What's up guys, hope you're all well. Just dropping by with a short note before we get started. You will notice very quickly that this chapter is unlike any we've had to date so be sure to let me know what you think of getting a look at things from another side. Oh yeah, there will be no Squad 13 in this chapter, so you guys get to worry about them for a little while longer :)

Nine Alpha's POV

"Match start!" the mechanical voice announces. Nine Alpha can't help but smile. It's been quite some time since he fought against an intelligent opponent, and so he was looking forward to the upcoming battle. Though, calling parasites intelligent might be a stretch. They certainly had their uses, in fact against Conrad-class Klaxosaur they were almost guaranteed to win in a one on one fight. When it came to anything tougher, though, they quickly became outmatched. And he was far tougher than anything these parasites would have seen before.

Alpha continues a few paces into the arena and takes a moment to survey his surroundings. Before him is a rocky crag, a new addition to the arena since his last match here. Nearby boulders rest on the edge of a stream that lazily makes its way further past his vision. Only a small portion of the arena is visible from this point, anyway. In total it was nearly twenty-five square miles of enclosed space, part of the Nine's personal training facility. More accurately, their playground.

Well, they certainly have done some redecorating since I was last here, Alpha tells himself. I'll have to thank Papa for the gifts. "Zeta," Alpha addresses his partner, "shall we begin? These parasites won't dispose of themselves, after all."

M9 Prime, the FranXX of Alpha and Zeta, takes a step forward and begins walking along the side of the crag. Zeta gives no reply, but he can sense her eagerness through their connection. Like him, she felt that fighting parasites was much more fun than Klaxosaurs. Klaxosaurs never squealed or begged for mercy. And there was something about watching your foe realize they were going to die, the despair in their eyes as they cried or the crack in their voice as they pleaded for their lives, that was so delicious. And he would drink up every drop. Who knew when he would have the chance again?

The rules of today's training were simple: Alpha and Zeta would face off against a squad parasites. Said squad had entered the arena from a door opposite the one he and Zeta had just exited some hundred meters behind him. Today's squad was different than usual, however. It was comprised of members from one of Dr. FranXX's newly designed parasite templates. In theory they would survive longer than the traditional parasites, but Alpha high doubted that. There wasn't a parasite in the world that could out-pilot him. Well, at least there wasn't one nearby.

Nine Iota was the only parasite that had ever fought him to a draw. In their sparring match she had forced him to be on the defensive mere moments after it began. It remained that way for most of the match and there was a very real possibility that Alpha and Zeta would have lost if they hadn't been prepared.

Going in, Alpha knew everything about Iota, so his strategy had been to make her exert as much energy as he could. Doing so would put a great deal of strain on her stamen, who would undoubtedly fail to keep up and perish as she drank him dry.

The fight went according to plan and Strelitiza entered Stampede mode within minutes. Much to his surprise, Iota only became stronger after the transition. Her ferocity was unmatched. After the battle Alpha had requested that Iota become his partner, but unfortunately Papa had denied that request because they were unsure that even one such as he could pilot Strelitzia without side effects. There was no doubt in Alpha's mind that he could have tamed her, but Papa had decreed it and Papa's word was absolute.

Clack.

Alpha's head snapped in the direction of the sound. A rock had fallen half a mile away, and if it was a rock then that meant the squad was there. "Hear that, Zeta?" Alpha looks over his shoulder at his silver haired partner, who nods. "Let's go."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"And what have we here?" Alpha asks as M9' watches from its position at the top of the crag. Close to two thousand feet below, a single FranXX darts from cover to cover. "A scout," he muses. "My, these parasites are different from the rest. Maybe Dr. Franxx has finally made some progress. And this one looks different."

The FranXX in question is different from the standard model. She possesses no visible armor, but judging by how quickly she moves the goal of this unit is to never be hit in the first place. "Interesting," Alpha says as the FranXX vaults over a boulder in the canyon with ease. Looking closer he finally sees her armament. Strapped to the lithe figure's waist is a sheath.

"Strange," mumbles the Nine's leader. "I've never seen a FranXX carry anything other than a spear. That blade…" The sheath reaches from the waist to a point roughly three quarters of the way down the FranXX's leg and has a slight curve.

Alpha and Zeta watch the FranXX for several more minutes as it continues to work its way toward them. When it's almost beneath them, M9' draws its spear before diving off the crag's edge and plunging toward the unexpecting FranXX. Alpha licks his lips, eager for the kill, and thrusts the spear, aiming for the FranXX's heart.

Shing.

"Impossible," Alpha gasps. Meanwhile, the FranXX flourishes her blade before returning it to the sheath, her hand not leaving the blade's hilt. The fact that this unit had managed to block his surprise attack seemed impossible, but he certainly wasn't going to give them the chance to do it again.

"You are Nine Alpha," a voice addresses him. The FranXX's left hand moves to her face, palm to the side, bisecting the head and gives a small bow. "It is an hon- AAGH!"

The FranXX falls to its knees, clutching at its throat. "Rule number one," Alpha whispers, leaning in close. "Honor has no place on the battlefield. Perhaps if you'd known that you'd still be alive."

As magma fuel continues to seep from the wound, M9' reaches for the FranXX's strange blade, pulling it from the sheath. The blade is curved like the sheath, but it comes out much faster than expected. "Hmm," Alpha inspects the blade, placing it against the sheath to compare the two. This clearly shows that the blade is only three quarters the length of the sheath.

"I believe I will be taking this," Alpha states pulling the sheath from the FranXX's waist and attaching it to that of his own. Standing and beginning to walk away he glances back at the FranXX. "I hope that the rest of your squad is provides more of a challenge. Oh, and do try not to bleed out too quickly… Delta enjoys watching others suffer."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Following the elimination of the opposing squad's scout, Alpha decided to take a more proactive approach, walking through the exposed dunes of the facility's desert biome. The squad had to have realized the loss of their teammate by now, so stealth wasn't an option. Not that it mattered. Even if these parasites were different than those he was accustomed to, he could still beat them in a straight fight, regardless of it being four on one.

Reaching the peak of a sandbank, Alpha finds what he had been looking for. In the valley below three FranXX look expectantly at him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Alpha bows. "Hopefully you've managed to keep yourself entertained in my absence."

"Where are they?" the FranXX in the middle asks, a bulky looking unit carrying a shield and sword. "They?" Alpha asks cocking his head to one side. "Our friends," the smaller red FranXX on the right hisses, her weapon not immediately visible.

"Oh, them," Alpha says with mock sadness. "I'm afraid they won't be coming. But don't worry, you'll be joining them soon."

"What did you do to them?!" the red one shouts, drawing her weapon, a long whip composed of interconnected metal segments. A bladed chain whip, with warm magma slowly dripping from each point. There is a slight sizzle as each drop reaches the sand below, the molten fuel instantly turning the sand to glass.

"Oh, we didn't do much," Alpha slyly replies as his FranXX begins to slowly make its way down the dune. "Let's just say that your friends have been retired."

The red FranXX begins to lunge forward, only to be stopped the bulky one. "Let us go!" a voice clearly belonging to the red FranXX's stamen demands. "Not like this," a much smoother voice answers. "We will do everything we can, but getting mad will only make things worse."

"Don't listen to them," Alpha purrs. "Give in to your rage. It's so much more fun to fight you parasites with emotions because I never know how you'll react." "Nope," the bulky FranXX pulls the red one back as she tries once more to break free and assault the lone Nine.

Alpha stops at the bottom of the dune some several hundred feet from the group. "Do you know what the best part is?" Alpha laughs. "The fools were mumbling something about honor when it happened. Hadn't even drawn their sword." Alpha slowly draws the blade and examines it. "I think I could grow to like it."

"You monster!" a strained female voice cries. "This was supposed to be a training match." "If this was a training match then why would they have given you your real weapons?" Alpha counters. "You're here to fight and perish. As is the duty of all parasites."

The blade slides back into the sheath with a satisfying click. "Now, tell me," Alpha says pulling the spear from his back, "do any of you have some nonsense they'd like to spew before we begin?" The three FranXX opposite him remain silent but Alpha can easily see the red one is barely holding back. "I will leave you with this advice then, honor has no place on the battlefield."

No sooner has Alpha finished speaking than the red FranXX charges him. The chain whip drags along the ground before being swung in a wide arc by its owner. A simple swipe to the left with his spear is all it takes to alter the whip's course into the ground. However to his surprise, the whip wraps itself around his spear which is then pulled from his hands.

"Got you now!" the FranXX victoriously shouts, swinging the chain at him once more. Without a second thought Alpha's hand goes to the sword attached to his waist. In a lighting fast motion he pulls it from the sheath and swings in an upward arc.

There is a scream as the hand of the red FranXX is severed from the rest of the body, her weapon sailing over Alpha's shoulder and into the dune behind him. The crimson figure falls to its knees before him, clutching the stump as magma fluid gushes from the wound.

"It seems you let your emotions get the better of you," Alpha says as he steps behind the downed opponent and raises the sword. "It is a mistake you won't have the chance to make twice." The FranXX convulses as the blade is driven through the base of her neck and exits through her chest.

"No!"

The blade has barely emerged from the red one's chest when the third FranXX, which had remained silent until now, attacks. Using a glaive-like weapon she makes pointed thrusts toward M9'.

Seeing the blade at the last possible second, Alpha releases his grip on the ninjato, leaving it firmly embedded in the now-disabled red FranXX. In a display of sheer instinct he sidesteps but not without snaking his arm around the shaft of the weapon and locking it in his grasp.

The assailant attempts to wrestle the weapon from Alpha, who in turn uses the change in momentum to his advantage, releasing it and rushing toward her. The spear wielder loses her balance now that the battle for control of said weapon has been decided and stumbles backward.

M9 Prime's first blow is an open handed strike to the center of the chest, right where a human's rib cage would be located. As the FranXX doubles over an elbow collides with her skull, further disassociating her and causing her to drop the glaive. In a single fluid motion Alpha rolls over her back and collects it.

The FranXX, making a miraculous recovery, dives toward him in an unsuccessful attempt to take him to the ground. It only results in an opening for Alpha to strike with his newfound toy as she sails past.

Swish.

The FranXX shrieks as she lands on the ground in three distinct pieces, her left leg just above the knee, her right leg just above the knee, and the remainder of her body. The legless FranXX rolls back and forth on the ground screaming like a banshee and holding the stumps that had been her legs moments before.

"I much preferred you when you were silent," Alpha dryly states, standing above her. The FranXX cries out a final time as her glaive is driven into her chest. The pained look of terror slowly fades from her eyes as she grips the shaft just above the head.

Crunch.

The blade turns 90 degrees as a result of Alpha's twist on the shaft and the FranXX's display winks out. Her hands fall away a moment later as silence once again overtakes her.

"There," M9' pats its hands together, as if to brush some imaginary earth or dust off. "Now that that's dealt with, I'd say it's time you and I had a proper fight, wouldn't you?" Alpha asks the remaining FranXX. The large FranXX is silent, merely holding her sword and tower shield at the ready. "What…that's it?" Alpha goads. "No threats or cursing my existence? You're just going to silently accept that I've killed three of your squadmates?"

Alpha waits for close to thirty seconds before sighing, "Ah well, I guess I'll just have to enjoy tracking down your last squadmate. Don't think I haven't noticed their absence. What happened? Did they realize after your scout went dark that you stood no chance of winning? Are they off in some corner crying? Tell me they'll beg for mercy, this so much more enjoyable when they do."

Bang.

A lance of pain shoots through Alpha's abdomen and he stumbles back as his free hand investigates the source. He is greeted by a warm fluid, which upon further investigation proves to be magma fuel that M9' now bleeds. Suddenly and without warning, an immense feeling of anger surges forth from within him. I'm the great Nine Alpha, and how dare these parasites injure me! They're not even worthy of being on the same battlefield as I am!

Crack.

The sand behind him explodes as a second shot misses by a margin much too small for comfort. Alpha rolls to his left, ignoring the pain that accompanies it, grabbing the end of the chain whip with his free hand. Another two shots land on his left and right before he is able to charge the FranXX wielding the sword and shield.

As he had suspected, the shooting ceases when he closes the distance, the shooter likely being worried about hitting their squadmate instead of him. Fighting the lumbering oaf that is the remaining FranXX is no issue for Alpha, who easily outmaneuvers her. However, he refrains from striking, as killing this unit would remove the only thing that was currently silencing the shooter. And unfortunately, he can't afford that until he knows their location.

The deadly dance continues for another several minutes before Alpha finally spots his prize. As he rakes the chain whip across his opponent's shield, there is a glint from the dune over her left shoulder. He immediately recognizes it from the weapons training he has received as a Nine, the glint of the sun off a rifle scope.

Coming to a stop with the large FranXX between himself and the dune, Alpha smiles. "Well this really has been fun, but I'm afraid that something else requires my attention." He bows, placing the chain whip on the mag strip along his beltline.

A look of confusion crosses the shield bearer's face before her expression hardens again. Banging her sword against the shield she shows once more that she is prepared to continue their duel. Alpha nods and begins to sprint at the unit, who in response lowers her outer shoulder and protects herself behind the shield.

Inside the cockpit Alpha smiles, exactly what he had expected.

As the distance between the two FranXX closes until they are within striking distance, his opponent remains motionless. They had been on the defensive throughout the entire bout so far and seemed content to allow him the first move once again.

When Alpha is only one and a half body lengths away, he begins. Throwing himself forward he enters a controlled tumble, resulting in a handstand that gives way into a full flip. This propels him up and over the defensive FranXX in such a manner by the time they have realized what he's doing it's far too late for them to stop him.

For a brief second he lands with one foot on each shoulder of the blue giant before propelling himself toward the sniper's dune. The force of his jump causes the FranXX to lose her sword and shield as the unit falls to her hands and knees. The momentum of his acrobatics only clears an eighth of the distance between himself and the sniper, but that was never his goal. He had removed the extra FranXX from the equation long enough for him to deal with the sniper.

Three shots, Alpha tells himself. That's how many they should be able to get off before we can close on them.

Crack.

The first shot lands just to Alpha's right as he comes out of the roll and pushes forward. One.

Bang.

Another shot misses by only a hair. Two.

By now Alpha is close enough that he can make out the features of both the sniper and her rifle. It has a strange and inefficient design by modern standards. After firing the second shot, the sniper cocks the rifle using a lever built around the trigger. This results in the spent cartridge being expelled in the typical fashion, but even with the clearly well-trained speed at which the sniper accomplishes this task Alpha can't help but think that it's altogether unnecessary.

The sniper is clearly aware of how close Alpha has come to her and seems to rush while lining up her third shot. In order to minimize his chance of being hit and to give himself the best chance of disarming his opponent, Alpha dives forward in an attempt to crest the dune and tackle his foe. Even so, she pulls the trigger and Alpha feels the round tear through his left shoulder before the shot could even be heard.

With a roar of pain, Alpha tackles the sniper and the pair roll down the dune. Landing in a heap at the bottom, they continue to fight over the rifle now that Alpha has gotten his hands on it.

"I've had enough of your little toy!" Alpha snarls from his position on top. With his hands shoulder width apart, he forces the rifle closer and closer to the FranXX's neck with the intent to choke her.

To the sniper's credit, she puts up a much better fight than Alpha had anticipated, holding him to a near draw until M9' lessens the pressure in his right arm. The barrel rapidly approaches his head, but this unexpected gain in ground causes the sniper's arm to extend to its full length before it can reach the distance. Using the change in fulcrum to his advantage, Alpha pushes hard on the right, cracking the butt of the rifle across the FranXX's faceplate.

The sniper immediately releases her grip on the rifle as both hands fly to her face to meet the pain. Tired of this weapon which has been the cause of all his problems in today's match, Alpha drives the rifle barrel first into the sand beside him and begins relentlessly pummeling the sniper. The soft sand provides some cushion from his blows as do her arms, which she uses to cover her face.

"You think that because of your little gun you have the right to hurt me?!" Alpha shrieks. "If you really were on my level you wouldn't need to hide behind a squad, and you'd fight me with a real weapon! You'll never-"

Alpha is cut off as he is thrown to the side. Rolling back to his feet, he finds the blue FranXX once again standing between him and the downed sniper.

"That's it! I'm done with you!" he roars, pulling the chain whip from his belt and charging. The FranXX doesn't have time to react as Alpha slides into its legs and knocks it to the ground. Before it even hits he has already begun wrapping the chain around her neck, and by the time she clambers to her knees she can only look up at him to beg for mercy. However it is too late, Alpha has already turned his back to her, the chain disappearing over his shoulder.

"Die," Alpha orders, pulling the chain taut. There is a loud crack rivaling that of the rifle as the FranXX's neck snaps, instantly killing the pistil inside.

"You… you aren't human…" the sniper whispers. She has regained her footing and holds the rifle level with Alpha's chest. "But I'll… I'll k-kill you…for my f-friends." "I invite you to try," Alpha replies, taking a step toward her.

"Don't come any c-closer," she whimpers cocking the rifle. "I'll shoot!"

Alpha takes another step forward saying, "Go ahead… shoot me."

The shivering FranXX closes her eyes for a moment, steeling her resolve, then pulls the trigger. A shot rings out and the sniper falls to the ground. Alpha walks over to the corpse and turns it over. Embedded in the FranXX's head is a long piece of metal, the same gray color as her firearm's barrel.

"I'm sorry my dear," Alpha says, inspecting the now ruined weapon. "It seems your barrel was plugged. Perhaps you should have checked that after I thrust it into the sand."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Following their victory, Alpha and Zeta returned to the docking bay of the Nine's facility. As the pair exit their FranXX it gives Alpha his first view of the damage that the battle had wrought on his unit. He had noticed that his movements felt somewhat sluggish during the walk back, and now that reason is evident. Through the large hole in the FranXX's abdomen, a section of internal wiring is visibly severed and dried hydraulic fluid stains the white exterior a dull grey.

Looking at the damage also causes the pain in his abdomen to flair up as well. For a moment he instinctively begins to place his hand against the wound, but stops himself. To show pain was to show weakness. And besides, pain suppression and tolerance was in his training as a Nine.

"Welcome back, Nine Alpha," a synthesized voice greets him as he and Zeta exit the docking bay into a hallway. Three APE scientists await them there. Zeta wordlessly follows the first while the second and third begin escorting Alpha in the opposite direction. He is led to a room containing various pieces of state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Without waiting to be told he strips out of his parasite suit and seats himself on the edge of the nearby examination table. The first scientist pricks his arm and draws several vials of blood, while the second runs him through several basic tests to ensure that he is no worse for the wear after the battle.

Once the preliminary tests are complete, a thorough examination of the wound on his lower torso is done. While visibly it looked only like a large bruise, Alpha had known from the beginning it would be more than that. Due to the connection between a parasite and their FranXX, his body experienced being shot by the sniper even though a bullet had never struck him itself.

The test begins with a few x-rays, however the scientists are not satisfied with the result and he is ordered to undergo an MRI. Laying in the machine, Alpha can't help but feel tired of this. Even after a simple training match they want to do a full examination. I can't fault them, as it's Papa's will that we Nines are always kept in peak physical and mental condition …but that doesn't make it less tedious.

Some twenty minutes later the low rumbling of the MRI machine ceases and the table he lays on slides out of the tube-like section. One of the scientists awaits him holding a clipboard. "It appears you have suffered minor amounts of internal bleeding due to the perceived gunshot wound," the man informs him. "It's nothing I can't handle," Alpha replies as he stands up.

"It is suggested that you do not engage in rigorous physical activity such as piloting for the next three days to ensure that the wound heals properly," the scientist continues as Alpha dons his dress uniform.

"Nine Alpha," a different voice asks. "Yes?" he glances over his shoulder at the scientist. "Please acknowledge that you understand," the second scientist, a woman, asks.

"I understand," Alpha answers. "There isn't much to worry about anyway. There's nothing but training matches scheduled for the next three days and I've just completed mine." With that he walks out the open door of the examination room, heading to the lounge where his squad is waiting.

"Alllphaaaa," a voice whines. The lead Nine turns to see his second in command, the mint-haired Delta, learning against a wall. She smiles momentarily, seeing that she now has his full attention. "You promised. Alpha," she continues to pout, crossing her arms and refusing to look at him.

"My apologies, Delta," Alpha replies smoothly. "Those parasites proved to be more of a problem than I had initially expected. So, I treated them as I would any threat."

Delta looks at him out of the corner of her eye before dropping the facade, "I know. But did you have to kill them so quickly? Your use of that serrated chain was decent, but if you just go and kill the parasites then how are you supposed to enjoy their screams?"

"I left the first kill for you," Alpha answers. "The scout whose throat I slit. Did you not get to witness it?"

Delta's upper lip curls into a smile and she slowly licks her lips. "It took them one hundred and ninety seven seconds to bleed out. The stamen spent most of it crying. Asking Papa why something so terrible would happen to him," Delta tilts her head to the side, but her rather cute exterior can't hide the monster inside. "It was delicious!"

"I am glad you were able to enjoy it," Alpha responds, walking past her. She falls in step with him and the pair continue down the hall.

"You know..." Delta says giving him a sly grin. "It would have been more fun if you had taken me out there instead."

Alpha stifles a groan. Not this again. "And why is that?" he asks her.

Delta rocks her head from side to side, replying in a sing-song voice. "Because I'm better than she is." Delta steps in front of him blocking the hall. "You know it's true. I'm better than Zeta, Eta, and Theta, not to mention I have more personality."

"Yes, yes you do," Alpha mumbles. "Hmm?" Delta inquires. "I was merely agreeing that you do speak more than Zeta," Alpha answers pushing past her.

"That's good, isn't it?" Delta continues to prod him. "After all, you just love the sound of my voice. And doesn't it make sense for the two best pilots to be together?"

Alpha takes another step before stopping before his destination. "Now Delta," he addresses her. "I'd say that is quite enough of your antics for the time being. Epsilon is your partner and Zeta mine. Papa willed it this way."

Delta's shoulders slouch. "I know," she drearily replies. "But that doesn't mean it will stay that way forever." She smiles once more before placing her hand on the scanner beside the door. There is a small chirp as her scan is accepted and the door slides open, revealing the Nine's personal lounge.

The door opens at roughly the halfway point of the room, revealing an interior that is a stark contrast to the rest of the facility. The walls are a pleasing shade of violet and the dim lighting give the room an upscale feel. To the left of the door are three couches arranged in a u shape around a holo table with fine mahogany inlay.

On the right is a large oaken bar. Several stools line the front while a large mirror is mounted against the wall between the liquor cabinets. Both of which, and the bar, are fully stocked but it is purely for aesthetic purposes. None of the Nines drink or have ever drunk in their lives. It was forbidden by Papa.

Beta sits at the bar while Gamma leans against it from the opposite side, clearly having a conversation while a half empty glass sits between them. The triplets, Zeta, Eta, and Theta, sit side by side on a single couch. The trio is somewhat squished, with the couches clearly having been designed for only two, but none of them appear to be bothered by it. The final Nine, Epsilon, is quietly reading on one of the couches but looks up as Alpha and Delta enter.

"You've returned," Epsilon says with a smile, closing his book. "Yes!" Gamma shouts from behind the bar. "Welcome back our victorious leader!" Gamma's words are genuine, but Alpha knows all too well the fire in his squadmate's eyes. Gamma viewed everything as a contest and since he had not yet completed his own training match, which was scheduled for tomorrow, he was already eager for the chance to prove himself superior to Alpha.

"An excellent match," Beta commends him. "Using the brute with the shield to keep the sniper from firing on you was a sound decision. You didn't happen to bring the rifle back, did you? I'd love to try one ou-" Beta stops, seeing the twinge of annoyance on Alpha's face at the mention of the only blemish on today's match. "Oh, I mean it is unfortunate your FranXX was damaged."

Gamma slams his fist on the bar. "A glorious display of our supremacy! Though I would never have allowed a shot to be fired."

"Now Gamma," Delta purrs. "Are you implying that you would have handled the situation any differently than our leader?" She tilts her head to the left and gives a dangerous smile. "Because I certainly don't think that is the case. In fact, I-"

"Leave it," Alpha orders before Delta can continue and Gamma has a chance to respond, making his way to one of the unoccupied couches. As soon as he sits down Zeta leaves her sisters behind and promptly joins him, glaring at had acted this way ever since the pair had become partners, never far from his side and ready at a moment's notice. I can't decide if she thinks I own her, Alpha says to himself, … or if she owns me.

"Whose match is tomorrow?" Alpha asks, hoping to redirect the conversation in another, less hostile, direction. "Delta's and mine," Epsilon answer with a smile. "I can't wait!" is Delta's response. The girl has seated herself beside Epsilon but jitters uncontrollably with anticipation. "Alpha," she turns to him with a wild look in her eyes. "Do you think I could borrow the chain whip? I know you kept it and I have so many wonderful ideas of how to use it."

"Delta," Beta cuts in. "That's Alpha's trophy and considering the blood he shed for it I'd say it's only fair he keeps it to himself." "Besides," Gamma continues, "don't you want to take your own from tomorrow's match? Maybe one of them will have something that fits your particular…interests." Gamma finishes with a smile.

"I know who I want to fight," Gamma announces after a moment of silence. "Squad 13!" "Dr. FranXX's favorite test squad?" Beta chuckles. "Won't happen. Now matter how many times you ask Papa he will still allow the doctor to protect them." "But they are they strongest parasites except for us," Gamma says. "Our battle would be legendary, even if it does ultimately end in my victory!"

"They certainly are something," Alpha murmurs. "Their fragile emotions make them so much more fun to play with," Delta grins. "Do you remember the look on that washout's face when you insulted the squad leader's former partner?"

"He looked ready to hit you, Alpha," Epsilon says resting his chin in his hand. "I wish he would have tried," Gamma laughs. "The fight would have been quick but enjoyable."

"Losing another partner right before her very eyes," Delta's voice jumps several octaves as she feigns sadness. "I doubt her poor heart could have taken it."

The other Nines laugh at Delta's joke and continue to as she describes how Squad 13 could be easily disassembled piece by piece. Meanwhile, Alpha's thoughts drift to that day in the Garden.

Something's off about that parasite from the Replacement Division...he didn't seem like the others I've met. No matter, even if he is different from the rest he's still just a pawn in Papa's grand game. That partner of his though, they claim she entered Stampede mode not once but twice and has emerged relatively unscathed each time. Only Iota should be capable of that. Maybe Dr. FranXX's test teams really are something special. Today's proved to more trouble than I had anticipated, but Squad 13 must be stronger...they are clearly his favorite. I wonder what kind of training he has them undergoing right now?