Special thanks to Octavian. He helped me with some of the timing for the character's interaction.
Also thanks to my pre readers : Alfred Tsang, James Lee, Lord Talon, Angeline Jacoba, TonyLoco, HARIJUBAL, Thomas C Kinnen
Evangelion/Ranma 1/2 : Past/Future Chapter Five Created by Long Ngo Started April 25, 1998 Revised May 10, 1998 Revised May 12, 1998
"Unit 00 is out of power," Maya shouted.
Everyone could see the Angel preparing to attack after recovering from Rei's desperate assault resulting in a lost appendage from both Angel and Eva.
"Cut Unit 00's neural connectors," Misato instructed.
"It's too late, there's not enough time." Maya replied. A second later, Maya's console started displaying energy spikes. "I'm reading an unknown energy signature emitting from behind Unit 00." As soon as the words left her mouth, the main monitors displayed a blue energy beam impacting the Angel throwing it off balance right before it had a chance to impale Unit 00. "Neural connectors are disengaged."
"Status of Unit 01 and 02?"
"They are ready Major."
"Launch Evas! Maya, give me the source of the unknown energy reading."
"Locking on. I've found the source and displaying it on the monitor now."
"Magnify the image." Misato command.
"Impossible!" Ritsuko shouted. She was looking at an unconscious Ranma. Ritsuko instantly recognized Ranma by his pigtail and the plug suit he was wearing. *How in the world did he get out of the entry plug and up on top of that 20 story building. There was no way he could have opened the plug from the inside.* "Maya are you sure about the readings?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"What caused that energy spike Ritsuko?" Misato asked.
"I don't know. I'm still trying to figure out how Ranma got out of the entry plug and on top of the roof of that building."
"Maya, continue scans of that area. I also want a video tape of our exterior cameras sent to me as soon as possible." Misato commanded.
Maya nodded her head and went back to monitor Nerv's communications. "Unit 01 and Unit 02 reporting in," Maya informed Misato.
"Shinji, Asuka how was it?"
"It was a piece of cake. I could've taken it out without Shinji here." Asuka bragged triumphantly. "Can't believe Wonder Girl had so much trouble. By the way, have you recovered Ranma yet?" Asuka wanted to rub her victory in Ranma's face.
"How is Ranma, Misato?" Shinji asked. His reasons were totally opposite from Asuka.
"Um, rescue teams have been dispatched to recover Ranma." No need to tell her Ranma is two buildings from her, Misato thought.
"Looks like Wonder Boy couldn't cut it," Asuka smirked.
"Leave Ranma alone, Asuka. You didn't do so well your first time out either. I was there." Shinji snapped back at Asuka.
Asuka was stunned. Shinji was standing up to her. What was going on here? The Shinji she knew didn't have a single backbone in his body to defend himself much less the courage to defend another. "Well I could have beaten it without your help, Third Child."
"If it wasn't for me, you would be fish bait, Second Child." For the second time in his life, Shinji was not going to run away. The first being his decision to pilot Eva Unit 01. He had found a friend. Someone who knew equal or even greater pain caused by their own father and he was not going to let someone destroy that friendship.
The whole control room was shocked at Shinji's behavior. No one ever thought they would hear that from Shinji. He was the shyest of all four pilots, five if you count Ranma. That image was shattered as they gazed upon his determined face.
Toji reached the control room in time to see Shinji standing up to Asuka. "Way ta go Shinji, you tell her!" he shouted, breaking the silence. He thought Asuka was annoying and needed to be brought down a notch or two.
* * * * *
"Ranma no baka!! Why can't you at least try the food I prepared for you?" an angry Akane shouted at Ranma.
"Another lover's quarrel?" Nabiki asked.
"Who said I'm in love with this insensitive baka?"
"Come on Akane it has been over a year now since the wedding fiasco. Why can't you two admit you at least like each other?"
"Me? You want me to say that I like an insensitive, pig-headed pervert like Ranma? No way! What makes you think I even like him? At least Auntie Saotome taught Ranma some manners."
"I see," Ranma whispered to himself. *It will never be different around here. Everyone treats me as a prize to be won.* "I'm heading out, see ya later Nabiki, Kasumi." Ranma stood up and headed toward the door. Not even acknowledging Akane, Ranma exited the Tendou's dinning room.
"Where do you think you are heading Ranma? Get back here!! I'm still talking to you!!" Akane shouted after Ranma.
* * * * *
*Why does everyone treat me as a prize to be won?* Ranma thought. Groaning, Ranma tried to open his eyes but was greeted by bright lights. Ranma instantly knew he was in a hospital room. The smell and sound was distinct. *Why is it every time I wake up in a hospital I have a headache.* Ranma mentally complained. Trying to focus his eyes, a blue-green blur came into his vision. It took several minutes before he recognized Rei. *Has she been here the entire time? Must have used up to much ki, but I've never fell unconscious before.* Ranma thought. Turning his attention back to his guest, "Hey Rei! What are you doing here?"
Rei was staring intently at Ranma. He was a mystery to those around him including herself. "Why?" Rei asked in that monotone voice of hers.
"Huh?"
"Why did you save me?"
"Why shouldn't I?"
"I am expendable. I can be replaced." She had spoken this phrase numerous times in the past but she never had this much trouble. Before, she had never hesitated to do her job even at the cost of her life.
"What? That's stupid! Do you want to die? If I hadn't helped, you would have." *What was Rei thinking?* Never had he gotten a response like this before. Usually he was scolded for helping or the 'I could've defended myself. I don't need you butting in.' phrases.
"No...yes. How did you do that?"
"You mean the blue energy beam?"
"Yes."
"That? Well, that was the Mouko Takabisha, my ki blast. It's kinda hard to explain really. You, well sort of have to reach deep down into yourself and let the feelings and emotions you find there out in a single moment. Just like how I saved you from that Angel. There's another way to do the same thing, instead of using your emotions and inner strength, ki, you use the energy of your surroundings, chi. I rarely use that method because it takes way to much time to harness and would cause way to much damage, although I've never passed out from it due to overexerting myself like I did with that ki blast. *I don't want to be used as a weapon. I hate killing even monsters like that but if people find out, they might force me to.* "Umm ... Rei? Could you do me a favor and not tell anyone about this? It'll mean a lot."
*Trust. No one has ever trusted me with something personal. They expect me to do my duty as a pilot. They trust me to protect them because it's my job to defeat the Angels and defend them.* "Yes." *Because you protected me.*
"Thank you." Ranma smiled at Rei. *Why did I pass out though? Is it because I have a 14 year old body? I wonder.*
*Thank you. Why does those two words feel me with contentment?*
* * * * *
"What do you think?" Gendou turning back towards the monitor located in his private office. At present, both he and Fuyuzuki were reviewing the last battle with the Angel.
"I still can't believe the blast came from Saotome. Are you sure he wasn't carrying a concealed weapon?" Fuyuzuki asked.
"Yes."
"Is he an Angel? No normal human being could do what Saotome did."
"No. He is not an Angel. If he was, his sync rate would be around 100%, for they are the same, the Evangelions and the Angels." Gendou answered.
Kozo Fuyuzuki did not know what to expect from the Fifth Child. At first he had thought that Saotome would be like another Shinji. He was disappointed when he found out about Saotome's low sync rate. Minutes later the boy turned around and surprised him again with that stunt of his.
Looking at Gendou, Fuyuzuki knew that the commander was also interested. Although he did not show it, working with him for the past 10 years had given him an idea of what to look for. One was Gendou's hand positions. He would usually leave it in one place for hours. Fuyuzuki had watched Gendou move his hands into two different positions in the last 20 minutes. Second, Gendou did not speak very often about anyone except Rei but in the last 24 hours, Saotome was the only topic he spoke of.
"What has Dr. Akagi discovered?"
"Nothing so far."
"Keep me posted."
"Yes sir."
"Where is Rei?"
"She is visiting Saotome right now."
Turning to the monitor once again, Gendou pressed a few keys on the computer next to him. Soon, an image of Rei sitting next to an unconscious Saotome appeared. After a few more minutes, Gendou was able to follow the conversation of the newly awaken Fifth Child. *A boy who has the ability to gather and manipulate energy and use it as a weapon. Interesting.* Gendou thought. "Seems like Saotome has some interesting abilities, don't you agree Fuyuzuki?" Seeing no more activitives from the two, Gendou switched the monitor off.
"I can't argue with that."
"I want Saotome monitored and the tests done. Keep me posted."
* * * * *
"Ritsuko, can you explain these readings?" Misato hiccuped. After seeing the battle footage, Misato had to get a drink.
"No I can't. First, there should have been no way he chould have been able to get out of the entry plug." After recovering the plug, they discovered scorch marks on the inside compartment. *But he did. He blasted his way out with that strange energy of his.* "Second, Ranma should not have been able to reach the top of that building in the time allowed. Third, I do not know how he was able to shoot that energy beam. Finally I still haven't figured out how he materialized from Eva Unit 01 in the first place. To be completely honest Misato, he is a mystery." *Great, something else I can't control.*
Both Misato and Ritsuko's attention returned to the television in front of them.
"He's glowing blue."
"Stop it already Misato, I know. I have eyes too and don't ask me to explain!"
"But he's glowing!"
"No he is not, you have just been drinking too much. Go to bed. Go to the nice warm bed." This has got to stop her Ritsuko prayed.
"But he's glowing blue!"
"Bed! Now!"
* * * * *
Next Day
* * * * *
Ritsuko was walking down the long hallway towards Ranma's room. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Ranma talking to Ayanami. "Hello Ranma, Rei. Are you two ready for the tests today?" Ritsuko asked.
"What about school?" Ranma never thought he would ask that question.
"I've already sent a note to the school saying that you will be absent today. What are you doing here Rei?"
"She came to visit me." replied Ranma. Turning towards Rei, "Thanks again Rei."
Her back towards Ritsuko, she smiled and then nodded to Ranma. Getting up Rei left the room.
Ritsuko being accustomed to Rei's behavior shrugged and turned to Ranma. "Lets get you ready for those tests?"
"Tests?"
"Yes, all Eva pilots are required to undergo some tests."
"Do I have to?"
"Yes Ranma, you do and afterwards I have a few questions I would like to ask you."
"I hate tests."
"That doesn't matter. You have to take them."
"Why?"
"You are part of Nerv now Ranma. That means you have to follow orders."
*I never had to follow any stupid rules at Furinkan. Stupid Nerv!* "Alright," Ranma finally gave in. He was living with the woman and making her mad was not a good idea. "Lets get it over with," he grumbled.
To be continue :