It has been about two weeks since the boys versus girls incident. Not much has happened since then, other than being sent to defend the plantation from the usual klaxosaur attack every few days.

Currently, Squad 13 have arrived back at the boarding house after another successful operation. They were all doing their own things when they heard Futoshi shouting from the lounge.

Futoshi: Guys! They're here!

Everyone went to the lounge to see a pile of presents all neatly wrapped up. They immediately tear into their presents as they could not contain their excitement.

Zorome got a new ball and Futoshi was given several kinds of snacks. Mitsuru opens his to see a shiny new pen and Goro, some new fishing poles.

Ikuno receives a new stack of books and Miku takes a whiff of her new perfume. Kokoro carefully inspects her sewing kit and Ichigo happily hugs her new stuffed animal as Goro teases her for asking for childish stuff.

Watching from the sides, are Hiro, Akiri and Zero Two.

Zero Two: Presents?

Hiro: Yeah. Once a year, we can ask Papa for the things we want, and we'll get them on this particular day

Akiri: That's nice. Gives the squad a much needed morale boost

Zero Two: Huh... What's that? A picture book?

She asked Hiro as she points to what he is holding.

Hiro: Oh, nah. This is an illustrated guide. Do you like picture books? I think we have some in the study

Zorome: Okay, listen up! I'm gonna read Papa's message!

Zorome loudly announces as he clears his throat and starts reading the letter out loud.

Zorome: Boys and girls, your numerous accomplishments represent a ray of hope, a harbinger of peace and prosperity for mankind. Glory be to you noble parasites, who risk your lives for us

Everyone looked amazed by the contents of the letter, but the same couldn't be said for Zero Two who looks rather unimpressed.

Zorome: Hear that?! He called us "a ray hope"! That makes me wanna do even better!

Akiri: Do better at following orders or do better at ignoring them?

He jokingly asked, earning a few giggles from the others.

(Timeskip)

Akiri was walking towards his room when he overheard Hiro and Goro talking about something in their room.

Goro: Remember when I told you I didn't understand this "love" thing you guys talk about?

Akiri: (thoughts) Love...? Why does that sound so familiar?

He then quietly went closer to the slightly opened door and listens in on their conversation.

Goro: Now, I'm staying to think that it means the other person is special to you

Hiro: Special? Maybe, yeah

Goro: You've always been Ichigo's hero. That's special, right?

Hiro: Where is this all coming from?

Goro: I'm thinking that she probably feels the same way about you as you do about Zero Two

Hiro: The same?

Goro: Like, you know, wanting to know more about you, be with you more, and uh... Do that kiss thing with you

Akiri: (thoughts) That word again... Kiss...

Hiro: W-wait, doesn't that mean you-

Goro: I know everything. I know what makes her laugh, and what makes her cry... Watching you lately made my own feelings clear to me. It helped me realized that I love Ichigo

Akiri: (thoughts) Love...

(Flashback)

???: I love you, Yumi

(Flashback over)

He felt a jolt of pain in his head, a headache much more painful than before, making him hit the wall by accident and making a sound.

He then quickly ran around the corner to avoid getting caught eavesdropping.

Hiro opened the door to see that there was no one in the hallway as Akiri had already gone and hid around the corner. Hiro then closes the door shortly after.

Akiri: (thoughts) Yumi... Who is that...?

He thought for a while before heading back to his room.

When he got to his room, he walked towards a shelf and grabbed something from it. The small device that he found at the abandoned town.

Akiri: ...

He then heard a beeping noise coming from his communicator and he saw that the squad is called to the briefing room. He puts the device back on the shelf and quickly calls the others.

(Timeskip)

Hachi: We've detected a Gutenberg-class klaxosaur at a distance approximately 2,000 from here

Nana: It's moving slowly, but judging from its course, we predict that it will make contact with the plantation. We must avoid a repeat of the previous attack at all cost

Everyone: Yes ma'am!

Nana: Also, the target is a long way away this time. Your units have been loaded with more fuel than usual, so take note of that. Any questions?

The squad just stayed silent.

Hachi: Prepare for deployment. The operation will begin in 15 minutes

Everyone: Yes, sir!

(Timeskip)

Currently, Squad 13 are on their way to intercept the klaxosaur when they saw a thundercloud in the distance.

Akiri: Alright, listen up. Unlike our last operations, we are now dealing with a Gutenberg-class. So I'll be giving out the orders this time

Everyone: Roger!

They shouted as they made their way towards their target. A while later, they saw huge dark clouds over the horizon.

Kokoro: Look, there's a huge thundercloud

Ichigo: Thundercloud?

Akiri: That's no thundercloud...

Something then came out from the clouds and they all saw a floating blob of black liquid, with tentacles coming out of it.

Goro: What is that?

Miku: It's kinda gross!

Akiri: Target sighted. All units, prepare for combat!

Zorome: Roger that! Argentea, going in!

Akiri: Wait!

His order was ignored as Argentea went straight towards the creature.

Akiri: And there I thought he would actually improve...

Ichigo: We have to give them support!

Akiri: Delphinium, Strelizia you're with me. Everyone else stay on the defensive until we learn more about its attacks

Everyone: Roger!

Everyone then went in to get close to the klaxasaur, but it uses its tentacles to attack the Franxx units.

Hiro: It's using the tentacles to keep us from getting close!

Akiri: Evasive maneuvers! Cut any that gets too close!

They then avoid the tentacles and cut off the ones that are getting too close to them.

Meanwhile, Argentea continued her assault on the klaxosaur, until it drops a couple of pods to the ground, resulting in a powerful explosion that knocks Aregentea down.

Ichigo: What the? Explosions?

Goro: This isn't good

Zorome: Damn it...

He curses as Argentea stood back up. He then looked towards the klaxosaur and notices something.

Zorome: Hey, the core's right there!

Akiri: Zorome, wait!

Zorome: I'll end it in one hit!

Argentea launches towards the klaxosaur, trying to get the kill.

Goro: You idiot! Don't!

It was too late as the Franxx tries to pierce the core, but it was protected by a hard transparent shell.

Miku: Damn, that's hard!

Argentea then started to get stuck in the black liquid, preventing them from escaping.

Miku: I can't move!

Akiri then boosted towards them, but we was blocked by the tentacles trying to grab him.

Akiri: Damn!

He uses his sword to cut off the tentacles, but more just kept coming.

Akiri: This is bad. At this rate they'll-

He then saw Delphinium boosting up to Argentea and managed to set her free. But now, Delphinium is the one that is trapped and all of them saw sparks coming from the klaxosaur.

Hiri: Ichigo! Goro!

Akiri: Hang on, Delphinium! I'm coming for you!

Goro: No! Everyone get away!

There was a flash of bright light before a massive explosion engulfs them all.

All of the Franxx units are knocked down by the explosion. Gladiolus is the first to stand up, followed by the others.

Akiri: Everyone okay?

Hiro: We're fine

Futoshi: Same here

Akiri looked through the dust and smoke and was shocked to see that the klaxosaur is still alive and is still on course towards the plantation.

Akiri: Impossible

Miku: It's still alive?!

Hiro: How? We saw it explode

Akiri then zooms in on the klaxosaur and saw that Delphinium is still suspended inside the liquid, but is inactive.

Akiri: This is Gladiolus to Delphinium. Delphinium, do you copy?

He radios to them, but no one answers.

Akiri: Delphinium, respond

He orders again, but still no answer.

A screen then pops up in front of him, displaying Delphinium's status.

He saw that it is mostly undamaged and is still intact. He then went to check the status of the two pilots.

[ Code 056: Alive ]

[ Code 015: Ejected ]

Akiri: Delphinium's escape pod have been launched. Everyone keep an eye out for it

All of them started to look around the area, searching for the escape pod. Shortly after, Hiro shouts in the coms.

Hiro: Here! I found it!

Akiri: Good

Hachi then spoke through the coms.

Hachi: Squad 13, retreat back to the plantation

Akiri: Negative, Goro is still in there

Hachi: That is an order, 003

He wanted to retaliate, but deep down, he knew that there was nothing he could do. With a defeated sigh, he orders his squad to return.

Akiri: Copy that, sir. Squad 13, retreat back to plantation

Everyone then made their way back to the plantation with slight hesitation.

(Timeskip)

As soon as they arrived back at Plantation 13, they opened the escape pod to see Ichigo who is unconscious. She then was rushed to the infirmary while the others were called to the briefing room.

Everyone is currently waiting anxiously in the briefing room. The door then slides open and Nana walks in.

Nana: Code 003. Come with me

He just nodded and followed Hachi to the control room.

The door of the control room slides open and they walk in to see Hachi standing in front of a holographic screen.

Akiri: How's the situation?

Hachi: We've managed to detect a weak signal coming from Delphinium. We are now attempting to establish communication

The screen then displayed a speaker icon and the word "Audio Only" can be seen. Akiri went and spoke through the microphone.

Akiri: This is Akiri to Goro. Do you copy?

Nothing was heard apart from a constant static noise.

Akiri: Goro, do you copy?

More static was heard, until finally, Goro responded.

Goro: Akiri! I copy

Akiri: Thank goodness we finally got through

Goro: Is Ichigo okay?

Akiri: Don't worry. She just got knocked out by the ejection, she isn't hurt. She is being treated along with Zorome and Miku

Goro: That's good

He said with a relieved sigh.

Goro: Hey, Akiri. Could you contact the transport team for me? I can't operate this thing alone

There was a moment of silence before Akiri answered him.

Akiri: Goro. I need you to stay calm and listen to me. You are currently inside the klaxosaur

Goro: What? We didn't eliminate the klaxosaur?

Akiri: Unfortunately, no. Apparently the explosion did not have an effect on the klaxosaur. We grabbed the escape pod and were ordered to retreat. We are now back at the plantation

Goro: So that's what happened

Akiri: I'm sorry... As the squad leader, I am responsible for this

Goro: You did everything you could. Don't blame yourself. Anyway, I'm eating power here, so I'm gonna switch to safe mode for a bit

Akiri: Right. We'll get in touch again

With that, the connection was terminated. Akiri then turns his head towards Hachi.

Akiri: When does the rescue operation start?

Both Hachi and Nana looked at each other before replying.

Nana: I'm sorry. But there is currently no plans of retrieving Code 056

Akiri: What?!

Hachi: Our top priority is the safety of the plantation. Your squad will be focusing on killing the klaxosaur. That is an order, 003

Akiri: So you're just going to abandon him?!

Hachi: As the Defense Commander it is my duty to defend this plantation at all cost. I will not risk the lives of thousands for the life of one, am I clear?

Akiri: Yes, sir...

He said sadly before following Hachi and Nana back to the briefing room.

When they enter the briefing room, Akiri sees that Ichigo, Miku and Zorome are present when they were supposed to be in the infirmary.

Nana: I'm glad you kids are okay

Hachi: I see that everyone's here

Nana and Hachi said as they went towards the front screen while Akiri joined the others. Hiro notices that Akiri had a troubled expression.

Hiro: Akiri? What's wrong?

Akiri just kept silent. The front screen then came on and Hachi began to speak.

Hachi: Analysis of the samples stuck on your units showed that it's a klaxosaur that vaporises is bodily fluids to expand and explode

Kokoro: You mean Goro is stuck in its fuel right now?

Nana: Don't worry. Fortunately, the party that Delphinium jumped into has been confirmed to be harmless to your Franxx units

Zorome: Then I guess we rescue Goro first. I owe him one after all

Hachi: Our top priority is preventing the target from making contact with the plantation. Estimated time of contact is approximately one hour from now. We'll set up a last line of defense and eliminate the klaxosaur before it crosses that line

Futoshi: But... What if we can't eliminate it by then?

Hachi: In that case, the plantation will open fire as well. To protect itself, the target will use its internal fuel and explode several times. As long as we launch enough strikes, there's a chance one of them will finish it

Hiro: Are you saying you'll leave Goro to die?!

Nana: In the worst case scenario, yes

Ikuno: No...

Hachi: The operation begins in 15 minutes. All hands prepare to sortie

Ichigo: Wait! Please let me talk to Goro first!

A few minutes went by before they could establish communication with Delphinium. As soon as they contacted Delphinium, Ichigo hurriedly spoke through the microphone.

Ichigo: Goro

Goro: Ichigo? Thank goodness, you're okay-

Ichigo: You idiot! What were you thinking getting yourself swallowed whole?! Why do you always put yourself second like this? How are you going to get out there without me? You've always been like this! Always making selfish decisions, and always coming back hurt! Why don't you lean on me a little? I'll save you. I'll save you no matter what. So wait for me!

Goro: Ichigo...

He then heard Ichigo sobbing through the coms.

Goro: Are you crying?

Ichigo: Shut up

Goro: It's all right, Ichigo. I came up with a plan. I'm going to kill this thing and come back to you. So don't worry about me

Ichigo: Kill it? How?

Goro: Can't waste anymore power. I'm gonna hang up

Ichigo: Goro!

Goro: I got this

With that, the call ended.

Ichigo: Let me go rescue Goro! Knowing him, I bet he's thinking of doing something stupid! He's just acting tough! I can tell!

Hiro: I agree! Let us go, please! Akiri, you're with us, right?

Akiri: ...

(Flashback)

??? 1: We're not leaving them behind!

??? 2: They're still alive down there! We're not giving up on them

(Flashback over)

Hachi: Code 003 has already-

Akiri: We're going...

Both Hachi and Nana looked over towards Akiri surprised.

Akiri: I don't care about orders. As the squad leader, I won't leave a member behind

Hachi: This decision is final

Nana: And how exactly do you intend to rescue him?

Ichigo: W-well...

Zero Two: There was one spot. There was an exhaust hole of sorts, on top of the klaxosaur. Someone could probably get in if they tried

Akiri went to the screen and pulled up a live footage of the klaxosaur. He zooms in on the top part of the klaxosaur and sure enough, they saw the exhaust hole that Zero Two was talking about.

Akiri: Good eye, Zero Two

He turns towards Hachi.

Akiri: That's how we're saving him. Whether you like it or not, we're going

The commander just let out a sigh.

Hachi: All hands prepare to sortie. The rescue operation will commence in 15 minutes

All of them rush out of the room, running towards their Franxx units.

(Timeskip)

As soon as they got into their units, Squad 13 immediately begin the rescue operation.

Genista, Chlorophytum and Argentea are ordered to stay behind as the last line of defense against the klaxosaur.

Strelizia and Gladiolus, on the other hand, are tasked with delivering Ichigo back to Delphinium.

Hiro: To get to Delphinium, you will have to go through an area of highly pressurised vapor fuel. There's no guarantee that it's safe, even in your suit

Akiri: You have approximately 10 minutes or less to get to Delphinium before the klaxosaur reaches the final defense line and the plantation open fire

Ichigo: Got it. But there's a chance, right?

Zero Two: Who knows? I wouldn't do it if I were you

Hiro: Hey, Zero Two!

Ichigo: But I will. I believe in you, Zero Two!

Zero Two: I can't say I dislike this sort of thing

She said with a small smile.

Gladiolus then went in front and boosted Strelizia, launching her to the top of the klaxosaur.

Hiro: Ichigo. Go get Goro for us

Ichigo just nodded as she drops into the exhaust hole. Strelizia and Gladiolus then returns back and joins the others.

(Timeskip)

Several minutes passed by as everyone was waiting anxiously for them to return.

Akiri: This is Gladiolus to Delphinium. Do you copy?

He tried to communicate with them, but no answer.

Akiri: Delphinium, respond

No answer once again and he started to get worried. But moments later, they saw Delphinium rocketing out from the top.

Hiro: They're out!

Zorome: Hell yeah!

Zorome shouts as Argentea caught Delphinium from hitting the ground.

Goro: Everyone, get the hell out of here!

Akiri: All units, retreat!

They all quickly scattered away from the area as the klaxosaur suddenly lights up and explodes.

As the dust settles, Akiri got up to see a massive crater where the klaxosaur was. He then looked towards Delphinium to see that Ichigo and Goro got out and was on the ground. Ichigo then started to tend to Goro's injuries.

Akiri: This is Gladiolus. Rescue operation is complete and the klaxosaur is eliminated. We're going to need the transport team to pick up 015 and 056

Hachi: Copy that. They're on their way

Akiri then looked back towards Ichigo and Goro to see that they are embracing each other.

Akiri: ...