*(Y/N) POV, 5 miles (8.05 km) from Plantation 13, Heliconia's cockpit*

Our vacations ended as fast as they started. On our second day there, we mostly stayed at the beach, using our remaining time to have fun. But, all good things must come to an end. Right at 7 PM, we saw Nana and our truck back to the Plantation. Ichigo also informed me, as a vice-leader, she and I will have some meetings regarding the squad every day right at 7 AM. We packed up and went back home. Right in the morning after our sleep, an alarm woke us up. Some Conrad Klaxosaurs were too close to our position, and we have to deal with them. Right now, I'm sitting in Heliconia, as Argentea digs her claws into this round Klaxosaur with three heads. Genista comes right near one of the heads and blasts it to kingdom come.

Argentea: "We're fighting this Klaxosaur for fifteen minutes now!" she whines while Heliconia comes by, trying to slash one of its heads off, only for her scythe to bounce off

Heliconia: "What the fuck?! It's some tough armor" she smirks "Seems like a challenge"

Delphinium: "Almost done. Let's gang up and end it in one" FranXX of Squad 13 regrouped and rushed Klaxosaur. It roared and started to spit some blue goo from its heads. Noticing it, I yanked Heliconia's controls as much as I could do upwards, starting her boosters and making her hoover, barely missing the blue goo.

(Y/N): "Phew, by a hair. As long as I know it could... be... acid..." I kinda panicked. "ACID?!" Instantly I get to the comms, "Squad, you guys okay?! Respond!" Thankfully the face of Argentea, followed by the rest of Squad 13 FranXX's appeared in front of me.

Argentea: "What is this? Gross!"

Delphinium: "We are fine (Y/N)"

Genista: "It's sticky..."

Heliconia: "So it wasn't acid... phew, thank God" she breathes out

Chlorophytum: "It doesn't hurt, so yes"

Genista: "Yeah, seems fine"

Argentea: "So it's just for show?"

Heliconia: "More like some defense system of it. Be careful guys, it could still do some harm" Argentea looked at the Klaxosaur, angry she got this stuff all over her.

Argentea: "How dare you spew this disgusting gunk all over us?!" Heliconia meanwhile landed and regrouped with the rest of the FranXX

Delphinium: "Let's try it again, guys. Stick to the plan" I then get some comms from all the cockpits around.

'Something's happening... I don't like this'.

Hiro: "Huh?"

Zorome: "What the heck?"

Futoshi: "K-Kokoro!" Heliconia meanwhile get her boosters active and rushed the Klaxosaur, finally cutting one of the heads off. She looks back, and we see the rest of our team is struggling to move.

(Y/N): "Guys, what's happening?!" Heliconia slashed at the creature's torso, cutting its flesh and slowly exposing its core.

Heliconia: "What's the matter? Let's go, Squad 13" she tries to get them to move.

Argentea: "It's not me, Ryuko! It's Zorome!" she knocked at her head, trying to wake up her Stamen, "Quit spacing out. You're awake there?"

Zorome: "Y-Yeah. It's nothing, really"

Genista: "Futoshi?" she tries to wake him up

Futoshi: "Don't worry. It's nothing at all"

'Something is fishy' I look around, 'What're you two doing this time?'

Delphinium: "Focus. We are in the middle of the battle" Heliconia gets angrier and angrier, as at the moment, she's the only FranXX fighting.

Heliconia: "Damn right! So get your asses here and help us!" she landed another slash, as blue and yellow core now get visible, "Haha! Yes! You see this Zero! It will be 1-0 for team Heliconia! You're getting behind right from the start!" she boasts, trying to get our friend back to the fighting spirit.

Strelizia: "You heard that, Darling? We can't allow them to win!"

Hiro: "Huh? Y-Yeah" Just as Heliconia was going to get the final blow, Strelizia zooms past her and impales the core of her lance. Let's say, I and Ryuko were not happy.

Heliconia: "Hey! We did all the dirty work! It was our kill, Zero Two!" she humps, meanwhile, Strelizia smirks at her.

Strelizia: "Someone is a sore looser~" she sang sweetly "Be faster next time" she winks

(Y/N): "Whatever. You got the first win, Zero. But next time, we will not be so generous"

Strelizia: "We will see, (Y/N). Darling and I will not let you, right Darling?" Meanwhile, Hiro, I think, panics for some reason

Hiro: "This is bad, Zero Two! You are being exposed!"

'Oh for fuck's sake... it was acid after all... and now, the aftermath'

Zorome and Futoshi: "Don't tell her, dumbass!" Meanwhile, each girl minus Heliconia who didn't get any acid at all, and Strelizia who just doesn't care, check the internal camera of their cockpits

Argentea: "Ahhh! My parasite suit!" each of FranXX cover themselves and then the girls make my eardrums explode with their screams.

(Y/N): "Ow! My ears!" I and Ryuko decided to go ahead and get prepared for the war.

Heliconia: "Well... Now the hell will start"

(Y/N): "It will depend on how boys will explain themselves. I told them at the beach to not even think about it, and yet they got lucky, somehow" Heliconia backed up to her garage, as clamps and refueling pipes attach to her. I and Ryuko disconnect and try to think of a plan.

Ryuko: "From what I know, girls would be upset. They trusted the boys and they abused it"

(Y/N): "Ryu Ryu, go ahead. Get some towels for the girls. I will try to speak with boys and make them understand something" Ryuko nodded, opened the faceplate for Heliconia, and went on the catwalk.

Ryuko: "Just don't let the boys by. I will try to talk with the girls too" She went out. I peek from the cockpit, seeing the rest of Squad's 13 FranXX getting back. Each has an angry expression on their face, except for Strelizia. I grabbed the radio and called them.

(Y/N): "Guys, turn around or close your eyes and let the girls go first. Later you're to report to me. We will need to have a talk about what happened" I left Heliconia, and I look at the wall. I don't want to upset girls anymore or anger Ryuko because I looked at another's girl exposed body.

'She would have my balls if I did. I don't want to ruin her trust'.

As I stare, I hear girls talking

Ichigo: "I can't believe this! Even Goro..." she states, not believing.

Miku: "It's boys for you. They want only one thing" I can feel her stare drilling a hole in my back. She sighs "Sometimes, I envy Ryuko" I sigh.

(Y/N): "It was just my reflex, allowing Heliconia to stay clean. Nothing more Miku. Go ahead, girls, Ryuko is waiting for you with towels. I will speak with the boys" Girls go ahead as I walk to each and every FranXX, getting the boys out. They follow me as I hear Zorome blaming Hiro

Zorome: "It's all your fault, Hiro. If you didn't tell her we would-" I slap him on the back of his head, "Ow!"

(Y/N): "You would what, Zorome? Learn some manner, or I will teach you myself" We all walked to the ground level, meeting with the girls who wait for an explanation. Ryuko went to me. "On a scale from 0 to 'we're fucked' how fucked are we?"

Ryuko: "I would say about 'it could be repaired with some crazy glue' fucked"

(Y/N): "Eh, so not that bad. I was expecting 'fucked beyond repair'" We step to the side and listen to boys explaining themselves.

Goro: "You've got the wrong idea! We only didn't tell you because we didn't want to distract you during the battle" he tries to reason, but well...

Futoshi: "As for me, I simply found you amazingly beautiful, Kokoro! Believe me! This is straight from the heart!" Kokoro gets beet red and hides Behind Miku and Ryuko.

Mitsuru: "So stupid" and he walked away. Meanwhile, Zorome tries to not make it such a big deal

Zorome: "You know, it's not like being seen hurts you or anything"

Miku: "Excuse me?!"

'Okay, I know he's a pervert, but that crossed the line' I walk to Zorome and tower above him

(Y/N): "What did you just say, Zorome?" The blonde looks up at me, "It may not hurt them, but it's not okay to watch a naked girl without her consent" Zorome huffs.

Zorome: "Give it a rest (Y/N). I know you would like to see Ryuko-" I cut him off with a right hook into the face.

'Okay, murder time'

(Y/N): "Don't you EVER compare me to you. If I were in your situation, I would stop Heliconia and cover Ryuko up! You know why, because I'm not some horny pervert like you or your big friend here! I care about my partner, and she cares about me. And until you learn to respect your partner, you will be running around the Bird Cage! That's right!" Zorome stands up, "Our talk. It will be while you four run around the Bird Cage until I see you you understand. So, if you don't want to run 50 laps, I would suggest you shut up, Zorome. Or think before you talk"

Ryuko: "You didn't need to punch him in the face, you know, honey?" I sigh.

(Y/N): "I know, but I just had enough of his bullshit"

Hiro: "Before Zorome does something to anger (Y/N) even more, I need to tell you guys something. Zero Two told me that parasites are, uh... better off being a little pervy!" We all look at Zero.

Ryuko: "Zero, really?!

Zero Two: "Yup, yup" she nodded as the girls glare at her, and Hiro

(Y/N): "Oh my God... Zero Two..."

Ichigo: "What the hell?"

'Okay, Ichigo is really angry... Same as Miku and Ikuno' I got shivers down my spine 'Oh yeah, they want nothing more than just murder some boys'.

(Y/N): "Okay, girls, go wash yourselves. I will teach boys some manners" Ryuko lead them to their changing room, while I get the campaign hat on my head "Listen up, maggots! Now, I will teach you some discipline you four lacked today! Is that clear?!"

Boys: "Yeah"

(Y/N): "When I ask you a question I want to hear 'Yes, sir!' or 'No, sir!' Not some weak ass 'Yeah'! You four understand?!" I shout at them.

Boys: "Yes, sir!" I smile.

(Y/N): "Good. You four will need to learn a lesson. Hiro" he got straight up, kinda stressed "You informed the girls about their wardrobe malfunction, you got to run 10 laps. At ease" I get in front of Goro "Goro!" the blonde also straightens up "15 laps!"

Goro: "Yes, sir!" I nod and get to the remaining duo.

(Y/N): "Zorome! Futoshi! 20 laps!" However, Zorome thinks it's a joke

Zorome: "You wish!" I get to him and look him in the eyes.

(Y/N): "If you think that this is a joke, think again! 25 laps!" Zorome wants to argue again.

Zorome: "You can't make me!"

(Y/N): "That's where you're wrong, sonny. As a vice-leader of Squad 13 Ichigo has passed to me a matter of training you five. Every order I say, you have to carry out, or I report it to Ichigo, she goes to Nana, Nana goes to Hachi and Hachi sends it to HQ. Papa doesn't need Parasites who don't follow orders" I smirk "Go wash yourselves. I will meet you in 30 minutes. Clearing of the forest, ladies! If I don't see any of you, better believe I will find you and drag you there. Dismissed!"

*Ryuko POV*

The girls and I get under the showers. Since we're officially a part of Squad 13 I and (Y/N) now transform our Kamuis into those suits of Squad 13, mine is white with orange details, while (Y/N)'s a black Stamen suit with an orange stripe on his vest. Both Neko's and Senketsu's eyes are still present on our shoulders.

Miku: "I can't believe they've been ogling us" she then gets enlightened "Wait, were they doing it back at the beach too?"

Ikuno: "That's how boys are?"

Miku: "Unbelievable! They're such creeps!"

Ryuko: "Don't worry. I know (Y/N) is giving them hell right now" I smirk and shampoo my hair.

Miku: "You got lucky with (Y/N), Ryuko. But wait... wasn't he with them at the beach?"

Ryuko: "He was, so?"

Miku: "So? He was ogling you too, Ryuko" I shrug.

Ryuko: "I know. I was ogling (Y/N) too. You think why we crashed" Miku gets shocked.

Miku: "W-what?! Why would you ogle (Y/N)?"

Ryuko: "Because I love him and he loves me. You can ogle a person you're in love with each other all you want, they belong to you, and you belong to them" At this, all girls got silent "Um, gals?"

Kokoro: "You and (Y/N)... love each other?"

Miku: "What does that mean?" Ichigo goes silent, she knows exactly what it means.

Ryuko: "Well... in short girls, every time I see (Y/N), I instantly get happy, and a smile gets on my face. My heart beats faster, and he's in my thoughts all the time. I care for him, I want him to be happy, and I feel safe when I'm around him. I'm just... his. And he's mine" I rinse my head "And only if you feel somehow like me towards (Y/N) to any other person, that person can ogle you and you can ogle them. Not like today's incident. That's just them being perverts"

Ichigo: "Here I thought we'd finally started to link up well. This is a matter that can deeply affect squad morale" I and Kokoro try to calm them down.

Ryuko: "Hold it a little, girls. Let's not make some stupid mistakes"

Kokoro: "Ryuko is right. You need to calm down a little" However, Miku is doing the opposite of calming down.

Miku: "I've had it! I don't wanna be anywhere near the boy anymore!" she leans on the door to her cabin, "I know what to do. We should quit" I meanwhile shake my head.

Ryuko: "You know that means either building a wall or taping the entire house?"

Miku: "Great idea, Ryuko! Let's put an end to our communal life with the boys!" I sigh.

Ryuko: "It wasn't supposed to give you ideas, Miku"

*(Y/N) POV, Forests of the Misteltinn*

I got the boys to run. Futoshi just finished his 20th lap and is drinking water bottle after bottle. I, Goro, and Hiro observe as Zorome runs his 23rd lap

(Y/N): "Two more laps, Zorome!" he looks at me

Zorome: "Get" he panted, "Lost!"

(Y/N): "What was that, soldier?!" I asked, and he just yipped and started running faster, "Good! Let's make you sweat out all your pervy thoughts!" Hiro meanwhile took my attention, "Sup, Hiro?"

Hiro: "I think that's enough for him (Y/N). He must've learned" I look at Zorome and think for a little.

(Y/N): "I don't know. Looks like he didn't" Then, Goro also put his two cents.

Goro: "He'll pass out, (Y/N). Give him a rest" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Okay, guys. Zorome! Get here, drink some water, and let's walk back to the house" Zorome almost gulped an entire bottle, and we get on our way back.

Goro: "I hope girls calmed down a little"

(Y/N): "I hope it too"

We enter the house, just when Miku finished putting the tape down. I look around, and it seems the girls split the house into two halves. We stood opposite of them.

(Y/N): "What the heck is going on...? Girls, what does that mean?" I asked the female part of Squad 13

Ryuko: "Girls don't want to live with boys anymore, so they taped off their half" she sighs "You can say it was 'my idea'" she did quote marks in the air with her fingers

Miku: "Listen up. Boys are banned from setting foot on this side"

Zorome: "Wh-Who died and made you the boss? This is messed up!" I look at him.

(Y/N): "You still have energy, Zorome? Maybe cutting you loose was a mistake?" I then look at the girls, "Girls, I know you're upset, but can't we talk about this?" Ichigo glared at me.

Ichigo: "There is nothing to talk about anymore, (Y/N)" I sigh

Ryuko: "Kokoro and I already tried to calm them down, but as you can see, without any result"

Zorome meanwhile tries to cross the line, only to earn a death glare from Miku

Miku: "Cross that line, and you will regret it" All boys get scared, as Zorome puts his leg back down and gets back

(Y/N): "Well, that's great..."

Ichigo: "(Y/N)" I looked at her "We appreciate what you did for us, therefor this rule does not apply to you" I then tried to walk to the girls' side, and none of them glare or anything. I crossed the line and get near Ryuko and Ichigo.

(Y/N): "Ichigo, I still think this is stupid, and we should talk it out" I can hear a beep from my communicator. I get it up and see a message from Nana, "Ryuko and I are to report to Nana immediately. See you later, guys. Please, try talking to each other for your sake" I and Ryuko leave the house and walk straight to the elevator. Waiting for it, I look at my partner "Good thing you didn't give them an idea to build a wall" I chuckle "That would be a surprise"

Ryuko: "I did, but taping it off was easier" hearing a ding, we boarded the elevator and go straight to Nana and Hachi

Nana: "How bad?"

(Y/N): "They taped off the house. Girls need to cool down. I taught boys via training, but Futoshi and Zorome need to learn to respect their partner" Uncle Werner then called, and Nana answered it.

Dr. FranXX: "Good morning, you four. We are on a private line, so geezers won't hear us. What happened? (Y/N)?" he looked at me to explain the situation

(Y/N): "We were fighting a Moho class this morning. It had a defense system based on some acid. It didn't damage any of our FranXX, but it got inside cockpits and melted Pistil's suit of the girls. Girls got so upset they taped off half of the house and don't want to be near boys ever again"

Dr. FranXX: "Ah, puberty"

(Y/N): "Have the meaning of puberty changed during those 150 years, uncle?"

Dr. FranXX: "No, my dear nephew. It still refers to the storm of hormones inside their bodies" he chuckles.

Hachi: "It's still unprecedented for so many members of a squad to hit puberty at once"

Nana: "It was usually just one person or two together"

Hachi: "But this time, it's practically everyone. It's clearly an abnormal case"

Dr. FranXX: "That's what makes this squad so important in our plans"

Nana: "Normally we would go by APE's manual, to intervene and resolve the issue immediately"

Ryuko: "But those are not normal circumstances, Nana" she smiles "Kids need to work it out by themselves

Dr. FranXX: "That's right, dear Ryuko. What would be the point of them being a test team if we did that? Hachi, Nana, you two just observe and give me detailed reports. Don't you dare let geezers know. (Y/N), Ryuko, you two will try to keep the damage at bay. Try to help kids understand. If any Klaxosaur gets too close to Plantation 13, send Heliconia alone. I will see you four soon" he disconnects, and we look at each other. Sighing, I and Ryuko get back to the house, coming from the backyard, we see Zero and Hiro sitting together on one chair, as the pink-haired girl gets her arms around the boy

(Y/N): "Hey guys!"

Zero Two: "Hey (Y/N)! Hey Ryuko!"

Ryuko: "Seems like you two don't mind the rules set by girls"

Zero Two: "Nope!"

Hiro: "I thought about it... now we just separated the house, but what will happen if a Klaxosaur attacks? I'm sure none of us except the four of us could connect" I sigh.

(Y/N): "That's why Nana and Hachi will deploy Heliconia only" Ryuko groans

Ryuko: "Meaning I and (Y/N) will need to do all your jobs, alone"

Zero Two: "Not fair!" she whines, "You just got free points!" I smirk.

(Y/N): "That we did, Zero Two. You shouldn't steal our kill earlier" Ryuko laugh a little. Zero meanwhile pouts.

I look up at the window, spotting Ichigo, Ikuno, and Miku glaring at us. We waved at them and I and Ryuko get back inside, spotting the three girls walking downstairs... Just then, the main doors bust open, and what do we see? Futoshi, Zorome, and Goro walk in, wearing nothing but their underwear and a towel around their shoulders

Miku: "H-hey! What do you think you're doing?" Boys casually walk up the stairs.

Zorome: "Well, seeing as we can't use the bath, we took a dip in the lake. It felt amazing"

'Oh, that sounds great. Next stop, lake' I smile.

Miku: "W-Would it kills you to get dressed? Are you listening to me? Zorome ignored her and continued his ascent.

Zorome: "What we do in our territory is none of your damn business" he pointed down at the line, and then start imitating a monkey just to anger girls more. I sigh and grab my head in my hands.

(Y/N): "It's getting out of control" I sit down on the couch, "Guys, really? How did this happen?" Ichigo looked at us.

Ichigo: "Good to see you two are back" she smiles as I sigh again

Ryuko: "Girls, don't you think it's too much? It's getting too far?"

(Y/N): "Think about the squad. This little war can destroy it. Think if a Klaxosaur would attack, you would be able to connect?"

Ichigo: "As a squad leader I'm willing to sacrifice our stats, as long as we get boys to admit their fault and apologize" I sigh

Ryuko: "They would also only deploy Heliconia. Until this is sorted, Squad 13 will not be deployed"

Miku: "I'm not going to get near Zorome, so I don't care"

Ikuno: "You can talk later" we look at her, "We need to clean the baths"

Ichigo: "You can use them (Y-" I cut her off

(Y/N): "Yeah... I think I'm gonna have a dip in the lake. See you later" With that, I quickly left the house and get to the lake.

*Ryuko POV*

As (Y/N) went out, I just look at the doors

'Did he... he just didn't...'

Ryuko: "(Y/N) you bastard! Get back here!" I shout, but I think he's long gone to the lake. I sigh and look at the girls, "Guess I'm staying with you, girls. So"

Ichigo: "You can help us clean the bath, Ryuko" she smiles and gives me a broom

Ryuko: "Great..." We walk inside, meeting with Kokoro. We start cleaning around.

Miku: "What was that all about?!" she brushes the floor aggressively

Ikuno: "They're trying to provoke us"

Ichigo: "I bet it was Goro's or (Y/N)'s idea. Zorome and Futoshi couldn't have thought of it"

Ryuko: "(Y/N) was with me the entire time. No way-" I cut myself off, remembering that he messaged someone in the elevator "He must've got a text from Goro about the lake" I sigh "Idiot"

Miku: "They get to have fun in the lake, and we're stuck cleaning the bath? It's not fair"

Kokoro: "We can't really complain about that"

Ryuko: "Yeah, you banned boys from the bath"

Miku: "I know, but still. Why cleaning must be the only thing we have to do ourselves?"

Ryuko: "It builds character, Miku" I chuckle

Miku: "I'm serious, Ryuko. I wish the invisible caretakers would handle it, like they do with our food and laundry!"

Ryuko: "So spoiled..."

*(Y/N) POV*

(Y/N): "Well, that was refreshing," I say as I get back from the lake. Opening the doors and getting up the stairs, I enter my room. To my surprise, inside sits not only Goro but also Zorome and Futoshi "Hey guys, is this some meeting?"

Goro: "Good to see you (Y/N). We need a favor" they smile.

(Y/N): "O... Kay? What is it?" I put my towel on to the frame of the bed to let it dry and get Neko back on.

Zorome: "You can easily move to the girl's side. We have a plan, but we need you in there"

Goro: "Basically, girls didn't tape out the lunchroom. It means we can claim it" I sigh.

(Y/N): "And you need me for what?"

Futoshi: "You enter the mess hall and claim it while I and Goro move the tape" I sigh

(Y/N): "You guys know I'm not really keen to escalate this conflict. What will I get in return?"

Goro: "Ryuko can come to our side" He looks at me "(Y/N), We're doing this to end this conflict too. Make girls drop these stupid rules"

(Y/N): "Okay, I will help" I smiled and looked at the time, "We have 30 minutes to do so. The last time I saw them, girls were cleaning the bath, so we need to be careful" we all nodded, and as planned, I entered the mess hall, put a temporary tape at the doorstep and a sign made by Zorome, claiming the mess hall as boys territory, while Goro and Futoshi move the tape. When they finish, I rip the tape from the floor and we entered.

???: "What're you doing?" I looked up to see Ryuko "Don't tell me you joined them, (Y/N)"

(Y/N): "I and Goro have the plan to stop this war" Zorome went to me and looked at her

Zorome: "Hey! No girls allowed!" I look at him, as some fire dances in my eyes. I didn't notice my hand set on fire, scaring him and some boys.

(Y/N): "I thought we had a deal, Zorome" I close the distance to him, "You're not in a place to order around anyone"

Goro: "(Y/N), calm down! Breathe!" I calmed down and looked at Zorome, the flame disappeared and everyone looks at me.

Zorome: "What the hell was that...?"

Futoshi: "How did you...?"

Goro: "Can I (Y/N)?" I nod "(Y/N) and Ryuko are hybrids, something like Zero Two" Guy's eyes got even wider "He can control fire and has extra strength"

(Y/N): "Don't forget regeneration" I smile

Futoshi: "Hybrids? Like Zero Two?"

Zorome: "No way..."

Ryuko talks from the girls' side, 'obeying the rules'

Ryuko: "You know what they say, 'in every rumor, there is an atom of truth'. We really are living killing machines" She smirks, "So can I come in or not?!" Zorome gulped.

Zorome: "Y-yes, ma'am!" Ryuko entered the room and sat down next to me.

Ryuko: "I would enter either way, Zorome" she smiles, "Even if you'd kick and scream"

Zorome: "H-Hey! I'd never do that!"

(Y/N): "Yes you would" I chuckle. Then the clock chimes 12 and after waiting for Hiro and Mitsuru, we start eating.

Futoshi: "So (Y/N), what else you can do?" he swallows his food and looks at me

(Y/N): "Well" I create a small fireball in the palm of my hand

Futoshi: "Cool!"

Ryuko: "Show off..." she munches her food

Goro: "What about you, Ryuko? Can you use fire like (Y/N)?" Ryuko shakes her head.

Ryuko: "Nope. But I also have super strength and regeneration" she smiles at the blonde.

???: "Huh?" I and Goro turn around, spotting girls looking at us from their half.

Goro: "Hey girls. Sorry, but we've taken over this area. We noticed that you girls hadn't taped it off" Zorome starts to act like this is the best food he has ever tasted.

Zorome: "Mhh. So good! Today's lunch is extraordinary!"

Miku: "No fair! You are heartless! (Y/N)! Ryuko! Do something!" I munch my piece and look at them, shaking my head, "Huh?!"

Ryuko: "We're neutral in this conflict" her communicator went out

Hachi: "Code 006, we've detected another Klaxosaur in the perimeter. You and Code 004 are to get to the briefing room in 30 minutes" she nodded to him, ended the call and we stood up.

(Y/N): "Well... duty calls" Everyone looks at me and Ryuko

Goro: "You guys are going..."

Futoshi: "Without us?" Goro smiles, as this is another occasion to get to the girls.

(Y/N): "As long as this little war is in motion, only me and Ryuko will be deployed" I get to the door frame

Goro: "You heard girls? So how about we both drop all the silly rules and eat together? Later we will help Heliconia with the Klaxosaurs, what do you say?" Miku started to walk toward the doors to the mess hall with some drool.

Ikuno: "It's a trap"

Ichigo: "Agreed" meanwhile, Miku almost crossed the line, the blue and purple-haired girls quickly notice it and drag her back" Don't go, Miku!" Zero Two comes down and pass the girls, crossing the line end, and entering the cafeteria. Meanwhile, the girls drag Miku upstairs

Miku: "No!" we watch them go

Goro: "Talk about pigheaded" he sighs and looks at me and Ryuko "Good luck guys. Be safe"

(Y/N): "Thanks Goro" Ryuko and I went out, and soon found ourselves in the briefing room, where Hachi gives us info about our targets

Hachi: "We have detected several Conrad class Klaxosaurs getting too close to Plantation 13" He shows us the same Klaxosaur type we fought in the mines

(Y/N): "We haven't cleared that mine?" Hachi shakes his head.

Hachi: "You did. They are some workers who didn't were in the nest during the operation. Code 004 and 006, your job is to eliminate them before they attract other Klaxosaurs... in the worst-case scenario another Gutenberg. Now, ready to board" We nod and get back to the elevator, soon getting into Heliconia and activating her. We then move to the last known location of those Klaxosaurs. We walk to the east for five minutes, finally spotting them.

Heliconia: "Hachi, this is Heliconia, We have insight on the targets"

Hachi: "Roger. Proceed with the mission" Heliconia gets her weapon out and counts the targets.

Heliconia: "Eight Conrad. Walk around the park" she smiles.

(Y/N): "Let's make this quick" I look around "We still have to deal with our squad" Heliconia nodded

Heliconia rushed to the closest Klaxosaur, and with one stab she gets the core out, and Conrad explodes in blue mist. Not finishing, she twirls around, stabbing another one with the same result.

Heliconia: "Were they that weak back in the mines?" she asks, cutting down the third one

(Y/N): "They were, but there were hundreds of them" I smile "Five to go"

Heliconia: "Scissor Scythe, Execution mode" with her scythe now transformed into a lance, she stabs the remaining 5 on it. "(Y/N)!"

(Y/N): "Blazing Sun!" Heliconia's weapon sets ablaze "Ahhh, a Klaxosaur shashlik" I smirk and communicate with Hachi "Hachi, Klaxosaurs eliminated"

Hachi: "Roger. Proceed back to Plantation"

Heliconia got her boosters on and zoomed back towards Plantation 13. When we get back, the sun was already getting down, enlightening the house in a nice yellow light. Well, it would be pleasant to enjoy, if it isn't for the first sounds we heard when we open the doors. We heard screaming, of girls mainly, and a sound of things being thrown around.

Goro: "Wait! I-It's not what it looks like!"

Zorome: "Hear us out! It was Zero Two!" Speaking about her, she rushes out of the baths, holding a basket full of clothes, and Hiro runs after her. We just stood there, not knowing what was happening.

(Y/N): "What happened here...?"

Hiro: "Why would you do this, Zero Two?" he and his partner stood respectfully to our right and left. Zero turns to greet us.

Zero Two: "Hey, you two. How was your mission?"

Ryuko: "Good...?" Zero turned back to Hiro

Zero Two: "This is a real fight. Come at me with everything you've got, Darling" she teases him to come. Hiro tries to attack her, but Zero twirls around him, grabs his towel with her feet, and later drops it while giggling. Hiro quickly got it back on and ran after her upstairs.

Ryuko: "What..."

(Y/N): "I don't even..." we are still dumbfounded. We now turn to the main source of the sound, the baths. Hearing some guys screaming at each other.

Futoshi: "We were set up!"

Ichigo: "Enough excuses!"

Miku: "Perverts! You horny perverts! Fiends! I'm gonna break you in half!"

Futoshi: "Hey, our clothes are gone!"

Zorome: "What?!" Just then, Nana rushed inside, spotting us still not knowing what was happening.

Nana: "What's going on?" I shrug.

Ryuko: "We don't know Nana. We're as dumbfounded as you"

(Y/N): "We just get back from our mission..." we turn to the bath again

Zorome: "That's it! We've had it with this crap!"

Miku: "We're the ones running out of patience!"

Zorome: "Shut up! Don't look down on us boys!"

Miku: "Why can't you be like (Y/N)! I never heard Ryuko complaining about him! Guess why?! Because he thinks about her feelings and cares about her!"

(Y/N): "It's about it" I shake my head "We're going inside" Nana and Ryuko nodded, and we enter the rum, rushing to the source of the sound

Zorome: "Shut up! All of you..." Nana then screamed so loud, she could put to shame some metal vocalists.

Nana: "Knock it off!!!" Everyone stopped, freezing in place.

(Y/N): "Guys... I'm disappointed. In some of you even more than the rest" I look at Ichigo as she looks down in shame.

Ryuko: "Everyone, to your rooms. Get dressed and meet me, (Y/N), Nana, and Hachi in fifteen minutes in the lounge"

Zorome: "But-" Both Ryuko and Nana silence him

Nana/Ryuko: "Now," they say icily. They look at each other and sigh.

Ryuko: "Hell, how did it evolve to this?"

Nana: "I don't know, Ryuko. Let's meet with Hachi"

We get to the stairs and meet with the Commander. Soon, Squad 13 gets down, while we look at them from atop the first sets of stairs

Nana: "What were you thinking? I assumed that sending Ryuko and (Y/N) alone would have been enough to make you act normal. Guess I was wrong"

(Y/N): "So far some Conrad. But if they were to attract something bigger, say another Gutenberg, we would not be talking right now" I look at them.

Hachi: "You're Parasites. Don't forget what comes first and foremost"

Squad 13: "Yes, sir" They got up and get to their rooms while the four of us stay a little longer

Nana: "Could they be any more unlike the other children?"

Ryuko: "That's why Doctor choose them"

Hachi: "I wasn't expecting Zero Two to join in, too"

(Y/N): "Well... I was, but to turn it into this?" I sigh, "We're going to catch some rest"

Nana: "This girl... (Y/N), Ryuko, try to talk with them. We need to resolve this instantly. I know you two can operate and keep the Plantation safe without them, but exhaustion is still a thing. Even when you are a hybrid. One day we will have Moho, or maybe even another Gutenberg to deal with. Heliconia alone can't defeat them" I and Ryuko nod.

(Y/N): "We know Nana. We will"

Hachi: "Good. (Y/N), Ryuko, you are dismissed" We walked respectfully to our wings. I pass the open doors to Zorome's, Futoshi's, and Mitsuru's room.

Goro: "(Y/N)!" I stop, walk back, and enter the room.

(Y/N): "Hey, what's up?"

Zorome: "Nobody asked for a calm and composed analysis!" I walked over to Hiro

(Y/N): "Why is he so worked up?"

Hiro: "Mitsuru said that girls look down on us" I smirk

(Y/N): "Well, maybe if you'd listened to me and treated them better, this war would never take place" I cross my arms and Zorome looked at me

Zorome: "And what do you know, traitor?!"

(Y/N): "You see how I and Ryuko are always acting towards each other? We practically never fight, we listen to each other, and we care about each other. I trust her and she trusts me. She respects me and I respect her. We got into some heated arguments before, but we always made up, and at the end of the day, we are back to being good partners"

Hiro: "I feel bad saying this, but I thought that was kind of fun" we look at him

Zorome: "What?!"

Hiro: "Zero Two was laughing her heart out, like she was enjoying herself. I'd never spared much thought for how girls felt before now..."

Zorome: "Why bother? They're weirdo whack jobs"

(Y/N): "Zorome, please be kind and shut your trap. You may understand what I wanted to teach you guys" I turn to Hiro "Continue, Hiro"

Hiro: "You are right, Zorome. I don't get them at all. But that's exactly why I started wanting to know more about her. That way, I might be able to offer her more support"

Mitsuru: "If you're talking about Zero Two, you're barking up the wrong tree. She is the ultimate pistil. She doesn't need your support"

(Y/N): "You're wrong, Mitsuru. Zero Two may have the lowest Code, and may she have Klaxosaur blood in her... but she's still a normal girl. She still needs someone to lean onto... to be her wings" Hiro smiled and took off.

Hiro: "It's not just her. Pistils let us Stamens handle all the controls, but their frail bodies are the ones bearing the brunt of each battle"

(Y/N): "Every mistake we make is transferred to them... They feel it like it would be them taking the hit and not the machine" I look around, being happy guys are understanding.

Futoshi: "Oh, yeah. That must be rough"

Hiro: "Even so, they connect and do their best, placing all their trust in us. Watching her like that really made me think... I want to be stronger and take better care of her"

Goro: "Well, the girls are always giving it their all in battle. And if we ogle them while they are... "

Futoshi: "Of course, they would hate it"

Zorome: "Hey, I'm a man, too. Even I feel the need to look after my partner and take care of her. And I don't wanna see any of them in pain, either" I clap my hands.

(Y/N): "Bravo, gentleman, bravo! Now, there is only one thing to do" I get to the door frame and look back "Come on guys"

*Meanwhile, Ryuko's POV*

As I go up the stairs, I spot Zero Two leaving Miku's and Kokoro's room. Assuming girls are there, I knock and enter.

Ryuko: "What's up gal-" I look around, "Something happened?" they look at me

Ikuno: "It's nothing, Ryuko" I lean against the bunk bed. And silence. Kokoro placed a hand on something and then stands up.

Kokoro: "H-Hey, you know what? I really think this can't go on! There are things that we can't do alone, but can do if we work with the boys! And there are lots of things like that, aren't there? Piloting the FranXX is one of them!" I giggle.

'And having kids, marriage, and the list goes on'

Kokoro: "Yeah, the boys are perverts, and I have no idea what goes through their heads. Boys and girls are nothing alike, but that's why it's so good for us to be together! After all, that's how... uh... it's born, I think. You know, like... the future, hope, and stuff. So... So..."

Ryuko: "Kokoro, that's enough" I smile at her "You did good, sunshine" I nod and hold her hand

Ichigo: "It's really unusual for Kokoro to be assertive"

Ikuno: "Yeah, it surprised me" they look at each other and later back at Kokoro

Ichigo: "What you said did sting, though" Kokoro looks up

Ikuno: "We can't just be the ones who complain all the time" Miku frantically gets up from her bunk

Miku: "W-Wait a second! Are you thinking about forgiving the boys?" We look at her.

Ryuko: "I hope so. Gals?" I look at girls, "Boys can be difficult to deal with, but most of them mean good for us. Let this war be in the past. You won't get anywhere if you don't forgive them" I smile while Miku gets upset.

Miku: "Oh really? Suit yourselves, then!" she gets from her bed and towards the doors" I'm not letting this go, even if I'm left all alone!" left the room.

Kokoro: "Wait, Miku!"

Ryuko: "Miku, come back!" I sigh, "She's so stubborn. Girls, we need to find her" The four of us left the room to search for her

*(Y/N) POV, Lounge*

Zorome: "I'm not gonna beg and plead for forgiveness, okay?" I look at him.

(Y/N): "The most important thing is that you apologize" We enter the room, spotting the girls minus Miku.

Ichigo: "Goro..." she gets in front of him, "Miku is missing. Please help us find her"

Boys: "What?"

(Y/N): "When?"

Ryuko: "Three minutes ago. She left the room and we can't find her. I already searched the ground floor, with no sign of her"

(Y/N): "Okay, here's the plan. Ryuko and I will search through the forest close to the house. Futoshi and Kokoro will search the backyard. Goro, Hiro, and Ichigo, search the wings, she could be there somewhere. Ikuno, Zorome, you two search through the first floor. Squad 13 move out"

We all went on our way. Thirty minutes of searching through the forest and no sign of the red-haired girl. Using a small fireball to illuminate our way back, we spotted Ichigo on the porch, waiting for us.

(Y/N): "By the looks on your face, you didn't find anything" Ichigo sighs

Ichigo: "Not a trace of Miku... You think she went to the city?"

Ryuko: "Miku doesn't have permission to enter it. If we don't find her, we will need to report this to Nana"

We walk inside, and everyone was sitting in the lounge, and by the looks of it, we were back to square one. Then, we hear a sound of a glass being broken. It looks like it was coming from the first floor.

Zorome: "Miku!" he runs to the source of the sound with us close behind him. When we get to him, he was trying to force open the doors, "Come on! Stupid doors!" he kicks them.

(Y/N): "Zorome, move aside! Everyone, make some space!" I took a running start and dropkicked the doors down. After I kick myself up, we all rushed inside. There, on the floor, sits Miku, sobbing quietly. Ryuko and Kokoro rush to her side. Near her is a broken photo frame with a picture... of the previous Squad 13

'The battlefield after they were wiped out... It scared even me'.

Kokoro: "Miku! Thank goodness. We were so worried, What's wrong?" Hiro then picked up the frame. He looks around the room.

Hiro: "What's this room?"

Zero Two: "Probably one of the rooms the former Squad 13 parasites used" They look at her

Mitsuru: "Former..."

Ikuno: "...Squad 13?"

(Y/N): "Before you were assigned here, those kids from the photo were Plantation 13's defensive squad"

Goro: "Of course. We are not the first Squad 13"

Zorome: "So how come they aren't here now?" I, Ryuko, and Zero share a look and answer him

(Y/N): "They died"

Ryuko: "We got their last distress signal, pleading for backup. When we got here" She looks away, "It was too late. No survivors, just FranXX without heads or completely dismantled"

Ichigo: "They couldn't make it back..." We look at the photo.

Goro: "We won't survive unless we all get to know each other better. Let's make up, guys" We get back to the lounge, boys on one side, girls on the other. I and Ryuko are standing to the side, with my arm around her as we witness the end of the gender war.

Zorome: "Well..." he bowed "I'm sorry, okay I apologize! I will try my best not to leer at you anymore"

Miku: "I bet you will fail." she looks down "I'm way too cute, after all," she got her head up, turning it to the side, giving Zorome a sidelong glance "So you can do it a little, but don't take it too far"

Zorome: "O-Okay, then..."

The rest of the guys apologized too. Futoshi went traditional Japanese. He got on all four and bowed before Kokoro. Ichigo and Goro, after some tries, settled for a handshake while Ikuno and Mitsuru looked at them. They share a glance, Mitsuru grunts and walk out of the room. Ikuno smiles after that, accepting his silent apology. I and Ryuko look at them, happy to see they're talking to each other.

Ryuko: "Crisis averted, for now," I side-hug her, having my arm around her waist "I was afraid they end up like the previous Squad 13"

(Y/N): "Not on our watch, love. Not on our watch" I smile. We continue to hug while observing our friends making up.

'This is the final step for stage 1. Soon we will start preparations to start stage 2. Hope it goes as smoothly as stage 1'

A/N: "I have nothing to say except that I think my brain will melt and that the next chapter is due either on Wednesday or next Sunday"

Feel free to vote and comment

Punkie and Vera out and over!

Kill la Kill belongs to Studio Trigger

Darling in the FranXX belongs to Studio Trigger, A1 Studios, and CloverWorks

OC's belongs to me

(Y/N) belongs to you (and Ryuko) <3