MODULE TWO: WHAT'S LEFT BEHIND SECOND PART

The group walked through the hallways of Dawn base, with Kaito chatting animatedly about the new facilities and Sarah occasionally adding technical details. Evan half-listened, trying to maintain an interested expression while dealing with Nyx's constant comments in his mind.

It was when they passed by one of the large panoramic windows that Evan stopped abruptly.

—What...?— he murmured, looking outside with incredulity.

Outside, snowflakes were falling heavily, covering the Argentine mountainous landscape in a white blanket that seemed to extend to the horizon. The snow was accumulating against the window glass, and Evan could see that the storm was intense enough to reduce visibility to barely a few meters.

That's not right, Nyx murmured in his mind, her voice now tense with something Evan hadn't heard before: genuine concern. We're in the middle of March. It shouldn't be snowing in Argentina. Something is wrong.

The situation is worse than we thought, Evan thought, feeling a chill run down his spine that had nothing to do with the sight of the snow.

It could be worse, Nyx replied, though her voice didn't sound convinced. But this... this suggests that climate changes are accelerating. Glacials don't just awaken when there's combat. They also respond to certain environmental changes.

—Evan?— Sarah had approached him, noticing he had remained motionless in front of the window. —Everything okay?

—The snow— Evan murmured, pointing outside. —Is it normal for it to snow here in March?

Morrison approached, following his gaze toward the storm.

—No, it's not normal. We've been experiencing strange weather patterns during the last few weeks. Scientists believe it's related to large-scale Glacial activities. When they awaken in large numbers, they seem to affect local temperature.

—Large numbers?— Evan asked, feeling his stomach sink.

—Yes, but don't worry too much about that now— Morrison said, patting his shoulder. —Things have been improving considerably. Fortunately, the Clade didn't completely take Aurora base, so many things could be saved from the invasion. Among the most important, a little gift that we'll go see later.

Kaito practically bounced with excitement.

—Oh, you're going to love it! It's incredible! Morrison, tell him about—!

—Don't ruin the surprise, Kaito— Sarah interrupted with a smile. —Let's let it be a real surprise.

The Clade no longer fight for resources or territory, Nyx observed, her voice now cold and analytical. They're fighting to demonstrate superiority. This is ideological escalation, not resource warfare.

Evan nodded almost imperceptibly, then addressed Morrison.

—Morrison, can I ask you something? My father never deigned to tell me the complete story. What exactly are the Clade? I know they're our enemies, but... why?

Morrison exchanged a glance with Sarah, then leaned against the window.

—It's a complicated story, Evan. The Clade are a human faction that separated from the MECHANOID project approximately two decades ago. Their official excuse was that it was better to adapt to changes instead of fighting against them.

They're traitors, Nyx murmured with bitterness. They abandoned humanity when we needed them most.

—They believe we're only causing more harm than good— Morrison continued. —They fight us because they don't want us to keep fighting. They want to adapt to this new world, while we want to fight for our original world.

—It's a fundamental philosophical difference— Sarah added, her voice loaded with frustration. —They see the Glacials as a new form of life we must coexist with. We see them as a threat that must be eliminated.

Evan processed this information, feeling the pieces begin to fit together in his mind.

—So... why do they also have MKs?— he asked. —If they want to adapt, why do they need war machines?

Nyx laughed in his mind, and Evan could feel a sarcastic smile forming on his lips without his permission.

—Because they're copycats— he murmured, Nyx's words coming out of his mouth before he could stop them.

Morrison looked at him with surprise.

—Excuse me?

Evan blushed, realizing he had vocalized Nyx's thoughts again.

—I'm sorry, I... I just thought it was ironic. They say they want to adapt, but they use the same weapons we do.

—It's not that simple— Sarah said, though there was a smile on her face. —They modified MECHANOID technology for their own purposes. Their machines are designed to control Glacials, not destroy them.

How noble of them, Nyx commented sarcastically. Control the monsters that have killed millions of people.

—But enough politics for now— Morrison interrupted, moving away from the window. —Let's go to the cafeteria. Kaito is right about the food, and I think we all need something hot with this weather.

As they walked through the hallways, Evan couldn't help but look back toward the window where the snow kept falling. There was something ominous about the sight, something that told him the changes they were experiencing were just the beginning.

Nyx, he thought, addressing the presence in his mind. How bad can this get?

Worse than you can imagine, she replied, her voice now somber. Glacials aren't just predators, Evan. They're terraformers. Every time they awaken in large numbers, they change the environment to make it more habitable for them... and less habitable for us.

Evan swallowed, feeling the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders like a heavy blanket.

And the "little gift" Morrison mentioned?

Probably another machine, Nyx murmured. Something they rescued from Aurora. But Evan... don't get your hopes up too much. A machine isn't going to change the fact that we're losing this war. Only we can make that difference.

We? Evan thought.

I, Nyx replied.

The cafeteria at Dawn base was surprisingly cozy for a military installation. The tables were arranged in small groups, and the large windows facing the snowy mountains provided a spectacular, though unsettling, view. The aroma of hot food filled the air, mixing with the murmur of conversations from other soldiers and technicians.

Evan followed his companions to a table in a corner, where they would have some privacy. Kaito practically jumped into his seat, while Sarah sat more gracefully, and Morrison took the head of the table with the natural authority of a leader.

—Well, first things first— Morrison said, pointing toward a serving station. —The food here is buffet style. Serve yourself whatever you want, but I warn you: the cook is ex-Argentine military, so everything has a spicy touch.

Evan headed toward the serving station, feeling how other soldiers' eyes followed him. Some looked at him with curiosity, others with something that seemed like respect, and a few with something that could have been pity. He tried to ignore the stares while serving himself a plate of what appeared to be stewed meat with vegetables.

Everyone knows who you are, Nyx murmured in his mind, her voice cold as always.

Evan gritted his teeth, trying to maintain his neutral expression while returning to the table. His companions were already seated with their own plates, chatting animatedly.

—...and then Kaito literally jumped out of his machine while it was still moving— Sarah was saying, with an amused smile. —I think he broke a Darwin record!

—Hey!— Kaito protested, waving his fork. —It worked, didn't it?!

—By pure luck— Morrison added, but there was affection in his voice. —You're still crazy, Kaito.

Evan sat down, feeling strangely out of place amidst the camaraderie. These three had been together for years, had shared missions, victories, and losses. He was the newcomer, the intruder in their established dynamic.

—Well, Evan— Sarah said, turning toward him with a warm smile. —Tell us about yourself. Morrison told us the basics, but we want to get to know you better.

Evan hesitated, not sure where to start.

—There's not much to tell, really. My father was Marcus Veil, worked at Aurora as chief engineer. I grew up in the facilities, so I guess this is all I've known my whole life.

—Marcus Veil— Sarah murmured, her expression changing slightly. —Your father was brilliant. I worked with him on some projects before I was transferred to active combat. He was... intense, but his designs saved many lives.

Evan nodded, feeling the familiar pang of guilt at mentioning his father.

—Yes, he was... dedicated to his work.

Morrison caught the tone in his voice and changed the subject smoothly.

—And what about training? Do you like piloting?

—I can't say I like it, I've barely piloted once and... it didn't end well, but I liked being in an MK— Evan replied with a bitter smile. —Though I suppose I still have a lot to learn.

—We all had to learn— Kaito said, his voice unusually serious. —My first mission was a total disaster. I almost destroyed my own machine trying to do a maneuver I had seen in a simulation.

—Where are you from, Kaito?— Evan asked, genuinely curious.

—Tokyo, originally. Well, what's left of Tokyo— Kaito replied, his expression darkening momentarily. —My parents were engineers too. They worked on the coastal defense project when... when the Glacials arrived. We lost the city when I wasn't even born, so i lived in ruins all my life.

An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. Evan realized that everyone had lost something important in this war.

—And you, Sarah?— he asked, trying to maintain the conversation.

Sarah smiled, though there was sadness in her eyes.

—Well, you know the basics. I'm Chen's niece, the one who designed the first MECHANOIDs. I grew up hearing stories about the project, about the early days of the revolution. My uncle always said that someday I would continue his work.

—And do you?— Evan asked.

—In a way, yes. Every time I pilot, I'm using his technology, fighting for his dream. But also... I'm also fighting for my own family. I lost my parents when the Clade attacked the Sydney facility. My uncle raised me since then.

How touching, Nyx murmured sarcastically. Everyone has their little tragedies.

Evan ignored the comment, focusing on Morrison.

—And you, Morrison? How did you end up here?

Morrison leaned back in his chair, a nostalgic expression crossing his face.

—Military family, all my life. My father, my grandfather, my great-grandfather... all soldiers. When the Glacial threat appeared, it was natural that I would join. I started young, very young. I was seventeen when I had my first real mission.

—Did you have a partner?— Evan asked, remembering that most pilots worked in pairs.

Morrison's expression became more somber.

—Yes. Ivan Sidorov. He was... he was my best friend. We grew up together in the program, trained together, fought together. He was my partner for almost my entire life.

—What happened to him?— Evan asked, though part of him already suspected the answer.

—When I was promoted to Hellframe, he stayed in regular combat. He needed a new partner, and the commanders thought it would be a good idea to pair him with...— Morrison hesitated, exchanging a glance with Sarah and Kaito. —With Nyx.

Oh, here we go, Nyx murmured in Evan's mind, her voice now cold and dangerous.

—Ivan was a good guy— Morrison continued, his voice loaded with sadness. —Optimistic, always trying to see the best in people. I thought maybe he could... well, that maybe he could connect with Nyx in a way that others hadn't been able to.

—And what happened?— Evan asked, though he already knew the story wouldn't end well.

Morrison sighed deeply.

—He lasted six months. Six missions. On the seventh, there was a misunderstanding in communications. Ivan tried to protect Nyx from an attack she had already seen coming. He got in her way, and... and she couldn't adjust her trajectory in time.

—Did she kill him?— Evan asked, feeling his stomach sink.

—It was an accident— Sarah said quickly. —It wasn't intentional. But Ivan ended up in the hospital with severe brain injuries. He went into a coma, and... and he's still like that.

Morrison rubbed his eyes, and Evan could see the pain he still carried.

—I visit Ivan whenever I can at Hope. The doctors say maybe someday he'll wake up, but it's been two years. I... I hope someday I can see him open his eyes again.

Ivan was weak, Nyx suddenly murmured, her voice cold and merciless.

Evan tensed, feeling Nyx's words fill him with fury. He wanted to yell at her, wanted to tell her she was wrong, but he knew he couldn't do it in front of his companions.

—I'm sorry— he murmured instead, addressing Morrison. —I'm sorry about what happened to Ivan. And I'm sorry about what happened to Nyx too.

Morrison looked at him with surprise.

—Why are you apologizing? It wasn't your fault.

—Because... because I was the last one to work with her. Because I couldn't save her. Because maybe if I had been better, if I had been more prepared, she would still be here.

A silence fell over the table. Kaito was the first to speak.

—Evan, you can't blame yourself for what happened. Nyx was... well, she was complicated.

—Complicated is a nice way to put it— Sarah murmured. —Evan, I know this might sound horrible, but Nyx wasn't easy to love. She was brilliant, yes, and an incredible pilot, but she was also cold, calculating, and sometimes... sometimes cruel.

—But still, her death affected all of us— Morrison added. —She had been with us for years. She was part of the team, even if it didn't always feel that way.

—She was... difficult— he admitted. —Always cold, always calculating. She didn't talk much, and when she did, it was usually to criticize something we had done wrong.

—But she was an incredible pilot— Sarah added quickly. —Probably the best I've seen. Her reflexes were inhuman, her precision was perfect, and she never, never allowed herself to make mistakes.

Morrison nodded, though there was something sad in his expression.

—Nyx didn't allow herself to be human. She didn't allow herself to have weaknesses or emotions. It was as if she had decided that being a perfect machine was more important than being a person.

—But did you guys get along with her?— Evan asked.

The three exchanged glances again, and Evan could see something uncomfortable in their expressions.

—Honestly?— Kaito said, scratching his neck. —Not really. She never... never opened up to us. She never shared anything personal, never joined us for meals like this, never laughed at my jokes.

—It was like working with a ghost— Sarah murmured. —She did her job, fulfilled her duties, but never felt like a real teammate. More like... like a soldier who had been assigned to us.

Evan could feel something breaking in Nyx's presence, as if their words had pierced some kind of emotional armor.

—But when...— Morrison stopped, running a hand over his face. —When we found out she had died, it affected us more than we expected. Even if we weren't close, she had been part of our team. She had been there, being constant, being reliable.

—I feel guilty— Sarah said suddenly, her voice barely a whisper. —Because we never tried hard enough. We never made a real effort to get to know her, to make her feel welcome. We always thought she would eventually open up, that she would eventually become more... human.

Kaito nodded, with tears shining in his eyes.

—I kept making stupid jokes, hoping that someday she would laugh. But she never did. And now she never will.

The silence that followed was heavy, full of guilt and regret. Evan could feel how Nyx had become completely quiet in his mind, as if she had stopped existing completely.

—I'm sorry— Evan murmured, feeling the words escape him. —I'm sorry she died because of me. I'm sorry you lost a team member because of my incompetence.

—No, Evan— Morrison said firmly. —We already talked about this. It wasn't your fault.

—But if I had been better, if I had been more prepared...

—If, if, if— Sarah interrupted, but her voice was gentle, not harsh. —Evan, we all have things we wish we had done differently. But we can't change the past. We can only... we can only move forward and try to be better in the future.

Kaito wiped his eyes with the back of his good hand.

—Besides, now you have a second chance. Phantom Wing has a second chance. We can honor Nyx's memory by being the best team we can be.

Evan nodded, though he could feel the weight of guilt crushing him. In his mind, Nyx remained completely silent, as if her former teammates' words had left her speechless.

Nyx, he thought toward her. Are you...?

But there was no answer. Only silence.

Morrison cleared his throat, clearly trying to change the subject to something less heavy.

—Well, speaking of honoring memories and moving forward, I think it's time we showed you that surprise I mentioned earlier.

Kaito lit up immediately, sadness being replaced by excitement.

—Oh, yes! Evan, you're going to love it! It's absolutely incredible!

—What is it?— asked Evan, genuinely curious.

Sarah smiled, and for the first time since the conversation about Nyx had begun, she seemed genuinely happy.

—Let's just say that not everything was lost in Aurora. Some things... some very important things were evacuated before the base fell completely.

Morrison stood up, careful with his casted arm.

—Are you done eating? Because I think it's time you saw what they're going to use to replace the Prometheus.

Evan felt his heart racing. A new machine. A new opportunity. A new way to prove he could be better, that he could be the pilot his companions needed.

In his mind, Nyx remained silent, but Evan could feel a small spark of interest, as if she too wanted to know what kind of machine awaited him.

—Yes— said Evan, standing up. —I'm ready.

As they walked toward the cafeteria exit, Evan couldn't help but look back at the table where they had been sitting. For the first time since he had awakened, he had felt like part of something, like he belonged somewhere. His companions had shared their stories, their losses, their hopes.

And for the first time, Evan felt like maybe, just maybe, he could be worthy of their trust.

Nyx, he thought again toward the silent presence in his mind. Are you okay?

This time, there was a response, but it was so soft he almost missed it:

They... they didn't know me at all.

And in those words, Evan could hear something he had never heard in Nyx's voice before: vulnerability.

The group walked through several corridors that Evan hadn't explored before, moving away from the medical and residential areas toward what seemed to be the industrial heart of Dawn base. The corridors became wider, with higher ceilings, and Evan could hear the distant hum of heavy machinery.

—Okay, okay!— Kaito suddenly exclaimed, stopping and turning toward Evan with a mischievous smile. —It's time for the surprise! Close your eyes!

—Really?— asked Evan, feeling a bit ridiculous.

—Come on, do it!— insisted Kaito, practically bouncing with excitement. —Trust me, it's worth it!

Evan sighed but closed his eyes, allowing Kaito to guide him by the arm. He could hear Sarah and Morrison's footsteps behind them, and occasionally Kaito murmured instructions like "watch the step" or "turn a little to the left."

After what seemed like several minutes of walking, they finally stopped. Evan could sense they were in a much larger space—the echo of their footsteps had changed, and there was an air current that suggested a very high ceiling.

—Ready?— asked Kaito, barely containing his excitement.

—Just do it!— replied Sarah, and Evan could hear the smile in her voice.

Kaito removed his hands from Evan's eyes.

—Ta-da!

Evan opened his eyes, and for a moment, he couldn't process what he was seeing. Then, he felt as if someone had hit his chest with a hammer.

There, in the center of a massive hangar, illuminated by industrial lights that highlighted every one of its elegant lines, was the Rambling Rover.

The R.R.

The machine he had seen in the tests the day the Glacials invaded Aurora. The machine he had thought was dead and buried under the rubble of the destroyed base.

But there it was, intact, shining under the lights as if it had just come out of the factory.

—How...?— murmured Evan, slowly approaching the machine with an expression of amazement.

The R.R was more impressive than he remembered. Its design was elegant but lethal, with lines that suggested both speed and power. It was smaller than the Prometheus, but there was something in its posture that suggested concentrated danger, like a predator ready to pounce.

Morrison approached, with a satisfied smile on his face.

—When Aurora base began to collapse, the R.R was in the underground maintenance level. Three floors underground, in an armored section. The collapse sealed the access tunnels, but the machine itself was completely protected.

—How did you manage to get it out?— asked Evan, still unable to believe what he was seeing.

—Specialized rescue teams— replied Sarah. —It took them two weeks to dig down to reach it, but it was worth it. It's one of the oldest MKs that still works, but it's still a powerful asset against the Glacials and the Clade.

Evan moved closer, extending a hand to touch the cold metal of the machine. His fingers barely grazed the surface when he felt something strange—as if the machine was familiar to him, as if he already knew it.

Suddenly, his hand moved without his permission, caressing the metal with a familiarity that surprised him. When he spoke, his voice was different—softer, more loaded with emotion.

—Thank you... thank you for rescuing it.

Morrison blinked, surprised by the change in Evan's tone.

—Don't mention it, Evan. We knew it would mean a lot to you to have your own machine.

Evan tensed, realizing it had been Nyx who had spoken through him. He quickly withdrew his hand from the R.R, feeling control return completely to him.

Nyx? he thought toward the presence in his mind.

It's nothing, she replied, her voice now cold and distant again. It's just another piece of junk.

But Evan could feel there was something more. There was a connection between Nyx and this machine, something deep that she didn't want to admit.

—Are you okay?— asked Sarah, noticing the change in his behavior.

—Yes, I'm just... just surprised it survived— replied Evan, trying to keep his voice normal. —I thought everything had been destroyed.

Morrison nodded, approaching the machine with something like respect.

—The R.R is a special design. It's almost a decade old, which makes it practically obsolete by current standards, but it's still an MK. And an MK, regardless of its age, is still our most powerful asset against enemies.

Evan studied the machine with new eyes. He knew, from previous conversations, that the R.R's last pilots had been Nyx and Ivan. Nyx had piloted this machine for seven years, making it an extension of herself. Ivan had only had six months with it before the accident.

Seven years, thought Evan, looking at the machine with new understanding. Seven years working with this machine, perfecting every movement, every tactic.

I already told you it's nothing special, murmured Nyx, but Evan could detect something defensive in her voice. It's just metal and circuits.

But when Evan looked more closely, he could see small details that suggested otherwise. There were customization marks on the control panel, adjustments that had clearly been made to measure. This machine wasn't just a vehicle for Nyx—it had been her home, her companion, her way of existing in the world.

—When can I start training with it?— asked Evan, surprising himself with the intensity of his desire.

Kaito practically jumped with excitement.

—Tomorrow! Well, if Dr. Reyes says you're recovered enough! But tomorrow!

Sarah smiled, but there was something cautious in her expression.

—Evan, the R.R is... different. Every MK has its own personality, its own quirks. The R.R has been configured specifically for... for very particular piloting styles. It's going to require time to adapt.

She's being diplomatic, commented Nyx. What she really means is that the machine is configured for my combat style. It's going to be difficult for you to adapt.

—I understand— said Evan. —But I'm willing to learn. I want to learn.

Morrison studied him for a moment, then nodded.

—Good. I'll speak with Dr. Reyes tonight. If he gives the all-clear, we'll begin basic tests tomorrow morning.

As they walked around the machine, Evan couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This machine represented a new opportunity, a new way to prove he could be better. But it also represented something more—a connection with Nyx that he hadn't expected.

Are you sure you're going to be okay with this? he asked Nyx mentally.

Why wouldn't I be? she replied, but her voice sounded tense. It's just a machine.

But it's your machine, he responded.

Not anymore.

That night, after a light dinner and more rehabilitation exercises that left Evan exhausted but satisfied, he finally collapsed onto the bed in the medical room. His muscles still protested from the effort, but it was a different pain than the previous days—the pain of progress, not trauma.

The nurses had finished their final rounds an hour ago, and the corridors of Dawn base had sunk into nighttime silence. Through the window, Evan could see that the snowstorm had subsided, leaving only occasional flakes falling under the light of the exterior floodlights.

He closed his eyes and allowed himself to sink into his own consciousness, searching for the mental space he shared with Nyx. The transition was smoother than ever—there was no longer the violent disorientation of the first times, just a sensation of slow and controlled falling.

His feet touched the purple ground of the mental valley, and as always, the sky maintained its eternal twilight color, with stars twinkling like distant diamonds. The landscape never changed—always the same perpetual dusk, always the same strange serenity.

Nyx was sitting in her usual place, the smooth rock near the center of the valley, but this time there was something different in her posture. She wasn't looking toward the starry sky as she usually did. Instead, her head was down, her eyes fixed on her own hands.

Evan approached slowly, unsure how to approach the conversation after what had happened in the cafeteria. His former teammates' words had affected Nyx in a way he hadn't anticipated.

—Nyx, about what Morrison and the others said...

She didn't move, but spoke without looking at him.

—What about it?

—Well, I was wondering if it had affected you. What they said about not really knowing you, about never making an effort...

—Affected?— Nyx finally turned her head toward him, and Evan could see something like amusement in her white eyes. —Why would it affect me? It's funny, actually.

—Funny?— Evan moved closer, confused by her response. —Why is it funny?

—Because all these years, they thought I was cold because I couldn't connect with people. They thought it was some kind of personality defect, some inability to form human bonds.— Nyx laughed, but there was no real humor in the sound. —It never occurred to them that I simply didn't want to connect with them.

Evan stopped, feeling something cold settle in his stomach.

—You didn't want to?

—Of course not. Why would I want to form bonds with people who weren't worth my time? Morrison with his pathetic nostalgia for his lost friend, Sarah with her inferiority complex from living in her uncle's shadow, and Kaito...— Nyx paused, her voice filling with disdain. —Kaito with his fake personality and forced optimism. Why would I waste my energy on people so... ordinary?

Evan felt anger beginning to grow in his chest. These people had shown genuine concern for Nyx, had expressed guilt for not being better companions, and she was dismissing them as if they were trash.

—Does it feel good to do that?— he asked, his voice tense with restraint. —To despise them like that?

—Despise?— Nyx looked at him with genuine surprise. —I don't despise them, Evan. I simply ignore them. There's a difference.

—Really?— Evan moved closer, feeling his control slipping away. —How much do you hate them exactly? What did they have to do for you to talk about them that way?

Nyx remained silent for a moment, as if she were considering the question. When she spoke, her voice was more thoughtful than defensive.

—I don't hate them, Evan. Hate requires emotion, requires that I care about them enough to feel something intense toward them. I simply... don't consider them worthy of my attention.

—Worthy?— Evan's voice rose, his control finally breaking. —Who the hell do you think you are to decide who's worthy of your attention? They cared about you, even if they didn't show it the right way. They felt guilt when you died. And you treat them like they were—

A massive crash cut off his words, making the entire mental valley tremble. Evan felt himself being torn from the mental space, thrown back to physical reality with a violence that left him disoriented and dizzy.

He sat up quickly in his bed, his heart beating violently. The sound had been real, so real that it had pierced even the mental space he shared with Nyx. Another explosion followed, this time closer, making the windows of his room vibrate in their frames.

Evan jumped out of bed and ran to the window, pressing his face against the glass to see what was happening outside.

In the distance, against the backdrop of the snowy mountains, he could see lights flickering. They weren't the static lights of a base or a city, but the irregular flashes of energy weapons and explosions. Even from this distance, he could see the distinctive shapes of MKs moving against the night sky.

—It can't be...— he murmured, feeling his stomach sink.

Apparently, commented Nyx in his mind, her voice laden with bitter sarcasm, you attract bad luck wherever you go. First Aurora, now Dawn. Is there anywhere the Clade don't appear when you're present?

Evan clenched his fists, frustrated by both the situation and Nyx's comment. But before he could respond, the base's emergency lights began to flash, and the communication system activated.

"Attention all personnel. This is not a drill. Hostile enemies confirmed approaching from the northeast sector. All pilots report immediately to the main hangar. Repeat, this is not a drill."

The announcement echoed through the corridors of Dawn base like a nightmare echo. Evan stood motionless in front of the window, his hands pressed against the cold glass, watching the distant lights of the battle unfolding in the snowy mountains. His breathing became irregular, shallow, as if his lungs had forgotten how to function.

The memories hit him like an avalanche.

The sound of metal tearing. Nyx's scream. The feeling of helplessness as the Prometheus collapsed. The weight of knowing he had failed, that someone had died because of his incompetence.

His legs began to tremble, and he let himself fall onto the bed, burying his head in his hands. The pilot uniform hung in the nearby closet, waiting for him, but Evan couldn't even look at it without feeling nauseous.

—I can't— he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. —I can't do it again.

Nyx's voice rose in his mind, cold and laden with disdain.

Oh, what a pathetic spectacle. The great hero Evan Veil, paralyzed by fear like a frightened child.

—Shut up— murmured Evan, but his voice lacked strength.

Shut up? When you're here trembling like a leaf while your "friends" prepare to die out there?

Evan clenched his fists, trying to block out Nyx's voice, but she continued relentlessly.

You're right to be afraid, of course. After all, look what happened the last time you got into an MK. I ended up dead, Aurora ended up destroyed, and you ended up being a useless traumatized mess.

The words cut deep, but Evan couldn't find the strength to respond. Each syllable confirmed his worst fears about himself.

But you know what? I agree with you. Let's stay here, in the safety of this medical room. After all, we don't have a partner to pilot the R.R, right? It would be too dangerous for you, the pilot who killed his own partner, to try flying alone.

Evan felt tears beginning to form in his eyes, but Nyx wasn't finished.

Besides, surely Morrison, Kaito, and Sarah can handle it alone. They're experienced pilots, aren't they? Well, of course, Morrison is already injured, and Kaito has a fractured arm, and Sarah... well, Sarah is good, but she's not enough against the Clade. But I'm sure they'll be fine.

The image of Morrison with his arm in a sling, of Kaito with his contagious enthusiasm, of Sarah with her warm smile, formed in Evan's mind. And then, inevitably, came the image of all of them injured, bleeding, dying.

More companions dead because of you, continued Nyx, her voice now a poisonous whisper. More names to add to your list of victims. But at least this time it won't be directly your fault, right? This time it'll just be because you were too cowardly to try to save them.

—Stop it— murmured Evan, his voice broken.

Stop what? So you can keep crying here while they die? So you can add their deaths to the list of things you hate yourself for?

Evan stood up staggering, walking to the window again. The battle lights seemed more intense now, more desperate. He could imagine his friends out there, outnumbered, fighting against enemies who knew each of their weaknesses.

Kaito is probably already dead, murmured Nyx casually. He was too optimistic, too confident. The Clade exploit those kinds of weaknesses. And Morrison... well, an injured pilot is a dead pilot. Sarah might last a little longer, but without support...

—STOP!— shouted Evan, turning toward the closet where his uniform hung.

For what? Nyx's voice became more intense, more insistent. So you can pretend you don't know exactly what's happening out there? So you can pretend you're not actively choosing to let your only friends die?

Evan opened the closet with trembling hands, looking at the pilot uniform. It was black with blue details, designed to interface with an MK's systems. It was identical to the one he had worn in Aurora, the one he had been wearing when Nyx died.

It's funny, continued Nyx, her voice now almost conversational. I thought you were just incompetent. But it turns out you're also a coward. At least incompetence is involuntary. Cowardice is a choice.

Something ignited in Evan's chest. A spark of rage that expanded quickly, burning through the fear that had paralyzed him.

—I'm not a coward!— he shouted, jumping to his feet. —And I'm not going to let them die!

Oh, really? Nyx sounded genuinely surprised. And what exactly are you going to do about it, hero?

Evan headed toward the small closet where they had hung his uniform. His hands still trembled, but now it was from adrenaline, not fear.

—I'm going to pilot the R.R.— he declared, beginning to dress quickly. —I'm going to help my companions.

You? Nyx laughed, but there was something different in her tone now. You're going to pilot my machine? The same idiot who couldn't maintain control of the Prometheus for more than five minutes?

—Yes, me!— spat Evan, fastening his uniform jacket. —And stop calling it your machine! It's not yours anymore! You're dead!

A silence followed his words, but Evan could feel something changing in Nyx's presence. It wasn't exactly approval, but it wasn't the constant disdain from before either.

Interesting, she murmured finally. So, you're going to crawl to the hangar? You're going to get into a machine you don't know how to operate? You're going to go out there and probably get yourself killed in the first five minutes?

—If that's what I have to do!— shouted Evan, heading toward the door. —I'd rather die fighting than live knowing I did nothing!

And what about me? asked Nyx, her voice now softer. If you die, I die with you. Are you willing to condemn me to death again?

Evan stopped at the door, his hand on the handle. For a moment, the weight of responsibility hit him again. But then he remembered Nyx's words: They're going to die because there aren't enough pilots to protect the base.

—Then help me— he said, his voice now firm. —Stop mocking me and help me. You know that machine better than anyone. You know how to fight. If you really don't want to die, then let's work together.

Another silence, longer this time. When Nyx spoke, her voice was different. More serious, more... alive.

Are you sure about this, Evan? The R.R isn't like the Prometheus. It's faster, more aggressive, harder to control. If you make a mistake...

—Then I won't make a mistake— interrupted Evan, opening the door. —Not this time.

And how do you plan to get to the hangar without being seen? The doctors are going to try to stop you. The commanders are going to say you're not ready.

Evan smiled, and for the first time in days, he felt genuinely confident.

—Then we'll have to be stealthy.

As he snuck through the base corridors, avoiding security patrols and staying in the shadows, Evan could feel how something had changed between him and Nyx. It was no longer just hostility and contempt. There was something more, something that dangerously resembled... partnership.

Turn left at the next corridor, murmured Nyx in his mind. There's a service route that will take you directly to the main hangar.

—Thank you— murmured Evan, following her instructions.

Don't thank me yet, replied Nyx, but there was something different in her tone. We still have to get to the machine. And after... after we have to survive whatever's waiting out there.

As they ran through the empty corridors, Evan felt a mixture of terror and excitement running through his veins. For the first time since he had awakened, he felt like he was taking control of his life, making an active decision instead of simply reacting to circumstances.

The service corridors were narrow and poorly lit, with pipes and cables running along the low ceiling. Evan followed Nyx's instructions, moving with the stealth of someone who knew he shouldn't be there. His military boots barely made noise against the metal floor, and every time he heard footsteps or voices in the main corridors, he stopped completely until the sound faded.

The air became colder as they approached the main hangar. Evan could feel the air currents coming from the wider space, and the distant hum of the base's power systems became more intense.

—Here— murmured Nyx in his mind. —The next door on the right will take you directly to the lower level of the hangar. It should be empty; all the technicians are in shelters or helping with the defense.

Evan put his hand on the handle, but stopped. Through the metal, he could hear the distant echo of running boots, shouted orders, and the unmistakable sound of machines being prepared for combat. But these sounds came from above, from the main level of the hangar where the other pilots would be.

—Are you sure there's no one downstairs?— he asked in a whisper.

—Sure— replied Nyx. —The lower level is just for maintenance and storage. During a red alert, there's no reason for personnel to be there.

Evan breathed deeply, turned the handle, and opened the door slowly. The hangar stretched before him like a cathedral of metal and technology. But from his position on the lower level, what impressed him most was the perspective.

The R.R rose above him like a silent giant.

From below, the machine seemed even more imposing than when he had seen it from the main level. Its legs were pillars of metal and fiber, each the thickness of a centuries-old tree. The torso extended upward, disappearing into the shadows of the hangar, with lines that suggested contained power. The arms hung at the sides, ending in hands that seemed to have been designed both to create and to destroy.