"How long have they been like that?" you ask the watch officer.

The young woman checks the time telling instrument on her wrist.

"At least an hour, sir. Probably two."

You squint through your binoculars but still fail to get a good picture of the figure standing below the large serpentine Klaxosaur. "They haven't moved or made any attempts to contact us?"

"No, sir."

"They're waiting for something," you mumble. "We've already noticed them. Do they want to show us something?"

Nearby, Zero Two looks out at the monster she shares a form of kinship with. "It isn't upset, the hood would be out if it was."

You know that Zero Two refers to the folded scales on the crest of the snake's head. A common response for such a snake while angry was to raise its hood and hiss. This is more than a typical hooded snake, however. In addition to the eyes on the upper side of its face, another set is located on the underside of its lower jaw.

"We've seen this one before, haven't we?" Hiro asks.

From several feet to the side Miku nods and gives her reply. "It's from the S-Planning site we defended before deciding to leave Plantation 13. It nearly killed us before Squad 70 sacrificed themselves."

"That thing ate several bombs," Zorome says with his elbows resting on his knees in the wheelchair. "How could it have survived?"

You shake your head. "One thing's for sure, it's not a normal Klaxosaur. That 'person' beside it isn't either."

"What do we do?" Hiro asks.

"I'm going to talk to them," you state.

"You're what?!"

Ignoring the concerned cries of your companions you begin walking toward the Klaxosaur. It has shown no signs of aggression and whoever was with it has been waiting for hours now. Clearly, they have something they want from the rebel base or its occupants and are prepared to stand their ground until acknowledged.

The walk is over a mile long, which gives you time to consider what you'll say to whoever it is that was carried here by the unique Klaxosaur. For some reason, "Hi, nice to meet you," doesn't seem like the correct way to go. That's assuming that they'll even be able to understand your speech in the first place.

Your comm crackles to life.

"I'm not going to try to talk you out of it," Miku's voice echoes in your ear. "But be careful. Our cannons are ready to fire if it makes a false move, and the sentries are on standby."

"I really don't think it's here to fight us," you stress to her. "Thanks for having my back though."

You can hear the smile of your "younger sibling" through her voice. "Always. Make sure you stay safe, the girls are waiting for you back home."

"I'll be home before dinner," you reply with a dry smile. "Keep it warm for me."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At some point you can begin discerning the individual resting just in front of the massive Klaxosaur with your own eyes. Without a doubt, they have a humanoid figure. The strange individual seems to be just over five feet tall, and has long, pale silver hair that reaches almost to the ground.

The next thing you notice is that they have a long, tapering black tail that's much thicker than your arm stretching out behind them. The figure's skin is blue, covered with odd skin-tight black markings that are either differently colored skin or a tight garment, you can't tell which. From the center of their head protrudes a long blue horn, one end from the forehead and the other from the back of the head.

As you grow much closer, you can tell the figure is female. Her piercing blue eyes are framed by her long straight hair, and her face is adorned with similar black markings. Finally, something resembling a black crown rests on her head, with space in the center for her horns to pass through.

Kicking up shards of the broken earth you stop roughly twenty feet from her. It's close enough to have a conversation, but far enough away that if she attacked you would have time to react. The same cannot be said for the massive serpent that could easily crush you or swallow you whole in an instant if it wished. Considering how close you've already made it, though, that isn't likely unless you end up making a wrong move of some kind.

Despite facing one who has slaughtered an innumerable count of your brethren, you do not feel fear.

A feminine voice echoes from nowhere. Having watched the figure the entire time, you are positive that her lips never moved.

"Well, you aren't here to kill us," you state. "If you were, you wouldn't have stood outside our perimeter waiting to be noticed."

For a second time the voice can be heard, but you are still unable to locate its source.

You put on a brave face, human. But it does not fool me.

Still staring sharply at the woman, you reply. "You think I'm afraid of you? You're not wrong. You or your pet could probably kill me any moment and there's nothing I could do to stop you. But again, that's not why you're here."

I have lived for millennia and witnessed more warfare than you could fathom. Humans fighting Klaxosaurs. Klaxosaurs fighting each other. Only now, in this decade, have I seen humans fighting humans.

A great battle was fought some days ago on the southern shore of the island. You emerged victorious, but paid dearly in blood.

Without meaning to, you wince. Her comment causes your guilt over what happened to surface, and before you can control the feeling your features are already curling into an expression of pain.

The woman's face twitches and you can hear the air rushing into her lungs.

Your scent, it is mixed with that of another… your mate.

Already found out, there is no reason to hide the painful truth. "You could call her that. Though for us, we usually say husband or wife."

The figure's face changes to that of one who empathizes with you, though you can't imagine why.

You wish for revenge against those who slew her, the ones you humans call APE.

In an instant your face sets into hard lines. With cold determination in your voice, you say, "I would give almost anything to squeeze the life from Alpha myself. To watch the light drain from his eyes and to be there to capture his last breath."

You and I are very similar, the woman tilts her head to the side as though she is appraising you. Both seeking revenge. Alone we could not hope to succeed… but together…

You unclench your fist.

"I made a promise to my wife before she died that I would fight until the world we dreamed of for our daughters became a reality. If you can make that happen, then I'm listening."

A smile crosses the woman's face.

You are all I require. You possess the strength needed to operate the machines alongside me, the Klaxosaurs. Long have I waited for one capable of unlocking the potential of mine.

You stare at her critically for a few seconds before realizing that doing so is useless.

"Why me?"

The question is simple, but no less necessary. After all, there's no reason for this strange woman to know about you personally or your capabilities. By all means, Hiro should be her choice. He's better suited for piloting because of his partnership with Zero Two.

I have watched with great interest as your rebellion fought to free yourselves from the oppressors. You piloted the blue warrior with two swords.

Still unconvinced, you cross your arms and say, "I don't see how that makes me qualified to be your stamen."

The figure expels the air from her lungs in a sigh.

As humanity has fought itself, our war with the humans has not waivered. While I have known of the rebellion for a time, I allowed it to continue to exist in hopes that we could be allies one day. Sifting through the rubble of a research facility there was mention of a special force called "Nines." All but one were accounted for, and he was listed missing in action.

You have been observed for months as leader of the rebellion. Your skill and ability matched that of these Nines my brethren faced on the field of combat. If any human would be capable of surviving a ride in the machines with me, it would be you.

The woman extends an open hand towards you.

So join me, and crush our common enemy!

"It's that simple, huh?" you ask. "I agree to pilot with you and the world becomes a better place? I don't buy it."

Our kinds can work together, humans and Klaxosaurs. And when we do, we will eradicate the monsters who plague this world.

You snort. "Then what? You kill us too? We're humans just like they are."

Humanity is not my enemy, only those who butchered my people and stole our lifeblood. Revenge is all I desire. Those that remain after the bloodshed may survive or perish, I care not which.

"I guess that's good enough," you sigh. "If that's all you want, we have a deal. The rebellion will work with the Klaxosaurs to defeat APE. To my friends, my name is (Y/N). Now, tell me, who are you?"

The woman glances up at the snake before exhaling.

"This is Jörmungandr."

The voice is at once regal and authoritative, something only a leader of many would sound like. It is also the first time that the woman's lips have moved during your entire conversation. She retracts her hand and places it over where you assume her heart is located.

"I am Nila'Terra'Tari. You may call me Terra, Princess of the Klaxosaurs."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Walking side by side with the Princess of the Klaxosaurs doesn't make you feel any easier than you had back when you were standing twenty feet from her. However, it is a necessary step to show solidarity when introducing your new ally to the remainder of Haven's leadership.

They are waiting for you at the halfway point between the outer perimeter and where Jörmungandr stands guard. Somehow the massive serpent had managed to look sad when Terra agreed to accompany you to the neutral meeting ground, but there is no doubt the woman could more than take care of herself. She wouldn't have survived for millennia if that weren't the case.

The eyes of your friends are very telling as you approach. Everyone is either nervous or apprehensive save for Zero Two, who seems to be exceptionally curious. Likewise, you can hear Terra's breath rate increase. It's subtle, but still able to be picked up upon by anyone paying close attention. Your own heart rate is through the roof, though you keep a business-like appearance to project confidence to the others.

"Everyone," you say after coming to a stop about ten feet from the assembly. "I would like to introduce you to our newest ally–"

I am Nila'Terra'Tari, Princess of the Klaxosaurs. From this day forward hostilities between the Klaxosaurs and your rebellion will cease.

Not waiting for you to finish, Terra had chosen to broadcast her thoughts directly into the minds of those present. Their reactions are as expected after hearing a voice without a visible source. Several search for the speaker, while others clutch at their heads or cover their ears. Only Zero Two seems unphased.

You shoot the shorter woman a look that says, "Please don't do that again," to which she gives a "hmph," before you continue.

"As I was saying, this is Terra. She is the leader of the Klaxosaurs and has agreed to put aside our differences to defeat our common enemy."

Together, this one and I shall grind APE into a dust finer than that beneath your feet. Aid us or stand idly by, I care not which.

Having recovered from the shock, Miku is the first to speak.

"So you're the Princess of the Klaxosaurs. Does that mean there are others like you?"

Terra turns to Miku and looks her straight in the eyes. Miku withers slightly under her intense stare.

I am the sole survivor of my species. The beings you call Klaxosaurs are nothing more that automatons created by our kind for the purpose of war.

"Oh," Miku covers her mouth. "I'm sorry I asked."

Your concern is unnecessary, I no longer mourn for my brethren. Once the enemy has been defeated and our revenge exacted, I shall join them.

With her origin answered, the line of questions continues.

"Why come to us for help?" Ikuno asks. "There are many more Klaxosaurs than we could ever hope to defeat if you massed them all together."

The voice that answers Ikuno surprisingly belongs not to Terra but instead to Hachi. "I believe I can answer that. The Klaxosaurs are terrestrial, bound to the earth. The space station Cosmos is in low orbit, and without our help she could never reach the council."

The male is correct. We did not evolve to fly, nor were the machines designed to. This "Cosmos" must be brought to earth to bring about the ruin of our foe.

"There is another reason for the partnership as well," you add. Everyone's gaze turns to you. "Terra has a FranXX, or something like it, that is stronger than any Klaxosaur."

Before you can continue Terra's tail splits into eight spider-like appendages, frightening everyone in attendance. Hiro steps in front of Zero Two, Zorome puts his hands up to protect Miku, and Hachi drops into a fighting stance.

The princess seems to take no notice of their movements. Instead, there is a hint of satisfaction in her voice when she speaks.

This one, a tendril slithers over your shoulder, will pilot the machine with me.

After a few silent moments of shock, the group lets out a collective gasp in surprise.

Hiro struggles to form a sentence. "Are… are you sure that's a good idea?"

Trying to ignore the strange feeling of having a tentacle on your shoulder, you answer. "Terra believes that if I pilot with her then we can destroy any APE fortification. We need that kind of firepower."

"A one-man army, huh?" Zorome wonders aloud. A few of the others, mainly Hachi, Nana, and Ikuno, seem skeptical instead of optimistic.

You require proof? Very well, a test then.

Terra glances up at you.

There is an APE facility where they create soldiers two hundred human miles south-west of here. We shall destroy it.

Her shimmering silver hair glistening in the breeze, she turns back to your council.

Will that suffice?

Nana is unable to hide the concern in her voice as she blurts, "Just the two of you?"

A show of strength is what you require, so I shall prove it firsthand.

The tendril applies pressure to your shoulder, attempting to turn you around as Terra readies herself to leave.

"Not now," you tell her, before she manages to get anywhere.

She pauses and looks at you square in the face with a stern look.

Time is of the essence.

You assert yourself further. "I am not leaving without telling my girls first where I am going and who it is with. Their mother is only hours in the grave and I refuse to place them into someone else's care without explanation."

It is safe to say Terra is broadcasting her thoughts only to you when she says, You are wasting my time.

"I don't care," you reply. "You came to me, not the other way around. We can have this test of yours in a few days when we're ready. APE won't be coming after us any time soon, so we can wait. Unless this alliance isn't worth it to you."

The dignified lady glares at you.

I will return in a few solar cycles. If you are not ready by then, then our accord is null.

With that, Terra releases you and begins to walk away.

A voice cries out to her as she goes. "Mother!"

Zero Two had called out to her, tears forming in the young Klaxo-sapien's eyes.

Terra's reaction is the polar opposite. Her tendrils stiffen and she turns on her heel. Fangs bared and fire burning in her eyes, she screeches back at Zero Two.

"You are not my offspring. You are but a feeble imitation of the ruler of once a proud race hunted to extinction by humanity. Never refer to me as such again or I shall remove your head from your shoulders!"

Everyone is taken aback by her reaction. Especially Zero Two, who sinks to her knees as tears prick the corners of her eyes.

The Princess of the Klaxosaurs storms off, with her serpent meeting her halfway. Even more to everyone's surprise, it simply scoops her up in its jaws before hurrying away.

As she goes, Hiro rushes to comfort Zero Two. The poor girl was only looking for something she'd never had. Terra was her progenitor, but it was made clear that didn't mean the bonds of family existed between the two.

"Do you really think we can trust her?" Miku asks.

You shake your head. "I honestly don't know. This test should prove if we can. If it does, then this war just went from a stalemate to winnable."

"Is piloting with her even safe?" Zorome follows up.

"Hiro pilots with Zero Two and doesn't have any issues," you reply.

"But that's in a FranXX. Like you said, we don't know what a Klaxosaur or whatever she has could be like," he presses further.

A sigh escapes your lips as you begin to imagine what it will be like when you are forced to pilot with her in a few days' time.

"We'll just have to wait and see."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Over a thousand miles from the site of his junior's failure, Alpha watches as three bodies float suspended in vats. The three surviving members of the second class he had recovered were healing from their injuries in a nutrient-rich solution. They are in a form of suspended animation, kept in medically-induced comas to allow their bodies to focus solely on recovery. Each wears nothing save for a mask covering their mouth and nose to provide a steady supply of oxygen.

Had it been up to him, he would have killed all three for failing to protect VIRM. Papa had been more lenient because they were "good soldiers" and still had use in fighting the rebels. He may not have liked the decision, but Papa's word was final. If this was his will, then the boy would carry it out to the letter.

With a sigh, Alpha departs the dark room and makes his way to the communication center of the first class' personal stronghold. His partner had departed days ago to visit Dr. FranXX for maintenance, and as a result he was without Zeta during the attack on VIRM. The timing had been unfortunate to say the least. Had she been with him things would have turned out quite differently, of that he was certain.

"Call Werner Franxx," he states after stepping through the door.

"Calling Doctor Werner Franxx, chief scientist and head of research and development," a synthesized voice announces smoothly.

Moments later a holographic copy of the doctor appears, standing before him. The old man looks as haggard as ever leaning on his cane for support. Normal humans like the man were nothing compared to a Nine such as Alpha.

"Alpha, what a pleasant surprise," the man says.

The blonde snorts. "When will Zeta be returning, doctor?"

Doctor Franxx purses his lips. "I'm afraid it won't be as soon as you would like. There have been complications with her maintenance. She's… not responding well to the latest round."

Alpha's eyes narrow. "You had best be doing everything in your power to see that she recovers as quickly as possible," the boy snarls. "That is my partner you have on a table, doctor."

Franxx taps his cane, the sound carrying through the call and emanating from the image as if it had happened only several feet from the Nine.

"Unfortunately, that isn't entirely accurate."

A wave of shock and concern passes over Alpha but he quickly compartmentalizes the emotions.

"Explain."

"As of this morning Zeta is no longer assigned as your partner," the old man answers. "Psi will be taking her place."

"What?!" the shriek escapes from Alpha's lips before he even realizes it has happened. "On whose authority?"

"Papa's."

The weight of this revelation hits the hardened soldier in a way he'd never expected. Zeta had been his partner from the beginning. The possibility of another had never crossed his mind until this very moment. Together the two of them had overcome every obstacle placed in front of them with ease. Why would they be split apart now?

"I… I understand," Alpha's hesitation is beyond uncharacteristic, but he is so shaken by the thought of being without Zeta that it causes him to stumble verbally.

"The staff at your facility will ensure that Psi, Sigma, and Tau make a full recovery. You will be responsible for integrating them into the first class. This is a necessary step to see the end of the rebellion. I'm sure you won't disappoint."

With that, Doctor Franxx's hologram winks out.

Still grappling with the strange feelings inside him, Alpha trudges to the door.

Every interaction he had with Psi had been negative to this point. They had totally different leadership styles. Their personalities clashed. Most importantly, she wasn't Zeta. If Psi questioned his authority it could lead to Sigma and Tau following suit.

With more concerns continuing to assault his mind, Alpha makes his way back toward the medical wing. His new partner would be there waiting for him, and he needed to think about how to handle this situation when she regained consciousness.