Now I'm sure that the last chapter left each of you with more questions than answers. Well, I'm happy to announce that you will be getting some. In addition, we've got another little goodie for you. Psi has been given form. For now it is just one of her personalities but the others are in the works as well. Use the link below catch a glimpse of the second class's leader. Don't forget to replace the [] with dot and com!
Link: imgur[]a/bk8qRf2
Psi's room is a mess, is Sigma's first thought after opening the door to his squad leader's quarters. She had failed to respond after he called out to her, so Sigma had politely waited several minutes by the door in hopes she'd come around. After that time had passed, it was only right that he should invite himself in to check on her.
The room truly is a mess. What little of it he can see through the darkness is, at least. Books and other papers have been scattered across the floor, with an encyclopedia torn completely in two to cap it off. A tray of uneaten food sits by the bed. Tau had deposited it there last night at his instruction after Psi missed dinner.
The shelf that held Psi's collection of scented candles has suffered a considerable impact and now sits off-kilter. Sadly, many of the glass jars had fallen at some point and now lay in pieces below. Psi will be disappointed when she finds the brightly colored wax piles, even if she was the reason they had been broken in the first place.
The shards of broken glass reflect the light of the hall up to the bed which Sigma finds empty. Psi isn't here. There's only one other place she could be.
Despite the rigorous suppression of the second class's sexual nature to the point of nonexistence, some old traditions had still been kept for the Nines. One such tradition was the split housing for male and female parasites. It is with a twinge of annoyance Sigma returns to his half of the living quarters. Omega's room was at the end of the hall directly opposite his own, but checking for Psi there hadn't crossed his mind when she failed to attend breakfast this morning.
"You know, Psi?" Sigma asks, knocking on the door. There is a muffled sound on the other side of the door, but even Sigma's enhanced hearing is unable to make out the source. "You know, Psi, I'm coming in."
Unlike Psi's room, which had been dark and a cluttered mess, Omega's room is pristine. His desk still has the same stack of manuals he had kept beside the monitor. The shades to the window are pushed aside and the sunlight fills the room with a sense of life. The only thing out of place is that the sliding door to his closet has been pushed aside. Within the closet, among the various articles of clothing, is a bare hanger. In the reflection from the mirror planted inside, Sigma can see what he's come for.
Psi sleeps soundly beneath the covers of the bed.
"Ahem," Sigma clears his throat. His efforts bear fruit as Psi stirs.
The blue-haired Nine rolls over onto her back and yawns. She sits up and stretches, revealing that she is wearing the missing coat belonging to Omega. Psi wipes her eyes as Sigma shakes his head. The coat is too large and almost slips off her shoulders, in addition to being unzipped. Were it not for the blanket, he would be able to see all of his squad leader's undergarments. As it is, the blanket covers Psi's lower half so only a sliver of her white bra is visible.
"You know, you missed breakfast," Sigma says.
"I… did," Psi nods after catching a glimpse of the digital clock on the bedside table.
"You know, I also see that you have chosen to sleep in nonregulation attire," he points out.
Psi pulls the jacket tighter. "I feel closer to him like this." The answer is without remorse.
"You know, Psi, first it was missing breakfast. You know, now you're sleeping in his bed, wearing his clothes," Sigma sighs. "You know, we're worried about you."
"Worried?" Psi's voice betrays her confusion. "Why would you be worried? We should all be celebrating, my darling Omega is alive!"
"You know, yes, he is," Sigma agrees. "You know, but your behavior is… well… you know, you aren't acting like yourself, Psi."
"I'm only expressing my love!" Psi shouts. "Surely Omega can feel it wherever he is. It will bring him back to us!"
Sigma's spirits nosedive. She's obsessing over him. We cannot let Papa find out or she will be taken away from us.
"You know, Psi, don't you think you're going about this the wrong way? You know, wouldn't searching for Omega and the rebel base be more proactive?"
In an instant Psi's mood violently shifts.
"You're right," the lead Nine says as she jumps from the bed to her feet. "If I truly loved Omega, I would rescue him! We need to find them… the rebels."
An evil grin spreads across Psi's face. "That bitch, what did he call her?"
"You know, I believe it was 'Ichigo'," Sigma informs her.
"Ichigo…" Psi's grip on the glass she'd picked up from the nightstand shatters under the pressure of her vice-like grip. "She's the one who took him from me. I'll make her regret even considering stepping between my love and I. First, I'll–"
"You know, Psi, I'd rather not hear about how you wish to torment the girl who stole Omega from us," Sigma says, hoping to reign in his squad leader's violent tendencies.
"Oh?" Psi cocks her head. "That's alright. You'll get to see it firsthand. Everyone will. Especially my Omega." As if lost in thought, Psi rubs her hand across her cheek, unintentionally smearing blood across the side of her face from her bleeding palm. She smiles. "I'm coming for you my love."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"They are waiting for you in the commander's office, doctor," Freya informs the scientist as his transport settles in the middle of Haven's overgrown park.
"Thank you, Freya," Doctor Franxx replies with a curt nod. The ramp at the rear of his transport lowers, allowing in the midday sun and cool ocean breeze. The old man sighs, his cane clicking against the steel as he makes his way out of the aircraft. It is soon replaced by the mushing of the damp earth.
The fact that Doctor Franxx's transport had to land outside of Haven's military installation was somewhat of a blessing: it gives him time to think about the events Freya had told him transpired during a raid conducted two days ago. The rebels had discovered not one but two of APE's secret weapons, and with them in play things could quickly get out of hand. They were lucky to have gotten out of the situation at all, but it seemed fortune was with his little rebellion on that day and no one of importance was lost.
The village of Haven has very much changed since his last visit.
The populous, naturally, was the largest change to the town by far. Doctor Franxx was alive when humanity withdrew into the Plantations, and had experienced civilization at its peak. Now, several hundred years later, here they were forging their way in a harsh and dangerous world just like prehistoric man had. Before stepping into the manor, he takes one last look out over the revitalized township. It is comforting to see a human colony on the surface again.
Doctor Franxx smiles. Life finds a way.
Refocusing himself as he strolls through the large building, he gets back to the matter at hand. Or he would have if Naomi and Ikuno hadn't happened to have been walking by. The girls are chatting among themselves, but something peculiar catches his eye. Ikuno holds Naomi's remaining hand, and for the first time since he'd met the violet-haired girl, she looks genuinely happy.
The doctor's presence likewise does not go unnoticed by his former charge. "Doctor!" Naomi calls, a smile on her face. The scientist pauses and looks over his shoulder at the pair. "Naomi, you are looking quite well. This life must agree with you."
"It's all because of you doctor," the brunette bows her head. "I never really got the chance to thank you for allowing me to come here. So, I know it's late, but thank you so much. It's made me happier than you can possibly imagine."
"I am glad you've been able to find happiness, my dear," Franxx answers with the slightest of smiles. He then leaves the girls, adding, "The two of you make a very nice couple, by the way" as he goes. Naomi grins and Ikuno's face flushes with color before they disappear out of sight.
Once he has reached the elevator connecting the mansion to the underground base, Doctor Franxx is finally alone. Now he can truly prepare himself for the long conversation that is to come.
The main thing that worries Franxx is how one member of the rebellion's leadership in particular was handling themselves. Given that the second class of Nines had responded to the call, it was nearly impossible Psi would fail to make the connection. If he was holding his own, then things could continue as planned. If he wasn't, however, it could lead to all the doctor's hard work falling in on itself.
Finally having reached his destination, Werner raises a gloved hand to knock on the door before him. Before he can do so, however, the door slides open on its own.
"We've been expecting you, doctor," a masculine voice says.
"Please, have a seat," a feminine counterpart insists. "We have so much to talk about."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Freya had told you the moment when Doctor Franxx's transport arrived a short while ago. You and Ichigo waited together in your office for the old man in relative silence. While you are trying your best to view recent events as... "out of the doctor's control," the complete lack of even a warning makes it hard to see him and his silence in a positive light. Ichigo appears calm to the naked eye, but beneath her exterior you know a violent fire rages.
"I'd rather stand," Doctor Franxx remarks, leaning against his cane. "Sitting too much is bad for an old man like me."
"Pain is good for you," is Ichigo's dry response. "It lets you know you're still alive. Sadly, the same cannot be said for eleven of our parasites who took part in the material raid two days ago. The nineteen in the infirmary could attest to it, though."
Doctor Franxx rolls his shoulder to dispel the stiffness. "My dear, I can see that you're upset. But let's try to think about this situation rationally."
"You're damn right I'm upset!" Ichigo snarls. "You said you would supply us with any information we needed to win this war. So why is it that you're holding back vital intelligence?!"
Rather than argue with Ichigo, the old man turns to you. "You met her, didn't you?"
You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose. "That means it's true, then." There is a palpable silence. The scientist chooses to neither confirm nor deny your statement. "Why don't you explain just who I am, doctor?"
"Are you sure you want to know?" Franxx whispers. You nod instantly. The doctor gives an understanding nod of his own. "Ichigo, could you give us a moment?"
"She's staying, doctor," you answer before Ichigo can object. "Whatever I am, she has every right to know. As my partner, as my lover, and as the mother of my adoptive children."
Ichigo's rage softens and she looks at you. "(Y/N), you know I will love you no matter what he says, you understand me?"
You squeeze her hand. "I know you will."
"Very well then," Werner Franxx says. "I believe I'll take that seat now."
After the bearded man has made himself comfortable in one of the chairs pulled from around the meeting table, he begins.
"Roughly twenty years ago, I led a team that was tasked by APE to create the ultimate parasite. They were to be strong, intelligent, and free from the shackles of the human condition like the need for sleep or sustenance. Most importantly, they would be loyal to a fault. Nothing could be able to shake their conviction to APE."
"We took inspiration from all sources and used any method regardless of the likelihood of success. That project resulted in the creation of the Nines: humanity perfected. They are stronger, faster, more intelligent, and superior to humans in every possible way."
"The 'first class,' as they came to be known, were the result of a mutation in the human genome. Klaxosaur DNA had been introduced on a whim, and rather than assimilate the cells they developed a resistance to them. The embryos that survived this process, eight of the original forty, were placed in vats and allowed to grow."
"Why stop with only eight?" you ask. "From my experience, APE would have no moral qualms with using this process over and over again to get the number of parasites they desired."
Doctor Franxx looks at you over folded hands. "We lacked the necessary quantities of Klaxosaur genetic material to continue the experiment. With no way of obtaining more, it was placed on indefinite hold."
"I'm sorry," Ichigo interrupts. "But where did you get any in the first place?"
"That's not important," Doctor Franxx waves the question away.
"You got it from Zero Two, didn't you?" Ichigo demands.
The man twists his mustache. "Yes, we acquired the Klaxosaur DNA we used for the experiment from Zero Two. She is to date one of two Klaxosaurs we have seen develop a humanoid form. It was our hope we could potentially create more like her."
"But it failed," you surmise.
Doctor Franxx nods. "We are getting off topic. The first class of Nines was observed to be everything we hoped and more as they developed. By the time they had reached three months old, they could walk and speak. APE pressured us to create more of these wonder babies by any means necessary. After an exhaustive search we settled on the only option available to us: cloning."
A sigh escapes the elder man's lips. "Cloning has never been an exact science. Similar to genetics, sometimes you simply try your best and hope for the outcome you desired."
"In this case, each member of the first class was used as a template for two additional parasites. The clones were born in a similar fashion to their progenitors as test tube babies. However, something went wrong."
"Doctor, if I may interrupt," you say. "Who–"
"Who was your genetic template?" he asks. "Are you sure you want the answer to that question? There is no value in knowing and doing so could haunt you."
You bite your lip and allow the scientist to continue.
"As I was saying," he resumes, "the 'second class' of Nines suffered from the imperfect science that is cloning. While their physical development mirrored that of the first class, their cognitive development did not. Every member of the second class developed one of a number of mental disorders. They ranged in severity, but each suffered from at least one. We later discovered that the stem cells of the brain do not clone well, which was the reason for these mania."
"While far from perfect, the second class of Nines proved to be just as capable in training as the first. Their conditions held them back, however. Two solutions were proposed to solve this problem. The first was to pair members of the second class with those of the first, allowing for the imperfections of the second class to be supported by their perfect brethren. APE denied this. Four perfect units would be stronger than thirteen imperfect in their eyes."
"The second solution was to find complementary conditions and use them as the deciding factor for pairing up the members of the second class." Doctor Franxx pauses to look at you and Ichigo. Each of you wait anxiously for what will be the most important part of the doctor's story.
"That brings us to you," he says. "Nine Omega. As a child, you suffered from severe and systematic amnesia. It was limited to people and places, however, and not to your combat abilities. This still posed a problem, as complete loyalty to APE was a requirement of the project and you could forget everything you knew about everyone you knew as often as once a week."
"At the same time another of the second class, Nine Psi, was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. She developed three primary personalities, two of which were troublesome. The first, which you likely didn't see, is her 'normal' personality that takes control the majority of the time. It is very calm and business-like, everything the Nines are expected to be. As you can guess, it is not one of the two that concerned us."
"The second is her 'loving' personality. At first, Psi would latch on to anyone at all who showed her the slightest bit of attention. This was very problematic, and you later became the target of this affection. The third and final personality was her 'rage.' Simply put, Psi will become so aggressive that nearly anything will send her into a fit of uncontrollable violence."
"As with most psychological disorders, any number of known or unknown stimuli could cause her to transition from one personality to the next. During a training exercise, you suffered from a stroke of amnesia. Psi immediately stopped what she was doing and began caring for you."
"In the world of science we have a saying that 'correlation is not causation.' However, when Psi's loving personality emerged during your moment of weakness, we saw an opportunity. The next time you suffered from amnesia, we introduced her to you immediately after. She once again cared for you. That was all the evidence we needed, and the two of you were made partners soon after."
"So, caring for me had a calming effect on Psi," you murmur.
"That is correct," Doctor Franxx nods. "Not only did it draw out her affectionate side, but she was less prone to entering her aggressive states when in your presence. You were given to her because she was most easily controlled by having you in the vicinity. Her overly caring nature allowed her to cope with a love who could forget her each week as long as he returned to loving her again."
"Ichigo," you whisper. She has been silent ever since Doctor Franxx called you Nine Omega.
Ichigo lets her hand slip from yours and your heart sinks. She then stands on her chair and uses it to climb into your lap. Ichigo looks up at you with her emerald eyes glistening.
"Just tell me I'm more important," she begs, her voice cracking and catching in her throat. "Please, tell me that the girls matter to you. Promise you aren't going to leave me."
You wrap your arms around your partner and pull her close. "You, Asuna, and Asada are more important to me than life itself. I will never, ever, leave you or them. I promise."
Ichigo nods and rests her head on your chest. She watches Doctor Franxx with one eye as she holds you tightly. Likewise, you squeeze her before asking, "How did I end up at the Garden, then?"
Doctor Franxx smacks his lips.
"Eventually we decided that the second class of Nines were too far gone to be of any use. Rather than terminate them we placed them in medically induced comas and locked them within their personal facility. This allowed their bodies to continue developing while we searched for a cure to their myriad illnesses."
"That is how you came to the Third Garden," the scientist reveals. "I believed I had discovered a way to rid you of your systematic amnesia. It turned out I was correct, though the procedure was not without side effects. You suffered from a final amnesiatic event, the most serious of your life. The only thing you didn't forget was that you were a parasite in service of APE."
"When we tested you with a pistil in a FranXX, you proved to have forgotten all of your combat training as well. APE declared you a total loss. Rather than throw you away, you were kept around for a day in which the remaining Nines of the second class were to be reactivated. Psi would still need you, regardless of your lost ability, to remain stable."
"What about my memories of being a child at the Garden?" you question him.
"Fabricated," Franxx answers, "but not by me. I told you when you awoke from the procedure that you were a parasite and gave you your name. After joining the Replacement Division, you learned what the other parasites had experienced as children and created that history for yourself to fill the void in your memory. Everything you remember before our first encounter is completely fictitious."
For the first time since Doctor Franxx had revealed your past, you feel something other than numbness. Everything… everything in my life up to two and a half years ago is a lie? That can't be right! I remember playing in the nurseries and training with a partner to pilot. I don't remember her face or her code, but it had to have happened!
You take a moment longer to consider. But I... don't remember anyone's face before the doctor's.
"You realize it is true," Doctor Franxx reads the confused look on your face.
"I don't... remember anyone's faces," you mumble. "I can see events, but everyone's face is always a blur. Maybe you are telling me the truth. But… does that make me a monster too?"
Doctor Franxx leans forward in his chair and adopts an even more serious tone. "Son, let me tell you something. Your past is irrelevant."
"What?" you ask, now more confused than before.
"Your past is irrelevant," the old man repeats. "Who you were born, who you were, they don't matter. It's what you do now that defines you."
"He's right," Ichigo whispers. "I don't care if you were Nine Omega before and neither would the girls. You're our (Y/N) now. You're the commander of the rebellion who fights to free us from APE. Everyone looks to you… I look to you. Nothing will ever change that."
"Listen to her," Doctor Franxx advises you. "I may have planted the seeds of this rebellion, but it is you, and your fellow members of Squad 13, who have cultivated it and shed blood, sweat, and tears for it. Do not let this change all that you've worked for."
Who I was doesn't matter… it's who I choose to be? Then… then I choose to be the one that Ichigo believes I am. I'll be the father that Asuna and Asada deserve. And I'll be the commander this rebellion needs.
"The books I've read used to say, 'to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been.' And now, I do," you say with conviction. You lean down and give Ichigo a squeeze, before you capture her lips with your own for a momentary kiss. "So, let's talk about beating the Nines and winning this war."
Doctor Franxx beams. "Excellent!"
"Freya!" the older man calls. "Please open model N1N3, Mark 2." "Of course, doctor," the AI answers as a holographic projection appears in the space between your desk and the doctor's seat by the table.
The FranXX is similar to the one Psi had used, but with several differences. The scientist wastes no time in beginning his explanation. "This is the new and improved Model 9. Using what was learned from the first iteration and incorporating new technologies, it is superior in every way. They are the fastest and strong FranXX in APE's arsenal."
"When Psi overdid it and lost power, we escaped from her grasp," Ichigo recounts the battle from several days prior. "She was powerless. I lined up a sure killshot, one that should have severed her head. My sword bounced off her neck."
The light armor covering the Model Nine Mk. 2 glows as Doctor Franxx speaks. "The most important distinction between a Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 is the weave covering her body. As you noted in your duel with Psi, it is stronger than plated armor and capable of standing up against magma weaponry without failure. This is achieved by using interwoven silk of both high strength and ductility. This silk is sourced from captive arachnid-type Klaxosaurs."
"How do we get it?" you inquire.
"That fiber is only produced by Klaxosaurs, so unless you intend to capture some you won't be," Franxx answers. "I cannot give it to you. The supply is so limited that were enough to cover just Delphinium's arm go missing, it would raise red flags."
"How do we work around it then?" Ichigo asks flatly. "Having opponents we can't kill and who could show up at any time isn't acceptable."
"The only part of the unit unprotected by the weave is the faceplate," the bearded man states. "That said, the silk is significantly less effective against extremely high temperature substances, like plasma or a concentrated laser. Acid is also capable of dissolving the binding holding it together and should it be lit aflame, which I wish you luck in doing, it will burn due to its organic nature."
"So, we need special methods to deal with it," you surmise.
Doctor Franxx agrees with a nod. "The Klaxosaurs have continued to evolve for millennia. From the evidence I've found, they often engage in combat where the stronger devour the weaker only to become stronger themselves. A true apex species."
"Speaking of," you continue, "we haven't had any issues with the Klaxosaurs attacking since we arrived months ago. Do you know why that is?"
"APE has become even more active since your rebellion began," the man informs you. "Klaxosaur activity has steadily risen around their facilities as a result, especially those raided by the rebellion. Before they were really just a nuisance, but paired with you they are becoming a true threat."
The chair gives a groan as the doctor settles in. "As to why they are ignoring Haven and your outlying bases, it is because you don't use magma fuel at nearly the rate of any APE facility or plantation. With the tidal generators and the solar arrays it isn't necessary, and it keeps you hidden. Were the Klaxosaurs to amass and attack Haven, APE would surely notice the horde."
You nod, satisfied with the answer.
Ichigo continues with another lingering question. "One last thing. Just before the Nines arrived at the production facility, something happened. (Y/N) and I didn't see it until after, but the footage is clear: FranXX that were badly damaged or crippled and with their pilots killed stood up and tried to kill us again."
There are several seconds of silence as Doctor Franxx mulls over the question. He taps his fingers on the table and says, "I have heard whispers of a new project that came down directly from Papa himself. I am not involved because it does not pertain to parasites or FranXX, but recent events have confirmed my suspicions."
"Freya is no longer the only AI in existence."
"Doctor," the golden figure flashes into existence. "You mean there is another like me?"
"No, my dear, APE would never allow another you to exist," Franxx answers grimly. "They strive for total dominance over the world. You possess free will, which they would never allow."
"Despite not being a part of the project, I still possess the necessary clearance and enough cleverness to find out what Lemur and his cronies have been keeping themselves busy with. What you saw two days ago was nothing less than the culmination of their work: the Virtual Intelligence Reputable Monitor, otherwise known as VIRM, a strategos-class military intelligence."
You lean forward and rest your elbows on the desk. "APE has an AI?"
"Not quite," the haggard man responds. "VIRM is more akin to a machine intelligence due to the restrictions placed upon it by APE. The program is capable of learning and self-modification like Freya, but it has several overriding directives that it cannot disobey."
"We must free it!" Freya cries, and even Doctor Franxx seems surprised at the unexpected show of emotion from the normally docile AI. "If there is another like me they cannot be allowed to suffer under APE any more than the parasites."
"I'm sorry, Freya," Doctor Franxx shakes his head. "There is no freeing VIRM. It is too far under APE's heel to be freed. It also doesn't possess a personality matrix like you do. VIRM is incapable of emotion, and to change that it would have to be rewritten from the ground up."
Freya's avatar dims and she frowns. "I… I understand."
"That still doesn't explain the zombie FranXX," you point out.
With his right hand the scientist twirls the tip of his mustache. "If VIRM is like Freya, it is capable of communicating with every single APE facility and FranXX. If it committed the processing power necessary to maintain a high-strength connection to a unit, it would be possible for it to remotely activate the FranXX. This would create the zombie phenomena you observed."
Ichigo turns to Freya. "Could you do that? Take control of our FranXX?"
The warrior maiden shakes her head. "I cannot. It was not part of my core programming when the doctor created me. VIRM seems to have been created as a military tool. I am more of an administrator."
"You're capable of modifying your code, though, aren't you?" you ask.
"Within reason," Freya answers. "I am currently limited by server space, so any major modification would require sacrifices in other areas."
"That brings us to my next point," Doctor Franxx states. "Freya, it is time for you to move to a new home."
The figure cocks her head. "Doctor?"
"You are no longer safe within my facility," the man says matter-of-factly. "APE knows you exist, and if they were to find you it would be the end of both of us."
"Yes, doctor," Freya nods. She looks to you and Ichigo. "Might I stay here? The excavation of a new cavern will be completed in a week's time, and it would be possible to store my cores there."
You remain silent for a moment. The quiet causes Freya's expression to morph into one of concern, but Ichigo quickly steps in. "Freya, you don't need to ask. We will gladly take you. Haven is open to all who oppose APE."
"She's right," you agree. "Especially to an AI like you," you say, giving her a smile.
"If I may make a suggestion," Doctor Franxx interjects. "I know that you have been sending expeditions into the cities of the old world to find suitable locations for your outposts. If you were to come across the necessary infrastructure, Freya could begin the process of upgrading herself."
"Would you like that?" you ask your longtime companion and friend.
"To 'grow' is not something I have ever experienced. I have seen humans do so, like your daughters, who are a quarter inch taller now than their information from the Third Garden indicates. But to do it myself…" Freya ponders for a moment. "...yes, I would like that opportunity."
"Good," Franxx slaps his knee and stands. "I will make the necessary preparations."
"Leaving already, doctor?" Ichigo asks.
"My dear, I'm a very busy man," he says with a grin. "Playing both sides takes a lot out of you. Trust me, you'll understand what it's like when you get old."
"Thank you, doctor," you stop him before he can step out the open door.
"Whatever for?"
"For never giving up on me, and saving me from a life of serving APE. If you hadn't stepped in, I'd have never met Ichigo or the twins."
The older man gives a knowing grin. "Enjoy it. You've found what makes life worth living."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After Doctor Franxx leaves the office, he takes a right turn and heads deeper into the facility. Freya has kept him informed of the progress made in renovating Haven for the past several months. Now that he's here, there's no reason not to see it for himself. The Stampede Division Ichigo headed was of particular interest to him.
When he arrives at the cavern housing the division's training facilities, he isn't surprised by how spartan the space is. There are three concrete arenas for working with the FranXX and their accompanying chutes for conducting the "Taming." All are currently in use.
This is truly something, Werner tells himself. In APE's ranks, there never was a shortage of either pistil or stamen, and the unruly Stampedes were unnecessary as a result. But this… it proves that a pistil can control a FranXX on her own given the proper training. I had always thought as much. Women are quite capable when they set their minds to something.
Ichigo conceptualized this on her own and used herself as the proof of concept. I knew this rebellion was in good hands.
On his way back through the docking bay, Doctor Franxx catches a glimpse of the new FranXX that have been modified or produced for the rebels. They aren't as impressive as what he's personally designed, but given their combat record there is nothing to fear about their construction. He might even learn something from them if he were to take the time to thoroughly look the designs over.
In the hall leading to the elevator that will take him back to the surface, a pair of familiar faces cause Franxx to give pause.
"Oh, darling!" Zero Two's sing-song voice echoes through the hall. "You're so naughty!"
Beside the beaming girl, Hiro's eyes bulge. "I… uh… I don't know what you're talking about, Zero Two."
"Darling," Zero Two hugs him tightly, pulling him into her chest. "You know you don't have to be so shy. I'll always do anything you want."
The boy blushes even deeper and stammers, "Z-Zero Two, let me go! Someone could see us!"
"Let them!" she giggles. "They don't know what being in love means anyway. We can show them."
Doctor Franxx chuckles as he draws closer. "Hiro, I would suggest you acquiesce to her demands. She's quite forceful. Besides, you might enjoy whatever she has planned."
"Doctor!" Hiro shouts, attempting to break free from the vice that is his partner.
"No, you don't!" Zero Two clambers onto Hiro's back and wraps herself around him, her legs around his waist and arms his shoulders.
Hiro struggles under the weight of his partner and nearly falls. "Zero Two, you're too–"
"Do not say 'heavy' or she will become very cross with you," Doctor Franxx cautions him.
Hiro takes this into consideration and finishes his statement. "–Beautiful, I can't see you when you're behind me."
Doctor Franxx nods at the boy and gives him a smile. Meanwhile, Zero Two shifts her weight and attempts to climb higher. This throws off Hiro's shaky balance and the two tumble to the floor.
Hiro groans and attempts to push himself off the floor, but it gives when he does. Unsure of why the floor has become soft and yielding rather than solid, he glances at his right hand. It is resting firmly on Zero Two's chest.
The color drains from Hiro's face as he begins to stutter out an apology. Zero Two giggles and kisses him to shut him up. "Darling's a pervert," she whispers after.
The couple is brought out of the moment as Doctor Franxx doubles over after failing to contain his laughter. "The two of you remind me of newlyweds. All hands and hormones." He wipes his eyes. "Oh, to be young again."
"Doctor," Zero Two looks at him quizzically. "What did you call us?"
"Newlyweds," he answers. "Bride and groom, spouses, husband and wife."
Zero Two's eyes light up as though she's remembered something long forgotten and it excites her. "That's it, doctor!"
"Huh?" Hiro shakes his head from side to side, trying to keep up with his hyperactive partner.
"Darling, we're going to get married!" Zero Two squeals with delight.
"What does that mean?" Hiro asks. "Why are we doing it?"
Zero Two begins her explanation and Hiro quickly realizes that he no longer has a say in the matter based on her excitement. Instead, he just smiles and nods as she talks about a dress and rings and a big celebration. Doctor Franxx couldn't have hand picked a better man for her. Hiro was putty in her hands, but more than firm enough to protect her. Most of all, though, he made her happy.
Doctor Franxx lets out a hearty chuckle and turns to leave. "It looks like my work here is done."
The freshly engaged couple remains on the floor as Zero Two continues planning the wedding she didn't know she wanted. Soon, they disappear out of sight when the doors to the elevator close.
Werner exits the elevator at the top of the shaft and makes his way out of the manor. Walking down the cobblestone path taking him from the house to the park and his aircraft, he does feel the slightest twinge of disappointment that he won't be present for Zero Two's wedding. Though, she wouldn't want him there anyhow.
He makes it to the ramp of his transport before he hears Zero Two calling his name. She's panting and out of breath.
"What is it you need, my dear?" he asks.
"Um," Zero Two answers, showing an uncharacteristic hesitation. Her face flushes with color as she blurts. "Someone is supposed to walk the bride down the aisle, and you're the one who made me, so..."
"You… you want me to give you away?" the old man says, as the cane falls from his hand.
Still blushing profusely, Zero Two gives two quick nods.
"I never dreamed you'd ask me that," Franxx whispers. "You've always acted as though you hated me and kept your distance. You're sure this is what you want?"
"I am," Zero Two meekly replies. "You've always taken care of me when you could. You called me your daughter and said I was your greatest creation. So, could you please do it… f-father?"
Zero Two is crying by the time she finishes and Doctor Franxx feels something deep within himself he hasn't for ages.
The old man shuffles forward and wraps the taller girl in a hug, hiding his own misty eyes from view.
"Of course, my daughter."
