Hello again! Sorry for the delay but our dear editor has been without power for the past several days and was only recently able to go over the chapter. I apologize for the longer wait but I don't want to upload a product that isn't polished beforehand. That's all for me, enjoy!
The forest around their little town was truly a wonderful place.
The parasites of Squad 13 prior to now had never spent so much time in such an environment. Their former home of Mistilteinn may have been a forest, but it was always controlled down to the smallest of details by the adults. The forest by the beach was special in that regard because it was different. It had the freedom to simply grow, completely separate from anyone's whims about what was best for it.
The forest as a whole seemed to sway together in the afternoon breeze. Grass and leaves bent and folded over themselves in waves as the invisible gusts created a sort of ripple throughout the forest floor and canopy. A few birds give off small chirps as they fly between the trees before disappearing, their shadows flitting across the ground before being scattered by the sunlight.
Ichigo draws in a long breath before opening her eyes. She stands on a small rise, concealed behind a tree, above the slightly overgrown valley below her. The edges of her blue hair and emerald eyes just peek out over the edge of the trunk of the tree, and she gazes at the small river below at the forest's lowest point.
More accurately, she watches the large deer casually drinking from the water's edge. It has been more than an hour and not a single suitable deer was to be found. All of those that had appeared before this buck had been too small, and it was long past the point that she was sick of waiting.
Psyching herself up wasn't easy. Even after multiple false hopes for targets, she still felt the unease associated with what she was about to do. Giving her head a shake in an attempt to clear it, both because she might end up wimping out and because the deer might bolt away.
I'm sorry, she thinks to herself as she raises the bow in her left hand up to chest height. It was an unfamiliar weapon for her, as she hadn't had much time to train with it. It was a lighter bow, with a draw weight Hiro had previously guessed to be around 35 pounds, but it would do its job if as she could hold it long enough to line up the shot. It certainly gives her a little trouble as she brings it to full draw, struggling in the last few moments to bring the knuckle of her right hand by her mouth.
Now closer, Ichigo spies the unsuspecting deer and lines up her shot along the left side of her bow, where the arrow rested. Even with her inexperience, she was sure that the shot would hit from the distance of fifty or so feet away. And hopefully, she'd have the time to make another after grabbing an arrow from her back quiver if it didn't.
Still, she remains at full draw, hands trembling more with each passing second. Nothing has changed. But it won't stay that way for long.
Come on, Ichigo, it's just a deer... she tries to tell herself. A cute, fluffy, harmless deer. Ichigo sighs and slowly releases the tension in the bow. No matter what she thought, she couldn't bring herself to finally release the arrow. "Three times," she whispers to herself. "I got so close three times."
Then, out of the corner of her eye, a patch of shadow begins to move. A human silhouette rises, wraithlike in appearance, from the dark bush. With one fluid motion, the figure draws a bow, nocks an arrow, and fires faster than she can realize it's happening. The arrow races toward the deer and before it has time to react, pierces its side. The majestic beast takes several uncontrolled steps before falling to the ground beside the stream.
You release your breath, which you'd been holding unintentionally, before letting your bow drop and sliding it back over your shoulder. You spin around and shoot a smug smile in Ichigo's direction.
She stares at you for a few seconds before angrily gesturing back at you. "Oh, come on, I had it! Why'd you have to go and shoot it before me?" She crosses her arms and leans on one of her hips out to the side to emphasize.
Laughing a little to yourself, you notice how red in the face your partner is and gesture for her to come closer to where you are. "You weren't going to do it, so I took matters into my own hands," you call back to her. "Besides, we have some more food now, right? It's the same result regardless of who did it."
As she makes her own way down to you, you quickly hop over the river to the opposite bank. Pulling a large folded cloth from behind you, it unfurls in the breeze before you lay it on the ground near the fallen deer. Glancing at your arrow, you feel a strong sense of satisfaction as you realize that the arrow had gone exactly where you wanted, especially compared to how quickly you'd drawn.
After dragging the body onto the cloth and wrapping it up, Ichigo finally manages to cross the riverbank, looking just as irritated as she had before. Her eyebrows form a shallow V, and she eyes you with a disinterested glare.
You walk over to her and grab one of her hands before she can protest. "Don't tell me you're that upset over who got to go and shoot the deer? I know it was hard for you to do it. It was hard for me too, but we need to supplement our rations or we'll run out."
Ichigo set her lips into a thin line and squeezes your hand, looking more than a little remorseful. "I'm sorry, you're right. I just... wanted to show you I could do it." She averts your gaze and chews lightly on her lower lip.
It's so adorable that she wants to impress me that much, you tell yourself. But I do wish she wouldn't beat herself up so much after missing the mark once.
"You don't have anything to prove to me, Ichigo," you say honestly, and give her a small smile. She finally meets your eyes. "Yeah," she begins, "it's a silly thing to get mad about, isn't it?"
You gently move your hand to cup her cheek with your free hand and give it a little caress. "Don't worry about it. Just help me move this massive thing back to the house." Ichigo smiles in return, before nodding and moving over to the deer.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After depositing the deer into your makeshift cellar back in the mansion, you and Ichigo return to the foyer and stretch, feeling tired after the long and arduous day.
It wasn't so much from moving the deer as it had been the waiting. The two of you had only actually needed to carry the wrapped deer twice. First was getting it to the makeshift cart you had placed nearby so that it could simply be wheeled back to the house with relative ease. The second had been getting it down the stairs to one of the basement rooms, which had turned into a cool room for your gathered provisions aside from the rations you'd brought with you.
Ichigo yawns loudly, quietly mumbling "I need a nap" almost to herself. You are very inclined to agree with her.
"Well," you start after you finish stretching, "we should tell Futoshi about the deer first. Then we can go back to the room, eat, and relax." She nods happily, latching onto your hand as you walk together to the massive room serving as your major base of operations.
After arriving, you glance around to see which of your friends had made it back so far. Like always, Futoshi was cooking by the fire, preparing dinner with the help of Ikuno and Kokoro. Mitsuru was in the back of the room, tinkering with some odd, smaller machines you'd discovered in the underground facility.
Today, Futoshi and Kokoro had been assigned the task of general clean up around the house, with Ikuno and Mitsuru assisting them. And from what you'd seen while walking through the house, it seemed that they had made some major progress in making things all nice and tidy.
Miku and Zorome were still out, meaning that they were still off gathering edible greens and forage-ables, like berries. Hiro and Zero two were searching the outskirts of the village for anything new, though both you and Ichigo were well aware that they'd probably stray from that path before long since they were together.
Regardless, lunch was rarely a time for all of you to eat together. Everyone was busy with something different, and as such you'd all be tired at different times. Thus, it had been Futoshi's idea to slowly start making lunch so that everyone could come and go with their food as they pleased.
Thankfully, this also allowed you and Ichigo to sneak off into your new room, but not before you deposited your bows and quivers with the others you'd found in the house. One of the smaller rooms had been left with large racks full of hunting supplies, most notably a handful of bows and a ton of arrows. The handgun, when you weren't carrying it for trips like today's, and rifles that you'd discovered in the underground facility, now called the room "home" as well.
After saying hello to those who were cooking and letting Futoshi know that there was a deer in the cellar for him to clean up later, you grab some of the savory soup and bread that he had prepared with Ikuno and Kokoro. They dish out some healthy portions of each to both you and Ichigo, and after thanking them you quickly retreat to your room.
Ichigo shuts the door behind you which makes a small clicking noise as the latch engages. Once again, you both were alone.
She quickly grabs a nearby towel from a corner and spreads over the bed. "So we won't dirty the sheets," she explains, before hopping up with her food and patting the spot next to her. Clearly, she's gotten over the deer and now wants you next to her.
"Good plan," you say after sitting down. "I'd rather not sleep in wet, soup-stained sheets." She hums in agreement before the two of you take a long draft of soup. As usual, Futoshi had managed to create another great meal with the vegetables and meat he had on hand. Though this time, there was an odd spiciness to the soup that was surprisingly refreshing.
"Mhmm!" Ichigo exclaims once she has swallowed her mouthful. The extra heat of the soup makes her cheeks flush a little red, and she gives you a smile once she notices you staring at her.
The two of you go back to eating your soup and bread, quietly. Although you don't speak, it's very comforting simply being able to share a meal together in private. There was no need for anything lavish or elegant, just the two of you, and you felt that familiar sensation where all the world seemed to melt away except for Ichigo.
She seems to feel it too. Finishing her bowl before you, Ichigo sets it down on the floor beneath the bed and wraps her arms around your torso, laying her head on your shoulder. Unsurprisingly, her sweet strawberry scent easily overpowers the aroma of the soup and only serves to draw your focus even more.
Things becomes somewhat of a struggle as you try to carefully finish eating your soup without spilling it onto her. Then you close your eyes and wrap your right arm around her, holding the bowl and spoon in your left. The two of you simply stay there in silence, listening to the other's breathing and feeling the warmth of their body.
After ten or so minutes, you finally use your voice. "Ichigo, let up for a sec. I want to put the bowls by the door really quick." She nods gently and releases you, stretching slightly as she does so. You grab Ichigo's bowl off the floor and move near the door to set them both down.
"Hey... (Y/N)?" Ichigo voices tentatively. You turn around to look at her. "Yeah, what's up?"
She stares directly into your eyes. "Is... is this really the best thing for the squad?" Unsure of what she's getting at, you shoot her a quizzical glance, saying an unspoken "what do you mean?"
"Well," she begins, "whatever... this is. Us going off together. We're not with the squad, and we're the reason everyone's out here." She pauses, and stands up before walking over to you. "I just want to know if this is what's best for everyone, not just us."
Now it's your turn to hesitate, before you find the right words to say. You grab her hands with yours and speak once you do.
"Ichigo, there is nothing wrong with this. It's not like everyone else is incapable, anyways. They'll be fine without the two of us every once and awhile. Besides, any of them could go and do what we've done, they just haven't. You shouldn't feel bad that we've figured it out quicker than they have. Just give it time, I'm sure they'll all be like us before you know it."
You quickly move in to hug her, and although she's startled by your speed, she returns it instinctively. "I could never part from you, Ichigo," you say. "Even if there was a problem with doing this, I wouldn't let you go."
Ichigo looks ready to cry and opens her mouth to respond when something vibrates in your shirt pocket. Without hesitation, you whip out the communicator and answer the call from Zorome.
Ichigo waits patiently for you to finish, though the disappointment of your unfinished moment is clearly written on her face.
"Did Zorome need something?" Ichigo inquires, her tone somewhat icier than usual. "Let's go," is your answer, dragging her toward the door. In an instant Ichigo goes from a loving partner to her squad leader persona. "What's happened?" "I don't know," you reply. "He said to get everyone and meet him and Miku by the FranXX. Something's come up... and it's urgent."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Alright, Zorome," you say, stepping through the cockpit door of Argentea. "What is it we need to hear?"
"Miku and I were going to move Argentea into the hanger, right when we heard this," he answers, pressing a button on his chair. The speakers come to life playing a message.
"Calling all available channels, this is Code 030, Squad Leader of Plantation 56. We are under attack by a Super Lehmann Class Klaxosaur. 612, watch your left! I repeat, Plantations 56 and 26 are facing imminent destruction, requesting immediate assistance."
"When did we get that?" Ichigo asks. "Five minutes ago," Miku whimpers. "There's a set of coordinates tied to the message." Zorome just looks unsure. "What are we going to do?" he asks.
You rest you hand on your chin to think as the remaining members of the squad file in. During this time the message repeats, filling them in on the newest curiosity that had been so important. Everyone's reaction is slightly different, ranging from fear to annoyance to indifference.
"What are we going to do?" Zorome repeats. "You guys are supposed to be our leaders, so tell us what to do." "It's not that simple," you state, your face in hard lines. "Now that we're here, Ichigo and I aren't in charge anymore. We have to make decisions as a group."
"Then we have to help them!" Kokoro blurts. "Why?" Mitsuru asks. Kokoro actually recoils in shock at his response. "What do you mean, 'why?' If we don't help them then they'll die!" "But we don't get anything out of it," Ikuno answers. "If we help them, they will report our position back to APE. There's also the chance that it could draw Klaxosaurs here."
"So we should let them die?!" Futoshi shouts. "Better them than us," Mitsuru shoots back. "Or are you forgetting what happened a few days ago?" Everyone looks to Zero Two, who covers her left hand with her right.
"How can you be so heartless?" Kokoro cries. Mitsuru simply adjusts his collar. "I'm not. All I am saying is that our lives mean more to me than theirs. If we go out there, there's a chance we won't all come back. I don't know what a Super Lehmann Class is, but it must be worse than a Guttenberg. It's not worth the risk."
"But-" Kokoro begins to reply before you cut her off. "Alright, you've both said what you think and there's nothing more to be gained by arguing. We vote, here and now, on what to do. Those in favor raise your right hand." Mitsuru quickly interrupts. "Tie means we don't go," he adds. "Tie means we don't go, then," you repeat.
Kokoro, Futoshi, Hiro, Ichigo, and yourself raise your hands. "Those opposed?" Mitsuru, Ikuno, Zero Two, and Zorome raise theirs. "Miku," Ichigo turns to the only person who had abstained. "I don't know," she answers.
Ichigo puts a hand on her shoulder. "Do what you think is best, Miku. No one will say anything about it if they don't like your decision. There's no pressure." Miku nods, but doesn't take her eyes off the floor. Finally, she looks in her partner's eyes and addresses him as if no one else was present. "You'd come if I was there, wouldn't you?"
Zorome's shoulders slouch and he lets out a deep breath. "I would." Miku nods in response. "I think we should help them," she says, casting her vote.
"Then it's settled," you declare. "By a vote of 6-4 we have agreed to help. Everyone, get ready to move. Those coordinates are twenty minutes away and we're gonna have to hurry if we're gonna make it in time."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Code 030, do you read us?" your voice rings through the comms. Several seconds pass in silence. "030? Squad 26, do any of you copy?" Delphinium's image frowns, "Maybe we're too late."
A crackle comes from the comm, followed by a choppy message. "Nine Omega, thank Papa!" the somewhat familiar voice of Code 030 greets your ears. "We're under attack from the Super Lehmann Class Klaxosaur the commander told you about. Plantation 26 has been destroyed. The remaining members of their squad are with us. Plantation 56 has ceased all attempts to fight and is attempting to outrun the Klaxosaurs while we draw their attention."
"Did you say Klaxosaurs?" Argentea whispers. "Yes, Miss Mu," Code 030 replies. "The Super Lehmann brought two Gutenberg Classes with it as well. The Lehmann and one Guttenberg are picking through the remains of Plantation 26, but the other Gutenberg is still following us. Squad 26 has already lost two units and we are down one as well. Without support we will fall, and Plantation 56 will be destroyed."
"We're en route," Delphinium announces. "Our ETA is five minutes at the coordinates of your last transmission. Can you hold out that long?" There is a brief pause on the line before a male voice identified as your acquaintance, Code 090, speaks. "We'll have to try. Squad 26, on me! Help is on the way. We just have to hold out until it gets here."
"Can we really kill the Klaxosaurs if they're that big?" Genista asks. "We aren't going to kill them," you answer. "We're only going to extract what's left of Squads 26 and 56 and get out before they know what hit them."
"But, what about all the adults?" Futoshi questions. "We'll try to save the Plantation if we can," Delphinium clarifies. "But our primary concern is rescuing the other parasites and escaping with our lives."
"But-" "We aren't parasites anymore," Zero Two stops whatever complaint was about to be voiced. "I won't lift a finger to help the plantation." However, her somber tone is soon replaced by a sly grin. "It's been a while since I got to go all out. Are you ready, Darling?"
Hiro barely has time to respond before Strelitzia takes flight and races ahead. "Strelitzia," Delphinium shouts. "What?" the red mech shoots back, annoyance building in her voice. "Back them up until we get there, but don't push yourself," Delphinium finishes. The FranXX's image smiles. "Got it! But don't take too long!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When you arrive on scene several minutes later, the situation is worse than you had expected. Plantation 56 is in full retreat from the advancing Gutenberg. The defense cannons hammer the hide of the monstrous wolf, but it shrugs off the shots as if they were nothing. However, something about this Klaxosaur is unlike anything you've seen before. Instead of being black and blue like every other it's stark white, with neon pink replacing the electric blue.
The creature in question keeps pace with the Plantation but isn't gaining any ground. From the looks of it, the remains of Squads 26 and 56 dart around and under the beast, trying their best to slow it down. Then, of course, there is Strelitzia. In her usual gung-ho fashion, she is acting like the world most annoying wasp, strafing the face and head of the Klaxosaur and drawing its attention away from the FranXX on the ground.
As Delphinium passes the Plantation and toward the direction of the Gutenberg, you begin giving orders. "Genista, Chlorophytum, lay down suppressing fire on that thing. Aim for the mouth and eyes." At the same time, Ichigo delegates for the two melee FranXX. "Argentea, you're with me. We go straight at it, so try to focus on one of its front legs. If we can bring it down, we might be able to kill it."
Genista and Chlorophytum break off and begin firing on the Klaxosaur as Delphinium and Argentea continue charging forward. In the meantime, the white wolf throws its head back and lets out a guttural howl. This also results in one of the FranXX of Squad 56, whose harpoon was still embedded in the creature's neck, being pulled into the air. Before anyone has time to so much as think, they are snapped out of the air and disappear into the wolf's gullet.
The wolf appears to struggle swallowing the unit, snapping at the air and stumbling. Another unit of Squad 56 stands motionless as the wolf shuffles from left to right. The FranXX makes no attempt to move as one of the beast's hind paws comes closer and closer to crushing her. At the last moment a flash of pink tackles her to the ground. The earth shakes as Argentea rolls off the FranXX and back to her feet. "Don't worry," she timidly smiles. "We're here now."
"Nine Omega!" the relief in Code 030's voice is clear as Delphinium speeds past her FranXX. Rushing by, the blue machine begins her attack on the wolf, cutting at its paws with her blades. The blades stop with a loud clang, unable to cut into the monster's hide.
Adopting a new tactic, Delphinium instead drives her blades into the Klaxosaur, intending to pierce its hide now that wide slashes had proved ineffective. The blades sink up to a third of the way in but are unable to reach anything vital and are abruptly withdrawn.
The wolf, now aware of a troublesome insect beneath its feet, lifts its front paw to try and crush Delphinium. You direct her to fall to a knee with her blades held high. Argentea swoops in as well, ready to assist. As you'd planned, the blades of both FranXX cut into the soft underside of the wolf's paw, and before it reaches the ground the behemoth yowls in pain and recoils back to lick its wounds.
"Nine Omega!" Code 030 repeats. "You came." The squad leader of Plantation 56 sounds equal parts exhausted from fighting the Gutenberg for what has likely been hours and amazed anyone had answered their call for help, especially the Nines.
"I did promise that no harm would come to you, didn't I?" you ask. "Of course," she answers. "Thank you." "What's the situation with Plantation 56?" Delphinium asks. "The Plantation has been on the run for two hours," 030 answers. "We have been doing our best to keep the Klaxosaur occupied, and so far, it's worked. However, we've lost two units and Squad 26 is down the same. I don't know how much longer we can keep this up." Delphinium gives her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. That's why we're here."
"Code 015?" a recognizable voice asks. A standard FranXX approaches with the shattered remains of her spear in hand. "It's nice to see you again, 090," Delphinium replies. "Code 015?" Code 030 shakes her head. "You must be mistaken, 090. This is Nines Psi and Omega." "I'd recognize these FranXX anywhere," Code 090 replies confidently. "They were part of our kissing with Plantation 13." "That would make them a normal squad," 030 states. "They are," is his response. "Squad 13."
Code 090's FranXX turns to address Delphinium, "How did you guys end up here? And why does she think you're Nines?" Before you can answer, a transmission from Chlorophytum cuts in. "It's coming back!" "We've got no time," you tell him as Delphinium pats the FranXX's shoulder. "We'll explain later, but right now we need to focus on bringing that thing down."
A moment later, the wolf gives another howl and renews its attack on the roughly ten remaining FranXX. With the Klaxosaur charging directly toward the plantation this time, you are left with the task of cutting it off before it arrives. Observing it while the distance closes, you attempt to formulate a plan.
"Squad 26, Squad 56," you begin giving orders. "Squad 13 will get it to stop. Then, use your harpoons to pin it in place. Strelitzia, the kill's yours, just make sure to find the core." There is a chorus of affirmatives and everyone breaks off to fulfill their role.
Argentea, Delphinium, Chlorophytum, and Genista rush forward, with the latter two firing as they go to attract the beast's attention. Unfortunately, it seems to have little to no effect, so the plan moves to the next stage.
Delphinium sheathes her swords and turns her back to the Klaxosaur just as it is about to run past. In that same instant, Argentea leaps into Delphinium's waiting hands, and with a bit of help from the thrusters in her heels she rockets into the sky. Due to the precise timing of the maneuver, Argentea lands directly on the wolf's snout and immediately begins digging her claws into the soft tissue.
The unexpected attack causes the Klaxosaur to stop in its tracks and begin violently snapping and shaking its head in an attempt to remove the assailant. Argentea digs her claws into the monster's maw and jumps. She slides for a second, her claws slowing her descent and leaving a large gash that drips copious amounts of blue blood, before leaping to the ground and rolling back to her feet.
While the Klaxosaur is still writhing in pain, Chlorophytum activates her beam lances at full power. She fires several bursts at the Guttenberg, effectively gaining its attention. A paw swipes at the purple FranXX but she deftly avoids it with a graceful backflip, firing more beams as she goes. This continues for close to thirty seconds as the last pieces of the plan fall into place.
Fed up with the nimble FranXX, the Klaxosaur gets low to the ground and attempts to pounce on the annoyance. Moving with unexpected speed for its size, the wolf lunges at Chlorophytum, who is still recovering from her last somersault and is in no position to dodge the rows of teeth headed for her.
A loud crack sounds from off to her right and an explosion erupts across the Klaxosaur's snout. This knocks it off course just enough that it misses Chlorophytum while its face skids against the rough ground.
Before the Klaxosaur can get to its feet, the remaining members of Squad 26 and Squad 56 fire their harpoons over the creature's body in an arc. The tips embed themselves in the ground on the other side of the wolf, pinning it in place.
At this time, Strelitzia, who had been waiting for her moment, strikes. The red and white FranXX rockets toward the trapped animal ready to make the kill. Swinging her lance like a club, she shatters the front teeth of the Klaxosaur and disappears inside its maw.
The Klaxosaur continues to thrash on the ground for the next ten or so seconds before becoming completely still. You continue to count the seconds as the clock on Delphinium's internal monitor ticks. "What's taking them so long?" Delphinium anxiously taps her foot. "It's dead, so why aren't they back they?"
Another minute passes without a sign of Hiro and Zero Two. Then, when you are starting to worry, something happens. With an unnerving, slimy sound, the Klaxosaur's right eye shoots from its socket and lands beside you, pinned to the ground on a familiar lance. A series of coughs echo through the comms as a blood-drenched figure climbs out of the new hole in the wolf's skull.
"Strelitzia!" The FranXX in question shoots her comrades a questioning glance as if to ask what's wrong, "Hmm?" "You're okay!" Argentea shouts, hugging the blue-stained girl. Instead of looking shocked like Zero Two used to when someone showed concern for her, she smiles and returns the embrace. "I am. Thank you, Miku."
"Is it dead?" you ask Hiro. "We couldn't find the core," he answers. "But after that I don't think it will be getting up again." "Let's hope," you agree. In the meantime, Genista and Chlorophytum join the rest of the group.
"Nine Omega," Code 030's FranXX walks toward Delphinium. "Could we have a word with you?" She motions to the side where another standard FranXX is waiting. And that would be 090... this should be fun trying to explain.
"What is it?" Delphinium asks, stopping beside the other squad leaders. The left FranXX falls to a knee, hand across her chest. "Thank you for coming to our aid," Code 030's voice seems ready to break. "Without you, we wouldn't have been able to defeat the Klaxosaur and Plantation 56 would have been destroyed. We are in your debt."
"Don't thank us," you tell her. "And there is no need to bow," Delphinium leans down beside her. "We were too late," you continue. "And we aren't the Nines," Delphinium finishes.
"What are you talking about?" Squad 56's leader's voice breaks. "You are Nines Omega and Psi. The FranXX you pilot are superior to ours in every way. You are Papa's chosen and our saviors. Without your assistance we would have failed our duty."
"They aren't Nines," Code 090 confirms. "I have been on two missions with them. We first met during the kissing of our Plantations. As you said, their FranXX are unique and much better than ours, and their teamwork proved to be so as well. Then we worked with them again to clear out a Klaxosaur nest. Our squads got separated and Code 015 led mine with great skill. So, I can assure you this is Squad 13."
The FranXX beside Delphinium slowly looks up at you. Her eyes are covered by the visor, but it's still clear she is begging you to say the story is a lie. "It's true," you inform her. "We aren't Nines. I made it up on the spot when you found us."
"That doesn't explain how you got here," 090's partner cuts in. "You said you're Squad 13?" Code 030 asks. Delphinium nods. "I heard the commander talking to Nana the other day about a squad that had abandoned their plantation. He said Squad 13 had disappeared and their plantation was destroyed before replacements could be found. That was you?"
You gasp. "Plantation 13 was destroyed?" Delphinium's expression becomes a blank stare. "Nana... Hachi..."
Before anyone can say another word, the ground trembles. Caught off guard, Delphinium tumbles into the rough earth. "What was that?" you shout. Chlorophytum appears on the internal monitor. "Two more Klaxosaurs just showed up." Genista blinks in beside her, looking incredibly concerned. "And one's really big."
Delphinium scrambles to her feet, giving you a look at the incoming threat. Two Klaxosaurs are running toward your position at a breakneck pace. The first would be identical to the wolf you had already defeated, but it has the normal Klaxosaur coloration. The second dwarfs the smaller wolf and is easily the height of a plantation. These are the Klaxosaurs that Plantation 56's commander spoke of. The ones that have destroyed several plantations.
"They're back," Code 090 whispers in horror. "That's what destroyed Plantation 26?!" Zorome shouts over the comm. "We can't fight that! It's huge!" "Squad 13, prepare to fall back!" Delphinium orders.
"No!" Code 030 screams, her FranXX clutching desperately to Delphinium's arm. "Please don't. My squad will be wiped out if you leave!"
"090," you address him. "If you value your life and those of your squad, come with us. I know you don't have a lot of reason to trust us after learning we abandoned Plantation 13, but this is the only way. There's somewhere safe, you can live with us and be free."
The FranXX shakes her head, "My plantation has been destroyed and my squad has lost two members already. We can't dishonor their sacrifice by running. We will face these Klaxosaurs and buy time for Plantation 56 to escape."
"You'll die," you tell him. "Then it shall be in service to Papa and the adults," he says fervently. "As is the duty of all parasites."
"030," Delphinium soothingly coos. "Come with us. You don't have to throw your life away. We found a way to live without the plantations. You can too."
"No," she chokes back tears. "It's my duty to protect my plantation no matter the cost. And I won't abandon my squad." Having regained her composure, the FranXX stands. "090, will you fight with us?" "Squad 26 has your back."
You sigh in defeat. "Squad 13, retreat." Genista gasps loudly. "We're leaving?!" she cries. "We don't have a choice," Delphinium responds. "We can't kill those Klaxosaurs. We barely managed to take down the first and now there is another, in addition to one that's a lot bigger."
Genista's expression sinks, but she offers no resistance.
As Squad 13 begins to retreat, Squads 26 and 56 charge the incoming Klaxosaurs. No sooner have they reached the Klaxosaurs that the creatures go bounding past. They ignore the plantation and rush to the corpse of the wolf you had defeated only a short time ago. The blue canines nuzzle their fallen brother and let out a series of moans. Only when a member of Squad 56 fires their harpoon at one of them, which harmlessly bounces off, does either of them notice the approaching FranXX.
The wolves howl and bare their fangs, ready to devour the ants that killed their brother. The FranXX bravely push forward, firing their harpoons at the monsters, but it continues to prove futile. Things quickly take a turn for the worst as one of the six remaining FranXX are crushed underfoot by the Super Lehmann. Another is then batted aside by the paw of the second Gutenberg. The unit sails through the air until it collides with the outer wall of the plantation several hundred feet away.
From what you can tell, the unit fails to rise again. And a voice begins speaking in your mind. 'Are you really going to leave them to die?' There's nothing I can do, you tell yourself.
Another FranXX narrowly avoids being trampled.
'That's a lie, and we both know it,' the voice responds. 'You could have dragged them out of there kicking and screaming if you had to, but you didn't... you left them to die. '
"We have to go back," you say aloud. "What?" Ichigo's shock is apparent through Delphinium's confused expression. "We have to go back," you repeat. "Forget the plantation, we grab the FranXX and run. The Klaxosaurs will be too busy trying to get the magma fuel to care about us if we don't attack them."
"Can we?" Genista pleads. "This is a terrible idea," Mitsuru chimes in. Delphinium sighs and her thrusters die out. The heels of her feet dig into the ground as she grinds to a halt. Then she reignites them and charges back toward the doomed plantation.
As this occurs, there is an earth-shattering crack. The source becomes evident moments later as the dome of Plantation 56 caves in. The damage becomes even worse as the Mistilteinn held aloft by the central spire comes crashing down. The glass enclosure shatters over the head of the Super Lehmann Class, but the beast isn't even fazed as it continues rifling through the Plantation, looking for the precious magma fuel.
The second Klaxosaur joins in and almost immediately finds the fuel reserves. With a single gulp it inhales entire fuel cells that could each fuel a FranXX for a week. Molten rock drips from its maw as it is shoved aside by the larger wolf, who proceeds to gorge on the orange liquid.
"Squad 56, Squad 26, if you can hear me then fall back to these coordinates," you order. Static fills the comm, until, "Help... me..." "We're trapped! Please... save us!"
"Everyone, pick a signal and follow it," Delphinium shouts. Three resonate from wasteland surrounding the plantation, the fourth from against its wall, and the last from within the plantation itself. "We'll get the one inside," Strelitzia says, not hesitating to claim hers before rocketing toward the plantation. "The one just outside is ours," you declare. Genista, Chlorophytum, and Argentea acknowledge, breaking off from the group and rushing toward the signals coming from the former field of battle.
As Delphinium draws closer to the Plantation, the sound of the Klaxosaurs feasting is nearly deafening. The signal of the FranXX you were to rescue quickly fades, but even without it, it isn't hard to find the downed unit. A portion of the Plantation's outer armor has been dented in, with the inactive FranXX lodged in the center.
"Can you reach them?" you ask Ichigo, appraising the situation. "Not from here," she grunts. "Hold on!" The boosters on Delphinium's waist and heels fire and she jumps, her forward momentum carrying her into the Plantation's outer wall. The metal crunches under the weight of the rapidly moving FranXX but the foundation holds, leaving Delphinium hanging from the hilt of her blade near the inactive unit.
A loud howl echoes from outside the plantation, and much to your shock and horror the white Klaxosaur wolf stands. Dried blood stains its face and snout, but it seems to struggle for a moment due to the loss of vision on its right side. "Oh shiiiiit," you groan.
"'Oh shit,' what?!" Ichigo demands while alternating the jets on the left and right sides of her body. Delphinium slowly begins to rock back and forth to build up the momentum necessary to reach the FranXX.
"Don't worry about it!" you shout back. "Focus on getting to them!"
Delphinium continues to build steam and, in the distance, the Klaxosaur begins to charge toward the plantation. When it is sufficient, she releases the blade, which falls to the ground below, and jumps. Delphinium is only able to grab the hand of the mech which halts her fall.
The ground trembles as the Klaxosaur closes and runs straight through the wall of the plantation only a hundred feet away. The superstructure groans and the FranXX leans forward before falling and taking Delphinium down with her.
The two units land in a heap. Delphinium quickly frees herself and retrieves her blade, then throws the FranXX over her shoulder to make her retreat. "Why didn't you tell me it was coming!" Ichigo yells at you. "Wasn't important," you mumble. "What the hell do you mean, not important?!" she screams.
Ignoring her, you move to check on the remainder of the squad. "Everyone, report!" "The white one's moving again!" Zorome shouts. "We nearly got trampled!" Argentea agrees. "Do you have them?" you ask. "Yeah," Zorome answers. "We're headed for the meeting point."
Delphinium's expression hardens. "Everyone else?" "Chlorophytum is here with us," Futoshi reports. "That just leaves Strelitzia," you whisper. However, she proves to be a nonissue as the red and white mech flies overhead, an inactive FranXX in tow.
Squad 13 assembles soon after. A preliminary check is done to make sure everyone from your squad and those you've rescued are alive and not in critical condition. Your passengers are all unconscious. Some due to injury, others fatigue, and the remaining are victims of stress. In the distance, you can still see the Klaxosaurs rooting through the misshapen hulk that had been Plantation 56. At least we saved the parasites, you tell yourself.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Code 030 stirs and opens her eyes to a room that is completely unfamiliar to her. The paint on the walls and ceiling is chipped and cracked in places, but the white still looks good despite its age. Rolling her head, she finds a chest of drawers to her left and the room's door, which has been left slightly ajar. On the right, large bay windows reveal the morning sun over a balcony railing and an oval-shaped full body mirror.
Footsteps echo from outside the door, but when Code 030 tries to rise she is assaulted by pain and stiffness. Voices accompany the footfalls and soon she spots someone through the gap in the door. A door opens somewhere and the talking ceases. Then, the door to her room creeps open.
Not knowing who or what could be waiting for her, 030 allows her head to fall against the pillow and closes her eyes. There is a click as the door closes and the footsteps return, but they are much lighter than those she had heard from the hall. A little clatter sounds from the bedside table and someone hums to themselves as they walk away from the bed. "Better get her changed, she probably sweat all night in those bandages under the blanket."
Risking a glance, 030 spies something that shocks her. A deep blue-haired girl steps behind a silken screen with a floral pattern, apparently looking for something. Waiting just long enough to see the girl's face when she returns, Code 030 snaps her eyes shut and begins trying to place it.
Something is dragged against the hardwood floor, stopping beside her bed. The old thing creaks as the girl sits and the covers are lifted off the pretender. But only when a hand touches her side is it too much for Code 030. She flinches, thus alerting whoever is in the chair that she is awake.
"I'm sorry," the voice says. The amount of concern it holds confuses 030. The only person who'd ever show that much concern for her was her Nana, but this wasn't her boarding house in Mistilteinn.
She opens her eyes to look at the girl. "Good morning!" the girl offers a smile. It is only then that Code 030 is able to place her blue hair, green eyes, and petite figure. "Nine Psi," she whispers.
"Well... yes, but no," the girl gathers a strand of hair and tucks it behind her ear. "When we first met, I introduced myself as Nine Psi. But my name is really Ichigo. I was the squad leader of Plantation 13." "Plantation 13..." the bedridden girl repeats. "Is that where I am?"
The girl calling herself Ichigo shakes her head. "No, this isn't a plantation. It's somewhere different. But we're in my room right now." "This is your personal facility, then?" 030 asks. "Not that either," Ichigo replies. "If you remember what we said yesterday, we aren't Nines. My partner's name is (Y/N), but you know him as Omega. We are the squad that left their plantation."
A look of recollection crosses 030's eyes as she remembers the events leading up to her loss of consciousness. "My squad!" she cries, attempting to sit up in bed. She succeeds in making it to a seated position before a sharp pain in her abdomen halts her. "With four broken ribs, you need to stay laying down," Ichigo puts a hand on her shoulder and guides her back until her head reaches the pillow.
"But, my squad!" the anxious girl repeats through rapid breaths. "Are they alive? What about the Plantation?" "Shh-shh-shh," Ichigo covers the girl's mouth with her finger. "Your squad is here too and so is Squad 26. They are all being cared for like you are."
030 takes a deep breath and seems to calm down a bit. "How many remain?" Ichigo pauses before answering. "I can't say," she says sadly. "We managed to save everyone in the five FranXX with active transponders. But we don't know you, so it's hard for me to say who belonged to what squad." The bedridden girl rolls her head to look at Ichigo. "Regardless, you saved my life and whoever else's you could. You have my thanks."
Ichigo smiles warmly. "You're welcome!" She stands and makes her way to the other side of the bed before picking something up off a tray. "Would you like something to eat?" "Uh..." 030 pauses, eyeing the girl standing over her. As if to reassure her, Ichigo tilts her head to the side and smiles even wider. "Yes," she finally decides. "Thank you." "It's not like the food you'd get back at a plantation," Ichigo takes a spoonful of oatmeal and offers it to her. "But it's nutritious and it'll help you get better."
Code 030 opens her mouth and allows herself to be fed. Several minutes later, Ichigo places the empty bowl back on the tray. "I'll be going now. If you need anything or want some company, just speak up. One of us is always sitting in the hall. Oh, and... I'm sorry about your hair."
"My... hair?" Code 030 asks. Several locks are visible down either side of her face, so it isn't clear what the apology is for. "We had to cut it," Ichigo tells her. "It was tangled in knots and covered in dried blood. You generally only lost about two inches. I thought it was really beautiful when we first met. But, I'm sure it will grow back."
With that Ichigo sees herself out. No sooner has Ichigo left that Code 030 begins to cry. She had lost almost everything. Plantation 56, her home, gone. Members of Squad 56, her family, dead. Even her hair hadn't been safe from the disaster. It might seem silly to some, but her long hair was her pride and joy. The locks were a purple so deep it could be confused with black, and it stretched well past her shoulders. Now, she had no way of knowing what it looks like, and that was just one of the many things eating at her.
Ichigo waits outside the door for a moment after shutting it. A faint sob can be heard, followed by, "my hair." The emerald-eyed girl takes a deep breath and continues down the hall. They'll need time to work this out themselves. We don't need to bug them, just be there when they need us.