*(Y/N) POV, Edge of Plantation's 13 Mistilteinn. Day after I and Ryuko become a part of Squad 13*

We followed everyone to the edge of the Bird Cage. It's only 22 hours to the start of the Kissing operation. As we look through the glass dome, we see Plantation 13 connecting with Plantation 26.

Computer: "Plantation 13 will now carry out the kissing with Plantation 26. I repeat: Plantation 13 will now carry out the kissing with Plantation 26."

'Jarvis, shut up' I chuckle

(Y/N): "Well, are you guys surprised?" I ask Squad 13

Ryuko: "There is a lot more to it, guys. You'll meet Squad 26. There will be a ceremony with both squads. All fanfare and everything" She smiles "Be sure your formal outfits are clean and ironed by caretakers"

Zorome: "Awesome!" he then looked all serious at the pipe linking two Plantations, "Say, what is 'kissing' anyway?"

'Oh my fucking God... We for sure won't explain it again' I roll my eyes.

Ryuko: "Really Zorome? We just told you guys yesterday" She looks at him, "Were you not paying attention? Again?" she groans

Zorome: "Why should I? Not like you two had anything important to say" Ryuko growls.

Miku: "I can't believe you! Maybe if you did listen to Ryuko and (Y/N), you would be able to do something more during the fight yesterday!"

Zorome: "Quit being a nag!" they start arguing, "Like you know what this kissing really is!"

Miku: "I-It's when two plantations are stuck together, right?" Kokoro smiles at her.

Kokoro: "That's not all"

Ikuno: "It's a transfer of magma fuel reserves from one plantation to another through that big pipe"

Mitsuru: "That fuel is essential for both the adults and us to live" they looked at me and my partner for confirmation

Ryuko: "That's right" She looked at the redhead "You need to pay attention too, Miku" she sighs "At least Kokoro, Ikuno, and Mitsuru show me some hope we can teach you guys anything..."

(Y/N): "Remember, it also attracts a lot of Klaxosaurs. We will have a lot of work to do" I look at the pipe.

Zorome: "Right! We can show Papa and the adults what we can do!"

Futoshi: "It will be hard..."

Hiro: "Don't worry" Everyone looks at him, "If we work together, we'll be fine. We even have Strelizia and Heliconia now"

Goro: "Hiro..."

Ichigo: "Yeah. Hiro's right"

(Y/N): "Guys, like Hiro said, Conia and Lizia are with you" I look at them "And it includes me, Ryuko, and Zero Two with them" I got a notification on my phone, a message from Nana "Guys, heads up. The ceremony will start in 3 hours. We're to wear our formal uniforms as well" I put my 'phone' down "So, the last one at the boarding house will clean baths for a month!" I shout and start running, Squad 13 hot on my back.

Mitsuru: "You two are so childish!" I smirk.

(Y/N): "Shut up and try to finally have fun!"

We got back, and the one who lost was Futoshi. Not a surprise to be honest.

*Time skip, ceremony*

We got some time to prepare. Giving Neko and Senketsu a day off, we wore the clothes APE gave us. Ryuko's uniform was similar to what Zero Two wears. Instead of red, her uniform was black.

A/N: "Leggings are intact and she wasn't holding her weapon. Ignore Senketsu's eyes. Art by nanni-jjang"

I was wearing a similar uniform, with a black cloak black jacket, black trousers, and leather white formal boots as well as gloves. It looks like uniform 081 was wearing when he was still alive, but in black

(Y/N): "I feel stupid wearing this" I look at Ryuko "You look like Zero Two, but if she was an emo" I snicker

Ryuko: "Shut up. It's a formal ceremony FFS" she hisses at me, "But I admit, I wish to get Senketsu back on. His hoodie form is so much more comfortable"

(Y/N): "And I need to iron Neko. I promised her... about 150 years ago, hehe" We turn to face the leaders of Plantation 13 and Plantation 26

Leader: "Boys and girls! The dreadful Klaxosaurs are sure to attack the magma reserves in great numbers..." I turned him off, not wanting to listen to another 'Only you can save the world' speech. Aikuro gave me and Ryuko enough of those.

'Amazing talent' I smirk

Ryuko: "Only you can save the world, blah blah blah" she makes a vomit sound, "We heard enough of it from Mikisugi. It makes my stomach turn"

(Y/N): "At least he's not stripping himself. That would be enough" Ryuko sighs.

Ryuko: "Yeah, I would lose it and go to actually punch him" We snicker.

Soon the leaders finished their speech. We then walk down the hall of flags, honoring us.

'Yeah, yeah, we're VIP, we're important... At least until we don't start questioning the authorities'.

Hiro then stopped and I turned to him

(Y/N): "Hiro, come on. We need to follow others back to the Bird Cage!"

Hiro: "Okay. Right behind you, (Y/N)!"

We all get back to the house, and after retrieving Neko from the laundry and giving her a relaxing massage with an iron I borrowed from 'supposed' invisible caretakers, I went to sleep

The dream I had, was the strangest one. All of Mako's speeches were playing at once. It. Was. Awful. Thank God, Goro went to wake up me and Hiro

Goro: "Hey, Hiro. (Y/N). Wake up"

I yawned and jumped down from my top bunk

(Y/N): "Good morning Goro" I looked at him "You slept well?" Goro nodded.

Goro: "Like a stone" we looked at Hiro's bed, seeing he was still asleep, "Hiro. It's morning. Rise and shine."

(Y/N): "Hey Hiro. Wake up. We have a mission later in the night" Goro went to touch his face, and instantly gets his hand back from him, "What is ha-" I touched Hiro's cheek. He was burning. I look at his forehead and see a lot of sweat. He woke up, and we went to the bathroom to wash.

Goro: "Are you okay? Your body was burning up like crazy" he was brushing his teeth. I meanwhile flush my face with water as Hiro finishes his morning routine.

Hiro: "I'm perfectly fine. If anything, I feel really light on my feet" I cut the water and dry my face before looking at him.

(Y/N): "Hiro, you were burning. And all this sweat. You may have a fever. I'll call Nana later"

Goro: "(Y/N) may have a point. We should let Nana know." he looks at Hiro "You're not lying, are you?"

Hiro: "Of course. I actually want to go train right now"

Goro: "Okay, then" and with that Hiro left, leaving me and Goro. We sigh.

(Y/N): "He's a bad liar. Something is up with him"

Goro: "I know... so, what now?"

(Y/N): "We've to observe him. If you notice anything weird about him, Goro, let me know. As long as I know, it could be just a stupid fever. And if yes, a portion of medication and he should be good"

'But... what if it's... The Curse...'

We finished washing. We stopped by our room to leave the towels and get to the lounge to meet with the rest of Squad 13

Kokoro: "Yesterday's ceremony was something else, huh? I was so excited, I had trouble getting to sleep last night"

Miku: "Plantation 26's squad leader seemed like a nice guy"

Kokoro: "Is he the kind of guy you'd like to ride with?"

Miku: "Better him than the boys we're stuck with" She looked at me "No offense (Y/N)" I smirk

(Y/N): "I know you want to ride with me, don't lie" Miku blushed

Miku: "I-I do not!" Ryuko smirks "Why're you smirking, Ryuko?! He's your partner!"

Ryuko: "I can share" she shrugs "If you really~ want to see how a real Stamen feels like, I can lend (Y/N) to you just for one ride~" I and Ryuko smirk. Miku's face was as red as a tomato.

Miku: "I... If I really could-" she was playing with her fingers, however, our laughter cut her off.

Ryuko: "Hahaha! You actually took the bait"

Miku: "You two... are uber and ultimate JERKS!" she shouts, embarrassed

(Y/N): "Sorry, Miku. We couldn't resist" Miku hums.

Miku: "I'm sure they're better than you, boys" she turns to Ikuno "Don't you agree"

Ikuno: "No. I don't really care" she didn't even get her eyes off her book.

Miku: "Wow, what a wet blanket"

Zorome: "It gives you a real lift when the adults have high hopes for you, huh?"

Futoshi: "Yeah. It shows they really need us"

'Need us so they can live their lives, sitting deep in the Plantation's cities while we risk our lives. Yeah, not gonna happen for too long' I smirk and look at Squad 13 'First, we will need to teach them what APE told them is not true. I saw what they read to kids in the Garden, what they teach them. Nothing about the old world, nothing about what they did to Earth' Zorome stood up... and does a rather censurable salute used by a certain Austrian painter... who killed millions of people.

Zorome: "'Boys and girls! You are strong! We believe that you will surely bring us victory!'"

(Y/N): "Zorome, first, never do this salute again. Second, thanks. I didn't listen to him"

We laugh.

Zorome: "And I'll be the one who leads us to that victory!" he boasts and I and Ryuko smile and shake our heads

Ryuko: "He's intolerable" I nod.

Ichigo: "You mean Hiro and Reapers will" They looked at us and Hiro. I put my hands up.

(Y/N): "Don't look at us. Hiro and Zero Two did everything last mission" I and Ryuko look at the raven-haired boy, he looks rather intimidated to be in the center of attention of everyone.

Kokoro: "Oh, yeah. You really shone in the previous battle"

Ryuko: "Kokoro is right. It was a nice show of piloting there. (Y/N) was right, you're a skilled pilot and with some practice, you may even surpass (Y/N)" she smiles at him

Futoshi: "But how are you feeling? All good?"

Hiro: "Well, yeah. Everything's fine" I looked at Goro and nodded to him.

'He's hiding something, I can feel it' I scan Hiro's body, in search of a certain bump 'Fever, sweat, all I need to confirm is the tumor' I finally found something on his chest, near his heart 'FUCKING SHIT! THIS IS BAD, REALLY BAD!!!... Same symptoms as 351 had before his third ride...'

Futoshi: "Awesome!"

'Awesome! He'll FUCKING die in about 24 hours!'

Miku: "Looks like the 'three times and you die' rumor was all nonsense, then"

(Y/N): "It's not" They all looked at me "All of her Stamens died on their third ride, only with me being the sole exception... He may be an exception too." I look at Hiro "Hiro, you may be extremely compatible with Zero, but don't let your guard down."

Ikuno: "I agree with (Y/N)"

Hiro: "I'll be careful (Y/N). Thanks. But it was not only me, if Heliconia didn't help me in the back and Delphinium and Chlorophytum hadn't held the Klaxosaur's mouth open I wouldn't have been able to kill it. I had a hard time keeping up with everything happening, but it all felt just right. If I can keep riding, I hope you'll let me fight with you as part of the team" Zorome scoffs.

Zorome: "Don't get cocky, man. All you did was get through the one-time" we look at him. Hiro meanwhile stands to him.

Ryuko: "The only one cocky here is you, Zorome" She smirks "Or did you forget how you'd 'Defeat Reapers' I chuckle

Zorome: "Shut up! I will beat both of you, just wait and see!"

(Y/N): "And I told you, I'll be waiting" Hiro stands up and gets to him

Hiro: "Zorome" he gets the blonde attention

Zorome: "Huh?"

Hiro: "I will try my best to not be a burden" he gets his hand for a handshake "Let's keep fighting together" Zorome gets surprised at Hiro trying to bury the hatchet

Zorome: "O-Okay... Jeez, fine. Keep it up, all right?" he took Hiro's hand and shake it.

Miku: "Big words, little man. And how are you supposed to fight Heliconia without me?"

Zorome: "Oh, shut up! I just, uh... You know, as the team's ace pilot, I'm trying to..."

Miku: "Okay, okay" we all smile and laugh. Mitsuru leaves the room.

Then the bell chimes 7. Breakfast time.

'Getting used to waking up early was easy. Despite not being morning people, Ryuko and I would wake up right at 6:00'

We all stood up and exited. I and Ryuko are staying at the back of the group. I observe Hiro

Ryuko: "You're staring holes into his chest. What's wrong? You bi?" I shake my head.

(Y/N): "No. I had a suspicion... Neko, Senketsu, you guys sense something from Hiro, right? That one specific frequency?" I look down at Neko

Senketsu: "I didn't pay attention for now, but now that you said it (Y/N)" He looks at Neko "You sense it too, sister?"

Neko: "I do... but the last time I did it was when... Oh, no..."

Ryuko: "Can any of you tell me what's wrong?!"

(Y/N): "Ryuko" I looked her in the eyes "Hiro has her mark" Ryuko gets upset

Ryuko: "No... it can't be... But she said he's her Darling. It doesn't make any sense!"

(Y/N): "Ryu Ryu... he had a fever this morning, he was drenched in sweat, and now this... Everything points to the Curse..."

We observe as Hiro and Ichigo walk down the stairs, as she helps him with his collar and scolds him for being a clutz. We sigh later

(Y/N): "I will talk with Hiro later... After that we will need to find Zero" we nodded and entered the mess hall after Ichigo and Hiro

Zero Two: "Morning! Darling!"

Hiro: "M-Morning" Zero noticed me and Ryuko

Zero Two: "Oh, Ryuko, (Y/N). Good morning to you too, friends! Darling, this way" she dragged Hiro to the boys' table. Taking Futoshi's seat.

(Y/N): "Yeah, morning to you too, Zero..." I and Ryuko got to our usual table.

Zorome: "Ahh! You're a girl! Why're you coming to sit here?"

Futoshi: "And that's my seat..."

Zorome: "Y-Yeah! Get back to your table!"

While all that takes place, we put some food on our tables

(Y/N): To be fair, can't they just sit down?"

Ryuko: "Yeah! Keep it down there! We're hungry!"

Zorome: "Shut up! It involves us boys only!" Ryuko throws an orange into his head, "Ow! That stupid fruit hurts!" I sigh.

Ryuko: "Right on spot" she smiles to herself

(Y/N): "Ichigo... I beg you, stop those idiots..." Ichigo sighs.

Ichigo: "Pipe down!" They all look at her, "Take your seats already. It's time to pray"

Futoshi: "But... my seat..."

Kokoro: "Want to sit over here, then?" she offers him a seat next to her

Futoshi: "Can I really?" he said happily and sat down next to Kokoro

Kids start their prayer to Papa. Zero was more interested in putting as much honey on her meal as she can and I and Ryuko pray to our parents, as we get our hands ready.

'We know you're there, somewhere' I smile

(Y/N): Mom, uncle Soichiro..."

Ryuko: "Dad, aunt Hayami..."

(Y/N): "We are thankful for your guidance so far..."

Ryuko: "And we hope you will continue to do this" we look up at the ceiling

(Y/N)/Ryuko: "Amen"

Ichigo: "Let's eat"

Everyone: "Let's eat"

We started to eat. Caretakers always make sure we get enough to last at least until lunch, six hours later. Zero then offered Hiro a piece of bread, with some honey on top.

Zero Two: "Here, Darling. Say 'Ahh'" Hiro nodded and Zero gladly fed him.

Ryuko looks at them and smile, an idea pops into her brain

Ryuko: "Heh, that gave me an idea... (Y/N), you want some of my eggs?" I looked at her.

(Y/N): "Heh, we're starting their training then?" I whisper and Ryuko nods, "Sure thing, honey" I smirk. Ryuko meanwhile gets the fried egg from her plate on her fork and offers it to me. I took a bite, "Thank you, sweetie. Although it could use some more pepper if you ask me"

I looked at the boys' table. Some of them are shocked, some are jealous of me and Hiro.

Zorome: "Lucky them. I wanna try something like that, too"

Goro: "Why not ask your partner, then?"

Zorome: "What? I'd rather ask a cute girl, like Kokoro, or a pretty girl like Ryuko" He looked over to us to see Kokoro feeding Futoshi. He screams at the sight. Kokoro giggled while Futoshi showed him a peace sign.

Kokoro: "We see, we do"

Miku: "What's with you?" she addresses team Genista before she glares daggers at her partner who scowls in fear and hides behind Goro. "So easily influenced." She looked at me "(Y/N), let me try too!"

(Y/N): "No way. Ask Zorome to let you" I declined.

Miku: "Ohh, but you're the only boy I can stand in this squad!" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "One, no. Two, Ryuko will murder you. See?"

Ryuko: "I'm fine with letting you two pilot together" She bends her fork, "But only I can feed him. Back off Miku" I look at her as she breathes in and out, "And you don't want me to run after you with my weapon in hand, right?" She smiles sweetly at the redhead girl.

'How fast she changes from the angry and killing persona to this sweet one... It scares even me. And I'm supposed to be her husband in the future'.

After breakfast, we went on our way around. Hiro was showing Zero Two around the house. She's been moved up here to live with us. I and Ryuko bumped into them occasionally. Smiling, seeing how they hold each other hand

Ryuko: "Ahh... The young love, not defined by anything" she sighs, and we continued our stroll around. Waiting to see Squad 26 again.

*Meanwhile, 3rd POV Plantation's briefing room*

Ichigo was called to go to Nana. She wants to inform our leader about recent news.

Nana: "Zero Two is going to remain here for a while. Papa gave her permission"

Ichigo: "Does that mean Hiro's an official parasite now? And what about Ryuko and (Y/N)?"

Nana: "That's still under consideration, but I'm assuming it'll happen. As for Reapers" Nana smiles at the girl, "Doctor and HQ approved their stay and moved them permanently to Plantation 13. Ryuko and (Y/N) are officially a part of Squad 13 with you and the rest of the children, Ichigo" Ichigo's face lightens.

Ichigo: "That's excellent to hear, Nana! Thank you for informing me" Ichigo goes for an exit.

Nana: "Ichigo" the girls stopped in the doorway, getting the attention of Goro who was waiting for her "Make Zero Two feel at home" The doors close and the duo boarded the elevator

Goro: "I heard everything. Ryuko and (Y/N) are a part of our squad now" he chuckles "Now he won't have any excuse to help us with cleaning" he looks at his partner "And I guess Zero Two stays too" Ichigo looks at the wall.

Ichigo: "The only difference is that they are with us for good, while she can get moved to another place any time soon"

Goro: "I need to tell you something, Ichigo... Hiro was acting weird this morning. (Y/N) noticed it too"

Ichigo: "Well, it's been a long time since I saw him smile so much" Goro turns to her

Goro: "Yeah. But what if he was forcing himself to be all this cheery?"

Ichigo: "Did he say that?"

Goro: "Nah. You know he wouldn't tell us straight up. You need to speak with... "

Ichigo: "Goro" The elevator bell rings, as they finally arrived in the Bird Cage "Worrying about Hiro is fine, but we've also got ourselves to worry about" she walks out

Goro: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ichigo: "The upcoming battle will be fiercer than any we've experienced" She turned to her partner, "You're my partner. If you're not focused, I can't do my best either"

*Small time skip, hangar of the Plantation. (Y/N) POV*

I and Ryuko decided to wait up for Squad 26, while also checking on our FranXX. We made sure Heliconia will be up to the task during the Kissing operation. Even a small leak or blown fuse could mean we won't have combat efficiency to kill the possible Gutenberg class.

We exit Heliconia, and everything is alright. I checked if my app shows Strelizia stats, just in case I and Ryuko will need to interfere, we will be monitoring Hiro's vitals. To our right, we see Strelizia, who was covered under the garage doors. To our left, in front of Delphinium, stands Goro. Ryuko closes up Heliconia's cockpit, and we walk to him.

(Y/N): "Thinking about Hiro?" Goro nods, "He will make it. He didn't stop to achieve what he has now, and he won't stop later" I put a hand on his shoulder "He's strong, Goro" Goro sighed.

Goro: "Thanks, (Y/N). You're a good friend" I nod and smile.

(Y/N): "Thanks, you too pal" I and Ryuko wanted to walk down

Goro: "Congratulations by the way" we turn to look at him, "Ichigo was with Nana earlier. You two are staying with us, right?" I and Ryuko smile.

Ryuko: "Yeah. We're teammates now, Goro" She got her fist up "And we will fight together with every one of you" Goro fist bums her fist.

(Y/N): "Has anybody besides us and Ichigo, you know... knows?"

Goro: "Nope. Only I and her. She wants to make the announcements after the mission and when Hiro hopefully becomes a real Parasite"

???: "Hey Guys!" We look down, to see our Squad with Squad 26. We walk down, and we start walking down the line of FranXX

090: "Your FranXX all have unique designs." this confuses Squad 13

Goro: "What do you mean?"

Ikuno: "We thought that was standard"

090: "Of course not. Our FranXX have similar bodies and equipment all around" He looked over at Heliconia "Seems like Reapers are here. I forgot to thank them..."

(Y/N): "That would be us" I get his attention "It's good to see you guys, again" 090 doesn't get it

090: "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced. Who are you two?" I and Ryuko chuckle.

Ryuko: "The FranXX you were looking at a moment before, Heliconia, is ours"

090: "Don't tell me" he gets shocked, "004? 006? Reapers?" I and Ryuko nod and smile.

(Y/N): "Nobody besides Squad 13 saw our faces" I get in front of him, "It's really good to see you and your squad, 090. I hope you are up to the task"

090: "I want to thank you, 004. You too 006" He bowed "Thanks for your help, my Squad and I were not wiped out" The rest of his team bowed too.

(Y/N): "Oh, man. Don't bow. We're working together again, we stood equal" I smile "And it's (Y/N), you can either use this or Code 004" I offered him a handshake and he took it.

Ryuko: "I'm Ryuko, Code 006. Either will be fine" she smiles.

090: "Well, I was glad when I saw Heliconia" He sighs, "We were afraid we were sent to a fresh squad without experience. But having you here changed things" I huff.

Ryuko: "Don't sell them short, 090"

(Y/N): "They are new, but they're under our wings. We will teach them everything we know" I smirk.

Ryuko: "And they have good basics for it. This pipsqueak" She pointed at Zorome "Nearly got us during Mock Battle"

Zorome: "Hey!" My communicator went off. I saw it was Nana calling me.

(Y/N): "Excuse me, 090. But it's urgent" I pick it up, "What's up Nana?"

Nana: "(Y/N), I have a concern about Hiro. Could you check on him?"

(Y/N): "Sure thing. He should be still in the house. I will call if something happened" I ended the call "Goro, you're coming with me" The tall blonde nodded.

Ryuko: "I'm going too. I can help if anything!"

We boarded the elevator and rushed to the house. It was empty, as everyone is still down in the city. I and Goro rush to the boys' wing, while Ryuko runs for her suitcase to grab our med bags. Goro opens up the room, and we see Hiro lying on the floor. With our eyes shot open, we get to his side.

(Y/N)/Goro: "Hiro!"

Goro: "Hey! Hiro! What's wrong?" Goro helps him sit.

Hiro: "Nothing..." he asked weakly, angering us

Goro: "Nothing, my ass!"

(Y/N): "Hiro, for fuck's sake, what's wrong?!" Goro unzips Hiro's jacked, revealing something I really wished I'll never have to see again... a large, blue tumor. Just then, Ryuko enters the room, spotting the tumor she gasps and drops all the med kits "Ryuko, quick, throw me one!" she did, I catch it, open it up, and put some gloves on my hands "Hiro, it'll probably be painful, but I need to check that up. Tell me when you'll feel pain"

Goro: "(Y/N), what's happening to him?!"

(Y/N): "Goro, he needs water" I continue to check on him "Bring him some" Goro filled one glass and gave it to Hiro, who gulps it in a second "Ryuko, painkillers" She passes me some and I gave it to Hiro "It should ease up the pain, but it won't cure this thing" I point at the tumor

Goro: "Hiro, how long has that been there? Since you rode with Zero Two?" he looked at me and Ryuko "Guys, you traveled with her, have you seen it before?" We nodded sadly, "Tch..." Goro goes to call Nana, but Hiro quickly took the communicator out of Goro's hand, "Hey!" I pour Hiro another glass of water, while Goro holds his head.

(Y/N): "You need to drink more water, Hiro. It will help with fever" Ryuko checks Hiro's temperature, "How's it?" I ask.

Ryuko: "102 F(38.7 C). A high one".

Goro: "Hiro, Don't pilot Strelizia again"

Hiro: "That's for me to decide"

Goro: "You know the next time could kill you, don't you?!" we stayed silent, I and Ryuko clean up and pack our med kit back

(Y/N): "This is a sign... Goro, rumors about Zero Two are true. Her last stamen with that thing had a slow and painful death..."

Goro: "So can we do something about it...?"

Ryuko: "No... 351 had this after his second ride too, and he didn't live to his third... Later we found out he had some heart disease, but it's still risky for you Hiro. Drop out of our next mission"

Hiro: "Goro... (Y/N)... Ryuko... I feel really alive right now. I haven't felt this way in a long time. I won't drop out. I want to give it my all in the upcoming mission. I don't want things to end in failure. So..."

Ryuko: "You want us to not tell Nana anything about it?"

Hiro: "Yeah"

(Y/N): "And you don't want anyone to know besides us? Not even Ichigo?"

Hiro: "Yeah"

Goro: "Look, you-" He gets cut off, as Hiro stands there like nothing ever happened. He turned around and walked away.

Hiro: "Sorry"

Goro: "You are... You are... a complete and utter fool!" he turned to me and Ryuko "Guys, you won't say something?"

Ryuko: "As much as we want, we can't. As a part of special forces, we were trained to be medics too"

(Y/N): "And the medical code mentions keeping a secret of the patient's diagnosis if he wishes to. We tried to tell him, but he chose not to listen to us. Sorry"

Ryuko: "If we would tell either Nana or Hachi, Hiro could report us, and then it's jail time. I hope he'll survive"

Then our communicators went off

(Y/N): We need to go too, guys. Hachi is waiting" We left the room, and get out of the house, heading to the elevator.

We get to the elevator and soon entered the briefing room, where our squad and Squad 26 are sitting. Ryuko took a seat next to Ichigo, while I and Goro sit on the lower step in front of them.

Hachi: "We detected Klaxosaurs an hour ago, at a distance of approximately 3000. Their numbers are anywhere from 100 to 150" I sigh, meanwhile guys get a shock.

Futoshi: "O-one hundred and fifty?!

'Walk around the park'

Hachi: "That number is expected to go even higher."

(Y/N): "Oh, there it is, the fuckening. What's next? Super-Lehman class will appear?" I whisper under my nose.

Ryuko: "Better not now. They still need to learn a lot"

Hachi: "Their estimated time of arrival is around 33 hours from now. No matter how we rush, we can't complete the kissing process before they get here. So we're going to place a line of defense here, with Squad 26 at the vanguard. Squad 13 will stand by in the rear as backup" a line and two dots labeled 'Squad 26' in front and 'Squad 13' in the back appear on the monitor. Zorome gets kinda upset.

Zorome: "What? Backup?"

090: "This will be a chaotic dogfight. Our squad can link up better if we go at it by ourselves"

Zorome: "Wha..."

Miku: "Did he just call us dead weight?" Hachi then cleared his throat to get everyone's attention back.

Hachi: "Defending the main pipe linking the two plantations together takes top priority. So I decided to deploy two FranXX that're capable of solo combat here" Ryuko puts her hands on her neck and leans back.

Ryuko: "Awesome. We will stay back and watch the pipe while kids do their job" She exhales "That's a life" I get my hand up.

Hachi: "Yes, Code 004?"

(Y/N): "If things got heated down there, Heliconia will be able to join the fight, right?" Hachi nodded, "Just wanted to be sure"

090: "So Heliconia will be guarding a pipe? Do we have a second FranXX capable of solo combat?" Hachi turned to him.

Hachi: "Strelizia will be placed with Heliconia" at the mention of the white and red FranXX's name, part of Squad 26 stood up, the rest seemed shocked and scared. We looked at them.

090: "Strelizia? What are you..." Hiro, Nana, and Zero Two enter the room.

Nana: "Sorry we are late" She moved aside allowing Squad 26 to see Zero

090: "Code 002!"

Hachi: "Did we receive Papa's permission?"

Nana: "Yes, we are a go. Hiro will pilot Strelizia as Zero Two's partner" the trio walks towards Hachi.

Hachi: "This is the best course of action right now" I looked over at Goro. He is still worried about him.

'He'll do it, believe in the boy a little, Goro'

Hiro: "Got it"

090: "Wait a second" he walked to them, "We can't fight alongside Strelizia" we all look at him. Hachi then turns to him too.

Hachi: "The plan is final"

090: "But... That girl doesn't care about her allies!" he points at Zero Two, "We can't trust her to have our backs! Code 002, you know what I mean" I decided to take matters into my hands and stood up too.

(Y/N): "090, calm down. We will be with her, she won't do anything like that..."

090: "004, you don't know... The joint operation two years ago! Her reckless fighting style got us isolated on the battlefield, and I lost my partner!" Ryuko stood up.

Ryuko: "090, that's enough!"

Zero Two: "Huh... I don't recall something like that... Weaklings die. Big deal" shocked 090 wants to get to Zero, but I grab his shoulder, stopping him.

(Y/N): "One more step, 090, and you may as well not take a part in this operation... You may not like Strelizia and Zero Two, but you will accept the fact that she is a part of this mission. You understand?" I waited for a nod, "I asked you. Do you understand?!"

090: "Yes, sir..." I nod and get to the door. Hiro gets between him and Zero Two.

Hiro: "As Strelizia's Stamen, I will keep Zero Two from going out of control. I promise"

(Y/N): "You better watch your steps, 090. We saved your squad once..." Ryuko walked to me and Zero.

Ryuko: "But let one strand of pink hair fall off her head by something done by your Squad. You'll see why we're called 'Reapers'. We're leaving!" We left the room and we turn to Zero.

Ryuko: "You actually didn't do it, right, Zero?"

Zero Two: "I don't know... But I was right"

(Y/N): "Well, guess what, Missy, I woke up today, seeing Hiro with something extra. Your mark" Zero's eyes widen "Remember what I told you, to appreciate the stuff you have? Well, now you will see why I warned you"

Ryuko: "Zero... easy up in Strelizia tomorrow. Do that, or your Darling will die" Zero looked at us.

Zero Two: "He'll die... But what if he's not my Darling? What if I was wrong?"

(Y/N): "You remember what he looked like, Zero?"

Zero Two: "He had... black hair, and blue eyes... like Darling now" she rubs her eyes and then looks at us "It's him, I'm certain. He had his scent, his looks... but what if he won't remember anything?" we sigh.

(Y/N): "I told you, Zero. It takes time. We're in Plantation 13 for a week. Give it a month or two, and he will remember"

Zero Two: "You promise?" She holds her pinky, something I and Ryuko taught her. I intervene with hers.

(Y/N): "I promise. Even more, you two will marry like in your picture book" I smile "HE promised it to you, Zero" We smile at her.

Zero Two: "Ryuko, (Y/N), I'm glad I can have friends like you two" she hugged us "Thank you"

Ryuko: "We're glad too, Zero" we walk towards the house, "Let's catch some sleep. You got your room Zero?"

Zero Two: "Yup! Yup! That girl with blue hair is kinda bossy" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "Ichigo sure is. She's the leader" I smile, and we went back to our rooms, joined by the rest of Squad 13 pretty soon. I and Goro try to sleep, but Hiro's winces keep us awake, "Goro, let's go. We will sleep in the lounge" we left the room and I closed the doors.

Goro: "Are you sure we could get a proper sleep there?"

(Y/N): "Well, no proper. But at least some sleep" we walk through the corridor.

Goro: "(Y/N)... I think Squad 26 is right. They should not deploy Strelizia" I look at him.

(Y/N): "Huh?"

Goro: "It's too risky for Hiro. They should keep only you and Ryuko on the waypoint. You two should do fine" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "We would only postpone the unavoidable Goro. Once that thing" I point on my chest "Shows up, it's either to survive the third ride or die waiting for it. It's a test to see if you're worthy of piloting with Zero Two"

Goro: "But, you piloted Strelizia too. You had that blue thing too?" I nod and put my shirt up, showing a scar on my chest.

(Y/N): "It just fell off after the third ride" We looked out of the windows, spotting Ichigo dragging Zero into the forest, "Just what are these two doing in the middle of the night?"

Goro: "Huh? Ichigo?" he looks at me, "We should go after them. Make sure they're safe" I nod and we follow the two girls.

(Y/N): "Goddammit Ichigo... why couldn't you just ask Ryu-" I cut myself off, remembering she's a heavy sleeper "Right, that girl can sleep through an airstrike" We follow the girls to the flower house and hide in some bushes

Ichigo: "I'm not going to say anything about your past with Squad 26. But I want you to stay in line during the mission. I'm the leader, and you will follow my orders" Zero Two yawned.

Zero Two: "Ordering me around again? You really are bossy" She wants to get back to sleep, but Ichigo grabs her arm and stops her.

Ichigo: "W-Wait! I'm not done..." Zero looks down on Ichigo.

Zero Two: "What?"

Ichigo: "Please don't push Hiro too hard"Zero pulls herself free from Ichigo's grip

Zero Two: "Darling was the one who said he wanted to ride with me. My friends already asked me to go easy. Don't need to repeat it"

Ichigo: "I know that Hiro wants to ride with you. But try not to put a heavy burden on him, at least"

Zero Two: "Do you want me to give him to you? You tried riding with him already, and it didn't work" she replied coldly.

Ichigo: "It did work! Leave me out of this!"

Zero Two: "Then stay out of it"

Ichigo: "Are you trying to suck Hiro dry?"

Zero Two: "My Darling belongs to me"

Ichigo: "He could die, you know!"

Zero Two: "Sure he could. But that would just mean he didn't amount to much" Ichigo was beyond furious. She walked to Zero Two and slapped her with full force, forcing Zero's limiter to fall off.

'Oh, shit... full power hybrid... full power very angry hybrid...' glance at Goro

(Y/N): "Goro, whatever happens, you stay here. Don't you dare make yourself visible to Zero Two" Goro nodded.

Goro: "I hope you know what're doing (Y/N)"

(Y/N): "I do. Stay hidden by all costs" I look back at the girls.

Ichigo: "You are heartless! You really aren't human!" I looked at Zero... her horns were glowing, and her eyes turn red...

'Fuck, fuck fucking fuck, be swift as the wind, (L/N), you need to act fast'

Zero Two: "Human? Human, huh? Let me ask you something, then. What is 'human' to you people?" The wind starts to pick up as Ichigo backs away from Zero Two slowly. I meanwhile sprint and get between two girls, facing Zero Two.

(Y/N): "Ichigo, run! I got her!" I looked back at her.

Ichigo: "(Y/N)...?"

(Y/N): "Just run, god dammit! Zero Two, calm down, you are not like this. Breathe, we can still talk it out" Zero pounces on me, but a quick spin to the right makes her miss me. I get my hand up, shooting some of my Life Fibers to tie her down. She crashes onto the floor, hisses, and tries to break free.

'I want to break free!'

Ichigo: "(Y/N)... What was that...?"

(Y/N): "I will tell you later, leader. Goro, take her back to the house" Goro get out from our hiding spot and gets near Ichigo

Goro: "Let's go back, Ichigo" They walk away, and I look at Zero Two

(Y/N): "You calm now, Zero?" She closed and opened her eyes, and they are back to their turquoise color.

Zero Two: "Yes. Now if you could untie me" I flick my hand up, absorbing the Life Fibers back into my body. I noticed her limiter lying on the ground, pick it up, and put it back on her head around her horns, "Thank you"

(Y/N): "Now, all better. Not like when you want to pounce on me like some animal" I chuckle, "What was that about anyway?" I ask Zero.

Zero Two: "She wanted to talk with me about Darling. Something you and Ryuko told me before. I thought it was a waste of my time and wanted to get back to sleep"

(Y/N): "And it was the reason you wanted to kill her?" I shake my head.

Zero Two: "She saw it coming" I look at her

(Y/N): "Zero Two!"

Zero Two: "She called me a monster!"

(Y/N): "Wait, really?!" I sigh, "Zero, and you want to prove she's right? Please, you are not a monster. You're my friend, my and Ryuko's friend" Then, it started raining.

Zero Two: "(Y/N), you can go. I need to take some time to fully calm down"

(Y/N): "I will stay a little longer... You're certain Hiro is your Darling" Zero nods "Then don't fuck this up. If he dies, he dies. You won't have another Darling. That's why I warned you yesterday. Life is precious, and should not be played as you do with it. Goodnight, Zero Two" I turn around, "Don't make the same mistake I nearly did..." Zero looks at me with wide eyes as I go, I think she must've finally realized something.

'I was so fucking stupid to stay with Ragyo as a distraction... what would Ryuko do if I died there...' I soon get back to the house, drenched in water.

Neko: "I hate being wet, and cold and wrinkly!"

(Y/N): "Good thing you won't be like that for long" I get a fire on my hand and slowly dry Neko off, not noticing Goro and Ichigo around the corner

Ichigo: "I don't know what to do. I'm supposed to be the leader, and he and I go way back, but I couldn't help Hiro pilot. I couldn't stop him. But she's there for him now, and that's what Hiro wants. But I... Something's wrong with me!"

Goro: "Ichigo?"

Ichigo: "I... I hate this! I can't stand it. My mind's a mess. What's going on?"

(Y/N): "Huh? Guys, you're there?" I get to them and look at the crying Ichigo "What happened to her?"

Goro: "She's so stressed about Hiro. You probably heard it too (Y/N)"

(Y/N): "If this helps you sleep, Ichigo, I made sure Zero Two understands something. Now to you" I look down at her "Going with her alone was a serious mistake. Man, I'm worried about Hiro too, but she could've easily injured you. You should've at least woken up Ryuko to go with you"

Goro: "(Y/N), give her a rest. She has enough" I put my hand up.

(Y/N): "I know you want to stand up for her Goro, as partners should. But you also know it was stupid to do so" I look at the blue-haired girl "And your mind is a mess because of one crazy little thing... called love"

'Heh, I wish I had a guitar right now. It would be sick to show them some old music'.

Ichigo: "L-Love?" I nod.

(Y/N): "Love. It is something you feel toward another person you care about and want to stay with him or her forever. It makes your heart race and your head is a mess"

Goro: "But how do you know that (Y/N)?" I smirk.

(Y/N): "Well... I love someone. And that someone loves me" I smile, "Care to guess who's the mysterious girl?"

Goro: "You mean... Ryuko is your love?" I nod.

(Y/N): "You guys asked a little while ago why I and Ryuko are so close. It's because we love each other. Ichigo even caught us lying together in a forest. And you, Strawberry, are in love with Hiro"

Ichigo: "Again with this..." she huffs, "Ryuko already told me my name means Strawberry"

Goro: "Hey, it is" he chuckles "Well, I guess I got you a new nickname, Ichigo"

Ichigo: "Hey! I don't want to be called like a fruit" she pouted, "(Y/N), how did you get those ropes from your hands?"

Goro: "Yeah, you said you will tell us"

(Y/N): "Alright, alright, there is no need to rush me" I get my hand up and get one Life Fiber out "Ryuko and I are not humans"

Ichigo: "Not... humans? How? Why didn't you tell us?"

(Y/N): "I just did" I smirk, "It's a long story, better talked about when in daylight. But I can show you something" I get my hand on fire and create a small ball of fire "See?" the two Parasites are speechless.

Goro: "I can't believe this..."

Ichigo: "You mean, you two are not humans like her?" I shake my head.

(Y/N): "While both I and Ryuko and Zero Two are hybrids, we're different types of them. Zero is partially Klaxosaur. While I and Ryuko have an alien parasite inside our bodies. It's called Life Fibers. If you search your library, you should find something about it. I'm sure at least one should mention it" I yawn "Well... time for bed. Before I go, you want me to dry you up, Ichigo? The last we want is for you to get a cold, leader" I smile.

Ichigo: "It won't burn, right?"

(Y/N): "No, no, no. I don't want to hurt you" Ichigo nodded, and I hoovered my hands around her, making sure her clothes and hair are dry "See, not a single burn mark" I smiled and opened the door "Don't stay too long, we have a mission in the early morning hours" team Delphinium nodded, and I enter inside the house, hearing a small complement from the duo outside.

Ichigo: "If only she was so nice like those two..."

Goro: "Sometimes, I think meeting him and Ryuko was a blessing..."

I smile upon hearing this. Later I got to the lounge and lie down, trying to get some sleep this night.

'The seed is planted, uncle Werner. Now,' I smile looking outside the window, 'We wait for the crops'

A/N: We're back with one episode of Anime-one chapter plan of writing. Next up is the operation itself. What will happen? Most of you already probably know, but you don't know what will happen during it.

Or what mysterious FranXX will appear on the battlefield

:D

(Y/N): "Ryuko, look up"

Ryuko: "Oh great, all we needed is this shrimp and his stupid squad..."

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