Hello everyone! I am sure at least some of you read the manga for the series and as a result have seen Delphinium's Stampede form. We will NOT be using that form. Instead we will be sticking with the original concept of her main weapons being her fangs and claws. The one in the manga is similar to an idea I'd had but was too similar to Strelitzia with the tails, so I decided against using it. That's all I've got, so enjoy the chapter!

Crunch. The freshly fallen snow crackles beneath your feet as you walk. It had begun to snow early last night and continued to do so throughout the morning, steadily worsening. I've always liked it when it snowed, you tell yourself. Then again, I got pretty used to it. It snows all the time at the Garden.

You make your way down the barely-visible path for another several minutes until you lay eyes on your destination. At the edge of Mistilteinn's dome, your squadmates have gathered in a semicircle. The glass separating you from the outside overlooks the horizon, and the others anxiously gaze out across the white expanse.

"I miss anything?" you ask, stopping beside Ichigo. She glances up at you for a moment before shaking her head. "Nothing so far," she answers. "No sign of the Garden," Ikuno confirms. "Good," you comment, causing everyone to look at you.

Most of the squad seemed happy when they had learned a week ago that you would be returning to the Garden for maintenance. Coming back to the place of their childhood was an exciting experience. You, however, had not been as enthusiastic. The only one who seemed to share that sentiment was Zero Two.

"Huh?" Zorome asks, clearly confused by your answer. "I don't like that place," you elaborate. "Too many bad memories." You're too absorbed in your own thoughts to notice, but after you stop speaking, Ichigo's hand hesitantly makes its way towards yours. However, before it does, its owner seems to think better of herself and slowly returns it to her pocket.

"Well I didn't think it was that bad," Zorome says as a slight chirping sound comes from beside you. Everyone turns to face the source of the noise, except you. While Ichigo fishes out her communicator you start to make out a few scattered lights in the distance, just outside of your vision. "It's Nana," she announces, having turned the device on. "We are to meet her in the docking bay in ten minutes."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After arriving early to the massive hangar, you wait for Nana and Hachi to escort you to the Garden. The Caretaker and Defense Commander arrive several minutes later, each dressed in heavy winter coats. Nana does a quick head count to ensure everyone is present, and when she is satisfied you are led to the outer doors to begin your voyage.

Upon exiting the plantation, you are greeted by the frigid cold of the outside world. The snow is at its worst yet, and the gales of brisk air throw an uncountable number of the massive flakes at you all. Several of the others shiver and complain about the temperature, but a disinterested glare from Hachi quickly silences them. The wind cuts like a knife across your face and you can feel the color rushing to your cheeks, feebly attempting to keep you warm amidst the snow.

Suddenly, you feel a pressing weight on your left. Glancing to your side, you find a mess of blue hair obstructing your vision. "What are you doing?" you ask Ichigo. "It's so, c-cold," she stutters back. "And you're w-warm." Nearby, you can see Miku standing in Zorome's shadow to hide from the wind. Kokoro leans against Futoshi to fight off the cold and support herself, thanks to the still-healing injury she had suffered when Genista's foot was clawed in the nest. Ikuno and Mitsuru don't seem to be bothered by the weather, but even if they were, you'd never know.

"You don't mind, do you?" Ichigo shivers. For you, never. You give a slight smile, your bleak mood somewhat lightened by the closeness to your partner. She never ceases to cheer you up. "No, Ichigo, I don't mind," you answer, invitingly extending your arm outwards. Ichigo quickly moves under and allows herself to be wrapped up with you inside your overly large coat.

The weather seems to have put everyone in a mood, except for Zero Two, that is. "Darling, look!" she shouts as she frolics through the snow. "It's so pretty and cold!" She picks up a handful of the powder and tosses it above her. It slowly cascades down around her, leaving a somewhat awe-struck Hiro to watch.

"Zero Two, we need to stay with the squad," Hiro says, suppressing a laugh. "But, Darling," Zero Two pouts from the seated position she somehow has managed to slip into. She forms the snow into different sized balls and places them on top of each other. "We can play in the snow later," Hiro says as he helps her to her feet. The pair return to walking in line with the rest of the squad, but something they do draws your attention. Both of their hands remain intertwined as they walk. Why are they doing that? you ask yourself. Ah, I'll never be able to figure it out by myself. I should ask Hiro later.

A short time later, the group reaches the exterior wall that surrounds the Garden, the Lab, and the other nearby facilities. An APE soldier in winter gear steps forward from a guard post beside the gate, leaving another behind in the building to man the mechanism. "State your business," he roughly demands.

Nana moves to the front of the group and holds her hand vertically. An S-class ID appears before her. "Nana, Caretaker of Plantation 13. Squad 13 is due for maintenance." The guard nods briefly. "Just a moment," he replies. The man's right hand goes to his ear and he turns away from Nana. You realize he's receiving a transmission through an earpiece, hidden underneath his heavy clothes.

A moment later, he looks back toward your group. "And Code 002, is she present?" he asks. Nana nods. "She's here. Prepare the containment unit, just in case," the man says into the piece before removing his hand.

After taking several seconds to look over the parasites gathered before him once more, the guard turns back to his partner at the gate. "They're clear, let them through." A loud rumbling presents itself to you over the wind and the gate slowly opens, granting you access to the Garden.

Nana motions for you to follow and everyone quickly makes their way through the checkpoint. The gate swings shut a moment later with a resounding thud. Inside the walls, the weather is much more pleasant. The massive partitions help to block and divert the majority of the wind outside. As a result, Miku distances herself slightly from Zorome. Kokoro also take a step away from Futoshi. Ichigo makes no move to get away from you, however, and you have no intention of suggesting she do so.

"I can't believe we're back here," Zorome says in awe as you continue to walk towards the buildings of the facility. "It does feel like only yesterday that we left," Miku agrees. At the least, I can agree with her on that one. "I am sorry to say that this will not be a homecoming, children," Nana interrupts. "You are banned from visiting the Garden."

"Nana," Kokoro begins to speak, but she quickly falls silent. "Listen to Nana," Hachi says sternly.

Surprisingly, both Hachi and Nana seem to be somewhat on edge today, much more so than normal. It's starting to make you feel the same.

"I recognize these buildings," Hiro murmurs off to one side. He turns to the large circular building in the middle of the compound. "The Garden," he whispers, before pointing to the large black spire. "And…" he begins, before a quiet voice interrupts him. "The Lab," Mitsuru answers, causing Hiro to look surprised.

"You said that you were staying here until you came to Plantation 13, right?" Ikuno asks you. "Back when you were with the Replacement Division." Your mouth finds itself in a tight line. "That is correct," you reply. "Which building were you in, (Y/N)?" Ichigo asks, joining in. "That one," you say as you point to one of several smaller buildings that line the far side of the complex. "Well, do you want to go see if your friends are there?" Ichigo continues. "Maybe later," you answer as the doors to the Lab open and close behind you.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The entrance to the Lab, a narrow hallway, soon gives way to a large and open atrium. The ceiling is easily twenty-five to thirty feet high, and the walls are a simple white just like those of the plantations. There are three sets of windows, one per floor above, looking down upon the atrium. Each window looks black, but you know from experience they are one-way mirrors.

You wait in a group about fifteen feet inside of the outside edge of the atrium. Nana and Hachi are another five feet off, speaking to each other in hushed tones. Everyone seems to be somewhat apprehensive. You all read the unsettled vibe that Nana and Hachi are giving off, but none of you know why they're restless in the first place. "Okay, kids," Nana finally says, concluding her conversation with Hachi. "As you already know, we are here to conduct maintenance on each of you. You performed very well last week, but we are just making sure that there wasn't any damage we missed during our scans at the plantation."

Everyone nods or murmurs in response. Kokoro also looks to the brace containing her right foot. You feel somewhat bad that it had happened to her, but then again, you aren't in the greatest shape yourself either.

"Zero Two," Nana's voice brings you back to reality. "You will also be undergoing maintenance during our visit as well." The smile vanishes from her face and is replaced by what you would believe was a look of fear, if you thought she was capable of being afraid.

"Don't worry," Nana steps forward and places a hand on the pink-haired girl's shoulder. "I will be accompanying you." The motherly tone in which Nana speaks is comforting even to you, despite the fact that you are not even the intended recipient. "It'll be okay," Hiro agrees, squeezing her hand. Zero Two's expression softens and she allows herself to be led off by the red-headed woman.

This leaves Hachi with you and the remainder of Squad 13. "Alright," Hachi begins. "You will all be-" He is interrupted by a blast of cold wind coming through the now-open door behind you, the powerful wind jetting through the hallway. Ichigo shivers and shrinks into you once more while you turn to the left to view things with your good side.

From the doorway, eight figures make their way toward you. From what you can tell, there are four pistils and four stamen. The dimly-lit hallway obscures most of their defining features. "Who's that?" Futoshi whispers. "Uh, parasites?" Hiro weakly offers.

As they draw closer, their attire draws your attention. First, they aren't wearing any kind of winter clothing. No coat, no jacket, nothing. They must be crazy. Second, their uniforms are much different from your own. Instead of the typical gray, theirs are white, resembling the uniforms that officers wore in the books you had read from the past. They're adorned with medals, epaulettes, and a sash, all topped off with what looks like a hint of gold trim.

This closer inspection of the uniforms leads you to realize that you know exactly who these parasites are, and that your initial thought was correct. They are absolutely crazy. "They're the Nines," you answer quietly to the others. "The...Nines?" Miku asks. "Special forces," Mitsuru hisses.

"The blonde one in the front," you continue. "That's Alpha, their leader. Rumor says that the only one who can out-pilot him is Zero Two. The two boys behind him, the ones with blue and maroon hair, they're Beta and Gamma. Both are completely and utterly ruthless. Epsilon and his little devil are the tallest and shortest." Miku gives a start of surprise, before being interrupted by Kokoro. "Devil…" she whispers with a hint of fear. "Delta," you clarify. "The only thing that surpasses her ability is her sadism. She likes to toy with her prey before killing them."

Your statement causes several members of the squad to recoil. "The remainder are the triplets, Zeta, Eta, and Theta," you list the last three members. "Each could tear you apart with their bare hands. Together, they make up the Nines, APE's strongest special forces unit. The Nines are the executors of Papa's will. They answer to him and him alone."

Kokoro and Miku both appear to be frozen in fear following your reveal of the Nines. The group in question continues to make their way across the atrium until one seems to notice the collective stare your squad is directing at them. A moment later the group stops, speaks for a moment, and begins to make their way toward you.

They come to a stop some ten feet from you. Their expressions are a mixture of smug amusement and complete disinterest. Alpha's eyes slowly make their way up and down each member of your squad, one by one, and his lips curl into a smile.

"Oh, hello," Alpha purrs. His voice is higher pitched than you had expected, considering he's supposed to be the second strongest pilot in the world. However, he wears it with unspoken authority. "We couldn't help but notice you staring at us. Is there something we can help you with?" To someone who wasn't familiar with the stories about the Nines, this likely seemed like an invitation to speak. But to you, who had heard many of those stories, this is clearly a bid to get you to say anything at all that could be twisted around back at you.

Fortunately, no one takes the bait. Seeing, this Alpha changes tactics, "Wait...I recognize you," he turns directly to Hiro. "You're Iota's partner, aren't you?" A look of recollection crosses Hiro's face. "I am," he answers.

"Then that means that you are the squad that took out the Klaxosaur nest," Beta says in a patronizing tone. He gives a sidelong glance to the other Nines as he does so. "How impressive." The shorter green-haired one, Delta, smiles, but the look in her eyes is unnerving. "Maybe they would be more fun than those boring parasites we had the other day." A few of the other Nines give quiet chuckles. "Squad 13," Epsilon says with a hint of amusement. "You discovered a new class of Klaxosaur in that nest. Then you defeated it and destroyed the nest… and the mine with it. An unfortunate loss of assets, but I suppose it was unavoidable."

"It was just a mine," Gamma laughs. "They're hardly worth much. Easily replaceable, just like parasites. Papa always has a steady supply waiting to swap with anyone that may be lost. But you know that, don't you?" Gamma looks directly at you, and your stomach seems to fold in on itself.

"It is an honor to serve Papa," you reply, knowing what he wants to hear. "If it should cost me my life, then it is comforting to know that someone else is prepared to take up arms in my stead."

Several of the Nines chuckle, but Alpha smiles. "Spoken like a true parasite. Tell me, what is your code?" Slowly, you blink once before continuing. "I do not possess one," you answer. "Members of the Replacement Division do not have codes." Alpha snaps his fingers. "I knew something was different from the records, you're missing one of the squad leaders," Alpha says while donning a tone of feigned sadness. "I'm sure you did everything you could. Most squads lose several members in their first few months, so I'd say you've done quite well. Who was it?"

As Alpha speaks, your anger begins to mount faster with every word that comes out of his mouth. He is intentionally insulting Ichigo, you think as you ball your fists. "My stamen," Ichigo answers. Her voice wavers, and you can tell she trying to hold her composure. "That's unfortunate," Delta says in a teasing grin. "Hopefully it will serve as a learning experience for you all," Epsilon adds.

Ichigo only nods in response. You know how badly it would go for you, but the growing desire to lash out at the group as a whole threatens to overwhelm you. Before you do, however, a beeping noise comes from the arrogant Nines and they pull out their communicators. "Papa is waiting," Beta announces. "Please, excuse us," Gamma offers a twisted smile. They start moving away from you all with Alpha in the lead. "Hopefully we see you again!" Delta turns back and waves as the Nines depart.

"They're scary," Miku whispers from her position behind Zorome. "They're on an entirely different level from us," Mitsuru states. You choose, instead of focusing on the ill-mannered yet intimidating Nines, to focus on your partner. "Ichigo..." you turn to her, worry breaking into your voice. "I'm fine, (Y/N)," she answers quickly, wiping her eyes. You lay a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and she gives you a little half smile in return. "You were right," Ikuno says quietly to you while her eyes, filled with hatred, follow them out of the room. "They are awful."

"Children," Hachi says sharply, gathering your attention. "It is time."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After your not-so-pleasant introduction to the Nines, Hachi led you all out of the atrium and into the Lab proper. From there, Squad 13 had been split up among a team of adults to undergo their individual maintenance. Your experience was just like any other time you'd been here. Leading you to a room containing a suite of equipment, lab tables, and cabinets, the adults had promptly begun your testing. You were scanned for any lasting damage from your battle before your booster injections were administered. The last vial, a deep red ochre, was just as painful as you had remembered. You finished up with a few physical examinations before you were directed to leave.

As luck would have it, you and Hiro happened to finish at about the same time. He was just moving to take a seat as you were deposited back into the waiting room, a surprisingly furnished area at the mouth of a network of hallways and testing areas. This created the perfect opportunity for you to broach your earlier question to the other boy. "There's something I wanted to ask you, Hiro," you say to him as the two of you sit on a long bench. "What is it?" Hiro replies, glancing up from the fixed spot on the floor he had been staring at. "Why were you holding Zero Two's hand earlier?" you ask. "In the snow?"

Hiro blushes slightly and shrinks into the corner. "You saw that?" he whispers. "Yeah," you answer. "Why do you look so embarrassed about it?" Hiro continues to hide. "I'm not embarrassed," he lies. "It's just that…" He glances down the hall in each direction to ensure that the two of you are alone. "You know, I don't think they would be happy if they heard us talking about this," he continues in a small voice.

"But why?" you question him, still not understanding his newfound concern. "I just-" Hiro begins. "Wait, is there something you're trying to hide?" you accuse him. "What? No!" Hiro whispers. "It's… I think there's a relationship that's closer than being partners. Zero Two is always doing more than what everyone else seems to. I'll tell you more if you want to know when we get back to the plantation. Just not here."

Hiro finishes just as an adult comes around the corner. They begin to make their way toward you. "Code 016," the adult says as he draws closer, "there was a discrepancy in one of your tests. It will need to be repeated." Hiro quickly shoots to his feet. "Uh, yes sir," he says in response.

Hiro follows the man back into one of the examination rooms, leaving you to wait by yourself for the others. As soon Hiro and the man are out of sight, a woman exits one of the nearby rooms and approaches you. "RD 01-38," she looks down at you, sitting on the bench. "Yes, ma'am?" you calmly answer. "Come with me," the woman says before taking off in the direction opposite the testing rooms.

Knowing better than to ignore an order from an adult, you follow her. She leads you through the Lab's maze of hallways for several minutes before stopping at another door. This one is clearly special though, adorned with symbols and sigils on both sides. They're all filled to the brim with color, a stark contrast to the rest of the facility.

"Someone would like to speak with you," the woman says. "You are to be polite and answer any questions they ask, understood?" You nod swiftly. "Yes ma'am." Seeming satisfied with your answer, she taps on the keypad beside the door and it slides open. You hesitate momentarily, but after she clicks her tongue you rush through the open door.

The room beyond is not well-lit, and when the door shuts behind you it becomes almost completely black. The deep shadows around you obscure almost everything. "RD 01-38," a voice from somewhere in the room addresses you. It is somewhat gruff, but not unkind. At the same time, it feels familiar. "It has been a long time since I last saw you, 38," the voice continues. You continue attempting to place it, but are still unable to

do so.

There is a slight clicking sound and a light flickers on in front of you. It's nothing large, being only a small desk lamp, but it is enough to reveal a heavy oaken affair layered with stacks of papers. Two chairs are set before it, and a pair of gloved hands rest nearby. "Have a seat," the speaker resumes, as one of the hands gestures to the empty chairs.

You slowly make your way over to the desk and sit in one of the chairs. Even though you're now closer, and have a complete view of the mysterious individual's arms, the light is directed in such a way that their head and some of their torso remain eclipsed in darkness. You have no choice but to try and identify the speaker based on their voice and appearance alone. White gloves, pale shirt with cuffs, brown vest with a checkered purple tie. I've seen that before… where have I seen that before?

"Tell me, have you figured it out yet?" the voice asks, clearly sounding amused. You take a moment before you respond. "I believe I have," you answer. "Then present your reasoning, and then your findings," the speaker orders. "First," you begin, "there are only three people I know of that dress the way you do, or something extremely similar. The first is Dr. Lévesque of this very Garden. Based on the distinct timbre and sound of your voice, you are male. You cannot be her. The next is Dr. Wolffe from the Replacement Division. Dr. Wolffe never liked games and was always straight to the point with everything he did. Maintenance, schedules, training, everything. That was why we feared him so much in the Replacement Division. So, I can logically conclude that you are not him. This means you are my third and final candidate, Dr. Franxx."

The two hands slowly begin to clap, dancing out of the range of your vision as they do so. "You're just as sharp as ever, (Y/N)," the voice answers. A moment later the lights of the room turn on, revealing an elderly man. "I must say that I am impressed," Dr. Franxx continues.

A sense of pride wells up within you. Given nothing but a voice and some clothes, you had quickly and correctly determined his identity. However, this pride is swiftly replaced with confusion. "Doctor," you ask. "Why did you want to speak with me? It's been over a year since you last came by the Replacement Division."

"Can't an old man just want to see his prized pupil?" Dr. Franxx asks. "You are one of my greatest successes, (Y/N). A failure turned the partner of a squad leader." Despite your efforts, the corners of your mouth tilt upwards at that. "Thank you, sir," you reply. "It was your faith that allowed me to succeed." That, and lots of painful procedures and maintenance.

"Now, tell me," Dr. Franxx rests his arms on the wooden desk, "how are things with your new partner?" Your mind lights up at the thought of Ichigo, but you manage to control yourself this time. "They are well, sir," you answer. "Ichi—uh, Code 015 and I are compatible and have led Squad 13 on many successful missions together." Dr. Franxx's face contorts into one of disdain. "'Code 015,'" he murmurs. "Is that what you really call her? I should hope not. Women tend to have a preference for being addressed a certain way."

You are about to respond, but the old man waves his hand dismissively. "No matter. I'm sure you wouldn't use it around someone like me. You said you are fitting in well with your new squad, yes?" You shift in your seat, thinking to yourself. There has to be some reason he's asking these questions. "Yes, Doctor,I am."

"Good," he says with a satisfied smile. "I heard about your heroics during the mission to destroy the Klaxosaur nest. Pulling your partner from the FranXX before it was nearly crushed so she wouldn't feel the damage. That took quick thinking, though it was a bit reckless considering what happened to you in the end. Though, I suppose without her you wouldn't have been able to pilot the machine anyway. I approve."

"Thank you, sir," you answer. "That is enough of that," Dr. Franxx groans. "I am called 'sir' or 'Doctor' too much. And for heaven's sake, stop thanking me for everything I say. Are you a man, or a yes-man?" The doctor's question is completely lost on you, but the statement before it is simple enough for you to understand his meaning.

For a moment, the older gentleman falls silent. Dr. Franxx glances around the dimly lit room, for the first time looking somewhat nervous. There is a nearly inaudible click that seems to come from all directions at once, and he breathes a sigh of relief.

"Good," Dr. Franxx resumes. "Now, we can speak in private." You tilt your head to the side and raise an eyebrow. "In... private?" He moves his head slightly and presses forward. "On your mission to the mine," Dr. Franxx continues, completely ignoring your question, "what did you find?"

You continue to eye him before giving a cautious reply. "We found the Brood Mother-" "And?" he interrupts you. Both of the Doctor's hands rest on the desk, but now they are rapidly tapping on the surface. Is he...nervous? Anxious? Either way, I've never seen him like this before. Sure, he's always shown more emotion than the other scientists, but never ones such as these.

"We also found the remains of Squad 87. They had been killed by the Klaxosaurs after being ordered to remain in the mine after it was sealed," you finish. "And how did your squadmates react to this?" he asks. "They seemed very unsure," you answer. "Several were in denial that such an order would be given-" "But you believe it was," Dr. Franxx interjects.

It is at this point you realize that the conversation you are having is the real reason you had been summoned. That clicking sound... he made it so no one else could hear us. The room is probably sealed off from the outside, too. What is it that he wants from me? "I believe that under the right circumstance, an order could be, yes," you say carefully.

The edges of the man's mustache twitch as he begins to smile. "And what to you make of such an order?" Your mouth sets in a line. "I believe it was an unnecessary waste of life," you reply immediately, now that you can clearly see your answers are pleasing your interrogator.

"I'm afraid that occurrences such as that happen all to often," Dr. Franxx sighs. "You harbor no love for APE, do you, boy?" What!? you scream internally. "Be honest," you older man says with some amusement. "D-Doctor," you stammer. "I am grateful for your saving me and placing me in the Replacement Division, but to say such a thing… and in the Garden, no less." He gives a small half smile. "I orchestrated your transfer to Plantation 13 as well," the scientist adds. "Now tell me, are you loyal to APE?" Dr. Franxx stands and leans across the desk, his eyes staring into yours. "Would you die for them?"

An overwhelming feeling of terror rushes through you. You begin to panic and are barely able to get out "I-it would be an honor." However, that singular moment's hesitation would be enough to damn you, and you know it. Much to your surprise, Dr. Fanxx returns to his seat looking satisfied. As he sits, there is another click. This time, you can tell it's from behind you.

"Now," Dr. Franxx continues as he brushes his shirt. "I called you here because I wanted to see if you were ready." Momentarily stunned by his change of topic, you tentatively reply to his statement. "Ready for what?" you ask. "Perhaps, if you had let me finish..." he scoffs. "You're nearly as bad as Hachi." Your eyebrows come together in even more confusion. "Hachi?" you question. "Just forget I said anything," the Doctor says before continuing.

"There is a mission I need taken care of. I have already tried taking it to Papa and the council, but they said that it was beneath the Nines. So, Squad 13 is the next logical choice considering your combat record. I only needed to speak with you to determine if you would be up to the challenge. And now that I have, the decision is made."

By now, you've realized that the Doctor is both hiding himself from APE's watchful eyes and partly briefing you on your next mission at the same time. You play along very easily. "What… exactly do you need of us?" you ask. "All in good time," Dr. Franxx says as he stands and walks around to the side of the desk. He takes a seat and slides onto the front before pressing a button. You hear the door behind you slide open. "Take him back to his squad," the man orders to the woman standing just outside.

Now knowing that it is time for you to go, you stand and make your way to the door. "Nana and Hachi will be telling you soon," Dr. Franxx says as you walk out. "Until then, keep an eye on your partner. She appears to be too headstrong for her own good."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Following your double-edged conversation with Dr. Franxx, the woman returns you to the atrium. You attempt to ask several questions of her but are met with only silence. You realize that she'll remain just as impassive as she is now, so you return her with subdued stoicism. When you arrive, everyone but Zero Two has returned from their maintenance and are gathered near the doors leading outside. "I am going to the Garden," Hiro announces as you rejoin the group. "But, Nana said we weren't allowed to," Zorome protests. "It doesn't matter," Hiro retorts. "We were told that Naomi was sent back here and I want to make sure of it."

With that, Hiro marches out the door. "Well, we better not let him go alone," Ichigo says. There are several murmurs of agreement and a couple comments about wanting to see where you'd grown up again. So, no one really drags their feet when Ichigo confidently begins to follow a moment later.

It is just as frigid outside now as it had been two hours prior when you had entered the Lab. Fortunately for you, the sun peeks out from behind the heavy clouds, making it look somewhat nicer. You follow along at the back of the group as everyone makes their trek towards the main complex of the Garden. As you walk, your eyes flick to one of several buildings just past it. You choose to veer in its direction instead of going to the other facility. No one seems to notice that you have disappeared, so you continue toward you new destination. The Replacement Division.

You walk up to the doors of the facility, which slide open before you revealing a familiar open chamber. "What are you doing?" a voice asks from behind you. You turn to see a blue-haired girl trudging through the thick layer of snow, reaching mid-way up her calves. A moment later she trips, and you barely have time to catch her before she falls face-first into the snow.

"Thanks," Ichigo shivers, color heavily written across her face in an effort to keep warm. "Ichigo, why are you here?" you ask curiously, although you think you know the answer. She seems to be somewhat hurt by your question. "I saw you going off by yourself and I didn't want you getting into trouble alone. So I followed you," she pouts. "Alright, come on in," you say, pulling her up and placing Ichigo back on her feet before the two of you proceed into the building.

As you enter the familiar doorway, memories come rushing back to you. Some are happy, like when you were informed that you had been selected to join Squad 13. Unfortunately, the majority are rather grim. Well, you sigh, I'm home.

"Where do we go?" Ichigo asks from beside you. "This way," you say and you lead her through the empty atrium down a hallway. "It's nearly time for lunch, so we should find them here." The clanking of silverware and voices carrying through the hall confirms your suspicion.

"Here," you open the door for Ichigo, who nervously steps through. As soon as she does, the noise on the other side ceases. You step through a moment later and are greeted by roughly fifty parasites who have stopped eating their meals to investigate the newcomers.

"Pistil," you hear one of the boys whisper excitedly. "And a stamen," the girl beside him giggles. Ichigo only has time to look at you uncomfortably before you realize your mistake.

In an instant, a crowd forms around the two of you and force you apart. "You need a pistil," one of the girls says. "I'm the best one here!" "No!" another shouts, "I've been here the longest. It's my turn!" "Please take me," a third begs as she latches on to your arm.

Nearby, Ichigo is having the same trouble. The stamen in the room are drooling over her. Not even because of her good looks, but because she's their ticket out of this hell.

"Ladies!" you shout as another grabs you from behind. "I—Ow, damn it, that hurt!" "Take me!" "We'll be great partners!" "I can do anything for you!" You growl before violently yelling your next words. "I already have a partner!" you scream. Suddenly, the pistils release you. "Then… why are you here?" one angrily replies. Some return to their seats while others begin to cry.

"I came back to see you all," you answer. "Or have you forgotten me? RD 01-38." Several of the boys that had been pestering Ichigo now turn to face you. "38? You're back?" a tall, dark-haired boy asks. "Yes, 62," you reply. "I told you that I'd come back if I got the chance. Now if you don't mind, that nice girl you're surrounding is my partner, so could you give her some space?"

The cluster of boys around Ichigo dissipates, leaving you, her, and three other boys. Ichigo seems somewhat shaken by the experience, but quickly regains her composure and moves to stand beside you. "As I was saying," you resume, "I told you I'd come back and see you again. My partner wanted to tag along with me. This is Ichigo, Code 015."

"We're sorry about that, Code 015," 62 offers in apology while looking at the ground. "We didn't mean anything by it," the red-headed boy beside him agrees. "It's just… we don't get many visitors, and you looked like you came for a reason," the final stamen concludes. "That reason is usually to pick a replacement."

"It… it's alright," Ichigo replies. The boys come out of their bow. "Ichigo," you say, "allow me to introduce you to my friends. RD 02-62," the tall dark hair nods. "RD 02-07," the red-head waves. "And RD 01-40," the violet-haired boy awkwardly bows once more.

"It's nice to meet you all," Ichigo says with a smile. It is clear to you, having known her long enough now, that the smile is somewhat forced. She never has been the best with new people, but the fact that she is trying to be nice to your old friends means so much. "Well, 38," 62 grins, "can we offer you and your partner some lunch?"

After agreeing to sit down and enjoy a meal together, you talk for close to twenty minutes with the group. You swap stories of life in a plantation with whatever else has recently happened around the Replacement Division. Before long, unfortunately, 07 speaks up. "You'd better get going 38, they'll be mad if they find you here." He gives an awkward half smile. "He's right," 40 agrees. Regrettably, you believe the same to be true. "Well, it was good to see you all again," you say, standing up from the cafeteria table. "I'd say we should do this again, but the truth is I hope the next time it will be at one of your plantations." The three other parasites laugh quietly. "You and me both," 62 chuckles. "Now get going! It was a pleasure meeting you, 015." Your partner flashes a quick grin. "You as well," Ichigo nods.

The two of you make your way out the back door of the cafeteria just as the Replacement Division begins to file out the front. Taking Ichigo by the wrist so she doesn't get lost, you lead her to an elevator. Once inside, you press the button that corresponds to the fourth-floor. "Where are we going now, (Y/N)?" Ichigo asks. "I just want to check something," you answer.

Ding, the doors of the elevator slide open. "This way," you lead Ichigo down the hall before coming to a halt in front of a small metal door. You punch in a four-digit code on its keypad and the door slides open.

The interior of the room is just as you remember it. Concrete floor, a single bed with a worn-out mattress, and a small window. A small puddle has formed in the corner, where the pipes in the ceiling leak. They drip like clockwork. "Same as always," you mumble. "You lived here," Ichigo surmises quietly as she casts her gaze around the small space. "(Y/N)... this is awful. How could you possibly live like this?" You turn towards your partner and stare into her eyes. "Because I had no choice," you answer. "The Replacement Division is an alternative to being thrown away. Most aren't even this lucky."

"That's terrible," Ichigo's voice wavers. "I had no idea that there were places like this." Sighing softly, you respond. "You never would," you turn your back to the room and begin to walk away towards the door, pausing in its frame. "Your code is 015. You're an elite code, the best of the best. You got special treatment as a child, as someone as important as you should. Those of us who failed got this."

You stop after hearing a loud thump. Ichigo's balled fist rests against the metal plating on the wall of what had once been your room. "Ichigo?" you ask tentatively. "They made you live like this?" Ichigo voice is soft, but you immediately recognize that the undercurrent is deadly. She turns to face you, wearing a look of pure hatred. "Answer me," she demands. "Did they make you live like this?!" Before your eyes, your usually sweet partner has become something else. And it scares you.

"They did," you answer, being careful to mind your tone. "That isn't human," Ichigo seethes. "First they throw away parasites, then the ones they keep are treated like slaves. And after that, they allow you to believe you're just slightly better garbage than the others they've thrown away!" She marches over to you and stares you in the eyes again. "Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"Because it was in the past, Ichigo," you reply. "It's over, it can't hurt me any longer." Ichigo's face scrunches up in hard lines. "This is far from over," she nearly shouts, almost unable to contain her mounting rage.

Without another word, she grabs you by the wrist and begins to lead you back to the elevator. "Where are we-" you begin to ask. "To tell the others," Ichigo snaps. "They need to know." You pause for a moment. "And what good would telling them do?" you ask. "Better yet, what would we do after? Run away from all of this? Leave APE and the plantations behind?"

You realize how crazy that sounds after you finish speaking, but what comes next surprises you even more. "Maybe we will," Ichigo huffs, stepping out of the elevator and into the atrium once more. You stand there in shock for a moment before chasing after her. "Ichigo, what did you say?" you shout. "Ichigo!"

She moves too quickly for you to catch up to her before she passes through the door. If she had managed to hear you and give a reply, the howl of the wind outside would have swept it away as your partner disappears into the swelling storm.