*(Y/N) POV, early morning hours, Mistilteinn of Plantation 13*

I woke up, right at 5 AM. Now, at 7 AM, I'm getting back from Nana with reports about our overall efficiency. As I walk I read, Strelizia with 112 kills since we got to the S-Planning site, Heliconia right behind her with 108, and in third place Delphinium with 103. Right under the podium was Argentea with 99 kills, followed by Genista with 80, and last Chlorophytum with 50. I sigh, looking at the last position.

(Y/N): "I know her role by now is to be fire support and a scout, but it's too low even for this" finally arriving back at the house, I walk straight to the mess hall, where our blue-haired leader awaits for me "Morning, Ichigo" the girl looks at me and smiles

Ichigo: "Morning (Y/N)" I sit down, and she notices the papers, "Are those reports from Nana?" I nod and pass them to her.

(Y/N): "Delphi is just five kills behind Conia. You guys are getting good" I smile at her.

Ichigo: "Well, Goro and I may just beat you next time" she smiles "But..." she looks at the last place and frowns "Chlorophytum is not improving at all since last month"

(Y/N): "Last month and three prior too. Ichigo, we need to talk with them" I cross my arms at her "I know you two are friends, but if this keeps up-" Ichigo cut me off

Ichigo: "We can't (Y/N). Not yet. Ikuno is trying, and she says she nearly solved the problem" I sigh.

(Y/N): "You want to know what is the problem? It's Mitsuru, he doesn't care about anyone or anything. When I tried to talk with him, he always just got his nose up and left the room. You know what, it's a miracle he and Ikuno can connect at all" Ichigo looks at me with 'you just didn't say that'.

Ichigo: "(Y/N)! They're our squad mates! We should support them as their leaders" I sigh.

(Y/N): "I don't say I don't support any of them. I do. But we need to think about our entire squad, not only one pair. You saw their score, it's barely the minimum to keep their FranXX operating"

Ichigo: "It's not Ikuno-" I cut her off

(Y/N): "And also as leaders, we should not make decisions based on our emotions or personal relationships with our squad members" I sigh "I know, it's not Ikuno's fault. I saw her paracapacity score, and it's a lot more stable than on your first mission. She tries for him to accept her as his partner, but he just doesn't want to change" I look at her "Ichigo, we should talk at least with Ikuno for now. Maybe we can make some sense of them and help them improve after wise" Ichigo nods.

Ichigo: "Sounds like a plan. We will try after we return from our mission today. We better go, they expect us out soon" I nod, and we walk to the elevator. Soon I changed Neko into my suit, and get in front of Heliconia, waiting for Ryuko to come in. She gets there after five minutes, and we walk inside Conia's cockpit.

Ryuko: "So... how was your meeting with Ichigo?" I sigh.

(Y/N): "We discussed a problem with team Chlorophytum" Ryuko looks at me

Ryuko: "You know it's not Ikuno-" I chuckle

(Y/N): "Funny, you're the second girl who tells me that" I nod "I know, it's Mitsuru. Did you and Ichigo get into some alliance to protect Ikuno?" Ryuko grunts.

Ryuko: "It-it's not it, hon. We don't want to upset her. Ichigo because she knows her since Garden, and I not to ruin her trust in me. She may look calculative, but she's confused" I sigh.

(Y/N): "I feel like a father looking after his ten kids"

Ryuko: "Well, treat it like training for the future, honeybun!" she smirks and gets on her platform. I get on the chair and we commence connection. Heliconia wakes up from her sleep.

(Y/N): "By the way, I talked with Nana and Hachi about our plan. Reported our first group that seems to be ready to rebel, about Hiro's situation, and that we need to wait till Zero gets his memories back" I said over our private link.

Heliconia: "And what did they say?"

(Y/N): "Await instructions from uncle Werner. Keep monitoring the situation and be sure to give them small hints about the old world during waiting time. Which means the same thing we've been doing here for over three months" I sigh, "Come on, we have to protect this stupid mine" Heliconia left her garage and went outside, joining the rest of Squad 13. She stood near Delphinium.

Heliconia: "Sorry, we are late. I and (Y/N) needed to discuss one thing"

Delphinium: "No problem, Conia. Nothing happened so far" I and Ryuko deactivate our FranXX, and sit on the edge of her faceplate, looking at the horizon. This is our third day at the S-Planning site. As a place where they mine essentials to build a FranXX as well as Magma Energy, this place is like a natural magnet for Klaxosaurs. They usually come in small groups, one each half an hour.

Zorome: "What are they even doing here? Nana called it S-Planning or something"

Hiro: "Digging for something, maybe? That's an excavator, right?" I look back and answer them.

(Y/N): "It is. I think they are mining Magma Energy or other resources needed to operate a Plantation and maybe build a FranXX" I know exactly what they're mining here... and it makes me even more furious at APE than I was.

'Klaxosaurs have a sapient leader from what uncle Werner told me, the last Klaxosapien, which means she or he knows what we're doing. And that they may not forgive us'.

Strelizia: "Whatever it is, it's nothing good. I'm about to choke on the stench of Klaxosaurs" I then look at Neko, and Ryuko looks at Senketsu

Ryuko: "You two sense something?" Senktestu closes his eyes and finds the trance of frequency he was looking for.

Senketsu: "A lot of Klaxosaurs. But not from the front, mostly from behind us"

(Y/N): "It's normal. After all, they're mining Klaxosaurs' corpses right behind us. It makes me even sicker than I was" Ryuko tugged my arm, trying to get my attention.

Ryuko: "Not saying about their leader, but I was wondering. (Y/N), do you think they will eventually overlook our differences and forgive us?" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Only time will tell, Blueberry. I certainly hope so" I stand up, "Come on, this hammering is giving me a migraine" Ryuko soon follows me to the cockpit, where we reactivated Heliconia. Unfortunately, either Futoshi forgot to or he just didn't notice Genista's radio was set to broadcast his and Kokoro's talk in Genista's cockpit to all units

Futoshi: "It's amazing. The fact that we're on this special mission proves that we've grown stronger"

Kokoro: "It's all thanks to you. You always try so hard to help carry my burden"

Futoshi: "O-Of course I do! If anything happened to you, it'd be my responsibility!" I smile under my nose, seeing at least one of the two doofuses from our squad learned something. I then hear Kokoro giggling.

Kokoro: "Thank you, Futoshi," there is a little moment of silence until we hear Futoshi again

Futoshi: "Kokoro... H-Hey, I'll keep working to be the best partner you could have... So... could you promise to be my partner forever?!" Heliconia's face appeared on my right side. She rolled her eyes.

Heliconia: "So corny. Man, I thought we were the sappiest of them all" I chuckle "But I don't think Kokoro feels about Futoshi the same way he feels about her" she sighs "I'm starting to worry we taught them too much"

(Y/N): "It's a natural order of things. Where's love, there are broken hearts. We couldn't have predicted who will pair with who" I look at Genista and sigh "I'm just worried about Futoshi, he's a big guy with a soft heart" We hear Kokoro answers Futoshi's question.

Kokoro: "I promise"

Futoshi: "Really? It's a promise, okay? I'll protect you always and forever!" Argentea then decided to put her two cents in their conversation.

Argentea: "Could you give it a rest? You are starting to gross me out"

Zorome: "Just cut the comms. I can feel my ears rotting off" Heliconia and I also appear in Genista's cockpit.

(Y/N): "Leave them alone, you two. It's not nice to eavesdrop"

Heliconia: "They radioed it to everyone. How can't we eavesdrop, love?" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Alright, you have a point" Futoshi meanwhile panics

Futoshi: "You heard all that? That's dirty!" Then, an alarm starts ringing, and we ended our call. On my left, a display appears, showing live footage of Klaxosaurs running right at us.

Delphinium: "Seven enemies closing in from nine o'clock. They are the same Conrad Class Klaxosaurs"

(Y/N): "Get ready, Squad 13" All FranXX form a line of defense, awaiting the arrival

Goro: "Again? Do they have a nest nearby?"

Delphinium: "All units, prepare for combat!" Then, I hear a loud thud to Heliconia's left. I look back, seeing Chlorophytum on her knees, as her screen soon winks out. I radio them.

(Y/N): "Ikuno, Mitsuru, what's happening guys?" Delphinium meanwhile looks at Heliconia

Delphinium: "Heliconia, stay with them!" Conia nods and walks near the downed FranXX "Ikuno, you there? What's wrong?"

Ikuno: "I don't know. Mitsuru just collapsed and is breathing hard. His whole face is in sweat"

(Y/N): "Okay, Ryuko and I will be there soon" I turn to the black-red FranXX "Ryuko, we're going there. Be ready" Conia nods.

Heliconia: "Delphi. Mitsuru collapsed. We need someone to watch our back while we go check on him." Delphinium nods and orders Argentea and Genista

Delphinium: "Roger. Tea! Genista! Protect Heliconia! Reapers need to check on Mitsuru!"

Argentea/Genista: "Roger!" The two FranXX get in front of Heliconia, while I and Ryuko disconnect. Ryuko grabs our med bag we always keep in the cockpit and open up Conia's faceplate. Opposite of us, on her FranXX faceplate, Ikuno awaits us. We jump to her and I instantly get to Mitsuru. Checking his pulse and temperature, I can see some similarities to Zero's Curse, but the tumor is nowhere to be found.

'Thank God. I don't want to get on that ride ever again'.

(Y/N): "Fever, cold sweat. Just like Hiro before his third ride..." I grab the radio nearby and contact the commanding center, "Hachi, this is (Y/N), Code 004. I'm currently checking Code 326, and he's in bad shape, he can't operate his FranXX. I ask for permission to tow them back"

Hachi: "Granted. Code 004, get them back to their garage. I will inform the medical team to await your arrival" I grabbed Mitsuru and put him on my shoulder, later strapping him into one of the jump seats. Ikuno follows us and takes a seat next to him while Conia reactivates.

Heliconia: "Delphi!" she shouts at the white-blue FranXX "We are getting Chlorophytum back to the Plantation! Can you fight without us?!"

Delphinium: "We can. Go get them out of here!" As ordered, Heliconia gets inactive FranXX on her back and walks in the direction of Plantation 13. We get back and first put Chlorophytum in her garage, where clamps secure the FranXX. Later, Heliconia backs into her own resting place. As soon as we deactivate and open up Conia's faceplate, inside rushes a team of medics and gets Mitsuru out and towards the infirmary. I report to one of the medics.

(Y/N): "When I checked on him, he had a fever, of 38.2 C. Increased heart rate, cold sweat, and shivering. That's all I noticed" Medic nods.

Medic: "For a Parasite, you have knowledge. Thank you for the assistance, Code 004" I nod and then, Ikuno and Ryuko get out of Heliconia. The purple-haired girl had a worried expression on her face.

Ikuno: "(Y/N)... Ryuko... What's happening to him?"

Ryuko: "(Y/N), what's with him?" I look at them.

(Y/N): "It could be many things. Fever, overworking, bad diet. Maybe some inborn disease" Nana and Hachi, soon join us.

Nana: "Ikuno, you need to go with us"

Ikuno: "Right away, Nana"

Hachi: "Ryuko, (Y/N), you two are dismissed" Ryuko and I change into our normal clothes and get back to Mistilteinn's board house. Awaiting the rest of the squad, we get to the lounge. Soon, the door opens, and in walks the remaining members of Squad 13. Ichigo walks to where I and Ryuko are sitting.

Ichigo: "How is Mitsuru?"

(Y/N): "He has a fever"

Ikuno: "He's asleep right now, Nana and Hachi say he should be alright in a day or so" Everyone sighs in relief and sit down

Goro: "He's always had a frail body"

Ichigo: "That's true. But he was the only one who received that injection and came back" Ryuko and Miku look at her.

Miku: "What injection?"

Ryuko: "Yeah, I want to know too"

Ikuno: "The Elixir Injection, a highly concentrated drug that induces more yellow blood cell production. It greatly increases one's Parasite aptitude" Miku changes the subject.

Miku: "All that aside, has Mitsuru always been that way?"

Goro: "He didn't used to be. He would always follow Hiro around" I nearly spit my drink.

'What? He and Hiro were close?'

(Y/N): "You're joking, Goro?" I, Futoshi, and Zorome look at Goro

Futoshi: "No way! That's the biggest shocker I've heard in a while!"

Zorome: "So how'd he end up butting heads with him all the time, then?" Goro shrugs his arms and looks at us back.

Goro: "I have no idea, either." He starts thinking, putting his finger under his chin, "But I think it started not long before he took the injection. Come to think of it, Hiro changed a little back then, too" Kokoro looks down, shocked by the news Mitsuru has taken the risk.

Kokoro: "The Elixir injection has a survival rate of 15%, right?" I open my eyes wide.

'It's not a boost, it's basically euthanasia!'

(Y/N): "It's suicide! Why would someone take them then?!"

Kokoro: "I can't believe how lucky we are that he survived"

*next morning, the briefing center*

The next morning, right before breakfast, Ichigo got a call from Nana. We need to gather in the briefing room right after we ate. When we arrived, we were met by a duo missing, Ikuno and Mitsuru, wearing their parasite suits.

Nana: "Good morning. We've called you here to discuss something important. We are aware of some small problems in several of the teams, and we want to give you an opportunity to do a partner shuffle"

Everyone: "Partner shuffle?" We all look at each other.

Nana: "Yes, but It isn't an order" she smiles, reassuring some folks, "It's simply an option available to you. Take this chance to talk it out with your partners, and if anyone wants to try the shuffle, ask." she and Hachi leave as alone, as everybody gets to their respective partner. I and Ryuko stand to the side, as my partner eyes up one pair in particular.

(Y/N): "What do you think about it, Ryuko?"

Ryuko: "They're informing them about their rights. Or make something happens" I look at what she's looking at, it being Kokoro and Futoshi. The boy gushes all over the platinum-blonde girl, who becomes more and more uncomfortable.

(Y/N): "Yikes... Do they already show things like simping? We failed then, Earth is doomed" Ryuko slaps my head "Ow"

Ryuko: "Learn when to make a joke like that" she glares at me, "I wish we could help them somehow" I chuckle

(Y/N): "What, you want to take a part in it?" As an answer, Ryuko hugs my arm, pouts, and gets a little blush on her face.

Ryuko: "No, you're mine!" not knowing, she got the attention of the whole room "Sorry, everyone" she scratches her neck

Zorome: "Jeez, those two are cheesy as ever" I hear him

(Y/N): "Zorome, mind your own business." I turn back to Ryuko, "I thought it was about Mitsuru and Ikuno. You know, those two barely work together. They always mock each other" I look back at Futoshi and Kokoro

Ryuko: "I have a really bad feeling about this..."

(Y/N): "Me too" We walk to team Strelizia. "Hey, lovebirds" I greet them, noticing Zero's horns got kinda bigger, "I assume you two won't be switching partners, right?" Zero looks at us, slightly irritated.

Zero Two: "That's a pain, honestly. We can understand each other just fine by piloting Strelizia" she walks out of the room, while I look at her.

'What's the matter with her? She became distant, even to us and Hiro'.

Ryuko: "(Y/N), you saw it too?" I look at her and nod.

(Y/N): "Her fangs, her horns. They got bigger" I whisper.

Ryuko: "So, you think...?" I nod, "Dammit" she curses under her breath. Then our attention goes to Mitsuru, who yells at Ikuno

Mitsuru: "Shut up, Ikuno! I told you to drop it!" Every pair of eyes lay at him, as he realizes his mistake. He gets back up and to the front of the room, waiting for Nana to return. Soon, everyone follows him and finished their conversations.

Nana: "So then, is there anyone who wants to try riding with a different partner?" Ikuno gets her hand up.

Ikuno: "I'd like to try a pistil-to-pistil connection" I look at her, interested in the idea

'If it works, then we have a lot of good news for Pistils left behind in the Gardens' I smile

(Y/N): "You think it could work, Ikuno?" the girl looks at me

Ikuno: "We don't know if we don't try, (Y/N)" she looks back at Nana "I want to try it as a backup for emergencies when we don't have enough stamen" Nana looks at Hachi, who nods, allowing the experiment

Nana: "Alright then. Who'll be your partner?" Ikuno turns to Ichigo.

Ikuno: "Would you help me, Ichigo?" blue-haired girl gets shocked

Ichigo: "What? Me?!"

Ikuno: "Please. Pretty please" she practically begs.

Ichigo: "Sure, I guess" Ryuko whispers to me

Ryuko: "I'm certain now. Ikuno is lesbian" I look at her.

(Y/N): "Huh? What gave it away? Should I be worried?" I whisper back.

Ryuko: "First off, when we change or bath, I could see Ikuno's quick stares at Ichigo, or even me. Second, no, you asshole, I'm straight, and I love you!" she whispers back

(Y/N): "Love you too, Ryu" I smirk, while Ryuko pouts again, crossing her arms and turning her back to me "Oh come on, love"

Ryuko: "I hate you" she scoots away, I meanwhile smile

'She'll come around, soon, like always'

Nana: "Very well. Let's try it. Anyone else?" Everyone stays silent for a while, signalizing no one wants to change partners, that's until Kokoro shyly gets her hand up. "Yes, Kokoro?" The blonde's hand may be in the air, but she's looking at the floor.

'Oh dammit. Guess I will need a 'heartbreak' kit ready. Yup, plastic bins, a pillow, and tissues for crying, not for what you think, you sick fuck'

A/N: Hey, stop breaking the fourth wall!

Kokoro: "I'd like to try riding with Mitsuru" nearly everyone gasps. We look at Kokoro

'On no. No, no, no. Why? Why him? What're you doing, Kokoro?!' I slap myself twice, but the reality isn't changed, it wasn't a nightmare.

Futoshi: "What? But Kokoro... Y-You promised... What about our promise?" Kokoro looks away, as Futoshi starts crying, and soon faints. I, Hiro, and Goro catch him just in time before he could bust his head open

'Yeah, a busted head would be all he needed now'

(Y/N): "Alright, Hiro, Goro, lie him here. He should get back in a few minutes" We lie Futoshi down, I make sure he won't choke on his tongue or saliva by putting him into a semi-prone. Nana and Hachi leave with those who will be tested, while I get to the monitors and start clicking.

Ryuko: "What're you doing, (Y/N)?" I smirk at her.

(Y/N): "Wow, a new record. You started talking to me after a minute of you declaring your hatred" Ryuko shows me her tongue in return "Well, I want to know if Ikuno's experiment works. If yes, then we have some good info for Pistils in Replacement Division"

Goro: "Replacement Division? What's that?" I turn back to the remaining Squad 13 members.

(Y/N): "If you don't do well during your tests in the Garden, then you're either sent down there... or they eliminate you" Everyone looks at me with shocked expressions "If, let's say, Goro dies, they would send a replacement from there to be in his place as Delphinium's stamen"

Hiro: "Wouldn't that... affect their numbers?" I shake my head.

(Y/N): "In normal squads, no, it won't. While I think in the case of our Squad, it would either be a failure, or it would take a very long time for the replacement to be able to connect. And those bastards don't care" I look at the monitor, spotting both Delphi and Geni stats. "Come on, let's see how they're doing"

Hachi: "Commence connection" we look at the bars. The ones for Ichigo and Kokoro fill up to their usual numbers. Mitsuru's connection slowly gets above his average, stopping at 85, while Ikuno's isn't even registering.

'Well... too bad, guess uncle build FranXX to work only like that... I wonder what if we switch Pistil and Stamen places, could it work? Questions for later'.

Hachi: "That's enough" he announces, concluding today's meeting. I walk over to Futoshi and sigh, seeing him still out.

(Y/N): "Hiro, Goro, Zorome, get here. We need to get Futoshi back to his room" Boys get near me, as I present my plan to move him, "I will grab his legs. Hiro, Goro, you two grab his arms. Zorome, stabilize his head, so he won't hit anything on our way back

Boys: "Okay!"

(Y/N): "On three. One. Two. Three!" we lifted Futoshi, and started to walk back to the house. Getting a break in the elevator, when we got to the boarding house, we got him back on his bed.

Goro: "Poor guy..." I walk past him, leaving the room, "Where are you going, (Y/N)?" I look back.

(Y/N): "To grab some essentials. When Futoshi wakes up, he'll be upset for sure. Watch him over when I'm gone" Goro nods and I walk down to the supplies we keep under the stairs, grabbing one garbage bin and two boxes of tissues. When I get back, I saw Futoshi is back, and he was crying into his pillow. I put things down and walk inside, "Yikes..." I get next to Goro "How bad?" Goro sighs.

Goro: "See for yourself..."

Futoshi: "Why?" he sobs, "Did I do something wrong? I tried my hardest for Kokoro's sake!"

'God dammit...'

Zorome: "Maybe it's because you got on her nerves with it? Maybe you need to lose some weight?" I walk to him, and slap his head, "Ow!"

(Y/N): "Not helping, Zorome..." I look back at Futoshi

Goro: "I wonder what Kokoro was thinking"

Hiro: "She's really nice, so she must've felt she had to do something for Mitsuru"

Zorome: "Especially since he's always so miserable" Futoshi gets up from his bed and grabs Zorome's jacket collar, shaking him

Futoshi: "I'm clearly the most miserable one here!"

(Y/N): "Oi! Quit it! Goro! Hiro!" Hiro nods

Goro: "On it" I, Hiro, and Goro try to separate them. Then, the doors to the room open, and on the other side we find Mitsuru. All of us freeze, while Mitsuru turns around and tries to close the doors.

Futoshi: "Hold it!" Mitsuru stops, "Do you think I'm pathetic?" Mitsuru huffs.

Goro: "H-Hey Futoshi..."

(Y/N): "Calm down, big guy" I try to calm the situation

Mitsuru: "What does it matter? It's not like our partners really mean anything" Futoshi has enough, as he starts seeing red. He throws us away, and tries to punch Mitsuru,

Futoshi: "How could you possibly know how I feel?!" he nearly lands the punch, but Mitsuru sidesteps, as the large boy crashes into the wall. He crumbles into a sobbing mess on the floor.

Mitsuru: "You truly are a nuisance" he tries to walk away, while we leave the room and stop him

Hiro: "Mitsuru, try to understand how Futoshi feels"

Mitsuru: "What gives you the right to say that?" he hisses

(Y/N): "Okay, what the fuck is your problem, man? I tried many times, but you always act like a total snob and asshole!"

Mitsuru: "Why do you even care (Y/N)? What have you ever lost? Has anyone close to you betrayed you?" he turns around and starts walking away, "You and your partner are nothing more than some freaks of nature, trying to play adults"

'He just didn't say that, did he?!' I start trembling, as I look down. Soon the temperature in the hall rises a bit.

Goro: "Hey, anyone noticed it's getting... warmer... Oh, no..." Boys look at my current state

Hiro: "(Y/N), please, calm down!" they tried to calm me down, but my patience with Mitsuru ended the moment he insulted Ryuko

Zorome: "This is bad... really bad..." he looks at Mitsuru "I think you just dug your own grave, Mitsuru"

(Y/N): "Mitsuru..." Misturu stops and looks at me. A sign of fear gets on his usual Stoic demeanor, "You want to know what I've lost?" I step forward, leaving a burn mark where my foot was, "You want to know what Ryuko lost?" I take another step forward, feeling a warm sensation on my back, grabbing my necklace, and getting my weapon out. I soon expand it to the normal scythe size "We've lost our future, We've lost our friends, We've lost... our family" I get my hood off, revealing my eyes are surrounded by fire, as well as Neko's wings formed on my back, build mainly from Life Fibers and fire. It scares the boys shitless. I get my scythe near Mitsuru's throat "But most importantly, I've lost my humanity. So, what do you have to say, when you look Death deep into his eyes?"

I get my scythe up, and when I was just gonna behead him, I stop two inches from his neck, breathe in and out, and get my scythe back to its compact size. As Mitsuru is petrified, and I think he peed his shorts, I set my fist on fire and punch him into the wall. This seems to wake him up. I stand over him, as he tries to stand up.

(Y/N): "You're not as fearless as you want to be, huh, Mitsuru? First, riding with Zero Two, now angering Crimson Reaper" I chuckle and hoist him by his throat up to my eye level "Listen here you little shit. If I ever hear you bad-talk my Ryuko, I will kill you. Simple, right?" Mitsuru tries to take a breath, "What was that? I didn't hear you?" He again tries to take a breath, "Oh, come on, cat got your tongue?" Goro, Hiro, and Zorome run to us and try to make me lose my grip

Hiro: "(Y/N)! That's enough!"

Goro: "(Y/N), please! You're better than this!"

Zorome: "Come on, bro! Chill out and let him go!" I sigh and release Mitsuru as he grasps for air.

(Y/N): "You're lucky, guys stopped me. Next time, you won't be so fortunate. Now, get the fuck out of my sight, NOW" Mitsuru quickly leaves "Fucking brat..." I sigh and walk past the boys, "Sorry you had to see this side of me, guys. I let my anger control me"

Hiro: "(Y/N)... would you kill him...?" I look at him.

(Y/N): "No. The moment he would go limb, I would let go. I'm not a murderer" I look at them, as they're still kinda terrified, "Guys?"

Goro: "Sorry, (Y/N)... We know that you have superpowers... We were worried you'd really kill him"

(Y/N): "And I told you, rumors about me and Ryuko are not true. I'm kinda overprotective about her, so anyone trying to hurt or badmouth her equals me getting into murder mode. This little shock as well as him piloting with Kokoro now should make him understand something" Guys look at me with a questioning look "That sometimes, there is a need to change despite not wanting to. He didn't care about his previous partner, so I showed him what it feels when someone else doesn't care about you and your life. Come on, we have more important things to take care" I walk to Futoshi "You okay, big guy?" I squat down next to him.

Futoshi: "Whenever I think about her, I feel a tightness in my chest. But now that tightness stings..." I and Goro got his arms around our shoulders, letting him sit in his bed, "What is this? Why does it hurt so much?"

(Y/N): "That's, my obese friend, is called heartbreak" I sit beside him "It's when the person you think you had special feelings for does not return them, or betray them. It hurts not only emotions but also your heart" As the boys listen, Goro realizes something.

Goro: "Wait, does that means" I nod

(Y/N): "Futoshi feels the same about Kokoro, as you about Ichigo"

Futoshi: "I hate this feeling!" he wraps his arms around me and cries on my shoulder

'Well, that's awkward for me...' Going by instinct, I pat his back, trying to make him feel better.

(Y/N): "There, big guy. We're here for you" Then, an alarm sounded, signaling another Klaxosaur coming right at us, sighing I get Futoshi off me "Well, an ideal moment... Futoshi, you up for it?" he sniffles

Futoshi: "I... I don't think I can..."

(Y/N): "Futoshi, even if you're not her partner, you can protect Kokoro. Like I and Ryuko try to protect all of you" Futoshi gets up, dabs the tears away, and gets determined.

Futoshi: "You're right, (Y/N)! I will be strong! For Kokoro" I smirk.

(Y/N): "That's the spirit!" I look back at the rest of the boys, "And what're you still doing here, maggots?! Move! Move! Move!" we rush out of the room, towards the elevator. After I 'changed' my suit, I waited for Futoshi to come out, "You sure you can do this, Futoshi? I will not make you do anything you don't want to do" Futoshi nods.

Futoshi: "I'm sure" I nod to him, and we rushed through the corridor, catching up to Ryuko and Ikuno

'My training is giving its results' I smile, 'Futoshi's cardio is much better and his pace is faster than ever. If he only dropped the junk food, he could be even stronger than Goro'.

Four of us round the corner, spotting Mitsuru and Kokoro entering the catwalk to Genista

Futoshi: "Hold it, Mitsuru! I want you to promise me that you'll protect Kokoro, no matter what!" Mitsuru meanwhile shrugs him off.

Mitsuru: "Promise? Don't be ridiculous" Futoshi gets a little angry, I just hope they won't throw punches again.

(Y/N): "This little..."

Futoshi: "Look, you..." Thankfully, Kokoro stops their argument

Kokoro: "Wait, Futoshi. I'll be fine"

Futoshi: "Be careful out there, Kokoro. What's done is done. I'll do my best together with Ikuno" Kokoro nodded with a smile.

Kokoro: "Yeah"

(Y/N): "Guys, we need to move! Klaxosaur will not wait!"

Futoshi: "So you... Do your-" he can't do this anymore. He runs away, bawling his eyes out. Ikuno and I sigh while Ryuko looks with pity at him.

(Y/N): "Ikuno" she looks at me, "Try to support Futoshi. He should be a better partner than Mitsuru, but it's a hard time for him" Ikuno nods, while I and Ryuko walk towards Heliconia

Ryuko: "So... I heard you lost your temper" I sigh.

(Y/N): "I did"

Ryuko: "What did he do?" she asks, as curious as ever

(Y/N): "Asked what have we ever lost, if someone betrayed us. And then, called us freaks of nature" Ryuko grumbles "Yeah, I know. And then, I nearly did it"

Ryuko: "You nearly cut his head off clean? Did they?" I nod.

(Y/N): "Both wings and fire around my eyes appeared again. It happened only once before, and back in Honno Town" I sigh "But that guy said he will rape you, murder you and shit down your throat while using your head as a sex toy. He didn't even have a chance to finish when his head rolled down to No Star District. I was blinded by rage. Nonon's committee had a lot of psychos in it"

Ryuko: "Please, he wanted to get into your mind and he succeeded. He wouldn't even touch me, because his dick would be cut off a millisecond after he did." We finally arrived at Heliconia's catwalk. We get to our FranXX, get into our position and soon, Heliconia activates with the usual X's flashing on her faceplate like some boot screen before her face appears.

Heliconia: "On another note, Futoshi takes recent events so hard. I feel bad for the kid, his first love was crushed like that"

(Y/N): "Before we went out, I tried to cheer him up. Ryuko, you know well, where is love, there is pain" Heliconia gets from her garage and out of the hangar, awaiting Hachi's instructions which came soon enough

Hachi: "We are detecting a Gutenberg-Class Klaxosaur. Set up a defensive perimeter 500 meters around the S-Planning site and neutralize the target. Genista and Chlorophytum will provide long-range support" FranXX took their positions. Soon, I notice a large creature coming our way. It looks like a sting ray with legs, and kinda resembles those Klaxosaurs we faced earlier.

Argentea: "That thing is huge!"

Zorome: "And ugly!"

Strelizia: "Finally, one worth fighting!" she rushes the Klaxosaur

Delphinium: "Hold it!"

Heliconia: "Zero Two! There is no need to rush it!" Zero doesn't listen. Lizia cuts a wide windrow from the creature's front right leg up its back. Klaxosaur however is not phased, as it continues its run and starts regenerating itself.

Hiro: "No good. Its core is too deep inside"

Strelizia: "Sounds like fun!" she tries to drive her lance back into the cut she did

'Her voice... it's full of arrogance instead of confidence... Zero Two... please, don't do something you will regret'.

Hiro: "Zero Two, wait!" Strelizia gets swallowed by Klaxosaur's regenerating body. Delphi and Tea quickly use her boosters and get on its back, cutting Lizia free. They get back down near Heliconia

Delphinium: "You okay?"

Strelizia: "Mind your own business!" she rockets back to attack the creature

(Y/N): "The hell...?" Heliconia appears on my right.

Heliconia: "It's time for our talk. You, me, and her. Right after this mission is done. Bring the guitar" I nod. Meanwhile, pieces of Klaxosaur lying around turn into Conrad we were fighting earlier.

Goro: "It's a collective mass of the Conrad Klaxosaurs we've been fighting

Heliconia rushes the big mama, trying to swing her scythe into its front legs, dodging it at the last second. She looks back, seeing Tea and Delphi also nearly got crushed by its hind legs.

Strelizia: "You damn monster!" she tries rushing it but didn't notice she is on a crash course with the front leg, and it would crush her.

(Y/N): "Zero, stop right now!" Thankfully, she breaks a meter before the leg and starts flying backward.

Strelizia: "Don't hold me back, Darling!" she shrieks

Hiro: "Don't rush it! Calm down!" The four melee FranXX regroup, flying backward toward Genista and Chlorophytum.

(Y/N): "Ichigo, you got a plan?"

Hiro: "Yeah, we'll never get anywhere like this" I look at Strelizia, noticing some X's flickering on her faceplate

'Dammit... Zero is resisting Hiro's controls...'

Genista: "We need to shoot at it" we look ahead at Genista "I can separate it with a shot from close range"

Argentea: "Nice idea! That'll expose the core! Go ahead and fire a round into it!" I and Ryuko are not so convinced, especially that's it their first ride together.

Heliconia: "Kokoro, you and Mitsuru need to get used to each other. It's risky for you two right now" Delphinium agrees with her.

Delphinium: "Agreed. We can't let you get hurt"

Genista: "All our lives are at risk. We're a team, aren't we?"

Delphinium: "Fine. But don't get reckless"

Genista: "Roger" I sigh

(Y/N): "Okay, we need to clear the path. Lizia, Delphi, Tea, let's go" Four melee FranXX rush forward, cutting every Conrad in our way, finally getting near the Gutenberg's leg. It stomps, and three smaller Klaxosaurs jump out of it, running toward S-Planning.

Delphinium: "Oh no! Some got past!"

Chlorophytum: "Let's go" she starts shooting, while Genista rushes in with her bayonet.

Genista: "Yeah" Mitsuru however, is too nervous, and got the timing wrong with the swings. He charges blindly, making Genista lose her balance. One Klaxosaur wants to pound on her, but Strelizia saves her in time.

Hiro: "You alright?"

Genista: "Thank you, Hiro, Zero Two" Meanwhile, the remaining FranXX tries to cut the legs of the creature. Heliconia swings her scythe wide, reading to cut its tendons, but before she cans, Genista charges straight into the leg, as she tumbles back, right onto the path of Gutenberg.

Heliconia/Futoshi: "Kokoro!"

Delphinium: "Run!" Just as Klaxosaur was about to crush the black and green FranXX, Chlorophytum rushes before her and catches Klaxosaur's foot.

Chlorophytum: "Are you okay?!" Heliconia discards her scythe and slides next to her, helping her hold the foot.

Kokoro: "Th-Thank you, Ikuno, Futoshi! You too, Ryuko, (Y/N)" Heliconia nods, and I feel her controls get stiffer. I noticed Delphi and Tea cut the tendons in Klaxosaur's hind legs, making the giant stumble to its knees.

Heliconia: "Ahh!"

(Y/N): "Guys, not helping!" I try to fight with the controls for as long as I can, but it gets harder every second.

Klaxosaur emits another roar and lifts its remaining leg towards the S-Planning site. It extends, growing additional branches to help stabilize itself.

Delphinium: "New plan! Strelizia, Argentea, and I will stop it. Heliconia, Chlorophytum, keep Genista safe" Heliconia nods

Futoshi: "I will protect Kokoro, no matter what!" Chlorophytum activates her guns, as roots start spreading from it, and they were pushing us down even more. Genista meanwhile deactivates.

(Y/N): "Great... It's getting heavier." I again fight against controls to keep them safe, "Mitsuru! Get your shit together and help us!" Both Chlori and Conia begin to struggle under the weight.

Chlorophytum: "Hurry up, Mitsuru!" Genista gets on her four, but I sense something is wrong. Ryuko seems to feel it too.

Heliconia: "Kokoro, don't do it!" It's too late. Genista's helmet and faceplate turned into something looking like a hawk beak with teeth, she emits a roar, halfway finishing her transformation into Stampede Mode

Futoshi: "Stop, Kokoro"

(Y/N): "Mitsuru! Get her out of her platform! Use force if needed!" I instructed him. Genista's hat reverts back it normal, and she lies there for thirty seconds. Heliconia and Chlorophytum get on their knees under all the pressure and weight.

Genista: "Hey guys! Sorry we are late" I smile.

(Y/N): "Oh, thank God you are okay... Futoshi, it's their time to shine!"

Futoshi: "Right!" Chlorophytum guns go again. Heliconia meanwhile retrives her scythe, rockets upwards, and cuts the leg off clean, while Chlori kicks it away, making way for Genista. She rockets past us, stabbing her cannon into the Klaxosaur's chest

Mitsuru: "Go!" Genista fires her weapon, separating the mass from the core.

Genista: "Now!"

Heliconia: "Lizia, now!" Strelizia flies past us, impaling the core on her lance.

*Time skip, boarding house*

After our return, I saw an altercation between Mitsuru and Futoshi, which ended with the latter ending as a sobbing mess after punching Mitsuru. Speaking of... well, I'm eighteen years old guy, turning nineteen later this year and I punched a fourteen years old kid today. Despite him being an asshole, I shouldn't have done that... Right before I and Ryuko are supposed to meet with Zero, I wait in the lounge for him. And soon enough he enters. Upon spotting me, he begins to walk away.

(Y/N): "Mitsuru, please wait and sit down," I said as calmly as I could. Mitsuru to my surprise listens. Maybe out of fear or maybe because he finally understood something "I want to talk with you, sonny" Mitsuru looks at me.

Mitsuru: "About?" I sigh.

(Y/N): "About our little... argument earlier today..." I look into his eyes, "I want to apologize to you and make sure you don't see me as a threat. I would never kill anyone in this squad, you included" I extend my hand. The brown-haired boy looks shocked at first, but shakes it.

Mitsuru: "You're not the only one who needs to apologize. I assaulted you and your partner. For that I'm sorry" we break the handshake.

(Y/N): "Well, I'm glad I see some improvement in our relationship. Who knows, maybe one day we get to find a common topic to talk about" Mitsuru chuckles in his typical manner.

Mitsuru: "Maybe" he leaves just as Ryuko enters the room

Ryuko: "Oh my, great Crimson Reaper apologized to someone" I groan "Earth must've stopped" she giggles, "When did you mature so much?"

(Y/N): "I dunno, staying with ten kids to look after for months does it to you." I look at her, "You heard everything, don't you, honey?" Ryuko nods, "Let's just go find Zero. Why did you tell me to bring my guitar?" Ryuko smirks.

Ryuko: "You will see" We walk around the house, Finally spotting Zero Two in one of the corridors. She sees us and tries to walk in the other direction, "Zero Two, wait!" Zero stops.

Zero Two: "What do you two want?" she asks sharply

Ryuko: "Okay, we need to talk, right now, sister" We drag her to the lounge nearby.

Zero Two: "I don't have anything-" I cut her off

(Y/N): "Trying to give us a cold shoulder won't work this time. For months, you started behaving colder, worsening it every day. You avoid me and Ryuko, you act cold to Hiro. Zero" I sigh, "Remember when we met for the first time? I and Ryuko promised to be here for you. Hell! Dr. FranXX is the closest to being your father you ever had! And he's my uncle! We're cousins, Zero, a family" I grab her hand "Tell your family what's wrong" Zero then turns into a crying mess.

Zero Two: "I'm trying and trying, and he doesn't remember me!" she sniffles, "What if I was wrong? What if it's not him?" Ryuko hugs her, patting her back.

Ryuko: "Shh, Zero. It will be alright. It's Hiro, for sure"

(Y/N): "This memory wipe they used on him is strong as hell. I thought it will really take only one month, not four" I sigh "We can always use option B, Zero"

Zero Two: "No" she wipes the tears, "I got this. Ryuko, (Y/N), I'm sorry. But this situation is..."

Ryuko: "No more words, Zero" Ryuko nods to me "(Y/N), you remember the song that goes 'Keep your faith...' etc. "I nod

(Y/N): "Yup. Your cheer-up song" I smile and start strumming, while Ryuko sings.

Ryuko: "Because you seem feeling down, I've been trying to calm and fade it. But you don't wanna turn around. Teenage is so complicated. Come on, come on. Ain't no one who can take your place. Oh, baby. Please let me see you smiling" Ryuko smiles at Zero "It's such a pain in the neck we have homework by tomorrow. I know you're not a person who would be worn out with sorrow. To fly away from your past is not so easy but dizzy"

Ryuko takes a breather before the chorus

Ryuko: "Keep your faith! Raise your lively face! Just get rid of your, broken wings. You're strong enough by now! I'll be your spark when you're lost in the dark. And let me be your sun, be your match to light your heart up. Light your heart up. If you want to. Light your heart up"

Ryuko notices a small smile creeps its way on Zero's face. Smiling with satisfaction, she continued the song.

Ryuko: "Besides you lead a winding road. There're some troubles make you stumble. But you're gonna beat them all. Loner girl is hard to crumble. I know, I know, Ain't no one who can touch your heart. But baby. Please let me see you cryin'. You're sort of square. Why don't we ditch that class? It's time to chill out. I know you're not a person who would get excited and shout. The sky, above your thick cloud, is not so gritty but pretty" I join Ryuko this time.

Ryuko/(Y/N): "Keep your faith! Raise your lively face! Just get rid of your, broken wings. You're strong enough by now! I'll be your spark, when you're lost in the dark! And let me be your sun, be your match to light your heart up." I slow the tempo

"Keep your faith. Raise your lively face. Just get rid of your, broken wings. You're strong enough by now! I'll be your spark, when you're lost in the dark. And let me be your sun, be your match to light your heart up! Light your heart up. If you want to. Light your heart up"

Ryuko: "Sing it now, sing it loud. Sha la la la la la la. I'm your buddy all the way. You may thank me day by day" She points at Zero "Sing it now, sing it loud. Sha la la la la la la. I'm your buddy all the way. You may thank me day by day" I play the end notes, and we look at Zero. Our pink-haired friend seemed to understand the meaning of this song and starts smiling, just like when we told her we will be her friends, "I and (Y/N) played this song when either of us got depressed. Zero, remember, we're always there for you. If you want anything, a favor, an advice, a shoulder to cry on, you just go to me or (Y/N), and we will help you. Hell, heaven or high water" she smiles "Now, young lady, go wash, and don't worry too much about Hiro. He will remember, you need to be a little more patient, Zero" Zero nods.

Zero Two: "Thank you, friends. And thanks for the song, it cheered me up a little" we nod.

(Y/N): "At service, Zero" I yawn "Okay, time for bed. See you tomorrow, girls"

Zero Two: "Nighty (Y/N)"

(Y/N): "Goodnight Zero. Night, Blueberry"

Ryuko: "Good night, love" Ryuko and I exchange our goodnight kisses and we go on our way. I went to put Neko off and put my pajamas on, and later lie on the bed. I look at the ceiling, thinking about what Zero told us.

'I hope Hiro will remember her soon, her patience has its limits'

I turn on my side, soon falling asleep

A/N: When I asked on my board about Heliconia having a music player, some of you suggested using KlK OST as well. "Light your heart up" fitted the moment, and I used it. Meanwhile, we're halfway the point where we will finish with original DiTF story and start Rebellion arc, about 10-12 chapters of a fight and struggles for free Earth

Feel free to vote and comment

Punkie and Vera out and over!

Sneak peek:

(Y/N): "Hands off our leader, pretty boy"

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