MODULE TWO: WHAT'S LEFT BEHIND FIRST PART

Evan remained motionless, staring at his hand as if it were a venomous snake. His heart hammered against his ribs as he tried to process what had just happened. The voice had been so clear, so real, that for a moment he had thought someone else was in the room.

—What... what just happened?— he murmured, feeling panic begin to seep into his voice.

The answer came immediately, cold and cutting as always:

—What are you doing with my body?

Evan felt his breath catch. The voice wasn't coming from speakers or some hidden communicator. It was coming directly from his own mind, as if someone else was speaking from inside his head.

—That... that's not your body— he said aloud, feeling how ridiculous the words sounded as they left his lips. —It's my body. You're... you're dead.

—Dead?— Nyx's voice filled with something Evan had never heard in her before: uncertainty. —No... I don't remember dying. I remember the pain, and then... darkness. But not death.

Evan opened his mouth to respond, but then he realized something strange. He didn't need to speak aloud for her to hear him. He could... he could speak directly with his mind.

This is my body, he thought, directing the thought toward the presence he felt in his head. I don't know how you're here, but this is... this is impossible.

It's not impossible, Nyx responded, her mental voice now clearer and more defined. The neural connection. When the Prometheus was destroyed, when my synchronization chamber was compromised... I must have been transferred through the link.

Suddenly, the world changed.

Evan was no longer in the medical bed. He was standing in an extensive valley, bathed in purple tones that faded to violet at the edges. The sky above him was the color of twilight, full of stars that twinkled like diamonds against velvet. It was beautiful and disturbing at the same time.

And there, a few meters away, stood Nyx.

She wasn't the gaunt and mysterious figure he had seen through the screens. This Nyx was... complete. Her dark hair fell like liquid silk over her shoulders, and her eyes, though still that unsettling white, had a depth he hadn't seen before. She wore something that seemed like a combination between a pilot's uniform and light armor, and moved with a grace that spoke of years of lethal training.

—Where are we?— Evan asked, looking around in amazement.

—In your mind, apparently— Nyx replied, her voice now audible and not just a mental whisper. —Or in some space between your mind and mine.

Evan noticed something else: a giant screen suspended in the sky, as if the sky itself were a window. Through it, he could see the medical room where his body lay motionless, eyes closed, connected to dozens of machines.

—Those are... those are my eyes— he murmured, pointing toward the screen. —As if I were seeing through them from here.

Nyx followed his gaze, and for a moment, her expression softened. But then, the reality of their situation seemed to hit her like a hammer.

—I'm dead— she said, her voice now filled with a cold fury that made Evan step back. —I'm dead, and it's your fault.

—What?— Evan raised his hands defensively. —Nyx, I didn't...

—YOU WEREN'T PREPARED!— Nyx shouted, and her voice reverberated throughout the purple valley. —They told you it was just a simulation, and when the moment of truth came, you froze like a scared child!

Evan felt guilt take hold of him again, but this time there was something more. Something that had been growing inside him during the last few days.

—Frozen?— he replied, feeling his own voice rise. —Nyx, you were the one who insisted on going out! You were the one who deactivated the safety harnesses! That was practically suicide!

—If you had been prepared, it wouldn't have been suicide!— Nyx began walking toward him, and Evan could see there was dangerous energy surrounding her, like static electricity. —If you had trained more, if you had been stronger, if you had been a real pilot instead of a spoiled child playing with toys, we could have won!

—Won?— Evan laughed, but it was a bitter laugh filled with pain. —Won against what? Against a dozen Glacials? Against an entire fleet of the Clade? Nyx, there was no way to win that battle! It was impossible!

—NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!— Nyx roared, and suddenly launched herself at him.

Evan saw her coming, but even in this mental space, she was faster than him. Her fist connected with his jaw, and the pain was as real as if he had been in the physical world. He rolled across the purple ground, tasting blood in his mouth.

—You killed me!— Nyx screamed, jumping on him. —Your incompetence condemned me to death! And now I'm trapped here, with you, in your pathetic mind!

Evan tried to defend himself, but Nyx was a trained combat machine. Every blow she delivered was precise, lethal, designed to cause maximum pain. Evan covered himself as best he could, feeling the blows rain down on him.

—Nyx, stop!— he pleaded. —Please, stop!

—No!— Nyx stopped, panting, but her gaze remained murderous. —If I can no longer be in my own body, then I'll take yours. I'll be the one piloting it from now on.

Evan felt terror take hold of him. He could see something in Nyx's eyes, a cold determination that told him she wasn't joking.

—Nyx, you can't...

—Yes I can!— Nyx extended her hands toward him, and Evan felt something invisible begin to pull at him, as if she were trying to tear something from his chest. —I can take control! I can push you back and use your body as my vehicle!

Evan felt something inside him begin to be pulled outward. It was as if his very essence was being sucked out. He fought against the sensation, but Nyx was stronger, more determined.

—Nyx, wait!— he shouted, trying to reason with her. —Think about it! You can't just take my body!

—Why not?— Nyx replied, not stopping her extraction. —You already wasted it! You already proved you can't use it correctly!

—Because it won't work!— Evan managed to free himself momentarily, rolling backward. —Nyx, think about it! I know my body better than anyone! I know my gestures, my mannerisms, my way of speaking!

Nyx stopped, frowning.

—So?

—Morrison and the others will think it's strange if I suddenly start behaving like you!— Evan stood up slowly, trying to maintain distance. —We're completely different! You're cold, calculating, lethal! I'm... well, I'm me! If I suddenly start acting like you, they'll realize something's wrong!

Nyx looked at him with contempt.

—I don't care what they think.

—But you should care!— Evan insisted, feeling an idea begin to form in his mind. —Nyx, think about it! If you want to use my body, you have to be able to control it correctly! You have to be able to act like me, walk like me, talk like me! We're so different that you won't be able to do it!

Nyx stopped completely, and Evan could see he had captured her attention.

—What do you mean?— she asked, though her voice was still dangerous.

—I mean my body has its own particularities. It has its own reflexes, its own habits. You could control basic movements, but you couldn't replicate my personality. And without that, you'd be discovered immediately.

Evan saw how Nyx processed this information, and continued:

—Besides, you need me to be conscious and cooperating. My body responds to my mind, to my emotions, to my memories. If you kill me or push me completely back, the body will become an empty shell. You won't be able to pilot it effectively.

Nyx looked at him for a long moment, and Evan could see she was considering his words.

—What do you propose?— she asked finally, though her voice remained cold.

—I propose we work together— Evan said, feeling cautious hope begin to grow in his chest. —You have the combat skills I need. I have the body knowledge you need. We can... we can be partners again.

Nyx was silent for a moment, looking at him with those unsettling white eyes.

—Partners— she murmured, as if testing the word. —You killed me, and now you want us to be partners.

—I didn't kill you— Evan said softly. —The Glacials killed you. The Clade killed you. I... I tried to save you, but I wasn't good enough. But maybe... maybe this is our second chance.

Nyx looked at him for what seemed like an eternity. Then, slowly, she lowered her hands.

—Fine— she said, her voice now lacking the murderous fury from before. —But not because I trust you. Because you're right: I need your body functional, and you need my skills. But listen to me well, Evan Veil: at the first sign that you're betraying me, at the first sign that you can't do what needs to be done, I'll take complete control. And this time, there will be no discussion.

Evan nodded, feeling a chill run down his spine.

—Understood.

—Good— Nyx said, and for the first time since the conversation had begun, she smiled. But it wasn't a friendly smile. It was the smile of a predator that had found its prey. —Now, wake up. We have work to do.

The purple valley began to fade, and Evan felt himself being pulled back to reality. The last thing he saw were Nyx's white eyes, watching him with an intensity that promised nothing would ever be the same.

And then, he woke up.

At that moment, Evan opened his eyes in the medical room. But he no longer felt alone in his own body. He could feel Nyx's presence like a cold shadow in the back of his mind, watching, waiting.

His left hand rose slowly, and when he spoke, his voice was barely a whisper:

—Hello, Evan. Welcome to your new life.

But this time, it was he who had moved the hand. And it was he who had whispered the words.

Only he was no longer sure if it had really been him who had decided to do it.

Evan had been awake for barely ten minutes when he heard footsteps approaching down the hallway. The door slid open, and Morrison entered followed by an older man dressed in a white medical coat. The doctor was thin, with gray hair and glasses, and carried a tablet in his hands.

—Evan, this is Doctor Reyes— Morrison said, approaching the bed. —He's been supervising your recovery.

Doctor Reyes smiled professionally as he checked the readings on his tablet.

—Mr. Veil, I'm glad to see you awake. I'm Doctor Reyes, chief physician of this facility. How are you feeling?

Evan hesitated for a moment, feeling Nyx's presence like a cold shadow in his mind.

Tell him you feel fine, Nyx's voice whispered in his head. Don't mention anything about me. Not yet.

—I feel... sore— Evan responded, choosing his words carefully. —Like I've been run over by a truck. But awake.

Doctor Reyes nodded, taking notes on his tablet.

—That's completely normal. You experienced severe trauma both physical and psychological. Neural disconnection syndrome can have lasting effects. Do you have any specific pain? Nausea? Dizziness?

Keep the answers simple, Nyx warned. Doctors ask too many questions.

—A little pain in my chest— Evan said. —And I feel... disoriented. Like I've been sleeping for weeks.

—Three days, technically— Doctor Reyes said with a smile. —But your body needed the rest. The nervous system requires time to recover from traumatic disconnection. Are you experiencing any kind of... internal voices? Thoughts that don't feel like your own?

Evan felt his heart race, but kept his expression neutral.

Lie, Nyx ordered, her voice now colder. Now.

—No, doctor. Just... just confused memories from the combat. Nothing else.

Doctor Reyes studied him for a moment, then made more notes.

—I understand. It's normal to have fragmented memories after trauma. If you experience any unusual symptoms, anything that seems strange to you, please inform me immediately.

—Of course, doctor.

Morrison moved closer to the bed, his expression relieved.

—Evan, I have good news. Kaito and Sarah are fine. Kaito has some bruises and Sarah sprained her ankle during the evacuation, but nothing serious. They both send their regards and are anxious to see you when you're better.

Evan felt genuine relief upon hearing this.

—I'm glad to know that. Where exactly are we?

—Dawn Base— Morrison replied. —It's located in the north of what used to be Argentina. It's one of our most secure facilities, built specifically for situations like this.

Argentina, Nyx murmured in his mind. We're far from home.

—Situations like this?— Evan asked.

Morrison exchanged a glance with Doctor Reyes, who nodded almost imperceptibly.

—Evan, the loss of Aurora was... significant. But it wasn't the only base the Clade attacked that week. There were coordinated attacks on multiple locations. Dawn is one of the few facilities that remain completely operational.

—Multiple attacks?— Evan felt his stomach sink. —How bad is it?

—We lost approximately 40% of our main facilities— Morrison said, his voice heavy. —But it's not all bad news. We've managed to regroup most of our personnel, and Dawn has the facilities to continue both research and training.

Interesting, Nyx commented. The Clade are being more aggressive. This is escalation.

Doctor Reyes checked his tablet once more.

—Mr. Veil, I'd like to keep you under observation for at least two more days. Your body has been through a lot, and I want to make sure there are no late complications.

—I understand, doctor.

—Is there anything else you'd like to know?— Morrison asked. —I know it's a lot to process.

Evan looked at Morrison, then at Doctor Reyes. A question had been gnawing at his mind since he woke up.

—What's going to happen to me now? I mean, I lost the Prometheus. I failed on my first mission. Am I still...?

—Evan, stop— Morrison interrupted firmly. —We already talked about this. You didn't fail. You survived. And as for your future... well, Dawn has training facilities. When you're recovered, if you want to continue, there will be opportunities.

Of course we want to continue, Nyx murmured. We have scores to settle.

—Yes— Evan said, feeling a strange determination settle in his chest. —Yes, I want to continue.

Morrison smiled, and for the first time since Evan had woken up, he seemed genuinely relieved.

—I'm glad to hear that. But first, recovery. Doctor Reyes will make sure you're completely healthy before we do anything.

Doctor Reyes closed his tablet and prepared to leave.

—I'll be back to check on you tonight, Mr. Veil. Meanwhile, rest. Your body has been through an extreme experience, and recovery takes time.

—Doctor— Evan said when the man was heading toward the door. —Is it normal to feel... anger? After what happened, I mean.

Doctor Reyes stopped and turned toward him.

—Absolutely normal. Anger is a natural response to trauma, especially when loss has been experienced. But it's important to channel that anger constructively. Do you feel you can handle it?

Tell him yes, Nyx whispered.

—Yes, doctor. I think I can.

—Good. But if you feel the anger becomes overwhelming, or if you have thoughts of revenge that seem... extreme, please talk to me. I'm here to help you through this.

When Doctor Reyes left, Morrison stayed a few more minutes, talking about minor details: the base's food, recreational facilities, when he might have visits from Kaito and Sarah.

He's boring, Nyx commented. Dismiss him.

—Morrison— Evan said finally. —Thank you for everything. But I think I need to rest a little more.

—Of course— Morrison said, standing up. —I'll be nearby if you need anything. And Evan... I'm glad you're okay. Really.

When Morrison left and the door closed, Evan was alone with Nyx once again.

—Well— he murmured quietly. —We're in Argentina.

Yes, Nyx responded. Far from the Clade. For now.

—What do you think about what Morrison said? About the multiple attacks?

I think the Clade are accelerating their plans, Nyx replied, her mental voice cold and calculating. Aurora wasn't just a raid. It was part of something bigger. And if we lost 40% of our main facilities...

—What does that mean?

It means the war is no longer a future possibility, Evan. It's already begun. And we're losing.

Evan felt a chill run down his spine. Through his room's window, he could see the Argentine mountains stretching toward the horizon, bathed in the golden light of sunset.

But we're not going to keep losing, Nyx continued. Right, Evan?

—No— Evan murmured, feeling that strange determination intensify. —We're not going to keep losing.

Good, Nyx responded, and Evan could feel her cold smile in the back of his mind. Then get ready. Because when we get out of here, we're going to make the Clade pay for what they did.

That night, after the nurses had finished their final rounds and the hallways had fallen into silence, Evan closed his eyes and allowed himself to sink into his own mind.

The transition was smoother this time. There wasn't the violent disorientation from before, just a sensation of slow falling until his feet touched the purple ground of the mental valley. The sky remained the same twilight color, with its stars twinkling like distant diamonds.

Nyx was sitting on what appeared to be a smooth rock near the center of the valley, her gaze fixed on the starry sky. Her legs were crossed, and her hands rested on her knees in a posture that could have been meditative if not for the tension radiating from every line of her body.

Evan approached slowly, unsure if he would be welcome. His steps on the purple ground made no sound, but Nyx spoke without looking at him.

—What do you want, Evan?

—Just... to talk— he replied, stopping a few meters away. —It's been a strange day.

—All days are going to be strange from now on.

Evan moved a little closer, but maintained a respectful distance.

—Nyx, can I ask you something?

She finally turned her head to look at him, her white eyes shining with a cold light in the valley's twilight.

—What?

—During the medical exam... you seemed to know exactly what to say. How to handle the doctor's questions. As if you'd been in similar situations before.

Nyx's face hardened immediately.

—So?

—I was just wondering if... if you'd been in hospitals before. Or medical facilities. After other combats, maybe.

Nyx looked at him for a long moment, and Evan could see something cross her eyes. It wasn't exactly pain, but something like a door closing.

—I don't want to talk about that.

—Okay— Evan said quickly, raising his hands. —You don't have to. I just thought that... well, that maybe we could get to know each other better. Understand each other better.

Nyx stood up in one fluid movement, and Evan could see there was something dangerous in her posture.

—Get to know each other better?— Her voice dripped with disdain. —Evan, we're not friends. We're not roommates. We're not going to braid each other's hair and share secrets.

—I didn't say that—

—Listen to me well— Nyx interrupted, taking a step toward him. —The closest thing to our relationship is that we're enemies forced to be allies. You need me to not die in combat, and I need you to not be trapped in a lifeless body. That's all. There's no friendship here. No mutual understanding. No empathy.

Evan felt the words hit him like physical punches. He had expected resistance, but not this absolute coldness.

—Nyx, I was just trying to—

—To what? To make me feel better? To turn this into something less horrible than it is?— Nyx moved closer, and Evan could see there was fire behind her white eyes. —Evan, I'm dead. My body is dead. My life is dead. Everything I was, everything I had, disappeared when that machine was destroyed. Now I'm a parasite in your head, and you're my only means of existence. There's nothing pretty about this. There's nothing you can say to make it better.

Evan stepped back, feeling familiar guilt settle in his chest.

—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—

—You don't mean anything— Nyx said, her voice now cold as ice. —You want to feel better about yourself. You want to turn this into something manageable, something you can live with. But you can't. Because every day you wake up, you're going to remember that someone died because of your incompetence. And every day I exist, I'm going to remember that I lost everything because I trusted you.

The words hung in the purple air like daggers. Evan remained motionless, feeling each syllable sink into his skin.

—So, no— Nyx continued, turning her back on him. —We're not going to 'get to know each other better'. We're going to coexist. We're going to fight. And maybe, if you're lucky, we'll find a way for both of us to get what we want from this horrible situation.

Evan stood there for a long moment, looking at Nyx's solitary figure against the starry sky. He had expected resistance, but not this absolute wall of rejection.

—I understand— he murmured finally.

—Good— Nyx responded without turning toward him. —Now go. I need to be alone.

Evan nodded, though she couldn't see him, and allowed himself to sink back into natural sleep.

When he woke up in the medical room, the taste of the conversation was still bitter in his mouth. Nyx was right, of course. He had wanted to make the situation more tolerable, more human. But there was nothing human about what had happened to them.

There was only survival.

A week later, Evan found himself in the physical training simulator at Dawn base, sweating profusely as he tried to complete a basic combat routine. His movements were clumsy, slow, and each push-up brought a grimace of pain. The bones that had fractured during the battle against the Glacials were still complaining, and his muscles, weakened by days of inactivity, trembled with each exercise.

—Pathetic— Nyx's voice murmured in his mind, cold as always. —A ten-year-old could do better.

Evan collapsed to his knees, panting. Through the simulator's visor, he could see his statistics: reaction time below average, physical strength deficient, hand-eye coordination barely acceptable.

—I broke every bone a week ago— he muttered between labored breaths. —I'm doing what I can.

—What you can isn't enough— Nyx replied, her voice loaded with contempt. —The Clade aren't going to wait for you to recover. The Glacials aren't going to fight slower because you have "little aches."

—I said I'm doing what I can!— Evan stood up stumbling, wiping sweat from his forehead. —What do you want me to do? Magically heal myself?

—I want you to stop making excuses and really try. I want you to—

The simulator door opened with a hiss, interrupting the mental discussion. Evan turned his head, expecting to see some instructor or technician, but instead saw something that made his heart accelerate with relief.

Morrison entered first, with an arm in a sling and some scratches on his face, but smiling. Behind him came Sarah, limping slightly but with a radiant smile. And lastly, Kaito, who practically bounced with energy despite having a cast on his left wrist.

—Evan!— Kaito shouted, practically jumping toward him. —You're awake! You're training! Oh, please tell me you're okay! I was so worried!

Evan found himself being wrapped in an enthusiastic hug by the Asian pilot, who despite his cast managed to squeeze him tightly. Kaito was smaller than him, but his hug had a warmth that Evan hadn't experienced in... well, in a long time.

—Kaito, calm down— Sarah said, but she was smiling. —You're going to re-fracture something.

—But he looks so good!— Kaito separated, holding Evan by the shoulders and studying his face with bright eyes. —A little pale, maybe, and you definitely need to eat more, but you're alive! You're here!

Evan felt a strange warmth in his chest seeing the genuine concern on Kaito's face. Although they barely knew each other, the pilot's sincerity was almost overwhelming.

—Yes, I'm... I'm fine— Evan murmured, not sure how to handle so much attention. —Are you guys okay? Morrison said you had been injured.

—Pssh!— Kaito waved his casted hand carelessly. —It's just a little scratch! Kaito is too fast for clumsy Glacials!

Sarah approached, and Evan noticed there was something different in her expression. There was a softness in her eyes that he hadn't seen before, a concern that seemed more personal than professional.

—We were told you were training— Sarah said, and Evan could detect a slight nervousness in her voice. —How do you feel? Are you... are you ready for this?

Evan felt his heart accelerate slightly looking at Sarah. Her green eyes seemed brighter than he remembered, and there was something in the way she looked at him that made his stomach feel strange.

Oh, how pathetic, Nyx murmured in his mind, her voice dripping with disdain. Your heartbeat accelerates like a lovesick teenager. Really? Now?

—Shut up— Evan muttered through his teeth, low enough that only Nyx could hear him.

Excuse me? Nyx's voice became dangerous. Did you just tell me to shut up?

—I'm... I'm fine— Evan managed to say, addressing Sarah while trying to ignore the growing fury in his mind. —Still a little sore, but improving every day.

Morrison approached, patting Evan's shoulder with his good hand.

—He looks good considering everything that happened. Doctor Reyes says your recovery has been remarkable.

—How long are you going to stay here?— Evan asked, genuinely curious. Although he had spent only a week with these people, he had realized they were the closest thing to a family he had now.

—Well, that's the thing— Morrison said, exchanging glances with Sarah and Kaito. —We're being transferred to a new unit. Phantom Wing is being rebuilt here at Dawn, and they need experienced pilots to train the new recruits.

—And we want you to join us!— Kaito added, practically bouncing with excitement. —When you're completely recovered, of course! But we're going to be a real team! Like a family!

Evan felt something warm expand in his chest. The idea of belonging to something, of having companions who cared about him, was more attractive than he had expected.

A family, Nyx repeated with bitterness. How sweet. Until one of them ends up dead due to your incompetence too.

Evan gritted his teeth, trying to maintain his neutral expression while dealing with Nyx's venomous comments.

—That... that sounds good— he managed to say. —Really good.

Sarah stepped closer, and Evan could smell her perfume, something light and floral that made his heart accelerate again.

—Are you sure you're ready for this?— she asked, her voice soft. —I know what happened at Aurora was... traumatic. No one would judge you if you needed more time.

Even more pathetic, Nyx commented. Now she's worrying about you like you're a wounded animal. Are you going to start crying too?

—I told you to shut up!— Evan snapped, this time loud enough for everyone to hear.

An uncomfortable silence fell over the group. Morrison, Sarah, and Kaito looked at him with surprised expressions, exchanging worried glances.

—Evan?— Sarah asked softly. —Who are you talking to?

Evan realized his mistake immediately. He had addressed Nyx out loud, and now his new companions thought he was losing his mind.

Excellent work, Nyx murmured with satisfaction. Now they're going to think you're crazy.

—I... I'm sorry— Evan muttered, running a hand through his hair. —I was just... thinking out loud. About Aurora base. About what happened. Sometimes I get angry at myself.

Morrison nodded understandingly, though Evan could see there was concern in his eyes.

—It's normal, Evan. Trauma manifests in different ways. But if you need to talk to someone, we're here. We've all lost people, we've all been through this.

—Thank you— Evan murmured, feeling like an idiot. —Really, thank you.

Kaito, who had been watching everything with worried eyes, suddenly lit up.

—Hey! I have an idea! Why don't you come with us to the cafeteria? We can catch you up on everything that's happening at the base! And the food here is surprisingly good!

Evan looked at his three companions, feeling a mixture of gratitude and guilt. They were good people, and they genuinely cared about him. But every second he spent with them, he felt more like an impostor.

Go with them, Nyx murmured, her voice now cold and calculating. We need information about the base, about the other pilots, about what's happening. And you need to appear normal.

For once, Evan agreed with her.

—Yes— he said, forcing a smile. —That sounds good.