Thanks to my pre readers: David Johnston, Alfred Tsang, Murmur the Fallen, Octavion, TonyLoco, James Lee
Evaneglion / Ranma : Past/Future Chapter Seven
Created by Long Ngo Started May 27, 1998 Finsihed May 29, 1998 Revised June 2, 1998 Revised June 4, 1998 Revised June 16, 1998
"I can't believe you, Misato. Not even 10 minutes into the party and you're already drunk. Ranma is not even here yet." Ritsuko chided.
"Relax, Ritsuko. I've had a very hectic week ever since, 'hick,' Ranma arrived."
*I know what you mean. Ranma is an enigma.* thought Ritsuko, taking a sip from her glass, "So is Kaji coming?"
"Maybe, Commander Ikari wanted to talk to him. He said he'll be over later."
Shinji was looking at Misato, "Hey Toji, Misato is really drinking tonight."
"Yeah! Where is Ranma? Is Ayanami coming?"
"Ranma is on his way but I'm not sure about Rei. I couldn't reach her."
"Rei? Getting intimate with Ayanami, Shinji?" Kensuke teased.
"Shinji and Rei sitting in a tree, K I S S I NG, first come love then comes marriage then comes Shinji with a baby carriage." Kensuke and Toji started to sing.
"Come on guys, stop it. It's not like that." Shinji was blushing a bit.
"Stop teasing Shinji!" Hikari hated it when those two picked on the defenseless Shinji.
"Let the three stooges do what they want," suggested Asuka with a frown. Flinging her hair back, Asuka went looking for more beer.
Shinji was saved from further discussing his love life by a knock on the door. "I'll get it." Getting up as quickly as possible, he headed towards the door. Opening the door revealed Ranma in a pair of black pants and a red chinese silk shirt. There was a golden dragon embroidered across the chest. "What kept you?"
"Well after the tests, I went shopping. You don't know how hard it was for me to get this red shirt. Had to get it custom made. Anyways, guess who I bumped into while downtown?"
"Who?"
"You can show yourself now."
Rei walked into view. Instead of the classic white and blue school uniform she usually wore, Rei had on a white t-shirt tucked into a blue pair of jeans. What was more amazing was the "Born to be Wild" logo on the front of the t-shirt. The outfit Rei had chosen fitted snuggly to her figure, outlining her figure. One of the reasons she had picked this particular combination of clothes was it had the feel of an Eva plug suit and the other reason was standing next to her.
"Rei?"
"Doesn't she look kawaii, Shinji?" *Never could say anything remotely close to this without getting beat up at home and Rei needs an ego burst.*
All Shinji could do was nod his head. *Wow, she really looks great.* Looking at Rei, he noticed her blush slightly at Ranma's remark. *Ranma and Rei? Can it be?* "Wow, you look great Rei! Why the sudden change?"
"See, told you so." Ranma winked at Rei.
"Arigatou, Ranma, Ikari-kun." Before Rei could answer Shinji's question, everyone had turned their attention to the two new guests.
"Wow, is that Ayanami?" Toji and Kansuke asked in astonishment.
"You look great, Ayanami!" complimented Hikari.
"Wonder Girl?" Asuka was bewildered. "What's with the new outfit, First Child? Trying to impress someone?"
Over on the far side of the room, Misato was choking on her beer, having seen Rei's new look, especially with the t-shirt she was wearing.
Ritsuko had raised an eyebrow in a gesture of surprise and curiosity. *This week can't get any weirder,* she hoped.
* * * * *
"Do you understand your assignment?" asked Gendou.
"No sir. I just don't see the purpose of such an endeavor. You do know that I have Special Ops training which includes hand to hand?" answered Kaji.
"That does not matter. I wish to know the limit of Saotome's physical powress."
"How should I go about doing this?"
"He considers himself a martial artist."
"A martial artist?"
"Yes."
"You want me to spar with him? What style does he use?"
"Yes. That is what you are to find out as well. Dismiss."
On the way out, Kaji could not help but wonder. *Who are you Saotome? For Ikari to call me here personally must mean you are important somehow. I think SEELE might like to know more about you, Saotome.*
* * * * *
"So, why the sudden change, Ayanami?" Hikari asked.
"Yeah!" Toji and Kansuke asked at the same time.
"I felt like it was time for a new look."
Hikari knew that there was something more here than Ayanami was willing to reveal. Looking over at a certain pigtailed boy, *Could it be? Is Ranma the reason for Rei's sudden change?*
"It's not fair!" Kansuke protested. "Why wasn't I picked as the Fifth Child?"
"Maybe because you are a 'hick' moron," Asuka commented. *Stupid Ranma. Steal the spotlight from me will you.* "So Wonder Girl, who do you like? Shinji or Ranma?"
"I always thought you and Shinji would get together," commented Toji.
"Yeah!" Kensuke added.
"Hey Shinji! Get over here." Asuka yelled.
"What do you want Asuka? I was over there talking to Ranma." Shinji said in an irritated tone. In one hand was a beer can and the other hand, which was unoccupied, Shinji used to point at Ranma.
"Do you like Ayanami?" Toji asked.
"What?"
"Do you like Rei? It's a yes or a no question." Asuka pressured.
"What kind of question is that?"
"Yes or no?" Hikari wanted to know as well.
"Okay. Yes, I like Rei."
"You like me, Ikari-kun?"
"Y..yy..e.s.s." Shinji stammered.
Rei did not know how to respond to this sudden revelation. *I feel happy that I am wanted but I do not desire Ikari. The one I desire is Ranma.*
No one noticed Rei glancing in Ranma's direction but Hikari. *So she does like Ranma. Never thought Rei would have a social life, much less land a boyfriend before Asuka or I.*
*Shinji likes Rei? That stupid baka. Why do I feel jealous?*
Ranma could see Shinji blush from across the room. *Thank goodness that's not me over there, playing twenty questions.* Hearing a knock, Ranma went to see who was a the door.
* * * * *
"Can't believe Rei 's 'hick' new look," Misato's speech was beginning to slur due to the amount of alcohol she had already consumed.
"Rei could give Asuka a run for her money right now. I wonder what made her change her attire?" Ritsuko asked.
"I think it has something to do with Ranma. 'Hick.' Everything seems like it has something to do with Ranma."
"Do you think, Misato?" *May you live in interesting times.*
Before Misato could answer, "Hey Misato! There is a guy calling himself Kaji. Should I let him in?" Ranma shouted.
"Kaji!" Asuka shouted, "Let him in stupid."
"Are you Misato?"
"Why you!"
Before things could esculate any further, "It's okay Ranma. You can let him." Misato called out.
"Hello, Misato. It seems like you gotten yourself another boyfriend while I was busy but don't you think he is a little young?"
"Kaji, stop picking on Ranma."
*So that was Ranma. Handsome young man, though not as handsome as me.* "I was picking on you."
"Kaji," growled Misato.
"Okay, okay. Is that Ayanami?"
"Yes, what do you think of her new look?" Ritsuko asked.
"She's stunning! Why the sudden change?"
"Don't let Asuka hear you," Misato warned playfully.
All Ritsuko did was glance at Ranma.
"I see."
"Misato, I think you might have more competition for Kaji. Seeing as how he is staring at Ayanami and not you." Ritsuko teased.
"Kaji!" Misuto growled.
* * * * *
Looking around the room, Ranma noticed that everyone had left except for Asuka, Shinji, Ritsuko, Kaji, Misato and Rei. Over to one side, Asuka was hitting on Kaji. Ranma had just meet Kaji and was intrigued, *There is something about that guy.* On the couch was a passed out Shinji. Ranma laughed slightly at the sight. *Shinji was going to have a huge headache when he wakes up.* Turning his attention to Rei, "It's getting late. Do you want me to walk you home?" Seeing Rei nod her head, Ranma went to inform Ritsuko about his early departure.
Rei felt happiness, irritation, loneliess and boredom, throughout the party. Looking at Ranma, the boy who had given her this gift, she felt herself blush. *Home is where the soul feels at peace,* Rei quoted to herself. There was something about Ranma that made her feel safe and secure. A feeling she only experienced when piloting her Eva. Rei still had a hard time sorting out all the new feelings she was experiencing. Some she enjoyed, others she felt a dislike towards. Like during the party, Asuka had started to bug her about her new outfit and what she thought of Ranma. At this point, Rei discovered that she could not act like her past self. She found it hard to ignore Asuka.
"I'm heading home, Ritsuko."
"Okay, I'll see you later, Ranma."
* * * * *
"So how did you like the party, Rei?"
"I do not know."
"Huh?"
"I have nothing to compare it to."
*Why is it that I can never have any normal friends?* "Was the party boring?"
"No."
"Did you feel uncomfortable or out of place?"
"No."
"Then that means you had a good time."
"Hai." *I watched you the entire time.*
Suddenly, Ranma sensed danger ahead. From one of the alleys, five men wearing masks appeared. "Well look what we got here, boys," the man in the middle said.
Instinctively, Ranma moved in front of Rei.
"What a joke. Lover boy is trying to protect his girlfriend. Look kid, I'm feeling generous. Give us all your money and the girl and we'll let you go free. Me and the boys want to have some fun tonight."
One of the thugs turned towards Rei. "Born to be wild huh? Well doll, tonight we'll see just how wild you are."
For the first time, Rei felt fear. The fear of death and what laid in store for her with these men.
* * Flashback * *
We see Ranma standing next to Akane. They were facing the Golden Pair in the first Charlotte Cup.
* * End of Flashback * *
"Touch her and I'll kill you!" Ranma declared. His face was a mask of rage and determination.
"No one can say I didn't give you a chance. Kill the kid but try not to harm the girl, too much."
A grim smile appeared on Ranma's face. "I'm warning you. I've had a miserable day and now you are spoiling the only highlight of my evening." Ranma's voice was calm and controlled.
"Kid you're going to have the worse day of your life." The leader took out a gun from beneath his jacket. "You could have lived."
The thought of these five men touching Rei enraged Ranma. Akane could protect herself to a degree but Rei could not. She reminded him of Nabiki and Kasumi all rolled into one. Two people he considered family. Ranma's grayish blue eyes flared a bright blue as waves of energy started to surround him. Unlike the previous evening, the energy surrounding him had a red hue to it.
"Shit! Boss what is he?"
"Shut-up and get him."
The five started to surround Ranma and Rei but Ranma's attention was fixated on the leader holding the gun.
* * Flashback * *
The scene was Mount Phoenix.
Behind Saffron was the dehydrated form of Akane.
Later, Ranma was kneeling down next to Akane's limp form.
Akane was dead.
His fault.
Why did he hold back?
Akane was alive.
Almost lost her.
Why did he hold back?
* * End of Flashback * *
Rei could not believe what she was seeing. She had witnessed Ranma use his ki two times before. The first time, he used it to protect her and the second time, he gave her the ability to understand and experience emotions. Both time, it was for her sake. *Does he care about me?* The thought sent a warmth through her body. All fear left her as she remembered his earlier statement. *Touch her and I'll kill you.*
* * Flashback * *
Ranma was talking to Nodoka after his return trip from China.
"I killed him, Okaasan."
"He revived."
"I didn't know that at the time."
"It does not matter my son, he was at fault."
"I do not understand." Ranma was confused. Okaasan was making it seem like killing was acceptable.
"Martial arts was developed not to fight but to protect. That is the very essence of the Art. You used it to save Akane's life and that is honorable. Had you killed for any other reason than self-defense or the preservation of another's life, you would have dishonored the Saotome clan and been honor-bounded to commit seppuku. Do you understand?"
"Hai"
"A true martial artist is a master of his environment and should never be pressured into a situation where that the option of killing exist. If that does happen, never hold back. It would endanger those you try to protect."
* * End of Flashback * *
*I will not take that kind of chance ever again. They will not touch her.* With that final though, Ranma's aura flared to life.
* * * * *
Maya was sitting in in the control room. She had drawn the graveyard shift this week. "This is so boring." No sooner had she spoken, then alarms started to sound throughout Nerv headquarters.
"What's the problem?" Commander Ikari's voice asked from Maya's headphones.
"An unknown energy spike, sir."
"Get me a fix on it. Call Major Katsuragi and prepare the Evas."
Using one of several obiting satellites, Maya soon locked onto the energy signature. Focusing and enlarging the scene, Maya gasped. Before her was the image of Saotome and Ayanami being surrounded by five men, one with a gun. Ranma was glowing bright red in the middle.
"Report."
Maya was startled by the Commander's sudden appearance. "The unknown energy is eminating from Saotome, sir."
Not even Gendou could keep the surprised look from his face. *What are you?* "Cancel the Evas but I want Major Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi here now!" The calm exterior that Gendou had surrounded himself with cracked.
* * * * *
Four men were lying on the ground either unconscious or in great pain. Ranma's eyes had never left the leader but he had effectively dispatched each of the four thugs with a single blow as they got near.
*What in the world is he?* The leader was truly scared now. "Die!!" he shouted and started to unload the entire chamber into Ranma.
Rei was speechless. She had never seen anything like this before. At first, she was truly concerned for Ranma when the leader of the gang pointed the gun at Ranma but that fear soon turned into wonder as he caught each bullet. She didn't even see his hands move.
Moving as the last bullet left the gun, Ranma punched the man in the midsection followed by an upward open palm thrust that caught the winded leader under the chin. Using his left hand, he grabbed the man by the shirt and lifted him off the ground. Staring into the thug's eyes, Ranma then cocked his right arm back, ready to maim the man, "You're dead!!" Ranma spoke in a calm voice filled with venom, trying to scare the man.
Before Ranma could strike, Rei had placed her hand on Ranma's shouldering stopping him from finishing his final move. Seeing as how she had Ranma's attention, Rei shook her head. *I do not wish for you to kill for my sake.*
"You were lucky you never touched Rei or else you would be dead right now. I never want to see you again." Bringing his right hand back down to his side, Ranma tossed the leader of the thug's 10 feet. The body of the thug impacted the far wall and slid down unconscious.
* * * * *
The party had truly wind down as almost everyone was alseep but Ritsuko and Kaji. The silence of the night was interupted by Ritsuko's cellular phone ringing.
"Misato, the Commander wants us at headquarters now! Misato!" Ritsuko was trying to wake Misato up with no luck. "Kaji, help me get Misato into the car. I'll try to wake her on the way."
"No problem. What's up?"
"I don't know but it's urgent."
* * * * *
"Are you okay, Rei?"
"Hai."
They had reached Rei's apartment without much trouble. "It seems like we're here. Have a pleasant night and see you tomorrow, Rei."
Before Ranma understood what was happening, Rei had placed both her arms around his neck and was leaning on the balls of her feet. "Arigatou, Ranma," Rei spoke in a soft tone. *Thank you for everything.* She then proceeded to kiss Ranma before he could react.
Ranma was surprised when he felt Rei's lips pressed against his. *Rei?* At first he didn't respond but rather stood rigid with shock. Ever so slowly, Ranma started to relax and lean into the kiss. *Arigatou, Rei.* The simply kiss soon turned into one of passion as Ranma took control sensing that this might be something new to Rei. *I can't believe I'm grateful to Xian Pu for all those times she kissed me. It was great practice.*
To be continue :