I will keep on fighting, so long as there is breath within me

[a_young_legend]

-It is late. While many of the other members of the base are fast asleep, Shinji is alert and awake. He appears to be battling the simulator's AI with Unit 01's combat data. There are deep rings under his eyes, but he has yet to tire

Comments

[second_runner]

Hey kid, you shouldn't just keep repeating the same thing. Branch out a bit. Why don't I train you?

[a_young_legend]

-Shinji barely acknowledges Dingo's presence initially. He continues his target practice, but ceases his mumbling.-

You were that crazy guy from the last mission, weren't you?

-The simulator rattles with another successful shot.-

Just who are you?

[second_runner]

...

Just another pilot, kid. A pilot and a trainer.

[a_young_legend]

Makes no difference to me, really. I just thought it was considered polite to ask. I'm Shinji Ikari, if it matters any.

"Train"? I guess I wouldn't mind a spar... I'm tougher than I look, though.

[robot_penguin]

*walks quietly up to the simulator, leans against it for a bit, saying nothing; then nudges the power cable with his foot and kicks it unplugged*

Go get some sleep, kid.

[a_young_legend]

Line up the target, pull the...

-Shinji blinks in confusion. It takes him a moment to register his visitor.-

Do you have a problem? You realize I can just plug that back in, right?

[robot_penguin]

Not in your sleep, you can't.

The problem with this isn't even that you're putting your training before your health. Sleep deprivation is counterproductive.

[a_young_legend]

Why do you care, again? You don't exactly look like the sappy sensitive type.

-He begins to scowl.-

If you think it means not sleeping means I'll be a liability, then you're wrong. I'm used to it. I've dealt with it all my life.