Well, here is chapter 3! This will be the first one to alter a little the canon episode. I won't spoil it for you so let's get reading! (We got an opening song now, yay! Obviously not mine, credit to USUDA)
"" these mean thoughts.
- - these mean a dialogue
/ these mean radio chatter.
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At the bunker, next day, midday...
Naomi: - So mind telling me why are you here and not piloting alongside Orion? -
Sally: - Because this is a duel between him and Raven and it would be an unfair advantage if I pilot with him. -
Naomi: - No! I mean why are you here and both of them are actually piloting their Franxx! You need a pistil and a stamen to do so! -
Sally: - Uh? Oh! Right, we forgot to explain you that our mechs are not Franxx. -
Naomi: - Wait, really? -
Sally: - Yeah, I mean it was obvious considering ours have MALE bodyframes rather than only female ones like yours. Ours are called 'NEXT'. NEXT are capable of being solo-piloted by either a male or a female yet to unlock their whole power, it is required to be piloted by both. Even so, that doesn't mean they're powerless against klaxosaurs as Raven demonstrated in the ceremony fight. -
Naomi: - Ummm... I was injured and then unconscious, remember? -
Sally: - Yes I know, which is why you should enjoy the show today, it will give you a sample of the quality of the SMC pilots. -
Radio: /Origin 1 to Viper Nest, all good on your end?/
Sally: - Comms are clear, weather is clear and all systems are calibrated, how's your side? -
Meanwhile, near the entrance to the magma mine...
Both Arthur and White Glint were standing there looking at a spherical drone of white and blue, the size of it being that of a standar franxx cockpit.
Arthur: - All systems are on the green, fuel reserves at 90% and the area is clear. -
Raven: - Setting configurations into 'practice' mode... say, did you remember to bring the jammer? -
Arthur: - Of course, I already installed it! -
He pointed towards a rectangular black box positioned to the top of the entrance of the mine beeping regularly.
Raven: - Good, we want to avoid unnecessary trouble. -
Sally (through the drone): /Very well, combatants get into your starting positions! I'll be the referee here and will be looking from the eagle's eye./
(Naomi: - Eagle's eye? -)
(Sally: - That means from very high in the sky. -)
Before going to their spots, both mechs shared a fist bump...
Arthur/White Glint: - May the best win. -
They soon were standing ready and Sally was soon ready to start the countdown...
Sally: /Ready?! 3... 2... 1...!/
?: - ACHOOOO! -
Arthur/White Glint: - Bless you... WAIT!! -
They both turned towards the culprit and saw 3 Franxx staring at them, but not just any: the 3 specials from Squad 13. The pink one seemed to be the culprit of the sneeze as she had both her hands on her mouth while the other 2 glared at her...
Delphinium: - Nice work Argentea... -
Orion: "Crap! What do we do?! We can't escape because otherwise we will lead them to the bunker which will then compromise the mission! And we can't exactly fight those 3 because otherwise they will stall us until their ace arrives! What to do..."
He then took a look at the mine and soon got an idea... a crazy one, but hey, his mentor once said: "Sometimes is the crazy ones that actually work most of the time."
Arthur: - Glint! Pop smoke and escape inside the mine! -
White Glint: - I hope you have an idea of what you're doing! - He soon released two capsules from a compartment in his belt that soon released a thick cloud of smoke that obscured them from the franxx.
Delphinium: - Wait! -
Her shout was in vain as both NEXT went inside the mine, forgetting the jammer they had set up was still active before being followed by their chasers...
Back at the bunker...
Sally: - Orion, Orion! White Glint! Arthur! Respond! -
Naomi: - Why is this happening?! It would have been easier to talk with them! -
Sally: - Let's just say that when we met for the first time, we weren't warmly welcomed... -
Naomi: - Because of Hiro's reaction to my rescue? -
Sally: - Yeah, so things are tense between us... -
Naomi: - Well, that's weird... -
Sally: - What's weird, our little feud? -
Naomi: - No... Hiro... I never expected him to act like this before. -
Sally: - What's so unique about him that makes him an enigma to you? -
Naomi: - I guess you will need a seat while I explain it... you sure you can't contact Raven? -
Sally: - As long as that jammer is on, there can't be any sort of contact between us and them, so I got all the time of the world... -
Inside the mines, floor 8...
Arthur: - Did we lost them? -
White Glint: - I think we did... now the question is, what do we do? -
Both NEXT were safely hidden in one of the many storage rooms after sneaking past lots of klaxosaurs...
Arthur: - Well, the main task would be to get out of here, but considering we forgot to turn off the jammer... -
W. Glint: - We have no way to contact Sally to get the layout of the compound... and to top it off, we got the wannabe pilots searching for us... -
He then slammed his hand in one of the walls and caused a section of that wall to fall off...
Arthur: - You know, at this rate, you're going to make it worse... wait. -
That's when both of them saw that the room on the other side was filled with lots and lots of databases, many of them still intact.
Arthur: - Nevermind, jackpot! Pretty sure that one of those has a map or something of the facility. -
White Glint: - Then let's get hacking! -
They soon went to search for a terminal and found it quickly, they then pulled some connection tubes from their frames and connected to the network. After easily bypassing the security clearance, they started downloading data. It took some minutes before they eventually got what they needed, plus a little extra intel.
Arthur: - Okay, according to the original map of the complex, we are located here... -
Showing a 3D holographic map of the complex, Orion soon pointed towards their chamber on the 8 floor.
Arthur: - And if we wanna get out, here are some of the suggested routes... - The maps shows some green lines showing many escape paths: - However, considering it has a lot of blue tenants who will defend it with their lives, that means that we only got a few options... - Some of the lines went red to show the paths were it would lead to the enemy with very few remaining green: - and all of them seem to converge on the same point, the elevator shaft. This means that whatever we do, we can't let them block our path towards it.
White Glint: - Got it, sneak around, kill those who block the way and go towards the elevator shaft for extraction. After that? -
Arthur: - After that, we will... -
He was interrupted by a rumble coming from the main corridor followed by the sounds of a klaxosaur stampede...
Arthur: - Now what's going on with the dinos? -
White Glint: - Something must have triggered them to attack... crap, the guys! -
Arthur: - You mean our chasers? Well, whatever they did to piss them off, is their problem now. -
White Glint: - You can't be serious man! I know they're with the enemy but they were the only friends I had at that time and they hold a spot in my heart for that. We can't simply let them die! -
Arthur: - It's gonna be either them or us! We don't have the firepower to clear a whole nest to rescue 6 pilots! -
White Glint: - Can we at least try something? Look... *he points to a few corridors he highlights in yellow* according to the security feed, they're taking refuge in this room which we can reach by flanking around. Can we at least go and asses our option at the place? They're the only thing that was good of my childhood. Zorran would have done something at least. -
Arthur: - *Sighs* Fine, but if we can't find a solution, we tail it out of here. -
White Glint: - That's all I ask for... -
Storage room #16...
Things haven't gone according to plan... heck there wasn't one to begin with. It all started as a simple starter operation, go and neutralize their first klaxosaur inside one of the magma mines then return. What nobody expected was that the same 2 mysterious mechs that had abducted Naomi to be there at the entrance. They seemed ready to duel as the white round drone announced before Argentea sneezed and alerted them of their presence. Ichigo tried to talk with them but then White Glint popped off smoke and both of them vanished inside the mines. They chased them for a little until reaching the elevator and seeing no sight of them, Ichigo asked for instructions, only to came up with static as a response. Confused but determined, she soon ordered everyone to proceed with the original plan. It didn't take them long to find their target and after a hard struggle manage to kill it, however what they didn't count upon was the massive amount of klaxosaurs that came towards them from the roof. Being in no condition to fight them all off, Ichigo ordered a retreat and they just barely managed to escape and barricaded themselves inside the room they were now.
Argentea was offline, and Delphinium and Genista were just barely able to contain the doors from letting the pack of klaxosaurs to pour in. And worst of all, their communications were still jammed, meaning they couldn't contact the plantation for help. Ichigo was trying hard to focus as one simple mistake can mean the end but for how long could she and Genista hold it? That was why she was glad when Argentea started moving again...
Argentea: - I'm back! Did I miss anything? -
Delphinium: - Only that we're trapped and without a way to contact Hachi. -
Zorome: - Maybe if we returned to the surface, we may be able to get a signal back! -
Goro: - But how genius? Our only path is blocked! -
Ichigo reflected and soon said: - As you said, it is our only path, we will have to battle our way out. Everyone, how much fuel do you have left? -
Genista: - 59%! -
Argentea: - 79%! -
Delphinium: - I'm at 65%! Genista, we will let go of the door and once it is open I want you to blast all your clips into it! Argentea, you and I will rush and slash our way through once she does her part! -
Genista: - Roger! -
Argentea: - Alright! -
Delphinium: - At the count of 3! 1... 2...! -
CLANK! SLASH! KABOOM! RATATATATATATATATATATATA!
Before she could give the order, lots of noise and a shockwave forced the three franxx to fall to the ground as the sounds of battle at the corridor started to sound closer and closer until suddenly a white hand punched at the door and once it was bended enough, then grabbed it through the opening and forced it open with a mighty pull; it was White Glint, Arthur following close behind him unleashing various slash waves dispersing the pack of klaxosaurs away from the corridor! The 6 pilots were in shock that it took them time to see the white gunner extending his hand open to them...
White Glint: - Get up and move! We're getting out of here and this is your only chance to come with us! -
After a few moments of shock, Delphinium spoke: - W-wait! But what about...? -
White Glint: - We can clear those details later, lets get out of here first! -
Arthur: - Hurry! They're regrouping! -
With no other choice except a blue death, Delphinium accepted the hand and everyone soon got out of the room, with Arthur on the lead and White Glint on the back.
Argentea: - By Papa! I can't believe we're working with the knight and the gunner Devils! -
Arthur: - Huh, so we gained that much of fame in 2 days only? -
Argentea: - You're the only thing out there that defeated Strelizia! Every adult talks about you! -
Orion/Raven: "I would hardly called your 'adults' by that name..."
Delphinium: - You can question them later Zorome! Any idea of what you're doing Arthur? -
Arthur: - As a matter of fact, we do! Sending you some data... *sends the map with the escape route* right now our objective is to reach the elevator shaft! Then we climb towards first floor then we... -
White Glint: - INCOMING! -
Blue projectiles whizzed over their heads, forcing them to duck.
Arthur: - Damn little buggers are persistent! Glint! Cover our back! -
White Glint: - Roger! - After he said that, the mech's upper torso spun around aiming its guns backwards and opened fire.
Argentea: - How do you do that?! That's amazing! -
White Glint: - Practice and experience! How much longer?! -
Arthur: - Almost there! -
They all eventually passed through the access gate and Arthur slammed on a control panel, shattering it and causing a short-circuit which activated a blast door, sealing the passageway. He then grabbed some scraps and tubes and put it on the door.
Arthur: - Alright, that should give us some time. Glint, we need to hijack the access panel to activate the elevator! -
White Glint: - Only one problem with that chief... they were on the other side of the door... -
Arthur: - Are you kidding me right now!? -
Genista: - So what now?! -
White Glint: - Do your mechs have boosters?! -
Delphinium: - They're not for flying! -
Arthur: - Dammit! Alright, listen here, this is what we will do! There's a secondary control panel at the next floor, me and White Glint will... -
Sally:/*********Rigin ****** Origin! Origin 1, Raven, ANYBODY RESPOND!/
Hachi: /***Co***15**** Code 015! RESPOND!/
Ichigo/Orion: - WE'RE HERE! -
Sally: /Oh thank goodness! The jammer was just destroyed! We have comms again!/
Hachi: /Glad to see you're still alive... wait, why is there two signatures with... are those the mysterious pilots?/
Ichigo: - Commander! I know you have a lot of questions but this is not the time! -
Orion: - The jammer was destroyed?! By whom?! -
Raven: - Damn bastard! I spent weeks working on that! -
BLAM! A big hit in the door ceased all arguments as they saw the klaxosaurs destroying the doors...
Orion: - Doesn't matter, Sally, we need you to hack elevator #1, take us to the surface! -
Ichigo: - Commander, we're in elevator #1 and we need to evacuate now! Can you activate the elevator!? -
Sally: /Hang in there! I'm on it!/
Hachi: /I'll see what I can do but it will take some time to remotely.../
Sally: /Got it! Going up now!/
As if on queue, the machine sprung to life and started going up just moments before the makeshift barricade blew up. Some klaxosaurs tried to climb only to be stopped by all 5 mechs. Eventually, the elevator was safely away from their viscious claws.
Argentea: - We made it, we made it! -
Arthur: - *Let's breath out* Thanks Sally... I owe you one and I love you... -
Sally: /Awww... I love you too my shining knight./
Delphinium: - Thanks commander, our mission didn't go according to plan, but we got more than we bargained for... -
Hachi: /Just make sure that the 2 pilots don't sneak away and don't get in trouble with Strelizia./ "Not to add, they managed to hijack into an APE codified system. They are more dangerous than we thought."
Ichigo's heart sunk a little when hearing that: - What? -
Hachi: - After we lost communications with you, we sent code 02 alongside code 326 on Strelizia to rescue you. After arriving they destroyed a rectangular device at the top of the entrance that was blocking the communications. -
Ah, so it wasn't Hiro riding this time... Ichigo breathed in relief.
Hachi: /Your new orders are to bring both pilots towards the plantation, by force if necessary, understood?/
Ichigo: - Yes commander... although I really hope we don't have to fight them, they're... -
Hachi: /Hold it code 015, Strelizia seems to be under attack! By another one of their mechs!/
Sally: /Origin 1, bad news, APE sent their ace towards the mine and Flamenco just dropped by, they're fighting!/
Orion/Ichigo: - You got to be joking! -
Genista: - What is going on? -
Delphinium went directly towards Arthur: - You! Do you know who is the other mech that's fighting Strelizia?! -
Arthur: - I do! Way to well! Listen, this is clearly a misunderstanding! Let's just get to the surface and we will handle this! -
White Glint: - Flamenco again!? Oh for f***'s sake... -
Genista: - What's wrong with this Flamenco? -
White Glint: - Ever had that one couple that always seems to be problematic? -
Both Franxx simply stared and pointed at Argentea...
Argentea: - Hey! -
White Glint: - Yep, that's Flamenco for us. Let's hope this thing reaches the surface fast... -
Meanwhile, at the entrance a few moments earlier...
Mitsuru was having quite the enjoyable ride. He was proving that he was a good pilot with code 02, maybe even better than Hiro! Maybe this mission would be enough to convince the adults to switch him with 02. They just arrived at the entrance when they finally saw the source of all the trouble...
Mitsuru: - Code 326 here, no sign of either our squadmates nor the mysterious pilots, but we did find a device at the top of the mine entrance. -
Hachi: /Okey, standby while we inspect it.../
After a few moments, Hachi answered: /It seems the device is a jammer of sorts, its emitting frequencies that block communications. Shut it down by any means./
Rather than simply pressing the BIG RED BUTTON THAT CLEARLY SAYS 'ON/OFF', Strelizia pierced it with her lance and destroyed it.
Zero Two: - It's done... -
Hachi: /Very well, head into the mines and rescue your squadmates, afterwards proceed to... wait a minute, energy signature closing on you!/
The sensors in the Franxx started to sound the alarm and Strelizia barely managed to evade an incoming slashwave. Unlike Arthur's who were blue, this one was red...
Mitsuru: - From where did it came from?! -
Their answer suddenly appeared in front of them as a new mech landed on the spot they were just at. This one was different to the ones they had seen before...
(Had to resort to a screenshot)
It was red, black and yellow and it had a male design for the frame. It also had two weapons: on his left was a red crimson mechanized katana while on his right was a laser pistol.
?: - Hold it right there... -
The voice was deep (think of Jetstream Sam's voice but a lighter tone) but it carried a tone of arrogance that Zero Two recognized and used too well...
?: - It seems that what you just destroyed was an artifact that certain friends of mine treasured. Do you have any idea of how are they gonna be when they see it? -
Mitsuru: - Who are you? State your code and intentions! -
?: - Code? Pfft! You're aware that we aren't with you, right guys? -
As if to emphasize that, the mech showed off its left armor pad that had the SMC and RF logos on it.
?: - However, I won't be rude with our manners... you can call me 'Flamenco'. -
Strelizia: - Flamenco? Really, you were named after a dance style? -
Flamenco: - Huh, it seems that someone here has more knowledge about the old world than others. And yes, I am named after such style. As to why? Well... -
He then pointed its gun towards the Franxx: - You will soon see why. -
He then started shooting and Strelizia made the wise decision of dodging the shots, but just barely.
Strelizia: - Alright, you asked for it... -
Once Flamenco stopped shooting to reload, Strelizia charged at him. However, moments before her lance could connect...
Flamenco: - Too slow! -
With surprising speed, Flamenco brought up his blade and DEFLECTED the strike, making Strelizia's lance aim at the ground and then getting stuck.
Zero Two: - Grrrr... -
Flamenco: - Now you see why, and I must say that you are quite awful at your footwork. -
At these words, Strelizia simply pulled the lance out and aimed it at the NEXT.
Strelizia: - I'll make you eat those words you... -
Hachi: /Strelizia, absolutely no fighting! Your squadmates take priority!/
Mitsuru: - You heard him, we will show these guys later... -
Zero Two: - Excuse me, 'we'? You absolutely think you're good enough? -
Mitsuru: - But I am! -
Zero Two: - Really? We will see if you truly are after this fight! -
Mitsuru: - Wait! -
But it was too late as Zero Two forced her will on Strelizia and launched herself against Flamenco, whom again deflected her strike.
Flamenco: - Very well... *armor plates cover the lower mouth section* let's dance! -
And so, both mechs engaged into battle, Strelizia trying her best to force her hits into Flamenco, whom would deflect or dodge them each time without trouble. Each time he did that, Zero Two grew more frustrated and took it out on Mitsuru who's time went from amazing to horrifying. Every time she attacked he felt himself being drained painfully and fearing for his life. Eventually, after what felt like the 50th time, he was about to break.
Mitsuru: - StopstopstopstopstopSTOPSTOPSTOP! -
Zero Two: - SHUT UP! -
This made their connection faulter which was noted by their rival.
Flamenco: - Getting desperate? Then it's time for the finale! -
Strelizia made one last desperate attack, slower than the rest and this time, she connected the lance to the ground way too early and made a big cloud of smoke that obscured Flamenco from sight. Once it dissipated, the mech was gone!
Mitsuru: - *panting* Huh?... Where did they...? -
The answer suddenly came from above as Flamenco had made a somersault and landed with his blade connecting with Strelizia's right arm, cutting it clean from her shoulder! Mitsuru and Zero Two felt inmense pain before the former finally lost consciousness while the latter was twitching with anger and it showed on Strelizia.
Flamenco: - Seems that the show is over, time to let the curtain fall. How disappointing, I was expecting more of the famous 'Stamen killer'. -
He aimed his gun at Strelizia's head but just before pulling the trigger, he was slammed by White Glint!
White Glint: - FLAMENCOOOOOOO!!! WHAT THE F*** ARE YOU DOING!? -
(Stop the music)
That's when Zero Two saw that her squadmates had just exited the mine. Arthur followed White Glint close by and went towards Flamenco with decisive steps and soon spoke in a tone that showed he was VERY angry: - We will be having words about this Captain Rodríguez and Commander Zoe. -
Flamenco: - Huh? But... what? Why?! -
Arthur: - SILENCE! I will explain it later... after your punishment. -
Flamenco: "Awww sh**"
While White Glint held Flamenco immobilized, Arthur turned around and said to Delphinium whom was helping Strelizia up: - Sorry about this misunderstanding, we will clear this mess later. For now, you should take your friend back with you and fast. Stay safe and godspeed. -
Then he turned around, and with a nod of his head, he and White Glint activated their thrusters, while Flamenco got remote controlled by the drone and the 3 NEXT flew away, as they left behind Squad 13 an unique experience to learn: the difference between puppets and puppeters in a fight.
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Outro song too!
And that's it for chapter 3! How was the battle between Flamenco and Strelizia? Glad to see some MGRR references? Review and leave a follow! On the next chapter, we will see the aftermath of the battle on both sides and the fate about the troublemakers! Happy holidays!