(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
The sun begins to set on the horizon of the plantations. Only illuminating the long abandoned buildings and desert sands that stood tall over the many years of conflict and destruction. Until the rumbling of the many Klaxosaurs disrupted the far-off landscape silence as they moved ahead to the magma chamber. Following along the many Klaxosaurs was a giant box with horns sliding forward, pushing the abandoned buildings in its way to follow the many Klaxosaurs that led its way. Their approach was not unheard of, as the sensors from Plantation 13 picked up their movement and now saw visuals of what this Klaxosaurs group looked like.
'Current distance to Klaxosaurs group: approximately 4000' Was the report the sensor operators gave as well as updates to the pilots below that the mission hasn't changed as they are arriving on schedule. Another report pinged Cherno Alpha as well as the Franxx pilots that the Kaiju are now in visual contact range.
'Current distance to Kaiju-class: approximately 4000' Came the same report only detailing it to be a different species of giant monsters that now began assaulting humanity as previous reports were that they were lumped in as a single species.
But the scouting sorties of Cherno Alpha and Squad 13 brought in more information that some may have fused with the technology of the Klaxosaurs, but there are some who are more organic than what their contemporaries may lead them to believe. Especially their skin color, which was a light gray with blue blood as the single beast made its way to the kissing process. Cutting the abandoned building and the sand with its claws looking a little displeased as it now began to sharpen its claws along the way. Hachi observed these two coming closer in visual range as their movements were estimated to arrive at the same time.
'Looks like the southern group are moving in as a pack while the north moves in as a single monster like Cherno Alpha reports so often detailed' He said observing the visual radar was pushed to the sides of the screen bringing up the projected teams and reserve teams at their assigned locations.
He continued to see the projected losses and gains from the calculated event the Strelizia wouldn't participate in the battle looking to be lopsided in the Klaxosaurs favor as the huge box would tip the balance of power. This only made Hachi's eyes furrowed at the response.
'That huge thing could likely be a Klaxosaur, too, but I've never seen one like it before nor these Kaijus that our new guests detailed in their scouting reports' Not liking the lack of information and details of their upcoming foes.
He can only put his trust in the experienced squad performance despite being wounded, as well as in Cherno Alpha teaching to see if the students can hopefully accomplish their parts as well. If worse comes to shove, Then he'll have a name to put up in the memorial of heroes who gave their lives for the plantation. Hopefully it won't have to come to that, but through harsh experience, these types of missions always come in as the worst-case scenario.
Ichigo was taking a shower from the communal showers that were installed by the plantation. She would have to pour a water bucket on her head but through Codsworth's insistence and engineering skills he managed to reroute the piping and fixing the shower heads so that the residents can stand underneath the shower heads rather than pouring water buckets like the good old American way. Pushing this American way aside since they are Japanese. She thinks? She only read nationality in the history books and they are humans as she was taught like her entirety of her life. She thinks there was some blockage about parts of her memories and it hurts to think about but slapped her face together as she has the mission to accomplish.
Back to Goro who has a plate beside him on his bed he sat down watching Hiro looking out of his window holding a cup of tea that Goro saved for him before the big fight. He drank the tea feeling a bit surprised that he didn't choke on it like the water he drank earlier but continued to stare out knowing that tonight will be his last night. After a moment of silence Goro made his plea one final time knowing that it'll be a futile one but he must ask Hiro again.
'Are you really going to fight?'
'Yeah' Was Hiro's quick response. He left his mind and heart set that he'll go to the end with ZeroTwo leaving Goro to stew in a silent rage as he could do nothing and watch Hiro die.
'You complete fool' Was all he could say to himself.
The pilots of Squad 13 were gearing up for their upcoming battle putting away their uniforms and suiting up their Franxx pilots suits. At the female pilot quarter they were making small talk as the upcoming mission was setting up to ride off discussing their chances and conditions on this mission that they were going to sortie out.
'I heard the Klaxosaur numbers are higher than estimated' Kokoro said as she was putting on her pilot suit and adding a sticker that their teachers insisted that they were to be given out as their reward for accomplishing their mission. She didn't mind it at all since the sticker is shaped like a cat and she likes cats. But her happy mood changes as realizing that this sticker might be the only sticker she'll receive once this mission starts.
'Do you think we'll be able to come back here alive?' She said hoping her friends have an answer that they'll all be able to see tomorrow again.
'If nothing else, it won't be like anything we've experienced before' Ikuno said while holding her pilot suit giving Kokoro a none answer as she doesn't want morale to plummet as she doesn't believe they will accomplish this mission with all of them intact.
'We can just let squad 26 handle everything, y'know, since we're dead weight, apparently' Miku said, still annoyed at Squad 26's attempts to be kind, that their battle doctrine is completely different then they still prefer to fight alone on the battlefield while wounded when there are fresh units in the rear.
Putting on a mark in her pilot suit right arm as to count the amount of monsters she personally killed and the amount of missions she accomplished on her left. As there are 1 mark on her left and five marks on her right. Ichigo was lost in thought about last night's events and slowly put on her pilot suit as Ikuno was talking to Miku about how she is being okay with being at the back even though she is going to be set loose by the teachers as well as her marking her pilot suit like that will leave her looking more like a barcode then anything.
Their male counterparts finished putting on their suits and walked out of their pilot quarter and marched through the hallway to discuss their own version of events that is going to happen during their mission events.
'We can't afford to be too optimistic, given the difference in numbers' was the analytical response of Mitsuru thinking about how their previous sorties were fighting against varying numbers of foes in varying amounts of experiences. So they should disregard their previous battles as this will be a completely new battlefield. Zorome looked at his serious comrade like he was going to chicken out despite Mitsuru's best attempts.
'Hey, don't go wimping out on us now, we've got me, Zorome the Great, on our side' He referred to himself still believing that he is at least their ace pilot. Futoshi took his chance to poke fun at Zorome.
'Zorome aside, we can count on Strelizia this time, as well as our teachers when they finished their duel with the Kaiju' Zorome gave him a dirty look again not being respected as the great and protested in his own way that squad 13 will not be considered dead weight.
'Anyway, We're not letting squad 26 hog the glory' Mitsuru can only blinked that he'll be reckless and fight against his fellow squad mates during their sortie and told Zorome to not go off fighting with Squad 26 and focus on the mission.
As the two bickered a bit before moving on they saw their female counterparts walking out of the door and putting on their last finishing touches before waiting for their male counterparts to arrive. As they looked behind them they spit off into their pairs and made some small talk as they made their ways to their Franxx all except Ichigo and Goro who stayed behind talking about the events of last night and Hiro.
'Hiro is still inside' Goro said Ichigo only nodded thinking that this might be the last she'll ever see of Hiro. Goro noticed the sudden mood shift and spotted Hiro then pushed Ichigo forward to him. Ichigo looked back in embarrassment knowing what Goro wanted to do but all she saw was Goro waving his hand.
'Go say hi for Hiro for me" As he walked forward to his Franxx. Hiro called out Ichigo to get her attention who quickly looked at him in surprise then shifted her posture to ask Hiro about him not piloting the Strelizia hoping she can convince Hiro instead but she knew it might be a losing battle but she had to try so she'll start off soft before leading up to it.
'The operation starts late at night' Hiro nodded, being familiar with the outburst she did last night since ZeroTwo told him about that.
She started to like her as she actually fought her with emotions rather than the cold mindset like her other bosses. But alas it's Hiro's choice in the end and he chooses to fight. Hiro understands where Ichigo is coming from but he needs to fight. So to ease Ichigo tension he hoped to make some small talk as well before leading up to the decision.
'Did you get enough sleep? ZeroTwo was worried for a bit while seeing you washing dishes with Codsworth' Ichigo turned her head. Embarrassed that ZeroTwo saw that. Not believing ZeroTwo was actually worried for her and it was actually Hiro who was worried for her instead. She breathed.
'Yeah I did, did you?' Hoping to deflect the questioning Hiro answered.
'Nah, I was too wide awake' Both nodded as the nerves of battle and this might be their last conversation with each other before the final fight. Among other things. An awkward silence was held between the two as Ichigo was scrambling for anything to say but her mind was blank. Until.
'I...Uh...Took a shower and I felt better' Kicking herself that this was the best she could come up with.
Hiro just said yeah knowing that his best friend is awful at small talk and knows that it's about him piloting with ZeroTwo. So to end this conversation with good spirits he decided to end it on a cheerful note. Calling out Ichigo's name to get her attention which shook to attention as she was busy scrambling her thoughts on how to not say the main topic but getting to the main topic as it's a very loaded question especially so close to their operation beginning.
'Let's make sure this operation succeeds' Hiro said.
Still thinking he'll need to practice his speeches because at times Ezekiel calls his pick up speeches wet cardboard. Whatever cardboard is but from the context it was not good. Practice that he might not get as this might be the last day of his life but he made peace with that. He'll die flying. Ichigo could only weakly reply as she couldn't find the words. Hiro continued with his speech hoping to add some more encouraging words in.
'Being a leader isn't easy, but I know you're up to the task, I'm counting on you' Thinking proudly to himself that he managed to get his pick up speech finally decent. Short and sweet and to the point. Seeing his speech take into effect, Ichigo repeated his last words to him with enthusiasm. But she looked down thinking about something then gathered her courage.
'This might be our last conversation we'll have' Hiro nodded, returning the sentiment. She looked Hiro in the eyes ready to speak about the feelings she had before getting rejected.
'I've always loved you. But I-' Till something caught Hiro's eye and saw it was ZeroTwo who was walking and waved happily at her.
Ichigo turned to see who it was and saw It was also ZeroTwo who only glanced at the two unamused then waved back. As much as she dislikes Ichigo for having feelings for her darling, she couldn't bring herself to hate her as Hiro is a wonderful guy and that funny robot is bringing Ichigo out of her shell more. She liked that about her. Becoming more human and less like those papa "perfect" parasites especially the 9's yuck. ZeroTwo thought about this as she was walking down the hallways hoping that this won't be a repeat like last time but the odds are not looking good. Ichigo could only watch as ZeroTwo left until she felt her shoulder held by Hiro who only yelped when she saw Hiro's hand on her shoulder.
'I know Ichigo, and I'm sorry I don't feel the same way, so let's go out there and fight these monsters as a family' Ichigo only stared and nodded. Then tapping his shoulder with her free hand.
'Yeah, like family' They both made their way to ZeroTwo going to the pilot bay until Ichigo tapped his shoulder again getting his attention.
'You really need to get better at these speeches' They both chuckled.
'Well since you're the official leader, maybe you could give one of your own' They both laugh like siblings, even noogying each other's hair feeling some lingering memories coming up to the surface that they use to do that. ZeroTwo just listened and smiled thinking maybe this time it's different. As the three split off to their Franxx. Ichigo made her game face on and got into the seat of her Franxx ready to pilot it like a motorcycle. Goro noticed Ichigo came back as he was deep in thought about everything really and asked his question.
'How'd it go?' Goro hoping for beyond hope that Ichigo managed to convince Hiro to not pilot the Franxx but his request was impossible to begin with.
'I said goodbye one last time' Goro only nodded and remembered the words of wisdom that their teacher gave them. They could worry about the two in their own time. Now it's time to worry about themselves and their squad-mates to accomplish this mission and for the many people at the plantation who are counting on them to survive.
ZeroTwo was looking at her Strelizia remembering that of all her partners she had flown with this might be the last one but her darling made his choice. Speaking of him. She saw Hiro make his approach and smiled, turning towards him.
'It's time, darling' Hiro only nodded. Many lights flared to life as maintenance crews and engineering teams were buzzing with action, opening the maintenance locks that held the mechs in storage as they announced their checks and balances to make sure that the mechs were operating at peak condition.
'Open force gate, Open the gate'
Lift carrier, proceed slowly at zero point five on the double" Was the announcement that the pilots heard as the platforms slowly moved to their launch gate. As well as other mentions of formations, booster compression, and other mission reports as the reserve team moves to formation. Strelizia and Cherno Alpha were not part of them as they were moved to different points as Strelizia position was to look over the battlefield while Cherno Alpha was positioned in the north ready to duel the upcoming threat. The continued rattle of mission command as they detailed the estimated time to arrival as well as weather conditions of the battlefield. After finishing the rattle Mission Command pinged all of the pilots as their visual reports were updated and verified as both the Klaxosaurs and Kaiju made their way towards the kissing point.
'Attention all pilots' Was Hachi's command to the Pilots who all obeyed and listened.
"We have updated intel on the Klaxosaur. Aside from the Conrad-class pack, we've also detected a large, tightly packed unit. It didn't match any of the ones we have on record, but we've deemed it a Klaxosaur due to its independent movement and Codenamed it target Beta." Came the Hachi report of the southern squad battle group. Squad 13 pilots from below could only watch as they were coming closer and closer. The pilots could only voice their thoughts as they watched this huge Klaxosaur reach the base.
'It's huge!' spoken in awe by Futoshi.
'What the heck is that?' Echoed Zorome
'There are so many of the smaller ones, too' Miku commented.
'Since we lack data on it, attacking it would be reckless as well as the Kaiju from the north; apparently most of these beasts are unique and don't fall under a grouping like ours but weight class, designated at target Charlie, Cherno Alpha will take the category three beast that is making its way to the kissing process in the north, wile Squad 26 prioritizes wiping out the Conrad-class pack once you engage" Debriefing the pilots.
'090 will have field command in the south until Cherno Alpha finishes their fight with the kaiju'
'I understand' Came the confirmation of the previously unnamed squad leader as 090. Ezekiel and Vorona felt a tinge of displeasure that these kids are given numbers rather than names or the very least code names. Those thoughts were quickly brushed off as they saw the Kajiu approaching and ready for battle.
'It's time, all Franxx and Jaeger units commence operation, Strelizia, stand by where you are' The sound off was given as the pilots ready their weapons and picked their targets.
'Let's go, Squad 26' Came the command from the south and the squad sounded off.
'Alright let's turn that Kajiu into turtle soup' said Vorona, punching Cherno Alpha fists to enunciate the point. Ezekiel joined in the sound off as well.
The first to start combat was Squad 26 as they picked out the Conrad class Klaxosaur whose color scheme was dark and blue screeching loudly as it rushed forward on it's crab legs as the but with no arms, a circular eye and horns getting a extended spear to the chest for it's trouble as one of squad 26 moved to shoot the it with a spear extension reining it in as it tumbled to the ground allowing another squad member to finish the creature off.
The other three members were circling one of the isolated Conrad class Klaxosaur and with practiced precision their squad mate extended their spear and launched their spear point straight at it's eye with the others following suit getting one of the free squad-mate to join in on the wrangling of the Conrad class allowing their squad leader to fly up high and coming down for the finishing blow piercing the core of the beast in well practiced precision exploding it into blue gore.
'Focus on defeating in detail, as long as we deal with them calmly, we won't lose' 090 said reassuring his squad piercing a Conrad class leg having it fall over to the ground being wrapped around by four other squad members who launched their spare tips at it allowing one of them to pierce the core having it explode in blue gore as well.
'How many did we let through?' The squad leader announced hoping to let as little Conrad class Klaxosaurs as possible as to not let squad 13 to join this battle in earnest as despite their reputation they are divergent from the rest and the battle records that were not censored from them are dubious at best.
'Three' came from one of their squad mates.
'No, four!' was the correction he made. 090 was about to order squad 13 to take care of them until he saw one of them explode in blue gore.
'Correction three' As the squad mate said that three more of the Conrad class exploded to blue gore.
'Update none made it through over' One of the squad mates mechs tapped the one who was making the announcement and gestured to show that 15 of the conrad class were coming for them and splitting up to five class squads to distract squad 26th to allow for their other teams to breakthrough. The one who made the announcement nodded and went rushed forward with the others to deal with the threat.
'Take care of our flanks, Squad 13, but be careful not to stray too far ahead, if you move around haphazardly, you could affect ou-' 090 was cut off as he saw a bright light flashed up above him then a mighty boom was head sending down five bright projectiles crashing around the five conrad class onto the ground.
Squad 26th not standing to gawk took their chance and stabbed at the disabled conrad classes at the core exploding them into blue gore. 090 breathed with a sigh of relief that the squad he was working with were not as green as they say but was a little peeved that his helpful advice was cutoff.
'Thanks for the assist bu-' He was cut off again as the transmission notification between the two was cut. He wondered if the target beta had jamming equipment installed so he tried again to contact them but noticed that his transmission was blocked by squad 13 and sighed as he leaned back into his pilot seat.
'I think you made them mad' Jokes one of the 26th squad members.
'I would be on the receiving end of our leader patronizing' The female pilot joined in on the joking. 090 only rubbed his head realizing he overlooked who was teaching the squad and realized that they come from military backgrounds.
'I was only trying to help' 090 tried to defend himself till his mechs shoulder was tapped and looked to see it was one of the mechs who pointed at an upcoming wave of Conrad class coming to their location. He sighed and gunned it with his four other squad-mates to back him up. This is going to be a long mission.
'Was cutting the comms really necessary?' asked Ichigo, questioning Zorome and Miku who were giggling as well as the mech Argenta. Kokoro and Fustoshi in their mech Genista smiled as well while aiming her massive bazooka bayonet revolver gun and let off another shot above one of the flanking squad of five conrad class and saw them all explode into a pile of gore. She lifted up her gun and planted it on the ground.
'It wasn't cutting Ichigo, it was...uh' Kokoro said, popping the revolver to let out some cases onto the ground before holding out her right hand to manifest some shells made of magma but color coated which she placed it one by one into her revolver.
'Equipment bugs' Mitsuru helped explain Kokoro's explanation as to why pranking them would be acceptable in the combat report. With a snap and hefting the gun with both hands pointed to the oncoming horde of Conrad-class who were moving around Squad 26th who was taking down one to at most three at a time in comparison to about two hundred who decided to sacrifice only one of them at a time to allow the others for a breakthrough.
'Yeah that's it' She let out another shot illuminating the night sky then letting it rain five projectiles causing many of the conrad class to fall to the ground and explode into blue gore.
'Equipment bugs' Ichigo only rolled her eyes along with the mech Delphinium when she heard the flimsy excuse they will have to file in their reports. which Goro chuckled.
'Well at least we prove we ain't green anymore' Goro joked but Ikuno got their attention as their mech Chlorophytum moved their arms out ready to fire.
'Our time for banter is over. Conrad class Klaxosaurs are approaching my range' Ichigo said then letting out a torrent of blaster shots at the conrad class who effortlessly dodged to the sides of the torrents but found themselves impaled by Agentea claws as they were lined up for her to start swinging in a straight line then zig zagged as she followed the other conrad squad who were standing perfectly in her way until all those who jumped all were cut down as their bodies were cut down and exploded into gore.
'That makes ten assists' Ikuno yelled out. Argentina rubbed the back of her head and did a pose smiling to herself.
'I suppose Zorome the Great will graciously leave you with ten assists' Zorome jokes.
Miku was getting better at understanding when Zorome was about to make his jokes. They were walking back until some Conrad classes did a sneaky move by burrowing under ground for a short distance before popping up to attack Argentina. Argentina was about to counter attack until she was showered in gore then wiped her sensors seeing Ichigo and Goro mech the Delphinium standing around with a core on her spear tip then sticking it into the ground causing it to explode in blue gore. Ichigo turned and smiled at Argentina who stared at her and creeped out that Delphinium looked at her covered in blue blood looking like a serial killer.
'That was five kills, five more must die then I'll get that chocolate Vorona promised' Ichigo said with a smirk which Delphinium mimicked. Causing both Zorome and Miku to stomp and pout like an angry anime school girl who just got her sweets eaten in front of her which their mech Argentina copied.
'WHAT NO that's unfair I only got assists so far." Then gestured to the two behind her still making her pose.
'I only got claws while they got blasters" she said as the Genistra fired off a shot above a squad of conrad class killing them all in explosive blue gore. Just like their teachers taught them about the basics of ballistics and ammo types. Besides things going up and going down. Chlorophytum pilots took these lessons as well, using one arm to lead them into crashing into each other and the other arm to deal the finishing blow destroying about four of them before the one limping out of the gore explosion was gunned down making five kills in total.
'I'm getting the team a cake' Futoshi said, hoping to ease the wounded pride of Zorome and Miku. But showing that it did little as the two were dead last in their game of kills.
'I personally prefer hot cocoa' Said Mitsuru who targeted the next batch of Conrad squad approaching as well as another squad approaching from the ground surrounding Argentina who pinged the data to the two who were still pouting. Ichigo smiled and Goro decided to poke fun at the two some more.
'Don't worry we both got close weapons, maybe in the end you two share a cookie for your effort' Goro laughed amused at his own joke. As the joke ended five of the conrad class jumped up from the ground surrounding Argentina who in one motion swung both of her claws in a single motion cutting down all of them being showered in blue gore then returned to her pouting expression tapping her feet.
'Two cookies' Miku said the mech mimicking her as well.
The other three laughed as the brief lull in combat from their clean up. Reloading their guns, checking armor, blades, fuel reserves and back up packs to recharge on the field then getting ready to fight another wave of Conrad class creatures making their charge. The team waited for the signal for Genistra to begin their charge.
After a moment of silence and aim Genistra sounded off the signal right in the middle of the Conrad formation causing the mechs to be stunned in a bright flash of light allowing the two close quarters mech to begin their bloody work. Those that decided to tunnel jumped out only to be met with a bayonet to the core and a close quarter knuckle blast sending some sprawling to the floor to be finished off by energy blasts or bayonet stabs. As this was happening their battle report was seen by the pilots of Strelizia and Cherno Alpha who looked on smiling.
'Our kids first com static *sniff* they grow up so fast' Vorona said whipping a fictional tear from her eye. Ezekiel would have smiled too but was focusing on the Kaiju who decided to walk towards them carrying an abandoned piece of the building along with it.
'As much as I would like to watch our kids fight, we need to focus. That big turtle thing looks like it's one of the smarter ones' They were now focusing on the Kaiju in front of them.
As the Kaiju made its approach it finally stopped and stared down at the jaeger before him. Smiling to itself that he is made to scratch these types of Jaegers like the tank mothers instructed. Granted he wanted to fight against the Klaxosaurs instead to drink in that magma but the humans are the top priority rather than satisfying it's personal urges.
Cherno Alpha took this opportunity to scan the creature and get a proper visual update to log it in their personal database in case the ones who made them decided to mass produce them instead of putting all of their eggs in one basket. The color scheme was typical of the Kajius before them but this one was a lighter color when its veins started to glow. Its head was like a turtle but instead of scales it was covered in two large horns on top and tusks at the back of its head jetting forward. Its body mimics that of a tortoise standing on its two legs with its hands being razor sharp claws and bone gauntlets as it stared down at the opponent before him thinking it's opening move will be.
'Looks like the weak points of this creature are its neck and arms if they are to be turtle descendant sir' Said Codsworth who was manning the inner workings of the Mech located around the chest along with Vorona and Ezekiel, during their long travels as to provide an robotic engineer to provide emergency replacement pilot, faster sensor data and emergency repairs if the need ever come to it.
Inside the chamber made it a little more spacious for Codsworth to fly around as well as rerouting power at the reactor core to the fists and blades to give them their electric charge. Cherno Alpha punched its fists together to show that it's ready for battle.
'Got it Codsworth, as well as sharp claws, let's show this kaiju we got claws of our own' Ezekiel said with both minds set they decided to lunge forward taking the first strike.
The Kaiju sneered at its opponent then threw the building in its hand as a distraction and charged ahead raising its right hand to make its strike. The Cherno alpha smashed the building beside it, using its body all too familiar with the technique and closed its right fist to deflect the oncoming blow.
With a loud clang and the lingering sound of metal ring in the air as the Kaji looked dumbfounded that it's major gimmick was figured out so soon and getting punched in the chest by an electrical stab then punched knocking it into the ground straight on it's back floundering a bit then turning over on its belly to use the hard shell to block the overhead smash of the right hand of the blade. As it was blocked the kaiju used its opportunity to use its head horns and jaw to see if it could pierce the Jaeger in a counter charge.
Using all of its strength it pushed forward using its arms and legs seeing if he can finished it in one blow but was dismayed as he saw his charge being sidestepped smelling the thruster fire as it past through its nose and could do nothing but watched as Cherno Alpha left hand punched him straight in the jaw breaking it's jaw horn sending staggering back tasting the aftertaste of electricity sourcing though it's mouth. Tracing its mouth where its horn should be and only feeling nothing but blood. The creature roared out in anger at Cherno Alpha and spun dashed right at Cherno Alpha chest at a speed too fast to dodge but was grappled in place.
Hearing the metal creak and moaning at holding the enormous turtle in place trying to slow it down. It unfolded itself and did a double handed strike right on Cherno Alpha head causing the machine to wobble violently from the blow breaking the grapple allowing the beast to charge forward hoping to knock it down to the ground but found it's charge stopped as Cherno Alpha absorbed the impact and used it's thrusters from the back to push forward meeting the momentum of the charge of the Kaiju. Both were locked in, their heads pressing against each other, their hands locked together in a hold pushing with all of their might but still deadlocked in place.
The beast growled that his form being made to slice creatures like him apart is being matched making him no different then a non intelligent beast. If he had taken up the offer of teaming up the kaijus that were just standing around they would laugh at him being so easily countered. He would not be denied this kill. As the first exchanges concluded ZeroTwo found that this was the most perfect time to talk as their fellow students and teachers would win their respective battles but not before the target beta came to the battlefield in earnest. As the second wave now announces their approach.
As Squad 26 noticed they were slaying the creatures was effective but proved to be too slow as the conrad class Klaxosaurs adapted to sending one of their own to be sacrificed letting the rest of them get away. They switched up tactics and went pair mode as one wrangles the conrad class while the other does the finishing blow.
They were getting better taking down a squad at a time as they looked back watching the remnants of the flanking squids only numbered 13 in total until a bright flash brighten the night around the charging conrad class stunning them momentarily for them to be cut down by energy blasts and two of their fellow Franxx units jumping from head to head stabbing their assigned melee weapons right through the head and into the gore causing them to explode with gore as the pilots quickly moved on to finish the last of the first wave.
'Those codes are punching way above their assigned number, even if code 15 is among them, the rest fight like they are in their 10's' 090 said pondering what made them so efficient together despite being a makeshift team. A notification popped up interrupting his pondering. As the Second wave now approaches the battlefield. Signaling the rest of his squad they pushed back to their original position to reform and charge again to meet them head on.
'Here they come, don't let them through' Was the command for 090 to squad 26 as they charged ahead. Up above the command was heard by ZeroTwo and Hiro.
The former stepping out as the faceplate of the Strelizia looking at the battlefield in front of her and glancing at the screen showing the Cherno Alpha and a turtle was in deadlock in front of Hiro who was wheezing from the pain as the tumor from his heart is spreading then looked back to the battlefield in front of her. Smiling that this squad might make papa approve of the transfer and no longer be hounded by the 9's to join back into their squads. She pondered briefly if Ezekiel would kick that blond boy in the nades but later she wanted darling to take a look at their squad fighting well.
'Take a look darling' Hiro with great effort looked up seeing the explosions from afar and holding his chest no longer breathing heavily as to listen intently to what ZeroTwo was about to say.
'Their tactics are all over the place yet mesh well together in their unique way, a huge contrast to the precision of the other squad in their boring way' Hiro raised an eyebrow trying to dissect what ZeroTwo means and thought the worst possible scenario happened.
'Are you saying they're being pushed back?' ZeroTwo cracked her fingers and stretched ready to fight.
'Not yet but they won't have the strength left to defeat that big box' If her feeling is proven true then that big horned box is going to be a lot stronger than those crabs used to soak up damage before the main event. Maybe deplete the Franxx fuel and ammo allowing free reign to go smash it's face like it was kissing it. The other hand, the teachers can handle it. She already saw these creatures flounder when their gimmick was discovered so it'll be a matter of time before it explodes.
'Man, I'm starting to get the itch. I wanna join the fight already' Getting excited and a little sour for being left out on the team's little game of theirs. Personally she wanted some honey chocolate snacks. Those sound delicious. Hiro didn't share ZeroTwo sentiment but wondered how she could be so carefree sometimes. She must have a reason to fight right.
'Why do you fight the Klaxosaurs?' Hiro asked ZeroTwo only glanced at him caught off guard at the question.
'You always look like you're having fun, so I was wondering if you have a reason' ZeroTwo looked at Hiro trying to hide the actual reason why she fights and quickly thought up a non answer to satisfy him. She thinks she might have the actual answer but it's been fuzzy sort of and only recently it's clearing but needs a lot more time to get the fog out of her brain eventually.
'A reason huh?' Was the ZeroTwo version to buy time. Think what she could think to satisfy him. She can't say it's just going through the motions. That would be a lie really. Trying to grasp at any reasons she thought about Ichigo calling her a monster for treating her partners like batteries. Maybe she has a point. She couldn't even remember the names that she piloted with. If they even had them.
'Because I'm a monster, maybe?' Was her answer somewhat? It was close to the truth but there might be more than that. Maybe she was a monster now turned human. Or she is a monster playing as a human. Rather than thinking about her passive aggressive replies to the 9's she deflected the questioning.
'How about you?' Hiro was caught off guard as well from the question.
'Uh, me?' He thought about it for a moment and remembered the oaths and pledges that were drilled into his head. Hoping that will satisfy ZeroTwo's question.
'To protect Papa and all the adults in the plantations, I guess' Not really believing his pledge himself. Papa and the adults seem much more alien than human really. Besides the teachers who are adults but come from a different world than him. Were more compassionate and emotional then what papa told them through a loudspeaker. It bothered him somewhat that they are treated more like weapons of war than "human" like Ezekiel said.
'That's it?' ZeroTwo question sensing that his answer didn't really have all that emotion in it but won't pry anymore since he might feel the same way. They all have their secrets of course.
'Somewhat' Hiro replied. Now starting to have doubts about this papa regime and how happy Ezekiel and Vorona have been together. Without them the rest of the team might have floundered leaving Ichigo and Goro to pick up the mess.
'It's our purpose in life that papa told us, at least that's what I thought it was' Hiro furthered elaborated.
'Now...Now I'm not so sure anymore except the lives of those fighting down there are counting on us' ZeroTwo tilted her head. He might be getting there but he still has a way to go. At least it wasn't as lame as Papa's reasoning. That old bag of bones might be a robot for all she knows. Even then that might be an insult to Codsworth, she thinks.
'Hmm...somewhat better' She replied. Hiro steeled himself knowing that if this is the last day he flies then let it be that he dies on the battlefield rather than suffering on the sidelines. If the squad is being pressed they need to head out to assist.
'If they need help, we should move out' Not waiting for orders to come in. Ezekiel taught him that it's okay to disobey orders as long as everyone gets to go home alive. So better now than ever he supposed. ZeroTwo looked back taking a measure of Hiro seeing if he wanted to do it and found him willing. Giving him an affirmed nod. Tonight Strelizia joins the fray.
Miko saw some dust with thrusters burning lighting up the night kicking up from the distance and did a quick scan to see who it was, hoping it isn't who she thinks it is. She was proven wrong.
'Strelizia's here' she announced.
As the second wave made their way in earnest several of the conrad class found themselves impaled by a spear then all pulled together in a line being lifted up at the Streliza putting their thrusters at full burn going high into the air then slam down into the ground exploding one by one as the first gets crushed to pieces followed by the second, third and so forth.
As the gore tilted the conrad class backwards on of it's head was suddenly impaled by the spear as Strelizia fall from above swinging the beast round and hitting all of the conrad class to the floor then lifting it's spear height to the sky activating it's trigger causing the impaled one to explode into gore with several beams piecing through the mist all piercing the core of the disabled conrad class on the floor exploding into fine blue mist.
Reinforcements have arrived as the Conrad class decided to use their eye beams then ramming into targets. But finding their shots blocked and deflected as Steliza used it's arm guard and spear then jumped above throwing it's spear impaling many of the offending Conrad classes into fine blue smoke. Ichigo looked back along with Goro dismayed that Streliza entered the fray even though the squad was doing well in their battle. 090 and their squad was annoyed that the Streliza disobeyed orders again and they had to suffer the consequences of her going alone leading them to potentially be isolated again. 090 pinged Streliza hoping to pull the order card on her to get back to her position.
'Why'd you come out here? Do-' He found his transmission cut again like the squad 13 did to him.
He is getting upset that his experience and well intention is being spat upon. Feeling himself growing hotter with rage that his squad is regarded as more than a mere annoyance. The transmission went up again as Hiro called 090 to tell them why they were here. Not getting the memo that once you cut communications that's it.
'I'm just here to help my squad and yours, so don't say I didn't do nothing for ya-' Remembering what Ezekiel told him to say and add in his own version of events so that those who are ungrateful of being saved would have to begrudgingly accept they are being rescued and would appreciate it after the fact.
'You can't do whatever the-' He was cut off again making 090 rage boil over to a climax as he hit his armrest for being ignored yet again.
'Goddammit' he cursed to himself.
'This is starting to become a trend' One of the squad-mates stated.
'Should we start calling 090 interrupted as his new name?' The female pilot joke. 090 getting infuriated that his new name or in joke among his squad mates is now interrupted. Hoping this doesn't catch on one of the other squad mates tapped on his mech's shoulder getting his attention.
'Wha-what do we do?' asked the shy female pilot. 090 breathed out an air of frustration afterwards. He'll get mad later. He got a job to do.
'Ignore them, let's take this group out in one fell swoop' 090 said reloading their spears with a cartridge from their skirt packs inserting the power supply into the battery bar then clicking it into place. The other four followed remembering their training all put in their battery packs to begin the move they trained for a while and tested it tried and true during their operation two years ago and to this very day.
Three Conrad classes were all squeezed as four of their squad mates cabled the three tightly so they could not escape circling around like vultures looking at a corpse. Then activating their spears allowing electricity to go through shocking the three of them then pushing the triggers to activate a sudden burst of energy causing the three to explode. Squad 13 looked on unamused.
'Good' Kokoro said before slamming her gun down inside the ground pulling the trigger fishing out many comrade class out of the ground and into the air allowing both the mechs Chlorophytum and Argentea to rush in slashing and knuckles punch blasting them in the air exploding them in a ring gore till the last two were about to fall into the ground found their legs picked up and swung round and round by the two and thrown at Delphinium who stabbed the two with her spears right in the middle of their head and into the cores exploding them into gore. That momentarily distraction was quickly brushed aside and Strelizia stabbed a conrad class and lifted it up into the air clicking the trigger exploding it.
'But we're better' Zorome proclaimed as squad 13 rushed back to their positions to reload, recharge, and high five each other. All except Ichigo and Goro who looked on at Strelizia who momentarily collapsed from the inner instability as Hiro's heart was at its limits as the tumor in him started to beat more rapidly and grow all over his body. Ichigo rushed towards them hoping to give support as more conrad stragglers were charging to the two.
'Darling is that all you got?' ZeroTwo asked thinking that he won't last as long as the others but still giving him the option to back out. Hiro forced himself on the pilot seat, still wanting to go the distance. Shoving the pain outside of his head he lifted himself up and grasped at the controls.
'Yes, good' That's the way she would have said more but was rudely interrupted by a Conrad class shooting its laser beam and missing entirely being stabbed in the core for its efforts. As the Conrad class flew back another of its kin tried to spin kick the Strelizia only to be blocked and impaled in the back by Delphinium who was lifted up and thrown at the third one approaching who both dashed left and right of the conrad class then stabbing it right in the core. Strelizia feeling worn down like Hiro used its spear as support while Delphinium circled around to its back looking around to see if there were any stragglers left.
'Fall back, Strelizia!' Ichigo ordered.
'It's fine. We can still go' Giro said through the pain and exhaustion.
'This is not up for debate, soldier, NOW MOVE IT!' Harnessing the sergeant classes that Vorona personally tutor her as to get soldiers whose pride is on the line to fallback to the rear to get healed and live another day. ZeroTwo rolled her eyes that Vorona's bossy attitude is being passed on to Ichigo.
'So bossy' She complained about moving back to position.
Meanwhile on the other side of the conflict Cherno Alpha and the kaiju were exchanging blows through shocks and headbutts sometimes breaking their hold allowing the kaiju to swipe at Cherno Alpha who only got punched in the side then hit with a right hook forcing it to change tactics and rammed it using it's back spinning in place to do the double headed punch again but found his moves were bing predicted as it was slammed down to the ground feeling his shell starting to crack under the constant pressure of electrical punched hitting at points he felt where it was the weakest and with a roar charge catching the two in a deadlock just like how the first exchange of blows stated from making no progress which only infuriated the kaiju even more that his oversized brain can't think of anything to get out of this wall of steel.
'Goddammit this is taking too long, Hiro life signs are fading and we are here stuck fighting this overgrown turtle' Vorona said in growing frustration that one of her kids had a health condition and didn't tell anyone about it. Now they are suffering for their arrogance. Just like Ezekiel did when he forced himself out of the medical bay to help assist piloting the Cherno Alpha to face a Kaiju attack about an hour after the first attack.
'Calm down Vorona we got this as LOO-' He was about to day but found himself lifted from its legs as the Kaiju began swinging around and around holding its arms as it figured out the gimmick of this Jaeger as well.
Then letting go as the Cherno Alpha flew high and into the ground skidding across the sand. As it was about to get up they were knocked over by a rolling mass of shell laying flat on its stomach. Taking the opportunity it jumped back hitting the Cherno Alpha right on its back. Then rolling off extending its claws out it tried to slash down at the Cherno Alpha who rolled out of the way the beast would have continued slashing before charging up a spin dash.
As the Cherno alpha got up it was ready to grab, giving the opening the beast needed as it was a feint and spin then furrled itself causing a whirlwind of slashes striking at Cherno Alpha chest leaving some of the inner working exposed in the air. Its second whirlwind slash was blocked by Cherno Alpha's arms but it proved little defense as the slashes cut through the armor plating leaving behind scratch marks that ripped off the protection. Realizing it had to go on the offensive it closed its fist letting out the claws and began to strike.
The Kajiu went on the defensive and deflected the first blow with its right arm and went for a knife hand strike at the chest opening the scratches a little more revealing the core. It smiled knowing where the weakness of this Jaeger unit lies before growing as it saw some machine closing up the wounds on the inside covering it in some metal and expanding to cover the outside as well. It was about to do another knife hand strike before it was deflected by a right hand deflect then tried to follow it up with a left which was stopped in place by the left handed version. Not wasting any time gawking it headbutted the Cherno Alpha in the head causing it to stumble back and went in for a bite but was flash banged by the headlights of Cherno Alpha as it Illuminated it's face way to quickly causing it to stumble back in a daze feeling a punch knocking it's right tusk off.
Reeling from the blow but recovered quickly it traced where its tusk was and growled in frustration. Going in on the offensive with quick blows to the chest which was deflected and parried by Cherno Alpha gauntlet blades which was also deflected and parried. Each blow and parry pushed each other back and forth until slowly but surely was pushing Cherno Alpha back as more metallic pieces began falling off as more of its armor was shredding while his shell remained standing. Sensing the end of the wall of steel in front of him it charged, pushing with all of its might to force it down to the ground and stood on top of Cherno Alpha stomping its foot down at the chest cracking the armor seal even more. It smiled as one more stomped would finish it. Raising its foot it was caught by surprise as it stomped on bladed gauntlets feeling the spikes go through its feet and through its heels and into his legs.
It roared in pain and tried to pull the gauntlet blades out of his foot but was thrown to the ground still having the blade attached to its foot. The Cherno Alpha then tries to stab at the neck of the Kaiju but in the last second it spins, pulling it's feet out of the blade and feeling it slice across its chest.
Undeterred from the pain it landed on its two feet and rammed Cherno Alpha with its back sending both tumbling down to the ground. It would have bite down on the core but found it's horn being held high causing it to snap in mid air but used both of its arms to claw it way in making an open way to the Cherno Alpha core before being shocked by electricity causing it to spasm in place then punched to the side the Cherno Alpha rolling alongside it and kept punching as it tried to charge again but still having it's horn being held in place still feeling the chocks going directly to its brain and the concussive force knocking the horn loose.
As Cherno Alpha was about to deliver the finishing blow The Kaiju blocked the oncoming attack and sliced off Cherno Alpha's arm with it's left halfway causing Cherno Alpha to stumble back then thrusting in to punch the Kaiju in the stomach then grabbing hold of it's dismembered arm and pulling the horn right out of the Kaiju head and smacked it back causing it to be dazed falling over to it's stomach rolling away to feel his hissing horn and now useless leg.
Before slamming down both of it's fists and rolled over limping to the Cherno Alpha who is putting on it's severed arm back with some robot and some drones coming out of the chest to quickly fixed the wires making the severed arm function again but having the blade lock delay in opening the blades on and off again till it saw the center now covered in this weird metal goop before expanding and covering the wound seal but finding it thinner than before.
'Damn, I'm out of practice' Ezekiel cursed itself for overestimating the mech and its durability.
'Sir our quick fix metal is almost depleted as well as our wiring patches' Codsworth runs an inventory report as he begins patching holes as well as coordinating the drones to fix the wiring.
'It's a good thing Miss Vorona managed to snag these spare wire repair bugs from the Franxx units, or else the repairs may require more time' Codsworth chirped but Vorona wasn't having it. They knew they were running out of time and needed to finish this.
'I'll steal more next time as well as more repairs to the suit but we need to finish this as our core is approaching critical levels' She said feeling the heat and warning alarms blaring all around her as background noise before it stopped and went back to the blue light as the reactor is no longer critical but the structural integrity of the rest of Cherno Alpha is dotted with yellow and red signs at places of damage.
'Madam, if I may interject the gun' Codsworth said pulling up sensors and getting target lock on the creature. Vorona was rerouting power and distributing the on-built metallic gel system to make the red parts turn yellow.
'You mean the flamethrower, I thought we threw that out since it only tickled the Kaiju' She said moving the Cherno Alpha into battle position while Ezekiel shifted the body as well.
'No, me and the engineering teams were going over the schematics of our other Jaeger models. We managed to rebuild the weapon that was in the best of us' Ezekiel explained. Vorona extended her gauntlet claws out and stayed in battle position.
'Hope you got a plan' She said
'I always do' Then relayed the orders to Codsworth.
'Hold until the right possible moment, you know it when you see it' Codsworth saluted but proved to be a hollow gesture as the pilots above were too busy dodging the Kaiju strikes and spin dash but at considerably low speed then normal as it reached exhaustion and panting hard as it limps around for another go.
'Understood sir' Cherno Alpha slashing its claws together to sharpen them to a point to finish this in one strike. The Kaiju was going to do the same as it sharpened its claws and was annoyed that it's going to have to limp to the magma chambers. As of now it's running out of time and could feel its organic body shutting down. This will be the last exchange the two will have that will decide who will win this battle. On the other side of the kissing process. Team 13 battle has just begun.
As team 26 resupplied looking at the target beta moving ahead through the field. All of the escorting Conrad class is dead and only it remains. Hachi was running reports with squad 26 who were finished resupplying their weapons. 090 were given the go ahead to attack target beta now. Ordering his squad to release the safety features on their spears and given good luck on central hoping with their coordinated strikes they would bring this Klaxosaur down as quickly as possible. Team 13 were watching, commenting on the sheer size of this target beta and wondering how it's going to attack them.
'How exactly is it going to attack? It doesn't have limbs' Ichigo voiced the thoughts of team 13 who were waiting to support team 26 in case their maneuver didn't pan out so well.
A maneuver that was being demonstrated by team 26 who with practice coordination shot their spears out and tangled the box with cable. Then pressed the triggers in their spears zapping target beta like all of the Conrad class before them it slid forward until it slowed to a stop. 090 thinking their maneuver is working pressed their triggers again zapping the box with great bursts of electricity.
As the target beta was being zapped the box emitted a high pitch noise hurting everyone ear drums causing the electricity to stop pushing wind and smoke everywhere where the sound barrier hit team 13 who heard the high pitch noise as a woman screaming. No more of a banshee shriek or war cry that announced its presence to all those that witness it. Breaking out of its containment unit the horns on the box were horns of the true target beta bursting through the box rising high showing everyone its form. A screaming skull face that illuminated the night through the energy it illuminated from the dark moving its fists high in the air then slammed it down like a gorilla sending team 26 back from the shockwave of its blow.
Team 13 can only stand and watch as target beta rises higher and higher as to show the true scale of this beast, Towering over the pilots by many many times their size over, its energy coursing through its mouth to further expand the true size of the face to resemble a volcano that was torn open from its mouth. Illuminating its horns that looked like a halo from below. Only Zorome can have the strength to scream out what type of beast this was. A Gutenberg-class. A being that is capable of wiping out the plantation all by itself. Mission control didn't issue any orders but looked on realizing how grave this threat is. The beast now standing to its true height moved forward taking its first step.
'You're not getting closer, All units, we're trying again!' 090 squad leader ordered and the squadmates obeyed, launching their spears at target beta hand trying to hold it down.
The beast only moved its hand swinging all squad 26 with its hand high then throwing them down to their side crashing them into the ground. 090 trying to lift himself off of the ground and on its feet ordered everyone to fall back but noticed that a giant foot was moving towards him. Trying to gun it out of there. All he could not but do is press the trigger multiple times as the mech stood in place uselessly from the lack of fuel. 090 could not but stare helplessly as he pressed the triggers to escape at the on approaching foot as it encompassed him. Finished his last words of being out of fuel and closing his eyes. He noticed that he didn't feel his entire body still there. Still not crushed. Opening his eyes he saw it was Argentea carrying them out at the last second.
'Quit gawking and move' was Zorome telling 090 to evacuate the area in his own words. Placing 090 mech down near some rocks seeing their squad-mates trying to rise up she nodded and looked at 090 to say her goodbyes.
'Thank me later when you buy us a round' Then speed off to target beta.
He didn't know what exactly is a round but Zorome was listening in very intently on how Ezekiel's soldiering career got him a round of drinks. Hoping to have that kind of fame with him. He memorized the saying of buying the heroes a round of drinks or something similar. If he could remember if they were being paid that is. 090 looked at the pink mech flying off saying thank you hoping they could hear it as well as watching target beta walk forward to the kissing process helpless to stop it.
'All Squad 26 units fall back, squad 13 will deal with the Gutenberg-class' came the command of mission control."
'Easier said than done' Miku complained. While Genistra was firing for effect on the side hitting the creature in the leg with all types of ammo. Using the process of elimination on trying to figure out what ammo type can stop this creature.
'I'm running out of things to shoot at this creature besides AP' Kokoro said noticing that her last shell caused the creature to groan in pain and try to take a swing at them but missing the four entirely and split regrouped allowing Genistra to take a shot at it only tickling the black part of the creatures foot but noticing the glowing pieces were cracking under the barrage of bullets.
'Besides shooting it in the blue light, we have to kill it here and now before it breach the wall' Mitsuru said, now aiming at the blue light seeing his blows having an effect but doing very little to stop the beast from marching forward.
'We can do this if we link up with Strelizia' Was Futoshi's suggestion and everyone in the squad down at the ground agreed except Ichigo and Goro who knows what condition that Hiro is in.
'Doesn't matter how we do it, we gotta show them that we earned our round tonight, Isn't that right Hiro' Was Zorome affirmation knowing Hiro enjoys listening to Ezekiel war tales and him being a "battle buddy" of his. Whatever that means, the gist of it is that they ride and die together. Even share slang with each other that only they know about. Hiro breathed out and pulled some air into his lungs ignoring the pain that his tumor is drinking the life force out of him and knows that he is still needed.
'Got it, you can count on me' Ready to charge in again but was interrupted by Ichigo who told Strelizia to wait. Zorome said what to do while the team were going to say their protests at that decision. But Ichigo interrupted them, channeling the sergeant classes that Vorona taught her to pick up the pieces of field command when the leading officer is dead or out of the field. Granted these are her fellow classmates not soldiers but the distinction doesn't matter anymore since they are fighting giant monsters.
'ALRIGHT YOU SLUGS LISTEN UP' She yelled hoping to get her best Sargent voice as possible from Vorona. Even practiced yelling in the mirror a couple of times even posing for a bit to get the pitch just right. Everyone fell silent on that almost startled from the sudden outburst but listened to what she was saying with all ears. Good. Those classes were not for nothing except confidence building.
'That overgrown beast over there is going to walk over to where Strelizia is who has the perfect distance to stab it in the core, if she moves then her chance is gone, we are going to cut this beast's legs open for it to tumble to the ground, YOU COPY!'Ichigo said hoping that her plan that she is making up on the fly is being followed. To her joy and relief the rest of the squadmates said copy in varying times showing they understand. Ichigo nodded her head at that.
'Alright, Chlorophytum and Genista you take the left side, I and Argentea take right, we timed this perfectly and I'll give each of you my personal brownie stash, NOW YOU SLUGS READY!' Ichigo roared, activating her spears and speeding off to the right side of the leg followed by Argentea as well as Chlorophytum and Genista splitting off to their part all yelling and cheering about the plan. As her spears planted right on the leg of the beast climbing up. Goro complimented Ichigo Sargent skills.
'Looks like you yelling at the mirror late at night taught you some skills' Goro teased. Ichigo smiled.
'I learn from the best' She jokingly replied. Then looked to her left watching Argentea holding on for dear life trying to use her claws to punch at the leg for it to get a grip then letting it go and punching it again like an ice climber with a pick. Who yelled out joining in on the banter.
'We better get the gooey kind and not those frozen bricks like last time' Zorome complained out loud.
'Shut up and climb like a man' Miku said trying to get Zorome on track on the mission rather than focusing on the reward.
'You better stab it with your all then' He replied back forcing the gears in the machine to obey Miku commands.
'Of course! Squad 26 owes me a round' Miku jokingly said, now gaining an interest in this soldier lingo that Zorome and Hiro had been up to. Maybe even a couple of curse words too. As the two were bantering, climbing up on the leg.
Chlorophytum moved up the leg much more gracefully than her counterpart Genistra who was struggling to lift herself and the gun up and trying to do stab at the leg hoping to use it as support to climb up but founding it to be of little use and put the gun away focusing on pulling it's massive weight up which Futoshi struggled trying to get the gears to move. Until they were helped up by Chlorophytum who was pulling them up to the opening of the leg.
'We need to set this up for the finishing blow, no matter what' Ikuno said, reminding everyone that their lives are secondary until they accomplish this mission. Mitsuru screamed out he knew twice as the odds were obvious from the beginning. Up above Strelizia was looking over the beast who was fast approaching despite looking like it was walking slowly.
'Does it hurt, Darling?" ZeroTwo said, looking at Hiro's condition through her sensors inside watching Hiro breathing hard and veins pulsating out of his suit.
'But this won't end until we kill that thing, you can do that right?' once again offering Hiro a choice. To die here silently or to die fighting. Hiro, pushing through the pain and determined to finish the fight, gripped his controls.
'Yeah, of course' Hiro gives his confirmation to use the last bit of strength he has left to fight this creature and save his squadmates from down below.
Strelizia launched itself high in the air hovering for a bit to wait for the right opportunity. The squad down below used their assorted weapons and gear on them to stab and blow up the blue light, getting a splash of gore in their sensors causing the beast to stumble in place then falling to its knees from the localized explosion on it's knees and then onto its back as it groaned from the pain. From up above Strelizia saw their chance and dove down hard right at the core using its thrusters to launch straight downward to give the spear extra power to stab it through its hardened shell.
'I'm gonna finish this in one blow!' Hiro cried out and yelled his battle cry plunging the spear right at the top of the beast making a loud clunk sound as it landed.
Despite the force the spear still struggled to get through the skin of the beast and only created an impact crater at the beast skin. Undeterred Hiro screamed again pushing the spear harder going inside of the beast then clicking the trigger to activate for the finishing blow making a hard impact causing the beast belly to reel from the impact for one second then jumping back up from the sheer force alone.
Sparkling all over its body then falling limply to the ground. Hiro breathed heavily from doing that maneuver feeling the tumor spreading all over his body now covering most of his face. Then collapsed knowing his job was done. But the job was not done as the creature was not dead yet. Reshifting the internal blockage of it insides it punched the Strelizia unit sending it flying hitting the ground rolling along until it stopped to a point. Ichigo was horrified that Hiro was hurt and cried out to him. The rest of squad 13 could only watch their mouths agape at the display. As the team stood on in horror. Target beta stood up tall and reeling back its hands then clapped, reforming itself. Blocks, internal mechanisms, and blue energy to form a massive brick with thrusters right at the back of it. Strelizia could only watch as it struggled trying to move itself up only having one pilot to move the mech as Hiro lay down at the seat limply unconscious from the taxation from the body.
Target beta moved it's massive brick body back like a gun being fired aiming right at Strelizia to deal a massive blow shoving it's entire body to crush the offending mech in front of it in its entirety. Ichigo could do nothing but scream as they all watched the thrusters go in full thrust smashing Strelizia with its body causing an entire soundboom to echo in the desert plains and kicking up dust and dirt from the impact covering the battlefield in its entirety. Sending Strelizia right in the middle of the Kissing tubes where the mech malfunctioned and turned off transforming the mech into a lion or stampede mode that the Franxx engineers dubbed it as.
'Link between Code 002 and Code 016 is broken' Came the automatic computer reply of mission control. Nana cried out in refusal that this had to happen and so soon.
'We had to run out of time now?' Hachi said in fury that their ace in the hole is down while target beta still lives.
Target beta, now having free reign to move, walked forward to Strelizia who was still struggling to get up and fight was pushed back by a massive sized block. Hitting it over and over and over again. Damaging the armor plating of the pipes and pushing Strelizia further in with each blow but not giving up to fight. Goro tried in vain to get Hiro and ZeroTwo on the coms but only received silence. Ichigo on the other hand fell onto her knees in her mech form then disabling the connection to emotionally unstable to even pilot the machine and cried blaming herself that Hiro is dead and not stopping him pilot.
As the rest of the teammates flounder for control. Two loud beeps were ringing loudly in Cherno Alpha causing both of the pilots to go into an extreme blood rage that this Kajiu is not dead yet only rolling and slashing its back throughout its time fighting it. Throwing caution to the wind it charged at the kaiju who only rolled out of the way but found that its tail was pinned in place causing it to yell out in pain and dragged to where Cherno Alpha is who punched straight at the beasts chest causing it to gasp for air then getting hit three times across the face and back before being shoved down to the ground feeling the electric currents coursing through its body then hot flames right at its face hurting it's eyes but not its skin. Trying to get its vision back it moved its hands over to where the flamethrowers were and crushed it, finally able to see through the flames and what it saw was a hatch around the neck of Cherno Alpha. Opening it revealed six cannons which all fired right at the neck of the Kaiju.
Feeling the missiles digging into his skin, once deep enough the missile exploded, causing its neck to pop open. It gurgled in pain before feeling its wound getting stabbed deeper than its body collapsed on the ground watching as the mech ran back to the plantations, as a pool of Kaiju blood began spilling out of its neck. Feeling everything go dark and its last thoughts of how it failed the mission.
'HOLD ON KIDS. WE'RE COMING!' Came the open comm yell of snapping the other team into action as they looked at each other wondering if they can even defeat that beast who is several times taller and faster then they are.
'Dammit! Codsworth how is the internals can we make it in time' Codsworth can only hover listening two the two beeps that echoed in his mechanical mind watching as the drones try all of their might to fix the internal wiring and power to the systems but the best they could do was that the mech could arrive in ten minutes.
'I...Sir I don't know if they can survive ten minutes' with as much strength as Codsworth could muster.
'DAMMIT!' Ezekiel yelled, pushing the mech to its limits trying to reach the southern side knowing that there is not enough time to make it back to help. Ichigo was crying on her seat with Goro trying to console her.
'I couldn't tell him...I couldn't tell him not to pilot' Ichigo sobbed out. Goro moved to put his hands to her face to look at him.
'Pull yourself together' Now facing eye to eye towards Ichigo whose eyes were covered in tears.
'This is no time to be crying! We gotta look out for our own lives now!' Hoping to channel some of that sargent energy that Ichigo went on the speech earlier. But it proved too little as Ichigo was inconsolable at the moment and needed time to readjust. Time they just don't have.
Hiro stared forward, remembering his surroundings as he thought he was here before but in his dream. The place where he said goodbye to Naomi. Structures jetting out to the desert. Standing on the platform of the desert to send off the mobile bases to somewhere else just like the dream he sometimes has wondering if things could have been different. Remembering what happened earlier he looked down and noticed he was wearing his pilot gear and could only come to one conclusion that yes this is different.
"Because I died" He said to himself. Feeling the weight of the words hang heavily in his mind.
"I did everything I could right?" He questioned himself until someone familiar interrupted his thought process.
"There you go again, feeling satisfied and giving up all by yourself" Naomi said, now leading the conversation.
"You're not even trying to listen to your partner" Hiro could only protest that this is to the best of his abilities.
"I didn't give up, this is just as far as I can go. It's not like when we split up" Hiro said before he heard heavy boots on the platform and the familiar smell of smoke coming into his peripheral vision.
"Kid, If this is as far as you can go. Then why did you stay in the mech" Hiro turned, looking at Ezekiel remembering him but adding in some touches looking like he was wearing a long coat and smoking, wondering why is Ezekiel here if he is not dead.
"He has a point, you know" Naomi said, getting Hiro's attention watching as the gate closed on her.
"Are you okay with that? Knowing ZeroTwo is fighting alone out there without you" Hiro smiled at that.
"ZeroTwo always fought alone, and I got to pilot a Franxx right at the very end, I got to be of use to everyone" Then felt his shoulder being held by Ezekiel who looked up to him in confusion.
"Is that you who is talking? Or is that what papa wanted you to say" Hiro furrowed his brow. Before he had no regrets and wanted to be of use to everyone. But ever since Ezekiel came into his life. He's been questioning things about the wider society and his place in it. He looked at Naomi who was still smiling before the gates closed on him hearing her last words.
"What is a bird without their wings?"
Hiro gasped at the sudden loud sound of the gate. Looking around trying to remember where he saw this place before but drawing a blank. But from what he could tell he is somewhere in a tree and a forest all white surrounding him. Looking down from the enormous tree he saw ZeroTwo standing there not facing him just looking forward.
"You came to say goodbye to me?" Hiro asked until he heard a hovering noise near him and looked, finding it to be Codsworth who replied in a chipper tone.
"Now, my good sir, why would she do that?" Codsworth asked. Hiro furrowed for a bit thinking that him being at peace with death is not going as peaceful as it once was. Then turned to ZeroTwo.
"Thanks to you I got to find a place for myself again" he looked down not really believing his words anymore but feeling that he belonged to people again.
"It wasn't for long, but I felt I belonged to people again like I was a child once more" Then moved out to shake her hand as to say goodbye.
ZeroTwo only glanced back and walked forward. Hiro felt his hand moved back by a pair of hands and looked up seeing it was Vorona shaking her head no. Hiro, feeling more confused than before, wondered why ZeroTwo was moving on. He could only cry out in vain as his words alone couldn't stop ZeroTwo from waking forward.
"Why do you look so sad?" Feeling his vision blurring he heard the words Vorona told him.
"Because it's til death, do us part" Feeling his senses waking up from reality he heard one word before he awoke from his sleep. It wasn't so much as a word but more of a command than anything. A command he followed as his body is now restless that his duty may not be done yet.
"STAND"
Hiro's vision returned to color only staring ahead as he felt the tumor all around him grow through his body. Feeling pain all over but all of that pales in comparison as he heard ZeroTwo gasping for air scratching at the air in front of her before being moved from the fictional impact and the loud sound from the outside echoed through his mind. Taking stock of his surroundings he felt his mouth was bleeding and his arm had veins all over him as the infection spread throughout his chest. Laying down on his arm he was confused on what's happening. Then watched as ZeroTwo coughed up blood and reeled from the pain from the noise outside
"Wait, we didn't kill it? No way..." He thought to himself watching ZeroTwo try in vain to scratch the air in front of her to fight back but reeled from the pain as the sound from the outside sounded again.
'Why, you...You're nothing but a monster!' Screaming out in defiance that she is stuck getting hit over and over without the power to do anything.
"Don't ZeroTwo, you can't do this alone" Seeing her with bloodshot eyes as ZeroTwo struggled to keep going.
"If you keep going, even you'll die" Now questioning everything he knows about her and himself just laying down and dying.
"Why do you go so far to fight?" Trying to get his body to move but remembering the words of ZeroTwo instead.
"Because I'm a monster maybe?" Remembering her non answer now dissecting her words that she was trying to tell him that she was always alone.
"Is this how it's always been for you? Once you lose your partner, you fight all alone?" Now finally getting the meaning for her words.
He cursed himself by allowing himself to die a foolish death and ignoring what Ezekiel taught him that he is not done when you think you're done. You're done when it's over. Trying to get his body to start moving through sheer will alone. He could feel some of it returning but can only grit his teeth. Remembering his question that was asked. What is a bird without wings?
"You can't fly by yourself, either?" Now screaming to himself that he didn't do more. He didn't ask their partner, he accepted to lay down and die just because it was okay to be a weapon of war to be discarded when the tool no longer has use anymore.
"I'm always alone, thanks to these horns" Echoed in Hiro's mind and like a fool he brushed it off. He should have seen it before. Thinking that she was okay to be alone but in reality. She was just used to it. People shouldn't have to be used to being alone. Not when there are good people next to them.
"What the hell is wrong with me" Feeling his hand coming back to his control feeling it twitch.
"What am I doing when ZeroTwo's suffering in front of my eyes?" Now grasping it into a fist and with great effort trying to move his arm to pick himself up from the floor.
"I want to help you" Trying to hype himself up to gain the will to push on.
"I want to ride with you in Strelizia again" Now realizing the answer to his question on what is a bird without wings.
'My wings...exist for you!' Feeling his blood grow hot and boiling now pushes the tumor right inside of his body making it so that it wasn't even there in the first place.
Still feeling weak he crawled towards ZeroTwo who was feeling furious about being killed by the monster in front of her. Now arched her back her claws opened screeching out her monstrous yell and in pain to push herself bloody to fight on alone like all the others before she saw a familiar pair of hands covering her head and slowly moved down from her eyes feeling a familiar hold around her stomach. As the hand moved away her face and felt the weight of someone familiar. She went back to her human self and called out that it was the only person who could ride with her after all of this time.
'Dar...ling?' She questioned hoping for her darling to answer in kind. And he did.
'I'm your partner' Hiro answered her question.
'I'm not going to leave you all alone' Feeling the weight of Hiro's Words.
She finally found the strength to keep fighting anew. As her hair settled around her eyes. The link was finally reconnected. Showing off a great bright light. Blinding everyone for only a second and Strelizia transformed out of her stampede mode and into Strelizia mech mode healing all the wounds suffered from the attack now glowing bright like a cross ready to fight now in a peaker condition than ever before. Target Beta didn't care and crashed into it.
Not realizing it just made the single greatest mistake of its life as it felt it's entire body twist breaking apart at the seams feeling it's once connected blocks now groaned in pain as Strelizia lifted it high into the air than spun it around and smashing it to the ground kicking up first along the way. As target beta is now a big twisted pile of wreckage parts. Team 13 and Cherno Alpha all watched as Strelizia is now back in action but more importantly the vital signs of both Hiro and ZeroTwo are now beeping green.
'Hiro...He's alive!' was Goro's breathless answer. Till they all heard a familiar voice coming from the channel link.
'Oh my word, Sir Hiro is alive again!' Codsworth said through the open coms. Getting another open transmission from their mechs.
'God, that kid is going to give me a heart attack one day' Ezekiel complained as Vorona wanted to get her piece in as well.
'Alright kids, first one to punch Hiro in the arm for me gets a desert from me' Some of the Team did a humorless laugh but are mostly grateful that Hiro is alive and well.
Back at the control center. Nana and Hachi are looking over the vital reports watching Hiro's vitality now back to normal wondering what's happening. Catching the attention of the doctor who walked in between the two looking at the readings which surprised Both Nana and Hatchi who just noticed him standing there. As target beta was in a wreck heap of its own parts it twisted and turned trying to get back to its original shape.
'HEY KIDS, quit gawking and get moving' Came the command of Ezekiel which got the rest of the team out of the stupor and into action charging ahead yelling out confirmation about them receiving orders. Ichigo was standing there for a moment before being rattled into action.
'That includes you as well Ichigo' Ichigo shook her head and boosted ahead with the team with Cherno Alpha following suit with its own thrusters starting and stopping to get it to hop across the landscape rather than sliding around the desert managing to catch up with the rest of them.
All screaming their varying war cries and assistance to create another opening for Strelizia to take. All five of them went to work cutting, slashing and pushing the blocks apart as they jumped from block to block rather than just standing in one place using their mechs to push them apart. Watching the creature inside groaned in pain as its connection was falling all around them revealing the core with a great big tunnel for Strelizia to fly through to cut the core. As Strelizia looked on at the core hearing their teammates shout their names for them, the opening was clear. They kneeled down ready to fly upwards.
'Let's fly' Was ZeroTwo battle cry
'Yeah' Came Hiro's reply that he was with her.
'With Our Wings!' ZeroTwo shouted using the thrusters on her back to fly high like a rocket straight towards the core with a spear in hand.
'With our wings!' Hiro repeated. now finding the fire to keep going even if things prove more challenging than before.
Both screaming their war cry straight to the core flying through with all speeds going faster and faster now hitting the core smashing it into pieces causing the giant creature to fly high from the impact of the blow watching wings form above it flapping like a bird as it lift its body in the air in full view of Squad 26 who looked on in awe as they were limping forward then watching the wings move inside of the beast exploding it into gore. Watching the sun rise again illuminating the desert. 090 could only comment on the wings as he had no words to describe what he saw.
'That boy might just make ZeroTwo's wish come true' was the doctor pondering on what happened to make that strange power boost but entirely possible once a compatible partner is found. As Strelizia floated high above the battlefield watching the blue blood mist dissipate around them.
'ZeroTwo' Hiro asked Catching ZeroTwo attention only hmm as a response.
'I've found another reason to pilot a Franxx' This perked ZeroTwo attention
'Really? What is it?' She questioned
'I want to be your wings' Was Hiro's answer to that question. Now happy that he has found his reason to fight.
'Though I'm not too sure what'll happen in the future' A bit concerned about what is going to happen in the future as he has no idea what's about to come next as he thought he'll die this day but no more.
'I'm sure you'll be fine next time, the time after that, and many more times' ZeroTwo affirmed letting the stress wash over her and Hiro as they both found their reason to fight and continue living rather than just going through the motions.
Picking themselves up and supporting each other they all moved out of the mech watching as their teams and teachers all were outside waiting for them waving. The team rushed forward to help with them disembarking from their pilot seat but mostly grateful that the two of them are still alive. As the two reached ground floor the Zorome hugged Hiro around the neck while nooging him and laughing that his battle buddy is alive and well.
Others gathered around giving the two their space as the hug of Zorome ended Ezekiel patted his shoulder congratulating him on a job well done. Then being punched in the arm which Hiro Laughed it off knowing that definitely deserved that for not telling anybody that he had a tumor in his heart and wanted to ride with ZeroTwo really badly. Ichigo watching Hiro's display of friendship took everything she had not to cry but failed and cried on Hiro chest Grateful that Hiro is alive and with them. Hiro smiled that his best friend is with them as well.
Noticing Vorona patting Ichigo on the pack then gently leading Ichigo away from the hold who hugged her instead now crying on her stomach grateful she has an actual shoulder to cry on. As Ichigo settled down wiping away her tears she saw that team 26 was joining the huddle all congratulating each other on a successful mission. Even 090 handshake Zorome thanking him and his partner for the rescue, promising them a round if they ever meet each other again before all smelling something delicious.
'Breakfast times kids' Was the cheerful reply of Codsworth who set up a table for a nice American breakfast of pancakes, ham, bacon, scrambled eggs, honey, syrup, and muffins. 090 was about to politely refuse the offer but was interrupted by his squad-mate and female squad-mate pushing him aside as they rushed to stuff their mouths of breakfast items as they haven't had a decent meal in days. Zorome chuckled and picked 090 up.
'You know where Ezekiel comes from your code name would be interrupted' He joked as well as 090 squad joined in at the joke now naming him interrupted Which 090 breathed out a sigh of exhaustion before taking it in like a merit badge.
ZeroTwo looked on as the people party and play together, even trying to find different code names for squad 26 and exchanging battle tactics. Then looked back at her Strelizia far away from the crowd. She wasn't good at crowds sometimes and needed some time to reflect. Thinking she'll have to keep killing more and more of her Klaxosaur kind just to be with Hiro. Till she heard a faint hovering near her which she smiled, She definitely needed a palate cleanser today with the funny robot.
'Madam I believe you have some blood on you let me get that for you' He said wiping the blood off of ZeroTwo head, who rubbed around the towel like a cat then immediately locked in to what Codsworth was holding. A honey muffin and bit at it with only her teeth chewing the food letting the sweet taste overflow her senses expecting to hear the anguish cries of the funny robot but only heard laughter. Which caught her off guard for a moment.
'Oh you and your appetite for sweets' Codsworth said, getting a different napkin wiping the crumbs off of her mouth. Letting the robot wipe her crumbs off her face she smiled that her friend managed to adapt a lot quicker and be a lot more fun than her other caretakers.
Noticing an outstretched hand that her caretaker is showing her. She smiled knowing the time to reflect is over and took the offer to join in on the festivities. As the teams were enjoying their breakfast and conversations. A certain particular group dressed in white officer outfits looked on from above a little too excited to tattle ZeroTwo to papa.
'You're certainly hitting it off' Came the leading figure whose hair is colored blond with green eyes.
'Nine Iota'
Word count 15860
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