"Now that you are a parasite of Plantation 13, there are several things you will need to know," Hachi states to you. You currently stand in the room he calls his office, a room characterized by computer monitors, a desk, and lots of loose paper. "First, being a plantation parasite carries with it a certain duty that you may not have had when you were still on reserve in the Garden." Hachi folds his hands and leans forward against his desk. "I am aware of your record. You may have failed to connect with your original partner, but let me say now that I expect results. Dr. Franxx may have hand-picked you for this position but if you prove to be unreliable then I will have no choice but to send you back."
Dr. Franxx picked me specifically for this, you ask yourself. I know he usually came to see me when I was still a kid in the Garden. He was the one to administer most of my maintenance, but I haven't really seen him in the year I've been in the replacement division. Why would he ever want a washout like me to be part of this plantation? Hachi's voice snaps you from your reverie.
"Second," Hachi continues, "as you might be aware, you are partnered with Squad 13's leader. Code 015." You nod once, before succinctly replying to his statement. "Yes sir, Code 016 informed me last night she was the squad leader." Hachi stoically nods once and proceeds. "Then you are aware that even more will be expected of you than if you had been assigned as one of the other FranXX's stamen."
"Delphinium is the lead FranXX, and as a result Code 015 often must split her attention between both piloting and leading the squad. It will be your responsibility to ensure that she is kept safe, and to remove some of the strain by carrying more of the load while piloting. You must prove to her that you are capable in combat so she can focus on leading the squad. She must allow you to shoulder the burden, and you must be capable of sharing it."
"Yes sir," you nod. Behind you, the door to the office swings open. In the doorway, beside Nana, stands your blue haired partner. She still refuses to look at you and her posture tells you that she must be exhausted. Guess I wasn't the only one who didn't sleep well.
"Good, you're here," Hachi says as he stands. He walks out from behind the desk and toward the door. "It is time we get the testing underway."
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You walk alongside Code 015 in silence as Nana and Hachi lead you through the plantation. She looks so sad and downcast. Should I say something to her? you ask yourself. No, I may just upset her ever more. It's probably best I just stay quiet.
After walking for close to fifteen minutes, Nana and Hachi stop you before a pair of doors. Without a word, Code 015 proceeds into the one on the right. "Your dressing rooms," Nana explains as you look to the two doorways. "Pistils on the right and stamen on the left. Hachi will wait for you to get changed and then lead you to the testing center." "Yes ma'am," you nod, then proceed into the door on the left.
Inside, you find a typical dressing room. Lockers line the exterior of the room and several benches lie in the middle. Five of the lockers have an active holographic display with a number. You search for a moment and find lockers 016, 214, 326, and 666. Beside Code 016's locker is another that has an active display but doesn't list a number. You assume this codeless locker to be yours and approach.
When you open the locker, you find a parasite suit with a blue stripe against its mostly black exterior. You inspect it and determine that it is indeed intended for you, given that its dimensions perfectly match your own. Without a second thought, you strip out of your uniform and quickly don the suit.
Afterward, you exit the dressing room to find Hachi standing opposite the door. "Follow me," is all his monotonous voice says before turning and walking away. You quickly fall in line behind him as the two of you navigate the numerous halls of the plantation.
After ten minutes or so you arrive at another door. "Code 015 is waiting for you on the other side," Hachi says as he begins to walk away. "Nana and I will monitor your progress from the observation booth. You will only have one chance at this, I suggest you make the most of it."
Hachi's comment causes you to gulp. Alright, I just have to go in there and connect with her. I've done this kind of thing a hundred times before. It'll be no problem. But... why do I feel so worried?
You tap the keypad on the door and it slides open. You are greeted with a dimly lit room, and you pause as your eyes adjust to the brightness. Monitors line the walls, showing various readings from both yourself and Code 015. In the center of the room is a large pod, and nestled within is the simulated cockpit used to determine the compatibility of parasite pairs. Many memories suddenly flood to the forefront of your mind, most of them unpleasant.
Code 015 stands silently beside the pod as you approach. She wears the same skintight parasite suit that you do and hers also possesses the same streaks of blue, signifying you as partners. As you enter, she doesn't look up and her arms never leave their place against her chest.
Should I say something now? you ask yourself as you close the distance between the two of you. Yeah, I'm going to. "Team Delphinium," Hachi's voice rings out over the loudspeaker, quickly destroying your plan. Beside you, Code 015 flinches when the name of her FranXX is called. "Commence connection testing."
The pod opens to reveal the pistil's platform and the stamen's chair of the fake cockpit. Code 015 looks up at you for only a moment, revealing so many emotions with her expression that you are unable to list them all. Sadness, fear, longing, regret, all of these and more are present as she takes her place on the platform.
You follow suit and take a seat in the chair. As if on cue, the controls on Code 015's waist spring up and await your touch to begin the process. You take hold of the controls and immediately notice how stiff they feel. Before you, Code 015's body is rigid as a board and she still looks straight down. "What is the hold up?" Hachi demands. "Nothing, sir," you reply, "commencing connection." You take a deep breath and pull the trigger, initializing the startup process.
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"Commencing stage 15 linking," an automated voice states. "Positive pulse and P-Factor stable. Negative pulse dropping." You silently pray that this time the connection will work. You can see the paracapacity scores of the two of you on the back of Code 015's is stable at 85. While not the optimal number for a connection, it was hardly disappointing considering this was the first time you had tried to connect with Code 015. When you first saw it, you had foolishly believed that this would be easy.
You weren't so lucky, however. On screen, Code 015's paracapacity score slowly drops from 35 to 22 to zero. "Negative pulse timed out. Preparing for stage 16 linking." Suddenly, the system shuts down. The cockpit grows dimmer as you slouch backwards into the chair, pure dejecting washing over you. A quiet sobbing catches your attention, however, breaking the veil that had suddenly come over you. Code 015 has slumped over the controls on the platform, trembling. She mumbles incoherently, leaving you at a loss for what you should do.
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Ichigo's POV
As soon as you had attempted the parasite connection, Ichigo knew it was going to fail. Her mind had immediately been filled with the horrid images of three days ago, and no matter what she did, she simply just couldn't drive them out. The loss of Goro, the noise from the cockpit, her own thoughts, everything rushed at her at once in one massive wave of confusion.
"Hey, everything's gonna be alright," Goro's voice tells her. "Negative pulse timed out," says the monotonous computer voice. "Damn it," she curses under her breath. Tears slowly fall from her eyes to the platform below. I can do this. I can do this. "Negative pulse timed out." Gah! Why can't I do this?! "Ichigo, you're okay," Goro continues. "Test 15 concluded. Negative pulse timed out."
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You worriedly begin to speak to your new partner, who is sobbing quietly on the floor. "Code 015, are you al-" "Ichigo," the girl snaps, still breathing heavily. "My name is Ichigo." "Alright," you say, trying to emulate a calm voice. "Ichigo, are you alright?"
The girl turns to glare at you. "Do I look alright to you?" Tears stream down her cheeks, which are completely flushed, and her chest rises and falls rapidly. "My partner is dead because I hesitated. I can't even pass this stupid test to prove I can still pilot, and I have some stamen claiming to be a partner that I don't even want. So no, I am not alright."
"Ichigo, I am sorry about what happened to Code 056." "His name was Goro! Don't you even have enough respect to call him that?!" Ichigo's tone is once again sharp and her eyes burn with passion. But behind it, you can still see the emotions that were present before you started the testing.
Ichigo has turned to face you and is clearly waiting for your response. You slowly rise from your seated position a take a step forward. "Ichigo, I am sorry that you lost Goro." Her expression softens somewhat. "But being angry with me will not bring him back." She quickly looks down and away from your eyes.
"I know you are angry and upset, and that I am probably the last person in the world that you want to be talking to right now." You can feel tears welling in the corners of your eyes, and you fight them back. "But I'm going to ask you to let me be selfish for a second," you say softly. She glances back up and looks you dead in the eye.
"If I can't connect with you, then I will be sent back to the Garden. Everyone knows Papa has no use for a parasite that can't pilot. That means if this partnership between you and I doesn't work out, then I will end up just like Goro."
Before you can say more, the door opens and allows Nana and Hachi to enter. "That is all for now," Nana says. "Ichigo, you may return to Mistilteinn." "But I-" "You've done enough for now. Get cleaned up and get something to eat," Nana smiles. Ichigo strangely looks conflicted as her eyes quickly dart to you, then back to Nana and Hachi.
Finally, she nods and walks past Nana and Hachi into the hall. Just before the door shuts she turns back and looks at you again, but you can't tell why. After the door closes, Nana and Hachi approach you.
"I will not sugarcoat this," Nana tells you. "After that, your chances of being allowed to stay here don't look good." "I understand, ma'am," you answer, doing your best to suppress the emotion you feel inside of you. "You performed well and your numbers were stable," Hachi continues, "but if you are unable to connect to Code 015 in Delphinium then you will be of no use to us."
"Yes, sir," you reply. "The next cargo transport will not be coming for a week. You will have until then to forge a connection with Code 015 or we will have no choice but to send you back," Hachi concludes. You nod, acknowledging your understanding. "Dismissed," he says, and you exit the room.
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Nana guides you back to the dressing room, and you change out of your suit and into your uniform. You do slowly, your head sent reeling by the events of the past couple of minutes. Returning to the hallway, Nana leads you back to Mistilteinn. She leaves you at the elevator, telling you to get some food and rest. You have plenty of time to think as you make the trek back to the boarding house.
My numbers were fine. They were better than fine. 85 for the first time ever, trying to connect with a pistil? Our natural compatibility must be incredibly high. Ichigo just isn't able to make a connection because of Goro. It has to be. She just needs some time to accept what's happened before moving forward.
Soon enough, you find yourself standing in the doorway of the large house. Hiro waves to you as you enter. "Hey, how'd it go?" he asks. "Not well," you reply, "we were unable to connect. Nana and Hachi said that I have until the supply drop next week to change that." Hiro sees the gravity of the situation but still smiles anyway. "Don't worry, I'm sure you will be able to!" You smile back at him, glad to have some support. "Thanks, Hiro." "Anytime," he replies, "and there's still some lunch left if you're hungry." His voice then drops to a whisper, "but...Ichigo is in there." You nod and he walks away, saying something to himself about finding Zero Two.
You notice that Hiro was indeed correct when you enter the dining hall. Sitting alone at the table to the left of the door is Ichigo. There is food on her plate, but she doesn't appear to have eaten any. Not wanting to bother her, you sit down at the opposite table and begin to fill your plate.
"Did you mean what you said?" a small voice from across the room asks you. "Did you mean it yesterday when you said that you thought we could really be partners?" Glancing to your right, Ichigo is still seated at the table and she doesn't look in your direction. But, the room is empty aside from you and her, so you know she must have been the one speaking.
"I did," you reply. "How could you know that?" Ichigo asks. "You'd never even met me, and yet you were sure that I could be your partner. How?" You take a moment to consider her question before responding.
"When I was just a kid back in the Garden, I was deemed naturally unfit to be a parasite. I was subjected to a tremendous amount of maintenance to get my body ready for the task. It was absolutely excruciating. Then, a little over a year ago, I failed to connect to my first partner. Though, I wasn't thrown aside like I thought I'd be. I was instead transferred to the replacement division, because someone thought that I could be redeemed. Over the last twelve months I've seen close to a hundred parasites come and go from the division. Everyone was always so excited to learn that they had been assigned a partner somewhere. We knew that we were never deployed in a happy circumstance, but for us, it was a chance to prove ourselves."
"Imagine how happy I was to learn that I was getting a partner after waiting for almost an entire year. Think of how confident I felt when I learned that my partner was a teen code, the best of the best. She'd be so knowledgeable and capable, a perfect match to help me become a better parasite, and a better partner. I didn't think there was any way we wouldn't be able connect. I was sure she would be the nicest person in the world and try to help me as we got started together."
"When I arrived yesterday, I couldn't help but notice how sad you looked. It was only then that I realized how different things were for the two of us. I was excited to be here, while you didn't even want anything to do with me. What you said in the hangar yesterday only made that clearer. Despite that, I still want to be your partner. I think that we would work well together, and based on the conversation I had with Hiro last night, I know that you are the kind and respectful person I thought you would be. Right now, you are just under a lot of stress and emotion, in addition to still trying to deal with the loss of Goro. I don't expect things to be different than that right now, but that's why your capacity score was so low when we were testing the connection. Mine was higher than it should have been, probably because you're so strong."
"But your score wasn't great, and I really do understand. The truth is that if I don't make it as your partner, I will be satisfied so long as I tried my hardest. And if that happens, then the next stamen should have an easier time because you'll have calmed down more. You're strong, Ichigo. I can see it in your eyes. You just need time."
There is the distinct sound of silverware falling to the ground. Ichigo continues to stare down at her food and makes no move to pick up the lost article. Oh crap, what was I thinking? I definitely said too much. If she didn't hate me before, she will now.
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Ichigo's POV
Ichigo listens as you speak about why you had thought she would make the perfect partner. As she does, she can't help but feel guilty. How can he say those things after how I treated him? I lashed out at him horribly yesterday, and again just earlier because I couldn't contain myself. Even when I was being so cruel, he still trusted me enough to tell me how much he has riding on our partnership. Then he goes and tells me that he thinks I'm a strong person for pushing through this.
Why couldn't he get mad at me and scream that this was my fault? Why does he have to act so calm about it, while I'm just barely holding myself together? It just makes things even harder for me. Plus, he's acting like I'm the one that matters here, and he doesn't. Talking about how things will be easier for the next replacement if I can work through this while he is still here, so they won't have to.
...No, he wasn't calm, Ichigo remembers. Back in the test when we talked, he was fighting back tears. He probably didn't want me to see, but I did. He's scared what will happen if we fail, and he said earlier he only gets one shot at this.
Goro, what do I do...? she asks herself. He had always been someone she could turn to when troubled and now when she needed him most, he was gone. If I partner with him...is it betraying you? I want to help him, but-
Suddenly, a voice other than her own appears in her head. "Just be yourself," Goro says. Ichigo looks up to find none other than Goro sitting in the chair across from her at the table. "Getting a new partner is something that was inevitable if either of us died. You have no reason to feel guilty. I know you want to help him, just like you wanted to help me when we were kids. It's a part of who you are, and that's nothing to be ashamed of." "But what about-" "Hey, I've gotta go now," Goro tells her, "but I am always with you. This boy seems to want what's best for you, so give him a chance. For me?" The image of Goro shoots her a smile, and then disappears. "I will," Ichigo whispers.
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You sit in silence for close to five minutes after you finish speaking. For most of it, Ichigo continues to look down at her , though, she glances up at the chair directly across from her. She seems shocked when she does and mumbles something you can't make out. Close to a minute later, she looks back down again and whispers something else. You are entirely unsure of what is going on, passing it off as an internal argument with herself. In the end, you just sit quietly and wait for her to make the next move.
"What is your name?" You are somewhat taken aback by this question, as no one had asked it in years. "My name?" you repeat. "Yeah," Ichigo says, now looking in your direction. "Your name. If you're going to become my partner and a member of this squad, then I need some way of addressing you. We go by names here instead of code numbers. So, what's your name?" "(Y/N)," you reply quietly, "but no one has called me that in years."
"Alright, (Y/N)," Ichigo says still looking you in the eye, "if you could still say such nice things about me even after the way I've acted..." Ichigo takes a deep breath, "...I am willing to try and be partners." A shiver runs down your spine. You hadn't expected her to say that. In your mind, the only way this would happen was if, at the last minute, she took pity on you and decided to try again. You would've been lucky enough for her to have even calmed down.
Ichigo stands and walks over to you. "I don't believe we have been formally introduced." She extends her hand, mimicking what you had done the day before. "My name is Ichigo. I look forward to working with you." You can tell she is struggling to come up with what to say, but the sentiment behind it is what matters, not the words.
You join her on your feet and take her hand. "It is a pleasure, Ichigo. I hope our partnership is long and fruitful." She gives you a slight smile and you return the same. "Well, I still need to get cleaned up," she says awkwardly, releasing your hand. "If you'll excuse me." Ichigo then bolts from the room. You are left standing next to your half-eaten lunch when several boys walk into the dining room, with Hiro at the lead. "Ichigo just rushed out. Is everything alright?"
"Yeah," you reply taking a seat once more and preparing to finish your meal. "Well, what happened?" the blonde boy asks. "We know you both had tests this morning. Ichigo was awful quiet when she got back, so-" "Zorome," the larger boy says, elbowing him quietly. You recognize him as Futoshi.
"You don't have to tell us if you don't want to," Hiro says as the boys take the three seats on the opposite side of the table. You finish a chewing a bite of your sandwich. "We couldn't connect," you say, though you're no longer disappointed. "What?!" the group across the table yells, almost in unison. "You couldn't connect with Ichigo? Is that even possible?" Futoshi says. "Yeah, she has the lowest code out of all the girls, shouldn't anyone be able to pilot with her?" Zorome adds.
Hiro's expression drops. "Don't worry about it," you tell them. "Ichigo and I talked about it. She said she's willing to try again in a few days." "So, she accepted that you're her partner?" Hiro asks hopefully. "More or less," you reply with a smile. "It still may be a bit rough for a while as we get used to each other, but I think we will be able to pull it off before next week."
"What happens next week?" Zorome asks. "If we don't manage to connect and prove that we are compatible as partners then I will be sent back to the Garden," you somberly explain. Futoshi cocks his head. "Like, to wait for a new partner somewhere else?"
You shake your head. "No. Papa has no use for a parasite that can't pilot. This is the only chance I will be getting." "You said you are from the replacement division, right?" Hiro inquires. "How many parasites are there?" "There were close to one hundred in total when I left. But at times there has been more or less. They are almost all stamens, though."
"Why?" he questions. "Because stamens are the only thing that can easily be replaced. If a FranXX is lost, that usually means both pilots go down with it. Without a pistil, the FranXX is worthless anyway. More often than not, when one of two partners dies it is actually the stamen. They taught us that the pistil is more important than we are so if we have to make a choice, it should always be her life instead of ours."
The boys across the table look stunned. "Are you serious?" Zorome asks. "Yes," you reply. "They never told us that," Futoshi muses. "Maybe it's because you guys are special," you offer. "What do you mean?" Hiro asks. "Squad 13 is the most unique squad I've ever seen," you answer. "Your FranXX have different weapons, you go by names instead of codes, you have emotions, and even have one of the 9's here as a part of your squad."
The boys process your comment for a moment. Based on the looks they give each other, this is not the first time they have been told such. Hiro then laughs and looks at you. "You know, I spent last night in the same room as you, but I still don't know your name." "(Y/N)," you answer.
The boys stand in unison. "Well, (Y/N), welcome to Squad 13."
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You spend the rest of the day with the boys doing various activities. Over the course of this time, you also are more formally introduced to the pistils of Squad 13. Ikuno seems to be very quiet as a person though she does enjoy reading, which is something you will definitely discuss with her later. Kokoro is very soft-spoken but you can already see that she has a heart of gold. She showed great concern for you when you spoke with her, making sure that Ichigo hadn't upset you and that you felt welcome in your new home. Miku was just as wound up as Zorome and the two had gotten into an argument not long after you had begun speaking, but that honestly hadn't surprised you.
Your encounter with Hiro's partner had been the most interesting, however. You had been walking along with your roommate when suddenly you had felt a strange sensation on the back of your neck. When you turned around, you found Zero Two licking her lips. A moment later, she spit out whatever was in her mouth. "You taste sour, kinda like me. I don't like that."
"Is she always like that?" you'd asked Hiro. "She… does her own thing," was his response. That was enough to satisfy you, so you'd dropped it. The girl wasn't unpleasant, and there was something about her that seemed very mysterious. She was nice enough to you when you had talked, so there was no reason to think poorly of her, despite her reputation.
That evening while most of the squad had gathered for dinner, Nana had appeared to make an announcement. According to her, after Plantation 13 completed its kissing with Plantation 26, Squad 13 was commended for their contributions to the defence. As a result, Plantation 13 had been progressing toward a certain location following the battle's conclusion. Nana then revealed that in the morning, you all would be escorted to a location called a beach and given leave there for a day.
None of you really seemed sure what a beach is, but Nana mentioned water. She also said that in the morning, special outfits would be provided for you. The excitement in the air as to what kind of adventure awaited you was palpable, and everyone talked about it until you had turned in for bed.
You didn't speak with Ichigo for the rest of the day, save to bid her a good night when you and Hiro had decided to retire. She had smiled and wished you the same, causing your heart to do a few cartwheels. There may really be a chance for us after all.
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"Doctor," Hachi says, "Code 015 and your replacement had their preliminary connection testing done this morning." "Oh," the old man on the other end of the line asks. "How did it go?" "They were unable to connect," Hachi replies.
"(Y/N)'s numbers were more than sufficient and Code 015's were not, correct?" "How could...?" Hachi mumbles. "Yes doctor, that is correct." "Excellent," Dr. Franxx muses. Hachi adopts a slight look for bewilderment before asking, "Doctor?"
"This is all according to plan," the scientist answers. "(Y/N) was selected specifically because I believe he will be able to help Code 015 out of the rut she is currently stuck in. Had Code 015's numbers been sufficient but (Y/N)'s not, that would have been unfortunate indeed. The current situation is what I planned for."
"Doctor, I am afraid you have once again neglected to tell me something," Hachi says. There is the slightest hint of annoyance in his tone. Hachi had always done exactly as he was told by the old man, but Dr. Franxx still felt the need to keep secrets. At times such as this, it was very irritating.
"I haven't neglected to tell you anything, Hachi," Dr. Franxx says with a grin. "I said previously that his arrival would be enough to return Code 015 to normal." Hachi interjects, "but doctor, they failed-" "Test them again at the end of the week. By then it will have been more than enough time for their bond to grow. And under no circumstance are you to allow (Y/N) to return to the Garden, even if they still fail to connect. He is Code 015's partner for a reason and we will wait as long as necessary for them to work out their differences."
"Yes, doctor," Hachi says. "Good, keep me informed," the doctor says, before waving his hand in front of the camera. The display winks out and Hachi makes his way out of the office, grumbling something about the old man being as easy to talk to as a brick wall.