Darling in the Franxx: Alternate Core
Chapter 6: Darlings in the NEXTs.
Chapter 6 bois! The BIG one for this arc! Nothing much will change except the final parts of the battle where our favorite squad of Parasites will see the TRUE potential of a NEXT! On with the show!
Kissing operation night, 1 hour before the battle, in the bunker's briefing room...
Raven: - They actually activated it? -
Orion: - Yep. It seems the kids are bolder than we give them credit for. And talk about impecable timing, the klaxosaur force ETA is about 50 minutes, wouldn't surprise me if they did this for the sake of receiving our help. -
Naomi: - How many klaxosaurs are supposed to be there? -
Orion: - Between 150 and 170. Not to say the pack they are fighting also has a Gutenberg going in bait mode. -
Naomi: - Bait mode? -
Orion: - Some Gutenbergs are smart enough to hide their true strength and category until the battle reaches a criticial point, usually that being the pack about to break or the defenders about to be overrun. Right now the Gutenberg... *shows on the hologram table a projection of a cubic klaxo* looks like this, but in reality... *the klaxo changes forms until it forms a big bipedal humanoid creature* its true form is this. There's a saying from an ancient master of war called Sun Tzu that says: "Appear strong when you're weak and appear weak when you're strong." Some Gutenbergs are smart enough to apply that tip. -
Naomi: - What does it mean to my friends? -
Raven: - It means that it is in their best interest to save their energy for one big fight once they clear all the minions in the pack. -
Naomi got a little worried about that. From what her rescuers told her, fighting the little guys can be as exhausting if not more time and energy consuming than fighting the leader. She just hoped Ichigo would make the correct decisions...
Samuel: - So, what's the plan for insertion boss? -
Orion: - Well, that's what the equipment you brought is designed for... *Shows a hologram of 3 sets of boosters each containing 4 main ones alongside 4 secondary ones (the boosters that White Glint uses on the 'Armored Core For Answer' trailer)* the EXO-SSE-Quad-6000 (couldn't find the official name) designed for fast deployment of NEXT with a maximum speed of 2000 km/h (1242.7 mph) and a maximum range of 5000 km. Using those we should be able to reach the battlefield if we go in a straight line in half-an-hour. -
Naomi: - Half-an-hour?! But at that point the battle would have already started! -
Orion: - Which is why we are departing as soon as Sally returns from the comms room... -
The door was then opened as the mentioned one entered in a hurry. She was worried and that only meant unexpected developments and not on their favor.
Orion: - What's wrong? -
Sally: - The Oletros detected a second pack... following the first one... its bigger and... it has a Death Ripper klaxosaur on it! -
Everyone present stared in shock at her.
Naomi: - What's a Death Ripper? -
Raven: - A klaxosaur class that IS made against something as deadly as them... our NEXT... -
Naomi was shocked significantly, a klaxosaur designed to attack and kill NEXT's specifically?! Then that meant... her friends...
Naomi: - WE HAVE TO GO AND SAVE THEM! -
Orion: - And it is what we will do! Everyone, DEPLOY! -
Alarms started blasting as they all rushed towards the hangar zone and prepared to board their NEXT's that were fortunately all geared up for the mission. Alongside them, a white cube compartment was attached alongside the exo boosters.
Orion: - Are the extra supplies already secured on the boosters?! -
Sally: - Arthur's is secured! -
Zoe: - Flamenco's secured! -
Raven: - White Glint's secured! -
Orion: - Alright! Everyone, inside the NEXT and prepare for take-off! -
As everyone did so, soon enough both Arthur and Flamenco were combat-ready.
Arthur: - Raven, hurry up! -
Raven: - I'm on it, I'm on it! -
He was about to close the hatch when suddenly someone entered!
Raven: - What? NAOMI?! -
Naomi: - I'm coming too! -
Everyone: - WHAT?! -
Sally: - Negative Naomi! You're still healing! -
Naomi: - I don't care! I have to do this! I found a reason to fight! -
Raven: - But Naomi! -
Naomi: - NO BUTS RAVEN! *She then went and stood in front of him* I'm not doing this for myself I'm doing this because of my friends, the only family I had for a long time, just like you had them before! I'm going through the hell you're joining to see them again even if it's my only and last attempt and I will NOT be denied! -
Raven was speechless, as he saw the little girl that was shy most of the time transform into a woman right there. Memories of their childhood together swimming through his emotions until eventually his heart won over his brain.
Raven: - Alright. Hold still! -
He grabbed her wrist and pulled a device similar to his from a compartment and put it into her.
Raven: - Just hold still and answer the questions sincerely... -
The machine's AI voice came to life...
A.I. White Glint: - New vital signature detected and awaiting connection... state name... -
Naomi: - Naomi... -
A.I: - Callsign or code... -
Naomi: - Code 703 -
A.I: - Subject identified as an APE Ex-Unit. Unit Raven, have you been given permission from a superior to give access to subject Naomi as the official pistil for this NEXT unit? -
Raven: - Absolutely... -
A.I: - Requesting verbal command or written documentation from a superior officer to start vinculation protocol. -
Now the answer landed on Orion and both Naomi and Raven held their breath on it... praying for an answer.
Orion: - This is captain Orion of squadron 'Atlas' stationed at the Man'O'War 'Oletros'. I give full authorization to ensign Naomi to become the official pistil of the NEXT 'White Glint' -
Both had a look of surprise before Naomi shouted: - Captain Orion! Thank you! -
A.I: - Authorization confirmed. Vitals analyzed: subject stable; Identification cells created, archived and printed, starting vinculation and vestiment protocol. -
At that moment, the wristdevice shined and soon enough, she was being covered in the same gray and white uniform that Raven had, fitted for her female figure, the logo of the white eye soon being printed on her chest area. Once she was covered head to toe with the uniform, the back side of the cockpit started moving and the cabin started to expand.
A.I: - Switching solo-piloting to standard piloting. Welcome on board, LYNX Naomi. -
The arms and pedals of the second set soon deployed towards Naomi...
Raven: - Okay, just stay still for now facing forward, the machine knows what to do... -
Naomi: - Okay... -
Soon enough, the arms and pedals adjusted to her size and soon lifted up Naomi on to Raven's right side. She then felt the wire connectors enter through her system. It was uncomfortable and a little painful...
Naomi: - Hngh! -
Raven: - That's nothing, wait until the one on your back connects... -
Naomi - What...? *The main arm lowers and connects to her spine* Eeeep! -
A.I:- Dual calibration systems starting, please perform the next steps in coordinated fashion... -
Raven: - Right, I have forgotten that NEXT also require compatibility. -
Naomi: - We got this... I will not let myself fail a second time... -
As they both performed basic movements, reflecting each other, the elevator started to pull up.
Samuel: - You better hurry guys! -
A.I: - Basic test successful. Prepare for compatibility ASM test, commencing neural link in 3... 2... 1... -
Raven: - Naomi... -
Naomi: - I can do this Raven... -
*Flash*
She saw it, she saw everything that he had lived after he left...
He saw it, he saw everything that happened after he left...
The man who took him in...
The kid whom he and she admired...
The life he has at that mysterious nation...
The life all of his friends and her had after the Garden...
How he lost him on one fateful day...
How she lost her way on one fateful day...
And how both gained a new reason to fight for an answer to their existence...
A.I: - Compatibility test complete: 100% -
Samuel and Zoe: - 100%?! -
Orion: - *Whistles* No wonder you held her close to your memories Raven... -
Sally: - These two are gonna go far... under the correct guidance... -
Orion: "Raven if you and Naomi can reach this high level... who knows how powerful White Glint will become... and who knows how much potential lies in your friends if we show them the truth... maybe the end of this war is closer than we thought."
Eventually, White Glint roared with an aura of power that seemed to reach towards its weaponry and its circuits just as the platform reached the surface...
Naomi: /Woah.../
Raven (as White Glint): - I know... -
Arthur: - How are you both feeling? -
Naomi and Raven: - Better than never... -
Arthur: - Good, everyone, 'V' formation now, I will lead! -
The sand in front of them started to make way as the platform in which they were was raised more showing it was a launching deck with integrated catapults.
Arthur took the center front while Flamenco took the left and White Glint the right.
Naomi: - So how does this work? -
Raven: - We just stand here and wait for the magic to happen. Quick warning though, it's gonna be a HUGE boost of speed. -
Naomi gulped as the A.I. started the countdown...
A.I: - Launching sequence starting in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... launch. -
Arthur was suddenly propelled forward, followed then by Flamenco before it was White Glint's turn...
Naomi: - Whooooooooooaaaaaaahh! -
The sudden movement forward did its job of sending the 3 NEXTs airborne with little use of their thrusters.
Naomi: - Whoa... that wasn't soo bad... -
Raven: - Oh Naomi, you haven't even seen what true speed is like... -
Naomi gulped nervously at that, specially when she saw Arthur's exo thrusters start...
Arthur: - Ignite EXO thrusters! -
Soon enough all three of the NEXT's started to fly VERY fast towards the battle zone...
Later, at the kissing operation battleground...
Squad 13 and 26 had done it. They had managed to win the battle against the Gutenberg and with it the kissing operation was complete and both plantations were safe. And not only that, Hiro had done the impossible and rode Strelizia for the 3rd time, proving himself for real as the only Stamen to survive and ride alongside the Stamen killer. All that was needed now was to return inside to get a well deserved rest... that was the plan at least until commander Hachi announced to everyone...
Hachi: - Attention, 3 energy signatures are closing in very fast! -
Everyone: - What?! -
Zero Two: - And I already thought this was the end of it... -
Hiro however had the sensation that somehow, he knew who was it... and he wasn't wrong because soon after...
Hachi: - The energy signatures are familiar... is the SMC Aces! -
That was when everyone saw them on the horizon... the three NEXT propelling themselves via big thrusters on their backs right towards them at very high speed...
Zorome: - Woah! Look at them fly! -
Everyone saw as the 3 NEXT got closer and closer and then their EXO thrusters reassembled themselves into a giant parasol airbrake that slowed them down. Eventually, the 3 NEXTs aligned their feet to the front as they got closer and closer to the ground which they soon touched and sled through it with such smoothness it seemed they were gliding. The EXO thrusters then disintegrated as they finally came to a stop in front of both squads. Hiro was glad to see Arthur and White Glint again but once he saw Flamenco he dreaded for Zero Two's reaction.
Zero Two: - So they also brought him back... -
Hiro: - Zero Two, I know you have an itch with that one but... -
He was interrupted when the comms started beeping as it showed that the Aces were requesting a communication channel...
Ichigo: - Huh, that's weird... commander, what should we do? -
Hachi: - Patch them up, I will handle this... -
Eventually, communication was established and Hachi soon talked: - This is commander Hachi from the... -
To their surprise, image connections were available as they soon saw Orion saying: - We know! Listen this is NOT the time for introductions, there's trouble coming here! -
Hachi, even though bothered by the interruption, could see that the pilots reaction were too sincere so he decided to press on: - What kind of danger is it that you talk about? -
Orion: - Another pack of klaxosaurs bigger than the one you defeated is coming this way and worst of all, they are led by a DANGEROUS class... uploading the data to your comms... -
Soon enough, the data was displayed into the HUD of the command room, sharing it with both squads and what they saw shook them to the core...
Zorome: - What kind of klaxosaur is that?! -
The klaxosaur in question looked bipedal, but rather than being humanoid it looked like a reptile-like creature whose limbs seemed to be made of weapons rather than normal anatomy (a metal gear RAY from MGRR, lets say).
Dr. Franxx: - A Reaper class? It's been a while since I heard of it... -
Nana: - Doctor, do you know about this class? -
Dr. Franxx: - Yes, in all of my time I was only able to get a glimpse on one as they're very few out there. And consider yourselves lucky because of that. -
Nana: - Why? -
Orion: - Because they're very VERY deadly hence the name 'Death Reaper'. Doctor Hands is right on the lucky part you know? -
Goro: - Doctor Hands? His name is doctor Franxx. -
Orion: - I know, I simply choose to call him the nickname EVERYONE in the SMC uses. -
Everyone was a little stunned by the way Orion called the doctor with exception of his wingmen and Zero Two, whom snickered: - Snk, 'doctor hands', that's a good one. -
Hiro: - Huh? -
Ichigo: - And why are they so deadly? -
Orion: - Because they were made to defeat and kill NEXTs like ours. Their two frontal arms are filled with all sorts of weaponry, from missiles and bombs in the back areas while the frontal ones carry machine guns, and are as sharp as blades. They can also be heated giving these creature dangerous melee capabilities. And not only are they big, they are also agile capable of slicing, jumping and using their weight to crush any unfortunate soul trapped under them. AND to top it all off, they have a nasty bite, and can use their mouths as a highly powerful plasma ray. -
Footage started to play as he explained this, showing everyone that the danger level was very much serious.
Hachi: - By Papa... how much time do we have? -
Orion: - We managed to saw them on our way here... you got an hour at best. Running away will be fruitless though, those things can track like hell their prey and won't stop until one of them is dead. -
Those weren't hopeful omens. They just barely came out from one hard battle only to now realize another one even harder will take place very soon.
Hachi: - Is there something we can do? -
Orion: - The only option left is to fight it. And that's were we come in, the SMC has already face klaxosaurs of that class, it usually takes about 1 to 2 squadrons of NEXT to take one down. With Franxx however, I don't know but there's a high chance we can repel it. For that however I request that I be given field command. -
Code 090: - Excuse me?! What gives you the right to say that! -
Orion: - The fact that out of everyone here me and my squadmates are the most experienced here idiot. -
Code 090: - How can we trust that what you just said is true even?! You just expect to fly in with your glorified mech and have us obey you like that?! -
Orion: "Agh, not another of those morons..." - I'm only asking you to let us help! Which part of us having dealt with them before haven't you heard?! Also, that thing is going for you, not us! We could easily leave you and let that thing finish you off, but we won't! Just learn to listen! -
Code 090: - And why should we listen to you!? Your faction kidnaps our partners and uses them as their own soldiers! They never return to us, less speak with us again! How can we trust your word on this?! -
Orion: - I said it before to squad 13 and I will say to you again. We didn't kidnap them, we RESCUED them from death and once they healed, they CHOSE to fight with us! We didn't force them, we didn't manipulate them, THEY THEMSELVES CHOOSE TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT WITH US! -
Code 090: - And do you have any proof of that?! -
Naomi: - Please listen to him, he is speaking the truth! -
That voice! All of Squad 13 was relieved and surprised at the same time when they saw her piloting inside White Glint!
Squad 13: - NAOMI! -
Code 090: - Who's her? -
Naomi: - I'm Naomi, ex-Parasite and my code was 703. Captain Orion is speaking the truth, I was rescued by them a week ago after a klaxosaur attack on the Cerasus. And now I'm here thanks to them, willing to continue the fight! -
Hiro: - Naomi! You're alive and piloting too?! -
Naomi: - The same I would same of you Hiro! Also, hi guys, you won't believe whom I found! -
That was when Raven's image came online: - Yo. -
Hiro was the first one to remember him: - Shi- shi- Shijugo!? -
Goro: - Wait! Shijugo, is that really you!? -
Futoshi, Zorome and Mitsuru: - Shijugo?! -
Raven: - Yep. Code 045 at your service. Although I no longer go by that name. I'm now called 'Raven' and I would appreciate it if you respect that guys. -
Zorome: - No way! You were the white devil gunner this WHOLE time?! -
Futoshi: - Unbelievable! That means that you actually know how to fight! -
Mitsuru: - What's with the white drawings on your face? -
Raven: - It's called a tattoo, its a permanent one and it is special to me. -
Arthur: - Enough chatting! If you forgot people, there's a pack of klaxosaurs coming fast! Raven, Naomi, you can wait for the reunion! *Unpacks the cargo cube on his back and puts it on the ground* Considering that you all just came out from one battle, we got supplies here to replenish your Franxx! Fuel, ammo, spare parts, take what you need! -
He then tapped the cube with his feet and soon enough the cube started to change form as it reassembled itself into a mini-station filled with Franxx parts, little repair bots and lots of tanks filled with magma fuel. ('Dispenser coming up!' Uncle Dane theme starts)
Ikuno: - Wow, portable service stations. -
Code 090: - Commander, what should we do? -
Hachi was reflecting his answer when the doctor spoke up: - Let them have the lead. -
Nana: - Doctor? -
Dr. Franxx: - It's been a while since I had witnessed such a behaviour, raw, volatile... and human. Let the aces have control of the battle. -
Hachi: - Understood... attention everyone, Captain... -
Orion: - Orion! -
Hachi: - Sorry, captain Orion has field command for this battle. Follow him and do your best to prepare for the upcoming fight. -
Everyone: - Roger! -
Orion: - Alright listen up! White Glint, use your station with squad 26. Squad 13, here, let's get you patched up and ready! Flamenco, you're on overwatch duty! Keep an eye out there! -
Flamenco: - As you say boss... -
He went towards the desert in the direction the pack will arrive later, but not before casting a look at Strelizia whom glared at him. He then smirked and pointed at his left arm in a mocking manner which made her growl.
Arthur: - Flamenco... -
Flamenco: - I'm going, I'm going, jeez kill all the fun, will ya? -
Zoe: - Sorry about the arm, Stre! -
The NEXT left and Arthur walked towards Strelizia.
Arthur: - Sorry about that, you can say that Flamenco is a kindred spirit to you. -
Strelizia: - Pfft. Him? Kindred? Please... -
Hiro: - Kindred? Spirit? What does that mean? -
Arthur: - Right... I forgot that you kids all don't have the same vocabulary as ours... -
Strelizia: - He doesn't but I do. -
Arthur: - Nah, you don't count. You had the doctor to teach you all of that, that's unfair to your friends. -
Strelizia: - They're not my friends... -
Sally: - But they're those of your darling, aren't they? And no matter how you look at it, they will be your friends. -
Almost everyone in the squad: "I doubt that..."
Strelizia: - What makes you believe that will happen? -
Sally: - I thought that after being on the sea of solitude for so long, you would appreciate the island of companionship you were given. Anchor yourself to your darling, you will later live and learn about what I said. -
Strelizia just stared at them silently before leaving for the station, but what Sally said was still hanging on everyone's head...
"After being in the sea of solitude for so long, you would appreciate the island of companionship..."
Further thoughts were interrupted as Strrelizia went to the station and after looking at it asked: - Hey genius, how are we supposed to use this? -
Arthur: - Just sit on the service stool... -
He went towards her and, surprising everyone, carried Stre up like she weighted nothing and set her down on the stool.
Strelizia: - Don't do that again... -
Arthur: - Yeah, yeah, now hold still princess... -
That word seemed to struck something on Zero Two as Hiro sensed her getting suddenly anxious. But that feeling soon gave way to amazement as the station started up, first scanning Strelizia before it released little round robot drones, no bigger than the children, that went towards the spare parts and started to fix the frame while a couple of them connected her to the fuel pumps and another couple set to work on her pike. The little ones worked like clockwork and everyone watched in amazement the little operation in front of them.
Futoshi: - Look at them! They look like tiny klaxosaurs but white and round! -
Genista and Argentea: - They look so cute! -
Chlorophytum: "No wonder the adults at APE consider them dangerous... a faction with this kind of gear can be more harmful than the klaxosaurs..."
After a few minutes, the procedure was done and Strelizia looked good as new.
Arthur: - There, now captain Ichigo, you're next... -
Delphinium soon took the seat and the procedure started anew. It went like that for some minutes with the rest of the units but eventually...
Arthur: - There... everyone's ready on my side White Glint. How's yours? -
White Glint: - Almost done! These guys got beat up very hard in the previous battle. -
Flamenco: /Bad news boss, I got visual on the pack, they will be arriving here soon./
Arthur: - Commander Hachi, has the radar detected the pack? -
Hachi: - Weird... there's nothing on it... wait, we see them now, how could they get this close without detection? -
Arthur: - The Conrad class has subclasses too! This ones we call them Shadows as their skin is altered to favor stealth and surprise attacks. More than one squad have a hard time keeping these guys in check. Fortunately, they're easier to deal with as their skin is also more fragile! -
Hachi: - Taking note of that for the future. -
Arthur: - Flamenco, return and regroup with us now... -
Flamenco: /Roger.../
Arthur: - Okey everyone! Listen up this will be our battle plan! *Shares a map through the screens* The klaxosaurs are coming from here, and from the initial glimpse we got from them we estimate their numbers to be close to 200... -
Flamenco: /Correction boss, we saw 220 there.../
Raven: - Damn, Ichigo, how many did you just faced against? -
Ichigo: - 150. It shouldn't be that hard with 70 more, right? -
Raven: - Damn, that's actually close to what many ensigns face in their first operations. -
090: - So what's the strategy? -
Arthur: - The Conrads will have speed and numbers to their advantage so we neutralize that by making the line of defense right here... *Shows a defense line that is closer to the plantations* this will make the klaxosaurs go through a narrower corridor making their speed and numbers more of a hindrance. Both of you guys will hold the line in here, make sure not even one klaxosaur crosses it. Me and Flamenco will be here in the front, acting as a spearhead cutting down most of their forces as they advance... -
Zorome: - Ugh, so it's the same way as before? With us staying at the back while you have fun? -
White Glint: - Zorome, trust me when I say that these creatures WILL get through. We can shoot and kill more than you can but many will pass by and that's when you step in. -
Zorome: - Fine. -
Arthur: - Trust me, it will not be like the battle you just won. The Reaper klaxosaur is smart enough to lend support to his minions. It will fire missiles and energy projectiles at you and they are very, very explosive.
Argentea: - So we are supposed to hold the line while also getting bombarded from afar? Doesn't that sound complicated? -
Arthur: - It does which is where Strelizia's and White Glint's role comes to play... -
Strelizia: - Hmmm? -
Arthur: - I want both of you to act as the bait for the big guy. Draw the aggro on him so he keeps shooting at you rather than the line. Stre, you will dash in, make it feel pain and pull out once it focuses its guns on you, then White Glint will cover you by filling him with his bullets. -
White Glint: - Count on us Arthur. -
Strelizia: - Huh, so I actually get to do something instead of sitting back? Not a bad idea... -
Delphinium: - Wait, isn't that too dangerous? They're literally gonna be alone out there against a whole pack! -
Naomi: - We'll be fine Ichigo, White Glint is equipped for these battle. -
Goro: - But what about Strelizia? -
Strelizia: - You just saw me take down the Gutenberg, and you still doubt me? -
White Glint: - They're actually on the right this time Stre. You're strong but not fast enough to go against the Reaper. -
Strelizia: - Tch. -
Arthur: - Don't jump the gun that easily girl, I have a special gift for you... -
He went and opened one of the storage compartments of the station from which he pulled a set of thruster components. The service bots went into work again, assembling it at record speed and once they finished, everyone saw the whole piece: it was a set of 6 thrusters that were arranged in a 2C*3R (Column and Rpw) configuration and seemed to be the perfect fit for Strelizia's back.
Arthur: - Here, this will help you keep up with White Glint. -
He then tried to equip it on Strelizia's back only for her to snatch it away and tried to put it on herself... only to fail as she struggled to angle her arms...
Zero Two: - Darling, please it isn't that hard... -
Hiro: - Sorry Zero Two... is just, hard to picture it in a different size... -
The rest of their friends snickered at the pair until Strelizia eventually gave up and passed it back to Arthur.
Arthur: - There's no embarrasment for asking for help girl... -
He then easily set the thrusters around her back and secured them in place.
Arthur: - There, now just let it connect to your system... -
The equipment soon activated its synchronization and their pilots were impressed by how effective it was. Eventually, Hiro and Zero Two received the 'system ready' notification...
Arthur: - Okay, let's start with the basics, you first need to move the pedals... -
Some minutes of explanation and testing later, Strelizia was taking to the new thrusters like a fish to the water...
Strelizia: - Wohooooo! -
As she sled around the place, White Glint was assembling a big weapon on his shoulders...
Naomi: - What exactly is this Raven? -
Raven: - It's a rotary Gatling 360 autocannon. Very high rate of fire alongside a wide arc and range. The perfect weapon to stop those missiles. -
The assembling was soon completed alongside its calibration and that was when Raven felt a mental tug from Naomi.
Raven: - Is something wrong? -
Naomi: - I know I said I would go through hell to see my friends again Raven... but what if this is indeed? -
Raven: - Shhhh... *deactivates connection to silence her with his finger* I understand that you are getting cold feet as this is your baptism of fire and that can be nerve-wracking... but lets look it at this way, you know your friends managed to go through 3 battles with only their franxx, right? -
Naomi: - Yes? -
Raven: - If they can, then you can too. And you're piloting with me, someone who had its own share of battles, some more dangerous than this one. Focus on what you have now, what can be accomplished and before you know, you're battle ready... -
Naomi took a deep breath and smiled: - Thank you Raven... -
Raven: - A pleasure... and Naomi, pray for answer. -
Naomi: - You know, what does that mean? I never got the full context of the phrase... -
Raven: - It's our spiritual way of saying that the actions we're about to take will either provide answers or questions about the future we're trying to build. To bring more questions means that the future we seek goes farther away so we pray that we will be provided answers about it for the sake of continue fighting for something that is worth... -
Naomi: - Wow... in that case... pray for answers too Raven. -
Both smiled just as Hachi announced everyone: - We got visual on the pack, everyone get ready. -
They looked towards the horizon and saw them: the Conrads where similar to those they had fought before only difference being they were smaller and less round while having bigger claws. But their attention wasn't on them, it was on their ominous leader. The images provided by Orion didn't do justice, as even from afar everyone could see the size of the creature along its menace. From that far it looked at them, showing an accurate sense of intelligence and roared to the heavens. At that signal, his pack started to charge, surprising everyone with their speed.
Arthur: - Okey everyone! It's time! Go towards your stations! Flamenco, with me! White Glint, Strelizia go towards the top of the plantations and wait for the signal! -
White Glint, Strelizia: - Roger! -
Code 090: - We're in position sir. -
Delphinium: - We're ready! -
Arthur: - Good luck everyone and pray for answer. Today two warriors shall fight, one shall stand and one shall fall. -
He then pulled out his sword, everybody else followed his example, and waited for the swarm of blue to reach them. One thing was sure, he was going to make sure those under him remained standing.
Start playing 'Rules of Nature' instrumental version.
The pack soon covered the distance quickly and those at the very front went towards the two vanguards. That was their last mistake as Arthur and Flamenco unleashed barrages upon barrages of slash waves, cutting through their numbers as if they were made of paper. Many of them fell without even reaching them but some were smart enough to flank them around and attack them in cohesion. Only to be surprised as both Mechs put their backs together and continued slashing at them, covering all sides as more and more klaxosaurs fell under their mighty blades. Eventually, their boss decided to do something about the stalemate as it fired its missiles against the two aces. Both of them saw them coming and evaded accordingly, with Flamenco wiping out his laser pistol while Arthur's shoulders deployed anti-ballistic projectiles. As they escaped from the blast zone, both of them shoot down some of the missiles but those left showed that had homing features as they locked on them. Both of them then used the pack as their meat shield, successfully standing clear of the first barrage.
The defenders on the line saw the magnitude of the explosions and soon decided that they wouldn't want to be near the blast radius anytime soon...
Zorome: - By Papa! Those things sure do explode! -
Arthur: - Some of them got through! Get ready defenders! -
As he said, some klaxosaurs appeared from the clouds of smoke in direct course towards the plantations.
Code 090: - We'll handle those on the right! Left is yours! -
Delphinium: - Roger! Let's go guys! Let's not make the same mistakes we did before! -
Squad 13: - Right! -
The clash between the two sides soon happened as the klaxosaurs where determined to trample the defenders with their speed and the defenders were as determined to stop them with their morale boosted as their new allies continued to cut through the bulk of their forces. The Reaper wouldn't sit idle though and soon sent a second barrage while it also opened its mouth...
White Glint: - Hyper beam alert! Stay clear of the center! -
Everyone on the ground did so just as the massive creature fired. Even being clear of the beam's destructive path by some meters wasn't enough to avoid feeling the scorching temperature it unleashed, even transforming part of the sand it touched into glass! To imagine the power of the beam on a direct hit sent shivers to the Parasites.
Argentea: - That was its beam attack?! No wonder it is very deadly! -
Arthur: - Focus! He made an opening for the rest in the middle! Cover it! -
Strelizia: - I got it... -
She then dived into the middle of the pack and started slicing through all of the attackers with ease as her new thrusters allowed her to go faster for the kills.
Delphinium: - Zero Two! He said to wait for the signal! -
Strelizia: - Quit being that bossy! I'm doing a good job here, see? -
Karma came towards her in the form of multiple high-energy laser projectiles, courtesy of the Reaper as soon as she got in range.
Hiro: - Woah! Watch out! -
He pulled on the controls and tried its best to dodge them but because they were in the middle of a pack, Strelizia found herself pinned down by a group of them.
Strelizia: - Let go you damn...! -
The Reaper took notice of the easy target she became and send out bigger barrage of missiles towards her. Seeing this, Strelizia redoubled her efforts on getting free, managing to throw off the klaxosaurs that held her arms, before going for the ones holding her legs. However, by the time she got herself free, the missiles were almost upon her.
Strelizia: "Shit..."
Suddenly, she felt herself being slammed from the side and then being carried as the missiles exploded behind. As she regained her senses, she saw that White Glint had basically stepped in to save her as both sled outrunning the missiles.
White Glint: - And there's why you should sometimes listen to the captains Zero Two. -
Strelizia: - Hmph... -
Hiro: - Sorry about that... she just gets too excited... -
Naomi: - Considering you're the first one to pilot with her 3 times, I say she wants to make the best of it! -
Arthur: - We will be having words later! Raven, the Reaper is closing in to support its guys, start baiting it now! -
White Glint: - Roger! -
He settled Strelizia down and soon both mechs went towards the Reaper klaxosaur through a path that Arthur and Flamenco opened throught the pack. As soon as they got close enough to fire at it, the Reaper jumped...
Strelizia: - What? -
White Glint: - Move it! It's trying to smash us! -
Both managed to evade in time as the Reaper landed on their previous spot. It then roared and brought out of all of its weapons to bear against the two...
White Glint: - We have the aggro, you better thin those numbers fast! -
Arthur: - Just give us time! And be careful, some of them have broke off to help their leader! -
White Glint: - Roger! Stre, can you handle the little ones? I will draw the big one's attention! -
Strelizia: - My pleasure! -
The Reaper fired, both mechs dodged the tracers and White Glint brought its weapons out; his two assault rifles now had longer clips alongside energy bayonets.
Raven: - Ready? -
Naomi: - Ready! -
The white NEXT opened fire, its bullets shooting down some of the missiles as it went sliding left dodging the rest. Some of the minions started to chase him only to be intercepted and killed by Strelizia. The Reaper started to jump around, its attention drawn away from the plantations and the defenders soon started to change the course of the battle. It went like this for a while, White Glint firing at the Reaper, Strelizia covering him and sometimes slashing at the klaxosaur herself in dash attacks, the pack trying its best to bring their numbers and speed to the attack only to be repelled by the defenders. As time passed, the attackers were losing their momentum as their numbers were tinned down until soon enough Hachi made a status report...
Hachi: - There's only pockets of the packs left. What's the next step of the plan, captain Orion? -
Orion: - Squad 26, hold the line here and finish off the rest! Squad 13 and Flamenco, with me! We're hunting down that reaper! -
Flamenco: - Echo that! -
Code 090: - Roger. -
Squad 13:- What?! -
Argentea: - Are you crazy?! How are we supposed to take down that thing!? -
Arthur: - One limb at a time! White Glint! Strelizia! We're going in! You can now attack the Reaper at will! -
White Glint: - A little problem with that! We are being attacked by the remainders of the pack! -
Hiro: - From where did these many come from?! -
The rest of the attackers, seeing how the defensive line held and with the attack possibly ending in failure, decided to take it out on the two mechs distracting their leader. It was getting too overwhelming for both White Glint and Strelizia as they couldn't fight them all while also evading the strikes of the Reaper.
Arthur: - Just hang in there, we're on our way! -
Both mechs were suddenly flanked by a group of 4 whom managed to hit their frames...
Strelizia: - Urgh! -
White Glint: - Argh! -
Both mechs were tripped because of the impact but they're attackers soon met their end as White Glint tore them apart with his auto-cannon.
Naomi: - Aghh, that hurt... -
Raven: - *Grunts* One of the disadvantages of the NEXT, the damage gets transferred to us so it feels like real pain... -
A sudden tremor put them on alert...
Hiro: - Ummm... guys? -
Both mechs looked up and saw that the Reaper had used the chance to jump closer to them and was heating its right arm up to chop them off...
Raven: - Ah crap! Move! -
White Glint managed to get back up in time. However, Strelizia seemed to have trouble...
Hiro: - Huh? -
Hiro was trying hard on the controls and heard Zero Two grunt...
Hiro: - Zero Two, what's wrong? -
Zero Two: - The feet, they're stuck! -
Looking down, they saw that Strelizia's legs were trapped between the corpses of 2 klaxosaurs piled on top of them. As much as Hiro pulled on the controls, the legs were stuck.
Hiro: "Crap this is bad, this is bad."
Naomi: - Strelitzia! Why aren't you moving!? -
Hiro: - We're stuck! -
White Glint soon came to rescue them and threw the bodies off them. However by that time, the Reaper's arm blade was ready and it was about to swing at them.
White Glint: - Crap! -
The NEXT activated his energy bayonets and put them in an 'X' while also activating its shield to mitigate the damage while Strelizia tried to hurriedly stand up but it was too late for them to evade it as the klaxosaur swung it down...
CLANNNNNK!
The sound of the clash of a biometal against another biometal surprised them both as both didn't feel the blade connect with them... that's when both mechs realized they had been pushed out of the way and that Arthur had activated his Centurion Core and was holding the Reaper's blade with his!
RULES OF NATUREEEEE!
To the surprise of everyone, except the SMC pilots, Arthur managed to PARRY the blade and forced it away! The Reaper was not pleased at being denied its prey and swing it down again on him. This time Arthur changed his posture and caught the blade with his hands!
AND THEY RUN WHEN THE SUN GOES UP! WITH THEIR LIVE ON THE LINE! (ALIIIIIIIVE~)
Arthur stood there, holding the blade for a few moments until everyone saw its frame suddenly flash red lightning around it!
Arthur: - ALRIGHT! -
FOR ALL THAT I'VE (NO CHOICE~)
Arthur: - GRRRRRH! -
Then he LIFTED the klaxosaur by his blade! Then twisted around and THREW it away, followed shortly by him jumping on his arm!
White Glint: - GO, ARTHUR! SPLIT IT WIDE OPEN! -
GOTTA FOLLOW THE LAWS OF THE WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILD (ALIVE~)
The knight NEXT then started running up the arm, spinning his sword like a fan in front of him, cutting through the arm with ease at each step he made and when he reached the shoulder, he jumped! The klaxosaur tried to shoot him but his efforts were futile as the knight descended on his shoulder with an overhead slash!
Arthur: - EEEEEEEYAAAAAH! -
His swipe cut through its shoulder, removing it clean from the body!
White Glint: - YES! ONE LIMB DOWN! ANOTHER ONE TO GO! -
Unfortunately, the klaxosaur, even with one limb down was still dangerous and it soon prove it as it jumped away from the group and firing off a lot more of missiles from its remaining limb.
Arthur: - Dammit... White Glint, Chlorophytum, fire at those missiles. Flamenco, finish that bastard off! -
RULES OF NATUREEEEE!
Flamenco: - Sure thing. -
The duelist mech sprinted towards the missiles and surprised Squad 13 when he started jumping on them!
AND THEY RUN WHEN THE SUN GOES UP! WITH THEIR LIVE ON THE LINE! (ALIIIIIIIVE~)
The Reaper saw the red NEXT coming for him and started shooting a lot more missiles but the latter just kept on jumping on them, getting closer and closer to the klaxosaur!
FOR ALL THAT I'VE (NO CHOICE~)}
The Reaper tried to sway his arm away from the red NEXT but it was too late as it did one last jump that put him in front of its remaining shoulder!
Flamenco: - Zandatsu time... -
At that moment everything went into slow motion for the NEXT as he started unleashing cuts upon cuts on the shoulder with his red blade!
To those who were looking from outside, it was as if he was a blur!
GOTTA FOLLOW THE LAWS OF THE WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILD (ALIVE~)
Eventually, Flamenco returned to normal speed as he suddenly grabbed his blade with his left foot and SLASHED the other arm clean of the Reaper!
Flamenco: - UUUURAAAAAHH! -
With both its limbs gone, the Reaper roared in pain and anger as Flamenco landed on the ground.
Flamenco: - And that's how its done! -
White Glint: - It's not defeated yet! Watch it! -
Just as he said that, the Reaper went to bite Flamenco, only for his strike to be parried and leaving the creature in a stun causing it to lose its balance and collapse into the ground!
Arthur: - Everyone! Give it all of what you got into it! -
Everyone: - Roger! -
Squad 13 went against the rest of the limbs as they sliced, shot and stabbed trying to find its core. Unfortunately, time was running out as the creature seemed to have one more trick up its sleeve.
White Glint: - Dammit! It's overheating itself! -
Chlorophytum: - What does that mean? -
Arthur: - It means is gonna explode itself and we will be caught dead center on it! Hurry! Find the core! -
What's done is done
Survived to see another day
Delphinium: - It must be on its torso! If we just could cut it open in half! -
That was when White Glint had an idea and soon said: - Strelizia! Your pike can do that! Run along the back! -
The game of life
The hunter and the agile prey
Strelizia soon saw what his plan was and rushed towards the head to which she jumped over then impaled its pike on it.
Hiro: - Let's do this Zero Two! -
Strelizia: - Alright! -
No guarantee
Which of them will succeed?
Both of them rushed through the rest of the body, splitting it in half followed closely by White Glint.
Strong or weak?
Eventually, the core was finally ejected! White Glint boosted up and caught it!
Rules of nature...
RULES OF NATURE!
And with that, the Reaper was defeated! White Glint soon stored the core and as it happened, the creature ceased to move!
White Glint: - WE DID IT! VICTORY! -
He put his right fist up, just as the sunrays pierced through the clouds, making the win more gracious than before! Everybody else soon celebrated!
Arthur: - Good job everyone! Well done! -
Back inside the plantation, Hachi breathed in relief...
Hachi: - Radar doesn't detect anything else. We're in the clear. -
Dr. Franxx: - Interesting, interesting... -
He was looking at the 3 NEXT rather than his creation...
Dr. Franxx: - I will discover your secrets, I swear... -
Nana: - Doctor? -
Dr. Franxx: - Sorry, I'm just fascinated at the gadgets and skill our sudden helpers have... -
Hachi: - As am I... should I report this to the 7 sages? -
Dr. Franxx: - Do nothing of the sort for now. We can't bite the hand that just fed us with help and supplies after all of that. I will handle the report for them later. -
Hachi: - Understood doctor. -
Nana: - Doctor, even so, what should we do with code 703? Should we accept her back into our ranks? -
Dr. Franxx: - As captain Orion has said before, she made the decision to participate with them, as such, we're under no obligation of reclaiming her. -
Nana: - Understood, but considering that her friends were expressing their wish to reunite with her... -
Dr. Franxx: - If you're asking that if she is banned from APE facilities, don't worry. I can allow her to enter once more into Milstinteinn to reunite with everyone there. For future entries though, that depends on her wardens now... -
Nana sighed in relief as the cameras then showed squad 26 returning to their plantation while Squad 13 disembarked from their Franxx as the NEXTs did the same nearby them...
Inside White Glint, both Naomi and Raven were disconnecting as they prepared to disembark...
Raven: - Naomi, you were amazing out there! I never felt this alive inside White Glint before! -
Naomi: - Hehe, I'm glad you're happy Raven. And thank you for... Nngh! -
Raven: - Why didn't I think of using a partner before?! I swear sometimes I'm still that dumb kid from the Garden many times... -
Naomi: - Oh come on, you weren't that... Aggh! -
Raven: - Naomi, what's wrong? You seem to be in pain. -
Naomi: - It's... nothing... *Grunts* -
A.I: - Injuries detected on right arm, administering morphine dosage. -
Naomi felt one of the sensors inject a needle into her right arm and grimaced when it happened.
Raven: - Naomi! You told me you were alright! -
Naomi: - I was! But that attack from the klaxosaur landed on my arm again... -
Raven: - Ah, in that case, I can't blame you... it happens. Although I can assure you that Sally is gonna kill you. -
Naomi got super pale at that: - You're kidding me right? Why would she kill me after saving me? -
Raven got confused at first until he remembered: - Ah! No! No! Obviously no! I was just saying an expression! She will be mad at you but she won't kill you! -
Naomi breathed in relief and said: - Just remember you will have to explain me a lot of those... -
Raven: - Got it, I just hope you're patient enough because there's A LOT of them. -
Naomi giggled just as the machine finished manufacturing a sling cast for her arm and finally opened the cabin. Looking down however, Naomi soon asked...
Naomi: - How am I supposed to climb down with an injured arm? -
Raven responded by carrying her bridal style and soon saying: - Hold tight with your good arm. -
She did and then he dropped down, landing on key junctions of White Glint until he finally reached the ground.
Raven: - There, and I will be glad to do it in the future. -
Naomi: - Show off. -
(Play 'Armored Core 20th Anniversary Special Disk 01: 10 - Cosmos New version')
He then gently set her on the ground and both walked towards their friends whom upon seeing her and Raven rushed towards the two.
Squad 13: - Naomi! Shijugo! -
Raven: "I guess it will take some time before they call me by my other name..."
As the group hugged and talked with each other, Orion looked from far away alongside Sally, Samuel and Zoe.
Orion: - I think we may have found the answer to this war after so long. -
Samuel: - Are you going to include that on your report? -
Orion: - Not yet, its still way too early but what we have seen of them for now shows they're more than meets the eye. -
Zoe: - Oh, now you are making shameless references. -
Orion: - Hey, those who got the rights to such references are now dead and most of us don't even remember who registered them so it's now public domain. -
Sally: - He has you there Zoe... -
Zoe simply huffed before her attention was set on something else, or rather someone.
Zoe: - Look, the 'Stamen killer' is learning. -
They all saw Zero Two getting near the group, and while everyone else saw her with looks of suspicion and distrust, it seemed as it didn't affect Naomi nor Raven. She said somethings to them to which both of them replied with smiling faces. She then leaned on Naomi, apparently inspecting her and then said something at her. Whatever she said, it made Naomi blush a little before she then regained her composure and answered with something that actually stunned Zero Two. She then took her hand and shook it in a professional yet friendly manner while Raven laughed. Eventually, the laugh was contagious and soon went to Naomi, then Hiro, then the rest of squad 13 including Zero Two.
Samuel: - This reminds me of the good ol' academy days, ei? -
Orion: - Oh yeah. Those were good times... -
That was when his wrist device beeped as it received a notification. He read it and soon smiled.
Orion: - Well it looks like our actions have found an answer now... -
Sally: - Why do you say that? -
As if to answer her question, Hachi announced to everyone: - Attention, something big has just been detected! Captain Orion, is it another klaxosaur? -
Orion: - Nope, fortunately it isn't... -
As he said that, the horizon behind them seemed to distort by some reason, and it was soon revealed why as the 'horizon' soon vanished and revealed it was a black wall: the wall of a plantation that suddenly appeared right in front of the other two. The squad was again amazed with exception of Raven.
Hachi: - Captain Orion, what is that? -
Orion: - It seems the 'Oletros' has arrived. -
And that's it! This one is my longest one for now! Oh boi, did it took a loot of willpower to complete! Anyways, I'm glad about how this one turned out. Did you like the way I manage to extend the kissing operation and the power level of the SMC NEXTs? Tell me via reviews! Until the next chapter!
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