Darling in the Franxx: Alternate Core
Chapter 10: Relaxing, re-tinkering, and renegotiating...
Chapter 10! We officially hit the two digit threshold! Even so, this one will be focused on the aftermath of the last operation and it will mark the start of new seeds of friendship between unlikely folks.
On with the show!
1 Day after the rescue, before Titus and Pari awakened...
Ichigo had questions, lots of them since a long time and she was going to get some answers this time.
After the battle against Wolfblade, she and Goro passed out due to exhaustion and their injuries sustained, which fortunately weren't lethal. Both of them woke up the next morning and were soon discharged from the infirmary. The first thing they were going to do however was talk with Raven and, if possible, Orion about what just happened.
Wolfblade: - Your people come here, towards the territory we call home, for the sake of exterminating us! Why shouldn't we fight back?!-
Wolfblade: - Do you really trust that blindly to your masters you don't question what happened between them and us? -
Wolfblade: - Your people accuse us of mindless beasts! Yet that's all I see in your people too! -
What did that mean?! Throughout their whole lives, Ichigo was told that klaxosaurs were mindless savage beasts that wouldn't stop until humanity was wiped out, and she believed that with her heart. But this 'Wolfblade' made her seriously doubt it for the first time... after all, everyone alongside her had seen this deadly sentient leader of klaxosaurs act jolly and friendly with their sensei, something that shouldn't have been possible in the first place! And not only that, they had been told that klaxosaur packs hunt to kill no matter what, but for the whole duration of their duel not even one of the klaxosaurs of Wolfblade's pack tried to do so, not even after their leader lost to her. This just did NOT make sense! Why did those phrases made her question everything that she believed was fact already?!
Ichigo: - Dammit... I'm gonna gain a headache at this rate...
Zero Two: - Oh... like my darling does sometimes? -
Ichigo: -Kyah! Zero Two! Don't scare me like that! -
Zero Two: - Why not? Is funny when it happens! -
Ichigo: - Humpf! -
She pouted and was about to leave her when she spoke: - Also, wait... I... want to talk to you about something important... -
Now that piqued her interest: - I'm listening... -
Zero Two: - I was actually impressed with how you fough yesterday against that klaxosaur... what was his name again? -
Ichigo: - Wolfblade, I think... and thank you? -
Zero Two: - I'm being serious... I had been within many plantations before and saw many Parasites fall against foes with similar power to his... and your fight was wilder and in more disadvantage than theirs. The fact you won AND survived means something... -
Ichigo: - I'll... take that as a compliment actually... -
Both stayed silent for a little while before Ichigo decided to finally do something about their partnership: - You know, ever since sensei beat you to the ground, we haven't interacted like this. -
Zero Two: - And what about last session just 2 days earlier? -
Ichigo: - I mean you and I alone, that was with the whole squad... although let's be honest, that one was funny... -
2 days earlier...
Ichigo: - I don't know, this one screams failure sensei... -
Zero Two: - I'm with her... this is not gonna work. -
Sally: - See? I told you Orion. -
Orion: - Nonsense! You don't know until you try! Alright boys! Get ready! -
They were doing trust exercises and it was time the boys did the classic "blind fall" one... and it was Futoshi's turn to do the fall.
Raven: - No offense to you Futoshi but I don't think physics are gonna work on our favor here... -
Zorome: - Yeah, we will be lucky if we don't get squashed. -
Futoshi: - Hey! -
Orion: - Zip it! Okay hold your arms together! *the boys did so* Okay Futoshi, at 3! 1... 2... 3! -
Futoshi fell backwards on them and next thing you know, the 6 boys below him went to get ice for their oversized headbumps. The girls had a field day during that one...
Back to the present...
Zero Two: - It was... I will confess it felt vindicative for me considering how many times he has got 1 over me... -
Ichigo: - You and me girl... -
Both chuckled before silence reigned in again but was quickly changed by Zero Two: - Listen Ichigo... I... I would like to apologize... -
Ichigo: *surprised* - Huh? -
Zero Two: - You heard well... I'm trying to apologize for the behaviour I had with you when during our first meetings... I honestly thought it would be the same story with me, just going here for another experiment before being sent away as quick as I came... but ever since that Reaper battle, alongside the rescue sortie from yesterday, my opinion on you and a few others has changed. You're not that 'textbook' leader I always see and hear on everyone else... you're really someone unique and flawed and that allows you to add emotion into what you do. I will confess I don't understand why you would almost throw yourself and your partner Goro away to save two Parasites that were about to become statistics... but after what sensei taught us and what I have seen of your battle, I will say you're someone who I can actually try to trust apart from darling. -
Ichigo was surprised at her statement, she actually believed she must be fooling her... but after having a cynical look on her, she realized that she wasn't on her usual smug attitude for once... maybe she was being genuine this time?
She decided to poke a little the waters: - Did Orion or Sally made you practice that or something? -
Zero Two: - Wow... I actually came here thinking of giving a sincere apology and you decide to shut it down as acting... -
She looked offended but Ichigo soon noticed it was more a funny offense... yep she was being genuine...
She smiled: - I'm kidding... I just didn't expect this from you like this... but considering what happened recently... I guess is better late than never. -
Zero Two: - So... does that means we're even now? -
Ichigo reflected about this and decided that for the best of everyone, she would bury that hatchet and test their friendship at the same time: - I guess we are... although I have an idea that will prove if I can trust you now... -
Zero Two: - Hmm? -
Ichigo: - It has to do with recent events... *her tone got serious* Zero Two, had you ever once questioned something that you were so sure about before in your career? -
Zero Two: "Aaaaah... she is learning! Inquiring for that knowledge..." - Sometimes... but who would ever heard the word of a special unit that is supposed to be different like me? All the adults want from is results and I give it to them, that's it... -
Ichigo: - Then I guess I can trust you on this one... during the duel, Wolfblade said things that, for once in my life, made me think about our purpose here and about his kin out there... but I'm afraid that if I try to seek the answers I will get in trouble... -
Zero Two: - I see... well have you tried asking the one guy who will obviously not give you trouble if you do? -
Ichigo: - I'm not that dumb Zero Two... it's obvious he is going to answer them... but what if our adults end up finding out about it? -
Zero Two could see what her worries were: what will happen to her and her friends if the adults at APE found out they're researching forbidden topics that would cause controverse on their pilots, and as such, making them lose their grip on them? She knows she couldn't shield them from their grasp but she could add a little protection by basically using herself and her status for this... she soon had a plan.
Zero Two: - Then how about this? Just use me as your escapegoat. -
Ichigo: - Huh? -
Zero Two: - Simple, right? I'm already used to be given special benefits and treatment and I'm also too valuable to be punished severely. Just blame it on me if you're found out... -
Ichigo: - Are you sure? But what about...? -
Zero Two: - Shhhhh... you said it was time to trust onto each other, remember? Trust me on this one... -
Ichigo thought hard about it and to be fair, it was the only doable plan for now so she went with it...
Ichigo: - Fine, if that's how you want it... so we first need to find Orion, any idea of where he is? -
Zero Two: - Nope but I do have an idea of someone who knows... -
At the forest of the dome, 30 minutes later...
Ichigo: - I'm surprised you know about this place Raven... -
Raven: - I usually come here to fish, it surprisingly has a good amount of them. -
Naomi: - You still haven't taught me how to fish by the way... -
Raven: - Maybe after both Titus and Pari are awake... -
Ichigo: - You mean the two Parasites we just rescued? How is it that you never told us before you named them? -
Raven: - Because I genuinely believed I wouldn't find them again... the SMC rescues a lot of them and I always, ALWAYS read the lists to see if I could find one from my nursery... but it seems to never be. -
Sensing his sadness, Naomi stepped towards him and patted him in his back: - Hey... I know it hurts in some way... but you need to maintain a little hope, alright? After all, thanks to it, you found 5 of them now! -
Raven smiled: - Yeah, you're right... and speaking of finding lost things, we're here! -
They spotted Orion's tent in a clear area of one of the lakes, more specifically, the same lake Hiro and Zero Two 'met'. There was signs of being used by Raven as they could see his foldable chair alongside his fishing gear nearby it and other stuff that belonged to their two mentors but there was no sight of them...
Naomi: - Weird... they said they would be here... -
That was when Raven spotted movement on the tent and soon groaned: - And unfortunately I know why... wait for me here. -
The girls looked as he went sneakily towards the tent's entrance and then suddenly shouted as he opened it: - Some... BODY ONCE TOLD ME! -
A pair of screams were heard as Raven pulled out and started laughing as he ran back towards the girls as Orion looked at him... without his shirt: - F**K YOU RAVEN! NEXT TIME JUST TELL US THAT WE'RE HAVING VISITS, DAMN YOU! -
Raven: - How about no! -
Orion: - Screw you! I will be with you later girls! -
Raven continued laughing until Orion finally came out of the tent wearing a simple white shirt and a pair of beige shorts and in a bad humor...
Orion: - I will settle this with you later Raven... fear until then. -
Naomi: - I heard Sally's voice too in there, what were you two doing? -
Orion: - Something that is forbidden to talk in here, okay? (Zero Two: "Yet you're doing it here...") Let's leave it there... now what exactly are you four doing here? -
Raven: - Oh, I was on my way to the lake to fish alongside Naomi when Zero Two and Ichigo intercepted me and asked me your location. They want to talk with you about the klaxosaurs... -
It didn't take that much mind power to realize what exactly they wanted to know...
Orion: - I see... well you two wait here for a moment, Sally and I will be with you shortly... -
He went back to the tent and while they waited Raven said: - Well, me and Naomi will be at the pond if you need us, good luck! -
Both left as the two Parasites waited for their mentors to get presentable for whatever activity they were doing and soon enough, both Sally and Orion appeared from the tent wearing simple shirts and shorts. Although both girls noticed that Orion had a mark of a pair of lipsticks on the back of his neck, but decided to ask about it later.
Orion: - Alright, what is it that you want to learn about the klaxosaurs? -
Ichigo: - Uh?! How did you...? -
Orion: - You ain't the first one to ask me that... remember that we rescue ex-Parasites and many of them had asked us the same sort of thing. -
Ichigo: - Right, I guess that makes sense... very well, first, what exactly are they? -
Orion: - Before I answer, tell me, what did they tell you about them? -
Ichigo: - We were told that they were mindless beasts that were awakened because they detected the magma energy and feed upon it. Then they devastated all of humanities cities and the people were forced to fled into the Plantations, with APE being the last bastion of humanity and starting the war against them... -
Orion: - They aren't wrong with that. Is true that the klaxosaurs awakened because of humanities excessive use of Magma energy and that cities were devastated because they heavily relied on its usage. However, the only part they have wrong is about the klaxosaurs themselves. They are beasts, but as you have seen earlier, they're not mindless. Many of them have displayed different types of intelligence and behaviour that they fall more into the 'sentient' category and very few of them had enough intelligence to be able to speak and understand basic human dialogue. And of THOSE, very few have the same level of comprehension as Wolfblade. -
Zero Two: - So there's more talking klaxosaurs out there? Why is it that we haven't encountered them? -
Orion: - Yes, and as for your second question, it's because of the very same reason that allows them to speak. The talking ones are able to understand who is the enemy and who is not alongside many other things that allow them to raise throught the klaxosaur hierarchy with ease. As I told you before, Wolfblade was a little klaxosaur cub that wouldn't had survived in the wild all alone. But because we raised him and taught him the essentials of life, his intelligence skyrocketed and when he left, he was more than ready to not only survive but thrive. As you saw yesterday, he is now the leader of a pack that managed to shatter a Plantation in a smart way: he waited for the Parasites to attack on his home territory, where he had the advantage in every way and eliminated them with sheer numbers and raw power. Then he proceeded to lead the pack against the Plantation itself now that they were defenseless and the rest is history. This is part of the reason you don't encounter them Zero Two: they are smart enough to NOT attack everything out there unless necessary and when that happens, they make sure they don't leave any survivors to avoid retalliation. They are focused on surviving, not killing humanity. -
This was a huge information dump on both Parasites. Zero Two was aware that APE wasn't the most reliable organization out there and she had many doubts about what they truely were, but even this was easy enough to caught her off guard. If not all klaxosaurs were focused on killing humanity... then why is APE dead set on eliminating all of them? Shouldn't it be easier to just kill the aggresive packs and then leave the pacifist ones alone? Unless...
Zero Two: - But if what you say is true... then why is a big pack of them set on attacking the Arc that we're going to defend? -
Sally: - That's because most of them base their behaviour on their instincts. As said before, klaxosaurs use magma energy to feed themselves and their young and when they sense a huge cache of it, they will try their best to seize it as is the law of nature: only the strong ones will survive. The ark carries enough reserves to last them for 2 years and unfortunately, it's more than enough to bring this huge amount of blue dinos to its doorstep. It could be worse, remember that they are a branch that separated from an even BIGGER pack. -
Just thinking about it made the girls feel very lucky about it for once...
Ichigo: - This is... all of this is... is there an expression for it when it becomes too much? -
Orion: - Mind boggling? Incomprehensible? Astonishing? Eye-opening? -
Ichigo: - I think I will stick with just 'too confusing'... but at least that answers something. -
Sally: - What else do you find confusing girl? -
Ichigo: - That klaxosaur Wolfblade said many things about us and APE it feels more like I was being attacked. -
Sally: - Maybe... or maybe he was telling you to prepare yourself to something you will most likely realize in the future. You never know what will happen as fate and destiny are fickle things that are sometimes too chaotic. -
Ichigo and Zero Two reflected a little on it but soon decided they would think about it for later...
Ichigo: - Sooo... that means that you don't know the answer? -
Orion: - On the contrary, we know... but it's something that can't be said in this place, sorry. -
Ichigo: "Weird, they just told us about how different their perspective on the klaxosaurs is that to APE... I guess it will have to wait then..." - In that case... is there a way to seek them? -
Orion: - Hmmmm... I don't know but all I can do for you is to wish you luck on it for now. Pray for answer girls. -
Zero Two and Ichigo: "Hmmmm... maybe if we try it..." - Pray for answer sensei... - "Hey, that actually felt good to say."
Sally: - Awww, they're learning... Oh right, before you go... Orion, should we tell them? -
Orion seemed to think deeply about it as both girls wondered what was it... eventually he sighed and said: - Girls, what I'm about to tell you is something private and secret, VERY secret and it involves you both in some way. -
Zero Two and Ichigo were surprised, he was going to share a secret this heavy with them?
Zero Two: - Well, you got me interested now, what is it? -
Orion: - Not so fast... this is something that REALLY has to be kept secret. As a matter of fact, we weren't going to tell you about it until later, but considering your roles, you have a right to know... -
Ichigo: - Our roles? What do you mean? -
Orion: - This secret involves your friend, Hiro, code 016. -
Both were silenced, what was this big secret involving one of their best friends?
Orion: - As I said before, since Ichigo is the leader of the squad and Zero Two is his official Pistil partner, this means that this secret about him will affect you two sooner or later, so it's better to tell you now rather than later. -
Zero Two: - What does my darling have? -
She seemed... anticipating the response for some reason...
Orion: "Hmmm... interesting" - Is something that we have seen and treated in some of the rescued Parasites. We call it "Memory Suppression Resurgence" and we have a big suspicion that Hiro is affected with it... -
1 day after Pari and Titus awakened, at the hangars...
Raven: - And right here we got White Glint, mine and Naomi's NEXT. -
Naomi and Raven had decided to give Titus and Pari a little tour around the Cerasus as they recovered to help them cope with the boredom of staying a long time in their medical room. Surprisingly though, the rest of Squad 13 decided to tag along and right now, with permission from Orion, were at the hangar letting their friends admiring White Glint, since Raven and Naomi and the NEXT were technically under a different jurisdiction which meant that if both pilots decided to visit their mech, they couldn't be denied access to it by APE staff unless it was a direct order from Orion.
Pari: - Wow... no wonder you managed to fight your way through the nest. -
Titus: - Just look at all those modules! This machine screams 'business first, fashion later'! It's such a fresh breath of air after seeing the same franxx model over and over again! -
The squad looked at him a little weird with exception of Zero Two, Raven, Naomi, Pari, Futoshi and Ikuno...
Ikuno: - Still the same even after being in another squad, eh? - "That's cute..."
Raven: - That's what I told him! -
Zero Two: - Naomi, what's with Titus? -
Naomi: - Oh, Titus has always been an electronic nut ever since the Garden. He would always draw some funny and sometimes amazing sketches of different modules for Franxxs and talk us about what their functions will be, their optimal use, and other stuff that I'm pretty sure he invented many times... but he really looked happy talking of them, specially when Raven showed interest on them... -
Zero Two: - Really? Why? -
Naomi: - Titus is... well sometimes talks too much about his ideas and... well that didn't make him popular with the rest of the children. They all either ignored him or pestered him away... everyone but Raven... -
Memories flowed as she remembered that day she met him for the first time... She and Pari had been playing with a few blocks making a house when Raven arrived...
Raven: - Hi girls! What are you playing? -
Naomi: - We're making a house! You wanna join? -
Raven: - Sure! Actually... would you mind if I invite a friend? -
Pari: - We won't! Who is it? -
Raven: - Is a surprise! -
He went away and both girls returned to making their house before he returned fast...
Raven: - I'm back! Here he is! -
When both girls looked at Titus, they weren't exactly looking forward to play with him.
Pari: - Shijugo, why did you invite him? He is the weird one! -
Raven: - Because he is my friend, right Titus? -
Titus: - Emmm... -
Naomi: - You even named him too? -
Raven: - Girls, come on! He is lonely and nobody else wants to play with him! He is a little weird but that's what makes it more exciting! -
Pari: - But Shijugo! -
Titus: - I told you... I understand... *He tried to go away but Raven stops him* -
Raven: - Nah ah! You're not going! See what you did now Pari? You hurt his feelings! -
Pari felt guilty about it now...
Naomi: - There, there Shijugo... I guess we can let him play... just... try to tone your talks a little, okay? -
Titus: - O-okay... -
Raven: - Great! So, I got this crazy idea for the house... -
And that's how their friendship began...
Naomi: - Raven always seemed to be someone to find a way to turn someone's flaws into advantages, and in this case, he manage to somehow transform Titus boring talks into something fun to hear actually. And Titus learned how to talk with less enthusiastic people about his ideas... it hurt him a lot when he was gone... -
Zero Two: - Hmmm... "Similar to the darling I'm searching for... *looks at Hiro and thinks about what Orion told her about his probable condition* It must be you... I'm very sure of it now..." but you got him back now, right? -
Naomi: - Yeah... I do... - "Except I'm not satisfied with that for some reason..."
Raven: - So... have you been doing your homework while I was away man? I will be mad if you didn't! -
Titus: - Oh you bet I did! I actually kept my promise to you and made sure to take notes and made sketches everytime! *has a sudden look of realization and gets depressed* And sadly they're all gone... my digital notebook was in the Plantation when it was destroyed. -
Raven: - Oooooooh... that's actually harsh, I'm sorry buddy. -
Orion: - You mean this one? -
Everyone looked to see him and Sally walk with special suits that seemed to have sensors on their extremities and he was holding a holographic device similar to that of the squad's communicators but thicker and bigger on his right hand. Titus would have jumped in joy if it wasn't for his injuries.
Titus: - IT IS! Give it back please! -
Orion did so and soon enough Titus was checking throughout his files and soon had the biggest smile on his face: - Everything is here! Thank you sir! -
Orion: - Just make sure to submit those sketches and blueprints kid. Us in the SMC would literally KIDNAP you if we could! Some of them are actually genius! -
Titus felt his existence being given a meaning once more! He was so good another faction would even suggest kidnapping?! It was the first time a superior actually told him his hobby was of value!
Titus: - Th-thank you... thank you so much, sir! -
He was actually weeping tears of joy for once and Orion did the sensible thing of kneeling down to hug him...
Orion: - There, there. You have talent, use it well. -
Pari looked happy at his friend having a renewed purpose before she was poked by Sally: - Hey, I think this also belongs to you. -
Sally presented her with a book that she never though she would see again!
Pari: - My recipe book! You also found it! -
Sally: - It may not be as complex as Titus, but damn girl, some of your recipes for food made my water drool. -
Futoshi: - Recipes for food? What are those? -
Pari 'Eeped' as it seemed that Futoshi had listened and saw their interaction alongside Kokoro, Mitsuru and Naomi... she was babbling a little being a little close to Futoshi Sally decided to answer...
Sally: - Literally instructions on how to make your own food, kid. She has been practicing apparently. -
Futoshi: - Really?! You have been learning how to make food!? Wow, that's amazing! -
Pari felt like she could faint at any moment but some looks from Naomi and Sally told her that she needed to use this chance: - Ummm... well, I'm not that good though... I sometimes had to erase some because they didn't turned out good. -
Futoshi: - You wouldn't mind if I could taste some of them? I'm really curious on seeing how you make food! -
Pari was in heaven, without a shrewd of shyness she said enthusiastically: - Sure! -
Futoshi: - Awesome! You're the second best after Kokoro, Pari! -
CRACK! And with that phrase, Kokoro, Naomi, and Sally cringed... damn Pari was close!
Pari: - Oh... okay. -
She still smiled genuinely: "Maybe this will be my chance to prove I'm better... just wait Futoshi..."
Naomi: "Futoshi... you just ruined the moment, you dunce!"
Kokoro: "Why does Pari look hurt after he said that?"
Sally: "You dense mother..."
Orion: - Hey! Sally, we got a job to do! -
Sally: - Coming! -
Mitsuru: - What are you going to do? -
Orion: - Maintenance and repairs on Arthur. We work different to APE's mechanics. - "That and we also don't want that freak of the doctor trying put his hands on our ships."
Raven: - Ah crap! I forgot we had that today! -
Orion: - Don't worry, we're covering your shift this time. I mean, we can see why. -
Ichigo: - You all actually work on your NEXTs? Why not let the mechanics handle it? -
Orion: - We do, but its mandatory that all LYNXs know how to repair the basic parts of their NEXTs in case getting to a mechanic is not an option. It's something that everyone needs to learn. -
Titus: - LYNX? -
Raven: - That's how we call our pilots. Yours are called 'Parasites', ours are called 'LYNXs'. Also, thanks for covering our shift cap. -
Orion: - You can repay me by teaching Naomi how to repair White Glint. She is your official partner now, remember? She needs to know everything. -
Naomi: - It will be no problem Orion. -
Orion nodded and both him and Sally went towards Arthur, the squad deciding to follow them...
Orion: - Huh? Are you curious to see how we do it? -
Goro: - Well, yeah sensei. Naomi has told us a little of how it is but we are still curious to know... -
Orion: - I don't blame you. Sure you can tag along, as long as you stay clear of the hazard areas, ok? We don't need this lesson in basic repairs to turn into one about safety hazards. -
They all nodded and followed the pair until they arrived at the platform housing Arthur...
Orion: - And the platform is below level... again. Stupid engineers I told them to put it level to the visor! -
Ichigo: - Need us to call for them? -
Sally: - Nah, we got this. It will have to be the old way Orion. -
Orion: - Alright. -
Both of them went towards the platform, Orion stood at the edge close to the NEXT while Sally went to the opposite one. She touched some buttons on her suit and then rushed towards Orion whom held his hands in a foothold pose. To the shock and surprise of everyone, she stepped on it and he threw her above the void between the platform and the NEXT... and then she seemed to stick to the latter without falling!
Ichigo: - Okay, that was awesome but at the same time reckless... and you have the gall to tell us off about 'safety hazard'. -
Sally: - Unlike you, me and Orion had done this many times blueberry. -
Ichigo: - Don't call me like that! -
She pouted as some of her friends laughed at it while Sally expertly moved alongside Arthur's face plate. She soon reached the right side of the faceplate, and then fiddled with some controls on the spot that soon opened the access to the cabin. Everyone then saw two drones appear from the frontal platform that settled nearby the platform edge and when they activated, they formed a holopath towards the cabin. Sally gracefully climbed down and dropped into the path.
Titus: - Holographic platform technology!? Man, you're loaded! -
Orion: - When you're part of the few elite units that are the wardens of humanity, the SMC doesn't spare any expense at giving them their best assets. -
He soon entered alongside Sally as service bots started to appear from one of the portable service stations on the ground. With courtesy of Raven using one of them to give a remote view of the cockpit, everyone saw as both Sally and Orion got to work as they checked Arthur's modules, made some modifications and once had to replace the sword guard with a different module that the service bots manufactured and installed it. It was a sight to behold specially for Titus whom was having soon an idea, a crazy one in some way...
Titus: - Raven, I need to ask you a question... -
Raven: - Shoot... -
Everyone looked at him confused...
Titus: - But I don't have a gun... -
Naomi: - It's an expression... in this case it means for you to say your question Titus... -
Titus: - Ah! Alright... is there a way for me and Pari to join the SMC? -
Everyone was surprised to hear him ask that: he is basically saying he wants out of APE!
Pari: - Titus, what are you doing?! Why would you ask that!? -
Titus: - Because for once I feel accepted like back at those times in the Garden, when Raven extended his hand to me! Even after we 2 became friends, I never felt truly accepted, even with our friends of squad 17. It was always just you, me and our notebooks all the time Pari! Everybody else was good with us, but whenever I always talk just a LITTLE about my ideas... they always seemed to be uninterested on them even as I simplified what I talked about. The same was going on with you too, and you know it! They always told you many times to not bother learning how to cook! And the purpose of that was to spend time together like back in the Garden! We just never fitted well with them! -
He was becoming emotional as he spoke, and Pari couldn't blame him because what he said was true... ever since Raven disappeared, their group of friends felt that something big was torn from them and trying to fill it with new friends and companionships never ended as they believed it would. Almost everyone seemed to tolerate them but never truly tried to connect with them...
Titus: - In the few interactions with our friends and their mentor, I felt as included as I was back in the Garden! And take a look at us! What will happen to us once we heal? We will be sent back to the orphanage to be reassigned to another squad... and it will start all over again! Pari, we almost died there! And we survived thanks to them! We will live once more but I swear I will die inside if we are separated from them again... -
He was about to drop tears and his speech had touched his friends. Soon enough, Raven spoke...
Raven: - Well Titus... for your question I must say that there's a yes and a no. -
Titus: - What do you mean? -
Raven: - You'll see, the SMC easily admits Parasites who survive either by being left behind or being the last ones of their squadron if APE doesn't reclaim them. But in yours and Pari's case, you both have been rescued by APE themselves meaning that us in the SMC don't have a way to reclaim you as you're still under APE jurisdiction. -
Titus: - So that means we can't... -
Raven: - Hold it... I'm not finished man, there IS a way you can join us while making everyone happy... just transfer here with Squad 13! They're all right now training under Orion and wouldn't mind having a extra pair of recruits... that is if the squad captain agrees... -
They all looked at Ichigo with hopeful looks...
Ichigo: - You think I would let them be sent away after all the effort we put in rescuing them? Of course I will allow them the transfer! You think I'm heartless or what? -
Everyone chuckled after that but then Zero Two said something that killed the mood: - I'm afraid it won't work... -
Ichigo: - What?! -
Zero Two: - I'm not saying it in bad will, I'm open to the idea too... but even if you're the captain Ichigo, this squad is under Dr. Franxx's management, he decides who goes in and who stays out... and I don't think he has a reason to allow them in unfortunately... -
Orion: - Oh, but he listens to us and WE have a reason to allow it! -
Everyone was surprised to hear him from the bot that acted as their camera.
Raven: - Crap, I forgot to put it in the one-way setting? -
Orion: - Yes you did, a lucky accident I would say. Not to worry Titus, I can help you and Pari gain that transfer with your friends. HOWEVER, there is a catch. You're a tinkerer with electronics and franxx models, right? -
Titus: - Well, yeah, I just told everyone about it... -
Orion: - Well, in the case you transfer here... you're gonna need a custom Franxx. And it won't be enough with just remodelling the standard one that is junk now! You need to actually design a NEW brand Franxx to stay to level with those of the squad. Oh, and their franxx are based on flowers... yeah, I also don't get it that. But anyways, your stay depends on this challenge... are you up to it? -
Everyones swore they could see Titus eyes go red for a moment, as if something woke up inside him, and he was soon going through all of his notes at a high speed before he stopped at one of his pages and soon said: - You got it... although, I'm gonna be honest, I know nothing about flowers... -
Kokoro: - Oh! I can help with that! I have a book about it back at the greenhouse! -
Titus: - Thank you! -
For some reason, Mitsuru, Ikuno and Futoshi felt a little jealous of this interaction, but soon let it go...
Titus: - I will have it ready in a few hours... -
Orion: - I'll be looking forward to it... and pray for answer kids. It will be given tomorrow with some luck...
That night, at the command room...
Dr. Franxx: - Hmmmm... I must admit this kid, 'Titus' has the basics covered on Franxx design. And his model... 'Alstroemeria' fits in nicely with the squad's theme... -
Orion: - But...? -
Dr. Franxx: - To do this without the explicit permission of Papa would cause some troubles on the line... -
This time, both mentors went to negotiate alongside admiral Cronwell for the new 'admissions' to Squad 13. So far, it was going smoothly...
Orion: - You're his most prized nerd, doctor. Surely he can allow this little 'transaction' to happen. What does he gain by sending a pair of Parasites away anyway if they can continue the fight with you here? -
Dr. Franxx: - Hmmm... I don't know. Even I have to be careful not to overstep my influence in his plans. It's already hard enough to let him continue the training you had been giving alongside being given permission to assist you on your operation to defend the ark. -
Orion: *Sighs* - Fine... how much to allow those 2 to stay? -
Dr. Franxx: - I have to give you credit for not beating around the bush, as that saying goes... I am aware that you can easily cover the production of such unit in your Plantation alone, so I will ask for more... 'sensitive' info. How did you manage to use Kojima particles as your main source of energy? -
Now that was a topic that limbos between the line of 'confidentiality' and 'public knowledge'. Orion had to tread this carefully...
Orion: - I'm not that expert in chemistry but if I remember correctly, Kojima particles are those obtained from the vacuum of space, right? -
Dassia: - You're correct captain. Discovered by doctor Hajatsu Kojima during the Energy Crisis of the XXI century, Kojima Particles were proposed as an alternative to Magma usage alongside other sources and it was its main contender because of the high energy outputs alongside the fact that it was tecnically an infinite source because of its nature in the void. It was rejected because of its highly radioactive output and production costs. -
Dr. Franxx: - And apparently, if the hint you gave me from your book, it seems you managed to harvest it despite the dangers... -
Orion: - Well... looks like somebody has been doing his homework. -
Dassia: - Captain... -
Orion: - Sorry. -
Dassia: - As for our secret that allowed us to harvest it... I'm afraid I can't say anything about it... but I can give you a hint that I'm sure you will crack soon: it has to do with our common enemy. -
Dr. Franxx: - It involves the klaxosaurs then... do you have the slightest idea how little that hint narrows down my quest? -
Dassia: - You are the expert obsessed with them doctor. I'm pretty sure it won't be that hard for you to go back towards the origins of their appearance... -
Dr. Franxx: "Origins of their appearance? If she meant their first apparition then that is way too far etched... unless..."
Dr. Franxx: - Ummmm... I will later think of this hint you gave me... but for now, what do you bring to the table for the two new potential 'recruits'? -
Dassia set another briefcase on the table, before opening and presenting its contents to the doctor: - This time we bring you the knowledge about the 'Allegorical Manipulation System' or AMS for short: the system that allows our pilots to reach new limits. -
The doctor saw the contents and knew that this was a very advantageous deal: one valuable secret of the SMC at the price of letting two more Parasites join Squad 13 and the production of a new franxx covered by the same dealer. Oh Papa was gonna appreciate this bargain.
Dr. Franxx: - Deal... when do you think you will have their new Franxx ready? -
Dassia: - If we have any luck, about 3 days, just in time for the operation. -
Orion: - Oh! About that! How's the status? -
Dassia: - Heavy rain in the area has delayed the pack for another 2 days. However, we haven't found a shortcut through the mountain range, meaning we will still arrive late by 1 day. -
Orion: - Damn... the vanguard of the pack will have made landfall by then. -
Dassia: - We will try our best to reach the area in time. Speaking of which, you should use it to get some sleep. You have big news to give tomorrow. -
Orion: - Yeah, that's what I will do... *yawns* it was a pleasure doing business again doctor... -
Everyone soon left the room...
Meanwhile, on the infirmary...
Sweat poured into every part of her skin, her nerves going haywire as she ran through the darkness, but no matter how much she ran, how fast she went and never looking back, she could feel it: that predatory sensation of her hunter getting closer and closer to her. She kept running and running until something in the darkness made her trip, then as she fell, the solid ground became muddy and sticky enough for her to get stuck. Footsteps were heard getting louder and heavier, her predator was getting closer, she panicked, tried to get out of the trap using all of her stength only to sink in it. Desperation and fear took hold of her at every inch of her body as she turned and saw it: those blue eyes alongside those blue teeth leaping into the air and opening to bite her clean...
GASP!
Pari awoke covered in sweat and tears as she suffered from the horrible nightmare, her bed a little wet of her transpiration...
Pari: "Dammit... this again..."
Knowing that she won't be sleeping any time soon, she decided to go and take a walk around the boardhouse and carefully stood up using a cane set alongside her bed. She then proceeded to walk carefully towards the stairs where she was surprised to see Titus there too...
Titus: - You couldn't sleep either? -
Pari: - No... I had a bad nightmare... -
Titus: - Me too... *sighs* it's something wrong with us? -
Pari: - I don't know... but I simply wished it stopped... -
Raven: - Stop what? -
Both of them almost fell to the floor when Raven surprised them from behind...
Titus: - By Papa! Don't scare us like that man! -
Raven: - Sorry... -
Pari: - What are you doing awake at this hour? -
Raven: - I was busy teaching Naomi how to work our NEXT at the hangar. She just went to her dorm to sleep and I saw you standing here... what happened? -
Titus: - Nightmares... that's what happened... -
Raven: - Ah... it has to do with Wolfblade's son, right? -
Pari: - Yes... it doesn't matter if its already dead... I can still feel the pain and sharpness of its bite when he attacked us... -
She shivered at the thought of remembering the sensation detail by detail of that day. She wishes she could forgot it but no matter how hard she tried, it always seemed to stay there.
Pari: - Raven... how do you deal with this? -
Raven: - Uh? -
Pari: - How do you deal with this sense of defenselessness, weakness and fear that is gripping me now? How?! I... I just... *starts crying* -
Both men did their best to console her and waited for her to finish her flow of tears. Eventually, she soon calmed down and looked at Raven, hopeful for an answer.
Raven: - Pari... I know what you mean by that... and trust me, I know how it feels to have PTSD... I sometimes suffer from it too... -
Pari: - You do? -
Raven: - Yeah... it happened after I was rescued and... it was during very important events for our side... I witness them turn into nightmares in a matter of seconds... and its impression is still in me... I'm afraid you can't forget nor run away from this deep feelings left on us like scars... but that doesn't mean you have to face this alone. If things go well, then you 2 will have a whole new squad that is willing to know you and bond with you for help. Speak to them of your fears, of your wishes, of your dreams, of your weaknesses and of your strengths. They will be with you from this point on just like you will be with them too. -
Pari and Titus felt comforted by his words, and nodded as they thought deeply on this...
Titus: - You're right Raven... we got new friends, ones that know about us and will understand us better than before. And we also got you now! The one who made us join together! -
Raven: - Yep... but you know, I won't always be around to keep it together guys. At one point you will have someone else to trust as deep as you trust me now, and I can already think of whom would be your match... specifically a certain big boned guy for you Pari. -
Pari: *blushes* - Am I that obvious? Apparently not because he seems to be stuck with only Kokoro on his head... -
Raven: - Don't worry Pari... he is just in that period of life where crushes are ideallistic on his head but fail to see the reality of it... and to be fair, I don't blame him, Kokoro is a good girl... sometimes too much for her own good. We will later think about ways to help him 'awake' from his ideallistic mindset but for now... don't hold a grudge against her and be yourself. Ok? -
Pari smiled a little: - Thanks Raven... and I think I can get a few ideas... *yawns* after I get a nice sleep for once... -
Raven: - Attagirl. So, need my help to get to your rooms? Tomorrow will be a big day! I'm sure of it! -
Everybody soon went to get a nice sleep, this time filled with their dreams...
Next morning, at the lobby...
Everyone was there waiting for their mentors to bring in the news and almost everyone were excited at the idea of having now an official 6th franxx unit with them. Eventually, after a short wait that felt ages, Orion stepped inside carrying a letter... without hesitation he went towards Ichigo and told her: - Read it aloud. You're the voice of your squad and their ears too. -
Ichigo did so, and after calming her nerves a little, opened it and set to read: "On this day, APE has declared that it is immediate effectively that both code 345 and code 467 are to transfer into the forces of Squad 13. From this point on, they will be under the leadership of code 015 and in consequence, under doctor Franxx's orders, violation of the respect of chain of command will result in their inmediate rejection from the unit. Signed, Papa."
Raven: - YOU'RE IN GUYS! CONGRATS! -
Everyone celebrated! Squad 13's family had just expanded and their newest members were going to use this new opportunity in their lives to finally realize their long gone dreams of the Garden.
Aaaaand done! Less action centered but still filled with emotions! What are your opinions on the new pilots now? Tell me in the reviews! A very special thanks to Xelku9 for allowing me to use them for this story! I hope I made them as you hoped they would be in your AU! Till next chapter!
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... pray... for answer...
... One trial has been answered...