Hey guys so I managed to get this out before my disappearance. Huge thanks to DitFCodeAlpha for the rapid editing so this could be done. As a disclaimer I will be unable to respond to any comments through the weekend. Other than that enjoy, this chapter is one you won't want to miss.
"This is VIRM's will," the massive floating diamond in the sky declares. Normally a diamond shaped being made of pure energy that had two faces, who just happened to be Papa and the Vice Chairman, would have confused you. However, with everything that has happened today this occurrence seems like it should make perfect sense. "Star Entity is a mass of life that could disturb the balance of the universe," it continues. "As such," a second voice finishes, "should the Klaxosaur Princess gain control of the implanting process, we rigged it to explode, taking the planet with it."
As if on cue, additional drop pods fall from the sky. When they impact more of the purple crystalline entities charge out. The Klaxosaurs rush to meet them with both sides completely ignoring you. "Guys what the hell is going on?" Zorome shouts. He isn't the only one to be confused but you can't let that hold you back. Around you other squads are crying out in terror and begging for orders that will never come.
"All Franxx," you broadcast on the general com. "This is Code 059, squad leader of Plantation 39 and second in command of Beta Company." There is a chorus of replies before you can finish speaking, each praying for direction but you ignore them. "All units retreat to the Bird's Nest."
"But Papa didn't-" one of the squad leaders begins. "Code 015, leader of Squad 13, Beta company commander," Delphinium declares from beside you. "All Franxx fall back." You say a silent prayer that the other squads will listen to the two of you while Terraria and Delphinium share a nod.
"So we are leaving too?" Futoshi asks. "Are you crazy?" Argentea yells back. "We have to save Hiro and Zero Two!" "What about Genista?" Chlorophytum raises as the four standing members of Squad 13 look out from their protective circle around the downed Franxx.
Terraria is about to respond when a hand rests on her shoulder. Much to your amazement Genista is standing once again. The look on her face is one of confusion but you can't help but notice her eyes seem to shine once again. "We can fight," she declares. "No!" Terraria shouts, "You are in no condition to-" "Kyu, WE HAVE TO!" Genista cuts her off.
The significance of that simple phrase can not be overstated. In the time since Kokoro and Mitsuru had their memories wiped they had reverted to calling everyone by their codes again. That Kokoro had just used Kyu's name instead of her code could only mean one thing.
"Incoming!" Goro screams as several VIRM soldiers come flying toward you, thrown by one of the nearby Gutenberg-Classes. Delphinium gracefully leaps into the air doing a backflip while cutting one in half. Genista quickdraws her cannon and fires. The shell catches the purple figure and turns it into mush after detonating. Finally, the last lands in front of Argentea who quickly turns it into little pieces with her claws.
"Alright," you say in amazement at Genista's speedy recovery. "So you can fight. Then we are going after Hiro and Zero Two." "To the Gran Crevasse," Delphinium orders. "Make it a straight shot and don't stop for anything. We don't have much time."
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You travel at full speed for close to fifteen minutes rushing by the on-going conflict. As a result, the Gran Crevasse now looms over you. Only Strelitzia Apus's head is visible because of her recent entombment but the eyes are dark, signifying her inactive state.
With less than a mile to go the ground begins to tremble again. You are saying a silent prayer that whatever is in the earth stays there when the ground before you erupts. An enormous Klaxosaur that you could only describe as a leviathan snatches up a VIRM soldier easily as big as Target Beta in its jaws.
As soon as the Klaxosaur chomps down however it groans before falling in to halves. Behind it is one of the M9 Franxx. Your HUD designates it as M9 Prime, Alpha's Franxx.
"Why are you here?" Alpha asks. "You know as well as I do that this isn't your squad's post." "Leaving without permission could be considered desertion," Beta adds. "When Papa gives you an order you follow it no matter what, understood?" Gamma finishes.
"But that is meaningless right now," Chlorophytum retorts. "Haven't you been watching? This is not what we planned for, we have to get out of here." "What you think doesn't matter. It's not your call to make, it's Papa's," Epsilon replies in a monotone voice.
"We can't get in touch with him or command!" Delphinium shouts. "That means we have to make our own decisions!" "Your own decisions?" Delta seethes. "Papa's words are absolute!"
"Return to your posts," Alpha orders as he walks past you. Beta, Delta, and Gamma's Franxx follow suit. When Delta and Epsilon's Franxx walks past Terraria grabs its arm. "Delta, Ep, this is suicide," you beg, not bothering to hide the concern in your voice. "Please don't do this. There is nothing to be gained by staying here."
The Franxx shakes off Terarria's grip. "Don't think we didn't hear what you did, Code 059," Delta snaps. "We heard you ordering a full retreat using credentials you don't possess. If you weren't already marked for death that would be enough to do it again." "When this is over," Epsilon continues, "We will bring you in and see you punished for your transgressions."
Their words cut like a knife. Delta and Epsilon were your only friends among the 9's. Hell, they were the only ones who were even cordial with you. But now, calling you by your code instead of your name or the unofficial designation they'd given you, as well as threatening you with death again. For them to write you off like that without a second thought, it feels like a piece of your heart is missing.
With that the 9's depart, leaving Squad 13 standing in their exhaust fumes. Their fanatic zeal was showing through today and it was likely to get them killed. They dive headlong into groups of Klaxosaurs and VIRM soldiers alike killing anything that gets in their way.
You watch them for a moment and despite your best efforts to hold it back, a single tear escapes your eye. A hand is placed on Terraria's shoulder. "(Y/N), we need to go," Delphinium says softly. "They'll die," you whisper back. "You can't save everyone," Ichigo replies in a comforting tone. "Especially not from themselves."
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"Delta, on your left!" Beta shouts. As her Franxx begins to turn, it is blindsided by one of the VIRM soldiers. The Franxx is easily taken to the ground by the blow, from there it is piled on by several more of the crystalline entities.
"We are coming!" Alpha yells as the other 9's rush toward them. When they arrive the VIRM soldiers have pinned Delta and Epsilon to the ground and are attempting to tear the Franxx limb from limb. The pair struggle but it is ultimately worthless as the legs of the Franxx are torn off, spewing forth the magma energy that powers the unit.
Epsilon screams in pain and panic while his Franxx, and by extension, his body are being ripped to shreds by the soldiers. The pain he feels is unimaginable but there is nothing he can do to save himself or Delta.
"Don't worry, we've got you!" Beta yells as they attempt to pull the purple creatures off their squadmate's doomed Franxx. "We'll get rid of them right away," Gamma shouts. All the while Delta's shrieking clogs the coms.
"No, no! I don't wanna die!" Delta screams as the head of the Franxx is torn off. The soldier in question places it in its jaws and begins to bite down. "Alpha! Save us!" "Delta, no!" Alpha screams, but deep down he knows, his squadmates are going to die, and there is nothing he can do to save them.
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"Alpha, on your left!" Delta shouts. Alpha side steps as the Klaxosaur flies by him. A flick of his wrist causes his spear to drag across its body as it goes, killing the beast. "Good call, Delta," Alpha shouts back.
"Iota stick to the plan!" Alpha yells as Strelitzia rockets toward one of three Gutenberg-Class Klaxosaurs that were a part of the horde you'd been tasked with defeating. As Strelitzia flies toward the gargantuan scorpion you notice a slight twitch in the tail. You are barely able to force her into an aerial roll and avoid the stinger as Zero Two continues to direct her fury.
Alpha had done an excellent job of winding her up before the mission and as a result you were required to deal with her. You honestly thought he had done it on purpose to try and make your trial with the 9's as difficult as possible. He didn't seem too keen on getting a tenth member in general and once you'd met the two of you quickly formed a disliking for one another after only several minutes of conversation. Something about how you mentioned being part Klaxosaur had set him off and things had only gotten worse from there.
Fortunately for you both the green haired one, Delta you believe, had been there to curb his verbal assaults on you and Zero Two. The purple haired one, Epsilon possibly, had also been helpful. He told you that Alpha was always a little high-strung before missions and they were accustomed to having new members that didn't last, which was likely why Alpha had dismissed you so quickly.
Epsilon continued to say that he was interested to see how you performed and that if you were indeed part Klaxosaur then you should have no trouble piloting with Zero Two. You had responded with a thanks before sitting through the simple briefing, kill all Klaxosaurs.
"Zero Two work with me," you coax as she continues trying to force you into a method of attack. Strangely you feel the controls of Strelitzia become more responsive to your touch, she is trusting you.
You direct Strelitzia into a dive for the mass of ant-like Klaxosaurs beneath the Gutenberg-Class. Swinging the lance like Terraria's axe in an overhead strike Strelitzia utterly decimates an unfortunate Moho-Class as she lands. Quick jabs eliminate a number of the Conrad-Class. These are followed by dodging and parrying, complimented with several thrusts. Finally, Strelitzia throws the lance impaling no less than six Klaxosaurs, which promptly explode into navy-blue oblivion.
Despite having easily killed twenty Klaxosaurs in the past minute, the horde appears to be almost the same size as it was previously. You'd estimate that there were somewhere around three hundred of the five Conrad-Class remaining, fifty of the roughly eighty Moho, and most alarmingly, all three of the Gutenbergs.
The thing that most surprised you about this battle was not the skill that the 9's possessed, though it was impressive, but that they essentially fought by themselves. While one might aid another for a moment or two they spend the vast majority of the time plowing through the Klaxosaurs alone. Compared to the cohesion and interdependence you were familiar with having come from Plantation 39 this was very different.
That being said, piloting Strelitzia was unlike anything you've ever experienced before. Terraria was able to handle herself against all but the toughest opponents and even then, she could hold out until help arrived. Strelitzia however, was her own back up. Her movements were so clean and precise, there was absolutely no disconnect or lag between the moves you performed and Strelitzia's. Not to mention the sheer power you could feel coursing through the Franxx. This was the fourth time you had ridden with Zero Two but each time you are still amazed at how effortless it feels to do so. She truly was the strongest pistil in the world.
Roughly thirty minutes later, all that remains are the three scorpion-like Gutenberg-Classes. "Beta, Gamma, engage the first," Alpha orders. "Delta with me. Iota, keep the last busy until we arrive." The other 9's nod in agreement while Zero Two grumbles. "Keep it busy, I'll show you. Friend, we are killing them all!"
You are jerked forward in the pilot's seat as Strelitzia takes flight after your designated Gutenberg-Class. You right yourself before addressing her. "Alright I'm in but we need to find the core first." Strelitzia's face appears in the cockpit with a devious smile. "Take it apart and we can't miss."
Now at top speed Strelitzia swings the lance once again as you shoot past the Klaxosaur. Your buzzing attempt is successful taking one of the creature's three left legs off just above its knee. It roars in response jabbing its tail at you furiously, but you are moving much too fast for it to track. A second pass clips off part of the right pincer as well as one of the chelicerae. (One of the two mandible like appendages that work as part of the scorpion's mouth)
The creature is now clearly angry if it wasn't already. As you zip past it for a third time aiming for its left pincer, so as to leave it almost completely defenseless, it uses the appendage to swat Strelitzia out of the sky. You manage to correct her and land with her feet down skidding to a halt.
The Klaxosaur wastes no time in pressing its advantage. The tail twitches once more and jabs at you. You wait until the last moment before directing Strelitzia to bring the lance across her body. This results in the curved stinger being caught less than fifty feet before it would have impaled Strelitzia. Instead, it is driven into the ground.
The creature grows even more annoyed as it continues to stab at you but each time with expert precision Strelitzia bats the strikes away. As it chitters angrily you catch a glimpse of something yellow deep within its maw. "Core's in the mouth," you inform Zero Two. "Not for long!" she shouts as Strelitzia takes flight.
Strelitzia rolls to avoid another tail shot before fully activating her boosters. With the speed of a shooting star she flies into the open jaws of the Klaxosaur. Your vision is overtaken by teeth and other innards as you dive headlong into the beast. Less than two seconds after entering the mouth you see the massive core driving the Klaxosaur.
Having already reached her top speed and using her lance as a plow Strelitzia easily pierces the core. The entire body begins to shake around you as you continue on your path out of the creature. You do make a note of how long you were in it before reaching the core, thus giving you its general location in the body.
Strelitzia bursts forth from the creature's posterior as it convulses a final time before collapsing. Not even waiting for it to explode you continue straight to the scorpion Alpha and Delta are engaged with.
When you arrive, the fight appears to be evenly matched. The M9's the 9's use may be able to fly temporarily, but they are nothing like Strelitzia and her overwhelming air power. This gives the Klaxosaur an advantage against them in that it is easily ten times their height and the only method of getting to its core is for them to first remove its legs.
Alpha and Delta have had some success as the arachnid is missing a part of a leg on each side. It does appear to have grown smarter as a result, moving almost as rapidly as the Franxx attacking it to keep from being grounded. Strelitzia blindsides the beast dragging her lance along its left flank.
The Klaxosaur hisses raking its pincers at you as you pass. "Iota, what are you doing here?" Alpha demands. "Your job!" Strelitzia replies shooting him a wink before returning to her onslaught. Dragging the lance up and down the length of the Klaxosaur is quickly taking a toll on the beast. It bleeds profusely, and its movements are getting hastier, soon it will be acting only on instinct.
That transition comes at an incredibly in opportune moment. As you begin to make another pass on the creature's back Delta's Franxx trips over a segment of severed leg while backpedaling to avoid being trampled. This results in the Franxx looking up at the tail of the monster as it plunges toward them.
Without hesitating you redirect Strelitzia, now making a beeline for the downed Franxx. Despite Strelitzia's speed you know you won't be able to reach them in time to pull them to safety. It also appears that Delta and Epsilon were dazed long enough that they would be unable to dodge the strike.
Moments before impact Strelitzia nosedives toward the pair. When the stinger is only two hundred feet from the Franxx Strelitzia once again slashes downward, using the lance as if it were a bladed weapon. You can just make out the sound of flesh being severed as you put everything you've got into pulling Strelitzia out of her nosedive.
As a result of your actions the stinger falls limply to the ground beside Delta and Epsilon. You quickly help them to their feet before Zero Two shoots you off toward the Klaxosaur again.
When you arrive, however, Alpha is just piercing the core. The Klaxosaur had collapsed, your assault having finally taken its toll, this left little more for Alpha to do than waltz over and claim the kill. Zero Two growls seeing her hard work go to waste but refocuses her attention on the final Klaxosaur.
Having grown bored of killing them you decide to make quick work of this one. Flying under the scorpion you come to a stop looking for where the core should be housed. Once you have located it Strelitzia shoots herself through the arachnid's softer underbelly and several seconds later emerges from the top with its massive core on her lance.
"Only got two," Zero Two huffs. She is correct, you had only gotten the killing blow on two of the three Klaxosaurs but in truth you didn't really mind. You easily had north of one hundred fifty kills in the last hour and a half. Not only that but you had saved two of the 9's from what would have likely been their deaths. "I think we did more than enough," you reply. "They shouldn't have a choice but to take us seriously now."
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"Iota my orders were clear," Alpha fumes. "You were to distract one of the Klaxosaurs while we dealt with the others." "Nice job you did with that," Zero Two snarks in reply. You stifle a chuckle. Alpha was livid that you had not only disobeyed his orders but that you had also showed up his entire squad.
"I am the leader here, Iota, and you will do as I say," he continues. Zero Two merely huffs something about them being a nuisance and storms off.
"Being complicit in disobeying orders, tsch, tsch," Beta chimes in. "It seems that you aren't special forces material." It takes you a moment to realize that he is talking to you. "Hey, I only did what she-" "What kind of stamen are you if you can't control the pistil?" Gamma asks.
You are about to retort you are a hell of a lot better one than him but Delta steps in. "Now, now," she places herself in front of you with her back turned addressing the other 9's. "Let's not say anything too hastily. Code 059 here did what he could. Iota is not easy to control, Gamma, and you know it. Unless you have forgotten how she threw you from the cockpit?"
You actually laugh at that but quickly return to a stoic composure. Gamma scowls but doesn't reply. "Delta is right," Epsilon adds. "If it were not for the help of Iota we may have been in trouble against the larger ones." "We would have managed just fine without them," Alpha replies. "Alpha, they had the highest kill count and took down one of the Gutenberg-Class by themselves, not to mention helping Delta and I."
Alpha turns to you still looking incredibly angry. "You may have had the best numbers but that means nothing. You didn't work well with us. You were sloppy and impulsive, that only hinders our coordination. I sincerely hope that Papa saw the same." With that the blonde lapdog turns on his heel and marches out, followed by Gamma and Beta.
"Thanks for that," you offer to Delta and Epsilon. "You didn't have to though, he will probably be mad at you now too." "Nonsense," Delta replies with a smile. "It is we who should be thanking you for saving us." "All things considered, I think that went rather well," Epsilon adds, taking you by the shoulder. "He even acknowledged that you were skilled."
"He did?" you ask. "He said I was sloppy and impulsive." "He only said that to hide his acknowledgement," Epsilon replies. "Before that he said you had the best numbers and those are what's really important. They might even be enough for you to join us." The frankness of these two is refreshing considering the veiled insults you'd received before from the rest of the 9's.
"So, you think I could be a 9?" you inquire. "Without a doubt," Delta answers with an emphatic nod. It appears Epsilon has something to add but a yell from across the docking bay draws your attention.
"(Y/N)!"
You turn to a very familiar and welcome sight. Your blue haired partner rushing toward you. "You were amazing!" she says wrapping you in a hug. "When you disappeared inside the first big one I was so worried and then when you came back out-"
"Kyu, I am fine," you assure her putting some distance between the two of you to keep your cheeks from turning red. "I know I'm just glad you're back and you're safe!" she answers grabbing you once again. You give an awkward smile to Delta and Epsilon who watch curiously.
Kyu finally realizes you aren't paying attention to her and releases you. "Oh, sorry," she apologizes. "Delta, Epsilon, this is my official partner, Kyu, code 067," you say introducing the blue haired girl.
"Official partner," Epsilon repeats. "So you and Iota aren't partners?" "Not officially," you reply. "But I do pilot with her when the need arises." "Interesting," the purple-haired boy muses, stroking his chin.
Delta tugs on Epsilon's coat. "We should be going." "Hopefully you will be assigned to us, that way we can work together again. You'd make a great 9," Epsilon offers extending his hand. You shake. "Until then," Delta says with a smile over her shoulder. "Take care, Kappa!"
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Shing!
A blade cuts through the neck of the VIRM soldier detaching its head. Due to its owners' demise, the jaw holding the head of Delta and Epsilon's M9 goes slack. The head of the beaten Franxx falls to the ground, intact.
Behind the now eviscerated corpse of the VIRM soldier is a figure with jet black armor. "Kappa?" Alpha whispers in disbelief.
"Alpha, get them the hell out of here!" you order. Terraria doesn't even spare the 9's a glance, jumping in to fight three of the VIRM soldiers at once.
The first is cut into pieces as she splits the greataxe across its chest. The second has an axe implanted in its skull and quickly falls to the ground. Taking the remaining axe in both hands Terraria embeds it in the chest cavity of the third. The soldier struggles with the axe in its chest until Terraria puts her foot on the axehead and kicks down as one would with a shovel. "Burn in hell you monster," you spit.
"Kappa, what are you doing here?" Alpha asks still in a daze. "Now isn't the time Alpha," Terraria shouts back. "You need to get Delta and Epsilon out of here now!"
From out of nowhere a fourth crystal soldier comes from behind, swinging at Terraria's exposed back. Unaware of how Terraria's armor functions the crystal soldier lodges its arms on the spikes that line her back, trapping itself. Terraria laughs as it attempts to free itself.
Grabbing the soldier by its arm with both hands Terraria pulls it free and slams it onto the ground in front of her. Using the spikes that line the armor as blades she rakes them up and down the creature before finally driving one of the long spines on her elbow into its cranium. There is a weak gurgle and the creature ceases to move.
Turning back, the 9's still stand there in a stupor. "What are you doing?" you demand. "Get them and let's go!" "Kappa came back," Beta whispers. "I don't believe it," Gamma adds.
Seeing that the 9's are in a state of shock you continue to act. Terraria gingerly picks up the head of Delta and Epsilon's Franxx. "Delta, Epsilon, can you hear me?" you shout. "K-K-K-Kap-p-p-pa?" Delta sobs back. "Yeah, Delta it's me," you reply in the most reassuring tone you can muster. "You're safe now. We are going to get you out of here. How is Epsilon?"
"He, He's hurt," she stutters. "He isn't moving b-but I think he is s-still breathing." "Deep breaths Delta," Terraria coos. "Do what you can for him. We will have the doctors look at him as soon as we get back."
At this point the remaining 9's seem to have recovered from their stupor. Alpha approaches you silently. Terraria holds out the head containing Delta and Epsilon to him. Alpha takes it in his arms gingerly as if he was holding a newborn child. "Kappa," he finally says.
"Save it," you cut him off. "Right now, all that you need to worry about is getting them back to the Bird's Nest." Alpha nods before turning toward the Gran Crevasse and leaving. Beta and Gamma wordlessly follow.
You watch them in silence for a moment before it is broken by a transmission. "Terraria where are you?" Delphinium asks. "We have nearly reached the Gran Crevasse." "We are on our way," you respond as Terraria gives a final glance toward the 9's before proceeding to the large structure.
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When you reach the Gran Crevasse you find Squad 13 battling VIRM soldiers for control of what appears to be a door leading into the facility. As you approach Argentea is wiping blood from her claws while Chlorophytum and Genista inspect their guns. Delphinium stands at the ready looking out for more enemies, be they Klaxosaurs or VIRM soldiers.
Delphinium must hear you approach because her head snaps to you immediately and she raises her blades. Seeing that it is you she visibly breathes a sigh of relief and her shoulder slump. "Thank god it's you two," she says with a weak smile.
"Sorry we took so long," you reply. "All Franxx are pulling back, we should be the only ones left." "Good, then let's get Hiro and Zero Two and get out of here!" Zorome chimes in. "Everyone time to move," Delphinium states.
You follow Delphinium through the door and into the labyrinth of halls that make up this portion of the Gran Crevasse. "So where do we go?" Argentea asks. "Well Dr. Franxx said Hiro and Zero Two were going with him to the bottom," Terraria offers. "Sounds like as good a plan as any," Zorome grumbles.
You proceed through more of the halls until you reach a massive chasm. Chlorophytum peeks over the edge followed by a scream from Futoshi. "Have you learned nothing?" Mitsuru asks. "If you were afraid of heights a year ago why would things be any better now?" You can't help but feel he is right, though laughing at Futoshi's foolishness serves to lighten the mood, even if only for a moment.
"I didn't see an elevator," Chlorophytum announces. "Well there must be some way down," Goro murmurs. "I got it," he announces. "We passed what looked like a security checkpoint a ways back. We could probably find something there."
Much to your astonishment when you return to said security checkpoint there is a large cargo elevator. Squad 13 piles on before activating the switch and heading down into the bowels of the facility.
When you reach the bottom, something feels off to you. There is very little light, and the level is eerily quiet. As you walk in the direction of the center you come across several wrecked Franxx. Taking a moment to look at them they appear to have been killed by different things. Two have blunt force injuries while another suffered a wicked stab wound.
"This is so sad, I can't look," Genista says averting her eyes. "Careful," you caution, "Whatever did this could still be around." As if on cue a loud thump comes from behind you. Turning to face it you see a group of VIRM soldiers landing in the elevator shaft.
"Run!" Delphinium shouts. You don't hesitate to follow her as the creatures follow you through the maze of hallways. As you approach what you think is the center of the Gran Crevasse three of the crystal monsters skid to a halt blocking your path.
Without missing a beat Terraria drops her shoulder and charges headlong into them wrapping her arms around the first one she finds. She continues to push the creature into the wall behind it, which gives way under the strain of both massive bodies.
As the wall collapses you are assaulted by bright light of the room beyond. You don't have time to take in your surroundings though as the VIRM soldier is beginning to recover from the shock of being trampled. Terraria grabs one of the nearby pieces of rubble and beats the monster over the head with it until it ceases to move.
As Terraria regains her feet you see two more VIRM soldier corpses and the other members of Squad 13. The wall you had crashed through is now completely collapsed cutting off whatever remained of VIRM's forces. As you had gathered from your initial reading of the room it is very bright with lighting running all along its cylindrical walls. Glancing up you can see it is a very long way to the top meaning you have likely reached the bottom of the Gran Crevasse. Nearby large red lettering on the wall spells out 'Bottom of the Gran Crevasse'. Huh, you chuckle to yourself, how convenient.
Upon further inspection you find a small control room of sorts tucked into an alcove. As you approach three figures exit. One tall, one with a cane, and the last with vibrant pink hair.
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"Time is absolutely of the essence," Dr. Franxx begins his explanation as you race down the passage leading to Strelitzia Apus. Terraria holds Zero Two and Dr. Franxx in her hand while the remaining members of Squad 13 look out for anything trying to stop you. "We have only eighteen minutes before Star Entity self-destructs and destroys Earth along with it. Code 016 has connected with the Klaxosaur Princess and bought us precious seconds, but we must hurry."
"Can we stop it doctor?" Terraria asks. "If we can get Zero Two to Strelitzia before the bomb detonates there is the possibility of a miracle," he answers. "You think so?" Zero Two questions. "It's a highly optimistic view with absolutely no basis whatsoever," the old man replies. "Some might even call it blind hope." "Even so," Zero Two smiles back. "It's still a lot better than standing no chance at all." On that we can definitely agree, you say internally.
"Crap, more incoming," Argentea announces. "Left here," Zero Two orders as your formation makes a tight turn into a dead end. The tunnel has collapsed and when you look back the VIRM soldiers are already bearing down on you.
"Everyone back!" Chlorophytum yells pushing her way to the front. "Futoshi we are cutting a path!" "But Ikuno we don't have-" he is unable to finish as Chlorophytum's fins slide into position and begin to glow. A moment later six beams of energy bore through the rubble making a clean path through.
"Good work Ikuno," Delphinium cheers as Chlorophytum collapses. "Ikuno!" "Ichigo move," Ikuno chokes out. "And leave you?" Delphinium shrieks. "I'll stay with Ikuno," Genista announces. She turns to face the incoming soldiers and activates her siege mode, bracing herself.
"Kokoro no!" Terraria shouts. "What about the baby?" "Baby?" Genista looks confused but quickly shakes herself out of it. "If Zero Two doesn't get to Hiro we will all die, so go." "She's right, we will be fine," Mitsuru adds. "Leave us and get going."
"Like hell we will," Argentea yells stepping up beside Genista. "If you are staying then so are we." "As if I'd leave you to get all the glory," Zorome jokes while Argentea gives Genista a playful punch. Argentea looks over her shoulder at Delphinium and Terraria. "What are you waiting for? Get going!"
Ichigo and Kyu are having none of that, each refusing to leave. This prompts you and Goro to each appeal to your pistil's senses. "I am not leaving her!" Kyu declares. "Kyu we don't have a choice," you respond. "I don't want to go either but if we don't stop this-"
Terraria grunts and throws her fist like she is having a tantrum. "Fine!" she wraps Genista in a hug. "Be careful," she cries. Goro appears to have been successful as well with Delphinium hugging Argentea and demanding that the three Franxx not die.
Meanwhile Ikuno and Futoshi had addressed Zero Two. "Zero Two," Ikuno whimpers. "Get Hiro for us and save the world." "After we are done we will have a big feast!" Futoshi adds. "We can make lots of your favorite sweet things for it too." You don't see it due to being busy with Kyu and Genista but Zero Two wipes a tear from her eye at her squadmates sincerity.
"Alright let's move," you order after handing Zero Two and Dr. Franxx over to Delphinium. The two Franxx take off down the tunnel that Chlorophytum had bored leading deeper into the Gran Crevasse.
"Ichigo if we come across more of them you have to make sure that Zero Two gets to Hiro," you declare. "No we do it together," she retorts. "That might not be an option," Terraria replies. "Brother," Zero Two whispers, "I can't lose you." "You'll never lose me," you respond. "No matter what I'm always right here." Terraria taps her chest as you finish.
The tearing of metal is heard as more of the VIRM soldiers slide around a nearby corner and begin to give chase. "Zero Two how much farther?" Goro asks. "Right there, I see it!" Zero Two points to a door ahead of you.
Terraria is the first to enter and is caught off guard by the drop off. You can see the purple structure that was encasing Strelitzia Apus across the gap and know that you will have to cross. Acting quickly Terraria jumps as best she can.
Terraria manages to make it across but falls a bit short, grabbing on to the edge with her left hand. Delphinium is equally unlucky as one of the crystal soldiers grabs her just before she jumps. It can't keep hold of the Franxx, in fact it tumbles into the abyss after being thrown off balance, but it is clear Delphinium will not make it across the chasm.
Terraria throws out her right hand which Delphinium grabs. The two Franxx dangle there for a moment. "What do we do?" Delphinium asks. "Let me think," Goro shouts. "Can't… hold… much… longer," Terraria grunts. You can feel her fingers slipping, you have maybe thirty seconds before Terraria loses her grip and all of you will tumble to the bottom.
You take a deep breath knowing what you must do. "Delphinium make sure Zero Two gets to Hiro, you hear me?" "What are you-" Delphinium asks but you ignore her. "Sis," you say as a tear rolls down your cheek. "I'm proud of you and I love you. Never forget that." Finally, you address the girl you love. "Kyu my dear, I think it's time we made our exit. It's been the pleasure of my life and I cherish every moment I got to spend with you."
With the last of her strength Terraria heaves Delphinium upward and onto the platform. This causes Terraria to lose her grip and plummet into the abyss. You can faintly hear Zero Two screaming "Kyu! Brother!" as you go.
Terraria's face appears in the cockpit. A single tear rolls down her cheek as she says, "I love you (Y/N)." "I love you too Kyu," you respond before Terraria impacts the ground and your world goes black.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You come to with alarms sounding. You silence them by pressing the button on your chair and begin to take stock of your current situation. Your head throbs and other than that you can feel each part of your body. Your mind immediately jumps to the most important thing in your world, Kyu.
"Kyu," you weakly call out. You look at the pistil's platform but she isn't there. Past it you can see that the cockpit is still sealed so she must be inside. "Kyu," you groggily repeat as you try to stand.
A trace of blue to your right draws your attention. What you see immediately sobers you. Kyu is laying face down on the cockpits floor. You trip over something as you rush to her falling beside her.
Rolling her over her eyes are closed and she is limp, leading you to believe she is unconscious like you were. You cup her face and begin speaking to her to try and rouse her. "Kyu. Kyu my love. It's me, (Y/N)." She doesn't respond nor does your gentle shaking seem to be having any effect.
You suddenly realize something must be terribly wrong. You rest your head on her chest and listen for close to thirty seconds. In that time your heart stops beating, and your world grinds to a halt. In that thirty seconds you realize, Kyu isn't breathing.