Darling in the Franx: Alternate Core

Chapter 19: The Garden Where It All Began... and Ends.

Chapter 19, the big heartbreak one in the canon timeline... will it suffer the same fate? Will the consequences be more than capable to break apart Squad 13? What exactly is the meaning behind all the visions that Naomi and Raven had been receiving? And what will happen now at the Garden?

On with the show!

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Dreamland...

The visions were the same nightmare again: it showed her and her time as a monster, her memories for some reason were distorted, filled with shadows that made her feel horrible: hate, anger, disgust, etc... and all of them had the same figure: a female silhouette that she didn't remember meeting at all, always weeping, always cursing...

?: ᵂᴴʸ? ᵂₕʸᴰᵢᴰᴴₑₕᴬᴰₜᴼˢᵤᶠᶠᴱᵣ? ᵂₕʸᴴᵢᴹ?! ᵂₕʸᴺₒᵀʸₒᵁ?!

Zero Two: - Stop... stopstop...STOOOOOOP! –

She suddenly stood up, sweating, and panting as her sight soon revealed that she was on the attic: she had the same nightmare and it frustrated her...

Zero Two: - Dammit... dammit... -

She stumbled as she went towards one of the end tables and pulled out the musical box that Raven had gifted her... the musical tone soon helping her calm down. Even so, it still left a void on her to remember where he was right now...

Zero Two: "Raven... brother... why? I need you here... Why did you had to be so selfish?!"

She was about to collapse in tears when she heard the door open...

Hiro: - Zero Two? –

Zero Two: - Darling! –

She rushed towards him and hugged him tightly as she cried in fear and guilt...

Hiro: - You got the same nightmare again... didn't you? –

She nodded weakly as he simply sighed and comforted her... as he knew what she meant. He had also been suffering nightmares involving his memories. At first both believed it had to be with survivor's guilt for Raven and Naomi but as the nights passed, those nightmares repeated over and over... and they didn't know why...

Hiro: "I have a strong suspicion... but for that we need Raven's help. But how can he help us when he is helpless?"

Still, the music box gave them strength to hold on until they heard from their brother again...

Meanwhile, hundreds of kilometers Northeast of the Garden...

Smoldering remains were all that remained of the unfortunate Plantation 44, with the culprits walking away as they were picked up by Storks and lifted towards the Disavowed battleship 'Hermes'. The attackers this time were only 3 mechs painted in red and black, with a monoeye each and looking chonky but powerful 

(The Dom!) 

All three of them carried a hyper-bazooka and the insignia of a red and black 4-pointed star. Soon enough, female voices were heard over the radio...

???: /Ha! Another score for the R&B Tri-stars!/

???: /That will show those seven apes!/

???: /How did we do, sensei?/

The voice of Char soon spoke through the radio: /Good performance, but you still require refining your techniques. You take too much time following through your teamwork and tag combos, you make the speed of rookies of the Federation look like a bullet train. Am I clear on what needs to be worked on?/

The Tri-Stars: /Yes sir!!!/

Char: /Good, RTB to the Hermes for exfil./

As he closed communication and waited for the team to return to the airship, Alexander soon spoke: - That's the third one. We have been losing enough time taking out targets of opportunity. –

Char: - If we're taking them out is because we have the luxury of time Alex. –

Alexander: - We can lose it for many reasons, you know!! –

Char: - You being super impatient to seeing your son is one of them? –

Alexander: - I HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE!!! Do you know how many years it has been?! –

Char: - I know, and I also know that you can endure a few more days. Keep complaining and I can make sure it extends to weeks. –

Alexander: - Why you little...! –

Char: - Alexander... this is your ONLY shot and you know it. Once operation 'Cinder' starts, all attempts for contact with APE units will be banned which will make your attempts to reach your son not only illegal but will also put you on the 'blacklist' of the Federation. Even if your son still lives and joins our side, that means that you won't see him for more years to come. Are you REALLY willing to exchange days into more years? –

Alexander was silent, he knew damn well that Char was right. This was literally his ONLY opportunity to reunite and rescue his son. If he could, he would have done that long time ago... but his brother and his girlfriend dissuaded him as his method would prove too risky so they both tried doing it their own way... and credit where credit is due... they almost did it... but they ultimately failed, and his brother's girlfriend lost her life, and his brother never became the same without her. Filled with guilt, he decided to continue his quest alone and that was the last time he saw his brother personally. The aftermath of that day was what formed the 'Disavowed', a group of freedom fighters that found the Federation's way too slow and decided to take the fight to their lines. This cost them their affiliation with the SMC and were declared 'Rogues', which limited their resources and numbers, and as such, it never gave Alexander a new window to rescue his son... until recently.

Alexander: - Fine... you win for now Char. –

Char: - Glad to know you're still capable of reasoning... and to show you I'm not ungrateful, I have some big Intel about your son that just came in. –

He had Alexander's attention now...

Char: - Apparently, her 'Highness' interest has been piqued by his squadron. She has been testing them all with her infamous 'trials'... -

Alexander grimaced at the thought: - Seriously? That's a little overkill even for us. How many squad mates did my son lose? –

Char: - None... -

Alexander: - What?! –

Char: - None. First, your son is not the leader and, he and his partner, the famous 'Stamen Killer', haven't been trialed personally, only his friends were. Second, against all odds, each one of them managed to best the Judges: ALL. THREE. Which leads me to the third report and the most important: your brother's pupil is with them... -

Alexander was shocked at hearing that: - R-R-Raven is THERE?! –

Char: - Was... he followed your brother's example and used an O.W. to save his squadmates from a Wyrm Reaper alongside his Pistil partner... now both are in a coma because of excessive Kojima radiation at the 'Oletros'. –

Alexander: "Just like he did with the Giga Drill... both of them being fools..."

He sighed as memories of that dreadful event played back on his mind before smiling...

Alexander: "Honorable fools at least you both are... willing to take all the risks for the sake of others..." – And what exactly does this mean? –

Char: - Simple Alexander... Raven and his friends of Atlas squad were there alongside your son's squad this whole time and went through all 3 Judges and made it out alive. You're the smarter brother, you can figure this out... -

Alexander soon started thinking and as the 'Hermes' picked up the Tri-Stars, he soon concluded that it portrayed a good omen for him: "Maybe taking my son back and away from APE's clutches won't be as hard as I thought..."

Alexander: - How did you even got this Intel? –

Char: - I have my methods... but not everything is all sunshine and rainbows. I also learned that the 'Cerasus' and the 'Oletros' are heading towards the infamous Garden. –

Alexander: "Aaaaaaand there is the difficulty spike..." – So, I'm guessing it's going to become a hunting expedition instead of a field trip then? –

Char: - Correct... so prepare yourself hunter... we literally have only one shot... -

At the 'Oletros' medical wing...

She was having that dream again... a fractured one to be precise. One moment, for some reason, she was staring at Zero Two's child form giving her a book all while feeling sadness and hope in her heart. The next scene, she was inside White Glint's cabin, the machine looking like an outdated version as it showed consoles and many other things that weren't there now... she saw that she was travelling alongside someone through a blizzard in an unknown area that she felt familiar. It would then show a memoir of her running through the snow, following a pair of trails that belonged to children all the while screaming for them to wait and turn around... before it all ends abruptly as a shot is heard and everything goes red and the voices echo away...

???: - YUKINO! -

That was when Naomi woke up sweating and breathing heavily. A beep started to be heard on the background which made her instantle feel a headache...

Naomi: "Stupid noise... uggggh... I feel like trash..."

As she tried to bring her hands towards her face, she felt incredibly weak as she did so... and once they reached her face, she soon realized that there was something on her mouth. Looking down, she saw that she had an oxygen mask on it and as her senses slowly became functional, she soon found herself in one of the infirmary beds of the 'Oletros'. That was when she remembered why she was here...

Naomi: "Right... the last battle... the Kojima radiation... how are our friends doing? Wait... RAVEN!!"

She tried standing up, only for a heavy pain to seize her and forcing her back down...

Naomi: "Agghhh! Okay... there's no way I can move like this..."

She looked around hoping to find something to support her but instead found her boyfriend in another bed to her left, still asleep and in the same condition as her. She relaxed a little but remained worried for him as the door soon opened and revealed a nurse.

Male nurse: - The patient has awoken! *Calls through his communicator* Send a doctor quick! And call for the captain! *Goes towards Naomi* Ma'am, are you feeling alright? –

Naomi simply said: - Painfully tired... I can't even stand up... -

Nurse: - That's to be expected after the amount of radiation you were dosed back on that operation. –

Naomi: "Right! My friends!" – And what happened? Are my friends alright? –

Nurse: - Don't worry ma'am. They won... they're all safely back in their Plantation... -

Naomi breathed in relief hearing that before her attention went towards Raven.

Naomi: - And... what about Raven? How is he? –

Nurse: - No worse than you to be fair ma'am. But he had recently been delirious on his sleep... something about the Gardens... and White Glint... somehow mixing the two. Anyways, do you need something ma'am? –

Naomi: - Just... bring me water... please. –

Nurse: - On it. –

He left, Naomi now taking into consideration what she just learned: "White Glint... and the Garden? Could it be that the two of us are thinking about the same dream? In that case... it wouldn't be a dream... instead it would be..."

Her train of thought was interrupted as she heard Raven start to groan and fidget...

Naomi got worried: - Raven? Raven! Can you hear me!? Please, listen to my voice! –

It was for naught, Raven was still shaking and raving in his nightmare and Naomi in her desperation, tried to reach him with her hand...

Naomi: - Please... listen to me! –

And suddenly, she felt some sort of pulse going through her hand and reaching for Raven's mind... and once that invisible pulse reached him, he woke up.

Raven: - NO!!! W...what? –

Naomi: - Raven! –

He tried standing up but like Naomi he was too weak, so he only could turn his head towards her as he breathed in and out, still shaken for the nightmare he had...

Raven: - N-Naomi... -

Before she could reply, the door opened again, and this time came the doctor alongside the nurse and Orion and Sally...

Doctor: - How fortunate! The other patient has woken up too! Alright, standard procedure everyone! –

As he and the nurse prepared their equipment, Sally went towards Naomi and said: - It's a relief you both have finally woke up... -

Raven: - How long were we out? –

Orion: - 2 whole weeks man... 2 long weeks... -

That's the last thing they heard before both patients fainted...

Sometime later...

Raven: - How bad is it? –

Orion: - Honestly? You were both lucky the Diceon shell held out in the end. Even so, it's nearly unrepairable. –

White Glint's pilots were receiving the debriefing of what happened after they lost consciousness during the battle. They were glad and relieved to know their friends had won against 'Devi' and then became overjoyed once they knew Futoshi and Pari had hooked up. (Raven and Naomi: - FINALLY! -) But their relief soon turned into worry as Orion told them about the state of White Glint: the white NEXT's generator had BIG cracks in its Diceon shell, the most important safety factor as they're essential to contain the radiation caused by the Kojima generator. Without it, the mecha was unfit for service, and replacing them were super expensive and time-consuming meaning that for the rest of the trip to the Garden and possibly operation 'Cinder', both Raven and Naomi would be out of commission, uncapable of lending aid to their friends. This frustrated both of them, especially the Stamen...

Raven: - Dammit... is the shell at least capable of supporting...? –

Orion: - No Raven! You have clearly crossed the line this time! No sort of "magical configuration" will make White Glint operational again! That NEXT is DONE for! Tomorrow it will be sent back to the 'Peleliu' for general overhaul and period! You two will be lucky if it becomes combat ready before operation 'Cinder'! –

It was clear he wasn't leaving any room for argument, so Raven simply grumbled while Naomi looked worried at him...

Naomi: - Raven... I hate to say this but maybe he has a point. We overdid it protecting our friends from that wyrm... and now we're paying the price... -

Raven was still frustrated: - Well I refuse! We're going to the Garden and Zero Two needs us! I can't let my little sister be alone after all what she suffered!!! –

Orion: - I'm not saying that you're banned from visiting them, Raven! If the doctor allows it, you both will have one more chance to see them and properly say your goodbyes to them once we reach the Garden. But for that you need to recover first... –

Raven simply grumbled before collapsing in the bed: - Then I might as well take a nap. Don't disturb me... -

Orion simply sighed and said: - To be fair, I plan to have one too. See ya later you both. Rest up and don't stress yourselves on trying to control what is out of your reach... -

He soon left and Naomi laid down on her bed as she then said: - Raven... don't you think that you maybe overreaching? –

Raven: - What do you mean? –

Naomi: - I don't want to sound mean... but we can't always protect our friends all the time Raven... especially if we don't learn how to protect ourselves while doing so... -

Raven sighed as he then said sarcastically: - Well... do you have any ideas? I'm open, come on... -

Naomi: - Ok, what's wrong with you now? What exactly is bothering you a lot to even have that tone with me? –

Raven *Sarcastically*: - Do the recent events give you a hint at least? –

Naomi now was angry: - RAVEN!!! (Raven: "Oh f***...") Do you believe me to still be stupid?! I have been riding with you for almost a WHOLE YEAR and I have known everything about you ever since the Garden and a 10 year separation wasn't enough to make you a stranger to all of us! So. Tell. Me. Now. What. Is. WRONG?! –

Raven was both scared and aroused... (There's simply something hot when a calm waifu gets such angry vibes, am I right?) but soon he calmed himself and sighed as he answered: - Fine... it has to do with my recent nightmares... you have been seeing them too, right? The events that happened in the Garden back then... -

Naomi soon understood: - Yes... and I see now why... you're worried that something doesn't fit with the versions of Zero Two and Hiro? –

Raven: - It isn't only that! In the fragmented visions I could watch... I saw Zorran and Yukino AND White Glint! –

Naomi was surprised, she already had a suspicion about who that lady was but this just confirmed it for her: - So I was right... I knew that name was familiar... -

Raven: - You also saw her? –

Naomi: - No... but I heard her name being spoken... and now that I think about it... Raven I think I saw her memories... -

Raven was also surprised: "That also confirms my suspicions... we were both looking at memories of our mentors this whole time... but... how?! And why?!" – Even so, they don't make sense! I managed to see the dates on which they occurred, and it matches with the date in which the infamous "Test Drive" happened! The test drive was in Aztlán! And the Garden was in the opposite side of the world! They couldn't be two places at once!! –

He was becoming more and more agitated and that was when Naomi soon understood what was consuming Raven: - Raven... are you afraid... that Zorran lied to you? –

Raven: - I'm afraid that whatever truth is behind these memories we're seeing... it may change everything I believe in... why were Zorran and Yukino in the Garden? What were they searching for that day? And... and what really happened that day? –

Naomi was also curious about it and wanted to help him but how? That was when she suddenly realized something... all the shattered memories had something in common throughout them: White Glint.

Naomi: - I think I may know the answer Raven... call me crazy but, could it be that White Glint had those memories stored inside it somehow? Maybe that's why we are seeing them now, because of our bond, similar to that of your old mentor with his girl... -

It seemed as if a bulb suddenly light up on Raven: - You're right! Even with our advances on the paracapacity system, we are still just scratching the surface! Maybe this is one of those mysterious side-effects of piloting! We need to get towards White Glint ASAP! –

She watched in horror as Raven tried to get up: - No Raven! You're still...! –

Too late... as soon as he set a foot on the floor, his body protested the weight and he fell down hard...

Raven *painfully*: - Auch... Arrrrrgh... -

Naomi: - Raven! –

With care and the support of a cane, Naomi tried to carefully walk towards him only for her body to fail the same and making her fall once she was away from her bed... but even in pain, she crawled towards Raven...

Naomi: - Raven... are you... alright? Raven? –

As she got closer to him, she heard him sobbing... this made her very confused and worried... Raven was always someone so optimistic, charismatic and joyful that hearing him cry was simply strange for her to witness. She soon managed to grab his hand as he gripped hers tightly...

Raven *crying*: - Why... why... why after everything I worked hard for... why after all the hardships we faced together... after creating a new family... why am I being ripped from it... again?! –

All Naomi did was get closer to him and her best to hug him as she comforted him: - Don't worry... don't worry... right now everything is dark Raven... but there's still a light to guide us and if you cry too much about it, you may go blind. Trust on fate and on our friends, we still have a chance to see them again... -

Both stayed together in that position in the floor for a while before a nurse could help them.

Days later...

The morale of both squads recovered gradually as both Naomi and Raven got better by the time they arrived at the Garden, APE's main producer facility of Parasites. Even so, there was still tension in the air not only because of the trauma it inflicted in their most appreciated members but also because of an alarming situation in the past few days...

Raven: /They hit another one?!/

Ichigo: - Yes... this literally brings their kill count to 30 plantations. It seems they really hate Papa a lot. –

Raven: "Damn... Kassandra already took out more than an eight of APE's total force... she really isn't holding back now..."

Him and squad 13's leader were communicating through Haro as the little robot helper was quite versatile for many functions allowing the whole group to stay up to date with their sick friends. Recently though, Orion has been reporting them about increasing activity from the Disavowed as they continued their campaign against APE...

Raven: /Damn... good thing that the attacks are all on the opposite side of the Garden. The 'Cerasus' is at least safe.../

Ichigo: - *Worried* Well... about that... Orion and I had been mapping the attacks and I have noticed an irregular pattern recently... -

Raven: /Hm? What did you find?/

Ichigo: - I maybe overthinking it but there is a trace of destroyed Plantations that separate from the main battle region and seems to be in the direction of the Garden. I think that one of their units is heading there... -

Raven: /Crap... have you talked to Orion about it?/

Ichigo: - I did, he said he would investigate about it, but that it is still too soon to draw conclusions. –

Raven: /On that, I agree. It could be that they were taken out by klaxosaurs and were wrongly identified. I have to go now, the doctor is here for another check-up./

Ichigo: - Get well soon Raven. Everyone is looking forward to see you and Naomi again in the Garden. –

Raven: /Thanks. Oh! Before I forget! About that 'battle plan'... it has some serious flaws. It won't work. Wait later so I send you my.../ ****

Ichigo: "And the line got cut again... *sighs* dammit, we thought this version for our escape plan would be enough..." *Hangs up and pets Haro* - Thanks Haro. –

Haro: - Haro helping! Haro telephone! –

The following days, Ichigo's suspicions were confirmed as Orion received confirmed reports of a fresher trail of devastated Plantations coming closer and closer to the Garden. And soon enough they got confirmation: one of the destroyed Plantations managed to send an S.O.S. that included footage of their attackers, the footage being that of the Tri-stars. This was enough to put the gathered Plantations and the whole facility in high alert which made the squad 13's visit more tense...

Zero Two: - I hate this place... and the wait... -

Hiro: - So do I... -

Squad 13 was in one of the hallways giving access to the Garden waiting for Raven and Naomi. To the fortune of everyone, they were deemed healthy enough to return to the 'Cerasus' for one final visit before they left for good so everyone was determined to make the best of it... well almost everyone.

Nana: - Listen up. The reason we're here is to run tests on you all. I'm sorry to say that this won't be a homecoming. You are hereby banned from entering the Garden, even Raven and Naomi... -

Ichigo: - Even after all of that, we can't be given the chance to visit the place they came from. –

Goro: "I hope those 'tests' aren't of the unethical ones..."

Futoshi: - That's unfair. It would have made the visit more entertaining. –

Mitsuru: "I don't know about that... after all what we have learnt about it..."

Zorome: - How long will it take them to get here? –

Hachi: - It won't be long but consider that they're moving slower because they still haven't recovered entirely from their injuries. –

Zorome simply sighed before Nana soon said: - Continuing where I left off, it is important for all of you to perform your tests, especially you Zero Two. No more delays, it is now an order. –

Zero Two looked ready to fight her at all cost but a gentle grab from Hiro was enough to distract her as he told her: - Zero Two... I know it would be the last thing you and I would do... but I think that it is for the best that you comply just this once... -

Zero Two: - But darling...! –

Hiro: - I know, I know... but just like Raven told you: if you try more to resist, other people maybe condemned because of it... -

Zero Two reflected on it while those who knew about her past looked at her worryingly. They too wished that she wasn't forced to such test considering the trauma they left her... but as they had discovered by now, they had to obey if they wanted to survive.

Hiro: - And I won't let you suffer this alone... -

Zero Two: - What? –

Hiro then turned and went towards Nana: - Nana, can I speak with the doctor when the opportunity arises? I want to propose something to him... -

Zero Two entered in a little panic alongside some of his friends: "Darling/Hiro! What are you doing?!"

Nana: - I'm afraid that he is indisposed at the moment, he is... -

Dr. Franxx: - Right here... -

???: - Huh, we finally meet again, Iota. After so long... –

Everyone looked towards the doctor who was accompanied by another squad. This group however, rather than being dressed in standard uniforms, all wore a different design and looked very different to the usual Parasite squad...

To some however, they recognized them immediately...

Zero Two: "F***ing great... just the people I wanted to meet the least..."

Hiro: "Not them... not right here and right now..."

Ichigo: "Seems luck isn't on your side Zero Two..."

Ichigo knew that out of everyone, she would be the most composed to receive the infamous 9's so she went forwards as the doctor soon said: - I would like to hear your proposal later code 016, first let me introduce you all to Alpha, leader of the 9's. Papa's special elite squad. –

Alpha was expecting to see wonder and confusion on the squad that had somehow 'tamed' Iota. Which is why he was confused when such reactions never happened, and he didn't like being confused.

Alpha: - Huh, I was expecting a livelier crowd. –

Ichigo: - Pardon us, we are still waiting for some friends of ours and the wait has dulled us. Anyways, I'm code 015, leader of squad 13. Pleased to meet you and the famous 9's that are heard all around. –

She greeted him with such professionalism that, again, left Alpha very confused but still he accepted it...

Alpha: - My, such elegance! Never seen a squad leader do so before! –

Ichigo blushed a little but remained in posture: - Experience and practice help a long way. –

Alpha: "Ah right... those 'special' adults with them." – And the support from unlikely mentors if I remember correctly. Could it be that they are those so called 'friends' you're waiting for? –

Ichigo: "You're in for a surprise if you believe you can make demeaning shots at them." – Depends on who you're seeking. I will admit that our teachers are also good friends of ours but there's a couple with them that are more true friends of ours. -

Alpha: - Ah, yes. The two ex-Parasites that escaped to the SMC after being unfit for APE: code 045 and code 703. I wonder why they let those failures return? –

This caused squad 13 veins to pop, especially on Zero Two...

Zero Two: "You little piece of klaxosaur s***! Don't you dare insult my brother!"

Ichigo: - Please be more respectful with those two: they had proven themselves time and time again on their careers and are well respected in the SMC elite circles. –

Alpha: - It still doesn't deny the fact that both failed to meet APE standards. We can't afford to have weaklings in our ranks in these times or they're as good as dead. –

Zero Two looked ready to pounce on him and Hiro was being tempted on joining her too somehow feeling her own feral sensations into his own. But that was interrupted as Haro suddenly flew against Alpha and bonked him hard in the head...

Alpha: -Agh! What the...?! –

Orion: - Haro! Get back here! "It's called karma you spoiled pet." –

Raven: - Nice shot Haro! –

Sally: - *Serious* Raven. -

The little robot returned flying towards the SMC group conformed by Orion, Sally, Raven, and Naomi. Raven and Naomi were both walking with the support of canes, looking much better since the incident but still weaker than before the event. Their arrival however sparked joy on their friends and confusion on the 9's as they saw Iota, usually cold as an iceberg, bright up like the sun as she ran towards the silver-haired Stamen.

Zero Two: - BROTHER!!! –

She hugged him carefully but still strongly as he smiled and patted her head: - Hi sis... glad to see you again. Still scared of a few needles? –

There he was, even knowing that this place was the origin of many traumas, Raven still knew how to light up her mood: - I missed you and your sarcastic tone... -

Naomi: - And no greetings for me at least? –

Zero Two smiled as she then went to hug Naomi as the rest of the squad followed soon, leaving the 9's even more confused and dumbfounded: it was the first time they witnessed the Stamen Killer show more emotion than with any of them in such a way that it showed that whatever this squad did to 'tame' her wasn't just luck, they ACTUALLY bonded with her and vice versa! They did in ONE year what they couldn't for YEARS! For some of them, it didn't sit well, specially for the blonde leader...

Alpha: "What in Papa's name is this? This must be a trick or something, there's no way..." *Looks at the two disabled LYNXs and soon goes into the 'attack'. * - So... this is the famous White Glint duo? You look... different to what I expected. –

Even though that soured the mood of squad 13, it didn't have any effect on Raven who simply said: - Get yourself exposed without protective equipment into a reactor chamber and THEN we can talk eye to eye. –

Alpha: "Huh, he has teeth." – No thanks, I rather like staying fit and healthy. –

Raven: - So do I, but being sick reminds you that true health comes at a cost, and you must pay a price maintain it. –

Alpha: - Seems you failed to do so. –

Raven: - And yet it seems you never did pay it once on your own. So don't talk to me unless you have an actual experience with a sickness. –

Alpha tried to refute, but to his dismay, he was for once left blank. He never got sick. As a matter of fact, no one in the 9's got sick. Zero Two was now smiling in great joy as she saw Alpha get beaten in his little game by someone who wasn't her for the first time!

Zero Two: "YES!!! IN YOUR FACE!!! That's my brother!"

The rest of the squad were also smiling at the turn of events as Orion soon spoke...

Orion: - Give a man a fish and they will be fed for a day. Teach a man how to fish and they will be fed for a lifetime. You could learn a lot from this quote alone. Raven did. –

Alpha: - Tch. Why even bother? And you are? –

Orion: - Captain Orion Razgriz of Atlas squad, stationed at the Man 'O' War 'Oletros'. Callsign 'Origin 1'. The one who mentored these kids throughout the whole journey. –

Alpha observed him and saw something that he also didn't like: a solid authority figure capable of facing him off his high horse. That meant that his usual tactics wouldn't affect him at all, not to say he was technically an ambassador of the SMC and that would cause some trouble...

Alpha: "Is not worth my time..." – Pardon my manners then, my name is Alpha, leader the 9's, Papa's personal elite squad. –

Orion nodded as he observed the squad and soon said: - So those must be Delta, Beta, Epsilon, Theta, Zeta, Eta, and Gamma. Pleasure to meet you. –

To their surprise, Orion had pointed at each of them correctly without hesitation and this nerved Alpha: "How did he know which is which?!"

Orion must have noticed him because he then added: - Come on Alpha. It isn't that hard to conclude you were named after Greek letters once you said Zero Two was known as Iota. That alphabet is common knowledge in the SMC. –

9's: "Common knowledge!?"

Zero Two: "Oooooooooooooh! What an elegant way of saying they aren't that special sensei! Keep the blows coming please!"

Alpha: "Bastard. But that still doesn't answer my question entirely..." – And how did you know which one is which one? I doubt just by knowing our names... -

Orion simply pointed to Zero Two and said: - Simple, we asked her, she answered once she trusted us. - *Winks at her. *

Zero Two, knowing that it basically meant 'follow the flow', soon answered: - That's true, although I didn't have much of a choice that day. –

Orion: - Hey, you were the one that got into trouble that day because you tried to steal my personal candy. That was the deal you made. –

Raven: - So that's what happened? See, I told you sis! –

Zero Two: - *Joyfully* Oh shut up! -

Alpha was now irritated: "This has to be a joke. It HAS to be false. I don't believe that this is the same Iota..." – Hmph, fine. And what business does the teacher of Iota have to do here? You're far away from your Zone of Operations if I remember correctly. –

Orion: "Nice move but don't think you're gaining the lead that easily, brat."

Before he could answer, Dr. Franxx spoke: - They're here at my personal request as a security measure due to the recent attacks coming from the 'Disavowed' to serve as escorts. Now that we're in the Garden, they will be leaving soon after once all preparations for departure are done for. –

Alpha seemed to relax at that: "Well, that means no longer seeing that old relic ever again." – I see... well, my team has already lost enough time chatting with you, we have to go perform our tests to deal with those vermin. Try to not make a mess this time, Iota. Hope we see each other again in the battlefield squad 13. –

He then left ignoring squad 13's glares as he and the 9's walked away. Once they were out of sight though, Raven soon said: - Orion, high five! –

Orion: - Hell yes! –

They did so enthusiastically as Raven then said: - How's that for a show of clever comebacks and wit, sis? –

Zero Two couldn't help but smile: - That was amazing! You two got Alpha at the edge of his nerves! –

Ichigo: - I'm really impressed at how you handled him... and also disappointed at his manners. –

Titus: - Yeah! Nobody trash-talks Raven and Naomi like that! They don't know them like we do! –

Raven: - It's more about them being narcissistic, after all, they technically are the best APE squadron. – "Mostly because they don't even have competition."

Zorome: - Narci... what? –

Dr. Franxx coughed and soon got everyone's attention.

Dr. Franxx: - You can continue your chit-chat for later. Right now, as the 9's have stated, you're to report soon to the laboratory sectors for your tests... which reminds me, code 016, you had a proposal for me? –

Everyone saw him turn serious as he took a deep breath and soon said: - The tests you're going to perform on Zero Two... can they be spaced out so that you can give her time to recover after each one, allowing her to prepare for the struggle? –

Dr. Franxx: - Hmmm... it is possible, but it is also time consuming, and I need some sort of offer in exchange... -

Hiro: "I knew it would come to this." – I will offer myself to go through some of the same tests you have planned for her. –

Squad 13: "What?!"

Zero Two: "Darling?!"

Dr. Franxx: - Hmmm... and why you think you can use yourself as a token? –

Hiro: - Doctor, with all my respect, I know that you're simply waiting for an opportunity like this. I know that in some way I'm special and when I say that everyone's first hint for that is the fact that I'm the only Stamen that has ridden with the so-called 'Stamen Killer' for more than 3 times and hasn't shown, for some reason, the usual side-effects. I don't care for those details, but for you, the scientific that oversees her, I'm basically a gold mine of discovery. And I know that this is an opportunity too good to let it pass... -

Dr. Franxx was impressed: "Ever since the fight against subject 'Devi', he has shown an interesting change, far too deep to let it pass as part of their mentor's "training". Could it be...?" *Remembers something that Citrine had recently told him: "We know for a fact that nothing is 100% certain no matter how many zeros we add behind the decimal point. That kid that you wiped back then is proof of that..."* "So that's what she meant... and if I were to guess... *looks at Raven* your hunch is right Citrine... and after everything that has happened, I know what I must do now..." – You're right on your statement code 016, you are quite the special subject ever since you have been partnered with code 002 ("Even before you met her") which is why I'm accepting your proposal... -

This brought a smile on Hiro even though it worried Zero Two and some of his friends as they knew that her tests weren't exactly ethical, but that was when everyone was surprised when he then continued: - However, as you just said, this is an opportunity too good to pass up not only with you but also with a pair of pilots that have also gone above and beyond my expectations. *Everyone notices he is looking at Raven and Naomi and got a bad feeling* Which is why I also have an extra offer that involves those 2 in exchange of a... 'lighter' testing course on code 002. –

Orion: - Absolutely not... sorry doctor but... -

Raven: - Orion, wait! I first want to know what he offers... -

Sally: - Raven, you and Naomi are NOT in any condition to go through an APE Parasite Monitoring test! You still have long ways to recover! –

Dr. Franxx: - Quite the contrary, they're in the perfect state for such tests... -

Everyone was surprised at that statement...

Naomi: - What do you mean doctor? –

Dr. Franxx: - I have recently been tasked to test some new elixirs that if they're successful, it will reduce the mortality rate in all active Parasites as it will allow them regenerative capabilities, allowing them to survive a broader range of injuries. The Council has ordered me to test them on our most capable unit, code 002. All I can tell you is that the process is... complicated. –

Raven, Orion, Naomi, Sally and Hiro: "Just another way of saying that is going to be painful for her, you asshole..."

Dr. Franxx: - However, the complicated part can be totally skipped since you two already meet all the requirements. This would liberate code 002's agenda on the Garden by HALF and considering the volunteering code 016 just offered, that means that in total, code 002 would only need to do a QUARTER of her programmed tests... -

Squad 13, and the mentors: "A QUARTER?! That reduces it severely!!"

Raven: "Clever old bastard... no wonder he was behind the creation of the Franxx all by himself after he lost his wife."

Zero Two: "No... no this is too good to be true. It must be a trap! There's no way that all my pain will be reduced by a quarter if he uses big bro!"

Hiro: "Dammit... he is smart. Why couldn't I see this coming? Now Naomi and Raven will be stuck in a dilemma!"

Naomi: "We could help Zero Two with her trauma if we accept... but there's a lot of risks in here. It could be a ploy to get something out of us... *Realizes something...* Dammit... 'Devi' was right! We became huge targets after using the O.W.! They WANT us!"

Raven somehow, noticed Naomi distress through their newfound 'link' and calmed her down, unaware that somehow, Zero Two and Hiro also NOTICED it too!

Zero Two: "What? How did...?"

Hiro: "What was that? Please tell me it isn't another vision..."

Raven: - We will... think about it doctor... how long do we have? –

Dr. Franxx: - Considering code 016 recent proposal... I would say until noon today. After that, the deal is off. In the meantime, I will prepare the equipment for the tests. Squad 13, proceed towards yours immediately. –

And as he left, his thoughts aligned themselves with a purpose: "Citrine... maybe you're right... I should let those 4 live their dreams now... mine died with Karina but hers are still alive..."

Citrine: "Frankie... I understand that after you lost my sister you no longer had the will nor resolve to pursue the dreams you two had prepared for once the whole klaxosaur business was over, but that's what you did wrong. You gave up on the dreams you pictured yourself with her, but SHE never gave up on those dreams in which you would be alone; she believed that you would carry the torch to save Earth and lay the path to restore what was once our civilization. Now look at you, carrying just the cinders while I'm the one now carrying the torch... but it is not too late... after all, even cinders can still burn..."

Dr. Franxx: "Let the cinders burn once more..."

Meanwhile, back with our group...

Ichigo: - You cannot be considering the offer you two... -

Raven: - Well... -

Orion: - No Raven... just NO. This is going beyond what we can legally allow... -

Raven: - I'm invoking my 'white card' Orion... -

Orion's façade got surprised and angry: - Oh you mother... -

Naomi: - White card? –

Orion sighed before he explained: - When Raven lost Zorran, Armstrong managed to pull some political tricks and strings to keep Raven's status as White Glint's sole pilot. However, it came with a condition: if Raven did something against the rules while on active duty, White Glint would be revoked from him... and he would lose his license as a LYNX. –

Everyone was shocked and to their surprise, it was the first time Zero Two ranted to him!

Zero Two: - So, risking your life and Naomi's wasn't enough but now you're willing to risk your whole CAREER?! Raven, please just stop!

Raven: - But Zero Two, this would help... -

Zero Two: - NO!!! PLEASE, JUST STOP!!! I IMPLORE YOU, I BEG OF YOU, JUST STOP TRYING TO PROTECT ME!!! THIS IS KILLING YOU MORE THAN ME!!! WHY ARE YOU WILLING TO RISK THAT MUCH FOR ME!? JUST STOP! –

Her horns grew bigger as she ranted and everyone was concerned about this... she must have noticed as she drew a deep breath before she turned towards Orion and said: - Sensei... please, I implore you that you keep big brother away from doing anything stupid. I promise that in exchange I will behave when the tests begin for me... please... -

Orion sighed and soon said: - Sorry Raven, but this time, I'm with her. Nevermore. –

Raven: - But sister...! –

Zero Two: - Stop this... please... *she went to hug him again* me and my darling can do this without you... don't throw yourself like a common Parasite... -

Raven didn't know what to say and before he could even think of a response, Zero Two left, Hiro following her. Ichigo then went towards Raven and said: - Raven... after all the advice you gave us for the whole journey, let me repay you the favour by giving you one myself: let your sister fight and win her own battles. Otherwise, you risk pushing her far away... -

Raven simply sighed as Naomi answered: - I will try to make him comprehend... thanks Ichigo. –

Ichigo smiled before she said to everyone: - Alright, let's get done with those tests once and for all... let's be empathetic with Zero Two. –

Squad 13 soon left, waving to their mentors and friends goodbye before disappearing behind the doors...

Naomi: - See Raven? There's a limit to what we can do for Zero Two... she has to face this battle without us. –

Raven sighed and said: - Fine... "All I wanted was to protect her..." -

The group of 4 soon left towards the Cerasus...

But fate had different plans...

Haro: - Raven returns! Naomi returns! Raven and Naomi return! –

Raven: - Yeah, I missed you too Haro. –

Raven was petting his robot companion as he and Naomi visited their room one last time as they started packing all their stuff.

Naomi: - It was nice of everyone to have our stuff organized while we were absent. –

As they picked up everything, that was when they saw something on their night desk. Raven picked it up and soon saw it was candy. It also had a note...

Raven: - 'Brother: as a departing gift if you ever manage to recover to return with us, I give you some of my favorite candy. I don't know which flavor you would like so I gathered some of my favorites in one pile. I did ask the doctor if you could eat them, considering my 'nature'. He said that you could only eat one per day. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Zero Two.' –

Naomi: - Aww... how nice of her. I have always been curious about their taste. –

Raven smiled: - Well, at least I can now think of a way to apologize to her. Here... –

He soon passed her one of the candies as he picked another one too...

Raven: - At the count of 3. 1... 2... 3! –

Both bit into their candies and soon enough had the same reaction: "IT'S TOO SWEET!!!"

Raven: "Jesus Christ, sister! Are you trying to make me diabetic or what?!"

Naomi: "How much sugar goes into this!? Zero Two, I'm impressed you still have teeth!"

Both endured it, chewed it and soon swallowed it...

Raven: - So... what did your candy taste? Mine was strawberry. –

Naomi: - Cherry... too sweet but still delicious. –

Raven: - Yeah! Jeez, I may need to gift her some toothpaste and a toothbrush in return! –

Both chuckled at his joke but suddenly, they both started to feel tired...

Raven: - Huh... is it me or...? –

Naomi: - No... I also... feel tired too... -

Both were alarmed as they knew something was wrong with their bodies. Their exhaustion stacked up that both just barely made it to the bed in the room before collapsing on it...

Raven: "What... the hell? What was... in the candy...?"

Naomi: "Curse you... APE..."

Both were soon taken by the darkness, unable to counter it and unable to see the hidden camera on Naomi's suitcase beeping...

Meanwhile, at the doctor's personal laboratory in the Garden...

Taking notice of the beeping on one of the consoles, Werner felt his day becoming much better...

Dr. Franxx: "It seems today really is my lucky day! No complains nor rebel attitude from code 002, no complaints from the escort team, and the data obtained is the best I had in a long while!"

Hiro: - You seem to be smiling doctor... something happened? – "I don't like it..."

Dr. Franxx: - Just finding funny the irony: everything I did before she met your squad wasn't enough to make her 'compliant' at every test she performed until reaching the point of using drugs on her. But today all she needed was a talk with Raven and your participation to become the image of 'docile'. –

Zero Two: - F*** you, old pervert... -

Her and her darling were both strapped to the medical beds as, somehow, the test was set to be a cojoined one, for some reason...

Dr. Franxx: - Anyways... I hope you both are ready... -

Hiro: - Ready for what? You haven't exactly told us what we are going to test in here... -

Dr. Franxx: - Then listen up because I will only tell you once: this test is more of a personal preference rather than one ordered by the sages... -

Zero Two: - No wonder the lack of needles in here... -

Hiro: - Feeling better Zero Two? –

Zero Two: - Yeah... it seems Raven was right... being obedient for once made everything faster... -

Dr. Franxx: - Well, make sure to give him and Naomi my personal thanks for making all this possible... -

Zero Two: - Hmph... pretty sure you secretly are looking forward to the moment they leave. –

Dr. Franxx: - Why would I? It would be a such a waste of a great opportunity... -

Hiro: - Doctor, I'm very sure that those two would kill themselves before letting... -

Dr. Franxx: - Well, it's a good thing I'm smarter than them... -

For anyone else, it would have been an innocent joke. But for our 2 Parasites, who knew what he was capable of, it put them on alert. And before they could react, they suddenly felt the strains over them becoming tighter. This was the only thing they needed to confirm their suspicions and it made both of them mad...

Zero Two: - BASTARD!! What did you do to them?! ANSWER ME!! –

She was trying so hard to release from her strains even though it was for naught. Hiro soon realized this and knew that it would be worthless to spend his energy trying to fight it. He still sent glares of pure hate against the doctor as he watched his creation struggle for freedom. Zero Two eventually got tired enough that Hiro soon took over: - Alright... what is it that you want? –

The doctor sighed as he then went to his terminal and typed something: - I want you to listen to me for once. –

To the surprise of both Parasites, the laboratory was then sealed and some of the lights turned off, leaving it very dimly lit. Then the doctor pulled out a chair and sat close to them...

Dr. Franxx: - This is what I propose... I will tell you my secrets first and then you will tell me yours... -

Hiro: - As if that would make any difference... -

Dr. Franxx: - Pardon? –

And without realizing it, Hiro's floodgates opened: - I said that it wouldn't make any difference, hear it?! I know exactly how everything really works in APE! You keep all your Parasites trapped in golden cages keeping them blind ON PURPOSE about the reality we live in! And those who are even close to discover it are simply killed or wiped so that you can keep control of them... JUST LIKE YOU DID TO ME, ZERO TWO, AND RAVEN!!! SHE AND I WERE WIPED BECAUSE WE WERE TOO VALUABLE FOR PAPA, BUT RAVEN WAS ANOTHER STORY: YOU WERE WILLING TO KILL HIM SIMPLY BECAUSE HE HELPED ME WITH THE MATERIALS EVEN IF HE WASN'T INVOLVED!!! –

The laboratory was silent after his rant, Zero Two also surprised at how Hiro spoke without a filter for once in the face of the old pervert that caused so much trouble in the first place... and then, to both their surprise, Dr. Franxx started chuckling... and then laughed! Well... as best as his artificial lungs could...

Dr. Franxx: - Ha ha ha ha! Ha... *cough* ha ha *cough* *strong cough* *wheeze* *actually dying for oxygen.* -

To the Parasites, this was something they didn't expect and that made them nervous and prepared themselves for whatever hit he would perform on them...

But after wheezing and coughing for a long time, Dr. Franxx sighed and surprisingly, released them from their restrainers before he continued: - She was right... this whole time... if only I realized it sooner... -

Both Parasites stood up as they wondered what he was saying before he then said: - I know exactly everything you're talking about. You thought I wouldn't notice with how different your personalities and habits became after the Ark operation? So, I will simply cut to the chase... -

He then pulled from his cane a secret cylinder that he threw towards Zero Two and told her: - That is a secret laser blade that the old folks of the Council force me to carry just in case. Use it whatever way you like... and I think is obvious what you want to do with it... -

Both Parasites knew what he meant, right here, right now, both could finally unleash all their frustrations, vendettas, and pain into the one of the many causes of them all. Faster than ever in her life, Zero Two soon closed the gap between her and the doctor and put the cylinder on his chest... but never activated the blade...

Dr. Franxx: - Huh... I thought you would have already... -

Zero Two: - SHUT UP! What is your plan here you old pervert!? –

Hiro was also curious... he too wanted to give the doctor some of his old medicine... but something deep within him was nagging him to keep him alive because he had the intuition that he knew answers he and Zero Two didn't have... and he knew that the same feeling was nagging Zero Two too...

Dr. Franxx: - I'm aware that you both have recovered your memories of what happened during that day you tried to run away... however, judging by your looks you still aren't satisfied with what you got... -

Both were surprised again, and it was Hiro who said it: - What exactly are our memories missing? What did you do? –

Dr. Franxx: - Probably a job both sloppy and efficient. Some parts of your memories were recoverable while others aren't, at least without the proper triggers. –

Zero Two: - What are you suggesting?! And what did you do to my brother?! –

She was menacingly holding her finger to the trigger button of the laser blade, but the doctor soon calmly said: - If everything went as planned, then both are simply asleep in your room on the Cerasus, waiting for the second phase... -

Zero Two grumbled while Hiro soon said: - What exactly is this 'second phase'? What are you planning to do? –

Dr. Franxx: - Unlock all of your memories... -

That statement was enough to make both Parasites falter as he continued: - Ever since White Glint arrived to this plantation, I was aware that both of you had been receiving memory triggers earlier than I expected. Yes, I knew about your past this whole time and never forgot it, and although I'm surprised with how quickly both of you remembered the essential parts... you still don't remember the one crucial detail: how did you got recaptured after your escape? –

Both tried to remember it but that was when they were assaulted by a headache as they tried to open the memories, images flashing through their minds incapable of understanding them.

Zero Two: - Grrrr... this nightmare again... -

Dr. Franxx: - It can't be a nightmare if it happens frequently to both of you... -

Hiro cut to the chase: - Alright, what is that you want to do with us? –

Dr. Franxx: - Allow me to do one last experiment... the LAST one I will perform on code 002 and you code 016. After this one, there will be no more tests, no more laboratories, and no more Garden. After this test... you two will finally be able to search for an answer on your own... -

Both Parasites didn't believe him...

Zero Two: - That can be interpreted in different ways, old pervert. What makes you think that we will believe in you considering you're the pet of those Seven hypocrites!? –

Dr. Franxx: - Because my time is running out, and because of the sins I committed throughout all of my career are finally catching up to me... but I still want to do one correct thing after everything... -

That's when he activated on of the screens and showed a picture of a younger version of him alongside a woman to which both Parasites didn't recognize...

Hiro: - Who are those two? –

Dr. Franxx: - That's me when I was still a decent human being... and that on my side was my darling, Karina... -

Both were surprised of seeing this picture...

Zero Two: - That's how you looked when you were human?! You don't look similar at all! –

Hiro however was more aware of what the doctor was implying and soon asked: - What happened to her? –

The doctor then played a clip on the screen as he spoke: - She was my greatest contributor and associate during the whole time we developed the Franxx, not to say our history together goes way deeper to even before the whole klaxosaur crisis began. –

The clip that played showed Karina wearing a prototype of a pistil suit stepping inside a prototype Franxx while the young doctor watched from one of the tower controls. At first, everything seemed alright... but then both Parasites watched in horror as the Franxx suddenly went haywire and started mashing its head repeatedly against one of the walls of the testing chamber. The doctor on the footage looked distraught at the carnage as he tried repeatedly to abort the test and activate the kill switch... but by the time the machine stopped it was too late... the cockpit of the unit had been destroyed and any trace of Karina was also gone...

Dr. Franxx: - Let me ask you something... if you suddenly lost your partner to the inevitable... you think you would have still stayed the same without them? Somehow gathering the strength to move on even though you knew you would never get them back? –

Both Parasites stayed silent at this: losing their SO the first time as children really messed them up and just barely recovered their strength now that they were together once more... but would losing them permanently be too much for them to handle?

Hiro: - I... I don't know... -

Zero Two simply stayed silent as the doctor continued: - After I lost Karina, I tried my best to keep her dream alive... but I wasn't strong enough and eventually gave up all my humanity after another incident that revealed I was too sinful for her dream. So, I lost myself into my work, never once protesting nor questioning the orders of the Council and letting myself become their pet... but in the end, it turns out that even though I can no longer access Karina's dream, I can help the next generation reach it... -

Hiro: - So, your consciousness won out in the end after this many years? What made you change just now? –

Dr. Franxx: - Certain sister-in-law that was too stubborn to give up... and won out in the end. *Shows the image of Citrine, a girl in her 20's that looked very similar to Karina, the difference being on her yellow eyes, blond ponytail and her glasses.* Her name is Citrine, Karina's younger sister and even though she isn't a genius like us, she was our first assistant during the whole project. However, she was also an ethical champ and more than once we clashed because of our methods, to which Karina had to act as the mediator. Once her sister died, she knew that arguing with me during the rest of the project would be useless so she resigned to focus on another project I wasn't told. At first, I thought she was following a command of APE so that they could 'terminate' her as she didn't share their view of the greater good for Earth. But now I bet my cybernetic arm that she is the main scientist in the SMC, laughing her ass at my mistakes. –

(Stop the music.)

Both Parasites decided to ask Raven about it later which soon reminded them of the main issue...

Zero Two: - This still doesn't answer our earlier question: why did you went for my brother and Naomi for this? –

Dr. Franxx: - For this last experiment, you 4 will connect through your minds. Code 002 and code 016, its time I tell you about your true nature. –

Both were confused as he waited for their reaction and soon explained: - Hiro... you're aware that Zero Two isn't like the rest of the Pistils, right? –

Hiro: - If it's because of her horns or because of that damn moniker of the 'Stamen killer' again, I swear to whatever deity is out there... -

Dr. Franxx: - She is a hybrid, Hiro. The product between human and KLAXOSAPIEN DNA. –

Both were silenced as they didn't knew what the latter species was...

Zero Two, Hiro: - What? –

Dr. Franxx: - Is time I reveal one of my biggest secrets to you all: Zero Two was created using the DNA of a human version of a klaxosaur known as a klaxosapien. I have been researching this lost civilization for YEARS and I have never been so close to obtain the answer about them... at least until recently. *Both Parasites look confused at this...* Remember when your squad started to become attacked by special klaxosaurs that looked more human than animal-like? Those were piloted by klaxosapiens... -

This revelation soon answered many questions the couple had after such events and when they thought more about it, they soon realized...

Hiro: - Wait... all of them were able to read our minds like paper... and they knew each other... we were TARGETED this whole time by one same unit?! –

Dr. Franxx: - And not just any unit... all of my research tells me that those were the Judges. The QUEEN'S personal elite bodyguard. –

Both were surprised at this revelation but were more surprised once they processed the last part...

Zero Two/Hiro: - The... the bodyguard of the QUEEN?! There is a QUEEN?! –

Dr. Franxx: - Yep... as a matter of fact, I personally witnessed her up-close... and is the incident that transformed me both mentally and physically... *shows them his mechanical arm* but I also took something personal from her... *taps into his arm and a cylinder comes out. The Parasites look at it closely and realize it is...* -

Zero Two: - Hair? You have weird fetishes you pervert... -

Hiro however realized something after the many 'secret' meetings with Raven and his mentors and soon said: - Zero Two... that hair... is the source of your Klaxo DNA... -

Zero Two was now shocked: - Wh-wha-what?! *Turns to the doctor* You created me using that?! –

Dr. Franxx: - And mine to cover the other half, just to clarify... -

This was the straw that broke the camel's back as Zero Two activated the laser blade! Hiro was worried that she would go against the doctor but instead she simply started trashing the laboratory! It took a while for her to cool down and by then, half of the laboratory was a mess of cut wires, fried circuits, and destroyed consoles...

Eventually, she soon said in a menacing tone: - Answer me sincerely now... why was I created for then? I know it couldn't have been for your personal preference since you're a damn PET TOO!! –

She held the blade close to his chest threatening to stab his heart if she didn't like the response, which made the doctor sighed and answer: - It was both personal and professional. The Seven Sages knew I had the DNA of the queen and told me to 'make a key'. I could have easily made a mindless drone to fit the request... but one of Karina's dreams was a child... and on that day it was our anniversary. –

Hiro: - So you created Zero Two out of feelings for your dead wife, EVEN THOUGH YOU MISTREATED HER AFTERWARDS?! HOW SELFISH CAN YOU BE?! –

Dr. Franxx: - As selfish as humanity is. Haven't you both looked at the state the world is now? ALL of this was caused by human selfishness... it is part of our cursed nature. -

Hiro: - I won't deny it... but we both have seen enough of the world out there to know we can fight it! We can take control of our selfishness and use it for a better good! Raven did it! Our mentors did it! A WHOLE DAMN SECRET NATION did it! And we intend to do so too! –

Dr. Franxx simply chuckled as he then said: - Then prove it to me with this experiment and I'll forever be proven wrong... that is if you have the same opinion after you dive into your memories once more. -

If there was something that was on Hiro's and Zero Two's bucket list, it would be to prove the doctor wrong in any way they could... and this was one they could agree to do. With a visible nod from Hiro, Zero Two deactivated the laser and went back towards her bed.

Zero Two grumbled: - We are doing this simply because we want to close this chapter of our lives, not because of kindness to you, hypocrite... -

The doctor didn't say anything as he went towards one of the drawers and pulled out a pair of syringes filled with a purple/orange fluid...

Dr. Franxx: - This serum will give you at best 2 hours of sleep, you only got that to close the lid. And if my theory is correct... Raven and Naomi will be there too... -

Hiro: - Why the sudden interest on those two? You believe they're telepaths or what? –

Dr. Franxx: - It's only a theory... but when I have hunches, I don't miss them... after all, didn't your mission reports say that your whole squad received a lot of telepathy? –

Hiro: - Right... Ichigo's the one in charge of those... -

Zero Two: "Dammit Ichigo! Literally the ONE thing you had to block out! Oh, who am I kidding? I cannot judge her considering she fits the role the best." *sigh* - Just get this over with... -

Without the need of the restrains, the doctor soon went towards her first and as he injected her dose inside her veins, he said: - This is my gift... to you. Someone did it for you before... –

In the few seconds of consciousness she had, Zero Two said: - What? What... do you... mean... by... that...? –

She soon was knocked out cold and the doctor soon went towards Hiro and said to him: - You and Raven are her beacons on this. You're going to need to shine brighter than ever for what you're about to see maybe enough to sniff her humanity out... -

Hiro smirked for once and said: - Your own participation wasn't enough to keep us apart. If we could beat you, we will be able to beat this too... -

Dr. Franxx sighed before injecting him with the serum and as Hiro welcomed the darkness, he barely managed to hear from him: - That's... what Karina used... to say... -

Dreamland...

Raven: - I bet it was the doctor who did this! That damn backstabbing scientist! –

Naomi: - No use on complaining about it now... -

Both LYNXs where seated in an imaginary tree trunk as they were surrounded by the dark-blue void of the mental unconscious, with some white patterns periodically appearing.

Raven: - I just hope our bodies stay safe on the attic. And with some luck, maybe Orion and Sally are already standing guard. –

Naomi: - Still, you haven't answered my question. Raven, where exactly are we? –

Raven: - If what I learned from Psychonauts is correct (Golden classic franchise btw), we both are in the dream unconscious of our minds. How the hell did both got connected, I don't know, but since we both can still think... *appears a cup filled with chocolate and drinks it before vanishing it* we can technically make small manipulations here and there... -

Naomi: - It sometimes terrifies me how you look totally unaffected by things beyond our comprehension... -

Raven: - Oh, trust me, I'm scared too... but there isn't much we can do except face it. And for some reason... this feels a little... familiar. –

Naomi: - You too, huh? *Sighs* Is it that hard to just let our minds be normal again? No use on complaining about it... so what is that 'Psychonauts' thing you mentioned? –

Raven: - Oh, it's a videogame franchise and it is about... -

Zero Two: *At a distance* - Hello? Brother? Naomi? Helloooooo? –

Hiro: - Raven! Naomi! Are you in there? –

Both were surprised as they heard the voices of their best friends nearby and looking out into the void, they soon saw them appear from it...

Raven: - Over here! –

The pair soon saw them and rushed towards them... Raven noticed the patterns in the void around them increased in frequency...

Zero Two: - Brother! Naomi! Are you two alright? What exactly happened to you? –

Raven: - The same I would ask to you! How are you two here in the first place?! –

Zero Two explained to them all of what they talked with the doctor and about what the experiment was about...

Raven: - So, the doctor is behind all of this... again. –

Hiro: - I know, it frustrates us too... but as he said, this is the last experiment he will do on us and it is our final chance to recover all of our memories. –

Raven: - Uh? But I thought that... -

Hiro soon explained him which part they were missing...

Raven: - I see... and the doctor says that White Glint, somehow seems to be the source of it... -

That was when everyone suddenly felt a headache as their minds connected through the broken memories, flashing right through them in a painful sequence that left them breathing heavily once it was over...

Zero Two: - Uggggh, not that bullshit again... -

Naomi: - Maybe the doctor is right on his hunch... the sequence was more tolerable now than before... -

Zero Two: - Tolerable? What do you mean? –

Naomi soon explained about the visions she and Raven had been receiving lately and in turn Hiro explained their own nightmares, sensing a connection...

Raven: - It seems that he was right... no wonder he made us all sleep together. –

Hiro: - But why would he go for you two? –

Raven: - The answer is simple Hiro, me and Naomi are White Glint's current pilots and even though weren't involved with the events of that day... the previous pilots were... -

Zero Two: - You mean your mentor and his darling? But he told you that on that day they were testing White Glint in a different location. –

Raven: - I know... which is what bothers me... what if that was a lie? What were they really doing on that day? –

Wondering about it, Naomi soon concluded: - Then maybe White Glint IS the solution to all of this. –

Everyone looked at her as she explained: - Think about it, Zero Two and Hiro's memories are triggered when they see it; me and Raven receive visions about past events in which we weren't involved... I'm starting to consider that maybe, just maybe, could it be that White Glint contains the memories of Zorran inside? –

Raven: - I don't know... why are we seeing them just now and not earlier? I have been riding the NEXT for years and... -

Hiro: - Maybe it was because... you didn't have Naomi to reach all your potential. I know how much we can change once we have the right partner... maybe White Glint is more complex than we believe... -

It seemed that as if answering his inquiry, the void around the group started shifting and soon enough, a blue luminescent path appeared nearby the trunk they were all sitting at. The path seemed to lead to a silhouette of White Glint in the distance...

Everyone looked at the path, a little apprehensive of it: what will they all discover as they walked through it? Will it change everything they believed in before? What if it reveals something dark about them in the past? As it seemed that their doubts would keep them in place, Naomi gathered enough courage and soon walked towards the path...

Raven: - Naomi? –

Naomi: - Come on everyone... we won't get anything if we stay here... pray for answer. –

After a moment of silence, the rest soon followed her example: - Pray for answer. –

(Play: 'ARMORED CORE FOR ANSWER MENU MUSIC MASHUP')

They all soon walked together through the path, the trunk area in which they were before disappearing from their sight as another one was soon highlighted...

Zero Two: - I recognize that one... -

Raven: - Really? *Soon realizes the place* Oh... do you want us to skip it? –

Zero Two: - No... this one... this one is one of the few good ones... -

The place was the dark room in which Zero Two was imprisoned through most of her childhood. Her companions prepared themselves for whatever hellhole they were about to witness only to stare in confusion as a female caretaker entered. Child Zero Two growled at her as she slowly got closer to her... but then became confused as the caretaker didn't flinch and set a book near her. She then turned around and left the room just as child Zero Two inspected the book and started to read it...

Zero Two: - It was one of the few times I got a glimpse of kindness during those painful days, and I got a personal treasure of mine. –

Her friends soon recognized the book: "The Prince and the Beast". That was when the memoir suddenly froze as a feminine voice was heard: "Today was the last day of my tour before the shift. I wish I would have done more the poor little girl. Citrine was right: Werner Franxx had forsaken his humanity the day his wife died. How can he let a poor child of under 10 suffer through all of this!?"

Everyone was surprised as the memoir left Zero Two's room and was now following the previous caretaker through a hall...

Caretaker: "There's also no sign of Alexander's kid. It seems the doctor managed to cover his tracks very well once he registered him on APE's database. The only lead we got is that he would be almost the same age as the poor girl, and he is in one of the many Nurseries of the Garden."

Raven: "Alexander? The name is familiar somehow..."

Zero Two: - She... she isn't acting like the rest of them... who is she?! –

Naomi: - No idea... but how can we see this if you're still inside...? Wait... could it be...? –

The caretaker soon reached one of the staff rooms, and once she saw no one was there she then activated some sort of device on her wrist which then caused the lights to flick out. Once they were reactivated, she was gone!

Caretaker: "Even so, we will later see if Zorran got lucky. Just hold on a little more, 'Red'. I will return soon..."

Raven: - She knows Zorran?! But... I don't remember seeing her! -

Naomi: - Because you never would! She is... -

The memoir then went dark when a new sudden light illuminated the girl. She was in the vents and had ditched her costume and she was...

Raven and Naomi: - YUKINO?! –

Hiro and Zero Two: - That's your mentors' darling?! –

The girl had sky-blue hair in a bun, looked to be on her 30's, was now wearing a stealth suit that showed she had a good body (that made Zero Two and Naomi a little envious), purple eyes and earrings with the figure of a dove...

Zero Two: - She was this close to me ALL THIS TIME?! –

Hiro: - And in the GARDEN?! How...w...what?! –

Raven: - I SINCERELY DON'T KNOW! THEY NEVER TOLD ME SHE WAS A SPY! –

Things had become more complicated just as they began and that was when the memoir fragmented and floated through the void towards the White Glint silhouette. They also felt the whole place tremble...

Raven: - We need to keep going! Come on! –

They all sprinted through the path until they reached another memoir. This one was set in a hangar in an underground bunker and that was when they finally saw a familiar figure...

Hiro: - Hey, that's White Glint! But... it looks different... -

Raven: - I remember this! That's White Glint's prototype model made by "Reinhardt Industries" before it was absorbed into the Arquebus Corporation as a subsidiary! The version... in which Yukino died... -

Before everyone could dwell on the implications, the memoir began to play. It showed Yukino now wearing her pistil uniform alongside two men. One was easy to recognize...

Raven: - Zorran! –

Yukino: "You found him?!"

Zorran: "Yep! And that's not the best part! We can kill two birds in one stone now if all goes well!"

Other man: "What do you mean?"

Zorran: "Your kid has the same sense of curiosity as Lidia and our sense of adventure Alex. He likes to wander off unauthorized out of his Nursery but always ends up busted by the caretakers. I made sure to prepare a little 'trail' that only he will follow on the day of the operation. With any luck, he will be there after we picked up the girl."

Alexander seemed to breathe in relief and hugged Zorran: "Thank you, THANK YOU! I will be able to see him at last!"

Zorran: "Just remember that after this you will owe me a favor..."

The way the two of them looked at each other indicated that both knew what Zorran meant... as siblings do.

Yukino: "First we have to rescue the kid before you can even think about gloating Zorran."

Zorran simply smiled at her, and everyone could see how his smile was similar to Raven's.

Zorran: "Of course, you think me I'm that selfish or what? This is my brother's kid we're talking about!"

Raven: - Wait... that's Alex?! I remember him now! –

Zero Two: - You know him? –

Raven: - Not personally, but Zorran has told me about him: he is his oath-brother. –

Hiro: - Oath-brother? Like what you and Zero Two are? –

Raven: - Yes and no, their relationship is more born out of comradery and brotherhood on the battlefield. They were close but me and Zero Two are closer than them. –

Zero Two: - What is this kid they are speaking about? –

Raven said in a serious tone: - They're talking about his missing son... you know enough about biology to understand this, right? –

All 3 of his friends did, and the implication soon made them discover something horrible...

Naomi *angry*: - So not only is APE willing to have child soldiers brainwashed or killed but they also resort to kidnapping them!? –

Hiro: - How did it happen in the first place even? Weren't you hiding? –

Raven: - Zorran managed to tell me that he once lost his brother for 2 years after a field test with a prototype unit designated as a 'Mobile Suit' went bad. The unit failed and it went haywire, trapping Alexander inside unable to bail and took off, never to be seen again because the GPS was also faulty. He returned however, with basically stolen technology from APE and told his odyssey. Apparently, the suit's navigation system ran out of power which left him close to an APE plantation that was under attack. He helped them fight the attackers off and in exchange, he stayed with them as he personally repaired and upgraded his craft. He then fell in love with one of the Pistil Parasites of the defending squad which surprisingly were seasoned veterans for once! She had lost her partner in the previous attack, so Alex basically was her savior against being sacked... -

Hiro and Zero Two: - Sacked? –

Naomi: - Another word for being fired or being sent to the Orphanage. –

Hiro/Zero Two: - Ah... -

Raven: - Anyways, Alex and the Pistil got along very well that he even baptized her with a new name: Lidia. They soon became lovers, and as time passed, he asked her to run away with him back to the RF, so both could marry there. She said yes and he was beyond happy. But tragedy soon struck... they fooled around one night, and Lidia got pregnant. Alexander couldn't finish the suit before labor arrived and in turn, she had to give birth on the Plantation. Lidia didn't survive... and the baby was taken away, Alexander never having the chance to meet his child. –

The 3 of them were horrified learning about that story... and took a moment to gather the courage to ask...

Naomi: - Is... is his child alive? –

Raven: - That's what we're about to find out... every time I asked Zorran about the child's fate, he always cut the conversation short... I never knew why... -

That was when the memoir fragmented again, and everyone got moving before it trembled again as the path soon led them towards a new memoir that had a very familiar scenery...

Raven: - White Glint's cockpit! At least the prototype version of it. Man... I miss my NEXT... -

Zero Two: - And you were willing to literally send her away a few moments ago... -

Raven: - Ok, ok, I was precipitating myself... happy? –

The other three: - Raven... -

Raven: - Oh, come on! I was doing what any big brother would do! –

Zero Two: - Which is your problem! You don't know where to set the limits! I'm not a small child Raven! I appreciate your efforts, but I can do things alone too! –

Before Raven could refute, the whole place trembled enough to make them fall. As they recovered, a voice was heard as the memoir resumed...

Zorran: "Who would have thought that this would be our last time together? If only I knew then... I wouldn't have hesitated to tell her everything..."

This gave everyone a bad omen as they saw him and Yukino putting on some sort of armor...

Raven: - Oh no... -

Naomi: - What is it? –

Raven: - That armor... that's the power armor suit model T-45... they're about to go out! Something wrong happened! –

As if to confirm his allegation, Zorran soon said...

Zorran: "Who would have thought that the girl would be able to escape her imprisonment? I'm as surprised as you are!"

Yukino: "This wasn't part of the plan... this wasn't part of the plan..."

Zorran: "Hey, calm down... we will be able to find her. I still believe we should get Alex's kid first though..."

Yukino: "That was what we did FIRST on the spot you marked... and there was no sign of him! Just put two and two together, Zorran!"

Zorran: "You believe that Alex's child helped her escape? That would be impossible!"

Raven: - As suspected... the same day Hiro rescued Zero Two was the day they were planning to rescue her and Alex's kid. You basically foiled their plans by accident. –

Naomi: - We now know he is a male... - "I don't like where this is going... it just sounds... too coincidental."

Hiro: - Crap... that means I blew everything up? That means... I'm responsible for everything?! –

Raven: - Hey! Don't even think about it! All of us were just children living innocently without a hint of what the real world is! You did a good deed out of your own sense of kindness when you rescued Zero Two and weren't aware of the impact you would have done! Don't blame yourself for this! As a matter of fact, I'm as responsible as you are! Remember who was the one who got the other half of your supplies for your adventure? –

His speech calmed down Hiro a little, but a general sense of anxiety remained in the atmosphere as they saw the couple step out once they were fully equipped on their Power Armor.

Zorran: "We only got at best 4 hours before they notice the security breach. After that, there's no 2nd chance."

Yukino: "I know... let's just hope by some miracle both of them are together, safe and sound through this snow land. Pray for answer, my raven."

Zorran: "Pray for answer, my dove."

Then the memoir shattered as they stepped out into the Garden in their Power Armor, the fragments flying towards the White Glint silhouette while another path formed in front of the group. This time, the memoir showed the veteran couple walking through the snowy forest following a trail...

Hiro: - Oh... that kind of explains how they found us... I didn't think this through, didn't I? –

Raven: - Meh, you tried your best. –

Zero Two: - It was still a great adventure darling. –

Naomi: - Look! They're carrying weapons too! –

They soon saw that, indeed, they were carrying guns: both looked like rifles but didn't know of wish kind, except for Raven whom facepalmed at seeing this...

Raven: - Oh for f***'s sake Zorran... -

And as if to agree with his thoughts, Yukino said at the same time...

Yukino/Raven: "Was it really necessary to bring laser guns?"

Zorran: "Hey, it may be a rescue mission but we're still in enemy territory."

Yukino: "This will make them think we are the enemy!"

Raven: - Exactly! They would think you're hunting them! –

Zorran: "And our enemy is technically hunting them down too. This is simply to give the message to back off..."

He suddenly stopped and signaled her to do so too. He then made some hand gestures to activate something and then touched some buttons on his armored wrist which then made him vanish into thin air! Yukino soon did the same, both now nowhere to be seen.

Naomi: - Where did they go? –

Raven: - Unbelievable, stealth power armor! That technology was the real sh**! –

Hiro: - Oh boy... I don't like what they're about to do if they're hiding... -

He was right as the memoir showed them sneakily closing in into an APE patrol...

APE leader: /Any sign of them?!/

APE unit: /Not yet sir! The trail is still fresh so they can't be far!/

APE leader: /Then let's follow it! And remember our orders! Subject 002 must be returned ALIVE! If her companion resists, kill them!/

Zorran (distorted heavy voice): /Well, you just made our job easier.../

The squad got into high alert when they heard that!

APE leader: /WHO'S THERE?! Identify yourself!/

All 5 members aimed everywhere trying to find the couple in vain... until Zorran appeared right behind the leader...

Zorran: /Right behind you.../

The leader turns fast and aimed but it was too late as Zorran punched him hard enough in the face that it literally EXPLODED. He then used his body as a shield as he then shot two of the guards, the laser shots being overpowering enough to blow them in HALF. The last two managed to get some shots with their magma guns, only for their projectiles to harmlessly bounce off Zorran before both were silenced by two shots from Yukino...

Even though the fight was brief, the carnage the 4 tweens saw was enough to make all of them a little nauseous...

Zero Two: - I saw and experienced many awful things... but this wasn't one I was prepared for... -

Naomi: - *Hurk* I... *glup* I think I might need therapy after this... -

Raven: - Well... that explains a little why he didn't tell me... -

Hiro: - Uuuuuhhh... and they were trusting THEM to rescue Zero Two and Alex's kid? –

Raven: - Well... you got to admit that they were the most suited for this... -

Yukino: /And now I'm sure that everyone in the facility heard that... nice going genius./

Zorran: /Oi! Better to keep off the competition away while we can! It needs to be only us that the girl needs to see!/

Yukino: /And her companion? See, I told you she had help!/

Zorran: /You believe me that heartless after being with me for more than 8 years? We will take her companion with us too of course!/

Raven: - That's the way father! –

They were interrupted as they suddenly heard the radio on the deceased leader coming alive...

???: /Squad 5, we heard shots coming from your area, what's the situation there?!/

Zorran: /Shit.../

Before he could respond, there was another response: /To all squads in the sector! This is the leader of squad 2! We found the runaways! We are in pursuit! Rendezvous at the eastern area!/

Yukino: /Shit! They found them before us!/

And that wasn't the last of their misfortunes...

Radio: /Attention all squads! Squad 5 has been compromised! There are intruders in the area! Everyone stay in high alert!/

Raven: - Welp, it now became a regular Metal Gear mission. –

Zorran: *demolishes the radio* /Alright, enough wasting time, let's go and get that girl!/

The memoir shattered again, and everyone followed a new path, this time it was a scene that both Hiro and Zero Two were familiar with...

Hiro: - I remember that place! The area nearby the dark tower that... hngh! –

He suddenly felt a headache and his hands went for his head...

Zero Two: - Darling! Are you al... agh! –

Zero Two soon followed him after and both were soon comforted by Naomi and Raven...

Hiro: - Wha... what is happening to us? –

Raven: - I think that you're recovering those memories that were wiped heavily... and the process is hurting you. –

Even so, the pain was temporary and soon both managed to get a glimpse of the memoir...

Hiro: - Wait... is that... blood on the snow? –

Everyone investigated the memoir to see puddles of red alongside the gory remains of many guards littering the place, the culprits behind the massacre standing on a nearby tree as they looked towards another one...

Zorran: "The scanners indicate they are there..."

Yukino: "Obviously afraid of us. Any ideas on how to lure them out?"

Zorran: "Maybe some food? They're still children and they are always ravenous beasts..."

Yukino: "And you think MRE's are something children would eat?"

Zorran: "Unless you have some candy, I doubt you will find something more edible here..."

That seemed to trigger an idea on Yukino as he then went towards him and said: "Good idea. Alright, hand over the goods."

Zorran: "What? What are you...?"

Yukino: "Zorran, I know you for more than 8 years and I know for a fact that you have a hidden compartment in your power armor filled with sweets just as you have one on the back of White Glint's compartment..."

Raven: - Oi! I didn't know that! –

Naomi: - So, he also had a sweet tooth... -

Zorran simply grumbled as he did, in fact, opened a hidden compartment on his armor and extracted a bag of sweet gummies...

Zorran: "You owe me a big bag of sweets..."

Yukino: "Stop whimpering and be on the lookout for more APE patrols. It will take time to get them out..."

Zorran simply grumbled and stomped away (considering the weight) while Yukino carefully and slowly went towards the back of the tree... before she then deactivated her power armor and stepped out into the winter snow. She calmly walked around until she soon saw them: a familiar red skinned girl covered in only a thick black cape alongside a kid with blue eyes, doing his best to cover her behind his little frame trying to put on a brave face as he looked at Yukino with suspicion.

Yukino: "Hi children... it's okay... it's okay... I'm not here to hurt you."

Little Hiro: "Who are you? Why are you different to the others? And what were those sounds earlier?"

Raven: - It seems you both didn't witness the carnage. Lucky you... -

Zero Two: - Until now, dummy. –

Raven: - Oh... touché. –

Yukino: "I'm an adult... a very different adult to what Papa wants. You also have that feel to seek for answer, don't you kid?"

Hiro and his smaller version both nodded at her...

Yukino: "I went against the rules and searched for them... and I learned a big truth behind them. And that got me in a lot of trouble, so I ran away..."

Little Hiro: "You did? So, it is possible to leave?"

Yukino: "Yes... but it is also dangerous, I just barely made it and got lucky because I had help from a few adults that also saw the truth and made their own little secret group to do something about it..."

Little Hiro: "There's more of you out there?!"

Yukino: "Yes... but we are few and we must remain hidden from APE... otherwise it would be a disaster for us. But you... you have the characteristics that made us search for an answer... and I think you and your friend can have a better future with us."

Little Hiro: "I will only go... if she also wants to go, and for that you need to gain her trust first."

That was when little Zero Two finally gathered enough courage to look at Yukino above little Hiro's shoulder. At the same time, Zero Two suddenly started to feel very different... as if she was feeling the same emotions that she felt on that day... mostly fear and curiosity towards the Yukino...

Zero Two: "All of these feelings... was this what I felt when I first met her?"

The memoir continued as Yukino gently got closer towards the children. As expected, little Zero Two hid behind little Hiro with more fear than curiosity... until she saw Yukino pull out and open Zorran's candy bag. Her heightened senses soon caught their sweet aroma which made both her and her present counterpart feel hungry...

Zero Two: "They smell delicious! How could I forget that sweet scent!?"

Her little version slowly got more curious than afraid as Yukino held a pair of gummies on her hand for her. It took some time but she soon gathered enough courage to grab them, smell them and finally eat them... both her and her present-self had the same reaction...

Zero Two: "It tastes GREAT! The best candy of my life!"

Her happy expression was noticed by her friends as Raven smiled and said: - Yep, Zorran always told me Yukino had a talent to befriend children. It seems you were another victim Zero Two. –

The memoir continued as it now showed both little Hiro and Zero Two enjoying the bag of gummies while Yukino got back into her power armor...

Yukino: "There will be more of those once we're out of here. You would enjoy that, wouldn't you?"

Both kids nodded as Yukino then kneeled and grabbed them softly with her armored hands...

Yukino: "Then let's go kids! Consider this an adventure..."

Blam! Blam! Blam!

The strong noises scared them both as they instinctively hugged Yukino tighter as she then asked through her helmet comms: "Zorran! What was that!"

Zorran: "WE GOT INCOMING! AND WORSE, THEY BROUGHT ANTI-MATERIEL WEAPONRY! WE HAVE TO GO!"

Without wasting time, Yukino said: "I will go ahead and meet you at the rendezvous! Pray for answer!"

Zorran: "Pray for answer, love. White Glint is already on its way... *Boing!* ALRIGHT YOU STUPID SONS OF A ******! COME AND GET ME!"

As he drew their fire, Yukino and the children ran away towards the giant structure at the edge of the Garden. Once they reached it... they waited...

Little Hiro: "What are we waiting for?"

Yukino: "Our transport... and is going to be big..."

And with impeccable timing, an explosion was heard behind the structure as the sound of thrusters followed and a familiar figure appeared...

White Glint: /Landing point received. Stay clear./

The children looked with amazement as the white NEXT descended slowly towards them... but as it landed, a shot was heard, and a crack soon followed as a bullet landed nearby them. It scared everyone...

Yukino: "What the...?!"

White Glint: /Enemy readings detected eastbound./

Yukino: "Dammit! They knew where to look!"

She rushed towards a nearby boulder and settled the children down as she told them: "Stay here and don't move until it is safe! I'll return for you, I promise!"

And as a symbol of good faith, she left them the gummies as she walked away...

Raven: - What is she doing? She should be staying with you behind cover! –

They all watched with anxiety as Yukino held off the attack as she waited for Zorran and cleared the area for White Glint to land. Eventually, the NEXT managed to do so under fire and just as Zorran arrived...

Zorran: "Why aren't you on White Glint, yet?!"

Yukino: "It just landed genius! I can't risk the children under all this fire!"

Zorran: "Well go get them! I will cover you from here!"

Yukino soon went back towards the children, and she said to them: "Okey... we're almost out of here. On the count of 3, I want you two to hug me tight and close your eyes... we will be inside the machine before you know it..."

Both their present selves could feel the fear they had at the moment... but soon enough gathered enough courage to nod their heads...

Yukino: "Good... on 3... 1... 2..."

BLAM! BANG!

She was interrupted as a shot managed to hit her on her helmet, the force powerful enough to go through her helmet and making her fall into the snow. At first, both children stared in confusion, unaware of what just happened but slowly it turned into horror as Yukino stayed there without moving...

Both their present selves started to suddenly feel panic reach all over their bodies and felt dread for what was about to happen...

Little Zero Two then let her instincts take hold of her and she bolted it, little Hiro following her close!

Zero Two/Hiro: "No, no! What are you doing?!"

It was nuts to try to run in the middle of a warzone! And to make it worse, it turned out that Yukino was fine!

Yukino: "Arrrgh, that hurt like... wait, the children! Where are...?!"

She soon saw them both running away towards a different tree and soon got back up. She then got rid of her helmet as it was rendered useless because of the shot...

Yukino: "Amen for my small head..."

That brought a little chuckle from everyone before they all felt an upcoming sense of doom, as Yukino chased after the children...

Yukino: "Children, come back!"

That was when Zorran realized something was wrong and looked at her...

Zorran: "Yukino, what are you doing?!"

Yukino: "Trying to calmly gather back the panicked children, don't you see?!"

Zorran: "It's too dangerous! They know who to aim at now! Get back in White Glint! I'll go get them!"

Yukino: "For f***'s sake Zorran, I didn't come this far just to pull back on the promise I made them after all the pain she su...!"

Bang! CRACK!

She had evaded death once... but she couldn't twice, as another shot rang through the air and went through her chestplate... blood following the bullet...

The memoir started to black-out as everyone stared in horror as Yukino felt her strength fading away... her legs failing to support her as she basically took a knee into the snow, her power armor being now the main contributor to the force that held her up... the sounds becoming deafer and darker... and almost as silence and darkness took over her, she managed to see the two children still alive and hear one last word...

Zorran: "YUKINO!"

Yukino: "I'm... sorry... children... and... I'm... sorry... Zorran..."

The memoir then fragmented, and all its parts flew away... leaving behind the 4 tweens impacted by what they saw...

Raven: - So that's what happened... on that day the two risked their lives to rescue sis, Hiro and Alex's kid... but it went FUBAR... -

Zero Two: - All because of me... -

(Stop the music...)

She seemed to be the most affected by the whole event... she for so long believed that Raven and Hiro were the only ones who ever showed love and care for her in their own ways... 2 shining beacons that brought her humanity out of her monster shell... but to realize that there had been 1 more that tried to set her free and her endeavor ended snuffing her out... it was simply too much to take...

Raven: - Sis, this wasn't your fault. It was their de... -

Zero Two: - It WAS my fault! They could have succeeded if I haven't run away! We could have been freed! Me, Hiro and the kidnapped child! But because of me... they... they... -

She was feeling like her small-self: panicked, afraid, and falling into desperation...

Zero Two: "Does that mean that my friends will also suffer their fate? To suffer because of me? No, no... NO! No... I must be overthinking this... but... my brother has done so... no, he wouldn't... would he? No...no...no...nononononononononono....."

Everyone noticed her hyperventilating and her horns growing and shining while the void around them seemed to agitate...

Hiro: - Zero Two... what's wrong? Talk to me! –

Naomi: - What's happening around us?! –

Raven: - I think Zero Two's guilt is affecting the mental place! Sister, you aren't culprit for anything! Snap out of it! –

But Zero Two was trapped in the grip of self-deprecation and didn't seem to hear them as the nightmares she had suffered attacked her...

Zero Two: "It was my fault... it was my fault... it was my fault... it was my fault..."

The place was deteriorating rapidly...

Hiro: - Zero Two! Zero Two! Answer me, please! ZERO TWO! –

Raven: "At this rate, the whole place will collapse! What can I do... what can we do?!"

And as he wrecked his brain for a solution... he felt something stir deep inside him... some sort of power that he didn't know he had... but at the same time felt familiar with... and he wasn't the only one...

Naomi: "Wha... what is this... feeling? What is... happening to me!?"

Naomi seemed to also be affected by it but she was more hesitant to know what to do... but it seemed that Raven's mind was set...

Raven: "I hope you will forgive for this you 2..."

He went towards the agonizing couple and said to them: - Zero Two... Hiro... we will be talking about this... we need to set many things straight... but for now... -

And as both tweens looked at him, they were surprised as they swear, they saw Raven's eyes FLASH silver alongside some of his veins! He did some sort of pose... (Dr. Strange signature move...)

Raven: - WAKE UP! –

And then some sort of energy force blasted out of him towards the two and knocked them out!

And that was when they woke up...

Back at the lab...

Zero Two and Hiro woke up with a hard gasp as both took heavy breaths.

Dr. Franxx: - Hm... that ended earlier than I expected... -

He was then surprised as Zero Two got up and bolted for the exit, Hiro chasing after her...

Hiro: - Zero Two! Wait! –

The doctor simply sighed and said: - I hope you're more than enough to keep her flame alive... -

Meanwhile, back at the mental landscape...

Raven had collapsed after using whatever power he pulled out from his body, making Naomi rush towards him...

Naomi: - Raven! What did you do?! Are you alright?! –

Raven was breathing heavily fatigued and having trouble feeling conscious. Naomi somehow felt Raven's vitality dangerously low...

Naomi: "What can I do for him? *Senses something from within herself awake, similar to what she felt from Raven...* Wait... this feeling... could it be?"

Taking a look at Raven and sensing some sort of connection with that, she focused and made a similar pose to what Raven did... except it didn't work.

Naomi: "Dammit! I need to help him but how!?"

She went and hugged him on his back...

Naomi: "I must do something for you! I can't lose YOU!"

That was when the same feeling came back with force! And she then felt something flow from her towards him! Unknown to her, her eyes had shined white as she did so and once, they had returned to her normal colors, Raven took a deep breath and soon felt himself refreshed.

Raven: *Breaths in, breaths out...* What... what was... that? –

Naomi: - You tell me... you used it first before I followed... you idiot... -

Raven: - Sorry if I worried you Naomi... I was just saving Zero Two from... -

Naomi: - I know... I know... but it's just like with the Wyrm Reaper... you always seem to be willing to literally throw yourself into danger... even if it will cost you heavily... -

Raven: - But... -

Naomi: - Raven... we already talked about this... you cannot win all battles for her... she sometimes has to win them herself to grow... just like you did before... -

Raven sighed and said: - I guess you're right... it was because of me she is now in this state... well partially. –

Naomi sat down with him as they reflected upon everything they had just witnessed: - Poor Zero Two. She unknowingly made their rescue op go astray and believes the death of Yukino was her fault. –

Raven: - It wasn't! Those two were aware of what they were getting into and Yukino was more than willing to save her after witnessing her tortured childhood. They were clearly prepared for this... -

Naomi: - And in the end, it wasn't enough... both were recaptured and wiped, Alexander's kid is still missing... and who knows what happened after she was shot... -

That was when a new path appeared near them... this one led them directly towards White Glint. At once, all of their instincts seemed to converge into one thought: "Go... the truth you seek is right there... in a Nest..."

Both were confused by the sudden message but soon walked towards the replica. It looked exactly like the one they saw on the memoirs. As they looked around the giant frame, they noticed that the back entry of the cabin was open...

Raven: - Over there... -

Naomi: - How do we get up there? –

On instinct, both thought about a ladder and soon enough, one appeared nearby connected to the entrance...

Raven: - Right... mental place where our thoughts can materialize... -

Naomi: - I wish for some food... all this stress is making me hungry... -

Nothing happened...

Raven: - It seems you can't cheat the system Naomi... -

Naomi: - Awwww... -

Both soon went into the tedious work of scaling the ladder and after a few minutes (and a panic attack from Naomi) they reached the cabin. It looked very different to the one they knew, first of all, it still had the typical Paracapacity configuration seat, alongside many other consoles aside the pendulum.

Naomi: - Wow, so this is how it looked like as a prototype... -

Raven: - Yeah... much more cramped than the one we use... -

As they explored it, Raven saw one of the buttons glowing...

Raven: - Hey look... you think we should press it? –

Naomi: - Is not like we will die if it causes the NEXT to explode in here, right? –

Raven: - Well then... here goes nothing! –

He pressed the button and that was when the cockpit sealed up and the main screen lit up.

White Glint: /Main system: online. Commencing system check... system check complete... alert, two unidentified signatures detected inside the cockpit, engaging... ********* new directive received... confirmation of command required... ********* confirmation received: activating replay of archive "Operation: Jailbreaker"./

Raven/Naomi: "Fitting name..."

They stayed silent as the footage replayed, Zorran's voice echoing...

Zorran: "Everything had gone to s*** once she fell. Our orders were strict, the moment one of us were injured, we were to haul ass out of there whether we had the kids or not. Our priority was to avoid that the enemy used our genes to produce more Parasites with our talents..."

Naomi: - Wait... what? –

Raven: - Oh yeah, I haven't told you about that yet... -

Naomi: - Later then, we still need to see this first. –

Zorran: "It left me no choice: I had to pick up Yukino and leave the children behind. It pained me to do so, and it would have left her mad... but it was the price of our mission."

The screen showed Zorran rushing towards her as White Glint deployed smoke bombs to cover his movements. He carefully grabbed her armor pieces and removed them before he hit some buttons that released her from the armor frame. He then gently checked on her...

Zorran: "She was still alive by some miracle but needed urgent medical care. Fortunately, we made the correct decision of bringing one of the M.E.D.I.C. capsules just in case one of the children would get hurt."

The screen soon showed the dialogue between Zorran and White Glint...

Zorran: /White Glint, activate the M.E.D.I.C. capsule! We got one heavily injured!/

White Glint: /Acknowledged, be advised, there's a lot of hostiles in the area./

Zorran: /Just do it!/

The giant mech was shown grabbing the capsule from the waist and setting it nearby Zorran, who looked at the smoke screens as they were dangerously thinning down...

Zorran: "I won't have much time; those assholes will sure aim at the capsule once they see her exposed... and White Glint's weapons would be overkill and hit the nurseries. What should I...?"

That was when he, (Raven and Naomi too) saw something incredible: little Hiro and Zero Two went through the smoke and stood right in the middle of the crossfire! Everyone was confused about that until they realized the tracers had vanished. The enemy had stopped firing as they feared hurting them both because of they value. That's when both of them looked at Zorran and smiled... they knew what they were doing. And that's when he heard their last message...

Little Hiro/Zero Two: - Thank you/Tank u... -

And then both bolted away, forcing the APE units to split and delay their actions, time Zorran used to safely set Yukino in the capsule and secured it on White Glint's back. By the time the enemy realized it, it was already too late. He got out of his power armor, then activated its self-destruction and climbed through the bullet hell into the cabin. Eventually, he flew away and because the power armor camera was still connected, he saw the squad sent to eliminate him try to hijack the power armor, only for all of them to be blasted into smithereens once the countdown finished. After all of that, Zorran sighed and said: - White Glint, set automatic course for the Grand Crevasse... -

White Glint: /Pilot, that sector is prohibited by.../

Zorran: - Override command "Seeds EX". –

White Glint: - *Computing* Understood. Setting course for the Grand Crevasse... -

Raven: - He went there?! But for what?! –

Naomi: - What is this 'Grand Crevasse', Raven? –

Raven: - I will explain it to you after we wake up... -

That was when Zorran said something that changed everything: - Those two kids... they don't know it and probably will never know... but they just saved my life... and if I have any luck, hers too... and that kid with her... he is just like you and Lidia, Alex. Your son indeed... I'm sorry we couldn't get him back to you... -

That was when the archive ended just in the perfect moment to let the shock hit both HARD...

Naomi/Raven: - HIRO IS THE MISSING SON?! –

Everything literally shattered around them as both fell into the void... and as darkness consumed them, they barely heard one faint message: "This is but the first of many truths you will discover... Jians."

Back at the attic...

Raven and Naomi woke up with a gasp, both sat as they wrapped their head around the recent events...

Raven: - Hiro was all this time the lost son?! Just... just... wow! –

Naomi: - I know, right?! That explains A LOT! And I mean it this time! –

Raven: - No wonder he was this different to everyone in the Garden! –

Naomi/Raven: - We have to tell everything to Zero Two and Hiro! –

Both got up and packed everything they had before rushing towards the Garden again, unaware that they had unwillingly made the first step towards what would be the calling of their destiny. (And also missed the fact that they were now healed completely from their radiation sickness...)

Back at the Garden...

After a lot of running and maneuvering, Hiro finally managed to catch up to Zero Two, who apparently gave up and sat hugging her legs under one of the main columns of the place. Hiro thanked his mentors mentally for all the physical routines they gave them as he approached her a little tired...

Hiro: "Glad to see the benefits when it matters..." - *breathes* Zero... Two... I'm glad I finally caught up to you... -

Zero Two: *muffled* - Go away... -

Hiro: - I won't... listen, I know you're going through a turmoil right now... -

Zero Two: - Leave me alone... I don't want to deal with this now... -

Hiro sighed as he slowly crouched near her and said: - Look, I may not know the extent of what you're feeling after those discoveries... but I share the sentiment somewhat... -

Zero Two: - You don't... don't even lie... -

Hiro: - You forget that when we met, I was a useless burden for the squad at the time? It was thanks to you that I became useful again and moved on. –

Zero Two: - But you didn't cause loved ones to separate by sending one to her death! Even Raven was mad at me and caused us to wake up! –

Hiro: - I'm pretty sure he simply did because he was worried for you and doesn't hold any grudge. They were both aware of what rescuing you meant and still accepted the job. –

Zero Two: - But... but... what if... what if... this extends...? –

Hiro: - Eh? –

Zero Two: - What if this is a curse of mine? I'm a damn monster that APE simply placed value in for whatever reason and would do ANYTHING to keep me! When you rescued me, they wiped your mind! When they heard Raven helped, they prepared to 'disappear' him! They were even willing to send many Stamens to become carnage for me before I reunited with you! What if I'm cursed to always hurt those who care for me?! –

She looked at him and Hiro sensed a déjà vu, as he saw her not as the teen girl, he knew but as the little child he had rescued, afraid and alone... and he felt himself being the same kid that brought hope and happiness to her life for the first time...

Hiro: - Listen Zero Two... I understand you're afraid, and how traumatic all your previous experiences have been. And I understand that it will be hard for you to be brave again after what we discovered... but you aren't alone this time. You have me, you have our squad mates too, and our mentors too. –

Zero Two: - I'm going to miss them... I bet they could help me again with this... -

Hiro: - I bet they would, but considering they're leaving soon, they will likely tell you to seek help from us, your friends. We will still be together with you and considering everything we have went through, you can bet we won't be separated from you that easily. –

Zero Two smiled as she then added: - Well... I wouldn't mind some time away from Raven... don't get me wrong, he is great but... -

Hiro: - I know... I too think that he is taking his promise too seriously. Even Naomi thinks the same and this could help him learn to respect boundaries. It is great he is willing to take big risks to cover our butts but there are some battles we are meant to fight without him. –

Zero Two nodded at his statement, then sighed and said: - Well, I guess it is better that I tell him about it upfront and not on the back, as they say. –

She soon got up alongside Hiro and grabbed his hand: - Darling, I want to ask you something... -

Hiro: - I'm all ears... -

Whatever she was going to say, she was interrupted as their communicators beeped and both checked them, seeing a new message: "All of Squad 13 members, return NOW to aisle's 5 connection lounge. ASAP. – Commander Hachi." Both were confused but considering the serious tone on the message, they both nodded and soon jogged towards the lobby which connected the 'Cerasus' with the Garden. Once they arrived, they saw Nana was reprimanding Ichigo alongside everybody else of their squad.

Hiro: - Uh? What happened? –

Nana turned to them and soon said: - Your leader and your friends disobeyed our orders to stay at the lobby and not explore around the Garden. They will be soon subject to disciplinary action once we return to the 'Cerasus'. –

Both looked at Ichigo who gave them the look of "I will tell you later" as they heard steps coming from the gateway and were all shocked when they saw Raven and Naomi looking good as new!

Raven: - Oh, thank goodness, you're still here! –

They both took some breaths before Raven said: - Zero Two, I have to tell you and Hiro something big! –

It wasn't enough to divert their attention though as Ikuno soon yelled: - How in hell are you two looking fine?! You were literally the definition of sick a few hours ago! –

Orion: - That's what we have been trying to ask them! –

The two mentors soon reached them running bringing alongside them all of their luggage and Haro...

Sally: - Believe me when I say that you don't recover from Kojima radiation poisoning with just A NAP! What exactly happened to you two?! –

Raven and Naomi took a minute to process it and soon came to the same conclusion: - Wait you're right! How... when... what?! –

Dr. Franxx: - That would have been because of me... -

Everyone looked at him as he just arrived with the 9's behind him. It instantly put everyone in a tense mood, specially the two mentors...

Orion: - Doctor Werner Franxx... what exactly did you do? –

His tone indicated seriousness with a hint of genuine anger behind it so the doctor didn't sugarcoat it: - I administered them a special medicine without their consent, all for the sake of an experiment in which both of them were required for... -

Everyone was surprised when Orion pulled out a beam sword out of freaking nowhere!

Orion: - Doctor, you just confirmed that you committed a serious diplomatic violation with two of our LYNX, highly valuable personnel that our armed forces had invested lots of resources in, all for the sake of one of your experiments?! -

He pointed the beam sword at him as the 9's got in between the two...

Orion: - Now, because of such violation usually I would follow proper procedure and arrest you so that you can be punished according to SMC jurisdiction... however... -

He then deactivated the sword as he then said: - Considering that our business partnership is almost over, that nullifies the diplomatic immunity and instead of been seen as a proper act of war, it will be considered more as a breach of contract, as stated in sector 9, statute 13, sentences 5 through 8, so this is what we will do... doctor, you owe me ONE big favour that I will cash in later and in exchange, our diplomatic status will remain neutral. -

Alpha: - You dare threaten to bring war to APE? -

Orion: - I ain't threatening no one, I'm simply informing everyone here of the consequences next time this is done without our consent or that of any higher position above us. -

Alpha: - Yeah sure... and what makes you think the doctor will stick to what you just stated? -

Orion: - It's part of the alliance contract we made at the very beginning of the mentorship with squad 13. The doctor here is OBLIGATED to follow it. -

Alpha: - You're too bold to think it will go that way for you. Papa's name is absolute here and he appreciates too much the doctor to allow this sort of behavior. -

Orion: - Well, he better send him to receive some basic social etiquette and politic classes because it was HIM who just risked a diplomatic disaster... -

Alpha seemed to snap (at last!): - Alright, that does it! It seems that we need to show you a lesson about Papa's authority and there's a simple way for that... a duel. -

Everyone was surprised at his outburst, with exception of the rest of the 9's whom were also sharing Alpha's sentiment and glaring at Orion...

Doctor Franxx: - Alright, that's enough. Alpha, behave yourself, captain Orion is on his right to warn me because... -

Orion: - Doctor, with all due respect, this kid needs to be taught that the world doesn't revolve around him nor Papa. I accept the duel. *More gasps were heard* Now, mind I ask what sort of duel it will be? -

Alpha: - Simple, a Franxx duel. Every single time Papa has received the reports from the doctor, he always idolized your units, more so than his own creation. So it is time to see for myself if they are as good as he paints them to be... -

Orion: "Kid, there's a reason they were classified as 'NEXT'..." - Very well, so it would be onl 1? -

Alpha: - Correct, me and my partner Zeta will be more than enough... -

Squad 13 *Chuckles*: "We doubt that. Zero Two and Hiro weren't even enough to beat him..."

Raven and Naomi weren't as subtle as the rest as Alpha soon snapped at them: - What is so funny? -

Raven: - Oh, just the fact that you remind me of sister when she did the same... she got wiped into the floor... -

Zero Two: - Raven! -

Alpha: - And you think I'm the same as her? -

Raven: - Pffft! Please! You're BELOW her... you wouldn't last long. -

Squad 13: "Oooooooooooooohhh!"

Alpha grumbled before he then said with a smirk: - You know what? I'm switching it, I want to duel YOU, the 'Lost Raven'. -

Orion: - Now hang on a minute in there, Raven is in no condition for... -

Alpha: - Didn't you just said that the doctor made an experiment with him and his partner? Apparently it went good seeing as they're both healthy now... -

Zero Two recognized that sort of tone, it was the typical one Alpha would use to show he was in no way going to let his prey go. She knew that because of previous experiences she would rather not remember, but she knew that whoever invoked that gaze was doomed... yet as she looked at Raven and Naomi, both had a look that clearly showed they weren't even intimidated by it.

Naomi: - Well, if that's the case then we see no other choice... although how are we supposed to fight you while White Glint is going repairs? -

Raven: - The 'Oletros' always has some spare MT's and AC's for their pilots to use in case their main rides end up out of commission. Naomi, this is something I have more experience with so let me handle all of that for this... -

Naomi: - Ok, I trust you Raven... -

Alpha: - So you're accepting? You're bolder than I thought. -

Raven: - It isn't our first rodeo boi. We know what we're doing... -

Alpha: - Well then if you insist, just be ready to regret it later because I won't hold back. -

Raven: - Same for you, don't go crying to your master Papa because you were beaten by two 'dropouts'. -

Alpha simply grumbled again before he said: - The duel will happen at 1600 hours, don't be late. -

He then turned around and left, the rest of the 9's going behind him leaving the doctor who then said: - You always seem to have the custom of getting yourself in deeper troubles Raven. -

Raven: - Doctor? -

Dr. Franxx: - Yes? -

Raven: - ***k you. You played part on it just like you did with the rest of the world. -

Some time later, at the 'Oletros'...

Orion: - So what exactly will your configuration be? -

After dealing with some disciplinary speeches from both Orion and admiral Dassia, Raven was given the green light to show some humility to the 'APE wannabes'. Now, him and Orion were at one of the hangars getting the AC selected ready for the duel...

Raven: - I'm not going to sugarcoat it for this a**hole. I'm going as I did that day on the final test... -

Orion: - Dude... even I think that maybe too cruel... I like it! -

As he said that, he saw as Raven installed WRECKER legs, the FIRMEZA arms, MELANDER C1 core and MELANDER C3 head to the main frame before he went for the armament: 2 ZIMMERMAN shotguns, with an ASHMEAD on the left shoulder/reserve and a 12 V-missile launcher BML-G1/P07VTC-12.

Orion: - Man, you're really not leaving anything to chance, huh? -

Raven: - Nope... -

He also installed the Flueger boosters, alongside a Ming-Tang generator, an ABBOT FCS and lastly an extra gadget...

(Anyone who has played AC6 knows this combination is DEADLY...)

Raven: - And we're all done. They won't know what it hit them... -

Orion: - Remember to bring Naomi up to date with this configuration, it will be very different to the one you're accustomed to... -

Raven: - Got it... -

Once his selection was confirmed, he left towards the pilot lobby where he soon found Naomi waiting for him...

Raven: - So... I guess this is it... -

Naomi: - One final showdown before we leave... did you made sure to leave what we discovered to those two? -

Raven: - No... Orion made us walk out too fast to the Oletros to even say it. I did told him about it already and he has promised that before we leave, he would send it in a letter to Ichigo. Unfortunately, she and her squad were sent to deal with some klaxosaurs near the area. -

Naomi sighed before she then added: - You really think we will be able to see them again? After this... I got a feeling that it will be the last time we will work alongside APE. -

Raven: - You're right on that... -

Naomi: - What do you mean? -

Raven: - You see... you know that the reason APE recall everyone back at the Garden is because they're preparing for a big operation, right? -

Naomi nodded and he continued: - Well, they're aiming for a place called the Grand Crevasse... -

He then explained to him that high command had discovered thanks to Senator Armstrong that APE had some sort of hidden super-weapon sealed inside the facility, which was in control of the klaxosaurs. Apparently, Zero Two was needed to activate it but in order to reach it, she needed a Franxx because the area was crawling with too much klaxosaurs...

Raven: - And considering what we just saw, then operation 'Cinder' was made. Our plan is to basically get possession of the weapon at all costs and use it against APE. -

Naomi: - So this is why you contacted our squad on the first place? -

Raven: - Naomi... even if I wasn't included on the operation, I would have done EVERYTHING to just see you guys again. I simply saw an opportunity in which everyone won with my involvement and took it. -

Naomi: - Well, considering how everything played out... I can't be mad at the fact that we were used... -

Raven: - You were never used by us! When Orion and Sally agreed to train all of us, it was because they genuinely saw the potential on every single one and... -

Naomi: - Raven, I know that our mentors and you and those in the Oletros really cared for us and considering what we discovered throughout all of our journey, I will simply say it: you used us, but we were given in exchange the meaning of true humanity and that's something I will gladly conserve for the rest of my life. -

Raven: - So you are just accepting it like that? -

Naomi: - You think it would be better if we were to stay in the dark with APE's methods? -

Raven smiled and soon said: - Touche... and you know something? I'm glad that in the end, you are now a human of the Federation as much as I am... and that we were together in all of this. -

Naomi smiled in return before she kissed him, Raven reciprocating the feeling before they both heard through the intercom: /Raven and Naomi, report to dock 3. Your AC 'Killjoy' is ready for deployment./

Both separated and got into their pilot suits then walked together towards the dock where they saw Orion and Sally waiting for them...

Orion: - Make sure to kick their butts harder than the Kojima backlash of the OW. -

Raven and Naomi: - F*** you. -

Sally: - And make sure to make it short. We are planning to give some final gifts to your friends before we leave. Oh, and be careful with the fog! -

Raven: - Will do, and don't worry, Alpha won't know what hit him. -

Both soon entered the cockpit of the AC, this one located at the core and not the head for once!

Naomi: - Welp, I can now say that even with the extra space, it feels less bulky because of all the consoles... -

Raven: - Dammit, I already miss White Glint's cabin... -

Naomi: - Then next time don't use an OW without the failsafes... -

Raven simply grumbled before both connected and soon rolled out of the hangar.

Eventually, they soon arrived to the spot of the duel, where they saw all of the 9's waiting for them.

Alpha: - Really? You're going to use that piece of junk? -

Raven: - Never judge a book by its cover... oh right, you don't even read books! Uncultured brat. -

Alpha: - Tsk... who needs them anyway. They're already obsolete. -

Naomi: - Just because it is old doesn't mean it doesn't work anymore... -

Zeta: - It is still useless when something else does it better. -

Orion: /Alright both sides stow it! We're here for a mecha duel, not a philosophical one! You know the rules, first one to be knocked out of the duel area or to be incapacitated loses. This is ONLY a 1v1 so no exterior interference is allowed! Good luck!/

Raven: - Alright, let's be done with this and get back to the 'Oletros' for on final farewell party. -

Naomi: - Right with you Raven. -

As both mechs soon stood ready, Orion started the countdown: /Alright! Match starts in 3... 2... 1...!/

But before he could say 'Go!' the alarms started blaring around the whole compound as some explosions happened nearby! Soon enough, some Plantations appeared to be in flames!

Raven: /What the...?!/

Alpha: /What was that?!/

Orion: /WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! Oletros! What's going on?!/

Oletros command: /Energy signature detected from above! The attackers are above us!/

That was when everyone looked at the skies and saw a flying battleship come out of the fog! Its guns on the underside were smoking, indicated they were the attackers. Then it opened compartments from within and out of it came lots of mechs that had one characteristic in common: they were all mono-eyed. And as the fog cleared and those mechs reached the ground, everyone present soon saw something else that made many Parasites in the area fear: the symbol of APE being slashed in three scars...

The Disavowed had arrived...

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Aaaaaand that's a wrap for this chapter! Oh boi things are about to get nasty! Oh and for those who participated on the previous poll in Wattpad and thought I was going to give them a duel... SIIIIIIKE! Anyways, that duel will have to wait for now as the Disavowed have finally arrived to the Garden and are more than ready to cause havok against APE! What will happen next chapter? Will Raven and Naomi be able to say their piece to Hiro and Zero Two? And what will happen to squad 13, considering they're away from the attack site?!

All of this on the next chapter!

...

...

...

...

...

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

... The trials had been answered...

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

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

... and both fall to protect the nest...

... so that they can see its roots...