Hello everyone! You may not have noticed but the story's cover art has been temporarily changed. The current image was done by a reader, Yedibear13 on deviantart, and submitted to me. I would like to make a general statement now that anyone who wishes to use my characters in their artwork is free to do so. As a matter of fact, I wholeheartedly encourage it and I'd love to see the works if you do.

Several quick notes regarding the illustration. First and chief among them, 059 may not look as you have him pictured. That is because each reader chooses his appearance, often based on themselves. Similarly, the name listed is the one chosen by the reader who created the art. As a final note in the story Kyu's hair is cut in a bob similar to Ichigo's or Delta's, however I will admit I like this longer haired version of her as well. Maybe we'll have that later, who knows?

In the two weeks following your return to the Bird's Nest things began to happen rapidly.

Zorome began his farming efforts, turning all of the land near the Bird's Nest into fields for growing crops. It was interesting to watch how the previously wound tight Zorome worked so diligently with the land. He truly had adopted the ways of the farmers of old, rising early in the morning and not returning until late in the evening, always covered in dirt and grime. You are fairly certain based on rumors of yelling coming from his room, which Zorome swears must be haunted, that Miku was more than happy to assist in removing it.

The only additional thing worth noting from the fields was that each day more Klaxosaurs left the earth. You had no idea where they were going or what they may be doing when they arrived but the fact that no further Klaxosaur attacks had happened since Papa's departure made you less concerned about it. The one thing that did strike you as odd however was that Strelitzia Apus had been seen coming and going from the planet numerous times. How the massive Franxx was moving on its own without Hiro or Zero Two and why it returned only to leave again were both mysteries to you.

Ichigo and Goro worked as well together as they always had. Within a few days of you claiming your roles committees were born, and parasites began showing up to assist each of you in your efforts, all claiming to be sent by Codes 015 and 056. You couldn't help but laugh when you saw them out and about though. Ichigo had become recognizable to all parasites so she was often swamped with questions and concerns when she tried to go anywhere, leaving her little time that she could truly be considered off duty.

What made these situations entertaining was Goro. The poor man had taken to carrying at pen and paper around with him and seemed to be more Ichigo's personal scribe than Vice President. He was always scribbling notes as fast as he could while Ichigo gave orders or addressed the next concern. The phrase "Goro take note," had actually become something of a running joke between you boys as a result.

Futoshi and his kitchen staff somehow managed to feed the five hundred parasites and nearly one hundred adults that remained day in and day out. You and Mitsuru were up to your neck in the repairs being made to the damaged systems of the Bird's Nest, barely giving either of you a moment to enjoy with the ladies in your lives. Kokoro and Kyu were doing their best to keep the parasites calm and cared for.

Unfortunately, Kyu's condition had yet to improve. This made things harder for her and by extension you. She was taking it in stride though, always smiling and still going out of her way to help the other parasites as they struggled to understand this new world where emotions existed and you had the ability to make your own choices.

During that time Epsilon was released from the medical wing. As he'd said previously he wouldn't be walking out but as far as you were concerned any mission you survive was a good one. Owing to Delta and Epsilon's complete lack of skills the pair had taken to shadowing you and Kyu.

You quickly learned Epsilon had a sharp mind. He easily began to process the stacks of paperwork in the office you shared with Ikuno. It was hard to say how surprised you were the morning you had walked in and found his wheelchair beside Ikuno's desk as the pair held a detailed discussion on the topic of degenerated cell revitalization. They had asked for your opinion on the topic and then proceeded to laugh at the utterly confused look on your face when they mentioned telomere regeneration. While you weren't exactly thrilled to be made the fool you were glad to see Epsilon and Ikuno enjoying themselves.

Ikuno had worried you since the recent fight, now being coined The Second Battle of the Gran Crevasse, because of the changes it had wrought on her. Ikuno's once violet hair was now mostly gray with only slight traces of its former color. Ikuno also seemed to be frailer and she tired out quickly.

Numerous times over the past two weeks you had gotten up to leave for the evening and found her asleep with her head on her desk. It wasn't that Ikuno didn't have a place to stay within the Bird's Nest, in fact she actually had one of the nicer lodgings due to her position, she simply seemed driven to finish working on something in particular. Rather than leave her in that uncomfortable state, you had a cot brought in so she could rest more comfortably, though you usually had to place her in it.

Hachi also made some progress in his work of bringing the remaining adults up to speed. Several days after the Second Battle of the Gran Crevasse he informed Squad 13 he had received a mysterious message from Dr. Franxx, even though you knew the man to be dead. Hachi intended to follow up on a set of coordinates it provided, and he left the following day.

When he returned he brought with him several items of interest as well as something completely unexpected. When the ramp came down on the transport you had watched in amazement as Hachi escorted Nana, the real Nana, down to greet you. Nana seemed to be in rather rough shape leaning against her counterpart for support. Hachi warned that she wasn't completely recovered from the breakdown she'd suffered nearly a month ago in Mistilteinn. Either way having her back was an excellent boost to Squad 13's morale.

Hachi also gave to you and Ikuno seperate drives that he had found within Dr. Franxx's private facility. When you asked what was on them he only answered that it was Doctor's research and he knew nothing more. Finally he brought to your attention that within the facility he had found hundreds of additional parasites all frozen in cryogenic stasis.

While you wanted to help the parasites and release them as soon as you could, you realized that you likely couldn't support them with your current resources. This also brought to light that the Garden was likely to be nearly devoid of the adults that assisted in caring for the growing parasites there. Getting to them became a top priority. You and Ikuno both began to look for methods of increasing food production and temporary housing. The parasites that were frozen would be fine for the time being but those children at the Garden needed you.

In that time Kyu became even more positive that Kokoro was pregnant. Kokoro continued to have bouts of morning sickness and she had begun to have strange habits when eating, including dousing things in honey. Even in her current state, your sister's influence was still here. With Kokoro and Mitsuru's memories having returned the pair both knew that it was entirely possible that she was indeed pregnant. As a result, they decided to have testing done.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Code 556's urine sample revealed traces of the hormone chorionic gonadotropin?" Fake Nana reveals as you all listen eagerly. "And that means?" you ask growing slightly impatient. "According to the database it is a hormone secreted during pregnancy." Fake Nana turns to Kokoro and Mitsuru. "It means that Code 556 is with child."

The room erupts into cheers. Kokoro and Mitsuru cry while embracing one another. The only person unmoved by this information is Fake Nana. "Code 556 standard protocol dictates that all pregnancies be terminated," Fake Nana continues. The room immediately falls silent. "However due to the recent change in leadership I believe that if you were to request it that policy could be changed."

"Those in favor of removing the stupid policy?" you ask. Ten hands shoot in to the air. "Those opposed?" nothing. "Motion passed," Ichigo states with a smile.

Everyone then looks at Fake Nana to see if some final loyalty to Papa will be present. "Well then it is settled. Code 556 yours will be the first pregnancy in the new world. We should use this opportunity to set a precedent for future cases." "You mean you aren't going to try and stop us?" Miku asks. Fake Nana's hand goes to her cheek and she looks shocked. "Of course not, my job is to care for the parasites. Under Papa rules were changed and exemptions were made, it is simply part of the process. Now I would suggest that-"

"I don't need special treatment," Kokoro says sheepishly. "What are you talking about? Of course you do!" Mitsuru says softly, taking his wife's hand. "I don't want anything to happen to you or our child. You're my top priority. If there is anything we can do to make this easier for you, we are going to do it." "But I-" "Kokoro," Mitsuru presses his forehead against hers and whispers, "this is not up for discussion."

Kokoro looks to the other girls for support. "For once," Ikuno says with a slight smile. "I agree with Mitsuru. From everything I've seen in my research so far cells grow much faster and healthier when they aren't put under stress." Miku and Ichigo both nod in agreement. "Kyu?" Kokoro asks seeming to be begging.

"You read the same book I did," Kyu answers. "Pregnancy takes a large toll on the woman's body. We aren't saying you can't do anything, we just want you to take things easy and do what's best for the baby."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As you make your way back from Kokoro's pregnancy announcement a parasite runs up to your group. "Code 015," she says, "We have a problem." "What?" Ichigo demands immediately shifting back into her leadership personality. "It's the 9's." "I'll go with you," you state. Ichigo nods and the three of you take off toward the medical wing.

You soon find yourself in the hallway that contains Zero Two. You had learned during your subsequent visits to both her and Epsilon that the other 9's were being housed in the remaining three rooms. Alpha, Beta, and Gamma weren't physically injured but they seemed to be struggling with extreme cases of emotional trauma.

Following Ichigo's lead you enter Alpha's room. "Alpha," Ichigo says softly. "We came as soon as we got word. They said you've stopped eating and you are refusing your medication." "Don't need food," Alpha grumbles, "We need maintenance." Ichigo sighs knowing full well that maintenance was something completely out of the realm of possibility right now.

"Alpha please take your medication." Ichigo opens the bottle of pills and fishes out several. She walks over to Alpha and tries to feed them to him only for Alpha to slap them away. "I said I need maintenance," he growls. Ichigo hangs her head and walks back over to you. She looks at you, asking if you have a solution with her eyes. You nod and gesture for her to leave the room. She does and once the door closes you address your long-time rival.

"I never thought I'd see the day Nine Alpha was brought low," you begin locking the door. "Kappa," Alpha growls finally noticing your presence. "I must say you are a sad sight, I mean look at you. You're wasting away into nothing. How the mighty have fallen."

"If you've come to gloat," Alpha spits, "Save your breath and just kill me." "Now you'd like that wouldn't you? But I tell you what, I'm not gonna do it. We are going to get to the root of this problem, because right now, you are nothing but a drain on our already scarce resources."

"I need…maintenance," Alpha hisses. "Maintenance? How come you're the only one who needs it this bad then? Beta and Gamma are fine, so are the triplets, Delta, and Epsilon."

That was a complete lie. Delta and Epsilon were doing alright but not fantastic by any means. Similar to you they were experiencing some discomfort due to the lack of maintenance but for the most part everything was good.

Beta, Gamma and the triplets were another story however. Zeta, Eta, and Theta were in incredibly bad shape. Having learned from Dr. Franxx that the 9's were clones of Zero Two, you had decided that those three were likely the lowest to be accepted and as a result, the most defective. All three of them appeared to be coming apart at the seams without maintenance to hold them together. Theta had already fallen asleep never to wake again and you doubt that Zeta and Eta are far behind.

Beta and Gamma were in positions similar to Alpha. They likely could survive without maintenance if they took their medication and ate what they were told. But, all three of them seemed to have given up on living.

"You've given up," you accuse Alpha, "Why?" The blonde boy slowly turns to look you squarely in the eye. "Do you know what it is like to have your world burn around you Kappa? Do you know what it is like to have a squadmate who has placed their complete trust in your authority beg you to save them, and be powerless to do so? Then after accepting their death, be forced to watch as the person you despise most in the world rescues them when you were incapable?"

I actually feel somewhat sorry for him, you think. He is in a shitty situation that really isn't of his doing. He even had to watch as I saved Delta and Epsilon while he couldn't. I can see how that would break him just like how I thought it would break Delta and Epsilon.

"As a matter of fact," you answer quietly, "I do. I watched my plantation burn Alpha. Zero Two saved Kyu and I, without her we would have died as well. I watched you drag away two members of my family to have their memories wiped while being held like a dog before you tried to kill me. We were happy in Mistilteinn, you could have left us there forever and we wouldn't have caused a single problem. But you couldn't do that, not the goody two shoes Alpha who reports to Papa absolutely everything he sees."

Alpha manages a weak laugh. "You have always been aggressive toward me Kappa. But since you're being so calm about this I can only conclude that you actually want to help me, why?"

"I have no interest in helping you Alpha," you answer walking toward him. "My only interest is in making you suffer. You don't get to just throw in the towel because things didn't go your way. You can't quit because life got hard." You grab Alpha by the wrist and pull him from the bed.

"There is nothing wrong with you," you continue dragging him toward the door. Alpha is much to weak in his current state to put up a fight as he is pulled along. "You've manufactured all of this in your head. Delta, Epsilon, and I haven't had maintenance either and we are fine. Which means that you should be too."

"But you're not-" "Not what? Not like you? Please, I need the damn maintenance more than you do. You aren't even part Klaxosaur, you're just a modified enhanced human clone of Zero Two. I am however, 20% Klaxosaur. So yeah, my body is rejecting itself a little bit, but you don't see me lying in a hospital bed complaining about my situation, do you?"

By this point you have reached the door. Pressing a button on the keypad it unlocks and opens revealing a completely shocked Ichigo. "(Y/N), what are you doing?" she yells.

You don't answer her and continue to drag Alpha through the medical wing and out of the Bird's Nest. You pull him through the fields until you see Zorome's assistant, Code 490. "059 how can I help, AHHH!" she screams seeing that you are dragging Alpha. You drop the boy off at her feet.

"Hoe," you demand. The surrounding parasites all stand still. "I said give me a hoe," you shout. One of the nearby parasites rushes over and hands you the tool they had been using. "Thank you," you say returning to your normal calm voice.

"Stand," you spit at Alpha. "Kappa I-" "I said stand, and you will do so or so help me Alpha." Alpha struggles to his feet, falling once before managing to remain standing. You shove the hoe into his hand. "This is called a hoe, it's used for farming. Food doesn't just magically appear anymore, so we have to make it ourselves from now on. Today you are going to help with that. If you can't figure it out ask someone else, they would be more than happy to answer your questions."

You turn to Code 490. "He doesn't leave until he has plowed an entire row by himself, understood?" "Yes Code 059," she replies shakily. With that you take your leave and make your way back toward the medical wing.

You pass Ichigo on your way in. She immediately steps in stride with you asking what you were doing and where Alpha is now. You only grumble, "You'll thank me later," in reply which causes her to stop dead in her tracks.

Arriving back at the medical wing you proceed to Beta's room. Following the same procedure you had with Alpha, you unceremoniously dump him into the floor and then drag him out into the fields. Once again you give the order that he isn't to leave until a single row has been plowed by himself.

Gamma is awake when you come for him as a result of the racket. He seems somewhat livelier than Alpha and Beta as he at least manages to yell and carry on as you drag him out of the Bird's Nest. Code 490 seems to know what to expect when she sees you walking toward her with another parasite in tow. This time she has a hoe waiting and immediately shows Gamma to his work space.

Alpha stands leaning against his hoe looking at you in amazement. "You are going to earn your keep around here from now on, I'd get to work if I was you," you shout. "It gets awful cold at night." With that you return to the Bird's Nest to find a fuming Ichigo.

"What the hell are you doing?!" she demands. "Providing motivation. They'd given up on living and I simply told them I wouldn't allow it." "And you really think that will work?" "I haven't the faintest idea. Part of me just wanted to watch Alpha do manual labor. He made me suffer, so I told him he could do the same."

Ichigo is silent for close to a minute. "You wanted to help him, didn't you?" she asks, seeing completely through your feigned anger. "I hated seeing him that way," you answer. "Sure, he was the biggest pain in the ass in history and he tried to kill me but how he was in that hospital bed was just sad. I didn't want him to go out like that. I hate him, but I have enough respect for him to know he deserves better than to just waste away into nothing."

Ichigo smiles at you. "I knew you were up to something. The (Y/N) I know would never drag someone out here just to kill them." "Guess you're right," you laugh. "They will need a purpose now if we are going to keep them going. They won't be able to come up with their own like Delta and Epsilon."

"I think I can handle that," Ichigo answers. "There are plenty of things that need done around here. Some manual labor might just teach them humility."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You seem to be in a particularly good mood Kappa," Epsilon greets you as you enter the office. He has essentially moved in now and splits his time between you and Ikuno. "I am indeed Ep," you answer. "I just came from the medical wing where we found out that Kokoro is officially pregnant and I put Alpha to work." "I take it that is a good thing?" "Well, yes," you roll your eyes. "How are things with you?"

"I am well, thanks to the medication my pain has nearly vanished. It is intriguing working with you and Ikuno. There are so many things I never knew but now I can learn them all." "How is Delta?" "I believe she is well. I haven't seen her in a day or so due to my work here, but I believe she has been enjoying helping Kyu."

You sit down at your desk and begin thumbing through files as Epsilon returns to peering through a microscope. Despite knowing that you should be looking for a means of solving the growing energy problem that the Bird's Nest is facing, you can't help but look through the defenses folder instead.

You quickly grow bored of messing with papers and turn on the computer. You once again pull up the defenses folder and begin to look over the available files. One in particular catches your eye, Special Projects. Knowing that these designs came in large part from the late Dr. Franxx himself you were somewhat intrigued to see what the old man had been up to.

Within the Special Projects folder, you find several additional folders, Parasite Emotions Testing, Human Klaxosaur Hybrid research, Automated Franxx, and one mysteriously titled SA. You begin by trying SA but are prompted for a password to be allowed access to the file. Sighing, you move on to the Human Klaxosaur Hybrid research.

Once again you are asked for a password but this time a hint is given. "My greatest regret." Dr. Franxx had regrets? Frustrated you move on to the Parasite Emotions Testing.

Fortunately for you and the computer, which you were debating on throwing, the file opens. Within are several subdirectories, Planning, Observations, Plantation 13, and Plantation 39. Amazed, you realize that these files are the culmination of what Dr. Franxx was using you to try and prove, that parasites with emotions were more effective than those without.

You begin with the Planning folder. Inside you find documents and video logs of Dr. Franxx himself laying the groundwork for the experiment that was Plantation 13. "I have selected Plantation 13 to be the location for my test team," Dr. Franxx says in the log. "Cerasus, more commonly known as Sakura or the cherry tree. How fitting, considering that it is a symbol of beauty and rebirth. I have already selected the first subject, Code 016, and will need to assemble more around him." The log ends and another file opens as if they had been automated to do so.

"Progress has been…difficult. APE continues to narrow down the number of potential parasites that can be used for the project. Just yesterday they took 059 and assigned him to Plantation 39. The short-sighted fools." Dr. Franxx sighs. "They separated him from Code 002 as well. Papa believes that she has grown too attached to him and that she may become dependent. That was the intention of why I gave him to her. Zero Two needs stability in her life, one thing she can count on, otherwise she might fall apart before she can be used. I only hope that the effect 059 has had on her to this point will be enough that she can function until I am able rectify the situation."

That actually explains why you had been assigned to Plantation 39 in the first place. You had always been told by Dr. Franxx that Zero Two would be your partner and the two of you wouldn't be assigned to a plantation like everyone else. Kyu had been ecstatic when you were assigned as her partner back then, and to say you weren't happy about being able to go with her would be a lie. But you had always wondered why they took you away from Zero Two. It turned out the answer was because you were too good for her according to APE.

You decide you've seen enough of the Planning folder for the moment and decide to view Plantation 39's folder. Within you find a single file, Experimental Franxx Prototype 006 – Terraria. You click on the file and are greeted with several more, Design, Stamen – Code 059, Pistil – Code 067, (Y/N).

Confused as to why there would be two files referring to you, you open the one bearing your name. A video begins to play but it is different from the other logs. The background has changed from the doctor's office in the Garden to what you believe is the office you currently share with Ikuno, that is to say, Dr. Franxx's Bird's Nest office. Dr. Franxx appears tired in the video, dark bags exist beneath his eyes and his movements are slow.

"(Y/N), if you are seeing this then I have moved on from this life." This immediately grabs your attention and you sit up in your chair watching the video closely. "I hope that I managed to pass on to you what will be needed to start a new civilization, one without APE and its tyranny. If all goes well Strelitzia Apus will destroy Cosmos taking Papa along with it. Hopefully I will survive this ordeal, but should I not, preparations need to be made.

"This drive which Hachi has given you contains the culmination of my life's work. I chose to hide these files here because I knew you would be drawn to the designs for the Franxx. There are several files that remain closed even to you at this time. In order to access them you will need to search through what I have left to find the keys hidden within. I task you with understanding my designs, and those I have gathered from others, and using them for the betterment of society like I should have done so many years ago."

"These things I ask of you as Dr. Franxx, the man who selected you as his successor from a young age. But now, I ask something of you as a man who considers himself the closest thing to a father you ever had. Take care of your sister." You gasp, He knows I called her that?

The old man laughs on screen. "Yes, I am aware that you call Zero Two that. I watched you alongside Nana and Hachi during the month you were alone in Mistilteinn. That was the final test to see if you children had truly become human, and each of you exceeded my expectations."

"Anyway, I am getting off topic. I want you to take care of Zero Two. She is your responsibility after all, given to you by me when you were just a child. While Strelitzia Apus may be my greatest achievement, it is that girl that I am most proud of." The doctor's expression turns somber and his voice becomes quiet. "I mistreated her horribly when she was young." He hangs his head. "But despite that, thanks to you and Code 016, she has managed to become so much more than the simple clone she started as."

"In addition, I ask that you be much wiser than I was and always treasure Kyu. That girl's heart is made of gold and you won't find a stronger woman anywhere. I know at times she can be hard to handle but that just makes things interesting. Love is so hard to find that it must be cherished when it is. I had that chance once, but I let it slip through my fingers. I would likely call that my greatest regret in life."

"Well," Dr. Franxx puts his hands on the desk and begins to stand. "I am rambling now, so I suppose that I should wrap this up. This new world depends on you and the other members of Squad 13. The road ahead will be long and hard, but I have faith that you will make it through. Use your wit and drive to do most of the work, but don't forget to let your heart take the lead every now and then."

Dr. Franxx takes a seat on the edge of the desk, the very same desk you are currently sitting at. "Given that you called Zero Two your sister, and that I am her creator, I guess that entitles me to say this next part." Dr. Franxx gives the camera an amused smile. "Good luck my son, make your old dad proud." He turns away as the picture begins to fade. "Oh, and Karina was her name. Karina Milsa, you'll need to know that." The video ends.

You are left feeling overwhelmed by everything you had just seen. He knew he might die, so he left all this, for me. You sit and ponder for several minutes but nothing seems to make more sense. Accepting that you know what you can for now you examine the folder. It turns out that the folder is empty other than the video you had just watched. Huh, the old man hid that just for me to find.

Rather than sit and do nothing you continue to poke the files, returning to the Special Projects list. From there you attempt to access the Klaxosaur Hybrid file once again prompting you for a password. The hint "My Greatest Regret," appears. You think for a moment and then remember Dr. Franxx's final words to you. He said his greatest regret in life was letting the chance at love slip through his fingers. You type love and press enter. There is a beeping noise as you are denied access. Ok, maybe it is who he loved. You type Karina Milsa and press enter.

The screen proceeds to the inside of the folder. Within you find a number of files, Code 002, Code 016, Code 059, Code 067(?), 9's, and Further Study. You attempt to open Zero Two's file but unintentionally press the back button leading you to another folder, this one declaring you Terraria's stamen.

Inside you find documentation regarding your past, your test results throughout your time in the Garden, physical and mental evaluations, and your qualifications for the project. Knowing what you will likely find you skip it and open Kyu's file instead.

You scan through the documents learning very little. Yes, Kyu was antisocial, I know. No need to mention it for the tenth time. You pause however when you reach her qualification page. In large print at the top it is stated that she has been denied for the project. Below that it states she was to undergo emotional indoctrination and be replaced by a Code 024 you'd never met.

A note at the bottom of the page appears to explain further. "APE says that 067 is to weak willed to be of any value to the project and that she should be scrapped. I won't allow it. I chose each parasite specifically for their aptitude with their partner. How could they possibly overlook the shared history between 067 and 059? With an emotional bond like that they could be one of the strongest pairs we've ever seen. They already split 059 away from 002, if they try to remove another potential pistil that he has a connection to he will be ruined. I must fix this. I like the girl anyway, she is polite."

This is yet another curveball thrown at you. You had never once been told that Kyu was to be replaced. Frankly this made the doctor's warning from the video mean that much more. You had almost lost Kyu without even knowing it years ago. It is in that instant that you know now is the time.

You forcefully stand sending the chair into the wall with a loud thud. "Kappa are you alright?" Epsilon asks looking up from his work. "Never better," you answer making your way quickly to the door. "Are you sure?" Epsilon raises his voice as you walk out. "You look angry."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You quickly make your way through the Bird's Nest on your way to the Great Hall. Kokoro and Kyu were often there when they weren't seeing to a specific parasite's needs, leaving it the most likely place for you to find them. As you enter you see a crowd of people gathered around the pair.

"(Y/N), what are you doing here?" Kyu asks push through the crowd. "You look like something is the matter." "I want to get married," you state. Kyu blinks several times trying to process what you said. "Now?" "Right now." "But this is so sudden, why now?"

You walk over to Kyu and kneel before her taking her left hand. "VIRM could come back any day, not to mention the Klaxosaurs might decide they want to kill us again. I already almost lost you once, I don't want to look back and wish we had done this. So," you produce a ring from your pocket that you had fashioned in secret what seemed like an eternity ago in Mistilteinn. "Kyu, will you marry me?"