E/N: Edited ~Vera

*(Y/N) POV*

After the caretaker and the commander announced the pairs for mock battle tomorrow, Ryuko and I decided for a little stroll around the Bird Cage. We've seen the forests of other Plantations', yet, the view is still breathtaking. The isolated places where nature hasn't given up. Our planet is truly unique, and I hope *I looked out of the glass dome's wall nearby, seeing nothing but desert* It will be back to how it used to be.

(Y/N): "Maybe there are still some green places on Earth" I looked at the raven-haired girl, holding her left hand, giving it a gentle squeeze

Ryuko: "Like the one forest around Matoi's Mansion? (Y/N), one time we were near old Tokyo, and I saw it in the distance" she looked at me "I wanted nothing more than just to take Heliconia there, rebuild our house and be happy" She then looked down "Guess our lives are a constant heroic battle. First, my mother, later Rei, and now this..." I took my free hand out and reached for her, "Am I asking for too much? *sob*"

(Y/N): "Ryu... Ryuko Matoi... look at me" I get my hand under her chin and look her in the eyes, "I know. I know how you feel. I want nothing more than to just realize our plan. And this here, what are we doing here... is nothing more than an obstacle"

Ryuko: "(Y/N)..." she stared wide-eyed

(Y/N): "Ryuko... you are the bravest, strongest, most beautiful girl I have met... You're my Blueberry. We've had many other obstacles along our way. The school, the bully, our separation. The deaths of my mom and your dad. Don't get me started on everything that happened after we reunited" I chuckled, "I could write an entire book about it"

A/N: *wink*

*Ryuko's POV*

I... I was stunned... This smug, handsome bastard. I just looked into (Y/N)'s (E/C) eyes filled with determination and hope...

'Ahh...~ His damn eyes... they always get me in a better mood. Ryuko, you won a life lottery, girl.'

*(Y/N) POV*

(Y/N): "We agreed to help Uncle. We knew what it could mean, yet we agreed. You know why?" Ryuko shook her head "Because you and me" I point my finger at her heart and later at mine "have hearts of gold, Blueberry. Despite the things we did, we always had good intentions. And now there is someone else needing our help" I pointed at the house "Those kids need us"

Ryuko: "I..."

(Y/N): "This literal Apeshit will end. We will see our friends back. We will get married and we will fulfill our promise. We will help Squad 13 and any other Squad who decides to join us when the time comes. We will end this and get our planet back" I put my forehead onto hers "I can promise you that. And you know I'm always the one who keeps his word" I smirk, "So, you in?"

Ryuko instead of answering me slams her lips into mine. The force makes us fall, Ryuko on top of me as she holds my cheeks for her dearest. I melt and after a good 15-20 seconds we have enough. I and Ryuko start panting, and some hair gets down Ryuko's head, covering her face. We look into each other eyes.

(Y/N): "Heh *pant* I was just wanting to make you feel better about our situation. I wasn't expecting to put you in the mood for some romance"

Ryuko: "It's *pant* your fault. *pant*" she rolled to my side, and we snuggled together "If you weren't a sweet talker, I wouldn't feel like slamming my lips into yours" she giggled

(Y/N): "You're adorable, Blueberry" I smile, "Well, I don't feel like moving. You?"

I moved up to lean against a tree nearby while Ryuko closed her eyes and nestled into my chest

Ryuko: "A nap would be fine" I closed my eyes and leaned my head on hers, "See you later, (Y/N). I love you"

(Y/N): "I love you too, Ryuko. Forever and ever" Ryuko smiled, and we soon dozed off.

*Ichigo's POV, a few hours later*

I'm walking around the forest, looking for our guests. I called (Y/N) a few times, but he wasn't picking up.

Ichigo: "(Y/N)! Ryuko! Are you here?! Please answer!" I shout, hoping for them to shout back.

I walk even further, spotting something red and black. I walk towards it, finally pushing aside some last branches I made it to the clearing. There lay our guests... but why are they sleeping like this, in the middle of the forest? Ryuko was on top of (Y/N), tightly hugging his upper body, her head lying on his shoulder. Meanwhile, (Y/N) has his head on top of Ryuko's and his arms are tightly wrapped all around Ryuko's body.

'Why are they like that? Why... of all a sudden I feel a rush of temperature on my face? Why is it making me embarrassed?'

(Y/N): "If only someone would walk softer, huh?" I looked at the pair, and (Y/N) slowly opened his eyes "Ichigo... we told you guys we will be back when we will" I just stayed stunned, still looking at the duo.

Ichigo: "What in Papa's name are you two do-" I wanted to shout, but (Y/N) silenced me

(Y/N): "Shhh! Ichigo, Ryuko is still asleep. And manners say you shouldn't shout when someone is" he sighed "I guess you want to know what we were doing in the middle of the forest? I nodded, "And seeing as flustered you are, you must partially know"

*(Y/N) POV*

(Y/N): "The thing is called cuddling. You do it with someone special to you, like... like, well"

Ichigo: "Like... your partner?"

'Excellent example, I didn't have to search for another term for 'couple', 'love', and 'fiancé/boyfriend/girlfriend. They will know with time'.

(Y/N): "Yeah, like your partner"

Ichigo: "But why? Were we supposed to learn this as we go? Is it to improve the connection between partners?"

(Y/N): "One little miss 'I want to know anything' you are, Ichigo. It's mainly to improve the relationship status between partners. But first, to do that, you have to need a good relationship with each other like me and Ryuko"

Ichigo: "If I go to Goro and do this with him, what woul-" I cut her off

(Y/N): "Well... he would be flustered first"

Ichigo: "Why would he be?"

(Y/N): "Why were you when you saw us like we're now?" I point my hands down, presenting Ryuko still sleeping on me.

Ichigo: "I... I don't know, actually. It felt... like I shouldn't see you two like that... like I would walk on boys washing" she hides her face in her hands "Oh my stars..."

(Y/N): "Hey... Ichigo it's okay. We will teach you and the rest of Squad 13 about this stuff when we think the time is right. Right now" I put my communicator out, finding 14 missing calls from Ichigo, and 3 from Goro. "What's so urgent you come to find us?"

Ichigo: "Ahh. Yeah," she clears her throat, "Nana asked me to call you for dinner, but you weren't picking up. I then decided to ask Goro, Hiro, and Futoshi to help me find you two. Speaking of" She called the group "I found them, thanks for helping"

(Y/N): "Wow, guys. It's nice to see you worry about us" I smile "Let me wake up Ryuko and we can go"

Ichigo: "You two are our guests, so we don't want to disappoint you. Not to mention you and Zero Two saved us during our startup"

(Y/N): "Heh" I smile, "Thanks, Ichigo. You, Goro, Hiro, and nearly everyone here. We're thankful. If we get back to Plantation 36 with our friends, I would be more than happy to fight alongside you and your Squad, Ichigo" Ichigo softly smiles.

Ichigo: "And thanks for that pep talk earlier. I needed that"

(Y/N): "No problem" I shake Ryuko, and when she finally wakes up, we walk back to the boarding house

After supper, we went to the lounge to interact with nearly everyone, except for Zorome and Hiro. Hiro was training, while Zorome... well, he was trying to avoid me. Maybe being afraid of what's to come tomorrow, maybe angry and determined to defeat Reaper. Knowing what Miku has told us about him, he is prideful and sometimes too full of himself. This could be the case here.

Speaking about Miku, the redhead is similar to her partner. She wants to prove herself. She told us that our sparring match could 'be educational to her' and 'she's looking up to it' and 'if we beat you two, we will show everyone what are they made of'. I and Ryuko simply smirked, saying 'good luck with that, Miku'. Ryuko shoots one more line, 'Try not to break your nails while so, Miku. I like what you did there'.

Kokoro, who is Miku's best friend, likes to spend her free time in the flower house. She could talk about the flora of the Bird Cage for hours if she chooses to. Yeah, the girl is super timid, but I guess it's a trait that adds to her cuteness

Futoshi, well, the man likes his food. I think if not for the whole 'Magma Energy Crisis' he'd make a good chief'.

Ikuno, the most mysterious one of Squad 13. She likes reading, and judging her sharp eyes, she's also intelligent.

'Heh, a scientist, and an engineer in one team, what're the chances' I chuckle mentally

Ichigo, the leader, shows to be one of the most mature parasites in the squad. But... Ryuko told me about her collection of stuffed animals as well as her cat, well, everyone's cat. Mittens. She and Ryuko became somewhat buddies, like I, Goro, and Hiro

Goro, my roommate. Hiro, Goro, and I are stuck together in one room for God knows all. It's normal we get to know each other, and heck, we found some common interests. He and I spoke about who caught a bigger fish. With his being a three feet pike while I once caught a catfish.

And then is Mitsuru... He is just standing there, judging everyone. He didn't speak to either Ryuko or me, except when he told us about Zero Two. From what we know, he's very arrogant and cynical.

Then Ichigo said it was time to rest as tomorrow is a busy day

I and Goro walk to our room, and just as we were about to enter, I remembered something

(Y/N): "Goro, I'll be there in a while. I forgot about something"

Goro: "Sure, don't take too long" he entered the room. I meanwhile go downstairs, where Ryuko waits near the side of the steps, tapping her foot.

Ryuko: "Finally, I thought you forgot" we hide

(Y/N): "Heh, almost did" I kissed her forehead "Goodnight, my sweet Blueberry"

Ryuko: "Goodnight, my Reaper. Sweet dreams"

(Y/N): "To you too, Angel" Ryuko pecked my cheek and went to the girls' wing

'I hope sooner than later we can tell them. I'm getting tired of hiding to kiss her'.

I walked back up to the boys' wing, soon entering our room. Hiro was already there, finished with his training, and ready for the night. I entered in the middle of their conversation.

Hiro: "I'm sorry. I know Ichigo's your partner"

Goro: "Don't worry about it. It's fine"

(Y/N): "Hey pals. What you're talking about? The mock fights?"

Goro: "Yup. And good thing you're here (Y/N). Maybe you could get through his thick skull" We chuckle.

Hiro: "Hey! I told you Goro, I don't want you to feel bad about me piloting with her"

(Y/N): "If you don't want Ichigo, you could ride with Ryuko" I shrug, as the boys look at me weirdly, "What?"

Hiro: "You would do that?"

Goro: "Without any doubt?"

(Y/N): "Yup. She has the second-lowest code of all Pistils. And I say ALL, including other plantations. There is no way you couldn't connect with her" I chuckle, "There is only one problem. You see, we're not a part of Squad 13, and she would likely deny you, Hiro. Despite being buddies with us"

Hiro: "Deny me? You can do that?" I nod.

Goro: "What's that mean?"

(Y/N): "It's when one party won't want to connect at all. Even thinking about it subconsciously could stop the connection. Ryuko trusts me and me only to be her Stamen. And trust me, despite her being 5'3 (1.6 m), she can fight a guy who is 6'4"

Hiro: "Wow!"

Goro: "Remind me not to ever anger Ryuko"

(Y/N): "Well, I still like to put my arm on her head as a joke" I laughed, making guys laugh a little too "But all serious. Ichigo should do fine as your partner tomorrow, Hiro"

Hiro: "Why would you think that?"

(Y/N): "Well... she said you all grew up together"

Goro: "That's right. And Hiro here was the one who was naming all the children"

(Y/N): "Now, we have you and her, Hiro. You two know each other since childhood, like me and my partner. The difference between her and your code is small, and like in my and Ryuko's case is two. You should be able to connect unless you, or she starts denying it. So like I said earlier, don't worry too much"

Hiro: "Did you and Ryuko ever have problems with your connection to Heliconia" I smile

(Y/N): "Thankfully, no, we never had any problems. It came to us like second nature the first time we were tested in the Garden. I think our score was something about 106 or 108? I don't remember very well" Goro and Hiro look at me shocked.

Goro: "106? How old were you when you were tested?"

(Y/N): "I was 10, Ryuko was 9" This shocked them even more

'Obviously a lie, but our cover can't be blown'

Hiro: "Again, I'm impressed"

Goro: "That answers why you two have one-digit codes. Now I feel bad for Zorome" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "He wanted to fight with us, then he will have a taste of what a real fight means" I addressed Hiro "About that fight you had with him, Hiro. I'm sorry I didn't stop it earlier. We could avoid you two jumping each other throat. Don't let him get to you. You piloted Strelizia. I saw it, Ryuko saw it, and nearly everyone saw it. He's just jealous of you piloting with Zero"

Goro: "But can't she pilot alone?"

(Y/N): "She can. But I prefer she didn't. You see, that metal lion you saw when we and Zero were fighting Klaxosaur was called Stampede Mode. It's when a Pistil pilots without Stamen. It makes her move on her animal instincts and puts a heavy strain on her body. Which could end in death even. Trust me, you don't want to see your partner during it..."

Hiro: "You mean... Ryuko did...?" I nod.

(Y/N): "I would rather not talk about that day. I nearly lost her, but thankfully, the clamps in Pistil's platforms open easily under force" I got back on topic "When Hiro got with Zero inside Strelizia, she turned to her Iron Maiden mode, thus proving Hiro piloted"

Goro: "You heard that Hiro" he put an arm around Hiro's shoulders "If (Y/N) says it, then it's true"

Hiro: "Even so, I will pilot again and prove everyone they're wrong"

(Y/N): "Just don't get yourself killed in that, Hiro." I jump on my bunk bed, "Time for sleep, guys. Tomorrow we have some business to attend"

Hiro and Goro: "Goodnight (Y/N)" Goro turned off the lights, and we all went to sleep

*Time skip, next day*

The day was rather easy. No Klaxosaurs in the perimeter, Plantation 13 is moving smoothly through the desert, and we had some more occasions to learn new things about Squad 13, like Futoshi's hidden stack of food. The only weird thing was Zorome giving me glares. While I shrug them off, they started to be a little annoying. After supper, it was finally time for Heliconia vs Argentea.

I and Ryuko transform into our suits, and we wait by the catwalk in the hangar. Soon, our opponents showed up. Zorome stops in front of me and glares.

Zorome: "Just so you know... I'm not afraid of you. I will beat both of you and prove that wuss Hiro where is his place"

(Y/N): "Then have it your way, shrimp. I will say it once. You have no idea what you've done" Zorome walks past us, bumping my side. "Good luck, Miku" she nodded. Ryuko put a hand on her shoulder.

Ryuko: "Just so you know, you and he are similar" I chuckle

'Here she goes with her games. This woman is dangerous.'

Miku: "WE'RE NOT!" Miku storms away from us.

Ryuko: "DON'T HOLD ON US MIKU!!! GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU GOT!!!" as the answer, Miku turns around and shows us her tongue, "Those kids..."

(Y/N): "Come on, we have to go too" I and Ryuko walk to Heliconia, passing by Hiro near Delphinium "Good luck pal, I believe in you" I hold him for a bro handshake. Hiro took a moment before grabbing my hand, "Don't waste your chances. You worked too hard for that"

Hiro: "I won't. Good luck to you and Ryuko too" I nodded, and entered Heliconia, where Ryuko was just started putting the power on.

(Y/N): "Well... hello there. Anything unusual?"

Ryuko: "Hmm... no nothing for now, (Y/N). Except for" she got up, and walked to me swinging her hips "What do you say?" she trails my jawline with her finger "About a good luck kiss?"

(Y/N): "Okay, since when did you become a seductive demon or something?" I chuckle, "Don't tell me this time of the month is coming?"

Ryuko: "No, I just like to play with you, either way of play~"

(Y/N): "Okay, come here" I grab her waist and hold her "Now, what do we have here" I get my hand on her ass and gently squeeze "Bubble butt~" Ryuko got red on the cheeks "Heh, who is playing with who now? Keep trying, honey, maybe one day you will fluster me enough" I lean down and kiss her for 3 seconds, after which I let her free.

Ryuko: "Dammit, you won this round, mister"

(Y/N): "And I will win any other, hon" We then walked to the controls and get on our places.

Hachi: "We will start with Heliconia vs Argentea. Commence connection!"

(Y/N): "Right!" I pressed the triggers and soon, Heliconia activated without any problem. "Ryuko, everything feels like it should be?" The black FranXX then stretched her arms and moaned quietly.

Heliconia: "Yeah. Let's grab a training baton" I pulled my handles, making Heliconia slowly walk towards there. After grabbing one, we secure our scythe on the back of Conia and step outside toward the battlefield. It was an arena, 300×300m. It was enlightened by some reflectors. "So, uncle Werner said Argentea is fast and agile. With an arena this small, she won't have space to use it"

(Y/N): "Seems right. How much time you're giving them?" Heliconia put a finger on her virtual lips, thinking.

Heliconia: "2 to 3 minutes. 1 and a half if they will argue"

(Y/N): "Sure, let's see if we can end up under 1:30" I smirk and pull the controls, making Heliconia stop. She looks around, spotting Nana, Hachi, and the rest of Squad 13 on a platform below. Then I commanded her to walk into the arena, where Argentea was already waiting. Genista is also around, just waiting for her turn.

Zorome: "Reapers are here, we can start!" he announces

Hachi: "Wait for Delphinium"

We didn't wait long, after a minute, Delphinium leaves the hangar and walks to stand next to Genista. She is smiling as if it's Ichigo's best day of her life. I activate our private chat.

(Y/N): "Heh, she definitely has a crush on Hiro" I chuckle

Heliconia: "As sure as Sakura's trees blossoming in April" we turn the chat off "We're ready, commander"

(Y/N): "I'm happy for Hiro TBH. He's finally piloting"

Heliconia: "It's a big step for him"

Hachi: "Rules for mock battle are simple, first FranXX to desync will be declared the loser. Stepping outside the bound will also mean a loss. Heliconia and Argentea will go first"

Argentea/Heliconia: "Understood"

Heliconia got into a boxing stance, throwing her baton away, while Argentea was jumping on her legs

Zorome: "You'll get down, single digits!"

(Y/N): "Speak with how you fight, shrimp"

Heliconia: "You said you'll prove to everyone you can defeat us. So..." She gets straight and opens up her arms.

Hachi: "Begin!"

Heliconia: "Come at us with everything you got"

She smirks, making the duo angry. They rush to hit us in the chest with their baton, but turning Heliconia's boosters on, we did a somersault over their head and landed softly behind her. After that, Heliconia did a spinning kick to Argentea's torso. The pink FranXX stumbles to the left while Heliconia draws her arm and punches her with a left hook, continued by a jab to the stomach. Heliconia now stood over the kneeling FranXX

(Y/N): "You were saying something a minute ago, Zorome? Because now looks like Miku has enough and you two will soon desynchronize. I told you, you're still too inexperienced, too young to face someone like us or Zero Two" However, Argentea jumps up and grabs Heliconia's torso, pinning us to the ground.

Heliconia: "Ouch!" Argentea now stands above Heliconia. She was smirking all the way.

Zorome: "You were saying something, (Y/N)?! That really proves I'm the best! Maybe I will take over as a pilot for Heliconia?" Argentea was about to use the baton to end our fight.

Argentea: "Excuse me?! You're hitting on another girl now?! Cut it out already, dude!" She went to stab Heliconia but stops right above her eye. I and Heliconia smirk, knowing what has happened. Heliconia kneed her legs, and then she delivered a double kick to Argentea's torso, getting her off. She stands up and dusts herself, before glaring at Argentea with hatred in her eyes.

Heliconia: "NOW I'M ANGRY!!! I WILL SHOW YOU, YOU LITTLE RASCALS!!!" I swear, for a while, Heliconia's blue eyes changed to red.

'Heh, connection spiked to 120 for a short while, must be because I and Ryuko are angry'

*on the ground, 3rd POV*

Goro: "I knew Ryuko and (Y/N) have some experience but..." he looks as Heliconia stands over lying Argentea, a training baton in her hand

Heliconia: "We wanted to finish this with our fists, but this will be as satisfying~"

Goro: "They just owned them" He looked at Heliconia's eyes and stops "... Even Heliconia's eyes can paralyze you"

Zero Two: "I knew you would teach them, friends"

Nana: "Shouldn't we stop them?" she asks concerned

Hachi: "Code 666 wanted to prove himself. Let him learn from his own mistakes"

*(Y/N) POV*

Heliconia smirks while tapping her hand with her training baton.

Heliconia: "And now... Let's just end this..."

Argentea: "W-wait, R-Ryuko!"

Heliconia: "For what?! This is a fight! Your opponent won't wait! Klaxosaurs won't wait! This was supposed to be as close to real combat, so" she swung her baton at Argentea's head. Pink FranXX's face flashed blue and orange X's and soon fell to the ground, inactive.

Hachi: "This match is over! The winner is Heliconia!"

I looked at the timer, and it said 1:46

(Y/N): "Close enough" I smile

Heliconia: "What time?"

(Y/N): "1:46, we were close"

Heliconia: "Goddammit, even too close. If we didn't wait, we would be under!"

(Y/N): "Yeah, yeah. Stop your fit. Let's see how's Hiro going to perform"

With that, we walked back to the hangar and backed Heliconia into her spot. After that, we served our connection. Ryuko looked back at me with a smirk. I smiled at her.

(Y/N): "Hey. You did great, honey"

Ryuko: "You too sweetie" She gets up from her place and sits in front of me "Will this be enough, to like you told me 'teach him some manners and respect to his superiors?"

(Y/N): "I wish. But he'll blame his partner for that. It's only the start of my training with him and the rest of the boys" I chuckle "I swear, I had the BDU hat somewhere"

Ryuko: "Well... let's see how's Hiro doing"

We left Heliconia and walked to where the rest of Squad 13. There we spotted Team Argentea. Miku was holding her head and Zorome hung his head down. He must've taken a huge hit on his pride.

Ryuko: "I'm really, really sorry, Miku. I got carried away and wasn't thinking"

(Y/N): "Same. Sorry for that." Miku looked at us.

Miku: "Don't worry about it, guys. We wanted to prove ourselves, and we got our asses beaten. Now I know there is a long way before any of us"

Ryuko: "At least you, Miku" she looked at Zorome "And now about you. Do you know why you lost? Because of one thing that made me and (Y/N) angry. One thing that caused your connection to basically shatter" I get in front.

(Y/N): "You want to pilot Heliconia with Ryuko, huh? That's funny" I hold him up by his shirt "If I ever saw or hear you did something to my partner" I get my face near his ear and whisper "I will skin you, and pour lemonade on your body. And trust me, it will hurt as hell. I will tell you two pieces of useful information. One, Ryuko is mine and my partner only. She belongs to me and I belong to her. Two, Take a chill pill. Not everything is a competition, you don't need to be the best at everything. Now, Zorome, I will not hurt you, at least physically. But try to listen to your superiors" I walked away, but he said one thing.

Zorome: "One day. One day I will beat you and Ryuko. I will train and one day I will be able to! You just have to wait and see (Y/N)!" I smirk.

(Y/N): "Well then... I'll be waiting" We walked back to Nana and Hachi. Meanwhile, Delphinium and Genista get to the arena, deactivate, and wait for Hachi to let them start

Zero Two: "You showed those weaklings their place. I expected nothing more from you two" She smiled at us.

(Y/N): "Thanks Zero, It was fun, to be honest"

Ryuko: "(Y/N), you got the interface for Delphinium and Genista?"

(Y/N): "Opening them right now" I get my communicator out, and we get near the commander and the caretaker "Hachi, Nana, I did a thing for you, transferring them to your communicators right now" Soon they got a notification, and Nana grabbed her 'futuristic phone'

Nana: "What's this, (Y/N)?"

(Y/N): "It's basically a mobile commanding center. Using some... well, info I found in Hachi's usual workplace I was able to create it. You change the selected FranXX by swiping"

Hachi: "This is a violation of APE security protocols, Code 004" he states

(Y/N): "Yeah... like Klaxosaurs going to get something from it. It's as secured as a line connecting Papa and the council with every other Plantation. I'm not stupid, it's basic stuff. Other plantations use this too. Dr. FranXX even approved it"

I launched the app and on the main menu, in the top right corner is a photo of my Uncle, holding a thumbs up. It was titled 'MCC is authorized to use by APE personnel'.

Nana meanwhile looked at the app and smiles

Nana: "Thank you, (Y/N). It for sure will make our job today easier"

(Y/N): "You log into it as you log into any other system" Nana nodded, and we looked back at the battlefield

Hachi: "Commence connection" Soon both Genista and Delphinium were ready. I opened the panel for Delphinium while Nana was monitoring Genista's stats. Hiro and Ichigo stopped at solid 100 points.

(Y/N): "His stats are like any normal Stamen. It will be a walk around the park for him" Ryuko chuckles.

Ryuko: "Don't count your chicken before they hatch" I plum forward

(Y/N): "Let me be happy for him, thanks honey"

Hachi: "Begin!" With that, Delphinium rushed Genista. The former swing her baton, but Delphinium ducks and delivers a quick headbutt to the green mech's face, making it stumble. Delphinium stands back up and walks toward her opponent.

The rest of Squad 13 gets shocked, except for me and Goro

Zorome: "What?! How?! He really was piloting that FranXX?!"

Ikuno: "It seems so. But why he couldn't connect to Naomi?"

(Y/N): "We told you Hiro piloted a FranXX"

Goro: "Who looks stupid now?" we smirk and fist bump. I swear, if I had two pairs of shades, I and Goro would be wearing them right now just to flex. I then looked at Zero... she was... smirking.

(Y/N): "What got you smirking, Zero?"

Zero: "Oh, you will need to wait, friend"

(Y/N): "Okay?" I turn back to the battle. And it goes as I suspected. Delphinium was standing over Genista, getting ready to finish the fight.

Delphinium: "You did it, Hiro! Let's end this!" She tries to hit Genista in the head as we did earlier... but then something went wrong. Her face started flashing red and blue X's. And soon she has fallen to her knees.

(Y/N): "What happened? They were going so smoothly? And just as they were finishing it" I radioed the duo "Ichigo, Hiro, you guys okay there?"

Ichigo: "We're fine, give us three minutes! That's all I'm asking" I turned to Hachi and he nodded.

(Y/N): "You got three minutes, if you two won't get up by that, you'll lose"

Ichigo: "Roger that!" I ended our call. I was holding my thumbs. Hoping to see Delphinium up by that time.

(Y/N): "Come on, Hiro..."

'God dammit! Hiro! Get your shit together! It's your dream, reach for it, dammit!'

Ryuko: "Our hope was cut short..."

(Y/N): "It seems so..." Zero went next to us, with a smug face.

Zero Two: "He is my Darling. He doesn't need anyone but me"

(Y/N): "You knew..."

Zero Two: "(Y/N), my friend. You knew that long before..."

Ryuko: "But, if they won't allow him to pilot with you, then they will kill him" At this Zero's eye shoot wide"

Zero Two: "I will make sure they will allow us" she walked back inside. We waited a few minutes for Delphinium to move, but she wouldn't even flinch a little. I checked their stats on my communicator.

(Y/N): "It seems I was wrong..."

Miku: "I feel sorry for them..."

Goro: "Unfortunately, it's been over minutes for now and Delphinium still didn't move" he states sadly

Nana: "Ichigo, status report"

Futoshi: "Kokoro, I think we need to do something now"

(Y/N): "Two minutes, 34 seconds. If she doesn't get up, they will-" I got cut off by a beep and an alarm.

Delphinium's stats started flashing red and new messages get on my screen. Messages I never wanted to see again. 'Stampede Mode'. I looked to confirm what it was saying, and for sure, Delphinium begin morphing.

(Y/N): "NANA! HACHI! STOP THE MATCH, DELPHINIUM IS GOING INTO STAMPEDE!!!" I yelled as loud as I could.

Nana: "What?! Ichigo, don't! Piloting a FranXX alone is dangerous!"

Delphinium's boosters sprung to life. She grabbed Genista and both mechs crashed into the Plantation's wall before falling to the ground. Raising a massive dirt cloud. We cough a little and look at the aftermath.

(Y/N): "Everyone's okay?" I look around and see everyone safe and sound, "What the heck got into this girl's mind? I told them how dangerous Stampede Mode is"

Nana: "To pilot all by herself" She looks at the downed FranXX "Of all the foolish.

Hachi: "Since both FranXX have been rendered inoperable, this mock battle is over"

(Y/N): "Just what happened in Delphinium's cockpit..."

Ryuko: "We need to ask them, later. Heads up" Nana turned to me and Ryuko.

Nana: "Reapers, if you could do a quick briefing for the kids?"

(Y/N): "Sure thing, Nana. Guys, I know what we saw today was something, but tomorrow you guys will be going on your first real mission. With real Klaxosaurs. Better get rested before-" Zorome cut me off.

Zorome: "Since when you're our leader?" he asked, kinda irritated

(Y/N): "Since now and until Ichigo's back from the hospital"

Miku: "Hey, one second! Zorome is right! And-" Ryuko cut her off.

Ryuko: "You two want to end up as food for Klaxosaur? *chuckle* Fine be me. We only want to be sure you're at your top game tomorrow. And we're not in the mood to rescue you all because you fell asleep. You need to fight for your own. So up to the Bird Cage. Catch some Z's. Squad 13, move out"

Just to anger Zorome, Goro saluted to me and Ryuko, and we salute him back. Later we get back to Heliconia. After activating her, went to help two FranXX in need. Picking up Genista first. And let me tell you, all that extra armor was heavy as hell! Next, we went to grab Delphinium. After getting her in her place, next to our spot. Afterward, we walked to blue and white FranXX and opened the front panel, later we opened the doors, only for Ichigo to rush out, crying like no tomorrow. Ryuko calls her, trying to stop her.

Ryuko: "Ichigo! Wait! Let's talk! I can help you!" she ran after her. I meanwhile looked at Hiro

(Y/N): "Hiro... why are you sad? You piloted! For a while, but it's a start" I smiled and went inside to ruffle his hair.

Hiro: "I'm sorry (Y/N)..."

(Y/N): "Don't be. You did more than I thought you will"

Hiro: "You... Goro... and Ryuko believed in me. And I let you down... I let down Ichigo too"

(Y/N): "Hey, look at me Hiro" He did get his head up, "You didn't let me down. You still have to pilot Strelizia. It will be your real test. And don't think about it too much, you will get depression. There are lots of things in life than piloting a FranXX. Now come on, we need to get back" We left Delphinium and get back up to the house.

*Meanwhile, Ryuko's POV*

Ryuko: "Ichigo! Ichigo come on!" I look after her, "Where's that girl? Ichigo!" I then get to the girl's changing room. I look around it, "So that's how it looks. And these look kinda too tight. Good thing Senketsu can change" I whisper and turn a corner. There, sobbing softly, hugging her knees sits Ichigo "Ichigo... Oh my God... what happened in Delphinium?"

Ichigo: "*sobs* Ryuko... I... *sniff*" I can't anymore. Her pleading emerald eyes full of tears made my heart ache. I hug her as she cries on my chest.

Ryuko: "Shh, everything will be alright, sunshine. Just let it all out "She punches my chest slightly "Let it all out"

Ichigo: "It's not fair! *sobs* W-we nearly d-did it... *sobs*"

Ryuko: "Life isn't always fair, Ichigo. You two were fine until you stopped. What happened?"

Ichigo: "Hiro... it was his fault! He..." she looked me in the eyes, "Ryuko *sob* can you do me *sob* a favor?"

Ryuko: "Of course. What is it?"

Ichigo: "What's *sniff* a kiss?"

'Oh for fuck's sake... She could have asked anything else! I was even ready to tell her why their bodies changed during the years'.

Ryuko: "It's... when two people who like each other very much do. Em... They stick their mouths together and... it is also a very special gesture. You do it only to people you really, really do like" As I was telling her, her face becomes less teary but more pinkish on her cheeks. "You ready to leave, Ichigo? We have a mission tomorrow. And as with cuddling, you shouldn't tell anyone this, okay?" Ichigo nodded and we went on our way back home.

*Next morning, lounge of the boarding house*

After we ate breakfast, Nana took Ichigo and Hiro for some tests. They also want to know what happened in Delphinium.

'It was so close, 10 more seconds, and they'd be okay afterward. Hiro piloted about 10 minutes, which for his first real connection is more than enough'.

Ryuko and I, together with the rest of Squad 13 are in the lounge. Goro went to do some fishing.

Futoshi: "So, what happened to the talk about Hiro becoming a Parasite?"

(Y/N): "It's still in consideration. He piloted Delphinium and Strelizia"

Zorome: "Yeah, good luck with that weak shit of his. He couldn't even win against Futoshi and Kokoro" Then, Mitsuru finally said something I agree with.

Mitsuru: "You're talking big for someone who got his ass handed on a silver platter. By someone you picked to fight yourself," I start chuckling.

(Y/N): "That he did. And we were still holding back a lot" Zorome gets upset.

Zorome: "It was Miku's fault! If she only let me control, we would end Heliconia sooner!"

Miku: "Uh?! Excuse me?! Don't you remember what you did back then?!" Kokoro tries to stop them.

Kokoro: "Please, don't fight. It will affect your numbers"

(Y/N): "Anyway. If Miku let you control, you would go down in a minute" Zorome storms to my face.

Zorome: "And what do you know, single-digit?! I got you and your partner under my mercy. If Miku-" I cut him off.

(Y/N): "You wouldn't do anything back then to Heliconia. We had about four ways to get out of there, with you and Miku arguing making it five" I smirk.

Ryuko: "Besides, you left your flanks open, your tackle was a surprise, I admit, but it was weak as shit. Not saying you and Miku didn't sync up at all. And given Miku has a lower code, you dragged her down" And at this moment, Zorome was red as a tomato. He angrily stomps to Ryuko, who has a smug smile on her face. Miku meanwhile was laughing her heart out.

Zorome: "You... I... Him... AGH!" He stomped out of the room, with Futoshi wanting to go after him.

Futoshi: "I should go with him-" I cut him off

(Y/N): "No need, Futoshi. He'll be back when he calms down" Miku's laughter caught my attention, "Miku, it wasn't that funny. You know you can get up from the floor"

Miku: "Haha! I - haha I never saw him so angry before" I helped her up from the floor "Thanks (Y/N)"

Ikuno: "Getting back to Hiro's case, I don't think Papa's going to accept a Parasite who can't pilot"

Futoshi: "Yeah, so many kids disappear back in the Garden because of that"

(Y/N): "Same with us. We saw a lot of kids who were gone and never came back"

Kokoro: "It's so sad" We stayed silent for a minute

Miku: "Yeah, Ichigo is no better. Don't you all think she is too biased toward Hiro? She's supposed to be our leader"

(Y/N): "Give her time. She still has a lot to learn. Ether from me or by experience"

Ryuko: "You all are still learning. So far you had only some test runs and the battles yesterday... Experience is the best teacher" The saying she told kinda confused them.

Ikuno: "What?"

Miku: "Sometimes... you two make no sense..." I and Ryuko smirk.

Ryuko: "That's who we are. An incomprehensible boy and girl who try to live their lives to the fullest"

(Y/N): "And who will always be" I smile "Same as our squad"

Futoshi: "You never told us about them. What're they like?" I and Ryuko think.

Ryuko: "Satsuki, my older sister. She is strict, she is very disciplined. She... was a pain in the ass sometimes, but she meant good for me and (Y/N). Mako, our bestie, is kinda crazy and loopy. She is hyperactive as much as I can describe it. She is like Kokoro, but more active and kinda braver. And then there is Nonon... better not get me started on her, or you will learn some new words"

Miku: "Like what?"

(Y/N): "Like fuck, or any other curse. Ryuko hates Nonon and vice versa. But they cooperate on the field. Well, Ryuko told you about the girls of Squad 36, let me tell you about boys. Koruno, Satsuki's partner and my bestie. He's a free spirit. Kinda egoistical, but brave and kind-hearted. Ira, he's our big guy. How he fits inside the cockpit is a mystery I still want to resolve. His resolve is unmatched. Much like Satsuki he's disciplined. He's Mako's partner. Then, last but not least is Uzu. A jerk, smart ass, and a big snob, but a great friend and skilled warrior. He's Nonon's partner. There they are. Squad 36"

Miku: "And how did you end up with Dr. FranXX?"

(Y/N): "We..." I look down, "We don't like to talk about it..."

Ryuko: "Yeah... it was the worst day of our lives..."

Futoshi: "We didn't mean to pry, guys"

Kokoro: "We're sorry. If you don't wanna talk about it. We won't ask" She looked at Miku "Right, Miku?" she smiled.

Miku: "Yeah. Back to Ichigo's topic. I don't know how Goro's putting up with her as her partner" Right on cue, Ichigo enters the room. She stands in the door frame

(Y/N): "Miku... you might want to look behind you" I point at Ichigo, who lets everyone know she's here

Ichigo: "What does Goro have to do with it?" Goro then walked inside too.

Goro: "What about me?" Ichigo walked inside, she stopped in the middle of the room.

Ichigo: "If Hiro becomes a parasite, he'll be a great help to us. That's all there is to it" Miku scoffs.

Miku: "If he does..." I look at her.

(Y/N): "He still does have a chance. And as his friends, we shouldn't give up on him"

Ichigo: "(Y/N) is right. We need to support him on his way"

Miku: "I'm not sure anymore. He couldn't even get it done with you. I think if even he tried with Ryuko, who is a Pistil with the lowest code here, he wouldn't make it. I think it's over for him"

Ryuko: "I may have the lowest code here, but I trust (Y/N) as my only Stamen. Hiro wouldn't connect with me"

Miku: "Huh? Really, Ryuko?" the raven-haired girl nods.

Ryuko: "Yhm. Back in the Garden, they tried other boys to connect with me. When we were your age, if I remember. And no other boy was able to besides (Y/N)"

(Y/N): "You know, we were supposed to be partners since we were little kids"

Miku: "Ahh, it's so cute!"

(Y/N): "But we're not talking about my and Ryuko's childhood. We were talking about Hiro. And well... he did pilot Strelizia and Delphinium too yesterday"

Ichigo: "That he did. Unconscious or not, he did save our asses. Strelizia and Heliconia did" I and Ryuko nod. Then Mitsuru gets from leaning against the wall and started walking towards Ichigo.

Mitsuru: "Ichigo... I can understand why you'd want to stick up for him, but given that he was unconscious, he was only taken along for the ride" Ichigo got upset.

Ichigo: "We don't know that! And what about yesterday?! He piloted with me!" Mitsuru scoffed.

Mitsuru: "One-time wonder. You and he desynchronized before you could finish the fight"

Ryuko: "No. He did pilot Strelizia too. We saw him inside with Zero Two"

Mitsuru: "Yeah, right" He went to sit on the sofa, "Sure, Hiro was special. Even among double digits, he was a cut above. We were certain that he'll be our leader. To make us follow to achieve great things. But, reality had other plans for him. Hiro couldn't become a parasite. He's not who he used to be" Ryuko scoffs.

Ryuko: "You're not the one deciding if Hiro becomes a Parasite, Mitsuru. Adults are. So as long as I know your opinion doesn't matter. I swear I had to deal with people like you for far too long"

Mitsuru: "So does yours" Ryuko huffs, "We must give up and cut our losses. I don't want to see this pathetic side of Hiro anymore" Ichigo was practically fuming. Ryuko took her away from the epicenter of the discussion.

Ryuko: "Breath, Ichigo. Don't let him get to you" I looked at the time.

(Y/N): "Guys, we're postponing this discussion. Time to eat something" We all went to the mess hall. In the middle of our meal, Ichigo got a call to get us to the briefing room.

Ichigo: "Everyone. We're to be ready for our mission in five minutes" Squad 13 stood up, while I and Ryuko keep eating "*ekhm*" We looked at her "You two too"

(Y/N): "Ichigo, you're forgetting something. We're not a part of Squad 13. It's your missi-" I got cut off as my communicator went off. It was Hachi "Code 004 here"

Hachi: "004, you and Code 006 are to be in the briefing room in five. Understood?" I nod and we ended our call.

(Y/N): "Well... let's get to work"

I and Ryuko stood up, and we follow Ichigo to the elevator. Not more than five minutes later, Squad 13, and we stood there changed into our suits. We all took a seat in a briefing room in front of Hachi and Nana.

Nana: "Good, everyone's here. We can start" Hachi nods and turns on the board, showing some type of abandoned mine.

Hachi: "We've received orders from HQ" He points to the board. Futoshi meanwhile get nervous.

Futoshi: "H-huh? W-We are going out to fight already?" Nana reassured him.

Nana: "Don't get so nervous. You won't be fighting Klaxosaurs like the one from before right off the bat."

Miku: "Thank goodness" They all sigh in relief "I was worrying"

Kokoro: "Me too" Then a hologram of a 3D model of a mine gets on.

Hachi: "You'll be facing a Conrad class Klaxosaur. It's a bit smaller than a FranXX. Klaxosaurs are attracted by magma energy reactions and appear in their vicinity. And lately, they've been showing up deep in a Level 8 mine on the outskirts and wreaking havoc. Even the automated bulwark systems can't keep up with them"

Nana: "Also, Strelizia won't be a part of this mission"

Hiro: "Huh?" Ryuko then got her hand up.

Hachi: "Yes, Code 006?"

Ryuko: "So, why are we here? What about Heliconia?"

Nana: "You two will act as a backup if anything happens during the mission" I and Ryuko nodded. Meanwhile, the rest of Squad 13 sighed again

Futoshi: "It's good to know we have someone to back us up"

(Y/N): "Anytime, big guy!" I smiled and Futoshi huffs.

Futoshi: "Hey!"

Nana: "You will have to defend Plantation 13 by yourselves eventually. We are still to hear from Doctor about the eventual transfer of Reapers to Squad 13" this shocked everyone, even Mitsuru

Goro: "You're saying that..." He looked at me and Ryuko.

Ichigo: "I can't believe it..." She looked at us too. As both Ryuko and I are grinning.

Reapers: "Surprise!"

Ichigo: "What? When? Why didn't you two tell us anything?!" Ichigo went to Ryuko and proceed to pinch her cheeks and stretch, "And to think you hid it Ryuko! You knew I wanted you two to stay!"

A/N: Something like that

Ryuko: "Ichigo... let me go... I'm sorry Strawberry..."

(Y/N): "We were not sure if Doctor will allow us, Ichigo. We didn't want to get your hopes up"

Ichigo: "Okay, fine... but there is a chance, right?" I nod and Ichigo walks back.

Nana: "If you can't eliminate this Klaxosaur, even Reapers won't help you to handle any in the future. Ichigo and Goro will have field command" The duo nods.

Hachi: "All hands, prepare to board" Squad 13 gets to the elevator, while Hachi gets to the commanding center. Nana meanwhile stayed with us, as well as Hiro. We walk to the window overlooking each FranXX of Squad 13, plus Strelizia and Heliconia. Hiro clenched his fist and gets back to sit. I and Ryuko meanwhile observe the FranXX getting active.

Ryuko: "Here they go. On their first mission"

(Y/N): "I hope everyone gets back. And that they won't need our-" Ryuko cut me off"

Ryuko: "I don't want to tell you, (Y/N). But it seems they'll need our help anyway"

(Y/N): "Huh?" I looked at Chlorophytum "Ah dammit..." Delphinium, Genista, and Argentina were active, while Chlorophytum's visor was black. I get my app to see what may be a problem, "Ikuno's score is only 29. What happened?"

Ryuko: "I don't know... but we have a bigger problem now"

Hachi: "What's wrong, Chlorophytum?"

Mitsuru: "Doesn't look like Ikuno can do this"

Ikuno: "I'm nearly there! Just give me a bit!"

Mitsuru: "Don't bother. It's over." Ryuko growls.

Ryuko: "I swear, this kid will get his ass beaten if he won't change his attitude" I smirk

(Y/N): "Mix of Sanageyama and Nonon. He could be their child" I chuckle, "Same as Alpha"

Ryuko: "Oh, don't get me started on that asshole! He's a lot worse than Mitsuru"

(Y/N): "Yeah, a little blond elite shrimp" Then Hachi radioed the room

Hachi: "Chlorophytum will stay behind. Code 004 and Code 006, proceed to Heliconia"

Reapers: "Rodger!" We went on our way out, stopping near Hiro

Hiro: "Good luck, guys. Keep them safe" I smile.

(Y/N): "We will, Hiro. Good luck to you too"

Leaving the room, we went to the catwalk and proceeded to enter Heliconia. We took our places and in a while, the black and red FranXX was standing proud.

Heliconia: "Seems like we can train our teamwork with others"

(Y/N): "Yup"

*Small time skip. Entrance to the abandoned mine*

Genista: "What a big hole. How far down it go?"

Zorome: "This is nuts. It's a monster pipe"

Goro: "They used these to extract the magma reserves, huh?" They all got nervous seeing the big fall.

Heliconia: "Yup. And we need to go down. Board those platforms and stick together" she boards the first platform. Genista was right behind her. Above her was Argentea and Delphinium was the last one. We get down to level eight.

Hachi: "Head down to Level 8. As you're well aware already, in order to kill a Klaxosaur, you must extract its core which is essentially its heart, and shatter it using your customized magma energy weapons. Shatter the core and finish off the Klaxosaur without fail. Got that?"

Everyone: "Roger"

Delphinium: "All units, proceed to the target"

Heliconia: "We're right behind you, Ichigo" We entered the tunnel on our right. Checking every corner before proceeding. Delphinium was first, and Argentea and Heliconia were checking out the flanks. Their weapons are ready to strike. Genista was watching our backs.

After a while of walking, either through corridors or some valleys, we finally spotted our target, slurping that Magma Energy tank like a smoothie

Delphinium: "We've visual on Klaxosaur. FranXX, spreading out" Genista and Argentea get to her sides, while Heliconia stays behind. "In position. Commencing operation"

Argentea: "Huh, it's smaller than I thought it'd be"

Genista: "What a relief"

Heliconia: "Don't get distracted. It may be small, but where is one Conrad, there are a lot more of those guys" She looked at Delphinium "We will follow your lead, Ichigo" Delphinium nodded.

Delphinium: "Stay alert. As Conia said, there could be more of those. We'll do it as we planned"

She rushes to the Klaxosaur, stabbing her swords into it and ripping it off the tank. It bounces a few times until Genista stabs it again and holds it up for Argentea to jump in and dig her claws into the beast. She stabs it a few more times until it stopped moving.

Zorome: "Gotcha!"

Futoshi: "Way to go, Zorome!"

Zorome: "You saw that, single digits? That's what I'm capable of!" I and Heliconia facepalmed.

(Y/N): "Yeah yeah... Wait... where is the core?" I looked at the Klaxosaur "Oh crap..."

Heliconia: "YOU FORGOT ABOUT ITS CORE, YOU DUNCE!!!" but it was too late. Klaxosaur screeched and jumped on Argentea's face, scratching it. We can hear Miku screaming in pain.

Argentea: "Ahh!" The thing pins her to the ground, trying to bite her. Soon she loses consciousness.

Futoshi: "Damn you!" Genista fires off a round into the Klaxosaur, getting it off Argentea and exposing its core. Delphinium gets to it and stabs her swords into it. It tries to fight, but soon Ichigo has ended it.

Delphinium: "You okay, Miku?"

(Y/N): "Guys! You need to get out of here!" I hear a rustle and soon, another bug-like Klaxosaur drops down, "There are more incoming!" Soon there is a group of it. Heliconia rushes the nearest one and quickly cuts it in half, crushing the core. She stabs another one, resulting in the same, as the cores slice from her scythe blade.

Heliconia: "I told you, damn it! Delphinium! Grab Argentea and run to the elevator! Genista, keep watching on their backs. We will try to keep them busy!"

Genista: "But Ryuko, (Y/N)..."

(Y/N): "NO BUTS!!! THAT'S AN ORDER! NOW MOVE YOUR ASSES AND GO!!!" soon more of those Conrad dropdown.

Delphinium: "Roger" She grabs Argentea and made a run for it

Heliconia: "It reminds me of those times in Honno. Ah, the Fight Club. A good memory after some time"

(Y/N): "Hehe. Yeah, in hundreds and all at once" Heliconia swings her scythe up and down, doing twirls with it to either dodge or attack. Soon there are a lot of bodies and cores lying on the floor. "They should be at safe distance now. Let's move, Ryuko"

Heliconia:" Yhm" She turned around, and started running toward the exit. Klaxosaurs are right behind us. Soon we spotted Genista

(Y/N): "Kokoro, emergency gate shutdown on your right! Pull it now!" Kokoro did. Just as it was about to close, Heliconia jumps forward and slide under it. She soon gets up and checks the situation.

Heliconia: "How's Miku?"

Delphinium: "Still unconscious" We then hear a creak. The doors were not holding up, She and Heliconia get to hold them, while Genista looks after Argentea. Not more than 3 minutes later, her face sparkled and she gets back.

Zorome: "Miku came back to life!"

Genista: "Thank goodness!"

Argentea: "I never died!"

Delphinium: "Miku, are you o-" She was cut off by even more strikes to the door. Genista and Argentea join Delphinium and Heliconia.

Argentea: "I'm fine!"

Futoshi: "But we won't last much longer"

(Y/N): "Absolute fuckening! Guys, keep on" Then the radio gets on

Hachi: "Strelizia's coming to back you up. Can you hold until it arrives?"

Heliconia: "We will try Hachi, but tell Zero to hurry up!"

Futoshi: "All right! If we can just hang in there until then..."

Genista: "Yeah!"

Delphinium: "Who is it? Who is piloting it?"

Goro: "Hey, Ichigo! Focus!" And with that, Delphinium get down. She went on one knee.

(Y/N): "Ichigo! Hachi, this is code 004, Delphinium is down"

Heliconia: "Those doors won't hold much longer! (Y/N) do something!"

'Think... what do we have to use in... here' I looked ad Genista's cannon

(Y/N): "Got it! Genista, when I yell 'GO' you fire a round from your cannon and later run for your life"

Genista: "But, where?"

(Y/N): "Into Heliconia" Genista gets surprised

Genista: "Into you?!"

Futoshi: "You two are crazy!"

(Y/N): "Stop questioning my plan and do as I said! Tea!" The pink FranXX looked at Heliconia "You pick up Delphi and made a run for it to the center! Don't look back, we will handle what's on the other side of those doors" Argentea nodded, grabbed Delphinium, and made a run for it "Ready Kokoro, Futoshi?" Genista nods "Good. Three" The black FranXX aimed her cannon at Heliconia. "Two" She gets her finger on the trigger, "One. Go!" She fires a shot at Heliconia, who ducks under it and blasts some of them away. "Ryuko, you ready honeybun?"

Heliconia: "More than ever. Flamethrower!" She gets her hands forward, and soon a stream of fire emerges from them, grilling about ten Klaxosaurs "It's so cool I can use your powers! Hahaha! Have some more! Fireball!" she smiles

'Like a little kid in a candy store' I smile, enjoying Ryuko throwing fireballs

(Y/N): "I know you have fun Ryuko, but we need to get out of here" Heliconia nodded, and we made a run to the center. Soon we bump into Argentea and thankfully active Delphinium.

Heliconia: "What is... Oh, for fuck's sake..." she looked around, spotting about hundreds of those Conrad. As well as a giant breed mother.

(Y/N): "What the fuck is going on today...?" I look at the FranXX of Squad 13. Fear. It was the only emotion they showed.

Argentea: "Hey, Leader... What are we gonna do about this?" She asked terrified.

Delphinium: "I... I... (Y/N), what do we do now?!"

(Y/N): "Get back to back, everyone. I and Ryuko can kill the brood mother, but we can't let them flank us. Watch over your surroundings, we will not get down without a fight!"

Heliconia ruched the brood mother, stabbing her scythe on her side. Just at the same exact moment, Strelizia dropped on it. It exploded, and we stood there in the mist of blue blood.

Heliconia: "Took you long enough Lizia" we looked at her, "We thought you don't want to join the fun

Strelizia: "I'm sorry I took this long, but I had a small problem" We killed the remaining Conrad surrounding Squad 13. Soon we walked toward them.

Everyone: "Strelizia"

Delphinium: "Hiro? Is it you, Hiro?"

???: "All of you get back"

(Y/N): "Oh my god, not him..." I facepalmed.

Zorome: "Huh? That voice... Is that you, Mitsuru?" Hachi radioed us.

Hachi: "All units, let Strelizia and Heliconia handle things there and evacuate"

Goro: "Rodger, Let's go, Ichigo"

Delphinium: "Y-Yeah..." They walk to the platforms.

Genista: "Good luck, Ryuko, (Y/N)."

Heliconia: "Thanks Kokoro" Soon the only ones left were Heliconia, Strelizia, and about three hundred of Conrad. Strelizia got one and stabbed her lance into it.

Strelizia: "How many did you two get so far?" she asks us as the core slides down Queen Pike

(Y/N): "132 so far Zero. Why you asking?" Strelizia smirks.

Strelizia: "Bet I'll get more?"

Heliconia: "You're on, sister!" she smiles smugly

Strelizia: "Then try to keep on, friends" she flew away, while we did the same. Turning our scythe to its Execution mode, we stab as many of those round Klaxosaurs, to later burn them away, repeating it a few times until we get close to Lizia again.

Mitsuru: "This is amazing! I feel the power! I feel like I can do anything! I'm amazed changing partners could make such a difference. I knew I wasn't a problem! I'm just as good as Hiro! Hiro! Are you watching this? We're in perfect harmony! I can pilot Strelizia as I please, without losing consciousness! If you want, I don't mind becoming your official partner. We'd make the greatest duo, don't you think? We will be better even than those two weaklings!"

'Oh, here it is... another asshole as Zero's Stamen. Well... two more rides for him, I guess'

Strelizia: "Oh, really? I guess I can try going all out for a bit, then" she has a scary look on her face. We knew exactly what it means when she go 'all out'.

Heliconia's face then appeared on my right in our cockpit

Heliconia: "Well, he is screwed. I won't miss him, by the way "

(Y/N): "Same" Hachi radioed us

Hachi: "Strelizia, that's enough. The other units have evacuated, Get out..."

Strelizia: "I'm gonna have some more fun with my friends before I leave" Now Nana radioed us

Nana: "No! Return at once, Zero Two! Ryuko, (Y/N), please tell her something"

(Y/N): "Actually, Nana, we can still keep fighting. We will clear this mine and get back" I grabbed the comms panel.

Nana: "(Y/N)! Pleas-" I turn off the comms with Plantation, leaving local comms on.

Heliconia: "That was something..." Lizia gets to our right.

Strelizia: "Ryuko, (Y/N), how many did you get?"

Heliconia: "About 175 since we started our bet"

Strelizia: "Ohhh, you are no fun, I only got 160 by now" she whined and I smirk

(Y/N): "Don't you worry, Zero. More incoming"

We went back to fighting.

*Time skip*

Soon, the mine was cleared. We boarded the platforms and got up. While Heliconia was still active, Strelizia was not. We went first, we get off the elevator and when Lizia got up, we moved her to the ground.

Heliconia: "That was fun. And to make it better we won a bet with Zero" She smirks.

(Y/N): "It was. I hope Mitsuru learned his lesson by now" Heliconia got the side of Strelizia and deactivates. We open up Conia's faceplate and soon join Zero on Strelizia's one.

Zero Two: "It's been a long time since I had so much fun"

Ryuko: "Glad you liked it, Zero" We looked down to see Squad 13, together with Nana and Hachi. After looking inside Strelizia's cockpit, we saw a blood-stained and unconscious Mitsuru. We turned around to see Zero Two waving at Hiro, as he returns it.

Zero Two: "Yeah, this guy really isn't cut out to be my Darling. My Darling is you and you alone"

I and Ryuko look at each other. And later at the boy's lifeless body. I got to him and check his vitals.

(Y/N): "He's alive. Barely but alive"

Ryuko: "You think Mitsuru was an important part of uncle's plan?"

(Y/N): "I hope not..." And with that, we got out and looked up at the setting sun.

*next day, APE's council room, 3rd POV*

Papa: "Klaxosaur activity has increased lately, and large ones are reportedly showing up everywhere, which is unprecedented."

Marmoset: "The Nines are dealing with them for now, but they still have other tasks to complete"

Baboon: "How long will we let Strelizia goof off? Now that the special specimen's aptitude has been ascertained, we have no reason to leave it there any longer"

Lemur: "Indeed. It isn't wise to let her mix with tainted Stamens anymore"

Marmoset: "If we're recalling her, we'll have to ready a new Stamen"

Papa: "Not a problem. There are plenty of parasites who want to team up with her"

Vice Chairman: "That leaves the Reapers"

Marmoset: "They both are under orders from Werner to stay with Strelizia. I say we should send them both to the front lines with her"

Lemur: "It would be wise, given their performance until now" Stats of Heliconia shows up, as well as info about Ryuko and (Y/N) "Both Code 006 and 004 match Code's 002 performance, they were also possible candidates to join Nines in the past"

Papa: "So it will be. Send orders to Plantation 13 commander"

*Plantation's 13 boarding house, medical wing*

Mitsuru slept for like two or three days after his ride with Zero Two. Only to wake up in screams and with his mental health ruined. Futoshi went in with a tray of food for him.

*flashback, two days ago*

After retrieving Strelizia I and Zero Two met in the clearing in the forest

(Y/N): "You know why I wanted to talk with you, Zero?"

Zero Two: "I have no idea, (Y/N). Something happened?"

(Y/N): "Yeah... you... and your last ride" Zero deadpanned, "Did you really have to be so brutal with him?" Zero scoffs and crosses her arms.

Zero Two: "He wanted to be my partner. I only gave him a sample of what it feels-" I cut her off.

(Y/N): "And you need to train your acting skills. I smelled a lie from a mile" I chuckle, "So, what did he really do?"

Zero Two: "Ugh! Fine! He was insulting Darling and you two" I got a little angry.

(Y/N): "That little..." I clenched my fists.

Zero Two: "See! You are reacting just like me" she points at my fists.

(Y/N): "Yeah, I want to punch him even more now. But only this and not killing him. Would you do this if it was your Darling?"

Zero Two: "It can't be him. When we arrived I used full force in Strelizia and he was okay" she shrugs.

(Y/N): "Zero... we are friends, but you are wrong. Hiro lost consciousness. It's not fine if you ask me "I look into her turquoise eyes "You know I and Ryuko are from the past. And let me tell you one useful piece of information, friend. Appreciate what you have now because you can lose it in the future"

Zero: "I don't care about those weak Parasites. If you ask me, they all can just die like the previous Squad 13" She started walking away "I care only about you, Ryuko, and my Darling"

(Y/N): "Zero... you just didn't say that..." I was stunned.

Zero: "You know it will happen, sooner or later, friend" she disappears into the forest

*Flashback ends*

Mitsuru was mumbling, as we wait for Futoshi to get back from the room

Mitsuru: "She is a demon. You'd have to be insane to ride with her. She'll kill you." Futoshi gets back.

Ichigo: "How was he?"

Futoshi: "He hasn't touched his food at all. Maybe I should eat it, so it doesn't go to waste"

Zorome: "He's been like that ever since he woke up" He looks inside the room. I push myself from the wall.

(Y/N): "Ryuko and I saw this before" They all looked at us

Zorome: "It's from riding with Zero Two, right?" Ryuko nodded.

Ryuko: "Zero is a special Pistil... If you are not mentally strong, then this happens. So far Mitsuru is the third Stamen with this mental breakdown" We all looked inside.

Ichigo: "Will he be alright?" I nod.

(Y/N): "Give him two or three days, and he should be as good as new. He will still have some attacks of panic, but they will fade with time" Hiro then walked to him and stops in front of his bed.

Hiro: "Mitsuru... What happened with Zero Two?"

Mitsuru: "What... happened? That girl tried to devour everything I have. My blood, my flesh, and my soul... All of it! Everything was normal at first, but after a point, sh-she was out to kill me."

Hiro: "Mitsuru..." he gets his hand down, to probably give him some reassurance, but Mitsuru grabs his collar

Mitsuru: "What's worse, she had a smile on her face! She was smiling the entire time!"

Kokoro: "Mitsuru!"

(Y/N): "Oh my..." I look at Futoshi "Let's get him off Hiro, he still needs to rest" Futoshi nodded and passed the tray to Zorome

Futoshi: "Calm down, man" We enter the room.

Mitsuru: "Ride with her again, and it will happen to you. You'll end up like me, too. You're out of your mind if you think you're the sole exception!" We get him off of Hiro. Soon the rest of the Squad joins us. Mitsuru meanwhile passes out and lies limb in our arms. We get him to lie down.

Futoshi: "Come on, lie down. You need to rest a little more"

(Y/N): "It will all go away, Mitsuru. Just lay down and breathe" Ichigo meanwhile checks on Hiro

Ichigo: "You okay?"

Hiro: "Yeah" I walked to them, and we stare at panting Mitsuru

(Y/N): "That's not good at all..."

Ichigo: "Squad, let him rest" she turned to me "(Y/N), Ryuko, you two need to go with me to Hachi" I nod, and we turn to leave.

Ryuko: "Lead the way, Ichigo" We leave the boarding house and walk to Hachi's office.

Ichigo: "It's gonna happen to Hiro too, right?"

(Y/N): "I don't think so... from Goro, I know Hiro was rather extroverted when in Garden. And I guess Mitsuru was rather shy when he was little.

Ichigo: "He was... how did you know?" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "Those other two Stamens we mentioned, they also were shy and introverted when they were kids" We get to our destination

Ryuko: "So, we need to report what was going on after you evacuated, yeah?" Ichigo nodded. We enter the room and soon get to Hachi's room. I knock.

Nana: "You can come in" We enter, and Hachi was sitting by his desk. Next to him stood Nana "Ryuko, (Y/N). You know why you're here. You disobeyed our orders"

Hachi: "It's a reprehensible violation of the protocol. You two are well aware of it"

(Y/N): "We're also well aware of our main order. Stay at Plantation 13 with Code 002 and make sure she's safe and sound. We did it by staying with her and by disobeying your order to retreat" I look at Nana "It has a higher priority. We will listen to your orders, Nana and Hachi. But if it's interfering with our main task, we will disobey" Nana was kinda shocked, no Parasite spoke back to her before but well... We're not normal Parasites, "Anything other than that, we kinda want to eat breakfast and get ready for the day?"

Ichigo: "There is... one more thing" Nana smiled at the girl, "Can I Nana?"

Nana: "Just a second, Ichigo" She looked at me and Ryuko and sighed "No, you are right, (Y/N). Orders from Doctor take top priority, same as from HQ. Ichigo, you told them what was your request?" The blue-haired girl shook her head.

Ichigo: "I want to thank you two for what you did in the mines. You saved us again" She looks at me "You two kept your head cool under danger, and you two give orders" Ryuko chuckles.

Ryuko: "And you couldn't thank us at the boarding house or when we were walking back?"

Nana: "Let her finish, Ryuko"

Ichigo: "The thing is... I need help. I need someone who could help me become a better leader. And I think you two can be that someone. I want you as co-leaders of Squad 13" I and Ryuko did a surprised Pikachu face and looked at her, "If you don't want, it's fine..."

(Y/N): "Ichigo... we're honored, but we must refuse" Ichigo looks at us

Ichigo: "But... why?" Ryuko grabbed her shoulder.

Ryuko: "Ichigo, we're not a part of this Squad. We know each other for a week or so" she smiles.

Ichigo: "I don't care!" She shouts, "You two are honorary members of Squad 13 from now, by my order as the leader! You helped us so much we would never be able to repay it" Nana walked to Ichigo.

Nana: "Ichigo, calm down... They're right. If Hachi and I don't get any info from Dr. FranXX, they will be moved with Zero Two" Ichigo looked down

Ichigo: "I know, Nana. I understand" she went to me and Ryuko and hugged us "Please, Ryuko, (Y/N), don't forget about us. You will always be welcomed with our arms wide open in Plantation 13" We broke the hug.

(Y/N): "Well... we need to do something too, right, Ryu?" Ryuko nodded.

Ryuko: "Ichigo, (Y/N) and I want to announce that you and the whole Squad 13 are from now honorary members of our Squad 36" I smile

(Y/N): "Two teams, fighting as one. When our guys come back, you will see. We will be as good as Nines, or maybe even more" Ryuko's stomach grumbled and everyone looked at her, before laughing.

Ryuko: "Okay, I'm hungry" We walked back. Ichigo told us most of Squad 13 wants us to stay, with one blonde even too much. He's still on about 'defeating Reapers' Soon we were in the house, and we walked to the backyard, where Zorome and Futoshi were already playing with the ball. Hiro stood to the side and watches them, as we get closer to him.

Ichigo: "Do you still want to ride with her?" She asks the raven-haired boy, "I just can't bring myself to trust her. Especially after seeing what happened to Mitsuru"

(Y/N): "He is mentally weak..."

Ryuko: "We saw a lot of Stamens trying to tame Zero. And Mitsuru was one of them"

Ichigo: "It still leaves those rumors. You said yourself (Y/N) that they are true. Hiro, you will die if you ride with her two more times."

Hiro: "Even so, I still have a chance to be of use if I'm riding with Zero Two" I shake my head

(Y/N): "I really hope it's him..." Ichigo meanwhile clenched her fists, her eyes slowly filling with tears. "Ichigo..."

Ichigo: "You've made up your mind, huh? Fine. I won't stop you again, then"

Hiro: "Ichigo"

Ichigo: "As a leader, I have to steel myself, too." she entered the house, as I and Ryuko walked to Hiro

(Y/N): "Someone is in trouble~" I sang "Hiro, you remember what I told you when we met? Zero Two is a Pistil not anyone can handle. You have Mitsuru as a piece of live evidence"

Hiro: "Steel myself, huh?" he ignored me, as my face deadpanned. I and Ryuko entered the room too. We get to the lounge where Ikono was already reading her book.

(Y/N): "Morning Ikuno"

Ryuko: "Hey Ikuno" She nodded. We sit on the sofa. I lie down, and we wait for about three minutes before everyone is here. Minus Mitsuru and Hiro, who I assumed went to train a little.

Zorome: "Hiro's training by himself again? If you leave him alone, he runs forever"

Futoshi: "He is surprisingly hardworking, isn't he," He said with some food in his mouth

Ryuko: "Futoshi, don't talk with food in your mouth" she scolds him

Futoshi: "Sorry Ryuko" He took a bite of his ice cream, "That's not how I imagined he'd be"

Miku: "Wait, has he still not given up on riding with that girl?" I nod.

(Y/N): "He still wants to see if he really piloted Strelizia"

Goro: "It's his only way to stay with us here." We stayed silent.

Zorome: "But doesn't that mean he'll have to leave if Zero Two does? Same as Ryuko and (Y/N)?" I and Ryuko nod.

Goro: "That would be a natural assumption"

(Y/N): "As a Stamen to Strelizia, he'll be on the move with us and Zero Two."

Ryuko: "Don't you worry. Hiro will be with us after all. And we will for sure visit you from time to time" She smiles.

Kokoro: "Maybe he'd be better off going with her and you guys. It'd be awful if he had to remain alone forever"

Miku: "Look, I don't know if you forgot or what, but she has Klaxosaur blood. She is not human. Just look at what happened to Mitsuru" My hand formed a fist.

'Zero Two can be many things... but she's not a monster'

Ichigo: "Hiro's well aware of that. He wants to ride with her anyway" she finally spoke with her back still turned to the rest of us.

Goro: "Ichigo?"

Ichigo: "And he isn't the only one staring death in the face. If things don't change, we could find ourselves dead at any time, too. Unless we can defeat Klaxosaurs without Strelizia or Heliconia, we won't survive for long. We can't afford to mess up again. (Y/N) and Ryuko won't be here forever to save us"

Miku: "It's not like you didn't mess up just as bad" Ichigo finally turned around to face us

Ichigo: "That's right. I let fear get into my head. But it won't happen again. I want everyone here to stay alive, doesn't matter if it's our next mission or any other after it. We're a team, aren't we? We need to trust each other and act like one from now" I and Ryuko clap our hands.

Ryuko: "(Y/N) was right with you, Ichigo. You're becoming a true leader right before our eyes" We smile.

Futoshi: "She is right, you know"

Miku: "Y-You don't have to tell me"

Goro: "How very like a leader"

Zorome: "Well, it's high time we showed Papa and them what we're made of"

Kokoro: "Yeah" Ichigo walks over to Ikuno and puts a hand on her shoulder

Ichigo: "We need you too, Ikuno."

Ikuno: "Huh?"

Ichigo: "Mitsuru probably knows he can't mess up again, either. Back him up as his partner" She smiles at the purple-haired girl, earning a small blush as Ikuno looks away.

Ikuno: "Okay" Ichigo clears her throat

Ichigo: "Okay, everyone. I have to say another thing to say. (Y/N), Ryuko, would you please stand up" We did as asked "As of today, Ryuko and (Y/N) are honorary members of Squad 13. Please welcome our newest members" Everyone cheered.

Futoshi: "Awesome! Does that mean Doctor approved your stay?!" we shake our heads.

(Y/N): "We're still waiting"

'Come on uncle, accept Hachi's request and we're gonna start the show'

Ryuko: "Ichigo wanted us as her seconds too. But we needed to refuse"

Miku: "Why? Your plan in the mines worked perfectly. Especially after Ichigo froze" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "It's not our decision to decline to be honest"

Ichigo: "Until Dr. FranXX approves it, they are on the move with Zero Two" She turned to me and Ryuko "But when you two become an official part of our team, I want you to become co-leaders of Squad 13 with me, okay?" she ended it with her sweet smile like with Ikuno

(Y/N): "I still think you'll just be fine by yourself, Ichigo" Goro chuckles

Goro: "Knowing Ichigo, you won't change her mind. She is too stubborn"

Ichigo: "Hey!" I and Ryuko laugh a little.

Ryuko: "If you really want it Ichigo... we'll be more than happy to accept your offer" Ichigo smiles at us and hug us

Ichigo: "Thank you" We broke the hug and sit down. I sigh.

(Y/N): "Well, I hoped to watch over Zero Two only. Now we have 8 other kids to watch"

Ryuko: "Oh, you're so grumpy, honey," she said kinda too loud

'Fuck! And now we have to explain it'.

Zorome: "Honey?"

Miku: "Why did you call (Y/N) that, Ryuko?" They look at us.

Ryuko: "Em... You see..." she was getting nervous.

Ikuno: "You and (Y/N) look close to each other" I decided to explain them in the way that will do the least harm

(Y/N): "Honey is something like Darling Zero Two uses. It means a person you care about and want to protect"

Ryuko: "You know, (Y/N) and I know each other since we were little. Just like most of you. One day, I was 8 years old, and a bunch of kids went to bully me. (Y/N) just finished putting my hair in pigtails" she wipes one tear "This little asshole was pulling my hair like it were some reins. But then... (Y/N) came back from his tests. And when he saw what they were doing" She chuckles and looks at me "You broke his nose (Y/N). And later kicked the rest of them. Thank you" She put her head on my shoulder. Meanwhile, Kokoro gets a tear away. Miku hugs her hair, not imagining if someone could just pull her by them.

(Y/N): "That's the story of how I and Ryuko become best friends and partners for life. We promised when we grow up, we will be the best FranXX pilots there were" I pet Ryuko's hair.

Miku: "You're not from the same Garden as us, right? I would remember meeting you two"

(Y/N): "We were growing up in Garden number two. You guys?"

Ikuno: "Three, Third Garden"

(Y/N): "Well, Second Garden was made to train special units" I chuckle

Miku: "You're older than us, too. How old are you two?"

Ryuko: "We're eighteen" This shocked them

Miku: "What? I knew you two are older, but to be four years older?"

Zorome: "Doesn't that mean you can become adults?"

(Y/N): "We refused. It's no fun to be closed in a city with some device on your head. It's better to just fight. At least you are not getting bored here"

Zorome: "You don't know. Adults are awesome! I can't wait till I become one!"

'Poor boy will meet a wall soon'

Then an alarm sounded around the house. We all get ready to sprint to the elevator and board our FranXX's. Soon, however, the announcement came

Speaker: "To prepare for the kissing with Plantation 26, Plantation 13 will now switch to a mobile setup. I repeat: to prepare for the kissing with Plantation 26, Plantation 13 will now switch to mobile setup" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "So, Plantation 13 is low on Magma Energy. And with Plantation 26, huh?" I smirk at Ryuko

Ryuko: "Code 090 will be surprised" She smiles then sighs "And we will also have a lot of work like last time"

(Y/N): "Don't remind me..." Everyone looks at us.

Miku: "You guys know what is happening?"

Futoshi: "What is this kissing?" at this Ichigo stiffen up

'So, someone has told our Strawberry the other meaning of this word'

(Y/N): "It's when plantations connect to each other to share their Magma Energy and other resources"

Ryuko: "We don't like it, because it means a lot of Klaxosaurs" Futoshi gulps

Futoshi: "H-How many, exactly?"

Ryuko: "Hundreds, maybe even thousands"

Futoshi: "T-Thousands?!"

Goro: "Don't worry. We have Strelizia and Heliconia on our side. Not to mention Squad 26"

Then the clock on the wall chimes 12, lunchtime!

Futoshi: "We will be fine, then. Come one, let's eat!" Squad 13 leaves as I and Ryuko follow them.

*Time skip, boarding room*

I and Ryuko watch as Squad 13 goes on their first solo mission. During lunch, Ichigo got a call from Hachi, that some worm-like Klaxosaur is on a collision course with Plantation 13. After we got down here, Nana informed us that Heliconia will not be deployed as 'Kids need to defend Plantation on their own' Right now we observe them with Nana. Then, the doors open, and Hiro and Zero Two rush inside, wearing their suits. They stop next to me and Ryuko.

Hiro: "Is that the only enemy?" he looks at the monitor

Nana: "For now, yes" She looks at the duo, "Changing into your suits won't help. We are not deploying Strelizia or Heliconia for that matter"

(Y/N): "Even if they won't make it, Nana?" The caretaker nodded.

Zero Two: "Hey, I didn't say anything" she puts her hands on the back of her head.

I look back at the monitor. Delphinium was acting as bait for this Klaxosaur. She lures it through a canyon, where on exit awaits Chlorphytum and Genista. When they spotted the worm, they stabbed their weapons into it. Argentea jumps onto it and stabs her claws down. Delphi meanwhile uses her boosters and gets attached to the Klaxosaur too. They fire their shots, and soon the worms fall down.

(Y/N): "They didn't kill it damn it" I growl and look as Argentea is grabbed by the second worm "Goddammit, it went south" I look at Nana "Nana, rethink this, they will die. Let at least me and Ryuko go help them!"

Zero Two: "(Y/N) is right. We should go too"

Nana: "Out of the question!" I sigh and Zero scoffed.

Zero Two: "Spoilsport" she shot a glare at Nana, "By the way, who just landed in that transport plane?" Nana was silent. Soon the door opened and a squadron of APE soldiers rushes in and encircle us.

(Y/N): "Nana, what's going off?"

Nana: "I'm sorry, you two" She looks down and turns her back to us

Soldier: "Codes 002, 004, and 006. You three are coming with us"

Nana: "Your escorts are here. Do as they say. Zero Two, together with Reapers, will return to the front lines. By themselves, obviously"

Hiro: "Wait, what do you..."

Soldier: "Hurry. We want to leave while the FranXX are keeping the Klaxosaur occupied" he grabs Zero Two by her shoulder. Bad mistake...

Ryuko: "And now he is dead..."

(Y/N): "Yup"

Zero Two: "Don't touch me!" She slaps the guy across the room. The rest of the soldiers point their guns at us. Laser pointers all around our bodies. Zero meanwhile forms a fist and trembles it down.

Hiro: "What is all this about, guys?" he asks, concerned.

Zero Two: "Darling, looks like time's up" She walked over to Hiro "I felt like things could work out with you, too. I wanted to be with you. But this is goodbye" she put her horns to Hiro's forehead and bums it. Hiro instantly holds his head.

Hiro: "Zero Two?" Zero put her head up and looked at him one last time.

Zero Two: "Bye-bye!" I walked to Hiro and put my hand on his shoulder.

(Y/N): "Remember, Hiro. You're the first Stamen she really likes. The chance will come and don't miss it, brother. Tell the rest we're sorry we're leaving without any goodbye, but it is what it is" I smile, "We will see each other soon" I smirk and Ryuko just hugs Hiro in silence. Soon we are moved out by the soldiers. We walk all around the Plantation, with five soldiers escorting us.

'This is stupid... If I could, I would kill those fools' I notice Zero's eyes... they are getting teary. I walk up to her.

(Y/N): "Zero..." I couldn't even ask.

Zero Two: "(Y/N)... It was him for sure... but I didn't have a chance..." I smirk at her.

(Y/N): "Well... You will get it soon" I look at her "You remember that our clothes are special, well hold onto your seat, because soon you'll see it!" I get back to Ryuko, "Honeybun, get ready. We will need to use our 'old style' I smirk Neko, full combat ready, you too Senketsu"

Neko: "Yes sir!"

Senketsu: "I'm always ready, Ryuko" We continue walking, I and Ryuko having our usual chat, not minding soldiers with weapons aimed at us

'What would they do? Tickle us?'

Then, we hear it. Someone or something is banging on the glass. We look in its direction to see, Hiro was the one! We stopped.

Hiro: "Zero Two!" we continue walking, "Wait up, Zero Two! Damn it! Hear me out! I... I was afraid of riding with you. I'm probably still afraid of it. But that's not because you aren't human. (Y/N) made me open my eyes. It's because I lacked the resolve! When we first met, I couldn't take my eyes off you. You were confident, held your head high, and were ready to fight the Klaxosaurs even when hurt! And I found that beautiful! I'd be moping around, but I felt like I could fly with you. I realized that I never really cared about riding the FranXX. I wanted to ride with you! So please don't go, Zero Two!" We stopped. I and Ryuko smirked at our pink-haired girl.

Ryuko: "Did he just... confess to our Zero?" she was still smirking

(Y/N): "It looks like it, my love" We look at Zero

Ryuko: "Seems like your Darling is calling out to you, Zero" We look at her. She turns around and smiles at us.

Zero Two: "

Zero Two: "And how can I leave after that? Ryuko! (Y/N)! Now!"

(Y/N): "Right! Life Fiber Connect, Kamui Nekketsu!" I pressed the button on Neko's sleeve.

Ryuko: "Life Fiber Synchronize, Kamui Senketsu!" She pulls the pin of her glove.

Soon, we stood there in our Kamuis. Both active and looking fresh like 150 years ago.

Zero Two jumps over one guard, take his weapon, and kick him in the back. She runs down the stairs. I and Ryuko are taking care of the remaining three. I grab one and hold him over the edge.

(Y/N): "Any last words?"

Soldier: "W-What are you?!" I drop him down. Taking another one with one punch as he bounces off the wall.

(Y/N): "Seriously... three teenagers beat an elite squad..." I take their weapons and throw them out.

Zero meanwhile, shoots the glass above Hiro, finally tossing her weapon out and jumping to him. She breaks it and she is free.

Ryuko: "(Y/N)! Zero is out! Let's go! Senketsu Shippu!" She transformed into her flying mode. I did the same with Neko

(Y/N): "Nekketsu Jetto!" we flew through the hole Zero made to meet with the duo. Zero is standing in front of Hiro

Zero Two: "Nobody's ever said such embarrassing things to me before"

Hiro: "I-It's a first time for me, too" he gets a little flustered. Zero gets to his eyes level.

Zero Two: "You wanna ride me, huh?"

'Don't misunderstand it, DON'T MISUNDERSTAND IT! DON'T RUIN THEIR MOMENT!!!' Ryuko blows a raspberry.

Ryuko: "pff Sorry..." I look her dead in the eyes.

(Y/N): "Really love?"

Ryuko: "Yes!"

We looked back at Hiro and Zero Two

Hiro: "I'll do it" Zero gets her hand near her ear

Zero Two: "Let me hear it one more time" Hiro gets shocked for a while, Then he gets back, with more resolve than ever

Hiro: "Let me... Let me ride in Strelizia again!" then Zero Two smiled at him, took his hand, and the two waltzed through the gate.

Zero Two: "Ryuko! (Y/N)! We will meet near our FranXX's! Let's go, Darling!" And they run away. I and Ryuko meanwhile fly right behind them.

Guard: "Those four are getting away!" Just to make it sound, Ryuko knock him out. Soon we're near the ship. After a while we looked down to see Zero Two, still dragging Hiro, kicking one guard in the chest. We flew low, punching any guards in our way. We flew up to Heliconia's faceplate and Ryuko opens her up. Soon we were in our positions. Just as I was gonna pull the triggers, Nana called us.

Nana: "Children, get out of their right now!"

Zero Two: "I can't. I'm going out with my Darling and my friends!"

Nana: "(Y/N), Ryuko, say something, please!" she begged

(Y/N): "Sorry, Nana. But our task is more important" I smirk, "I told you and Hachi this morning"

Nana: "(Y/N)!" I cut off the radio and Ryuko looks at me.

Ryuko: "We're in so much trouble" She smiles

(Y/N): "Not the first time we are" I pressed the triggers and soon Heliconia's face plate sprung to life

Heliconia: "(Y/N), look at Strelizia!" We look at her, and to our surprise, she was actually getting alive!

(Y/N): "Oh fuck yeah! Hiro did it!" Then we looked down to see soldiers running away. We stood up and Strelizia blow a hole in the side of the ship. We exit through it. Heliconia looks at Strelizia's face. A smile, Strelizia was actually smiling.

Strelizia: "Let's fly, Darling!" she activated her boosters and flew away, with Heliconia right behind her

Heliconia: "Zero! Wait for us! Hahaha!" she laughed

(Y/N): "The best life I could have got!"

Hiro: "I did it... I'm piloting a FranXX!"

Strelizia: "That's right, This is what you're capable of"

(Y/N): "I told you, Hiro! Haha! This is the best!"

Heliconia: "So how is it feeling, Hiro?"

Hiro: "I feel myself going deeper inside Zero Two. I can't tell where I end and where she begins anymore. And I love it!" I chuckle.

Strelizia: "I'm feeling it, too. We're a perfect fit, huh?"

'You finally found your happiness, Zero. Now just remember my words'.

Heliconia: "A Perfect fit, just like us, honeybun"

(Y/N): "I'm happy for them" We smile, looking at the white mech

Heliconia: "We're so damn proud of you. And we're happy for you two, Zero, and Hiro"

Strelizia: "Thanks, friends!" she smiles

Hiro: "I should be the one thanking you. Thanks to you, I'm now here, piloting with Zero Two!" He laughs.

(Y/N): "Now, let's go. Squad 13 needs us" Hiro nodded, and we flew to the location of the worm Klaxosaur

*Meanwhile, with Nana, 3rd POV*

Nana: "What do these kids think they are? Stealing two FranXX, attacking personnel. And (Y/N) actually killed one!" Then a call from Doctor comes.

Dr. FranXX: "Nana, are you there?" he looks at her, "Good grief, is it not the time to call?"

Nana: "No, Doctor, it's fine. Why are you calling?"

Dr. FranXX: "I call about a request for Reapers to stay at Plantation 13," Said request shows up on the screen "Hachi send it to me three days ago" Nana put a hand on her forehead

Nana: "I completely forgot... So, what's the verdict?"

Dr. FranXX: "(Y/N) and Ryuko are allowed to stay at Plantation 13 as a part of Squad 13. They're under your and Hachi's command now" Nana smirks, "Be sure to tell them that. Now, Nana, before I say anything else, you may wanna sit down. And tell Hachi all of what I will tell you"

Nana: "Why?"

Dr. FranXX: "I need to tell you a story of my nephew and his girlfriend..."

*(Y/N) POV, battlefield*

We spotted the worm, Heliconia got her scythe out, while Strelizia holds her lance. We get on low altitude and push to the max. We collide with the Klaxosaur. By the looks of it, it was about half-done swallowing Delphinium. Once we hit the worm, it freed all of the Squad 13 FranXX.

Delphinium: "Strelizia?! Heliconia?!" Heliconia winked at her.

Heliconia: "The one's and only" she smiles

(Y/N): "Hey Ichigo, you missed us?" I smirk.

Goro: "Is Hiro piloting Strelizia?"

Futoshi: "Are you serious?" Strelizia holds open the jaw that was holding Argentea, while Heliconia stabs her scythe into its side, pushing a button to detonate some of its flesh.

Hiro: "Let us handle this!"

Delphinium: "No! We can't afford to rely on you two this time!"

Hiro: "Even I'm... I'm part of the team, too"

(Y/N): "Well... we're honorary members, but we can always help. You won't get rid of us that easy, guys!"

Heliconia: "You bet your ass they wouldn't. Not without a goodbye first, at least!" Delphinium stays silent for a while.

Delphinium: "Alright, you guys. You deal with that. We are going to focus on this one"

Both Lizia and Conia block shots from Klaxosaur's neck, simply by spinning their weapons. Lizia throws her spear into its neck and pulls it down. Conia then stabs it down, pinning the worm to the ground.

Strelizia: "Hold it like this, Heliconia!" she grabs her lance, forces the Klaxosaur's mouth to keep open, and then detonates the charge "That didn't feel right"

Hiro: "Where's the core?" Klaxosaur grabs her, but she momentarily spins around to free herself. The worm then tries to escape underground.

Heliconia/Strelizia: "Oh no, you don't!" Both FranXX rocketed after the Klaxosaur, diving into the hole it made. Both soon emerge and slam the worm onto the ground. The dirt cracks and soon we know that what we thought were two Klaxosaurs, was just one giant one.

(Y/N): "Fucking hell! It's huge!"

Zorome: "No way... it was all part of one Klaxosaur?"

Futoshi: "If it's that long, it won't be easy to look for the core!"

Goro: "But we'll still have to find it!" The worm finally hit the ground. It started surrounding Squad 13

Argentea: "God! Somebody stop this thing!"

Delphinium: "I got it. Pin it down, everyone!" she jumped onto the Klaxosaur and impaled her blades through it. Pinning it down, "Come on guys!"

Everyone: "Yeah" Meanwhile, on the other end of the Klaxosaur. Heliconia rises her scythe.

Heliconia/(Y/N): "Scissor Scythe, Blazing Sun!" Heliconia's weapon started burning. The black FranXX got it up over her head, to finally deliver a hit, pinning Klaxosaur to the ground. Strelizia was a bit earlier, Holding it with her spear impaled on the side.

Zorome: "Okay, we pinned it down"

Delphinium: "(Y/N), how is it on your end?" Her face appeared in front of me.

(Y/N): "We pinned it too. It ain't going nowhere" I smirk.

Zorome: "Okay, but now what?!"

Delphinium: "H-Hiro! We need you!" Strelizia looked over to Heliconia

Heliconia: "Go, you two! We will handle it here!" Strelizia nodded.

Hiro: "Think we can do this, Zero Two?" Strelizia smirks.

Strelizia: "Easy!" she flew to the front, where Delphinium and Chlorophytum hold the mouth open. After getting a head start, she dives down the Klaxosaur. Feeling her incoming, Heliconia took her scythe out. Soon, The white FranXX emerges, the core loosely impaled on her weapon. Klaxosaur explodes and bathes our FranXX in blue rain. Soon Hachi radioed us.

Hachi: "Target neutralized. All units, return to base"

*Plantation's 13 briefing room, 20 minutes after the mission*

After returning to Plantation's hangar, and putting Heliconia in her spot, we went out to meet with a rather not pleasant surprise. An escort. Right to Nana and Hachi, who were waiting for us.

'Shit'

Hachi: "You four disobeyed direct orders, attacked and killed APE personnel..." I whistle, "Stole two FranXX and interfered in this mission."

Nana: "But in the end, you saved the rest from certain death. We are going to overlook what you did, especially you killing the personnel, (Y/N)" I raise my hands.

(Y/N): "Fourth Amendment" I smile, "I only defended myself. Not my fault he fell through the railings" Nana sighed.

Nana: "Just don't let it happen again"

Ryuko and (Y/N): "No problem"

Hiro: "Yes ma'am" Zero just hummed

Nana: "Another news is that... Doctor finally responded about your stay here 'Reapers'" she smirks "(Y/N), Ryuko, Dr. FranXX decided to assign Heliconia to Plantation 13, permanently. HQ gave it approval and from now, you two are a part of Squad 13" I and Ryuko widen our eyes "Congratulation"

Ryuko: "So that means..."

(Y/N): "We are staying!" Ryuko hugged me and we spin around for a while.

Ryuko: "FUCK YEAH!!!" she fist pumps the air

Nana: "Ryuko, please watch your language"

Ryuko: "Sorry ma'am" She looked at me, "We are staying! We are staying! We are staying!" she jumps around me.

(Y/N): "Nana" The caretaker looks at me "Hachi" the commander too "From now on, we will listen to you two. But if you order something not sitting right with me, I will disobey"

Nana: "Oh, you sure will, Crimson Reaper" she smirks as I look at her with wide eyes

'How...?!' Then it hit me 'Uncle Werner' I smirk.

(Y/N): "Well, what about Zero and Strelizia?"

Nana: "APE has reconsidered. For the time being Strelizia is too assigned to Plantation 13"

Zero Two: "You heard that Darling? I've gotta stay!" she hugs Hiro

Hiro: "It's good to hear, Zero Two. We also have (Y/N) and Ryuko with us" He looked at us "I finally got my wings. Thanks to you"

Ryuko: "And you better make use of them. You may not know Hiro, but we and Zero like to bet a little" I, Zero, and Ryuko smile, confusing the freshest pilot.

Hiro: "Bet? About what?"

Zero Two: "Darling, we bet who will kill more Klaxosaurs during one mission"

(Y/N): "And so far it's 8-6 for Team Heliconia"

Zero Two: "Now that I have my Darling, you have no chance, (Y/N). Right Darling?" she asks Hiro, who looks as determined as he could.

Hiro: "You bet Zero Two." He looked at me, "You better watch (Y/N). We will beat you two"

(Y/N): "Oh I am so afraid, BUU HUU" After some fake cries and a common laugh. Hiro gets in front of me.

Hiro: "Man, with you two here, things will get funnier for sure. So, for fruitful cooperation?" He offered me a hand. I gladly take it and shake it.

(Y/N): "For fruitful cooperation" I shake it while our partners just looked at us

Ryuko: "Typical boys... one moment they are at each other throats, the other they are back to being best buddies"

Zero Two: "I must agree, Ryuko..." Hiro and I look offended.

(Y/N)/Hiro: "Hey, we're not!" The girls giggled at us. Hachi however stopped our fun.

Hachi: "Now, return to Mistilteinn. The kissing operation will start in 48 hours"

With that, we walked out and took the elevator to the top

This day will be one to remember

https://youtu.be/kU9cilzp4bE

A/N: Happy reading, if you're here that means you made it, 3 chapters for the price of one. My arm... ouch.

Feel free to vote and comment

Punkie out and over!

Sneak peek

090: "And who are you two?"

(Y/N): "Really? Oh, right. No one besides Squad 13 saw our faces"

Ryuko: "We are Reapers"

Kill la Kill belongs to Studio Trigger

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

OC belongs to me

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