Lime warning. There is a little sexual implication surrounding this chapter.

Special thansk goes to Phillip Masters for helping me the apartment scene.

Thanks to my pre readers Anand Rao, Thomas Scroggs, Jason Liao, Octavian, Eric McGinnis, James Lee, Alfred Tsang

Evangelion / Ranma 1/2 : Past/Future Chapter Nine
Created by Long Ngo
Started June 11, 1998
Finished June 23, 1998
Revised June 29, 1998

      Sitting in a side cafe was a very angry Ranma. *I can't believe Yui-san was so wrong about Gendou. The man is completely heartless. He doesn't care for those around him.* Looking up at the girl across from him, *Rei disobeyed orders because she cares about me. I will not let Gendou hurt her.* Thinking back at Rei's grand entrance, *How did she blow the door off its hinges like that?*

      Looking at the girl, a person could see that there was something unique about her. *For the first time in my life, I have disobeyed Commander Ikari, my creator. Why?* Looking at Ranma, Rei thought, *For the man I love. Something I never felt until a few days ago.*

      "I just can't believe how heartless Gendou is," Ranma spoke with a hint of anger. Ranma had lost all respect for the commander after being interrogated.

      *Should I tell him? Will he hate me?* Rei was scared, another feeling she had acquired since meeting Ranma. *I'm a clone.* Rei lowered her head. *He needs to know the truth.*

      Looking at Rei, *Why couldn't Akane accept me, trust me the way Rei does? What is about her that makes me feel so comfortable?* Ranma thought. Noticing how depressed Rei looked, "Is something wrong, Rei?"

      "Commander Ikari is not heartless, Ranma." Rei replied quietly.

      "Nani?" shouted Ranma. Seeing the looks some of the other patrons were giving him for his outburst, Ranma calmed down, "How can you say that after everything he said?"

      "The commander lost his wife and is determined to get her back."

      "That's no excuse for the way he acted. He doesn't even care about your well being."

      "He has no reason to. I can be replaced." Rei spoke softly. *That is not true now. I now have feelings.*

      "What do you mean? I don't understand why you keep saying that?"

      Looking straight into Ranma's blue eyes, "I'm a clone." Seeing that Ranma did not understand, "I was artifically made in a lab. I am part Yui and part Angel. If I die, another clone with my memories will replace me."

      "You're an Angel?" *Was that how she was able to break down that door?*

      "Hai," Rei answered. "I am also part Yui. The commander did not want to lose her and so created me. *Please accept me!*

      *He would sacrifice everyone around him for Yui? That is no excuse. What about Saffron? You killed him for love. That's not the same. He is giving up everything to save his wife. You gave up your honor and principles to save Akane. Akane doesn't love me. That is no excuse. Yui still loves Gendou. He created Rei in Yui's image. Is that why I feel so attached to her? Because part of her is Yui? No, I love her for who she is. Love? She and I are the same. We were both treated as objects to be controlled. We have been molded since birth to be the perfect weapons.*

      Seeing no reaction from Ranma, Rei got worried. "Ranma? Will you accept me for who I am?"

      Looking up, Ranma could see that Rei was worried. "Why wouldn't I?"

      "Because I am a clone. I am not natural."

      "I only care for the person within. I care about you, Rei." Pausing for a second to clear the tear that had appeared in his eyes, Ranma smiled. "Ya know, Rei, before I came here, I wasn't exactly 'natural' either... I- I don't know how, or even why this is happening, but I- I, I think I'm in l..l..ove with you."

      Hearing those words, Rei started to cry. "Arigatou, Ranma. I love you too." Looking at her hands, *Are these tears? I'm so happy.*

      Soon a silence filled the space between the two. Each now knew the other's heart and was content to just look at each other.

      Thinking about what Ranma said, "How did you know Yui?" Rei asked.

      Smiling, "Who did you think brought me here?" replied Ranma.

      Rei was now intrigued. "How?"

      All Ranma could do was shrug.

      "Please do me a favor. Please talk to the commander."

      "I'm not sure," Ranma was hesitant talking to Gendou after the incident in the interrogation room.

      "Please," Rei pleaded. *I still owe commander Ikari for creating me. If not for him, I would never have meet Ranma.* "For Shinji's sake. Make the commander see that what he's doing is wrong." *I care for them both.*

* * Flashback * *

      It was a pleasant afternoon. Both Rei and Shinji had drew cleaning duty for this particular day.

      Rei was squeezing the water from her towel when Shinji suddenly spoke.

      Looking at Rei, "You remind me of my mother," Shinji spoke.

      "You embarrass me."

* * End of Flashback * *

      "On one condition. If you come stay with me." Ranma spoke.

      Smiling, "Hai, I would love to." *I finally know what to do. No one needs to tell me to smile anymore. I finally understand.*

* * * * *

      A lone man sat in a room deprived of any material goods except for the desk and chair he sat in. Outwardly, he had on an emotionless mask but within he was in turmoil. A single phrase kept repeating itself, 'The man Yui love is dead.' Taking off his shades, Gendou looked down at his hands.

      *What has happened to the man that fell in love so long ago?*

      *Who are you, Saotome?*

      *Everything I did, I did for you, Yui.*

      *Will she approve?*

      *What about Shinji?*

      *You abandoned him.*

      *She'll hate you.*

      *She is forgiving.*

      *You abandoned her son, your son.*

      *Rei disobeyed me.*

      *Why?*

      *Who are you, Saotome.*

      No one disturbed the commander of Nerv. He sat there alone, in thought. *What have I become?*

* * * * *

      "Never thought I'll live long enough to see the day where the commander loses it like that. 'Eliminate with extreme measures,' " Misato scowled, "Ranma is just a kid."

      "A very powerful kid, Misato." commented Ritsuko.

      "He's still a kid," Misato countered.

      "I wouldn't be too sure of that with the looks you've been giving him," teased Ritsuko, trying to ease the tension she was feeling.

      "Be serious, Ritsuko."

      Laughing a little, "You're the perfect candidate to be the one telling me that. Seriously though, Ranma can handle himself. I wonder just how strong he really is."

      "Nani?"

      "Before he left, he said, 'Try to harm us and I'll show you how powerful I really am.' I am just wondering just how powerful he is." *He did faint after throwing that energy beam and it didn't even faze the Angel, though I can't overlook the fact that it knocked the Angel back a few meters neither.*

      "I think I need a drink. Coming?"

      "Sure, why not? The greatest scientific genius in the universe like myself needs to take a break once in awhile."

      "Did I hear right? The great Ritsuko making a joke."

* * * * *

      Returning home, Ranma noticed that the windows were still dark. "Seems like Ritsuko is not home yet. I wonder what Gendou is doing right now." Ranma commented, then grinning at Rei, "Guess it's just you and me."

      *Alone with Ranma?* Rei thought, feeling her face warm once more. Her facial capillaries have been receiving far more exercise lately ever since this mysterious boy had shown up. She simply nodded on response.

      Ranma's grin turned into a smile as they reached the door. "So, what do you want to do this evening?" he asked, as he unlocked and swung open the door. *Please let it be anything but twenty questions.*

* * Flashback * *

      "Why am I attracted to you?" Rei asked.

      "Ack!" Ranma had not expected Rei to ask him that. "Attracted?"

      "I've never felt this way before," Rei continued all the while staring into Ranma's eyes.

      *This is not good. Explain? How do I explain this? Birds and Bees? Arg, No no no no. What am I thinking.* Feeling a little frustrated, *Had to have an idiot as a father. He never explain any of this to me. What did Okaasan see in Oyaji anyways? Why do I have so many willing fiancees? I know I'm handsome, strong, a martial artist, great build, a martial artist...* Sighing, remembering what Okaasan told him about being true to one self, *I'm also a jerk, arrogant, insensitive...*

      Looking up at Rei, "Why do you like me?"

* * End of Flashback * *

      Walking past him, Rei blinked as the lights were turned on. "I don't know," she replied after turning once again to face Ranma.

      After shutting the door, he walked over to the couch and sat down lost in thought. "Well... Ritsuko isn't the most exciting woman in the world. And unless you're into computers and such there isn't much to do around her apartment and she won't let me play games on her computer neither, sensitive equipment and what not.." He glanced around pointedly with a look of mild chagrin.

      Rei regarded Ranma for a moment, then asked, "What do you normally do for fun?"

      "Martial Arts," was his almost instantaneous answer.

      Rei nodded, she could see that. Unfortunately, she didn't really know much herself, and would definitely not pose any sort of challenge for Ranma. "What do you do when you are alone?"

     "Katas mostly... they help me concentrate, improve my form and overall help build my body in all areas at the same time." An idea popped into his mind. Getting up, "Want to see one?"

     Rei nodded, supremely interested in learning anything new about Ranma. She took his recently vacated seat, noticing its warmth, and stared at him like a young child watches a magic act.

      Though Ranma found himself somewhat discomforted by Rei's steady, unblinking glare, he calmed his breathing and began one of the more complicated set of moves in his repitoire.

      Rei found herself almost entranced by what she saw before her. Ranma transformed into a living piece of mobile artwork. She witnessed every aspect of nature in his motions, from the delicate touch of a breeze, to the violent shifting of the oceans. His body was a lethal weapon, and at the same time the most beautiful thing she had ever seen as he seemingly flowed across the living room. She found herself wanting to touch him, to feel him, to... become one with him... completely. "Ranma," she whispered, as if it were a sin to interrupt.

      So entrenched was Ranma that he didn't hear Rei call out his name. He continued his kata, flowing from one step to the next. The world was a focus to him at that moment, he could feel everything within, and everything without as though it were all a part of a greater self. He was at an almost perfectly calm state. So in tune was he that the rhythm of his kata soon followed the beating of his heart. This was why he loved martial arts so much, the power, grace and focus it gave him was exhilarating. Light beads of sweat gathered at his fingertips, only to be flicked away as his arms swept through the air.

      Rei bit her lower lip, something she had never done before. She had never felt this way about anyone in her existence. Just looking at Ranma sent shivers throughout her body as goosebumps started to form upon her warm skin. Her breathing became more labored, and her blush was slowly making its way to areas other than her cheeks. She could feel a throbbing pain within her chest but did not mind, knowing it was Ranma that had caused it. Parts of her anatomy that had seemed rather useless were flaring to life. Her nipples hardened, which usually only happens when the weather was cold but was never accompanied by such an increase in sensitivity. Even rubbing against the inside of her sweater was making her wonder what had possessed her not to wear a bra today of all days. Not used to this new onslaught of emotions, she grabbed the arm of the couch for support, "Ranm...".

      The sound of urgency in that once call was enough to drag Ranma back into reality proper. He looked over at Rei, and his eyes widened as he took in her exasperated state. "Are you okay, Rei? You look sick."

      Rei closed her eyes tightly and tried to get her breathing under control. However, it didn't help that when her eyelids shut she still found HIM waiting behind them. A virtual maelstrom of emotions was raging inside her.

      *Why do I feel this way?*

      *You asked him that before.*

      *He did not answer.*

      *Please... why do I feel this way?*

      *Why do you love him?*

      She opened her eyes and looked up at Ranma. She reached out to him with her gaze, pleading silently as she asked, "Why do I love you?"

      Ranma blinked, finding himself caught totally unprepared for the question. "I... I..." he paused for a moment, "I don't know. I never really understood what love was myself."

      As Ranma stewed for a few minutes, Rei found herself coming under control of her emotions once more. "Ranma," she said, after finding she could speak without having to pause to catch her breath.

      "Huh?" Ranma tried to respond still deep in thought.

      She smiled, "You don't have to answer."

      He sighed, slumping visibly. His eyes turned downward and he scratched the back of his head.

      "However..." she continued.

      "What?" he asked, looking at her again.

      "When ...."

      "Yes?" He sat down next to her and waited patiently.

      "When you do find out, could you tell me, please?"

      Smiling at her, "When I do, you'll be the first person to know."

* * * * *

      "Here's to world domination!" Ritsuko cheered, taking a sip from her glass.

      "You've really started to change, Ritsuko," Misato commented. *Wow, Ritsuko is really drinking tonight.*

      "Have to, 'hick,' thank Ranma, when I get home."

      "Oh?"

      "Yep! He showed me what I was missing, a life outside my work." Ritsuko laughed.

      "To Ranma then," Misato lifted her glass.

      "Forgotten me already then, Misato?" Kaji asked, walking up to their table.

      "Nope, just saying thanks to Ranma. Someone finally stood up to the commander." Misato answered

      "Oh? What happened?" Kaji was curious. Not many people were willing to speak what's on their mind to the Supreme Commander of Nerv.

      "Sorry, classified. What I will tell you is that I now have another roommate, one Ayanami Rei." Ritsuko replied.

      *Interesting, two people of unknown origin living together.* "Seems like Ranma is stirring things up, Ne?"

      "Yep, like the kanji, 'Oyaji,' he labeled on your forehead," Misato started to laugh as well as Ritsuko.

      "Don't worry, I'll get him back for that," Kaji grinned.

* * * * *

      Asuka and Shinji were sitting in their living room, watching television. Looking up at Shinji, Asuka was a little nervous, "Did you mean it when you said you liked me, Shinji?" she asked.

      A bit nervous as well, "Umm...when did I say that?" asked Shinji.

      "This morning, you jerk!" Asuka answered, a little angry at Shinji for forgetting. *If he made that up I'l ... I'll*

      *Can't be...I couldn't have told her. Did I?* Looking at Asuka, he could tell that she was getting more and more angry by the second. Thinking really hard, Shinji vaguely remembered telling her he liked her more than Rei. Taking a deep breath, "Ye.s.s."

      Asuka's angry scowl was suddenly replaced with one of mischief. "Shinji," Asuka called.

      The tone of Asuka's voice froze Shinji to his seat as he slowly turned his head towards her. *This is not good. She's using that.'I want you to do something for me or else voice.' * "Yes, Asuka?"

      "Are you bored?"

      "Not really." *What is she up to?* Shinji thought.

      "Want to try kissing again?"

      Startled, Shinji just left his mouth hanging.

      "I promise I won't plug up your nose this time. That is, if you aren't too scared," she teased.

      Shaking his head, "I'm not scared!"

      Hearing Shinji's declaration, Asuka moved closer to Shinji and started to kiss him.

      *This is much better without Asuka holding my no......TONGUE?*

To be continued.