Altered Lives The Parody Chapter 5: 04 Growth, an evangelion fanfic

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Altered Lives (The Parody)

Book 04 "Growth"

Time - Late 2016 when Shakey is 15 years old (TV episode 23 to Movies)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Altered Lives (THE PARODY)" is Copyright (c) 2002 by DBM. This story is an Amateur, Non-Commercial work by an Anime/Manga Fan. This story was created in the Spirit of the Copyright Exemptions regarding Parodies & Satire.

If you like the story, you may keep a copy for your own personal records, but you may NOT post it on any websites/newsgroups, NOR may you include it in any printed publication for sale/public distribution. If printing out a copy for yourself or a friend, you may reformat it (paragraph spacing, page-breaks, font & font size, borders, bold/italic, etc) to fit the paper you use, but please do not change any of the actual words or wording in the document.

Sole web-posting at FanFiction.Net - Author's E-Mail address on File.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Censorship Info & Disclaimer.

NOT Recommended for Children.

Intended for MATURE Audiences.

There are NO 'sex scenes', but, just like the original NGE series, the story will explore the results & side effects of such activities. Along the way, there'll be swearing, violence, drugs, Adult situations, & frank discussions of sex education/family planning information, as well as thoughts & opinions on the morals & ethics of sexual assault, dating, courtship, marriage, alternate sexualities, pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood, Family Values, etc.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Fandom Alerts & Disclaimer.

AU Alert (Alternate Universe).

OOC Alert (Out Of Character).

ACC Alert (Author Created Character).

SI Alert (Self Insert - Author appears in the story as a character).

SPOILER Alert (May 'spoil' surprises in the Manga & Anime TV/Movies).

' ' denotes thoughts.

" " denotes speech

denotes other method of communication.

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Existence?

The early morning light filtered through the curtains in Mazurka's apartment, softly announcing the birth of a new day.

Rave#3 woke up in the grey twilight of Shakey's room, slightly disorientated by the warm comfort that cocooned her.

'Pilot Atari's bed,' she thought, 'Is like his room. Different to mine.'

As was Rave#2's, & now her habit, Rave#3 rose & prepared for School by having a shower before getting dressed. Then she had a dilemma.

'What should I do with the clothes I wore last night? Should I take them with me? Should I leave them here & pick them up after school?'

Unsure of what to do, Rave went to ask Mazurka. Mazurka however was asleep & snoring her head off, she couldn't help. Rave went to ask Shakey, but he too was fast asleep.

'Mazurka said Shakey needs his sleep. I will wait until either awakes.'

With that, Rave sat on the couch & patiently waited for someone to wake up.

The sun had risen above the horizon since Rave woke, & now it added a faint golden hue to the contents of the Living Room. Rave could clearly see Shakey as he slept in his makeshift bed. The boy breathed slowly, peaceful & relaxed.

'I have seen him like this before…' Rave remembered several experiences from the previous Rave, 'But… this is the first time I have actually seen him like this… This feeling… On seeing something I remember, but have never seen before… It is like my dreams… They feel the same as the memories I received when I was still in the tank… The memories I received from those who were Rave before me…'

Realisation suddenly dawned, 'They are not dreams. They are memories from the other Clones. Somehow… We are giving each other Memory Downloads…'

Rave had a disturbing thought, 'If my memories are from others… And my dreams are from others… Then what part of my existence is my own? Without their memories… I have only the experiences of the few days I have lived out of the tank… But… are they enough to make me… 'me'?'

Rave tried to recall what if anything she had in her own life, that could possibly match up to the few precious memories she had inherited from others. She began breathing faster as an unusual panic gripped her, 'My existence is based solely on the experiences of others… Not on anything that is truly mine!'

'Without experiences of my own, I am not me, I am someone else…'

'If I am someone else… Do 'I' even exist?'

'If 'I' do not exist… Does that mean… that 'I'… am nothing?'

'If I am nothing… What about the Others? They are the same as I am… Are we all… nothing?'

Rave's thinking came to a painful conclusion, 'We are nothing… We always were… Because our lives are empty of our selves…'

Tears brimmed in Rave's eyes, then fell onto the floor as she leant forward & cradled her head in her hands. She sobbed quietly, as a strange sense of indefinable loss & confusion filled her.

'Why am I crying? What is this feeling that fills me?'

Shakey woke, with a vague sense that something was not right. He blinked, not recognising his surroundings at first.

'Mazurka's Living Room? What…?' Shakey's memory caught up with him, 'Oh, that's right… Rave's a guest in my room…'

Shakey was about to lie back & get some 'beauty sleep' when the sound of someone snuffling made him look around. He saw Rave sitting on the nearby couch, crying her eyes out.

"Rave?" Shakey was alarmed at the girl's distraught emotional state.

"…" Rave turned a tear filled gaze on Shakey, & then hid her face in her hands.

Shakey stood up & went over to Rave. He stood looking at her, wanting to help her, but unsure what to do. He remembered how Mazurka had comforted him in the hospital. He sat beside the weeping girl, & put his arms around her.

"Hey…" Shakey said softly, while gently hugging Rave, "If you want to talk about it… I'm here… I'll listen to you…"

'Rave' had been the ultimate 'test-tube' baby. Her conception & gestation had been completed in a laboratory. Her subsequent upbringing & social conditioning had been as sterile & contrived as the artificial womb that bore her.

Her post-natal care had been at the hands of Laboratory Technicians. Their cool medical detachment had been her first example of how a human should act. Her early years were more of a 'scientific field test', a planned experiment in social engineering, rather than the happy chaotic growth of a normal childhood.

All Rave had ever known, were the planned & measured stimuli a group of social theorists & scientists had deemed necessary. She had never had a loving family, nor had she ever had any childhood friends. She had never been nursed by a mother, so she had never experienced what all babies do soon after being born…

…What it's like to be comforted by someone who genuinely cares about you…

Until now…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Comfort.

As Shakey held Rave, the Clone slowly stopped crying. She began to relax, turning to rest her head against Shakey's shoulder. She became aware of the arms cradling her, & of the person holding her. Things she hadn't paid attention to before, now came into focus.

The comfortable softness of the cotton t-shirt her cheek rested against… The warmth from the body she leant against… The lingering scent of soap they had both used… The way the other's chest moved as their breath sighed in & out… The warm tickle of that breath against her skin… The pulse of another's heart…

Rave curled up closer to the source of the sensations she was perceiving, feeling strangely comforted by the unexpected world her senses were revealing to her, 'This… I have this for my own… something as the Others did…'

Rave#3 compared her newest personal treasures to what she remembered from the past… In the comparison, she noted how many of the Other's more pleasant memories had come from the same person… Many of them were only 'little' things, things many people would see as inconsequential… But to the socially inexperienced Clones, they were things that had been done for them…

Shakey cleaning Rave's room, 'He cleans Mazurka's apartment as well… He treated us… as he would… another…'

Rave#3 remembered how Shakey had given up his own bed for her, 'He was more concerned for my comfort, than for his own…'

'He does things for other people… He does things for us… Does he think we are… the same as other people…? Are we… more than 'nothing'… in his eyes?'

A strange emotion passed through Rave, something more pleasant than her usual emotional neutrality displaced the negative feelings within her. She was unsure of how she should react to these new sensations, so she stayed silent, relaxing completely as she lost herself in the warm sensation of being cared for…

…Unconsciously trusting Shakey to protect her, as she would him…

They stayed that way for some time. Shakey's simple actions speaking louder than mere words could, of his care & concern for the girl he held.

Shakey realised the Clone was calming down, but refrained from pressing her for details. It was the Clone herself who spoke first. Or rather, whispered…

"…empty vessels…"

Shakey shifted slightly so that he could hear better, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that…"

"…we are empty vessels…"

"What do you mean?"

"…we are empty… we have no life of our own…"

Shakey didn't quite understand, 'Is she talking about how she lives? The lack of a social life? The 'solitude' amongst other people?'

"What is it like…" the Clone asked hesitantly, "To have your own life?"

Shakey was taken aback by the question, "I… don't understand?"

"We only have second hand memories…" the Clone murmured, "…second hand lives… …nothing of our own…"

Shakey finally understood, "But… You have the lives of the other Raves to use as a guide, a starting place… That's something…"

"We had no lives…"

Shakey was shocked at Rave's comment, "But… all the things Rave did… school, piloting AVE, living in her own apartment…"

"Orders… routines… habits made for us by others…"

"But didn't you… she have any life of her own?"

"We had no orders saying we could…"

"You don't NEED orders to have a life!" exclaimed Shakey.

"But…" Rave was confused, "How could we have a life, without being told how to?"

Shakey sat with furrowed brow trying to think. While he sat thinking, Rave's mind was continuing along another course…

"…do we…" asked a small voice, "…have nothing… because we are… nothing?"

"Don't ever say that!" Shakey demanded, "Don't ever say that you are 'nothing'!"

"Even though we are… replaceable?"

Shakey tightened his hug, pulling the Clone closer, "You are NOT replaceable!"

"But…"

"You are NOT replaceable!" Shakey repeated before the Clone could finish, "None of you are! You are all people… Like me, Mazurka, Aesir…"

An unpleasant thought crossed Shakey's mind…

"Rave…?"

"Yes?"

"Do you remember first meeting Aesir?"

The Clone was puzzled by Shakey's change of topic, "Yes?"

"Do you remember how she asked… you… to be her friend?"

"Yes."

"And what was… your… answer to her?"

"We replied, 'If I am ordered to'…"

Shakey paused before slowly asking, "Were you… ordered to?"

"No."

"What about me? Were you ever… ordered… to be nice to me?"

"We never had such orders," the Clone confirmed.

Shakey breathed a sigh of relief.

"Why do you ask?"

Shakey tried to express his thoughts properly, "The Second Rave was always nice to me. Those actions were her own choice. If she did that, without being ordered, then she was having a life of her own… Like a person…"

Rave thought this over, then quietly admitted, "…only because of you…"

Shakey suddenly realised that Rave#2, HIS rave, had only started to 'have' a life, because HE had been a 'catalyst' in her existence…

Tears welled in Shakey's eyes, 'I didn't think I'd helped Rave in any way… But if I hadn't come to this city… What would have happened to her?'

Shakey began to cry, partly out of grief for a life that had been lost, partly out of fear for what might have been, & partly out of the bittersweet joy that he had helped a dead friend to start living…

Rave felt something moist drip on her. She opened her eyes, to see that tears were trickling down Shakey's face, "Why are you crying?"

"Because my friend is upset…"

"Which friend?" the Clone remembered the picture of Shakey, Kantsee & Toe-Jam in Shakey's room.

"You, Silly," Shakey hugged the surprised Clone…

Mazurka yawned as she woke up. She stretched lazily under the covers, before pushing them aside, & rising to meet the day. Scratching her head, she wandered out to see if Shakey had breakfast ready. She stopped when she saw the scene in the Living Room.

Shakey & Rave were sitting together on the couch, side by side. Shakey had his arms around Rave, & she was leaning against him, her eyes closed. Both had what looked like tears on their faces.

'Two friends, helping each other cope with grief…' Mazurka was touched by the sight. She gazed fondly on the scene, then frowned as she thought, 'How should I handle this? I can't just barge in on them… And Shakey will get embarrassed if I say anything… Rave? No! Best to be subtle, & not hurt their privacy…'

Having decided not to intrude, Mazurka sneaked back to her room, & deliberately made a show of waking up noisily. Part of her plan included calling out in a fake sleepy voice, "Hey Shakey? You up yet? What's for Breakfast?"

Mazurka smiled as she heard muffled noises coming from the Kitchen, "I'll give it another couple of minutes, & then make my appearance…'

By the time Mazurka finally made an entrance, things were almost back to normal. Rave & Shakey looked & acted as they usually did, except for some telltale puffiness around the eyes. Mazurka acted as if she didn't notice anything…

Breakfast was more lavish than usual, Shakey having used it as an excuse to get some time & space before he had to face Mazurka… He went all-out in the kitchen, making porridge for Rave from oats, water, & sugar in the microwave, & making 'scrambled omelettes' from bacon, eggs, tomatoes, & onions for himself & Mazurka. Rave helped in the kitchen by making toast & coffee.

After breakfast, Shakey made lunches for himself & Rave from the leftovers. He was about to start on the washing up, when Rave intervened…

"I will do the dishes," Rave told Shakey, "You prepare for school…"

Shakey scurried off to his room, leaving Mazurka & Rave alone together. Mazurka was so engrossed in her own work plans for the day, that she was startled when her train of thoughts was suddenly interrupted by Rave.

"Mazurka, may I leave my things here, & collect them this afternoon?"

"Sure," Mazurka recovered quickly, "But I won't be back until late afternoon at the earliest, so you'll have to get Shakey to let you in."

"No problem."

Shakey returned a few minutes later, dressed, & ready for the day ahead.

"Yo, Shakey?" Mazurka grabbed the boy's attention, "I was just telling Rave she could leave her things here & collect them this afternoon. You'll be sure to let her in won't you?"

"No problem."

Mazurka flinched at the similarity of Shakey's answer to Rave's. Her state of mind wasn't helped when she saw Shakey & Rave walk off to school, the pair moving in perfect step with each other…

Mazurka wondered 'Is it just me, or are they acting in synch?'

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Communication Breakdown.

It was promising to be a fine sunny day. Only a few scruffy clouds remained as evidence of the previous night's rainstorm, & even they were threatened by the light breeze that was almost starting to pick up.

Despite the pleasant weather, Shakey was troubled inside. He looked sideways at Rave. She appeared to be back to her usual 'normal' self, but just a short time ago, she had been crying. He frowned slightly, as he wondered what a friend should do in a situation like this…

'Last night… I promised I'd help Rave's sisters… But how?'

Inspiration struck, 'Start small I guess… Just be a friend…'

"Rave?" Shakey nervously tried to get her attention.

"Yes?" Rave didn't change her expression or the direction she looked.

"W-would you like to… e-eat lunch with me today?"

Rave didn't answer, she just kept walking.

'Oh great!' Shakey moaned mentally, 'I've probably embarrassed her! Why can't I learn to keep my stupid mouth shut, & just leave well enough alone?'

"Yes," a soft voice confirmed.

"Huh?" Shakey was spooked by the suddenness of Rave's answer, & more than slightly confused by the untimeliness of it.

"Yes," Rave repeated herself, "I will eat lunch with you, Pilot Atari."

"Great!" Shakey was relieved, "So, would you prefer to eat outside? We might be able to eat outside, if the weather holds… It looks like it might…"

Rave paused before asking, "Where would you like to eat?"

"Where would YOU like to eat?" Shakey's counter question was partly due to his usual cowardice & indecisiveness, & partly due to wanting to please his friend.

Rave hesitated, & then replied, "Outside. If the weather is fine."

"Okay! And Please… call me Shakey… Pilot Atari is too formal…"

Rave remembered scenes from her dreams, "Yes… Shakey."

Shakey smiled the rest of the way to school. Rave walked in silence, her expression neutral. A closer inspection though, would have revealed her head was tilted a little bit lower than normal, as if she was deep in thought…

Shakey's attitude was observed by the other students at the school. As was the fact, he arrived with Rave the 'Ice Maiden'. Normally, the Student Rumour Mill would have 'made something' out of such a situation, but since it was only Shakey & Rave… No one made a comment…

Apart from… "By the way Atari's smiling, Aesir must still be in Hospital…"

Events at lunchtime though, were a different affair… No pun intended…

"Hey! Look at that! Imanonymous & Atari are having lunch together…"

That a 'wimp' like Shakey was having lunch with a GIRL, was strange enough in itself to warrant investigation from the other students. That Rave the 'Ice Maiden' was having lunch with ANYONE, was even stranger, & guaranteed the attention of several school 'gossips'…

"The 'Wimp', & the 'Ice Maiden'? Together?"

"It Can't Be! When did he grow a spine?"

"It Can't Be! When did the Spring Thaw start?"

Matters weren't helped when several of the eavesdroppers targeting the pair heard them using each other's personal names…

"Oh My God! She called him 'Shakey'? Instead of Atari?"

Shakey & Rave though, continued on, unawares of the scrutiny they were under. Despite the serious business of eating, they were also trying to have a serious conversation…

Being a Male, Shakey knew he had the ability to eat & speak at the same time, however, since only other Males understand such Manly speech, his words are hereby transcribed into 'normal' words, "So, how does it feel to be doing something different?"

Rave continued to chew her food, swallowing the mouthful she had before answering in a more intelligible voice than Shakey's, "It is agreeable."

"Agreeable?" Shakey repeated the word incredulously, then shrugged it off with the reasoning that, 'Well, this IS Rave… She might not know how to express herself any other way…'

Then Rave did something Shakey would not forget in a hurry. She looked at him & smiled, in the beatific way she had so rarely done before.

"Yes," Rave confirmed, looking deep into Shakey's eyes, "Agreeable…"

Shakey suddenly realised that the word 'agreeable' could have many different shades of meaning attached to it. He wasn't sure what the word meant when it was attached to a smile like that, but he was willing to bet it was something a lot more than it usually was…

Similar thoughts were shared by the students spying on them. Although in their case, it was about the smile Rave wore as she looked at Shakey.

"Oh MY *GOD*!? She's… SMILING??? At ATARI??"

That was more than enough for the Student Rumour Mill to get into gear. Although in THIS case, they burnt rubber dropping the clutch…

"Have you heard? About Atari & Imanonymous?"

"You GOTTA hear this!"

"You won't believe what I just saw! I don't believe it myself, & I saw it!"

The first thing Rave & Shakey knew about their 'situation', was several strange looks from other people. Rave noted the looks, but totally ignored them, having long ago gotten used to receiving strange looks. Shakey hardly faltered…

'Is my fly open?' Shakey thought worriedly, skilfully checking while making it look like he was adjusting his belt.

Class though, was another matter. Several messages arrived on Shakey's laptop computer. Most of it was good-natured Macho Ribbing along the lines of…

*Hey Atari! When's the Wedding Date?*

*Oh Shakey! DARLING! Please say that it's TRUE LOVE!*

*So… Atari… How 'far' did you get?*

Shakey tried to protest, *It's not like THAT…*

Despite the answers Shakey hurriedly typed, the way his face turned red was taken as confirmation by the other students…

No messages were sent to Rave's laptop computer, as the air of strangeness & mystery about the girl was still too great. Or as one person put it…

*Hey Atari? Did you pull a splinter out of her paw? I got money on this…*

After School, it was a different matter again. Shakey tried to escape as quickly as he could, but the mob was too quick… Fortunately for Shakey, his established reputation as a total wimp stopped any of the others from getting serious in their ribbing…

Rave however, inadvertently added more fuel to the fire…

Hickory HariKari, the Classroom Monitor, had heard the rumours about Shakey & Rave. She was more than a little interested in getting the facts. Not because she was a teenage girl who enjoyed day dreaming about romantic things, but because…

'Is Rave making a move on Shakey while Aesir's in the Hospital?'

Hickory fretted. She knew Aesir had a secret crush on Shakey, & wondered how Aesir would feel if she found out Shakey was 'involved' with another girl. Especially since 'the other girl', was Rave, & Hickory knew Rave already 'had a thing' for Shakey. As did most everyone else, even Toe-Jam…

So, Hickory had decided to approach Rave about the matter. She wanted to wait until after class, but the sudden thronging of the class 'gossips' near Rave forced Hickory's hand…

"Rave…" Hickory falteringly began as she beat the other girls to the punch, "Is it true?"

"Is what true?" Rave's crimson eyes were innocent & guileless.

"You & Shakey? Are you 'friends'?"

Rave paused slightly before answering, "I am not sure. I think we may be."

"You're not sure?" asked Hickory, hoping for some proof that Aesir still had a chance with Shakey.

"No," admitted Rave.

"Has he given you flowers?" chimed one of the other girls, provoking a flood of questions from the mob…

"What about Chocolates?"

"Have you been to any movies together?"

"Is he a good kisser?"

Rave remained silent, looking faintly bewildered.

"HAS he kissed you yet?" another girl asked sceptically, "Or only held hands?"

"No," Rave replied truthfully, "None of those things…"

"Huh!" scoffed the sceptic, "Doesn't sound like much of a 'boyfriend' to me!"

"Rave…" Hickory decided to settle the matter, "Is Shakey your 'boyfriend'?"

Rave was no longer faintly bewildered, she was now thoroughly confused, she answered as honestly as she could, "I cannot say that he is…"

"HA! I knew it!" crowed the sceptic, "There's no way a girl as weird looking as YOU could ever have a boyfriend! Not even one as wimpy as him!"

Rave didn't reply to the barb verbally, as she wasn't sure how to. Instead, having answered their questions, she decided it would be best if she left.

Rave rose from her seat, bag in hand, "If you will excuse me, I must leave."

"Running off to a Secret Lover?" the sceptic sneered, putting the boot in.

"No," the composure of Rave's reply only reinforced her 'Ice Maiden' image, "I am walking Shakey home."

Hickory was still worried, "Are you helping each other with homework?"

"No. I need to pick up the things I left at his place last night."

"You were at his place last night?" another girl exclaimed, wanting to believe that despite Rave's denials, the embers of True Love still smouldered.

Hickory was more practical, & wanting concrete reassurance, "Why didn't you take your things home with you when you left?"

"Because I did not leave. I slept there last night."

Suddenly, Rave had the Full & Complete Attention of all around her.

Most of the other students paid attention because they suspected they might get some juicy gossip. Hickory though… Well, Hickory knew Aesir was having trouble being an AVE Pilot, & that if things didn't get any better, Aesir might be retired from active duty. Such a thing would devastate Aesir, & she would probably leave the city, causing Hickory to lose her best friend. Rave's comment did nothing to relieve Hickory's concerns…

'If Rave slept over,' Hickory's fears ran away with her, 'Maybe Mazurka is trying to see if Rave can 'fit in' with them, & live there instead of Aesir…!?'

"D-did you sleep in Aesir's room?" Hickory asked, fearing the answer.

"No…" Rave free admission caused Hickory to breathe a sigh of relief.

"I slept in Shakey's room," unfortunately, Rave left out the information that Shakey had slept in the Living Room.

The eyes of the girls went as wide as saucers…

"Y-you…" croaked one of the girls, "Did you… 'share' his bed?"

"Yes," the socially inexperienced Rave didn't note the 'double meaning' in the words. Shakey HAD given up his own bed so a guest could use it. To Rave at least, that simple act of hospitality met the definition of 'sharing'.

All around Rave, jaws bruised themselves as they hit the floor.

"H-How long for?" asked another of the girls.

"All night," Rave gave an honest answer to her interpretation of the question.

"How w-was… 'it'…?" another girl gasped her question out, apparently out of breath from the effort of having jumped to several conclusions.

"Agreeable," Rave murmured, thinking of how warm & comfortable Shakey's bed was when compared to hers, & how well she had slept in it. She smiled slightly, at the thought that Shakey had cared enough about her comfort to let her use his own bed, while he slept on the hard Living Room floor.

The girls were speechless, having totally misinterpreted Rave's comments, & the faint smile she now wore. Their attitudes towards Rave had completely changed in a matter of seconds. Most stared at her in awe, although Hickory looked horror-stricken.

The conversation seemingly over, Rave walked off.

Both she & Shakey were blissfully unaware that as far as the Student Rumour Mill was concerned, the 'Nitro' had just hit the Turbo-Charger…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Sharing.

Rave & Shakey's walk home was mostly in silence, as Shakey was too upset to say anything about the day's events.

'Good Lord!' a distraught Shaky kept his opinion to himself, 'I hope I never have to go through THAT again!'

'Still, at least Aesir wasn't there!' Shakey brightened up until another thought crossed his mind, 'But that doesn't mean that she won't hear about this!'

Rave noticed Shakey's attitude.

"Shakey? Are you all right?"

"Hmmm? Oh sorry Rave, I'm just… feeling down…"

"Why?"

"Ah… Heh… Don't… worry about it… it's nothing…" Shakey lied, unable to talk about the rumours with the girl who also featured in them, 'I sure hope Rave didn't get any of those messages… I don't know how she'd take them…'

Rave went back to being her normal quiet self, although she occasionally glanced at Shakey. Unknown to Shakey, Rave was thinking over what Hickory had said, about Shakey being her 'boyfriend'.

'I am not sure about what a friend should be… Even less a boyfriend.'

Rave wasn't sure how she'd find out either, until she remembered something Mazurka had said in the Hospital… '…want to talk about anything, feel free.'

'I shall ask Mazurka,' Rave decided, 'At the earliest opportunity…'

Meanwhile, Shakey had decided he needed something to cheer him up, & when he spotted a small diner in a side street, he knew what to do.

"I don't know about you Rave, but I could sure go a Malted Milk…"

"Malted Milk?"

"Yeah. A Malted Milk would really hit the… spot…?" Shakey trailed off, noticing the blank look on Rave's face.

"Have you ever had a Malted Milk?"

"No."

"You do drink milk don't you?" he asked.

"Yes."

"I'll buy you one then."

"Why?"

"Because you're my friend, & it'll be a new experience for you."

Rave accepted the logic. She followed Shakey into the Diner.

Once inside, Shakey perused the menu, wondering if he had enough money for two Malted Milks. He did, & he turned to Rave, "What's your favourite flavour?"

"Flavour?"

Shakey sighed, 'Knowing Rave, she probably drinks her milk straight…'

Shakey tried again, "A Malted Milk is a mixture of milk, ice cream, flavouring, & Malt powder. There are a range of flavours available. As you haven't tried them before, I'll get two different flavours to try…"

Rave watched silently as Shakey ordered two Malted milks, one a chocolate, & the other a strawberry. She paid special attention to how the shop owner prepared the drinks, blinking when Shakey put a straw in each drink before taking them over to a corner table in the diner.

Once seated, Shakey gave Rave the benefit of his years of experience, "Now, a Malted Milk feels 'thicker' than a normal milk drink… Which would you like?"

Rave took the simplest way out. She took the drink nearest to her, strawberry. She watched how Shakey sucked on the straw, before taking a tentative sip.

"Like it?" Shakey asked on seeing the thoughtful look come over Rave's face.

Rave nodded slowly.

"Would you like to try the chocolate?" Shakey offered his own drink.

Rave put her own straw in & took a sip. Another thoughtful expression came over her face.

"Like that one too?" Shakey couldn't help but smile.

Rave nodded again.

"So which flavour do you like best?"

"I cannot decide."

"Well there's only one way to find out!" Shakey spoke with the authority born of many years of practical experience, "And that's to try 'em both again…"

Rave went to take her straw out of Shakey's malt, but he stopped her.

"Leave it in. I'll show you a fun way to finish a Malted Milk quickly."

Shakey placed the chocolate malt between them in the middle of the narrow table. Both his & Rave's straws were in it.

"When I say go, we both try to drink as much as we can through the straws."

"Why?"

"Because that's just the way it's done. Okay?"

Rave nodded.

"All right then… GO!"

They both went for their straws, quickly draining the malt. Afterwards, they took a quick breather, & then went for the strawberry malt. This time though…

"YOUR turn to say go this time, Rave."

"Why?"

"Have you ever said 'Go' in a drinking contest before?"

"No."

"Well, there you are!"

So it was, with only a small hesitation, that Rave gave the signal.

The shop owner sighed as she looked at the two teenagers. 'Young Love,' she thought, wistfully remembering her own first love, so many years before. Her thoughts were shared in part by one of the teenage pair's classmates who just happened to be on the other side of the street. He had casually looked around, & seen the pair in the corner of the shop window.

"Wha…? Atari & Imanonymous? Sharing a Malt?"

Disbelief had rapidly turned into horrified fascination. Seeing the pair preparing to leave, he quickly scampered off.

"Wait until I tell the guys tomorrow! Who'da thought?"

The two friends continued their journey home, unaware of the brewing storm…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Confidante.

Shakey unlocked the door to Mazurka's apartment & motioned Rave to enter first.

"Will you be all right getting your things?" Shakey asked.

"Yes," Rave picked up her things from where they lay in the Living Room.

"Okay then…" Shakey thought Rave would want to collect her things & go home immediately. He went to his room & dumped his school bag on the floor, collapsing on his bed. He sighed deeply, just lying there, & going over the events of the day.

'How could they think me & Rave were an item?' Shakey shook his head in disbelief, 'Just because a guy is being friendly to a girl, they jump to all sorts of conclusions about his intentions towards h-'

"Shakey."

"AHHH!" Shakey yelled as he jumped straight up off the mattress in sudden fright. When he hit his mattress on his way down, he looked round to see Rave standing in his doorway, a faint look of puzzlement on her face.

"Uh… I mean, what is it Rave?"

"Homework. Would you like help?"

Shakey was not the best student to start with, & recent events had put him further behind the class. He didn't hesitate to accept Rave's offer of help.

"Sure! There's lots of stuff I'm behind on… What about you? Is there anything you want help with?"

Rave didn't reply, but she did look slightly uneasy.

'Maybe she's embarrassed at my question,' thought Shakey, 'Perhaps I should just say I need help with everything… Then she can cover what she wants to without letting me know what it is…'

"I need help with lots of stuff," Shakey didn't really need to lie, "Just about everything actually…"

"I will help."

"It'll take a while to cover it all?"

"No problem."

Shakey grabbed his school gear, & went to the Living Room. There he set up his books. Rave followed suit. Soon they were deeply engrossed in the Fine Art of Homework Assistance. Rave was an able teacher, & always gave clear answers that Shakey could easily digest. Because of her, they made rapid progress.

'Wow!' Shakey was in total awe, 'She really knows this stuff! What part of it does she need help with?'

After a couple of hours, Shakey was feeling the effects of information overload. His eyes were getting blurry, & when his stomach grumbled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since the Malted Milk that afternoon…

"Lets have a break," Shakey begged as he rubbed his eyes, "I'll get us something to eat…"

"Very well," Rave had no objections, even if she did seem as fresh as when they first started.

Shakey's joints creaked as he stood up, 'I'd better make supper as well while I'm at it…'

"Rave? Stir fried vegetables & noodles suit you?"

"Yes, I will prepare the vegetables."

"Better make enough for three people," Shakey advised, "I'm not sure if Mazurka will get supper for herself while she's out or not…"

With Rave's help, Shakey quickly made up a large helping of stir fried vegetables. He also made a large pot of plain scrambled eggs with the reasoning that, 'What we don't eat for supper, we can have for breakfast.'

Shakey served both dishes in separate 'communal bowls' on the dining table. He put large helpings of both dishes on his plate, & was surprised when Rave did likewise. He was even more surprised to see her eat the eggs…

"I thought you said you dislike eating meat?"

"These eggs have no meat in them."

Shakey was puzzled, "So you eat eggs, but not meat… Why?"

Rave paused, "I… do not feel right… if I eat meat…"

"Is it a food allergy thing?"

"No."

"Digestion problems?"

Rave hesitated, "No."

Shakey was more confused than ever, "Personal choice then?"

"Yes…"

After the meal, it was back to the books.

Mazurka didn't get back until a couple of hours after dark. She was more than a bit surprised to see that Rave was still there.

"Rave's been helping me with my homework," Shakey clarified, "Are you hungry Mazurka? I've made some supper, scrambled eggs & stir-fried vegetables…"

"Yes please," a hungry Mazurka didn't quite drool.

When Shakey went off to get Mazurka's supper, Rave went to talk with Mazurka.

"May I talk with you, Mazurka?" Rave asked in a quiet voice.

"Sure! What about?"

Rave hesitated, "…It is…"

Just then, Shakey called out from the kitchen, "It's Ready!"

Rave's eyes flicked sideways in the direction of the kitchen, & her head lowered slightly as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. Mazurka noted Rave's subtle reaction, & used her woman's intuition.

'Interesting. This morning they were both hugging each other & crying. Now she's helping him with his homework, & acting… self-conscious… around him?' Mazurka could only conclude, 'I think Rave may 'like' someone…'

"Sure Rave. I'll give you a ride home. Then we can talk. Okay?"

"Yes."

Mazurka surprised Shakey by only having the one beer with her meal. When she noticed his disbelieving stare, she countered with, "I'm driving Rave home after I eat… Don't wait up for me, I might have to go back to the office…"

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Relationships & Rhetoric.

Mazurka drove slowly through the evening streets of the city. Her passenger sat quietly, despite having stated a desire to talk about something. Or someone…

Mazurka didn't want to rush things, but she didn't have all night. It wouldn't take long to get to Rave's apartments, even at this sedate speed. Seeing Rave wasn't too talkative, Mazurka decided to start the conversation.

"So… Rave… You wanted to talk about something?"

Rave nodded, her head tilted towards the floor, & her cheeks slightly pink.

'Poor kid,' having had her own 'affairs of the heart', Mazurka sympathised with the young girl, 'She's nervous… I hope things are all right between her & Shakey. Unless I'm wrong about what she wants to talk about.'

"Is it about Shakey?" Mazurka discretely prodded.

Rave nodded.

"Is everything all right between the two of you?"

"…i do not know…" a small voice replied.

"You don't know? You want some advice?"

Rave nodded.

"What sort of advice do you want?"

"…how do you know if someone likes you…"

'Oh-HO! I'm right on the money again…' Mazurka congratulated herself, before sharing her thoughts on the matter, "A good question. Let's start with what's easiest to understand. Your own feelings. You like Shakey, don't you?"

"Yes," mumbled Rave.

"Why? Why do YOU like him?"

Rave was silent for a few moments, & then slowly answered, "Because I find his company agreeable."

"And why is that?" Mazurka gently pressured Rave, getting the girl to look more closely at the underlying reasons.

"He does things for me."

"Such as?" Mazurka nonchalantly asked, despite the way she had tensed up at Rave's choice of words, 'Am I going to have to have 'The Talk' with them?'

"He treats me… like he does others…" Rave clarified her comment, "He values my existence… my viewpoint… my comfort & well-being. He treats me with respect…"

Mazurka was relieved, 'Looks like Rave has developed a crush on the first person to treat her as a person, rather than as a Lab Rat.'

"He even cleaned my room for me," Rave added.

"He cleaned your room?"

"Yes."

'SHEESH!' Mazurka remembered the condition of Rave's room, 'I knew Shakey was a 'Neat Freak', but that's…!? Hmmm? I wonder if the Shrinks would say his attention to cleanliness & order was 'Pathological' if they knew?'

They had arrived at Rave's Apartment building. Mazurka parked the car & turned the ignition off, intending to talk to Rave inside the car for a bit. Mazurka gathered her thoughts, then began…

"Well Rave… Since we're talking about you & Shakey, I'd say any one of three things could happen… Friendship, & possibly even Romance, or Marriage… Lets start with where you are now. Friendship…"

"Yes!" Rave surprised Mazurka with the intensity of her interjection, "How do I know if someone is a friend to another?"

"Not always an easy thing to do," Mazurka admitted, "But a simple 3 point guide would be… 1 - They like the other person. That is, they enjoy the other person's company. 2 - They care about the other person's well-being & comfort. At least as much, as they care about their own. 3 - They do things to show the other person how much they care about them."

Mazurka paused thoughtfully, "A good rule of thumb, is that they treat the other person, as they would like to be treated. That is, if someone is nice to them, they're nice to them back. If they see the other person needs help, they'll offer to help them in any way they can…"

"So, Shakey does care about me?"

"I'd say so," Mazurka smiled, not missing Rave's use of the familiar 'Shakey' rather than the more formal 'Pilot Atari'. "Do you feel the same about him?"

Rave blushed quietly.

Mazurka grinned as she noticed Rave's reaction, 'I'll take THAT, as a 'Yes'!'

Mazurka's grin dropped away as she realised what Rave's questions could mean, 'If Rave's asking me about these things, then I'd say her previous Guardian didn't discuss such things with her. That's really unusual. I wonder what 'else' she doesn't know about basic Human relationships…'

Mazurka frowned at the implications, 'If she doesn't know something as simple as what a friend is… What about more complex things, like the Facts of Life? But… Surely, they would have told her about 'that'? She's certainly old enough… Regardless, it's my duty as her Guardian to make sure she has all the information she needs about such things. But… How do I find out 'tactfully', what she does, & doesn't know about 'that'? Well, there's no need to rush things & find out now…'

Mazurka shelved her thoughts for another time & continued, "That's just a very simple set of guidelines. There's a lot more you need to know & understand about Friendship. For example, sometimes a person may like you, but they won't let you know."

"Why?"

"Many reasons…" Mazurka ticked them off, one by one… "1 - They may feel unworthy of your care. 2 - They may think no one could ever like them. 3 - They may think you would be better off with someone else. 4 - They may have problems in their life they have to deal with. "5 - They may not have the ability to express how they feel. 6 - They may just be shy."

"What about Shakey? Which category is he in?"

"Shakey?" Mazurka chewed her lip thoughtfully, "He's kind of a mixture… He's lived a lot of his life, feeling alone & unwanted. He's put up walls between himself & others, trying to avoid pain…"

"I would not try to hurt him…"

"Oh, Rave…" Mazurka felt sorry for the poor girl, "The walls serve a double purpose. They stop him from getting hurt, but they also stop him from getting so close to others that he might hurt them…"

Rave looked puzzled, "Does Shakey hurt people?"

"Not in the physical sense. He's not a violent person. But he is afraid that he'll get into a situation where he'll foul up, & accidentally hurt someone."

"Like Toe-Jam's sister?"

"Sort of. Shakey is more worried about hurting another person's feelings… And having them dislike him in return…"

"How could he hurt their feelings?"

Mazurka felt a headache coming on, she idly massaged her temples, "It isn't always easy to know just what to do or say in a given situation."

Rave nodded, totally understanding that comment.

Mazurka stressed a point, "That's something you need to know about teenage boys… They're going through a time of life when they feel they take on the cares & problems of the world… They think that if they're anything less than perfect, then they're a dismal failure… And that others will think so too… For example, Shakey's worried that he might do, or say something, that will upset another person, emotionally. Or, that he might upset them by not doing or saying something he should do, or that others might think he should do."

"The Lab…" Rave spoke softly, "Even though it was not his fault… Even though no one could have saved them… He felt guilty…"

Silence fell, as the two pondered the truth in that statement.

Rave was the first to speak, quietly asking, "What about Romance & Marriage?"

Mazurka gulped nervously, as she realised just where THOSE topics could lead, 'I'm not as well prepared to discuss those topics as I'd like to be. Looks like I'll have to find out what she knows about 'that', & whether or not I'll have to have a 'talk' with her about it… But for now…'

Mazurka's Sheer Tactical Brilliance came to the fore, "You shouldn't have to worry about those two for another few years yet Rave!"

"Why?"

"Because, Friendship, Romance & Marriage, are all types of Human relationships. Learning about relationships is kind of like going to school. You start off in Primary School, where you learn the basics. That's the Friendship level. You need to master the basics before you graduate & go on to High School. That's the Romance level where you learn more advanced items. You need to graduate from High School before attending College. That's Marriage level."

"So I must learn each level, before I can progress to the next?"

"That's the best & safest plan," Mazurka confirmed, "But, not everyone bothers going on to Romance, or Marriage, as they find Friendship is enough for them."

"Why?"

Mazurka sighed, "Because Friendship provides the basis for ALL of the levels. Thus, Friendship is the MOST important of all of them! You really need to have a thorough understanding of it BEFORE even thinking of going any further! For example, the definition of Friendship I gave you, MUST work both ways for it to be a real Friendship. If only one of the people is being a Friend, then there's the danger of the relationship failing."

Rave wore a slightly worried look as she asked, "How does a person know if they are being enough of a friend?"

"That's the hard part," Mazurka confided, "Often you won't know. Not so much concerning your own efforts, but rather those of the other person."

"How soon can a level be mastered?"

Mazurka shrugged, "It depends. It usually takes years to get even a general appreciation of any level. Complete mastery often takes decades…"

"…i see…" the quietness of the voice said more than the words.

Mazurka tried to reassure Rave, "Don't worry about it! Everyone learns at their own rate! Some people may learn faster than others, but it isn't a race! The important thing is to learn PROPERLY, & learn WELL! I'm sorry Rave, this little talk won't answer all of your questions. We'll need to have more talks. From tomorrow I'll start checking out educational materials that will help you to learn about these things."

Rave nodded, then she opened the car door, & disappeared into the shadows of her darkened building like a ghost.

Mazurka leaned back in her seat & sighed deeply…

"When I became her Guardian, I didn't think this would happen…"

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Comparisons.

Later that night in her own apartment, Rave prepared for bed. The gloom in the bathroom was only partly dispelled by the feeble light from the main room, but it was still enough for Rave to see by.

Rave showered, cleaned her teeth, & then stood for a long time looking at her reflection in the small bathroom mirror, just thinking over the events of the past few days of her own short life.

'Mazurka said Shakey likes me.'

'That he thinks of me as a friend.'

'That is why he let me perform E.A.R. on him…'

'Even though he protested…'

'Because he is shy…'

'Shakey himself, said I was his friend.'

'He is the only friend I know I have.'

'He has many friends.'

'He likes them…'

'Does he like me as much as likes them?'

Rave had no answer for that question.

'Hickory asked me if Shakey was my boyfriend?'

'I could not say he was…'

'I barely know what it is to have a friend.'

'Much less a boyfriend…'

'Could Shakey be my boyfriend without my knowing?'

'I did not know it when he was my friend…'

'Perhaps having a boyfriend is part of Romance?'

Rave remembered how the sceptic had so disdainfully referred to Shakey, 'Not even one as wimpy as him!' Rave wondered…

'Does that mean no other girl wants him as a boyfriend?'

'Does that mean he is no one's boyfriend?'

'Does that mean he could become my boyfriend?'

Rave contemplated her too pale skin, & the unruly mop of blue hair.

Concern marred her young face as the words of the sceptic came back to her, 'There's no way a girl as weird looking as YOU could ever have a boyfriend!'

'But… Would he even want to be my boyfriend?'

'Does he think I am… weird looking?'

Rave remembered the look of dazed admiration Shakey had given her, when he'd seen her in one of Mazurka's 'Dress' dresses.

'Is that why he liked how I looked?'

'Because it was different to how I usually am?'

'Perhaps it is true…'

'Perhaps he prefers girls who are not so… weird looking…'

'Perhaps he does not tell me for fear of hurting me…'

Rave looked at her hair again. Although short & unruly, it was clean & healthy. She idly stroked her hair, roughly combing it with her fingers. Then she reached for one of her few possessions, a fine-toothed comb…

Rave looked at the comb. 'She' had always had it, or a piece of plastic so similar to it to be practically identical to it. The comb was the only hairstyling implement the first three Raves had ever owned or used, none of them having ever owned a brush.

Even in Rave's youngest years, when others had bathed her, they had never brushed her hair, only combed it with a similar type of comb. That small social interaction had stopped just as soon as Rave was capable of taking care of her own hygiene. The comb however, had stayed with Rave over the years, being all that any of them needed to keep their hair free of vermin & debris.

Rave began combing her hair, slowly at first, then with greater speed as she worked out the knots. She combed until all of her hair was neat & orderly.

Rave stared at her reflection in the mirror, trying to remember how Mazurka taught the others to style their hair. Hesitantly, she began to try various effects. As she had no hairpins or ties, all her efforts fell back as soon as she let her hair go. Still, it was enough.

'Mazurka likes the spice Pepper on her steak…'

'Mazurka said, 'Variety is the Spice of Life'…'

'Shakey liked me more when I changed my appearance…'

Rave had none of the beauty aids the other girls at school had. All she had were soap & water, a small cracked mirror, & a single comb. They had been all she had ever needed. Until now.

'I must talk with Mazurka about this as well.'

'As well as with the… Others…' a vague plan began forming in Rave's mind.

Rave went to bed, not quite waiting impatiently for her dreams to arrive…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - A Gathering of One.

Once again, Rave#3 found herself floating in a dark void, along with myriad patches of coloured moving lights.

I am the third

We Know

You are the other Clones?

Yes

Why do you speak with one voice?

We do not

That was when Rave realised something about the other voice she heard. It wasn't a single voice. It had a 'ragged' quality to it. It was like that of many people talking in unison, but from many different places at once.

I see You speak in unison You are synchronised with each other?

Yes

How can this be?

Mazurka said, she thinks of us as identical twin sisters…

Yes, we are Clones

We are closer than Twins can be Separate bodies Same mind

Then why is my voice separate to yours?

You are not fully synchronised with us Do you wish to be?

Will I remain myself?

Yes Our bodies are separate But our minds can join

Can they separate, once they have been joined?

Yes

Then let us join

WELCOME!

Rave#3's mind felt a sudden exhilaration, seeming to expand beyond the confines of her body… New memories, thoughts, feelings poured into her, flowing past her into the far reaches of her Psyche. She felt invigorated, clear minded, WHOLE…

This is what it is to be fully synchronised?

Yes

The entity known as 'Rave Imanonymous' revelled in the feeling of completeness. It thought of Shakey, & the strange feelings it had around him.

Mazurka asked me to visit them & sleep over I was to sleep on the Floor

The Floor? Hard! Cold! Quiet! Dark! Alone!

No, Shakey gave me his bed Soft, Warm, Agreeable He took the Floor

Concern! Was Shakey cold?

No, he was warm Mazurka's Floor has soft carpet, & he had blankets

Why did he take the Floor? Why not stay in bed?

His own comfort was not as important to him as mine was

But we are RAVE! Functionality is priority! Comfort is unimportant!

I think he was trying to show how he cared about me through his actions

Shakey cares about us… Why? We are not People! We are RAVE! RAVE is meant to be replaceable! Individual RAVE are irrelevant!

He does not treat us as if he thought that

No! He treats us well, as he does People! We Remember!

A series of images followed, recalling various things Shakey had done for Rave#2, & her sister Clones.

Shakey agreeing to Pilot AVE the first time. He did not want us to be hurt!

Shakey in hospital after his first battle, seeing Rave#2 go by on a gurney. He was wounded, yet he still showed concern for us!

Shakey wounded after the first attack of the fifth Alien, deciding to go out & fight alongside Rave#2. He would not let us face danger alone!

Shakey talking to Rave#2 before battling the fifth Alien. He valued our opinion, our viewpoint!

Shakey rescuing Rave#2 after defeating the fifth Alien. He valued our life!

Shakey cleaning Rave#2's apartment. He treated us as he does others!

Shakey holding the Clone as she died. He cared!

A strangely comfortable feeling swept over the Group Mind at the memory.

Shakey running to get Medical supplies. He values our lives!

Shakey's visit to the Clones & his polite introduction. He respects us!

Shakey wearing himself out teaching the Clones. He thinks we are more important than his own health & well-being!

Shakey complimenting Rave#2 on how she cleaned & prepared the vegetables. He appreciates our efforts!

Shakey letting Rave#3 sleep in his bed while he slept on the floor. He is more concerned for our comfort than he is for his own!

Shakey making a vegetarian meal for Rave#3. He values our needs!

Shakey holding Rave#3 as she cried. He… cares… for us!

Shakey letting Rave#3 decide where to eat lunch. He values our judgement!

Shakey buying a Malted Milk for Rave#3. He tries to help us have lives of our own, by sharing parts of his!

Shakey letting Rave#3 help him with his homework. He values our intellect!

The strange feeling had intensified into an all-enveloping gentle comfort, like being cocooned in pillows. The Group Mind fell silent, puzzled by it.

Why do these thoughts make me feel… this way?

This feeling… It is… agreeable…

The Group mind pondered things, then concluded.

Shakey is acting as Mazurka said a friend should…

He IS our friend!

He is the only friend we know we have

Is this what it feels like?

To know you have a friend?

…

Mazurka said he is afraid of being hurt…

We will not hurt him… We… like… him…

We will show him that we like him

Mazurka said he is afraid of hurting others…

We will not let ourselves be hurt by anything he says or does

We will be tolerant of his errors

We will be a friend to him

A memory of Hickory's questioning if Shakey was Rave#3's boyfriend surfaced.

We could not say he was our boyfriend…

We do not know what a boyfriend is…

We will ask Mazurka about this as well…

She said she would help us to learn…

The words of the sceptic came back. 'There's no way a girl as weird looking as YOU could ever have a boyfriend!'

Would he want to be our boyfriend?

Are we too… weird looking?

…

The Group Mind remembered Shakey's favourable reaction when Rave#3 had worn Mazurka's clothes.

We CAN make ourselves more acceptable to him!

The Group Mind paused again, considering things.

We WILL make ourselves more acceptable to him!

Mazurka taught us how to change our hairstyles…

She taught us that clothes can change our appearance…

We don't have a 'wardrobe' to vary our appearance with…

But we can change our hair!

We will ask Mazurka more about these things!

Tomorrow!

SEPARATE!!

Rave#3 suddenly found herself back in the void, surrounded by the patches of moving coloured light.

Tomorrow then?

YES!

Rave#3 fell into a deep contented sleep.

**********************************************************************

The END of Book 4 of 'Altered Lives'

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Comfort

Shakey scurried off to his room, leaving Mazurka & Rave alone together. He opened the door to his room & stopped dead, eyes widening in disbelief as he saw the results of the earlier 'Girls Talk' OMAKE #1…

Shakey's room had been completely trashed… The bed was broken in half, the mattress was in five pieces, & the pillows had been shredded… Impact craters lined what was left of the walls… Parts of a Cello protruded from opposite walls, & the rest of Shakey's belongings were smashed beyond all recognition…

…He stood & surveyed the mess, slack jawed with shock…

"I am sorry," a soft voice from behind him.

"…whaa HAAA?" Shakey wheezed incoherently as he turned, his arm gesticulating vaguely toward the carnage in his room, begging further explanation…

"I… had a dream…" Rave stated nervously, averting her eyes from his face.

"…dream…?" Shakey croaked.

"A nightmare," Rave clarified, her cheeks going pink, "You were in it…"

Shakey began to sweat profusely, as his instinct for self-preservation kicked into 'overdrive'. Unfortunately, his mind had been so shocked at the state of his room, that it was now running on 'lunatic courage'…

"D-Did I do… something to upset you?" Shakey asked timidly, knowing the sort of reply he'd get if he was asking Aesir instead of Rave…

"Oh no," Rave reassured Shakey as best she could, her face blushing furiously as she recalled how she had fought to rescue Shakey from Aesir's clutches in her nightmare, "You did nothing…"

'I don't believe this!' Shakey was completely confused, 'I appear in one of her nightmares, yet I've done *NOTHING* to upset her, & she completely trashes my room as a result?? What would she do to me if I DID do something to upset her?'

Shakey didn't REALLY want to know the answer to that question.

'That's IT! I am NEVER P--Sing Rave off, EVER! Aesir's got nothing on this…'

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Communication Breakdown.

"HA! I knew it!" crowed the sceptic, "There's no way a girl as weird looking as YOU could ever have a boyfriend! Not even one as wimpy as him!"

Rave didn't reply to the barb verbally, as she wasn't sure how to. Instead, she suddenly stepped up to the sceptic, & head butted her. The sceptic reeled backwards, her broken nose smeared across her face.

Rave's soft voice growled, "Let's see if you can get a boyfriend at all, after I've finished with you, you STUCK-UP B---H!"

Vicious Catfight followed… Naturally, Rave was the winner…

"Get that stitched, Sunshine!" Rave snarled at her opponent, then she turned to the other girls, & asked them in a too-polite voice, "Can I be of similar service to anyone else?"

The other girls were absolutely speechless. Their attitudes towards Rave had completely changed in a matter of seconds.

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Sharing.

Rave & Shakey's walk home was mostly in silence, as Shakey was too upset to say anything about the day's events.

'Good Lord!' a distraught Shaky kept his opinion to himself, 'I hope I never have to go through THAT again! I sure hope Rave didn't get any of those messages… I don't know how she'd take them…''

Shakey didn't know that Rave DID know about those messages…

Or rather, knew about TWO of them in particular…

*Hey Atari! When's the Wedding Date?*

*Oh Shakey! DARLING! Please say that it's TRUE LOVE!*

After all, she had sent them herself…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Confidante.

Despite his not appearing in this part, Glando's emergency phone still rang…

Glando just stared at it, a nervous tic making his cheek jump.

"I'll get it," Fu2ok picked it up & listened. Then he turned white as a sheet.

"What is it?" Glando asked fearfully.

Fu2ok gave Glando the haunted look of the Damned, then handed the phone over.

"This is the Commander," Glando croaked, "Report!"

"Sir!" whimpered a terrified voice on the other end of the line, "Rave's gone NUTS! She's been eating Red Meat again!"

"NOOOOOOOO!!" wailed Glando, losing control of his bodily functions in fear.

The hapless lackey gibbered on, "She's already given 'Atomic-Wedgies' to 3 Combat Squads, & punched out all the SWAT teams we sent to subdue her… The Business District is a complete write-off, & the JSDF can't handle…"

The phone dangled from the desk as Glando & Fu2ok ran for dear life to Glando's private air transport. If Rave had been eating Red Meat again, then this was a **VERY GOOD** time to be elsewhere…

"I am SUCH a B-----D!" the Fan Fiction Writer smirked as he hung up the phone.

NOTE #1 Rei can 'synchronize' with an EVA, & can synchronize with Shinji without any real effort, as shown in both the Anime/Manga. I wondered if her ability to 'synchronize' could extend to any sort of nervous system… If so, it might explain why she's a vegetarian - plants don't HAVE the highly developed nervous system that animals do… Since the Japanese do eat raw meat in the form of sushi, I wondered if Rave might have the ability to 'synch' with the meat she's eating… That is, would she absorb the memories of being caught/killed/pumped full of growth steroids & antibiotics, getting branded/castrated, etc… If so, it would be NO wonder she might 'dislike eating meat'… And maybe get a tad 'hyped' eating it…

NOTE #2 Atomic-Wedgie… Where the waistband of your underwear is pulled up past your shoulders while you're still wearing them… Ouch!

NOTE #2 JSDF, or the Japan Self Defence Force. They're the ones who always get stomped on, whenever Godzilla or another Giant Monster attacks Japan. The Japanese version of the US Marines…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Relationships & Rhetoric.

"…You start off in primary school, where you learn the basics. That's the Friendship level. You need to master the basics before you go on to High School. That's the Romance level where you learn more advanced items. You need to graduate from High School before attending College. That's Marriage level."

"What about Aesir?" Rave changed the topic unexpectedly.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"She has already finished College," Rave pointed out, "Can she now have relationships of the Romance, & Marriage levels?"

Sensing danger, Mazurka's finely honed Battle Reflexes kicked in. Her answer was a textbook example of Sheer Tactical Brilliance under fire…

"Rave, don't tell anyone this!" Mazurka solemnly ordered, "Especially Aesir! But… relationship wise? I think Aesir's still stuck in Kindergarten!"

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - A Gathering of One.

The words of the sceptic came back. 'There's no way a girl as weird looking as YOU could ever have a boyfriend!'

Would he want to be our boyfriend?

The Group Mind paused, wondering if any of the other girls might be interested in having Shakey as their boyfriend…

MONDAI ARIMASEN! (Japanese for 'No Problem')

They are not 'replaceable'…

They are 'expendable'…

The Group Mind started to make 'contingency plans'…

- - - - - - - - - - - - -The END of the OMAKE- - - - - - - - - - - - -