As she's standing amidst the chaos, watching her comrades battle youma, Rei finds herself numb. She can scarcely form coherent thought - aware of only scattered fragments that start with ‘why’ and ‘how’ and ‘loss.’ Words are said, but she barely hears them – barely understands their meaning. It feels like the world is beyond her comprehension now that an integral part of it is gone.

She doesn’t know what the trigger is, but Rei finally breaks through in an inferno of raging flame and shattering anguish. Later she thinks it’s because Minako would never forgive her for mourning her death.