Hello everyone! It's been a bit since the last author's note, but I'm back with an announcement! As of today, I have launched a P-atreon . Now, I'm sure this may be a bit concerning to some of you, but rest assured that Insurrection WILL continue to be updated regardless of the account's success or failure. Nothing from the story itself will ever be locked behind a paywall.

First, why? The answer is simple, really. I spend a lot of time working on this story. I've put my heart and soul into the writing and I really hope it shows. I've established the so that those who wish to support the story in a financial way may do so. Anything given through it will be used for one of several things, including but not limited to, additional illustrations, compensation for the editor's time, additional resources for the story and those to come, and finally, I will be taking a portion for myself as well. Spaze spends nearly as much time as I do working on Insurrection and he does it for free. I'd like to be able to show him a bit of gratitude.

Second, and more importantly for you, what do you get out of being a Patron? There are several tiers available, each with its own benefit. To keep from taking too much longer I'll just say rewards include:

· Access to a discord server with Spaze and myself.

· Entry to the Archive, which contains additional bits of lore, extra, unused, or alternate chapters of stories.

· Short stories or one-shots written for you.

Please don't hesitate to let me know what you think about the rewards and pricing scheme. If there's something you'd like to have that isn't currently there, it'll be looked into. If you feel the prices aren't quite what you'd hoped, they can be adjusted in the future. Feedback of all varieties is important, especially because I've never done this sort of thing before.

The can be found at the link below: remember to add in the necessary dot and com in the place of the [] and remove the ()

pa(treon)[]/user?u=23881069

Upon arriving at the doctor's facility, Freya escorts you all down a different hall than the one leading toward Franxx's office. As such, you had no idea where you were inside the massive complex. After several minutes of walking, she stops beside two sets of doors. "Dressing rooms," she explains to the confused group. "You will find your new parasite suits inside. I shall wait here, and when you return you will all be escorted to the FranXX."

The group fractures to change as you follow the other boys into the dressing room. Each locker has a small screen, displaying a three-digit number. Kyo and his compatriots quickly find theirs using this, but given your lack of an official designation, you search a little longer before deciding that the one labeled '138' must have been meant for you. It simply used your Replacement Division code in place of a real one. Trying on the uniform inside proves to validate your guess, as it fits you perfectly.

After you've finished dressing, Freya's voice comes over the room's speakers. "Before leaving, please take the boxes located next to the door. They contain additional uniforms for the other parasites at Haven." You are somewhat confused as to why the doctor would think you needed more parasite suits, but take the container and move on just the same.

Outside, you wait patiently for the girls to finish. Miku is the first to exit, likely anxious around all the unfamiliar faces, and she quickly makes her way over to you. Meanwhile, you are left to pick up your jaw as she approaches.

The parasite suit Miku wears is unlike any you've seen before. While technically the same as any other suit you've seen a pistil wear, the coloration sets it apart. It's black. However, it still retains the one thing that allowed onlookers to quickly determine who was partnered with who, two pink stripes adorning her right leg.

"Does it look weird?" Miku asks nervously.

"It's… different," you reply slowly.

Miku frowns.

Oh, damn. You quickly backtrack, realizing that Miku might take that response to be negative. "But it's a good different."

Miku's smile returns and she put a hand on her hip. "I'm just glad Zorome isn't here. He's always ogling me when he thinks I'm not looking. But you won't."

You roll your eyes. "I'm pretty sure I've seen you showing off for him before."

Miku scoffs, crossing her arms and turning so only half her face is visible. "And why would I do that? Especially for a pervert like him?"

"Maybe because you like the attention?" you suggest. "It just seems like every time he looks at another girl, you suddenly appear out of nowhere to scold him." Miku's face reddens, but she doesn't do anything more than stick her tongue out at you.

While the two of you were having your little discussion, the other girls have finished dressing and are now watching you with beaded interest. "Alright, show's over," you say once you notice them, before you go and pick up the box containing the other uniforms. "Freya, where to?"

"This way." The AI leads you further down the hallway to a lift. A short ride later, you find yourselves stepping out onto the catwalk of the docking bay.

"Woah." There is a collective gasp as the members of your party get their first look at their new FranXX.

A tug at your arm draws your attention. "Please, tell me we're taking that one," Miku says, an unmistakable look of excitement in her eyes. Following her finger, you find the red and yellow FranXX with bladed tonfas, Heliconia.

You chuckle at her giddiness. "It sure is." "Yes!" Miku jumps in delight. She's just about to race over to the FranXX when something catches her eye. "Who's that?" she asks, pointing to a small figure halfway down the dock. Squinting to make them out, you recognize none other than Doctor Franxx himself.

The old man walks toward you, his cane clicking as he does. When he finally stops and rests against it some fifteen feet away, he looks Miku up and down before raising his brow at you. "(Y/N), this is the second time you've come here with a girl who isn't your partner. Dare I say she will be very disappointed if you continue to treat her like this."

Miku's eyes go wide. "There was a good reason, doctor," you tell the old man. "I'm teaching Miku to fight, and it's to continue our schedule during the move." The scientist gives you a grin. "Oh, a good reason will hardly be enough to save you from her ire," he says. "Ichigo has always been that way ever since she was a child. I probably didn't need to tell you that, though."

Before you have the chance to respond, he clicks his cane and addresses you as a group. "Welcome," he says, his voice projecting much better than you'd anticipated. "I won't bore you with the details or divulge the secrets of each FranXX to you. That'd ruin the fun, after all. Just know that the units you will leave with today are superior to the standard models in every way. Each of you will have strengths. Each of you will have weaknesses. Work together and take care of one another and you'll be successful."

"Kana, Kyo," the squad leaders step forward as the doctor calls their names. "I see that only eight members of your squad are present. This means that (Y/N) and Miku are here as temporary replacements to transport the FranXX in their stead?" "Yes, doctor," Kana answers. The bearded man nods. "Well then, I'll leave you to it. I just wanted to see you all for myself, but now my curiosity has been satisfied." He takes several steps back in the direction from which he came, but pauses and looks over his shoulder. "You all look great, by the way. A stark contrast to APE and their love of that mind-numbing white."

After that, Doctor Franxx takes his leave and Kana and Kyo begin to assign FranXX. One by one, pairs are sent to Laevis, Sylvestris, and Gladiolus, until only you and Miku remain. "We're trusting you to bring Heliconia back," Kyo says. "We can do it," Miku smiles.

"Listen," Kana begins, speaking mostly to you. "When we're out there, we'd appreciate it if you would follow our orders. The pairs we assigned are all new to each other and so are Kyo and I. Having two people giving orders would just make things even more confusing."

"Not a problem," you reply. "We're just here to help." "Thank you," Kana gives you a rare smile. Both her and Kyo bid you good luck and head back up the catwalk to Valkyra.

As luck would have it, the entire exchange played out before Heliconia, so you follow Miku into the cockpit. After depositing the box of spare suits in the storage compartment, you return to find Miku sitting on the pistil's raised platform and facing toward you.

"What's up?" you ask. Miku doesn't say anything until you sit, leaving the two of you approximately eye level. "Um…" she plays with her hands while attempting to figure out what to say. "I'm... not sure how to do this," she finally admits. "I've only ever piloted with Zorome." Her head shoots back up and she frantically waves her hands. "It's not that I don't trust you or anything. I just…" She frowns and looks down. "I don't know how to connect with you."

You nod at what she's said. "Don't worry about it," you tell her. "I've piloted with other girls when I was in the Replacement Division. It's actually not that hard. With how well we know each other, it should be easy to get started. Just slower."

"Really?" Miku asks. "Like... we could do it on the first try?" "Maybe," you reply, "but I don't want to rush you. Everyone else is probably feeling just like we do, so we don't have to worry about taking our time. Slow and steady, and everything is going to be fine."

"Okay," Miku nods. "Let's try it."

Miku turns around and takes her position. It is somewhat weird to have a mass of black standing out from the otherwise familiar cockpit, but you shake off the feeling and grab the controls extending from Miku's waist. Miku tenses up when you do and a quick glance to the monitor on your right shows her heart rate is a little higher than usual. She's in no danger, just anxious about connecting to someone who's not her partner.

"Ready, Miku?" you ask. She takes a deep breath and slowly exhales. "Ready." You pull the triggers and your world fades to black.

As you wade into the familiar sea of green orbs, it feels similar to most you've experienced, yet different enough so that it's still unique. Miku's memories pass you by, from scenes at the Garden as a child to her time as a parasite at Plantation 13, among others.

Two seem to be waiting for you at the end of the tunnel, though. The first plays out with a woman holding a gun on Miku, only for Zorome to knock her out a moment later. Fear radiates from the memory, but it is replaced by safety as Zorome holds Miku while she cries. Underneath, there is the tiniest inkling of what you recognize to be longing as well.

In the final memory, you find yourself standing over Miku on the beach. "If I ever go too far, all you have to do is tap me twice and I'll stop," your voice echoes. "I'm here to make you stronger. I don't want to hurt you." A feeling you hadn't expected accompanies the scene. Admiration.

Miku's vision shifts as she stands and says, "Let's do it again." You try to speak, but she interrupts you. "This is what it takes to be stronger, right? Then I can do it!" Hope and happiness wash over you as Miku readies herself for the next round, and the memory fades away.

After the memory disappears, you are left in a white space. "(Y/N)?" a voice asks. "(Y/N), where are you?" There is a moment of silence, and a feeling of anticipation mixed with concern fills you from an unknown source. And then, "There, I've got you!"

You open your eyes to find yourself once again in the cockpit of Heliconia. The lights lining the spine of Miku's parasite suit are aglow, and on her headdress, the numbers 88 and 92 visible on the pistil and stamen's connection dials.

"You jerk," a voice that is unfamiliar yet undeniably Miku berates you as Heliconia speaks. "It took so long I was getting worried about you."

"I told you it might take longer than you're used to," you shrug. "Zorome's always waiting for me," Heliconia eyes you suspiciously. "You weren't." "Doesn't Zorome also brag about being the first one to finish all the time?" you chuckle. "Besides, I thought that it might take the same amount of time for both of us. That's how it goes with Ichigo and I."

Moving on, you ask Miku about more important things. "How does our connection feel? Is anything weird or off?" She takes a moment to consider her answer. "It feels a little different," she admits, "but we should be fine." You release Heliconia's docking clamps after hearing her response. "Alright, let's try moving around then."

Heliconia slowly takes a step forward. "Everything good?" you ask. "Yeah," the red and yellow mech replies, though she does seem to be focusing intently.

Over the next several minutes, Heliconia makes several laps around the docking bay. To begin with, the only other FranXX that had been successfully activated was Valkyra, but the others appear one by one as you become more familiar with things.

"You know, it is kinda weird," Heliconia tells you. "What's that?" you raise an eyebrow. "Piloting with you," she continues. "Zorome always yanks the controls really hard. If I don't do what he wants fast enough, he pulls even harder. It used to make me really sore."

Her tone softens. "You're different, though. I can tell you're there, but it's not like him. You push me just enough that I know the way you want me to go and let me do the rest."

You are about to ask her for more detail when Valkyra speaks. "Alright everyone, it seems like we're all connected now, so we should get moving. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get back to Haven."

There is a chorus of affirmatives and the FranXX file out the door at the end of the docking bay. However, this door only leads to a massive hallway large enough to accommodate FranXX.

"Freya," Kyo asks the AI for her assistance, "could you please show us how to get out of here?"

"Of course," the program answers. A path is highlighted on the map of Heliconia's HUD. "Simply follow the route I've laid out for you and you will arrive at the exit of the facility. After you have reached one mile in distance from the facility, I will lose communications with you and they will not be restored until you arrive at Haven. The current directions will take you there, however."

"Thank you, Freya," Valkyra looks over her squad. "Everyone, this way."

The two of them are much more formal than Ichigo and I, you tell yourself. I was probably like that too before I came to 13. Oh, how things have changed.

Now that the squad is moving again, you return to the conversation you were having with Miku that'd been interrupted. This time, you chose to use the private line within Heliconia to converse with her.

"About what you were saying earlier," you broach the subject, "is Zorome always rough with you?" Heliconia purses her lips. "He isn't rough, really, you're just gentler. It isn't because he means to be, I know that. He just doesn't know any other way to pilot."

"Yeah, but that must have been uncomfortable for you," you say. "Did you ever think about getting another partner? Your code is lower than his, so they probably would have let you." "Uh uh," Heliconia shakes her head immediately. "That would mean he won. Besides, I'm the only one in the squad who can put him in his place. The other girls wouldn't know how to put up with him."

"Still," she continues. "I can't help but feel weird." "How so?" you ask. "It's you," Heliconia answers. "Not that you did anything wrong, just… I'm used to feeling his excitement and it helps me get going. You just feel calm."

"If it's any consolation," you offer, "it's different for me too. Ichigo is usually really focused, but I can feel your mind going in so many different directions I've lost count. It is kind of nice having something warm coming from my partner, though. Sorry if I feel cold."

"You aren't cold," Heliconia corrects you. "You're cool, like the breeze off the ocean in the morning when we train. It's easier to stay focused with you. You don't get worked up like Zorome does."

"Well, with any luck, you won't need to worry about focusing at all," you stretch. "If we don't have to fight, it'll be a quick trip." Heliconia thinks for a second before speaking. "Yeah," she agrees. "I was kinda hoping we would find something, though." Your curiosity kicks in. "Why's that?" "Because piloting with you is probably the best way for you to teach me," she answers. "I'll know the right way to do it if you're the one controlling me." Her logic surprises you, though it isn't bad. "I guess you're right."

"Everyone," Valkyra holds up a closed fist. "We'll stop here for the night."

You check your surroundings and realize that night has indeed fallen. Noticing the mission clock on Heliconia's HUD, you find that over two hours have passed since you left the facility. Did I really talk with Miku for that long? you wonder. It felt like it was only a couple of minutes.

While Kana explains to the others that they will be required to stay in the FranXX with their new partners overnight for the duration of the trip, you begin preparing your bed for the evening. Both yourself and Miku had lived in your FranXX before, and hearing how to do it was simply a waste of time.

"You know, you don't have to sleep against the wall," Miku says, looking over the piloting station in the middle of the cockpit. "You're right. I don't have to, but it's easier this way," you say, unrolling the sleeping bag. "I'm over here so you don't have to worry, and when we get back I can tell Ichigo I wasn't anywhere near you." She gives you a small smile. "Oh, I know you wouldn't do anything while I was asleep," the redhead tells you.

"And I appreciate your faith in me, but," you repeat, "like I said, it's easier like this. I don't know if you saw, but Ichigo barely said ten words to me after I told her I was going with you. I slept in one of the spare rooms because it didn't seem like she wanted me there with her. So when we get back in three days and you tell her I respected your privacy and didn't do anything weird, she might forgive me."

Miku hangs her head. "I didn't realize I was causing you this much trouble."

"You aren't," you pull back the cover and climb into your sleeping bag. "I wanted to do this because I promised I'd train you. Ichigo's just being overprotective of me, like I am of her sometimes. Now, get some sleep. We have to get up earlier than the others so we can train in the morning."

Miku's expression clearly paints her feelings of guilt, but she lays down all the same. "Thank you for bringing me," she says. "You're welcome Miku," you reply. "Goodnight." "Goodnight," she echoes, and you drift off into the world of dreams.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Alright, rise and shine," you stand over Miku's sleeping form and order her awake. Her eyes shoot open and within seconds she's on her feet and ready. "Follow me," you lead her out of Heliconia and into the brisk spring morning.

"See that mountain over there?" you ask. The peak in question lies east of your makeshift camp and is barely illuminated by the sun just peeking over the horizon. "That's more than two miles," Miku says. There is no fear or disgruntlement in her voice, she's just telling it like it is. She looks up at you. "There and back?" she asks. You nod. Miku breaks out in a grin before taking off jogging. "Try to keep up!"

Miku's head start didn't last long, and soon the two of you were jogging together. You make no effort to pass her, and soon enough you arrive at the base of the mountain. After a five-minute break to catch your breath, you make the return trip.

Having now taken roughly forty minutes to warm up, you lead Miku directly into training. A box is drawn in the broken earth with her on one side and you on the other.

"What are we doing today?" she asks. "More combat training," you begin walking toward her. "I'm going to hit you. I suggest you find a way to stop me."

Miku sets her feet shoulder-width apart and stands on the balls of her feet, ready to move at any moment.

Your first strike is clearly choreographed, a big right hook. Miku sees this and ducks under it while distancing herself from you.

The second is a leg sweep which she barely manages to notice in time. As a result, you clip her left foot when she attempts to dive to the side. She tumbles, but still manages to roll back to her feet.

Closing the distance, you intentionally leave yourself open to see what Miku will do. She does as you'd hoped a moment later, hitting you with a roundhouse to the side. An elbow connects with your stomach and you fall to a knee. Miku attempts to finish you with a jab while you recoil, but you catch it before twisting her wrist.

In a moment of hesitation, due to the shock and pain, you gain the upper hand. Pulling her arm to break her balance and bring her closer, you slip behind Miku while wrapping her in a chokehold. To complete the move, and to further end any resistance she might put up, you lift her up so her feet dangle just off the ground.

Before you can count to three, two taps on your right arm cause you to release her.

Miku coughs for several seconds. "Almost had you," she says after finally regaining her breath. "Almost," you agree, allowing her to continue feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Ready for round two?"

"Yeah," Miku stands and walks to the other side of the ring.

"Actually," you say, "I've changed my mind. Come here."

Miku returns to your side.

"You saw how I caught your punch a moment ago, right?" you ask. Miku nods. "Try to do the same thing," you tell her, back far enough away that you'll have room to strike.

Miku sets her stance before signaling to you. Alright, you tell yourself. I can't do this at full strength or she'll never catch it. We'll try about half.

"Alright, watch my movements and catch the punch," you tell her as your draw back. A moment later, you release. Miku correctly anticipates the trajectory of the jab, but as your hand hits hers it blows past and continues to her chest. Fortunately, the blow had been deadened after first hitting Miku's hand, but she still doubles over.

"Miku, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to–" "Don't apologize," Miku grunts, standing to her full height once more and readopting her stance. "I'll get it this time."

"Actually," you cut in, "I have a better idea. I probably should've thought of this to start with."

You step back and continue talking. "You're smaller than me." "Duh," Miku interrupts. You ignore her. "You aren't as strong as me either. But you're quicker than I am, and your reaction time is excellent. So, because of that, you shouldn't try to catch blows. You should deflect them."

You stand opposite Miku. "Punch me."

Without hesitation, Miku throws a jab directly at your chest. Bringing the flat of your right hand across your chest, you redirect the blow so it is now targeting your left shoulder. At the same time, you pivot on your right foot to draw back your shoulder. The end result is that the blow misses harmlessly.

"Again."

Miku throws another punch, this time directed toward your right side. Using the same technique, you deflect the punch. Miku throws a third and forth without warning, but both are unable to land.

"You saw how I did that, right?" you ask. "Yeah," Miku gets into a defensive stance. "I'm ready."

"Slowly, first," you curb her enthusiasm. "When you've practiced a bit, we'll do it for real." Miku huffs in disappointment, but doesn't complain as you slowly go through the motion of throwing a jab. You start out slow enough that she could easily step out of the way, but Miku plays along and practices the proper form of the technique.

After you're satisfied, you begin to speed up. Miku easily keeps up with the blows to begin with, but as you settle into a rhythm she starts to lose ground. By the time you've reached the strength of the initial punch, about half your maximum, she's at her limit. For the final shot, Miku is a fraction of a second too slow and the left straight connects with the edge of her left shoulder.

To her credit, Miku doesn't falter and sets herself up for another round, only for you to shake your head. "That's enough for one day. We've still got to move Heliconia for another ten hours."

"That was impressive," a voice says to the side. "K-Kana?" Miku asks in surprise, turning to face the onlooker. It turns out to be more than just Kana, as you realize all of the squad stand nearby.

"Sorry if we bothered you," Kyo picks up, "but Kana's right, that was very impressive." "How long have you been watching?" the girl asks. "About thirty minutes," the violet-haired squad leader admits after looking to her partner for confirmation.

"You must be very formidable in a fight," one of the boys compliments Miku, who blushes. "She could take all of you," you say with pride. "I don't doubt it," Kyo agrees.

"I'm more curious as to where you learned how to fight like that, (Y/N)," Kana gives you a sidelong glance. "Maybe everyone should be learning this, but that's a topic for another time. Right now, we need to get moving. Everyone, we leave in ten minutes."

"You did well today," you tell Miku as you climb into Heliconia's cockpit. "Thanks," she accepts the praise with a smile. "I like this new style better. I don't get hit as much." "Can't see what you mean," you joke, "but I'll take your word for it."

Miku takes her position and the controls spring from her waist. You take hold and pull the triggers to activate the connection. Minutes later, you're off for another day's worth of travel.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The following day, as your squad is trudging through the barren landscape, you encounter a wandering pack of Klaxosaurs. Sylvestris informs you that she can only make out two distinct types within the group. Several Moho-class that resembled armadillos, with the addition of a large clubbed tail, and smaller Conrads bearing raptor-like appearances.

Sadly, after the attempt to sneak around them fails, you have no choice but to fight the beasts.

"Everyone, fan out," Valkyra orders. "Gladiolus, Heliconia, we hold the front." "Sylvestris, Laevis," Kyo addresses the remainder of the squad. "We know you aren't used to your new weapons yet, but do the best you can to provide us with supporting fire."

Splitting the squad like we usually do. Smart.

Through your connection to Heliconia, you can feel Miku's anticipation building. "Looks like we're getting that fight you wanted after all." The FranXX smiles at you and brandishes her tonfas. "I'm ready."

"I'm giving you the lead," you tell her. Confusion flashes through your mind, due to Miku's shock. "Why?" she asks. "I want to see how you handle this," you answer simply. "I'll take over if the situation calls for it, but until then, go all out and don't hold anything back." Miku's confidence surges through the connection as the first of the Klaxosaurs begin to close in on your line of defense.

Before reaching the line, roughly half the Conrads stop several hundred yards away. Large frills fold out from their necks, encircling their heads in electric blue and giving the Klaxosaurs an almost flower-like appearance. However, the monsters emit an ear-piercing screech and black dots begin to form across the petals.

"Down!" you shout as Heliconia falls prone. Sharp spines launched by the Klaxosaurs fly by on either side and sail overhead before embedding themselves in the ground. On the right, Gladiolus hides behind Valkyra, who holds her shield high to stop the incoming storm of spines.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Four sets of shots echo from behind you and the tide of projectiles breaks. "They're relocating," Laevis announces while waiting for her chakram's cannons to reload.

With the threat of death by impalement temporarily abated, Heliconia rolls to her feet just in time to meet the first of the raptors.

The Klaxosaur in question attempts to bite at Heliconia's arm, only to receive a mouthful of the tonfa's blade. Throwing the appendage forward, her blade slides clean through the raptor's skull and it collapses in a heap.

Three more take its place and begin to circle the red and yellow unit. "Don't let them get the upper hand," you say aloud.

"I know, I know," Heliconia grumbles. She plants her foot and leaps at one of the Klaxosaurs. The Klaxosaur, still mid-step, is left defenseless as Heliconia cuts a fatal gash across its side.

"You've got to seize the initiative."

The remaining raptors charge to avenge their fallen brethren. Heliconia pivots and kicks the first in the head, sending it crashing to the ground. Allowing the tonfa in her left hand to fall, she catches the second raptor by its tail and drives the pointed end of her remaining weapon into the creature's back and pins it to the ground.

"And once you've got it..."

The Klaxosaur that had been kicked in the head begins to rise, only for Heliconia to catch the tonfa she'd dropped from her left hand in her right. Wielding the weapon with both hands, she raises it above her head and swings down. The guillotine maneuver finds purchase in the raptor's side and the creature lets out a cry as it's cleaved in two.

With the Klaxosaurs finished, Heliconia retrieves her other tonfa and looks over the remnants of her battle.

"...Never let it go."

Several hundred yards away, Laevis and Gladiolus duel more of the raptors. It turns out that there were two different strains in this particular breed of Klaxosaur, as some of the raptors have the frills and assail the pair with spines, while those that are slightly larger and without the frills attempt to rip them to shreds with their teeth.

One raptor is unfortunate enough to catch Laevis at close range. It suffers dearly for it as a leg is blown off by a quadshot.

"The little ones keep moving too much," Laevis announces to her sister unit. "I can't get a shot like this." "Don't worry," Gladiolus smiles and reaches for the pouch on her waist. She withdraws a bundle, and with a flick of her wrist, the bundle unfurls and the net crackles to life. "This'll slow them down."

A raptor makes an attempt to nip at Gladiolus's leg, only to find itself tangled within the net as the FranXX whips it around before impaling it with her trident. In the same motion, Gladiolus deactivates the net, releasing the corpse of her kill, and re-engages it in time to throw it back at a frilled raptor. The Klaxosaur is unable to get out of the way in time before it is trapped beneath the net now anchored to the ground. One of the trident's three points suddenly sprouts from the beast's side and it ceases to move.

"Alright, fine," Laevis growls, gripping her chakram tightly and eyeing the remaining large raptors, leaving Gladiolus to chase down the more agile ones. "Just because I have guns doesn't mean I can't hold my own in a brawl. Bring it on!"

Almost as if they understood the challenge, two of the black and blue monsters rush Laevis. The green FranXX draws back her right arm, releasing it as the raptor on her left lunges. The chakram's blade splits the skull of the Klaxosaur as the blow drives it into the dirt.

The raptor on her right leaps above her, only to come down on the sharp edge of the remaining chakram. Boom! Firing all eight barrels, the midsection of the would-be assailant is turned into a fine paste and expelled from the body via the clean holes created in its back.

Laevis quickly turns to the other Klaxosaurs and guns them down with expert precision. "Doesn't mean I won't shoot you first, either."

Nearby, Valkyra and Sylvestris are engaged with the armored Mohos. It turns out that Sylvestris had been only partially correct when she told the squad that the brutish Klaxosaurs were heavily armored with clublike tails. One of the two creatures matches this description perfectly. The other, however, does not. Instead of a smooth shell like its twin, the monster has spikes protruding from its back and sides in a defensive pattern, while several noticeably longer and sharper spines extend off of the tail.

Valkyra grunts as the smooth Klaxosaur's tail bounces off her shield. The blow is rendered ineffective by the defensive armament, but Valkyra is still pushed back close to three hundred feet by the sheer force of the impact.

"Don't let that thing hit us," she tells Kyo. "I think the armor will hold, but I don't want to test it."

The Klaxosaur pair almost seem to nod to one another, then begin to slowly lumber toward the FranXX.

"Have you figured out why you can't kill it?" Kyo asks Sylvestris. "The armored one's plating has just enough curvature that the crossbow is unable to penetrate it without first ricocheting," the robed mech replies. "If you were to expose its underside, I am confident the bolt would be lethal."

Valkyra nods. "We'll get you the opening you need, be ready." "I'll be waiting," the white FranXX says as she loads a fresh magazine containing five bolts into the bow's underside.

The truth was Sylvestris could easily penetrate the armor of the Klaxosaur if she were to modify the crossbow's magnetic field. However, despite the dials on the side of the weapon clearly meant for that purpose, she has no knowledge to draw from. The doctor had declined to tell them anything about how to work the crossbow, or any of the other weapons, for that matter. The curved knives strapped to her arms wouldn't be of any use against the armored monsters either. That left Valkyra acting as bait the only viable option.

Valkyra marches out to meet the Klaxosaur pair. Hidden behind Aegis with only the top of her head and legs below the knee visible, she is nearly impenetrable. The Klaxosaurs must know this because they split off from one another, moving to encircle the lone FranXX.

Valkyra carefully weighs her options. She could try to get one Klaxosaur to injure the other by engaging them both. While they were close, it would be possible for her to dodge or redirect one of them to strike the other, but the odds of it actually working were low. So, instead, she opts for an alternate strategy.

"Kyo." "What is it Kana?" her partner asks. "I think we need to use Aegis to get as close as we can to the armored one," she whispers. "Then, we bash it over the head with the shield. That should daze it long enough that we can drop everything, and, if the wings on my back work like I think they do, we can flip it on its side."

"That would leave us open to the spiked one," Kyo points out. "We'll have to hope the armor holds," the girl tells him.

Clearly tired of waiting for the FranXX to make a move, the spiked Klaxosaur finishes pawing at the ground and then charges Valkyra. However, before it makes it very far, it is thrown to the side and receives a face full of dirt, compliments of Sylvestris and her crossbow. The shot doesn't appear to injure the beast, but it is rattled for long enough that Valkyra can advance on its brother.

The armored Klaxosaur roars and swings its tail at the approaching FranXX. The blue giant drops her spear, plants both feet, and grips Aegis with two hands to absorb the blow. The resulting sound resembles a gong being hit, though much, much louder, and leaves the ears of Valkyra's pilots ringing as they push forward.

Releasing her right hand's grip on Aegis, Valkyra swings the shield with all her might. The outer rim impacts the Klaxosaur's skull, leaving the black and blue monster dazed.

Moving on to the final stage of her plan, Valkyra drops Aegis and throws her arms under the Klaxosaur. Lifting with all the strength she can muster, and with the aid of the thrusters built into her fixed wings, she lifts the creature. At first the dense beast refuses to part with the earth, but after some straining, Valkyra is able to push the creature on its side.

No sooner has she done so than a bolt sprouts from the Klaxosaur's exposed underbelly. Two more follow, each producing high pitched shrieks from the dying animal. Blood squirts from the wounds and covers Valkyra, but she isn't given time to rest.

The spiked Klaxosaur, infuriated by the demise of its armored twin, swings its tail and catches Valkyra in the side. The FranXX rolls several times, only to find the spear she'd previously dropped beside her. Scooping it up in time to deflect the next swipe and the deadly sharp needles accompanying it, she regains her footing only to be batted aside by the return swing.

The Klaxosaur rears up on its hind legs, intent on smashing the FranXX below with its immense weight. As the monster begins to fall, Valkyra enacts her only hope of survival. The blue FranXX is bathed in even more Klaxosaur blood as the beast impales itself on her spear, killing it.

Valkyra breathes deeply. "Is that all of them?" Kyo exhales. "It looks like it. Everyone, sound off."

"Sylvestris, reporting in," the white mech helps her sister to her feet.

"Gladiolus here, Laevis and I are okay."

"Heliconia?" Valkyra asks after the only remaining member of her squad.

"We're alright," the red and white FranXX huffs. "Can't say the same for the Klaxosaurs though."

Valkyra breathes a sigh of relief. "Everyone, gather up and take a minute to look over the FranXX. Make sure you haven't been damaged and catch your breath. We'll head out again in 30."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After four long days of travel, the squad finally arrives at Haven. It is evening, the sun having just begun to set over the horizon when Heliconia marches through the mouth of the cave leading to Haven's secret military base.

Miku's exhaustion is clear as Heliconia trudges the final steps to her new dock and practically falls into the clamps. You can't blame her though, you yourself are feeling the wear of the arduous journey and are more than ready to sleep in a real bed. Provided Ichigo has forgiven you, that is.

Your vision returns to normal as the connection is severed. Before you, Miku stands up and halfheartedly stretches.

"We made it," she offers with a lazy smile. "We sure did," you confirm. After briefly stretching, you make your way over to the box containing the additional uniforms as Miku opens the cockpit door.

"It's… odd," Miku continues the conversation as the two of you exit the FranXX. "I feel like I'm going to miss this." "How so?" you ask. The redhead thinks for a moment. "I don't know. Zorome will always be my real partner, but piloting Heliconia with you was fun."

Miku stops and gazes back at the red and yellow FranXX, now lifeless in the dock. "I guess I'll miss that, having fun with you. We didn't really talk much before I asked you for help. We were friends and all, but not," Miku pauses, seemingly to choose her next words, "we weren't really close. But I feel like we are now."

You nudge her side with the box. "Of course we are. Shedding blood, sweat, and tears with someone will do that."

"I don't want it to go away now that my training is almost over," Miku blushes as she speaks. "I like it. It's kinda like you're the older brother and I'm the..."

You chuckle. "Now, don't go getting all sentimental on me, little sister." Miku's eyes shoot up to look at you, relief painted on the green orbs. "We can still be close even if we don't spend every morning trying to beat each other up. I'll be here for you when you need me, and you be there for me when I need you. It's as simple as that."

Unexpectedly, Miku wraps you in a hug. "Thank you," she whispers. "You're welcome," you softly reply. "Now, remember, don't go calling me your older brother. That'll be more trouble than it's worth and I don't need Ichigo getting any angrier."

Miku blushes even deeper than she had previously. "Like I would ever say that with other people around!" she shouts, cutting you off on the platform. In typical Miku fashion, her knuckles are pressed against her hips and she leans ever so slightly forward while half scowling at you. "Honestly, do you think I want everyone to know I said that?! Do you know how embarrassing that would be?"

Unable to contain your amusement, you laugh. "I sure do. But don't worry, your secret's safe with me." You push past Miku and continue down the catwalk. "Now come on, dinner should be ready soon and I'm starving. Man, it'll be nice to have Kokoro's cooking again."

Now, for those of you who managed to make it through both the long author's note and the chapter, a little present courtesy of Spaze. I give you Rebel Suit Miku. Don't forget to replace the [] with dot and com! imgur[]/a/Xis7V7Q