The next morning dawned hazy, with the early sunlight barely making its way through the cracks in Misato’s blinds. You woke up slowly, stretching your arms and feeling the familiar aches of the previous day’s training. It was surreal to think that this strange new life—as a pilot defending humanity—had become your reality.
As you shuffled into the kitchen, you found Misato hunched over a pile of paperwork, a coffee mug in hand. “Morning, rookie,” she greeted you, her voice groggy. She took a sip and gestured to a bowl of instant noodles on the counter. “Breakfast of champions, right there.”
“Thanks… I think.” You grabbed the bowl, sitting down across from her. It’s going to take a while to get used to this routine, you thought.
“You did well yesterday,” she remarked, finally looking up from her papers. “It’s rare for someone new to sync so quickly with the EVA, even in the simulator.”
“Thanks,” you replied, rubbing the back of your neck. “Though I’m guessing the real thing will be a lot tougher.”
Misato nodded, her gaze becoming more serious. “Absolutely. But that’s why we’re training you. And you’re not alone—Rei and the others are part of this too.” She paused, then added, “Speaking of which, you’ll be doing some team-based exercises with Rei today.”
Your stomach tightened at the thought. Rei Ayanami was still a mystery to you—a quiet, almost spectral figure who seemed detached from everything around her. Training together meant you’d have a chance to see her in action, to maybe learn a bit more about her.
---
The training room was a familiar sight by now: the polished floors, the hum of machines, and the occasional echo of voices bouncing off the walls. You entered to find Rei already there, standing in her plugsuit and staring at the simulation screens.
“Hey, Rei,” you greeted, attempting a casual tone.
She turned to you, her red eyes unblinking. “Good morning.”
Her voice was soft, almost devoid of emotion, but there was something in her gaze that held you in place. The other NERV personnel began setting up the simulators, and as the two of you prepared, you couldn’t help but wonder about the life she must have led—one that molded her into such an enigmatic figure.
Does she ever get nervous? you thought, glancing at her.
“Are you ready?” she asked, snapping you out of your thoughts.
“Yeah. Let’s do this.”
The simulation booted up, and the familiar Angel silhouette filled the screen. You were in your cockpit, synced with the EVA, every nerve on edge. Rei’s unit appeared in your peripheral vision, moving with a fluidity that only came from experience.
The Angel surged forward, and the simulation exploded into chaos.
“Engage!” Misato’s voice crackled through the comms. “Work together!”
Rei moved with precision, her EVA unit darting forward to intercept the Angel’s attack, giving you just enough time to reposition. You took a deep breath and focused, allowing the movements of the EVA to become an extension of yourself.
“Keep up,” Rei’s voice echoed through the comms, and you detected the faintest hint of impatience.
You clenched your fists, determined not to let her down. “Right behind you!”
The Angel lunged again, and this time, you and Rei moved in sync. It was strange, almost intuitive—the way she anticipated each attack, creating openings for you to counter. The simulation continued, each of you covering the other’s blind spots, until finally, you managed to land a decisive blow.
The screens went dark, and the simulation ended.
“Not bad,” Misato’s voice broke the silence. “You’re starting to understand how to work as a team.”
Rei exited her unit first, her expression as unreadable as ever. As she walked past you, she gave a small nod—something that felt like the closest thing to approval you’d get.
“Thanks for the assist,” you said, trying to gauge her reaction.
“It was necessary,” she replied, her tone even. “You need to improve if you are to succeed in combat.”
Her words were blunt, but they resonated with a quiet honesty that you respected.
---
Back in the observation room, Misato gave you a quick debrief. “You’re adjusting well. But remember, the Angels don’t follow predictable patterns. The real test will be adapting in the field.”
You nodded, absorbing her advice. “I’ll do my best.”
“Good. Now go get some rest before the next session. There’s only so much training your mind can take,” she added with a wry smile.
As you headed out, you noticed Rei standing by herself near the door. You hesitated, then walked over, curiosity compelling you.
“Hey, Rei. About today... I just wanted to say thanks. I think I learned a lot from working with you.”
She regarded you with a measured gaze. “We are pilots. It is our purpose to fight.”
Her response was as detached as ever, but something in her tone made you think she was more aware of her surroundings than she let on. Before you could say anything else, she turned and walked away, leaving you alone in the corridor.
What drives her? you wondered as you watched her go.
---
Later that evening, back at Misato’s apartment, you replayed the events of the day in your mind. The training had been intense, but it felt like a step forward. Rei’s words echoed in your mind, her calm determination both inspiring and haunting.
“Lost in thought?” Misato asked, plopping down on the couch next to you with a fresh can of beer.
You blinked, snapping out of your reverie. “Yeah… just thinking about today.”
“Rei has that effect,” she said, cracking open the beer and taking a long sip. “She’s got this… intensity that’s hard to ignore.”
You nodded. “She’s different, that’s for sure. I don’t think I’ve met anyone like her.”
Misato smirked. “No one has. But give it time; you’ll start to understand her. And maybe she’ll understand you, too.”
As the night wore on, the weight of the day settled on your shoulders, but there was a growing resolve within you. You were part of something much larger than yourself, and every interaction, every training session brought you closer to the heart of NERV’s mission.
And somewhere in the back of your mind, you couldn’t shake the feeling that this journey had only just begun.
---
This brings Chapter 2 to a close,
YOU ARE READING
fracture skies
FanfictionIn a world teetering on the brink of destruction, [Your Name] finds himself thrust into the chaotic life of a NERV pilot, destined to battle against otherworldly beings known as Angels. Replacing Shinji Ikari, he grapples with the weight of his new...
