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!