Altered Lives The Parody

by DBM

Warning! Adult/Mature situations, ACC, OOC, AU, SI, SPOILERS for Anime/Manga. The Story? 137 escape the Lab... And things aren't as you'd expect...

8. 07 Two Faces

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Altered Lives (The Parody)

Book 07 "Two Faces"

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

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Copyright Info & Disclaimer.

"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.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" is Copyright (c) 2002 by Gainax.  All OTHER material is Copyright (c) 2002 their owners.  All materials used for PARODY purposes.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Chapter - Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3…

Deep in the AVE Pilot Testing Facility, Rave Imanonymous #3 sat in one of three Test Units.  Her 'sister' Clones, Raves #5 & #6, sat in the other two units, taking their very first AVE Pilot Compatibility Test.

Glando Atari oversaw the operation from his Commander's seat on the Bridge.  He sat motionless, eyes taking in the data from the video displays, a stark contrast to the slightly fidgeting Fu2ok who stood alongside.

The Bridge Crew watched their own readouts, fine-tuning the systems.

"All systems are green," commented Mayi Buttin, the shorthaired protégé of the conspicuously absent Dr Akatlover.

"All candidates maintaining satisfactory levels," added Moccona Hoover, the spectacled wonder worker.

"No problems with neural feedback detected," observed Uhoh Surfsup, the longhaired one of the group.

The minutes ticked on, the tests going as 'normal'.

Fu2ok gradually began to relax, muttering quietly, "Well, so far, so good…"

Glando sat silently, as if in deep thought.  Suddenly he spoke, giving the order, "Change the Simulation Data to mimic Unit Won."

"Unit Won Sir?" Mayi asked incredulously, "But we haven't finished these…"

"Just DO it!" Glando ordered in a louder voice.

"Y-Yes Sir," Mayi offered no further protests, "Attention Pilots, we are aborting the current test.  We'll try again in a few minutes…"

Fu2ok leaned over & whispered to Glando, "Why test them for Unit Won?  We haven't even finished testing them for basic compatibility?"

"An experiment," replied Glando, "Observe…"

The Bridge crew finished recalibrating, & began testing with the new data.

The results were almost immediate.  Alarms began sounding, & computer readouts lit up with urgent warning messages.  The Test Unit systems began violently rejecting the attempts of the Clones to 'link' with them.

Rave#3 cried out in pain, & disorientation.  The other Clones added their cries mere heartbeats later.

"Rejection of Nerve linkage!" bellowed Moccona.

"Feedback detected!" yelled Uhoh.

"Aborting test," Mayi punched the emergency cut-off switch.

Explosive bolts blew, completely severing all cybernetic linkages to the Test Units.  The Test Units powered down, their escape hatches opening automatically.

The three Clones staggered out, confused & disorientated.

"Well," Fu2ok sourly observed, "That didn't go too well…"

"We'll see, Professor," Glando returned, "We'll see…"

Fu2ok gave Glando a suspicious stare…

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Chapter - Results?

The first AVE Pilot Compatibility tests of the day had gone badly.  While the original test subjects were recovering from the mental trauma they'd suffered, minor repairs were required on the Test Units.  The repairs were only minor things, such as manually resetting circuit breakers & replacing the explosive charges in the Emergency cut-off devices.

In the midst of the hubbub, the Bridge Crew were trying to determine what valid data they had from the fiasco.

Mayi was the one to give Glando the bad news, "I'm sorry Sir!  But we don't have any solid data from the tests…"

"It is of no consequence," Glando replied dismissively, "It was only a Test.  I want what data you do have, sent to my office immediately."

"Yes Sir," Mayi punched in the data send request, "Shall I send the candidates home as well?"

"No," Glando rose from his desk, "Keep them on 'standby' status, until I finish reviewing the data."

Glando stalked from the room, Fu2ok following.  Shortly afterwards, the pair were in Glando's office, reviewing what little data had been collected…

Fu2ok watched as Glando flipped through a sheaf of printouts, then the elderly advisor spoke his mind, "I don't understand Atari…  How can you say it wasn't a failure?  They were rejected outright!"

Glando responded by handing over some of the printouts he had, "As you can see, their results with the Data from Unit Null, are practically identical.  So it is safe to assume they are all fully capable of piloting Unit Null…"

"We no longer HAVE a Unit Null" Fu2ok countered, "And they ALL had problems using data from Unit Won…"

Glando pointed to a particular line of the results, "Their results with the Data from Unit Won were nearly identical.  Except for being rejected…"

Fu2ok squinted as he read the information.  He harrumphed, "It's only a matter of mere seconds at most…"

"Look at the Neural Feedback graph for each pilot…"

Fu2ok did, & his eyes widened in disbelief, "Atari!  If I'm reading this right…  Although Rave#3 was rejected immediately, the others not only lasted longer, but had more control as well.  You can see how their graphs fluctuate, rather than cut off sharply!"

"Correct.  The system wasted no time in rejecting Rave#3.  The others lasted slightly longer.  Rave#5 the longest…"

Fu2ok frowned, "But…  Their results with Unit Null's data were the same?"

A gleam appeared in Glando's glasses, "That's what makes this so interesting.  The Clones have Rave's memories of how to control Unit Null, & Unit Won.  They've proven they are equally capable of piloting Unit Null.  However, Unit Won rejects 'Rave' as a Pilot.  We should have had identical results for all of the Clones…  We didn't…  It appears that Unit Won, does not consider the Clones to be exactly the same as Rave#3…"

Fu2ok's face lit up with realisation, "Mental Contamination!  The event in the Doppelganger Lab has made the Tank Clones appear 'different' to Rave#3!"

"I believe so…"

"So," Fu2ok slowly drawled, "There's a possibility… one or more of the Clones may be sufficiently 'different', for Unit Won to accept them as a pilot?"

"More than that Professor.  People learn by repetition.  Rave took months to learn how to control Unit Null.  Her memories enabled the other Clones to be capable of piloting Unit Null, without actual 'training'…  If the Clones can give skills to each other via memory downloads, could such… pooled knowledge… help them gain control of another AVE in a shorter time?  Unit Won perhaps?"

"Perhaps," Fu2ok cautiously agreed, "But there's no way we could use the Doppelganger Lab without giving it a complete refit…"

Glando smirked, "I don't think we need to worry about that Professor."

Fu2ok narrowed his eyes, "Do you know something I don't?"

Glando smiled silently in reply.

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Chapter - Gossip.

The NERVIS Bridge Crew were a group of dedicated professionals.  A true Elite, their training & motivation had enabled them to perform their jobs, while staring Death in the face.  They were calm, cool, & collected…

…But that didn't stop them from gossiping when their superiors were absent…

Mayi Buttin sighed deeply, then turned her attention to the screen before her.  It was currently showing the status of various systems in the Test Facilities.  Most notably, the Test Units that until recently, had been used to test the Piloting capabilities of three Rave Clones.

"This is really weird…" the comment came as Uhoh Surfsup pushed his long hair back from his face.

The unexpected comment jolted Mayi out of her own monotonous monitoring "Huh?  What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just…" Uhoh frowned, "I dunno…  Our 'candidates' today…  It's like looking at multiple Raves!"

Mayi agreed, "Tell me about it!  How do you think I feel, doing their physical exams?  Talk about déjà vu…"

Uhoh frowned, "What I don't understand, is where did they all came from?  AVE pilots were thin on the ground, & now we've got 'em coming out our ears…  And why do they all look like Rave?"

Moccona took a break from his coffee, "Haven't you heard?"

Uhoh shrugged, "Only the thin word from above…  And a few rumours…"

Moccona turned to Mayi, "What about you Mayi?"

Mayi looked troubled, "Um…  Much the same as Uhoh…"

Uhoh eyed Moccona suspiciously, "What about you Moccona?  What have you heard?"

Moccona squirmed as Mayi added her curious stare to Uhoh's, "Well…  My contacts have told me… stuff…"

Uhoh & Mayi both scooted their chairs over to Moccona, & looked at him expectantly.

"Spill it," ordered Uhoh, "We're both in the dark on this…"

Moccona sipped his coffee, "What do you really know about them?"

"That's just it!" Mayi retorted, "I don't know ANYTHING about them!  I don't even know their names!  They just use a three-digit number for the medical records.  All I know is, they're practically 'identical twins' to Rave!"

Moccona grinned as if at a private joke, "Heh!  Funny you should say that.  In a way, they are her 'twin' sisters…"

"That can't be!" Mayi insisted, "I've examined 16 of them!  No one has that many 'identical twin sisters'…  It's just not possible!"

Moccona arched an eyebrow, "Even if they're all Clones?"

The eyes of the other Bridge Crew went wide in amazement.

"You're joking!" Mayi gasped in shock, "Tell me you're joking!"

Moccona shook his head, a serious expression on his face.

"Dude!" Uhoh wheezed, "We've finally taken One Step Beyond the Black Stump, & are now in the Outer Limits of the Twilight Zone!"

"Clones?" Mayi was confused & uneasy at the implications of the term, "But… where did they come from?"

Moccona looked deep into his coffee, "Remember that 'snap' Emergency Training exercise last week?"

Uhoh & Mayi both nodded, apprehensive looks on their faces.

"It wasn't an exercise," Moccona said quietly, "And I got this STRAIGHT from the Medical staff involved!  A lab in a Secure area had an 'accident'…  Suddenly, there's a LOT of dead & wounded…  All girls…  ALL looking like Rave…"

"Oh my God…" Mayi went pale.

Uhoh gulped, his throat suddenly dry, "Then…  Today's candidates…" he trailed off, unable to say anymore.

Moccona finished for Uhoh, "…are some of the survivors…"

They sat quietly for a while.

"Was," Mayi hesitantly began, "Was anyone else hurt in it?"

Moccona spared Mayi a glance, "What do you mean?"

"Well…" Mayi shifted nervously in her seat, "I was ordered to conduct their physical exams by myself…  Dr Akatlover would usually do that…  I mean… I'd assist her…  But…"

"I'm sorry Mayi," Moccona gently interrupted, "But I don't know where Dr Akatlover is…"

Mayi nodded despondently.

"…Although I do know two people who WERE there…" Moccona's comment made him the centre of attention again, "Apparently, Shakey & Major Kutsarug were IN the lab when things went 'boom'.  They tried to help the injured, but Shakey…"

Moccona paused to take a swig of his coffee, "Shakey saw people die…  Up close & personal…  He couldn't handle it…  They had to medivac him to a Psychiatric Hospital…"

Mayi looked horrified, "He was that badly affected?"

"Yep," Moccona confirmed, "He was kept in 'secure isolation'…  One step short of a padded cell…"

"Oh Man," Uhoh groaned, "That bites!"

"That's why we haven't run any pilot tests on him," Moccona continued, "They're still making sure he's all right.  They don't want a pilot with 'emotional problems' getting anywhere near an AVE…"

Mayi's heart went out to Shakey.  "The poor boy," she murmured.

"There is some good news though," once again, Moccona's comment made him the centre of attention, "All of the survivors have been put under the care & supervision of Major Kutsarug…"

"Why?" asked Uhoh.

Moccona shrugged, "Probably because she was there, & now knows about them.  She's helping Shakey's convalescence, by letting him help her out with them…"

"So how's Rave taking all this?" asked Mayi, "Did she know about the Cl-  I mean her 'sisters'?"

Moccona hesitated, "Now that's a BIG question…  I don't know what Rave thinks, or how this situation has affected her…  But I do know one thing…"

Moccona deliberately paused for effect.

"What?" the others demanded in unison.

"Mayi dear?" Moccona's voice was positively dripping with 'sweetness & light', "I'm afraid you're going to be rather busy in the weeks to come…"

Mayi's eyes narrowed suspiciously, "Why?"

Moccona grinned, "Because you've only examined 16 of them."

"And?" Mayi really didn't like the expression on Moccona's face.

"And I know for a fact," Moccona continued, "That there are 137 of them!"

Mayi groaned, & rested her head in her hands.

Moccona chuckled, "Cheer up!  It could be worse."

"How?" Mayi demanded, lifting her head to stare at Moccona.

Moccona playfully shook a finger at Mayi, "You only have to deal with them one at a time…  Think how Major Kutsarug must feel, having to deal with them all at once!"

"Don't say things like that!" Mayi moaned & put her head back in her hands, "I don't want to think about it!  Just seeing three of them together is hard enough to handle…"

"Don't worry," Moccona asserted reassuringly, "You can take it!"

"Yeah," agreed Uhoh, "If Mazurka can handle seeing so many Raves, so can you!"

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Chapter - Bad News.

Rave#3 stood silently at attention in Glando's office, still dressed in the Snug Suit she'd worn for her test.  Glando sat behind his desk & looked at the young girl in front of him.

"Rave," Glando said quietly, "You told me of an incident that occurred outside the Doppelganger Lab, soon after Doctor Ritzy Akatlover destroyed it.  I am authorising you to discuss that incident, as well as any related incidents, or other unusual events that may have occurred since.  In your own words, summarise what happened, at that time…"

"Yes Sir," Rave softly replied, "Events surrounding the release of the Clones from the Tank resulted in Shakey suffering Hypothermia.  I found him, & determined what help he needed.  I did not have the supplies to help him.  Another Clone gave supplies to me without my asking.  She also told me what had happened to Shakey."

"How… did she tell you?" Glando stared intently at Rave.

"I suddenly remembered what had happened, although I was not there at the time."

"Has anything similar happened since then?"

"Yes."

"Elaborate."

"The same night, I dreamt of the event.  Even though I was not there to witness it, I still remembered seeing it from various viewpoints.  For several nights afterwards, I had similar dreams.  Although the later dreams focussed on other events, I still saw things from various viewpoints.  My dreams felt like a Memory Download session.  I believed that somehow, we Clones were sharing memories.  One night, I confirmed it by asking questions.  I spoke with the Other Clones, & we exchanged memories."

"Must you be asleep, to 'speak' to the others?  To exchange memories?"

"No Sir.  I do not need to be asleep."

Glando tensed slightly, "So, you can 'talk' to the other Clones while awake?"

"Yes sir."

"What do you talk about?"

Rave hesitated, blushing slightly, "Mostly things affecting our operational efficiency.  How we can best cooperate to get things done."

"Can you directly contact a specific Clone?"

"I do not know.  I have not tried."

"What about the others?  Can they?"

"I do not know."

"Rave.  Clones #5 & #6, the ones who were tested with you, are with Sub-Commander Fu2ok.  Can you try & send a message to them?"

"Yes Sir."

"Very Well.  The message is '2 5 9 vertical'"

Rave paused, then replied, "Sub-Commander Fu2ok says that the crossword does not have that many questions…"

"Rave…" Glando said slowly, "…We need to run more tests…  For security reasons, I want you to remain in this facility until they are finished.  The tests may take several days."

Rave tensed slightly.

Glando noticed her reaction, "Don't worry about missing School.  One of the other Clones will stand in for you."

"Yes Sir."

Glando smiled, "I'm sure they'll keep you up to date…"

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Chapter - Hallway.

Shakey Atari stood in the hallway outside his classroom, buckets clasped in either hand.  He was NOT having a good day…

"This isn't my day," Shakey whined.

The dancing session with the Clones the night before had tired him out more than he'd realised, & he'd promptly gone back to sleep after turning off his alarm clock.  He'd only gotten out of bed after he should have left for school.  Even though Mazurka gave him a lift, Shakey had been woefully late.  His lateness had earned him some time out in the Hallway, holding water buckets.

Shakey received another surprise about an hour before lunch.  He had closed his eyes in an attempt to shut out the world around him, & hopefully, the way the buckets were starting to tire his arms.

It didn't work…

With a sigh of sore-muscled despair, Shakey opened his eyes, only to start in shock.  Standing directly in front of him was Rave Imanonymous.  Her crimson eyes were gazing placidly at his face.

"R-Rave?" Shakey whispered, "What are you doing out here?"

"I just arrived," Rave quietly replied, "Why are you in the hall?"

"I overslept & got here late," confessed Shakey.

"Overslept?"

"Yeah…  I guess all the dancing last night tired me out more than I thought…"

Rave looked concerned, "We… I did not know… you were so tired…  W… I am sorry…"

"That's okay," Shakey smiled, "It's nothing a few days rest won't cure…"

Rave stood silently, looking away from Shakey with an embarrassed expression.

Shakey noticed Rave's change in attitude.  'It's not her fault I got tired,' he thought, 'Mazurka was the Genius who suggested I dance with ALL of them in the first place…'

"Rave?" Shakey's whisper prompted Rave to look at him, "It's no big deal," he reassured, "Honest…"

Rave seemed relieved by Shakey's admission.

"Besides," Shakey added, "The dancing was kinda fun."

Rave smiled shyly, "You enjoyed dancing with us?"

"Yeah," Shakey admitted, "But…  Did you enjoy yourself?  I was pretty rusty…"

Rave hesitated, "I… look forward to dancing with you… when you recover…"

"Huh," Shakey smiled ruefully, "I'm afraid you'll have to wait until I finish dancing with all of the others first…  Mazurka said they'd feel left out if I didn't dance with them…"

"Yes…  They would…" Rave looked deep into Shakey's eyes.

Shakey squirmed self-consciously, "Ah…  About that, can you do me a favour?"

Rave looked at Shakey expectantly, wordlessly prompting him to continue.

"Can you tell them…  I'll dance with them as soon as I can…  But, I'm only human…  I don't think I'll be able to finish dancing with them anytime soon…"

"They know…" Rave murmured.  She fell silent, just standing there.

After a few minutes, a puzzled Shakey asked, "Aren't you going into class?"

Rave blushed slightly, "No.  My late arrival would disrupt the other students.  I will… wait here… until the lunch break."

Rave stood beside Shakey in the hallway, waiting for the lunch bell…

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Chapter - Academy?

In Clone's training facility, Mazurka was not exactly having a good day herself…

The night before, Mazurka had pushed herself to finish the Clones Pilot Testing schedule.  Having finished it, she'd allowed herself the luxury of sleeping in.  She'd counted on the extra sleep to freshen her mind for the chore of arranging the curriculum for the Clones Social education.

Her plan worked…

Mazurka was now fully restored, & more than ready to grapple with the problem of teaching the Clones what it was to be a 'normal' human.

Then Mazurka had actually sat down & started thinking seriously about things…

"Where do I start?" Mazurka asked herself, "The Girls need a lot of information, but what do I teach them about FIRST?"

It was a dilemma of Herculean proportions.  Mazurka though, was up to the challenge…  She reviewed everything she knew about the Clones, including what limited social contact they'd had.

The near-disastrous situation with the recent 'rumours' crossed her mind…

"Of Course!" Mazurka declared, the solution to her problem making itself known, "Communication!  If they don't know what people are talking about, how can they learn?  How can they properly interact with others?"

Mazurka hastily scribbled down some notes.

"Once they can communicate effectively with other girls their age, things will be so much easier for them…  Let's see, they'll need to know social terms, as well as popular technical jargon…  Then there's youth culture, street language, slang…  Better add swear words as well…  Even if it isn't polite, they should know, especially if it warns them that they're in the presence of low-lives…"

Mazurka paused, "Hmmm…  Just cause they know bad language, doesn't mean they should use it…  Better add lessons in acting like polite young Ladies…  Manners, etiquette, how to act properly in social settings…  Social settings…  If they're going to meet people, they'll need something better than the Hospital pyjamas they've got now…  Looks like 'Dressmaking' is next on the agenda…  Fine!  Making their own clothes will save money…"

Of course, Mazurka's Brilliant Plan had its flaws, "Uh-oh…  If they meet other girls…  There'll be 'girl-talk'…  Looks like I'll have to schedule some more of those 'Facts of Life' talks with them…"

Mazurka paled as she considered the job THAT would be…

"Should I have a little talk with Shakey about it as well?  Huh…  Unless the Commander wants to have 'that' talk with his son instead…"

Mazurka sweat-dropped as she tried to visualise Glando sitting down & having a Manly  'Father-to-Son' talk with Shakey about the 'Facts of Life'…

'Then again,' Mazurka wearily rubbed her temples, 'Maybe not…'

Mazurka quickly narrowed things down to three lists.  One was what she considered 'essential basics', the second was 'desirable extras', while the last was definitely a 'wish list'.

The last included such things as music lessons…

"Music lessons cost money, & the instruments even more so…  I wonder if Shakey would be agreeable to teaching them about the Cello?  I know musicians get 'upset' about others touching their instruments, but I don't think he'd mind…"

Mazurka stopped to review what she'd done.

"Scheduling classes for them won't be a problem…  The Girls study their 'normal' school lessons by themselves…  As they don't have to travel to school, I should be able to sneak in an extra lesson or two each day…"

It was some hours before Mazurka was finally satisfied with the fine details…

"Well," Mazurka quipped happily, "It looks like 'Madam Mazurka's Finishing School for Young Ladies', will shortly be open for business!"

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Chapter - Lunch.

The School bell tolled, announcing the start of lunch & the end of Shakey's punishment for being late.  With a grateful sigh, he put the buckets back on their hooks in the hallway.

The flow of students leaving their classes forced Shakey to stop & stand by a wall.  Along with Rave, he waited for a break in the crowds so he could get his lunch from his school bag in the classroom.  While waiting, Shakey was somewhat surprised, & more than a little concerned, to find a large group of students forming around him & Rave.

"Hey Atari," stated one of the male students, "Is it true that…"

"NO it isn't!" Shakey snapped, having had MORE than enough of rumours, not to mention how his early morning detention & hunger had made him irritable, "Me & Rave are NOT an item!  We never did 'anything'!  She only slept over as a Guest!  Nothing more!  Got It?"

With that, Shakey angrily pushed his way past the others & went to get his lunch.  The students were more than a little surprised by Shakey's loud denial.  Not just because they thought he was a 'wuss'…

"Atari?" called the same male student, "I didn't mean those…" he stopped mid-sentence, as a pale hand firmly grasped his shoulder.

The male student slowly looked behind him…

Straight into the crimson eyes of Rave Imanonymous…

"He has told the truth," Rave stated in too-quiet tones, her gaze boring through the student in her grasp, "We did not do the things, other people said we did."

"Ah-I w-wasn't asking about those rumours…" the student gulped nervously.

"Oh?" Rave asked quietly, her unblinking gaze still looking through him, "Then what rumours were you talking about?"

"A-about you & the 'Seniors Gang' last week…  T-that you put them in hospital…"

Rave paused, 'I must be careful what I say.  I do not want to start rumours…'

Rave stared into the other student's eyes, "Last week, a group of six males attacked me.  I fought them off.  They sustained serious injuries, I did not."

"A-all by yourself?"

"Yes," Rave replied calmly.

All around Rave, eyes widened in shock.  Many had thought the rumours about a quiet girl like Rave taking the gang on & winning were nonsense…  But now…  Now, the other students stared at Rave with a new found respect.

"Man!" exclaimed the student Rave held, "Wait'll the others hear about… URK!!"

He was cut off in mid-sentence, as Rave's grip on his shoulder suddenly increased in strength.  Rave's fingers sank into soft flesh, causing the student considerable pain as his bones grated together audibly.

"You should not spread rumours," Rave said in a deadpan monotone, "They can result in people getting hurt."

The scared student nodded vigorously, tears in his eyes.

Rave released him.  She looked at the other students around her, "Does anyone else, want to ask questions about any rumours they may have heard?"

The cowed students remained silent.  Getting no more questions, Rave walked off.  She went & collected her food from her bag in the classroom, then sat beside Shakey & began to eat.

"More Rumours?" Shakey asked warily, swallowing the mouthful he'd been chewing.

"I gave them the facts about the matter in question," Rave replied honestly.

Shakey groaned, "Oh no…  I'm sorry…  Did their questions upset you?"

Rave turned to face Shakey, "No.  They did not upset me."

Rave's assessment of her reaction to the questions, did NOT reassure those eavesdroppers who'd just seen her 'man-handle' the male student.

Despite Rave's warning, a different set of rumours began to spread.  Quietly…

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Chapter - Thanks.

After the morning problems, the rest of the day turned out easy for Shakey.  At least, no one sent him any embarrassing E-Mails, nor did anyone ask him any questions about any rumours.

Rave though, was another matter…

Rave's terminal suddenly started flashing with a 'New Mail' icon, making her blink in surprise.  In all the time she'd been at the school, she'd only ever received 'Official' School messages on her terminal, or the occasional e-mail spam when e-mail viruses made their rounds.

The fact the message arrived during class, meant it probably wasn't an official school message.  The school tried to save computer-processing costs by 'bulk-posting' official messages after hours, & during lunch.

Curious, Rave activated the mail program.  As she suspected, the single e-mail on her machine wasn't 'official'…

It had come from another student, a girl in a lower grade by the name of Natsumi Iwakawa (NOTE! Uses Kanji for Summer + Beauty, Stony + River).

The message merely read, *Thank You!*

Rave looked at the message for several long moments in total confusion.  Then she did something else she'd never done before.  She sent an E-Mail in reply.

*What for?* was all Rave sent.

Five minutes later, the 'New Mail' icon was flashing on Rave's terminal.  This time, the message was a bit longer…

*You aren't the only one they tried to hurt.  You were the first they didn't…*

Rave stared at the message on her screen, linking the words to recent events, & remembering the words of Commander Atari…

'…if they hadn't accosted you, then they would probably have accosted some other girl…  One who might not have been able to assert her rights as you did…'

*Did they hurt you?* Rave sent the message back immediately.

Twenty minutes passed.  Rave watched her terminal intently, but it appeared that the other girl wasn't going to reply.  Then, the 'New Mail' icon started flashing again.

This time, the message was much more personal…

*Please.  May I talk with you?  After School?*

Rave replied, *If you wish*

The response was almost immediate.

*Thank You!  I will meet you at the School Gate, after last class*

The afternoon passed quickly, & soon enough, Shakey & Rave were on their way home.  Shakey was so glad to be going home, he didn't notice how the other students seemed to shy away from them, giving Rave an especially wide berth.

At the School gate, Rave suddenly stopped.

Shakey suddenly found himself walking alone.  He looked back to where Rave was standing & asked, "Rave?  What's up?"

"Someone wants to meet me here," Rave replied, slowly looking around her.

The other students flowed past them, quite a few giving wary looks at Rave.  Rave ignored them & continued to sweep the area, her gaze eventually coming to rest on a nervous looking young girl by the wall.

The girl was a head shorter than Rave, her thin spindly body making the loose fit of her uniform look even baggier on her.  While clean & presentable, the uniform was faded & worn, with evidence of mending in several places.  Her skin was a darker tan than the other students, dark brown eyes looking timidly from a face wearing the marks of sleepless nights.  A simple black ponytail hung in a lacklustre manner past her shoulders.  The way the girl held a scruffy school port in front of her, completed the impression of a frightened innocent from a lower-income family.

Rave walked over to the girl & asked politely, "Ms Iwakawa, I presume?"

"M-Ms Imanonymous?" the girl stammered, her eyes widening in shock.

Shakey looked on in confusion, as the younger girl burst into tears…

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

Chapter - Trust.

Rave Imanonymous stood outside the school gates, watching a younger girl cry.

'What should I do?' Rave wondered.  A memory of another girl, in the depths of emotional turmoil came to Rave's mind.  As well as a memory of how a friend had tried to comfort her.

Rave stepped up to the younger girl, & put an arm around her, in a gentle hug.

"If you want to talk about it," Rave murmured, "I am here, I will listen…"

Natsumi pressed her face against Rave's shoulder & wept.

Shakey was understandably worried by the turn of events, "Rave?  What's going on?"

Rave merely replied, "I was not the only one, to meet those I did last week…"

A look of concern washed over Shakey's face, "Oh…" was all he was able to say.

The three stood there until Natsumi had calmed down enough to be able to talk.

"Th-Thank you!" Natsumi sniffled, "You d-don't know…  How hard…"

"It's all right Miss," Shakey said in gentle tones, offering her a handkerchief,  "Everything will be all right now…"

"Who are you?" Natsumi recoiled from Shakey's kind offer, eying him with fear & distrust.

Rave answered, "He is my friend."

Shakey rallied, formally introducing himself, "My Apologies Ms Iwakawa.  My Name Is Shakey Atari, And I'm Pleased To Meet You!"

Natsumi nodded at him, relaxing enough to accept the offered handkerchief, but still keeping her distance.

"You wanted to talk," stated Rave, "Is it to do with the 'Senior Gang'?"

Natsumi tensed up, & she suddenly looked nervous again.

"Uh," interrupted Shakey, "Maybe it would be better if we spoke about this at Mazurka's place?"

"Who's Mazurka?" asked Natsumi.

"My Guardian," Shakey & Rave answered simultaneously.

"You both have the same Guardian?"

"Err…  Yes well, it's kinda complicated…" mumbled Shakey.  He paused, then bowed deeply, & formally asked, "Ms Iwakawa, I Would Be Honoured If You Would Accept Our Hospitality…"

Natsumi smiled slightly, relaxing even more.

"It would be better if we were to discuss this at Mazurka's," Rave confirmed.

"All right," Natsumi reluctantly agreed.

With that settled, Shakey & Rave led Natsumi off to Mazurka's apartment.  Along the way, they passed the Diner where Shakey had bought Rave her first Malted Milkshake.

Shakey smiled, "Hey Rave!  Would you like a Malted Milk?"

Rave nodded, & changed course.  Natsumi followed.

Inside, Shakey found he only had enough money to get two & a half Milkshakes.  It was a bit of a letdown for him, 'Oh well, I don't really need one…  But it would've been nice if I could have gotten us one each…  I'll just get them for the others this time…'

"Would you like a Malted Milkshake, Ms Iwakawa?" Shakey asked.

Natsumi hesitated, then nodded timidly.

"What's your favourite flavour?" Shakey gently asked.

"Caramel," Natsumi shyly admitted.

Shakey turned to Rave, "Chocolate all right with you Rave?"

"Yes."

Shakey took the two shakes over to a table.  Rave looked at the Milkshakes, noting there was only one straw in each.  She took another straw from the dispenser, & dropped it into the Chocolate Milkshake.

"You forgot a straw," Rave said in response to Shakey's surprised look.

"Oh… right…" Shakey was more than a little embarrassed.

Natsumi watched as Shakey & Rave shared their Malt.

"Would you like some of this?" Natsumi asked, offering her half finished drink.

Rave looked at Shakey.

"You go ahead Rave," Shakey said, "You haven't tried Caramel yet, have you?"

"No," Rave replied, "Are you sure you do not want any?"

"I'm fine…"

Rave looked intently at Shakey for a few moments, but decided that this time, his comment correctly described his physical well-being.  Satisfied that Shakey wasn't about to collapse, Rave turned her attentions to the Caramel Malt.  She took her straw from the deceased Chocolate Malt, & put it in the Caramel Malt.  Then she turned to Natsumi.

"I will show you a quick way to finish a Malted Milk," Rave placed the Caramel Malt between them in the middle of the narrow table, "When I say 'Go', we both try to drink as much as we can."

Natsumi nodded happily.

"All right then…  GO!" Rave ordered.

They both went for their straws, quickly draining the Malt.

The shop owner sighed as she looked at the trio.  'School Friendships,' she thought, wistfully remembering her own friends, of so many years before…

It was a quick trip to Mazurka's after that.

Shakey opened the door to Mazurka's apartment, & waited politely for the girls to enter ahead of him.  Natsumi was awed by the overall size of Mazurka's apartment, not just the fact it had three bedrooms.

"Be back in a minute!" Shakey advised, before disappearing into his room & closing the door.

Natsumi stopped & stared when she saw the sign on Shakey's door.  She looked at the other apartment doors, then asked, "Which room is yours, Ms Imanonymous?"

"None," Rave replied, "I live elsewhere."

Natsumi seemed impressed by the information.

Shakey emerged shortly afterwards from his room, 'I don't know about the others, but I'm getting hungry…'

"Rave?  Ms Iwakawa?" Shakey announced as he headed towards the kitchen, "I'm making something to eat.  Fresh salad, & scrambled eggs all right with you?"

Rave nodded, Natsumi suddenly looked embarrassed.

"I'm making it for all of us," Shakey reassured her.

"…yes… please…" Natsumi mumbled in a small voice.

"Great!  I'll have it ready soon," Shakey disappeared into the kitchen.

Natsumi turned to Rave, "Is he always as friendly as this?"

"Yes," Rave smiled slightly, gazing towards the kitchen, "He is."

Natsumi noticed Rave's expression, & muttered knowingly, "…oh…"

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

Chapter - Questions.

Shakey toiled in Mazurka's kitchen, diligently applying his Masterly Skills to the topic of preparing an early supper for himself, Rave, & Natsumi.

Rave & Natsumi meanwhile, sat quietly on the couch in the Living Room.  Despite having wanted to talk to Rave, Natsumi had yet to say much of anything.

"Ms Imanonymous…" Natsumi finally ventured, "You beat them up…  Didn't you?"

"Yes," Rave admitted without pause.

"What did they do… to make you do that to them…"

"They slapped me."

Natsumi's eyes widened, "They only slapped you?"

Rave felt slightly embarrassed, "It was not that alone.  It was how they were acting.  They were armed & had assumed attack positions…"

Natsumi fell silent.

"What did they do to you?" Rave asked in return.

"They called me 'Nezumi' (Rat)  Pushed me over…  Th-threw my things in the bin…  They h-hit muh-me…" Natsumi sobbed incoherently, tears streaming down her face.

Rave gently hugged the girl, telling her quietly, "They won't hurt you again."

"Ah-are you sure?"

"The Commander was not happy with them," Rave replied cryptically…

"It's ready!" Shakey suddenly called from the kitchen.

Rave & Natsumi took a couple of minutes.  Shakey had looked questioningly in their direction when they hadn't promptly showed up at dinner table, but when he'd seen Natsumi crying, he'd scuttled back into the kitchen & dressed the table up with a tablecloth, & put out the good plates & cutlery.

When Natsumi had finally composed herself enough to go to the dining table, Shakey held the chair out for her, & helped her to seat herself.  Shakey gave both of his guests generous servings of the food.

It was all too much for Natsumi.  She sat quietly, not even daring to touch the cutlery.  "…thank you…" was all she could mumble.

Shakey was worried, 'I don't know what she's been through, but she's obviously not feeling too good…  I wonder if she's talked to Rave about it yet?'

Rave meanwhile, was calmly eating her share of the food on the table.  Seeing Rave eat, Natsumi picked up her fork & began to do likewise.  In no time at all, Natsumi had eaten everything on her plate.

Shakey noticed, "Would anyone else like more?" he tactfully asked.

"Yes," replied Rave, helping herself to another serving.

"…yes please…" echoed Natsumi, taking a smaller amount.

Between the lot of them, they didn't leave any for Mazurka…

Shakey cleared away the dishes, worrying that, 'It'll be getting dark soon…  Ms Iwakawa should be home by now…  I think we'd better ring her folks…'

"Ms Iwakawa?" Shakey asked, "Would you like to call your folks?"

Natsumi fidgeted in her seat, "That's not necessary…"

"It's getting late?" Shakey noted, immediately regretting his choice of words.  'Oh, NICE going!  She'll probably think I'm trying to get rid of her!'

Natsumi sighed, "It… doesn't matter…  I often get home later than this…"

"I mean," Shakey tried to correct any misinterpretation Natsumi may have had of his earlier statement, "Your parents will be getting worried about you…"

Natsumi looked at the floor, "No they won't…  My parents are dead…"

Shocked by the unexpected answer, Shakey couldn't help asking, "How?  When?"

"An earthquake," Natsumi answered quietly, "Soon after I was born…"

"I'm sorry," Shakey truly was, "I shouldn't have asked…"

"It's okay," Natsumi shrugged it off, "What about your parents?"

Shakey didn't look at her, "My Father's still alive, but… we don't talk much…"

Natsumi turned to Rave, "And you?"

A thoughtful look crossed Rave's face, "I do not know.  I never met them…"

"Huh…  You're just like me then…"

Rave didn't comment.

"Well," Shakey tried to make amends, "What about calling your Guardian?"

Natsumi shrugged, "That's my Aunt, mom's sister…  She won't be home from work yet…"

"Oh…" once again, Shakey had ended up with the feeling that he had both feet in his mouth…  To the knees…

Natsumi looked at the floor, "Still…  I'd better be getting home…  You were right, it is getting late…" She stood up & bowed politely to Shakey & Rave, "Thank You For Your Hospitality.  I enjoyed your cooking.  Thank you for listening to me."

Shakey blushed slightly, Rave just nodded.

"Would you like us to walk you home?" Shakey offered.

Natsumi almost giggled, "Thank you for offering, Mr Atari, but people might think we were on a date if you walked me home…  But… if it's not a bother…  Could you please walk me home, Ms Imanonymous?"

Rave nodded, & rose from her seat.

Soon after, Rave & Natsumi were walking down the darkened streets…

"Ms Imanonymous?" Natsumi asked timidly, "How did you meet?"

"Meet who?"

"Your boyfriend back there, Mr Atari?"

"Shakey… is not my boyfriend…"

"He's not?"

"No," murmured Rave, a slight smile on her face, "He is my best friend…"

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

"No."

Natsumi raised an eyebrow, then asked, "You like him, though, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

"I do not know…"

"Would you like to have him as your boyfriend?"

"I…" Rave hesitated, "…could not expect that to happen."

"Why not?"

"He means as much to me, as he does to… many others…"

"Oh," sighed Natsumi, "So he's popular with the girls at school then?"

"I do not know."

Natsumi was confused, "But you said…?"

"He is popular with girls who know him as well as I do," clarified Rave, "I do not know if the girls at school, know him that well."

Natsumi puzzled that over.  Eventually she gave it up, & asked Rave another question, "Would you be upset, if he had a girlfriend, & it wasn't you?"

Rave answered quietly, "As long as he is happy…  I… would not mind…"

Natsumi smiled knowingly.

They walked off into the night…

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

Chapter - A Darkened House.

Rave & Natsumi stood in front of a multi-level apartment block, in one of the seedier suburbs of the City…

"Well, here we are," Natsumi tried to sound chirpy, "My home sweet home…  It doesn't look like much, but the rent's cheap…"

Rave looked at the building in front of her, silently appraising it.  It was obvious that the term 'cheap', didn't apply ONLY to the rent…

While the ten-storey building appeared structurally sound, it looked seedy & run-down.  What paintwork wasn't actually peeling, was just 'fading away'.  The brickwork was badly cracked, & sealer had been used in numerous places.  Plywood replaced the glass in many of the windows.  Other windowpanes were cracked.

Although it was worlds better than the dump Rave lived in, it was almost 'last resort' accommodation to those who could afford it…

"W-would you like to come up?" Natsumi asked nervously.

"Why?"

Natsumi looked at the ground, "I w-wanted to repay your hospitality…"

Rave paused, as Mazurka's comments about Rave's apartment ran through her mind, '…this place is not what I consider adequate accommodation…'  And how Shakey replied '…anyplace better than this…' when Rave had sought clarification of acceptable accommodation standards.

Rave thought the offer over, 'I have seen Mazurka's apartment, it is different to ours.  The apartments next to the Secure Facility are different again.  Seeing Ms Iwakawa's apartment will help me establish what standards apply to accommodation…'

"Yes."

Natsumi was surprised, "You will?"

"Yes, Ms Iwakawa.  I will visit your home."

Expressions of relief, pride & happiness flowed over Natsumi's face, "This way, Please!"

There was no elevator in the building, so Rave followed Natsumi up the stairs.  All the way to the top floor…

"The rent's cheapest up here," explained Natsumi, "Because people don't want to walk up all those stairs…"

Natsumi unlocked the door to her apartment, & reached in & turned the light on.  She turned to Rave & bowed slightly, "Please, After You."

Rave entered the apartment, & took her shoes off, then looked around…

There wasn't much to the apartment.  Although larger than Rave's apartment, it was far smaller than Mazurka's.  The door opened onto a short hallway.  On the immediate right was a kitchen bench with a small sink, two burner stove, & small fridge.  On the immediate left, was a wall with a sliding door in it.  A curtain was across the far end of the short hallway.

"That's my room on the left," Natsumi explained, "The curtain at the end, is sort of my Aunt's bedroom…"

"Where is the bathroom?" asked Rave.

Natsumi looked embarrassed, "They're beside the stairwell…  We share them with the neighbours…  The laundry's on the ground floor."

Rave nodded.  She found the set up acceptable, especially as the communal facilities mimicked what the Clones had in their secure building.

"Anyway, this is my room," Natsumi slid open the door.

Rave looked inside.  The room was smaller than Mazurka's bathroom.  The Tatami (sea-grass) mats were worn through in places.  A faded curtain partitioned one end of the room.  Just inside the door, a small desk held up a lop-sided bookcase full of dog-eared textbooks & old novels.  Apart from a chair & dented floor lamp beside the desk, there was no other furniture.

"Where do you sleep?" asked Rave.

Natsumi swept aside the curtain to reveal a makeshift closet with shelving made from packing boxes.  A pile of bedding was neatly rolled up inside.

"I use a futon," Natsumi explained, "It saves on space…"

Rave stared at the few possessions Natsumi had in her 'closet'.  Two sets of badly worn & faded school uniforms on hangers…  Very few other clothes…  A tattered toy bear, with threadbare blue fur…

"That's Kuma (Bear)," Natsumi explained, "Mum & Dad were hoping for a boy…"

"I do not understand?"

Natsumi shrugged, "Parents usually prefer their first child to be a boy…  That way any younger children have a 'big brother' to protect & care for them…"

Rave considered this.

"Ms Imanonymous," Natsumi nervously began, "I just wanted you to know how much we all appreciate, what you did, when you took care of those bullies…"

"We?" asked Rave, looking at the girl.

"They'd been bullying a lot of people," Natsumi clarified, "Not just me…  Most of the younger students had trouble with them…  One way or another…"

"Did you tell the teachers?"

Natsumi looked frightened, "We didn't dare!  They made threats…  That w-whoever told about them, would… they… w-would…" Natsumi started crying again.

Rave reached out, & gently cradled the younger girl in her arms, trying to comfort Natsumi in the only way Rave knew.

"You should have told someone," Rave said quietly, "Other people may not realise you need help, unless you tell them."

"I'm suh-sorry," Natsumi sobbed, "I was t-too scared…"

"They made you afraid," Rave applied standard tactical analysis, "Then they used your fear against you."

"You m-must think I'm a c-coward…"

"No."

"W-were you afraid of them?"

"No."

"Then c-compared to you, I am a c-coward…"

"No.  I was not afraid of them, because I am trained in self-defence.  Did you have such training?"

Natsumi didn't speak, she just shook her head against Rave's shoulder.

"They were dangerous," Rave stressed, "Your fear of them was natural…"

The close physical contact between the two of them caused Rave to realise several things.  To start with, just how small & frail Natsumi really was…

Rave estimated the 'Threat Factor' of the girl.  It wasn't much.  Certainly less than Shakey, let alone any of the Senior Gang.  Rave frowned as she estimated Shakey's 'Threat Factor', & the possible outcomes if Shakey had been attacked by the gang, instead of Rave.

'He would not have been able to defend himself against them,' Rave realised, 'He would have been hurt…  Like Natsumi was…'

The sudden realisation of how Shakey & Natsumi were similar, made Rave aware of a strangely familiar emotion that was growing in her.

'This feeling,' Rave wondered, 'It is similar to how we felt when we saw Shakey wounded, or in Hospital…  Why do I feel like this now?'

Rave puzzled over it.  The feeling didn't go away, it just stayed there.  Rave tried to analyse why she felt that way…

'We felt like this when we were concerned for Shakey's health & well-being…  Am I now concerned for Ms Iwakawa's health & well-being?  Why?'

Rave didn't fully understand the situation, let alone how she should react, so she just stood there, cradling Natsumi in her arms, as the girl calmed down.  Eventually, Natsumi stopped crying.  She leaned against Rave, her head on Rave's shoulder, & her eyes closed.

Rave murmured, "Are you feeling better now?"

"…yes…" Natsumi whispered, "…thank you…"

'She is emotionally upset,' Rave observed, 'Like Shakey was that time…  NERVIS put him in Hospital for observation then.  She is not NERVIS personnel, so they will not care for her…  I do not know about the Local Hospital…'

Rave skimmed through what Medical training she had recommended for such cases, eventually deciding that, 'She should not be left alone…  If I leave her alone, she may fail to take proper care of herself…  It would be best if I stayed with her until her Aunt arrives.  That is, if she wants me to…'

"When will your aunt be back?" Rave asked.

Natsumi looked at her watch before snuffling, "…about an hour…"

"Would you like me to stay until your Aunt arrives?" Rave offered.

"…please…" Natsumi said in a small voice.

"Then I will stay," Rave confirmed, "Would you like help with your homework?"

"…yes… please…"

Rave released Natsumi, & sat on the floor.  Natsumi got her schoolbooks, then sat next to Rave.

They were soon engrossed in Homework…

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

Chapter - Similar Differences.

An hour & seven minutes after Rave decided to stay with Natsumi, the door to the apartment opened, & a woman entered…

She was in her late thirties, & was dressed in the generic uniform of a cleaning woman.  A checked bandana covered her head, but wisps of black & grey hairs peeked out.  Her skin was darker than Natsumi's, & her middle-aged face was drawn & tired looking.

"Auntie Hatsuko!" Natsumi called out as she slid open the door to her room.

Hatsuko Iwakawa smiled as she saw how cheerful her niece was, 'Looks like she's over what was troubling her…'

Hatsuko's smile froze on her face, as she saw the odd person sitting in Natsumi's room.  She couldn't help but note the exceptionally pale skin, let alone the unkempt mass of blue hair, or the red eyes.

Hatsuko was caught off-balance by the unexpected discovery, 'Blue hair, white skin…  Is she a Punk, or a Goth?'

"Natsumi dear," Hatsuko asked politely, "Did you bring a friend over?"

"Oh!  Sorry," Natsumi meekly apologised, "Auntie Hatsuko, please meet Ms Rave Imanonymous.  Ms Imanonymous, please meet my aunt, Ms Hatsuko Iwakawa.

"I Am Pleased To Meet You, Ms Iwakawa," Rave formally replied.

Hatsuko hesitated slightly before answering, "I'm Pleased To Meet You, Ms Imanonymous.  Would you like something to eat, or drink?"

"No," answered Rave, "I ate before coming over."

"You should have seen the meal," enthused Natsumi, "Mr Atari made it for us…"

"Mr Atari?" Hatsuko was lost again.

"He's her classmate.  He lives with their Guardian!"

'Ah,' the light dawned on Hatsuko, 'School friends!  Nice of them to invite Natsumi to dine with them…'

"Ms Imanonymous," Hatsuko began, "Please pass my thanks on to Mr Atari.  I hope it wasn't a bother."

Rave replied with, "It was not a bother.  Shakey often cooks for others…"

"Oh?" Hatsuko's interest was piqued, "You often have visitors at your home?"

"Not at mine.  At Mazurka's."

Hatsuko lost the plot again.  Natsumi came to her rescue, "Ms Imanonymous doesn't live with Mr Atari & Ms Mazurka, she lives in her own apartment."

Rave clarified, "Shakey lives with our mutual Guardian.  I do not."

Hatsuko nodded, "Have you called your Guardian to tell them where you are?"

"That is not necessary."

"But how will you get home?  It's very late!"

"I will walk."

"But the streets can be dangerous for a young lady this time of night…"

"I will be safe."

"She's right Auntie!" Natsumi beamed, "She's strong & tough!"

Hatsuko looked Rave over, thinking, 'Natsumi says she's 'tough'…  Well, the girl is 'presentable', & polite enough.  Regardless of which 'street tribe' she is…'

"Have you told her?" Rave suddenly asked Natsumi.

Natsumi immediately went silent, & looked at the floor.

Alarm bells began ringing in Hatsuko's mind "Told me what?  Natsumi?"

Natsumi started crying again, "I w-was going t-to tell you…"

"Let me tell her," Rave put a comforting hand on the young girl's shoulder.  When Natsumi nodded, Rave faced Hatsuko & stated, "Ms Iwakawa.  Your niece was bullied by some older male students.  She was not their only victim.  The bullies have since been stopped."

"HOW?" demanded Hatsuko, fury on her face, "Did the Police take them away?"

"No," Rave calmly replied, "Ambulance.  One of their victims fought back."

"Good Lord!" Hatsuko was appalled, "And that victim?  How're they?"

"I am fine, thank you," Rave's reply was much to Hatsuko's surprise.

"She fought them, & beat them up!" Natsumi offered, "All six of them!"

Hatsuko was dumbfounded, "D-did you press charges against them?"

"No."

"Well you should," Hatsuko lectured, "Otherwise they might cause trouble for you in the future…"

"They will not cause any more trouble," Raves said with certainty.

"Did the Police say that?" Hatsuko's knowledge of how the world worked, wouldn't let her dare hope without concrete proof.

"No."

"Dear!" Hatsuko shook her head at the naivety of the blue-haired girl's answer, "It's always best to be sure in cases like these!  Some of these bullies are too full of themselves, you give them an inch of slack, & they'll strangle you with it!  You can still have the Police check the Hospital admission records & charge them.  Which Hospital did the Ambulance come from?"

"NERVIS," Rave stated truthfully.

Hatsuko's eyes widened in fear & realisation, "NERVIS?  Why on earth would THEY get involved with a bunch of High School bullies?"

"I cannot say," Rave said as truthfully as the Official Secrets Act would allow.

"Huh…" harrumphed Hatsuko, "They must have trod on the wrong people for NERVIS to get involved…  I think you're right…  Those boys WON'T be any more trouble!"

"It is getting late," Rave noted, "I should be going."

"Are you sure you don't want me to call your Guardian so they can pick you up?" Hatsuko's offer was accompanied by a look of worry on her face, "There are some bad people out on the streets after dark, no matter what the Officials say…"

"No.  I will be fine," Rave assured, "There are others who… watch out for me…"

Hatsuko accepted the comment, 'So!  She IS one of the Street Tribes…'

"Thanks for helping me with my homework, & everything," Natsumi was back to being the cheery happy child she always should have been.

"Thank you for helping my niece, Ms Imanonymous," Hatsuko was genuinely grateful to the blue-haired stranger, Street Tribe member or not.

The heart-felt warmth in their words surprised Rave.  Another wave of emotion passed through her.

Rave pondered the feelings, 'Their words make me feel the way we do when the Commander praises us…  Or when Shakey praises us…'

"It… was not a problem," Rave blushed slightly, as she turned for the door.

"See you at school tomorrow!"  Natsumi sang out as the door closed behind Rave.

Outside, Rave walked home.  Alone…

Across the street from Natsumi's apartment, shadows shifted in a parked car as a Security detail reported on Rave's current whereabouts.

Rave walked along the street, never slowing, never stopping.  She walked straight & true, a direct route towards her apartment.  She walked along well-lit streets with other people, & down dark alleys, alone.  She seemed oblivious to the presence or lack, of light & other people.

Rave stopped outside her own apartment building.  For long minutes, she stared at the building in silence, comparing it to the one she had just walked from, & the one she had been in before that.

The state of Mazurka's apartment, spoke of people able to afford a comfortable standard of living.  The happy chaos within, spoke of people who lived their lives as they more or less wanted to, while they still could…

The state of Natsumi's apartment, spoke of bleak poverty & people struggling to live from day to day.  The tidiness, & the cleanliness of Natsumi's apartment, spoke of proud spirits, striving to rise above their current state…

Rave wasn't sure what her apartment said about her, or her life.

Her observations finished, Rave disappeared silently into the shadows…

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

Chapter - Report.

It had been another long day, & Rave was looking forward to bed.  As was her established custom, she did her homework, had a late supper, & showered before going to bed.

Rave lay in bed, thinking over the events of the day.

Then she 'sent' to the other Clones.

Clone #67, making report of the day

As per Commander Atari's orders, I impersonated Rave#3 at school

I met Shakey in the Hallway outside class… He did not realise I was not Rave#3

I believe the bandage on my hand helped my disguise, as he expected to see it

Shakey had overslept.  Dancing with us had overtired him

He was late getting to school, & got Hallway detention

He did not hold his situation against us, although we were partly at fault

He told me his detention was no big deal…

He said he enjoyed dancing with us

He said he would dance with the rest of us, but that it will take time

Clone #67 frowned.

I had some difficulties when referring to Rave#3's actions as being 'my' own

This is a flaw we need to be aware of

Other rumours may be circulating, based on the fight we had last week

I tried to stop them, by telling the truth about the incident

Shakey was worried that I might be upset by others telling me about rumours

I told him I was not upset

The ones we fought, have hurt others at school

One of their victims, was Natsumi Iwakawa, a girl younger than ourselves

She sent me E-Mail messages, I replied

Shakey & I met Ms Iwakawa after school

She was upset, I comforted her as Shakey did Rave#3

When Shakey tried to comfort Ms Iwakawa, she seemed frightened of him

Shakey bought two Malted Milks on the way home

He shared a chocolate one with me.  Ms Iwakawa shared a caramel one with me

Shakey made supper for us.  Scrambled eggs & fresh salad

Shakey asked Ms Iwakawa about her parents, she has none

Ms Iwakawa asked me about my parents

I know what the First & Second Rave knew, but I have no memory of parents

I told her I had never met them

Where did we Clones come from?

Do we Clones have parents?

Is the Genetic Donor we are Cloned from, our parent?

Or… Is our Genetic Donor, merely an older version of ourselves?

Are the parents of our Genetic Donor, our parents?

None of the Clones shed any enlightenment on the puzzle.

I walked Ms Iwakawa home

She thought Shakey was my boyfriend…

I told her he was not my boyfriend

She asked me if I liked him, I replied yes

She asked me if he had a girlfriend…  I told her I did not know…

She asked me if I wanted him as my boyfriend…

I was not sure how to answer…

I am one, but all of us like Shakey as much as I do…

Does he like all of us as much as he does any one of us?

Can we all have Shakey as our boyfriend?

But…  Can a boy be a boyfriend, to more than one girl?

Can only one of us have Shakey as our boyfriend?

She asked me how I would feel if Shakey had someone else as a girlfriend

I was not sure how to answer…  I… enjoy… being near him…

But, will I still feel the same, if he has another girl for his girlfriend?

I do not know if Shakey would want any of us as a girlfriend…

I told MS Iwakawa…  That as long as Shakey was happy…  I would not mind…

If another girl will make him happy…  I… will not intervene…

I want him to be happy…

I saw the place Ms Iwakawa calls 'home, sweet home'

She invited me inside

It is larger than the Apartment of Rave#3, yet smaller than Mazurka's

It shares bathroom & toilet with others in the building

They have little furniture, but make efficient use of space

Ms Iwakawa has few possessions, many are old & worn

She has a toy bear named Kuma.  It has blue fur

She told me that others had been hurt by those Rave#3 fought

She told me she & the others were afraid of the Senior Gang

She thought she was a coward, a failure, because she felt fear

I tried to explain to her that fear was a natural reaction to danger

She was upset.  I tried to comfort her

When I comforted her…

I felt… strange…

Like… when we have watched over Shakey…

Why did I feel this way?

Are we supposed to… care… for those weaker than ourselves?

Or should we only care for a friend?

Mazurka said, a friend will care for another…

Was I being a friend to Ms Iwakawa?

Are we friends now?

We must ask Mazurka about this…

I helped Ms Iwakawa with her homework

I met her aunt, Ms Hatsuko Iwakawa

Ms N-Iwakawa was too upset to tell her Aunt about the Senior Gang

I told Ms H-Iwakawa about them

They thanked me for helping them…

I felt… strange… hearing them thank me…

Feeling like that, was… agreeable…

Like when the Commander, or Shakey praises us…

Is that what it is like…  To be… appreciated… by others?

Ms H-Iwakawa was concerned for my safety…

Ms N-Iwakawa told her not to worry…  That I am 'strong & tough'…

I told them there were… others… who watched out for me…

As I walked home, I saw the unmarked Security cars shadow me…

…

The Iwakawa's apartment is different to ours…  Not just in size, or layout…

They live there…  But not as any Rave has lived anywhere

They fill their apartment with their lives…

Like Mazurka…  Like Shakey…

Even when they are not there…  You can feel their presence…

The fact of their existence…

Unlike ourselves…

I do not know how else to describe it

Perhaps my memories will better describe the sensation…

Clone #67 merged with the Group Mind in an attempt to fully express her thoughts & feelings.  In the process, she fully 'uploaded' all of her Scholastic learning of the day.  In return, she learnt what the others had done that day.

Afterwards, Clone #67 fell into a deep sleep…

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

The END of Book 7 of 'Altered Lives'

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

OMAKE - Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3…

Glando sat silently, as if in deep thought.  Suddenly he spoke, giving the order, "Change the Simulation Data to mimic Unit Won."

The results were almost immediate.  Alarms began sounding, & computer readouts lit up with urgent warning messages.  The Test Unit systems began violently rejecting the attempts of the Clones to 'link' with them.

Explosive bolts blew, completely severing all cybernetic linkages to the Test Units.  The Test Units powered down, their escape hatches opening automatically.

…Or would have, if the units hadn't suddenly exploded in a large puff of smoke…

The three Clones staggered out of the flaming wreckage.

By a curious set of Physical Laws only applicable in works of Fiction, all three of them were liberally coated in soot, & their blue hair had frizzed out.

…It was very reminiscent of the scene in 'Young Einstein', by Yahoo Serious…

Glando took one look, & burst out laughing…

"What do you reckon?" Glando jokingly asked Fu2ok, "If Aesir was here, would she call them Dolls?  Or Golliwogs!"

Unfortunately for Glando, the Clones heard his piggishly insensitive remark.  His demise was Unnecessarily Painful…

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

OMAKE - Results.

Fu2ok narrowed his eyes, "Do you know something I don't?"

Glando couldn't help himself, he laughed his guts out.

"D-do I know s-something you don't?" Glando wheezed, out of breath from laughing so hard, "Little old Me?  The Mysterious Evil B------D In Charge?"

Fu2ok started laughing as well…

Naturally, the scene had to be redone…

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

OMAKE - Gossip.

Moccona playfully shook a finger at Mayi, "You only have to deal with them one at a time…  Think how Major Kutsarug must feel, having to deal with them all at once!"

"Don't say things like that!" Mayi moaned & put her head back in her hands, "How do you think I feel, doing their physical exams?  Talk about déjà vu…"

"Don't worry," Moccona asserted reassuringly, "You can take it!"

"Yeah," agreed Uhoh, "If Mazurka can handle seeing so many Raves, so can you!"

Much later…

'I am NOT losing my sanity…' Mayi repeated the Mantra over & over to herself, trying to shake off a killer case of déjà vu as Clone #57 got dressed after a full medical exam, 'They are NOT the same girl…'

"Could you please do me a favour?" Mayi asked the Clone in the examination room, "Tell the ones waiting outside that I'm taking a ten minute break?"

"Yes."

Mayi gladly took a coffee break.  Her brief respite was broken by a knock at the door behind her.  Mayi groaned, & ran through the mental checklist she'd had to create to keep her sanity & the medical records intact…

"Right!" Mayi commanded in no-nonsense tones, not bothering to look at the Clone, "Clothes OFF!  Lie on the table, & put your feet in the stirrups.  I'll be right with you."

There was a pause, & then a rustle of cloth & the squeak of a body positioning itself on the examination table.

Mayi snapped a fresh set of rubber gloves on, & took a medical dilator from the autoclave.  Satisfied it was cool enough to use, she spread some lubricant on it & turned around.

And stopped dead in her tracks…

"Shakey?" squeaked Mayi, turning tomato red, "What are YOU doing here?"

NOTE!  If any Male Reader doesn't know what I'm talking about above…  Please consult one of the Ladies in your life…  I'm sure they can tell you…

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

OMAKE - Bad News.

"Rave…" Glando said slowly, "…We need to run more tests…  For security reasons, I want you to remain in this facility until they are finished.  The tests may take several days."

Rave tensed slightly.

Glando noticed her reaction, "Don't worry about missing School.  One of the other Clones will stand in for you."

"Yes Sir."

Glando smiled, "I'm sure they'll keep you up to date…"

Rave scowled, thinking, 'It's not school I'm worried about…  My dear 'sister' will probably try to 'make time' with MY Shakey…  The B---H!'

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

OMAKE - Hallway.

After a few minutes, a puzzled Shakey asked, "Aren't you going into class?"

Rave blushed slightly, "No.  My late arrival would disrupt the other students.  I will… wait here… until the lunch break."

Rave stood beside Shakey in the hallway, waiting for the lunch bell…

Rave#3 had been right!  Her Sister Clone WAS trying to 'make time' with Shakey…

Although, given the social inexperience of the Clones, it was currently limited to enjoying a deep & meaningful 'feeling of togetherness', as the Clone stood with Shakey in the hallway…

But hey!  That's 'Quality Time' for you…

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

OMAKE - Academy?

Mazurka sweat-dropped as she tried to visualise Glando sitting down & having a Manly  'Father-to-Son' talk with Shakey about the 'Facts of Life'…

Shakey: "Father?  Why did you send for me?"

Glando: "Because I need to tell you the facts of life!"

Shakey: "Huh?"

Glando: "The show's ratings are falling, & it appears the only way to boost them, is for you to look & act more like a 'Man', & become a 'Bishounen Hunk'…"

NOTE #1 Bishounen Hunk - 'Good Looking' Guy.  Usually have long flowing hair, effeminate features.  Their personalities are often soft, gentle, romantic, caring & sensitive to the needs of others.  Always treat women like Ladies.  A real 'Ladies Man'…  OR just a Gorgeous Guy that all the girl viewers like to swoon over…

Shakey: "But… there's no way!  I just can't do that!"

Glando: "You only have to strike poses & look good.  Not be the real thing."

Shakey: "But still!  There's no way!  I mean, my hair isn't long enough, I'm not tall enough, my body's the wrong shape, my voice is too whiny…"

Glando: "All of that, can be taken care of with surgery!"

Shakey: "But I don't WANT to have long hair that floats like gossamer on a summer breeze whenever I move my head!"

Glando: "It'll mean a bigger pay check?"

Shakey: "But I don't WANT to look really soft & effeminate!"

Glando: "It'll attract the chicks?"

Shakey: "But I don't WANT to attract the chicks!  I'm only 15, I'm too insecure to have any sort of relationship, & too honest to delude myself that I can!"

The Fan Fiction Writer felt he needed to clarify Glando's current state of mind, in order for this OMAKE to make sense…

Due to having spent a REALLY late night refining his schemes, Glando was too tired to fully comprehend, let alone appreciate, what Shakey had just said…

'He doesn't WANT to attract the chicks?' thought Glando, misinterpreting what his 'Sensitive New Age Geek' of a son just said.

Glando: "…" nervously sweating bullets.

Shakey: whispering, "Psst…  Father?  Have you forgotten your lines again?"

Glando: "In that case…  Leave!"

Shakey left Glando's office, leaving a rather worried Glando to ponder what he could do now.

'…doesn't WANT to attract chicks?' Glando was REALLY worried, 'S--T!!   Aesir & the Clones better not find out…'

Glando sighed deeply, 'It'd be even harder trying to turn Kantsee into a Bishounen Hunk…  Looks like I'll have to order one in then…  D--N!!  I was hoping to save money by using existing cast too…  Hmmm…  Better order a few of them…  Just in case the Clones get upset by Shakey's 'attitude'…'

Glando picked up his phone & made a call.

"Hello?  Is that the 'Strangely Named & Totally Fictitious' Agency that supplies AVE Pilots?  It is?  OH GOOD!  Listen, this is Glando Atari, Commander of NERVIS…  I'm just ringing to find out who you're sending us next…"

Glando listened, his face falling, "An Author Created Character?  Oh great…  How badly are they screwed up this time?"

Glando went pale, as the full horror of what was to come was unleashed upon him!

"SWEET CACTUS!!" Glando screamed in terror, "Please tell me you're joking!?"

NOTE #2 Author Created Characters - ACC for short.  Often turn out hilariously **BAD** in their roles, but usually much better than the Self-Insert Character.  The SIC, or SI, is usually a thinly disguised 'alter-ego' of the author, or at least, what the author wishes they were really like…  Naturally, ACC's & SI's tend to be better looking than any Hollywood Star, a better fighter than Bruce Lee, more adventurous than Indiana Jones & James Bond combined, smarter than Einstein…  Etc…  And of course!  They ALWAYS get the girl/guy!

"Uh…  I mean…  We really don't NEED another gorgeous young teenage girl on this show…  Especially not if she's going to develop an ENORMOUS crush on Shakey…"

"Why?" Glando began to sweat, "Err…  Because we've got enough problems keeping Rave & Aesir from each other's throats as it is!"

"Yes!  I am referring to Aesir's comments in THAT episode…  You didn't see the Catfight that resulted!  It took 'Makeup' hours to hide the bruises!"

"Are you SURE you don't have any 'Bishounen Hunks' available?"

"All taken by 'Gundam Wing' huh?  DAMN!"

"What's that?  NO!!  I DON'T want to substitute her for a 'Magic Girl'!"

"NO!!!  I DON'T want a 'Cute Pet Mascot' either!  Knowing my luck, you B-----Ds would send me Ryo-Ohki from the 'I love Tenchi' episode of Tenchi Muyo!"

NOTE #3 Gundam Wing - ALL of the Pilots were young males.  Boys watched it for the Action, Girls watched it for the Bishounen Hunks…

NOTE #4 Magic Girl - Teenage (or younger) girl, who has the magic power to turn into a Costumed Avenger.  Sailor Moon is one of the MOST successful & well known of the 'Magic Girl' shows…  Often have a 'cute & fluffy' Pet or Mascot…

NOTE #5 Ryo-Ohki - Character from 'Tenchi Muyo'.  Looks like a cross between a cat & a rabbit.  Small, soft, cute & fluffy…  And able to turn into a Spaceship that can Destroy Planets…  Can assume two 'humanoid female' forms as well…  Yes, 'she' DOES fall in love with the male lead…  In the 'I love Tenchi' episode, she gains the ability to turn into a reasonable copy of an Adult Human female…

Glando paused to listen, "Look!!  If you can't supply us with a 'Bishounen Hunk', then we really can't do business.  If you can find one for me, call me back.  If not, don't bother!  I'll get one elsewhere!  Good day!"

With that, Glando slammed down the receiver.  For the next few hours, Glando tried every casting agency he could find…

All to no avail…

It seemed that ALL of the available Bishounen Hunks had been contracted.  The last remaining 'Babe Magnets', had been grabbed by a Ladies Manga Group.

Glando sat at his desk, brooding enigmatically, thinking dark thoughts, & making darker plans, refusing to admit defeat…

Eventually he sighed in resignation, & made another phone call.

The Fan Fiction Writer decided to dispel some of the Mysteries of the TV series…

"Fu2ok?  Listen, we're in a plot bind.  Send us up one of the Rave Clones…"

"No…  Bandages are optional…  Although…  It might not hurt to send one of the injured…  We may be doing a hospital scene later…  We can save on costs…"

Shortly afterwards, one of the seriously injured Rave Clones was in Glando's office, sitting in a motorised wheelchair.

"You wanted to see me, Sir?" her soft voice asked.

"Correct," stated Glando, in his usual mysterious manner, "We need a 'Bishounen Hunk' to star as the Fifth Pilot.  I was wondering if you'd like to be him."

The Clone blinked, "Ah, Sir?  I'm a Girl…"

"So?" said Glando dismissively, "That didn't stop Rumiko Takahashi-sama from making that cross-dressing character when she did 'Urusei Yatsura'…"

"Do I just wear boys clothes, or does it have to be 'physical'?" the Clone asked dryly, thinking of Ms Takahashi's 'Gender Reassignment' work, 'Ranma 1/2'.

NOTE #6 Gender Reassignment, Rumiko Takahashi-sama, Urusei Yatsura, Ranma 1/2.  Gender Reassignment happens QUITE a lot in Anime/Manga.  Used mostly for humour, or to make a point about gender related social problems.  Ms Takahashi is one of the most popular of all the Manga Creators.  In the story Urusei Yatsura (Those Obnoxious Aliens), there is a lady who dresses as a male.  In the story Ranma 1/2, the male lead has a curse, which turns him into a girl whenever he gets soaked with cold water…

"Actually…" Glando asked hesitantly, "Since you mention it…  Would you consider… 'Plastic Surgery'…"

The furious Clone suddenly leapt out of her wheelchair, & lunged across the table.  Her good hand grabbed Glando by the throat & began to squeeze…

"Listen Four-Eyes!" the Clone snarled menacingly, "There's 137 of me & my sisters, & only **ONE** decent guy in this show!  Do you honestly expect me to give up what SMALL chance I've got, of having *ANY* 'Quality Time' with Shakey?"

"You'll-get-Quality-Time-with-him" wheezed Glando, knowing the Clone was going to do to him, what the Doppelganger system did to Toe-Jam's AVE **THAT** time…

The Clone stopped snarling, "What sort of scenes are we talking about?"

"We can adjust the script some…" squeaked Glando, knowing he wasn't out of danger yet, "What sort of scenes would you like with him?"

"Romantic Ones!" demanded the Clone, before pushing for as much as she could get, "Meeting him at Sunset…  Dinner…  Talking…  Sleep Over…  And if I'm going to have 'that' sort of surgery…  A Shower Scene!"

"Certainly," agreed Glando.

"DEAL!" shouted the Clone, releasing Glando's throat.

Weeks later, a famous first meeting occurred…

"Same Red Eyes, we are alike…" said the Fifth Pilot, & token 'Bishounen Hunk'.

"Identify yourself," Rave challenged …

The following is the bit that didn't make it into the TV series…

Kowmoo gave Rave a Cryptic Smile, while 'sending', Psst!  Sister!  It's me!

Rave blinked in surprise, You're one of US?

Nod, Yeah!  A change of clothes, a cheap dye job, a little plastic surgery…

Widened Eyes, A 'little' plastic surgery?!  You're a GUY for crying out loud!!

Shrug, Eh…  It's a job…

Perplexed Look, Why did you agree to this?

Smug Look, 'Quality-Time Scenes' with Shakey, done *MY* way…

Look of Envy, YOU LUCKY B---H!!

Extremely Smug Look, Don't worry, I'll give you **ALL** the details later!

'Later' Be D----D! sent ALL of the Clones at once, We Want 'Live-Eye'!

Fine by me!  But Please, do us ALL a favour, & keep Aesir away, will you?

DEAL!!

Mazurka blinked as she woke up from her 'rather strange' dream.

"That's the last time I'm making Aesir's Sauerkraut," she belched.

The Fan Fiction Writer hopes this settles the debate over the True Origins, & Personal Inclinations of 'Kowmoo' towards Shakey…

…As well as why Kowmoo 'took a fall' in his last big scene…

…Not to mention why Aesir & Unit Too had the LIVING C--P stomped out of them by the 'Kowmoo' controlled AVE's in the Movie…

…Or why the same AVE's didn't 'trash' Unit Won & Shakey…

…And why Rave was able to take over the 'Kowmoo' AVE's so easily…

…Not to mention WHY Kowmoo & Shakey had all of those 'Male Bonding' scenes in the first place…

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

OMAKE - Lunch.

"You should not spread rumours," Rave said in a deadpan monotone, "They can result in people getting hurt…  Know what I mean, Sunshine?"

The scared student nodded vigorously, tears in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," Rave softly sneered, "It's nothing personal, but I feel a need to make an 'example' for the others…"

For several minutes, Rave beat the LIVING C--P out of the hapless student.

Rave finally released him.  She looked at the other students around her, "Does anyone else, want to ask questions about any rumours they may have heard?"

The cowed students remained silent.  Getting no more questions, Rave walked off.

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

OMAKE - Thanks.

Rave's terminal suddenly started flashing with a 'New Mail' icon.

The fact the message arrived during class, meant it probably wasn't an official school message.  The school tried to save computer-processing costs by 'bulk-posting' official messages after hours, & during lunch.

Curious, Rave activated the mail program.  As she suspected, the single e-mail on her machine wasn't 'official'…

The message began, "Your mission, should you choose to accept…"

Rave sighed.  Once again, she'd have to be absent from school for a few days…

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

OMAKE - Trust.

"What's your favourite flavour?" Shakey gently asked.

"Caramel," Natsumi shyly admitted.

Shakey turned to Rave, "Chocolate all right with you Rave?"

"Martini," replied Rave, "Shaken, not stirred…"

"Huh?" asked Shakey, clearly confused…

"Sorry," replied Rave, "I'm still feeling the after effects of the previous OMAKE…  Chocolate will be fine…"

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

OMAKE - Questions.

"It's okay," Natsumi shrugged it off, "What about your parents?"

Shakey didn't look at her, "My Father's still alive, but… we don't talk much…"

Natsumi turned to Rave, "And you?"

A thoughtful look crossed Rave's face, "I do not know.  I never met them…"

"Huh…  You're just like me then…"

Rave frowned slightly, narrowing her eyes as she scrutinised Natsumi's face.

"Identify yourself," Rave challenged…

Natsumi replied by exhibiting an E.T. Field…

Rave leapt nimbly from the couch, striking a battle-ready pose.  She activated her own E.T. Field, & turned it into a weapon.

"There can BE, only ONE!" both girls growled simultaneously.

Shakey blinked in horrified surprise.  "Oh NO!" he groaned, "Not another OMAKE like the one for 'Duet'!"

Rave survived the resulting battle, Mazurka's apartment & Natsumi didn't.

It was just as well Rave survived, because it meant Shakey had someone to help him clean up the mess before he went back to the 'Sanatorium'…

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

OMAKE - Similar Differences.

"Are you sure you don't want me to call your Guardian so they can pick you up?" Hatsuko's offer was accompanied by a look of worry on her face, "There are some bad people out on the streets after dark, no matter what the Officials say…"

"No.  I will be fine," Rave assured, "There are others who… watch out for me…"

Hatsuko accepted the comment, 'So!  She IS one of the Street Tribes…'

Outside, Rave walked home.  Alone…

Rave walked along the street, never slowing, never stopping.  She walked straight & true, a direct route towards her apartment.  She walked along well-lit streets with other people, & down dark alleys, alone.  She seemed oblivious to the presence or lack, of light & other people.

As she walked down one dark alley, shadows shifted, then followed her…

Rave suddenly found herself confronted by a pack of thugs…

"Well now?" leered the leader, "What do we have here?  Some sweet young thing is using our 'Toll Road', without having paid the toll?  What should we do, boys?"

No reply came to the leader's words.  He looked around, only to find that his henchmen were all lying on the ground, small darts sticking out of their bodies.  A unexpected blow to his stomach knocked the wind out of his lungs, & doubled him over on the ground.

In a flash, Rave was kneeling beside him.  One of her arms wrapped around his torso, pinning his arms against him.  Her other arm cradled his head, forcing it back to expose his neck.  Despite the thug's greater size, & musculature, his struggles couldn't break free of the young girl who held him.

Rave smiled slowly.  Her smile turned into a grin showing her teeth.  Then her mouth opened wider than any normal humans could, & the terrified thug could see the gleaming fangs.

The thug's scream of terror was muffled as Rave bit his throat out.  She drank hungrily from the pulsing geyser of blood that erupted from the torn flesh.

The nearby Security sniper reported on Rave's current feeding, & requested a van to come pick up some supplies for the Clones' 'Meat Locker'…

The Clones might not eat meat, but fresh blood was another matter…

NOTE! Red eyes & Pale skin are signs of the Vampire.  It helps if you've read Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot', & Anne Rice's 'Vampire' series…

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

OMAKE - Report.

Rave lay in bed, thinking over the events of the day.

Then she 'sent' to the other Clones.

Clone #67, making report of the day

ABOUT B----Y TIME!! the other Clones mentally yelled at her.

Sorry…  I'll give you my report now…

As per Commander Atari's orders, I impersonated Rave#3 at school

Don't bother with the trivial C--P!  Get to the good bits about Shakey!

Huh?  Oh well, in that case…

I met Shakey at school, & we shared a 'Kodak Moment' in the Hallway  Typical 'soft-focus' romantic camera shot, with Cherry Blossom petals spinning past…

!Complete Attention!

He looked SO Cute & Manly, standing there with buckets in his hands!  An image of Shakey dressed in his usual clothes, but straining them at the seams, as it appears he's acquired fifty extra pounds of pure muscle, & has turned into a Bishounen Hunk to boot…  Think of a teenaged Japanese 'Fabio'…

!Heartfelt sigh!

The dear boy had lunch with me…  Image of romantic candle lit dining for two in the empty classroom…

You Lucky B---H!  !Envious Attitude!

After school, we went back to HIS place for dinner…  We stopped off for drinks along the way…

Where?

Oh…  Just some intimate little restaurant he knew of…  Image of secluded corner table, low lights, & some fat git in a strange outfit prancing around trying to play the violin, while clenching a rose between his teeth…

And so it went…

The Fan Fiction Writer shook his head.  "As I said previously," he sagely intoned, "The Clones are 'socially inexperienced'…  Still, that never yet stopped ANY Teenager, male OR female, from being able to 'embroider' reality to their liking…  And to the envy of their peers…"

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