Hello everyone, been a bit since I last checked in. In that time the first anniversary of Insurrection has passed. Thank you to all those who have been with us since the beginning and those who have since joined. I can't wait to continue this story and I'm equally excited to see what you think.
The more astute of you have also likely noticed that the story's cover has been updated as well. This piece was done by Spaze so if you like it be sure to let him know!
Click!
You turn the lock on the door to your room. Letting out a long sigh, you slowly roll your shoulders in circles. It does little good to relieve the tension in them, but you feel just a bit better.
Out of the large glass panes of the door to the balcony, you can see several lights in the town of Haven sticking out against the night sky. They are a new sight, and a welcome one.
As you move to the dresser, you can hear the splashing and humming of your lover close by. You begin to unbutton your shirt, draping it over the chair when you're done. You are about to remove your pants as well, but a voice stops you.
"(Y/N), is that you?"
You snort. "Who else comes in our room?"
"Could you come here for a minute?" Ichigo asks.
"The bathroom?" you reply, somewhat confused by the request. "What do you need me for in there?"
"Just come here," Ichigo's tone falls to that of a playful whine.
You sigh, leaving your belt half undone and walk into the adjoining room.
Taking the master bedroom had its perks, and one just so happened to be the spacious bathroom that accompanied it. There was a large closet that Ichigo had moved her clothing into, leaving you the dresser.
The bathroom itself is roughly a hundred and fifty square feet. A very spacious room. A large marble vanity with not one but two sinks stretches to cover the wall to the left of the door. A mirror reaches from the top of the vanity all the way to the ceiling, with a row of lights that makes the room incredibly bright. Across from the vanity is a shower, complete with sliding glass doors. Tucked into the corner beside it is a tub that rivals the shower in size, and is built into more of the white stone.
The first thing you notice after entering is that Ichigo is still in the tub. However, she is concealed by a thick wall of soapy bubbles.
"Bubble bath," you chuckle. "What are you, a little kid?"
"No!" Ichigo defends herself as her face flushes with color. "I just like them, okay?"
"Yeah, sure, whatever," you continue to smile. "What did you need me for?"
Ichigo sinks into the bath, until only the parts of Ichigo above her nose are visible. She mumbles something as the surface bubbles.
You glare at the blue-haired girl. "I can't hear you when you do that."
She surfaces just enough that you can hear the beginning of her sentence before she disappears again. "I said, I want yo–"
"You want me to... what?" you ask.
"I want you to wash my back," she blurts. "O-Oh," you recoil in shock. "You do realize I'm still dressed right?" "Half-dressed," she corrects you. "Fine, half-dressed," you repeat. "...Then take it off," Ichigo whispers.
A groan escapes your lips. "You aren't going to be happy until I do, are you?" "Nope!" she chirps happily. "Come in, the water's nice and warm. It'll be good for relieving the tension in your shoulder."
"How'd you know my shoulder was stiff?" you ask. "Your shoulder hasn't been right since you reinserted it on your own several months ago," she answers. "And since you refuse to let me do it the right way, it will continue to be sore."
You cock an eyebrow. "And getting in the bath with you will fix it?" Ichigo nods. "Well," you shrug, "I'm sold."
Ichigo lets out a small cheer as you finish undressing and slide into the bath. Almost immediately, she drifts over to you and rests her head on your chest. "Now, how am I supposed to soak my shoulder if you're doing that?" you joke. "Do it when I'm done," she answers, not even bothering to open her eyes.
"Things sure have changed," you chuckle. "Two months ago, you freaked out when I saw you without a shirt, even if your back was turned. Now, you're inviting me into the bath with you."
Soapy water splashes against your face. "A woman has a right to her modesty." "One that you seem to have just waived," you point out. "Sleeping in a bed with a man, kissing him in front of everyone so they know he's taken, asking him to wash your back as an excuse to get him to bathe with you… tsk tsk. The old Ichigo would be appalled."
"Yeah," Ichigo agrees, "she would have been. But she wouldn't have you either." Ichigo gently kisses you, a soft and warm sensation that still manages to send a shiver down your spine. "I'm more than willing to make that trade."
"We aren't the only ones who've changed," she continues. "Hiro and Zero Two are as close as ever, though I hear some strange things if I walk by their room late at night. Miku and Zorome are getting along pretty well too. They might even move in together like we did if it keeps up."
"Then there's Futoshi and Kokoro. I'm still not sure if Kokoro will ever realize how he feels about her. But the ones I really feel sorry for are Mitsuru and Ikuno. Everyone else has someone they care about, but neither of them seem interested in the other. They don't even get along half the time."
"That's because the two of them are so focused on their work," you tell her. Out the window at the end of the room, the same lights in Haven are visible. "The view's different too. We've got nearly sixty parasites here now. Little by little, we saved them from plantations being destroyed or missions going sideways. The number of FranXX we have isn't what I'd like it to be, but with the base nearly up and running, we could start making our own or modifying the standard units we recovered."
"That reminds me," Ichigo looks up at you, "did the squad you were seeing off make it out okay?" "Yeah, it's still a little weird though," you say. "Being called that, I mean." Ichigo giggles. "Well, I think it suits you, commander, sir."
"I'm starting to think you're the reason everyone's doing it," you groan. "I'm not in charge of deployments anymore than you, Hiro, or the others are. I just deliver the news. Good thing Nana and Hachi don't buy into it. That'd just be weird."
"It is nice though," Ichigo returns to the topic of Haven. "Looking out and seeing lights down there. And there are enough faces now that I can't even remember all their names. It feels like we're making a real difference."
Ichigo sits up and looks over her shoulder at you. "That's enough stalling, time to do your job." "Fine," you sigh, grabbing a washcloth. You wet it in the soapy water and Ichigo sits on your knees, giving you access to her back.
You start with her shoulders and work your way down, the conversation resuming as you wash your partner. By the time you've reached her lower back, Ichigo is already in heaven. "It feels so good when you do that," she moans. "It's like you're giving me a massage but I don't have to worry about your hands being cold."
"Glad one of us enjoys it," you chuckle. Ichigo shifts her weight and gently slides until her back is against your chest. Turning, she gives you a sly grin. "You mean to tell me you don't like being around me when I'm naked? I won't force you to anymore if it isn't what you want."
You roll your eyes and push her up so you can continue to wash her back. "I didn't say that. I was just thinking that one of us is getting a lot more out of this than the other."
Sensing that you've finished, Ichigo stands. The bubbles cling to her as she rises from the soapy water. She climbs out of the tub and reaches for a nearby towel, wrapping herself in it. "I'm going to get ready for bed. Soak your shoulder for a bit, then wash up. I'll be waiting."
"Yes, ma'am," you say in response as she steps over to the vanity and begins preparing herself for bed. You lean back into the water and close your eyes, drinking in the soothing feeling of the water as the tension in your shoulder melts away.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yawn!
Kokoro rubs her eyes to fight off the early morning grogginess as she sits up. I feel so tired, she tells herself. It was so hard to fall asleep. I must have laid here for an hour. A sleeping bag in the cockpit is so uncomfortable compared to my bed. Her mind wanders to the empty room waiting for her back in the mansion. Soft sheets, warm quilt…
Kokoro sighs. Oh well.
Now able to see clearly, the blonde reaches for her pillow, the one thing she had brought with her on this mission. Slipping her hand under the fabric, she is greeted by the glossy feeling of the item stashed beneath. She withdraws the object, turning her back turned to her partner, who is still slumbering on the other side of the cockpit.
Kokoro glances at the familiar title, "Your First Child," printed on the front cover before turning to a page roughly one quarter of the way through the book. She's earmarked this one in particular because it held information she didn't completely understand. It isn't about how children are born, the exact circumstances that lead to a child, or the things that a growing baby needs. These concepts made sense to her after a little reading, although one case does scare her a bit.
The words on this page speak of why a child should be born. "A child should be born of the love of a man and a woman. This means that the child is a result of the love that their parents share." Kokoro reads the familiar passage and smiles. She's done this so many times she's lost count, but only recently has she begun to understand the meaning of the words printed on the page.
Placing the book back within the safety of her pillow, she rises. Over the central platform, Kokoro can see Futoshi fast asleep in the far corner. Almost silently, she crosses the space separating them and kneels beside him.
From her position, looking down, she admires him. After arriving at Haven, Futoshi had lost a great deal of weight, initially causing Kokoro to worry about her partner. However, he seemed to reach a stable plateau once things had settled down and Squad 13 had established themselves in the village.
Kokoro can't help herself as she runs her hand across his cheek. You became so much more handsome after losing the weight, she thinks. But that isn't what made me feel this way. It was how you always did everything for me, even if you thought I wouldn't notice.
"I'll tell you when we get back," she whispers. "I promise."
Futoshi rolls over so that he faces her. Fearing she's been caught, Kokoro attempts to flee. However, she trips over herself and lands in a heap.
Now awake due to the noise, Futoshi opens his eyes to find his partner blushing fiercely several feet away.
"Uh… good morning, Futoshi," she offers with a forced smile despite her awkward position.
"Kokoro," the boy's voice raises as he scrambles to his feet, "are you alright?" He rushes to her and helps her stands.
"I'm okay, Futoshi," she assures him while secretly enjoying his arm wrapped around her. "I was coming to wake you and I tripped."
"You aren't hurt, are you?" he asks again, still concerned for his partner's wellbeing. "I'm alright," Kokoro repeats, thankful that his concern means he had still been asleep when she made the promise.
"Genista, report," a voice orders over the FranXX's internal speakers.
Kokoro steps away from Futoshi and presses a button on her console. "We're here," she says in a cheerful tone. "Good," the voice of her squad leader, Kana, replies. "It's time to move out. We leave in five." "Understood," Futoshi says as he joins the conversation. "We'll be ready."
After Kana has withdrawn, the pair quickly pack their things and stow them in the allotted compartments.
As Kokoro mounts the platform, she offers words of encouragement to the boy behind her. "I know it's been a long time since we last piloted, but I think everything will be fine. You said you'd always take care of me, right?"
Futoshi beams with pride. "Of course, I will! A couple months isn't enough to stop us! We'll show everyone that we can still take care of ourselves!"
Kokoro smiles deeply, Futoshi's words warming her heart. She turns back to the console and feels a slight hitch in the controls attached to her waist. Unconsciously, the girl closes her eyes as the strange yet familiar sensation of the parasite connection overtakes her.
Kokoro's consciousness seems to leave her as she becomes aware of the metallic body she now resides in. Every inch of Genista feels as though it is Kokoro herself. Being one with a body this much stronger, faster, and taller than her own is liberating.
Finally, Genista opens her eyes and is greeted by the early morning sunshine.
"Glad to see you could make it," someone says from behind her.
Further investigation yields "Gladiolus" as the FranXX leans against her trident, wearing a cheeky grin. Beside the would-be colosseum participant is a mostly blue unit wielding a shield and spear. Nearby, a white FranXX with winged arms and purple accents watches through her only visible eye. The squad is rounded out by a fidgeting red and yellow mech who plays anxiously with her curved blades.
"Now that we're all here, it's time to get going," Kyo announces. Valkyra pulls her shield from the earth and slings it over her back. "Cobalt Squad, move out."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It is nearing midday when Cobalt Squad arrives at their target. The shining exterior of the APE storage facility stands out against the bleak landscape as they look on.
"Genista, Chlorophtyum," Valkyra addresses her ranged support, "what do you see?"
Genista squints and her vision zooms to compensate. Around the outskirts of the facility, a patrol of four standard FranXX walk the perimeter. Just past them is a defensive wall with notches cut for cannons, just like those the plantations employed for anti-Klaxosaur defense. Before crossing the no man's land of jagged earth between Cobalt's current location and the supply base, they would have to be dealt with. Not that a single hit could spell demise, as Delphinium had taken a direct hit during the escape from Plantation 13, and Ichigo had walked away with only a bruise. Under sustained fire, however, that likely wouldn't be the case.
"There's a patrol walking the perimeter," Chlorophytum informs the group. "Only four, which means there must be more somewhere else." "They have a wall around the outside," Genista adds. "I think there are cannons hidden behind it."
Valkyra nods, resting her chin against her palm. "Alright, here's what we'll do. Genista and Chlorophytum will start us off with a barrage and take out the cannons. Then Gladiolus, Heliconia, and I will push in and take care of the patrol."
"We'll cover you from a distance and harass the other FranXX when they arrive," says Mitsuru. "That should give you enough time to get rid of the patrol." Valkyra nods in response.
Kyo finishes the briefing. "Once the area's secured, Genista will stand lookout while we raid the supplies. Remember, we're looking for food and raw materials on this trip, but don't pass up fuel or anything else that might be lying around."
Valkyra draws her spear. "Any questions?"
"Yeah, why are we doing this again?" Heliconia asks. "Didn't the doctor say he'd give us all the supplies we needed?" Kyo takes a second before he answers. "You're right, he did. But with how much we've grown recently, it would be too hard for him to slip us enough supplies without being noticed. So, we have to procure our own now and again to make sure we stay stocked."
"Any further questions?" Valkyra glances at the squad, waiting for someone to speak up.
No one replies.
"Good," the blue FranXX's smile morphs into hard lines. "Genista, Chlorophytum, wait for my signal to begin the barrage. After you're finished, move to a safe location and establish overwatch. This shouldn't take us more than 45 minutes. Any longer and we run the risk of having to deal with APE's reinforcements."
Several minutes later, the team has split up. Genista and Chlorophytum prepare themselves for their role in the upcoming battle. Chlorophytum flicks her arms and the fins slide into place, the deadly lasers of her Razor Wings ready to fire. Genista plants her right foot and the brace extends from her heel, digging into the ground and holding her firmly in place. She quickly checks the contents of her magazine. Finding all six shells loaded, she flicks her wrist and the cylinder slides into place with a satisfying click.
"Genista, Chlorophytum," Valkyra's voice rings out over the squad comm. "We copy," the purple FranXX answers. "Ready to fire on your order." There is hardly a pause before Valkyra responds, "Permission granted."
Boom!
The first round fired by Genista's cannon echoes across the otherwise silent plain. In the matter of a single second, it crashes into the supply base's defensive wall and detonates. Chunks of reinforced concrete and metal fly in several directions, but the wall still stands.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The remainder of the magazine rattles the wall to its very foundation until finally a small section collapses. Chlorophytum now takes the opportunity to fire at the exposed defenses that had been hidden until now.
"Switching from HE to HESH," Futoshi announces as Genista reloads. "Got it!" she shouts, bringing the massive firearm to bear once more.
At the same time, Chlorophytum lowers her wings and replaces them with her normal rapid-fire handguns. "Damn, that's hot! Mitsuru, up the coolant so it'll cycle faster!" "Trying my best," he yells back.
By this time, Genista has emptied half of another clip, and the HESH rounds are having a much greater effect on the emplacement. Large sections of the wall have caved in, destroying some of the cannons and leaving the remaining ones open for Chlorophytum to mop up.
"Squad leader, the threat has been neutralized," Genista broadcasts on the comm. "Roger that, moving in," Kyo replies.
No sooner has he done so then Genista releases her anchor from the ground, before she following Chlorophytum to an overlook closer to the facility. The pair have nearly made it to the top when a round lands between them, clearly fired from the overlook. With no cover to be found, they have little choice but to charge the sniper.
As fortune would have it, Genista was the target of choice for the assailant. A shot ricochets off her armored dress and into the jagged earth at her feet. However, it still doesn't reveal the exact location of the shooter.
A second clips the dress after it has expanded from her waist. It succeeds in penetrating the armor but harmlessly passes through the cavity beyond.
Rather than wait for more shots, Genista halts and hoists her cannon. She fires a trio of shots across the outcropping of rock on the overlook, bathing it in fire, and the attacker pauses momentarily.
Seizing the opportunity, Chlorophytum somersaults over the rock and fires two shots. The sounds of battle can be heard, and when Genista arrives a moment later, two corpses await her. The first has a hole in its temple, with a matching one where the neck meets the spine. The other has a diamond-shaped cut clean through the abdomen, clearly the work of Chlorophytum's bladed legs.
The FranXX nod at one another and take up their position on the overlook. "Overwatch established," Chlorophytum announces, activating her Razor Wings and surveying the battlefield.
The remainder of Cobalt Squad is still engaged with the patrol near the wall. Several disabled FranXX lay motionless at their feet, but another four or five have appeared to continue the fight.
Chlorophytum fires several short bursts in support of the ground team, and finally the battle draws to a close.
"Area's secured," Gladiolus smiles with her trident and net in hand. "Chlorophytum, get down here and load up," Valkyra orders.
"On our way," Mitsuru answers as she prepares to glide down on her wings. "You going to be alright?" the one-eyed FranXX asks, looking back over her shoulder. Genista gives her a big smile. "We'll be okay!"
Chlorophytum nods and steps off the cliff without a word, leaving Kokoro and Futoshi alone atop their lookout.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Genista hums to herself as she waits for her squad to return. Standing near the ledge with her cannon held in one hand, she is perfectly content. Roughly fifteen minutes have passed since Chlorophytum had left her, and the battle before had only taken about ten. That left close to twenty minutes before any reinforcements from APE could arrive, if they sent any at all.
The comm crackles and Heliconia comes over the line. "You alright up there?" Genista smiles to herself. "Yep!" she chirps. "We're nearly finished," the other FranXX continues. "Another ten minutes and we'll be ready to go." "Understood," Futoshi replies. "If we spot anything, you'll be the first to know."
"You know, you really shouldn't say things like that when they aren't true."
Whack!
Something hard connects with Genista's back and she finds herself tumbling over the side of the cliff. Landing in a heap at the bottom, she cries out as her left arm breaks the fall. She has no time to worry about the pain, however, as her cannon plummets directly toward her. The FranXX manages to roll to the side just in time as the bayonet fixes itself to the place she had been a moment before.
"My, my, isn't this a peculiar sight," the phantom voice returns.
On the ridge she'd just fallen from, a lone FranXX looks down at Genista. This unit is almost purely white, with a slender waist and disproportionately large legs. Hanging from its belt is a sheathed blade and over the shoulder is a spear, though it's different from those used by a standard FranXX.
The FranXX continues, clearly mocking her. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were supposed to be the lookout. That didn't go too well, did it?"
Genista struggles to her feet and pulls her cannon from the ground. With great effort, the mech points it at the unknown figure. The white FranXX shakes its head. "You can't possibly take me on your own. I'm feeling generous, so call for your friends.
"H-Help," Kokoro weakly begs over the comm.
"Excellent!" the arrogant voice purrs as the FranXX jumps from the ledge, landing nearby. "We have approximately three minutes until your friends will arrive." The next words seem to be meant for someone else. "Zeta, let's make this quick. I want it done in less than two."
In a blur, the FranXX is on Genista. A single fluid motion finds the blade from its sheath as it clangs off the curved edges of her dress. The FranXX drops the blade but doesn't waver in its assault, now sliding behind the sluggish giant as Genista fails to keep up.
The unit goes into a handstand, but wraps its legs around the black FranXX's neck. Thrusters roar and Genista is pulled from her feet. Her vision travels in an arc, from seeing the cliff, to the sky, to the ground rushing rapidly toward her. Then, nothing but black as Kokoro loses consciousness.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Kokoro!" Futoshi shouts as she slumps over on the platform. He rushes to her side, taking her hand. "Kokoro! Kokoro! Wake up!"
There is a hissing sounds as the door unlocks and the cockpit depressurizes. Futoshi turns to see two figures dressed in red quickly enter.
Anger wells up within him. These two were the ones responsible for hurting Kokoro. "Damn you!" he yells, rushing the intruders.
Crack!
The smaller figure punches him squarely in the gut. Futoshi gasps as the air is forced out of his lungs. He attempts to throw a punch, but it is intercepted, and his hand erupts in a flare of pain as it's crushed. Finally, a fist connects with his jaw and he's sent reeling to the floor.
The figure, who he now recognizes as female, looms over him. She raises her boot, but something stops her. "Zeta, they're worthless if they're dead."
With a huff, the girl, whose face is hidden behind a half mask, steps back. "Secure the pistil," the same voice that had saved him orders.
Futoshi looks up through his already swelling eye to see a face he'd never forget. "Hello, Code 214," Nine Alpha smiles. "It's been a while since we met at the Garden. Nearly six months, if I recall." The blonde boy hoists Futoshi to his feet. Over Alpha's shoulder, Zeta is dragging the still-unconscious Kokoro out the cockpit door.
"Kokoro!" is what Futoshi intended to shout as he struggled in vain against Alpha. But the damage done to his jaw renders it nothing more than a whimper. For his disobedience, Alpha doubles down and knees him in the chest, which is accompanied by a wet crack.
The next thing he knows, Futoshi is taken from the poorly lit interior of the cockpit and thrust into the light of day. The FranXX that belonged to Alpha is nearby, waiting in its inactive state. Zeta disappears out of view, still holding Kokoro as Alpha pulls his captive across the rough ground.
Suddenly, the earth shakes, and several hundred feet away the ground erupts. Futoshi can just make out a white and purple figure racing toward them in the distance while firing erratically. Even more figures rush in their direction just behind the first.
Alpha quickly glances between Futoshi and the approaching FranXX. Seeming to have made up his mind, he drops the load and makes for his own at a full sprint.
Moments after he's entered, the FranXX it springs to life. Instead of charging to meet the encroaching attacker, however, M9 Prime withdraws.
Futoshi desperately reaches out toward the mech as it goes, taking with it the girl he loves.
"Koko…ro."
Now, for those of you who managed to make it through, we've got a higher res version of the cover. Don't forget to replace the [] with dot and com! imgur[]/a/URpb3Yb