Chapter Text
Jimin could think that there are worse places to be. After all, being in an apocalyptic world is one of them. Funny that, because that is his reality. He could be with civilians, going about their day, then suddenly everything changes for the worse. Or he could make a difference and serve his country. Wouldn't that be nice? Coming home, being called a hero.
Well, that's sort of what's happening. Not exactly the fancy welcome he was expecting, but nothing worse. You see, currently he’s a thousand feet in the air, being helicoptered to the big ominous dome. In there, he'll be fighting against what's plaguing humanity.
Kaiju.
That's what the monsters are called.
No one really knows where or why they came; we just know that they're here to destroy our world. That’s why all of humanity teamed up, pushing their differences aside and building huge, giant robots.
They are called Jaegers.
Only the best of the best can pilot them. People with determination, years of training and understanding of the Kaijus. Basically, everything Jimin was not.
You might be wondering how Jimin, a normal 21-year-old who freshly graduated University with a Dance Degree, got to this position. It’s a lot simpler than you think. We’ll start from the beginning.
Just because Jimin graduated doesn't mean he’s guaranteed to get a job immediately. He knows that, that’s why he’s been applying everywhere during his studies. He had a few call backs, asking for an interview, but they were all the same. Go in, sell yourself, and then get told we’ll hear back from you in a week. Only to get rejected and declined a few weeks later. Some don’t even have the decency to call, or to even write back. Nothing.
So here Jimin was, scrolling through different job sites to get something and earn a bit of money to just get by. He’s not asking for much. So, when an advert came offering 1,500,000 won per hour, Jimin didn’t even hesitate to apply. Not even thinking if it was a scam or a fake, Jimin by now is desperate. Let’s hope he’ll hear something from them. If not, he can always apply to different places.
Now you see, Jimin was a fool. A very huge one. Any normal person would have read what the job was, but not Jimin. As long as he sees big bucks, he’s willing to do anything. Well… Not anything, but you get the jist.
After an hour or so, Jimin finally decided to call it quits and headed to bed, hoping tomorrow will be a better day. What he doesn’t know is that a single application will forever change his life. For better or for worse? Guess we’ll have to find out.
A series of loud obnoxious beeps filled the small room. A lump of covers on the bed started moving, trying to locate the beeping. An arm emerged from the covers and quickly turned it off, throwing the cursed device back on the drawer. After a few grumbles, the lump started to move and the covers fell off, spraying on the mattress. There, sitting up was a blonde boy, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. The blonde was Park Jimin, a jobless guy, scraping by life.
Getting up, Jimin headed to the kitchen to get his daily dose of chocolate. Hot chocolate. He wasn’t much of a coffee drinker, but if times call for it, he will drink it for energy. When he finished making it, he headed to his small living that was attached to his kitchen and switched on his laptop. He was a bit hopeful for any response back, but he knew it would be too early for anything. But it was worth a check.
He booted up his computer and checked his emails. Only a few new stuff, some junk mail, and some shops advertising their sales, a job offer-
Wait, what? A job offer? Already?! Jimin quickly clicked on the email, making sure he was reading it right. He skimmed through the whole email, then back again, but this time reading in detail.
Dear Mr Park,
Thank you for taking an interest in working with us.
We appreciate the time and effort that you took into your application.
After careful consideration with the whole team, we are happy to announce that you have been accepted as part of the Serendipity Team.
Here are a few contacts to officially accept the job:
Director Bang Si-Hyuk - 0723 8965 6346
HQ - 0200 9009 8989
We hope to hear from you soon.
Many thanks,
The Serendipity Team.
He did it.
He got a job.
Without even going for an interview.
But he somehow did it. He isn't going to ask questions; he’ll happily accept this. Even if he doesn't know what it is for, he can just call them and ask.
Without wasting a second, he picked up his phone and started dialling the first number that was offered. The director of the job? Doesn't matter.
After a few rings, the line picked up and Jimin was suddenly nervous. What does he say? Thanks for the job? Even if he doesn't know what it is? A gruff voice answered.
“Bang Si-Hyuk speaking.”
“H-Hello,” Jimin cursed his stuttering. “My name’s Park Jimin, I just received an email from you saying I’ve been accepted for a job?”
God he hoped the man on the other side understood him. Cause he himself doesn't even know what he was talking about.
“Ah, yes. I remember. Are you calling to accept the offer?”
Well, why else would he call? He's got nothing to lose.
“Yes, I am.”
“Perfect! But before we fully take you on board, there's a little, how would I put this, test for you.”
“Test?” Jimin questioned.
“It’s like a test but not at the same time, it's more on the lines of work experience. Getting the feel of what you’ll be doing. Understand?” The man explained.
I mean, what’s there not to understand? Jimin thought. “Yeah, that’s fine with me.”
“Excellent! I’m glad you understand. I’ll be sending you the time and place on where we want to have you. I must stress that turning up late is not acceptable, so please be there either early or on time. Preferably early if you can,” the director explained.
“Awesome. Guess I’ll see you soon?”
“The sooner the better. Goodbye Jimin.” And with that, the line went dead.
He put his phone down and simply stared into space. He's trying to comprehend what had just happened, since luck was never truly on his side. How lucky must he be to land himself a job so easily? Honestly, Jimin will take it and ask questions later. Right now, it's breakfast time.
Hopping out of bed, Jimin walked to his little kitchen to make a simple breakfast. After all, he is a poor postgraduate now. Cereal will do.
He would love to say his cereal was great, but it was only average. Something to fill his stomach and keep him on his feet. Life of a University student. Well, ex-University student now. Just as he was about to finish his pathetic excuse of a breakfast, his phone buzz, indicating a notification. To which he wasn't sure, but he put his bowl down and picked up his phone. It was an email from Mr Si-Hyuk himself, saying exactly what the Director said he’ll send.
The date, time and place for his so called ‘work experience’. Jimin’s not too bothered by it, its quick money after all. It's in an old venue building that's 10 minutes away by walking. Nobody really uses it anymore, since it's small and it's going to be knocked down in a few years to create evacuation shelters. It’ll be in three days, and Jimin unsurprisingly has nothing planned for that day. Actually, let's not kid ourselves, Jimin doesn't have any plans at all. It's going to be in the early afternoon, so nothing too early or late, just enough time to get the blonde ready.
All he had to do was wait.
At least it wasn't raining, Jimin should consider himself lucky, for it was a beautiful day today. Yet he was running late. How you may ask, he overslept. Just what he needed. He was specifically told not to be late, yet here he was, running late.
Quickly throwing on a plain t-shirt and some skinny jeans, he grabbed his bag and tied his trainers. Jimin hoped that the people won't turn him away because of his casual clothing, he honestly doesn't own anything smart. He can just hope he's presentable enough. He bolted out his flat door, not before locking the door behind him.
The blonde began jogging lightly towards his destination, celebrating mentally that it was close by.
The venue was definitely as old from what the internet told him. It looked like a normal building, the entrance nothing out of the ordinary, the walls showing its degrading bricks. Must be bigger on the inside, thought Jimin. He hasn't seen anyone enter or waiting outside, so he guessed everyone must be inside.
Walking in, he pushed past the doors and into a reception area, where only one person was working at the desk. The blonde walked up to them.
“Hello,” Jimin politely said, a pleasant smile playing on his lips.
The person, or woman if we want to be specific, looked up from the computer, a bored expression painted her makeup caked face.
“Name?” Her monotone voice echoed through the reception.
“Erm, Park Jimin?”
“Business?”
“I got an email telling me to be here from Mr Bang Si-Hyuk, for the job?” Jimin generally didn't know how to word what he's here for. It didn't exactly say what in the emails he received.
The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused.
“What job?”
“I haven't really been giving information about it. I can show you the email if you want?” Jimin tried persuading. The woman started typing on the computer before the blonde got out his phone. Just when he was finding the email, the woman spoke up.
“Park Jimin, age 21, born in Busan. Correct?”
“Y-Yeah. How-” He was cut off.
“Basic data. You’re here for the pilot testing, correct?”
“I think so?” Honestly Jimin doesn't know what he's in for.
“Testing starts in 5 minutes,” the woman got up and started pointing at the door on Jimin’s right. “Right through there will be where you will wait, along with the others like you. Just seat till your name gets called out.”
“Oh,” Jimin stared at the door, then back again towards the woman. She was already seated and typing away on the computer. Guess there's nothing else to discuss, and with that, Jimin trudged towards the worn-out brown door.
He opened it and walked through, entering a corridor. The walls were held up with what Jimin guess was metal fences with a huge sheet covering it. All in line and in a straight line. Jimin guessed he entered the venue, since the ceiling was so high up. They’re probably using a small section of the venue, Jimin mused.
Jimin kept walking till he hit a turn and emerged into a waiting room of some sort. Chairs all lined up together, with what Jimin could count around ten people already sitting and waiting. Most were on their phones, others with a book, and a few just staring into space. At the end of the makeshift waiting room, there was another corridor leading off somewhere. Nobody even acknowledges Jimin entering.
They really were hiring any and every one.
The blonde shoulders dropped a bit in disappointment. He genuinely thought he got the job because of his great workable qualities. Guess not. Well, he’s here now, might as well wait and see what they want. Jimin sat away from the people, wanted to have his own space and be somewhat near the corridor.
Ten minutes passed and finally someone walked out of the opposite side of the corridor. Jimin was just casually checking his messages and social media when a guy, no older than 18, burst out, yelling curse words.
“Fucking sadistic dick suckers!”
Jimin watched as the guy made his way to the middle of the waiting space.
“Sick fuckers almost killed me! Just leave, it’s not worth it,” and with that he disappeared.
A few of them actually did leave, but the rest didn’t move, completely unaffected by that. Jimin was a bit rattled by that. Surely it wasn’t normal for someone to come back from what he thought was a bit of work and say just ridiculous things? No, it wasn’t, Jimin can’t get affected by some few words. He really needs this job. Whatever it is.
He’s not sure how long time has passed, everything’s been a blur. Whenever Jimin checks his phone, he instantly forgets the time, but never bothered to check it again until he feels like a good amount of time has passed. There was only one person and himself left. Before he could start thinking, someone with a white lab coat and a clipboard came out, the same person every time, and called the person’s name. Off they went and they won’t be back for a good while. Some lasted only ten minutes, others for a full hour. Jimin was at first really curious about what happens when they get called. What do they ask of them, what do you do, why is it so quiet?
Now Jimin just wants to get it over with. He’s been sitting here for around seven hours now. He was lucky there was a toilet back where the reception was, but apart from that, he was tired and bored out of his mind. Unfortunately, Jimin didn’t have many friends. His only true close friend was his brother, but he didn’t really count as a friend. He has one which he likes to consider a good friend.
Lee Taemin. He met him at University in his dance class. He was a year older and helped the first years to settle in with the course and just overall. Jimin and Taemin hit it off really well, sharing a lot of common interests. Jimin was sad when Taemin finished and left, but they kept in contact, occasionally meeting up and catching up with each other.
Jimin tried talking with him now, but Taemin hasn’t responded. He must be working. He needs to stop being on the phone, it's reached the point where it’s so low on battery even Jimin never reached such a level.
The blonde sighed. He wished he could go home.
His wish came a lot sooner than he thought, because walking out was the person before. They didn’t look any different from how they went in, so Jimin guessed nothing too major to happen.
It was now Jimin’s turn.
Admittingly he was a bit nervous, who can blame him? He has no idea what’s ahead of him. Guess now he’ll know.
The same clipboard and lab coat person came out a minute after and looked directly at Jimin.
“Park Jimin?”
His voice was monotone and emotionless. It sends a shiver down Jimin’s back.
“Yes, that’s me,” answered Jimin, getting up and walked towards clipboard.
“You are the last. We hope you do not disappoint.”
Well that's a bit cryptic , Jimin was sceptical, but stayed quiet. He followed clipboard down the hall and emerged in a relatively big open space. Along the sides of the wall were a few people hooked up to computers. All the cables ending at the small chamber which took Jimin’s breath away. He’s never seen anything like this.
It was a machine of some sort. It was pressed up against the wall, and had two metal arms reaching out of it. All the cables connected to the back wall which was coated in metal, machine works and stuff Jimin couldn’t even dream about. There were people around it probably adjusting or checking it, Jimin wasn’t sure.
His attention was snapped away when a man in a black shirt and plain grey blazer around his 40s, maybe 50s, walked up to Jimin.
“Ah, you must be Park Jimin?”
“Y-Yes, that’s me.”
“Wonderful, welcome to my little team,” the man held out his hand and Jimin shook it.
“Thank you, Mr, erm?”
“Bang Si-Hyuk.”
“Oh, I'm sorry,” Jimin apologised.
“No, no, don't apologise. I’m happy to meet you,” and with that Si-Hyuk led Jimin to a lady who was touching up a machine box of some sort that had wires coming out of it.
“Jimin, this is Dr. Hana. She'll be with you every step of the way, making sure this exercise goes smoothly,” after the introduction Si-Hyuk left him.
The woman, or Dr. Hana, was a fairly young lady. Her red hair tied into a messy bun and a clinically white coat covering her body. The only thing that threw Jimin off was the very noticeable wrinkles on her face and the dark black circles under her eyes.
“Park Jimin, right?” Her voice broke Jimin out of his thoughts.
“Yes, that’s me.” Why does everyone ask me that? Who else do they expect?
“I’ll need you to take your shirt off.”
Take off my what now?
“I’m sorry, take off my shirt?” Jimin was confused. Did he hear right?
“Yes,” she turned to Jimin and stared him right into his eyes. “I’ll need to put the ECG on you. I can’t do that with your shirt on.”
She gestured to the computer and box right next to her, and yes, Jimin sees her point. There are quite a lot of those sticky pads that doctors use to monitor your heartbeat. Honestly Jimin didn’t know the name, since he never had to get his heart monitored. You learn something new every day.
The blonde gulped and hesitantly started taking his t-shirt off. After that he placed it on the computer table and brought his arms up to try to cover his bare torso. He was very self-conscious of his body, and it didn’t help that a lot of people here were able to see his half naked glory.
Dr. Hana didn’t care, or so what Jimin thought, and started rubbing this liquid which stunk over his arm first. She put three of the sticky pads on his arm, one on his wrist, the second next to his elbow and the last on his shoulder. She repeated the same process on his other arm.
After that, she started applying the wires to his chest. Three in a line where his heart is, others around his stomach and lungs. Even a few in his back.
All in all, he had wires sticking out of him everywhere. The pads were a little uncomfortable, they felt a bit stiff on his skin but nothing to unbearable, his body stinking of the liquid that was applied.
Dr. Hana stepped back after finishing putting on the last pad, and walked to the deck. There, she was tapping away on the computer and adjusting stuff on the box. After that, she stepped away and walked towards Jimin.
“Follow me please.”
She led Jimin towards the big machine where two people were discussing something. As they approached the conversation quickly died down.
“The helmet please,” the redhead asked, her arm outstretched.
One of them quickly grabbed a helmet that was sitting on the floor and headed it to her.
“I’ll need you to put this one.”
Jimin stared at it for a bit. It was a lot smaller and less bulky than a motorbike helmet. The entire face was either plastic or glass, showing the whole face. The other side completely metal with a few wires sticking out and attached to the machine.
Jimin grasped it and slid it on.
“Now, I need you to hook both your arms in these metal arms, with that you’ll get a feel of the real simulation,” Dr. Hana explained but Jimin didn't understand anything. He simply nodded.
The two scientists, Jimin guessed, that were standing there, were helping Jimin lock his arm in the contraction.
It was like a really long glove. His fingers slid into the ends and gave a small wiggle, making sure everything was alright. Around his wrist was a metal cuff, clipping the arm together. His arm didn't necessarily rest on it, but it was just below his arm, giving him movement and freedom. The same process happened to his other arm.
The two scientists moved back and Jimin could only guess that they were finished. For what, the blonde has no idea. Dr. Hana came back, carrying a clipboard.
“Now, I want you to be calm and have a clear mind,” she started explaining. “Everything I tell you should be followed. Understand?”
Jimin gave a slight nod. “Yes doctor.”
“Excellent. We’ll begin with Phase One.”
“W-Wait-” Jimin called out. “What exactly is going to happen? And what are you testing for?”
“Did you not read the description of this test?” An eyebrow shot up.
“Well… No?” Jimin cringed.
The doctor sighed. “This is an experiment to determine if you’re compatible to drive one of our Jaeger.”
Wait, what?
“J-Jaeger? You mean the big robots that fight against the Kaiju’s?” Jimin was honestly speechless. Out of all the things he thought of, this was not one. Not even a small possibility.
What has he gotten himself into?
Wait, if he doesn’t pass, then he won’t be operating a Jaeger. Well, that’s the plan.
“I’m glad you know something. Unfortunately, one of our pilots is unable to pilot the Jaeger, so we need an immediate replacement. I’m sure you understand why.”
“What happened?”
“I’m not certified to say,” with that, the conversation turned to a different topic. “You might feel a slight pressure in your head, that’s normal. As I said before, I’ll talk you through everything.”
Dr. Hana stepped back a bit. She glanced to the side and nodded to one of the scientists.
“Initiate Phase One.”
Everyone in the room started talking to each other at once. Snippets of foreign words and complex sentences were being used in the air. Si-Hyuk was right in the middle of all, overseeing everything and giving the commands. Jimin still didn’t feel any different.
“Engage pilot-to-pilot protocol.”
“Pilot-to-pilot connection protocol sequence.”
Jimin heard a robotic woman through his helmet. He won’t admit that it did scare him a bit. Only because it came out of nowhere. Jimin still didn’t know what was happening, but as Dr. Hana said, he stayed calm as possible.
“Prepare for neural handshake,” Jimin heard Si-Hyuk say.
“But sir, it’s still early. I need to monitor his brain activity,” Dr. Hana objected. Si-Hyuk stared at her for a few seconds before speaking.
“He’s ready. Begin in 15 seconds.”
The doctor did not look happy. She turned back to face Jimin.
“Listen carefully OK?” Jimin nodded. “I need your mind to be clear of any thoughts or memories. The drift will be smoother and easier on you.”
Honestly Jimin didn’t really say anything. What would he? He nodded again and closed his eyes. Clearing his thoughts was easy enough. He was a bit nervous on what was going to happen. After all, he did read about Jaegers and what pilots go through, but nothing in too much detail. It also didn’t help that he could hear the countdown.
“3.”
Memories gone.
“2.”
Mind blank.
“1.”
Jimin gulped.
“Neural handshake initiate.”
It was like Jimin was floating through air. His mind travelling through so much memories that he thought never existed. The literal term of a trip through memory lane. After seeing all his memories, he was back. He was still standing, but his mind felt odd. A little bit heavier. Like some cloud in the back of his mind. He couldn’t describe it. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was odd.
Then suddenly, he was standing in a well lived living room, staring at a slick black grand piano that Jimin's never seen before. He then slowly walked up to it, spotting in the reflection a young boy. A boy that didn't have Jimin's face. Just as he saw the piano, he was pulled out of whatever he was seeing, gaining his sense of the real world.
Jimin opened his eyes and saw the whole science team stared at him in shock. Even Dr. Hana was staring at him.
“Neural handshake connected and holding,” one of the voices broke out. Everyone broke out in cheers. A few hugging each other, a few even doing a small dance. Si-Hyuk himself was smiling so wide Jimin thought his skin might tear. Dr. Hana looks so relieved and even has a small smile dancing on her lips.
“You did it.” Jimin looked back at the woman. What did he do? Wait, don’t tell him he’s now a pilo-
“You’re going to be our new pilot for Serendipity.”
I think the fuck not.
“Wait, that easily? But I don’t know the first thing in fighting Kaiju or even piloting a giant robot!” Jimin was starting to panic. He didn’t think he'd pass, let alone be one of the pilots to fight against those monsters. He’s just a normal 21-year-old trying to find a place in the world. He can’t do this! It’s impossible!
“Sir, the neural handshake is destabilizing!” One of them called out worryingly.
“Disconnect him immediately!” Si-Hyuk ordered. Everyone rapidly rushed to their stations. Dr. Hana rushed to Jimin, trying to calm him down.
“Jimin, listen to my voice,” Jimin was close to hyperventilating. “You’re fine. You won’t go out without training. You won’t fight the Kaiju’s now, I promise.”
Jimin’s mind started to clear. He was beginning to listen and make sense of what Dr. Hana was saying. It’s true. They won’t send him out without training. What was Jimin thinking?
“Can you hear me?”
Jimin slightly nodded. His breathing was slowly becoming normal. The hazy presence in his mind disappeared, making Jimin collapse on the ground. The doctor caught him fast and gently lowered him into a sitting position.
“I’ll take off all of the ECG and the helmet. Is that alright?” She asked quietly, not wanting to make things worse.
All Jimin seemed to be doing is nodding. His words escaping him, his mouth slightly hung.
All the voices around Jimin started to fade. He was slipping in and out of consciousness. Before he knew it, he fell into darkness.
And that was how Jimin found himself high up in the sky heading towards the Jeju shutterdome. He was lucky that Dr. Hana was with him and helping him through everything.
Honestly, Jimin was scared. He didn’t know what to expect. After fainting, Dr. Hana brought him home and explained everything to him. Jimin was still feeling unsure about the whole thing, but he gave it a chance. The doctor was thankful for him even considering. He went under one condition, that if he didn’t like or want to do it anymore, he would be brought back immediately. Dr. Hana promised. Jimin can only hope she’ll keep it.
“We’ll be arriving in 2 minutes,” the doctor’s voice broke out. Jimin turned to her. “I’ll be showing you around the base and the main areas where you’ll mostly be.”
“Will I be seeing the other pilots?” Jimin asked.
“Of course. The pilots live there, and so will you. You’ll be seeing each other every day. It’s best to make pleasantries with them.”
With that, the conversation stopped as the announcement came, saying that they’re at the shutterdome. It’s a lot bigger than what Jimin saw on the internet. And he’ll be living there.
He just hopes that it’s smooth sailing from this point onwards. And that whoever his pilot partner is, is a nice person who’ll hopefully get along with.
Jimin can only hope.