Darling in the Franx: Alternate Core

Chapter 17: The City of Eternity and Disappointment: eye-opening factors.

Lemur: - So they're seeking that feeling of attention and gratitude again... just as we feared, such interactions are triggering personal necessities... -

Tarsier: - Don't rush to conclusions that fast, as a matter of fact, this could be used as an opportunity to make the squad more loyal to us by giving them what they want. –

Papa: - I'm listening... -

Meanwhile, at a battleground near the Cerasus...

White Glint: - Almost there! We just need to finish it!! –

Squad 13 was back on duty again, this time without the supervision of their mentors. Considering the events of their previous evaluation, Orion and Sally decided that a second exam was needed. They were considerate though and decided to let them face against a Moho class this time, making it a lot easier for the students. However, to make it challenging, he gave them a time limit to clear the mission and they were almost about to reach it...

Delphinium: - Alright, Strelizia, you know what to do! –

Strelizia: - Got it! Leave it to...! –

Argentea: - This time I will do it! –

She rushed towards the klaxosaur before anyone could protest and impaled her claws into the core, killing it successfully!

Orion: /TIME!! And you were lucky she took the initiative! Also, Argentea we appreciate improvisation once in a while but remember this sort of decisions can be hazardous!/

Zorome: - Relax! We have it all under control! –

Argentea: - Hngh! Zorome, pull the claw out before it...!! –

Too late, a highly pressured stream of blue fluids came out of the space around the core into Argentea, covering her entirely. Once it stopped, it was clear her pistil didn't like the experience...

Argentea: - Zorome, you idiot!! –

White Glint: *Demoman laugh.mp3*

Delphinium: - Some things never change... -

Sometime later, back at the hangar of the Cerasus...

Both Miku and Zorome were at it with one of their usual arguments while everybody else simply looked while disembarking from their Franxx, at least until Nana soon called them out...

Nana: - Children! Please come down, I have some good news! –

Raven: - Huh, good news with APE? That's new... -

Everyone simply stared at him while Zero Two looked at him funny and soon giggled alongside Naomi. That was when Raven just realized what he did: - Did I just made an unintentional pun? –

Zero Two: - Yes... -

Hiro: - Ah, so that's how they work? –

Raven: - Goddammit, another thing I didn't want from my mentor... -

Everyone else simply chuckled as they soon formed up in front of Nana, Orion, and Sally.

Nana: - Alright, so we have 2 great news to share with you, I will let your mentor tell his part first. –

Orion: - Thanks Nana. Well kids, after analyzing your battle performance, me and Sally are glad to say that you're skilled enough to use these! –

He then pulled out a scroll of paper from his holo-watch and delivered it to Ichigo who unrolled it and started reading it...

Ichigo: - "The present document validates that the designated unit: Auxiliary squad 13, has completed its basic mentorship course with Atlas squad as the mentors after showing satisfactory performance and learning the values that are the basis of the doctrine behind the squads in the Special Mecha Corps. As such, they are granted the title of: LYNX. Signed, Captain Orion, mentor of the students; Captain Sally, 2nd mentor; Admiral Dassia, supervisor of the mentors; Dr. Werner Franxx."