Hello boys, I'm back! Kudos to whoever gets the reference there. Anyway this chapter is special in several ways. First it is the longest to have been written for either Insurrection or Homecoming at over 9k words. You may need to take this in multiple sittings as a result. Second and more importantly, this also marks the end of the first arc of our story. Now that it is complete I'd love to hear what everyone thinks so please don't hesitate to leave a review or comment!
I'd also like to take a moment and thank FrozenSynapse for his help with this chapter and the revised versions of the previous ones that will be coming in the next week or so and welcome him as a member of my editing team. And now I've gone on long enough, on to why you're here, the chapter. Enjoy!
"It feels like we've been down here for hours," Futoshi complains. You take a quick glance towards the other FranXX, seeing the same exhaustion on each of their own faces. "That's because we have," you reply, returning your gaze to the clock in the cockpit. It reads 1940, nearly eight hours since you had begun the mission. "It is unfortunate that we have been unable to find a way out," Code 423 adds as Squad 13 continues to make their way down another dark tunnel. "I am more concerned that we haven't heard from 090," 426 states. "There is nothing to be worried about, right?" 690 asks. "I mean, he's the strongest pilot in our squad."
It has been close to an hour now since you had left the room containing the magma river and honeycomb storage structures. You all had fanned out across the entire room after destroying a small group of Klaxosaurs to explore, only to find the same repeating pattern of beautifully crafted honeycombs and more pulsating magma. The group had taken the time to refuel their FranXX, utilizing the magma energy contained in the specialized honeycombs, before moving onward.
"We haven't seen any Klaxosaurs recently either," Delphinium mumbles. Like Delphinium said, you haven't seen a single Klaxosaur since the ones you had dispatched in the illuminated room. For being this deep inside of the nest, it's starting to worry you. "Maybe… we got all of them?" Genista asks tentatively, her voice quivering. "I doubt it," Hiro replies. Unfortunately, you agree with Hiro.
Suddenly, Strelitzia holds up her fist at the front of the formation and the group grinds to a halt. She intently focuses on a point in the distance while she breathes in a large draught of air. "There are at least two Klaxosaurs in the next chamber," she states after tasting the air once more, "and they're bigger than what we've been fighting."
Genita and Delphinium nod their assent, but the Squad 26 FranXX aren't so enthusiastic."How can she tell?" Code 587 whispers. "Probably because she's one of them," 426 quietly answers. "Shut up or she'll hear you!" 423 hisses in reply.
"Alright guys, enough," you say, causing the members of Squad 26 to fall silent. "We have to keep moving," Delphinium continues as she draws the first of her two swords from its resting place on her back. "We'll take them by surprise if we can, but we're going to have to fight either way." The other FranXX nod and brandish their weapons, while Genista checks the contents of her cannon's revolving magazine. "Once we're in there, work together," you state. "No heroics, got it Zero Two?" There is a groan from Strelitzia's general direction, but she doesn't protest.
With that settled, the squad slowly makes their way into the chamber. Since the next cavern is extremely dark, Delphinium is one again in low-light mode, bathing your vision in grayscale.
Delphinium is the first to enter with Strelitzia close behind her. At a glance the room doesn't appear too large, but more importantly it appears empty. "I thought you said there were Klaxosaurs here," Delphinium whispers. "There are," Strelitzia sharply replies.
"AAAAHHH!" A scream comes from the rear of your formation. As you turn to face the sound you are shocked to find one of Squad 26's FranXX pinned to the ground, with a praying mantis-shaped Klaxosaur standing over her. The monster is easily one and a half times as tall as the FranXX, with two orb-shaped eyes that allow it to see in any direction. Not to mention the serrated blades that pass for forearms it has tucked against its chest.
"Get it off!" Code 426 shouts in terror. Before anyone has time to react, however, the Klaxosaur moves with lightning speed, biting the downed FranXX's arm just above the elbow. Code 423 lets out a cry in pain as the creature easily shears through the alloy that her arm is comprised of. As a result, the fuel lines within the appendage rupture, bathing the Klaxosaur in the magma fuel it so very much desires.
At the same time, Hiro yells "shit!" as a second identical Klaxosaur drops from the ceiling of the room. This one extends both of its forearms into a fighting stance and hisses at Strelitzia. "Genista, back up Strelitzia!" Delphinium shouts. "Code 690, you're with us!" you follow up as Delphinium charges the Klaxosaur that pins your squadmate to the ground.
As you approach the creature you hear a whoosh beside you as the head of Code 587's spear embeds itself in the beast's abdomen. A moment later, hundreds of thousands of volts of electricity arc up the spear's shaft before violently electrocuting the mantis. The Klaxosaur screeches before turning away from the broken FranXX, placing itself between you and your injured ally, chomping its mandibles angrily.
Without missing a beat, Delphinium engages with the insect, thrusting and parrying with each of her blades. Large, sweeping slashes only serve to bounce off of the Klaxosaur's carapace. "It's too fast!" Delphinium grunts as she deflects one of the bladed arms, only for the next to drag along her midsection. There is a slight sound of tearing metal and on screen you see the damage, a few minor cuts to Delphinium's stomach. They're nothing life threatening, but they're certainly something you would rather Ichigo not have felt.
"Activate the thrusters," you shout as Delphinium rolls to avoid another lightning-fast strike. "No good," she breathlessly replies, "there's not enough room to use them and this thing won't give me an opening to hit it."
"We've got your back," a voice shouts as a spear pierces the mantis' front left leg. The head immediately snaps to Code 690's FranXX and it lashes out with one of its forearms. This distraction buys Delphinium the lapse in focus she needed to strike, and she does so with enthusiasm. Cutting in a X motion with her swords, she is able to cleanly bisect one of the Klaxosaur's legs just above the knee. The creature stumbles backward, its center of gravity having shifted irreparable, before regaining a semblance of balance and growling at Delphinium.
Now truly angry, the Klaxosaur continues to emit its high-pitched hissing sound as Delphinium and the other standard FranXX circle it. "It can't defend both sides at once," you say. "Hit it together on my mark." Code 587 nods in response. "Roger." "Three," you begin the countdown, "two, one."
As you finish speaking, Code 587's FranXX lowers her spear and charges the Klaxosaur. At the same time, Delphinium fires a microburst from her thrusters that allows her to close in on the creature in an instant. Sadly, when Delphinium slashes at the waist of the Klaxosaur, the curvature of its carapace deflects her blow for the second time today. Code 587, however, succeeds in piercing the armor of its abdomen with her spear.
With another screech the Klaxosaur swings to its side, both arms connecting with the offending FranXX. Fortunately for her, she is hit by the blunted outer sides of the appendages so the only damage she takes is from her eventual collision with the nearby cavern wall. Unfortunately for the Klaxosaur, Delphinium is right on its heels.
Switching tactics, Delphinium drives the point of one of her blades into the insect. Once again, the Klaxosaur's head snaps to its assailant as Delphinium is still fighting to withdraw her blade. Before you have time to react, the creature's lighting reflexes allow it to wrap Delphinium within its arms.
"Damn it!" you shout as it slowly lifts Delphinium toward its head. It almost appears as if the Klaxosaur is salivating while its many mouthparts snap open and closed. "(Y/N)!" Ichigo screams at the top of her lungs, pure terror evident in her voice.
Meanwhile, your mind is work a million miles a minute. There has to be some way out of this, and you have to find it. Can't break free. Arms and legs are locked together. Thrusters won't fire fast enough. Come on, fix it or Ichigo dies!
Whoosh!
Just as the Klaxosaur is about to tear open Delphinum's neck, an orange object impales itself in the creature's maw. A moment later it glows a pure orange as the wire ionizes the air around it and the Klaxosaur is filled with five million volts of electricity.
This shock continues for close to fifteen seconds. The entire time, the Klaxosaur is motionless except for a slight trembling, its joints having been paralyzed by the shock. As the effect fades, Delphinium falls to the ground unscathed. The Klaxosaur seems to fold in on itself as it collapses in a heap.
"We got it," a voice whispers. As Delphinium stands she sees her savior. Standing a short distance away, with one arm hanging limply at her side and a headless spear in her hand, is the FranXX piloted by Codes 423 and 426.
"The hell were those things?" Hiro asks. "Moho," Strelitzia answers. "Hive Guardians, by the look of it. We're close."
As Strelitzia finishes speaking, Code 423's FranXX falls to her knees. She clutches her left arm as Delphinium approaches. The wound is hardly clean. The outer layer of the armor has been torn apart like it was tissue paper. Beyond that, the internal servos have been crushed and the lines carrying the magma energy through her arm have been severed.
"Tell me what you're feeling," Delphinium asks in a gentle tone as she kneels beside her. "It hurts," Code 423 replies. "I know how you feel," Delphinium says, putting an arm around the injured FranXX. Squad 26's other FranXX takes her remaining arm and together they return their squadmate to her feet.
"Can you move?" you ask on a direct line to the FranXX's stamen. "Yes," 426 answers, "we can walk. Our left arm is worthless though." "Stay out of the fighting for now, then," you order. "We'll get her looked at as soon as we make it back to the surface."
Interestingly, Strelitzia looks torn by what she is seeing. Her expression is very reminiscent of guilt, but she remains silent. "I'm sorry," Hiro offers in her stead. "If we could have known where they were… " "No, thank you," Code 423 replies. "If we hadn't known the Klaxosaurs were here before entering, we probably wouldn't still be alive right now." Strelitzia's grim demeanor seems to soften a little bit before she turns back around and drives her lance once more into the corpse of her kill.
"We need to keep moving," Delphinium states. No one objects. Once again, everyone falls into formation and Strelitzia resumes her duties as scout. She lead the group past the two Klaxosaur corpses and into the tunnel in the back of the room. Before long, she cautions, "the stench is awful. We're close to the end."
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"We're here," Strelitzia whispers as your group exits the tunnel into a large room. Well, "large" doesn't do justice to the size of this room. You are unable to see to the other side even with the extended vision that the FranXX's low-light mode allows. The ceiling is also out of sight, slowly fading to a black void above you. Looking to the left and right every three hundred or so feet, there are additional tunnels that all empty into this massive cavern.
"I think we've found the central chamber," Delphinium replies as you take in the view. "It's huge!" Futoshi quietly exclaims. "We can't see to the other side," Genista reaffirms. "How many Klaxosaurs do you think are in here?" Code 587 wonders aloud. "Way more than I am interested in fighting," you answer.
"What's that?" Code 423 asks as her FranXX points to a large glowing shape in the distance. Much to your surprise, when you follow 423's gaze you find a large dome shape in the middle of the cavern. We can't even call that massive, you think. It's nearly as wide as a plantation and three quarters as tall.
Suddenly, the entire cavern begins to shake. Rocks fall from the ceiling above and small portions of the cliff you are currently standing on give way. In the distance you see something unbelievable. The dome shakes momentarily before it begins to… rise. As it does, you realize the truth about the structure. "It's a Klaxosaur," you whisper, unable to say anything more.
This Klaxosaur is unlike anything you had seen before. It is vaguely spider-like, standing on four, multi-jointed legs. They each widen and thicken on their outermost segments, the front ones more than the others, before ending in a long spike. The forward legs have an additional spike protruding from their tops, in addition to being littered with smaller ones all along their front. The smaller torso of the creature very quickly flares outward into a wide carapace at the back, roughly mushroom-shaped and like the abdomen of a spider. It is pocketed with small divots, each emitting an eerie Klaxosaur blue glow. The head was something else entirely. It sits almost on top of the Klaxosaur's armored shoulders, starting in the back as a jagged semicircle adorned with horns, before narrowing to a point that curves upwards. Before that point, one to either side, sit the creature's piercing yellow eyes. The creature's mouth below them is twisted into a snarl, exposing a blue tongue that covers the short spines on the underside of its chin.
As you stand in a mix of awe and horror at this new Klaxosaur, something else happens that causes your jaw to drop even further. From one of the divots on the creature's mushroom back, another of the mantis-like Hive Guardians emerges. It only looks to be the size of a toy, and it is only then that you realize just how massive this creature must be.
"What do we do?" Code 426 asks softly, the sound of mounting dread washing over his voice. "I…" Delphinium starts to speak, only to leave her thought unfinished. "That thing is nearly as big as a plantation," you remark. "It's what is keeping this nest alive," Zero Two growls, seeming to be the only one not in some form of shock. "The Brood Mother."
"Can we even kill something that big?" Code 690 whispers. "We beat Target Beta," Delphinium states, the strength returning to her voice. "We can beat this one too." "Mhmm. Everything has a weakness," you add as Delphinium's internal monitors zoom in on the leviathan. "We just have to find it and exploit it."
"Everyone look around," Hiro says, "maybe there will be something down here we can use." As the others search the area, you and Ichigo instead choose to stare at the Klaxosaur and analyze its movements. Some thirty seconds pass as you watch the Brood Mother slowly move around the cavern. "It's really slow," Ichigo says to you on a private line. "Yeah," you agree, as the lumbering giant walks through a pillar of stone rather than around it. "What can you tell me about Target Beta?" you inquire. "Well, it was the largest Klaxosaur I've ever seen. As tall as a plantation and strong enough to beat two FranXX squads," she answers.
Fantastic! you say sarcastically to yourself. If Ichigo thinks this thing will be just as much a problem as it was then, we're in for a rough fight. How do we even fight something that big? Where would we begin to look for the core?
"Anyone see anything?" Hiro questions. "Nothing," comes the reply from both Squad 26 FranXX. "There are lots of those rock things that hang from the ceiling," Genista says with a defeated expression, "but nothing we could use."
As the last few words leave Genista's mouth, the Klaxosaur takes another massive step. The shaking and trembling of the room is somewhat larger this time, making your FranXX shudder as well. You glance upwards, noticing that a few of the stalactites that Genista had mentioned beforehand have now broken free of the ceiling and fall to the cavern floor. As luck would have it, a Conrad, freshly birthed from the Mother, lies directly in the path of one of the sharpened rocks. You are unable to hear the screech from the creature from across the cavern, but you know there must be one as the falling earthen spear punctures the creature's abdomen and pins it to the ground.
"That's it," you whisper, scanning the ceiling of the room. "What's it?" Futoshi asks. "The stalactites," you answer, finding what you were looking for. On the far side of the room is a stalactite roughly half as tall as the Klaxosaur. The massive piece of earth is somehow still fastened to the ceiling, but a few blasts from Genista's cannon are likely to solve that problem.
"See the big one over there?" you continue. "If we drop it on the Klaxosaur we might be able to pin it down." The FranXX from Squad 23 don't look very thrilled with your proposed strategy. "That wouldn't kill it, though," Code 587 murmurs. "That's why we use the pores in its back," Delphinium picks up where you left off. "Klaxosaurs have been coming out of them, right? If they could come out that means the holes are large enough for us to go in." A hint of enthusiasm returns to Delphinium's voice, one that hasn't been there for quite a while. "Once it's pinned down, we'll waltz in, shatter the core, and be rid of it," you conclude with a smile.
"Forgive me for saying this, leader," Code 423 says, "but are you insane? How are we supposed to drop that stalactite on it?"
"Genista," you say, causing her to quickly wilt now that she is the center of attention. "Kokoro, could you shoot it when we tell you?" She takes a brief moment to think before answering. "I can try," she replies with a nervous smile. "Good," Delphinium states. "Strelitzia and I will lure it into position. When I give the order, bring down the stalactite. Units 4 and 5 will stay with Genista and guard her from any Klaxosaurs that try to get in her way. Any questions?"
"I get to kill it," is the only response, and it unsurprisingly comes from Strelitzia. You chuckle inside the cockpit. If there was one thing you could always count on, it was her bloodlust. "Let's move out," Delphinium orders.
Several minutes later, the squad splits into two groups. Delphinium and Strelitzia make their way toward the Brood Mother while Genista and the members of Squad 26 set up not far from the stalactite your plan was based around.
Once everyone is in position, you kick things off. "Strelitzia, get its attention." With a devious smile, Strelitzia activates her jets and ascends until she is about halfway between the ceiling and the floor of the cavern. This also puts her roughly on the same level as the Brood Mother.
"Hey, you," Hiro shouts, his voice reverberating across the cavern. The Brood Mother slowly turns to face what is only a floating dot compared to itself. Then it begins to crawl forward, its powerful front legs pulling it toward Strelitzia. The pace is by no means quick, but it is much faster than you had anticipated having watched it slowly meander around the cavern for a bit. In addition, the sheer size of the Klaxosaur makes up for its relatively slow movement speed.
After Strelitzia gains its attention she darts back to the ground where Delphinium is waiting. "Got it," she smiles. "Good, now we just need to-" you stop as the Klaxosaur lets out a screech. It is still moving toward you at its steady pace, but the glow emitted from the pores on its back has grown significantly brighter. A moment later, when hordes of Conrad-class and another fifteen or so of the Hive Guardians emerge from within the creature, you learn why.
"Uh, guys?" Genista's voice comes over the comms. It is fraught with worry. "That's a lot more than we had thought." While Genista is indeed correct, it is far too late to attempt a different strategy. "Stick to the plan," you order, "we can't change it now. Strelitzia, let's go!"
Strelitzia and Delphinium rush across the floor of the cavern at a breakneck pace, running straight towards the waiting team of FranXX. The Brood Mother easily keeps pace with the two of you, despite looking like it's barely moving. All the whole, though, constant waves of Klaxosaur continue to stream out of the membrane of the Mother's back. Almost in consolidation to the task still ahead of you, a few of the creatures are unlucky enough to hop off in front of the Mother, becoming crushed into a pulp by her sheer size.
"Genista, now!" Delphinium shouts as she and Strelitzia grind to a halt just past the intended drop point. The blast of Genista's cannon echoes throughout the cavern as she fires five of her six shots into the stalactite your plan is centered around.
As the monstrous Klaxosaur stops beneath the stalactite, unsure of the noise, you wait for Genista's final shot to break it free. However, it never comes. "Genista!" Delphinium shouts as the Klaxosaur lifts one of its immense front legs. But this time it isn't to move, it is to crush the puny FranXX that had dared to annoy it.
Without warning, Strelitzia grabs Delphinium by the waist and activates her jets once more. The two FranXX begin to gain altitude but with the added weight from Delphinium, Strelitzia isn't able to fly like she normally could. The Klaxosaur also begins to adjust its trajectory, now just as easily able to swat the pair out of the sky as crush them underfoot.
As Strelitzia continues to strain herself against both gravity and the incoming Klaxosaur, her grips grows weaker. A moment later, a chunk of rock falls from the ceiling and catches her temple. The red and white FranXX involuntarily releases her grip on Delphinium, who begins to plummet back toward the cavern floor.
Inside Delphinium, you and Ichigo are both shouting as the ground rushes to meet you. You activate the thrusters on her waist and fire them at full burn, but it is barely enough to slow your fall. After hitting the ground, you are given no reprieve as the Brood Mother's attention turns to the easier prey.
Both Ichigo and yourself are too intently focused to speak to one another. Your mental connection does that even better for you. Delphinium, in an instant, shoots to her feet and continues to fire her thrusters in a desperate attempt to escape the Klaxosaur. By now, it has long since recovered from its missed attack. The massive appendage sweeps forward across the cavern floor in your direction, murderously approaching closer by the second.
Delphinium continues to try and outrun it, but as she does you come to a realization. We aren't going to get away. Seconds later as the leg draws close, you are left with no choice but to act. And in that fateful moment you are only able to think of one thing. I must keep Ichigo safe.
Bang! A shot rings out.
"Ichigo!" In an instant, you release your hold on Delphinium's controls, dive as far forward as you can from the chair, and wrap your arms around her waist. With all the strength you can muster, your pull her from the pistil's platform just as the Brood Mother's claw buries Delphinium into the nearby wall. With Ichigo still firmly in your grasp, you are sent hurtling into the ceiling of the cockpit where your head hits the hard metal with a terrible crack! The last thing you hear is the pained screeching of the Brood Mother, now mixed with pain as well as anger. Genista… got it, you manage to think, before the world fades into a tortured black.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ichigo's POV
"Ichigo!" She hears you shout her name, but is so intently focused on trying to evade the incoming attack from the monstrous Klaxosaur that your cry goes unanswered. Almost! she screams to herself as Delphinium's systems screech in her ears, warning her about the internal temperature of the thrusters.
Another second passes and she too comes to your realization. Delphinium can't outrun this damned thing's claw. I'm going to die, is all she has time to think before her vision is filled with the green orbs usually seen when she connected to the FranXX. The orbs disappear just as quickly as they had materialized, and suddenly Ichigo finds herself inside Delphinium's cockpit.
Before she can question what is going on, she is thrown to the ceiling of the cockpit as Delphinium takes the hit from the gargantuan Klaxosaur. The impact is much softer than she had expected it to be. However, a moment later she plummets to the floor once more, which does indeed hurt as much as anticipated.
"Ow," Ichigo mumbles as she attempts to move. She blinks several times, trying to clear her vision of the stars that plague it. "(Y/N)," she groans. "(Y/N)." But she receives no answer. It is at this moment that she also realizes her impact with the ceiling wasn't nearly as hard as it should have been. No… no. No, not again!
Your lack of a response sobers her immediately and she pulls herself to her feet using the stamen's chair for support. As she casts her eyes over the cockpit as her mind enters a frenzy. "(Y/N)," she cries weakly. But there is still no response.
She stumbles forward to the pistil's platform, leaning against it to keep from falling. Her eyes frantically sweep across the confined area before stopping as quickly as she had begun. There, her worst fears are realized. Lying motionless in a heap before the entrance to Delphinium's cockpit is her partner.
"(Y/N)!" Ichigo cries as she throws herself to the ground once more. She turns over your body to find the entire left side of your face to be a single continuous bruise. Your cheekbones are clearly broken, and your jaw is fractured at best.
This can't be happening! Ichigo's mind begins to fall apart. This isn't right! I lost Goro already… please, I can't lose him too. Warm tears stream from Ichigo's eyes down to her chin before falling to the floor below. "(Y/N)," she whimpers. "Please don't do this to me (Y/N). Don't leave me here."
Slowly, she drags your body to the stamen's chair. She stops every few seconds as a new wave of sobbing rolls over her. With great effort, and an equal amount of tears, she heaves you into the seat and proceeds to fasten you in.
Then, just as it had before, something deep within her stirs. "I'll kill them," she mutters. "I'll kill all of them. I don't care if it kills me this time. I am going to kill every last Klaxosaur in this nest."
With renewed vigor, Ichigo climbs onto the platform and takes Delphinium's controls. The FranXX groans as its systems return to life. The familiar alarm that accompanies the lack of a stamen is lost on Ichigo, whose rational mind no longer properly functions. All the while, Ichigo pants as the stress from piloting in Stampede mode begins to kick in.
It doesn't hurt as bad as last time, Ichigo grunts. For whatever reason, she is correct. The transition to Stampede mode doesn't induce as much pain has it had the first time she had used it just over a month and a half ago. The pain is still excruciating, making her clench her teeth together so tightly that she could probably bite through a piece of leather and her own tongue in the process. However, this is still less than what she felt the first time.
Outside, Delphinium begins to change just as she had before. Her blades break apart into sections that each come to rest within her now paw-shaped hands. The faceplate slides up as a snout containing two rows of razor-sharp teeth comes forth and the armor plates on her neck fan out to resemble a mane. As the last of her blades slide into place, she throws back her head and unleashes a guttural howl.
The Brood Mother was still engaged with the remaining members of Squad 13 as Delphinium made her transformation, and so she goes completely unnoticed as she charges back toward the creature from her elevated location along the cliff. Delphinium is easily as fast in her Stampede mode as she is in her normal configuration and then some, so when she reaches the edge of the cliff and dives off with hesitation, her momentum is enough to carry her quite a long way.
As she falls she is given only a moment to observe the situation. Strelitzia is doing her best to keep the leviathan busy by leading it back and forth across the cavern. Using her ability to fly, she manages to stay just far enough to keep it entertained but not close enough to be swatted out of the sky. On the ground, Genista and the two FranXX of Squad 26 are in a desperate fight to avoid being overrun by the Klaxosaurs that have and continue to surge out of the Brood Mother. The many corpses of their kills are almost perpetually overrun, however, by more of the creatures.
Delphinium crashes to the ground with a satisfying squish. Below her is a thick blue pulp that had moments before been a Conrad-class Klaxosaur. Though her mind is hazy, Ichigo still has enough control to realize that her friends are in danger. Hurt… friends. Must… kill!
"Futoshi!" Genista screams as one of the Hive Guardian's forearms narrowly misses her. Her reprieve is short-lived, however, as the second swings low and catches her ankles. Kokoro lets out a cry in pain as she is swept off her feet by the jagged instrument. Her grip on the only thing keeping the Klaxosaur at arm's length, her cannon, is lost.
The Klaxosaur chirps in victory as it stands over the defeated Genista. The creature's mandibles rapidly oscillate as it draws closer, while Kokoro shrieks in terror. "Kokoro!" Futoshi screams, but it is no use. There is nothing that either of them can do to stop the monster.
Genista reflexively closes her eyes, not wanting to watch as the Klaxosaur bears down on her. As she curls closer into a ball, the briefest hint of wind makes itself known to her face. Moments later, she opens her eyes to find that the Klaxosaur no longer stands above her and she lets loose a small sigh of relief. She quickly sits up and glances to either side before resting her gaze on her savior, a blue and white wolf.
After tackling the Hive Guardian off of Genista, Delphinium tumbles several times before landing on her feet once more. The extra momentum from her charge sent her further than the Klaxosaur, so she whips around to once again face her opponent. The now very angry Hive Guardian stands and snaps in her direction.
Kill.
Delphinium charges at the creature in a zig-zag pattern to try and throw off its perception. She is partially successful as the first strike misses her completely, making contact with the spot she had been in a moment before. It is also enough to provide her with an ample opportunity to strike.
Dashing under the Klaxosaur, Delphinium lunges at one of its hind legs. Having lost sight of its opponent, the Klaxosaur has no time to react as Delphinium sinks her teeth into the appendage, plants her feet, and pulls with every fiber of her being. The result is an agonized screech from the Klaxosaur as its leg is cleanly pulled from its socket.
Delphinium doesn't stop there, however. Now that she was in Stampede mode, the normal mental capacity Ichigo normally boasted was dialed down to her more basic functions. In the place of those higher-level functions, however, all of her senses seemed to be heightened in compensation. In addition, a more primal force seemed to have awakened within her, serving to guide her with her fighting. Showing her the most effective places to strike and how to breach the Hive Guardian's defense were just two of the intrinsic senses she had gained from this connection.
The Klaxosaur collapses and Delphinium lies in wait for when it does. It attempts to protect itself from her assault by rapidly swinging its forearms in wide arcs, effectively creating a buzz saw in an area in front of it. However, because it is immobilized, Delphinium circles the squirming creature before pouncing on it from behind.
It is here that Ichigo's uncontrolled anger shows through. The Klaxosaur is clearly at her mercy, but instead of killing it outright, Delphinium sinks her teeth into its back before ripping out a chunk of flesh. Then, she rakes her claws across the struggling creature's back, making sure to cover as much area as possible. Finally, after having her fill of toying with the dying creature, Delphinium tears out its throat and with it, the core.
Genista looks on, clearly mortified by the mangled corpse of the Hive Guardian. Her left hand covers her mouth while the right feebly keeps her upright in her sitting position. However before she can say a word, Delphinium takes off toward another Klaxosaur that is harassing Code 423.
Genista watches as Delphinium mauls and maims yet another Hive Guardian. The first leap she takes towards the beast results in the loss of its left arm, severed at the shoulder by her razor fangs. Two of its rear legs follow as she takes advantage of the Klaxosaurs confusion. It topples to the ground as her teeth sink into its neck. As the creature dies, she spits out the remnants of its core before trotting over towards Genista.
"Ichigo…?" Genista asks. Delphinium maintains her snarl before walking up to Genista and pawing at the ground near her feet. "What are you looking for?" Genista questions. A moment later, there is a loud thunk as Delphinium's paw connects with something solid in the earth. The wolf's snout disappears into the hole for a moment and then reappears, dragging with it the bomb. Genista's expression shifts to one of shock as her hands run to the pocket of her dress where the bomb had been stored for safekeeping. As expected, when she does her hand finds nothing but emptiness. "Thank you, Ichigo," Genista says.
However, when Genista reaches for the bomb something strange happens. Delphinium snaps at her. "Ichigo?" Genista asks worriedly. Delphinium scoops up the bomb with her maw, gives one last look at Genista, then sprints off in the direction of the Brood Mother. "Ichigo!"
It is no surprise that as Delphinium closes in on the Brood Mother she finds Strelitzia fighting it. In her usual show of heroics, Strelitzia is trying her best to bring the behemoth down, flying circles around the trapped creature while dragging her lance along its hide.
Delphinium makes it to the Brood Mother without much issue as a result. Strelitzia is a very effective distraction. Upon her arrival she scales its smaller back leg, which rests uselessly against the ground. From there, she climbs onto its mushroom-like back and heads for the nearest pore.
It is strange being inside a Klaxosaur. Most parasites don't even know what it would look like. Ichigo certainly did not until Delphinium dove headlong into one of the open holes on the Brood Mother's back. It is oddly bright inside, with the wall of the tunnel she is currently in being made entirely of the weird, blue-glowing substance all Klaxosaurs seemed to possess. As she continues down the tunnel at full speed, she notices several other tunnels branch into the one she is currently traveling down.
Another minute or so of travel and she reaches the end of the tunnel system. The large cavity Delphinium has entered contains only a single item, a mass of Klaxosaur cores easily twice the size of Delphinium. Delphinium pants for a moment, the exertion of her journey catching up with her before laying down beside the coagulation of core. She spits out the bomb she had been carrying and becomes acutely aware of the ticking sound it is now making.
"Ichigo…" a garbled voice comes across the comms. "-go, the tim… ing down. Have to…." The transmission is lost in static, leaving Ichigo alone. While she is still connected to Delphinium, which remains in Stampede mode, something strange happens. Her ability to think rationally returns.
I'm in control again, she realizes. She takes a moment to examine the bomb and becomes aware of a timer ticking down in the upper left portion of her vision. Doesn't matter though, I'm not leaving. Why would I? I've lost two partners now. Both of them died trying to protect me. What makes me so damn important?!
Delphinium takes several deep breaths and adjusts her head to rest against her paws, serving to calm her slightly. It doesn't matter, she tells herself. I'm not letting anyone get hurt because of me again. I'll stay here and protect the bomb until it detonates. That's the only way to make things right.
Delphinium's ear twitches. That clicking sound, Klaxosaurs. The she-wolf rises to her feet and prepares to fend off her attackers, but they don't immediately make themselves known. Another thirty seconds tick by before they finally appear down another of the Brood Mother's veins. Alright, Ichigo tells herself as she feels Stampede mode once again clouding her mind. I have to do this. For Goro. For (Y/N). I must… KILL.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You come to consciousness and your eyes are immediately assaulted by a strange, glowing blue light. Where am I? you ask yourself. The sound of metal on metal answers your question as you realize you are still inside Delphinium's cockpit. Okay, so if I'm still in Delphinium, that means we must still be somewhere in the nest.
Looking ahead to the monitors that line Delphinium's cockpit, you find strange walls made completely out of a blue substance you believe to be Klaxosaur blood. In the center of your vision is the largest Klaxosaur core you've ever seen. Huh. If I can see outside, that means Delphinium is active. So Ichigo must be…
"Oh, shit," you whisper as you look down. In front of you, Ichigo is stiff as a board and the screen on her headdress shows her parasite connection to Delphinium is still active. "Stampede" flashes across the screen. "Ichigo…why?" you ask in disbelief.
You attempt to rise from your seated position but find yourself held in by a series of straps. You hastily undo them and rush to her side. "Ichigo," you say softly. "Ichigo, can you hear me?"
You receive no answer. You examine her face only to find that her beautiful emerald eyes are open, but glazed over. You cup her cheeks in your hands. Her soft blue hair falls down around her face, and slightly tickles your hands. "Ichigo, come on … it's me, it's (Y/N)."
Your heart sinks after another thirty seconds pass without an answer. Oh, I know, you tell yourself. If I try and connect with her, then it might bring Delphinium out of Stampede mode.
You hop back into the stamen's chair and grab the controls extending from Ichigo's waist. Alright, here it goes. You pull the triggers, fully expecting your vision to be bathed in the green orbs always present when a connection begins. Instead, you are left with only your normal view of the cockpit.
"Damn it!" you curse. You release the controls and hold your head in your hands. "Well now what?" you scream. Wait, you think, as an idea begins to form. Earlier, I was able to pull her out of a connection by removing her from the platform. That's how she connects to the FranXX, after all. Maybe if I can get her to release her hold on the controls, it can happen again.
You jump back to your feet and examine the platform. Ichigo's hands are tightly clasped around two controls not so different from your own, normally hidden behind recesses in the platform itself. Similarly, her feet are locked in place so that she will not shift while the FranXX is in motion.
You begin by reaching down and attempt to pry the fingers of her right hand off of the controls. However, you are met with a surprising amount of resistance and are unable to remove them. The same proves to be true for her left hand as well, and you know that the locks around her ankles are tied directly to her hand's connection, so trying there will do you no good.
"You know, Ichigo," you grunt as you wrap your arms around her waist and prepare to pull, "I really do admire your fortitude." You pull with all your might but are unsuccessful. "But this is starting to get a little annoying." You try again, only to be met with the same result. "Look, I know you like teasing me and giving me a hard time, but this is ridiculous!" you shout, pulling a final time. In the end, your sweat-ridden hands lose their grip on each other and you fall to a heap beside Ichigo.
"Well," you say, standing once more and planting your feet, "I'm sorry Ichigo, but you leave me no choice." Putting everything you have into it, you charge the platform and tackle Ichigo from the side.
Much to your surprise, there is a clicking sound the instant you make contact. It turns out that sound was the locks around her ankles releasing and the two of you tumble across the floor of the cockpit. Coming to a rest puts you on your back and Ichigo on top of you.
Slowly, her eyes flutter open. "What… why am I?" she stops cold when her eyes meet yours. "(Y/N)?" her voice cracks. "(Y/N), is it really you?" "Yeah Ichigo," you smile. "It's me. I wouldn't leave you here by yourself."
What she does next blows your mind. Without warning, she rapidly closes the distance between the two of you, bringing her lips into contact with yours. Wait, what?! you shout internally, Ichigo, what the hell are… you… you stop. Actually, this feels kind of nice.
The sensation you are experiencing is unlike anything you felt before. It is equal parts mysterious and natural. Ichigo's lips are soft and warm, so very inviting that it nearly overwhelms you.
But whatever it was, the feeling only lasts an instant as Ichigo quickly pulls away, her face now flushed with color. "I'm sorry!" she shouts. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It's just I thought you were dead that that I-"
Ichigo is silenced as you pull her into a hug. "It's alright," you whisper, soothingly stroking her hair. "But you almost died," Ichigo sobs, "and it was my fault." "I'm here now, aren't I?" you ask. "Yeah, but," Ichigo sniffles. "No 'buts,'" you stop her, "I'm right here and I'm not going to leave you behind. Not ever."
After a minute or so, Ichigo begins to calm down. She slowly stands and makes her way back over to the platform. "So, where are we?" you ask, taking a seat behind her. "Uhh… inside the Brood Mother," Ichigo answers. "What?" you exclaim. "Why are we inside of the Brood Mother?!"
"Well, I had to deliver the…" Ichigo trails off. "The what?" you demand. "You had to deliver the what, Ichigo?" At this time, you become acutely aware of a ticking sound in the background. Ichigo sheepishly looks back at you. "The bomb," she answers.
"Bomb!" Your eyes snap to the upper right corner of Delphinium's internal monitors. The mission clock is there at the top like it should be, but below it is a second time. This one counting down from nine minutes. "Please don't tell me that timer is the bomb?" you shout. "Well… I … um…" Ichigo stutters, "when I thought you were dead I kind of-"
"You can't be serious!" you scream. "We have to go! Now!" "Right!" Ichigo ceases trying to explain her actions and instead connects herself to Delphinium. With great speed, you grab the controls extending from her waist and commence the connection. God, we'd better make it.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"If we die it's all your fault!" you shout to your partner as Delphinium shoots out of the Brood Mother, which still struggles angrily against the stalactite pinning it to the floor of the cavern. "I said I was sorry!" she shoots back. Without missing a stride, she hits the ground and rolls back to her feet. Quickly you take stock of your surroundings. You HUD doesn't register any of the other FranXX of Squad 13 in the nearby area. Guess they all retreated when they saw the bomb's countdown begin.
"We don't have time to stop!" Ichigo's words pull you back to reality. Delphinium turns and begins to race across the cavern back in the direction Squad 13 had originally entered from. "I think everyone else got out already," you inform her, "they're not showing up on the HUD." Despite the gravity of the situation, you can still feel Ichigo's momentarily relief at your words through your mental connection.
As you attempt to navigate the maze of tunnels to escape the nest, you risk a glance at the countdown. 3:22. "There's not much time left," you inform Ichigo. She hesitates for only the briefest of moments. "We'll make it," she reassures you, "we're nearly there."
As she finishes speaking, you round a corner and are greeted by a most unexpected sight. You are once again in the hall containing the remains of the elevator, but it is what awaits you at the end that amazes you. Nine FranXX gather around the base of the elevator shaft. "You made it!" Argentea shouts as a massive grin splits her face. Genista, along with Units 4 and 5 are collapsed on the floor of the elevator while Units 2 and 3 are rapidly running the steel cables through makeshift pulleys. Strelitzia, Argentea, and Code 090 stand in a defensive line, killing each and every Klaxosaur that gets too close as they try to escape.
"You stayed!" Delphinium's voice cracks as she rushes up to the group. "Everyone, on!" Code 090 orders, and the FranXX pile on to the makeshift elevator. As soon as you do, Units 2 and 3 begin to pull the cables and you begin a not so rapid ascent toward the top of the shaft. Seeing an opportunity to quicken your pace, Strelitzia takes the cable from Code 145's hands and activates her jets, pulling the elevator upward at a much faster rate.
You make it close to what you assume is halfway up the shaft when the timer reaches zero. There is a very muffled sound of the bomb's detonation before the world around you begins to tremble and shake. The steel plates making up the walls begin to bend under the force of the explosion even this far away.
At that time, the explosive force from the blast catches up with you. The rush of energy impacts the flat, circular floor making up the base of your elevator, which takes up the entirety of the shaft. For only a moment, the elevator stays suspended in the shaft. The massive pressure differential, however, acts upon the base of the elevator in the next instant. The upward force generated by the detonation accelerates the elevator much faster than Strelitzia ever could. You quickly overtake her and she is pinned to the floor, right beside the rest of Squads 13 and 26.
No less than ten seconds later you reach the top of the shaft. There, now that the pent-up pressure has another outlet in which to escape, the plate is thrown to one side of the shaft head. The two squads of FranXX are unceremoniously dumped across the floor of the top level of the mine.
Inside Delphinium's cockpit, you breathe a sigh of relief. You release your hold on the controls, letting them fall limp before they return to their inactive state on Ichigo's hips. "We made it," you breathlessly say to the ceiling of the cockpit.
However, you aren't given even a moment of peace like you had anticipated as Ichigo tackles you again. This time she doesn't do the strange thing where your lips are pressed together, but she does grip you tightly enough to guarantee you aren't moving. Her head is once again buried against your chest and the soft sound of her gentle sobbing reaches your ears.
"Ichi…go," you cough, "you're choking …. me." Her grip loosens, but she doesn't release you. With a slight glisten in her ever-striking emerald eyes, she looks up at you. "You… you said you'd never leave me." "I did," you reply with a smile. "Promise?" she asks. You answer her without hesitation. "I promise."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dr. Franxx walks down one of the many hallways of his private facility on the way to his office. The last report from Hachi was several hours ago, he thinks to himself. The children should be close to finished with the mission by now. It's only a single nest, after all.
When he reaches the end of the hallway, a door slides open. The elderly man makes his way into the all too familiar office and takes a seat at his massive oak desk. A wooden desk was something of a rare commodity in this day and age due to the world's present state, that was to say, a mostly uninhabitable wasteland. So the doctor enjoyed having something that reminded him of better times.
As he makes himself comfortable, the holographic display of his computer comes to life and announces an incoming call from Hachi. He lazily swipes it to the left, replacing the indicator with an image of Hachi's office. However, unlike when most reports were made to him, both of his subordinates are currently present.
"Nana, Hachi," the scientist greets them, "I trust you have news regarding the children?" His asking of this was a mere formality, as he already knew the answer. In fact, he already knew what answer would be given to the question of how they had performed. Nana's eyes revealed all. They looked completely normal and her makeup was impeccable, as always. The children had been successful, and everyone had survived at the very least. Had that not been the case, she likely wouldn't have been present. If she had, then her eyes would be puffy from the tears she'd have shed for the children. She was always somewhat overprotective of them, but then again, that was exactly why she had been selected as Plantation 13's Caretaker.
"Yes, Doctor," Nana announces. "Squad 13 has returned." "And?" Dr. Franxx asks. "All members are accounted for," Hachi states. "Excellent!" the old man smiles. "...However," Hachi continues, "several of their units were damaged during the mission." Several images appear on the additional displays, showing Squad 13's current status.
"Argentea and Chlorophytum suffered the least amount of damage," Hachi continues, "each received only superficial marks. Next is Strelitzia." The doctor looks at her breakdown, part of a file that Hachi had sent along with the call. "She suffered from some internal failures due to the shockwave of the bomb's detonation."
"Genista," Hachi's voice becomes coarse, "suffered more noticeable damage. Her dress, which serves as armor, was pierced in several locations and is barely holding together. The servos in her left foot were also damaged by one of the Klaxosaurs."
"And what of Delphinium?" Dr. Franxx asks. Hachi sighs. "Delphinium will be out of action for at least a week. Large portions of the armor along her right side have been crushed. Also, due to either overuse or exceeding the safe temperature range, the thrusters that line her waist have suffered from a meltdown and will need to be replaced."
"Not an issue," Dr. Franxx waves his hand dismissively. "The FranXX can always be repaired or, if necessary, replaced. Nana, how are the children?" "They are currently in Mistilteinn," the caretaker answers. "After the mission I sent them back to bathe, eat, and rest."
"Good," the scientist replies. "Monitor them closely for the next several days and make sure they haven't suffered from any psychological trauma. It may also be necessary for them to undergo maintenance at the Garden. Schedule it and appraise me of when you will be arriving."
"Are you intending to personally administer the maintenance, Doctor?" Hachi asks. "Perhaps," the old man strokes his beard. "Oh, and what of Squad 26?" "All members returned," Hachi answers, "though Code 423 suffered a minor injury to one of her arms." Dr. Franxx nods, before saying, "that is all for now. Please continue to work with your usual diligence and contact me if something comes up." The two of them nod. "Yes sir," Nana and Hachi say in unison before the display winks out.
For the second time in several weeks, Dr. Franxx reaches for the bottom drawer of his desk and pulls out the small bottle. Things went very well, he tells himself as he pours a glass. After replacing the bottle, he takes his glass and moves to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that line the back of his office.
From there, he looks out over the assembly yard his personal facility boasts. Every part of the yard is completely and entirely automated. The ability of a machine to work tirelessly for as long as needed meant that anything he could ever need would be manufactured quickly, in addition to being done accurately and precisely. After admiring for a moment, he turns to the real reason he had wished to look out over the facility.
Directly across from the window, a large machine is being built. It is human in shape and feminine in design. This unit is stark white, but the coat-like armor she wears is a dull grey. Beside her is a weapon reminiscent of a crossbow, though far deadlier.
The scene brings a smile to the old man's face as he takes a drink. "Oh, Slyvestris," he grins, "you are coming together beautifully, my dear."
