Darling in the Franx: Alternate Core

Chapter 15: Boys X Girls X affection: Argentea's trial

Chapter 15! And with it the chapter where the boys and the girls go bananas throwing all logic aside by NOT even thinking with their minds and only their egos! However, in this universe, they are going to learn in a very hard way, that this kind of attitude really brings suffering not only to the dead but also to the living... what's going to happen here? Read and find out!

Into the show!

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Somewhere unknown at night...

???: - So, it is true? The 'Lost Raven' found its flock? –

Shepherdess: - Yes, your majesty, his call has been answered by the enemy it seems... the children that are around him are different, and our spies say that they are honorary people at Avalon after defending their city from one of the brood mothers. More interesting than that is that the 'Lightning knight' and his team are also training them. –

???: "What's it that you're up to Armstrong?" – Anything else? What can you tell me about them that I don't know already? –

Shepherdess: - Miss... the 'bastard' is also with him. I confirmed it when I judged them... -

Whoever was on the other side went silent for a while that it worried the shepherdess...

Shepherdess: "Please don't think what I think she is thinking..." – Your highness? –

???: - Tell me shepherdess... do you really vouch that hard for the kid, even if he is now with the enemy? –

Shepherdess: "What nonsense are you talking about now?" – Your majesty... I have seen and observed how the 'Lost Raven' acts when our enemy is mentioned: he would first kill himself before rejoining... -

???: - Then why hasn't he done that? How can you prove that he is still with us? –

Shepherdess: - Because I genuinely believe he is trying to convert those children and the 'bastard' to the cause. I... I used the 'technique' on them... -

She suddenly felt a heavy weight on her mind that indicated that her superior was angry...

???: - So, you violated my orders... again. Have you no shame?! I told you before why it is prohibited, and you still dare defy me!? If it wasn't for the fact that you carry the future of my kin, I would have disposed of you since... –

Another presence appeared and lifted a little the pressure from the Shepherdess mind as the communication went silent for a while before the boss 'spoke' again...

???: - Hmph... I will give them one chance to prove themselves... and you're forbidden to intervene. –

Shepherdess: - Your highness? –

???: - I got word from your friend, the 'Wolf king', that their leader has surpassed one of the Trials and considering how they defeated a Reaper on their own, maybe they have potential to become something more... as such, I will apply the rest of the Trials on them and if they pass them then I will consider them as allies of our kin and cause... -

Shepherdess: "I don't like where this is going... the previous trial was the easiest one of them all and even then, the leader just managed to win thanks to her will and determination to rescue their friends. Once one takes the trial, they cannot take it again and I don't know if their friends have the same abilities as them..." – Your highness... you want me to test them? –

???: - No, that will be the Jury. And they will NOT hold back. If the 'Lost Raven' really vouches for them, then they will see it for themselves. And you will observe and guide them to them when they arrive, understood!? –

The Shepherdess then felt an increase in the pressure that made her aware that her superior wasn't giving her a choice...

Shepherdess: - Yes, your highness... - "Not good, not good! They are still inexperienced, and the nearest judge is... Raven, I hope you and your friends are ready for everything..."

Next morning...

Clang!!

White Glint: - Look out! –

The white NEXT had just managed to block an attack coming from a round Moho klaxosaur aimed at Delphinium.

Delphinium: - Thanks! –

Arthur: - Come on kids, my team is almost done with ours! You need to finish it now! –

Strelizia: - I'm starting to think that we shouldn't had taken that challenge! –

Flashback, a few hours earlier...

Orion: - So, considering that we will be sortieing out soon, I have decided that today's training session will be optional. –

Ichigo: - What do you mean sensei? –

Orion: - Simple, really. I have a proposition to incentivize you all to do your best: we can use the upcoming battle as a test of your effectiveness as a squad after all the training we had done so far into your respective roles. The goal will be to kill your target before we kill ours first. –

Zorome: - That's unfair sensei! Your team is too good compared to us! –

Orion: - I know, which is why, to make it fair Arthur will be the only one to take our target head on while the rest of my team watches. –

Ichigo: - Raven? –

Raven: - That is very fair. –

Ichigo: - Alright, but what are the rewards and the price? –

Orion: - I like how you're being sharper with time. As I said before, this is an optional choice but if you decide to take up the challenge then the reward will be 2 days free of training. –

Squad 13: "Not bad!"

Orion: - However, if you fail to complete the challenge, then the punishment will be a whole day of self-defense training session. –

If there is one thing that made everyone in squad 13 dread was the 'self-defense' training session. Orion and Sally were MERCILESS on it that even ZERO TWO felt anxious just thinking about it.

Ichigo: - Upgrade it to 3 days and we may accept it... -

Orion: - Fine, deal? –

Ichigo: - Just a second... -

She went to discuss it with the rest and soon returned with everyone's decision: - Deal! –

Back to the present...

Firefox: - Come on guys! You almost have this in the bag! –

Alstroemeria: - All we need is to force the opening! Give someone a clean shot to the core! –

White Glint: - We better do it fast! Arthur is about to perform his G-maneuver! –

Argentea: - G-maneuver? You still have something more powerful than Zandatsu!? –

White Glint: *evading a spew of blue goo* - LATER!! –

The squad pressed on and the klaxosaur, feeling itself under extreme pressure, went for one last desperate gamble as it started spinning and vomiting lots and lots of blue goo towards the franxx's and covering them all, including White Glint...

White Glint: - ¡Con una chin****! I just washed the NEXT you stupid...! –

Argentea: - Eeew! What's this?! –

That was when everyone got surprised as part of the blue goo managed to get inside the cabins and streamed down all over the pistils... oh and Raven too because of the different design inside White Glint's cabin...

Raven: - ¡CARAJO! Now I will have to clean the cabin too! –

Girls: - Eeeeek! -

Naomi: - Is everyone alright?! Miss Ying! Is the goo dangerously acid?! –

Firefox: - Relax! We had analyzed it and it is neutral enough! You're on the clear! –

Delphinium: - Thank goodness... but now I'm pissed. Strelizia, White Glint: combo throw! –

Strelizia and White Glint: - Roger! –

The mentors: "Combo throw?"

The rest of the squad: "They're going to try that now?! But this would be the first time!"

White Glint: - You sure about this cap? –

Delphinium: - We won't be sure until we try it, right? –

Strelizia: - Finally speaking my language! –

White Glint: - Alright, grab on!! –

The white NEXT grabbed the red franxx whom herself grabbed the blue franxx as they all bolted in line towards the creature. Once they were in range, White Glint sent Strelizia forward like a slingshot before she repeated the process with Delphinium who got close to the creature at a big speed. And once she was upon it, she activated her Zandatsu slashing every obstacle between her and the core before going through without it... only for Strelizia to finish the job as she followed her and used the opening to easily stab it, killing the creature in the process.

Firefox: - Impressive teamwork you three! And just in time! Our captain was just about to activate his card! –

After giving a quick glance at the klaxosaur to check it was indeed dead, they looked towards Arthur who had a bright blue electric aura around him as he unleashed his move: - HYPER-SLASH!! –

The slash wave that came out from his sword was very big and cut cleanly through his target. However, it did not stop there as Arthur ALSO followed with a physical slash passing through the creature, before REPEATING the cycle 3 times! Once he stopped, the klaxosaur literally split off into 4 revealing the core that was surprisingly INTACT. Arthur then caught it and proceeded to dematerialize it...

Alstroemeria: - Wow, do you have one Raven? –

White Glint: - Unfortunately no, solo piloting has really nerfed me... -

They then heard a gasp coming from Argentea as she seemed... distracted.

White Glint: - Hey, everything alright in there? –

Zorome: /Yes! Everything is okay!/

Raven: "Huh? He said that too enthusiastic..."

Their attention was diverted as Arthur walked towards them...

Arthur: - Rats, you finished first. Well, a deal is a deal, you won yourselves the next 3 days free of training. –

Squad 13: - Alright! –

Raven: - Hey Naomi! High five! –

Naomi: - Sure! –

Both turned towards each other to do so... and what they saw left them in total shock: as they looked at each other, both realized that large parts of their uniforms had been dissolved by the goo and the parts exposed where very suggestive... (not that much though, we are keeping this fic as 'T' category.) Even so, it was clear that the just-recently-canon couple wasn't prepared for this as they stayed silent for a few moments before all hell broke loose...

Naomi: - Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! –

Raven: - I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!!! –

Because they were still connected, White Glint simulated the reactions making everyone else worry...

Ichigo: *Opening a visual link* - Raven, Naomi, what happened?! –

She soon saw the answer as she saw both Naomi and Raven looking away from each other blushing red and she too got shocked as she saw them almost naked!

Raven: - The goo! It dissolved our clothes! –

Hiro: - It's not good, Zero Two! You're showing too much! –

Zorome and Futoshi: - DON'T TELL THEM, YOU DUMBASSES!! –

Orion and Sally: - EXCUSE ME!!?? –

Their tone indicated that the two had f***ed up BIG TIME as the rest of the pistils went into a panic as they soon processed what happened and what it meant...

Squad 13: - Kyaaaaaaaa!!! –

Johnny: - Aw man! Just when the good part started! –

Some minutes later...

Both squads had returned to their respective HQ's and things at the Cerasus hangar were tense. The girls had been given towels and were looking in disgust to their partners (with a few exceptions) while the boys were being reprimanded by Orion alongside Sally after Nana and Hachi had said their piece, both managing to be the lucky ones to avoid the goo.

Orion: - I'm very, VERY disappointed on what your answer was out there! That acid could have been deadly you fools! Your negligence on reporting this to your partners can cost lives and if you don't take that seriously then you aren't fit to be a Parasite, let alone a LYNX! Do you have ANYTHING to say for yourselves? –

Hiro: - I do sensei! –

Orion: - What is it Hiro? –

Hiro: - Zero Two said to me once... that being a little perv is good! –

*Epic facepalm*

Raven: - Hiro... please... shut up... it's not helping... -

Naomi: - Sensei... if I may speak. Raven... didn't do it on purpose so I think it is fair he is spared from disciplinary action. –

Ichigo: - On that, everyone agrees... -

Miku: - I don't! –

Naomi: - Miku! Raven is different to... -

Miku: - He is still a boy! And they had shown to be brutes today! –

Sally: - Miku!! You're stepping on the line right now! Don't make us extend the punishment to you! –

That was enough to shut her up even though she was gritting her teeth.

Goro: - Look, we were all focusing so hard on the target, we didn't want to distract you... -

Ichigo: - To be fair, some of us were distracted finishing the klaxosaur and the distraction would have made us lose... -

Raven sighed before saying: - If it helps ease the tension, I will go through the punishment too, which is? –

At that moment, part of the staff brought a cart with buckets and mops towards Orion and then left as he picked them up...

Orion: - Simple, kids, today you're going to scrub and mop EVERY SINGLE spot in your cabins! I WANT THEM ULTRA CLEAN AND IF I SEE EVEN THE SMALLEST PUDDLE OF GOO, I WILL MAKE YOU REPEAT THE CLEANING PROCESS ALL OVER AGAIN! –

Raven: - Huh... you know what Naomi, you can relax! This is routine to me! –

Naomi was glad... but part of her was mad at Miku because of her attempt of getting Raven punished: "What has gotten into her?"

Orion: - Once that said, your punishment starts now. Girls, you can leave and take the rest of the day off. Sally, go alongside them. –

Sally: - Sure love, let's go girls! I have a few ideas to make up for this awful day. –

They all left the whining boys and once inside the elevator, Naomi spoke: - Miku, what is wrong with you? Raven had NOTHING to do with how the boys acted! It was thanks to him that we realized it even! –

Ichigo: - I agree with her, we had already agreed about letting Raven go free. What exactly happened there Miku? –

Miku: - I'm done with the boys, alright?! I felt used and it was clear today that they don't respect us as partners! They use us more as objects! *sighs* Sorry Naomi, I didn't mean to involve Raven, but I was SUPER frustrated, and I saw Zorome smirking when you announced you wanted him pardoned. I simply couldn't take it anymore! –

Naomi: - *Sighs* I guess that is a good reason but still, please try to be considerate with him and the boys. I'm pretty sure that Orion will make sure they learn their lesson. –

Miku: - Says you! Naomi, you're simply lucky that you got Raven as your partner! He seems to be the only considerate one out of all the boys! I don't think it will be enough! –

Sally: - Have faith on Orion, he will make sure the lesson sticks to them. –

That word seemed to give Miku an idea: - Then you don't mind if we can try something to make sure it is learnt, sensei? –

Sally naively said: - Sure! If it helps ease the tensions. –

Miku: - Oh they will... -

Naomi: "I have a feeling that it is going to make it worse..."

Sometime later, at the elevator...

After long hours of scrubbing and mopping the cabins, the boys finally finished the job under Orion's strict scrutiny. They were completely exhausted and beaten, with exception of Raven who had finished earlier than the rest and as they entered the elevator, Orion soon spoke to them: - Well, have you learned your lesson now? Next time, make sure to warn your partners even if it means giving up on a good view. Trust me, if you do it correctly and show them that you care for them, their reactions will be different with time. –

Boys: *tired* - Yes sensei... -

Orion: - Good, once we arrive, I want you all to write a personal apology to your partners. I don't care if it makes you feel inferior and gives your partner bragging rights... *he said this while glaring to Zorome* you need them, and they need you to pilot your Franxx's. To deny being reasonable with them is to deny your duty, UNDERSTOOD? –

Boys: - Yes, sir! –

Orion seemed satisfied as he looked at the golden city while the boys simply talked...

Titus: - Well, I can say that I respect you more Raven if this is a frequent routine of yours... -

Goro: - That goo was REALLY hard to clean. Moments like these that make me glad that we have a crew for that...

Raven: - Thanks... but you shouldn't always leave it to the crew, Goro... it's a matter of personal initiative... *Sighs* -

Hiro: - Raven, are alright? You seem... down like me for some reason... -

Raven looked at him before he answered: - I'm fine... it's just that, my mentor's anniversary is coming up tomorrow... -

Orion: - I can't believe how fast it arrived this year... -

Mitsuru: - Anniversary? –

Raven: - Let's say that it is an annual celebration or remembrance about an important event or person in our lives. In this case, it is about my mentor's death... June 18 of 2111. –

Boys: - Oh... -

They respectfully stayed silent before Goro asked: - And how is it supposed to go? –

Raven: - Well, it involves using photo or memorabilia of the person we want to honor and to perform something that he wanted or used to do. It's hard to explain with words only... -

Hiro: - Can we witness the event then? If it's too personal, then... -

Raven: - That works too, if you want to, I don't find trouble inviting you all. But I have some conditions: one, you must all be silent and respectful in certain parts of the anniversary; two, I'm also planning to invite the girls, they have a right to assist and as such, I want you all to make peace with them after the recent fiasco. And three, it will happen at night, so make sure to have some energy for it. –

Zorome grumbled when he said the second condition but soon enough calmed down as his curiosity got the best of him; and he wasn't the only one, the rest of the boys of Squad 13 had heard a lot about Zorran from Raven that they had always wondered how the man looked and acted. They had thought about asking his friend and their mentors but so far, they didn't had time between their sorties and training. Now that they had 3 free days however...

Zorome: - Fine, I'll try my best of getting the apology ready... I'm doing this because I really want to know about the adult that raised you, ok? -

Orion: - Atta boy! And don't worry, we know exactly the other secret reason. –

Zorome *blushing*: - What are you even talking about? –

Orion simply laughed as the elevator stopped and everyone walked towards the board house. However, when they arrived, they were surprised to see the main lobby split by a line of tape and the girls on one side...

Orion: - Huh? Was there a leak or something? –

Miku: - This is our response to today! We have decided to split the house, and this will be our half of it. You can have the other half! –

Boys: - WHAT?! –

Orion: - What the hell?! Sally! Why didn't you stop them?! –

Sally: - I tried! But they got me when they told me they had a right to apply their own concept of justice or they would call us 'hypocrites'. It was also a majority vote... –

Orion: - But I already gave them that with the punishment! –

Miku: - We simply want to make sure they learnt it well! –

Zorome: - Well I WAS, but now that you're doing this, I think I won't! –

He tried crossing the line until Miku glared at him: - Zorome, step over the line and you. Will. Regret it. –

Zorome decided to not tempt fate today and that was when Orion interceded: - Ok, this nonsense stops now! They already served their punishment and were ready to make peace with you all, but now you have restarted the grudge! Because of this, I will... *Holowatch rings up...* Ugh, excuse me... -

He pulled out a pair of holographic airpods and took the call...

Orion: - Yes? Oh... Admiral, what's wrong?... Aha... aha... what?... Are you serious about it? Alright, me and Sally will be on our way... Origin 1 out. –

Sally: - What happened? –

Orion: - Olivia and Aurora got sick. Protocol indicates that we must return until she gets better in order to keep Atlas squad at optimal performance. We also care for the little girl too. –

Hearing that sweet Aurora got sick made everyone worry enough to let tensions dissipate for a moment...

Kokoro: - Is she alright? Will Aurora get well soon? –

Orion: - It maybe just a simple fever, so don't worry too much. Anyways, before me and Sally go, I want to make one thing clear: when me and Sally return, I want this whole debacle solved, I don't care who started what, I want this solved for both sides or your whole training program will be terminated! Understood?! –

They all stayed silent before Raven answered: - Don't worry Orion, I'm pretty sure the situation will be solved by then, I believe in my friends... -

Orion: - Alright, I will trust you all then... let's go Sally. –

Both young adults left leaving the tweens alone as Raven sighed and said: - Listen, I know things are tense right now between you two, so I'll simply tell you to make amends when you feel ready for it. Don't expect me nor Naomi to pick a side however, we will be neutral on all of this and WILL move through the house as we like. –

Ichigo: - Sounds fair. –

Raven: - And guys, remember that the event is tomorrow so please try your best to make peace with the girls by then... -

Ikuno: - What event? –

Zorome: - Oh, just an event between us BOYS that we promised to Raven that we BOYS will... *Plam!* Owww! –

Raven had chopped Zorome's head hard before saying in a serious tone: - Don't you dare use my ideas and plans as fuel for your vendetta, understood? *Zorome nods slowly* I will tell you later girls about it. For now, I'm going to my room, I need to get some things ready for tomorrow... -

Naomi: - Do you mind if I tag along? –

Raven: - Sure. –

Both left towards the attic as the first civil war of the squad began...

The next morning...

After Orion and Sally had left, things stayed tense for a while in the board house as the two troublemakers tried to get under each other's skins. Considering the situation, Raven decided to tell Naomi about what would happen at night so that she could tell the rest of the girls which is what she was doing just now...

Naomi: - So, that is what he wants to do tonight. –

Zero Two: - Ummm... very interesting, I always wondered what's so special of big bro's mentor and how memorials are done. –

Kokoro: - Memorials? –

Zero Two: - The word that technically describes what big bro wants to do. Count me in! –

Miku: - Well, the rest of us would like to go, but if the boys go then we won't. –

Pari: - Are you serious? That's way too harsh Miku, it is clear this is a treasured event for Raven, and he wants to share it with all of us... -

Miku: - And I want to go! But I'm still mad with those brutes! Everyone here is still angry at them! –

Pari: - Not me, I know Titus well enough to know he has genuinely learned his lesson. I'm very sure he is like me and considers this proposal of yours completely unnecessary. –

Miku: - So now you're supporting our enemy, huh? –

Pari: - Our enemies are the klaxosaurs, Miku! Not our partners! Without them we can't pilot Franxx's! And don't you bring me the argument of solo-piloting NEXT's! Those machines are SMC exclusive and we're still APE units! You like it or not, we will need to make peace with them in the end! –

Zero Two: - Finally, someone here doesn't let pride become their downfall... -

Miku: - Argh! In which side are you on Zero Two?! –

Zero Two: - No one, I simply enjoy observing this chaos you brought upon yourselves. –

The girls gave her glares with exception of Naomi and Pari who thought: "Well, she is right on that..."

Naomi: - Look, if you want to continue this useless vendetta then fine, but don't force others to follow your lead if they aren't complying. Pari, what are you planning to do now? –

Pari: - Go talk with Titus and... how was that phrase again? –

Zero Two: - I think it was 'extend the olive branch'. –

Pari: - Thanks, so we can basically retire from this nonsense. It's not like he eyes me that much anyways... -

Ikuno: "Eh? But why wouldn't he? You look splendid Pari... wait what am I thinking!?"

Miku: - Fine! Be like that you two traitors but don't expect us help you on anything today! –

Naomi: - I wasn't even planning to do something like this anyway! –

Once both girls got out of the room, Naomi slammed it shut angrily.

Naomi: - Miku, you.... Grrrrrrr! –

Pari: - Well, I guess we're in their blacklist now... -

Naomi: - At least until sensei returns. Let's go talk to Titus, ok? –

They soon crossed towards the boys' side and heard a commotion coming from their dorms and just as they were about to reach for the door, it opened suddenly and out came Titus in a bad mood alongside his holo-tablet...

Zorome: - Consider yourself exiled, traitor! –

Titus: - SCREW YOU Zorome!! And all of you should be ashamed too for doing this! This is such a childish vendetta between you and your girlfriend! –

Zorome: - SHE IS NOT MY...!! –

Titus then slammed the door shut and finally turned around to greet the girls...

Titus: - Sorry you had to see that... -

Pari: - You too got kicked out from the band? –

Titus: - Huh, so you do care for what is best for the group... anyways, Pari, I'm truly sorry for doing something that was clearly inappropriate, hazardous, and unethical. If there is any way to compensate it as your partner, I will do it no matter how humiliating or painful it is. –

Pari: - *Snickered* Just doing the correct thing amongst this whole bunch of dummies is more than enough for me... *thinks* that and maybe design me some kitchenware, that could work too... -

Titus: - Oh well, there goes part of my resources in my workshop... -

Naomi: - Wait, hold on, you have a workshop? Since when? –

Titus: - Since we returned from Avalon. Sensei talked with the doctor, and both agreed that a mind like mine was quite rare to find. So, they believe that it would be for the best that I developed my skills while still training under them and for that Orion and Sally set me up a personal hut for it! It's outside at the forest, on the other side of the lake where the sensei stay at. Only them and Raven know about it... well until now. –

Pari: - Don't worry, your secret is safe with us. Although that explains why you were missing at the evenings on the weekends... -

They all walked towards the lake, which turned out to be longer than going towards the sensei's tent, and as they arrived, they soon saw that it was a white building with a retro design that combined that of an antique barn alongside the modern materials of the SMC buildings. They also saw that the lights were on and the sounds of machinery inside indicated that someone was already there...

Titus went first: - Hello? –

Whatever machine was active stopped as Raven came out wearing googles and protection equipment: - Oh hey guys! Sorry if I am here unannounced Titus but I needed the equipment. –

Titus: - No worries, Raven, although what exactly are you doing? –

Raven: - A personal altar for tonight's memorial. Are the rest going to attend or is their pride way too much? –

Everyone sighed as Naomi answered: - The second option unfortunately... -

Raven simply sighed and Naomi observed that something deep in him had been opened, but he soon covered it with a smile as he said: - Well, I can't do this thing alone, you guys wanna help? It's simple but time-consuming. –

Pari: - Sure! Think you can also explain us how a memorial works? –

Raven: - Well, for that, I will need to tell you a story: it is about a girl called "life" and a boy called "death" ... -

Time went by as the feud between the boys and the girls got worse, especially as both sides realized that their assigned daily tasks were harder to perform without the cooperation of their partners, making everything more stressful and tense. And yet, they were being stubborn on making the other side break first without a care, not knowing that their actions were also hurting someone else...

As dusk came closer and closer, Naomi observed that Raven's mood went down by the hour and that soon got her worried. She knew from experience the symptoms of depression thanks to both her and Hiro's past experiences and once she saw Titus and Pari leave to set up the final touches for Zorran's altar at the lake, she used the opportunity to speak to him...

Naomi: - Raven, what's wrong? –

Raven: - Huh? Nothing Naomi, why do you...? –

Naomi: - Raven, it takes one to know another one... I know that you're trying to put up all your strength to keep us unaware of whatever melancholy is eating through you internally. I know how it feels... -

Raven: - Naomi, I really... -

Naomi: - You promised me Raven, ever since we became a couple on the beach... I want to help you with your scars but for that I need to you to open your weak side to me... please... -

Raven stood silent for a while, before he went and hugged Naomi as he rested his head on her shoulder and spoke, his tone breaking down: - I... I really wanted everyone to be here... I really wanted to tell them about the man that was so important to me in the years away from all of you... I wanted this to be something... that would... reunite us... but... -

With every word he seemed to be collapsing as his strength left him and his bottled emotions released like the floodgates of a dam.

Raven: - Why? Why don't they understand... *sniff* this is how I acted before... before... before... I lost him... -

He cried silently on her shoulder, hugging her as he continued: - Don't they realize... that at this rate... they will all die? I don't want it to happen to them Naomi... I... I... –

Naomi: - Shhhhh... it's alright Raven... it's alright... everything will work out in the end... - "But what can we both do?"

Unknown to both, a certain someone had heard their conversation from behind the back of the hut...

Zero Two: "Big brother really seems to care for everyone... *she reflects on how recently Raven has been a great friend to her and to the rest and how most of his actions had led towards how they were today, all of that with a smile on his face, a genuine one like the one she remembers from her darling...* "... if it wasn't for the fact that he has his memories intact and link up with those from everyone else, I would be confusing him for my darling. *Remembers the promise made at the city and determination fills her* Don't worry Raven, you helped me, and I will help you now. Besides, I feel a little rebellious today without the sensei babysitting us..."

And so, she left ready to set off her mischievous plan...

One bathroom incident later...

Zero Two's plan had worked, a little too good in fact...

Nana: - I will be taking this with captain Orion and Sally! They will determine the best way to punish you all involved for this incident! I don't care who started it but as Orion said, you will be punished together! And Ichigo, how could you or Raven let this happen?! –

Ichigo: - But Nana! –

Nana: - No buts! You're the leader of this squad, you are supposed to keep everyone together! AND to top it off, your actions have caused your second-in-command to isolate himself from all of you, knowing that any efforts to defuse the situation would be useless! What a great bunch of friends you are! Dismissed! –

Which fortunately finally made both sides realize they had pushed the vendetta too far, except for Miku who stubbornly refused to acknowledge defeat and escaped into the forbidden areas of the board house. Then they had been searching for her for a while until they heard her scream from one of the rooms and rushed to see her suffering from an anxiety attack. As Zorome (surprisingly) calmed her down, she saw Hiro look at a framed photo of the previous members of squad 13.

Zero Two: "Hah, so she finally figured it out what will happen..."

Hiro: - What's this place? –

Zero Two: - A room the belonged to the previous Parasites of Squad 13, I would say... -

Mitsuru: - Previous? –

Ikuno: - Squad 13? –

Goro: - Right... it makes sense that the plantation had a squad before we arrived. –

Zorome: - But where are they? –

Raven: - They all died, dumbass. –

Everyone, including Zero Two, were surprised to see him leaning at the doorframe, Naomi, Titus and Pari behind him and he didn't look happy...

Ichigo: - Raven! Listen, we... -

Raven: - NOT. Right. Now. Ichigo. –

It was clear that Raven had only one objective in mind and was not in the mood for apologies...

Raven: - I will say my piece LOUD and CLEARLY first before you all go with your pathetic excuses of an apologies, understood?! –

Zero Two: "Wow, he really has a temper when angry..."

Raven then went to Zorome and Miku, the former somehow standing protectively over the latter: - Ironic, isn't it? The supposed 'leaders' of this stupid vendetta standing together once more. What a bunch of hypocrites you two are... -

Zorome: - Leave her out of this. Punch me if you want to but... -

He was interrupted as Raven did just that with enough force to send him into the ground...

Miku: - Zorome! –

She was then surprised as Raven slapped her! This made everyone stare in shock with exception of Zorome: - Raven! I told you to not hurt her! –

Raven: - Oh! OH! NOW YOU'RE WORRIED FOR HER?! HUH!! MAYBE IF YOU HAD SHOWN THAT ATTITUDE FROM THE BEGINNING AND APOLOGIZED EARLIER, NONE OF THIS SHOULD HAD HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE!! –

Ichigo: - Raven, calm down! We messed up but we didn't know what to do! –

Raven: - That's such a poor excuse Ichigo!! Orion already had administered justice and even Titus here knew how to make peace with Pari while all of you simply thought of how to make the barrier hold!! You're just trying to cover your butts for being pathetic here! –

Miku: - Raven, that really hurt! –

Raven: - Oh, so you think that hurt? How do you think it felt to me, seeing the group I consider one of my closest friends tearing itself apart over something so petty that usually happens in the SMC?! The problem wasn't even that big to begin with! I had seen cadets more inexperienced than you handle it better! –

Naomi: - Raven, enough! They're in the wrong, true, but what you're doing now is going to hurt them more, more than what you went through! –

Ichigo: - Raven, why are you doing this?! –

Zero Two: - Because he wants to avoid that you suffer his fate... -

Everyone looked confused at the horned pistil as she then said: - Raven, I went to visit you earlier and overheard your conversation with Naomi... what exactly happened there, on the day your mentor died? What is it that you try to save squad 13 from? –

Everyone went into silence as they tried to collect the pieces together and waited Raven's answer...

Raven: - *Sighs* Regret... I'm trying to help them avoid regret... regret at doing something that can't be reversed... -

It was here that everyone saw that their stoic friend Raven, an experienced, charismatic LYNX capable of staring directly to danger without flinching, someone who has lived a more fulfilling life ever since his disappearance, crying because of a failure he committed...

Ichigo: - Raven... I know this may seem inappropriate right now... but I order you to tell us what happened. Maybe that way, we can finally understand what you're trying to do. –

Raven stumbled a little before he felt Naomi comforting him with an understanding look.

Naomi: - Raven, I think it is for the better... -

Raven sighed, before he sat down in the unused bed and soon started his tale...

*5 years ago, me, Orion, and Sally were going to be part of something big. Just a few weeks earlier, we had successfully created the 1st District of the RF: Belka. The battle for the colonization effort was big and costly but everyone's spirit was high, very high. And to put the cherry on the top, we had finally contacted APE after years of staying in the shadows, as not only was the RF surviving, but it was also now thriving. We believed that if we contacted the Seven Sages and showed them the results of our efforts, then maybe we could perform an alliance that would allow us to recover and restore the whole planet way easier, cornering the remaining klaxosaurs into reservoirs for them and in that way, put an end to more than 100 years of war. But at that time, my only interest was to reunite with all of you guys. I knew that if everything went well, then there would be a chance that Zorran would be invited to the Garden because of his skills and fame as the 'Last Raven' and since he knew how much it meant to me, he promised me he would bring me with him if it happened.

Raven: - You promise teacher? –

Zorran: - Of course little raven... just on the condition that you let me meet them. I want to judge them and see if they are worthy enough to become my students... -

Raven: - I think it is more like if you're worthy of having them as students. –

Zorran: - *Feigning being hurt* Oh come on! How can you say that to your good teacher? It's thanks to me that you have one of the biggest scores in the academy! –

Raven: - Yeah, and the reason I would rather stay sober. –

Zorran laughed at that remark as he then said: - True. Anyways pack up your bags, we will be travelling in the flagship 'Él Álamo' for a week so bring enough for such trip. And you're also lucky! Orion and Sally had been assigned there! –

Raven: - Really?! That's awesome! Who would have thought their first assignment would be escorting us! Ha! I feel like a VIP now! –

Zorran: - Don't let Steve hear that from you, Raven. Otherwise, he will make you Orion's butler... -

*Raven snickered both in his memories and in real time as he continued his tale...*

It was the longest week of my life. I was super excited because I knew that if everything went well, then I would return to the Garden and reunite with all of you, already dreaming of forming a squad together and call ourselves a cringy superhero band name... look, most of the Old World's reading material is either ancient books, or flashy comic books and manga and is very obvious which ones my 10-year-old would rather read. Eventually, we arrived at the meeting point only to find out that APE's envoy was delayed and as we waited... things started to take a bad turn for the worse...

(Stop the music...)

Zorran: - What do you mean they're bringing in trouble!? –

Officer: - Apparently the APE convoy was hit on its way here by a big pack. And unfortunately, rather than stopping, their Plantations are rushing towards us at full speed bringing the whole pack with them! –

Zorran: - Any intel about the pack? –

Officer: - Similar in strength to that we fought defending Belka... -

Zorran: "Except we don't have a whole army with us, we're just a diplomatic envoy with a fraction of the firepower needed... the worse part is that we can't run away back to the District otherwise we would be bringing death before life can flourish again... I hate doing this, but we have no choice..." – How much time do we have? –

Officer: - The pack will be arriving in just a few hours. –

Zorran: - Tell commander Wedge that we will hold our ground. However, I also want all noncoms to be evacuated asap. Inform the SMC about our trouble here and to prepare a rescue expedition... it maybe our last sortie officer... pray for answer. –

Officer: - Pray for answer sir... -

As the man left, Zorran simply sighed and went towards one of the cabinets in his room to get a drink before all hell broke loose. He wasn't expecting to find Raven hidden in one of them!

Zorran: - Raven?! What have I told you about eavesdropping in my office!? –

Raven: - To not do it if I can't guarantee I don't get caught... but come on, you find me like 1 out of 3 times... -

Zorran: - Now is not the time for jokes...! *Sighs* How much have you heard? –

Raven: - I came here looking for that special paper that allows first-timers on tour to get free drinks after their first operation as a gift for Orion and Sally... I heard everything... how will we get out of this one? –

Zorran: - I don't know... I sincerely don't know. But that's something you don't have to worry about once... -

Raven: - Let me fight! I have been training a lot piloting a MT! I will stay on the backline, I promise! -

Zorran: - No Raven. You're still way too young for combat duty and this a much bigger operation than expected. You're not prepared... -

Raven: - But Orion and Sally are going to fight! I can't leave my two best friends behind! Specially in this operation! If we win, we will have enough fame that I can be guaranteed to visit the Garden and finally see my friends in there again! Please let me fight! –

Zorran: - Raven, I said no, and it will stay as no! –

Raven: - I WANT TO FIGHT!! I WILL FIGHT FOR THEM!! I WILL SAVE THIS SO PLEASE LET ME FIGHT!! –

Zorran: - THAT'S ENOUGH!! LIKE IT OR NOT, YOU WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE NEXT TRANSPORT TOWARDS BELKA AND LEAVE THIS PLACE!!! THIS IS MY FINAL VERDICT AND I WILL NOT HAVE IT CONTESTED!! NOW GO PACK YOUR THINGS!! –

And in that moment, fueled and blinded by my emotions, I made the deepest regret of my life...

Raven: - I HATE YOU!! I HATE YOU!! I HATE YOU AS MY TEACHER, I WISH YOU WERE DEAD!! –

I then left the room running without a care in the world... not aware that fate and life would oblige my words in a cruel way...

Zero Two: - So... that's what you want to avoid... that we commit the same foolish mistake of doing something that would leave a scar that would never heal... -

Zorome: - But you did make up, right? Right?! –

Everyone really wanted to see Raven say yes to that question because the implications of what it meant if he said no...

Raven: - I never got the chance... -

I went to sleep, mad and crying and not doing anything of what he ordered me to do so. So, I ended up very surprised when what woke me up was an explosion. Apparently, the pack of klaxosaurs had arrived earlier than expected just at the same time as the transports sent to evacuate the non-combatants. It was a chaotic mess...

But even then, I was still determined to do something. I got dressed and went towards the hangars, searching for an MT to help in the fight. Fortunately, because of the mess I managed to find one that wasn't guarded. The model was one designed for aerial combat, my specialty so I was very confident. When I got clear of the hangar, what I saw outside was the stuff of nightmares. 3 of our 5 Man 'O' Wars' sent were already destroyed, the remaining 2 just barely holding the line alongside the surviving NEXT's. Even so, there were many flying klaxosaurs getting through the lines and threatening the transports, so that's what I decided I would protect. And let me tell you, I don't know what exactly came over me that made me decide that a 10-year-old could perform almost as good as an adult with an MT or that I would make a difference in the defense, but at that point, I was too focused on the losses we have suffered to even consider common sense. My memories during the fight are blurry but I felt like I had been fighting for years as I became more and more exhausted and the fuel in my MT started to ran out; even so, I refused to surrender or run away, at least until all of the transports were evacuated... that was when it happened... the ground shook and out from it came our worst nightmare: a Super Lehman... it instantly destroyed one of the remaining Man 'O' Wars and seriously damaged the other, and was directly going for 'El Álamo'. The last transport was just about to leave so I tried to foolishly distract the big blue reptile...

Ace NEXT: - Unknown MT unit! Fall back and cover the rest of the transports! This one is done for! You're only going to get yourself killed! –

Raven: - Screw it! I can help! –

Arthur: - RAVEN?! What are you doing?! THAT'S SUICIDE!! –

Raven: - I CAN HELP!! –

Arthur: - NOT IF YOU DIE!! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THAT YOU PROMISED YOU WOULD LIVE FOR YOUR FRIENDS!? –

It was as if I had woken up from a fool's errand as it dawn to me what was happening: I was about to kill myself and die in an unnecessary way and break one of my biggest promises...

Raven: "Dammit!! DAMMIT!!"

Even so, it was late to repent and react as the klaxosaur backhanded my MT like I was a pebble...

Arthur: - RAVEN!!!!! –

The MT was equipped with shock absorbers and many other safety measures, so I survived the hit, even though I ended heavily wounded... again. All I could think at that moment was on how weak I was, because, ironically, I had ended up in the same situation when I first escaped the Garden, facing death directly in front of me once again as another klaxosaur saw my mech and prepare to stomp me out of existence but just like before, Zorran had different plans for that as White Glint easily smashed it away...

White Glint: - Raven!! You are in some SERIOUS trouble!! –

I was still a little mad at him: - F*** you! I was doing alright before that bluey appeared! –

White Glint: - You were about to DIE!!! Have you even thought about the pain you would inflict on your friends?! –

Raven: - They already believe me dead!! –

White Glint: - Not everyone!! Have you forgotten the other friends you made along the way?! –

I wanted to disagree, I wanted to say something that justified my actions... but I collapsed after that... tears, pain and fear had overcome me, and I was too broken to even answer... and now I wished I wasn't such a fool back then...

(Ichigo: - What happened next? –)

Zorran opened and came out of the cabin to rescue me...

Zorran: - Raven... listen, right now I need you to stay strong... your friends both from here and those at the Garden will need you just like you will need them... and you need to be alive for that... come on! –

He pulled me out of the wreck and set me in the pilot seat... and that was when... when...

Zorran: - Just put your hand here to allow White Glint to recognize you as its pilot and then... -

SHACK!!!

A klaxosaur had managed to sneak towards us and because of the mess outside, we didn't hear it nor see it until it was too late... *Breathes heavily as tears start to trickle* And Zorran... his eyes, his face... for so long I thought of him as someone who was invincible, a superman... but at that moment, I saw a mortal that was dear to me vanish slowly as I saw that blue appendage going through his chest and as blood came out from his wound and his mouth...

Raven: - F-f-f-father? –

With the last of his strength, he smiled at me, then guided my hands towards the commands and gave me this... (*Shows to everyone a pendant of a black raven painted with the white eyes of the logo*) and his final words were...

Zorran: - Little Raven... fly... -

He was then pulled out as the appendage retreated from the cockpit... I tried reaching out for him, but the cockpit then closed and locked me inside... and that was... the last time I ever saw him...

Raven: - FATHER!!!!! –

Everything that happened after that is blurry to me... all I remember was lots of emotions going through me cranked up to 11. According to what witnesses say, White Glint had suddenly become a 'white demon', wreaking havoc amongst enemies and allies, something that made even the surviving units scared of me... but eventually, I passed out and succumbed to my wounds. When I woke up, I had been rescued by Arthur, whom this whole time took on the Super Lehman ALONE and somehow by some miracle managed to slay it; I had been sent into the infirmary of the only surviving unit: the 'Davy Crockett' Man 'O' War. Even though heavily damaged, it managed to limp home and tell everyone of what happened. And that was the story of the 'Alamo incident'. A diplomatic mission turned nightmare that cost a horrific amount of losses and the death of my father figure...

*Back to the present...*

Everyone was SHOCKED and sad at his tale, a few of them having tears trickling on their cheeks. They now saw why it weighted so heavy on him the loss of his mentor...

Zero Two: "He suffered the same as me... maybe even more than me..."

Ichigo: "Raven... at this point I wonder why you aren't the leader of our group... I couldn't even hold it together after just one incident! And yet here you are, humbling us with your strength and will..."

Mitsuru: "Raven's experience and pain makes mine look like a puddle compared to a sea... Raven, from now on you have earned my respect and friendship..."

Miku: - Raven... we... we didn't know... *sniffs* we're sorry... -

Raven: - Don't be sorry with me... this is a problem between you two that was about to turn into something worse... I only did it because I still care for you, even if you can be total idiotic hypocritic assholes... -

Naomi: - Raven... -

Raven: - They are! Naomi, I will call them like that unless the day I see them express their true feelings for each other because OTHERWISE they will NEVER learn until it is too late! None of you will understand unless... unless... -

He cracked down into tears as he spoke the next phrase: - Unless you end up killing someone... just like me... because of my foolishness... because of me... my mentor died... If only I had listened to his orders... -

That was when Naomi slapped him shocking everyone again...

Raven: - Naomi? –

Naomi: - Stop it... stop hurting yourself with guilt... I don't have the right to tell you to get over the pain for his death, but he was right... he was right on the part that one day we would need you back with us Raven. Can't you see how much you changed us ever since you returned? –

Everyone thought about it and soon realized that she was right... in retrospective, it was an obvious answer but just like many people in their youth, they don't realize the effects and implications behind it unless told in crucial moments... this one being one of them...

Raven: - But even so, the last thing he heard from was a message of hate that I couldn't apologize for! I sent him to his death with only hate as my last farewell to him... and I will never be able to fix that... -

Naomi: - Yet he made sure to give you the key to let it go... 'fly little Raven', isn't that a phrase that usually has a hidden meaning behind it? –

Raven looked at her surprised and with a little smile he chuckled: - Since when did you gained that much philosophy of the Old World? –

Naomi: - I'm now a LINX of the SMC and as such, I must do my best to become one like them, just like you did before us. I mean, don't deny me that being with the SMC was one of the best events to happen to you since you're still fighting for them even after your loss, right? –

Raven and everyone else reflected about Naomi's message to realize that it was undeniable a big truth: no matter how painful the 'Alamo Incident' was to Raven and his friends, they still found and obtained the necessary strength to continue the fight... what did that mean then to their group, tearing itself apart because of one clothing incident that looked very minuscule in comparison?

For once, Ichigo decided to finally act as the leader she should had been since the start: - Okay, listen up everyone. After hearing all of this, I think it's imperative that we reconcile. I have to admit that we all acted wrong with our antics, heavily dramatizing something that was simple to resolve or at least could be containable... specially me, considering I should have acted as a leader and kept everyone together but instead allowed ourselves to make a rift between us... but as Raven has just taught us, it is not too late to mend everything. So, I will start and order everyone here that from this point on we stop with this silly feud and go to the living room to start apologizing... anyone who is against this is simply denying their duty as Parasites. –

Nobody objected to it, and everyone soon went to the living room, where they all gave each formal apologies, finishing the feud. Once that was done, Titus soon said: - So, now that everything is settled, can we go see now the memorial we were preparing for tonight? –

Raven: - Oh right... weeeell... -

Pari: - What now? –

Raven: - You see... I feel like there is something missing for it... but I can't seem to recall it... -

Naomi: - Maybe a proper farewell for your mentor's soul... -

Everyone looked at her confused before she explained: - I read from some history & culture books that there were many ceremonies and memorials to depart and honor the fallen according to the people's beliefs. I think that in Zorran's case, a... how was it spelled? Vai-king-er? –

Raven: - Viking, "Víkingr" is the... wait, you're telling me to burn the altar?! Naomi! –

Naomi: - Raven, you have to learn to let go of the guilt. It may never leave you entirely for it transformed you into who you are today... but please, can you at least try to show strength so that it doesn't burden you in the future anymore? –

Raven stood silent as he reflected on it... and soon said: - I will do it, but promise me all of you that just as I'm willing to overcome this burden you will do the same with yours for the sake of everyone here... promise? –

He put his hand in front of him, steady and determined to let go of the pain of the past. He was soon followed by Zero Two, then Naomi, then Hiro, then everyone else...

Everyone: - Promise... -

Kokoro: - And what is the meaning behind burning the altar, Naomi? –

Naomi: - According to what I read, some of the Vikings burned their dead alongside their personal items in a wooden ship to symbolize their soul departing from the mortal realm into Valhalla, their version of heaven. I still don't understand that concept though... -

Kokoro: - Really? Then in that case can we do the same for the previous squad 13? To let them rest too... -

Raven: - Good idea Kokoro. If you found something that belongs to them, bring them along too and reunite at the lake... -

Minutes later, at the lake...

Everyone was looking curiously at the altar made from cardboard settled over a plastic raft. It had 3 levels, the top level had a picture frame with a photo of Zorran while at its right was the one belonging to the previous squad; the middle level was filled with some food, a few drinks, and the personal objects from both the fallen squad and the mentor. The bottom level had been filled with kindling and wooden sticks and the front was decorated with the symbol of the SMC.

While everyone saw the altar, Raven was preparing himself to do the hardest part of the work: firing a flaming arrow into the altar once it was floating into the middle of the lake. He sighed as he struggled a little to calibrate the bow when Naomi talked to him...

Naomi: - Raven, do you have a moment? –

Raven: - What is it? –

Naomi: - Listen, I'm sorry if I'm forcing you to do something you don't want to... I know it must be very hard for you... -

Raven: - Yes, it is... but in some way you're right, I have to let go part of my guilt for the sake of everyone... I have to move on from it... -

Naomi smiled as Raven prepared the arrow and started walking towards everyone at the edge of the lake...

Raven: - Alright, I am ready... -

Zero Two: - Big brother, before we do this, can I ask you something important? –

Raven: - What is it? –

Zero Two: - Your mentor, Zorran, how was him as a man? –

Raven breathed deeply before saying: - Zorran was a great mentor, not perfect but someone who I wouldn't trade for anything. He may had been one of the greatest aces I had ever met but as a parental figure, he was a nervous wreck. It was clear he wasn't prepared for this sort of life, but he always did his best, making sure I learned everything he could teach me and always making time for me. –

Zero Two smiled and said: - I wish we could had met him, heck maybe even trained under him. He would have been a great teacher for all of us. –

Raven: - Meeeeh... maybe, or maybe not, he told me that having one pupil was already very troublesome. So, I can't imagine him teaching a whole squad... –

Everyone chuckled at his jest before he then said: - Well... time to do this. Can some of you help me push this thing into the lake? -

Him, Zero Two, Futoshi and Mitsuru started pushing it into the water, and once it started floating, they let it go as it drifted slowly into the deeper parts of the lake.

As he looked at the drifting makeshift boat, Raven soon talked in a solemn tone...

Raven: - God almighty that you are in heaven, please hear my prayers as I ask you for the safe farewell of important souls today. I pray that you receive them in your merciful and caring embrace, most of them belonging to the fallen children that once defended this plantation and perished in the call of duty... while the last one belongs to a man that had the great honor of being my mentor, both in my career and in life... a great father to which I only beg his forgiveness and yours... –

Then he lighted up the arrow and aimed... and as everyone watched him under the moonlight, as a tear trickled down his eyes: - I love you father... -

He then released and the arrow flew in a majestic arc before hitting the bullseye. In a matter of seconds, the kindling caught fire and in a matter of minutes, the whole boat was on fire, the flames consuming everything on board. Everyone on shore watched as the boat slowly transformed into ashes that were soon carried away, a farewell symbolized...

Raven cleared his eyes as Naomi grabbed his free arm and hugged him: - You did great Raven... and I'm very sure that wherever Zorran is, he must be proud of you... -

(Stop the music)

Everybody else then came closer to him as they saw the last embers of the fire die out in silence, reflecting the new experience they gained today... and were totally surprised when it started to rain heavily on the area. Soon enough, everybody's clothes were soaked as they all ran back inside and saw that their clothes were so wet that it became see-through...

As everyone simply stared at each other thinking of the irony, Miku surprised everyone by saying: - *Sighs* It beats being seen naked... I'm going to take a bath... -

Then Zorome surprised everyone even more as he took off his shirt and passed it to her while looking respectfully away: - Here... it may help. –

Miku was surprised but soon smiled and took it as she rushed upstairs, the rest of the girls soon following her. Zorome simply sighed and looked around to see the boys gawking at him...

Zorome: - What? You would have done the same after all the crap behind us... -

Raven started to giggle and soon went into full blown laughter while everybody else smiled: - Yeah! Hehehe, you're right, you're right. –

Unaware to all of them, something had been observing them silently all this time through the crystal dome of the Plantation, somehow avoiding detection...

???: - Pfft... what does the 'Lost Raven' see in those spoiled brats? And to think he is close to the 'bastard'. Well, no point in complaining about it now... tomorrow will be my chance! Hehehehe! –

Next day, at noon...

Even though the feud had ended in good terms, Orion was pissed once he heard about the incident in the bath, and as punishment he suspended the remaining free days and declared in a message: - Even with the crisis solved, you all behaved out of line and as such it is our job to discipline you for it. As such, today we will do a series of duels between my squad and yours. If you win most of them, you will regain your remaining free days, if not then its back into the training routine. The match will begin at 1200 hours, prepare yourselves! –

Which brings us to the hangar, as everybody was preparing for the practice match...

Zero Two: - To think they would cut our little vacation off even though I didn't do anything... -

She was glared by everyone else as she said: - What? I didn't do anything! –

Naomi: - Zero Two... you know what, what's the point? We all know what you did, and I'm pretty sure you will do it again... -

Zero Two smiled innocently as everyone else sighed and Ichigo said: - Look, as long as Raven shows you how to have self-control, we can allow you to make some... -

Zero Two: - Awwww... what's the point of a joke if it doesn't blow up? –

Raven: - A lot, believe me sister. The point of a joke is to bring joy at the expense of pride. But there's a delicate balance between 'pride' and 'dignity' and if you hurt the latter, you're no longer considered someone funny but an asshole... –

Zero Two listened to him as he then explained what he considered the 'art of the jokes' as Ichigo commented to Naomi: - Don't you feel a little concerned about how easy those 2 formed such a close bond so fast? –

Naomi: - I would... but Raven has assured me that he only sees Zero Two as a little sister and being close to her is something normal. He also supports and helps her get closer to Hiro... so I'm not worried. – "And not to say he and I are officially a 'couple' under the SMC standards..."

Ichigo seemed to be suddenly sour for a reason which Naomi noticed: - Ichigo? Is something wrong? –

Ichigo: - No... it is nothing... I think... -

Naomi decided to ask later as an announcement was soon heard: "All Parasites, board your Franxxs. Repeat, all Parasites, board your Franxxs."

Naomi: - Well, let's do our best and recover our free days, alright? –

Miku: - Even though we are going to be beaten into the ground again? –

Raven: - Don't worry Miku, if you're fearing that you will end up against Hotsteel, remember that Olivia is still sick, so they will not participate today. –

Miku: - Oh thank goodness... no matter how hard we try, Zorome and I always end up beaten by him. –

Zorome: - We would be able to, if it wasn't for the fact that coordinating with you is hard... -

Miku: - Oh, don't get started on that again! Most of your ideas are way too risky or childish! –

And as both got into another argument, the rest of the squad simply sighed and started boarding their units...

???: "Interesting... thanks for giving me the perfect ride..."

Soon enough, both squadrons met at the middle ground and soon Arthur spoke...

Arthur: - As I said before, today we will be doing duels between Atlas squad and squad 13 as part of your disciplinary punishment kids. As such, there will be no holding back between us, so if you really want to have an extended vacation, I recommend you give your all to coordinate with your partners, understood? –

He said the last part looking at the ringleaders of the previous incident...

Argentea: - Jeez, are you going to rub it into our face now? –

Arthur: - Until I see proof myself that you redeemed yourselves. Which is why you will be going against White Glint today. –

Argentea and White Glint: - WHAT?! –

Delphinium: - Wait, what?! Why sensei? –

Arthur: - Because I would usually pair Argentea against Hotsteel but considering his Pistil is sick, that means that it would be unbalanced for our squad since it would 5 matches only. As such, White Glint will participate in our side for this occasion and what better way to consolidate your lessons with the classic 'buddy against buddies'? –

Argentea: - But that is totally unfair! Naomi and Raven have a much better bond than us and alongside Raven's experience it would make it one-sided! –

Zorome: - Miku! Don't be that pessimistic! –

Argentea: - Zorome, be real! Have you seen how the 2 pilot compared to us?! Tell me exactly HOW can we win against them?! –

Zorome was left speechless and frustrated as he tried to think of an answer only to come up empty...

Zorome: - Dammit... fine... let's just make this quick... -

As Argentea moved towards her position, Naomi decided to give them so encouragement: - Don't be that hard with yourselves you two; it could be that you finally find your way together in this match! –

Argentea: - How? Our relationship is just crisis after crisis... -

Raven: - Just remember that it is in moments of crisis that the best opportunities appear. It is what happens AFTER that is the most crucial part of learning how to use them. –

Argentea's Parasites stood silent reflecting on what he said as White Glint took soon his position...

Arthur: - Are both contestants ready? –

White Glint: - Ready! –

Argentea: - Ready. –

Arthur: - Very well, begi... -

Suddenly, the alarms at the Cerasus and the Oletros started to blare alongside some spontaneous tremors...

Arthur: - What the...? What is going on?! –

Oletros operator: - Strong signals detected below us!! –

Just then, a big klaxosaur tentacle appeared and started to force the hangar doors open in the Oletros.

Oletros operator: /Mayday, mayday! It's forcing its way inside!/

Officer Douglas: /Evacuate all personnel from the area! Lockdown the sector!/

Admiral Dassia: /Atlas squad, neutralize the threat! Order squad 13 to retreat immediately!/

Arthur: - Roger! Match cancelled kids! –

Atlas squad sprang into action, leaving behind their students who were a little slow reacting to everything...

Argentea: - Oi, they could have asked us to help them! –

Delphinium: - They don't have the obligation though... alright guys, let's fall back into... -

She was interrupted as another set of blue tentacles appeared from the ground and quickly surrounded the squad...

White Glint: - It's blocking our way! Everybody fly up! –

He did so soon enough only to then realize that everybody else didn't...

White Glint: - Guys, why aren't you...? –

Naomi: - Raven... their models don't fly! Remember?! –

Raven felt like a dummy forgetting that detail... distracting him and Naomi from an imminent danger as another pair of tentacles appeared below them and went for White Glint...

Delphinium: - White Glint! Below you! –

Reacting fast, White Glint managed to dodge the incoming attackers and put its thrusters into overdrive, flying fast out of their reach... only to realize that it was now going for his friends!

White Glint: - Watch it!! –

The warning came a little too late, as Genista, Chlorophytum, Alstroemeria and Delphinium were captured quickly with only Strelizia and Argentea avoiding their grasp.

Delphinium: - Dammit!! Grrrrr! –

They tried to break free, but it was in vain...

Hiro: - Hang on! We're on our way! –

Strelizia charged and tried to cut down the tentacles, only for a lot of them to appear in front of her and interrupt her charge...

Strelizia: - You stupid... -

She slashed and cut down one set only to be replaced by two more: - Damn drags! –

Argentea and White Glint soon went to help but even with their power combined, it seemed that the number of tentacles were infinite!

White Glint: - Dammit! Is this how Hercules felt fighting against the Hydra!? –

Argentea: - What the hell is a Hydra?! –

White Glint: - Later! Arthur, think you can give us some help here?! –

Arthur: - We're tied up at the moment! –

Atlas squad was having the same troubles as their students, slowly but surely making their way to the hangar when they suddenly received the next message...

Officer Douglas: - Captain, the personnel has been evacuated but something or someone is stealing Hotsteel! –

Arthur: - WHAT?! –

Just then, everyone heard the characteristic noise of the heavily powered NEXT activating, soon followed by the sound of its thrusters as it exited the hangar, surprising everyone as the normally orange NEXT was now glowing blue and black! It flew above Atlas squad and went directly towards the Parasites!

Firefox: - Be careful!! Whatever took control of Hotsteel is hostile!! –

White Glint: - EVADE!! –

The 3 remaining mechs managed to avoid Hotsteel's charge and got in guard as the colossus of Atlas squad stopped and looked at them. Soon enough, a distorted voice was soon heard through its speakers...

???: - Well, well, well, seems your skills are still a lot to be desired. And I still wonder what the 'Heir' sees in you... -

White Glint: - Who are you?! What do you want?! –

???: - Right, where are my manners? Just call me Jormungandr... -

Raven: "Named after the Nordic God Serpent... I don't like the implications..."

Naomi: "Raven?"

Jormungandr: - And you must be the 'Lost Raven', disciple of the 'Last Raven'. –

Raven: "What? How does he know?"

Jormungandr: - You know I can also read your thoughts, right? It's useless to hide them from me... –

Raven: "Dammit, that means he belongs with them..."

Strelizia: - Let our friends free or else! –

Jormungandr: - And why should I do it? I don't take orders from a bastard like you, girl! –

Strelizia got angry at this and rushed towards him...

White Glint: - Sis! Wait! –

Too late, Strelizia had impulsively lunged at Hotsteel and in response, the colossus used the heatshields to block it and returned the hit with great force with a punch, sending her flying into another pair of klaxosaur limbs that neutralized her and pinned her into the ground...

Strelizia: - Grrrr! You son of a...! –

She was then gagged by an extra limb as she struggled hard to break free...

White Glint: "Dammit, this is bad..."

Jormungandr: - Stay in your place, bitch. Now, where were we? Ah, right, trying to understand why the 'Last Raven' would flock with the fodder of the enemy... -

White Glint: - They're anything but fodder. I see in them the potential of becoming something bigger than that... -

Jormungandr: - Are you even living in the same reality as ours? Look at them! They aren't even able to get free from my trap! What have you been teaching them, fantasies? –

Arthur: - You're expecting to meet warriors out of squires! If you got a problem with their training, talk to me asshole! Or do you simply like going for weaklings because you know you would have trouble with us? –

Jormungandr: - Hmph! Waste of words and time... might as well get this over with and kill them all... -

White Glint: - Oh no you aren't! –

He prepared his weapons and stood in front of his trapped friends, ready to protect them alongside Argentea...

Jormungandr: - How cute, you're fortunate that my superiors want you alive 'Lost Raven'. As such... -

With a gesture from his hand, more limbs sprawled out of the ground and tried to trap White Glint. However, the NEXT managed to evade them, but in the process, it didn't notice they were being led away from his friends until it was too late...

Argentea: - Raven, Naomi, wait! He is separating you from...! –

White Glint: - What?! –

That was when the real trap sprang into action and the klaxosaur limbs grabbed his legs and stabbed the thrusters.

White Glint: - Dammit!! *Notification appears* "Thrusters out of commission", of course! –

As he was held in place, Hotsteel started walking slowly towards the pinned Strelizia. Atlas squad knew that they needed to intervene but the klaxosaur tentacles on their area started to release lots of Conrads as distractors...

Arthur: "Dammit! We can't let them run free or they will overrun the hangar! I'm sorry kids..."

Jormungandr: - There's no one left to save you now, bastard. I hope you had enjoyed your time with them... -

Strelizia glared at him as he prepared Hotsteel's fusion cannon and aimed at her... only to be surprised when Argentea attacked him with a dropkick, forcing him away!

Argentea: - You missed me you nincompoop! –

Jormungandr: - Hmph! That will be the only hit you will be able to land on me, you fool. You think I'm dumb enough to let myself off-guard? –

Argentea: - What? –

Jormungandr: - Let me clarify it to you, I did it on purpose, because I know that you FEAR this one suit because you know you will NEVER beat it. You can try putting up the bravado like you always do but deep down I know that you're simply AFRAID. Afraid that in the end this is as far as you will go... -

Argentea: - You-you lie!! Raven has faith on us, and we will...! –

Jormungandr: - But do YOU have faith on YOURSELVES? If I remember correctly, you're always arguing with each other, never having enough trust nor faith on each other completely. I think the one that should stop lying should be yourselves! –

Argentea's Parasites confidence and courage was low after hearing that because he was right... the proof of this had just recently happened and even of they learned from it... would that be enough to proof them wrong?

Jormungandr: - So I will simply tell you this once: STAY. OUT. OF. MY. WAY. And I will give you a merciful death, weakling. –

For a moment, the two of them thought about obeying it... but then both remembered something important...

Raven: - Regret... I'm trying to help them avoid regret... regret at doing something that can't be reversed... -

And at this moment, no matter which action they did, what they would do cannot be reversed. But what would hurt more? Regretting not being strong enough to defeat this monster... or regret not being brave enough to step up and protect their friends, just like Raven tried to do back then?

Jormungandr: - I assume your silence means you're thinking about it... I will give you 3 seconds... 1... -

He was then actually surprised when Argentea jumped at Hotsteel and headbutted it hard, toppling him back!

Argentea: - Here's your response asshole! –

Jormungandr: - Grrrr... so it seems you chose to die painfully... -

Delphinium: - Miku, Zorome! What are you two doing?! –

Zorome: - Doing what Raven taught us! Having no regrets! –

Genista: - But Hotsteel was already dangerous in Boris and Olivia's hands and they always hold back! This can be deadly to both of you! -

Miku: - Yes, but there's no way we're giving up like that without a fight! Raven! You yourself said that the best opportunities come out in the worst crisis, didn't you!? -

White Glint: "These two... I knew they had it deep inside them!" – Yes, yes, I did... listen: Hotsteel's combat capabilities will be reduced greatly if you destroy the support beams that connect its heat shields! Passing the data to you now! Show him that you can do it! –

Soon both Parasites saw the data just as Hotsteel got back up...

Jormungandr: - Time to show you a taste of what true pain feels like! –

[FINALLY, our favorite moment is here!]

Just then, Hotsteel deployed all the beams, showing they had been enhanced as they looked thicker and stronger...

Argentea: - Oh come on, that's unfair! –

Jormungandr: - Life is unfair kids, and I will gladly show you that I'm in touch with it! – *Pulls out two blue blades from the back and activates them as he laughs*

Argentea readied herself as her lenses deployed and she activated her Night Claws...

Jormungandr: - You're in luck, you know? Usually, I'm crueler than this! –

He then dashed towards Argentea with Hotsteel's shields forward, intent on blasting her off, but the Franxx evaded gracefully by strafing to the left, before being followed by a quick dash towards the exposed connector beams, only to be intercepted as Hotsteel turned around faster than expected!

Argentea: - What?! –

Jormungandr: - Too slow! –

They were hit hard by the shield blast, and slid off the ground before recovering...

Argentea: - Ouch... -

White Glint: - Are you two alright? –

Argentea: - Still alive... -

Delphinium: - I don't remember Hotsteel being this fast! I think it got enhanced! –

Zorome: - Hmph, that means we just need to be faster than him, right? –

White Glint: - Well, yeah but...! –

Genista: - Look out! –

Hotsteel charged again, almost catching Argentea off guard as she managed to dodge in time. Again, she tried to go for the connectors from a different angle, only to abort as Hotsteel turned faster than expected...

Argentea: - Damn you! Stay still! –

Jormungandr: - You first! –

He tried slashing at her only for her to somersault away...

Argentea: - Raven! Please tell us there's another way! –

Raven: - No dice, with the connectors running, Hotsteel is virtually invincible! You need to get the connectors first! –

Argentea: - Great... -

Both mechs went through this routine many times, Argentea's Parasites slowly exhausting themselves as they had been unsuccessfully trying to get the connectors.

Miku: - Dammit! Why isn't it working!? How can we go much faster?! –

Zorome: - I don't know! What could... wait, what about the Zandatsu?! –

Miku: - But it isn't active! Our bond isn't strong enough! –

Zorome: - Well there's only one way to try!! –

They prepared themselves as Hotsteel charged at them again, and this time as they somersaulted above him, they soon saw their chance...

Zorome: "Come on, come on, now!!"

Unfortunately, the module didn't activate and Jormungandr used their distraction to punch them HARD...

Argentea: - Aaaaagggh! –

White Glint: - Zorome!! Miku!! –

Jormungandr: - Ha ha ha ha! I'm f***ing invincible!!! –

Zorome: - Dammit... Miku! Are you alright?! –

Miku: - No I'm not!! That hurt as hell!! I told you it wouldn't work!! –

Zorome:- But why?! Why is our bond not good enough!? –

Miku: - Maybe because we spend every single time clashing at each other?! Yesterday was just the tip of the iceberg, Zorome! We won't be able to be like Raven, Naomi, or everybody else! –

Zorome: - Yes, we can! We just need to... watch out!! –

He realized late that Hotsteel was charging at them, and just barely managed to control Argentea to block the attack!

Jormungandr: - I want to hear you scream!! –

He started pressing harder against them, the heat of the shields being felt in the cockpit...

Argentea: "No good!" – Zorome, what is it that we need to do?! –

White Glint: - Hang in there, guys!! You can do this! –

Zorome: - We... we need to... we need to be sincere with each other! –

Miku: - What do you...? –

Zorome: - Miku! I know we recently had our differences and yesterday is a prime example of our limits... but I like you! I like how you always find a way to ground me from my fantasies so that I can focus on what lies ahead rather on what lies away! I like how you have this surreal amount of patience for me and tolerate my foolishness every day! I like you and I wouldn't trade you as my partner for anything out there!! –

Miku was shocked, but as her thoughts cleared away, something deep inside her awoke and she soon said: - Zorome!! You big nincompoop, saying something like that at a time like this!! I like you too!! I like you because of that!! And I will make sure you always stay like that close to me!! –

Zorome: - Then let's show this asshole to not underestimate us!! –

Miku: - Right!! –

Argentea: - Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaah!!!! –

To the surprise of everyone, Argentea managed to PRY OFF the blast shields, forcing them wide open!!

Jormungandr: - The Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu... -

That was when both pilots saw the world slow down, and soon enough, a notification gave renew their fighting spirit: 'Zandatsu module status: online'.

Argentea: "We did it! We got it!! Now to give him some of his own medicine!!"

Soon the lenses notified them of the exposed connectors and soon enough Argentea used her claws to slice through both sets with just one slice, destroying them for good! Just then, Zandatsu ended, and both saw as the connectors exploded, forcing Jormungandr back...

Jormungandr: - ...UUCK!! –

It was clear he wasn't expecting that and soon Argentea used the moment to arrogantly say: - What's the matter? Surprised we turned the tables? –

(0:54)

Only love is with us now

Something warm and pure

Find the peace within ourselves

No need for a cure

This made Jormungandr grumble before he roared to the heavens loudly, and then he pulled 4 big blue glowing blades from Hotsteel's back and put each one of them on the fusion cannon, making it now ultra-dangerous for close range...

Jormungandr: - I was playing at first, but now I'll make sure to BLOW YOU TO SMITHEREENS!!! –

He then activated the 'overheat' mode and charged!

When the wind is slow

And the fire's hot

The vulture waits to see what rots

Argentea dodged his charge as Hotsteel slammed down the cannon, then swept it sideways, forcing Argentea to block the hit with her claws...

Argentea: - Damn! It hits very heavily! –

White Glint: - Above!! –

She then saw that Hotsteel swinging his cannon upwards for a nasty hit just in time to dodge it, the cannon getting stuck in the ground because of it...

Jormungandr: - Grrrr! –

That was when Argentea's pilots soon got a plan...

Zorome: - Are you thinking what I am thinking? –

Miku: - Hell yes! Let's do what we do best: being an annoyance! –

They used the opportunity to slash hard at the thrusters in the back and the head, making considerate damage just before stepping back as Jormungandr finally got the cannon unstuck and spinning the blades around like a drill tried to get her with a horizontal slash. Argentea's pilots could feel the heat from inside their cockpit...

Oh, how pretty

All the scenery

This is nature's sacrifice

Argentea: - Seems you're a little 'short' on that part! –

This made some of their trapped friends snicker at the joke, while it angered Jormungandr whose response was to aim and fire a super charged fusion shot. Argentea barely managed to dodge both the projectile and the blast radius.

Alstroemeria: - You got this, guys! –

White Glint: - Hotsteel's weakness is on the gun! If you manage to hit the inner combustion chamber, the overheating will make it blow to kingdom come! –

Argentea: - Got it! –

She charged at Jormungandr from the side and made roundhouse kick on the head.

When the air blows through

With a brisk attack

The reptile tail ripped from its back

Argentea: - You surely are a bigger blockhead than us! –

Jormungandr: - Why you little...! –

She stood there mocking him, and Jormungandr responded with another charge at her, only to realize that he was going slower than before...

Jormungandr: "What in the...?"

Unknown to him, the damage that Argentea did to the thrusters managed to reach the exhaust and the engines, affecting Hotsteel's movement. The difference was small but more than enough to allow Argentea to jump over Hotsteel and use Zandatsu to slash at the fusion cannon and the left thrusters, destroying the latter and making Hotsteel deviate directly into some of the klaxosaur tentacles, impacting them just as the fusion cannon exploded. The explosion was enough to liberate Delphinium and Genista from their prison...

Delphinium: - Nicely done you two! Genista! Help me free the rest! –

Genista: - Roger! –

Delphinium: - And Argentea! Kick that asshole's butt super hard! –

Argentea: - You got it! –

She sleds off towards her nemesis to find him standing up and looking very, very angry at her...

Argentea: - *Smugly* Looks like somebody needs to read the manual! Our masters know how to pilot better than you! –

Jormungandr had enough and roared in rage as Hotsteel then grabbed one of the klaxosaur tentacles and LIFT IT UP with insane strength!! The limb suddenly became stiff and hard that it looked more like a giant club!

Jormungandr: - I WILL SQUASH YOU LIKE A DAMN BUG!! –

When the Sun sets

We will not forget the

Red Sun over paradise

He then swung at her very wide, the Franxx just BARELY able to duck the attack!

Zorome: - Okey! This wasn't planned! Any ideas!? –

Miku: - Dodge first!! –

She then avoided another attack followed by another and another as Jormungandr swung wildly like a rabid dog!!

Jormungandr: - RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! –

Argentea: - Sh**! Does this guy even chill!? –

Delphinium: - Hang in there Argentea! We're almost done! –

Argentea: "They won't reach us in time to finish him... we have to do this ourselves... but how... wait that's it!"

Miku: - Zorome, I'm about to do something crazy just like you and I need your help on this! –

Zorome: - That big? What are you planning? –

Miku: - You will soon know! Just trust me here! –

Just then, they ducked under another swing only to fall into the ground as they had leaned too far back. Jormungandr took this as his final chance...

Red Sun

Jormungandr: - DIE!!! –

He then jumped and brought the giant club down on Argentea with such speed that everyone's heart skipped for a moment in terror... only for the club to suddenly split into many pieces as Argentea jumped into it and used her claws to slash a way through, leaving her directly in front of Hotsteel!!

Jormungandr: - WHAT??!! –

Argentea: - And for our final trick... *Activates Zandatsu giving her a clear shoot on Hotsteel's cockpit...* WE WILL CHOP YOU AWAY!!! –

She then unleashed a great barrage of slashes at Hotsteel's head, every hit progressively damaging it until it was beyond repair!! And once she ran out of ZKE, she finished with an uppercut, separating the head from the main frame!!!

(Stop the music!)

As soon as Hotsteel was defeated, the klaxosaur tentacles and limbs started to retreat!

White Glint: - HOLY F***ING SH*T, GUYS!! YOU DID IT, YOU ACTUALLY DID IT ARGENTEA!! –

Delphinium and Genista soon set the rest of their squad mates free just as Atlas squad went to recover Hotsteel's remains.

Arthur: - Hmmmm... Andromeda, what do you think? –

Andromeda: - Still recoverable, but Hotsteel is going to be out of commission for a while... -

Caramel: - Where's the head? –

The answer came in the form of another tentacle holding it, before retrieving something from inside and launching it back at them before disappearing underground. As soon as they saw the head, Andromeda said: - The head is a total loss. We are going to need to ask for a supply drop. –

Firefox: - *Whistles* You really outdid yourself Argentea... -

Argentea smiled as she said: - I'll be honest, I let my previous frustrations carry the best of me... -

That was when she was surprised as White Glint hugged her followed by everyone else...

White Glint: - You guys did it!! That was awesome!! –

Strelizia: - I'm genuinely surprised by you two, I thought you would be history... I guess I was wrong... -

Argentea: - Huh, praise from Caesar. That's new. –

Strelizia simply grumbled as everyone else laughed before Arthur got their attention...

Arthur: - Considering what just recently happened and how you managed to defeat this unexpected threat, I think it is fair to say that you all redeemed yourselves. Go back to the Cerasus and enjoy a whole week free of training sessions. –

Squad 13: "A WEEK?!"

Delphinium: - A week?! But it was...! –

Arthur: - That's how long it will take to repair Hotsteel, kids. Or do you want me to return only the 2 days? –

Squad 13's answer was to walk back towards the Cerasus while Delphinium said hurriedly: - We will take the week, thank you! –

As they did so, Argentea's Parasites smiled as they rested from the high-octane action they just went through and thought: "I guess being in tune with your true feelings is more passionate than being against them..."

Far away from them, a familiar blue and black unit were observing them happily...

Shepherdess: "Raven, it is clear you're Zorran's disciple... and if this continues correctly then your friends will join you too. Soon, the truth about everything will be revealed... and you will be free."

Then a big klaxosaur appeared behind her, opened its mouth, and allowed her to enter before closing it and going underground, away from where a trial took place.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aaaaaaaaaaand that's a wrap for this chapter!

Careful Squad 13! You are now on the sights of the big players on the klaxosaur side! What did the Shepherdess mean with the 'truth about everything' in the end? What is it hidden on this war? And who will be the next Judge for the next trial and whose turn will it be for Squad 13? Pray for answer dear readers!

Now for an important announcement, tomorrow I will be travelling to Europe for 2 weeks so there will be NO progress on this story during that time. But I promise to write soon the next chapter once I return! This trip is also to celebrate my graduation on a nanotechnology and chemical science degree, so yay for the culmination of 4+ years of studies and hard work!

So, with those notes out of the way, till next chapter!

...

...

...

...

... pray... for answer...

... Two trials had been answered...

... a lost raven shares his burden...

... and the dove shares her wings...