Rina Nishio

* The Beyond
* Exodus
* Heaven and Earth
* Original

**Rina Nishio** (西尾(にしお) 里奈(りな), *Nishio Rina*) is a character who is introduced in *Soukyuu no Fafner*. She is the twin sister of Akira Nishio.

Rina is one of the second generation pilots. She is first assigned as an operator for the CDC, replacing Shouko Hazama, before becoming a Fafner pilot. She pilots the Fafner, Mark Neun, which is upgraded to Mark Neun Kai and nicknamed Izanami during *Soukyuu no Fafner The Beyond*, and is also one of the pilots of the Zero Fafner.

## Appearance

Rina has brown hair and brown eyes. Her hair is braided into two pigtails but her hair is cut short in *Soukyuu no Fafner Exodus*. During *Soukyuu no Fafner The Beyond*, her hair reaches her shoulders with her bangs almost falling over her eyes.

Usually wearing her Alvis and pilot uniform, she wears her casual clothes when she is off-duty which mostly consist of a sleeveless orange shirt with a pair of light blue shorts or a white dress along with a pair of sandals but she is also seen wearing a purple long-sleeved shirt. After Akira's death, she holds onto the amulet that he received during his trip with the Human Army and wears it during the Fifth Operation Azure.

## Personality

Rina is an energetic and confident person but can also be very emotional when it comes to the situation of the island and her family. During her first years at Alvis, she admires Maya Toomi and wants her to praise her for the work she does. She looks after her juniors and has a close relationship with her twin brother, Akira Nishio, even though they often argue. Due to what the Human Army has done to their island, Rina dislikes them and doesn't want Akira to be a part of the expeditionary force because they can't be trusted according to her.

Unaware of Sui Kaburagi's feelings to her at first, Rina slowly becomes closer to Sui. They are often paired together to take down the enemies due to their SDPs and piloted the Zero Fafner during the Fourth Operation Azure together as well. In *Soukyuu no Fafner The Beyond*, it is shown that they are very close with Rina calling Sui by his first name instead of his last name, Sui visiting Rina, who is in a coma, whenever he can, and the reunion they have when Rina awakens from her coma after three years, hinting that they may be in a relationship.

## Biography

### *Soukyuu no Fafner Right of Left*

Rina and Seri Tatekami watch Hiroto Douma pull two watermelons out of the water.

### *Soukyuu no Fafner*

Rina greets Maya Toomi at school at the end of the day and wonders if she is going to the basement. Upon hearing that Maya is going home, she responds that she is looking forward to it next time, confusing Maya. Rina wants to explain but she hears the bell and excuses herself. Maya later finds out what Rina meant when she arrives late at the CDC and sees that Rina is already there, taking the place of the late Shouko Hazama. Rina and Maya are taking a break in the underwater observation room and Rina wonders if she did a great job to which Maya responds that she thinks she did well. Upon hearing that, Rina wants to work harder and says that she won't be selfish as Shouko. Maya asks what she means by that to which Rina responds that she heard that Shouko ignored orders and destroyed Mark Sechs. Maya gets angry, stating that she doesn't know anything, and walks away with Rina trying to stop her but to no avail. Later, Rina and Seri Tatekami hear Hiroto Douma talking through the speaker when they are about to leave school with their bikes. When Hiroto says that Kenji Kondou picks on the girls by saying that he kills the Festum with his Fafner, Rina mutters that Kenji is the worst when Seri confirms Hiroto's words.

Rina is at the CDC during the first battle of the new pilots and the Festum. Rina is present at the CDC when Alvis suddenly gets a transmission from the Moldova base. Rina states that Kyousuke Mizoguchi's takeoff was successful while the Human Army starts to invade Tatsumiyajima. As the Human Army slowly makes their way to Alvis, Fumihiko Makabe orders Yumiko Toomi to take Rina and go to the shelter with Kiyomi Kaname telling her to follow the instructions from her grandmother and Chizuru Toomi. Rina is in the shelter with her family and Hiroto and wonders what is going to happen to them. Her grandmother tries to calm her down by telling her that she doesn't need to worry and that they have to be patient for a while until everything is over. A commander from the Human Army enters, telling them that they have to stay here until they complete the search of the island, and Rina and Hiroto look at each other.

After they take Tatsumiyajima back, Rina is surprised to see the new CDC room and Kiyomi mentions that it is technically the same room as the room they used before but it was created first. Ayano Kondou then tells her that they couldn't use the room before because of the heavy load on the system but they are able now since the core is walking around. Hearing all that, Rina is impressed about the new CDC room and greets Fumihiko when he walks in. Rina is in her classroom when Tsubaki joins their class. The next day, she joins her seniors and her friends for a day on the beach. Rina helps Chizuru to oversee Maya's Fafner training simulation and orders her to use the Dragon Tooth. Seeing Maya's performance, Rina is impressed of her skills. After the simulation, Rina goes back to the CDC and tells Yumiko that Maya was really impressive, being able to fight immediately. Yumiko quickly changes to subject and sends some data to Rina which she needs to get confirmation on from each section. The next day, the island is under attack and Rina is present at the CDC and says that one of the enemies has retreated as the battle advances. As Maya defeats the last enemy, Rina is once again impressed of her skills.

Rina is in her classroom with her friends and she asks Tsubaki if it will be her first festival. While Hiroto brags that he is in charge of the songs, Rina wonders if she can dance with Maya to which Seri responds that it isn't that kind of dance. Later that night, Rina is with Seri at the festival and wonders where Tsubaki is to which Seri responds that she has to take care of something first. The next day, Rina is at the house where her seniors are holding Kouyou Kasugai with her friends and she comments that it is quite an uproar if Michio Hino has come with his Fafner. However, she is surprised to hear from Tsubaki that a Festum is inside. Rina is at the CDC and comments that they have defeated over 200 enemies so far, wondering what the secret to victory is. The next day, Rina is once again in her classroom with her friends and she touches Tsubaki's cheeks, commenting they are soft. While Hiroto gets punched by Seri, Rina hugs Tsubaki and says that Tsubaki's entire body is soft. The alarm goes off and Rina goes to the CDC after Seri reminds her to go there. The battle ends and Rina mentions that the battle took longer than expecting because they were all long-range types.

Rina is at the CDC during the battles against the Festum. Rina and the others are relieved to see Soushi Minashiro unharmed. Rina is later with Seri and Hiroto at the hangar when the Festum attacks Alvis. Chisato Kodate closes the door of the room they are in, saving them from the enemy. Rina is alone at the CDC while the others are taking care of restoring Alvis and the casualties from the previous battle. An alert goes off and Rina mentions that the target is approaching the island and that another enemy has been confirmed. However, the two seem to be battling each other and Rina projects it on the main monitor. She later comments that the winning Festum disappeared and that they aren't able to find it but they left a message behind. Rina reads the message which states that they are waiting at the mountain for a talk and she later watches the conversation with Fumihiko and the Festum who has the appearance of Akane Makabe. CDC receives a huge amount of data and Kiyomi orders Rina to send it to the main server to which she responds that it is automatically done. However, the alert goes off again and Rina panickly mentions that there are a lot of enemies coming.

Rina releases the gate for the plane that is heading for the North Pole. She is later at Tsubaki's side when she fainted but she is shocked to hear that Tsubaki will return soon to the Coagula. Rina is confused and asks what is going on to which Chizuru responds that the Mir controls the island's functions as an infinite information source. She then wonders where the Mir is and is surprised to learn that the air within the camouflage of the island is the island's Mir. Fumihiko, Chizuru, and Tsubaki continue to explain the concept of the Mir to Rina and Seri. Tsubaki says goodbye to the duo but they want to stay with her until the very end and they hold the cables that are attached to her while they make their way to the Coagula. Rina and Seri start to cry when they hear Tsubaki saying that she will become the island to embrace them all like a mother. They then watch as she returns to the island and Rina and Seri hold each other as she disappears, feeling the wind through their hair. However, they see a baby taking the place where Tsubaki was and after hearing Chizuru's explanation, Rina comments that Tsubaki will be reborn as a new person.

### *Soukyuu no Fafner Heaven and Earth*

Rina goes with the student council to the Rakuen and they order food by Maya Toomi. Rina comments that she has her hands full with the paper work and asks Maya to praise her, which she does by saying she is very responsible. Maya asks what Akira Nishio wants to order and Rina says that he will have the same order as her but Akira stands up with the menu in his hand. By using the menu, Akira shows that he wants an espresso and Rina remarks that he is an idiot when he sits down. After their visit, Rina finishes preparing for the festival and states that their grandmother has already left and wonders if Akira is coming. As usual, Akira doesn't response and Rina yells that he should talk. Akira doesn't move from his place nor talks and Rina slams the door shut, leaving him behind. Rina joins up with Seri Tatekami at the festival where she tries on a mask which makes Seri laugh. As the lanterns are released on the sea, Rina and the other pilots see a boat making its way to the island.

Sometime later after the Festum attack, the second generation pilots are training with Kenji Kondou and Maya who explain everything they need to know about piloting the Fafner. Rina is shocked to hear Akira talk when they are asked to respond. Rina and Akira are walking together in the underwater observation room after the battle and Rina comments that she didn't imagine Kenji being so weak. Akira responds that he lost on purpose to fill them with courage. Seeing that Akira is able to talk again after boarding the Fafner, Rina wants Akira to resign because "he will just get in the way" to which Akira responds that she knows that he can't do that. Rina then gets angry and states that he is an idiot before running away. Multiple Festum start to attack the island and the second generation pilots make their debut on the battlefield, fighting the Festum along with their seniors. After the battle, the second generation pilots are happy that they won their first battle. Rina talks with Seri through crossing and Seri wonders what the Festum are trying to say. Rina responds that they are probably saying that they are hating them and that she should take them down before they start talking. Seri states that Tsubaki Minashiro would have never said that to which Rina responds that Tsubaki is gone which causes Seri to shed some tears.

Festum starts to attack the island again multiple times and the second generation pilots fight alongside their seniors. In between the fights, Rina is holding the cables when Seri decides to relieve the strain on the core in the Coagula, watching the event unfold. During one of the fights, Rina is in a tough spot as one Festum destroys her Fafner's left arm while another one pierces through her Fafner, feeling all the pain. Her cockpit ejects but one of the Festum gets a hold of it and tries to crush it. Kenji saves her by defeating said Festum and sucessfully retrieves her cockpit. Kenji later gives it to Hiroto Douma who sees her unconscious in the cockpit. After the battle is over, Rina is sitting beside Akira's bed and Akira wakes up, saying that he saw the nothingness of the Festum. He hoped that he would find his parents since it was just like when they disappeared there but Rina calls him an idiot. She remarks that he always leave the front lights on in case their parents came back and he never wanted to make float lanterns for them. With tears in her eyes, she notes that she will be all alone in a house nobody comes home to if he dies because their grandmother is getting old too. Akira apologizes and she starts to cry while holding on to his arm.

With the final battle coming up, Rina and Akira successfully make it through the test to pilot the Fafner which caused the dead of their parents when they test piloted it, the Zero Fafner. The twins are part of the mobile force during the Second Operation Azure, piloting the Zero Fafner together, and they destroy the barrier protecting Misao Kurusu's base by creating resonance waves. Akira reminds Rina to tune into the wavelength of the shield to Rina responds that she knows her job. The Zero Fafner goes to the surface and takes out a large amount of the Festum by using the laser weapons in its arms. Seeing the Mir's crystal rising into the sky, the twins use the Zero Fafner to destroy it from the inside by using the cannon in its hand, which causes a huge explosion.

### *Soukyuu no Fafner Behind The Line*

Rina and the other second generation pilots attend the graduation of their seniors. After the ceremony, Rina wonders what works she should do and reminds her friends that they have to raise the new generation of pilots, wanting them to look at the program she wrote. However, much to her annoyance, her friends want to leave everything to her and her twin brother wants to her to take care of their family store. Shouting out her frustration, she chases after Akira and Hiroto Douma. Later that night, Rina is with her friends at the Rakuen and Rina states that both she and Seri Tatekami are too busy to help Hiroto with his show. She then wonders how long Akira is going to look for Maya Toomi in the photos. When Akira claims that Maya will be working at the Rakuen, Rina responds that he doesn't get to decide that for her. Two days later, Rina and her friends are in the linear car when the alarm goess off and they are relieved when they see Maya joining in. The twins start to argue when Akira claims that he will be piloting Mark Sein one day with Rina responding that he will regret saying that statement. In the end, they didn't have to sortie in their Fafners with the situation not being imminent. The next day, Rina attends the Tanabata Festival with her friends and watch the fireworks.

### *Soukyuu no Fafner Exodus*

Rina is sitting in her family shop and watches Hiroto Douma's show on TV before turning it off. She complains about the fact that Hiroto keeps making shows and that Seri Tatekami is even joining him. Using her fan to cool off, she yells to her grandmother, who is sitting in the room behind her, that she wants to work for Alvis but her grandmother wants her to carry on the island's culture. She says that they need to install an air-conditioning when one of her juniors, Sui Kaburagi, walks in and greets her but stops mid-sentence when he sees where Rina is using her fan. Realizing what she is doing, she quickly stops and asks what he wants. Sui quickly grabs the stuff he wants to buy and Rina wonders if he has any time for to read when he is busy with school. She then tells him that they should meet with the council at Kazuki Makabe's place next time and responds that she is working in the shop when Sui wonders if she is free later. The island gives out an alert when a Human Army's transport craft comes near the island with a Festum chasing them and Rina runs off to Alvis to join with her friends. She is aboard of the linear car with her friends and the third generation pilots. A clip about the alert starts to play and Rina states to Hiroto that he should stop making so many videos when he mentions that the lightning could be better in the clip. They reach their destination and the second generation pilots run to the hangar to prepare to board their Fafners.

Rina boards her Fafner, Mark Neun, and when she connects to her Fafner, she sheds some tears because of the pain. The second generation pilots then launch to the battlefield and Rina attacks the Festum by using the Salamander. The Festum disappears but quickly appears by penetrating Akira Nishio's Mark Zehn's left arm. Akira yells for Rina, who grabs the Durandal and tries to help him by shooting where the Festum attacked. During the battle, the Festum splits into four and Rina tries to attack by using the Salamander, dodging the wormholes. The Human Army pilots join the fight and one of them helps Rina out but she isn't too happy with their assist as she wonders why they have to show up. The pilots manage to defeat the Festum and Rina watches the Human Army Fafners fly back. Soushi Minashiro wonders what they are doing to which Rina responds that they can't be trusted but Soushi reminds her that the longer they pilot a Fafner, the harder the assimilation phenomenon will hit. Hearing that, Rina complies and the pilots head back to get checked out. Sitting with Hiroto in the same room, Rina comments that she wants to quit being a pilot but she feels like she has to keep piloting a Fafner when she thinks about her juniors being next in line.

Rina enters the Rakuen with Akira and Hiroto to get something to eat when they see the Human Army pilots eating there as well. Rina asks Maya Toomi what they are doing here to which she responds that they came here to meet Kazuki Makabe. Rina is eating her curry when Billy Morgan joins and starts a conversation with her, Akira, and Hiroto after she finishes. During the conversation, Rina gets angry at Billy when he wonders why they aren't fighting with them. She wonders what they have done for them to receive help since the Human Army has occupied their island as well as dropping bombs on it. Billy thinks she has the wrong idea but that makes Rina only more angry and grabs him by the shirt. Maya runs to Rina and tries to comfort her as she begins to cry. After listening to Jonathan Mitsuhiro Bartland, Billy apologizes for his behaviour but Rina ignores him by looking away.

Rina is in the hangar when she sees Sui in his pilot uniform for the first time and tells him that he put the head piece on wrong. She decides to fix it for him and wonders if he remembers for next time but instead of getting a straight answer, Sui keeps apologizing. Rina is standing before the third generation pilots along with the other second generation pilots and they all close their eyes except for Hiroto when he talks about the helmet he gave to Mimika Mikagami. After the training with their juniors, Rina sits in the break room and complains about always having to play the weak one. Akira thanks her for playing the losing party, giving her a soda can, and says that it should give them more courage. He then tells her that he is thinking about applying for the expeditionary force and Rina is shocked to hear that, knocking the soda away. Upon hearing that, the Nishio familiy have a meeting at home and Rina asks why he wants to leave the island. She wonders if he trusts the Human Army since she doesn't because of what they have done to them in the past. Akira remarks that Miwa Hino might be able to save the world and that Maya is also going to which Rina responds that he just wants to go with Maya. Not able to change his mind, Rina wants her grandmother to say something but she says that Akira can make his own choices if he is prepared to learn about the human nature. Akira thanks his grandmother while Rina comments that she is still totally against it.

Rina and Seri are part of the Fafner unit who join the third generation pilots for their first battle and during the battle, Rina calls Sui an idiot for acting on his own instead of following the initial plan. As the battle nears its end, Rina destroys several Festum by using her Fafner's Medusa and finishes one of the last remaining Festum by shooting several times with the rifle, telling them to disappear. The next day, Akira is being interviewed by Hiroto and Seri since he is a part of the expeditionary force and Rina interrupts it by saying that it is tough having an idiot for a brother. As Akira responds that the same thing could be said about her, Seri stops the twins from arguing before they can continue. Rina states that there is nothing she can do despite not trusting the Human Army since it is the commander's decision and tells Akira to return home safe. Later that night, the pilots and ex-pilots are holding a victory and farewell party. The next day, Rina is one of the people who sees the expeditionary force off. She is later with Sui at the Rakuen, working on the Tanabata Festival, and tells Kazuki that he should write down the wish he wants granted the most instead of overthinking it.

Rina and her fellow pilots battle against several Festum types that are attacking their island and she is surprised to hear that Kenji Kondou is in charge of the Siegfried System. However, unlike the previous battle, the pilots are struggling to defeat the enemies as they are being outmatched. The pilots are taken out one by one with Rina being one of the last pilots standing and she tries to contact the other pilots while fighting one Festum that is slowly approaching her. It takes out Mark Neun's Medusa and it causes an explosion which sends Rina to the ground. She comes face to face with the Festum, causing her to be terrified, and asks Kenji for help. Suddenly, her Fafner is gifted a new power and she easily takes the enemy with one shot, realizing that she has the same kind of power when Kazuki pilots Mark Sein. Using their new powers, the pilots quickly turn the battle around and by using the Norns, Rina takes out the last remaining enemies. After the battle, Rina is resting with Seri and Rina tells Kenji not to barge in like that when he suddenly enters the room. She says that she is really all right when he wants them to come back tomorrow for exams and not satisfied with her answer, he takes a closer look at her face, causing Rina to be flustered. Rina then looks away when Sakura Kaname enters the room, looking for Kenji. She then goes to Sui and Reo Mikado to remind them about the exams when she suddenly sees Sui shedding some tears. She wonders if he got hurt during the last battle to which he responds that he is scared of dying. Hearing his response, she punches him on the head and scolds him for thinking that it is natural to lose people in battle. She then tells him that they are going to protect each other to survive and it cheers him up despite her hard words. The next day, Rina watches the launch of Kazuki and Soushi's rockets with her juniors and seniors.

The Fafner unit is in another battle with the Festum which goes swiftly due to the use of their SDPs. After the battle, Rina announces the Pilot Training Camp and peaks outside the door when she hears Sakura slapping Kenji. Later that day, Rina is in bath looking through some stuff and mutters that she has been sleepy lately. She is then suddenly teleported to Sui's bedroom and they both scream upon seeing other. Covering herself with a blanket, she opens the door and asks for some clothes. She receives some clothes from Sui's mother and tells Sui that she will kill him if he does it again, slamming the door shut. The next day, Rina is the one first at the house where the training camp is being held and thanks Saki Masaoka for preparing the place. She sees Sui arriving and she angrily looks away due to the events that transpired the previous day. The training camp begins and the pilots are preparing the food. Rina finds it weird that Sui is eating alone even when his parents are home when he mentions that it must be nice to be eating with each other. Saki arrives with a disk from the expeditionary force and seeing the contents of the disk, Rina comments that they are idiots for going along with the Human Army. Sometime after the training camp is over, the pilots are in the baths after a successful battle. Rina wonders what Orihime is doing, who is wearing the Goubain helmet, and she puts it on Rina's head. After the baths, the pilots are changing clothes when Rina suddenly falls asleep.

Rina is brought to the medical room with her grandmother and Tamotsu Kodate at her side. The Fafner unit is later fighting against the Festum again, however, they all move slowly due to them being scared of the new assimilation phenomenon. After the battle, Rina is hugging the wall while trying to stay awake, complaining about being sleepy all the time. During their next fight, Rina wonders if she has to pilot the Fafner forever to stay awake when Seri tells her that their seniors, Canon Hazama and Sakura, are joining the battle. After Canon's speech, Reo relocates the remaining Fafners to the Keiju island and Rina notices the new enemies. Encouraged by Canon's speech, the Fafner unit fights the enemies by using their SDPs without being scared of the effects outside battle and the battle ends in their victory.

The Fafner unit is fighting the enemy when three Tatsumiyajima crafts are trying to make it back to the island, however, nobody has survived and the pilots are grieving together in the medical room. Later that day, a funeral is held for the deceased and Rina goes to Sui to talk about the festival. Rina tries to stay awake and Sui asks if she is all right to which she wonders why she easily gets so sleepy. Sometime later, Rina is walking up the stairs in her house, telling herself to not fall asleep, and her grandmother reminds her to not force herself to which she responds that she is fine. However, she falls asleep and starts to fall from the stairs when she is suddenly teleported to Sui's house where she hears Sui arguing with his mother. She goes down and interrupts their argument by saying that Sui's mother shouldn't take them and the deceased for idiots. While stating her own feelings on the matter, she falls asleep and Sui and his father quickly rush to her side. Rina is brought to the medical room by Sui's family. Rina wakes up and mentions that Canon is fighting and that Hiroto has come back home. She mutters that Hiroto says that it makes them stronger if someone dies and that they should cultivate their strength before falling asleep again. On the day of the Tanabata Festival, she leaves her house for the festival and her grandmother reminds her to not overdo it to which she responds that she will be fine due to the medicine Kenji has given her. She watches the lantern float and wonders why Sui is screaming when he runs to her.

The pilots find Canon's hat in the Rakuen and Rina wants Sui to call Canon but he responds that he couldn't find her anywhere since he has already tried calling her. The island comes under attack and Fafner unit launches to fight them, however, the Festum is using some new tricks to destroy the island. They try to defeat the enemy but their attacks don't have any effect despite using their SDPs since they are getting assimilated and the Fafner unit retreats as per orders. At the medical room, Reo breaks the news to them that Kenji and Sakura are getting married and Rina couldn't believe it at first but encourages her juniors that they should celebrate it. She attends their wedding and Rina states that she won't forgive them if they aren't happy. With the new Fafners completed, Rina is part of the first interceptor unit with Sui during the Third Operation Azure with Mark Neun's Medusa using Alvis' engine energy. Rina shoots the core when Sui pulls it up from the sea, however, she misses the second attempt since the core goes back into the sea and she realizes that something must have happened to Sui. Mark Neun's left arm gets destroyed while she is trying to call for Sui and tries to defeat the enemies with her built-in arm cannon, telling them to stay away. Kenji's Mark Acht appears before her and manages to heal her Fafner's damaged arm to her surprise. Rina then boosts Sui's SDP by using her own SDP and shoots the core when it appears from the sea. After the powder-like Festum disappear, Rina shoots the core one more time which destroys the head of the Azazel-type Festum with Kouyou Kasugai delivering the finishing blow. After the battle concludes in their victory, Rina passes out from exhaustion.

Rina is part of the Fafner unit that helps the expeditionary force and the Srinagar survivors who are under attack by both the Festum and Human Army. She goes underwater along with Kenji and reaches out to Akira who is nearby. After the battle, she is with her grandmother at Akira's bed and despite commenting that he is an idiot for being reckless since his symptoms were almost terminal, she is glad that he is back. Rina and her grandmother are waiting to eat when Akira comes back home. Seeing Akira, with tears in his eyes, grabbing the rice with his hand, she wonders if something is wrong to which he responds that many people did because they didn't have it and their grandmother tells him that he won't be the only one getting to eat. The twins later watch the craft flying away and Rina reminds him that Soushi told him to take a break when he mentions that he should have been on the craft. She wonders if he has shot someone when he brings the topic up about taking someone's life and Rina tries to put him at ease by saying that it isn't his fault. Akira then says that he wants to Hiroto tell that he was right about the outside world after what they have seen on their expedition to which Rina responds that it will make Hiroto happy if he tells him when he comes back.

Rina and Akira are preparing the Zero Fafner for battle and after the preparation are complete, the twins are watching the Fafner in the underwater observation room where Rina lies down on the bench. The twins have a talk about Akira leaving the island before and Rina stands up, yelling at him to let her handle everything. Rina walks away but stops upon hearing that Akira met the person who bombed the island three years ago and that he doesn't intend to throw the life away he entrusted to Akira. The twins stay silent for a bit and Rina breaks the silent by stating that Akira should make something because she is hungry. They go to Rakuen where Akira makes curry for her and she tells him that he has improved but is nowhere near Kazuki's level. When Tatsumiyajima finds the third Alvis, Rina changes into her pilot uniform and pilots the Zero Fafner along with Akira. They pair up with Sui to destroy the core, however, their attack gets reflected and the Zero Fafner is damaged by the attack. Thanks to Kenji's SDP, the Zero Fafner is repaired and Akira requests to continue the attack plan to which Rina agrees after yelling at Akira, stating that she will shoot more than before and to have faith in Sui. Sui hesitates but Rina scolds him by saying that they have nothing to lose. They succeed in taking out the core this time and Rina mutters that Sui should have more faith in himself before she falls unconscious. Unbeknownst to Rina, Akira continues to operate the Zero Fafner, disconnecting her after the Zero Fafner stops the giant crystal from landing, and eventually loses his life due to the assimilation phenomenon.

Rina is with Akira who tells her to live on for him and their parents. Akira walks over to Hiroto and Rina spots the amulet which he received on his trip. Akira tells her to write the wish he wasn't able to write and Rina, with tears in her eyes, keeps yelling at him to not leave her. Rina wakes up and sees her grandmother and Kenji besides her bed, realizing that it was a dream. The two apologize to her and Kenji gives Akira's amulet to Rina at which she stares for a bit before pulling it closer to her. Later that day, Rina and her grandmother watches Akira's video while clenching the amulet in her hand. She is selected to participate in the Fourth Operation Azure and pairs up with Sui to pilot the Zero Fafner. Aboard the plane, Sui wonders if it is all right for him to replace Akira and Rina dodges the question by stating that he should just bring down the aerial enemy for her. The operation starts and Rina praises Sui for matching their wavelenghts before mentioning that he should stop looking at her. Rina then states that he can look at her all he wants after they win the battle and that he should focus on the operation for now, surprising Sui. They starts their SDP, however, Rina gets hit by the assimilation as they keep going and Rina tells Sui to focus while she takes the pain with tears in her eyes. They succeed in taking down the Vagrant thanks to some help from outside. Rina falls unconscious after the attack but she quickly wakes up and tells Sui that they will break through Vagrant's defense by matching their wavelenghts. They attack Mitsuhiro's Mark Raison, however, the Zero Fafner gets taken out by Mark Raison's counterattack. After the battle ends in their victory, Rina stares at the ocean in the direction of Tatsumiyajima with the other remaining pilots.

### *Soukyuu no Fafner The Beyond*

Rina takes part in the Fifth Operation Azure which objective is to take Soushi Minashiro and the two Esperanto children back, who are abducted by Maris Excelsior. Her team launches from the L-Boat and defeats the Festum that are standing in their way by using their SPD. They clear the first route with Rina updating control when a Festum suddenly contacts her and forces an unauthorized crossing with her. Rina starts to shown signs of the assimilation phenomenon and starts to lose control over her Fafner, attacking Reo Mikado's Susanoo and Sui Kaburagi's Amaterasu. Mimika Mikagami stops Rina from moving but as the assimilation becomes worse, the pilots who are crossing with Rina show signs of the assimilation phenomenon as well. Kenji Kondou forces a crossing cancellation, freeing the others from the assimilation except for Rina, who is still crossing with enemy. Rina pushes Mimika out of the way and wants everyone to stay back as she starts the Fenrir program, ignoring the pleas from her friends. The program counts down and Rina looks at the enemy before looking down at the amulet she is wearing, apologizing to her twin brother. Izanami explodes when the countdown reaches zero, however, Sui uses his SDP and teleports Rina into his cockpit, barely saving her from the explosion.

Rina is shown in a recovery pod when her grandmother and Sui come to visit her, revealing that she has been in a coma ever since the battle from three years ago. Aboard Benon's mothership, Maris enters her consciousness where Rina is shown to be sitting in her family shop. She hears someone entering the shop and looks up, greeting Maris. She talks with Maris, complaining about how hot it is, when he suddenly tells her to pick up the phone that appears on the desk out of nowhere with her food disappearing in her hand. Rina hesitates but decides to pick up the phone. She hears Sui, who is visiting her again and wonders if she can hear him, and says that she can hear his voice, not knowing that it gives away the island's location to Maris.

Soushi spots Rina who is sitting behind the counter in her family shop. Sui is sitting beside Rina's recovery pod when Soushi enters the room. Both Soushi and Miwa manage to enter Rina's consciousness and she tells them that she is waiting for a phone call. Miwa wonders who is calling to which Rina responds that Sui is calling her to give information about the island. The pod is later surrounded by a barrier since Rina is the one who gives their plans away to Benon unknowingly. Miwa mentions that there will be a chance for Rina to wake up if they take back her consciousness which causes Sui to shed a tear.

Sui talks to Rina about the plans of the Sixth Operation Azure with the intention to mislead Maris who uses Rina to get information. Rina hears Sui's voice when he takes her consciousness back from Serenoa. As a result, Rina awakens from her coma after three years and states that she has heard his voice all the time. She puts her hand on his cheek and asks him to bring her some clothes before turning her attention to her grandmother, stating that she is back home. Rina and Sui go to Rakuen several days later where Rina is reunited with her seniors and juniors, who are happy to see her finally awake, and jokingly remarks that she hopes nobody has made a lantern for her. She is then reunited with Seri Tatekami when she enters the shop, welcoming her back, and Rina goes to hug her. With tears in her eyes, Rina states that she was very worried when Seri didn't come back after the Fourth Operation Azure and Seri claims that she won't die to which Rina responds that that isn't the problem here. Later that day, she floats a lantern for Akira and Sanae Kaburagi with her grandmother and the Kaburagi family during the festival. A few days later, she watches Kazuki Makabe and Kouyou Kasugai depart from the island with her friends.

## Fafners

### Mark Neun

Rina pilots the ninth Nothung Model Fafner designed by Alvis to combat the Festum and it is equiped with ranged-type weapons. A flamethrower, called the "Salamander", is specially designed to be used by Mark Neun and was commonly used before it was equipped with two huge energy cannons, one at each side, called the "Medusa". Aside from being equipped with the "Salamander" or the "Medusa", it is also seen to carry a pistol or a rifle. After Rina awakens her SDP, Mark Neun gains the ability to increase the power drastically of any weapon it is holding and it is also able to power up other Fafners when Mark Neun comes in contact with them. However, due to her SDP, it leaves Rina in a lethargic state which causes her to fall asleep often.

Its Nothung Model is later converted to the Einherjar Model, designed by Canon Hazama, which focuses on keeping the pilots in fighting condition for as long as possible by slowing down the assimilation phenomenon. It also powers the pilot's SDP by using several accelerators built in the model which spin when the SDP is being used.

### Mark Neun Kai (Izanami)

In *Soukyuu no Fafner The Beyond*, Mark Neun has being upgraded to Mark Neun Kai, which is also nicknamed Izanami. Rina pilots Izanami during the Fifth Operation Azure, part of the Fafner ground unit along with Susanoo and Tsukuyomi. Same as its predecessor, it uses the "Medusa" to defeat large quantities of Festum at once, powered by Rina's SDP, and it is also seen wielding a rifle. However, Izanami is destroyed by the Fenrir program that Rina activates after she lost control over her Fafner due to Serenoa's interference.

### Zero Fafner

Along with her twin brother Akira, Rina also pilots the Zero Fafner, which was test piloted by her parents who lost their lives during its first test. This massive Fafner is equipped with built-in weapons with a energy cannon in each hand and small lasers in its arms. It is also able to destroy barriers by creating resonance waves using the hand cannons. In *Soukyuu no Fafner Exodus*, it is upgraded with the Canon System which boosts the SDP abilities of the pilots and it is capable to produce any SDP unlike the other Fafners. After Akira's death, Rina pilots the Zero Fafner during the Fourth Operation Azure with Sui Kaburagi.

## Trivia

### Etymology

* The name **Rina** means "village" (里) (**ri**) and "apple tree" (奈) (**na**).
* Rina's surname **Nishio** means "west" (西) (**nishi**) and "tail, ridge" (尾) (**o**).

## References

1. ↑ Episode 9: Assimilation -Parting-
2. ↑ Episode 10: Disintegration -Crossing Paths-
3. ↑ Episode 12: Absence -Desperation-
4. ↑ Episode 13: Erosion -Festum-
5. ↑ Episode 14: Awakening -Occupation-
6. ↑ Episode 15: Memory -Scream-
7. ↑ Episode 17: Survival -Device-
8. ↑ Episode 18: Father -Memory-
9. ↑ Episode 19: Maya -Sight-
10. ↑ Episode 20: Lantern -Light-
11. ↑ Episode 21: Sakura -Future-
12. ↑ Episode 22: Protection -Power-
13. ↑ Episode 23: Pillage -Decoy-
14. ↑ Episode 24: Conversation -Mir-
15. ↑ Episode 25: Battle -Symbiosis-
16. ↑ Episode 26: Azure -Sky-
17. ↑ Exodus Episode 1: Visitor
18. ↑ Exodus Episode 2: The Name of Hope
19. ↑ Exodus Episode 3: The Price of a Conversation
20. ↑ Exodus Episode 4: The Successors
21. ↑ Exodus Episode 5: To a New World
22. ↑ Exodus Episode 7: Battle in a New Dimension
23. ↑ Exodus Episode 8: Dreaming of Peace
24. ↑ Exodus Episode 11: Transformation
25. ↑ Exodus Episode 12: Children of the Battlefield
26. ↑ Exodus Episode 13: A Future Within the Darkness
27. ↑ Exodus Episode 16: Where Life Is
28. ↑ Exodus Episode 17: Flames of the Final Farewell
29. ↑ Exodus Episode 18: Layering Sins Upon Sins
30. ↑ Exodus Episode 19: The Oath of the Living
31. ↑ Exodus Episode 20: The Soldiers Return Home
32. ↑ Exodus Episode 22: Memories of Hatred
33. ↑ Exodus Episode 23: Power Without Reason
34. ↑ Exodus Episode 24: The Third Alvis
35. ↑ Exodus Episode 25: Operation Azure
36. ↑ Exodus Episode 26: Tatsumiyajima
37. ↑ The Beyond Episode 1: Operation Azure
38. ↑ The Beyond Episode 4: The Powerless Ones
39. ↑ The Beyond Episode 5: Student
40. ↑ The Beyond Episode 7: People Who Won't Return
41. ↑ The Beyond Episode 8: Message Passed On
42. ↑ The Beyond Episode 9: Second Plan L
43. ↑ The Beyond Episode 10: Storm, Come and Go
44. ↑ The Beyond Episode 12: Beyond the Azure