The Jians and the Raven: Strike's Return

by The-Black-Knight673

Twenty years before the events following Hiro and Zero-Two's adventures, a mysterious light appeared followed by a strange war machine rescuing a Parasite pair from death at the hands of Klaxosaurs. For nearly four years, the mighty warrior fought along side Plantation 13's defenders, under a single condition gifted to its pilot. But, it was broken and he has returned for revenge.

1. Chapter 1

Chapter One

-Twenty-Years Ago-

A sudden burst managed to light up the entire sky, causing those from nearly every plantation to look up and watch its majesty shine brightly. However, few noticed a strange star fall from said light's center, its path leading straight for where several Klaxosaurs were located. Not knowing what this could be, possibly some new energy source, four of the FRANXX Squads were deployed to recover said object for study, specifically the current members of Squad 13 were sent in to support more experienced parasites.

When they arrived, the FRANXX Squads encountered a heavy resistance of smaller class Klaxosaurs with few of the larger ones supporting them. The sheer numbers of them were overwhelming, minutes after the engagement started only two of the FRANXX Squads remained in combat, Squad 13 only have one FRANXX still operational and its Pistil starting to panic while the Stamen was losing himself to a hysteria of watching their other squad mates be brutally destroyed by Klaxosaurs. Her hands started to tremble, eyes wide as one of the larger Klaxosaurs reared up and prepared to slam down on to the lone FRANXX, causing her to scream out.

Her cry was heard, and a light shined brightly from where the "star" had crashed.

Seconds later, a massive metal cyclops, its metal form being black where its armor seemed to be and silver at the joints, slammed its single spiked shoulder square into the Klaxosaur's head. This forced it to be sent flying away, just before the cyclops drew its barreled weapon, locking on to its target, and fired a single buck-shot square into its roaring opponent. The blast bursts the Klaxosaur's head wide open, blue blood and chunks of it flying every where around said slain creature. Pumping the bottom portion of the cyclop's weapon, it fired another buck-shot to the closest Klaxosaur before resorting to elbowing one that managed to strike from the side and slammed its foot on to the creature's massive head… Blue blood spreading on to the ground.

It stood slightly taller than the FRANXX next to him, single eye swerving around to locate what enemies were nearby, counting each Klaxosaur closing in on them. All around its lower and upper body were several cone shaped pieces, which the Pistil noticed allowed it to move at high speeds and maneuver around Klaxosaurs with ease. On its back were a pair of tubed weapons, with a stocked bottom and handles to allow for said cyclops to grab once leaned over its shoulders. Both legs held a single shafted cone weapon, that would allow one to think they were one use weapons, and the small of its back had another shotgun weapon with no stock… Though, what confused her most, were the two holes on both sides of the cyclop's head, knowing they were not decorations like its single horn.

"Can you fight?" A metallic voice left the cyclop's head, as its magenta eye swerved to the FRANXX next to him. "If so, I could use some back up here..."

"Y-Yes!" She replied, looking back at her Stamen. "Seven-Five-Seven, we need to help him!"

"W-What!? But, our squad is gone, we need get out of here!" 757 replied to her, looking around for the other squad and see if they were starting to retreat as well. "Zero-Three-Four, we can't stay here! Even if that cyclops can help, there's too many!"

"Its better than letting those Klaxosaurs follow us back to the Planation, don't you think!" She looked forward, eyes narrowing on the approaching creatures. "If I must, I'll go into a stampede just to fight…"

Those words caused the cyclops to look down at her, single eye focusing on the FRANXX, a snicker leaving its head. "I like the way you think." He aimed the shotgun forward, at another growling Klaxosaur. "Alexander Bernhardt, of the Principality of Zeon's Fifty-Sixth Mobile Suit Corps Special Forces Division… Pleased to meet you."

A smile appeared on the teen's lips, as she leaned forward. "Code 034, of Plantation Thirteen's Franxx Squad." She looked back at her Stamen, who still held a panic look about him. "The Stamen with me is Seven-Five-Seven… Hopefully he'll help and I do not risk going on a rampage." That caused his cheeks to fluster, as the cyclops chuckled, the two going back to back as Klaxosaurs surrounded them.

"If you do, I'm sure Strike and I can stop you from doing anything further." He fired another buck-shot at the Klaxosaur, effectively destroying its entire head. "Though, I have questions after we manage to fight these creatures off… Such as, where the hell am I?" Another buck-shot fired, ripping a Klaxosaur's stomach wide open… But didn't stop it. "Damnit, these things need head shots or something?"

To 034's surprise, the cyclops she assumed to be "Strike" removed his left hand from the shotgun and moved down to his hip. Seconds later, a cylinder-shape device shot out and into its hand, allowing them to draw it like a sword… And a beam of yellow light shot out, taking the shape of a sword made of pure energy. Without hesitation, he rammed the energy weapon square into the Klaxosuar's forehead, melting through its armor and causing it to cry out in agony having such within it. Moments later, it burst into chunks and blue blood, covering the cyclops with said blood.

"Well then, these things obviously do not like beam sabers, that is for sure." He pointed the shotgun towards an advancing Klaxosaur and destroyed its head completely, allowing 034 to pump the weapon for him and pointed it at another. "So, how do you think we can get out of this, without being destroyed 'Zero-Three-Four'?" The cyclops asked, looking around with its single eye.

"Our best bet?" She started, looking around them carefully. "Would be to try and make it back to the plantation… These Klaxosaurs won't venture very far from their territory."

"Klaxosaurs, that is what they're called?" He asked, before using the beam saber to split one in two, causing it to burst. "Strange name… How far away is your 'Plantation' from here?"

"Not far… Short distance to the south, but the problem is getting past the Klaxosaurs…"

"How fast are they?"
"Huh? Fast as their legs can take them, why do you ask?"

"All I needed to know." Strike deactivated his beam saber, storing back into the cyclop's hip and grabbed on to 034's FRANXX by its hip. Without warning, his thrusters roared to life, allowing the cyclops to launch himself up into the sky before making a sharp turn backwards. "Hold on tight!"

034 Let out a surprised cry, as they soared across the air, doing her best to hold on to the cyclops now carrying the FRANXX towards Plantation 13. Ranged Klaxosaurs attempted to shoot them down, but the thrusters on Strike's body allowed him to swerve or dash out of the way. He moved so quickly, it shocked the parasite pair at how it seemed like the cyclops knew exactly when one of the Klaxosaurs were attacking from, single eye moving back and forth, scanning everything despite moving out of the way from an attack on the opposite side. Even when he flew close to the ground, the Klaxosaurs weren't fast enough to stop the fast-moving Strike.

Soon, they managed to catch up of what remained of the other squad of FRANXX, noticing that the Klaxosaurs were starting to catch up to them. "Hey! You all better move it!" Strike ordered, just before 034 received a new surprise, the two holes of the cyclop's head starting to burst out with several rounds and tearing into the Klaxosaurs. "We're bailing! Get back to your 'Plantation' or whatever, your mission is a bust!"

The sheer force of Strike's passing caused any Klaxosaur that were in his way to be lifted off the ground and thrown aside. Those of the FRANXX squad watched in surprise, as he moved past them and still carried 034 with him. His mono-eye kept searching, noticing four different dome shaped structures just ahead of them, the other FRANXX Squad trying to keep up with the high-speed Strike.

"Which one is Plantation Thirteen?"

"Center, furthest one back!"

"Understood!" Strike's thrusters ignited, allowing him to move even faster than before, blowing past what defensive line had been waiting for approaching Klaxosaurs. "Any way for you to contact those inside? Because, if so, tell them we are coming in hot and to get a hanger door open for me!"

"O-Ok!" 034 looked back at 757, noticing that he was barely holding his own with how fast they were going, nodding she activated a link with Plantation 13. "Come in, Plantation Thirteen! This is Zero-Three-Four! I am returning with the light we saw before, we need you to open the hanger and fast! I repeat, this is Zero-Three-Four, emergency return! I need that hanger open!"

"Zero-Three-Four? Where is the rest of your squad…? And how are you moving so fast?"

"No time for that! We're coming in hot and need that hanger door open!" She looked across the plantation's hull, hoping to see a light from the hanger appear. "The one who had been that light is carrying me back to the planation for emergency landing!"

"Confirmed, we have you in view! Hanger four opening now, get in here! Our scanners are picking up multiple Klaxosaurs are converging on us. The other plantations will try to hold them off!"

"Ok! Hanger four is opening for us, Strike!" She looked up at the cyclop's, as its head looked down at her. "Just ahead of us and to the right, the Klaxosaurs are close behind us and the other plantations will try holding them!"

"Acknowledge." Stirke look forward, just as the front three plantations began to open fire with what anti-Klaxosaur weaponry they had, including missiles from their roof. He could already see the specified hanger slowly starting to open, before his head jerked up, and eye went back. "Crap… We got a really big incoming!" The cyclops looked down at 034. "I'm going to toss you in, then come about to try and scare it off… Think you can hold on to this for me?" He handed her the shotgun, confusing the Pistil.

"W-What am I going to do with this!?" She asked, making sure the weapon was primed and ready for an attack.

"Easy!" He suddenly tossed 034 and 757 into the hanger, before thrusting up and lowering both large weapons down from his shoulders. "They get close, aim and pull the trigger, then pump and repeat!" Strike shot towards a massive Klaxosaur before coming to a sudden halt and aiming his shoulder weapons at it. "Eat this, ugly!"

Both weapons fired, revealing them to be a rocket launcher to those who observed, their high-explosive arsenal soaring straight for the Klaxosaur. When they hit its head and chest, the rockets detonated and burst with enough force to knock said Klaxosaur back and cause its upper body to burst open, an agonized roar escaping its mouth. Not wishing to be attacked again like that, Strike still aiming his weapons at the creature, the Klaxosaur and its smaller counterparts quickly retreated from this black horned killer… Allowing him to head back towards Plantation 13.

"Not much of fighters, are they?" He laughed, landing in front of 034 and retrieving his shotgun from her. "Now, can these hangers handle more than one?" A second hanger slowly started to open, causing Strike's eye to go towards it. "Huh… Guess that answers my question?"

034 nodded, smiling up at the single eyed giant before her. "Yep! They said for us to dock inside the plantation and we'll get out of here before anymore Klaxosaurs show up… Think you can do that?"

"Heh, I've done docking procedures while in zero gravity and on earth. This should be simple enough." Lowering his weapon, Strike followed 034 into Plantation 13, through the second hanger while she went through Hanger Four. Once inside, the cyclops came to a halt, noticing a catwalk going where his head would be… Soldiers aiming their weapons up at it, while 034 and 757 managed to dock and exit their FRANXX. "Huh… Not much on a 'warm welcome', are you guys?"

A sudden hiss drew the cyclop's attention left, seeing the FRANXX's head open and 034 quickly getting out… Her short black hair and rich blue eyes staring up at him with anticipation. Her tight suit, which hugged the teen woman's body, held a strange aspect to the massive cyclops, figuring that is what their faction wore when piloting their machine that required to in order for it to work… His single eye returning to the soldiers in front.

"If you think my cockpit is right there…" A hiss alerted them to look below, as the cyclop's chest started to open. "Then you have no idea where to look on a Kampfer."

His laugh echoed from the machine, as the top hatch forced the catwalk up and tore it in half. This, in turn, caused the soldiers to lose their footing and fall off towards the metal ground below… 034 being too close and sliding off, only for Strike to catch her before falling to far. Her gaze went to the opened-up chest, seeing the black and silver flight suit wearing soldier stepping out and removing his helmet… Revealing the high and tight black hair and emerald eyes staring down at said pistil.

"Hope you weren't thinking I would let you fall after that display out there." He looked down, watching the soldiers trying to recover as engineers rushed to help those that were injured. "And they should have known better, pointing guns at a mobile suit is a very bad idea."

"A-Alexander?" 034 asked, shocked to now see the man who had been piloting Strike.

"More specifically? Captain Alexander Bernhardt, at your service!" Alexander chuckled, as Strike lifted 034 up towards his pilot and allowed her on to the lower hatch. "I'm guessing you're 'Zero-Three-Four', huh?" His gaze examined her for a second, followed by a cheeky smirk. "Got to admit, a bit young for someone who pilots a mobile suit grade machine… But, I've seen younger."

His words caused her to fluster a bit, before pointing up to him. "Not to sound ungrateful, but what exactly are you?" She then looked up at Strike's now dormant head. "And… What is this?"

"A mobile suit, more specifically the MS-Eighteen-E, or 'Kampfer'… Though?" Red dots suddenly appeared all around Alexander's body, as 034 now noticed more shoulders showed up and pointed their weapons at him. "I think your first question, is one a lot of people are wondering." He put both hands up, showing he would not fight them.

-One Hour Later, Interrogation Room-

Alexander bounced his foot up and down, hands cuffed to the table in front of him, while staring at a mask wearing man across from where he sat. The two have been there for some time, his current captor barking several questions but said pilot decided to not answer any of them. It greatly irritated the man but caused Alexander to snicker at how easily irritated they got from him simply shrugging both shoulders. There wasn't much the mobile suit pilot could do, seeing how the soldiers had taken his gun prior and cuffed him to coming here… Making sure he and Strike were separated, possibly for their engineers to try and figure him out.

"Will you just answer my questions already!" The man slammed their fist down on to the table, earning another smirk from Alexander.

"Now, why would I do that?" He asked a question of his own, leaning back what the cuffs would allow. "If I answered any of those questions, I would become disposable to you… I already know your bunch is probably attempting to dissect Strike. Though, good luck with that, you need to know how mobile suits function first. That, and once I got a certain distance away, you allowed me to close his cockpit."

The man blinked, confused. "How did we do that? You've been cuffed this whole time."

Alexander pointed to his suit's wrists, where it formed a bracelet-like piece. "Fun thing about the suit, enter a code and boom, I can control the mobile suit. Only requirement, you need to know my code first."

His interrogator's eye started to twitch, before suddenly leaning over and grabbing Alexander by the collar of his suit and pulling said pilot closer. "Stop playing games! You show up out of some bright light, with a giant Franxx that only requires one parasite to use it, then proceed to take down the amount of Klaxosaurs that four whole squads couldn't fight! Who are you!"

Alexander snickered again, shrugging both shoulders. "Beats me, pal. One moment I was getting ready to deploy on a mission, the next Strike and I are free falling to the ground. Then, I saw those things attacking your 'Franxxs' and thought to myself? 'Nope, not going to happen with me here!' So, I went to save the one who needed saving." He stopped himself, before holding his cuffed hands up, only allowing the right index finger to point up. "Also, Strike isn't a 'Franxx', as you call them. He's a mobile suit. Big difference, it seems. Specifically, he's a Kampfer Model."

The man threw Alexander back into his chair. "Whatever! You're still going to answer my questions, whether you like it or-?"

Sounds of the interrogation room doors opening cut him off, causing both to look and see a man slowly walking inside. His stature wasn't very tall, and half of his head resembled some horned demon machine than the humans side of it. It caused Alexander to raise a brow, wondering if this was some attempt to intimidate him further. Though, when the man tapped his cane down, the interrogator nodded and quickly left them alone.

"Soooo… Are you going to interrogate me now?" Alexander asked, with a raised brow. "Off to a bad start, you won't intimidate a mobile suit pilot with that mask on."

His statement caused the mask wearing man to chuckle, before taking a seat across from Alexander. "I'm not trying to intimidate you, the mask is how I can keep breathing." That caused Alexander to keep his brow raised, confused, before sitting more up right. "In fact, I'm just here to talk… More specifically, about you."

"Kind of sounding like the interrogator there."

"Ah, apologizes. What a meant by that is…" He cleared his throat, before looking at Alexander carefully. "I want to know you, the pilot of that machine-?"

"Mobile Suit."

"Yes, Mobile Suit, you call Strike." He leaned forward, a look of genuine curiosity in the man's still organic eye. "What is it like? What kind of growing process did you have to go through, just to be that powerful."

Alexander couldn't help leaning back and away from the man, finding their curiosity rather creepy. "I did not go through any growing process, I'm a trained soldier. Any Zeon Soldier that passes the right aptitude test can become a mobile suit pilot." The man placed a hand over his metallic chin. "I'm not telling you any of that…"

"I do not care for that, right now." He stated, tapping his cane. "I am interested in you." The doors suddenly opened up, allowing two soldiers to walk in. "You took interest in the pistil codenamed Zero-Three-Four, right?"

"Yes? She has a mobile suit pilot's drive." Alexander watched them unlock his handcuffs, rubbing both wrists to soothe them. "Her determination is something we pilots admire, why?"
"I want to test something, and it seems the council agrees with it."
"Council?"

"To make it short, they lead the group known as A.P.E, those who oversee the Plantation." The man stood up, offering his hand to Alexander. "And I am Doctor Werner Franxx, the one who created the Franxx Suits… Uh, our 'mobile suits'. I wish to test something about you and her…"

"Captain Alexander Bernhardt…" He introduced, not wanting to be rude, taking Dr. Franxx's hand. "What are you wanting to test, exactly?"

"A form of compatibility…" His answer confused Alexander further. "Our parasites are chosen through compatibility, some are able to work together to work the Franxx… However, as Zero-Three-Four stood beside you? Her readings were off the charts. I'm curious about this."

"We did not do anything… Mostly me shooting, cutting down those creatures, and retreating. That's it."

"Yes, this is true…" He and Alexander slowly walked out of the interrogation room, the soldiers walking with them. "But, during that time? Her readings exposed that she has the potential to go further, if given the chance."

"And what exactly are you planning?" Alexander asked, as they walked through the corridor leading back to the hanger area.

"Asking if you do not mind helping us with our Klaxosaur problem?" Dr. Franxx stopped, causing Alexander and the escort to do so, and turned towards the pilot. "Will you mind doing that? I have enough pull to ensure you, Zero-Three-Four and her Stamen are on the same missions."

Quietly, Alexander just looked down at him and pondered the doctor's words. "So, you're offering me freedom with Strike, if I just help you with this whole Klaxosaur problem?" Dr. Franxx gave a nod. "And you are ensuring I fight along side Zero-Three-Four, huh?" Another nod, which earned a shrug from the pilot. "Well, mobile suits are known to deploy in squads, so might as well fight along someone I know won't run. Though?" He snickered a bit, as the group continued. "Not so sure of that Seven-Five-Seven guy… Seems rather spineless."

"We will see what we can do about that… Though, they will be getting an entirely new squad now." Dr. Franxx looked out the corridor tunnel's window, seeing Strike standing next to 034's FRANXX, engineers looking at it in a confused manner. "Would you care to be the leader? You're obviously more experienced in combat."

"Now you're trying to go at my pride, Doctor."

"Is it working?"

"Maybe a little." Alexander snickered, picking at the doctor, as the two started to laugh. "Sure, Strike and I can lead them. Though, if I am going to be their squad leader? What I say, goes. No exceptions… Battle isn't a child's playground, and I have a feeling that is what you want to treat it as."

"I assure you, Captain, nothing of the sort will happen. What you say, goes, when it comes to operations."

"One last thing." He stopped, causing them all to do so. "Strike will require resupply. He's a heavy assault mobile suit but limited on what weapons he is able to use and how much fuel is used up."

"Fuel?" Dr. Franxx thought for a moment, before he snickered. "I think I know what we can do about that."

-Two Years Later-

"Alex… Alex! Alex, wake up! We have a mission!"

The woman's voice snapped Alexander from his nap next to the birdcage's pond, looking up to see a slightly older 034 staring rather angrily down at him, leaned over and her hands on both hips. Reason for her irritation would be considered valid, seeing how this would be the twelve time she had to search for said pilot prior to missions and found him napping near the pond. In response to this, he could only give her a sly smirk.

"Come on, Lenya, it is just a scouting mission. Not like we're up against a whole bunch of Klaxosaurs or anything." He teased, Alexander closing his eyes again. "I'm sure if there is any trouble, Strike and I can save your butts even if we do not deploy at the same time."

034, or Lenya as Alexander started calling her, grew even more irritated at the mobile suit pilot. "Why do you always do this!" She gave him a good smack on the head, effectively waking said pilot up with a loud yelp. "You're our squad leader, which means you need to be out there? On the battlefield? You know, deployed with us at the same time?"

"Give me a break, Lenya…" He leaned up, rubbing where said pistil had struck his forehead. "You guys are always being so pushy about hack times and always wanting to train. Give a guy a break, when he's exhausted."
"But you're not! You get more sleep than any of us!" She got right in Alexander's face, making him lean back some. "Strike told me how you put him on autopilot and take a nap during recon missions… You can't lie out of this!"

"Soooo going to give that heap of scrap metal a stern talking to after this…" Alexander held both hands up, nervous said pistil was about to hit him again. But, remember something that always flustered his current 'partner'. "Hey, Lenya… You're rather close to me, what? Want me to kiss you or something?"

Lenya's red turned a cherry red, the exact reaction Alexander was wanting out of her, before scrambling away and turning around. "Ugh! Just hurry up, the squad is waiting for you in the hanger!" She stormed off, while the pilot continued to snicker at her reaction. "And you can forget us sitting together at dinner tonight after that!"

That dampened Alexander's mood, always enjoying teasing said pistil when the squad ate at night but snickered again. "Heh, whatever you say, co-leader." He slowly stood up, stretching and popping his joints, the pilot always becoming stiff after napping in this spot for some reason. "Hey, wait up! You know we have to talk strategy before deployments!"

Alexander had to practically sprint, to catch up to Lenya, and was happy that his normal Zeon Uniform was both a dress type and combat uniform. After all, trying to keep up with a frustrated woman would me that one would have to do a lot of running… Especially if they say something wrong again, and end up being chased by them to where they were going. Which, many times after they became squad mates, happened a lot for the pair. Though, Alexander wouldn't trade this for another day back in Zeon Space, he was happy, and the missions were easy compared with taking on Federation Mobile Suits and potentially a new model, or worse a Gundam.

"So, objective?" He asked, putting both hands in his pockets, as they walked.

"There is a canyon area ahead of the plantation, we're being asked to scout the area out for any possible Klaxosaurs." Lenya answered, playfully leaning her head against his shoulder. "Normal stuff, nothing to get bent out of shape or worked up about."

"Me worked up? Please, you're always the one yelling at me." Alexander playfully patted her head with his left hand. "Especially when I try to make the mission go faster."

"That's because you're pushing Strike too hard! Plus, you break away from the group and go off on your own." She argued, poking Alexander's side. "What if you get ambushed by some freak of a Klaxsaur and we can't help?"

"Then we'll handle it by ear. I'm not easy to go down, Lenya. You know that better than anyone… After all?" He smirked, looking down at her. "Wasn't me that carried you to safety, when we first met?"

Lenya's face flustered again, pulling her head off Alexander and looking away. "I-I could have handle it, I'm sure. Even if Seven-Five-Seven was too scared."

"Sure, sure." He petted her head, making Lenya lean back on to his side happily. "You're a tough little girl that doesn't mind going toe-to-toe with the big bad cyclops." Both snickered at the joke, before Alexander nodded. "So, think the squad can handle it?"

"They've dealt with you for almost two years now, I think they can handle anything you throw at them." She noted, as the two walked inside into a corridor leading towards the changing area. "You all had them thinking that you were some legendary Franxx Pilot when they first arrived, like you were about to kill them."

"If I recall, you were just as nervous."

"Nope, I already knew you were a good guy." She retorted, matter-of-factly, which caused Alexander to give an unsure chuckle. "Besides, I think they are confident in your ability to lead them, when you're trying." Alexander looked down at her, with a raised brow. "When that Lehman-Class attacked, and we were all panicking… You didn't. You simply flew towards it and managed to hold it off until the rest of us could get our heads together." The pistil looked up at Alexander, smiling. "When things are hard, you always become the squad's pillar of strength when we need it most."

"I just do what no one else would…" He admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "Besides, you're rather brave yourself, Lenya." Alexander playfully pushed her towards the pistil changing room. "After all, not many others would charge a larger Klaxosaur head on, to save my sorry butt."

"You know why I did that." She huffed, opening the door. "See you in the briefing room?"

"You know it." He snickered, walking into the stamen changing room to put on his flight suit.

It would not take very long before their whole squad was outside the plantation, ready to deploy along side their mobile suit squad leader, Strike shouldering his shotgun and eyeing the canyon in front. What marked Lenya and her stamen from the others, would be the fact her FRANXX had black armored pieces instead of the normal grayish brown. Something they all think was Alexander symbolizing as her being part of his old unit or signifying the FRANXX as his second in command. Though, right now, the entire squad stood behind their leader as he observed their current objective.

"Captain, what do you think?" One of the FRANXX asked, 650 being the pistil asking.

"Hm… It's a good ambush spot, that is for sure." Alexander answered, mono-eye looking back and forth. "But, thermal isn't picking up any Klaxosaurs inside, but there could be something blocking it as well." He looked back at the squad, nodding. "Ok, this will be our order. Six-Five-Zero, Nine-Two-Four; you two go with Lenya. Seven-Six-One, you will be with me." They all nodded, as the squad walked towards the canyon. "Keep your eyes open. No telling what we will deal with in there."

With that, Strike's thrusters activated and allowed him to soar up to the canyon's top, 761 having to use her FRANXX's weapon to scale it and meet up with their squad leader. This left Lenya and the other two to search its opening, all three carefully approaching it with weapons at the ready.

"Hey, Zero-Three-Four? I have a question." 924 spoke up, keeping her halberd aimed up while Lenya aimed hers forward and Six-Five-Zero covered the other side.

"What is it, Nine-Two-Four?"

"How come the Captain and you are never in the same order? I mean, everyone knows the two of you are together more than you and Seven-Five-Seven…" She started, scanning the sides as their stamens tried to help keep an eye out. "Plus, he calls you 'Lenya'… What does that even mean, anyways? I've always wondered."

"It is because Alex thinks leadership should be in both groups, not just one." Lenya answered, before stopping, the rock beneath them started to rumble. "H-Huh? What is…"

"DIGGER!" 650 shouted, the group trying to back away, but said Klaxosaur burst through the ground and managed to take Lenya within its mouth.

"Aggh! Get it off! Get it off!" She screamed, trying to use her halberd to stab into the Klaxosaur, but its armored front was too strong, pincers digging deep into her waist. This caused her to scream out in agony, as the other two tried to use their own weapons to stop it.

"I-Its got Zero-Three-Four!" 924 rammed her halberd into the Klaxosaur, but ended up being tail whipped away.

"I-I'll try to call for back-up!" 153, The stamen within 650, went to activate his comm-link with the rest of their squad. "Captain, we have a-!" The Klaxosaur used its massive head to slam the pair away, pincers tightening even more on its current victim.

This caused Lenya to scream, her stomach feeling the pressure and sharpness of those pincers, she couldn't bare it for much longer. Slowly, they started to tear into the FRANXX's armor, blood appearing upon the pistil's body, showing that she was starting to feel the damage being inflicted. Her breath became strained, heavy, attempting to breathe while trying to fight back… Her weapon finally breaking upon the creature's armor. This prompted it to open those powerful pincers only briefly, just to bite down even harder upon Lenya's and 757's FRANXX.

That did it and caused her to scream out for the only one she believed could help.

"Alex!"

The sound of thrusters roaring to life followed, as Strike slammed his right shoulder directly into the Klaxosaur's head. "Let go…"

Strike's hands reached down, slamming them within the Klaxosaur's pincers and started to force them apart. This caused the creature to begin throwing itself around, but Strike's shoulder spike remained deep within its head, using his feet to stab through to help keep himself stable.

"Of my…"

Slowly, the pincers were being forced apart and released what pressure remained on Lenya's own body. This allowed her to look at Strike, seeing that the mobile suit's single magenta eye had turned a bright red, as if it could feel Alexander's own rage burning up within its core. Where the Kampfer's shotgun is, she could not tell, only focusing on how upset this attack had made the pilot… And how it seemed like he is now doing something never seen before, not even the other parasites could manage to do, and that was force the massive serpent-like Klaxosaur's mouth wide open.

"LENYA!" Those words herald Strike forcing the Klaxosaur's mouth wide open, forcing it to drop Lenya from its hold and on to the ground. This allowed the other three members of their squad to rush in, helping the fallen FRANXX back up and watch as the Kampfer used one hand to keep its foe's mouth open wide, while the other took its rocket launcher in hand. "If you want to eat something… Then eat this!" He fired the rocket deep into its mouth, and down the Klaxosaur's throat. Smoke escaped from the mouth, until a massive explosion forced Strike to back away and caused its prey to burst into a giant tidal wave of blue blood… Covering said Kampfer with it.

The squad watched, eyes wide, as they stared at Strike, who now resembled some vengeful giant that was pushed over the edge. The Kampfer's eye still glowed red, staring down at what remained of the Klaxosaur's corpse, noticing its core rolling towards him. Lifting a foot up, and not hesitating, Alexander had Strike stomp down on to the Klaxosaur's core and caused even more blue blood to spray on to the ground.

"A-Alex… Are you-?"

"Everyone… Retreat back to the Plantation." Strike only turned towards them slightly, that blazing red eye swerving to them. "This canyon is not safe, I will report this and have those back at the Plantation to find another right."

None of them wanted to challenge what he had to say, simply nodding and quickly moving back towards Plantation 13. Though, Strike walked up to the pair helping Lenya walk back and took her from them. Said Kampfer now carrying the FRANXX in both arms, legs over one arm and back leaned against the other, causing its pistil blush brightly… Just before her adrenaline to cease, and the pain caused Lenya to finally pass out.

Later that night, Alexander simply sat within his own room and cleaned the standard issue pistol those within the plantation allowed him to keep. A strange choice of activity, but it help him keep a calm mind and not think about what happened earlier. Though, it helped any other day, this time around it would not work. After all, it wasn't some replaceable member of Squad 13, it was Lenya that had gotten hurt today. He knew the place was dangerous, yet he allowed the whole squad to enter instead of him and one other like normal. Alexander thought she would be safe, with those other two around said pistil, making him an easier target with only one escort… Yet, the Klaxosaur still targeted his Lenya.

Alexander stopped, dropping the bolt of his pistol and cloth being used to clean it, reaching up to place a hand over his strained features. He honestly could not believe such a miscalculation could have been made, those of A.P.E already making him aware of the different types of Klaxosaurs. This area being an obvious choice for the more serpent like ones who burrow underground, and he still underestimated them. The pilot's past as a mobile suit ace clouded his judgement, believing the Klaxosaurs were nothing more than savage beasts he could decimate with Strike's superior firepower and skills.

A knock at the door pulled Alexander's thoughts away from his side arm and what happened, looking towards it. "Its unlocked." He simply stated, watching the doorknob slowly turn and being opened.

"I… Figured you would be awake." The voice caused Alexander to gasp, as Lenya walked in with a smile, but her movements were stiff. "You know, that thing is already clean. That tells me what happened today is bothering you."

"What do you expect, I made a mistake." Alexander turned back to his side arm, choosing to put it back together. "You got badly injured because of that mistake, this helps me try to forget that."

"Why would you want to forget what happened?"

Her question caused him to flinch and freeze up, slowly placing the parts of his pistol down on to the desk. "Because… You got hurt, and it could have been avoided."

"Isn't that the reason you remember mistakes, though?" Lenya slowly walked up, pulling up a chair and sitting next to Alexander. "That way, you can remember these mistakes and learn from them?"

"Right now, that doesn't matter to me." He leaned forward, using a hand to prompt his head up. "What matters, is still the fact you got hurt. I knew better than to let you and the other two go down there. It would have been better for me and one other to go that route, while you took everyone else over. But, I thought wrong."

Lenya smiled, leaning towards Alexander and placed her hand over the one that said pilot left over his pistol. "I got hurt, that is true, we cannot change that. But, anyone could get hurt during encounters with Klaxosaurs. Remember, I lost my whole squad to them once, and you saved me." Her point forced Alexander to give a slow nod, as she leaned more into his shoulder. "Just like you saved me today, when I called out to you. When I saw how much Strike was pushing for those pincer's to be opened, slowly forcing them to do so, I knew everything would be alright. And why do you think that is?"

"Why?"

"Because, you were there to save me again." Lenya's words made Alexander look down at her with a shocked expression. "I know, when ever I am in danger, you will always be there to save me… And, I know exactly how to reward you, from all the things you taught me."

Without warning, she leaned up and pressed her lips against Alexander's own and forced him to lean back into the chair. The two of them held themselves in that position for a few moments, Lenya finally breaking away to look up at the pilot, her rich blue eyes glistening within lamp light. It only lasted for a few moments, before they were pressing into a more passionate kiss, Alexander wrapping his arms around Lenya's lithe frame.

-Two Years Later-

"What do you mean I cannot see them!" Alexander demanded, standing before Dr. Franxx and two soldiers, who aimed their weapons at said Zeon Pilot. "Lenya is my wife, and she is giving birth to our son! I have every right to see them, and you know it!"

"I am… Sorry, Alexander, but that isn't how it works around here." Dr. Franxx looked away from him, unable to look at said pilot in the eyes. "Papa has already made his decision on this matter, such has not happened before and only adults gave birth. He is intrigued by what will come of this child. So, they will be sent to the Gardens after birth."

Those words echoed around Alexander's mind, eyes wide. "A-And what of… Lenya?" He asked, fears already starting to build up within his heart.

"I am… Sorry, Alex." Dr. Franxx risked a look at him, seeing the shock within Alexander's features. "034 did… Not survive the procedure like we thought she would, I am truly sorry."

Alexander stepped back, body trembling after what he just heard. "L-Lenya… She's gone?" Dr. Franxx gave a slow nod, as the pilot's hands tightened. "No… No, that can't… Where is my son? Where is he now?"

"He's already being taken to one of the Gardens…" Dr. Franxx answered, hands tightening around his cane. "I am not allowed to tell you which one."

They could all hear the gloves tightening around Alexander's hand, as he no longer looked at them. "So, I'm not even allowed to see my son off… Not after all the help I gave you and him?" Dr. Franxx could not bear to look at the pilot, knowing what is about to come. "Fine then… I see how it is now, should have expected this from the very start."

Before they could react, Alexander drew his pistol and dove towards the right, managing to shoot out the window that led outside of where they were. Both soldiers rushed to stop him, to prevent said pilot expected escape… But a loud clank sound caused them to stop, Dr. Franxx's eyes going wide and jumped back, just before Alexander's hidden grenade went off and took the two soldiers with it. When he finally recovered, the doctor rushed over where Alexander had escaped, noticing that said pilot is half way to the hanger now and pressing something upon his wrist.

Moments later, Strike tore through the plantation's inner wall, vulcan cannons firing on any building that was nearby where he appeared. Such a sight filled Dr. Franxx with awe, as he watched the mobile suit slowly kneel down and lift Alexander up to its opened cockpit, firing off a shotgun buck-shot towards one of headquarter's responding FRANXX units, effectively destroying it.

"W-What… Have we done?"

Strike slowly stood back up, cockpit fully closed now, as his eye went to where the doctor was. "Our agreement is over, and I will find my son one day… When I do, there will be nothing you can do to stop me from taking him!" He took aim at where Dr. Franxx stood, who managed to dive deeper into the corridor just before the buck-shot destroyed what remained of where their altercation occurred… A distraction, long enough for those trying to stop this all from happening to see Strike soaring up to the upper level, and outside. "None of your precious 'Plantations' will be safe!"

Alexander's words fell on deaf ears, as Dr. Franxx could only see a wrathful god disappear into the sky as a dying light. His hands trembled, knowing just what the war machine can do, what damage it could inflict. If there was any hope to stop it from taking 016 from their grasp, it would be him having to stay at the very garden they sent the newborn to.

-Present Day-

Squad 13 were all assembled and preparing for a new mission, another day to prove themselves to Papa and the adults, each were excited to get to work. Though, Hiro and Zero-Two were standing off to the side, the pistil teasing her "darling" a bit more before Nana showed up to brief them on what comes next. It greatly irritated Ichigo, but she could not afford to lose focus and had already given up Hiro to Zero-Two during their last battle. Now, they are preparing to do what Papa had been planning for years, a chance to do so, but first the surrounding Klaxosaurs needed to be handled. Squad 13 and the Nines being the best choice to do so.

"Alright, everyone here?" Nana asked, as she walked into the briefing room, Ichigo nodding. "Good. I'm sure you have all figured out what is going to be happening today, so I will make this short and highlight what is needed." The screen came up, allowing them to see the different types of Klaxosaurs. "Right now, these are the ones giving us trouble and preventing our approach, however Papa has decided that the Nines will be dealing with these threats instead of Squad Thirteen."

That caused the group to blink, even Zero-Two surprised and somewhat irritated that she won't get to fight any of the Klaxosaurs. "U-Um… Nana?" Kokoro spoke up, Nana giving a nod and smile to her. "Why aren't we helping with them?"

"Because, Kokoro, Papa has a special mission for you all today. A stronger threat, that was attracted by the previous battle. All of the plantations being so close giving them an opportunity." An image of some bipedal machine appeared upon the screen, its single horn shocking both Hiro and Zero-Two. "This is the threat your squad is going after. It is codenamed 'Strike' and has appeared nearby."

"Excuse me, Nana!" Ichigo blurted out, earning a nod from the caretaker. "What exactly is… 'Strike'? He looks like a Franxx, but isn't?"

"I… Do not know the details, to be honest, but Strike has been a thorn in Papa's eyes for the past sixteen years." She looked back to the image, unsure herself. "According to the reports, he has attacked several gardens across the world, destroying any and all who attempt to get in his way. What is left of the gardens, often just destroyed sections that can be rebuilt. However, what squads have gone after him, have all been wiped completely out in mere moments after engaging him."

The group gasped, each looking at one another, unsure about this new mission. "Pssh! I bet we can take him out, after all I'm going to be out there!" Zorome shouted, Miku giving him an unsure look as she eyes the war machine once more… Its sure appearance intimidating her.

"You might not think that… After seeing this." Nana typed on her tablet, allowing more images to appear and causing the whole room to fall silent.

Every image had the same result, an entire squad of FRANXX completely wiped out, their bodies destroyed in various ways, as a cloaked figure walked away from them. Some had minor disabling damage that would only force the pistil out of commission for a few weeks or months, but there were a few that sickened the entire group. FRANXX units that were missing their entire head piece, or had the cockpit completely torn out of them. There was even one unit that had been missing its entire upper body, leaving a complete wrecked area where it was supposed to be connected.

"W-What kind of monster… Could do this?" Ichigo asked, shocked at the sights.

"The kind that are worse than even the Klaxosaurs…" Goro placed a hand over his head, unable to look away from the images of headless FRANXX. "Whatever this 'Strike' is? We best be careful fighting it."

"Seems like it is more experienced in combat, than we could hope to be." Mitsuru commented, drawing the squad's attention. "Look at how this 'Strike' dealt with them, he disabled each Franxx with the thought of keeping it out of combat or killing those controlling it, leaving it open to handle any other threat. If you take a moment to think about it, his actions are no better than taking down a Klaxosaur or what we would do against a rogue Franxx."

"B-But, we wouldn't kill each other?" Futoshi noted, looking at everyone. "Would we?"

"If the Franxx is going out of control, or they are trying to kill us?" Mitsuru continued, biting the edge of his nail. "I don't think there is much thinking required on that one."

"But… We have to stop it, right?" Hiro noted, Zero-Two leaning on him happily. "Before it attacks anyone else, or a Plantation." The group nodded, none of them able to deny that.

That was when Hachi stepped in, his gaze stern as ever. "Squad Thirteen will be deploying immediately and intercept Strike before he arrives at the closest Plantation. Other squads have been dispatched to act as perimeter guards in case he breaks your containment. However, do not rely on them… He's already proven to be more than a match for standard Franxx squads."

They all stood at attention, before filing out. Nana looked to Hachi, then back at the kids leaving. "A-Are you sure they will be safe?" She asked, looking to their defense commander. "I mean… What if he goes all out against them?"

"I have been assured by Papa and Dr. Franxx that Strike will not deviate from his normal methods… They said he is searching for something." Hachi looked towards the images, cold eyes faltering and imagining that it is squad 13 destroyed and not these faceless FRANXX. "I just hope… They are right.

-Canyon Top, Not Far Away from Plantation 13-

The lone mobile suit quietly observed what is currently happening before it, single eye hidden behind its massive hood and horn jutted out. Its body is almost completely concealed, even its two most powerful weapons covered up, it focused on a single squad of FRANXX fighting off hordes of Klaxosaurs pouring out of a recently made opening. Though, its magenta eye slowly swerved and focused on a fast approaching squad of five, instead of the normal four… The pilot of this lone war machine raising a brow.

"Five, huh? A formation I haven't seen in over sixteen years." He muttered, lightly pressing a locket within his palm, watching the approaching FRANXX Squad. "And… They are not your standard models. In fact, they all look personalized, at least those white ones hold the same appearance. Aces maybe?" Alexander slowly leaned back in his pilot's seat, activating the helmet's shield. "Regardless, I will deal with them like all the-?"
A sudden jolt hit the back of his head, almost like alerting him to something, when Strike focused on the lead FRANXX unit. Its red nearly concealed by the barren wasteland's natural rock, determined eyes glaring up at where he stood… Their spear held, not like your average Parasite Team, but like that of an experienced soldier.

"Hm? Now, what is making you so interesting?" Alexander leaned forward, grasping the mobile suit controls, noticing the lead FRANXX's single horn. "Oh, now that looks awfully familiar… This may prove to be more fun, than the others." Pushing them forward, it activated the many thrusters hidden beneath his cloak. "I hope this squad doesn't disappointment me, and finally find the one I have been looking for!"