Hello guys! I decided that because of the way this chapter and the one before are being handled there was a piece of supplemental info that you could use so I will be dropping that below. P indicates they are the pistil and S the stamen.
Squad 26 Unit 1 Codes 090-S and 112-P
Squad 26 Unit 2 Codes 145-P and 252-S
Squad 26 Unit 3 Codes 277-S and 355-P
Squad 26 Unit 4 Codes 423-P and 426-S
Squad 26 Unit 5 Codes 587-P and 690-S
"Guys look out!" Argentea yells as she extends her hand to you. You don't even have time to react as the final cable supporting the elevator gives out and it begins to plummet. The screams of Hiro and Zero Two, along with Futoshi, Kokoro and the two FranXX of Squad 26 are nearly deafening in your ears, but then again, your screams a likely just as loud in theirs.
"We've got to do something!" Ichigo shouts. You know she is right but that doesn't help to calm your nerves. "(Y/N)!" she shouts again. "I think I see the emergency brake." The internal monitors follow Delphinium's gaze as it comes to rest on a large red lever.
Forcing yourself to move you guide Delphinium to the lever. Without hesitation you throw it and your ears are immediately assaulted by an overpowering screeching noise. In addition to that Delphinium and the other FranXX are knocked off their feet by the sudden jolt the brakes cause due to the decreased momentum of the elevator.
"Everyone disconnect!" you shout. "Why?" Code 423 screams back. "If we don't then the pistils will take the impact when we hit the ground," you reply, severing your connection to Delphinium. "Hang on!" You and Ichigo brace yourselves and wait for the inevitable.
Close to thirty seconds later the elevator smashes into the base of the shaft. Thanks to the emergency brake its rapid descent went from terminal to dangerous as the speed dropped each second after you had thrown the lever. However, that doesn't stop you from being thrown about the inside of Delphinium's cockpit when you reach the bottom. Due to the safety harness that had come out of your chair and Ichigo being encapsulated in the device used for ejection both of you made it out alive.
Once you regain the ability to think straight you release yourself from the hold the chair is keeping you in and fall to the floor of the cockpit. As soon as you do you can feel the vertigo catching up with you, losing your breakfast as a result.
There is a slight hissing sound as the capsule that held Ichigo recedes. "You…good?" she pants. Her answer is your second round of vomiting before you roll over onto your back. "We're alive," you whisper. "We're alive," Ichigo confirms.
The two of you sit there in silence for close to a minute as you let your heart return to its normal pace and your mind to cease its spinning. Ichigo slowly sits up on the pistil's platform and begins tapping on the system controls. "Everyone status report," she orders.
"We're here," Hiro's voice whines. "I am alright, but Code 423 is unconscious," Code 426 answers. "We are fine, thanks to Futoshi," Kokoro says quietly. "Ow," is the only response you get from Squad 26's remaining FranXX. "Looks like everyone is alive," you say offering a silent thanks to whatever higher power may have saved you.
About fifteen minutes later after everyone has had some time to calm down you reconnect. The first thing you notice once Delphinium's vision is restored is the terrible shape everything at the bottom of the elevator shaft is in. The frame of the car itself is bent beyond recognition and a large deformed block is resting in its center, the counterweight.
"Guess we aren't going back that way," you mumble. "Speaking of, where are we?" "It appears we are at the bottom of the mineshaft," Code 690 answers as his FranXX's light illuminates the wreckage. "Guess we have no choice but to look for another way out then," Hiro adds.
"Genista, what is the status of the bomb?" Delphinium asks. "Just a moment," she replies, leaning her cannon against the wall. Very gingerly Genista reaches under her dress and produces an object no bigger than the palm of her hand. "It looks alright," she says offering it to Delphinium for inspection.
"Then we proceed as planned," Delphinium orders. "What about the others?" Futoshi asks. "Code 090 is a capable leader, he'll make sure that Argentea and Chlorophytum make it out alright," you reassure him. "As for now, the two of you will stay with us," you address units 4 and 5 of Squad 26. Both nod, "Understood, we will follow you."
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Argentea's POV
Twenty minutes earlier
"Guys look out!" Argentea shouts, extending her hand toward Delphinium. As she does however there is another snapping sound. A moment later the elevator containing three members of her squad, not to mention her closest friend, Kokoro, begins to fall. Argentea barely has time to withdraw her hand so it isn't crushed as it goes.
"Guys!" Zorome shouts. "Not good," Code 090 says in his consistent monotone voice. The lead FranXX of Squad 26 glances down the hall back the way they had come. As if on que several Klaxosaurs come around the corner, chittering and snapping their pincers together.
"We need to leave," the stoic voice continues. "Everyone follow us." Argentea watches in disbelief as Code 090's FranXX steps toward the elevator shaft once more. "Grab the cable and ride to the top," the voice of his partner states as the FranXX reaches out and grips the rapidly moving object.
Within a second the FranXX disappears from view. "He's crazy right?" Argentea shouts. "There is no way we make it out of that alive!" Rather than answer the two remaining units of Squad 26 each step toward the elevator shaft and follow in their leader's footsteps.
"Ikuno?" Argentea asks in a high-pitched tone as her voice cracks. "We don't have much of a choice," Chlorophytum responds. There is an audible sigh on the line before Mitsuru begins speaking, "If we continue to wait here we are going to die."
"I know that!" Argentea shouts back. Why doesn't he even sound concerned?! "Ikuno, we are leaving," Mitsuru states as Chlorophytum takes a step toward the elevator shaft, grabs the cable, then disappears.
"I hate him!" Argentea screams. "Miku, we don't have time," Zorome's response is much sharper than usual. Argentea shakily turns to the elevator shaft and sees the line continuing to spiral into the darkness. Alright, now or never!
Just as Argentea begins to reach toward the line she grinds to a halt. "Miku, come on!" Zorome shouts, worry now evident in his voice. "I can't!" she shouts back as she begins to panic. "If we don't go now the Klaxosaurs are going to get us!" Zorome retorts. "Bugs, Miku." The clattering of the Klaxosaurs behind them only serves as a reminder of how perilous their situation is.
"Alright," she whispers. "I'll try."
"Just close your eyes and let me do the rest," Zorome comforts her. His tone has gone from strained to soft, easing her mind if only just a bit. Just let go, everything will be alright, Miku tells herself as she closes her eyes. Once Miku ceases to fight Zorome for control, Argentea resumes her forward momentum.
The pink and white FranXX stands at the edge of the platform, then jumps. I almost feel weightless, Miku thinks. For a moment she falls before clutching the last of the ascending cable in her arms and wrapping her legs around it to further secure herself. The sound of the Klaxosaurs they had left behind quickly dissipates as Argentea ascends into the darkness.
The ride to the top is not comfortable, but it is quick. Within thirty seconds of grabbing the cable Argentea reaches the head of the shaft. Miku refuses to open her eyes for the entirety of the trip and as a result Argentea tumbles across the ground after the cable runs out and begins its trip back down the shaft.
"Did we make it?" Miku asks. "Course we did," is Zorome's confident reply. "I was piloting, wasn't I?" After that he has the nerve to! "Zorome if we weren't-" "Knock it off, both of you," a stern voice orders.
Looking to her side Argentea finds a standard model FranXX with its arms crossed looking squarely at her. "Now is not the time to be bickering with your partner," Code 090 continues. "We are separated from the rest of our unit in hostile territory."
Hearing that Argentea snaps back to reality. Oh no, where are Strelitzia, Genista, and Delphinium? They survived whatever happened when the elevator hit the bottom right? They have to.
"As of this moment you will be acting under my command," Squad 26's leader says firmly. "We will proceed to the mine's control center and enact Code 015's plan of restoring power to the facility." "But shouldn't we go after-," Argentea begins to whine. "There is nothing we can do for them now," Mitsuru interrupts in an unusually harsh tone. "Are you saying you're not even worried about them?!" Zorome shouts back. "Of course, we are," Chlorophytum replies. "But the best way for us to help them now is by going with Squad 26."
"Zorome?" Miku asks on a private line. "I don't like it," he grumbles. "But I don't think we have much choice. We couldn't get to them on our own." "We will go after them as soon as we can?" Argentea asks. "Without a doubt," Code 112 replies. "Genista is still carrying the bomb to destroy the nest. Should anything have happened to her we will need to finish the job ourselves."
Should anything have happened? No, Miku pushes the thought aside. They will all be alright. "Now that we are in agreeance," Code 090 says as his FranXX turns to face the dark hallway. "Squad 26, move out." Be careful guys, we will get there as soon as we can, Argentea thinks as she follows into the darkness once more.
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"Everyone ready?" Delphinium asks. A chorus of affirmatives sound. "Alright, Squad 13, let's move." Your formation of five FranXX begins to slowly march down the plated hallway of the mine. "Remember everyone," you caution. "Make as little noise as possible and if you see anything don't keep it to yourself."
Your group continues down the hall for close to five minutes but in that time not once does it intersect with another. This is odd, you tell yourself. The other floor had lots of junctions why would this one be so- "We've got something up here," Hiro whispers. "What is it?" Futoshi asks. "The path just stops," Hiro answers. "What do you mean stops?" Code 423 questions him.
There is a brief silence. "Come forward about fifteen hundred feet," Hiro says. Both FranXX of Squad 26 look to Delphinium, who nods. Over the next thirty seconds the four FranXX reach Strelitzia, who was acting as the squad's scout. As you make your way forward you notice that the steel paneling on the walls gives way to earth once more, as does the path beneath your feet.
Sure enough, when you arrive Hiro is correct. Before you is a solid face of rock and earth bringing the corridor to an abrupt end. "Were they expanding the mine and stopped because of the Klaxosaurs?" Code 690 asks. "That doesn't seem right," Delphinium replies. "There would still be equipment that was left behind. Whoever left this tunnel left it intentionally."
"Strelitzia," you say trying to figure out something. "Are you smelling anything?" "Lots of Klaxosaurs," she growls. "And they are close." "But if the trail ends here, and they aren't behind us," you quickly look over Delphinium's shoulder, confirming that there is nothing behind you in the tight space. "Then where could they possibly-"
You are interrupted as Delphinium's foot pushes clear through the space in which she had been pacing. She nearly falls forward as the foot sinks up to the ankle before she can right herself. As she pulls back the ground in front of her at the base of the wall crumbles, revealing another earthen tunnel leading downward.
"It appears to lead further underground ma'am," Code 426 states as her FranXX kneels beside the opening. "Well I'll be," you whisper. "Strelitzia, the scent?" Delphinium asks with a sidelong glance. The red and yellow FranXX leans her head over the hole then recoils, sticking out her virtual tongue in disgust. "They are down there," she confirms.
"Why would they hide the entrance?" Genista asks. "This must be where the real nest is," you answer. "The mine is part of it, but this is where we will need to plant the bomb." "Realistically speaking," Code 587 soft voice comes across the line. "The strongest Klaxosaurs are likely down this path. It will not be easy squad leader."
"We'll just have to be stronger then," Hiro says reassuringly. "Zero Two and I will take the lead again. We should be able to handle ourselves until you arrive if something happens." "Do it, but be careful," Delphinium orders.
"You hear that Darling?" Zero Two asks playfully. "We're going monster hunting." With that Strelitzia slips down the hole and disappears. Close to thirty seconds later Hiro sends an all clear and the remainder of the squad follows into the bowels of the Klaxosaur nest.
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As Squad 13 makes their way down the path you can't help but start to feel anxious. "Hey," you say to the image of Delphinium within the cockpit. "Hmm?" she acknowledges. "I've been thinking," you continue. "What Code 587 said is probably right. We are likely walking straight into the heart of the nest. Can we handle what is down there? Without Argentea and Chlorophytum we are severely lacking compared to normal."
"We have the two FranXX from Squad 26," she replies. "But I see your point. We just need to set the bomb and get out of here as fast as possible." "Yeah, you're right," you agree. "Thanks, just needed to calm my nerves a bit." Delphinium smiles, "Any time."
"Guys," Hiro radios. "You will want to see this." "What is it Hiro?" Delphinium questions. "It's… hard to explain," he answers. "Alright, we are on our way," you reply.
As Delphinium closes the distance between Strelitzia and the rest of Squad 13 something strange happens. While moving through the tunnel Delphinium's vision begins to blur and slowly but surely it is encapsulated in white.
Noticing the reason for the issue Delphinium's systems automatically shut down her lowlight vision. When it does what you see amazes you. "Wow," Delphinium gasps.
Now that your vision has returned you find yourself in a large room. It is easily as tall as five FranXX and several times wider. The reason for Delphinium's lowlight shut off becomes clear as well. In the center of the room, several thousand feet from you flows a river of molten rock. The walls of the room are covered in a honeycomb like design with one out of every three glowing orange with the magma energy that has been packed inside it. Together these two phenomena illuminate the room enough that you can easily see across it to the other side and most of the way to the ceiling.
"This is incredible," you whisper. "Told you you'd want to see it," Hiro quietly chuckles. "Genista, bring the rest of the squad forward," Delphinium orders, her voice still in awe. "It's so beautiful, isn't it Darling?" Strelitzia asks.
Strelitzia and Delphinium continue to admire until the remaining units of Squad 13 arrive. "Amazing," Genista says. "I've never seen anything so pretty." "Do you think the Klaxosaurs made this?" Code 426 wonders aloud as the FranXX split up to explore the room.
"Maybe they aren't just mindless monsters," Code 587 says as her FranXX kneels beside the flowing magma. "What are you talking about?" Code 690 shoots back. "The Klaxosaurs have done nothing but try to kill us from the beginning. They've never shown intelligence expect for in combat."
"What do you make of this?" Delphinium asks with a sidelong glance. "I don't know what to," you answer. "This is far beyond what simple mindless drones could do. I mean, look at it. This is organized and structured. It was clearly built but, could Klaxosaurs really do this?"
Nearby Strelitzia inspects one of the magma filled honeycombs. The magma seems to completely fill the honeycomb but doesn't flow out. She taps the exterior of the container and finds a viscus barrier holding the liquid inside.
"I think we could use this," she mumbles. "What do you mean Zero Two?" Hiro asks. "Strelitzia has about half her fuel left," Zero Two answers. "This does look like the magma fuel they put in FranXX," Code 423 offers. Upon further inspection you find them to be correct. The magma flowing in the river had a different shade and consistency than that held in storage.
"You want to try and refuel Strelitzia with it?" Hiro asks, sounding slightly uncomfortable. "Mhmm," Strelitzia nods. "Even if we get some on us it won't hurt, see Darling." As she speaks Strelitzia plunges her hand into the honeycomb. This is accompanied by Hiro's scream but a moment later when Strelitzia withdraws the appendage unscathed he calms down.
"Guys I don't think that's a good idea," Genista shrieks. "I think we made them mad." You follow the barrel of Genista's cannon and sure enough from the other side of the cavern several Klaxosaurs emerge. "Everyone prepare for combat!" Delphinium shouts. And with that the battle begins.
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Argentea's POV
"That was the last one," Argentea announces as she removes her claws from the Klaxosaur husk. "That makes fifteen," Code 090 says. "It's almost like they are patrolling," Ikuno murmurs.
"The good news is we should be near the mine's control center," Code 112 adds attempting to lighten the mood. The map appears once again, with the same blinking dot representing Squad 26's location. "Just another half mile or so."
"Good, let's make this quick and then get back to the others!" Zorome cheers. Yeah! Miku cheers internally. The sooner we reconnect with them the better. "Let's move," Code 090 orders and everyone quickly falls in line behind him. There is a renewed spring in their steps, as if they are almost out of the nightmare that this mission has been.
"There!" Argentea shouts as they approach a tall metal door. On the wall beside it the words "Command and Control Center" are written. "We made it!" "Alright everyone, don't let your guard down," Code 090 cautions.
"Transmitting access code," Code 112 announces as the squad stacks up around the door. While Chlorophytum and the units of Squad 26 wait on either side of the door Argentea stands directly in front of it, ready to take on whatever might come out.
Thirty seconds pass in silence. What is taking so long? "Code wasn't received," 112 says sounding somewhat disappointed. "Guess we'll have to do it the hard way," Zorome excitedly cheers as Argentea digs her claws into the metal. "What are you?!" Code 090 begins to exclaim but stops as the door begins to slowly slide up due to the force Argentea is exerting on it.
Two of the others quickly slide their hands under the door and lift as Argentea withdraws her claws. "See," Argentea pants. "Just needed a little-" Argentea doesn't finish her statement as she is knocked to the ground. "Zorome!" the pink and white FranXX shrieks in terror before realizing that nothing is happening. Miku opens her eyes to find the face of an inactive standard model FranXX hovering just before hers.
A moment later when she realizes that she is holding just the head of a FranXX she lets out another cry before tossing it aside. "What the hell was that?" Zorome demands. However, there is no response. "Guys?"
As Argentea gets to her feet she finds Squad 26 standing in a small semicircle around something by the door. Making her way over she finds out what it is. The headless body of a standard model FranXX. "Did I? Did we?" Miku begins to panic.
"No," Code 252 answers. "See the puncture wound in the chest? They were gone long before you cut off the head." That is enough to calm Miku's nerves for a moment but then her curiosity kicks in. "What is another FranXX doing down here?"
"Clearly," Mitsuru answers in a mocking tone. "We are not the first to be sent down here." "Let's look around," Code 090 says. As his light shines into the command center several there is a sparkle from two different locations. Upon further inspection they turn out to be two more standard model FranXX, or what's left of them.
The first is torn into three distinct pieces. Miku cringes at the sight of her head and upper torso, waist and right leg, and finally her left leg, strewn across a small area. Was she still alive when they did that? The second is almost more brutal. The unit is mostly in one piece, but her armor has been stripped revealing the machine's inner workings. From there it is easily visible how the FranXX met its end. The heavy lines that carry the magma energy are torn to shreds. There are scorch marks on the underside of her chin indicating that when the lines ruptured the cockpit was likely flooded with magma fuel.
"What happened?" Ikuno whispers in shock. "They weren't just killed, it looks like the Klaxosaurs wanted them to suffer." This hits especially close to home for the pistils, after all they would have felt this if they were the unfortunate souls to have been connected to these units.
"Let's see if we can find anything," Code 090 says quietly. "145, you and 252 look for the control panel." "Yes sir," the FranXX replies before moving further into the room.
"Zorome," Argentea's face appears inside her cockpit. The usually smiley boy sits in the pilot's chair with a very not Zorome expression, one wrought with sadness. "Don't worry," he finally replies after close to thirty seconds. "I won't ever let this happen to you." These words warm Miku's heart. "Thank you," she whispers.
"Hey lead, I found something," Code 355 announces. Argentea and Chlorophytum join the two FranXX in standing over the one Argentea had decapitated. Code 355's FranXX points to the shoulder of the unit. There a small number is written, like those of Squad 26's FranXX, 97. Beside the number is a ′ indicating it as the lead FranXX of the squad. The head also now rests beside the unit. "Listen."
"This is Code 085," a female voice speaks. "Squad leader of Plantation 97. The commander has ordered us to seal the mine because we couldn't contain the Klaxosaurs within. He said he hopes that they will be unable to breach the blast door of the facility. I've ordered units 2 and 5 back to the plantation. They are wounded and there is no reason for them to remain here with us."
"Sadly, the only way to seal the mine is from the central control center. That means we will be sealing ourselves in as well. Code 851 was worried that we will starve, I didn't have the heart to tell him the Klaxosaurs will do it long before then. But those are our orders, and it is our duty to give our lives in service to Papa."
There is a rattling in the background. "We're ready?" Code 085 asks. "Then commence with the door's sealing process." The rumbling grows even louder. "We hold them here," Code 085 says sternly. "The door is just up the hall, and this is the only way to it. I only hope that-"
The recording stops abruptly. "I'm afraid that's all there is," Code 277 says. "They were ordered to seal themselves in the mine with the Klaxosaurs," Chlorophytum quietly states. "Why would they do that?" Zorome asks. "They had to know it meant they were going to die."
"Dying in service to Papa is what all parasites strive for," Code 112 answers. "But," Argentea whispers. "They couldn't have wanted that, to die I mean. There had to be some other way. Why just leave them?" "Because there are always more parasites," Code 090 answers. "You should know that by now. Code 056 was lost during the kissing between our plantations and I doubt it took a week before his replacement arrived. Our job is to protect the plantations as best we can until we die, then the next squad will pick up where we left off."
How can he say that so calmly! Miku shouts to herself. I want to protect the plantations and serve Papa too, but I don't want to die! Even the stoic Chlorophytum looks somewhat uncomfortable with the speech Code 090 had just made.
Before the conversation can go any further however the lights overhead begin to flicker. "The power?" Mitsuru wonders aloud. Several moments later the hall is bathed in light. "We managed to get the power back on," Code 145 reports as her FranXX stands once more. "Good," Code 090 replies. "Now we can begin looking for Squad 13."
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"How do you think the children are doing?" Nana asks with a hint of worry. "I am sure they will be fine," Hachi answers looking down at the paperwork on his desk. "Do you think we should have held off on this mission?" Nana presses further. "Squad 97 was lost trying to clear out the nest."
"The doctor believes that they are ready," Hachi answers. A pair of hands come down on his desk obstructing his view of the papers. Glancing up he finds Nana leaning over the desk with a stiff expression. "I am worried about them," she says firmly. "There is nothing we can do for them now," Hachi explains. "Only wait for their return."
Unsatisfied with his answer Nana storms out of the office. "Why must she always be like this?" he asks no one in particular. Nana had come in close to twenty minutes ago and her nervous pacing had been enough to keep him from getting any work done. "Oh well," he grumbles looking back to the papers on his desk.
'Klaxosaur Nest Scouting Report. Estimated enemy presence 250 Conrad Class, 30 Mohorovicic Class, 1 unclassified – presumed Gutenberg.'
"This will be tough," Hachi says. "Come back safe children."