A Gold Power
By SWZ
Summary: Darkness comes over Toyko-3 as the battle against The Angels continues. But one boy finds a golden light to cut through the darkness as he becomes the new Gold Ranger
I own nothing
Thank you TOAT for Beta reading this
Chapter seven
Several days have passed since the destruction of the 8th Angel. Since then, there have been a couple of unanswered questions buzzing all around Nerv HQ. Such as who or what saved Asuka from the volcano. And why wasn't the event detected on screen down at the base of the Volcano. Ritsuko and Misato were in the midst of investigating the burnt entry plug from Unit-02 for clues. Other than the large mark where it was cut open, it was still intact. But the question remained who or what made the mark.
"Repairs to Unit-02 will be finished by this afternoon, since the damage was minimal," said Ritsuko, reading over her clipboard in Terminal Dogma along with Misato and Maya.
"Sempai, do you really think it was this Gold Ranger character that saved the second child? and if so why wasn't the event detected at the base of the volcano? He should have been detected by our instruments" said Maya at her console station
"It's unclear, Maya, though it was reported that he saved Rei from her apartment fire. So, maybe he is on our side. Maybe he isn't. We can't be sure." Ritsuko replied.
"If it was him, then how could have he remained undetected from the Magi?" Misato asked.
"It's possible he moves too quickly to be seen, or he utilizes an advanced cloaking field technology to mask himself."
" And Asuka, didn't she see anything before she passed out?" Maya asked.
"No, she was found near a tree half a mile from where we were stationed. She said she didn't know who pulled her out of Unit-02, or how she ended up in near base camp." Misato replied.
"Besides, surely someone must have noticed someone wearing gold running around, but still," mused Maya.
The trio pondered this mystery while repairs to Unit-02 were going on. It was then that Ritsuko changed the subject.
"So, how have you and Asuka holding up since Shinji quit being your slave?"
"Shut up!" Misato said, looking away, embarrassed.
"Well, it serves you right for tricking him into doing all to doing all the chores and housework." Ritsuko smirked.
Misato just glared at her friend while Maya just silently giggled and resumed her work.
(The outskirts of Toyko-3)
Shinji, fully morphed into the Gold Ranger, was in the midst of training with the White Aquitian Ranger, Delphine, in the forest outside the city. It was imperative that Shinji learn to properly hone his senses and reflexes and not always depend on his powers or the spirit of Trey inside of him. So now, Shinji is wandering the forest on alert from a possible ambush from Delphine as part of a training exercise.
'Delphine has to be around somewhere around here.' Shinji thought to himself as he looked warily around for her.
A few moments passed and he heard some rustling in the bushes nearby, turning his head to the spot, Shinji steadied himself for attack. The sounds of rustling suddenly started coming from every direction. Meaning Delphine could attack from anywhere, Shinji kept his guard up as he looked around warily. And then…
"Hii- yah!" Delphine cried, as she sprung from her hiding spot and went for a jumping high kick, only for Shinji to narrowly roll out of the way as she landed on her feet.
Shinji took in her full Ranger form. Like his form, it consisted on slim, white body suit with a white skirt with black, thick wristbands on both arms and a white top with a small, black bolt on the left and a small, yellow triangle. Around her waist was a gold belt complete with a holster and blaster. Also with black bands on her white boots and her secondary weapon, her Aquitian sword, strapped onto her back. Her white helmet was different from his, as it had an arrow pointing left on the forehead downward-pointing on her black visor. Her voice snapped Shinji from his stupor.
"Stay on your guard, Shinji. Your enemy won't hesitate to capitalize on any mistake you make." She said, as she rushed at him.
The White Ranger started with a few quick punches, causing Shinji to quickly block. Then, he countered with several strikes of his own. Shinji went for a leg sweep, but jumped back and landed a front kick of her own. The boy scrambled back to his feet and countered her punch and landed a roundhouse kick, knocking his opponent down. She kicked up quickly and hit a high kick on Shinji, staggering him and followed up with another front kick. But Shinji moved and hit another leg sweep, knocking her down. The Gold Ranger readied himself for another attack, but instead the White Ranger got up and said,
"That'll be all for today Shinji." and de-morphed to her Aquitian form.
"Are you sure?" Shinji asked, also de-morphing into his normal self.
"Yes. I must rehydrate myself to replenish my strength." She said as she stepped into the lake nearby, letting the water rejuvenate her body. While Shinji just sat on the grass, tired out from his sparing match with the Alien Power Ranger.
Shinji looked up at the sky and sighed. Everything seemed to be happing so fast that Shinji barely had time grasp it. First, he was called away from his mediocre life in a small town from his father. Then, he was coerced into piloting Eva Unit-01. He wondered how in the world he was brought to this point. He was not only an Eva pilot, but now he was a Power Ranger. Shinji wondered did he deserve to be one. From what Trey told him, they were a young group of strong and brave warriors, kids just like him. Shinji fit into neither one of these categories. He was brought out of his thoughts when Delphine stepped ashore, fully rejuvenated from the water, and sat down next to him.
"Are you feeling any better, Delphine?" Shinji asked, getting a nod from her.
"I am. Thank you, but I must ask what troubles you." Delphine asked, seeing his expression.
"Why was it me? Why was I the one chosen to have this power, I mean?" Shinji asked.
"I just happened to be at the lake where the staff fell then as soon as I touched it I get amazing powers and the spirit of my predecessor is it coincidence or fate?"
The female Aquitian scooted closer to him.
"That depends. Do you believe in coincidences?" She asked him.
"At this point, I don't know what to believe now," Shinji sighed as wrapped her arm around his shoulder in comforting friendly gesture
"You can believe it was coincidence, but fate has a way of showing us otherwise."
"Then, do you believe I have what it takes to be the Gold Ranger?" Shinji asked.
Delphine looked up at the sky and said, "Trey certainly believes, so there was one other who had doubts of being a Ranger just like you did, but he overcame them in time."
"He did?" He asked getting a nod from her.
"Being a Ranger is the greatest honor anyone could ever have. Trey saw something in you to believe you where worthy of that honor, so you must believe it yourself." Delphine stated.
Shinji mulled over her words, saying nothing else as the sun began to dip into the horizon, shining on the water underneath.
(Meanwhile, back in the city)
"Is this really necessary, Asuka?" Hikari asked, as she stood next to Asuka outside the apartment complex where Shinji and Rei lived.
"Of course, that baka should be making my breakfast, lunch and my dinner, not be with Wonder Girl playing house." Asuka said as she walked towards the apartment complex entrance.
Even Asuka had to admit that it was far nicer than Misato's apartment complex, as it had a classic, Japanese-styled water fountain in the front. Walking through the entrance to the girls' luck, they spotted Rei up the stairs on the second floor, walking through the second door on the left. Wasting no time, Asuka marched up the stairs to Shinji and Rei's door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked, or rather banged, on the door loudly. After a few minutes, Rei answered the door.
"Pilot Sohryu, Ms. Horaki, how may help you?" Rei asked in a monotone voice.
"I Demand Baka-Shinji Back!" She shouted.
'I've should've know she do this,' thought Hikari, as she sighed inwardly.
Feeling very irritated at the girls blatant demand, Rei responded, "Shinji is not home at the moment. He left right after school. He did not say where he was going."
"Tell that Baka to make my lunch for tomorrow when I come back!" Asuka said, making Rei narrow her eyes in annoyance.
"I will not. Why do you not try and cook for yourself?" Rei asked.
"Why should I?! Cooking and cleaning is beneath someone of my status!" Asuka declared, while Hikari shook her head.
"Now I see why Shinji left your apartment he does so much and asks so little in return you are exactly as he described you. He will not make your meals anymore so either do so yourself or starve to death."
"Why, you!" Asuka exclaimed as she was about to lunge at the girl, only for Hikari to hold back her friend.
"Sorry to bother you, Rei. We'll be going now. See you at school tomorrow." Hikari said, leading the second child away. Rei merely watched in irritation before closing the door
(Nerv HQ)
It was the next day and the pilots were heading to NERV for array of tests. Rei kept close to Shinji the entire way to NERV HQ while narrowing her eyes at Asuka. Shinji didn't question Rei's sudden hostility towards the German redhead. He figured Asuka made her upset, so he didn't push the issue. The trio reached walked through the entrance and, to their surprise, it was dark as the lights were out.
"It's not working," said Shinji as he tried to get his ID through the reader.
"It won't open?!" Asuka asked.
"No, it won't. Something is wrong." Shinji said.
"The Geo Front seems to have been shut down," said Rei, also attempting access.
"How?"
"Quite possibly internal sabotage." Rei said.
"Oh, come on! You can't necessarily believe that!" Asuka scoffed.
"Maybe, we should try and find another way in, Rei. You've been here the longest. Can you find your way around Nerv, even in the dark?" Shinji asked, getting a nod from the girl.
"Yes, Shinji I believe I can find my way around ." Rei said, taking the lead with Shinji following suit.
"HEY! WAIT FOR ME!" Asuka shouted as went after them.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(Nerv Bridge)
What's going on?" Ritsuko asked as she stormed into the now powerless control room.
"Don't know. The Geofront's been shut down." Shigeru said, underneath his console, trying to get some kind of power up.
"Great! What if an Angel attacks now?" the blond asked.
"That would be incredibly inconvenient. But we've had no confirmation about this." Fuyutsuki said.
"And we're not going to as long as we have no power." Gendo said. "Can we restore power?"
"Of course, but there's the possibility that whoever shut down our systems wants us to reboot our power in order to get an effective read on the layout of our base." Ritsuko said.
"Is there anything you can do about that, Dr Akagi?" Fuyutsuki asked the blond.
"I can create a false systems feed into the Magi system that would fool anyone else."
"You can do that?"
"Yes, Sub-Commander," the doctor answered.
"Do it," Gendo ordered.
Ritsuko and Maya started off, even with what limited power they had. Using one of the disks that Ritsuko had specially made for this situation, Fuyutsuki had another thought.
"What if the Angels do attack now? It would be the perfect opportunity." The sub-commander said.
"Then, we should get the Evangelions ready." Gendo said calmly.
Suddenly, Makoto Hyuga exploded through the doors, a panicked look on his face.
"There's An Angel Heading For Us!" the glasses-wearing computer tech shouted.
"Are you sure?" Ritsuko asked him.
"Yes! It was confirmed by the JSSDF!" He exclaimed, holding up a long-range satellite phone that he had purchased yesterday morning.
"We need the Evas now!" Maya said.
"How? There's no power." Fuyutsuki said calmly, though inside, he was sweating.
"Obviously, we'll have to do it manually. Come, Fuyutsuki." Gendo said, heading towards the Eva cages.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(Toyko-3)
The Angel, which looked like a giant, black, four-legged spider with multi-colored eyes landed square in the center of darkened city. The Angel proceeded to drill underground towards Nerv HQ. The city itself was without any sort of protection…or so it seemed.
"It's been a long time since I've faced a monster such as this. Though, I've always faced such things with my fellow Rangers." Delphine mused as stood on a rooftop, watching the Angel drill unground unopposed.
"But I know I am never alone, for the power of Aquitar is always with me. So now, it's Morphin' Time! White Aquitar Ranger Power!" She shifted into her Ranger form.
"Now, Tidal Energies of the galaxy, hear my call! White Battle Borg, Power up!" Delphine called as a small, white flare of energy appeared several feet away from the Angel.
It materialized into a gigantic, White humanoid robot somewhat identical to her Ranger form. Delphine, being able to telepathically control her Borg, willed it to attack the drilling Angel.
Delphine's first move was to knock it off balance by kicking off its drilling point. The Battle Borg followed her movements, exactly to the detail. The Angel got back up on all four of its legs and stood to face its attacker. Delphine willed her Borg to charge forth towards the enemy, starting out with a roundhouse kick, knocking it back. The Angel retaliated by tackling the Borg, causing it to stumble, but remained on its feet.
"It'll take more than that to bring me down!" Delphine declared, as she charged for another attack.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(Meanwhile at Nerv)
The three pilots continued to trek their way around in the now dark halls of Nerv. And so far, they haven't come across a single Nerv employee yet. It seemed like an endless maze without end. And with the power down all around the complex, the trio had no way of knowing the current situation. While Shinji trusted Rei's knowledge since she spent most of her life here, Asuka, on the other hand, was different story.
"DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING WONDER GIRL!?" Asuka shouted trailing behind Shinji and Rei.
Wincing at her tone Rei responded,
"There is no need to be so loud, Pilot Sohryu. I can hear you just fine."
Shinji moved in close to her and said,
"That's one of the reasons why I left her apartment."
"Indeed," replied Rei.
Asuka, thinking that they might be whispering about her, marched up behind them, or was about to until…
CLANG!
"Did you two hear that?" Shinji asked, hearing the sound as both his companions turned to him.
"Hear, what you Baka?" Asuka asked.
"I did not hear anything," said Rei
Clang!
Shinji furrowed his brow in discernment, trying to find the source of the noise.
"I'm going to go check it out. There might be someone nearby trying to signal for help." Shinji said, walking off.
"Shinji, we should stay together," said Rei, but it was too late.
He disappeared quickly from view, leaving the First and Second Children alone.
"Let the Baka go! He'll probably get stuck someplace and us along with him." Asuka said snidely.
"I am going to go look for him," said Rei, walking off, also mostly to get away from the German redhead.
"HEY! DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND!" Asuka shouted as she went after the First Child.
However, at that moment, Shinji emerged from a dark corner. He felt bad about deceiving both girls, but it was necessary. Just in case he needed to morph, he couldn't allow anyone to know his identity. He quickly went down the opposite direction of Rei and Auska to find the source of the noise.
Rei continued to make her trek down the hallway after quickly, and thankfully, losing the Second Child. Now, she was walking alone in the halls of Nerv, searching for any signs of life…and of course, her roommate.
'Shinji, where are you'? Rei thought worriedly as she continue.
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't notice the top of a short staircase she was walking towards. Rei paused for a moment to check if anyone was behind her. Seeing that she was still completely alone, she kept moving until…
"Ah!" Rei cried as she suddenly slipped and tumbled down the steps.
She hit the floor with a large thud. It took her a few moments, but managed to make it up to her feet again. Rei tried moving, but to her shock she injured herself. More specifically, it was her ankle. The First Child used the nearby wall support to pick herself up.
'I must find someone,' thought Rei, as she hobbled along the wall for support.
Shinji continued to walk the complex of Nerv HQ. And still, it continued to confuse and disorient him. The boy started to become worried about Rei and Asuka as they were still in the dark as he was. He kept going until he heard that familiar clanging sound again. This time, Shinji followed the source, going through a couple of corridors until he found a few men in a jumpsuits standing by the consoles. Obviously, they were the saboteurs.
"They've must have caused the blackout in Nerv," Shinji whispered to himself.
"Hurry up! It won't be long until Nerv catches on to us." One man said.
"I'd better stop them. It's Morphin Time! Gold Ranger Power!" Shinji called, crossing his arms. The golden energy encircled him, changing him into the Gold Ranger. Shinji, now fully morphed, confronted the men head on.
"Stop right there!" The Gold Ranger ordered, catching the saboteurs' attention.
"Huh? Who are you?" asked the man with a large wench in hand.
"I'm called the Gold Ranger, and you're going down!"
"I don't think so!" the man growled, as he and his cohorts moved to attack.
Shinji, however, called for his staff and took them down in an instant using Gold Rush. As the men were down and out, he proceeded to tie him up until Section 2 found him or lights came back on. Whichever one came first.
"Well, that was easy. Now, I'd better find the others." Shinji whispered after quickly finding some rope to tie the men so they wouldn't escape.
Exiting the area he was in, Shinji traveled along a dimly-lit hallway in search of others. Activating his staff to light his way, the Ranger continued his way and so far, he found nothing. He was about to travel another corridor until a soft cry caught his attention. Following the sound, he went around the corner to find.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Rei continued to hobble along the hallway trying to find help. Her ankle injury seemed to be getting worst every time she moved. But she was determined to keep pressing forward, despite her injury.
"I must keep on going. I must…" Rei groaned as she slumped on the floor, her pained ankle getting worst.
The sounds of footsteps caught her ears as she struggled to get to a standing position. As the sounds grew closer, Rei looked up to see a light coming straight towards her. She took a step back, but it only served to aggravate the pain, the light moved slightly to reveal a figure clad in black and gold. Her red eyes widened in the realization to who it was. It was the one who saved her when her old apartment caught fire. It was the Gold Ranger, here in Nerv HQ. Then, she wondered how he got inside headquarters. Her musings where cut short when he spoke.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you." He spoke in soft, assured tone. Leaning on the wall for support, Rei was at a loss for words, then felt herself being picked up bridal style.
"Let's see if we can find anyone else here," said the Gold Ranger, carrying Rei and his staff lighting the way.
(Tokyo-3 above ground)
Delphine, controlling her Battle Borg, was still in the midst fighting the Angel. She willed her Borg to push the Angel towards the outskirts of city. Deciding to end it here, the Alien Ranger powered her Borg for a final attack.
"By the power of Aquitar, behold my Battle Borg's ultimate attack." Delphine cried as she got into a Goku-like position, as if she was attempting the Kamehameha Wave. The Borg mimicked her move exactly as it started to gather energy between its hands. It began to expand until it reached its peak.
"Now, WHITE AQUITAR THUNDER BLAST!" Delphine shouted as she willed her Battle Borg to release the full force of the energy towards the spider Angel. The Angel got up, but couldn't avoid the blast quick enough as the energy beam exploded from its hands going through the spider Angel causing it to explode destroying it completely.
"Thanks to hydro power, my mission is completed," stated Delphine, then something falling from the sky caught her attention.
A large, blazing ball of fire fell from the sky and crashed into the mountainside. Miles away from Tokyo-3, even as the city started to light up, meaning power was being restored. At first, she didn't know what to make of it until she felt a familiar energy signature. So Delphine set out to investigate after recalling her Battle Borg.
(Nerv Bridge)
Thanks to the efforts of Maya and Ritsuko, power was being restored to all of Nerv HQ, bringing all systems back on line. Makoto and Shigeru did a scan for a blue pattern, but to their surprise they found none. But a report from Section-2 came in. They found saboteurs near the power grid, knocked out and tied up. Asuka managed to find her way to bridge when the lights came back on, but still no sign of Shinji or Rei.
"I hope Shinji and Rei are okay. They should find their way here now that some of the power is restored." Misato said.
"Who cares about Wonder girl and Baka? I'm here. That's what matters." Asuka said, leaning against the wall. While up above, the sub-commander and commander were engaged in conversation.
"Could something have happened to the Angel while we were in the dark?" Fuyutsuki asked, his hands behind his back.
"It is unknown. We will have to investigate once we are fully operational again," replied Gendo.
'Could it have been the Gold Ranger responsible for its disappearance or destruction? or was it something else?' thought the sub-commander
"Status report," Gendo ordered from his seat.
"We should have full power back in a few hours sir," said Ritsuko, peering over Maya's shoulder.
"Good."
As the crew proceeded to their work, the doors suddenly opened. At first, they thought it was the result of more of Nerv's power coming back online, since no one came through. They thought wrong. A figure clad in black and gold walked in, carrying an injured Rei Ayanami in his arms. Rei herself felt more than content his arms, her injury was nearly forgotten as she unconsciously settled herself more firmly into his arms. The Ranger walked nearly to the center a few feet away from Misato and Ritsuko, though Asuka was the first to notice.
"Who the Hell are you?!" demanded the redhead, getting the crew's attention and they turned around and gasped.
It was the mysterious Gold Ranger himself, carrying the First Child in his arms. Ignoring their gazes, Shinji carefully placed the injured girl down on the floor, careful not to aggravate her injury. And for second time in her life, she smiled.
"Thank you for helping me, Gold Ranger," Rei smiled.
He nodded as Shinji smiled underneath his helmet. Then, he turned his attention back to Misato and the others, wondering how he could explain his getting in here. There was an intense, awkward silence surrounding the area. That was until the commander broke it.
"So, you're the so called Gold Ranger, eh?" Gendo asked, getting his attention.
The Ranger looked up to see the cold commander of Nerv and his father. Before anything else was said and for the first time that night, Trey spoke.
"(Be careful, Shinji I sense a great amount of evil intent coming from him)." Trey said sensing it even from within Shinji. Shinji, spotting a ledge near the commander's position, jumped high in in the air and landed on the ledge effortlessly. That feat alone impressed all who were currently watching. Shinji stood on the ledge, folding his arms, waiting to hear what Gendo had to say.
"Well, it seems there is more to you than just your appearance." Gendo said in a monotone voice, taking in his form.
While Shinji himself was glad that the visor and helmet hid his face, everyone was looking on in curiosity wondering who or what was he.
"How did you manage to get into to our headquarters?" Gendo asked.
Shinji thought it best not to say anything that could give away his identity. Fortunately, sub-commander Fuyutsuki made the save.
"Did you follow our pilots?" respectfully asked the sub-commander, getting a nod from him. While the rest of the Nerv staff figured he must have gotten in due the blackout.
"Well, while we don't know your motives, but you have certainly made an impact." Gendo said, getting just silence and taking it as sign to continue.
"Well, you see our purpose is to defeat the Angels no matter the cost."
"(Meaning he does not care if the ensuing battles cost hundreds of innocent lives.") said Trey from within Shinji's mind.
"Someone of your…skills could be quite useful to us," Gendo said coldly, 'though useful to the scenario'
"Why, don't we take the time to discuss it, face to face," Gendo offered, wanting to know what can he do.
The Gold Ranger merely kept silent as the rest of Nerv watched the two. The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife. And Gendo's usually cold emotionless face was broken as it scrunched into annoyed look.
"Say something!" Gendo barked, getting annoyed with the Ranger's silence. The Gold Ranger unfolded his arms, stuck one hand out and, as if like magic, his staff appeared in a flash of light, amazing everyone in the room.
"How did he do that?" question Ritsuko.
"I'll be watching you Gendo, "said Gold Ranger, pressing a button and making a blinding flash of light, illuminating the entire room and blinding everyone. When it died down, the Gold Ranger disappeared, leaving Gendo frowning and Fuyutsuki , despite shaking his head and regaining his full sight, in awe.
A few hours later, Shinji and Rei were resting in their new apartment, completely undisturbed. When Shinji turned up, he had made up the excuse that he got lost in a seemingly old part of Nerv as not to arouse suspicion and appeared when Rei was being tended to by Dr. Akagi. The pair had heard of an Angel that approached the city, but it was never truly confirmed since the power was down. And if that was the case, why didn't it penetrate headquarters when the power grid was down. It was a mystery, but it had to be one for another time, though Shinji suspected it was Delpine's doing. So, while Rei rested her ankle on the couch, Shinji was heading out.
"I'm heading to the market to get some ice Rei I'll be back in twenty minutes." he said getting a nod from her.
As Shinji stepped outside and closed the door, he took in the night air then heard a sound coming from the distance of the mountain area. Playing it off as if he were hearing things, the boy headed down the steps, and as he walked out the front, entrance he heard it again. This time, it sounded like…a roar.
"What was that sound?" Shinji asked, looking up at the night sky.
End chapter
End Notes: Man! That was tough very tough and I'm sorry this took so long. Now as for the Battle Borg fight scene give me break I tried my best with what I had. Besides if you look at the facts No single Zord like Delphine's battle Borg could defeat an angel on its own so I had to juice it up and I promise to try to make Gold Ranger's next scene a bit better not rushed keyword try. A big thank you to TOAT for beta reading. The next chapter will debut Shinji's Zord now next time on A Gold Power:
"The names Kenshin Masaki and I could teach you how to fight kid "
"I'm Della Phoenix it's nice to meet you "
"Our scanners are detecting a blue pattern above the earth"
"Battle Borg power up "
" This is your Zord Shinji "
