Darling In The Franxx Season Two (Hiro and Zero two revived)

by FN of Anime

I have seen in most of the stories that the authors either focus on the next children or on the life of Ichigo but I seriously wanted them to come back. So there it is, Hiro and Zero Two both of them are revived by a mysterious person who has some unbelievable secrets...

17. Chapter 16: Rise

Chapter 16: Rise

"What happened?!" asked Ichigo worried as Squad Jian entered the conference room. They soon saw that it was full with all of the officers from every branch of the Federation army and they were all seated looking at a 3D projector screen.

"VIRM has made another attack against Federation grounds," explained Orion without hesitating, "please take you seats. The briefing is starting now..."

"Sure." Said Hiro as everyone quickly settled down. Soon enough, Orion started to speak...

"Everyone," said Orion, "as of 4:30 A.M. of today, another VIRM attack has taken place, the affected location being Mistilteinn or, as many of our politicians say, the latest and most recently annexed "non-numbered" district; home of the special FRANXX pilots of 'Jian Squad'."

"Our home…" whispered Ichigo worried. Soon, the screen showed a holographic map of the district and the area around it...

"The defence force stationed there was able to successfully defend the city against the attack. However, their main command cruiser, FNFS (Federation Naval Forces Ship "Parabellum", has received heavy damage and has been grounded with many of their personnel injured and some of them declared KIA. Now, considering our previous experience with similar attacks, the one on the capital being a good example, and thanks to the INTEL obtained after interrogating some "special guests", we decoded a personal message from VIRM's own leader stating that a new attack would take place within 24 hours since the attack. Right now, we only have 18 hours, therefore all available non-infected personnel that are close to the district's area are to be sent to Mistilteinn as the vanguard of a fleet of reinforcements. INTEL obtained from the global satellite ring indicates that VIRM's armies are being split in three main fleets, one of which has been reduced thanks to our efforts in the Battle of Aztlan. Which means that if we are able to defend the place successfully, we shall have the upper hand on the rest of this war since only one fleet will remain intact meaning that hopefully it will be OUR turn to go into the offensive."

"So," said Hatake, "how is the operation going to take place?"

"I will explain it now, your highness." Replied Orion, "Because there is civilians in the zone of operations, the king and queen will participate on it. And because of this, we have divided the battlefield into three levels. The first level is the "core" or level 0: it is an empty underground cave that was a former Magma mine. The civilians are being evacuated there and the King and the Queen will guard them with the help of the Klaxosaurs and some Klapien-designed Franxx's along its pilots. No VIRM shall be allowed in this sector and the guards assigned to this area will stay here during the whole battle: if things go south then they will seal the entrance and try to get the civilians through the tunnels to escape the zone of operations. Half of the reinforcements shall be spread in the designated parameter that covers the entrance to the cave and the city; this area will be assignated as the primary level or level 1, and its main objective will be to protect the core level and make sure that the city receives minimal damage by protecting the command cruiser which powers the shield generatior of the city. The rest of the reinforcements will form the outer most level, also known as the secondary level or level 2, it will have only one objective, to destroy the enemy at any cost. Because Jian Squad is more familiarized with the area, they will be given field command of this group upon arrival and during the whole battle."

"Field command?" Ichigo raised her hand and asked, "What do you mean?"

An officer that looked like a senior spoke, she had an emblem of a blue ribbon in her left cheek and a real one tied to her pony-tail silver hair: "That means you're orders are given priority above others and that the whole Expeditionary Force is thrusting your leadership on this operation."

Ichigo was shocked by this, shown to everyone by the sudden glow on her light blue horns,"Eeeehh?!" she said, "But we are barely returning into action after many years being inactive and even if we had some experience fighting VIRM it was-"

"Everyone knows that captain Ichigo." Said Orion interrupting, "However, we also know that it was you who led the population of Milstinteinn during 10 years before its annexation. You may not know this but to keep alive a district independently like this is a BIG achievement in our books. And the people there know all of your squad better than ours so if they see that you're leading the defense then it will bring up morale and calm to the civies."

Ichigo thought about this and then said: "Fine, but I will need a list of all the units who are going to participate. I may have a few "wild" ideas to perform there."

"Perfect! Here in the Federation, "initiative" is a synonym for "wild" and we like that!" said Orion with a smirk "Very well, now that we have covered all the most important details, operation "Fence" will start within the next 6 hours, everyone is requested to prepare for turbo-speed travelling. Dismissed!" he said as everyone hurried towards action stations with exception of a few.

"VIRM isn't that stupid, you know?" said Seraphime after everyone left the room leaving only Orion, Elise, Seraphime and Hatake inside the room.

"Exactly," said Hatake worried, "if their main objective was to destroy Mistilteinn, they would have done it without even a single warning. It can be a trap."

"I was telling the same to Orion," Said Elise, "Aren't we risking a bit too much for saving a small territory?"

"I completely understand what you all are trying to say," said Orion, "but, they have lost almost everything." he said looking at Squad Jian's info file, "I want to save the only home they have left that vinculates them with their past. I know it isn't much but still, even if it compensates a bit for the harsh decision they had to do to their kids, I'm willing to help them protect it."

"And I don't know if I should commend you for your determination or to scold you for your stupidity." Said Hatake with a sigh "But I guess I would be in the same situation if I was the leader."

"Well, I may be a little stupid but I always calculate my odds." Said Orion with a smirk "Remember that woman with the silver hair and the blue ribbon?

"The one who just told Ichigo to man up?" asked Hatake "Yeah, what of it?"

"Does the name "Mobius 1" rings a bell on you?" asked Orion and Hatake's face changed into one of shock.

Some minutes later, Jian Squad was on the Franxx pilot's locker rooms ready to go... or at least part of them because the parents of the squad decided to give their goodbyes to their kids before departing, even if the time schedule was running tight. Finally, after waiting for more than half-an-hour, the parents finally appeared.

"What took you all so long?" asked Zorome to the some of their squadmates as everyone wore their pistil and stamen combat uniform.

"Kids…" said Goro with a sigh then continued: "So, are we all done and ready?"

"Yes!" replied Ichigo, "What is our assigned mothership's number?"

"208" said Hiro.

"Alright let's all get on our way then-" she said going out of the room when a big BLAM interrupted was heard, followed by a "Ahh!"

"What happened?!" said Goro worried as he rushed out of the door followed closely by the rest. Ichigo was sitting on the floor rubbing her forehead with another girl doing the same in front of her. The girl looked to be in her twenties and had white hair pulled up into a puny tail and tied with a blue ribbon.

"ARE YOU BLIND?!" asked the girl menancingly.

"You are that girl from the meeting!" said Goro recognising her.

"It's Miranda" said the girl getting back up, "Miranda Reaper. Although I did not expect the leader of the known Jian squad to be this careless." She said taunting Ichigo.

"What did u say-" said Ichigo, her light blue horns illuminating just as Goro stopped her.

"We are sorry." He said without letting Ichigo say a word: "We are actually in a hurry so..."

"So am I, and yet I don't do that kind of mistake…" she said as she walked away: "It is the kind of mistakes that gets one killed in war." Once she got away, Ichigo finally exploded...

"WHO THE HELL DOES SHE THINKS SHE IS?!" said Ichigo angered this time, her horns shining very bright.

"J-Just calm down." said Goro cautiously as to not make her angrier, "I mean, what good can come from making more enemies-" he said with a sweat drop expression as those words only made Ichigo angrier.

And then Zorome had to say: "Well, they give loot and experience in videogames soooo..."

He was shut up by the glares he received from Goro, Ichigo and, unsurprisingly, Miku: "THAT'S NOT THE POINT DUMBASS!"

?: "So I assume you already met "Mobius 1", right?

Everyone turned around and saw a group of 5 people, 2 girls and 3 boys. The one who had just spoken was a hybrid with dark crimson red horns, silver spiky hair. All the members of the group were wearing the standard starfighter pilot combat uniform and had an insignia of a knight riding a horse and using a lightning bolt as its lance. The insignia also had the symbol of the ACES: a diamond divided in 4 parts that each one held one letter each of the word "Aces". And apparently, Naomi recognized them: "Trigger! Cecilia! Daichi! Tabloid! Mirai!" She rushed to hug Daichi, the only human boy of the group.

Daichi: "Naomi! You still remember us!"

Naomi: "Of course I do! What kind of friend would I be then?"

Cecilia, the second in command and the only human girl of the group answered: "Well, you and your group left without warning after we won in the battle of Aztlán and we have been apart for a month soo..."

Naomi: "Don't worry! We haven't forgotten about you. It's just that, well... a lot of things happened..."

"I assume it has to do with the fact all of you have horns now." Trigger said while observing the horns of the squad: light blue for Ichigo, yellow for Goro, silver for Kofuku, llight brown for Naomi, brown for Futoshi, white for Mitsure, green for Kokoro, pink for Miku, orange for Zorome, and lastly purple for Ikuno. Titus black horns didn't count since he already knew him from a long time ago...

Hiro answered: "Yeah... we weren't that lucky with the biological attacks that happened 2 weeks ago on the OASIS. And there was no other choice..."

Trigger put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder and said: "Hey, in war everything can happen at anytime so don't feel bad for the surprise attack. It happens to everyone, even those who are the best like Miranda."

Ichigo suddenly asked: "Wait, what do you mean about 'the best like Miranda'? That same snob that just acted with bad manners?!"

The girl with emerald skin and long curved horns, purple eyes, and white long hair that everyone for sure was a Klapien answered: "Don't you know?! That 'snob' is Miranda Reaper "Mobius 1"! Aka, the "Ribbon of Grace", leader of "the Mobius", the best starfighter squadron of the Federation!"

The boy that was with her, another Klapien of gray skin, sharp horns, white cropped hair with streaks of blue anf yellow eyes said: "She is also a living survivor of the 'Old World' like our president Orion! In fact, she even TRAINED him when he was a jet fighter cadet! That's like more than a hundred of years away!"

Jian squad was SHOCKED completely after hearing that information: that girl had been Orion's MENTOR?!

Miku tried to said what everyone was thinking: "Bu...but... how...?"

Trigger seemed to read her mind: "How is it that she looks very young and alive even after more than a century of living? Yeah, you will see..." he said while everyone started walking towards their transports: "Turns out that before she joined the Federation, APE had gained her services during the Klaxosaur Crisis that happened a hundred years ago. She had gained quite the attention from Papa and Dr. Franxx who believed that her abilities and skills could be passed to the Parasites."

To everyone's surprise, it was Zorome who said something interesting: "Hey! I actually remember about that! Back at the Garden I saw a clip about a woman adult flying some sort of aircraft destroying everything with such a flawless style! The caretakers said something about how she was called the "Ribbon fighter"! Was that her?!" Everyone noted that his orange horns were shining a little with excitement.

Trigger said surprised: "Yes... how did you even remember that?"

Zorome answered smiling sheepishly and rubbing the back of his face: "Well, she was the reason I admired adults a lot back then. Still, I can't believe it! To meet that closely the only idol I had of my childhood!" Unknown to him, everyone was backing off from a jealous Miku.

Kokoro decided to intervene before blood hit the water: "So, what does that have to do with her age?"

Trigger continued: "Well, she accepted to help APE's program at that time believing she could help secure humanity's future so she and her squad were given alterated versions of the immortality shot and were transferred to a research facility. However, with time she began to grow suspicious of APE's methods and objectives and it was thanks to Mama that she found out the truth. Needless to say, she joined "Project Arc" earlier than the CAPSULES and "disappeared" from the facility along with her squad and their aircraft. They survived in an old forest that had an active klaxosaur nest near them for a century before the Federation was formed and later joined our ranks. Since then, her mentorship and teachings have been very appreciated by starfighter pilots."

Ikuno said: "Still, doesn't justify the way she acted just because we bumped into her by accident."

Mirai: "It actually does. Believe it or not, that is her normal attitude towards "wonder pilots" like you. Years of experience tought her to judge books "by everything it has", according to her own words."

Futoshi: "Wait... so she was actually observing us?"

Titus: "Yep, that's her way of teaching guys. She observes her subjects of interest, writes and points down all of their defects, so that they can later correct them or use them in their advantage. She doesn't say phrases like "not bad", "you could do it better", "good flying" or anything like that. She goes with the blunt and direct way; it sounds rude and egoistic but it is effective." Everyone reflected about what they just heard before Daichi added: "But don't worry guys! On the inside, she cares for all of their students just like Lara and Pixy cared for you! And she has also some weaknesses that we may tempted to tell you..." *smug face*

Then Trigger said: "After we make it through this operation, of course..."

Meanwhile...

"I don't know what's going to happen," said Hatake as he wore his crown, "but if it comes to it, I won't back down. There are things I need to protect no matter what, even if it costs my life."

"Um…" said Seraphime standing at the door, "Are you ready? Sorry for not knocking."

"It's okay," said Hatake as he walked towards the door, "we should go now-" he said as Seraphime hugged him tight.

"What happened?" he asked.

"You are thinking of dying again, aren't u?" she asked.

"N-Not at all!" he said with a smile and sweating nervously.

"Stop lying, I can tell it by just how your eyes seem to go far away whenever you think about it…" she said with tears in her eyes, "I don't want you to die, alright?" she said as Hatake patted her head.

"Don't worry," he replied with that same kind smile, "I won't leave you, no matter what. And yes, I was thinking of it but not in the way I used to. Now that I'm recovering my purpose I'm simply looking at the many ways to avoid it for now. I'm not planning to die soon..."

"You better not…" she said still hugging him.

"You can let me go now; u know?" he asked trying to get out of her grasp.

"Just a little more…" she said hugging him tight as Hatake stood there in silence.

"Don't worry, I'll always be by your side-"

"Ara, ara!" said a voice from beside as Seraphime threw him away in shock.

"Echhino?" asked Hatake as he got back up, "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Well, Orion told me to check on you two since it was getting late," replied Echhino,"but I didn't know that you that you were 'busy'."

"W-We were not!" said Seraphime embarrassed.

"Yeah, yeah alright!" said Hatake, "Let's go." He said as he wore the crown that dropped on the floor.

On the access doors of one of the ships...

"All ships are ready and fuelled," said the personnel on the phone talking to Orion, "we are ready for take off!"

"Roger that." Said Orion as the call disconnected, "Where are those two?" he asked looking around.

"We are here!" said Hatake as he, Sera and Ecchino entered running, "sorry for being late!"

"What took you so long?" asked Orion.

"Things," said Hatake, "anyways, it's better we go already." He said as he walked inside with everyone in tow, including Orion and Elise. That surprised everyone and Hatake soon said: "Wait, you're also joining the battle?"

Orion answered: "After analyzing it with more detail, we found out that our forces are basically facing an enemy with a force three times bigger than ours. For this battle we will need every single advantage possible, including me and Elise."

Sera said: "Are you sure? You're the president of the Federation and this is a dangerous job..."

Elise then said: "With no offense your highness but did you forgot we already fought them in a war before and won? Me and Orion know a lot about this too."

Sera sighed and said: "Fine, whatever keeps your hardware in check..."

Orion almost snorted to the joke, while Elise simply shook her head and said towards the radio: "This is the last warning for all the units belonging to the 101st. Expeditionary Force to report before departure! All assigned units, assemble in the Space Elevator 2nd hangar and report to your assignated transport before departure!" After saying that, she then turned around and asked: "Speaking of which, where is the captain of our ship?"

Then they all heard the sound of fast footsteps coming towards the door and soon saw the captain followed by a group of girls. Apparently, they had been running all the way considering they were breathing heavily and some of them were sweating a little...

Then Orion said: "Captain Teresa... late as always because of some drink, right?"

The captain, a voluptuous red-haired human woman in a white suit stood up tensefuly at attention and said: "Sorry commander! We just didn't had any idea that our ship had been selected for this operation!"

Then a relatively short white-haired girl appeared from the passage directing towards the bridge and said to Teresa: "I sent you the battle plan literally after the reunion Tere! How could you not look at it in your phone?!"

Teresa was sweat-dropping before answering: "I... may have forgotten to charge it last night?" The white-haired girl just facepalm before she said: "Sorry about this commander, I will make sure it doesn't happen again."

Orion said: "No problem Brigadier Terri. Captain Teresa, we will have a talk about time management later. For now, get to your post..."

Teresa: "Yes sir."

The rest of the squad simply sat there thinking: "Is she our AWACS from the last battle?"

"Mothership 208 taking off!" said Teressa on the speakers as the ship took off and went out of the surrounding belt of the federation followed soon by a small fleet.

"Well, I'll go have a look outside the window." Said Zorome as he tried to open his seatbelt which was unsuccessful, "Why isn't it opening?" he asked.

"Remember it takes about 24 hours just to reach Mistilteinn?" asked Orion.

"Yeah," said Ichigo, "I was thinking about that too. If it takes 24 hours just to reach there, how are we even going to arrive in time to the fight?"

"Well obviously by going fast and that's why we need more speed." He replied as the mothership came to a stop in mid-air.

"What's happening?" asked Zero Two as two more small sized ships got attached to the sides of the mothership.

"The Boosters are in position and waiting for everyone to settle down." Said the captain, as doors opened connecting the mothership and the small booster ships.

"Boosters?" asked Goro.

"Well," said Orion, "to tackle the time, we need to go at tremendous speeds that the mothership can't reach, so this small ships have big powerful engines along other features that hence give them their name and add extra speed to bigger ships like this one, so things will work out in schedule."

"Morning, general." Said Miranda as she entered from one of the booster ships and took a seat.

"Miranda, weren't u and your squad supposed to leave about 15 minutes before us?" asked Orion shocked to see her.

"I was late because I forgot to tune my hyper-conductor in preparation so I ordered my squad to proceed." she said as she took a seat, "Although I would have been able to finish earlier if it wasn't due to someone." She said glaring at Ichigo.

"How can a person get 'fifteen' minutes late just because she bumped into someone?" Asked Ichigo with a smirk.

"How can the leader of a supposed elite squad be so careless as to bump into some random person?" asked Miranda countering Ichigo's point.

"What did you say?" said Ichigo as her horns glowed in anger.

"Alright! Drop it! One war is enough already," said Orion sensing the heat with a sweat-drop expression, "let's not start another. Also, Miranda we already talked about this, in this new times your way of teaching is not as well-interpreted as it used to..."

Miranda sighed then said: "Fine Orion... *mumbles* I can't believe I'm basically getting grounded by one of my ex-students."

"Boosters successfully connected, commencing jump in 5 seconds." Said Teresa over the intercom.

"Make sure your head is in contact with your seat," said Orion, "this kind of travel usually gives me and a lot others nausea."

"What do you mea-" said Hiro as the ship suddenly moved at tremendous speed, making the inertia press them to their seats.

"Imagine what would have happened to Zorome was in the window at this time." Said Orion while looking at Zorome's scared expression.

"So, how long will this take?" asked Ichigo, "This is making my head ache."

"Didn't your service record detailed that you already went towards space? You should have already got used to it. And you call yourself leader..." Said Miranda shaking her head.

"Well," said Ichigo, "it might be because I crashed with a thick head."

"CAN YOU TWO JUST STOP FIGHTING?!" asked Naomi furiously with her light brown coloured horns glowing as everything suddenly went silent and everyone looked at her shocked. Orion however, was actually trying to hold back his laughter while thinking: "Holy shit! This girl has a lot of balls to shout at Miranda and effectiely shutting her jap!"

"Thank you." Said Ikuno from besides her.

"But yeah," said Zorome, "how much time is it going to take?"

"Well," said Orion, "it's going to take about 2 hours, and didn't you all go through the G-Force training?"

"It must be because of the new bodies," said Titus, "they will probably need to go through the training again."

"Ah, not that hell again!" said Zorome annoyed.

"Since we are on the topic," said Ichigo, "we developed these horns and coloured eyelines due to the vaccine, but even after so many days, why didn't the children show any differences?" she asked worried.

"Well, just like some functions are "inactive" during the growth period for a human being, for example, the reproductive system, the ones found in hybrids are only noticeable once they reach a mature age..." said Hatake, "So, they won't show anything 'klaxo' until about 18 years of age or a little earlier..."

"So, they will still have the childhood that was denied to us, huh?" asked Goro with a big breath of relief.

"Well, that's what we worked on as much as I and Hatake could," said Titus, "to make the genes as less dominant as possible."

"And," said Hatake, "we diminished its genetic expression so that even their children can have a chance of being human, klaxosapien or hybrids every generation. Just like in the same way genes work with determining a male or female sex."

"So, humanity can still be preserved?" asked Orion.

"Fortunately, yes." Replied Hatake.

Time passed as everyone gossiped on different topics and fights happened between Zorome and Miku, and sometimes between Miranda and Ichigo; even so, nothing bad came out of it. Eventuallly the mothership finally reached Mistilteinn, turned its boosters off, and returned to its usual speed.

Orion then said: "We are finally at the place. You can finally unbucle your seatbelts and take a look. Word of advice though, you will not like it..."

"This is Mistiltein?!" asked Ichigo as she looked out of the window and saw that the place she had guided and protected for so long had changed rapidly into a warzone. The outskirts were full of holes that were being used as bunkers and missiles silos along other craters. Most of the grass there had burned out, many trees have fallen, destroyed frannxs could be seen lying on the sandy areas and many of the buildings that Jian Squad remembered as the homes of many people were transformed into weapon posts, and communications outposts. The city was deserted but somehow still kept intact.

Ichigo however was disheartened by this: "I can't believe this... I spent more than 10 years along with everyone else protecting and developing our home and now..."

To everyone's surprise, including hers, it was Miranda who talked: "I understand that feeling blueberry. But be assured that as long as you and your people endure this, you will rebuild it into something better." And just as everyone thought things would be calm this time, she added: "Besides, it could have a new touch from the good ol' Japanese culture rather than the one it has from APE..."

Ichigo just sighed and decided to ignore that even thought one detail remained in her head: "What does "Japanese" mean?"

The ship soon flew towards the center of the city, where the command ship "Parabellum" could be seen in the ground. It had many scorched marks along some damaged parts of the hull and its left side had a big hole that seemed to be caused by some sort of BIG projectile. They could also see many cables going around the ground below the ship that were connected towards many towers around it that seemed to be the shield generators that protected the city...

"And what's that?" asked Goro pointing towards a hole in the ground that was behind the command ship and went underground with a Klaxosaur guarding it.

"That's the cavern that we artificially created." Said Orion, "That's where everyone has already been evacuated, and is our main goal to protect the entrance till the end." He said as the ship landed on the destroyed land outside the plantation where the other ships were parked with temporary unloading bays connected to them.

"Captain Miranda!" said a girl as she came running towards her as Miranda got down from the ship, "We don't have much time, we need to get to our post as soon as possible."

"Well, it wouldn't have happened if 'someone' didn't stop me…" she said looking at Ichigo once again.

"What do you mean?" asked the girl, "Wasn't it because your stomach-"

"Yes, we can't waste time here." said Miranda interrupting as she dragged the girl away with her, "See you at the victory party, general!" she said as she went towards the parked starfighters.

"She already thinks we won?" asked Hiro.

"Well, that's Miranda. Whenever she and her squad goes into battle, you can say the skies already belong to us." said Orion with a sigh as everyone walked towards the command ship. Once in there, Orion said: "Okay then, get into your Franxxs and proceed towards your assigned positions. We don't have much time!"

"Yes, sir!" said everyone as they approached to their Franxxs.

"Your majesty!" said a personnel as he came running to Hatake, "I'm sorry to interrupt you but we have a unassigned package sent with the ship by you. What should we do with it?"

"Ah," said Hatake remembering about it, "I almost forgot about that! Orion, how good are you with snipers?" he asked looking at Orion.

"Your majesty," said Orion, "I was a jet fighter pilot before I became a Franxx type, and something both have in common is that you HAVE to shoot well-aimed shots if you want to survive. Sniping is nothing for me!"

"In that case," said Hatake before he commanded the staff, "Open it." He said as the metal cover of the huge case, about the same size of Huitzilopochtli opened up.

"How could you keep such a beauty away from me?" asked Orion in wonder while looking at it.

"I wanted to give it to you earlier," said Hatake, "but I couldn't prepare it on time. Anyways, tell the staff to get it ready for use but tell them to be careful with the ammo, you might not want your base to blew up right before a war."

"O-Of course." Replied Elise standing beside Orion before adding: "Jesus Christ, it looks as big as the Gustav..."

"Alright then, come on Sera! We got to get to that whole." said Hatake as he grabbed her and both walked towards Meteorix with a grin.

Some minutes passed before Orion started to check everyone's positions and some last-minute preparations. At that moment, Jian Squad was at the front of the outskirts of the city along many other Franxx squadrons while the starfighters were patrolling around the city in the sky...

"You alright?" asked Goro sitting on the stamen seat as Delphinium stood in preparation.

"Yes," replied Ichigo sitting on the pistil seat with a nervous expression, "it's just that, we haven't had this type of wars in a long time, and now everyone's life is my responsibility now. How do I do this?!"

"Hey," said Goro, "Calm down, we did this before and we are going to do it today too."

Ichigo calmed down a little before saying: "Alright, this is how we panicked before in that battle. Let's not make the same mistake again."

Goro smiled and said: "Sure. But always remember, as the leader we can always make the others do some work for us."

Ichigo laughed at the joke before replying: "True."

Meanwhile, with the rest of the squad...

"Everthing will be fine…" said Hiro taking a deep breath.

"Darling," said Zero Two with a smile, "let's have some chocolates after we get back home!"

"You don't even care about being scared, do you?" asked Hiro as his nervousness soon turned into a smile looking at her.

"I don't need to be scared," replied Zero Two, "I'm with you!"

"Y-Yeah, sure." Said Hiro flushed.

"Sometimes I envy these two..." Said Titus.

"Why?" Ikuno asked.

"They are literally preparing to face death along with us face to face, and yet they are calmed and relaxed as if it was a good old friend of theirs..." Titus answered.

"Well, they already died once but were resurrected again because their job wasn't done yet. I think they are calm because they have an idea of what is in the other side of life." Said Ikuno.

"I'm not afraid of death. That's what made all of humanity become desperate and become subordinated to APE before without considering the consequences of it. Everyone knows that the cycle of life and death a universal law never to be broken." Said Titus.

"Then what is it you're afraid?" Asked Ikuno.

"What scares me is that I don't know if the deaths that will happen here will be more than enough to win this war or if they are only mere drops in a big bucket that sets the price for victory." Titus responded with a frown in his face.

But Ikuno smiled warmly at him and said: "What about this? What if we think about what can happen if we stay alive during and after the battle? How many lives think that we can save just by being alive and doing our duty? Losses are inevitable but we can help make them less than expected."

Titus smiled and said: "Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. I will have a list of that after we're done with this one."

"I just hope that this battle doesn't take too long. Otherwise we will miss lunch time!" Said Futoshi.

"Don't worry Futoshi! I made some meals for the whole squad that we will open after this! And I made your favourite: sandwiches!" Said Kofuku smiling to him.

This caused Futoshi to cry comically while saying: "You truly are an angel for me Kofuku!" Kofuku responded: "Awww, and you're my favorite chubby baker, dear!"

"In someway I feel relieved that he can be this happy with Kofuku. Not to sound rude but sometimes Futoshi can be quite too emotional and affectionate too scare away some girls." Said Kokoro.

"Yeah. But he always means it from his heart and he is conscious about it now since... well, that shuffle problem a long time ago." Answered Mitsuru.

"Right..." Said Kokoro in a depressing way once she remembered that...

"You know, it would have happened sooner or later, even if it hurt him." Said Mitsure trying to cheer her up: "If you would have sticked to him, your relationship could have gotten worse along with your performance."

"You think so?" Kokoro asked.

"I don't think so, I know so." Responded Mitsuru: "I was in the same situation with Ikuno, specially because I had so much rage bottled up against Hiro, and in the end, it made our performance mediocre everytime we piloted Chlorophytum. I even risked your life after the shuffle..." At this, he got sad remembering of how selfish and careless he went before he finally came up to his senses just moments before Kokoro went into Stampede mode in that fateful day.

Kokoro noticed that too and asked worried: "Mitsuru?"

Mitsuru shook his head then said: "But it was something necessary. Just look at how far both of us went together once we learned hard from it." At this, he stood from his seat and grabbed Kokoro's right hand with both of his: "Remember what I promised after that event? I promised that I would protect you from there on, no matter what was thrown at me. I'm glad to know that I was able to do it, not even after they tried to erase our memories."

Kokoro smiled while tears were building up at her eyes and then she said: "Mitsuru..." She then hugged him and said to his ear: "I love you." Both stayed like this for a moment before going back to their seats.

"Why don't we start this war already?!" asked Zorome impatiently, "If we have to do this, why not just start right away?!"

"There are things that thick headed people don't understand," said Miku, "Just like you."

"You mean you don't understand those things too?" asked Zorome with a smirk.

"What did you say-" said Miku but was interrupted by Zorome: "Let's just face it. We both want to finish this so we can return and finally live as free as we were before. I know sometimes is better to think through strategies, but sometimes when I learn of those I just think that they make the way to freedom longer!" At this he collapsed sighing into his seat, for once feeling a little down.

Miku then said: "You know, freedom comes with a cost remember? Just in the same way you need to spend credits in a videogame to continue once you ran out of lives, only that in here we only got one life and we can't respawn. And you can't use Zero Two and Hiro as an argument, both of them wanted to live!

Zorome raised his hands in surrender then said: "Ok, ok... I guess it makes sense in that way. But how can we make sure we will win if nothing ever sticks to the strats?"

Miku smirked at this and said: "We don't, we just do it. Just like we did it before back at the Plantation!"

Zorome smiled at her then thought: "That's right! And yet, I cannot bring myself to ask her the BIG question..." At this thought he looked towards a little box he put in a side-storage that contained something very special inside. He was pulled out from his thoughts when an robotic voice announced: "ALERT! HIGH ENERGY FLUCTUATIONS DETECTED 1 KM FROM THE CITY!"

Suddenly portals opened in the horizon that lied in front of them, and then came their enemies through them, the enemy they had know for a very long time. Hundreds of VIRM units were in the sky with at least 5 motherships being escorted towards the battleground.

"How are we supposed to defeat so many?!" asked a shocked pilot through the radio.

"Relax," said Hiro, "it's not like we have any other choice. We must defeat them!"

"Then let's begin!" said Zorome as Argentia was about to fire her boosters when suddenly the intercom turned on.

"Not yet!" shouted Hatake as to stop them from making any foolish moves, "Wait for the signal."

"What signal?" asked Zero Two.

"You will get to know." Replied Hatake with a grin.

"Everyone," said Orion over the intercom piloting Huitzilopochtli with Elise and her Franxx Guan Yin at his side, "I know we all are afraid of what will happen in this war, about who will die here and what this new era of darkness has in store for us. You don't need to hide that, being afraid is completely fine, it is as natural as breathing, a system we made to survive. However, there are only two reactions when this feeling kicks in: to flee or to fight. Our job is to fight and for that, we need to overcome our fears and overcoming it is what we must do. This battle is not just about us who are fighting here, it's about our people, our children, our friends and of course our very own existence in this world we call 'home'! Do not fight hating what we have in front of us! Fight for what we love that is behind us, hoping to see us preserve their future! So, go forth my comrades, and fight, for both Humanity and Klaxoity!" he shouted as everyone cheered and released a shout: "URAAAAAAH!" He then aimed his new sniper rifle, a black gun with a red scope that he was holding with his right arm, and shot a bullet at lightning speed towards the VIRM units that blasted right in front of them in a show of red, pink and orange explosions that took some of the attackers while the rest scattered all across the air space.

"What was that?!" asked Futoshi shocked at the destruction.

"Meet Eclipse-shooter," said Hatake from within his Franxx looking at the sniper rifle that Orion was holding with a grin, "the sniper rifle whose powered by the sun itself and capable to shoot as fast as light and without any noise!"

Orion was looking like a child who just received the best gift for his birthday while Elise simply sighed and said: "Alright then people! Operation 'Fence' begins! Captain Ichigo! You're in command of all level 2 forces!"

Ichigo soon reacted: "Roger that Origin 2! All level 2 defensive units, report in!"

Voices started to fill in the radio comms: "Hwacha Franxx squadron ready!" "Omega Franxx squadron standing by!" "Razgriz Franxx squadron ready!" "Galm Franxx squadron awaiting instructions!" "Ironwomen Franxx squadron standing by!" "Mage Franxx Squadron, standing by!" "Diamond Franxx squadron ready!" "Phoenix starfighter squadron standing by." " "Strider starfighter squadron, ready!" "Mobius starfighter Squadron standing by." "Wasp starfighter squadron standing by." "Gryphon starfighter squadron standing by." "Garuda starfighter team standing by." "AWACS 'Treehouse', 'Oracle', 'North Star' and 'Bell tower' ready!"

Ichigo responded: "Good! You know your jobs and will do your jobs! Eliminate all enemy forces and work as a group to take those motherships down! Beware of S-class units!" She said looking into the environment as everyone rushed towards them; the first shots of the war had been fired and the peace of a few minutes ago soon became a storm unleashed on a massive clash with another, as the VIRM units came rushing towards them too.

"This is gonna be fun!" said Daichi as their Ace Squadron now known as the Ace Striders went for the flying units along many others as they bombarded the units with lasers and were soon followed by the Klaxosaurs and the Franxx squadrons that clashed with the ground units.

"We won't hold back either!" said Ichigo as the boosters powered up and Delphinium, Argentia and Chlorophytum rushed towards the flying units while Genista and Freiturnier stood behind, the former giving heavy cover attacks while the latter maneuvered behind the front lines, doing her role of combat medic with the former following closely behind. Strelizia was still in her initial spot until...

"Let's go, darling!" said Zero Two with a grin as she saw the ground klaxosaur units having trouble dealing with some of the VIRM units.

"Alright!" said Hiro as Strelizia went towards the units with a sonic boom with her lance aimed in front of her. Meanwhile, near the entrance of the city...

"I can do this…" whispered Naomi taking a deep breath.

"Naomi," said Hatake over the intercom, "do not push yourself."

"I know, don't worry." Replied Naomi with a calm yet serious look.

"Why are you so worried for her?" asked Seraphime.

"Aw…" said Hatake giving a pity look, "Is the klaxosaur princess jealous? How cute!"

"I'm serious!" said Seraphime as Hatake's face turned serious.

"The Franxx that she is controlling," he said, "is not a normal one, it possesses tremendous power. But at the same time, it also has weak defenses, exactly like a glass cannon. Phoenix main advantage is her speed and agility but to gain it almost all of her defensive segments were removed to reduce weight."

"So," said Seraphime, "if she is caught off guard, then she is done for?!"

"That is the reason the pain experienced by Phoenix is also experienced by its pilot," said Hatake, "that removes the enormous processing time of danger recognition by the system and speeds up the reaction time. Therefore, if she has an unique advantage above everybody else, it's her reflexes!"

"Does she even know about this?" Seraphine asked worried.

"I had already told her of it, thinking that she will back off," said Hatake, "But instead she said that she just wants to be useful even if it means her death."

But then Seraphine facepalmed herself and said: "And you didn't though about asking Orion for some help to see if he could give you some designs to improve Phoenix's survivavility while not affecting its agility?"

Orion was about to respond when he realized that Sera was right and then said: "D'oh!"

"This is Hwacha Franxx squadron," said the intercom, "we need Franxx backup immediately!"

"Naomi," said Orion over the intercom, "that's your call!"

"On it!" said Naomi as the locks holding the Franxx's legs opened up making the Franxx fly towards the enemy at tremendous speed.

Another answer came from Chlorophytum on the radio that said: "We got your back Phoenix! Careful up here, there's a LOT of tracers flying around!"

"Our main objective are the motherships whenever you get the chance," said Orion, "remember that!"

"Yes, sir!" said everyone as Delphinium and Argentia charged towards an isolated group of them at full speed slicing every VIRM unit while going through the swarm. The pilots were surprised and glad to see their new upgraded weapons made great job of the enemy quickly.

"We got this!" said Goro as they passed through the swarm and finally could see a mothership that was bigger than others, obviously indicating it was the command ship. "Yes!" he said as they approached it with even with even greater speed, "I never thought this would be this eas-" he said before Delphinium suddenly received a blow from the side making it fall towards the ground.

Argentea shouted: "Delphinium! Hang on!" She tried to make a run to catch her but unfortunately, they were too far from her; fortunately, Huitzilopochtli caught her right before impact who said: "Where did that came from?!"

Argentea responded: "No idea! But Delphinium is not responding!"

Huitzilopochtli then said: "The life support system indicates they are still alive. Probably just unconscious of the attack. Help me carry them towards a medical unit!"

To their surprise, Freiturnier and Genista soon arrived and the former said: "Don't worry! We are here!"

Huitzilopochtli soon said: "Good! Argentea, you're with me for now! Genista, stay here and give cover to Freiturnier!"

All of them said: "Understood!" Then Huitzilopochtli and Argentea jumped back into the fray.

In the air, a certain blue-haired ace saw the situation below unfold and told herself: "She is quite lucky to survive that. We're gonna have a talk after all of this..."

And while this was happening, just near their area on the ground...

"To the left, darling!" shouted Zero Two as Strelizia's lance pierced through a VIRM unit that leaped on them in a futile attempt to strike her. The fighting on the ground had been simply reduced to form a defensive line with the federation Franxx while the klaxosaurs rushed and flanked the VIRM that were constantly trying to break the wall. Even so,they were starting to have troubles holding it...

"There are just too many of them!" said Hiro as one unit moved towards them from the back of the Franxx which caught them off-guard. It was too late to perform any evaive maneuvers...

"Damn it! Brace yourself Zero Two!" Hiro said the VIRM unit leaped on them, making the Franxx fall on the ground as other VIRM units caught the Franxx's arms to prevent it form moving as one of them stood upon their chest as the unit's hand turned into a sword, and aimed towards the head of the Franxx.

"Darling! We need to do something!" said Zero Two, "We need to get out!" she shouted while Strelizia shot a glare of defiance towards their attackers, and just before the unit could connect its sword, it got shot by the side, the sheer force of the shot making it crash into the other two VIRMs that were holding Strelizia down. The responsible of the safe was Guan Yin, coming towards the enemy units enraged.

"Don't let your guard down, you two!" said Elise as Guan Yin unleashed a barrage of high damage ammo from her crossbow against the units around them.

"Now's the chance for retaliation, darling!" shouted Zero Two as Hiro quickly grabbed onto the controls, making the Franxx kick the units in front of it and quickly got on its feet and grab the lance.

"I'll watch you back!" said Elise as Guan Yin took out her lance and both stood with their backs against each other, repelling incoming waves of VIRM. While this happened, the pilots of Delphinium were being awakened...

"What was that…" said Ichigo as she got back to her senses.

"You got knocked out by some sort of surprise attack." Answered Kofuku before continuing: "Apparently, it was a precise strike against your nerves that the paracapacity system disconnected for your safety."

"Well, glad we're back at the game then!" Said Goro while the two pilots restarted their connection. Then, both Huitzilopochtli and Argentea returned to them...

"Be careful," said Orion as Huitzilopochtli stood in front of Delphinium, "they are just waiting for us to push and over-extent our limits so they can finish us."

"I see you're pretty sharp as they say about you," said a voice in the radio, "General…"

"Is that?" asked Ichigo shocked as a Franxx coloured black and purple stood in front of them with a spear in his hand.

Zorome then said: "What the hell?! Did they also steal Franxx from us?!"

The Orion said: "No, those are actually NEW franxx!" Everyone soon heard him launch an announcement throughout all allied channels: "ATTENTION ALL ARMS! CONFIRMED PRESENCE OF FRANXX ON THE BATTLEFIELD! I REPEAT! OUR ENEMY HAS FRANXXS! EXTREME PRECAUTION WHEN ENGAGING!"

Elise soon shouted on it: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THEY ALSO STOLE THE PROTOTYPE DESIGNS FROM US!?"

Hatake soon followed: "WHAT DO YOU MEAN WITH ' '?!"

"An Franxx…?" whispered Goro.

A lot of voices were sounding at that moment which VIRM used as an opportunity and many points of the line were starting to bend to the pressure that more voices were adding themselves to the radio jam...

Strelitzia: Guys! The klaxosaurs can't handle more of this! We need support!

Chlorophytum: The starfighters are in trouble! AWACS, give us updates!

?: There's a lot of communications on the comms channels! We cannot update actively!

*Incomprehensible radio chatter*

However it was all stopped thanks to one...

"ALRIGHT! WOULD YOU ALL QUIT WHINING ABOUT IT!?" Shouted Delphinium, surprising everyone including Goro, who saw that Ichigo's horns were glowing again. Then she added: "OUR JOB IS TO MAKE SURE THEY DON'T REACH THE CITY NOR THE CIVIES AND THAT'S SOMETHING WE'LL BE UNABLE TO DO IF YOU CONTINUE WHINING! WE HAVE ONE JOB EACH ONE AND WE WILL DO OUR JOBS EACH ONE! I'M NOT LOSING THE CITY I SPENT YEARS PRESERVING JUST TO A BUNCH OF MISSCOMMUNICATIONS! GET ON IT!"

Everyone was shocked and silenced and then, to add MORE surprise to it...

Mobius 1: "JAJAJAJA! It seems I was wrong with you girl! You certainly are someone special! Alright, what are your orders?"

Ichigo, for once, smirked proudly and said: "All starfighter and Franxx squadrons, fall back towards level 1 entrances and airspace along with the klaxosaurs! We will gain defensive power near the AA and SAM sites!" Leave level 2 at once! Jian squad, on us!"

Lara then said: "But there's too many of them, do you have an idea to cover us!?"

Ichigo answered: "As a matter of fact, I do! Origin 1, call the compass and tell them to "shatter the skies"!

Orion answered in shock: "Holy moley Jian 15! You're way more bolder than I thought! Alright!"

After that Ichigo said: "Everyone, get back to the city now!"

The enemy mysterious franxx tried to mock them by saying: "Where do you think you're going?!" Then it rushed towards Delphinium but then was surprised when they saw her launch one of her swords directly towards their franxx and suffering of the same fate that she did with that first attack. After that and recovering her sword, everyone proceeded to move towards level 1 while being harassed by their enemy. However that soon changed when a familar sound was heard and suddenly 8 huge explosions happened right in the middle of the VIRM force.

The voice of captain Teresa soon was heard: "AWACS here! We just received a new transmission coming from the Space Elevator! The main reinforcement army is on its way! ETA 1 hour!"

Daichi's voice soon was heard: "AN HOUR?! I don't think we can hold that long!"

"Now let's see what you have to offer, Jians!" said the same voice of the pilot of the VIRM Franxx once it landed on the sandy plains, going through the fire storm above him.

"You have to deal with me first." Said Orion holding his shield towards the Franxx.

"I have someone else for that too." Said the Franxx as another Franxx of the same type came towards Huitzilopochtli in full speed, and kick him. Despite him being able to block the attack with the shield, Huitzilopochtli was thrown away up to a considerable distance before he stopped his skidding, giving a death glare towards his attacker. Then both of them rushed and started dueling. At this, all of Jian Squad turned towards the Franxx, and soon the voice of Ichigo was heard: "You know, I think that this is a fair fight, 6 versus 1 "wonder" unit."

However, the mysterious pilot chuckled and then said: "Then it is a shame that there's more of us..."

An alert popped up on the squad and said: "ALERT! 6 SIMILAR ENERGY CORES INCOMING!"

Delphinium soon shouted: "Evasive maneuvers!" And just as everyone did so, 6 more purple and black franxx appeared, impacting just where the group was a few moments ago.

The mysterious pilot then say: "Too bad we're finishing this soon. You would have been great assets to our species but oh well..."

However, they were interrupted by Guan Yin who gave a big kick against the leader and then told the rest: "Orion and I got the best 2 for ourselves! Focus on the other 6 in front of you!"

The leader then said: "It is useless to resist!" And dashed against Elise, who dodged easily and then both separated themselves from the group of 12.

At that, Strelizia said: "Welp, I'm always on favour on showing rivals to NOT mess up with us." She cracked her knuckles before grabbing her lance and shield, ready to fight. She was soon followed by the rest of her squadmates.

Delphinium: "You're correct on that Zero Two! We are in a different superior level compared to what our teamwork was back at the Plantation."

One of the new franxx spoke as in to mocking way: "Didn't that level of teamwork cause you to always have conflicts between yourselves?

Argentea: "Oh yeah, but we LEARNED of it, and we're better thanks to it..."

Ikuno thought: "How do they know about that?" Before she responded as Chlorophytum: "Just because you have new toys does not guarantee your victory."

Another one of the enemy pilots, this time a female, said: "Look who is saying that: a squad who was given new upgrades to their own toys."

Then Freiturnier said: "Are you just going to waste our time showing off or are you really going to fight us?"

Genista continued: "If you're so good as you claim, then prove it!"

Another male voice responded: "With pleasure." And then the 6 rogue franxx rushed towards the team in a circular position trying to flank them from all directions and crush them against each other. However, they were surprised this time when the whole squad literally jumped out of the way followed by a simultaneous ground pound from them that caused a shockwave that staggered them leaving them open for a quick bullet spread from Genista and Chlorophytum, forcing the rogue Franxx to put some distance. Ichigo used this time window to speak: "Alright guys! No complex plan in here! We do what we do best in our roles! You got that?"

Everyone responded: "Roger!" Knowing very well thanks to their training what they had to do and soon engaged in battle.

Many minutes passed, with both sides receiving losses, with VIRM lossing more than 4 units for every Federation unit that fell. And even then most of those Federation losses were simply pilots or Franxx that were temporarily knocked out and/or required just lesser medical attention before rushing back into the fight with new vigor and strength. Even so, as time passed, exhaustion and numerical advantage started to take a toll on the defenders, some more than others.

Jian Squad was one of those; they have been fighting against the rogue squadron for quite a long time, and it was clear that their strategy was to tire them out before finishing them off with their Franxx sheer power. But the squad's will and determination along with their teamwork and new hybrid DNA had allowed them to resist and even have the advantage a few times. As for Orion and Elise, both were still engaging on single combat against the leader and the second-in-command. Just then, both were kicked into each other's back and were dazed for a little.

The rogue leader used this to mock them again: "Is this really all you got to offer? I'm starting to wonder how you were able to defeat the firs group that came here, where them that useless?"

However, instead of making them angry, it only made the two solo-pilots of the Federation to chuckle before laughing, after which Orion said: "You young fools, we are just starting!"

Then a white aura surrounded Guan Yin while a black one surrounded Huitzilopochtli. It was more than bright enough to make both rogue pilots turn away for a moment before it toned down enough to see them again. Now Guan Yin was covered from head to toe in a white translucent dress similar to one of a an angel, her helmet had disappeared letting all of her long red "hair" to flow behind her. As for Huitzilopochtli, his helmet now covered his face entirely giving it the shape of an eagle, his eyes were now red and all of his body was covered in a black suit.

Then he said:"What do you say Elise? Shall we show them how we really 'dance'?"

Guan Yin replied: "Of course, let's show them a dance with the angels!"

Then both rushed at their opponents with mayor speed and strength that took the rogue pilots entirely by surprise and turning the tables. Needless to say, both ended up kissing the ground many times. Eventually, it was Orion's time to smirk: "What's the matter? Is our dance to complex for you?"

"Screw this..." Said the pilot before both of them made a signal and suddenly a VIRM unit picked them up and took them away.

"Cowards! They're lucky they could get away!" Orion answered angry before Elise said: "They're not running away! They're going for the Jians!"

Both of them looked at each other with a "Oh shit!" look before rushing to help their friends.

A few moments before that, with Jian Squad...

Argentea came rushing towards Genista while she shouted: "Genista, your six!"

Genista move to the side, allowing Argentea to attack the rogue franxx that was coming behind the former with her claws and then blast it away with her newly integrated shotguns on her hands. After that, Genista spun around and released a whole clip on two VIRM units that tried to flank them, eliminating them and said: "Thanks Argentea! They are becoming more and more aggressive on their attacks!"

Chlorophytum then tuned in while it was shooting against another of the rogue franxx: "Well, that at least means they are getting impatient now! We can use this to our advantage. Impatience makes you prone to mistakes!" She then did a 360 leg swipe against another one of the rogues when it tried to get too close too her before making some distance.

Just close to her, Freiturnier was busy healing Strelizia and Delphinium whom both just took heavy hits and where kneeling on the ground when she said: "Less talking girls! We still need to help defend the city after this fight!" She then aimed her left mechanical alloy hand towards the last 2 rogue franxx, transformed it into a cannon, and released a microwave capsule whose explosion force the attackers to cancel their attacks on the three. After that, she focused on her healing until it was completed and both Strelizia and Delphinium stood up again. Freiturnier then had to block with her blade on her right hand an attack from one of the 2 rogue franxx she just kicked before Strelizia came to her rescue and said: "We can still do this! I have never been so hyped like this before Darling!"

Delphinium was dueling against the other attacker when she saw the end of Huitzilopochtli's and Guan Yin's duel and said: "Keep it up guys! Help is coming soon!" Unfortunately, that left her open for her attacker...

"Never let the enemy get out of your vision!" said the pilot as its Franxx came running towards Delphinium.

"Goro! Watch out!" said Ichigo but it was too late to take action, the Franxx kicked Delphinium on the face making it drop on ground.

"You are just as you were before in those days at APE…" said the Franxx as it leaped onto Delphinium and tried to pierce it's head with the spear, Delphinium stopped it with her blades just before it could hit, "Useless!"

"Just. Who. Are. You?!" said Ichigo in an angry tone as Dephinium constantly tried to push the spear away.

"Delphinium! Hang in there!" Shouted Strelizia while she and Freiturnier tried to make their way towards Delphinium, but then the franxx both of them were dueling against called two VIRM units that attacked both of the rescuers forcing them to hold their ground.

"Just a person you won't be able to see again!" said the Franxx as the spear got pressed harder towards Delphinium, making Goro and Ichigo sweat while the former thought: "No, not like this again..." He then felt something inside him steer progressively...

Meanwhile, near the city, things weren't going that easily to the rest of the defenders...

"God damn it!" said one of the Franxx from the Hwacha Franxx squadron, they were fighting an S-Class VIRM unit on the ground, "Why don't these bastards just give up?!"

"Hwacha 4! Watch out!" said another from the same squadron as the tail of the S-Class rose above the Franxx to smash it. Fortunately, Phoenix came flying and, in a blur, she quickly got the Franxx out of the attack range.

"Leave this to me!" said Naomi as her franxx soon put the other franxx on the ground.

"Thanks! We owe you one!" Said the Pistil of Hwacha 4.

"We called for your support like 10 minutes ago Phoenix... you're just lucky of getting here before it became too late, you know?" asked the leader of the squadron.

"Yes," replied Naomi as Phoenix drew both of her Katanas and went in full speed towards the S-Class unit, "but it's my turn now!"

"You're not doing this alone! Hwachas, on me!" Said the leader as everyone resumed their attack. The S-class tried to bash Phoenix into the ground but her reflexes allowed Naomi to dodge it and to also unleash a barrage of slashes that left the weak points of the unit exposed, allowing Hwacha squadron to finish it off.

The leader soon said: "Well done! Thanks for the help Phoenix! Now we need to regroup with...!" They were interrupted by a roar that originated from the Eastern entrance of the city... the place where Jian Squad was fighting actually. However, that roar was not similar to that of a klaxosaur nor of a VIRM unit but to a...

The Hwacha leader soon said: "Who just entered Rampage mode?!"

Naomi soon had a bad hunch and thought: "Oh no! My friends!" She soon speed upwards to see from the distance if what she feared was true. Turns out it was but considering how Orion was there and not interfering, she soon realized that she was going to learn something new of the Federation...

Meanwhile at the ground where Delphinium and the unknown Franxx were fighting, just moments before the roar...

"Useless…" said the Franxx as it pulled away its lance and then lifted Delphinium holding her neck, "Is that all you got?! HUH?!" shouted the Franxx as it threw Delphinium away, "You failed to entertain me…" said The Franxx as it walked and stepped upon Delphinium's chest, "I'm going, you're not even worth of being killed by me." Said the Franxx as it fired up its boosters. However...

"Not yet, you ass!" shouted Ichigo as Delphinium caught the Franxx by its legs, "I'm not entertaining enough, huh?" asked Ichigo as here Horns started glowing AND growing.

"Ichigo?" asked Goro looking at her worried but also trying very hard to restrain that feeling inside him... a feeling of raw power... that he was being tempted to tap into more and more...

"Goro," said Ichigo, "I'm sorry, but I just can't control myself anymore!" she shouted as the Delphinium's power core started spinning even faster, she pulled at the Franxx's leg making it slip backwards and suddenly slide below it to kick it on the back with her knee making it fly upwards. however, it was suddenly caught by the same VIRM unit that allowed the first two to escape. The rest, when they saw this, also boarded it and retreated.

Strelizia commented after that: "Nice hit Ichigo!" However, when she received no response, Freiturnier suddenly asked worried: "Ichigo? Goro? Jian 15 and Jian 56, respond!"

Suddenly, they all saw Delphinium shout a roar towards the air and her body started to twitch and transform. The whole squad was familiar with what was happening and soon started to call their friends in panic...

Ikuno first shouted throught the comms: "Ichigo! Don't do it! It's guaranteed to kill you if you do it!"

Mitsuru said: "Goro! Push Ichigo off the console! Do not let her go into...!"

However they were interrupted by Orion whom just arrived along Elise and he said to all of them: "No! You must let them go through it! It's different than the 'Stampede' mode you know from...!"

They were all interrupted however when they saw a HUGE VIRM unit land right in front of their group; it looked like a giant purple Rhino with three spikes and 6 legs and it gave signals that it was coming for them...

Orion said: "Shit, an H-class! Goro, if you can hear me, do not bottle up that feeling inside you and Ichigo! RELEASE IT!"

Inside Delphinium...

Goro was in deep trouble: Ichigo's paracapacity levels were rising negatively meaning that she would soon enter Stampede mode and whenever he tried to reach for her, that overwhelming feeling of power would sweep through him making him lose control little by little. He then thought: "Dammit! Dammit! If I can't reach Ichigo in time, I'm going to lose her! No, I cannot allow that to happen..." He then saw his only option: the button that would bail her out even if he stayed behind... "Sorry Ichigo, but a world without you is meaningless if..." He was interrupted when he suddenly received Orion's message... in his mind... "Goro! If you can hear me, do not bottle up that feeling inside you and Ichigo! RELEASE IT!"

Goro thought: "What does he mean by that?!" Eventually he suddenly realized that the feeling he had just a few moments ago was now way calmer and he could actually hear Ichigo's voice in his mind calling for him: "Goro, dearie... Please, let it all go just like me... we have to return not only us but also our friends from this war... remember...?"

At this point, he made his decision. He didn't know how he did it nor when he did it, but his hands went for a switch below him that once he activated he then grabbed the joysticks and said: "Very well! No more holding up and being like before! WE UNLEASH OUR INNER DEMONS TODAY!" Then both of them felt super powerful and energetic that they couldn't hear the alarm inside their cockpit along the voice that said: "RAMPAGE MODE ACTIVATED!"

Outside, at that moment...

Jian squad was in trouble, the H-class had caught them in a bad spot and were now paying for it. They were doing their best to keep Delphinium out of trouble but little by little they were being thrashed away by it.

Strelizia said while blocking another charge from it: "This is not good!"

Freiturnier responded: "Just hold on until Delphinium reactivates!" She then stayed behind her and started to heal her directly hoping to buy some time but unfortunately luck ran out. The H-class suddenly lunged at the two and sent them flying towards one of the buildings of the city. The impact force was enough to disconnect Freiturnier while Strelizia collapsed...

Genista shouted: "Futoshi! Kofuku!"

Strelizia saw the fallen franxx and needless to say, she got really mad... but that was cut short when the H-class charged at them, intent on finishing them off. With no other option left, Hiro and Zero Two prepared themselves to receive the hit to save her partners, but just moments before the H-class could connect a blue and white klaxosaur appeared out of nowhere and suddenly bashed the H-class on its side, making it miss its attack and getting it stuck inside another building. Everyone saw in shock that creature was Delphinium in 'Stampede mode'! It looked like a slim Triceratops with her 'hat' becoming the head along her 'hair' becoming the three 'horns', the "Envy Choppers", her two swords, transformed into its two tails in her back and finally, her torso shooters transformed into armored scales in her main body!

Strelizia shouted: "Dammit Ichigo! We told you not to enter Stampede mode!"

However, everyone was shocked when it was GORO who responded: "Guys! We're fine! This mode actually feels incredible!"

At that moment, Freiturnier managed to reconnect while the rest of the squad came closer to help her and Argentea said: "WHAT?! But how...?!"

Orion then interrupted and told them: "Because that is 'RAMPAGE' mode, not 'Stampede' mode! It is a direct upgrade from it! In this mode, BOTH STAMEN AND PISTIL can participate on it and control it at will! It consumes more paracapacity energy but it gives huge boosts in attack power and general stats! And it also gives you a new look on your body!" He then showed an image of the interior of the cockpit and everyone was amazed to see now Ichigo with light-blue skin and Goro with yellow skin, as if they just transformed into Klapiens!

Titus whistled and said: "That's actually a very cool look!"

Zorome said impressed: "Amazing!"

However, they all suddenly saw the H-class getting unstucked and looking on rage against Delphinium who decide to mock it: "What's the matter big guy?! Angry that someone of your size interrupted you?!" Then she said to the rest of her team: "New plan guys, Goro and I have this one, you cover the city entrance!"

Everyone nodded with exception of Strelizia whom proceeded to shake and transform, entering into Rampage mode too! Unlike her previous form, this one was bigger and had holographic wings behind her!

Ichigo said: "Strelizia!? What do you think you're doing?!"

Zero Two said: "My darling and I are not letting you play alone in this hunt, Ichigo! Have you forgotten who has more experience in this mode?"

Hiro then said: "Hey Goro, you were right! It feels amazing!"

Then Ichigo smirked and said: "Alright then! Origin 1, think you can take care of Jian squad for a little?"

Orion responded: "Sure thing Jian 15. Good hunting! Jian Squad, on me!"

Ikuno then said: "Take care guys! Don't do anything reckless!"

The Kofuku said: "And call us for help if you need it!" Then the squad flew away along with Huitzilopochtli and Guan Yin, leaving the two Rampage Franxx alone with the VIRM rhino, who started stomping his feet before it charged. At that moment, Strelizia and Delphinium avoided the head-on attack then charged against it and soon the hunt was on!

Meanwhile at the VIRM Main Mothership…

"Commander, the units of the first and the second wave were unable to complete their objectives." Said a VIRM unit taking a knee in front of the commander.

"What's the status on those of the third wave?" asked the commander.

"Their units are ready to attack sir," said the VIRM unit, "also we just received a report from the "children"; their squadron is busy in combat with the federation, they should be able to keep them busy until we are able to execute the secondary objective."

"Very well then," said the commander, "initiate the third wave as soon as the preparations are complete, and bring victory to our rulers!"

"Yes commander!" said the unit as he walked away.

"This war will end soon…" said the commander looking towards Mistilteinn from the window, "Are you seeing this? My lord? I will not disappoint you!"

Then, a new group of units proceeded towards the battlefield...

Meanwhile, near the cave entrance...

"Too bad we can only watch…" said Seraphime looking towards the battlefield where everyone was engaged in combat, with exception of her group whom were still guarding the entrance according to their orders without interfering.

"What can we do?" asked Hatake, "We have orders, and we can only watch."

"You mean only you can watch until Orion tells you to go if there is an emergency," said Seraphime, "and I'll stay here just standing defending with the mothership and nothing else because my HUSBAND wants to have some fun by himself."

"We talked on this before," he said sighing while looking at everyone fight, "if both of us die in a fight, then there will be no one to watch over our people."

"And?," said Seraphime "that still isn't enough of an excuse for you to always go into fights and-" she said as Hatake smiled and interrupted her.

"Well," he said, "there are just a few things I want to protect; therefore, I want to give my best to protect it, even if it means to fight alone for it."

"But…" she said worried.

"Don't worry!" said Hatake, "I won't die, I promi-" he said as something popped up on the radar.

"What the?" he said looking at the radar as he switched to the intercom, "Orion, how is the battle status?"

"In terms of firepower, both sides are in similar levels." said Orion, "Basically, the battle is evolving slowly into a stalemate. Why do you ask?"

"I have to go check on something..." said Hatake as he turned on Meteorix's boosters, "Sera, hold this position for me, I'll be right back!" he said as Meteorix went out in the open with full speed.

"But where are you going!?" asked Seraphime worried.

"Hatake," said Orion, "what in hell are you doing!? Get back into your post!"

"Sorry," said Hatake, "but there is something I need to take care of, I'll be back soon!" He then flew away...

"What a headache…" groaned Orion, before adding: "Argentea! Your flank!" He then went back into supporting Jian Squad.

"I wonder where is he going…" whispered Zero Two after she and Hiro listened accidentaly to Hatake's talk on the intercom channel.

"I think I know already." Said Hiro looking at the radar and thought: "Why is he suddenly going towards the graveyard...?"

"Guys! Watch out!" shouted Goro as Hiro was returned to his senses to see the H-class rushing towards Strelizia and was barely able to dodge it.

"Sorry Goro, I blacked out there." He said as he grabbed the controls.

"Do not get distracted now! We need to stop this big guy before it damages more buildings!" Shouted Ichigo while rushing Delpinium towards the H-class and forcing it to block its horns against her in a standoff. Strelizia used this to ram herself against the rhino's side, forcing it to fall sideways and then...

"Ah! There is the weak point!" Thought Hiro once he saw that the underbelly of the creature had its core exposed. Wasting no time, Hiro steered Strelizia launching her in the air, using her new wings to maneuver her body so that her tail was aimed at the core and then stabbed it with her momentum. The VIRM rhino started to trash around wildly, trying to get up while also trying to take off Strelizia from it. But it was futile, Strelizia had rammed her tail so deep into the core that even SHE was stuck.

Zero Two said: "We need some help here! Our tail is stuck!"

Then Ichigo said: "Hold on! We got a crazy idea about it!"

Hiro asked: "Which is?!"

Goro responded: "You're not gonna like it and neither will that rhino!"

Both Strelizia pilots saw how Delphinium headbutted the Rhino in the head, stunning it temporarily. Time they used to reposition themselves on the side where Strelizia was and pose in preparation for a charge... directly towards Strelizia. Hiro and Zero Two soon realized what was going to happen...

Hiro said: "Delphinium! No!"

Zero Two said: "You're right, I'm not gonna like this idea!"

Ichigo then said grinning: "Consider it a little payback from all those times you charged recklessly Zero Two!"

Goro then shouted: "CHARGE!"

Delphinium then charged forward very fast towards the core, and all Strelizia could do was brace herself. Eventually, the impact came, and it was SO strong it ended up with both Franxx going THROUGH the rhino all the way, taking the core with them! The rhino, now without its source to stay alive, dropped dead in the spot and melted along its core. Soon enough, both franxx stood up, still in their Rampage mode, and let out a loud roar!

Ichigo shouted euphorically: "THAT WAS AMAZING! I never felt so wild like this before!"

Zero Two soon followed: "I'm glad of that! It also felt great to be like this along with you guys!"

Hiro said: "Yeah! It felt so... great..." Suddenly, everyone felt as if they were struck with a HUGE wave of fatigue, more than enough to make them disconnect from their Franxx, still in Rampage mode, and fell on their seats.

Goro panted while saying: "Crap... I don't remember... being this tired before..."

Ichigo panted too: "We need to... return with the squad... but we can... barely move..."

Fortunately, their radio came alive with the voice of their AWACS: "Jian 15 and Jian 2! We have seen your franxx shut down after your fight! Was that your first ride in Rampage mode?"

Ichigo responded: "Jian 15 here, yes it was..."

Teresa: "Alright then! Don't worry, extreme fatigue is something common for newcomers of this form! We're sending another franxx squadron to pick you up! 'Treehouse' AWACS here! Are there any available Franxx units in the area to pick up Delphinium and Strelizia?"

A new male voice cut through the radio: "This is 'Razgriz 1' from the Razgriz Squadron; we're close to your sector Jians, we're coming to pick you up! Don't exert yourselves to move meanwhile!"

Considering how tired they were, the 4 pilots decided to follow his advise. Eventually, a few minutes later, a squadron of 4 franxx came towards their field of vision. The 4 franxx were one same unique design: a woman of red 'hair' with black coloured armor along a winged black 'iron' helmet and a pair of raven wings on her back. In one hand, they carried a lantern designed as a skull and on the other hand, they carried an energy longsword modeled on the designs of a german Zwei-hander. They were also wearing a red combat 'skirt' and the inferior junctions (knees, talons, etc.) had golden plates.

The voice of Razgriz 1 soon said: "All good over there Jians?"

Ichigo responded: "Just tired..."

Razgriz 1: "Very well, we're taking you bact towards the command center to refresh and field repairs. Orion will take your squadron there!"

Then two of the Razgriz lifted up Strelizia grabbing her legs while the other two did the same with Delphinium and then the leader said again: "Enjoy the ride while it lasts!"

Both pilots did that and took a quick nap...

Meanwhile, near the graveyard...

"Wonder what it was…" said Hatake after an hour of flight, "I hope it was just a normal blast and it didn't hit dad or mom's grave…" He said as he landed a bit far from the graveyard and started walking. Once he reached the place, he found that nothing had changed in the area.

"Well, I guess everything is f-" he said but then heard something moving near his father's grave, "What the…" he said shocked as he saw an unknown Franxx was digging in the place. The sight of something so unrespectful made his blood boil and also full of suspicion since it was clear that whoever it was was looking for something, "Stop…" he said as his eyes opened wide in anger, with his teeth grinding against each other making him look like an enraged monster, "STOP!" he screamed as he dashed towards the Franxx with his sword out but then Meteorix suddenly got kicked in his stomach and thrown away.

"Huh, what do we have here?" said the Franxx that just kicked Meteorix standing in front of him, "The king himself and alone, how pitiful."

"Agiliton," he said looking at the Franxx, "Using my own creation against me, you have some guts for that, I would say."

"Agiliton?" asked the commander who was sitting inside the Franxx, "So, that's what you named this? You could have been more original."

Hatake chuckled and said: "I wasn't one for flashy names, my dad was. Speaking of, what are you doing here disrespecting his place of eternal slumber? What does he have that you're lord needs so desperately to defile the fallen?!"

"What our lord needs, is for you to never know." Replied the commander, "His body is of course useless, but some of his belongings were buried along with him and such things are of better interest for our lord. *chuckles* Poor Werner, Papa considered him as a friend, and always appreciated his support and genius for it was thanks to his greatest wonder, the FRANXX, that APE managed to SAVE humanity. Heck, he was planning to ask him to join us already! His mind would have been a great addition for our race! *then he gets a look of disgust and anger* But then you had to intervene: just your existence was enough to destroy the relationship he had with your father, ever since that day you lost control, they were never the same. Then out of pity he tried to redeem himself creating Squad 13 AND embracing that humanity he had left! And what was his reward?! A sleeping ground just 6 meters below the ground AND a whole bunch of trouble for Papa! For such a great genius, he was such a dumb human; really pitiful just like the rest of you!"

"LIAR! Papa was enslaving everyone into an eternal cycle of warfare against the klaxosaurs, making the remnants of humanity look at him as if he was a god when in reality he was a schemer! My father was a great man, who saw the change in the waves of time, and prepared everyone for it. His only mistake was that he did it wrong and didn't manage to solve it completely! But even so, his work continued in the hands of the Federation thanks to Mama!" He suddenly shut up when he realized he said something confidential...

The commander noticed that: "Mama, you say? So someone in his previous team was the one responsible for the creation of our biggest obstacle? That explains a lot then... your father was just like any other man, a lovesick disappointment chasing after every woman he saw as similar as his fallen wife..."

"Shut up! Don't you even dare call him like that you bastard!" he said as he got up and tried to punch Agiliton, but his attack got countered and Agiliton used this to grab his hand.

"What makes you think youre different enough to go against us, huh?" asked the commander, "You are the same worthless piece of trash like him!" he said as Agiliton pulled Meteorix towards himself and before Hatake could react, punched Meteorix making him fall a bit far from the Franxx.

"Shut… Up…." Said Hatake as Meteorix got up with his sword in his hands, "He managed to bring us to this day, the day where humanity would recover its home! And I'm here to finish his job once and for all! And it won't end in your way!" he said as Meteorix charged towards Agiliton at full speed.

"You humans never learn your lessons, do you?!" shouted the commander, who just stood there without any signs of making any moves to avoid Meteorix's charge when suddenly...

"What the?!" said Hatake, once he saw that Agiliton had disappeared from Meteorix's sight, making his attack miss.

"If you made this Franxx," said the commander as Meteorix suddenly found Agiliton to be standing behind him, "then you should have known it's power too!"

"Damn it!" said Hatake as Agiliton's hand charged up as Meteorix turned towards him to block, Agiliton took this opportunity and punched him in the stomach as electricity raged out of his fist electrifying Hatake who let out screams of pain.

"So, how does it feel?" asked the commander as Meteorix became immobile from the shock, leaving him at the mercy of Agiliton who punched Meteorix making the Franxx hit the ground hard, "How does it feel to be killed by your own creation?!" said the commander using the Franxx's left leg to keep pressure upon Meteorix's chest as a blade dropped down Agiliton's sleeve, "With the heat sensor I can easily see your inside and still alive, so I'll make sure to just chop your head to make it painless for you and to also avoid your dear whore of a queen to-" he then was interrupted by a huge kick from the right that knocked him into a huge rock that was beside him.

"Well, why am I not surprised?" said painfully the commander looking at the what threw him away, a Klaxosaur with Seraphime on top of it looking at him with murderous intent.

"Leave him alone!" she shouted as the tail of the Klaxosaur smashed the Franxx onto the ground.

"That's all you got?" asked the commander laughing as Seraphime suddenly realised that the Franxx was standing behind her now. Agiliton then punched her Klaxosaur to the side and was about to charge his devastating punch again when he suddenly got kicked from the back by Phoenix.

"You are asking for a worthy enemy? Then here I am!" said Naomi as Phoenix stepped over the neck of Agiliton.

"Scums beings like you are never worth it!" shouted the commander as the chest of the Franxx started to charge up.

"This is not good." Thought Naomi as a beam came out of the chest of Agiliton that fortunately Phoenix was able to dodge by a small window, then she did a back flip in the air to step back, got her katana out and took an offensive stance, "If I get hit by those charges even once, I'm done for…"

"Don't go taking too much time in thinking about your strategies!" shouted the commander. Agiliton was already airborne and exactly above Naomi and with a charged fist that landed but was blocked by Phoenix's Katana, "To think that this mere sword of yours will block this amount of damage," said the commander as Agiliton backed off a bit as soon as he understood that he actually needed to strategize, "this is going to be fun!" he said with a grin. Then both of them started a duel while Sera went to check Hatake's condition: "Please be fine... I cannot lose you again..." She reached the entrance on the back of Meteorix head, opened the lock and then saw him, laying motionless in the cabin, still breathing but barely. However, something that shocked her was that the crown Hatake was wearing at the moment was shining meaning only one thing...

Seraphine cried in panic: "No, no, no, NO!" She tried to reach for the crown and remove it but then HER own crown reacted to that by sending her a shock that hurt. Seeing that her attempts would be futile, she just sat there, tearing up with the klaxosaur behind her being her only comfort. However, she soon stood up and said: "Hatake, it all now depends on you what happens in there. But no matter your decision I want to let you know that... I thank you for all those moments of happiness and hope you have given me back... and that I will stay strong for our people..." She then reached out towards him and united her lips with his then added: "I love you Hatake, and no matter what happens today, we will reunite once again." She then stood up, got out of Meteorix cabin locking up the entrance, looked towards the duel that was happening close to her and made her resolve...

Meanwhile, in an unknown place...

"Where am I?" asked Hatake as he opened his eyes to find himself in an unrealistic environment, there was no walls or anything, just a dark void with some blue lines transforming and bending all the time: "Well, looks like I really have died…" he said while giving out a sigh then punching himself wildly many times, "just when I wanted to live a bit longer for her! I made the mistake of making her a promise I couldn't…" But before he broke down in tears, a new voice sounded...

"You there!" said a voice from behind him, there were two huge klaxo sapiens who looked like gods based upon their appearance. The two were sitting upon their thrones side by side glaring at him. One of them had dark skin, his horns were curved in a circle like an ancient devil, his hands were full of blood and both were holding a scythe of red flames. The other one had white skin, his horns were more straight and larger than those of the dark one, he held a book in his left hand and a staff on his right. Both were weaing the same kind of armor robe, just in different colors and were also blind. Apparently, the one who talked was the dark one: "Are you just going to keep talking and blaming to yourself?"

"And who are you!?" asked Hatake in shock.

"We are the guardians of the crown," said the one with the book with a voice full of dignity, "we are the ones that observe and judge those who are considered as the candidates to become the next king of our species. Both of us go by one single name, Daecodox. Both of us are the same, just not the same body, we share the same soul but nor the same body. And your time of judgement has come now."

"Then why are you even talking to me," said Hatake, "just make the decision and execute it already."

"Such stubbornness!" said the other one, with his voice as powerful as thunder: "Do you even know how narrow is the gap between death and life on your soul right now?!"

"You think I care of that now?" he asked, "I made a big mistake back in there and someone I care for is going to suffer great sorrow because of it! I NEED to get back and in this case I would rather face it sooner than later."

"Very smart of you." Said the white guardian, "Very well, then let's get to it. First, you must know that the place you are standing now in is the hall of choice." Both then snapped their fingers and two big gates appeared on opposite sides of the place "The gates you see now are the paths of the crown. If you decide for those, you will live and return back to your queen and your people."

"Wait, there isn't an option for death as well?" asked Hatake.

"Well, you would have it too IF you didn't had any more reasons to live. But just like you said few moments ago, you want to live right now for your queen, don't you?"

"Of course I do! What's the catch for this?" said Hatake, getting a little desperate.

"Very observant of you." said the dark guardian "These two paths will determine your way to live, as your entity as a whole will become a subject of the crown's will. It can give you either the power to destroy or the power to create. There are no good or bad choices to take in here. It all depends on the circunstances behind your decision."

"But what's the difference between the two?" Asked Hatake.

The dark guardian spoke first: "If you choose the path of destruction, you will have the power to obliterate entire armies and strong enemies with just a gentle flick of your hands. However, take into account that it is raw destruction power, uncapable of seeing friend or foe."

Then the white guardian continued: "If you choose the path of creation, you will have power to create all kind of objects that can help your people and allies win the battles that are yet to come. However, it will cost part of your lifespan and will aslo exhaust you progressively until the point you will need artificial enhancers like your father used to use..."

"So, either I can end all of this by destroying everything no matter friend or foe," said Hatake coming to conclusions, "or I can use the power of creation and end this together with everyone else but that makes me powerless for the future... can't I go back to being what I was?"

Both guardians then said: "No. You came here because the crown sees potential on you but you lack the power to represent it. You MUST decide!"

"In that case," said Hatake looking straight at them with a grin, the same mischievious grin he puts when he finds a solution "I choose both!"

"Both!?" asked the two guardians in anger, "Have you crossed your heights of greed?!"

"Of course, I have!" he replied without any hesitation, "I'm a human after all! Moreover, I don't believe that it isn't impossible."

"And what exactly makes you jump to that thinking?" asked both of them.

"You said both of you are one, right?" asked Hatake, "Your souls are one but not the thinking? Therefore, there must be a third path, the path that emerges from both of the other paths or the 'path of balance' to be stated simply."

"So young, so naive and yet, the wisest candidate we have ever met." said both of them as a light engulfed everyone, "Let's see what you can do by picking something so forbidden." Both aspects then fusioned and went through Hatake who grinned before he saw the environment slowly fade away into darkness.

Back at the battle...

Both Phoenix and Agiliton had fought their way into a stalemate, with no one on the two sides dominating the battle. However, Naomi was starting to get exhausted and the commander was quick to notice this...

He said in an attempt to mock them: "Huh, it was fun while it lasted. But it seems that it will be over soon."

"The fun is already over, you know?" sais Naomi, "It was over as soon as you came to attack me."

"What?" said the commander confused when he suddenly saw a huge shadow behind him and turned around to look. Behind him was Seraphime, and her Klaxosaur was ready to fire a huge laser charge building in its mouth.

"I told you already," said Naomi as she got ready to attack as the blade of the Katana heated up and was burning red, "The fun is over!" she rushed towards the Franxx in full speed. The klaxosaur too shot the charge, making both of them land up on Agiliton at the same time making the dust rise.

"Two against one…" said the commander as Agiliton flew out of the dust as to escape.

"Don't think us dumb enough not to think that you won't fly towards the top!" said Naomi in anger as Phoenix came out of the dust from right below him, caught the Franxx by his leg and threw him towards the land smashing him, "Now's the chance!" said Naomi as Phoenix aimed the Katana and landed on him with a shockwave. "You fell for it!" shouted the commander, Agiliton had got a hold of Phoenix head before the katana landed, "I'll put an end to you right here!" said the commander as the fist charged up and electrified Pheonix.

"AHHHHH!" screamed Naomi in pain as Agiliton finally let go of the Phoenix and flew a bit high.

Seraphine shouted worried: "Naomi!" He then sent a signal and another klaxosaur rose from the ground, springing towards Phoenix to protect her...

"I'll make sure your very existence gets wiped out!" the commander said as the chest of Agiliton charged up once again, "Goodbye-" but then he was interrupted when a high-power projectile hit him creating a huge explosion.

"Where did that come from?" thought Seraphime in shock as the environment suddenly turned into a silent one.

"When the enemies shall suffer, I shall laugh upon their agony," said a familiar voice that brought hope, joy and shock to her heart: it was Hatake's! Meteorix was standing again, resting his right hand upon his sword's handle, the other end of which was tucked into the soil, "When the sky shall rain arrows, I shall be the shield, and if I happen to die, from the ashes of the immortal bird shall rise I, the Klaxosaur king!"

"Did he just?" though Seraphime as a blue coloured aura could be seen being emitted from the body of Meteorix: "Hatake... you did it... you actually did it my love!"

Naomi, who just landed safely thanks to the other klaxosaur, had her mouth open that it could hit the floor of her cabin: "Damn Hatake... you just got a buff! Sera is such a lucky girl!"

The commander however, was the only one in shock: "No, no, no, NO! IMPOSSIBLE!"

While this happened, things were looking more and more stressful on the city...

"This is not good," though Orion as he looked towards the current status of the battle progress, "this is all gonna end in a stalemate if things keep going on this way. Why are Hatake and Seraphime not here?! What if the enemy breaches the security perimeter?! Who will protect the civilians then?!" he said irritated. He was with Elise and Jian Squad near the command center. Jian Squad were ot of their franxx helping Hiro, Zero Two, Ichigo and Goro to recover from their rampage run while the mechanics applied some field repairs to their franxx. They weren't the only ones there, a lot of starfighter pilots, franxx pilots and various other personnel were also on the field hospital receiving treatment of their wounds. Only him and Elise were still in their franxx battle ready.

"Calm down," said Elise, "if both of them are out then there has to be something important."

"What can be more important than following the objective-" asked Orion then saw upwards and found out that one of the VIRM's Franxx was diving towards his Franxx.

"Orion watch out!" shouted Hiro. The rest of the personnel near the area scramble or hit the deck to protect themselves.

"Damn it!" said Orion as he quickly understood that he won't have the time to dodge, he raised his shield to protect him as a huge blast took place in between them. The explosion hit the enemy franxx and was forced to fly away.

"Oops," said a voice, "that didn't hit you, did it?"

"That voice," said Zero Two recognising the voice, "Oniria?!" she asked shocked as fifteen motherships and about two hundred klaxo battle ships entered the atmosphere. The forces on the ground soon shouted in glee, believing it was THEIR reinforcements that had arrived!

"Who?" asked Orion in confusion.

"Well, it's a long story…" said Hiro with a sigh.

"We can talk all about diplomatic relationships later, general Orion! For now, let's end this battke!" said Oniria while the new allies joined the fray. Then everyone suddenly felt a warm feeling on their chests, as if something was filling their will full of energy and purpose again.

It was so effective that Zero Two, Hiro, Goro and Ichigo soon found themselves back on their feet while moments ago they looked ready to pass out at any moment...

Goro said: "What is this? What is going on?"

Suddenly, one of the klapiens staff said: "The aura of the king! Our king has done the sacred oath! HE HAS RETURNED FOR REAL!"

A loud shout of happiness soon cried out and it seemed to reinvigorate the fight on the defenders. For the attackers, it was an unpleasant surprise with exception of a few...

"Reinforcements, huh?" said the leader of the rogue pilots of the VIRM Franxxs, "Well, doesn't matter, we're going to end it now anyways!" he said as the Franxx prepared its booster to go charge towards them but was stopped when he received a notification.

"Franxx squadron," said a voice over the Franxx's intercom, "we manage to obtain the secondary objective, We also confirmed a powerful signature on the battlefield! Retreat immediately!"

"But, my lord," said the pilot, "We can do this!"

"Don't you dare even try to defy my orders, retreat, NOW!" said the voice.

"Yes, my lord!" said the pilot and sighed, "We would have played with you guys more but, time's over!" he said as a smoke screen came in between them. By the time the smoked faded, they had escaped. Everyone then saw the rest of VIRM starting to fly away from the city.

Meanwhile...

"Back on your feet again, I see?" asked the commander as he saw Meteorix walking towards him, a blue light emitting from its eyes and a clear intent to kill, "Let's make sure you stay down, just like you creatures should be!" said the commander as Agiliton went behind Meteorix in the blink of an eye and charged his fist.

"Who are you even trying to kill?" Hatake asked in a serious tone.

"What?" said the commander shocked, when he suddenly saw Meteorix disappear!

"You should be aware of your surroundings, you know?" said Hatake as standing behind him, the student becoming the master. "However, it's too later for you!" he said he again was standing in front of him in the blink of an eye, the commander was in shock.

"I will…" said the commander enraged, "Kill you!" he shouted as he raised his right hand to charge and attack again. However, the Franxx didn't obey.

"You haven't noticed yet?" asked Hatake, "or are you perhaps looking for this?" he said as Meteorix turned towards Agiliton with Agiliton's arm in his hands.

"But when?!" asked the commander shocked to find out that one of the arms of Agiliton was slashed off.

"Huh?" asked Hatake, "Don't tell me a mere creature took an arm out of a your Franxx and you didn't notice."

"Shut your mouth you little pest!" shouted the commander as he tried to sweep leg Meteorix, but instead Meteorix caught him by his leg and threw him up to a considerable distance.

"Damn you-" said the commander as the other Franxxs of VIRM landed right beside him.

"Commander," said one of them, "you can stop now."

"Not until I kill this brat!" shouted the commander as he was about to charge, but one of the Franxxs held him by grabbing his left hand.

"It's the lord's orders," said the pilot, "you can either follow it or die, what would you like to choose?" the pilot asked with grin.

"Damn it!" said the commander as the portal activated behind them, "I would have killed you," said the commander, "but it isn't the time yet I guess…" he said as Hatake rushed towards them to finish them, however it was too late, the portal had closed already with their escape. Meteorix simply calmed down, walked a bit towards where Seraphime and Naomi were and took a knee before deactivating. Then Hatake got down from the Franxx's cabin.

"Hatake?" asked Seraphime shocked looking at him, his skin had turned snow white, his eyes were emitting a blue glow and his horns were now giving out a white colour.

"What?" asked Hatake as he suddenly realized that the last time she saw him was before the battle, "Oh this?" he asked, "Well, you see I just took a decision-" he said as Seraphime hugged him tight.

"I'm glad…" she said with a smile and tears of happiness running down her cheeks, "I'm just so glad!"

Soon enough, Naomi joined their company and hugged them too saying: "Glad to see you're still fine you knucklehead."

Hatake responded: "Thanks Naomi. Also you did quite well out there! Although I guess Phoenix could use some upgrades in survivability, right?"

Naomi chuckled then said: "Yeah, I mean, it's already very good but it's always stressful to have such a glass cannon that can be one-shotted if..."

"Aw…" said a voice interrupting, "Am I interrupting?" Everyone turned towards the source and saw...

"O-ONIRIA?!" asked Hatake shocked.

"Well, I'm glad that you guys are fine." she said without reacting much.

"It's fine, Oniria." said Seraphime "There isn't anyone to watch our manners here…" she said as Oniria suddenly rushed towards her and broke into tears.

"Why?" asked Oniria, "Do you know how much I was worried?!" she shouted as she fell on her knees, still hugged by her sister.

"You had to go through so much, didn't you?" asked Seraphime petting Oniria's head: "Well, be glad that you did it Oni... you succeeded on something."

"I... I did?! But…" said Oniria, "But… I'm just a failure!" she said, "Just because I managed to succeed now doesn't mean..." But then she was slapped by Sera.

"Don't you dare call yourself like that again, alright!?" shouted Seraphime as she raised her head to look at her sister directly into her eyes: "You managed to come with a fleet and save our allies in the battle while me, Hatake and Naomi were busy away. You just managed to bring victory into an important battle! Be happy of it, you deserve it!"

She then slapped at Oniria again, who continued crying but this time smiling, remembering how both of them used to slap each other whenever they made something foolish when they were younger... something that Hatake seemed to forget at the moment...

"Hey," said Hatake, "you don't need to be that harsh-" he said as he got slapped by Seraphime.

"W-Why did you slap me?!" asked Hatake shocked.

"That's for making me worry more than enough to disobey Orion's orders, you knucklehead!" shouted Seraphime.

"Hey! I told you to stay there and not to worry about me! Also, that also means that-" said Hatake when he heard the sound of glass breaking coming from his wrist. It was his watch; the glass was in pieces with the clock hands tangled and the inner mechanism broken. For a moment, Seraphime saw his face gain a gloomy look before recoving.

"Is it broken?" She asked.

"Yeah," said Hatake, "well, it's just a watch, so no big deal! I mean, at least..." he said as he started walking back towards Meteorix as to fly back to Mistilteinn even though he started wobling, "Nothing compared... to the victory... that we just...achieved…"

"Hatake!" shouted Seraphime as she saw him trembling more and moved along the other three to help him, but before her words could reach him, he was already on the ground fainted.

-end of chapter-

Now, before you guys say anything, I know this this was a long chapter and this took like two months. So, yeah my apologies for that.