Angel Israfel

December 14, 2015 — clear skies.

A new Angel showed up — Israfel. It fell from orbit and crashed straight into the city center.

Its attack pattern was bizarre. It hopped around, moving in these dance-like rhythms. My first strike missed completely, and Shinji's did too. NERV's analysis: one pilot can't handle it. We needed a dual synchronization.

Dual sync. Meaning I'd have to coordinate with him.

Training was a nightmare. The idiot couldn't keep a beat to save his life! I'd shout "left!" and he'd go right. I'd say "strike!" and he'd flinch. Our sync rate was a disaster. Dr. Ritsuko Akagi frowned at the numbers like it was my fault.

After practice, I dragged Shinji back to the training floor. "Listen, idiot," I said. "Count to five, then jump. That's it. Can you manage that?"

He nodded, looking like a soaked puppy.

Why am I the one who has to explain everything?

I just wish he'd try a little harder.