*(Y/N) POV, Two Days after the Battle of Gran Crevasse, ruins of Plantation 13*

After our return two days ago to still-standing Mistilteinn Ryuko and I started organizing things to function properly. Every adult residing in the City of Plantation 13 was either crushed by the hand or died ill from being exposed to the outside world. With that, as I suspected, every technician working on our FranXX, made me the main 'engineer' of Plantation 13. I already get a work-to-do, list every damage to any Squad's 13 mechs and get another list with things I'll need to repair them. As for parts, well... There are standard units lying to be scraped all around our place of stay. As I walk one by one, I list the damage.

(Y/N): "Conia" I take a look at my and Ryuko's FranXX. The proud Grim Reaper stood as if nothing happened to her, the cape and hood still on, not torn in any place. Her paint shines like brand new with occasional spots of blue blood on both her blades and cloak. "Not any damage. Lizia" I look at the still red FranXX. I thought that after we disconnect, they will get back to their normal color scheme and look, but I guess once activated, their true form stays on for good. Checking the mech's body, I notice a small dent on her arm. Purely cosmetic "Lizia, not any damage" I continue to do this until I get six full reports.

Despite throwing its head inside Strelizia's jaw, Delphi has only minor damage to her head and hat. Nothing a few new armor pieces can't fix. I suspected an overheating of Geni and Chlori's weapons, and I was right. Genista's cannon and Chlorophytum's wings wear signs of overheating, and as much as it isn't a problem in Genista's case, with Chlori it could rip Ikuno's arms if they were to explode.

(Y/N): "Check Geni's weapon and some radiators and coolant hose to help heat dissipation in Chlori"

I then look at the pink and white melee FranXX. Tea... After our return, Miku was limping on her right leg, so I suspect that something happen to Argentea's right one too. Flying up and getting the service panel of her knee, I spot a destroyed servo as well as some crushed gears and some ripped cables. I sigh.

(Y/N): "Great, I need to rebuild it from the start. Tea, whole new right knee mechanics, and servos" I note and fly down, checking the time it seems it's time for breakfast. I walk back to the elevator, finding myself at home not so long after "Hey everyone! I'm back!" I get at least one person's attention, Ichigo leaves the canteen and gathers everyone... by yelling.

Ichigo: "(Y/N) is back, everyone! Get to the lounge!" I nod to her and soon, the entire Squad 13 gets down. I sit and wait until the last pair arrives.

(Y/N): "Everyone is here. Okay, I will tell you right at the start, in some cases, it isn't good" some guys mutter

Ichigo: "So, what's wrong with our FranXXs, (Y/N)?" I give her Delphinium's report.

(Y/N): "Delphi has some minor armor damage, work for one night. Mostly to her head and hat, thanks to you showing it inside Lizia's maw" I chuckle "Thanks for the additional work, Ichigo" the blue-haired girl huffs, and pouts.

Ichigo: "I got to do something to deliver Hiro..." I chuckle.

(Y/N): "I know, I know. You did the right thing, Strawberry" I then look at the next report, Strelizia "Zero, Hiro, Lizia is undamaged, aside from one dent on her right arm." I pass them the report as our newest pair reads it together "It shouldn't interfere with piloting her" I get my hand under my chin "I still wonder why she's still in her true form"

Zero Two: "Isn't that obvious, brother!" she grabs Hiro's arm and hugs him "Lizia knows I love Darling, and he loves me. Same as Conia knows your and Ryuko's feelings" I smile at her.

'I'm thankful to whatever higher being there is Zero got back to behaving just like she did months ago. Now Squad 13 will get to know not 'partner killer' but Zero Two, a cheerful, childish sweet girl who loves to have fun and lives her life without a care in the world.

(Y/N): "You may be up to something, lil sis" Zero smiles "Maybe you want to help me theorize it, Zero?" I smirk, as Zero deadpans.

Zero Two: "I will leave FranXX to you, brother"

(Y/N): "Sure thing, next is" I get the report "Chlori and Geni" I pass the reports to the duos as they read "You two sure bring the fire to the fray, literally. Both their guns wear signs of overheating. I will try to solve the issue but for now try not using them" Mitsuru got his hand up "Mitsuru, you don't need to do that, just ask" the brown-haired boy nods.

Mitsuru: "What would happen if we used them now? Would-" I cut him off.

(Y/N): "Well... they could explode, ripping both FranXX's arms and doing the same to their Pistils, which means" The thought of it makes Kokoro and Ikuno worried, as they cover their mouths in shock "Yeah, that" Futoshi stands up

Futoshi: "Then I won't let them use it before you check them!" I signal him to sit down.

(Y/N): "Easy there, big guy. I will check them right after the most serious one" I take the report "Tea" Both of her pilots look at me.

Miku: "How's she? Is she?" I look at her.

(Y/N): "Same to you Miku. Your leg any better?"

Miku: "Ryuko changed the bandages this morning, it's alright, but I will hobble for a while" she walks around, hobbling on her right leg, soon she sits down not to overstress the injured limb

Zorome: "So... you gonna tell us what's wrong with our FranXX or not?" I nod.

(Y/N): "Her right knee is in scraps. I will need to replace most of the insides, and rewire some cables and hydraulics. And I need parts to do so as well as someone to help me, preferably three guys. Who wants to?" Zero, Hiro, and to my surprise, Mitsuru get their hands up "Alright, that should be enough"

Zero Two: "But where do we get those parts, brother?" I smirk.

(Y/N): "Well, Zero, we have them all around. All those destroyed standard units have all I need"

Hiro: "What about their pilots?" I sigh, knowing this talk couldn't be postponed any longer.

(Y/N): "Guys... listen, you know exactly what happened to them. And I will not sugarcoat it either. They're mostly dead. If we somehow find any survivors, we will get them back to Mistilteinn and treat their wounds"

Ryuko: "Honeybun, but what if there aren't any?" I sigh deeply, knowing I may upset some of them.

(Y/N): "Then you and I get to Heliconia and stock them up in a pile and burn their FranXX with their bodies together" Following, I hear multiple shocked and offended gasps

'I knew it' I roll my eyes

Ichigo: "(Y/N)! You can't do that!"

Goro: "Can't we give them a proper last goodbye?" Ikuno thankfully becomes a voice of reason.

Ikuno: "We don't have time to bury them all. Mass grave won't work either. I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of touching dead bodies" She looks at me "Leaving (Y/N) idea as our only way to pay a last tribute to them. I read in my books that burning a body was one of the ways to"

(Y/N): "That's right, Ikuno" I look at the trio who volunteered "You three still want to go?" Hiro, Zero, and Mitsuru nod, and we get to leave, but Ichigo stands up

Ichigo: "Wait!" we look at her "If that's the only way to part ways with our fellow pilots, I'm going too." She looks around the room "I think we all should go. They were our brothers and sisters in arms, we should pay respect to their memory" Most of the Squad nods agreeing with our leader.

Kokoro: "It's a good idea, Ichigo" She turns to the purple-haired girl "Ikuno, what else did they say in your book?" Ikuno flips through her current book, stopping on an illustration presenting a funeral pyre.

Ikuno: "When they burned the body it's usually with some flowers, the weapon of the deceased, and some personal belongings. In our case, their weapon would be their FranXX"

Kokoro: "I will go grab the flowers then" she left the house, probably going towards the greenhouse

(Y/N): "I will warn you guys only once. I will enter any FranXX first, and if I tell you to stay out, stay out. I don't want you to see something which can probably ruin your mental health. We're going for the parts hunt and if somehow we can get the Magma Energy we will do it too. Ryuko, I, Hiro, and Zero Two will use our FranXX, while the rest will need to travel either in jump seats or on their hands, understood? "

With the confirmation of their understanding, and Kokoro getting back with a few bouquets in her hand we get to the elevator. When we finally arrive, I and Ryuko flew up to Heliconia. After activating her we get Zero and Hiro to Strelizia. Both sister units activate and get their hands down for the rest to jump onto. Zorome, Miku, Kokoro, Futoshi on Heliconia's, Goro, Ichigo, Mitsuru, and Ikuno on Strelizia's. Black and red hooded FranXX got her hand up to her face and deactivates soon enough. I get the faceplate down and I greet them.

(Y/N): "Miku. Inside. Not a discussion. Your leg is injured, and we don't need it to get worse" I help the red-haired girl inside.

Miku: "Thanks (Y/N)" Ryuko walks her to the jump seats while I look back

(Y/N): "We have one more seat left" Zorome, not being a gentleman, tries to walk inside the cockpit

Zorome: "I guess since my partner is already-" I cut him off with a smirk, as I extend my hand to Kokoro

(Y/N): "Ladies first. Kokoro, please sit down. Put the flowers behind Stamen's chair. There should still be some space left" I help Kokoro inside, and she giggles and smiles.

Kokoro: "Thank you (Y/N). You're as lovely as ever" I smile as Kokoro leaves the bouquets and takes a seat next to Miku.

(Y/N): "No problem Kokoro" I turn to the boys "Well, sorry, we don't have any more seats left. Hold tight" I smirk and went to close the faceplate "That's how you treat a girl, guys. Learn from older" The faceplate closes, leaving stunned boys on the other side. Getting back to the Stamen's place, I look back to see if the girls are seated before pressing the handles and activating Heliconia again. Conia looks back at Lizia, as the red and orange FranXX also stands up.

Heliconia: "Sis, you ready?" Lizia smiles at her.

Strelizia: "I'm all ready, big sister! We can go" with that we begin to walk toward the still-stormy battlefield. A hologram of Conia's face appears on my right.

Heliconia: "As I live, I never thought I will have a little sister" She smiles "I'm not the youngest in the family at least"

(Y/N): "Life has many surprises, dear. It still holds a lot of them for us" After fifteen minutes of walking we arrived. Not even 48 hours later, the site of the battle is now silent as the wind. On it, present only broken FranXX, either without limbs or with bitten-off heads, and rotting Klaxosaurs remains. Squad 13 sinks the picture of what war looks like.

Kokoro: "That's horrible..."

Goro: "It's... it's awful..."

Zorome: "We got a lot of luck to not be here with those FranXX..." I sigh.

(Y/N): "Not luck. Skill" Heliconia and Strelizia deactivate, and we regroup between two machines "You're not the same newbies who couldn't even fight one Conrad alone. Now, each team can take on multiple Moho head-on. I think I saw Delphi doing it the day before yesterday. Ichigo, Goro?" team Delphinium gets surprised

Goro/Ichigo: "They were Mohorovicic?!" I and Ryuko nod.

Ichigo: "We thought there were just some grown-up larvae!"

Ryuko: "See? You guys wouldn't end up here. Come on, let's search for parts"

(Y/N): "Follow me, squad 13" they start following me until I finally spot some FranXX looking promising to harvest parts out of it. It's missing its right arm and there is a hole in its chest. Not getting my hopes up, I walk to the external display, showing both pilots' vitals.

'Pistil: Code 968, status: dead.

Stamen: Code 870, status: dead'

(Y/N): "For fuck..." I curse "Both are dead. At least..." I open its faceplate, look at the platform, at the chair and turn around, throwing up most of my breakfast, worrying the rest of Squad 13, as they rush to me.

Ichigo: "(Y/N), are you okay?! What's-"

(Y/N): "Don't you go any centimeter further! I'm fine" I sigh "It's just... don't look inside this one"

Ryuko: "Honey, what's wro-" I cut her off

(Y/N): "In there, are two eleven years old, both dead. Eleven. Years. Old. Ryuko!" Ryuko gets wide-eyed.

Ryuko: "What?!" She tries to push her way there "Let me see it!" I hold her.

(Y/N): "Ryuko, believe me, love, you don't want to" Ichigo meanwhile goes to us

Ichigo: "(Y/N), what happened?" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Ichigo... in there are bodies of two probably eleven years old kids. Their numbers are high, which could mean a fresh batch from the Garden"

Ichigo: "They were... transferred here to fight from the Garden...?" Ryuko and I nod.

Ryuko: "Without any training. I wouldn't be surprised if it was their first time in real FranXX too"

Goro: "Papa was sending kids from the Garden... without any training... and let them die in this hell?"

Zorome: "What're you saying? Papa would never do that!" Mitsuru rolls his eyes at him.

Mitsuru: "You are either stupid or you are ignorant to not see what's going off"

Zorome: "What?!"

(Y/N): "Zorome" I sigh "Papa never really cared about any of us. About me or Ryuko, about Squad 13 or even Zero Two. We're just tools to be used and replaced" with this, a discussion started.

Futoshi: "You both are questioning Papa... but, if he really doesn't care, why we got these medals... And all this praise?" Ryuko clears things out.

Ryuko: "Propaganda. Futoshi, they praise you and reward you to keep you fighting and to stop you from asking questions" Hiro joins us

Hiro: "Remember, I always asked them about what happened to other kids. And I never got a single answer, they didn't want to let us know"

(Y/N): "That's right. If they did, you would have no reason to obey and... then they would kill you. He doesn't need disobedient Parasites. I get to the next FranXX, "At least this one looks like we can harvest something out of it" and with the same result, I end up vomiting.

Ryuko: "(Y/N)!" I turn and stop her.

(Y/N): "Love, under any circumstances do not let them see this!" I sigh "Too brutal..." I look back, and what I see, will probably haunt my dreams for months.

On Stamen's chair, I again see an eleven-year-old boy at best. His skull was pierced by metal rebar as fragments of bones and brain tissue splat around him, his eyes still open. Pistil wasn't better, from the first look I can see she has a broken spine in at least three places, her neck turned at an unnatural angle, and some dried blood on her face, mainly coming from her ears.

(Y/N): "Fucking shit, is this a slasher..." I sigh and get inside. Getting panels from around the cockpit, I finally found what I require, two giant radiators used to cool down the air in the cockpit. Getting my finger on fire I cut them out, and throw them outside, where Ryuko and Zero would transport them back onto Heliconia's hand. Finishing, I stop by the deceased pilot and close both their eyes "May He have you two in his care, children" I get outside, cutting out armor pieces, which soon land back at Heliconia's hand. Now I'm gathering things to repair Tea's knee, not talking with anyone. Ryuko gets to me.

Ryuko: "Honey... you okay?" I sigh and turn to her.

(Y/N): "I'll try, but I don't think I will be able to sleep tonight" Ryuko hugs me

Ryuko: "Don't you worry, your cuddle buddy is here and will make sure you'll have a proper rest" She smiles

'Right... yesterday we ditched our rooms and moved to the attic, opposite Zero's room. Guess goodnight cuddles are back after months'.

(Y/N): "Thanks, love" Ryuko gets back to moving parts. Finally, I got everything I need, gears, servo, wires, and hydraulics. After getting back, I put them in Conia's hand where the rest of my supplies lies.

Ichigo: "It's everything you need, (Y/N)" I nod "Then... we can start"

Ryuko: "Hiro, Zero, get back to Strelizia. We need to grab every FranXX we can and pile them up here" she points at the clearing. Team Strelizia nods and goes to their mech. Ryuko and I are right behind them towards Conia. Soon, both FranXX are active

Heliconia: "Lizia, you'll take the left, we will take the right" red FranXX nods and soon, both of them pile up the destroyed mechs and transfer their fuel to both of their tanks. Stacking about twenty destroyed mechs, the duo finish their job half an hour later.

Strelizia: "That's the last one. We got the full tank" she drops yet another standard unit into the heap of them.

Heliconia: "Same as me. We will distribute it later" Ryuko and I serve our connection with our FranXX and gather with everyone.

(Y/N): "Ichigo, that was the last one, we can start" I look at the blue-haired girl, as she's not sure what to do next

Ichigo: "O-okay... we should pray" Everyone gets ready

(Y/N): "I just hope not to him... Wait, Ichigo, if Ryuko and I can?"

Ichigo: "Oh, yeah, I mean, you two probably know better how to" Ryuko and I step forward, hands ready to pray "Everyone, get ready"

Ryuko: "Loving Lord, bless them forever in Your eternal peace"

(Y/N): "Let the sounds of strife, the cries of battle, the wounds of war be calmed for all eternity in Your loving and endless grace"

Ryuko: "Let these great warriors find rest at last. Ever reminded that we who are left behind"

(Y/N): "Cherish their spirit, honor their commitment, send them our love, and will never forget the service that they gave"

(Y/N)/Ryuko: "Amen"

Squad 13: "Amen" I turn to the kids

(Y/N): "This is how you pay respect... Now" I turn back to the pile "Let them go to their eternal peace. Earth to earth... ashes to ashes... dust to dust" I get my hand forward, igniting it "See you all on the other side. Flamethrower" A stream of fire emerges from my palm, momentarily igniting the destroyed mechs. Kokoro steps forward and throws the bouquets into it, a small tear escaping her eye. Now, it's a matter of waiting, as everyone stands, looking as FranXX melts, filling the air with a metallic smell, thankfully covering the smell of burning flesh. We stand there until all that is left is a poodle of liquid.

Ichigo: "We should head back..." with that, everyone gets back towards two operating FranXX of Squad 13. No one said a word on our way home. Soon after activating Heliconia and Strelizia, we head back towards the remains of our plantation, getting back to the Mistilteinn. Everyone gets to their rooms, thinking about today's burial. I and Ryuko get to ours and I close the door behind me.

Ryuko: "Okay, hon, what did you see in the cockpits? You don't usually vomit like that" I look at her, and after she gets a good look at my eyes, she gasps "(Y/N)-"

(Y/N): "They... they were, so young..." Ryuko gets to me and grabs my hand "I-I-" I look at my partner, as she smiles with support.

Ryuko: "Shhh, (Y/N), it's alright"

(Y/N): "Rebar... one boy had a rebar in his skull... it pierced it like an apple..." I sniff "Pistil... she hopefully died quickly... but, spine broken in three places and a twisted neck... she... she tried to do something after her partner's death... stampede... it did this to her" I look away "They were another pair of kids... not even eleven..." Ryuko cover her mouth, horrified by everything she heard.

Ryuko: "I was right to stop the kids... but... what... why would he do this?"

(Y/N): "He's getting desperate, it was his 'wish' after all..." I stand up and sigh "Another unnecessary sacrifice... another four lives gone before they could even start..."

Ryuko: "(Y/N)... how're you holding?" I look at my partner.

(Y/N): "Besides that, I threw up, and I still want to, I feel awful. Those images... it's everything I can see in my mind..." my raven-haired lover hugs my back.

Ryuko: "I'm here, (Y/N). You don't need to bear it alone, you know" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Thanks, love... but I think I need to keep my mind busy to forget about... them" I go to the doors "I will work on their FranXX, if you need me, I will be down there. I will try to be back before midnight. Love you Ryuko" I open the doors.

Ryuko: "I will keep you on that" she smirks "Love you too, (Y/N)" with that I went down, starting the repairs

*Time skip, 1 AM*

To be fair, most of the repairs took me an hour or two max. Delphi's hat got me some difficulties, but it now looks better for sure. Shame I didn't have any baby-blue paint to make it fit with the rest of her color scheme, but the most important thing is she has her armor. After her, I went to Geni. After inspecting the barrel of her canon, and not spotting any heat damage in it, I decided it was safe to use. Installing the radiator for Chlori's wings went superfast, meaning I had to now get to the most time-consuming task... Tea's knee. First, flying to it and getting most of the mechanism out, using my scythe as a safety pin, not letting the pink-white FranXX collapse on me. It took me hours, but now all I need to do is connect the servo to the joint and close the panel. I use Neko's flying config to get where I need

(Y/N): "Neko, you saw my spanner? Number 10"

Neko: "Didn't you leave it on the ground?" I fly down, spotting my tool near Argentea's old servo.

(Y/N): "Here it is, now to finish the job" I fly back inside the knee of the pink-white mech, finishing bolting the screw and connecting the electrics "Nearly done"

Neko: "(Y/N), you know it's well after midnight. You promised Ryuko you will be back in your room by that" I sigh.

(Y/N): "I know, but it's the only thing I have to do now, five minutes" Then, I hear an elevator and soon, I know I'm screwed as Ryuko appears in my field of view, stomping on the ground, wearing nothing more than my old shirt and her underwear

Ryuko: "(Y/N)!" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Fuck..." I poke my head out of the mech "I'm here Ryu Ryu!"

Ryuko: "I know! That's why I'm here! You promised you will be back in bed by midnight!"

(Y/N): "Tea's knee took me longer than I thought! I'm nearly done, give me a five!"

Ryuko: "Five minutes! After that, you sleep in the lounge!" I roll my eyes, putting a connector in its place and checking if the joint is connected the right way. After that, I carefully remove my scythe. Seeing that Tea stands as she supposes instead of collapsing, I smile and fly outside. Grabbing her armor piece working as a service hatch, I fly back up and close it.

(Y/N): "Done!" I land next to Ryuko and power Neko down "Let's go back" I give her Neko's hoodie "And for crying out loud, wear something next time. You'll catch a cold" Ryuko smirks.

Ryuko: "What, you mean you don't" she puts the shirt up, showing me her ass "see something nice~" I sigh

(Y/N): "You're unreformable, love" I grab her bridal style "Good thing I'm too~" girl in my arms giggles, and we get back to our room. I catch a glimpse of Zero's room, spotting her and her partner hugging each other.

'Better not interrupt those two. Besides, Ryuko and I have our 'business' to attend' I walk inside and lay Ryuko down, changing into my pajamas and soon joining her

(Y/N): "Goodnight Blueberry, I love you" Ryuko gets on top of me

Ryuko: "Fuck the sleep. I've waited long enough!" she pushes her lips on mine, as we start our make-out session. "Gosh, I fucking love you, (Y/N)"

(Y/N): "I love you too, Ryu~" we get back to our love-making session

*one month later*

During the month a lot of things changed. The next day after I repaired our FranXX we received a note alongside a lot of crates. Upon opening them we saw rations of food, washing supplies, and other necessary things to live. In the note, we got orders that Squad 13 needs to remain in Mistilteinn until we get called to our next mission. It also informed us that food will be delivered here once a week.

Electricity was another problem. It's limited just like our food. After a quick discussion, we decided that during the day we won't use any light, and during the night we will mostly use candles. The light was only turned on in the lounge when we were using it.

Yet another issue was with water. The crates didn't have any, so we were forced to use lakes and rivers... which was not ideal because the whole plantation's waterworks were damaged when the giant hand crushed most of it.

Right now, after the month, we just survived a child fever pandemic. And because Ryuko and I have 'some' medical experience, we tend to the ill. Speaking about my sweetheart, I woke up, not seeing her anywhere. I groan and stretch my arms.

(Y/N): "Ugh... what's the time" I check my communicator "600 hours..." I get up, scratch my head and get going to the bathroom. Walking back I hear a talk from Zero's room.

Ryuko: "A little more... and done! You like it Zero?" I peek inside, seeing Ryuko showing Zero a mirror, as the pink-haired girl inspects her horns.

Zero Two: "They look so nice!" Thank you, Ryuko"

Ryuko: "No problem, sis. Thanks for letting me do it" the two girls smile at each other "I probably should get back to my room. (Y/N) is still asleep, and he will be worried if I'm not there" I decide to enter after knocking

(Y/N): "Yeah, I would be worried about where my cuddle buddy went. Morning, sis. Morning, love" I smile "What's up, girls?" Ryuko gets to my side and kisses my cheek.

Ryuko: "Good morning love" she smiles, "Zero asked me to help her file her horns. I think I did a pretty good job" Zero turns to me.

Zero Two: "What do you think, brother?" I look at her horns, much shorter and cuter.

(Y/N): "You look so cute, Zero. Shorter horns suit you better" Zero beams with happiness "Your Darling will like them for sure. Speaking about him, I, he, and Mitsuru are on a water job today. What about you two?"

Ryuko: "I'm doing laundry with Miku and Kokoro. Ikuno got a fever a few days ago and sweats like crazy" she sighs "Meaning a new set of bedding every day..."

(Y/N): "Not her fault, love" I turn to Zero "What about you Zero?"

Zero Two: "I got the messenger job this week" she smiles "I can make a lot of noise" She inhales, trying to screech, but Ryuko and I stop her

(Y/N): "Not the best idea, Zero. Maybe use some kitchen stuff" I suggest and look at the time "Duty calls, see you later girls" I get back to my room, grab Neko, and change her into my clothes as I get on my way to the river, spotting the two boys not so long later "Sorry I'm late"

Hiro: "Not a problem, (Y/N)" Mitsuru meanwhile takes a glass and dips it into the river, checking it a second later

Mitsuru: "The water's starting to go foul here, too"

Hiro: "Yeah" he and I squat near the brown-haired girl, spotting particles in the water

(Y/N): "Second water source gone... If this keeps up we will be left with no water at all" I sigh.

Hiro: "Maybe we can drink it if we filter it?"

(Y/N): "Hiro, you're a genius. I can use some pipes and cloth to make a makeshift filter, sure it will not be as good as it should be, but at least we will have water"

Mitsuru: "That said, there's no saying how much longer we can keep this up. The water supply to this area can stop any time"

(Y/N): "Given that Plantation's pipe system is damaged... and we have no idea how to repair it"

Hiro: "Yeah, you two are right" he smiles, trying to stay positive. Mitsuru just looks at him and later away in the distance. We hear banging from the distance, and as it gets louder we turn to its source to spot Zero hiding behind the tree.

Zero Two: "I finally found you! Come on, you three, time for breakfast" she announces happily, and we follow her back to the house. We enter the mess hall and see Ichigo distribute the rations, while Zero and Hiro get to fill the cups.

Zero Two: "Take care of this, Darling"

Zorome: "Man, I'm starving" he takes a seat and looks at his food "Man, this mash again?!" Ichigo gets offended.

Ichigo: "What else we can do? If you don't want it, don't eat it!" she grabs his tray.

(Y/N): "Oi, I will gladly eat his portion, Ichigo!"

Zorome: "Don't you dare (Y/N)! I didn't say I wouldn't eat it!" Ichigo gives him his food back. Meanwhile, our recent patient enters the room

Ikuno: "Sorry, I will help"

Ichigo: "Nah, it's fine. Anyway, has your fever gone down?"

Ikuno: "I'm used to it now" Zero gets in front of her and puts her forehead on hers.

Zero Two: "36.7 degrees... Normal body temperature" Ryuko smirks.

Ryuko: "Seems like medication and a solid rest did the work"

Zero Two: "Don't push yourself too hard, okay?"

Ikuno: "G-Got it. Thanks"

We all sit down and while Squad 13 say their 'prayers', Ryuko, Zero, and I just dig in

Zero Two: "Morning laundry: okay, Carrying the rations: okay, Thirty minutes for breakfast. After that..."

Miku: "You're awfully meticulous. Nobody's going to complain if you go a bit off-schedule"

Zero Two: "That won't do. We all agreed to these rules! We're the only ones here, so we gotta obey them"

Miku: "Wow, look who's turned over a new leaf"

Ikuno: "What happened to your wild side?"

Zero Two: "Exactly. That's why I wanna do things right"

Miku: "Oh, really now?"

Zero Two: "Really" Every girl smiles at her, knowing the rabid and cold Zero Two is now replaced by a happy, respectful, and smiling girl. I smile seeing everything worked out.

(Y/N): "I'm just happy to see this" Ryuko nods

Ryuko: "Same. She's finally back to her happy self" We smile "She has friends all around her, and she finally has her beloved with her, all they need now"

(Y/N): "Is freedom" I chuckle "Stage 2 in motion, Ryu" Ryuko gets her communicator out, seeing a message from Nana

Ryuko: (Y/N), we need to go" I nod and stand up

(Y/N): "Thanks for the meal guys. Ryuko and I have to go somewhere"

Ichigo: "Where are you going? We just started eating" she looks at us, some suspicion behind her eyes.

Ryuko: "Ichigo, my best friend, I assure you would not like to know" she smirks "(Y/N) and I are just gonna get to the lake, where he will do-" Ichigo blushes and cuts her off

Ichigo: "No! Not another detailed moment of yours! Go, forget I asked" I chuckle. Ryuko and I leave the house, and get to the elevator, soon getting to the room with Nana and Hachi.

Ryuko: "Good morning Nana, Good morning Hachi" we greet the adults. Hachi nods and Nana smiles.

Nana: "Good morning you two. How are things up there?" she asks worriedly.

(Y/N): "Nana, don't need to worry. Kids are doing more than fine. They organized things with our little help. One week someone does the laundry, the other week they clean the house, etc." Nana sighs in relief.

Ryuko: "Slowly but steadily they learn how to take care of themselves. Soon, they'll be ready to live without Plantation 13" she smiles "Meaning we can move to our new home"

Then, uncle Werner called. Nana swipes the screen, answering the call.

Dr. FranXX: "How are the kids doing?" he asks, curious about the children's progress. I huff.

(Y/N): Wow. Not even a 'good morning'. I thought Grandma Yoshino taught you and my mom manners" I smirk, making uncle sigh.

Dr. FranXX: "Don't bring her into this, (Y/N). We've reached a crucial point in our operation. Children saw what happened during the battle" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Uncle... they saw the aftermath too..." Uncle looks at me "When I was searching for parts to repair their FranXX, we, or at least I saw the pilots... Code 978 and 870, how old they were?" Uncle gets surprised.

Dr. FranXX: "Were? Last time I checked they were in the third Garden. (Y/N), don't say-" I cut him off

(Y/N): "I saw their FranXX, with pierced head, and missing limbs. I saw their massacred bodies. How. Old. They. Were?" As an answer, uncle punches his desk with his robotic arm, furious.

Dr. FranXX: "Those bastards! Sending eleven years old kid to the battlefield without any training!" Nana is shocked by the information, and the red-headed caretaker gets on a verge of tears as she turns to me.

Nana: "(Y-Y/N)... were there- more of higher codes?" I look away, not wanting to see her heart shatter. Nana cares about every kid, not only us, and the news will make her heart ache even more.

(Y/N): "I'm sorry, Nana" my answer was all she needed to confirm it. She starts bawling, while Hachi goes to comfort her. Despite not showing it, he cares about Nana, maybe even more than his associate.

Dr. FranXX: "I can't believe it! I know Papa and the rest of the geezers are insane, but this is just a new level. What's worse, there are many more like 978 and 870"

Ryuko: "So, we're finally doing this? Stage 2?"

Dr. FranXX: "After you see their training is done, move to it immediately, Ryuko, (Y/N)" we nod, while he turns to Nana, who calmed down a little "Nana, did you tell them where are they going?" Nana sniffs.

Nana: "R-Ryuko, (Y/N), when we leave this place, we're to go southeast. W-we are staying at the beach you guys been during your vacations"

(Y/N): "If things weren't so dark right now, I would be jumping" I state, still kinda angry

Hachi: "Doctor. What's the status of our base of operation?"

Dr. FranXX: "Most of the infrastructure is finished. Hangar for FranXX and living quarters as well" he smiles "FranXX of 'Squad 36' are in the testing phase, your friends are getting tested as well, most of them are capable of piloting"

Ryuko: "Who? Are Mako and the rest finally up?!" the elder gentleman smirks.

Dr. FranXX: "This will be a surprise to you two, Ryuko. Be patient, I'm sure you two will like it" he turns to the adults next "Nana, Hachi, I understand you didn't have contact with children, except for Ryuko and (Y/N)?" Hachi nods.

Hachi: "That's right"

Dr. FranXX: "Good. If you two intervene with the children, our plans would be ruined" Nana then steps forward.

Nana: "Doctor, I still don't understand. Why we can't be with them? They went to hell and came back alive. They need us more than ever. Even if we are to keep the training going, we should at least..." she argues, but Uncle cuts her off.

Dr. FranXX: "Always so inflexible. They have (Y/N) and Ryuko up with them. They will be fine. Keep this thing going, you four" he hangs up.

Nana: "Wait, doctor! Good grief, he should at least let us speak with them" I sigh.

(Y/N): "Nana, you heard him, they have us with them"

Ryuko: "You said yourself we would 'make good substitution' for you two" she smirks "Nana, we will look after them. Just make sure we will get the rations. It's our main source of food for last month" Hachi nods.

Hachi: "We will. Ryuko, (Y/N), get back to Mistilteinn. Remember to stay shut about us" We nod and get back to the boarding house. When I enter, I saw Mitsuru, rocking the new hairstyle. He sees me and gets in front of me, while Ryuko walks away.

Ryuko: "Seems like you two have something to do. I will go help Ichigo and Ikuno with lunch" she kisses my cheek and walks to the mess hall. Mitsuru stops in front of me.

Mitsuru: "Good to see you (Y/N)" he holds something in his hand "I want you to see something" he hands me a pipe, "I thought about Hiro's idea to filter the water and made this" I inspect it

(Y/N): "You did this all by yourself?" The boy nods "Impressive. What did you use inside?" I then look at him "Well. I can say shorter hair suits you better, who cut it?" the brown-haired boy blushes.

'Ohoho, it gets spicy. I'm shocked, Mitsuru got it faster than Miku and Zorome. But Ryuko has a plan for those two, they don't even know it. Ichigo, now having zero chances with Hiro, will probably get together with Goro. Ikuno is gay, and Futoshi still loves Kokoro. I hope they too find their significant other in the future too'.

Mitsuru: "K-Kokoro did... I asked her"

(Y/N): "So Kokoro" I smirk "Well, I should ask her later too, I hate having long hair. Come on Mitsuru, let's test it" We leave the house and get to the river we tested this morning. I use it and for sure, after two times, the water was crystal clear "Hmm, looks good" I take a sip, and it was just water "Taste like water too. Good job, Mitsuru"

Mitsuru: "Thanks"

(Y/N): "We should test other water sources" nodding the boy follows me "Well... about you and Kokoro" my companion blushes again "Hehe, I knew it. She kissed you, right?"

Mitsuru: "Even if she did, s-so what?" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "You usually don't stutter too, Mitsuru. Admit it, you care about her" he stays quiet "Silence works too. Mitsuru, we never had good relations with each other, but since you and Kokoro started piloting together, I can see that change in your demeanor. And that change is what I wanted to see. I will tell you what I told Hiro, what I told Ichigo and the rest of the guys. Love is a unique feeling, one that everyone gets it differently. Only you can be sure it is"

Mitsuru: "I-"

(Y/N): "Trust me, it will all be worth the confusion and any trouble" we get to the lake and any other water source later. With the lake being too contaminated for any filtration. After we're finished, we get back to the house, right before the afternoon meeting. We get to the lounge, where nearly the whole squad sits down. I sit down next to Ryuko, while Mitsuru stands near the wall. Soon, Ichigo enters, starting the meeting

Ichigo: "Okay guys, afternoon meeting! What did we do today?" she claps and sits down.

Futoshi: "I, Goro, and Zorome cleaned around the house"

Ikuno: "I was helping you with the food"

Goro: "After cleaning the house, Hiro and I moved the rations to the kitchen" Hiro nods

Mitsuru: "I and (Y/N) were working on the filtration system. Besides the lake, we can drink the water after filtering it"

Goro: "We still need to bathe. We can use the lake, we used it before, so why not now?" Everyone agrees.

Ichigo: "Very well. But girls and boys will have their hours there, okay?" once again, remembering gender wars we agree to split the hours.

Ryuko: "I, Miku, and Kokoro did the laundry, and later helped you with lunch. Speaking about"

Ichigo: "It's lunchtime. We finished today's tasks too" We get back to the cafeteria, where we ate, and later get back to the lounge where we talked till the nighttime.

*Next day*

After breakfast, Mitsuru and I did an improvement to our filtration system. Now, it gives us crystal clear water just after one use instead of two. Upon my return, I found my partner. Ryuko agreed for us to go on a stroll with Hiro and Zero, and so here we are. Walking through the Mistilteinn, both mine and Ryuko's hands intertwined, we walk behind Hiro and Zero, as the latter gets interested in a blooming cherry tree.

Hiro: "Zero Two?" she ignores him and continues to look at the buds "Oh, those are Sakura buds" Zero looks at him for answers

Zero Two: "Sakura? What are the flowers like?" she asks all curious.

Hiro: "What are they like? Well... Oh, they're a really pretty color. The same color as your hair" hearing his comparison, Zero smiles and giggles.

(Y/N): "Hiro is one smooth talker" I smile

Ryuko: "He had a good teacher" she jabs at me, smirking

Zero Two: "I can't wait to see them" the young couple get closer to each other

Hiro: "What do you think of our lives right now?" he starts the conversation

Zero Two: "I'm having fun"

Hiro: "You don't find it a pain?"

Zero Two: "Not at all" Zero answers all truly

Ryuko: "We're glad you two think so, because, soon we will live like this forever"

Zero: "I'd want nothing more than this. I can't wait for Stage 2" she smiles, all cheerful and optimistic. Hiro agrees with her.

Hiro: "To be honest, I can't wait either. I have my worries, but all of this is new, and it's so interesting and exciting" He gets even closer to Zero "And..." he nearly got her hand, but Zero remembers something.

Zero Two: "Oh, Ryuko and I were supposed to go bathing with the girls!"

Hiro: "Huh? Oh..." she scraps his neck, embarrassed

Zero Two: "No peeking, Darling. Let's go Ryuko"

Ryuko: "Same goes for you, (Y/N)... If I see you, I will drag you there~" she giggles and the girls walk away to the lake.

(Y/N): "You know I'm not like that, honeybun" I sigh and turn to Hiro "Heh, good try Hiro. You tried to hold Zero's hand, don't you?"

Hiro: "Well... Ryuko and you do it a lot. I though-" I cut him off.

(Y/N): "That by acting as I act with Ryuko you'll make her happier? Hiro" I sigh "She waited for you for more than ten years, trust me, she's already happy" I smile.

Hiro: "It's not that, (Y/N). You and Ryuko are always happy with each other. And to be honest, I'm still new to this whole 'relationship'. You two are more experienced, so I thought I should learn from observing you and try to act like that with Zero Two"I smile.

(Y/N): "You two have time, don't rush it, it will come naturally" I smile "You two kissed, that's more embarrassing than holding hands or cuddling"

Hiro: "Easy for you to say, (Y/N). Let's get back, we have work to do" Nodding, we get back to the house.

*Ryuko POV*

I'm washing Zero's hair, while the girls discuss Mitsuru's new hairstyle

Miku: "Did you see Mitsuru's hair?" Kokoro gets nervous, as I smirk.

Ryuko: "So you did it Kokoro? I must say, he looks a lot better" I smile "Good job, girl"

Kokoro: "Thanks"

Ryuko: "Well, I cut (Y/N)'s hair. And seeing he's getting shaggy, I may just need to give him a cut" I sigh "He and his thick hair"

Ichigo: "Ryuko, you cook, you do laundry, you even sew. Is there anything you don't do?"

Ryuko: "Well, (Y/N) is more mechanically apt, he repairs Heliconia, and I do food and laundry. It seems fair to me" I shrug, meanwhile Zero sees a fish swimming by.

Zero Two: "Fishie!" she tries to lunge forward

Ryuko: "I didn't finish your hair, get back here little missy!" I tug her back.

Zero Two: "Okay Ryuko!" she smiles

Miku: "Your hair is so pretty, Zero Two"

Zero Two: "Darling said it too. He said it was a pretty color earlier and that the flowers of the same color will bloom soon" I rinse her head "Hey!"

Ryuko: "You can't stop talking about him, sis" I smirk "Someone is in the corny territory"

Zero Two: "Now you've done it, Ryuko!" she tries to tackle me into the water, but I twirl and make her miss. She resurfaces a second later "Not fair!" I chuckle.

Ryuko: "Too slow, Zero" I look at the girls "Okay, Miku, your turn" I start washing her hair "You have split ends, Miku" I inspect them

Miku: "Wait, really?!" I nod.

Ryuko: "Yup. Don't use shampoo with conditioner in it. I had the same problem" I smile... but spot something... a patch of gray hair.

'They're too young to have gray hair... what's going on...'

Miku: "Ryuko?"

Ryuko: "Huh? What?" I look at them.

Miku: "I was asking how did you get your hair so puffy" She touches my hair "It's so soft" I smile

Ryuko: "I dunno, they got like that since I was little" A small blush gets on my cheeks "(Y/N) says they're like silk in touch" I mutter

Ikuno: "Your hair color is similar to Ichigo's too"

Ryuko: "Mine's darker, with a bit of going into black, but this color suit your emerald eyes, Ichigo"

Ichigo: "Thanks" we all got washed and got back to the house

*Time skip, lounge*

Ichigo: "We have around five sources we can use for drinking water. The northern river dried out when I checked it in the morning" She draws an 'X' on a map of Mistilteinn

Mitsuru: "And two of them are only usable with filtering. (Y/N) and I worked on it this morning" I nod

(Y/N): "Now we need only to filter it once. More cloth and some mesh, and voilà, crystal clear water"

Ikuno: "Can't we repair the circulation system ourselves? This should be enough to get the river floating again" I sigh.

(Y/N): "No, sadly"

Mitsuru: "We don't have the tools to do so"

(Y/N): "Even if we did, we couldn't repair it. I'm more like a technician for FranXX than a plumber" I shrug.

Futoshi: "And our access to the elevator is restricted, right?"

Hiro: "Yeah"

Zorome: "Why don't we just send a letter to Papa and ask him to fix it?" I look at him, deadpan.

(Y/N): "Really, Zorome? Don't you think if Papa could have fixed it, he'd done it by now"

Goro: "Yeah. I don't think there'd be any point to that either" Zorome looks at us, offended.

Zorome: "Huh? What makes you two so sure?"

(Y/N): "Maybe because we can see something you can't see, Zorome" I smirk

Miku: "Man, I never realized how much we relied on our invisible caretakers"

Kokoro: "Yeah, they always made sure we had clean clothes and hot food" Ryuko looks at her

Ryuko: "I say we're doing fine, guys. I know this is new to all of you, but it is what it is"

Miku: "What'll become of us if we stop getting rations, too?" everyone gets silent until Zero gets an idea

Zero Two: "Why don't we just cook our food?" Everyone looks at her, while I smile.

(Y/N): "That's right. Remember, Ryuko and I were supposed to teach you how to cook back at the beach" Ryuko joins us

Ryuko: "Now it's a perfect time to teach you folks about cooking" she smiles

Hiro: "The river still had fish in it. If we can cook them..." Miku cuts him off.

Miku: "But only (Y/N) and Ryuko knows how"

Futoshi: "And they already are our medics. We can't let them do all the work"

Mitsuru: "If they can teach us, we can split the tasks. Besides, we had books about cooking in the study"

Kokoro: "Then maybe we could do it after all"

Futoshi: "Yeah" everyone's mood, except Zorome, brightens

(Y/N): "Goro" I look at the boy "You have your fishing supplies?" Goro nods.

Goro: "Yeah, bobbers, hooks, and several types of bait"

Ichigo: "It's settled then. Tomorrow we will make our food. Goro who is going fishing with you?"

(Y/N): "I would personally suggest Hiro and Zero Two to go. I'll take care of the fireplace"

Zorome: "That's all great (Y/N), but what if we run out of fish?" I smile.

(Y/N): "Then we leave the Plantation and settle somewhere where we can get food" I chuckle, and I can see team Strelizia smirking, as well as Ryuko "Don't worry, you and Futoshi are helping me with the fire"

Futoshi/Zorome: "Oh man..."

Ryuko: "Or... we can use you as one" she giggles, while I stare at her

(Y/N): "You just wait, little devil. A personal fireplace no more for you" Ryuko looks wide-eyed at me and complains.

Ryuko: "But... I'm cold during the night..." I smirk. We walk a little more, as my partner and I introduce them to the basics of cooking.

*Next Day*

I woke up early and get to the forest, cutting down some trees and setting them aside for Zorome and Futoshi to bring to me. I bring two logs with me and chop them down into small firewood pieces. Soon, my helpers woke up and get to me

(Y/N): "I left some logs in the forest, bring them here, and I will chop them down" I order the boys. They disappear in the forest, returning five minutes later, with a log in tow each.

Futoshi: "Hey (Y/N)! Where we should put it?" I point to my left.

(Y/N): "Right here. Go get the rest" While I chop down wood with my scythe, they keep bringing the logs one by one, finally dragging the last one.

Futoshi: "I think it's the last one (Y/N)" I nod "Now, what should we do?" I point at the chopped firewood.

(Y/N): "You see this wood?" Futoshi nods "Put it into the fireplace, so it would look like a teepee" Futoshi has a questioning look.

Futoshi: "But... what's a 'teepee'?" I sigh

(Y/N): "I forgot... Just place it down, so it looks like a triangle from every side" Futoshi tries to do so, and after some struggles, he gets a near book-perfect teepee shape "Good job Futoshi, now" I squat down and get my finger on fire "Time to lit it" I lit the wood, starting the fireplace. Futoshi looks excited at it.

Futoshi: "Look, Zorome!"

Zorome: "Aren't you dieting? Why are so gung-ho about this?" he looks away, not interested.

'What? Dieting? Futoshi?' I can't believe it.

Futoshi: "But this is fun! Look at this stuff burning up!" he gets close to the fire.

(Y/N): "Futoshi, be careful. Don't get too close because" the wood sparked, scaring the brown-haired boy "Because wet wood likes to sparkle" I sigh "You alright?"

Futoshi: "Yeah" I help him up while Zorome gets to us, now all excited

Zorome: "Wow, you're right! That's so cool!"

(Y/N): "Guys, fire is started!" I announce and look around at how they're doing. Ikuno and Miku and kneading the dough for the loaf, as the purple-haired girl gets too passionate with it.

Kokoro prepares the herbs while Mitsuru mixes the spices by the book. Ichigo and Ryuko are setting up the tables, the blue-haired girl leaves the house with plates, and my partner follows her with chairs. Ichigo spots that the fishing trip is coming back and waves at the trio.

Ichigo: "Hey guys welcome back!"

Zero Two: "We're back!" the group gets to us and puts their buckets down, as we gather around them

Zorome: "Wow, what a haul"

Zero Two: "I caught eleven!" she boasts

Miku: "Really?"

Futoshi: "That's awesome"

Miku: "How about you, Goro?"

Goro: "Two less than Zero Two" he put his hand behind his head and smiles

Kokoro: "That's still amazing"

Mitsuru: "Yeah"

Ichigo: "And Hiro?"

Hiro: "I didn't catch any"

Zorome: "Are you kidding me, Hiro? That's so lame!"

(Y/N): "Don't worry, Hiro. Zero will teach you" I smile and Zero nods.

Zorome: "Wow how did you catch so many?" he asks the pink-haired girl, who smiles

Zero Two: "I'll show you now" Everyone besides Ichigo and Goro gets around Zero Two "When the rod twitches, you immediately reel that thing in!"

Kokoro: "I don't know if I can..."

Zero Two: "It's easy" she ensures. I and Ryuko look at them from the side.

(Y/N): "It reminds me of the old times..." Ryuko leans her head on my shoulder.

Ryuko: "Yeah... It would be nice to have our kids one day. Just not in this world" I hum, agreeing.

(Y/N): "Now, let's teach them, how to cook a fish" I turn to everyone "Okay, Zero, you will teach them later, now, it's time for our lesson" Ryuko and I get to the separate table, and grab the buckets with fish by the way "Everyone, get around us, we will teach you how to prepare a fish" Everyone gathers around the table. "First of all, fishes are living creatures, like birds, or us, and they feel pain too, so" I grab one fish and use a broadside of a knife to stun it "You hit it in the head to stun it. It shouldn't feel pain anymore"

Ryuko: "Next thing you do is remove its scales" I pass the knife to Ryuko, and she shows them how to do it. "Remember to move the knife with the scales, not against them. It would be easier" she then flips the fish to the other side. Soon enough she finished and rinse it in the bucket, getting the remaining scales off.

(Y/N): "Now, to gut it. In this step you kill it, so if you don't want to watch, look away" Ryuko passes me the fish and I get the knife to its belly "To gut it, we need to cut open its stomach." I press the knife, soon cutting, and get my hand inside "Then, you just pull its organs out and rip them out. We can't eat them" I pull them out "After the fish is dead, you rinse its insides in water to get any blood or remaining organs out. Of course, there is one fish you need to be extra careful preparing, or it can kill you. Pufferfish" Ikuno got her hand up "Yes, Ikuno?"

Ikuno: "How do you prepare it then?" Ryuko and I shrug.

Ryuko: "Hell if we know. In the old world, chiefs needed a license to cook it"

(Y/N): "Back to this one" I get the fish on the table "Now, we cut the fins and its head" I grab a knife and cut out the extra "There is no meat or anything nutritional in them" I cut its head off "That prepared fish is ready to season" I pass the fish back to Ryuko, who turns to Kokoro

Ryuko: "Kokoro, you found them?" Kokoro nods and gets to the table.

Kokoro: "Here you go Ryuko" she passes her salt, pepper, and a lime

Ryuko: "Thanks sugarcube. First, we sprinkle it with lime juice and later season it with salt and pepper." She does so "Then get it on a stick and fire it goes! Voilà!" Squad 13 looks at the fish, all prepared to cook, and gasps.

Miku: "You two made it look so easy"

(Y/N): "It's a matter of practice" I assure them

Zorome: "Then I want to try it!"

Kokoro: "Me too"

Miku: "Me three!" I chuckle.

(Y/N): "Do we have that many knives, hehe?" I scrap the nape of my neck and smile.

After getting a fish each, Squad 13 tries for the first time to prepare a meal. Ryuko and I overlook their work, and everyone got it nearly on the first try. Miku was scared to gut the fish, so Ryuko helped her. Zorome was too nervous and nearly mauled his and Futoshi cut his finger while cutting off the fins. After bandaging it up, everything else went smoothly. I'm currently checking if our food is cooked, as the sun started to set.

(Y/N): "Everyone, our dinner is ready" I announce and get the fish out of the fire, to later transfer them to a plate and put it on the table where everyone awaits

Zorome: "We're incredible! We actually cooked for ourselves!"

Miku: "Weren't you slacking at first? And you nearly destroyed your fish"

Zorome: "Says the one scared to kill it..."

Ryuko: "Now, now everyone. Calm down, each of you did a good job with your fish. Now, let's try it" She smiles

Kokoro: "The question is, how will it taste?"

Mitsuru: "We followed the book's and both Ryuko's and (Y/N)'s instructions, so it should taste fine"

Goro: "Well, what are we waiting for?" Agreeing, Ichigo talks next.

Ichigo: "Okay, take your seats" Everyone finds a sitting. Ryuko and I are beside Zero and Hiro on our right. They get ready to pray, but"

Zorome: "Forget about praying!"

Ichigo: "Hey!"

Zorome: "We did all the work, why should we pray to Papa? Let's eat!" he takes a bit of his fish "Woah, this is great"

Miku: "Really?" "She takes some of her salad "Yeah, it's totally edible!"

Kokoro: "Yay!" Everyone digs in, while I and Ryuko pray silently to our parents.

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

Ryuko: "Dad, aunt Hayami..."

(Y/N): "We are thankful that your guidance let us have this time with our friends and family..."

Ryuko: "We hope that you two will continue to look over us on another adventure"

(Y/N): "We will make you two proud again"

(Y/N)/Ryuko: "Amen" we dig in too, and Hiro asks us

Hiro: "(Y/N), to who do you two pray?" I turn to him.

(Y/N): "To our parents... they were killed by the same woman who tried to conquer our world in the past" Well... I said it too loud, as everyone hears me and looks at me.

Ryuko: "Now you've done it, (Y/N)" she sighs "Guess we can't keep this up anymore?" she smiles, and I nod, standing up

(Y/N): "Guys... there is something you need to know about us. We're from the old world" Everyone keeps looking at me, dropping their food in the process. Zorome laughs.

Zorome: "Haha! Good joke, you two"

Ryuko: "We're serious Zorome. How do you think we know so much stuff? We lived on our planet 150 years ago, and got frozen in cryogenic sleep until the time come"

(Y/N): "Dr. FranXX choose us personally to help you all with Klaxosaurs in the future. Because... we saved our planet once before" I look around, shock and confusion present on their faces

Miku: "And you want us to believe that?"

Hiro: "But what (Y/N) is saying is true. They told me when I was in the hospital" Zero nods.

Zero Two: "Both Ryuko and (Y/N) are from the old world. Doctor told me that too" Ichigo looks at us.

Ichigo: "Now that you say it..." she turns to Ikuno "We saw a poster with a boy and a girl looking like Ryuko and (Y/N) back at the abandoned city" Ikuno nods while I smirk

(Y/N): "We got posters? Cool!"

Ryuko: "Super cool even" we high-five

Ikuno: "I once read about the history of the old-world country called Japan. It mentioned the Great Life Fiber War" Goro looks at her, not believing.

Goro: "Life Fiber... (Y/N), isn't that-" I nod

(Y/N): "The very same one. Ikuno, who ended it? Did the book mention the names?" Ikuno nods.

Ikuno: "They were-" Ryuko cut her off now

Ryuko: "Ryuko Matoi and (Y/N) (L/N)" Ikuno's mouth shoots open

Ikuno: "How? How do you know their names?" I and Ryuko smirk.

(Y/N): "Because it's us. We ended the war and destroyed Ragyo Kiryuin's plans to destroy Earth" I look around "I know, talking to a person who is now 168 is... rather shocking, but believe us, we're that old" Ichigo grabs her head in her hand.

Ichigo: "It's really hard to believe, (Y/N)" she sighs

Ryuko: "Then let us tell you all how it started. I was on my vendetta against the person who killed my father"

We proceed to tell them our life story. About our reunion, about our numerous adventures in Honno Town and Academy. We told them about Ragyo, about Nui, and what they did to us. We told them about 'Squad 36' being our friends from the time, as they're frozen too, and the whole squad being our cover. About our parents, about Senketsu and Neko, and finally about meeting Zero Two 150 years later and being sent here to help them, being careful not to mention the plan.

(Y/N): "That's how we ended up in Plantation 13, as Reapers, two of the most fierce Parasites APE ever had" I end up, and look around, spotting all of Squad 13 except for Hiro and Zero to look shocked as hell

Ryuko: "Honey, I think we broke our squad" she jabs my side

(Y/N): "You think so hon?" I look at them "Guys, you okay?"

Ichigo: "You two... you lived through so much... and yet you are still fighting..." she looks at us with pity

(Y/N): "Yeah, why shouldn't we?"

Kokoro: "To hear someone... could do something like that to a child..." she gets the tears away

Futoshi: "But in the end, you two won. You saved the world" Ryuko and I nod.

Ryuko: "That we did" Zorome and Miku turn to us"

Zorome: "You two... are awesome! (Y/N), can I try your Nekketsu?!" Miku gets to Ryuko.

Miku: "Ryuko, can I try your Kamui too?!" I and my partner chuckle.

Zorome/Miku: "Please!" they beg

(Y/N): "First off, no. You will not use Neko and Senketsu to fight each other, second, if you're not a hybrid and don't have a connection with them, they will put a strain on your body"

Ryuko: "They need blood to change into their battle form. Trust us, we lost so much of it when we get them for the first time" she smiles.

(Y/N): "Anyone has any more questions? Ichigo, I see you have one" Ichigo nods

Ichigo: "Just one. Why did you two hide it from us?!" she gets angry "You two know not to keep secrets from us" Ryuko sighs.

Ryuko: "We never had an occasion to tell you guys. Besides, you would never believe us"

Ichigo: "And Squad 36? It's all fake too?!"

(Y/N): "Partially. Our friends are with Dr. FranXX and are learning to pilot as we speak. We were supposed to be Squad 36 with me as their leader, but Doctor either forgot or Papa didn't allow that"

Goro: "I'm amazed... saviors of the world in our team"

(Y/N): "Just don't go and announce it all around. Keep it for yourself, we're still (Y/N) and Ryuko, Codes 004 and 006. Your squadmates and friends" I smile and Ichigo stands up "Ichigo, I know you may be-"

Ichigo: "Stuff it (Y/N). You two... You two stayed with us since we were assigned to Plantation 13. You helped us numerous times when we needed help. You taught us many interesting things. You two become great friends with us, and I think I will say it for everyone here" she looks at me and Ryuko, a smile present on her face "Although you two lied to us, I understand it was for the better good we may not understand just yet. We will not tell anyone about your real identities or whatever you two told us this afternoon. You two are a part of our family, and family sticks together" I smile.

(Y/N): "You finally learned, Ichigo. Thanks, leader. Let's get back to eating" We eat and talk in the meanwhile.

Zorome: "I bet none of the other squads actually cook for themselves, right?" he boasts

(Y/N): "And you are right Zorome" I confirm it

Zero Two: "Yeah. We've never seen any others do that"

Zorome: "See? We're truly geniuses!" He puts Futoshi's untouched food to the brown-haired boy's face "Come on, Futoshi! Eat up! Come on, eat up! This is really good!" he kept pestering the boy.

Ichigo: "Someone's let this go straight to his head"

Ikuno: "In a way, that's so him"

Zorome: "Eat already! What's the matter?"

Ryuko: "Futoshi, if it's raw, let me get it back on fire" she offers

Goro: "Isn't he getting a bit too worked up though?"

Zorome: "Eat, damn you!" a sound of a plate being broken gets our attention as we look at the two boys

(Y/N): "Guys, what is happening?" I look at the broken plate.

Mitsuru: "Are you okay?"

Futoshi: "Oh, I'm fine" he waves it off "Sorry, my hand slipped" he starts picking up the pieces

Zorome: "Don't lie" Futoshi looks up at him

Futoshi: "What do you mean?" he asks terrified

Ryuko: "What's that about, Zorome?" the blond boy keeps looking at his best friend

Zorome: "I know you've been forcing yourself to eat and throwing it back up" Futoshi is now visibly terrified, all of our group look at him

(Y/N): "Futoshi, is that true?" I look at him, hoping the kids didn't start having eating disorders.

Futoshi: "O-of course it's not, (Y/N)." Zorome has none of it, as he grabs Futoshi's shirt collar.

Zorome: "Don't lie to us!" Goro stands up.

Goro: "Hey, calm down Zorome" I, however, order otherwise

(Y/N): "No, Goro. If Futoshi is starving himself, we need to know"

Futoshi: "Guys, it's fi-" Zorome cuts him off. The shorter and more fierce boy starts to tear up.

Zorome: "You better eat if you want to live. Do you want to starve to death?!" Futoshi starts to panic, as he looks all around, his gaze finally settling on the fish, laying on the grass.

Futoshi: "No, I can eat. I'll eat it all" he picks up a fish from the ground, and takes a bite. He chews it for a few seconds only to spit it all out and start coughing. Hiro walks to his side and pats his back.

Zorome: "Why?" he turns his back to us, and his voice starts to crack "Why is this happening to us? Why isn't Papa getting in touch? Why didn't he come for us? It's been a month, is he abandon us?" Ryuko and I look around, most of Squad 13 have tears in their eyes.

'Poor them... but it needed to happen... The glorified image of Papa cracking, they need to learn that he doesn't care, that he uses them as cannon fodder. It's painful but needs to happen.

Miku: "Zorome... don't worry. I'm sure he will-" Ryuko cuts her off with a heavy sigh.

Ryuko: "Miku, please don't lie to him, you all know it won't happen anytime soon" Everyone looks at us, while I walk to the blonde boy

(Y/N): "Zorome..." I sigh "Remember, I told you guys, you are nothing but Papa's tools... and when he doesn't need you anymore, he will just throw you awa-" Zorome turns around and tries to hit me in the face, but I catch his fist mere inches away.

Zorome: "Shut the hell up!" he pants, tears flowing from his eyes

(Y/N): "Go ahead, try to punch me, but it won't change anything. You saw what happened to Squad 26. They tried to stop the Super-Lehmann, even after their plantation exploded, and he repaid them by doing that" I spite.

Kokoro: "What are you talking about (Y/N)?"

(Y/N): "Protocol 32..." I look down.

Ikuno: "What is it?"

(Y/N): "Protocol 32, also called 'suicide protocol'"

Ryuko: "Once is ordered to the team, they need to get in Klaxosaur's way or as close as they can, and overheat their FranXX's reactors." Squad 13 does not fully understand what that means, so Zero clarifies it.

Zero Two: "They were ordered to sacrifice themselves to kill that Klaxosaur" everyone looked in horror at us

Ichigo: "Squad 26..." she looks mortified "They were ordered to kill themselves?" Ryuko, Zero, and I nod.

Futoshi: "This can't be..."

Mitsuru: "That explains plantations exploding too" I step forward

(Y/N): "Ask any of us, how many times I, Ryuko, or Zero Two have seen the same Squad twice. Our answer would be zero, none. We have never seen the same Squad twice except for our fallen comrades in Squad 26. I was worried if Ryuko and I leave you we will get back to Plantation 13 with a new Squad in your place..." I sigh "Life of a FranXX pilot is limited" I look in the direction of the setting sun.

Ikuno: "I've seen it too, I was just too scared to say it."

Goro: "I've been writing letters to Nana and Hachi over the past month," he looks down "They never accepted any of them"

Zorome: "What the heck? You'd already tried?"

Hiro: "Assuming we really have been cast aside by Papa... I think that's fine. I'm not worried so long as I am with you guys." He stands up, and everyone looks at him with either shock or amazement "As long as we're together, we can work things out" I and Ryuko smile at him "Look at what we did today. We cooked our own food, it was a lot of fun. Be it cooking together, or discussing how to go about our daily lives, we've never really spent much time on these things before" I smile at him.

'Welcome back Hiro, the leader of the kids of the third Garden'

Zorome: "I never said I wasn't having fun," he shoots back

Hiro: "It all makes me think this is where we truly belong" he walks toward the center of the backyard and turns to face us "Cooking our food together, bathing in the lake, talking things out. Those are the things that are valuable in our lives"

Ichigo: "Valuable?" Hiro nods.

Hiro: "(Y/N) told me there are things more important in life than piloting a FranXX. And I see it now" Everyone smiles or conjures tears at Hiro's words. Futoshi even starts bawling.

Mitsuru: "Futoshi..."

Zorome: "Oh, please! What are you, a crybaby?" he cries too.

Futoshi: "You are the one to talk!" Zorome

Zorome: "Shaddup!" he dabs his tears away, while Futoshi does it with his sleeves. The bigger boy's stomach then growls.

Futoshi: "Aw come on. Now I'm hungry" We laugh a little at him.

Miku: "What the heck?" she giggles

Zorome: "Yeah, you better eat. You need the energy" Meanwhile, Goro and I get to Hiro's sides. I place my hand on his shoulder.

(Y/N): "Couldn't have said that better, Hiro" I chuckle "And I was the one who 'boosts morale'" both boys chuckle, while I ruffle Hiro's hair

Hiro: "Hey, quit it (Y/N)" he chuckles

(Y/N): "Good to have you on our side, bro" I look at the sun, as it hides behind the horizon "C'mon guys, we need to clean" Everyone nods. We gather every plate back in the kitchen, leaving them to sink in overnight. Later, we gather in the backyard, discussing things, Ryuko and I told them some side stories of our past life, such as the No Late's Day or the Fight Club, leaving some rated R content out of it. When they had any questions, we answered the best we could. To be honest, we were happy to see them wanting to learn so much of the old world and to finally have someone to talk to about it too.

*Time skip brought to you by Chibi (Y/N) and Chibi Ryuko playing with Toy Strelizia and Toy Heliconia*

(Y/N): "It for sure was an amazing day" I whistle on my way back to our room. When I was about to enter, I accidentally eavesdrop on Zero and Hiro

'Right, I forgot Hiro spends more time with Zero, but it's normal. They're engaged, after all, not officially, but... well he promised her' I shrug my arms.

Zero Two: "Yeah. The picture book we read together"

Hiro: "You remember it all? That's incredible"

'And now she recreates the very thing that led to their relationship' I smile 'I hope for a happy ending this time' I take a peak, as the duo sits on the floor, Hiro's arm right around Zero's shoulders, her head on his chest 'Better not disturb them' I enter my room, spotting Ryuko, lying on a bed. A book in her hands.

(Y/N): "Um... sweetie, since when do you read books?" Ryuko looks at me and sets the book aside.

Ryuko: "Since I have nothing better to do. I need some time killer" I smirk.

(Y/N): "Nerd" Ryuko shoots a dagger into me

Ryuko: "Shut up (Y/N)..." I hug her from behind, and she sighs "What am I gonna do with you?" she rolls her eyes but looks back with a smile.

(Y/N): "Well, get used to it love. I'm yours forever and only yours"

Ryuko: "Just the answer I wanted to hear" she smiles and pecks my cheek "Come on, I need to talk with you" we sit on our bed "First off when I went with the girls to bathe, I spotted something weird when washing Miku's hair. A patch of gray strands" this took my interest "(Y/N), they are fourteen and fifteen, they are too young to have them"

(Y/N): "I think I remember something..." I get my laptop on and search through the files "about rapid aging" I click on the 'Yellow Blood Cells' document and right at the bottom are side effects, listing 'rapid aging' as one "Well, fuck me, I guess. It's because of YBC. It causes them to age more rapidly" Ryuko's eyes shoot wide.

Ryuko: "Any cure?" I think "(Y/N), is there any cure?"

(Y/N): "I think uncle has mentioned something, that is to further develop after the defeat of APE because he needs some 'restricted reagents'"

Ryuko: "(Y/N), not a word to the kids about this. Don't cause them to panic, okay?" I nod.

(Y/N): "Of course"

Ryuko: "Second thing... I found a book while getting the bedsheets to the laundry, more specifically, Kokoro's pillowcase. A book titled 'Your first Childbirth'" I pinch the bridge of my nose.

(Y/N): "How did she get the book? It for sure wasn't in the study, unless" I think.

Ryuko: "Unless she found it somewhere in the abandoned city" she sighs "Can't they just, be patient? We would teach them about that later on"

(Y/N): "The most important thing is, not letting Kokoro do anything to any boy, especially Mitsuru. If she does, and she didn't get to the 'contraception' chapter, then we are screwed. It would mean leaving Plantation 13 sooner than I wanted to" I groan.

Ryuko: "Don't forget, pregnant Pistils can't operate a FranXX. Someone would have to tow Genista aaaall the way to the coastline" she chuckles "But hey, a little kid, born right into the new world. Somehow, a symbol of hope" I chuckle "I will talk with Kokoro, like girl to girl. Heck, maybe tell her everything? I will see" She lies down "Now, sleepy time" She looks at me and reaches with her arms for me "(Y/N)~ Come on my cuddle buddy~" she sings, and I smile, changing into my sleeping clothes. When I lie down, Ryuko on instinct puts herself close to me, her head on my chest "You're so warm, love... comfy"

(Y/N): "I try my best" I smile and kiss the forehead of the girl below "Good night Blueberry"

Ryuko: "Goodnight, Reaper" we look into each other eyes

(Y/N)/Ryuko: "I love you" smiling, we closed our eyelids, getting the needed energy for the next day. That is until I hear a roar in the distance.

'Klaxosaur Princess... she's joining the fray...'

A/N: Much awaited next chapter. The next chapter should be on sooner. Well, what to say, Papa's propaganda is slowly fading. (Y/N) vomited twice. Kids start to learn how to live their life, while (Y/N) and Ryuko report it all secretly to Nana and Hachi. Squad 13 now also knows about our heroes' true identity, as well as their achievements and most of their adventures. The next chapter is where Nines come to visit... let's just say one certain duo will not be happy about their arrival.

No more sneak peeks

Kill la Kill belongs to Studio Trigger

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

OCs belong to me

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