing a very 
revealing Gi. (Think Mai from Fatal Fury) *Hope she wears that outfit
again.* Suddenly Ranma felt a chill come over him. Grabbing Asuka,
he stopped.
	"Hey!? What's the big deal!?" Yelled Asuka.
	"Something's not right."
	"What do you mean som..."
	Asuka stopped as she saw two men approaching them. The
men were wearing standard NERV uniforms, but had on ski masks. 
Deciding to take another route, Asuka and Ranma turned around 
only to see two more men behind them. The leader, who was dressed
in a blue uniform, snapped his fingers and pointed to them. At that 
command one man from each side charged Asuka and Ranma. Each
had a spray can in their hand.
	Asuka saw the spray can the man was carrying and decided
that what ever was in it was not good for her health. Using her newly
acquired skills, she kick the can out of the man's hand before he could
use it. She then tried to use a judo throw on him. This proved to be a
mistake as she was used to doing this with Ranma. This man unlike 
Ranma however, was twice her size. Instead of throwing him, Asuka
ended up tripping him on top of her. 
	While Asuka fought the man that charged them from the front,
Ranma turned to fight the man in back of them. As he turned however,
he got sprayed in the face. Ranma could feel himself  getting dizzy and
he started to stagger. 
	The man looked at Ranma in surprise. One dose of this stuff
could bring down a horse, yet this kid was still up. It looked like he
was going to need another dose. 
	Although his vision was slightly blurred, Ranma could see the 
man approaching with the can again. Dispite still being dizzy, Ranma 
was ready this time. Striking the can out of the man's hand, Ranma
punched him hundreds of times in only a few seconds. He then threw
the dazed man into the leader.
	Suddenly Ranma heard a loud bang. Turning towards Asuka,
he could see that the man that she was fighting was no longer moving.
Asuka had crawled out from under him holding a smoking gun. *Where
the hell did she get that!?* There was blood splattered on her school
uniform. The man that was still standing drawed his gun and aimed it
at Asuka. Ranma could see that Asuka wasn't moving. She just sat
there looking at the man she'd just shot with a stunned look on her 
face.
	"ASUKA!!" Realizing that Asuka wasn't going to react in time,
Ranma threw himself in front of her. He heard another loud bang and
felt a sharp burning pain in his left shoulder. Ranma could feel himself 
being thrown back onto Asuka's lap.

	After she had accidentally tripped the man on top of her, Asuka
and the man had struggled. The man was trying to pin her down while 
Asuka was trying to get out from under him. While she squirmed, Asuka
felt a handgun. Without thinking, Asuka pulled the weapon out and 
squeezed the trigger. After she crawled out from under him, Asuka
couldn't move. She could only look at the corpse.
	*What the hell's wrong with you Asuka!? You've been in 
combat before!* Thought Asuka, but before it had always been some
hulking monstrosity at the other end of a view screen. This was a human 
being. Asuka had seen the man's face when she pulled the trigger. She
saw the look in his eyes. She had felt his breathing stop. For reasons
she couldn't understand, she felt that she had done something horribly
wrong.
	Asuka heard a gunshot then felt something crash into her lap.
Turning to where the gunshot came from, Asuka could see the thug
that was behind them reaiming his gun at her. She then heard two 
more gunshots. She could see two small red holes appear on the 
mans chest before he fall backwards. Asuka looked over to where 
the two shots had come from. She could see the leader getting up, his
gun smoking. As he got up, he took off his mask. "K-Kaji?"
	Kaji looked at Asuka with an apologetic look on his face. He
then heard something moaning at his feet. Pointing his gun down, he
shot the last thug twice in the back. He then ran off. Asuka could only
watch him leave.
	"A-Aus-ka.." Asuka looked down to find Ranma on her lap
clenching his shoulder. She could see blood coming from where his 
hands where at. More blood came from a wound on his back. Her 
brain finally catching up with her, Asuka grabbed a school bag and 
started begging through it. Wether it was hers or Ranma's, she didn't
know or care. Taking out a cel-phone, Asuka began dialing the 
number for headquarters. Her hands were shaking so badly that it 
took three tries to get the number right.
	<Central Dogma, Ibuki speaking.>
	"H-Help. We need help."
	<Asuka?>
	"W-We've been at-attacked. S-Section 4. P-Please s-send
help." Asuka placed the phone down as the shock of everything that
had just happen overcame her.
	<Asuka?.......ASUKA!?>

	Kaji ran into an elevator that would take him to the surface.
As the doors closed, Kaji started pounding the walls with his fist. He
cursed SEELE, his orders, his incompetent help, and himself most of
all.
	Kaji's plan had been simple enough. Grab the Saotome kid, 
find out what SEELE wanted with him, then somehow get him released.
Instead Ranma had turned out to be an even more powerful fighter
than he expected. Then that fool Kitazaki let Asuka get hold of his
weapon. What had been a simple snatch and grabbed, quickly turned
into a blood bath.
	Kaji took out his gun and loaded in a fresh magazine. If he 
was lucky he could be out of NERV headquarters before anyone 
found out what exactly happened. He would then have to leave the city.
Where he would go he didn't know. He couldn't go to SEELE and it
was about to become Kaji season in Tokyo 3. He was sure that if
NERV intelligence didn't get him, Misato would hunt him down.
"Kaji, I think it's time for you to disappear." 

			*****

	Shinji and Rei, finally on their "date", were at a restaurant. Shinji
was eating a small seafood platter while Rei was working on a large 
plate of vegetables. After a while Shinji, who was not to sure what to 
do, decided to at least start some conversation.
	"Umm, How's your meal?"
	"It's good." Said Rei not looking up from her food. Secretly,
she was glad that Shinji had started talking to her. She was somewhat
lost on what to do herself.
	"Oh. Umm That's good. So, what movie do you what to see?"
	"What movies are there?"
	"Uhh well there's 'Gojira 2015'. Then there's that movie 
everyone's been talking about, 'THE BIG MOVIE'."
	"What about the rerelease of that one Disney movie?"
	"You mean 'Fantasia'?" Rei nodded. "Hmm. I heard it was
one their good ones. OK." Shinji was actually glad she choose that
one, he had been hoping to see it himself. Although he told Asuka that
the only reason he played the Chello was because they told him to,
he did like to listen to classical music.
	"So um what's happen since I was 'away'?"
	Rei blinked. "What do you mean?"
	"Well I noticed Toji had a bruse on his face."
	"Onna-Ranma punched him when he got to close to her. I
think she is..." Rei searched for the right words. "...losing patience."
	"Oh." Shinji didn't liked the idea that Ranma was beating up 
on his friend, but had to admit that Toji was being very thick headed
about it. Shinji then saw Rei wince in pain.
	"Are you okay Rei?"
	"I do not know. I have been feeling pain in my leg. They have 
scheduled me for a doctor's appointment."
	"I hope it's nothing serious. Umm I've noticed Ranma is teaching
Asuka how to fight now."
	"Yes, Ranma is teaching her Martial arts. How did you know?"
Rei saw a look of displeasure appear on Shinji's face. "Do you find 
something wrong with that Shinji-kun?"
	"Oh! Umm no. It's just....."

**BEGIN FLASHBACK**

	Shinji hit the floor hard. Asuka looked down at him in contempt.
"Honestly Shinji! How am I supposed to kick Ranma's ass when all I
got for a sparing partner is you."
	Shinji groaned. Shortly after he got back from the hospital,
Asuka had asked him to help her with her practice. Shinji really had no 
choice in the matter, as Asuka had attacked him several times
before asking, so he agreed to be her 'sparing partner'. *Practice 
Dummy's more like it.*
	"Get up Shinji! This time use more force. Sometimes I think 
that penguin has more fighting skill than you."
	Shinji looked over at the couch to see a bruised and battered
Pen Pen sitting there, more than glad to watch someone else get the
crap kicked out of them.

**END FLASHBACK**

	"...she's become a little over enthusiastic. Do you think there's
something more to it?"
	Rei looked a little flustered. "I-I do not know."
	Suddenly Shinji's and Rei's cel-phones rang. Taking their 
phones out, both pilots answered.
	"Yes?" 
	[It's me, are you guys still at the restaurant?] Asked Misato at
the other end.
	"Umm Yes ma'am."
	[Listen. Something's happened. We need you to report to head-
quarters right now. A car is coming to pick you up. Have you noticed
anyone following you?]
	"Ahh no ma'am."
	[Good. There will be someone you know with the car. If any
strangers come to you saying they're here to pick you up, do NOT go
with them. Stay in the restaurant and try to get as much information 
about them as possible. What they look like. Where they're from. Who
supposedly sent them.]
	"Umm Misato what's going on?"
	[I can't tell you right now, I have to leave. Remember stay in
the restaurant!] Misato hung up. 
	Shinji looked over at Rei. "What do you suppose happened?"
	Rei just shrugged. A while later Shinji was quite surprised to
see Gendo walking up to the table. Shinji noted that his father looked
somewhat relieved to see him. "F-Father!?"
	"You're both okay. Good. Come, we must leave now."
	"Ah Father what's going on?" Asked Shinji as he placed some
money on the table and followed his father out of restaurant.
	"I'll explain in the car." Said Gendo as he lead them to a 
NERV limo that was parked outside. Once inside and rolling, Gendo
spoke to the two. "About half an hour ago, someone attempted to 
kidnap Ranma and Asuka. Soryu is unharmed but...Ranma was shot..."
	Shinji gasped. He had heard that NERV had it's enemies. 
After all it wasn't the angels that had cut the power during that one
attack. He had not however, thought about them coming after the
pilots. Shinji looked over at Rei. She looked slightly concerned.
He looked back at his father.
	"W-When did this happen? Where?"
	"Section four. While they were on their way to practice."
	Rei's eyes widened and she moved closer to Shinji. "Commander
Ikari. That is inside NERV headquarters!"
	"I know. Most of the kidnappers are accounted for. They 
were all NERV personnel with security clearances." Gendo watched
his son's own eyes widen at that. For once he couldn't blame his son.
The idea of traitors so deep inside NERV was enough to disturb 
even himself. 

			*****

Nerima Present Day
	Nabiki took a sip of her tea as she worked on the Nekohanten's
books. After the fight with her family, Nabiki had gone out in search of
Ranma. She wanted to show him at least someone cared for him. She
had first gone to the Ucchan only to find Ukyo not there. Konitsu said
that Ukyo left Nerima to figure out what to do concerning Ranma and
that he had not been by.
	Nabiki then went to the next obvious place, the Nekohanten.
Much to her dismay, Ranma had not been there either. Having nowhere 
else to go, Nabiki ask if she could stay there in exchange for doing 
the books. Although the Colone was suspicious, she wasn't stupid.
She hired Nabiki and now the Nekohanten was booming. Nabiki had
even managed to arrange business visas for them. Colone also had her
doing some waitressing. The old ghoul knew how to get the most of 
something.
	Of course being a waitress at Nekohanten meant knowing 
martial arts. It was one of the attractions of the place. So Nabiki had
to relearn skills she thought she had forgotten. She wasn't even as good
as Akane, but she could catch a flying bowl of ramen. Nabiki could 
also see why Ranma didn't like working there. *The old ghoul really
is a slave driver!*
	Still working for a slave driver was more desirable than going
home as far as Nabiki was concerned. She had never thought her 
family could be so stupid. Actually she could expect it from her father,
who was living in the past almost as much as Kuno. She also wasn't
surprised by Kasumi who had been raised to be a proper Japanese housewife.
It was Akane that was the disappointment. Nabiki had thought that at least her
younger sister had more sense. But no, Akane had thrown away the best 
thing she ever had and why? Because of a stupid belief. A belief 
that had no place in the modern world.
	Nabiki at least understood the real world. To her, what happened
to Ranma was pure stupidity. She heard of many nations and companies
that had lost great advances to other nations simply because the inventor
had the wrong skin color or was the wrong religion. Ranma was no 
doubt the greatest fighter of his generation and now they were just
going to throw him away because his ancestors didn't have good jobs.
	*I wonder where he is now?* Thought Nabiki. Ranma had 
not been seen since her father had kicked him out. At first Nabiki had
thought that maybe he had run off with Ukyo. She had later found out
however, that Ukyo was still roaming the country side ALONE. He 
had last been seen near the canal. There were those who even said he
might have killed himself, but both Nabiki and Shampoo refused to 
believe that. If anything Ranma was not a coward. Still it was strange
for him to just disappear without any trace. Nabiki did suspect her 
family knew something, but they were being very tight lipped about it.
	"You lucky me not Great Grandmother, Nabiki." Shampoo said
as she entered the backroom. Nabiki jumped at being caught daydreaming.
She was glad that it was Shampoo not Colone. If it had been there
would be hell to pay.
	Shampoo poured herself a cup of tea and, not bothering to sit
down, started drinking. After working at the Nekohoten for the past
few weeks, Nabiki had become friends with the Amazon. During that
time Nabiki had discovered a few things about Shampoo that many
people didn't know. The big thing being that she was alot smarter
than she pretended to be. Nabiki had to admire Shampoo's perfect 
use of the stupid bimbo act. "Damn shift change already!" *Was I out
of it for that long!*
	"No, stupid Stick Boy here to see you." Said Shampoo shaking
her head. Nabiki frowned, what did that stupid jerk want? Nabiki 
wasn't very pleased with Kuno. After Ranma had disappeared, Kuno
had gone about saying how Ranma had obviously run from his noble
sword. He then made sure everyone knew the "horrors" of the 
burakumin.
	"Great. I bet my 'family's' out there, to make my day too." 
Shampoo shook her head. "No, Tendo's busy having another yard
sale."
	"There having another one? What is there left to sell?" Her 
family had run out of money a while ago and had resorted to selling
things to get by. They have had five such yard sales and were now 
running out of things to sell. Not that Nabiki cared. As far as she was
concerned, Nabiki had helped her family enough by convincing 
Shampoo not to hunt down Akane and kill her. She had done that 
because she didn't want to see Shampoo deported. This did not
however, stop Shampoo from putting Akane in the hospital.
	"They sell TV, furniture, and cooking pots."
	"Kasumi's selling her cooking stuff? Sheesh they must really be
getting desperate." *Good.*
	"More desperate than Nabiki think, look." Said Shampoo 
holding out a flier. Nabiki took the flier and started reading it.
	"Grand reopening....Tendo Dojo......be a martial artist like
Akane..." Nabiki smirked while she read the flier. The real world was
now catching up with her family. *Finding that your little samurai world
isn't paying the bills, Daddy?* Nabiki then sighed. "Well I guess I'd 
better go see what Blue Blunder want's. The sooner I get this over
with the sooner I'm ride of him."
	Shampoo nodded as Nabiki walked out into the customer 
area. It didn't take long for Nabiki to pick Kuno out. He sat at one 
of the Nekohanten's long tables like a king on a throne. Putting on a 
false smile, Nabiki walked up to him. "Welcome to Nekohanten.
What can I get for you?"
	"Do not trifle with me Nabiki Tendo, times are serious."
	Nabiki smiled more. "Oh? How's that Kuno?"
	"No sooner have I freed the fair Akane from the low birth 
Saotome, has that cur Hibiki taken her." Nabiki frowned at that. It 
hadn't taken long for Ryoga to move in on her sister. What was worse 
was that her sister actually accepted him, even after finding out about
his curse! She had forgiven him for everything, saying it was likely 
Ranma's fault. It was more proof to Nabiki that Akane really didn't 
deserve to have Ranma. Kuno continued talking. "But it is not the
sorcerer Hibiki that brings me here."
	"Really? So what does bring you here?"
	"I search for my pig-tailed goddess. She has not been seen
since I banished the foul sorcerer Saotome and I fear for her safety.
Have you any word of her whereabouts?"
	Nabiki was about to tell him no and get stuffed, but an even
better idea came to her. She smiled as she walked around the self
proclaimed samurai warrior. "I don't know if I could give you that info
Kuno-chan. It would cost you a lot."
	"I'll pay any price for my Goddess! Tell me now!"
	Nabiki put a finger to her chin. "Ummmm 20,000 yen."
	Kuno growled at her then pulled out a large wad of money.
He Pulled out 20 bills and handed them to her. "There now tell me!"
	"Are you sure you want to hear this Kuno? You're not going
to like it."
	"I care not!"
	"Very well. The truth is that she left with Ranma."
	"WHAT! My goddess with that dirt! It cannot be! What 
spell does he have on her!? Why!?"
	"You do not want to know that Kuno! Besides you couldn't
afford to pay for such a dark secret."
	"Dark secret? You must tell me! I'll pay any price!"
	"Are you joking? It would cost you at least 40,000 yen!"
	Kuno pulled out more money. "Done!"
	"Are you sure Kuno? This is going to hurt."
	"I DON'T CARE!"
	"Well it's because of your anti-burakumin campaign..."
	Kuno blinked. "It is my duty as a noble lord to warn the public
of such evil things. Lest not that another such as Saotome reside here.
I fail to see what this has to do with my pig-tailed goddess.."
	Nabiki smirked. *Now for the coupe de grace.* "Well Kuno
the pig-tailed girl's real name is Ranko Saotome. She's Ranma's sister.
You see she's BURAKUMIN too.."
	Nabiki watched as Kuno's face went white with horror. It then
became red with rage. Throwing the table out of the way, he drew his
bokken. "YOU LIE!!"
	Kuno started to attack, destroying everything in his path. Nabiki
dodged his attacks. "Why else do you think she left with him?"
	"It is his foul sorcery!" Yelled Kuno as he destroyed another 
table in an attempt to strike Nabiki down. Kuno was so angry that
Nabiki could easily read his moves. She was able to dodge his attacks
and get in a few good hits. Kuno was so enraged however, that he 
didn't even feel them.
	"Yeah right Kuno! And how do you explain the fact that she
and Ranma look alike!"
	"ALL LIES!" After destroying six tables and over a dozen chairs,
Kuno finally got her in a corner. Nabiki braced for the blow that would
bash her skull in. It never came however, as a mace impacted on the
side of Kuno's head sending him out of the restaurant. Shampoo, who
had been watching the proceedings from the kitchen, had decided to 
jump in. Walking up to the door, she sneered at Kuno.
	"Stick Boy too stupid no see truth in front of him! Why you 
think Shampoo and Ukyo never go after Ranko when she so close to
Ranma!? It because she same blood as Ranma. Now you no come
back!" Said Shampoo as she slammed the door in his face.
	"Thanks for the save Shampoo." Said Nabiki as she got up 
off the floor. She then heard someone clearing their throat. Nabiki 
knew who it was, sighing she looked around the restaurant. The place
was a wreck. What customers that had been there had run for the 
hills when Kuno had started his attack. Aprouching the small figure on
a stick, Nabiki handed her the money she had gotten from Kuno.
"I'm sorry Great Grand Mother." 
	"For what, telling that fool the truth?" Colone looked around
the demolished restaurant. "We're not going to get anymore business
tonight. Start cleaning up."
	Nabiki nodded and started picking up the debris.

			*****

Tokyo 3 2015
	"We appreciate your corroboration Major." Said the NERV
intelligence spook as he accepted Misato's weapon and ID. He then 
turned for the door. "If you would follow me please. Ah Major? 
Major Katsuragi where are going!?"
	Misato ignored the man. She knew they wanted to put her in
quarantine, but right now she wanted to be with Asuka. The intelligence
men where beginning to pull their weapons and force her to come with
them.
	"Major Katsuragi! You must..." The NERV spooks didn't have
time to finish as they came face-to-face with a furious Ritsuko. "How
could you let something like this happen!? INSIDE this faculty no less.
	"B-but it was inside job..."
	"Don't give me some damn excuse. What are you doing about
it!?" Ritsuko continued to yell, scream, and generally tear them new
assholes. Misato mentally thanked her friend as she continued down 
the hall in search of Asuka's room. After a short while Misato finally
found her room. Entering, Misato could see Asuka on the bed curled
up in a ball. She was in a hospital gown, her blood drenched school 
uniform was in a mound in the closet. 
	"Asuka?" No response.
	"Asuka please. I think we should talk."
	"Go away." Asuka muttered.
	"Asuka If you think shutting everyone out is going to help, then
your making a mistake..." 
	Suddenly Asuka's head shot up, her eyes flaring. "I'M making a 
mistake!? I'M not the one whose been sleeping with the enemy!" 
	(SLAP) Misato lowered her arm and quickly grabbed
Asuka in a hug."Gomen nasie Asuka, Gomen nasie. I shouldn't have done 
that."
	 Asuka began to struggle out of Misato's arms. Misato tightened
her grip on the child. "L-Let me go! I don't need your help! Ju-Just
leave me alone!"
	"Asuka please. I know you think you don't need anybody, but
your wrong. Closing yourself off from the world won't help. I know.
I've tried it." Misato looked down at Asuka. Asuka wouldn't look at
her, but she had stopped struggling. Misato continued. "You see, 
when my father and the others died in Second Impact, I just shut down.
For two years I didn't talk to anyone. When someone finally did snapped
me out of it, I cried for hours. After a while however, I realized that
pushing away the rest of the world hadn't helped. That I didn't start
feeling better until after I started talking about it. So please Asuka.
Talk to me."
	For a moment things were quiet, then Asuka began sobbing.
"W-Why Kaji? (sob) Why did he d-do that?..."
	Misato stroked Asuka's hair as she cried. "I-I don't know 
Asuka. I don't know."
	"B-But I...I..l-lov.." Misato held Asuka tighter. She could
feel tears welling up in her own eyes. "I know you did Asuka. I did 
too." *Kaji you son of bitch! If I ever get my hands on you...*
	"I-I don't know who to trust anymore Misato." Misato looked
at Asuka. She could see why Asuka would feel that way. Kaji was
Asuka's idol. He was also one of the closest of the few friends she had.
Misato thought for a second. "Well you still have me, and Shinji, and
Hikari, and Ranma.."
	"BAKA!" Asuka pounded her fist on Misato's shoulder while
she cried on the other one. "Stupid hydrosexual baka! Why does he
do stupid shit like that?"
	"Saving your life is not stupid Asuka. As to why he did it? 
Maybe it's because deep down Ranma cares for you."
	"C-C-Cares for me?"
	"Yes I think he cares for you. It's not a crime Asuka. Maybe
you should give him a chance."
	"I-I don't know Misato. I don't know."

			*****
Nerima Present day
	Dropping the broom and dustpan, Nabiki collapsed onto one
of the few remaining chairs in the Nekohanten. After Kuno's attack,
Colone had decided that it was Nabiki's sole responsibility to clean
up the restaurant. Colone, Shampoo, and Mousse were right now 
shopping for new tables and chairs. Nabiki then felt something land 
on her chest.
	"AAARRRHHHAAAA! GET OFF LEECH!!"
	Happosai jumped back from Nabiki's strike. He was surprised
when he found Nabiki alone in the Nekohanten. He was even more
surprised when he found that she had seemed to have learn martial arts.
"Nabiki! What you doing here all alone?"
	"I work and live here now!" Nabiki frowned, there was no
way she could take Happosai on. Yet another draw back to Ranma's
disappearance, there was no one to keep the old pervert in check.
Colone didn't bother with the freak and Pantyhose hadn't been seen
for months.
	"Living here now? Why aren't you living at the Dojo?"
	"I'd rather not talk about it."
	"Oh? What? Does it have anything to do with Ranma? How
is my student anyway?" Happosai hadn't been around for the past 
few months, so he hadn't heard about the whole burakumin incident.
	"He's gone." Said Nabiki eyeing the panty thief nervously.
	"What?"
	"My family kicked him out. For good this time."
	"Kicked him out? For good? What did he do this time?"
	"He didn't do anything, my family found out that he was
burakumin."
	"Burakumin hmmm." Happosai frowned for a moment, then
he face lit up. "That means Akane's undefended! YIPPEE!"
	Nabiki watched as Happosai bounced out of the room. *hmph!
Have fun.* Nabiki then looked at the phone. *Maybe I should warn
them............NAHHH.* She then felt her stomach growl. After spending
five hours cleaning the Nekohanten, she was just realizing how hungry
she was. Looking at the kitchen, Nabiki shook her head and walked
over to the phone.
	The food at the Nekohanten was good, but after eating it 
three times a day, seven days a week, you tend to get tired of it. Taking
out the phone book and counting what little money she had on hand,
Nabiki start looking for some good take out.
	"Let's see..Ucchans is still closed.....too pricey....not that 
hot......no.....no.......hmm, Pizza Inn." Nabiki opened a drawer 
and pulled out a piece of cardboard that had been taken off a box.
Picking up the phone, Nabiki dialed the number. 
	(Ring)(Ring)(Click) "Hello.."
	"Yes, I have on of your buy two large two topping pizzas for
1600 yen coupons."
	"You have reached the Goddess Technical Help Hotline. A
trouble consultant will be with you shortly..."
	Nabiki hanged up the phone. *Opps. How did I get the number
wrong?*
	"Nabiki...."
	Nabiki eyes flared and she whirled around. "Dammit Kasumi
for the last time...huh?" She found herself looking at a woman with
long brown hair and blue eyes. The woman also had strange marks 
on her face. "Oh! Excuse me, I thought you were someone else......
Umm sorry we're closed.."
	"I've come to see you Nabiki Tendo." said the strange woman.
	"Ahh me? Umm who are you?"
	"I am the goddess Belldandy and I have come to grant you a
wish. But only one wish."
	"Ahh Right." *She's either loony or she's pulling my leg.*
	"Oh I'm not loony Miss Tendo. Nor am I pulling your leg."
	"Whhaahh!?" *Great she can read minds. Well this is Nerima
so there's no reason why she can't be a goddess, after all we have
everything else roaming around here. Now what would Ranma do 
when faced with a goddess? He was the one who usually dealt with 
that kind of stuff. (heh) Hell he was a pig-tailed goddess.*
	"Who is Ranma?" Asked Belldandy.
	"Would you please not do that."
	"Sorry."
	(sigh) "Ranma was just this guy I knew."
	"Oh would you like to talk about it? It might make you feel 
better." Said Belldandy with an honest expression on her face.
	Nabiki looked at the woman skeptically. She didn't now why,
but she felt she could trust this Belldandy. It was like this aura of trust
surrounded her. Taking a deep breath, Nabiki began.
	"Ranma's father was a friend of my father. They had decided
before any of us where born that their children would marry, bringing
the Tendo line and Saotome line together. Ranma was engaged to my
sister Akane. At first I didn't care for him.."
	"When did you change your mind?" 
	Nabiki looked at her then sighed. "It started....."

**BEGIN FLASHBACK**

	Kobungo slammed Nabiki against the wall and pulled back
his fist. "This for all the money you took from me bit....Wah!?"
	Kobungo was suddenly pulled off Nabiki by a very angry
Ranma. Nabiki backed away as Ranma pushed the boy to the wall.
Bringing his face up to Kobungo's Ranma growled.
	"How dare you beat up on a girl!"
	"I wouldn't be so fast Ranma! Take a look at what she's been
selling around," gasped Kobungo as he pulled a picture out of his 
pocket. Nabiki became nervous when she caught a glimpse of the
photo. It was a picture of a topless Ranma-chan sleeping. Ranma
looked at the picture for a moment then looked at Kobungo. "It's 
one of the pictures of my girl form she sells. So what?"
	Kobungo gasped. "Yo..You knew!?"
	"Of course I knew! I get attacked by the best martial artists in
Japan on a nightly basis! Do actually think she can sneak up on me 
with a camera!? Yes I know she takes those pictures of me! I also 
know that the money from those pictures helps support her family!"
Ranma slammed the thug to wall knocking him out cold. Ranma looked
down at him and snorted. "Humph wimp!"
	He then walked over to a stunned Nabiki. "You OK Nabiki?"
	*He knew!?..He let...* "Um yeah."

**END FLASHBACK**

	"Before then I thought Ranma was just some insensitive,
freeloading, jerk. That day I saw what all the other girls saw in him.
The fact that Ranma cared. I guess that's when I first fell for him."
Nabiki was now leaning on Belldandy's shoulder as the goddess listen
intently.
	"So did you try to make him yours?"
	"Yes I did."
	"It didn't work?"
	"Oh no! It worked. (heh) I got Akane so mad that she just gave 
him to me."
	"So what happened?"
	Tears started to well up in Nabiki's eyes. "I-I found out that
he was already in love with someone else. Someone that I thought 
loved him too. My own sister."
	"So what happened then?"
	Nabiki started crying. "Af-After a while they found out 
something stupid about him. S-Something so stupid. T-They kicked
him out. Then h-he disappeared. No one knows where is."
	"I see."
	"I just wish I could be with him, (sniff)knowing that he was OK.
I....Huh....YAAAAAAHHH!!"
	
			*****
Tokyo 3 2015
	Gendo sat at his desk thinking of the days events. He was
sure that what happened today was SEELE's doing. Although the only
person that could confirm that was now missing. Mr. Ryoji was not
stupid. Still Gendo had to wonder where Kaji would go. From what
little they could get from Soryu, Kaji shot the other two men. This 
made Kaji a traitor to both SEELE and NERV. Not a very good 
idea.
	There were more important problem's however, than Mr.
Ryoji's whereabouts. Namely the fact that NERV was now down to
one pilot. One that currently may be emotionally unstable. Gendo had
unit 01 on freeze orders and wasn't about to use it anytime soon.
	Ranma's wound did look worse than it actually was and he
was out of the hospital. However he was going to be out of action 
for at least a week.
	The worst however, was Rei. Rei's medical appointment had
been moved up and after an examination, it had been found that her 
leg was developing complications. It was not healing properly and 
would have to be reset. This meant that Rei was going to be out of
action for a much longer time than expected and even then she may not be
able to walk straight.
	It became apparent to Gendo that NERV was going to need
a new pilot to act as an emergency backup and possible replacement
for Rei as primary pilot for the new EVA if necessary. Turning to his
computer, Gendo brought up the file "Maldock Report". He then 
looked up the name at the top of the list. *Hmm Kaoru Nagisa.*
	Gendo then picked up the phone. "Major Katsuragi, Dr Akagi.
I want to speak to you now." Not looking at his computer screen,
Gendo didn't notice it blur then refocus. 
	A short while later Misato and Ritsuko both walked into the
office. Gendo looked at them then spoke. "As of now no pilot is to 
walk outside alone at any one time. They are to travel with other pilots
or trusted NERV personnel. Major Katsuragi, there are some other
security arrangements that are needed. We will discuss them tomorrow."
Misato nodded her head.
	"Also I am transferring Rei to your apartment, Dr. Akagi.
Along with the new pilot. Rei doesn't have much, so there should be
room. Do you have a problem with this?"
	Ritsuko blinked "Ah No. I don't think so. Umm new pilot?"
	"Yes. As a result of what's happen I've decided that NERV
is in need of a backup pilot. The new pilots name is Kaoru Na....Huh
How did I miss that?...Umm Correction the new pilot's name is Ms.
Nabiki Tendo."

To be continued

Next:
Ritsuko looks suspicious!

Asuka looks jealous!

Asuka and Nabiki face off!

And Nabiki finds out just what she's gotten herself into!






From: JLee100441@aol.com

Alternate Future 

By: James Lee

Disclaimer: Neither NGE or Ranma 1/2 belong to me, instead they 
belong to their creators, people much better than myself. I'm making 
no money off this, so suing me will be pretty useless.

I like to thank my prereaders: Jusenkyoguide, jflores, jmc341, Lord
Talon, Short Yes, Sir bean, and Lictre. Also thanks to K. Hammel 
for his excellent C&C and all the other people who offered to preread
this for me.

Part 9

Tokyo 3, 2015
	A train had just pulled out of Tokyo 3 rail station when a mirror 
in the women's rest room suddenly started glowing. It was late and the
station was practically deserted, so no one noticed the strange light or the
two people who emerged from it. Nabiki lowered her bag and brushed
off her clothes. 
	"Whoa that was some ri..." Turning to Belldandy, Nabiki stopped,
realizing something was wrong. When they had left the Nekohanten, Nabiki
had been talking face to face with Belldandy. Now she found herself
talking to Belldandy's chest. Looking at the mirror, Nabiki gasped when
she saw a face that she hadn't seen in about five years.
	"W-What have you done to me!?"
	"I sorry, Miss Tendo, but that had to be done in order to 
fulfill your wish..."
	"To fulfill my wish?"
	"Yes, Miss Tendo. The same thing was done to Ranma
when he arrived."
	"Ah oh. So where are we?"
	"You are in Tokyo 3. The year is 2015."
	"Tokyo THREE? 2015?"
	"Yes. This is where my sister Urd brought Ranma. This is a
different universe than the one you came from. This Earth is also in
great danger. You see, my sister decided to put Ranma some place
he would be needed."
	"OK. What do we do now?"
	"Well now you just wait for your ride." Belldandy reached into 
her own bag and pulled out a file. "In the meantime, you can read 
this."
	"What's this....Welcome to NERV?"
	"It's sort of an information packet on your new employer.
You'll be working with Ranma."
	"I'll be working with? Hmm will I be living with him too?"
	"Yes." Nabiki's face lit up at hearing that. Belldandy's own
face took on a sad look. She hated to burst the girl's bubble but....
	"I think I should warn you Nabiki.."
	"Ah warn me?"
	"Umm yes. You see, your wish was only to be with Ranma 
not for Ranma to love you. When my sister brought him here she
erased most of his memories to ease his pain. So he'll probably not
recognize you. Also, Ranma has been here for over a month and his 
heart may have been captured by another."
	"Captured b-by another?"
	"Yes, I'm sorry Miss Tendo, but this is the best I can do within
the perimeters of your wish. Look on the bright side."
	Nabiki looked up. "Bright side?"
	"You've been given a very rare gift Nabiki Tendo. You've
been given five years added back on to your life. I'm sure that a smart
girl such as yourself can think of some advantages to that. Also, if you
can't win Ranma you can still be his friend, rather than live in a world
without him."
	"Umm yeah I guess.."
	"Well I must leave now. Farewell Miss Tendo."
	"Oh ah thanks." After Belldandy left, Nabiki went out and sat
down on one of the rail station benches. Taking out the file, she began 
to go through it. It described NERV as a government agency created by
the UN to defend earth from the angels? What type of government 
organization hires fourteen year old kids? *heh heh Maybe they have
Ranma controlling Giant Robo. heh Get real Nabiki, it's probably just
some youth challenge program or something.*
	"Miss Tendo?"
	Nabiki looked up to see two women in front of her. One had
blond hair and was wearing a blue dress and glasses. The other had 
long black hair and wore a black dress with a red flight jacket over it.
	"Yes?"
	The blond smiled. "Hello, I'm Dr. Ritsuko Akagi. You'll be 
staying with me while you're here. This is Major Misato Katsuragi. Do
you have any more bags?" 
	Nabiki shook her head. "I've been living on my own for a 
while, so I don't have much."
	"Well you'll be living in a full house now. I hope you don't mind
sharing a room with another girl."
	"Umm no." Said Nabiki as picked up her bag and followed
the women to a small blue car. Once they were rolling, Ritsuko turned
to Nabiki.
	"So do you know why we summoned you here?"
	"Ahh not exactly. It was some kind of job right?"
	"Yes, we'll go into details tomorrow. For now, let's just get
you settled."

			*****

	Ritsuko, Misato, and Nabiki soon arrived at Ritsuko's apartment
building. As they stepped off the elevator on the fifth floor, Nabiki saw 
three more children standing at a door. One she recognized immediately.
*Ranma!* Nabiki suppressed the urge to call out to him, remembering
that she wasn't suppose to know anyone. 
	Nabiki had thought of saying she knew Ranma as a kid, she
had even gone as far as to suggest that they where engaged. After all,
Ranma wasn't supposed to remember anything, so there would be little
to disprove it. 
	She decided against the idea however, feeling that it might 
cause problems. For one thing this NERV group would probably
want to interrogate her about him and she would have to make up a 
false history. With her missing out on the past fifteen years and in 
another dimension, Nabiki was sure she'd slip up on something, mention
some place that doesn't exist anymore or something that didn't happen, 
and they would suspect her of lying. Which in turn would cause her to lose
Ranma's trust. She also had no desire to explain how she really got there.
	Also, Nabiki remembered how much Ranma hated all the arranged
marriages back in Nerima. There was no reason for Nabiki to think that
he would accept one now and with no families to back her up, Nabiki
couldn't force him. Besides, she doubted he'd like her for it.
	Ranma was with two other people. One was a boy with short
brown hair and blue eyes. The other was a girl with very pale skin
and short blue hair. Nabiki noted that the girl was on crutches with a
rather large cast on her leg. She also noted that Ranma's left arm was
in a sling. *Hmm I'm going to have to find out what happened to them.*
Nabiki had the bad feeling it had something  to do with her new job.
Ritsuko stepped forward.
	"Everyone I would like to introduce someone. This is Nabiki
Tendo, the fifth child. Nabiki these are some of the other children you'll
be working with. This is the first child Rei Ayanami. You two will be 
sharing the same room." The pale girl nodded.
	"This is the third, child Shinji Ikari." 
	"Umm nice to meet you." Said the boy with brown hair.
	"And this is the fourth, child Ranma." Ranma lowered the
suitcase he was holding and shook Nabiki's hand. Nabiki could see 
that, as feared, Ranma didn't recognize her.
	"Hi."
	Ritsuko then turned to Nabiki. "Now I'll be moving the rest of
my stuff to the other room. You and Rei will be moving into the master
bedroom. Rei, Misato will be bringing a truck tomorrow to get the rest
of your stuff and bring it here."
	"Umm, Ritsuko?"
	"Yes, Shinji?"
	"This IS all her stuff."
	"Hmm guess I ain't the only one who packed light,* thought
Nabiki. *One suitcase and one box though?*
	"OK we'll forget about the truck. Now let's get started."
said Ritsuko, opening the door. Walking in, Nabiki took a quick look
at the living room and it's 'decor'. *Well, THIS is a good place for Ranma.*
Nabiki thought sarcastically. Looking at Ranma Nabiki could see that 
Ranma didn't care for the living room. Soon the others went to work.
Misato helped Ritsuko move her stuff from the master bedroom to her 
new room, while Ranma and Shinji helped the girls get settled in.
	Nabiki, deciding to see what the fashions were in 2015, took a 
quick look into Rei's wardrobe and was a little surprised by what she 
saw. Seeing Rei with only one bag was one thing. After all she only
had one bag too. However, having nothing but school clothes and one
dress, seemed a bit odd to Nabiki.
	After a while everything was done. Misato took Shinji home,
much to the disappointment of Rei, although no one could tell by looking
at her. Ritsuko and the remaining three pilots then sat down for a cup
of tea before bed. While they drank, Ranma whispered something to 
Ritsuko.
	"You think we should what!?"
	"If she's going to be living here then she's going to find out
sooner or later."
	Ritsuko glared at Ranma then sighed. "I guess you're right.
Nabiki, what your about to see is classified. Ranma here has a 
special condition that we think you should know about. It may seem
strange, but rest assured it really isn't anything to worry about."
	*Gee, I wonder what she's going to show me?* thought Nabiki
as she watched Ritsuko approach Ranma with a glass of water. Sure
enough Ritsuko poured the water onto Ranma's head with the usual 
results. Putting on her best look of shock, Nabiki stared wide eyed at
the now female Ranma.
	"W-What the hell just happened ?! H-How did he...?"
	Ritsuko looked at Nabiki a moment before she answered her.
"We don't know why Ranma changes. All we do know is that the change
is complete and that it's triggered by water. Cold water as you see turns
him into a girl, hot water changes him back." Ritsuko demonstrated this
by pouring some hot tea on Ranma's head, changing him back to a boy.
	"It must be hard for you." said Nabiki.
	"It's got it's drawbacks. For one thing, Ritsuko here sees me
as the perfect guinea pig for NERV's experiments." Ritsuko glared at 
Ranma, although she did have to admit that they did do more tests on
Ranma than they did the other pilots. However, many of those tests were
just tests that they had to perform twice because of Ranma's condition.
Ranma continued "There are some other things, but I'd rather not talk about
them."
	"Speaking of talking, please keep mind that all this is classified
top secret by NERV. You are not to discuss it with anyone Ms. Tendo.
Do you understand?" Nabiki nodded. "Good now I think it would be
a good time for bed. You all have school tomorrow. Nabiki you will 
be in the same class as the others."

	A while later Nabiki and Rei were laying on Ritsuko's large 
futon. (No they're not doing anything. Hentais!) Nabiki looked over
to Rei. Now would be a good a time as any to get some information.
	"Umm Rei?"
	"Yes."
	"Ah what happened to you and Ranma? You don't have to tell
me if..."
	"I was injured during an angel attack. Saotome was shot during
a kidnapping attempt." Nabiki looked wide eyed at Rei. She was getting 
very unnerved. Not only by what Rei had just told her, but in the way
she said it. The girl's voice had almost no emotion. She had said it like she
would "I left the light on." Then there was what she said. *Ranma was
shot!?* Nabiki looked over to the pale girl. *I need more data Ms. 
Spock.*
	"Ranma, was shot during a kidnapping attempt?"
	"Yes, while protecting the second child."
	"Umm OK. So what do you think of Ranma anyway?"
	"He is odd." Replied Rei in the same monotone voice. A good
sign?
	"...."
	"...."
	"How about Shinji?"
	A small smile appeared on Rei's face. "Shinji-kun."
	Nabiki almost breathed in relief at hearing Rei's change of 
tone. *It's human after all.*  Looking at Rei, Nabiki smiled.
	"You like him don't you?"
	A slight blush came to Rei's cheeks. "W-What do you mean?"
	"Never mind." said Nabiki smirking. The girl obviously had 
something for the boy, so she was not interested in Ranma. *Well if
the first and third are an item. Then Ranma...wait a minute.*
	"Umm Rei? If you're the first child, Shinji's the third, Ranma's 
the forth, and I'm the fifth, then who's number two?"
	"That would be Asuka Langley Soryu."
	"Oh where was she?"
	"She was at home this evening. She has not been well. She 
will most likely be at school tomorrow."
	*Whoa she managed to complete three sentences that time.*
	"So what is she like?"
	"She is very...strong willed."
	Nabiki didn't like the sound of that. Back in Nerima, Ranma
tended to like strong girls like Shampoo, Ukyo, and her sister. Also 
Ranma had apparently been hurt protecting her. Nabiki would have
to find out more about this 'second child'.
	"...."
	"...."
	"...."
	"...."
	"Umm Rei?"
	"Yes"
	"Anyone ever tell you that you talk too damn much?"
	Rei looked at Nabiki and blinked.

Meanwhile Ritsuko laid on her bed thinking. There was something
about the new child that bothered her. When she had been about to 
pour the water on Ranma, she got a look at Nabiki's face. It look like
she was expecting something to happen and her surprise seemed fake 
to Ritsuko. Did she already know about Ranma's condition? If so, how? 
	"Maybe I'm just being paranoid." sigh Ritsuko as she turned 
out the light.

			*****

	The next day, Nabiki, Ranma, and Rei were walking to school.
Nabiki was wearing a school uniform that she had borrowed from Rei.
It didn't fit quite right, but it was better than nothing. Nabiki found it 
odd that she was going back to high school. Belldandy had changed 
her records to match this new world. She had seen her high school
diploma, which now said that she had graduated from a high school in Kyoto.
	"So why am I still going to school?" grumbled Nabiki.
	"What did you say Nabiki?" asked Ranma.
	"Oh I was just thinking. I've already got a high school diploma,
why am I going to back to school?"
	"I don't know. I mean you're not the only one."
	"I'm not?"
	"Yeah Asuka graduated college at the age thirteen and she
has to go to school here too."
	"Umm." Nabiki thought on this new bit of information on the
second. The girl was smart, maybe smarter than Nabiki herself. She
definitely have to look up this Asuka. Nabiki moved closer to Ranma.
	"So Ranma, what's this school like?"
	"Well it's kind of boring actually. I mean all the teacher seems 
to talk about is Second Impact." *Second Impact?* thought Nabiki. 
"It was OK when I first started and I didn't know anything about it,
but now it's just boring. The Phys Ed classes are pretty good though."
	"Shinji-kun." Nabiki looked away from Ranma to see Rei
greeting Shinji. With Shinji was another girl. This girl had long auburn
hair and was dressed in the same uniform as Nabiki  and Rei. What 
Nabiki noticed most, however, was the look the girl was giving
her. She had seen this look before on Akane. Whenever a new fiancée
appeared. *I guess this is Asuka.*
	Asuka continued to bore holes into the girl who was standing
too close to her Ranma. *Did I just..* Asuka shook her head and
spoke.
	"So who's this?"
	"Asuka this is the fifth child Nabiki. She's moved into the 
apartment with Rei. Nabiki this is second child Asuka Langley Soryu." 
said Ranma.
	"A pleasure." said Nabiki.
	Asuka merly grunted and turn to face Ranma. Looking at him,
her anger seemingly deflated. "Umm h-how's your shoulder?"
	"I-it's OK. Ritsuko thinks I'll be able to pilot again in about
one or two weeks. H-How are you feeling?"
	"Ah I-I'm fine." said Asuka. But Ranma wasn't convinced,
maybe he'd talk to her later. He didn't feel it a good time to start a 
possible fight.
	Nabiki frowned, she had the slight hope that Asuka would tear
into Ranma for being with another girl, like Akane. Instead the girl 
suddenly became somewhat meek and Ranma always had a soft spot
for girls hurting.
	"So Ranma what are the students like at the high school." asked
Nabiki as they continued to walk to school.
	"Well, they're OK for the most part, even Toji's alright."
	"Do you have a problem with this Toji?" *If I fix it there'll be
more points in my favour.*
	*Kuso!* "Ahh I'd really rather not talk about it."
	"Toji is infatuated with Saotome's female form." said Rei.
	Asuka and Ranma glared at her, although they couldn't tell if 
she had done that on purpose or not.
	"Wondergirl! That's classified!" shouted Asuka.
	"Actually she all ready knows, Asuka."
	"Y-You showed her!?" *Damn, there goes that prank!*
	"Well we are living in the same apartment. She was going to
find out sooner or later." Asuka sighed and nodded her head.
	Meanwhile no less than three money making ideas came to 
Nabiki, concerning this Toji. Nabiki said no to all however. Selling 
pictures and info to a love sick Toji would probably not endear her to
Ranma's heart. Besides there was no need. Unlike the Tendo Dojo, 
everyone in the apartment had a job so money was no problem. Still
she could see about solving this little problem for Ranma. Also a little
more spending cash wouldn't hurt. She would have to check out this
school for local betting pools, low interest loans, and gossip markets.
	As they walked Asuka became more irritated. For some 
reason, this new girl wouldn't let her walk beside Ranma. Every time
she was beside Ranma, Nabiki would step in front of her and slow 
down to where she was beside him. She couldn't understand why she
was becoming irritated. *Could it be that I-I LIKE the Hydrosexual?*
	Asuka looked at Ranma, who was walking along the fence like
he usually did. *Hmph macho baka. If he falls down he'll be fucked.
Probably wants to go to practice, too.* Asuka looked back up at
Ranma as an idea came to her.
	"Ah Ranma?"
	"Yeah Asuka?"
	"Could you show me how to do that? Walk the fence, I mean."
	Ranma stopped and looked down. "Umm sure. When do you
want to start?"
	"How about right now."
	"OK." said Ranma as he reached down with his good hand
and helped Asuka up onto the fence. He hoped that this would take
her mind off her other problems for a little while. Asuka fought to keep
her balance for while, then smiled. She could see why Ranma like it
up here, it was kind of fun. 
	"Shinji, look up my skirt and you die! Relay that message to 
the other two stooges."
	"Umm OK." Said Shinji looking elsewhere. He decided to 
look at Rei instead. *Yes much safer, more pleasurable too.* Rei for
her part didn't mind.
	*Damn! Why didn't I think of that?* Nabiki was not about to
be outdone however. "Can you show me too Ranma?"
	"Sorry Nabiki I can only teach one person at the moment. 
Maybe next time."
	Asuka smiled and mentally stuck her tongue out at Nabiki.
*Heh You lose girl!* she thought. Asuka stopped smiling, when she 
suddenly lost her balance. She yelped when she started to fall, but stopped
when Ranma grabbed her arm and pulled her back up. Asuka sighed in
relief.
	"Thanks Ranma. So what do I do now?"
	"Well now just put one foot in front of the other and run."
	"Run? Shouldn't I like start walking first."
	"It's easier if you run. I'll be behind you if you start to fall."
	"Okay." Said Asuka as she slowly started to run down the 
fence. After while Asuka could see that the faster she went the easier
it was to keep her balance. Nabiki watched as Asuka and Ranma ran
and frowned. *Well it looks like she won this one.*

			*****

	"Class this is Nabiki Tendo. She's just arrived at Tokyo 3, so
I expect you to make her welcome. Miss Tendo you can sit over there."
Nabiki nodded and moved over to her seat.
	Hikari watched as the new girl moved to her seat. There was
no doubt in her mind that this new girl was an EVA pilot. It seemed 
that the only new people they got were EVA pilots, normal people
having more sense than to move to Tokyo 3.  Hikari could hear
Kensuke crying about how unfair the world was. She couldn't understand
why he was so dead set on piloting an EVA. Not when you looked 
at what it did to Rei. *It is kind of odd that all the EVA pilots are in
this classroom. I hope this isn't some holding place for pilots and pilot
candidates.* Although she would fight if asked, Hikari had no real
desire to go to war. 
	"So that girl's another EVA pilot huh, Asuka?" asked Hikari.
Asuka for her part continued to look out the window. "Umm Asuka?
....Asuka?"
	"W-What? Did you say something Hikari?"
	"Umm are you OK Asuka?" Hikari was a little concerned for
her friend. Although she had seemed to be in a good mood when she
came to class, Asuka now seemed preoccupied and depressed. 
"You seem a little down."
	"I-I'm fine Hikari. It's nothing." Despite her talk with Misato,
Asuka wasn't ready to tell the whole world her problems. Hikari
wasn't convinced, but decided to let it drop.
	"So is Nabiki an EVA pilot too?"
	Asuka's faced darken. "Yeah so what of it?"
	Hikari blinked as she watch Asuka seemingly return to normal
for a moment. Was the new girl the reason why Asuka was upset? "I 
was just curious. I thought that there were only three EVAs."
	Asuka sighed. "There are. She's sort of an emergency backup.
In case one of us can't pilot."
	"Oh." Hikari thought about pressing Asuka on what was wrong,
but the teacher then started the class. Still she decided she wait until
Gym class and try again.
	When Gym class came around, Hikari really wanted to try and 
talk to Asuka again. All through the other classes Asuka showed the
same odd behavior. She would continue to look out the window as if
she was Rei and had that depressed look on her face. This worried 
Hikari, it wasn't like Asuka to be depressed, at least not quietly. That 
was what bothered her, when Asuka was usually angry or upset she 
yelled about it to everyone near. 
	Hikari wondered if Ranma or that new girl Nabiki had something
to do with it. Ranma had came to class with his arm in that sling. Did 
Asuka have anything to do with that? Then there was Nabiki. Hikari couldn't
miss that flash of anger from Asuka when asked about the new girl. Nabiki
for her part seemed normal enough, maybe a bit nosy. When she had talked
to Nabiki; the girl had asked about some of the sporting events that the
school held. She had overheard Nabiki asking other girls about betting pools,
loans, and gossip. Nabiki was also asking about Ranma. *Ranma?* 
Was Asuka jealous of Nabiki? Walking up to Asuka in the locker room,
she felt she had to find out what was going on.
	"Asuka are you sure everything's OK?"
	"I'm fine Hikari."
	"I don't believe you. Does it have anything to do with the new
girl?"
	"It has nothing to do with HER!" Yelled Asuka as she slammed 
her locker door. Asuka then sighed. "I'm sorry Hikari, it's..it's just been
a really bad week for me and I really, REALLY don't want to talk about 
it okay?" 
	Hikari nodded her head even though she wanted to know now
more than ever what was wrong with her friend. Deciding Asuka wasn't
going to tell her anytime soon, Hikari started getting dressed for gym class.
*Maybe I can ask Ranma.*
	Hikari waited tell lunch time to talk to Ranma. She was almost to
his desk when she heard Asuka yell out.
	"You can't be serious!" Asuka was apparently already at Ranma's
desk and she didn't look happy. Hikari cursed, she had hoped to talked 
Ranma without Asuka being present. Still this maybe what Asuka was
so upset about so Hikari hurried over to the desk.
	"Asuka, a martial artist and EVA pilot have to be ready for any
situation. That includes fighting when your injured. Think of it this way, 
this is probably your best chance to finally kick my ass." said Ranma. 
*Not that you will.*
	"Are you stupid, Hydrosexual!? What if your injuries get worse
because of this huh?" Said Asuka. Hikari made a mental note to also 
ask Ranma about that pet name Asuka always used. Just where did
she get the term Hydrosexual anyway? Hikari then noticed Nabiki coming
up to the desk.
	Nabiki having heard Asuka yelling at Ranma was curious about
what was going on. As she came up she could see Asuka once again
trying to bore holes into her with a glare.
	"Listen Asuka." said Ranma. "We're just going to practice some
katas. No sparing, okay?"
	Asuka sighed. "All right."
	"You guys practice martial arts?" asked Nabiki even though 
she already knew the answer.
	"Umm yeah. Me and Asuka practice after school. It helps with
piloting."
	"Really? Mind if I join you?"
	Asuka suddenly became delighted. "Of course you can join 
us! Then I can have someone to SPAR with."
	Nabiki narrowed her eyes, that was a challenge and she knew
it. "Okay, I look forward to it."
	Asuka narrowed her own eyes. "Great I can't wait!"
	Meanwhile Ranma looked around for any signs of danger. He
couldn't figure out why his hairs were suddenly standing on end. Hikari
blinked. For a second, she could have sworn both Asuka and Nabiki 
were glowing.

			*****

	Asuka and Nabiki looked at each other from across the room.
Each was sizing the other up. Nabiki wore a chinese suit that she had
always worn when practicing at the Nekohanten. Asuka wore a red
gi that showed off a good amount of her figure. Ranma stood off to the
side observing. As they glared at each other each girl tried to figure
out the other's strength.
	Asuka could see that the new girl wasn't as in good a shape
as she was. It wasn't that Nabiki was out of shape, in fact she was in
better shape than Hikari and most of the other girls at school. She just
didn't look to have spent as much time exercising as Asuka had. Asuka
started to form a battle plan.
	Nabiki looked at Asuka and was starting to get a little nervous.
She knew Asuka wanted to start a fight and was using this 'practice' 
session as a way to give her a warning. *Well, we'll just see about that.*
thought Nabiki. She could see that she was going to have a tough time
though. Asuka looked to be in good shape. There was also no telling
how long Ranma had been training this girl, although it couldn't have
been more than a few weeks. *Of course it isn't like I've been practicing
all my life ether.*
	Nabiki could have kicked herself in the head, for accepting 
Asuka's challenge. This was something that Akane or Ukyo did, not
her. Nabiki liked to use her mind to deal with others. Unfortunately, having
been there only one day, she really didn't have anything to use against
Asuka. The only thing she did have could have started a fight right then 
and there. She also couldn't refuse Asuka's challenge. It would be like
acknowledging Asuka as a superior. *I'll be damned if I do that!*
	Ranma looked at the two girls. Rising his hand, he quickly snapped
it down. "Begin!"
	Asuka began with some light punches which Nabiki ether dodged
or blocked. She then backed up to await Nabiki's counter attack. 
Realizing that Asuka wasn't going to attack anymore, Nabiki launched her
own assault with some light punches followed by a kick. The punches where 
all dodged, but to Nabiki's surprise, the kick made it, slamming into Asuka's 
jaw. Ranma ran forward as Asuka fell to the ground.
	"ASUKA! Are you alright!?"
	"Y-yeah I-I think so Ranma.."
	"What happen? You should have been able to block that."
	"I had something else on my mind." said Asuka looking at Nabiki.
"Umm Ranma could you get me an icepack?"
	"Ah sure. I'll be right back." Ranma got up and left the room to get
an icepack. Nabiki, looking at the fallen Asuka, smirked. *Guess this is
going to be easier than I thought.* Nabiki soon lost her smirk as Asuka
got back up with her own smirk.
	"Ready to try again?"
	Nabiki realized that the whole thing had been an act. Asuka
had let Nabiki kick her just to have a reason to get Ranma out of the
room. Nabiki took up a defensive stance as Asuka suddenly charged
her. Asuka threw several harder punches which Nabiki ether dodged 
or blocked. Nabiki for her part threw a few punches when she could, but
spent most of her time defending herself from Asuka's assaults. Nabiki
noticed that Asuka was putting a lot more into her offense than her defense.
Nabiki knew why too. Ranma wouldn't be gone forever and as soon as
he got back he would try to put a stop to this fight. *So all I have to do is 
stay standing till Ranma gets back and I've won.* thought Nabiki. Still 
Nabiki wanted to get a few hits in before then. She came up with what 
seemed to her a good plan. She had seen Ranma use it before.
	"So Asuka, I understand that you were there when Ranma got
shot." 
	*How did she know about that?* "Yeah what of it?" Asuka 
continued her attack, wondering what Nabiki was up to.
	"Oh I was just curious. What were you doing while he was 
fighting off the kidnappers?"
	Asuka almost stopped at that. "I-I rather not talk about it."
	Nabiki smiled, she was getting to the girl. "Ah. Well I was 
wondering why Ranma got shot, but you didn't even get a scratch."
	"What do you mean by that!?" Asuka was starting to get 
angry. Just what was Nabiki implying? It wasn't any of her business!
	"Well I bet that you were hiding somewhere safe."
	Asuka snapped. How dare this girl say such a thing. She 
wasn't even there! Charging forward Asuka screamed. "You bitch!"
	Nabiki smiled, this is what she hoped for. Asuka was so 
angry, she was making mistakes. Nabiki easily got through Asuka's
now nonexistent defense to hit the girl three times. Nabiki was quite
satisfied to see blood coming from Asuka's mouth and a cut above 
her eye. Nabiki figured that unlike the larger and stronger Kuno, Asuka
would have to recover from those hits. Nabiki was wrong however.
	What Nabiki hadn't counted on, was one of the effects of 
prolonged exposure to EVA combat. Asuka now had a fairly high
tolerance for pain. Feeling your arms cut off or acid poured on your
back can do that. Thus it came as quite a surprise to Nabiki when 
Asuka continued forward and punched her in the face. Nabiki then 
doubled over as Asuka kicked her in the gut. Another kick to the 
head sent Nabiki spinning into the wall.
	Her head swimming, Nabiki almost passed out. She could barely
see the still enraged Asuka charging toward her. Suddenly there was
another blur in front of her.
	"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Ranma had come back with the icepack
to see a bloody faced Asuka kick Nabiki across the room. Dropping
the icepack, Ranma put himself between the two girls who were 
obviously fighting for real. Asuka, who was caught off guard by Ranma's
action, couldn't stop in time. Her fist slammed into Ranma's already
hurt shoulder. With a cry pain, Ranma dropped to the ground holding
his injured shoulder. This snapped Asuka out of her rage.
	"Ranma!" Dropping down next to him, Asuka ripped open Ranma's
shirt. She could see a red blob forming on the bandages that covered his
wound. "O-o I think I popped some of your stitches! Come on, we 
better get you to the infirmary."
	Nabiki watched while holding her nose, which was bleeding
slightly but luckily wasn't broken. This was not what she wanted. As
Asuka started to pull Ranma up, Nabiki moved forward to help. She
was stopped however by a hand.
	"Miss Tendo." It was Dr. Akagi. The woman did not look 
happy. For a moment Nabiki wondered just where she had suddenly
come from. "You need to see Major Katsuragi at her office. She will
be giving you the full details of your new job."
	For a moment Nabiki looked at Ranma and Asuka, she really
wanted to help. Seeing this Ritsuko continued. "I'll take care of everything 
here. You better get going."
 
			*****

	Nabiki sat looking wide-eyed at the screen as EVAs and the
so called angels battled it out. She had been quite surprised to find 
out that Ranma really was driving a giant robot for these people. Not
only that, but they wanted her to drive one too. Nabiki had accepted
their offer and was now watching combat footage of the other EVA
pilots in action. Watching the video, she was beginning to have second
thoughts however. *What have I gotten myself into!?* Nabiki thought,
particularly when shown the video of unit 01. Misato walked up to her.
	"So umm any questions so far?"
	Nabiki looked at the major and decide to start with the important
one. "H-How much do we get paid?"
	Misato big sweated. This was not the first question she expected
"Ah paid?"
	"Yes. We do get paid to do that, don't we?" Said Nabiki pointing
at the screen, which now showed unit 01 devouring the 14th angel.
	"Weellll you get an allowance each week. The rest of your 
salary is put into a special savings account to be accessed on your 18th
birthday. This is to satisfy child labor laws." Not that NERV cared about
the child labor laws. Good PR didn't hurt though. It was the same reason
why both Asuka and Nabiki were going to school even though they 
had already passed high school. To show that the children were being
well 'cared' for.
	Nabiki nodded her head. "OK, so why us? Why not have 
some special forces super soldier type pilot that thing?"
	"We would if we could. Unfortunately, no one born before 
Second Impact can synchronize with an EVA. Some have tried. They
were....unsuccessful." Nabiki frowned at that. It sound like there was
more to it. Like something was being left out. *Like what happened to
the people who failed?* Nabiki had the impression she didn't want to 
know.
	Misato looked at her watch. "It's now 1700. Go get you some
dinner. We have some special training tonight. Be at the pilot debriefing
room at 1800 hours. DO NOT be late."

			*****

Meanwhile at the NERV infirmary:
	Ranma walked out of the office to see Asuka waiting for him.
As feared, Asuka had popped some of his stitches. They had given him
some new ones and an IV for precautions. Asuka walked up to him.
	"Ah I-I'm sorry Ranma. I-I didn't mean to.."
	"It's alright. Why were you and Nabiki fighting?"
	"Umm it got out of hand. Sh-She said some things I didn't like."
	"I thought I taught you about controlling your anger."
	"I know, but she said some really mean things." said Asuka.
	"What did she say?"
	"I-I rather not say. Are you okay?"
	"Yeah I'm fine. It take more than that to put me out"
	Asuka smirked "Well if your in such great shape then we can
go to the cafeteria and work on your Deutsch. Ich habe hunger."
	Ranma deadpanned. Ritsuko had thought it only fair if that in 
exchange for the martial arts lessons, Asuka help Ranma with his school
work. This included teaching Ranma English. Asuka however, insisted on
teaching him German instead.

			*****

	At 1800 hours the pilots were all in the debriefing room. Nabiki
noted that even Ranma was there. Asuka was also in the room giving 
her the look of death. Nabiki realized she had blown it earlier and decided
to make up for it. Getting up from the desk she was sitting at she walked
over to Ranma and Asuka.
	"Umm Ranma, I-I'm sorry about the fight this afternoon. I didn't 
mean for anyone to get hurt."
	"That's okay, Nabiki. Just don't let it happen again, all right?" said
Ranma. Asuka just growled and turned her head. "Umm Nabiki, where
did you learn martial arts?"
	"Ah well I first learned it from my father. Then I dropped out
of it for a long time until I got this job at a Chinese restaurant."
	"You started learning it again because of a job at a restaurant?"
	"Umm yeah. You see we had to catch these flying bowls of
ramen. It was one of the place's attractions..."
	"Sounds more like a circus." said Asuka. Nabiki just ignored
her. "Why do you want to know Ranma?
	"I just noticed that you use a style similar to mine and Asuka's. 
I was just wondering where you learned it? So who was your father?"
	Nabiki got nervous and a little mad. "I-I rather not talk about
him. We didn't part on good terms." Nabiki decided to change the subject.
"So why are we here anyway?"
	"Umm I don't really know. Do you know Asuka?" Asuka shook
her head. "How about you Shinji?"
	Shinji looked up from where he was talking with Rei. "Umm 
I don't know Ranma. Misato just said to be here at 1800."
	"Take your seats.." said Misato as she entered the room. "..and
pay attention!"
	Shinji noticed how serious Misato looked. She seemed to have an
air of total control around her. The only times Shinji had ever seen her
like this was when she was commanding the pilots during an angel attack
or when she was mad. Shinji watched as she opened a case at the front
of the classroom and pulled out a rather nasty looking handgun. Ranma
noted that Asuka seemed to become a little tense at the sight of the weapon.
	"This is the Sig Sauer Model 49 automatic pistol. Each of you will 
be issued one of these weapons tonight. They are for your self protection
ONLY! You are NOT to show these weapons to anybody. You are
to keep them hidden at all times. You are to keep them on SAFE at 
all times. You will keep track of them at all times. I will be holding 
periodic weapons checks, and God help you if you don't know where
your weapon is."
	"Finally, these handguns are to be used only in EXTREME
EMERGENCIES. If you draw these weapons for any reason it better
be a damn good one. Any violation of the rules I just gave you and 
your little asses will be mine. Do you understand me?.......DO YOU
UNDERSTAND ME!?"
	"Yes Ma'am!"
	"Good. These pistols are not toys. Ranma was very lucky the
other night. When he was shoot the bullet passed between his shoulder
bones without hitting them. If the bullet had hit one of the bones, it would
have broken his shoulder at the very least. At worst it would have crippled
him or ricochetted off the bone and into his heart or lungs. At any rate the
bullet went though his shoulder and out his back, making a nice two 
inch hole. None of the other three goons that were shot that night 
survived."
	Misato stopped and took a deep breath. "Now Asuka,
I understand you had weapons training in Germany. That included
pistols right?" Asuka nodded. "Okay step forward, you will be my
assistant."
	Asuka went to the front of the room and took the handgun 
from Misato, holding it as she would a live cobra. This seemed to please
Misato, who turned back to the rest of the 'class'. "Now the first thing
we'll go over is the disassembly and maintenance of the weapon. First
you......"

Later:
	"Shooters, lock and load one fifteen round magazine." The pilots
were now at a firing range inside NERV headquarters. Misato watched
as each of the pilots loaded their weapons. She made sure they were
keeping the weapons pointed up and down range. 
	"Open fire." At once the range erupted with gunfire. As Misato
watch for possible trouble, Ritsuko came up behind her. "Misato?"
	"What, Ritsuko?" said Misato, not taking her eyes off the shooters.
	"Do you find that new girl 'odd' in any way?"
	"You mean Nabiki? No, not really. What do you mean?"
	"Well last night we showed her Ranma's 'condition' and...and
it was like she was expecting it to happen.
	Misato just nodded her head. "Like she already knew about 
it."
	"Not only that. I was also watching Nabiki's and Asuka's little
sparring match this afternoon."
	"That's a nice way to describe a fight." Misato had not missed 
the bruises of their faces. She wondered that if Ritsuko was watching,
why didn't she intervene instead of Ranma? *Probably didn't want to 
accidentally get her sorry ass kicked.*
	"You remember when I told you I had been studying up on the
Martial arts since Ranma told me he was a martial artist?"
	"Yeah."
	"Well, I've shown Videos of Ranma's sparring matchs to some experts.
One of the things we found out is that Ranma's style is very unique. It seems to
be a mix of several styles all rolled into one with a heavy amount of Kempo. 
We have only been able to find two people who study it, Ranma and Asuka."
	"Ok, so?"
	"So Nabiki uses the same unique style, if somewhat modified. 
Heavily based on Kempo with other styles mixed in. Now what are 
the chances of that?"
	Misato sighed. "Ritsuko, you do know you're being suspicious
of a fourteen year old girl don't you?"
	"And you're not concerned? Considering she seems to know
so much."
	"No I'm not! I'm more concerned about this!" said Misato, 
waving hand at the pilots, whose firing was beginning to die down.
"Doesn't it bother you that our pilots can now be considered armed 
and dangerous!?"
	"Well we do put them in the cockpits of 400 foot killing 
machines."
	"Yes, but at least with the EVAs there's a control team of 
adults that have some semblance of control. The only person who 
will have control of one of those handguns will be the child that drew
it!"
	"Your worried about having another incident like Ranma."
	"I just can't help but think this is a bad idea." Truth be told 
Misato wasn't too worried about Asuka and Ranma. Both had learned 
about guns, the HARD way. It was the other three that bothered her,
although she was sure Rei could handle the responsibility too. Shinji
and Nabiki however, looked never to have held a gun in their lives.
She would have to keep an eye on them. She didn't want to get a 
phone call from the school, saying Nabiki had gotten pissed with Asuka
and shot her. Finally the firing stopped.
	"Cease fire. Are there any alibis (1)........There are no alibis.
Shooters put your weapons on safe, lock your bolts to the rear, and
place your weapons on the counter." As the pilots complied, Misato
hit the control to bring the targets up. Walking down the line she began
to evaluate each of the pilots shooting.
	"Asuka, excellent..." For once, Asuka didn't seem very proud
of her achievement. This suited Misato just fine. "Ranma, could be better
but considering you're firing with one hand good. Rei, good. Nabiki, 
your grouping could be better but otherwise good. Shinji,......Shinji
you're hopeless!"

1)Alibis: This is the termed used by the US Army for unused rounds. 
On the firing line if someone was to say they had alibis, they would 
be given some more time to fire off the remaining bullits.

			*****

	She saw Ranma waking up in the hospital.
	She saw him meeting Dr. Akagi.
	She saw Asuka hitting Ranma with a lunch tray.
	She saw Ritsuko showing him around the apartment. His 
first day at school. The activation of unit 03. Fighting unit 00. *HEY!
They didn't show me that!* A female Ranma kissing Asuka. *Kissing
Asuka!* Fighting the 14th Angel. Dieingwhenunit03gotit'sheadcutoff!
AnotherfightwithAsuka,thisoneendswithAsukacrying.RanmaandAsuka
practicing.........Nabiki's eyes snapped open. She looked around the 
cockpit of unit 03. She could hear the voices of the various technical 
personal.
	"Synchronization complete. Holding at 35%. No faults detected."
	"Very good. How do you feel Mrs. Tendo?" Asked Ritsuko.
	"Umm a little strange at first, but I feel fine now."
	"What do you mean by strange? Did it feel like the unit was
rejecting you?"
	"Ah no. It's just I saw all these images just a moment ago."
	"You probably saw some of Ranma's memories. It happens
sometimes."
	"Ah will Ranma see any of my memories when he pilots this
thing again?" Asked a nervous Nabiki.
	"No, it's not that common that we know of. Even then it takes
several weeks of piloting before an EVA starts imprinting memories.
It's nothing to worry about."
	"Oh, so why didn't ya tell me about what happen to unit 00?
Or about Ranma dying in when he fought the 14th angel?"
	"We didn't want to upset you too much. Are there any other
problems?" asked Ritsuko.
	"Ah yeah this disgusting what-ya-call it liquid.."
	"LCL"
	"Yeah it taste and smells awful. Can't you like add some fruit
flavoring or something?"
	Ritsuko ignored Maya's giggling. "Sorry, can't be helped. Is 
there anything else?"
	"Are you sure Ranma isn't going to see my memories?"
	"Yes, Ranma isn't going to see what's on your mind." Ritsuko
narrowed her eyes a little. "What do you have to hide anyway?"
	"Well it's my mind and I like to think of it as private property.
The idea of someone seeing my memories just creeps me out a little."
*Besides there are some memories I don't want Ranma to ever see
agian.*

			*****
Nerima, Present Day
	Shampoo entered the Nekohanten and sadly sat down. A
short while later Colone came up to the table she was sitting at with
a bowl of Ramen. 
	"Any luck?"
	"No Great Grandmother. Shampoo look everywhere. No 
can find Nabiki."
	Colone nodded her head. They had come home the other 
night to find the restaurant empty. Like Ranma, Nabiki had disappeared
without a trace. A through search had turned up nothing. Colone looked
at Shampoo, she could tell the girl was taking it hard. Nabiki had been
one of Shampoo's few friends after Ranma had disappeared. 
	"Great Grandmother, what we do now? First Ranma, now
Nabiki. I bet it Tendo doing! Nabiki say she think they know what
happen to Ranma. Maybe they decide to get rid of her."
	"Don't worry child. I have a plan at least for Ranma."
	"You do?"
	"Yes, I'll need you to run the store for a while. I'm going back
to China to get a few things. I should be back in a few months." Shampoo
nodded and Colone continued. "We'll have our revenge. The Tendos
will bring Ranma back. They'll have no choice."

To be continued.

Next:

Asuka and Ranma have a problem.

The 15th Angel attacks!

A new EVA unit enters the field!

Nabiki finds out about Ranma's feelings.

and

Nabiki is found out!

From: JLee100441@aol.com


Sorry this took so long to get out. Anyway previous parts can also be found 
at my old webpage at...

http://members.aol.com/JLee100441/page/index.htm


     "Asuka. Asuka darling. Mommy made your favorite," said the
woman holding a doll as if it were her own child. The woman was
sitting in a hospital bed. Across the room Little Asuka watched. She
could hear her father talking with her aunt. Something about the mental
contamination from the test being responsible. Asuka didn't understand
and didn't care, she just wanted her mommy back. Why wouldn't her
mommy talk to her instead of that doll.
     "Oh you mustn't complain or else...Wait you're not my little
Asuka." The woman placed the doll down then looked straight at Asuka.
     Asuka eyes widen. Could this be it? Was Mommy getting better?
     "There's my little Asuka."
     Asuka smiled. Mommy was getting better! Everything was going
to be OK! The woman then pulled out an automatic pistol and pointed right
at the small girl.
     "There's my little murderer." (BAMG!!) Asuka shot up out of
bed in a cold sweat.


Alternate Future

By: James Lee

Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me. They belong
to there respective owners. Suing me will get you nowhere. I
have no money.

Part 10

     Asuka finished her work and looked in the mirror. One could
barely see the bruises from her fight with Nabiki. Fortunately the fight had
happened just before the weekend, so the bruises had time to fade before
Asuka had to go to school again. What little marks were left only needed
a bit of makeup to cover them. Taking one last look in the mirror, Asuka
left the bathroom. "Alright Shinji I'm ready, let's go."
     Grabbing the now stunned Shinji, Asuka made for the door.
She was stopped however when voice yelled out.
     "HALT!" the voice continued. "Asuka, come here."
     Asuka turned around and walked over to were Misato was
sitting. "What? We're going to be late if we don't leave soon."
     "May I ask why you're wearing makeup this morning?"
     "It's to cover the bruises."
     Misato took a few sniffs and smirked. "Oh? And how is the
perfume covering the bruises?"
     "Well I umm if I was going to wear makeup I might as well
do a complete job, right?"
     "Ah huh, so who are you trying to impress? Hmmm?"
     "It's not like that!" Asuka snapped back. "I just don't want to
go to school with a bruised  face."
     Misato smiled, seeing some of the old Asuka return. "Wait a minute,
does the school even allow you to wear makeup?"
     "I don't know and I don't care. What are they going to do?
Throw me out?" said Asuka as she turned to leave. "Besides, we're
NERV; we're above the law."
     "You know if you get kicked out, that will leave Nabiki all alone
with Ranma." Misato smiled even more as Asuka nearly face faulted
at her last statement. *Got ya!*
     "Errr..Listen, I could care less what she does! Now I have to
get to school." Asuka turned, grabbed Shinji, and left the apartment.
After she was gone, Misato smirked and picked up the phone.
     "Better tell Ritsuko, this could lead to trouble."

               *****
Meanwhile at the Akagi ranch:
     Nabiki finished  her own makeup job. Like Asuka, she had
no desire to go to school looking like a punching bag. She also wanted
to get the attention of a certain someone. Closing her compact, Nabiki
started looking for the right shade of lipstick.
     "What are you doing?"
     Nabiki turned to see Rei stepping out of the shower. "I'm looking
for some lipstick to go with my makeup."
     "Why are you wearing makeup?"
     "It's to cover the bruises. I want to look good going to school."
Nabiki then frowned, looking at Rei. "Umm Rei? Do you want to try
some?"
     Rei blinked. "Why would I want to wear makeup?"
     *This girl needs some help!* "Wouldn't you like to impress
Shinji?"
     Rei looked thoughtful for a moment. "Yes."
     "Come here." Nabiki pulled Rei over to the mirror. "Sit!"
     After Rei had sat down. Nabiki walked around her, looking
her over. The first problem Nabiki noticed was that Rei was so pale,
although that was a beauty in itself. "I think we'll start with a LITTLE
blush."
     Nabiki applied a light amount of blush to each of Rei's cheeks.
"The idea is to use just enough makeup to look good without going
overboard. OK, now for some lipstick."
     Rei pointed at a deep red shade of lipstick. Nabiki shook her
head. "No, that one's a little too deep. With your pale skin it will make
you look like a vampire. Let's try this."
     Nabiki picked up a much lighter pink shade and applied it to
Rei's lips. Nabiki then noticed the time, she was going to have to cut
this short. Deciding to skip the eye shadow till later, Nabiki went
on to the next thing that could use some improvement. "All right now,
your hair."
     Nabiki took a brush and started going over Rei's hair. She
then quickly went over it with a comb. The end result looked like
Rei's usual hair style, except that it was now more even and smooth.
Nabiki put down her brush. "There. What do you think?"
     Rei looked at the mirror for a moment and smiled. Nodding,
Nabiki quickly went over her own hair with the brush. "Well, we
better get going. We don't want to keep Shinji waiting now, do we?"
     Rei and Nabiki headed to the door were Ranma was waiting.
Ranma blinked when he saw Nabiki.
     "Umm you look good Nabiki."
     Nabiki smiled at him. "Why thank you Ranma."
     "Nabiki, I want to talk to you." It was Ritsuko. As Nabiki
walked over to where she was sitting, Ritsuko continued. "Ranma,
Rei, wait outside. We'll only be a minute."
     Ranma and Rei nodded and left the apartment. After they
were gone Ritsuko turned to Nabiki.
     "So what's up?" , asked the girl.
     "Nabiki, you know how important a job we do here right?"
     Nabiki nodded. "Yeah, we're saving the world."
     Ritsuko looked at her levelly. "That's right, and we can't afford
our pilots injuring each other. I don't want to have another incident
like Saturday again. Is that understood?"
     Nabiki nodded nervously. Something about way the NERV
doctor was looking at her, told Nabiki that Ritsuko didn't trust her.
*She must think I'm up to something. Wonder if she'd believe me if
I told her the truth. Nahh, She'd probably throw me in the loony
bin.* "Well I better get going now. Can't keep Ranma and Rei
waiting."
     Ritsuko nodded.

               *****

     Nabiki, Ranma, and Rei walked along to school. As usual
Ranma walked along the fence, while Nabiki and Rei walked on the
sidewalk. Ranma looked down at Nabiki.
     "Hey Nabiki, what did Ritsuko want?"
     "She wanted to chew me out for that fight me and Asuka had.
Guess I went a little too far."
     "I have to agree. What were you two fighting about anyway?"
     "I don't know, she just sort of started it. She was acting like
I was interfering with something."
     "Hmmm. Asuka's very competitive. From what I know, she's
always wanted be the best at everything, especially piloting. For the
past few weeks I've been trying to make Asuka a better team player.
However, I think she might see you as more unwanted competition."
     *More than you know Ranma.* thought Nabiki.
     "Strange though, she hasn't really been so aggressive since...."
Ranma frowned. This wasn't lost on Nabiki.
     "Since what, Ranma?"
     "Umm Nothing, don't worry about it."
     "Oh." A smirk then came to Nabiki's face. "You know Ranma,
we could have been fighting over you."
     "Urk!" Ranma nearly fell from the fence. "W-What!?"
     "I'm just kidding Ranma." Nabiki smiled. *Still the same old
Ranma. As clueless as ever.* "You know though, I wouldn't mind
having a boyfriend like you."
     "Ahh yeah right." replied Ranma. *They were fighting over me?
No, that couldn't be right. Could it?* Ranma then noticed Asuka and
Shinji approaching.
     "R-Rei/Wondergirl?" said both Shinji and Asuka at the same
time. To see Asuka in makeup was one thing. To also see Rei was a
little too much for Shinji. Rei walked up to him.
     "What do you think?" Shinji finally finding his brain and
reinserting it replied. "Umm you look very nice Rei."
     "Thank you Shinji-kun."
     Ranma looked wide eyed. Nabiki and Rei weren't the only
ones wearing makeup. *Boy, she looks cute. Maybe, no. She's probably
wearing it to cover the bruises, yeah.* "You look good too Asuka."
     "Danke, Ranma." said Asuka as she climbed onto the fence,
with a little better balance than the other day.
     *Hey!* Nabiki was about to shout out, but decided not to. It
would only start another fight. *Ranma wouldn't like that.*  Besides
there were some other things she had to think about, namely restarting
her businesses. Not that this would be much of a problem. After all
if this Kensuki was the best they had, Nabiki was sure she could be
running the school by the end of the week. Still, there was no need to
be as vicious as she used to be. This was a chance to start over, and
Nabiki was going to use for all it was worth.
     "So Nabiki, did you sync with the EVAs yesterday?"
asked Shinji.
     "Umm yeah, with two of them anyway. They weren't doing
test with the purple one." The others nodded their heads.
     "So how did you do?" asked Ranma.
     "Well I did OK on the black one, unit 03. But the red one
rejected me for some reason." The others stopped and looked at her.
All but Asuka, seemed a little concerned. "What?"
     "What happen when it rejected you?"
     "Umm nothing. It just sat there and did nothing. Why you
ask?"
     "At least it didn't go berserk and put you in the hospital, like
unit 00 did with Rei."
     "You mean when that Angel possessed it?"
     "I believe Shinji is referring to the incident that happened before
the Angels arrived."
     Nabiki's eyes widened "You mean that's happened before?"
     Asuka smirked. *The nerve of them, putting her in my EVA!* "Yup,
twice before in fact. Sent Shinji to the infirmary too. But I wouldn't worry, it
only seemed to happen with unit 00. That is unless you count all the times unit
01 went crazy during combat."
     Nabiki just looked her. *Oh the wonders of my new job."

               *****

     "So what sort of things do you like to do Rei?" asked Nabiki.
Although this had nothing to with her current quest, Nabiki felt that the
pale girl was in desperate need of some friends. Thus she decided to
get to know the girl better. Nabiki noticed that most of the students
were looking at them. *Is it because we're talking or is it the make-up?*
Nabiki smirked as she remembered how half the class had almost
collapsed when Rei came in. She loved getting people to react like
that.
     "I like to read." said Rei as she looked at Nabiki. Why was
she asking all these questions. Was she trying to be friends. Rei wasn't
quite sure how to act. Besides Shinji, this was the first person who
had tried to get to know her.
     "Oh really, what's your favorite book so far?"
     "Sun-Tsu's 'The Art of War'."
     "Did you all get that?" Nabiki yelled over her shoulder. She
smiled as she heard the other students scramble to look like they
weren't eavesdropping. "That's a very good book. I'm rather fond of it
myself. It's very useful for business...."

     Hikari looked over at Asuka, a little concerned. She looked
better than she had last week, but still seemed preoccupied with
something. Asuka still refused to talk about what was bothering
her. *Oh well, I guess she'll tell me when she's good and ready.*
Digging into her bag, Hikari then noticed that she didn't have anything
to write with. She tapped Asuka on the shoulder.
     "Asuka, do you have pen or pencil I can borrow?"
     "Hmm..Oh yeah there should be one in my bag." said Asuka
before she returned to looking at Ranma. This wasn't lost on Hikari,
she was pretty sure now that whatever was bothering Asuka, Ranma
had something to do with it. Hikari picked up Asuka's bag. Looking
inside, Hikari gasped.
     "Asuka! What are you doing carrying a gmrph....."
     "Shhhhhh!" said Asuka as she slapped her hand over the girls
mouth. *Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! You stupid idiot, you couldn't
even keep it secret for forty-eight hours. O-o Misato's going to be
pissed!* Asuka looked over at the other students. Fortunately, the
students had returned their attention to Nabiki and Rei. "Listen you
didn't see that OK. I-I'll tell you about it at lunch."
     Hikari nodded. She was going to get some answers no matter
what. As class president, the class's safety was very important to her.
Why was Asuka carrying a gun? Were the other pilots also packing?
Just what happened? She'd find out soon enough.

               *****

     "And that's what happened. Now we have to carry these wherever
we go. No one is supposed to know about them; so please keep quiet about
the guns." said Asuka as she finished her tale. Hikari looked a bit pale, but
nodded.
     "That's horrible, you and Ranma are both lucky."
     "If you say so."
     "Of course you are. Who knows what those men were going
to do to you."
     "I-It's just...Well it's weird. I mean this guy is trying to take me
away to kill me or rape me or whatever and I killed him. But I feel
so awful about it. I mean I-I feel like I'm some sort of evil monster
and I-I don't know why. A-Am I evil, Hikari?" said Asuka as tears
started comimg down her cheeks.
     Hikari hugged her friend. "Of course you're not evil. If you were
you wouldn't feel so bad about it. And you wouldn't have such good friends
like: Misato, Shinji, Kaj..."
     "DON'T TALK ABOUT HIM!!" Hikari yelped as Asuka
snapped at her. *What's that about?* Usually Asuka loved to talk
about Kaji.
     "I-I'm sorry Hikari," Asuka said with a sigh. She hadn't told
Hikari about Kaji's role in the ambush. "I just don't want to talk about
him right now."
     "What did he find some new girl or something?"
     "Um yeah something like that..."
     "Well at least you still have Ranma."
     "W-What!?"
     "I think this proves Ranma really cares for you."
     "You don't really think so, umm do you? B-Besides what's so
special? I-I mean he's always doing stup...ah stuff like that!"
     Hikari smirked, she knew Asuka liked him. "Well Asuka, I
for one wouldn't mind having guy risk his life for me. It's so romantic."
     *Yeah, being drenched in their blood, very romantic.* thought
Asuka sarcastically. "Hikari, it's just....just that...never mind."
     Hikari got up to go back to the classroom. "But seriously
Asuka, I really think Ranma cares for you. It couldn't hurt for you to
care for him."
     Asuka watched Hikari go. She then looked down at her
uneaten lunch sadly. *But everyone I care for either gets hurt or
betrays me.*

               *****
A week later:
     "I can't believe you got me doing this, Ritsuko!" said Misato
as she picked the lock. The black metal safe box was Nabiki's
and had private written all over it. Ritsuko had found it a few days
ago and wanted to know what was inside. After much prodding,
she was able to convince Misato to open it for her. "So you still think
Nabiki's some sort of spy?"
     "What does a fifteen year old girl need to lock in a box?"
     "Her diary, bad grades, jewelry." Truth be told Misato also
wanted to know what the girl was hiding. She was always looking for
something juicy she could use to tease the pilots. She didn't however,
buy into this great conspiracy plot that Ritsuko was coming up with.
     "In a heavy duty, fire proof safe box?"
     "Well maybe she's obsessed with security, sort of like a certain
doctor I know."
     "And what reason does she have for that, huh!?"
     Misato deadpanned. She looked down at her lock picking,
then back up at Ritsuko. "Gee I don't know Dr. Akagi. It isn't like
someone's breaking into her stuff."
     "O_o just open the damn thing!" Misato returned to her work
and with a click the box was open. "OK let's see what's inside."
     "See! She's got photos of Ranma in there."
     Misato sweatdropped. "Umm Ritsuko, if that's your idea of
incriminating evidence, you could have taken the one off her dresser."
     Ritsuko glared at Misato. "What else is in there?"
     Misato took out a rather thick envelope and opened it. She
was surprised to find even more photographs, these of various people.
Misato's eyes widen finding herself among them. She noticed a piece
of paper. "Hello?"
     "What's that?" asked Ritsuko as she looked at the photos of
classmates and NERV personnel. Like Misato, she was a little surprise
to see her own photo in there.
     "Looks like some sort of invoice."

Shinji                  1 Rei
Toji                    1 Misato, 2 Pigtailed Girl
Kensuki              3 Misato, 1 each EVA
Hyuga                 2 Misato
Rei                     1 Shinji, 1 Gendo
Aoba                  2 Maya
Maya                  1 Ritsuko
Hikari                  1 Toji

     "What could it mean?"
     "I think she's selling these." said Misato as she looked at the
list of numbers next to each name.(1) *Hey! I'm worth more than that!*
She then took out another envelope. This one was red and had "Not to
be used!" written on it. Her eyes bulged at seeing what was within. "What 
the hell!?"
     Ritsuko looked over Misato's shoulder at the photo of the
Major in her underwear. "Honestly Misato, have you no modesty!?"
     "Hey! I don't know how she got that! All right?" Yelled Misato
as she looked at the other photos of girls in various stages of undress.
She then smirked as she came to the last one. "You know Ritsuko,
maybe you should put some clothes on before you go to sleep."
     Ritsuko growled, looking at herself sleeping naked. "Why that
little bitch! When did she get that!?"
     "Judging from your wet hair, I'd say just after you got out of
the shower."
     "Grrrrr! What else is in there?"
     Misato took out a book. Thumbing through the pages, she
could see it was a listing of various sporting events and bets taken
for each one. "Looks like she's a bookie too."
     Ritsuko looked through the book as Misato took out  another
book. This one listed the names of several students and how much
they owed Nabiki. "My, what a busy little beaver. Running a loan business
as well."
     "You know what this means?"
     "Yep, absolutely nothing!" Ritsuko glared at Misato.

(1) I didn't include the prices in order to avoid the incredible amount
of spam mail I would get. Most of it being: "Misato's worth more than
that!" and "Maya isn't worth that much!"

               *****

     "I mean it's like she's now running the school Mafia. She's selling
pictures, taking bets, running a loan business. That isn't normal for a
child." said Ritsuko over dinner, as Gendo listened.
     "Well our pilots aren't exactly normal now. Are they?" Ritsuko
frowned as the commander continued. "It isn't really that unusual.
Every school seems to have at least one class bookie. I remember a girl
like that when I went to high school. She was even selling her best friend
as a devil hunter for hire..."
     "But what about her interest in Ranma? I'm sure she knows
more about him than she's letting on." Gendo looked up. Ritsuko could
tell that he wasn't taking this seriously.
     "Have you found anything of a sensitive nature in her possession?"
*Yes, pictures of me naked!!* thought Ritsuko before reluctantly
shaking her head no. Gendo went back to eating his dinner. "All right,
I'll have NERV security keep an extra close eye on pilot Tendo. Will
this make you feel better?"
     Ritsuko nodded her head. Gendo continued. "Now, for the
reason I called you here. I've decided to close down the dummy plug
program."
     "YOU'RE WHAT!" shouted Ritsuko, as she practically jumped
out of her chair. Noticing the other people in the cafeteria below looking
at her, Ritsuko quickly sat back down. "I-I don't understand sir.
W-Why?"
     Gendo took a deep breath. "There was an American movie
that came out sometime before second impact. I can't remember the
name of the movie. I think it was Sun Down to Sun Rise or something
like that. It was really just a horror picture, but in it one of the characters
said something."
     "He said there comes a time in every man's life (be he a Christian
priest, a Jewish rabbi, or a Buddhist monk) when he stops and asks
himself: 'Have I been a fool?'" Gendo looked up again. "Well have I
been? Do I have more right to play god than SEELE or anyone
else?"
     "But sir if we don't stop the Angels, we'll all die..."
     "Oh I agree. The Angels must be stopped. I'm just not so sure
that man's future is in the HIP."
     Ritsuko could only shake her head. "Yes sir, but...I mean...
This is so sudden. To just up and stop over fifteen years of research."
     "Yes I know, but we both know what SEELE's plans for the
HIP are. Maybe it's for the best, we not try to play their game. The
research is still very useful." Gendo looked at the cafeteria. They were
seated at the commander's personal table high above the rest of the
cafeteria to reduce eavesdropping. He then lowered his voice. "I
just think that now we should put all our efforts into stopping the
Angels AND SEELE. Will you help me?"
     Ritsuko looked at the man she thought she knew. Part her was
screaming at how wrong this all was. That her life's work, the work
that her mother died for, was being destroyed. Another part of her
however, knew that the commander was right. Slowly Ritsuko nodded
her head. "What about Rei?"
     "What about her?" said Gendo looking back down at the
cafeteria. Ritsuko moved to see what he looking at. She noticed Shinji
helping Rei to sit down. "I see. Does he know?"
     "No he doesn't."
     "You know he's going to have to find out sooner or later."
     "I know." said Gendo with a concerned look on his face. "But
not now, it's too soon." 

               *****

     "YYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"
     Ritsuko shot up in bed at the sound of the scream. *That was
Ranma!* Jumping out of bed, Ritsuko rushed into the hallway. She
could see Nabiki and Rei were also up and looking around. "Where's
Ranma!?"
     "I think he was taking a bath.."
     Ritsuko and the others burst into the bathroom. They found
Ranma-chan on the floor shaking with a panicked look on her face. Ritsuko
walked up to her.
     "Ranma what's wrong!?"
     "I-I'm B-Bleeding!"
     Ritsuko immediately started looking Ranma over. "Bleeding?
Where? Where are you bleeding, Ranma?"
     "D-D-Down...." Ranma-chan couldn't even finish. She could
only point down between her legs. Ritsuko looked down and realized
what was happening. She turned to the other two girls. Rei was blinking,
but Nabiki seemed to get the idea. *Looks like we're going to have to
explain the facts of life to her.* Sitting Ranma up, Ritsuko started explaining
what was happening to her and why. Needless to say it was a long
morning for all involved.

               *****

     "I don't believe it. Asuka syncograph is almost down to 12.8.
That barely enough to start the EVA. Also Ranma-chan's sync rate is
down to 34%. Are our pilots losing their ability to pilot Ma'am?" asked
Maya, looking at the sync readings on her screen.
     "I don't know, but we better find out what it is soon. I don't
know if we can replace both of them." replied Ritsuko, looking at the
same screen. Nabiki was the only replacement pilot available currently.
What was worse, was that Nabiki couldn't sync with unit 02. *I guess
we could use Rei.* thought Ritsuko, but that wasn't the best solution.
Rei was still going to be out of action for at least another two weeks,
if not permanently.
     "Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Asuka's having
her period." Misato suggested. "Isn't Ranma-chan having her period
too?"
     "Their periods don't have anything to do with this. Synchroni-
zation is fully mental. This is something else. Besides, that doesn't
explain why Ranma-kun's readings are still up." *Granted they were a
little low today.*
     "Well a girl's first period can be emotionally stressful. Maybe
this plus all stuff that's been happening in the past few months is finally
affecting Asuka."
     "Just the knowledge that she's even having a period, is probably
enough to mentally upset Ranma-chan. As for Ranma-kun, maybe the
reassurance of being male gives Ranma the emotional boost he needs
to maintain his sync ratio."
     Ritsuko blinked, it sometimes surprised her how logical Misato
could be. "Umm you may have something there. Still, we have to do
something quick. We can make sure Ranma is male when he's  piloting.
However, Nabiki still can't sync with unit 02 for some reason. We
may have to use someone else.."
     "Your not thinking of using Rei, are you!?"
     "Only as a last resort. She's nowhere near combat ready yet."
  *If she ever will be.*

               *****

     The next morning Nabiki, Ranma, Hikari and Asuka were
walking to school. Shinji and Rei had gone on ahead of the others,
while Hikari had joined them. As they walked, Hikari felt that there
was definitely something wrong. For one thing neither Ranma or Asuka
were walking on the fence, both were walking on the sidewalk.
     In the past weeks, Hikari had gotten used to seeing one or
both of them on the fence. Asuka had even tried to get her up there,
but she refused. Hikari didn't like the idea of someone possibly looking
up her skirt. Of course the one time that Kensuki had tried such a
thing, he ended up having comet Asuka crashing down on Planet Head,
exterminating all life.
     The next thing that Hikari noticed was their attitude. Both were
tense for some reason. *Well the only way I'm going to find out what's
going on is by asking.*
     "Asuka is there something wrong?"
     "There's nothing wrong, Hikari. I've just been having a bad
week at headquarters. OK!?"
     "Oh. All right." Hikari knew not to go any deeper. When Asuka
mentioned headquarters, it was either something she wouldn't talk about
or couldn't. Hikari decided to ask something else. "So what's up with
Ranma-kun? He seems on edge this morning."
     "Ranma definitely doesn't want to talk about it!" said the boy
in the lead. Hikari notice Asuka turn an unhealthy shade of red, apparently
Asuka was on a short fuse today. *I hope they don't hate each other
now.*
     "She just asking a question Ranma, you don't have to be rude!"
     "Well excuse m...."(Splash!) Ranma was cut off when a passing
truck hit a puddle of water, soaking him. As Ranma sputtered, Hikari
noticed something different about him. He suddenly seemed slightly
smaller and his hair had become a bright red color. *R-Red!?*
     "Damnit! Someone's going to pay for this!" yelled the redhead.
     Asuka sneered. "Don't worry Ranma. I'm sure NERV will
send a gunship out to blow away the delivery truck."
     "You can be so uncute, sometimes!"
     Asuka growled. "What did you say!?"
     Then Nabiki decided to speak up. "Umm guys?"
     "WHAT!?" yelled both Ranma and Asuka at the same time.
     Nabiki pointed behind them. "Does she ahh know?"
     "Huh?" Both Ranma and Asuka turned around. "Oh shit!"
     "H-Hikari!" Asuka walked up to her. "Umm we can explain
really!....umm Hikari?"
     Ranma walked up and waved her hand in front of Hikari's face.
Getting no response, Ranma lightly tapped her on the forehead. Hikari's
eyes then rolled into her head and she fall backwards to the ground.
     "HIKARI!!"

     Hikari felt a cold dampness on her forehead. Slowly opening
her eyes, she saw three figures looking over her. As her eyes focused,
she could make out the figures to be Asuka, Dr. Akagi, and Ranma.
*RANMA!!*
     "RANMA!" yelled Hikari, as she shot up and looked the slightly
damp boy up and down. "YOU'RE..YOU'RE A....a....boy?"
     "Ahh yes I really am Hikari." said a very nervous Ranma.
Asuka then moved closer. "Umm Hikari, we really can explain!"
     "It was a dream!" said Hikari with no small amount of relief.
     "You see...what?"
     Hikari laid back down. "Oh Asuka. I had the most horrible
nightmare. I dreamt that Ranma turned into that AWFUL pig-tailed
girl."
     "heh, Imagine that! Me turning into a girl!" Ranma nervously
laughed. The others quickly joined in. Asuka placed her hand on
Hikari's shoulder.
     "Are you okay Hikari? We were worried about you. You sort
of just...passed out in the middle of the street."
     "I did?" asked Hikari. She then started laughing too. "You
know what's really funny."
     "W-What?" asked Asuka.
     "If what I dreamed was really true. Then that would mean that
Toji's been spending all this time lusting over a boy." Hikari finished with a
burst of laughter.
     Ranma deadpanned. "Yeah hilarious."
     Suddenly a buzzing alarm filled the room. Hikari looked up.
She had never heard an alarm quit like this one.
     "What's that? A fire alarm."
     "No, it's an Angel attack! Ranma, Asuka, get to the cages!"
Both Ranma and Asuka nodded and ran to the door.
     "An Angel attack?" asked Hikari as she got out of bed. *shouldn't
there be sirens?* Ritsuko turned to her.
     "Where are you going?"
     "To the shelter. Umm...where is the shelter?"
     "This is NERV Headquarters, you can't leave the room. Don't
worry, you should be safe here. If you do need to be moved to a
shelter, the nurse will come and get you. Stay here."
     With that, Ritsuko left the room, locking the door behind her.
Hikari could only sit on the bed. Although somewhere in the back of
her mind, she did wonder why Ranma and Asuka had taken her to
NERV Headquarters of all places.

To be continued.

Next:

All the other stuff that I said would be happening in this chapter will
happening in the next chapter. Sorry!


From: JLee100441@aol.com

Alternate Future

By: James Lee

Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me. Ranma 1/2 belongs
to Rumiko Takahashi. Evangelion was created by Hideaki Anno. No
money is being made off this.

Thanks to my prereaders: Octavain, Lord Talon, Short Yes, and Kavin
Hammel.


Part 11
     "We have visual confirmation of the target. Target is currently
in earth orbit over the Pacific ocean." Said Hyuga as an image of the
Angel appeared on the main viewing screen. This Angel looked like a
giant bird, glowing in space. Many people would of consider it very
beautiful, if they didn't know it's true purpose.
     "So is it looking for a nice spot to land or is it going to destroy
us from way up there?" said Misato sarcastically. "Prepare EVA units
02 and 03 for launch."
     "We're not going to use unit 01?"
     "Unit 01 is to remain in cryostasis, commander's orders."
Misato turned and looked up at the commander's station. "And
considering what's happened, I guess we better listen this time."
     "Are we going to use Asuka and unit 02?"
     "We'll be using unit 02." Said Ritsuko entering the control
room. Misato turned to her.
     "You're late."
     "Sorry, had a slight situation to defuse. Asuka's friend Hikari,
saw Ranma transform."
     "Really? Did you explain things to her."
     "Not necessary, she's convinced herself that it was dream."
     "Oh. So, have you worked something out."
     "Yes,  we'll have Nabiki pilot unit 03. We'll then try to get
Ranma to sync with unit 02..."
     "What if Ranma can't sync with unit 02?"
     "Then we'll have Asuka reboard and put on standby as backup
for Nabiki." Misato nodded.
     
     *What's taking so long* thought Asuka in unit 02's entry plug.
Suddenly Ritsuko's voice came over the com system.
     [Asuka, exit unit 02.]
     "Exit unit 02? What for?" *Oh god, maybe they don't think
I'm good enough anymore!* What came next however, was the final
insult for Asuka.
     [We're going to use Nabiki....]
     "WHAT!!? That bitch piloting MY unit 02 into combat! Over my
dead body! EVA UNIT 02 LAAUNCH!!!!"

     "ASUKA!!" Yelled Ritsuko as unit 02 shot to the surface.
Misato glared at her.
     "You could have worded that a little better, Ritsuko! Well there's
nothing that can be done now. Aoba, send up the rifle."

     Up at the surface, it was raining.  Asuka waited until the rifle,
one of the most powerful in NERV's inventory, shot up out of the
ground next to unit 02. Grabbing the rifle, Asuka started taking aim.
     [Enemy target still out of range.]
     "Damn it come on!" Asuka waited impatiently for the crosshairs
of her unit's gunnery computer to align. Just as the crosshairs were
about to align, Asuka saw a bright light. "Huh?"
     Suddenly, like a ray of sunshine braking through the rain, a
beam of white light engulfed unit 02. Asuka screamed as she felt
something entering her head..

     "A particle beam!?" asked Misato in a panic.
     "Negative, we're not getting any readings on the thermal scan!"
Replied Hyuga.

     "Nooo! Don't come inside me! Stay out!" Screamed Asuka
as she started pulling the trigger. Two of the shots went skyward, but
passed harmlessly underneath the Angel. Asuka however, continued
to pull the trigger. The landscape seemed to explode as the remaining
rounds landed on Tokyo 3 and the surrounding area. Finally the
weapon clicked as the last of the ammo was fired.

     "Damn, unit 02's rifle is out of ammo and the target is still out
of range!" Yelled Aoba.
     "Asuka's syncograph is dropping rapidly!" Maya called from
her station. "Reporting Mental contamination!"
     "Is it trying to figure out the human mind!?" asked Ritsuko.
     "What the hell is that beam!?" Misato demanded.
     "Beam composition unknown!"
     Ritsuko turned to Misato. "We've got to get Asuka out of
there NOW!" Misato nodded.

     [Asuka get out of there!]
     "Noo.."
     [Asuka retreat that's an ORDER!]
     "No, I'd rather die than be defeated again!" Asuka clutched her
head. "STOP IT! Stay out!"

     Meanwhile, in another part of Tokyo-3, unit 03 was taking
aim with THE most powerful rifle available to NERV, the SSDF
positron cannon.
     [Cooling systems at 100%]
     [Power output at 100%. Directing to main chamber.]
     [Compensation for the Earth's rotation at 93.6%]
     Ranma waited for the crosshairs to align. His earlier anger
forgotten, he hoped that Asuka could hold out. As soon as the crosshairs
aligned, Ranma fired.
     Every window within twenty blocks was shattered by the
shockwave of the shot. The top floors of the building that the weapon
was resting on were destroyed by the guns recoil. The beam tore through
the sky and into space; only to be stopped by the Angel's AT field.

     "It's no good. The beam didn't have enough power."
     "Asuka's sync rate is almost at 0%!" shouted Maya in alarm.
"All of unit 02's systems are losing power!"
     Ritsuko looked over Maya shoulder at the screen. "Reroute
all power to life-support."
     
     The little girl ran through the hallways.
     *Asuka Darling.*
     *Please Mommy!*
     *I made your favorite.*
     *Don't stop being my Mommy!*
     *Daddy doesn't want us anymore.*
     *No Mommy!*
     *Come to heaven with Mommy.*
     *Please don't kill me Mommy!*
     Asuka screamed. "Stop it! I don't want to remember those
awful things!"
     The Angel however continued it's assault on the girl's mind.
Asuka found herself standing in another hallway with a smoking gun
in her hand. At feet layed a man with a hole in his chest.
     *You killed me!*
     *N-No! I-I didn't want to!*
     *But you did.*
     *B-But I didn't mean to!*
     *Oh that's good. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to implode your
chest with your own gun!*
     *No.*
     Suddenly Asuka found herself sinking in a pool of blood.
Around her stood Misato, Ritsuko, Shinji, Rei, Hikari, Nabiki, and
Ranma. All stared at her with accusing eyes.
     *What were you thinking!?*
     *I-I didn't want...*
     *How could you do that!?*
     *No.*
     *You're such an evil person!*
     *N-No!*
     *You're a murderer!*
     *No!*
     *Murderer!*
     *No!*
     *Murderer!*
     *No!*
     *MURDERER!!!*
     "NNNOOOOOOOO!!!!"

     Inside unit 03 Ranma gritted his teeth. That thing was doing
god knows what to Asuka. He was sure it wasn't pleasant.
     [My mind.] *Huh?* It was Asuka, her voice no more than a
whimper now. [It's defouling my mind.]
     *No.* Ranma's anger at the Angel boiled. That thing wasn't
just hurting Asuka; it was RAPING her. He had to do something to
stop it.
     [What do I do.....What do I....K-Ka..Kaj.....Ranma.]
     That was all Ranma could stand.

     "Unit 03 has increased speed. It's headed strait for unit 02."
     "What!?" Ritsuko's eyes then widened. *He wouldn't!* "Ranma
NO! Quick, cut all power to unit 03!"

     But it was too late. Unit 03 crashed into unit 02, pushing it out
of the beam. Unit 02 dropped to the ground as unit 03 now found
itself trapped in the beam.
     Up in space the Angel noticed the change of targets. It began
to search the targets memories for something it could use. It was
quickly surprised to find that this human seemed to have very few
memories and almost nothing it could use to attack him with. Then it
found something. A fear. A fear so deep that it was imbedded into his
subconscious. Yes, with this fear the Angel would destroy this human.
It began it's assault anew and Ranma screamed.

     [Nooo! Get off! Get off! Help me! Argghhhh..]
     "Oh no." Ritsuko turned to Maya. "How's his sync rating?"
     "I can't tell."
     "What do mean you can't tell!?"
     "I mean I can't tell! His syncograph has gone crazy! It's jumping
all over the place from 30 to 180!"
     Ritsuko blinked. *Why isn't it going down like with Asuka?
Could Ranma's dual sexual nature have some odd effect on the beam?*
     Misato gulped, she didn't like the way the syncograph was
acting. "You don't think he's going to reach 400% like Shinji did, do
you?"
     "I-I don't know. I hope not."
     Hyuga spoke up. "MAGI estimate chance of target entering
within range of our weapons 0.02%."
     "Great, there's no way to reach it."
     [Let me out there.] Misato looked up. It was Shinji in unit 01.     
Sub-commander Fuyuzuki leaned forward.
     "Impossible! We can't risk unit 01 being contaminated!"
     [That won't happen. Not if I win. Please Father!]
     "We can't risk it." answered the NERV commander.
     [But we have to do something!]
     Gendo nodded his head. "Your right, alert pilot Tendo and
prepare unit XX for combat deployment."
     Ritsuko gasped. "B-But sir, we haven't even had an activation
test with that unit yet!"
     "Well now would be a good time doctor." Ritsuko glared up
at Gendo, but nodded.

     Nabiki was bored. When the alert came, she had reported to
headquarters like she was supposed to, quickly gotten into her black
plugsuit, and awaited orders. And waited and waited and waited.
     Nabiki sighed. It wasn't like she really wanted to go into battle,
she just want to know what was going on. All she could hear was the
intercom calling this person to here or that group to there. She had
thought of going up to the control room, but figured she'd only get in
the way.
     So Nabiki sat waiting for orders that would probably not come.
Sighing again, Nabiki looked down at her skintight plugsuit. *Who ever
design this thing must have been a real pervert. Heh I'm Nabiki the S&M
queen! I'm into skintight leather, whips, and chains...*
     [Nabiki Tendo, report to cage 13.]
     Nabiki nearly jumped at her name being called. She looked
up as the intercom repeated the message.
     [Nabiki Tendo, report to cage 13.]
     Nabiki gulped and started to head to the cages. Suddenly,
boredom didn't seem all that bad to her. *Well you got yourself into
this mess.* Entering the cages Nabiki blinked at the giant EVA, it
looked different from the others. Not paying it a second thought, Nabiki
nervously entered the cockpit.

     [OK I'm in, but I don't think this unit's got a power cable
attached.]
     "Don't worry about it. The unit you're in doesn't need one.
We're activating the unit now." said Ritsuko, there was no time to go
through all the procedures for a first time activation or reactivation as
in this case. She could only hope that nothing went wrong.
     "Activation complete holding at 45%." Ritsuko sighed in relief
at Maya's words.
     "OK, prepare for launch."
     "Negative." The bridge crew turned to look at the commander.
Gendo continued. "Send unit XX to Dogma and get the lance."
     Ritsuko nervously nodded, then turned. "Nabiki follow the
lighted path to Dogma. You'll need to retrieve a special weapon there."
     [Roger.]
     "You can't use the lance!" said Fuyuzuki. "It's too soon!"
     "Don't worry this falls within the plan." Not that Gendo cared
about the plan anymore. "That angel must be stopped and the lance is
the only weapon that can do it."
     "The old men will never go along with this. You know that!"
     "Yes, that is why we must move quickly before they can stop
us."
     Misato turned to Ritsuko. "But, if the EVA should come into
contact with Adam won't that start Third Impact?" *Or is that a lie too.*
     Ritsuko ignored Misato turning to Maya. "What's Ranma's
status?"
     "His sync ratio still hasn't stabilized. Now ranging from 50 to
240%!"
     "His lifesigns have become completely erratic!"
     "Prepare to eject the plug."
     "No." Ritsuko stared at Misato in disbelief. "If we eject the
plug, the Angel will just change targets. Maybe to Nabiki. Maybe
back to Asuka. Ranma's holding up a lot better than Asuka and
we can't risk losing another EVA."
     [WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!??]
     Misato looked up. "Sounds like Nabiki's reached Adam's
chamber."

     Nabiki look at the form before her. It was something out of
a horror picture. A giant white humanoid crucified on a large cross.
It's face was a mask with seven eyes. Where it's lower torso should
have been, instead hanged what look like sets of human legs. Nabiki
gulped and once again wondered what the hell she had gotten herself
into.
     [It's an Angel Nabiki. Don't worry, it can't harm you. Now
what we need you to do is to remove the lance from it's chest...]
     "You want me to what!?"
     [We want you to remove the lance.]
     "B-But..."
     [Nabiki, the lance is the only weapon that can destroy this
Angel. If you don't retrieve it Ranma and Asuka will DIE!]
     Nabiki took a deep breath. "Roger."
     Entering the pool of LCL that the cross stood in, unit XX reached
up and grabbed hold of the lance. Nabiki was thankful that she had not
eaten much in the past few hours. She wondered just how this lance
was suppose to destroy the angel. After all if guns didn't work, how
was a hand weapon going to work.
     However, as unit XX pulled on the lance, Nabiki could feel
an incredible force. Slowly Nabiki realized her unit was holding something
of immense power.
     Finally the lance was free. Nabiki yelped as the Angel's torso
suddenly exploded and formed legs. Unit XX hopped back ready to
slam the lance back in.
     "That thing just grew legs!"
     [Don't worry about it.]

     Misato turned to Ritsuko. "She doesn't have to worry about
that right?"
     Ritsuko shook her head, no. "We don't have time for her to
get back to the launch pads. Open up all the bulkheads to Dogma
except the last two. Nabiki?"
     [Yes]
     "The unit you're in is equipped for flight. We need you to fly up
from Dogma."
     Misato looked at Ritsuko. "That EVA can fly?"
     "It's equipped with a new experimental flight system." answered
Maya. "It's uses the unit's AT field as a propulsion system, much like
a rocket pack. It's base on the flight systems used by past Angels."
     "What if it doesn't work?"
     "Then we might have a problem." Ritsuko replied.
     [What do I do?] asked Nabiki.
     "Expand you field and concentrate on flying. Like if you were
Superman."

     Nabiki looked as the hatchways over Central Dogma. Expanding
her AT field, Nabiki concentrated on flying. She yelped as the massive
EVA unit shot up towards the surface. As soon as unit XX past the
first two hatchways, they started to close behind it. Nabiki then noticed
the hatches at the surface opening. In an instant, unit XX shot up over the
city...and landed face first onto the ground.
     *Oww I guess I'll have to work on that.* thought Nabiki. It
would have probably been rather funny, if the situation wasn't so
serious. Slowly unit XX began to get up.

     *So that's unit XX.* thought Misato as she got her first look
at the rebuilt unit 00. The first thing she noticed was the color. Where
unit 00 was blue with white trim, unit XX was white with blue and
red trim. The next thing she noticed were the two large protrusions
from the back that look sort of like wings. *That must be the flight
system.* The last thing she noticed was the head. The unit now had
two eyes instead of one and a very large blue horn. A small tab still
protruded out from the mouth area and was now painted red. Misato
figured that was someone's idea of a joke, as it made the EVA look
like it was sticking its tongue out.
     "All right Nabiki, engage and destroy the target. You get only one
shot at this so make it count!"

     Inside unit XX Nabiki nodded, as she pulled back to throw
the lance. As Nabiki did this she notice the lance morph into a giant
javelin. Yes, there was no doubt in her mind that this awesome weapon
would destroy the Angel.
     With all its might, unit XX hurled the Javelin at its distant target.
As soon as the weapon left the EVA's hand, it became a bolt of such
intense heat, that it vaporized rain clouds over Tokyo 3. Tearing into
space, the bolt slammed through the Angel's AT field then through the
Angel itself. With a scream that no one could hear, the Angel disintegrated.

     "Target destroyed."
     Misato sighed in relief. "Where's the lance?"
     "It's in a lunar orbit." replied Hyuga.
     "So there's no way of getting it back, is there?"
     "No ma'am, we don't have the technology to recover something
that large from orbit.
     "Oh well. Good job Nabiki, stand down. Prepare to...huh?" Misato
looked up as a roar came over the intercom system. She could see unit 03
on one of the monitors. It was now on all four and looking back and forth 
like an animal. *Oh shit! Not again.* "What's Ranma's sync ratio?"
     "210%!" Yelled Maya.

     Nabiki watched as the black EVA growled and crawled
around on all fours. As it came to a building and started clawing the
side off it, only one thing came to Nabiki's mind.
     "N-Nekoken."

     "It's going berserk!" yelled Misato. *Crap! Just what we need
after an angel attack. An out of control EVA.*
     "Try to eject the plug." ordered Ritsuko.
     "Ejecting plug. Plug is clear!" Maya said she then blinked. "Umm
unit 03 is powering down."
     "What!? Why's it doing that?" *Could it be something with Ranma?*
Ritsuko wondered fearfully.
     "Hey, let's not look a gift horse in the mouth." said Misato,
heading out the door. "I'm going to check on them."
     "Wait for me." said Ritsuko as she followed Misato out.

               *****

     Ritsuko jumped out of the jeep as it arrived at the site. Misato
turned off the engine and looked around. She noted that the entry plug
had gone down near unit 02. Misato could see Asuka sitting by herself,
surrounded by yellow quarantine tape. Ritsuko went over to one of the
rescue personnel.
     "Where's the entry plug?"
     "It's over there Ma'am," said the tech pointing at a nearby
lot. The plug sat in the center of the lot also surrounded by yellow
tape. "However, we were told not to open it until you arrive."
     "Alright, get the biohazard gear out and...." Ritsuko stopped
as her cell phone beeped. Taking out her phone, Ritsuko answered.
"This is Dr. Akagi."
     [Ma'am it's me, Maya. There's something odd happening with
unit 03's entry plug..]
     Ritsuko narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean? Is Ranma alright?"
     [Well Ma'am his life signs are still very erratic, but he is alive.
The thing is his brain scan is showing almost no activity. He should be
unconscious, instead we're picking up a lot of movement inside the
cockpit.]
     "Your picking up movement. It might be the plug sensors. They
could have been damaged....] (boom.)
     Misato looked up. "What's that?"
     Ritsuko looked around. (boom!) "I-It's coming from unit 03's
entry plug."
     (BABOOM!!)
     "What..." Misato started, but stopped as shadow came over
her. Her eyes then widen as she realized what it really was. "LOOK
OUT!!!"
     Misato grabbed Ritsuko and dived to the side just as the entry
plug hatch crashed into the jeep, crushing it. Misato's blinked as she
looked at the jeep. *T-The entry plug hatch!?* It wasn't just the entry
plug hatch, but the main entry plug hatch (1)!
     "MEEOOOWWW"
     "Now what!?" Misato turned to see a black form leap from
the entry plug onto a nearby van. Misato blinked, as nearby was
twenty meters! In an instant the figure jumped onto an open area
where Misato could make out that it was indeed..."Ranma?"
     "Meow." Ranma looked around on all fours. His eyes were
that of an animal. It was almost as he was acting like a cat. Misato
signaled the NERV security troops. Ranma hissed as he suddenly
found himself surrounded by several soldiers.

     Nabiki ran to where the entry plug landed. She had hoped that
Ranma didn't remember the Nekoken. *Maybe being ejected from
unit 03 snapped him out of...* Nabiki yelped as a badly beaten
NERV security guard flew past her. She could see Ranma now sitting
in a circle of battered soldiers, his pigtail on end. *Shit! Not only is he
in the Cat Fist, but now he was pissed.* Nabiki then noticed a very
nervous Misato hiding behind half wreaked car with Ritsuko.
Misato had her gun out. Ritsuko looked to be putting a tranquilizer
rifle together.
     Nabiki had to come up with something quick. Although a
tranquilizer gun would stop Ranma, it would take several shots. Nabiki
thought about calling out to him, but would he respond. Nabiki gulped,
she wasn't sure. What if he didn't?
     "Ranma!" Ranma Neko looked at her, but didn't respond.
     "Nabiki, get back! There's something wrong with him." yelled
Misato from behind the car. Ritsuko had now finished putting the rifle
together and was taking aim. Nabiki then noticed Asuka. she had been
pulled behind a car for her safety. Nabiki rushed over to her.
     Kneeling down Nabiki looked at the German girl. She seemed
to be in a world of her own. Nabiki gasped as she looked into Asuka's
eyes, they were practically lifeless. Shaking her head, Nabiki started
shaking her.
     "Wake up, wake up!" Nabiki then slapped her. Suddenly Asuka
eyes flared for an instant before returning back to near lifeless.
     "Leave me alone." It was so low that Nabiki could barley hear
it. Nabiki grabbed on to Asuka's shoulders. *Well at least I got her
to respond.*
     "No damnit! Ranma needs us!"
     Asuka looked at her. "R-Ranma..."
     "Yes, Ranma needs us. Now come on get up."
     "Wh-What can I do?"
     Nabiki started guiding her around the car. "Call to him. Pretend
he's a big kitty cat."
     Asuka blinked at her.

     Meanwhile Ritsuko took aim with the rifle and fired.
     "REOWWW!" Ranma lept as the dart ricochet off the street.
     "Damnit Ritsuko, give me that!" shouted Misato as she grabbed
the rifle from the NERV doctor. "Give me another dart."
     Ritsuko started preparing another dart. As she did this, Misato
noticed Nabiki guiding Asuka from behind the car. *What are they up
to?* Ritsuko noticed Nabiki giving some instructions to Asuka.
     Asuka knelt down. "Ranma."
     "Meow?" Misato gulped as Ranma then looked strait at the
German girl. "Ritsuko, hurry up! Give me the dart!"
     "Just a second, if this isn't done right it could kill him."
     Asuka then held her hand out. "Umm here kitty, kitty, kitty.."
     "Meow!" Suddenly Ranma lept at her.
     "Asuka!" Misato screamed as Ranma crashed into the girl's
lap and...purred? She then blinked as Ranma settled himself down
and seemingly went to sleep.
     Nabiki went to her knees as things suddenly became very clear
to her. *Damnit, it isn't fair.* Taking a few deep breaths, Nabiki composed
herself. She then felt a shadow coming over her. Nabiki turned around
to see Ritsuko looking down at her.
     "We need to talk Miss Tendo."
     "W-What do you mean."
     "That's never happened before, yet you seem to know how
to stop it. You also knew about his condition. I want to know how,
you know so much about Ranma."
     "Umm." Nabiki frantically started looking for an excuse. Misato
then stepped forward. It was time she settled this.
     "We can do this with drugs and machines if you like, Nabiki."
     Nabiki looked from Ritsuko to Misato. She knew the major
could make good her threat. Taking a deep breath, she nodded.
Nabiki then looked back at Ranma and Asuka.
     "C-Can we go somewhere else?"
     Misato nodded and started guiding Nabiki away.
     "Hey wait a minute!" Nabiki turned to see Asuka a little flustered
with Ranma sleeping on her lap. "What am I supposed to do now?"
     Nabiki thought for a moment. She could tell Asuka that changing
him to a girl might snap him out of it, but...
     "Oh you'll just have to sit there until he wakes up. Whatever
you do don't disturb him or he might get worse. So don't do anything
no matter what. I have to warn you, he's pretty much a cat right now
so he might do something catlike like lick your face or something.
Whatever you do don't lash out or we might lose him."
     Asuka gulped as she looked down at the now sleeping Ranma.
She then nodded.

(1) The entryplugs have two hatches built into them. The emergency
hatch (A) is built into the side of the entryplug. This is one that Gendo
burned his hands on trying to get Rei out in episode 5. Then there is
the main hatch (B) built on the top of the entryplug. This hatchway is
big enough to allow the removal of the entire cockpit. See diagram
below.
_________________________________________
|     \_________B_____________|           |
|__[A]____________________________________|

               *****
Later:
     Ritsuko looked at Nabiki in disbelief. They were now sitting
in a command van. Misato had ushered everyone but Maya out.
Ritsuko took a deep breath. "Now let me get this straight. Ranma is
acting the way he is right now because his father threw him into a
pit of starving cats?"
     "Umm hmm" replied Nabiki, nodding.
     "And he changes sex because the same father knocked him
into a cursed spring in China?"
     "Yep."
     "And both you and he are actually from another universe and
were sent here by goddesses?"
     "Umm that's right."
     "And you expect me to believe this?"
     "Sure. Why not?"
     "BECAUSE IT'S ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!"
     "Oh, how come?"
     "Magical curses? Goddesses? None of that stuff is real!"
     "The angels are real."
     Ritsuko almost winced. "Angel is just a code name we give
to the alien invaders. They're not actually from god!"
     "And what about some of the stuff Ranma does?" Nabiki countered.
     "What do you mean?"
     "That ki blast he threw at that one Angel!"
     "A modified use of the EVA's AT field!"
     "What about what he just did outside. He ripped the main entry
plug hatch off and threw it! That things got to weigh at least 300 kilos! "
     "Adrenaline charged superhuman strength caused by fear induced
stress. There are hundreds of reported cases!"
     "He turns into a girl when he gets wet!"
     "A.....A....I'M WORKING ON IT!!!" yelled Ritsuko as both
Misato and Maya snickered. Getting a glare from Ritsuko, Misato
stopped and turned to Nabiki.
     "Nabiki, I told you there are other ways of finding out truth."
     Nabiki narrowed her eyes. Hitting the pressure release on her
plug suit, Nabiki began taking it off. "All right. Hook me up to your
machines! Pump me full of whatever drugs you use! You'll get the
same answers you got ten minutes ago!"
     Misato just looked at Nabiki. The EVA pilot then took a
deep breath. "Listen, maybe it's not really magic. Maybe there's
some chemical in the water at Jusinkyo that mutates people into
shape shifters. Maybe the Goddess was really an alien from Planet
X. All I know is that one day Ranma disappeared and six weeks
later a woman claming to be a goddess, offered me a wish."
     "And you wished to be with Ranma." said Misato. Nabiki
nodded.
     "So why did your family kick Ranma out, in the first place?"
     Nabiki stiffened at that. "I'd rather not talk about that."
     Ritsuko looked at Nabiki. "Why not?"
     "Because it was stupid OK!" Nabiki then calmed down.
"Could I ask you a favor?"
     "I don't know." said Misato. "Depends on what the favor is."
     "Don't tell Ranma about any of this."
     Misato narrowed her eyes. "Why not? You don't think he
deserves the truth?"
     "What good would it do him?" Nabiki sighed. "I don't know
how we could get back home. Besides he seems very happy here.
Most of the stuff about his past would...would only hurt him."
     
               *****

     Meanwhile Asuka was still sitting outside with Ranma sleeping
in her lap. She could only hope he would wake up soon. Although he
had not licked her face, he had rubbed his head against her side and purred.
She had almost beat the crap out of him for that, but then remembered
what Nabiki had said. Still it was embarrassing as all hell to have him
sleeping on her lap in public. She just hoped they didn't sound the all
clear and let the people out of the shelters before he woke up. *That's
all I need, the whole world to see me like this.*
     Ranma's eyes then slowly open. He blinked a bit, before sitting
up. "A-Asuka!? Where am I?"
     "You're in my lap. Do you mind getting off now."
     Ranma jumped up, and looked down at her. "W-What happened?"
     "You were acting like a cat. You were tearing apart the whole
place, before Nabiki got me to calm you down."
     "A-A cat, why was I doing that?"
     "That's what I want to know. Don't you remember?"
     "I-I remember the Angel. It...It kept showing me things."
Asuka frowned as Ranma thought. "It showed me a man, a big man
with glasses. He kept throwing me into this pit of starving cats. I-I cried,
I begged him not too, but he still kept throwing me in. Then I woke up
here. I-I think that man was my father. I think that Angel was showing
me my past."
     "What were you thinking Ranma!?" Ranma looked at Asuka
who was glaring at him with tears in her eyes.
     "W-What?"
     "Jumping in front of that Angel. Why do you always do stupid
shit like that!?"
     "I-I could just stand there and let that thing torture you! I...It
made me so mad when I heard you crying. I-I had to stop it."
     "Why did you have to stop it huh? I treat you like shit, you
should hate me. You should have been enjoying it!"
     "Well I wasn't. I don't hate you Asuka, I-I like you." There he'd
said it, at least part of it.
     "NO!" Asuka turned around, her face now full of tears. *Damn
you, Ranma* How was that he could always do this to her. "Y-You can't
like me!"
     Ranma sat down beside her. "Why Asuka? Why can't I like
you?"
     "Because I can't care for anybody, that's why!"
     Ranma blinked, he had never heard of anything like that before
"Why not? Why can't you care for anybody?"
     "I loved daddy and he walked out on us. I loved Momma and
she died. I loved Kaji and he..." Asuka started sobbing. "Don't see
Ranma? It's always like that."
     "No, that doesn't matter. Just because all those things happened
doesn't mean I'm going to stop caring for you. I wasn't lying Asuka.
I really do like you and all those bad things aren't going to make me
stop. I-I want to be your friend, Asuka. I-I...please be my friend."
     "R-Ranma." Asuka just looked at him for a moment. Could she
do it, could she be his friend. Would it be like all those other times. She
remembered all times he had saved her. How a small part of her felt
good when he came to her rescue and protected her. Asuka took a
deep breath and held out her hand. "Um Hi I'm Asuka, Asuka Soryu."
     Ranma smiled. "I'm Ranma, Ranma Saotome. Want to be friends?"
     "Ah sure." said Asuka nervously.
     "I think you should know though, I turn into a girl when I get
wet."
     "I-I guess I can live with that, but I should warn you. Lot's of bad
things happen around me."
     "Don't worry, I'll always be there. I don't like to let my friends
down..."

               *****
Nerima, present-day:
     Akane watched as Dr. Tofu entered the room frowning. She
had the feeling that he did not like what he had found. Not that he had
been very pleasant to begin with. Akane wondered at that. He hadn't
talked to them since...*He couldn't be upset about Ranma, could he?*
     Taking a deep breath the doctor began. "I've found out what
it is. Both Akane and Kasumi have been poisoned."
     "NANI!?" Everyone shouted at once.
     "My baby girls are going to die! BWAAAHHH!"
     "Dr. Tofu, how bad is it?" asked Kasumi.
     "The poison is non-lethal..." Akane sighed in relief. "However,
if you are not given the antidote soon, neither you nor Akane will be
able to have children."
     Akane's eyes bulged. "Who do you think did this?"
     "Well the poison is a magical one from China. I'd have to say
Cologne is behind this."
     "Great. We have to fight her and Shampoo for the cure."
     Dr. Tofu held up his hand. "I already have a copy of the cure."
     "You do?!" said everyone.
     "Yes I do. However we have a problem. One of the ingredients
we need for the antidote is the blood of a boy with a Jusenkyo curse..."
     "I'll give you all the blood you need!" shouted Ryoga, but once
again the doctor raised his hand.
     "It's not that simple Ryoga. We need the blood of a boy who
has fallen into the Spring of Drowned Girl."
     Akane didn't like where this was going. "U-Umm, maybe we
can get some of Herb's blood."
     Ryoga shook his head. "There's no chance of that happening."
     "B-But with Jusenkyo flooded, the only other boy we know
with the girl curse is...is...Ranma."

To be continued.

Next:
-Asuka and Ranma face danger, and Misato arms herself to the
teeth, as the Tendos Strike Back!

From: jlee100441@aol.com (JLee100441)

        Well here's part 12 of Alternate future. As always please send C&C, etc
to JLee100441@aol.com. 

Stories update:
       The next story I have out will be Neko Can't part 4. As to the other
stories, all I can say is that I am working on them (when I can). Some of you
may also be wondering about my homepage. I have started a new one, but it is
going slowly and will be a while before it ever sees the web.

Anyway, enjoy the fic!
James


Alternate Future

By: James Lee

Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. Ranma 1/2 belongs to
Viz and Evangelion belongs to Gainax. I am making no profit off of 
this.

Part 12 The Tendos strike back, Part I.
	Nabiki winced as Ritsuko wrapped her hand a little too tight with
an Ace bandage. Earlier in the day she had been playing volleyball at
school and had sprained her wrist.
	"Is it too tight?" asked Ritsuko looking up. Nabiki nodded her
head. 
	"Just a little." Ritsuko loosened the bandage just a bit.
	"This shouldn't interfere with your piloting, but you do need to
be more careful Nabiki."
	"In the meantime, I'm having you put on secondary alert. If 
something does come up then, we'll have Ranma handle it." Added 
Misato. Fortunately the last Angel's mind attack didn't have too much 
effect on Ranma. Asuka on the other hand...
	Nabiki once again nodded her head. *Like that's going to help.*
Nabiki mused. She found it a bit ironic that despite all her fears of piloting
an EVA in combat, she had been injured more times outside the EVAs.
Still other people had been hurt and she had the feeling that she was
running on luck.
	"There, all done." said Ritsuko putting the last pin onto the
bandage. "Remember, try not to use that hand too much."
	"Well let's get going. We've got a party to get to!" Said Misato
grabbing her coat off a nearby chair.
	"Right." said Nabiki without enthusiasm. Sure, she wouldn't mind
going to a party, but it would be HER party. Yes, Ranma would be
there, but he would be there with HER. 
	Misato looked at Nabiki. The young pilot,s change of attitude
did not go unnoticed. She was also pretty sure Ranma had something
to do with it, or more precisely Ranma and Asuka. Although Nabiki
would not go into details, Misato was sure that there was some significance
to the fact that Ranma went to Asuka, when he was acting like a cat.
She also had a good idea what it was too.
	She had noticed that after the battle with the 15th Angel Asuka
had been spending more of her time with Ranma. They would walk to
school together, do homework, practice their martial arts. Misato had
no real problem with this, as that it seemed to keep Asuka's mind off
her other problem. Since the last Angel attack, Asuka's sync. rate 
had gone rock bottom almost, it  was now doubtful that she could 
even get an EVA to move. This had made Misato very nervous, knowing
how much piloting meant to her.
	Ranma was also nervous about this, thus he had suggested this
party. Misato was all for it, anything to keep Asuka's mind off her 
sagging piloting skills. "Well come on, we're running late."
	Grabbing their things, Nabiki and Ritsuko followed Misato to
her car.

			*****

	"Surprise!" said the group as Asuka entered the apartment.
Looking up she could see Ranma, Hikari, Rei, and the three stooges
smiling at her. The party wasn't really a surprise to Asuka, she had 
expected Misato or Ranma to set something up, still it was sweet.
	"Guys!" Replied Asuka acting embarrassed as the others guided
her to the table. On the table were several boxes, and a cake with the
words "Happy Birthday Asuka" on it. *They're just trying to make me
feel better.* thought Asuka, as she moved over to the table. She was
pretty sure that she would be replaced at NERV. After all what good
was a pilot who couldn't pilot? 
	"Make a wish Asuka." said Hikari. 
	Shrugging her shoulders, Asuka looked over at Ranma. She 
then bent down and blew out the fifteen candles.
	"What did you wish for?" asked Rei.
	"Oh, that's my secret." reply Asuka as she noticed that Rei
was wearing a rather nice dress instead of her usual school uniform.
	"I have to get the rest of the food." said Shinji as he went to the
kitchen. Grabbing the last plates of food, he quickly left to rejoin the 
party. This was a pity, for if he had stayed he would have noticed the
four people that suddenly appeared. 
	"So where are we and where is the villain Saotome?" Asked 
a boy dressed in a kendo uniform and carrying a bokken. 
	"Shhhh, be quiet Kuno!" said the only girl in the group. "We 
are where Ranma should be. Now let's look around."
	"I see him!" said the oldest member of the group, a tall man 
with a mustache. He was currently peeking through the slightly open 
door. "He's in the next room with several others."
	"Hey Akane, look at what I found." said the last of the group,
pointing at a square panel in the wall. Akane steeped over to look.
	"It's the fuse box. OK, here's what we'll do. We'll hit the lights
and then we'll charge in and grab Ranma."
	"Ah the element of surprise."
	"Right, now you three stand by the door and wait for me to
turn off the power. No Ryoga, the other door!" Akane waited until the
other three were by the door. She then opened the panel and tripped
the main breaker.

	"HEY, What happened to the lights!?" 
	(CRASH!)
	"Foul sorcerer! Vengeance shall be MINE!"
	"Who the hell was that!?"
	(BOOM!)(CRACK!)(POW!)
	"You're coming with us, Ranma!"
	(BUMP!)(CRASH!)(PUNCH!)
	"EEEEKK!!! PERVERT!" (SLAP!)
	(BONG!)(CRASH!)
	"REI!?"
	(CRUNCH!)(BREAK!)(VIOLENCE!)
	"SHINJI!!"
	"She's over here!"
	(BRAK!)(BRAK!)
	"ARRRGH! Look out she's got a gun!"
	(PUNCH!)(SMASH!)(CRASH!)
	"DIE, FIEND!!"
	(BANG!)(CRACK!)(MORE VIOLENCE!!)
	"I've got her! I've got her! Let's get out of here!"

			*****
Nerima, present day:
	In flash of light the group landed on the dojo floor. Ryoga 
got up and placed the large moving sack aside. 
	"Is everyone OK?"
	"That little bitch shot me!" yelled Akane holding her bleeding
arm.
	"AKANE! OH MY LITTLE GIRL'S GOING TO DIE!
BWAAAAAAHHH!"
	"Dad! it's only a scratch. Where's Kuno?"
	"I don't know, I didn't see him when we left."
	"Maybe we should go back for him." suggested Akane.
	"I'm tempted to just leave him there." said Ryoga sourly. He had 
gotten highly annoyed with Kuno's constant attacks to 'free' Akane. 
"Besides I don't think it would be wise with the mirror broken. At least
we got what we came for."
	Akane looked down at the mirror and indeed saw a bullet 
hole right in the center of it. A large piece seemed to have fallen out 
of the frame also. Akane realized that this may well have been their final 
chance. After all there was no telling how much more abuse the mirror
could take. "Ryoga are you sure that's Ranma? That girl that shot me 
sounded just like her."
	"I'm sure Akane." said Ryoga dragging the sack to the front.
  "She was using the Saotome Ryu of Anything Goes Martial Arts."
	"Oh. All right Ranma, down to business..." said Akane as she 
opened the bag. She then blinked and looked at Ryoga. Ryoga gulped
and looked at the tied up girl nervously.
	"Well umm...she's got red hair and blue eyes."
	"Yes, but this isn't Ranma!" said Akane
	"No shit! Who the hell are you dummkopfs!?" screamed the very
angry redhead. (1)

(1) Like you can't guess. Hey, she and Ranma are now a couple so she
has to be attacked by crazy martial artists. IT'S THE LAW!

			*****
Tokyo 3, 2015, a little while earlier:
	Misato, Ritsuko, and Nabiki had just gotten off the elevator when
they heard two muffled bangs coming from Misato's apartment.
	"What was that?" asked Ritsuko.
	"Gunshots!" Said Misato as she pulled out her weapon. "Nabiki,
stay with Ritsuko!"
	Nabiki, who had pulled out her own handgun, nodded and 
started looking up and down the hallway. At the same time Ritsuko
pulled out her phone to call NERV security. Misato quickly ran up to
the door of her apartment. Listening for a moment, Misato could hear
a lot of noise coming from the other side. Misato then pulled out her 
key card. Holding her gun in one hand, she put the card in. Nothing 
happened.
	"What the hell!?" Misato tried again, still nothing happened.
"Ritsuko, get over here!"
	Ritsuko ran over to Misato, with Nabiki not too far behind.
"What's wrong?"
	"I don't know. My key card isn't working."
	"So kick the door in!"
	"Ritsuko, this is a fortified building. That door is a plate of 
steel over 3cm thick!" 
	Suddenly there was a click and the door slid open. Misato
hastily rushed in to find her apartment a complete wreck. Ranma was 
standing over some unconscious boy in a gi? Toji was crawling from 
under her smashed table. Hikari was huddled in corner. Shinji was 
holding a knocked out Rei, who still had her smoking pistol in her hand.
	"Ritsuko get in here, Rei might be hurt!" Ritsuko rushed in, 
followed by Nabiki. As they past Ranma, Nabiki stopped. *Kuno!?
What's he doing here!?*
	*Looks like someone she knows.* thought Misato. She would
find out later. Misato then turned back to Ranma. "What the hell 
happened!?"
	"I-I don't know. The lights went out and then we were attacked."
	"Attacked, how many!?"
	"I don't know, more than just this guy. I'd say three to four.
One of them was a girl." Toji nodded in agreement.
	"Hey guys I got the power back WHAO!" Kensuke stopped
as Misato whirled on him with her handgun. Seeing that it was him, 
she relaxed.
	"Was there anyone else in there?"
	"Umm no."
	"Misato look." Misato turn to see Nabiki point at some deep
red spots on the floor. 
	"Blood? Don't touch it. NERV security will be by to get a 
sample. Maybe we'll find out who one of the others is."
	*Not likely.* thought Nabiki. Something shiny then caught 
her eye. Picking the object up, Nabiki noticed that it was a piece of 
mirror. Looking around room, Nabiki couldn't see where the piece 
had came from. The only mirror in the room was oddly still intact.
*Could it be...* Nabiki put the piece in her pocket. She would look
into it later.
	"M-Misato?" Misato turned to see Hikari coming out of her
corner. "Where's Asuka?" 
	
			*****
Nerima, present day:
	"Umm who are you?" asked Akane.
	"Lieutenant Soryu, Asuka Langley. Date of birth: December 4th, 
2001. NERV identification number: 439800-9897." 
	The Tendo's sweatdropped at the redhead's reply. *She's acting
like she's some kind of soldier.* Thought Akane. She then thought back 
to the girl that shot her. *No, that would be ridiculous.* Akane then thought
about the date of birth the girl gave. *That was the future!?*
	"Ah listen this all really a mistake..."
	"Oh I could of guessed that!" said Asuka cutting Akane off. "So
I don't suppose you're going to tell me why you're after Ranma."
	"You must understand child. All this is at stake!" said Soun,
gesturing to the dojo around them. Asuka looked around at the dojo
wide eyed for a moment. Her eyes then narrowed and she gritted her
teeth.
	"You broke into my home. Attacked my friends. Trashed 
MY birthday party! You then kidnapped me! All this over a run down
shack!?"
	"RUN DOWN SHACK!?" 
	"Are you stupid!? Look at this hellhole! Look at all those holes 
in the wall and that shoddy repair job on the roof. That slum Rei used to 
live in looked better than this dump!"
	Soun rushed up to the girl. "I'll have you know, this is the 
Tendo dojo! A fine school of anything goes martial arts!"
	Asuka sneered. "Hard to tell by the looks of it and the staff
don't look too bright either."
	Akane quickly stepped between the two. She didn't like the
way the girl was insulting her school, but could understand why she 
would be a little upset. 
	"Listen we're not really after you. Once we get Ranma we can
straighten everything out."
	"Yeah well you can forget that! By now all of NERV is on full
alert. NERV Security well gun you down before you even get close
to him..."
	Asuka was about to suggest that they give themselves up before
NERV intelligence hunted them down and did horrible things to them,
when Soun steeped up again. "Perhaps they don't know the true evil 
of Saotome!?"
	*True evil?* "Are you referring to his shape shifting?"
	Soun narrowed his eyes. "No something far worse."
	*Worse than turning into a girl?* thought Asuka. "W-What?"
	"He's...burakumin!"
	"BURAKUMIN!!?" yelped Asuka. She then blinked. "Umm
Ano? What's burakumin?"
	Outside the dojo a large facefault could be heard.
	
			*****
Tokyo-3, 2015:
	"His name is Tatewaki Kuno. He's from our world." said 
Nabiki looking at said idiot sitting in his cell on one of the monitors. 
She, Misato, Ritsuko, and Maya were in the security station inside 
NERV Headquarters.
	"What can you tell us about him?" asked Misato. "Why did he
and his friends attack Ranma?"
	"Well, for Kuno, it's because he hates Ranma with a passion.
He is however in love with Ranma's female half."
	"So I take it he doesn't know that Ranma and the girl are one
and the same." said Ritsuko.
	"Actually he's seen the transformation enough times, it's more
like he doesn't want to believe it. Sort of like the way Hikari believes
that it was just a dream that one time. Kuno however, takes it to 
extremes."
	"What do you mean?" asked Maya.
	"Kuno believes that Ranma is a black sorcerer and that he 
has Kuno's 'Pig tailed Goddess' under some type of spell."
	"You're joking right?"
	Nabiki shook her head. "I afraid not. I don't know how much
good information we're going to get out of him. He's pretty stupid and
delusional."
	"What do mean delusional?" asked Ritsuko.
	"You'll see." was all Nabiki said as she watched Fuyusuki
enter the interrogation room next to the cell. 

	"How DARE you hold a noble, such as myself hostage!" yelled
Kuno as Fuyuzuki sat down at a disk in the room. "I demand you release
me at once!"
	"You are in no position to demand anything young man."
	"You peasant! Do you not know who I am!?"
	"As a matter of fact no, we don't."
	"I am the rising star of the fencing world. The defeater of evil
sorcerers. My name brings fear to my enemies hearts. I am the Swift
Sword! Tatewaki Kuno, age nineteen."

	In the security room Misato, Ritsuko, and Maya all sweatdropped.
Nabiki just look at the monitor with thoughtful expression on her face.
	"Hmm, he changed it."
	"He what?" asked Ritsuko.
	"He changed his title. The last time I saw him; he was calling 
himself the Blue Thunder."
	"Is this guy for real?" asked Misato.
	"Unfortunately yes. You should see the rest of his family. His
sister is even worse." The others just stared at Nabiki.

	Fuyuzuki looked at Kuno for a moment, before continuing.
"Well besides being the 'Swift Sword', you are also a terrorist, a
saboteur, and an accessory to kidnapping."
	"You have the gall to accuse me of such crimes!?"
	"Then why don't  you explain why you and your friends attacked
our pilots, kidnapping one of them?"
	"As if I, a noble samurai, should have to explain myself to a ninja
clan!"

	"You've got to be joking!" said Misato rubbing her forehead.
Not accepting the curse she could understand, but this guy didn't seem
to want to accept reality.

	Fuyuzuki blinked. "A ninja clan?"
	"Of course,..." said Kuno, nose held high. "why else would 
you have a burakumin such as Saotome among you?"

	Nabiki gulped as Ritsuko turned to her.
	"Surely your family didn't kick him out for something like that?"
	"I told you it was stupid." said Nabiki. "That's why I left."
	"W-What's burakumin?" asked Maya with a confused look on
her face. "Is it something important?"
	"Only to some assholes fifteen years ago!" snapped Misato. 
She then calmed down, seeing Maya flinch. The girl was probably a 
little too young to remember. "Sorry Maya, it's just that...that my 
mother had a lot of problems because of that crap." 
	"Major?" asked Maya still confused. 
	"Burakumin..." began Ritsuko. "or Eta as some might call them,
are the descendants of people who did what was considered the lowest
class jobs, stuff like leather worker or grave digger. Back before 
second impact, companies and schools wouldn't take burakumin 
because it they were considered unclean."
	"Excuse Sempai but that sounds umm kind of dumb."
	"Of course it is." replied Ritsuko. "That's why no one believes
in it anymore."

	Fuyuzuki frowned a bit before continuing. "Oh? If anything
you seem more ninja than a samurai."
	Kuno slammed himself against the bars that separated him and
the older man. "You dare!?"
	"You snuck into Major Katsuragi's apartment and attacked
a children's birthday party under the cover of darkness." said Fuyuzuki
smirking. "I thought samurai where supposed to be more noble than
that."
	"Although I loathed to partake in such attack, the need was
justifiable. There is nothing I will not do for the fair Akane. Also we did
not sneak into that peasant's lodging. It was where the magical mirror
deposited us."

	"I've heard enough." said Misato turning from the screen. "It's
obvious we're going to have to use some drugs on him."
	Ritsuko nodded her head. "What do you suppose he meant by
the magical mirror?"
	"I don't know..."
	Remembering the piece of mirror she had found on the ground,
Nabiki took a step back from the conversation. For a moment Nabiki
considered not telling them about the fragment. Asuka was now effectively
out of the way and Nabiki could see herself comforting a heart broken
Ranma. Her logical mind however, quickly replaced this with an image
of another Nabiki, one that couldn't sleep at night. Besides there was
no reason to believe that her family wouldn't bring the girl back. "I 
think I know."
	Misato and Ritsuko both stopped to look at Nabiki. "What
do you mean?"
	Nabiki pulled out the mirror shard. "I found this on the floor
of your apartment. I thought it was a piece of trash, but now I think it
might be part of something we called the Nanban mirror."
	Misato blinked. "What is the Nanban mirror?"
	"It was a magical mirror that someone could use to travel
space and time. I thought it was broken, but it appears that my family
fixed it."
	"So how does it work?" asked Ritsuko, clearly not convinced.
	Nabiki forced herself to cry into the piece of mirror. "Take me
to Maya."
	Maya yelped as Nabiki suddenly appeared beside her. Ritsuko
stood there with her mouth agape. Misato grabbed mirror shard and 
looked at it. A look of decision then came to her face. "Maya."
	"Yes, ma'am?"
	"I need you to get some equipment for me. I'll need: body
armor, nightvision goggles, six flashbang grenades, three smoke grenades,
three CS teargas grenades, a gasmask, a submachinegun with seven
extra magazines, and about three hundred rounds of ammunition."
	"Ah Misato, what are you up to?" asked Ritsuko slightly 
concerned. She how compulsive her friend could be.
	"I'm going after her."
	"You're WHAT!?"
	
			*****
Nerima, present-day:
	"So you see, that's why we're after him and why we want it 
kept quiet." said Akane as she finished her explanation. 
	"I see." said Asuka with a look of understanding on her face.
Her face then turned red. "That's the stupidest load of crap I've ever
heard in my ENTIRE LIFE!"
	"Dinner's ready." came a call from the main house. Soun and
Ryoga shook their heads and started to head for the house. Before
leaving Ryoga turned to Akane.
	"Come on Akane, she isn't listening."
	"I'll be there in a minute, Ryoga." said Akane. After Ryoga had
gone she then turned to Asuka. "I guess we couldn't expect a gaijin 
half-breed like yourself to understand."
	"At least I know where I got all my good parts from." growled 
Asuka. "And if you think NERV's going to give Ranma up over that
shit, you've got another thing coming. He's one of the best pilots they
have!"
	"That doesn't change the fact that he is unclean."
	"Oh but he's clean enough to put his blood in your system!"
(SLAP!) The force of Akane's slap cause Asuka to hit the wall. Licking
her bleeding lip however, she turned back to face Akane with a smirk
on her face. "O_o did I touch a nerve?"
	"We'll finish this later." growled Akane as she turned to join 
the other for dinner and to hopefully calm down.
	"If you get the chance." replied Asuka in a low voice
	"What's that supposed to mean!?"
	"Ranma and NERV are going to come for me, and when they
do you'll be sorry." 
	Akane took a deep breath. "You know what? Even though
he is a Burakumin, I think you're right." She then pointed at the mirror 
sitting on a small table at the other end of the Dojo. "But without that 
mirror, he isn't going to get very far!"
	Asuka watched Akane as she left to join the others. She then
looked at the mirror and deadpanned. *Oh yes! You're dealing with 
real bunch of brainiacs here. Okay Asuka, SEER school! (2) There's
always a way out.* Asuka started looking around the dojo. She then
noticed some nails sticking out of wall from a bad repair job. Acting 
like an inch worm, Asuka made her way to the nails and began working
on the ropes.
	She stopped however, as a shadow suddenly came over her.
"Huh?"

(2) Search  Escape Evade Rescue school.
			*****
Tokyo-3, 2015:
	Misato stood in the center of the room. She was now wearing
a charcoal gray uniform and was checking her MP-5A3. Ritsuko walked 
up to her, as she went through the rest of her equipment.
	"Major Katsuragi, I still must protest. We have trained 
commandos for this. Why not leave it to the people who know what 
they're doing?"
	"You forget Ritsuko, I served four years in the JSSDF before
I came here. Besides, I think the fragment can only transport one. It
will be best if it is someone Asuka recognizes."
	"Wait a minute, if the fragment can only carry one, how do you
plan to get back with Asuka?" asked Ritsuko.
	"I'll capture the larger mirror." stated Misato
	"But what if you can't capture the larger one!?"
	Misato took a deep breath. "In my desk, there's an envelope
with some instructions in it(3). If I can't capture the large mirror, I'll 
destroy it and send Asuka back alone."
	Ritsuko could only stare at her friend. That meant that Misato
would be trapped on another world. Then Nabiki stepped up and handed
some papers to Misato.
	"What's this?" asked Misato as she looked at the note. "Neko-
hanten?"
	"It's a note for a Chinese friend named Shampoo. The Address
is where she lives. Her and her grandmother are friends of both me and
Ranma, they might help."
	"Umm thanks I'll keep that in mind."
	"At least get the note to her, please?"
	"I'll see what I can do." Misato then noticed Ranma looking at
her from across the room. "Don't worry Ranma, I'll get her back."
	Ranma just nodded. Something about way he looked at her
bothered Misato, but she had other things to worry about. Taking out 
the mirror fragment, Misato forced a tear to come out. 
	"Take me to where they took Asuka." Suddenly Misato jerked
as something grabbed on to her. *Oh shit, no!* But she could already 
feel that it was too late.
	"RANMA!!" Nabiki and Ritsuko screamed out at the same 
time as both he and Misato disappeared.

(2) Unfortunately, Misato had been drunk when she had been making
her "instructions". She had left all her panties to Shinji, all her Beer to
Asuka, and everything else (condo, car, what little cash) to her dear 
good friend Pen Pen!


To be continued.

Next
-What will happen when Misato and Ranma decide to open a can of 
whoopass on the Tendos? And who is Asuka's visitor? Find out next 
time in part two of The Tendo's strike back!