Chapter Text
Freshly off of a twenty hour flight from Kodiak Island, Haruka finds himself standing just inside the bay entrance of the Tokyo Shatterdome, jet-lagged and overwhelmed. As though through a fog, a voice speaks beside him while he takes in the massive size of the shatterdome— pictures from the academy did little to translate the sheer scale that dwarfs Haruka in person.
"Excuse me, are you listening?"
Pulled from his reverie, albeit delayed, Haruka finally turns to the source of the voice that he, up until this moment, hadn't realized he'd been ignoring. A petite woman stands beside him with a clipboard in one hand and her other hand on her hip while she eyes him shrewdly.
"Sorry, I'm. This place is huge," Haruka replies dumbly. The woman sniffs a small laugh, and her expression shifts from irritation to amusement.
"You get used to it," she says, glancing down at her clipboard and quickly scratching something on the top paper before returning her attention to Haruka, "I'm Kotoha, by the way. I'll be showing you around and helping to match you with your co-pilot."
Haruka taps the tip of his shoe against the floor and mumbles out, "Sakura. Haruka."
"I know," Kotoha replies with a growing smile, and Haruka feels his face heat up in embarrassment; of course she knows who he is, that's her job. Gesturing with a nod of her head, Kotoha encourages Haruka to follow her as they talk. As they thread through the crowded floor, Haruka catches bits and pieces of chatter, several conversations mentioning someone coming back to the front after being away on psych leave. He figures it's the same person, though he can't fathom why so many people would be so invested in it.
Kotoha leads him through the massive bay, giving brief rundowns of each jaeger they pass, and again, Haruka's feet cement in place as he marvels at the size of the machines surrounding them. Much like the shatterdome itself, the awesome presence of a jaeger never really translated well in the pictures and videos he'd seen at the academy, and Haruka feels minuscule standing before it. It's exhilarating. He grins broadly despite himself.
"C'mon, there's still more to see," Kotoha says with nudge, and Haruka's feet find motion again, while his gaze remains fixed on the head of the giant beside him.
"This is where housing is," she says without looking back, waving vaguely at one of many doors lining the low-ceiling corridor they now walk through, "You'll get your room assignment after you match with a co-pilot."
Haruka pointedly does not complain about his exhaustion and how it would be great to have a room and rest before facing who knows how many other rangers in a bid for drift compatibility. He's a professional; he'll suck it up and deal with it. He does wonder, briefly, about his meager luggage, which has been absent since boarding his initial flight, but that feels more like a Tomorrow Haruka problem right now. If need be, he'll sleep in his musty travel clothes for the night. Day. Whenever it happens to be right now. He blinks hard and rubs one eye as he holds back a generous yawn.
Kotoha looks back at him now.
"Think you can hang in there long enough for a few test rounds?"
Haruka lets his hand fall and shoots a glance at Kotoha that initially feels harsher than he intends, but she doesn't flinch, doesn't falter, just offers a cool smile like she knows him and has all the faith in the world in him. It feels oddly grounding.
"Yeah, I'm good," he says in return.
—-
The clacking sound of heavy wood clashing echoes through the combat room as Haruka stretches off in a corner. He isn't the only new ranger hot off the plane from the academy, so he waits a while as the rest of the handful of new recruits spar. He recognizes most of the faces from his graduating class, but a scattering of unfamiliar faces also gather around the sparring mat, some dressed for testing and others likely there just to observe. A few folks gathered on the other side catch Haruka's attention in particular— the tall man with white hair, watching with a big grin like a proud father at a baseball game; the equally tall man just behind him with poor posture and long, black hair; the small blonde hovering near Kotoha with a clipboard of his own; a rather pretty man with pink hair, sitting against the wall; and a man with mahogany hair and an eyepatch, standing beside the pink haired man. Haruka briefly wonders if the eyepatch presents a challenge if the man is also a ranger.
The loud thump of a body hitting the mat brings Haruka's attention back to the testing candidates, and he sees that one of his former classmates, a very fit individual named Tsugeura, has overwhelmed the other candidate that Haruka doesn't recognize. The other man gets back to his feet, bows, and retreats back off of the mat as Kotoha takes notes.
"Sakura Haruka," Kotoha says as she makes eye contact with him from across the room, "You're up."
Tsugeura gives Haruka a broad smile as he sinks into a ready stance. Haruka has fairly recent memories of sparring with him at the academy, so he has a decent feel for how he fights; he feels Tsugeura's excited energy in the air and can't stop himself from grinning in return as he's handed a staff of his own.
"When you're ready," Kotoha says.
The first several rounds pass in a blur, and Haruka swears he feels a kinship with everyone he faces off against; he had come to learn during his academy time, that melee could be more than a show of raw power— he had learned to form an exchange. From a youth spent fighting just to prove his worth, to an adult learning to work with others for a greater good, Haruka can't help but feel a modicum of pride in his growth.
When the last match ends close to a draw, Haruka glances over at Kotoha and sees the man with white hair speaking with her in hushed tones. He taps the side of his bare foot against the mat awkwardly, wondering if he should step aside now or wait until Kotoha addresses him again. She doesn't look at Haruka, though; instead, she turns to face someone behind her and gestures at them.
"One more, if you don't mind?" she asks, though he wonders if he really has a say in the matter. He tries to snag a glance around her to see the mystery person, but to no avail.
"Momijikawa, if you would?" she says to the person, and a stern-faced young man finally steps past her to the edge of the mat. Another tall guy, he's built solidly with broad shoulders and strong arms, with his dark hair cut close. He also looks like he'd rather be anywhere but here, and cuts a hateful glare at Haruka. Haruka takes a grounding breath, trying not to take it personally as he assumes his stance. Momijikawa takes the staff Tsugeura hands him, taking a stance of his own, and Haruka takes a deep breath before stepping off in a lunge toward the other man before him.
Staffs clack loudly as they meet, and Momijikawa meets every attempted strike with a block, countering with a strike of his own that Haruka blocks in turn. For several minutes, they meet each other blow for blow, and Haruka feels a spark of delight as he finally slips past Momijikawa's defense to mimic the first proper strike of their match.
"One to zero," Kotoha announces, and Momijikawa keeps angry eyes locked onto Haruka. He's still not sure why this man he's never met before is so pissed off at him, but he doesn't have time to ruminate on it before Momijikawa lunges and swings low, aiming to sweep Haruka's ankles. Reflexively, Haruka jumps rather than blocks, and attempts to take advantage of the opening left as Momijikawa aimed below. No such luck; Momijikawa reacts quickly, blocking the downward strike toward his head and successfully knocking Haruka off-balance in the process with a leg sweep. Haruka stumbles on his landing as he tries not to fall, and Momijikawa uses the moment to aim a blow for Haruka's midsection.
"One to One."
Haruka's legs and lungs burn; the strain of his long flight with little sleep paired with several rounds against four separate opponents has his tired body yelling at him, but he pushes his physical complaints aside as he steadies himself for the next round. While Haruka is feeling ragged, Momijikawa looks fresh and ready to take on the entire room, and without hesitation he quickly steps forward with another tight swing.
Haruka finds himself appreciating Momijikawa's fighting style. It's a little familiar, like his own, with little flair and hard blows, and Haruka wonders if Momijikawa notices, if maybe he also feels the assured push and pull between them beneath his unexplained anger. Haruka feels his own movements growing sluggish as Momijikawa pushes forward relentlessly.
Block.
Block.
Counter.
Block.
He feels it's more luck than skill at this point, but Haruka gets another hit in, targeting Momijikawa's shoulder. Two to one. He's not sure he can hold out for four, but it doesn't matter. If he wants to be a ranger, if he wants to seriously pilot a jaeger, he figures he should be prepared to push himself over his limits. It's not a hobby— lives are on the line.
During the exchange of blocks and strikes, Haruka notices the angry scowl on Momijikawa's face gradually fade into something more neutral and concentrating. It suits him better than the bitter expression. As Momijikawa surges forward in what Haruka suspects is an effort to overwhelm him with sheer force, Haruka pivots, just dodging Momijikawa's trajectory. Momijikawa doesn't miss a beat, however, and quickly turns to block what Haruka had hoped would be a decisive blow. He wants to end this quickly.
He hesitates a moment too long, and finds himself on the receiving end of what would be a painful strike.
"Two to two."
Haruka suppresses a frustrated groan and Momijikawa glares, taking a step back before moving around Haruka.
"If you're not gonna take this seriously, I'm done," he says, earning himself a matching glare in return. Haruka doesn't bother biting back, though; he braces as Momijikawa charges in, blocks, jumps back, and crouches with a jab aimed at Momijikawa's chin.
"Three to two."
What ensues is a relentless volley of strikes that keeps Haruka back stepping as he blocks. He tries to strafe aside, but the attacks follow him and he feels his arms scream in pain from overexertion. Just hold out a little longer. Sweat rolls into Haruka's eyes, dripping from his hair; he breathes heavily, but tries not to let it show. He finally pulls a block that keeps Momijikawa occupied just long enough to lash out a kick at his side before following up with a tap to the gut.
"Four to two. Good work, you two," Kotoha says, half paying attention to them and half to her notes. Haruka makes his way over to the wall to slump against it while Kotoha goes down her list, assigning co-pilots. As he slides down into a sitting position, Kotoha calls his name.
"Sakura," she scans the room for him and he stands back up with some effort to return to her line of vision, "You'll be working with Momijikawa."
It's not quite a sinking feeling in his gut, but maybe something like nerves twisting. While he hopes it's just a bad day for him, he does wonder if he's always so surly— he'll have to share a headspace and a living space with him for the next who knows how long. Haruka's vision falls onto Momijikawa standing near the door. When they make eye contact, Momijikawa turns away without hesitation and leaves the combat room.
Maybe it isn't just a bad day.
—-
Haruka falls face-first onto one of the sparse mattresses with a heavy, grateful sigh. His luggage had found its way to the room before he and Kotoha did, but he can't be assed to unpack anything more than a sheet right now. With no sign of his grouchy co-pilot, and, therefore, a room all to himself for a little while, Haruka is deeply tempted to sleep as he is until the next morning.
A very loud, hollowing growl from his stomach pulls him from his half-asleep trance, and he glances at his phone. Still time to find dinner. So with a beleaguered groan, Haruka pushes himself out of bed and wanders out, hoping he can remember where Kotoha had pointed out the cafeteria.
—-
Despite the later hour, the cafeteria still buzzes with activity, though Haruka thinks he may have preferred it to be a little less populated right now. He takes a seat with his tray at an unoccupied stretch of bench and sleepily picks at his rice. Someone steps behind him, and he swivels around, suddenly more alert.
It's the shorter blond from earlier in the combat room. He beams at Haruka, holding just a small bowl in his hand and waves with his free hand. Behind him a few steps is the man with the eyepatch.
"Sakura-san! We watched your testing," the blonde says, a little more loudly than Haruka appreciates in his exhausted state, but he seems well-meaning, "You were great! You're so compatible with all the candidates; we don't get that very much."
The other man steps up closer, steaming cup of something in his hand.
"Nirei-kun, perhaps introduce yourself," he says to the blond, who has the grace to look embarrassed.
"Ah, yes, sorry," he says, bowing his head slightly, "Nirei Akihiko. Can we join you?"
Truthfully, Haruka is sure he doesn't have the energy for the conversation Nirei likely wants, but he doesn't want to shoo away the first people to approach him outside of business. He nods, making room on the bench in an unnecessary gesture; there's plenty of room on either side of him and across, as well. Nirei takes a seat beside him as the man with the eyepatch makes himself comfortable across from them, and Nirei gestures toward him.
"This is Suo-san," he offers, and the other man holds his hand up in a polite, acknowledging wave.
Haruka almost introduces himself, but catches it this time. Obviously Nirei knows his name; he addressed Haruka by name just now.
"So do you work with Kotoha?" Haruka says, attempting friendly conversation. Nirei shakes his head.
"Psychiatric evaluator," he replies, taking a spoonful of what looks to be oatmeal.
Haruka's lips make a thin line, and Nirei laughs lightly.
"I won't analyze you, I promise," he says, and Haruka wonders if he gets that reaction a lot.
Haruka looks across at Suo after taking a mouthful of rice, asking, "What about you?"
"I pilot Tempest Eden with Kiryu-kun," he replies. The table lapses into quiet as Haruka eats and flounders for a conversation topic. Nirei looks over at him, thoughtful.
"So they put you with Momijikawa-san," he starts, and Haruka deflates a little.
"Yeah, and I think he hates me already," Haruka says as he flicks a grain of rice around his tray.
"I don't think he hates you," Nirei says.
Haruka gives him a look that says he doesn't believe him, saying, "Okay, then what's his deal?"
Suo sets his cup down and speaks up, "He's had a difficult several months."
"It's not my place to tell his whole story, but he's been out on psychiatric leave for a while," Nirei adds. It doesn't inspire much confidence in Haruka.
"And I'm going to share brain space with him," Haruka says, more than asks.
"It's fine," Suo says cheerily, "He's been cleared."
The piece of rice Haruka had been chasing on his tray flicks away too far and lands on the floor. He stares at the empty tray and tries to keep his eyes open.
—-
When Haruka returns to the room after parting ways with Nirei and Suo (the former insisting they exchange contact information), the lights are all out. Frowning, Haruka flips the switch nearest to the door, and realizes Momijikawa had shown up while Haruka was away, and he rolls his upper body toward Haruka with an irritated expression.
"Shut that damn light off," he says, and Haruka does so quickly.
He carefully makes his way to the bed he'd claimed earlier, guided by the light of his phone screen, and doesn't bother changing out of his casual clothes. He figures it's fine since he showered and changed after getting the assignment. He pulls the sheet over his head and buries his face in the pillow with a muffled sigh. He'd had high hopes coming out here, and now he finds himself filled with doubt and worry that things will go horribly wrong.
With stress on his mind and in his limbs, Haruka falls into a restless sleep.