Re:Vangelion - Re: Life to a World of Mechs

Chapter 3: Bad smell

After all the chaos in the apartment, Misato suggested a night out. "Come on, I want to show you two something before you get caught up in NERV's responsibilities. Trust me, it's worth it."

Shinji and I followed her to the car, both of us a little hesitant, but not strong enough to argue. The drive was peaceful, with the city silent at night, only the soft sounds of the engine and the whispers of the wind. I watched the deserted streets as Misato drove with her typical casual enthusiasm.

After a few minutes of climbing up a winding road, Misato stopped the car at a lookout. "We're here!" she announced, getting out and gesturing for us to follow her.

We got out of the car and walked to the edge of the lookout. The view that opened up before us was nothing short of breathtaking. Below, the city stretched out, illuminated by the artificial lights of the streets, the suspended buildings, and the metal structures that seemed to defy gravity. It was a surreal, almost futuristic sight, with the buildings poised to hide underground at any moment.

"Look at that..." Misato said, a mixture of pride and melancholy in her voice. "The fortress city of humanity. This is where we resist, where we stand firm against the Angels."

Shinji looked at the city with a vacant expression. He couldn't decide whether he was impressed or intimidated. I, on the other hand, remained silent, taking in every detail.

"It's amazing!" I finally murmured. "But... it's strange too. It's like it's out of place, you know? Such an advanced city, but built in the middle of so much chaos."

Misato laughed. "That's exactly it. Tokyo-3 isn't a normal city, Subaru. It was designed for times like these."

Shinji looked away. "Why do I have to be a part of this?"

Misato sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Because we all have a role to play, Shinji. I know it's hard."

I stared at the city for a few more moments, my thoughts heavy as lead. I remembered everything I had been through, the loops, the deaths, and the weight of being the only one capable of changing something. I looked at Shinji, who seemed as lost as I was.

"Maybe the question isn't why we're here." I said, breaking the silence. "That means there will be other angels..."

Misato smiled, surprised by the unexpected maturity. "That said, yes..."

We stayed there for a few more minutes, contemplating the city. While the three of us continued to observe the city from the lookout, a deep, mechanical sound echoed through the air. My eyes widened as I saw the buildings begin to emerge from underground, as if they were being born from the bowels of the earth. It was like watching a technological miracle, gigantic towers rising, one after the other, synchronized in an impressive choreography.

"What the hell...?" I murmured, fascinated. "How... how is this possible?"

Misato crossed her arms, a slight smile of pride appearing on her lips. "Welcome to Tokyo-3, boys." she said. "This city was designed to defend itself. When an Angel attacks, the buildings retract underground, protecting civilians and resources. And now that the threat has been neutralized, everything returns to its place."

I stood there, open-mouthed, watching the towers rise to full height. It was a unique spectacle, something I never would have imagined possible. "This... is incredible. It's as if the city is actually alive."

"It is, in a way..." Misato replied. "It's more than a city. It's a bastion, our front line. All of this was made possible by the work of everyone here."

I frowned, looking more closely at the illuminated streets and gleaming buildings. I thought to myself: How is it possible that something like this exists and I've never heard of it?