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.
Part 9
Tokyo 3, 2015
A train had just pull 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 notice the strange light or the
two people who emerged from it. Nabiki lowered her bag and brushed
off her cloths.
"Whoa that was some ri..." Turning to Belldandy, Nabiki stopped
realizing something was wrong. When they had left 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 reach into
her own bag and pulled out a file. "In the mean time, 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 girls 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 at one of the rail station benches. Taking out the file, she began
to go through it. It describe 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.
"Ah yeah?"
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 anymore 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 at the fifth floor, Nabiki saw
three more children standing at a door. One she recognized immediately.
*Ranma!* Nabiki suppressed the erge 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
way 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 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 in 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 happen 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.*
thought Nabiki 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 fashion was 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 cloths 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 your 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 assure 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 happen!? 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 test on
Ranma than they did the other pilots. However many of those test where
just test that they had to perform twice because of Ranma's condition.
Ranma continued "There are some other things but I 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 Mrs. 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 happen 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?"
"Nevermind." 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 your 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 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 manage 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 matched this new world. She had seen her high school
diploma now saying that she 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 your 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 where.
What Nabiki notice 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 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 there Ok for the most part, even Toji's all right."
"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 perpose 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 indure 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 want's 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 stop
when Ranma grabbed her arm and pulled her back up. Asuka sigh 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 if asked she would fight, 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 every one 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 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 others 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 like to use her mind to deal with others. Unfortunately, having
being 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 damn 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 awaited 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 block. 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 allot 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, while wondering what Nabiki was up to.
"Oh I was just curious. What were you doing while he was
fighting of 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 we're 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 quit
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 of pain. Feeling your arms cut off or acid poured on your
back can do that. Thus it came as quit 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 past out. She could barley
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 in-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 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 care 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 procautions. 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. Of course 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 places 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 similar style as me and Asuka.
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 this
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 angle 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 seem to become a little tense at the sight of the weapon.
"This is the Sig 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 give 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
had broke his shoulder at the very least. At worst it would have crippled
him or ricochet 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 there 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 anyway?"
"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
sparing match this afternoon."
"That's a nice way to describe a fight." Misato had not missed
the bruises of their faces. She wonder 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 sparing 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 your 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 pilot's, whose firing was beginning to die down.
"Doesn't 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
phonecall from the school, saying Nabiki had gotten pissed with Asuka
and shot her. Finally the firing stopped.
"Cease fire. Are there any alibis........There are no alibis.
Shooters put your weapons on safe, lock your bolts to the rear, and
place your weapon 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 your firing with one hand good. Rei, good. Nabiki,
your grouping could be better but otherwise good. Shinji,......Shinji
you're hopeless!"
*****
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.
"Sycranization 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 restraint 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 ride 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
well bring Ranma back. They'll have no choice!"
To be continued.
Next:
Asuka and Ranma have a problem.
The 13th Angel attacks!
A new EVA unit enters the field!
Nabiki finds out about Ranma's feelings.
and
Nabiki is found out!
