Disclaimer: If I actually owned any of these companies, do you think I'd be posting these stories online, for free? I think not, I a poor man, I need money. If you feel sorry for me, please send 1 dollar to:

Poor Dude

5555 No Money Blv.

Brooksville USA 55555

Now, to the story. --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------------------

Ch. 38: A Calm Before A Storm

"How?" Asuka asked as she approached the table.

"How......what?" Brian growled in response, with out so much as looking at her.

"How did you get Anubis back?"

This, had apparently gotten his attention, as he snapped out of his revelry and turned his head to look at her.

"Oh, it's you," Brian replied, he then made a gesture with his hand, "Shoe, go on, run along an play. I have nothing to tell you."

"You jerk!" Asuka yelled, smashing her fist down on the table.

"Frustrated? I saw your little display. Impressive. I see you haven't forgotten anything I taught you. But......"

"But?"

"If that's all you got, I gave you too much credit, all those years ago."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing at all."

He then got up to leave.

"Oh, and to answer your first question....." Brian said calmly.

He then brought the back of his hand down on to the table, which made a clean break into the table.

"I stole it. Oh, please return this for me," Brian said as he threw a card at her.

When he was gone, Asuka looked at the card. It was clearly a NERV security card, belonging to Misato Katsuguri.

Shinji, finally managed to pull himself together, just as Asuka pocketed the card.

"Well, well, well, Shinji the Hero is awake," Asuka said hotly.

"I was...just trying to..help......" said Shinji, rubbing the back of his head.

"Come on Baka, you're taking me out to eat."

"But.....but.....you used up all my money shopping a few weeks ago....I'm brook...."

"Not my problem."

Hanging his head in defeat, Shinji followed Asuka out the door.

End of Chapter.