Darling in the FranXX: The Reaper Squadron
Chapter 21: Second Battle of the Gran Crevasse and VRIM
Quick note, this chapter will be combining episodes 20 and 21. Enjoy!
"In the previous battle, we successful took over the Gran Crevasse, and the massive weapon that lay underground, the Star Entity, is now under our control." Said an adult woman with short brownish red hair, she never seemed to open her eyes, even when looking at her clipboard. "Tomorrow, we will be booting it up. The FranXX squads are tasked with the mission of keeping all enemies away from it. Many sacrifices will have to be made, but please do your best." She said with a light smile, Reaper Alpha was not impressed.
"Um…" Miku said raising her hand.
"What is it, Code 390?" the woman said.
"Where'd Nana go?" she asked.
The woman tilted her head and put a hand on her face.
"But I'm Nana. Oh! I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Code 007, and I have been appointed as Squad 13 and Reaper 1's new caretaker."
"Fake Nana." Reaper muttered, and Reaper Beta muttered among themselves.
"Um, this Star Entity, it's a Klaxosaur weapon, right?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes." Fake Nana answered.
"Isn't that risky?"
…
"There isn't any need to worry on that front. That's why we modified it so much." One of the APE's said.
Reaper, Hiro, Zero Two and Doctor Franxx were standing in an empty room talking to the APE council via holograms.
"Long story short, we are implanting Strelitiza into the Star Entity's core. That will let us control it."
"Code 002, we raised you with so much care, all for this day." Papa said he then tilted his head. "We're counting on you."
"Says the man who lied to me." Zero Two said.
"Atta girl." Reaper thought.
"Assuming we do manage to control the Star Entity, what happens after that? If we exterminate the Klaxosaurs, will there be a place in that world for us?" Hiro asked.
"Of course." Papa said. "If we win the war against the Klaxosaurs, the future will belong to us, humanity."
"This will be the last time we call you Papa. We won't let you control our destiny anymore." Hiro said and he and Zero Two walked out.
Only Reaper and Dr. Franxx were left in the room.
"You have quite the nerve to say such things, especially after yesterday." Reaper said, glaring at Papa.
Yesterday, after much discussion, the group decided to ask Papa to restore Kokoro and Mitsuru's memories. When they asked, Papa told them that they had removed the unnecessary memories and that there was no way to return them. The vice chairman then told them that what they were doing was a strict violation of the rules, but they would be let off with a note on their files. Zorome then asked how many Klaxosaurs they needed to kill in order to be considered adults, but the Council refused to answer and Zorome demanded to know what it was they were living for. Hiro then said that they removed Kokoro and Mitsuru's memories just as they had removed their precious memories of each other. He said that they could no longer see him as their Papa and demanded that they be released once the battle was over and Papa agreed.
"Who are you to be saying such things? We have worked hard to maintain order on this world. What have you done?"
"A hell of a lot more than you have. You all are nothing but dictators who use force to keep people in line. You best keep your promise, else you all won't be able to see the future you all envisioned." Reaper said before walking out.
…
"Doctor, we have received word that Hringhorni is ready for action." Hachi said.
Hachi was standing in Dr. Franxx's office inside the Birds Nest.
"I see. A massive spear built using Klaxosaur cores. Was such a thing really necessary? Its complete overkill. More than anything, it isn't beautiful."
"Humanity must need it to prevail."
Doctor Franxx paused.
"How's Nana doing?"
"I've had her brief Squad 13 and Reaper 1 on their mission."
"Not that one."
Hachi tensed but said nothing, causing the Doctor to sigh.
"Nevermind. Do as you wish."
…
"The rings?" Goro asked.
Reaper Alpha and Beta were sitting in their assigned waiting area eating breakfast. Owl and James were standing near the entrance, casually guarding the way in while the others were spread about the space. Zorome was complaining about the food which sparked another argument with Miku.
"What, seriously?"
"I'm saying Kokoro and Mitsuru took off their rings." Futoshi said.
"I'm amazed you noticed." Goro said. "Are you still not over…"
Futoshi glared at Goro.
"Sorry. They didn't throw them away, did they?"
"The tried to," Reaper said walking over to them. "but I've got them." He summoned the two rings from shadow storage. "Can't let all our hard work go to waste. I'll keep them until they ask for them back."
Kokoro then dropped her drink as her hand flew to cover her mouth.
"Kokoro?!" Miku said.
Kokoro then got up and raced to the woman's room the girls and Havana following behind her.
Kokoro had gotten sick and thrown some of her food back up. Havana was with her as she was trying to recover.
"Feeling better now?" Havana asked.
"This has been happening a lot recently, almost every morning." Ikuno said.
"Morning sickness? She can't be…" Havana thought. Oh, this was not good.
"Maybe you should take the upcoming mission off." Ichigo said.
"I'll be fine." Kokoro said. "Papa had sent me back here, even after erasing my memories. So, the least I could do was fight for him. Even if it means laying down my life."
"No! Your wrong!" Miku said grabbing Kokoro in a hug from behind. "You don't belong to Papa! None of us do!"
"But…"
"We must survive and leave a mark for the future! You taught us that!" Miku shouted.
"I did?"
…
D-day
The parasite has gathered in the assembly hall where the members of the Council were giving a grandiose speech about winning.
"APE has always desired eternal peace and prosperity for mankind."
"Fear not, soldiers! Offer up everything you have for this mission!"
"On this day, we will wipe out the Klaxosaurs once and for all!"
Out of all the parasites there, only Squad 13 was not paying attention. Most of them were refusing to look at the council while Zero Two and Hiro openly yawned. Reaper Alpha was the most noticeably out of place. They hadn't bothered to line up like everyone else, no. They wanted to show every parasite there that they were not normal. So, they were floating high above the parasites via Havana's power. Each member had their scythes strapped to their backs and were glaring down at the Council, mentally murdering the lot of them.
…
As Reaper Alpha and Beta were heading to their FranXX they were intercepted by the 9s.
"I can't say I approve." Alpha said causing the squad to turn around and look at them.
"You guys stuck out like a sore thumb." Beta said.
"You were an eyesore, honestly." Gamma said.
Reaper Beta just glared at them.
"There you go again. Being so openly hostile. Your like animals." Delta said, she hadn't gotten over being pinned to a tree by Reaper yet.
"These guys are much stronger than you are." Zero Two said. "And have their eyes set on the future."
Alpha glared at her.
"Don't look down on humans." Zero Two said.
"Tch! Don't get the wrong idea, Iota." Alpha said. "Papa only gives you guys special treatment because he sees you as necessary tools. You will understand in due time."
"That's enough out of you, Alpha." Reaper said stepping forward.
Alpha took several unconscious steps backward at the sight of him.
"Remember what I told you, Alpha." Reaper's eyes flashed and suddenly everyone could see the shadow aura that surrounded Alpha.
"A death flag?!" Raven muttered.
"Your soul belongs to me. You best hope a Klaxosaur get you before I do, at least then your death will be quick and painless." Reaper said.
Alpha humphed and he and his squad turned and stormed off. Reaper Beta turned to Reaper.
"Reaper what…" Ichigo started to say before an alarm went off.
"It's go time. All of you, into your FranXX and onto the field. Take no unnecessary risks and keep your squad members alive." Reaper said.
As they ran toward their FranXX, an automated voice came over the PA.
Klaxosaur horde currently at a distance of 3000 clicks. Fast approaching the Gran Crevasse. Multiple Gutenberg and Lehmann class Klaxosaurs identified. Estimated to reach the first line of defense in 103 minutes.
As they entered their FranXX's Reaper gave one last piece of advice.
"Watch your six! It will be very easy to get surrounded and overwhelmed. Good hunting! Reaper out!"
Although the 9s had made first contact, Reaper Beta was tearing through the horde of Klaxosaurs like they were paper, killing dozens at a time with a single swipe or blast. Although nothing could compare to Reaper Alpha who were doing laps of the battlefield assisting any who needed the help. Genista was had just blasted several Klaxosaurs to oblivion.
"Okay. This could actually work, Code 55…" Mitsuru trailed off. "Excuse me, Kokoro."
A jolt of pain went through Mitsuru's head filling it with static.
"What was that?" he asked himself.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Genista asked. "Answer me!"
"Genista! Don't stand still, keep moving." Delphinium said.
"H-Hey what should I do? Answer me Mitsuru-" Kokoro screamed as pain ripped through her head too.
"M-My head!" she said.
"James!" Reaper shouted.
"On it!" Narcissus said.
She ran through a group of Klaxosaurs and swung her scythe obliterating several Klaxosaurs who had gotten too close.
"This pain… is it because I said her name?" Mitsuru asked himself.
…
Meanwhile in the Gran Crevasse
Strelitiza was descending the elevator to the bottom of the Gran Crevasse. With them were Dr. FranXX and Hachi.
"It sure is quiet." Hiro said.
"Yeah." Zero Two replied.
"What do you want to do after we are done with this?"
"I want to go see the world. You said you would show me, remember?"
"Where should we go? The ocean? Then there's…"
"I don't care as long as I'm with you. I just want to travel the world, like that princess did in our book."
"Zero Two." Hiro grabbed her hand. "I'm sure we are going to be put through a trial by fire. But…We have gone through these things many times before, too. You and I made things work out each time." He looked at her. "Let's make it happen one last time."
Zero Two nodded. "Together, we can defy any fate."
"We will be together forever."
"What if we are torn apart?"
"I'll come get you."
"Same here."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
…
"The Star Entity is ready to go. Move out, Strelitiza." Dr. Franxx said.
"Roger!" the two said.
Zero Two's head suddenly jerked up.
"Something wrong?" Hiro asked.
"Something's coming." She replied.
Up on the surface.
"Incoming UFO from 10 o'clock!" Narcissus shouted as something slammed into the ground in front of them, knocking them away. It then leaped into the air again and Reaper and Havana got a good look at it. It looked like two snakes that were wrapped around each other.
"It's heading for the Gran Crevasse!" Goro said.
"Gaia!" Havana said.
Back underground
"Well it looks like they won't make it easy for us." Dr. Franxx said.
"What is going on?" Hiro asked.
"I'll call for reinforcements. They won't get here in time. Prioritize the mission, Strelitiza." Dr. Franxx said. "Get going!" He said pointing down the corridor.
"Zero Two!"
"R-Right."
Strelitiza then began to move down the corridor.
"We better get moving too, Doctor." Hachi said.
"No time."
One of the walls of the elevator shaft buckled before breaking through covering the area in dust. When the dust cleared a massive snake stood before Dr. Franxx.
"Humans." Gaia said. "You will not do as you please with our child. You have already taken two of them, you shall not take the third."
"I see! So, it is you Code 001… Princess of the Klaxosaurs!"
The Snake opened its mouth to reveal Gaia sitting regally on its tongue, unharmed.
"It's been far too long. Are you here to take back the Star Entity? But you can't operate it. You don't have a partner. You are the last surviving Klaxo-sapian. So, I will operate it with you!"
"No." Gaia said, and several tentacles lashed out and pinned him to the ground. "You sinful man."
"Doctor!" Hachi shouted.
"Quiet human or you will be next." Gaia said glaring at Hachi.
"I, need no partner. But, since I have the chance, I will use the one you provided."
"What?" Dr. Franxx asked.
…
Strelitiza was doing her best to pry open the door but it wouldn't budge.
"No good. It won't budge." Hiro said.
"Darling." Zero Two said.
"Strelitiza here. Reached entry point but the door won't budge." Hiro tried to contact Dr. Franxx and Hachi but got no response.
Hiro then heard a Klaxosaur's roar behind him.
"The enemy caught up? Zero Two we will have to fight here."
Zero Two was minutely trembling.
"Zero Two? The controls…"
Then the Klaxosaur snake slammed headlong into Strelitiza. Pinning her to the wall. Gaia floated out of the snake and levitated in front of Strelitiza. She raised her hand and Strelitiza's faceplate deactivated and opened on its own accord.
"What?" Hiro said.
When the face plate was fully opened Hiro saw Gaia. He noted that she looked remarkably similar to the younger Zero Two, except her skin was blue instead of red. Zero two gasped in shock as a tentacle wrapped around her neck. Hiro tried to lung forward but another one wrapped around his neck and held him in place. Gaia pulled Zero Two toward her and looked at her.
"Ah, the fake that the humans created. A clone that does not realize that she is being used by the invaders. You are not fit to pilot our child."
"Fake?" Zero Two struggled to say.
"What are you saying?" Hiro asked.
"Get out of my sight, trash." Gaia said and flung Zero Two out behind her.
"Zero Two!" Hiro said as more tentacles wrapped around him holding him in place.
Gaia moved forward until she was directly in front of Hiro and examined his horns. Zero Two had managed to grab onto the edge of the faceplate and hauled herself back up.
"You however, are perfect. I shall take him." Gaia said, she then leaned forward and began to kiss Hiro.
Zero Two gasped in shock. "Darling!" she raced forward to try and pull Gaia off of him, but she was swatted of the face plate by a tentacle and the face plate closed.
"What a curious taste." Gaia said as she put her tentacles in the hand slots of the pistil platform. "You truly are no ordinary human. Surrender yourself to me. I shall devour your body and soul, and you will be born anew."
"No. Way!"
Strelitiza's paint color was changing. Gone was the typical white and red. Instead it was replaced with blue and black, the same coloring as the Klaxosaurs. Its faceplate activated, and it began to levitate. Turning toward the door she held out a hand and the door began to open, and she flew through.
…
"W-why?" Hiro asked. "How are you able to pilot Strelitiza?"
"Foolish child. This used to be one of our brethren, so naturally it would obey me." Gaia said.
"Brethren?"
Gaia's horns glowed blue and a ringing sound began to emanate from them.
On the surface.
Topside, the battle had been progressing on but the hordes of Klaxosaurs seemed endless. Suddenly a ringing sound was heard coming from the Gran Crevasse and the Klaxosaurs stopped moving. Everyone with the exception of Reaper Alpha began to cover their ears.
"What the…" Delphinium said.
"A voice…" Argentea said.
"…speaking…" Zorome said.
"…directly…" Ikuno said.
"…to our minds?" Futoshi finished.
"Gaia." James said in shock.
"Heed me, humans." Gaia said. "You ignorant fools who steal the symbol of our bonds that courses the planet's depths."
"'Courses the planet's depth's'?" Hachi thought. "Magma Energy?"
"I found something while studying Klaxosaur corpses. At some point in time, their kind split into two different forms. One returned to the earth and became energy." Dr. Franxx said.
"Steal? That's an affront!" an APE said.
"Magma Energy is part of the planet's resources!" said another. "Its discovery saved humanity from certain ruin."
"Do you realize how self-centered of a viewpoint that is?" Gaia replied. "And now you wish to steal my child? I could never allow that to pass. For this child is a crystallization of our bonds."
"Don't talk down to Papa! Damn Klaxosaur!" Alpha said.
Black Rose whacked him across the head.
"Shut up you damn idiot!"
"And what was that other form?" Hachi asked Dr. Franxx
"It consumed that energy and evolved physically. It took an absurdly long time, in which time they stopped mingling with one another and eventually lost their intelligence."
"Just what are the Klaxosaurs?" Hachi asked.
"Biological weapons built by the Klaxo-sapiens. They are comprised of one male and one female Klaxo-sapien. The female's soul connected to the weapon, and the male's soul took root in the core, the cockpit."
"That almost sounds like the FranXX…" Hachi said.
"It is the FranXX. It's merely an application of the Klaxosaur system. Klaxosaurs can be piloted by humans genetically modified to be similar."
Delphinium looked at her hand. "So, we have been piloting Klaxosaurs, to fight Klaxosaurs?"
"No way. Klaxosaurs had pilots just like us?" Goro said.
"Could it be…" Zorome said.
"Remember the S-Planning?" Chlorophytum said.
"They were excavating Klaxosaurs to serve as bases for the FranXX back then?" Futoshi said.
"Damn it, Damn it, Damn it!" Zorome said.
"And now you realize the ugly truth. The entire time, we have been committing genocide." James said.
Gaia's head immediately jerked up but beyond that she did not react to James speaking.
Gaia and Hiro landed in a large room with a pedestal in the center.
"What is this place?" Hiro asked.
"Awaken, my child." Gaia said. "They are nearly here."
…
APE HQ
Strelitiza has begun the implantation process
"No." an APE said.
"I was hoping it wouldn't come to this." Papa said.
"What?" An APE replied.
"We wanted to take it and Hringhorni to space as soldiers." The Vice Chairman said.
"Space?"
"If we can't have it, then it can go down along with this planet." Papa said.
"What are you saying?"
"And we return to our original roles." Papa finished.
Up above earth, a gateway began to tear itself into existence.
…
Earthside
The ground began to tremble and crack.
"Earthquake?!" Futoshi said.
"Look! Over there!" Chlorophytum said pointing to the right.
Off to the right the ground was bucking as several Klaxosaur colored things began to emerge from the ground.
"Are these…Klaxosaurs?!" Delphinium asked in shock.
The missile like objects then ignited and flew through the air.
"It flew?" Argentea asked.
The earth cracked and buckled once more.
"Again?" Alpha asked.
"It's much larger this time" A parasite said.
Several massive guns rose out of the ground.
"Klaxosaurs?" Delphinium asked.
"No." Reaper said. "This is a terrestrial defense network."
"Which means…" Crow started to say.
"Yup. Those were missiles earlier."
The guns then began to fire into the heavens as more missiles flew. The purple lasers began raining down from the skies. The entire scene looked apocalyptic.
"What the hell is going on?! This isn't like any of our other battles!" Zorome said.
"Just what the hell is happening?" Delphinium said.
Behind them, they heard a large crash. They turned around to see a massive four-legged FranXX with Strelitiza's head.
"That's the Star Entity's awakened form?" Hachi asked.
"This is it! My Strelitiza Apus!" Dr. Franxx began laughing. "It's beautiful! I wish I could have piloted it…No, that does not matter anymore."
"Look at how ugly the humans have make you." Gaia said. "But no matter, you are still our child."
During all of this, Zero Two had managed to get up off the ground from where she was bleeding out. As she struggled to stand the snake Klaxosaur turned around to look at her. It looked at her before jerking its head back toward the corridor towards the elevator. It watched as she leaned up against the wall leaving a line of blood and began to walk down the hallway. "She will make it." It thought as it turned back to the closed door and waited.
On the surface, drop pods began to drop from the sky and landed next to the massive Klaxosaur guns, ejecting hundreds of small purple and black humanoid like things. They rushed toward the FranXX but raced past them ignoring them in favor of destroying the guns. A bright purple light was seen gathering in the heavens.
"A long time ago, we were attacked by invaders from the far reaches of space. We fought and drove them off. We then holed ourselves up in the earth and prepared for their return." Gaia said.
"Invaders?" Hiro asked.
"Indeed. They are invaders. Our true enemy. VIRM."
"Dreadnaught Beam!" Reaper shouted, and he grabbed Delphinium and hauled her away from the massive guns, the rest of his squad doing the same for the others.
The purple beam lanced down and obliterated one of the terrestrial defensive guns.
"Filthy invaders. I shall not let you even touch our planet this time." Gaia said.
Blue light began to gather at the horn on Strelitiza Apus's head, before a beam twice the size of the one that destroyed the gun shot into the heavens. A long line of VIRM ships were obliterated along with the dreadnaught. The explosions could be seen from the ground.
"Die. You will not take our planet."
"It is futile." Papa said.
Gaia suddenly jerked.
"What happened?" Hiro asked as the tentacles around him went limp.
Gaia was acting like she could barely breath.
"C-Curse you, VIRM! What have you done to our child?"
Strelitiza Apus was suddenly scanned by purple energy.
"What?" Dr. Franxx said. "What is happening?"
"This is VIRM's will." Papa and the Vice Chairman said.
"What?" an APE said.
The two's bodies dropped and were revealed to be nothing but empty shells as a star like figure made up of white energy with two masks appeared.
"The Star Entity is a mass of life that could destroy the peace of the universe." The Vice Chairman said.
"As such, if the Klaxosaur Princess took over during the implantation process, we programed it to explode." Papa said.
"The die has been cast." The Vice Chairman said.
Purple and black metal rose up out of the ruins of the Gran Crevasse entombing Strelitiza Apus up to the top of her head.
"This planet…" Papa said.
…will explode…" the Vice Chairman said.
"…Leaving nothing behind."
"Hiro…Zero Two…" Delphinium said.
"Stop…" Dr. Franxx said. "Please stop!" he fell to his hands and knees.
"Doctor!" Hachi said.
"It's all ruined. Apus is my ultimate work of works! Don't defile it!"
Purple vines began to crawl up Gaia's body.
"We will absorb all life on this planet. And we will take you to eternal paradise." Papa said.
"You infernal fiends!" Gaia said as she struggled to free herself from the vines.
The vines began to crawl through the tentacles that were attached to Hiro and consume his body as well.
"Zero Two." He said.
…
Zero Two had collapsed three quarters of the way down the corridor. "I promised…" she said and struggled to stand before progressing down the hallway. "I'm gonna come get you darling! No matter what!"
…
Reaper was pissed. No, I refuse. We have gone through too much bullshit for it to end this way. They suddenly glowed gold. In front of them a golden seal appeared before fading away.
"The apocalypse seal!" Havana said.
"The day has come." Reaper said.
…
Death was fuming. A hive mind. A hive mind that stole souls to boot! Oh, if he wasn't sealed in this realm that civilization would be obliterated! Death suddenly glowed white. When it dissipated, Death started laughing.
"So, the powers that be have deemed this event reason enough, huh? The Reckoning is at hand, and the VRIM are on the top of my death list.
A/N: So that's the end of the… Fourth wall smashes.
Reaper: Oh no you don't! Get your ass back in that chair and keep writing! You are not leaving it on that cliffhanger!
Code 089: But… *Light thuds next to his head*
Havana: Now!
Code 089: *Patching up the fourth wall* Nothing to see here!
Earthside
On the surface the Klaxosaurs were now ignoring the FranXX and solely focusing on attacking the VIRM soldiers.
"What is going on?" An APE said. "Who are you?"
"We have assimilated several life forms from all over the universe and helped them break free of the shells of their bodies." Papa said.
"And the time has come for you humans to embrace your evolution." The VC said.
The three remaining APE's bodies were scanned by a gold beam. When it reached the top of their heads it converted to a gold beam of light and shot into the depths of space. Their bodies dropped, lifeless.
"There exists a form of pleasure that is gentle, and perpetual. And you will now experience it."
Several golden beams of light shot up from the remaining plantations, taking the souls of all the adults inside.
Gaia was struggling and snaring as the vines dug deeper and deeper into her skin. Hiro managed to free his hands and grabbed the tentacles that where holding him in place. This caused him to link with Gaia's mind and causing him to experience her memories. "You have been alive since before humanity? How long have you been alive?"
Outside, Papa and the VC suddenly spoke to Reaper Alpha personally.
"We will be taking you 8 with us as well. Your strength will make excellent additions to our army."
Reaper and his squad groaned and their FranXX began to panic thinking that their pilot's souls were about to disappear. A shadowy haze then covered the area and the pressure that Reaper and his squad were feeling vanished. This also prevented the children's souls from being taken as well.
"They, are mine." A dark voice said causing everyone to shudder in fear.
"Who are you to tell us what to do?"
A piece of land with several VIRM soldiers on it was suddenly obliterated for no reason, black lightning lingered in the area.
Seeing that, they retreated to above the planet to observe the explosion. The VIRM then began to attack anything on the field, Klaxosaur or human. They soon heard the screams of the parasites as they were being consumed by the VIRM.
"Hey, who are we supposed to be fighting here?" Delphinium asked.
"Ichigo! Order the parasites to fall back!" Crow said.
"What?!"
"Just do it! They are going to die if you don't!" Snake said.
"What do we do now, Reaper?" Raven asked.
"The apocalypse seal has been broken. It is time to summon master." Reaper said.
They exited their FranXX and formed a circle by crossing their scythes. Their FranXX forming a second circle facing outward, prepared to defend them from any VIRM that would try to attack them.
"Reaper what are you doing?" Delphinium asked.
When Reaper and his squad spoke next their voices were magically amplified, causing all conflict to stop.
"He goes by many names." Crow said.
"The Reaper, The Harvester, Granter of Eternal Sleep." Reaper said.
"Sealed away by the powers that be," James said.
"He has served for eternity." Cypress said.
"Guarding the gates of Heaven and Hell, living in the land were man cannot dwell." Havana said.
"We have served on our master's behalf, claiming those who have strayed from the path." Snake said.
"As we too waited for that coveted day." Owl said
"That our master would be allowed to return to the fray." Raven said.
(Play Darkness by Revolt Production Music)
"The day of Reckoning has finally come!" They all said. "Humanity's actions shall now be judged! Soon all will fear his name! RISE, GRIM REAPER! THE ANGEL OF DEATH!"
In the center of the circle that Reaper Alpha had made, the shadows condensed into a swirling vortex. When the vortex faded, a figure stood there. It had a long cloak covering all of his body, there was a large scythe on his back and he had a skeleton face and hands. The figure began laughing, a deep haunting laugh that scared the living daylights out of anyone who heard it. Reaper Alpha kneeled before him, Death had been unleashed onto the field of battle.
"HeheheheHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Who is that?" Zorome said.
"That, is our pilot's master. He is Lord Death, the harvester of souls and inventor of death. When you die, it will be him that you will face. He will decide whether you will go to paradise or go to hell. He is a divine being. The third most powerful being in the universe, topped only by Lucifer and the Creator himself." Black Rose said.
One VIRM was foolish enough to try and attack Death. He let out a shadow wave that cleared a section of land 5 miles long of enemies. He then looked down at Reaper Alpha who were still kneeling before him.
"Rise, my children." He said, and Reaper Alpha stood up. "Thank you for summoning me back to this world. It is time you took on your true forms."
Death pointed a hand at them and they were consumed by black fire.
…
"No, it can't be." Dr. Franxx said staring at the screen. "I never believed that they existed."
"Who is that, Doctor? And what is happening to Reaper 1" Hachi asked.
"One of the divine beings, Death. The third most powerful being in the universe. Now I understand. I should have known what I was dealing with the moment they used umbrakinesis."
"What are you talking about Doctor?"
"Reaper and his squadron are Death's riders, the Horseman of the Apocalypse."
…
When the black flame died down, Reaper and his squadron had changed. Reaper and Havana both had double bladed scythes on their backs and had hoods over their heads. Crow and Raven had two pistols strapped to their sides and had become pale as ghosts and were very thin. Cypress and Snake had gained a heavy amount of armor and they both had two massive swords on their backs. And finally, James and Owl had serrated swords and were surrounded by a red fire that didn't seem to burn anything. They were all riding undead horses as well.
"Go, my riders, and do a lap of the battlefield. Show them why it is I that they should fear."
…
Down below, Dr. Franxx and Hachi were pouring over the diagrams of Strelitiza Apus.
"Since the detonation stalled since Code 016 connected…" Dr. FranXX said.
"It's a backdoor code?" Hachi said.
"It's targeting the Rampage mode. They programmed it so that the mode's overload would cause an internal explosion." Dr. Franxx laughed. "They got me. They got me good. If this thing blows, the planet will go with it."
"And Hiro prevented that?"
"All he's done is slow it down. As things stand, it will reach critical in…"
The screen showed a timer counting down, it showed 72 minutes
"That's how much time my darling bought us, huh?" Zero Two said from the door.
"Zero Two?" Hachi said as she collapsed.
…
Back on the surface, the battle had started again, and it was decidedly one sided. Death and his Reapers were dominating the battle field. Reaper Alpha was doing laps around the field while Death was slaughtering large swaths of enemies. Whether they be VIRM or Klaxosaurs, if they stood before him, they died, no questions asked.
"Reaper, summon Cerberus. He hasn't been fed in a while." Death said.
"Yes, my lord."
Reaper slammed the butt of his scythe into the ground and a large shadow portal opened before him. Out of said portal came a massive 3 headed dog with a spike collar. It looked around at the battlefield with interest before looking back at Reaper and wagging its tail.
"Oh, Cerberus! Dinner time!" Death said tossing Cerberus a VIRM soldier.
The center head snapped it up eagerly. Death then pointed to a large group of VIRM soldiers.
"Go get them boy!"
Arf! Arf! Arf! Each of the heads barked before running after the group causing them to panic and attempt to flee. Cerberus eagerly tore into the VIRM and quickly made quick work of them before chasing after more, barking his head off like a puppy.
"Adorable, isn't he?"
"Indeed, my lord."
Out of the corner of his eye, Reaper saw Reaper Beta going toward the Gran Crevasse. Death looked at the children before turning back toward Reaper.
"You have your mission. Myself and Cerberus will be fine here, defend them."
"At once, my lord. Reaper Alpha! Form up on Reaper Beta, defensive circle! Make sure they get to the Gran Crevasse."
"Yes, Alpha!" They said and peeled off from their previous track and rode to Reaper Beta surrounding them and providing an escort.
"Reaper Beta, huh? I suppose I could take them under my wing. I would be nice to have another squad, even if they don't have umbrakinesis." Death thought.
As they approached the Gran Crevasse, a super Lehmann class burst from the ground and snapped up a VIRM soldier. The Klaxosaur was blocking their way so Reaper Alpha and Beta stopped. The Klaxosaur was then cut in half by 9 Alpha's FranXX.
"You guys…" Reaper growled.
"What are you doing here? This is not your post." Alpha said.
"And you think that you have the right or the ability to order us around?" Owl said.
"I wasn't talking to you." Alpha said.
"Watch your tongue, mortal. I don't take kindly to others talking down to my Reapers." Death said as he passed by, annihilating a group of Klaxosaurs.
"Abandoning your post without permission can be consider disobeying orders." Beta said.
"Return to your assignment and follow Papa's orders." Gamma said.
"That is meaningless at this point. The bomb-" Chlorophytum started to say.
"That isn't your call to make. Its Papa's." Epsilon said.
"Your Papa abandoned you. You should think for yourselves." Havana said.
"'Think for yourselves'? Are you stupid? Papa's orders are absolute!" Delta said.
Reaper shook his head, they were being blinded by grief.
Behind the 9s a large group of larval Klaxosaurs appeared.
"Damn monsters!" Alpha said. "Kill every last one of them!"
The 9s then leaped into action and began destroying any Klaxosaur which crossed their path.
"They are nuts." Zorome said.
"Damn fools are so blinded by grief that they are going to get themselves killed." Reaper said staring at the 9s and the approaching VIRM.
"Reaper, you can't save them all." Delphinium said to him.
"I know. But that doesn't mean I can't keep them from dying from their own stupidity. Alpha, defend Beta while me and Havana go save some idiots." Reaper said.
…
As Reaper Beta passed Delta she scoffed. "Seriously what's with those guys? "
"Delta! On your left!"
"Nani?!"
A VIRM soldier slammed into her from behind knocking her FranXX over. Several more then join in and began to tear their FranXX apart.
"Delta, Epsilon!"
"Hang on, you two!"
"We will get them off right away!"
They were taking too long. A VIRM soldier had already ripped her body in half and another was tearing her head off.
"No! I don't want to die!" Delta screamed.
"Good! Because you're not!" Havana said as the rode into battle.
"Out of the way amateurs!" Reaper said and the two quickly killed the VIRM surrounding Delta and Epsilon.
Reaper and Havana the rode over to where the decapitated M9 FranXX head was.
"Delta! Epsilon! Can you hear me!" Reaper said unaware of another VIRM sneaking up behind them.
"R-R-R-Reap-p-per! Delta sobbed back.
"Yes, Delta. Its me." Reaper said.
Then the VIRM attempted to attack Reaper. Before it could however, a large red portal appeared behind it and a red hand shot out and grabbed the VIRM soldier by the throat. Reaper could feel the heat coming from the portal as he turned his head back and saw the red hand slowly drag the screaming VIRM soldier into the portal before it closed again.
"Your safe now Delta." Havana said, completely unfazed by what just happened. "We are going to get you out of there. How's Epsilon?"
"H-H-He's hurt." She stuttered out. "He isn't m-moving, but I think he is still b-breathing." The poor girl was on the edge of a panic attack.
"Deep breaths, Delta. You need to remain calm. Do what you can for him. We will have the doctor's look at him as soon as you get back. When I return, I will personally look after him, you too, Delta." Havana said, switching into what Reaper called nurse mode.
Reaper trotted over to Alpha's FranXX and slapped it with a shadow hand. "Think before you act Alpha. Your blind adherence to Papa nearly cost you two squad members. You are in way over your head." Reaper levitated the FranXX head over to Alpha and placed it in his hands. "Take Delta and Epsilon and get your asses off the field."
"Reaper…" Alpha said in a daze.
"I may hate you, Alpha, but I will not let you die to your own arrogance. Now get going." He and Havana then rode toward the Gran Crevasse.
…
Time until detonation: T minus 30 minutes
The timer on the screen read 30 minutes when Zero Two spoke.
"Ok I'm going."
"Going where?" Hachi asked.
"To bring my darling back, of course"
"Don't push yourself." Hachi said.
"My darling is waiting for me." She ripped the IV's out of her arm.
Behind her they heard a rumbling but paid it no mind.
"What can you do there? The Star Entity is probably rigged with VIRM traps. Even if you took it back, you would only end up falling into them." Dr. Franxx said.
"So what?" Zero Two said. "The Klaxosaur Princess. VIRM. I don't care. I don't care if I'm a fake, a monster or whatever. My Darling and I promised to be together forever, and that we would go get each other if we were torn apart."
"Atta girl." A voice said from the door.
They turned to see Reaper and Havana standing in the doorway and two dead VIRM lying behind them along with Reaper Alpha and Beta and their FranXX. Havana went over to check on Zero Two while Reaper stepped up to Dr. FranXX.
"Now do you see what you were dealing with Doctor?" Reaper asked.
"Yes, I do. I had heard the stories about you guys, but I refused to believe that there were gods. Now, however you have proven me wrong."
"You appear to be in decent condition, but I wouldn't recommend doing too much strenuous activity." Havana said.
"Thank you, Havana. But I'm going to have to ignore your recommendation." Zero Two said.
"But how will you get in? We learned the door to the entry point can only be opened by Code 001." Hachi said.
"Gaia." Havana said. "Her name is Gaia."
"How do you know that?"
"James and I spent a number of years in her care, so we know a lot about her."
"Anyway," Dr. Franxx said, even though he was interest in hearing about Code 001. "I will go with her."
"You're not going without an escort old man."
Time until detonation: T minus 18 minutes and 23 seconds
"Hiro's connection has delayed their plans, but only briefly. He is most definitely an unknown factor to the VIRM. Gaia, Hiro and you… the three of you together could create a miracle." Dr. Franxx said from Delphinium's hand.
"Really?" Zero Two said.
"It's a highly optimistic view with no basis whatsoever." Dr. Franxx said.
"So, its blind hope basically." Crow said from atop his horse.
"Still…" Zero Two said. "It's better than standing no chance at all."
They heard thumping behind them and Argentea turned to see two VIRM soldiers chasing them.
"Jeeze, these guys just don't give up."
A third then shout out of a side passage and joined the other two as they came to a dead end.
"It's caved in!" Goro said.
"We will have to find a detour. Zorome said.
"There's no time!" Delphinium said.
Chlorophytum then stepped forward.
"Get back guys."
"Ikuno, what are you thinking?" Ichigo asked.
"Futoshi! We are making a hole!"
"Right!"
"Wait, Ikuno! If you do that you will run out of energy!" Raven said, but it was too late.
Ikuno had already charged her Energy cells and blasted a hole through the wall. Her FranXX then deactivated.
"You ok?" Ichigo asked.
"Ikuno," They heard Futoshi say. "Your hair! Its white!"
"Shit!" Reaper said.
"Ichigo, go!" Ikuno said.
"How could I?"
"Ichigo, we don't have a choice!" Crow said.
Genista locked herself in place. "We will stay. You all go ahead."
"Hell no! You're not throwing your life away!" Miku said. "We are staying behind with you!"
"Kokoro." Mitsuru grunted in pain. "I agree with them. We should fight here together. Besides we will need the manpower to beat these guys."
"There you have it! Get going!" Miku said.
"Crow, Raven, stay behind with them." Reaper ordered.
"Yes Alpha."
"Good hunting you six." Reaper said.
"Ichigo, let's go." Goro said.
"Get Hiro for us, Zero Two." Ikuno said.
"Yeah, when you get back we will hold a big feast! We will bake several of your favorite sweet things, too!"
"Take care of Chlorophytum." Ichigo ordered. "And don't you dare die!"
"If you die, I will be dragging your asses back!" Cypress said.
"Let's go!" Goro said.
"Yah!" Reaper said as their horses galloped after Delphinium.
…
"Crap! There is another one! It's going to catch up!" Goro said.
"Well, it looks like this is our stop." Cypress said.
"We will hold it off Alpha. Get going." Snake said as the brought their horses to a stop.
As they left Cypress and Snake behind, Ichigo asked.
"How much farther, Zero Two?"
"It's just ahead!"
There was a large gap that Delphinium had to jump.
"Reaper, how will you get across?" Goro asked.
"Don't worry about us just jump!" Owl said.
Delphinium jumped and landed safely across on the other side. As Reaper and the others approached the gap, Owl lifted her hand and an ice bridge formed connecting the two platforms. They just got to the other side of the bridge, two more VIRM soldiers appeared.
"There!" Zero Two said.
"We won't make it." Goro said.
Delphinium skidded to a stop and placed Zero Two and Dr. Franxx on the ground.
"You all had better come back together." Ichigo said. "If any of you are missing, there will be hell to pay!"
"Ichigo, Goro! Don't be a fool!" James shouted.
Delphinium had turned to face the two VIRM soldiers and did not hear him.
"You will never get past!" Goro said and attempted to stab the two VIRM.
She managed to get the first one but the second blocked her spear and tackled her to the ground. She grabbed her spear again and attempted to stab it, but the soldier grabbed the offending arm and ripped it off. Ichigo screamed in pain.
"Damn you!" Owl said, and she rode forward prepared to attack the VIRM herself.
"Stay back!" Goro said. "This one is mine!"
Goro then activated Delphinium's thrusters and the two rocketed toward the abyss that surrounded the Star Entity and fell off the edge, plummeting into the darkness below. Zero Two, Reaper and the others ran to the edge.
"Ichigo, Goro!" Zero Two shouted.
There was silence and tears gathered in her eyes.
"They're not dead." Reaper said. "I can assure you of that. I would know."
A ripping sound was heard as Dr. Franxx tore off the clothing surrounding his fake arm. In the center, was a container filled with blue liquid as well as a few black hairs.
"Dig in. It's your master's arm." He said.
Several tentacles emerged from the door and grabbed the arm and ripped it off.
"Doctor?!" Zero Two said.
"It was Gaia's cells. It didn't turn me into a Klaxosaur like I hoped but this will do."
"You are a sick man. Trying to turn yourself into a Klaxosaur, you disgust me." Reaper said.
The door however remained closed.
"What? That should have worked." Dr. Franxx said.
"Maybe there wasn't enough blood?" Zero two said.
"We don't have time for this." Reaper said and walked toward the door.
He held up a hand and a ball of shadow appeared, and it quickly grew.
"Knock, knock bitch!"
He then blasted a hole the size of the door through the area.
"There we go." Reaper said.
"Get going." The doctor said.
"Doctor?" Zero Two said
"It's the least I could do to atone. I won't ask for forgiveness. Feel free to hate me. I deserve it for what I have done to you."
They heard a growl behind them. Reaper and the others stepped in front of them scythes drawn and faced down the snake that was growling at them. It stopped growling at blinked. It looked at Reaper and the others and gave a small bow, as if respecting their strength. It then nodded at Zero Two and looked at them. Reaper and the others slowly stepped aside and allowed the snake to approach. It lowered its head as it approached and opened its mouth.
"Are you telling me to ride you?" Zero Two said.
"We are running out if time." Owl said. "If it can get us to Hiro, we need to take it."
"Got it." Zero Two said and ran toward the snake.
Just before she mounted the snake she turned back toward the Doctor.
"Hey. Did you take me to Plantation 13 to reunite me with my Darling?"
"Who knows." Dr. Franxx said shrugging his shoulders. "It's not like I was expecting you two to rekindle what you had. It was simply an old fool's whim, a fancy."
"That is so like you." Zero two said.
She then entered the snakes mouth but turned back once more.
"Doctor, I should say this before we go."
"Hm?"
"Thank you for making me and helping me meet my Darling."
The snake then closed its mouth and lunged through the hole that Reaper had made.
"When did she become so human?" the Doctor said.
Owl, Havana, and James rode after the snake as Reaper cantered to a halt beside the Doctor.
"You had best get out of here Doctor. You will be killed if you don't."
"I will never make it out of here, Reaper." The Doctor looked down. "I have made my fair share of mistakes, it is about time I face my punishment for them."
"You do realize that you will receive no quarter from Death, right? You are the reason that humanity broke the Natural Laws after all."
"I am aware. Looking back and knowing what I do now, I realize that there are several moral lines that I've crossed, that I shouldn't have. If Death sends me to Hell for it, so be it." The Doctor then looked at Reaper. "If I may, can I ask you to do an old fool, one final favor?"
"What is it."
"Take care of my daughter."
Reaper smiled a bit at the Doctor. "There is hope for you yet. Consider it done."
Reaper then rode after the others, determined to save the children he had sworn to protect.
…
As they entered the central chamber, Reaper and Co. could see that Strelitiza was covered is pink vines. They rose out of the water surrounding the pedestal that Strelitiza was standing on and were attempting to absorb her.
"Strelitiza… I'm coming, Darling." Zero Two said and raced forward.
"Are we too late?" James asked.
"Not yet we're not." Reaper said.
Reaper and the others ran up the vines covering Strelitiza as Zero Two struggled to turn the emergency lever which opened the hatch. Havana grabbed it with her and together they managed to turn it causing the faceplate to open and they rushed inside.
"Darling? Darling!" Zero two said and rushed over to Hiro.
The interior of the cockpit was completely covered in the pink vines. The largest cluster was wrapped in a column at the pistil platform. The only thing that could be seen was Hiro and Gaia's heads.
"Gaia!" Havana said, and she and James rushed over to her and kneeled to her height.
Gaia weakly lifted her head and looked at Havana and James.
"My children... you came back to me." Gaia said weakly. "Where did you go?"
"We couldn't wait any longer, Gaia. We went back to our loves." James said.
"Foolish…children. Had you waited…just a little longer…I would have had them…brought to you." Gaia lightly admonished. "Are they…here?"
"Yes Gaia, they are." Havana said. "Reaper, Owl, Gaia would like to speak to you."
Reaper and Owl walked over to her and kneeled so that they were in her sight.
"So, you…are the ones…they talked about…so much. You…don't look like much…but it is clear…from the way they spoke…so passionately…about you… that you meant…a lot to them."
"Gaia, I cannot forgive you for taking my Havana away from me. I went through years of pain because of it and that is not something I can brush off lightly." Reaper said.
"But, we thank you for returning them to us. And completing our family once more." Owl said hugging James.
Gaia lightly smiled. "So, this…is what he meant…by fighting to live. We thought that…by isolating ourselves…we could perfect ourselves…make ourselves stronger…I now see…that we…were wrong." Gaia then looked at Reaper and Owl. "Take care…of my children. They…are the most…precious thing…to me." Gaia's eyes closed, and her head slumped.
"Gaia? Gaia!" Havana said, and James held Owl close and closed his eyes.
Over on the other side of the room Zero Two was in a full-blown panic as Hiro wasn't responding.
"Hey, Hey...Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! I'm talking to you, Darling!"
She took her hands off of his face and saw that they were covered in blood. Her eyes widened in shock.
"No…"
The cockpit suddenly lit up red and an alarm went off.
Time until detonation: T minus 0 seconds
"We are out of time." Owl said.
James pulled Owl and Havana in a tight hug and they closed their eyes, waiting for the inevitable. Reaper and Zero Two, however, were not ready to give up.
"No. I refuse to accept this." The two said.
Zero Two's headband broke and her horns expanded and penetrated the ceiling while tendrils of shadow lanced out of Reaper's back and jabbed into the walls.
"I will never give up." Zero Two said.
"I refuse to lose." Reaper said.
Zero Two's horns glowed a bright red while Reaper began to flood the vines with shadow.
"Wait for me, Darling." Zero two said and kissed Hiro.
"You will not take what is mine again!" Reaper roared as shadow shields appeared around him, Owl, James, Havana and oddly enough, Gaia.
The vines began to infect Zero Two as Reaper began to overload the vines with shadow, killing them off. The cockpit then began to glow with white light.
Back with Hachi, he saw on the panel displaying Strelitiza Apus that Zero Two had managed to connect.
"What is this?!"
On the surface, the purple and black metal that was entombing Strelitiza Apus shattered, the pieces crumbling to the ground. Gaia's voice was then heard again.
"Humans, we shall take flight once more. Decide whether you want to fight or accept your ruin."
Strelitiza's colors then changed back to its original red and white color scheme as it began to move. Up in orbit, Papa and the VC looked in as much shock as two emotionless masks could.
"Strelitiza is rejecting all interference." The VC said.
"It broke free of our program?" Papa said.
The purple beams then lanced down from space toward Strelitiza Apus, but it was blocked by a shadow shield. Death then heard Reaper shout.
"Reaper dash Zero One Alpha Alpha Override! Activate Shadow Orbital Defense Network!"
In orbit, several cloaked missile platforms as well as several anti-vessel battleclusters uncloaked and aimed their weapons at the VRIM ships.
Multiple destroyer class vessels detected. Engaging targets.
Multiple shadow missiles as wells as shadow beams fired from the weapon platforms destroying hundreds of VIRM ships. On the surface Strelitiza Apus pointed her horn at the enemy and blue and red light began to gather at the tip. It grew into a blue and red ball twice the size of the one fired originally, and it blasted into space, causing the clouds that had formed to part, revealing clear blue sky. The beam tore through space, obliterating every ship that sat in orbit. Effectively wiping out the VIRM Vanguard.
…
Around Strelitiza Apus, the facility was collapsing. In and amongst the debris, Doctor Franxx lay staring up at the revealed sky as he bleed out from his arm.
"I see it…I see it! Ah! How beautiful you are, my Apus. Strelitiza Apus!" Dr. Franxx said.
The ceiling around where he was laying collapsed crushing the doctor and killing him. Death floated over and harvested his soul.
"You done so much evil in your extended life that I should send you to hell." Death said. "But, the powers that be have decided otherwise. You will be given a second chance, a new life. Do not squander it like you did this one, or else hell awaits." Death judged and set his soul off to be born anew.
…
Papa and the VC were not pleased.
"We have no choice." The VC said. "We will settle for the lance of life built from Klaxosaurs. We wanted more, but we will withdraw for now."
The massive lance was colored purple and began to fly into orbit. Strelitiza Apus tried to grab it but it slipped from her grasp. Havana, however was having no part of that. Just as the lance was breaking the atmosphere, it was wrapped in shadow infused light and the VIRM presence was purged from the lance and it returned to its white and red coloring.
"What are you doing?!" Papa and the VC shouted.
"I'll be taking this." Havana said as the lance was dragged back down into Strelitiza's hand.
"We will return." Papa said. "And when we do, we will bring our full army and erase this planet from existence."
"And we will be ready." Death said. "You will receive your punishment for taking what is rightfully mine you thieves. You will learn to fear the name of Death."
"We did it, Zero Two." Hiro said.
In the cockpit, the pink vines had vanished, purged by Reaper and Hiro and Zero Two's undying love. Gaia's body lay slumped against a wall. She was breathing but she wouldn't wake up.
"Zero Two?" Hiro said.
Zero Two was propped on the pistil controls staring blankly off into space. Her horns cracked and shattered into a million pieces. Reaper walked over to Gaia and checked her pulse. She still had a heartbeat, which meant she was still alive. Reaper gently picked her up as James helped Hiro carry Zero Two.
"Well guys, let's go home." Reaper said.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Havana said.
A/N: *looks around to make sure Reaper did not appear out of nowhere*
Code 089: Alright good, I'm safe.
*leans back in char and lets out a breath*
Code 089: Dear god, 10k words and 27 pages. This took way to damn long to write. Welp, hope you enjoyed this extra-long chapter. We are in the home stretch now, just 5 chapters to go, as long as Reaper doesn't make me write another chapter like this.
*fourth wall thuds*
Code 089: Go away! I better get out of here before Reaper breaks the wall again. As always, reviews and criticism are greatly appreciated, and flames will be used to roast marshmallows. Ciao!
*fourth wall thuds again and a crack appears*
Code 089: Note to self: next time, use superglue.