Once again great thanks to BETA and Co-Authors deadzombie and Tech Jammer. Apologies for the late chapter, unforeseen setbacks. Deadzombie moved and doesn't really have WiFi yet. Tech Jammer had a Stellaris addiction for awhile and is currently only allowed an hour of internet a day whilst in rehab. Meanwhile I've been busy with work and playing Battletech… I may also need rehab at this point, I love this game.

(9/5/2018: Half of this chapter may contain more grammatical errors than usual due to our local Grammar Gestapo officer, Deadzombie, being busy with moving. The corrections will come later.)

+ 001 M.42 +

+Plantation #13 +

The rumble of two moving cities shook the ground. Their mechanical whines filled the night air as they moved closer to one another, kept under the watchful eye of ground crews to ensure that they operation proceeded smoothly.

"Alert, Plantation #13 will now carry out the 'kissing' procedure with Plantation #26." A feminine monotone announced through the loudspeakers, klaxon alarms blaring in the background.

Casten watched the process, overseen by a swarm of workers on the ground. The two domed cities rumbled across the cracked earth and came to a dead stop, both extending their respective pipes.

His gaze turned to the east. In the distance, beyond the two joining Plantations, a fortified forward base was being constructed to launch explorator convoys.

Even several kilometers away, Casten could see the searchlights that pierced the darkness from the base. Accompanied by Knights, they sought to study these Klaxosaur breed Xenos for the Magos Biologis. One of whom was Marik, a strange Magos that appeared to be a hunched over heap of a man, the red robes of Mars draped over his form. Speaking in reverberating rasp of a voice, he appeared almost inhuman.

Marik had only just allowed the Freeblade to be released from the Diagnosticator Sensorium, a nightmarish medical berth with ominous mechanical arms tipped in syringes in liquids of all colours, drills and saws. The memory of being bound to the table while numerous servo skulls and mechanical arms that he could not even guess the purpose of prodded at him.

The chill left a moment later and Casten raised a hand, looking at his open palm. The results were… intriguing. The good Magos had only recently been cleared to tell APE of the results. His brain, specifically the limbic system that controlled emotional impulses had more or less been tied directly to Zero-Two's nervous system. The thoughts and feelings of one would affect them both on an empathetic level, to what extent he didn't know. The Magos described it as a sensation similar to combat drug addiction, too long without her and he would begin to suffer, for lack of a better term, withdrawal symptoms. At the moment, that was not the thought that occupied his mind.

"A kiss…" He muttered, thinking back on the moments they shared.

The others seemed to be more interested than he was. To him it was just another vehicle that was refueling from another, no different than any other that he's seen before. He glanced at the squad, seeing the childish glee and fascination was amusing at least.

"Say," Zorome wondered aloud. "What is 'kissing' anyway?"

Miku huffed. "Were you watching this whole time without knowing what kissing is?"

Her partner gave her an angry glare. "Shut up! What do you know about it anyways?"

She obviously knew nothing of it. When she heard the question her expression changed to that of panic. "I-It's when two plantations are stuck together...right?"

"That's not all." Kokoro smiled.

Ikuno, who had thus far been silent chose now to speak. "It's a transfer of magma fuel reserves from one Plantation to another through that pipe."

Kokoro smiled in thanks to her for explaining. Mitsuru crossed his arms. "That fuel is essential for both us and the adults to survive. FranXX can't be operated without it either."

"No." Casten's deep voice drew their attention to the usually silent Knight-Scion.

Dark blue eyes turned to regard them. "Kissing is an act of affection. Often used in vows of ceremony called marriage, an oath between a man and woman to stay together through times of strife and joy. It is what love leads to, predating even humanity's conscious memory."

Goro shrugged. "In this case, someone probably named the large-scale transfer of magna energy after that. I've heard it attracts a huge number of Klaxosaurs."

Casten nodded. "Two large stationary targets full of nourishment? They would be fools not to attack."

"Are you serious?" Zorome gasped.

Futoshi hummed. "A huge number huh?"

Casten crossed his arms. He was almost looking forwards to the Xenos attack. Let them come, let them die upon his ripping Reaper chainsword and melt into puddles of slag from blasts of his Thermal Cannon. He was ready to slay in the name of the Master of Mankind.

"All the better." He allowed himself a grin; for many of the squad, it was the first time they had seen the Knight smile. "That only means we will not be bored."

"That's… a fun way of putting it?" Goro cast him a worried smile.

+ The next day +

+Plantation #13 and Plantation #26 bridge +

Casten shifted uncomfortably. The confetti was getting into his hair and onto the shoulders of his jet grey trench coat bordered in gold. His formal attire was uniquely unsuited to the searing desert heat, much less standing in ceremony before ranks of what he assumed to be guards or APE staff that raised flags in the honour of both Plantations. Brigid was present as well; she had provided them a banner of the Adeptus Mechanicus, Imperium and the Questor Imperialis to use.

The Knight had requested the banner of his house be left unrepresented. He had not earned the right to bear it. He tried to focus on the proceedings, and it only irritated him more. Those damnable masks that each of the staff wore were infuriating to him. Why did they see so fit to hide their features? What were they hiding? Were they ashamed of having to use children to fight for them that they hid their features?

Casten blinked, and looked away to distract himself. He was standing apart from the members of Squad #13's line. He found the gazes of Squad #26 locked on him. Their expressions were unreadable masks behind a facade of composure. They seemed to be watching him; he returned their attention in full.

They looked older the the members of Squad #13, some even looked to be older than himself. He gave them the sign of the Aquila as a show of respect. That only earned a puzzled tilt of the head from one girl. These were different from the parasites he had fought alongside; they were hardened veterans in comparison to the novices that he had been in the company of.

"Boys, Girls and Imperial Knight!" A man standing atop a podium announced, his voice amplified by the vox-speaker he spoke into.

He was dressed in the same odd fashion so many others he had seen were. He had to actively fight the urge to stomp over and rip the offending piece of headgear off each and every one of them. Casten took a deep breath, releasing the tension with it. Acting rash would get him nowhere, blind rage was not the way of House Zelius. He made note to add a few words of penance in his prayers later.

The man continued. "The dreadful Klaxosaurs are sure to attack the magma reserves in great numbers! The fate of Plantations Cerasus and Chrysanthemum rests squarely on your shoulders! You are all strong! We believe you will bring us sure victory! You will take a step ro usher in a new age of cooperation between us and our siblings in the stars!"

He was pleased they included the Imperium in the speech, it was a good sign. Though there was much to be done still. They had largely accepted the Imperium and distributed the appropriate information to their branches. The mention of the Plantation's name did come as a surprise. That did not shock him, the locals seemed to prefer numbers and codes over actual names.

Regarding the speech, Casten wasn't fooling himself.

This was a game. Play up the ego of the children before a big battle to boost their morale. Even a simpleton could see that much. Though the Knight couldn't argue with the results. Most of Squad #13 seemed entirely taken by the display. His gaze fell upon the members of Squad #26 as they walked towards each other; they smiled, though theirs seemed only for the sake of formality.

For his part, Casten did nothing of the sort and his expression remained impassive.

There seemed to a weight on his shoulders that pressed down on his very soul. There was a battle coming; it was dread and eagerness, equal parts terrible and terrific.

+ The next day +

+ Squad #13 Barracks +

It was just dawning when he awoke. He rose slowly, rubbing sleep out of his eyes and swinging his legs over the side of his bed. The room slowly came into focus in the morning light.

The room he had been allotted by Nana turned out to be the same one that they had carried him to when he had been knocked unconscious the first time. It was a good room, simple, as he liked it. All wooden furniture, two beds, closets and desks, mirrored on each side of the room.

He pulled out his spare set of clothes and slung his towel over his shoulder. He opened his door to make his way to the bathroom but instead bumped into Goro. The blonde boy had his hand raised to knock on the door. Was he here to check if he was awake? Been some time since anyone felt the need to do that. He had been waking himself up reliably enough for years.

"Greetings." Casten nodded to the boy.

Goro grinned in return. "Hey, g'morning!"

The two began walking to the bathroom together. Neither made a move to start a conversation, just walking side by side until they reached their destination. They passed their morning preparations in the same silence. From brushing their teeth to taking their respective showers and changing into their clothes. Casten briefly wondered where they stood. On one hand he wasn't on bad terms with the boy, on the other his partner seemed to loathe his very existence.

He stopped in his tracks while they were walking to the lounge, the parasite turning to face him after he realized that his silent companion had stopped following him. "Goro. I doubt Ichigo will appreciate you approaching me again. Why risk that when your numbers will be affected?"

Goro looked to the ceiling, as if wondering what to say before smiling. "You've probably heard by now about Hiro?" Seeing the knight respond with a nod. "Its because Hiro was one of the best of us, and he would lend a helping to anyone however he can; if he was here, you'd probably disagree with a lot of things, but knowing him, he'll just take them on and weather them until you talk things out..." He let his silence finish for him.

The knight knew how to respond appropriately "I am sorry for your loss, this world is lesser for losing a potential champion of the Imperium."

As they neared their home - Home...no, not home yet, but maybe. Goro flashed him a smile, a smile that spoke of both happiness and sadness.

"Were counting on you to to watch our backs."

Casten gave him a thin smile in return and placed a hand to his chest. "You wound me, I wouldn't be a proper knight if couldn't do just that."

The Knight looked to the corridor leading into the lounge room and heard the voices of the of the others. He considered turning to leave for a moment. However, doing so would be a grave dereliction of his his duties as an envoy. He needed to learn more of them and they would need to understand their position while he was still around to broker and amicable transition for them into the Imperial fold.

With a deep breath, the Knight took a step forwards. Goro smiled, happy that the Knight was at least trying to socialize now. They both took a step into the lounge, finding the others already seated on the circular couch that was at the center of the room. He received mixed responses from them. Kokoro and Futoshi flashed polite smiles. Mitsuru and Ikuno ignored him for the most part, simply nodding to him. Miku and Zorome eyed the Knight with curious gazes, though the latter was definitely displeased to see him.

For once, Ichigo wasn't scorned by his very existence. She seemed almost dismissive of the teen as he stood behind the couch. He holds his hands in a sign of plea."Please, do not mind my intrusion. I was recollecting on the ceremony we attended, I do not mean to bother-"

"Yes!" Kokoro clapped happily. "Yesterday's ceremony was something else, huh? I was so excited that I had trouble getting to sleep last night!"

Miku leaned back, a grin gracing her features. "Didn't Plantation #26's leader seem like a nice guy?"

Kokoro giggled. "Is he the kind of person you'd like to ride with?"

The girl shrugged, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Better than the boys we're stuck with. Casten over there might actually look hotter if he bothered to smile more."

She gave the Knight a pointed stare that he refused to return. Nor did he know how to meet her comment, simply looking away instead of dignifying that with a response. Though he couldn't do much to hide the rising heat that threatened to turn his face a shade of red.

"Don't you guys think so?" Miku nudged Ikuno, who was sitting beside her.

"No." The bespectacled girl deadpanned. "I don't really care."

"Tsk! Wet blanket much?" Miku clicked her tongue and crossed her arms.

The boys took that opportunity to add in to the conversation.

Zorome stared up at the ceiling, thinking back on the events of the ceremony. "Really gives you a lift when the adults have high hopes for you ,huh?"

"Yeah. It really shows they really need us." Futoshi agreed, putting a hand to his chest.

Zorome stood up, raising his arm and began a crude imitation of the official that had given the speech.

"I'll be the one that leads us to that victory!" He cheered.

Casten frowned at that. Thankfully they didn't notice the change in his facial expression, too engrossed in their thoughts of being valuable saviours of their homes. He could not help but pity their eagerness to die for those that hid behind them; patting their backs and showering them with empty flattery. He kept silent. At the very least it wasn't a complete lie, their service was valuable to the people of this planet.

"You mean your leader will." The Knight's sudden statement was met with a collective stare.

He shrugged. "Ichigo is your leader. She will be the one to lead you." His statement unfortunately led to a predicament he wanted to avoid: him currently holding their undivided attention. Might as well share his piece, since he put himself there in the first place.

"As much as I believe you all have the capacity for feats of heroism," internally scoffing and entertaining the thought of Zorome being more than just annoying, "the leader is the one who carries the burden by being the one responsible for your wellbeing." He scanned the room hoping that everyone soaks in the gravity of being a "leader."

"Your success, your failures, your lives; should you will, no longer shoulder them alongside each other, your leader will have the enmity of being the one to carry them. Take heed." He hoped that they understood the hidden meanings behind his words.

Naturally this confused some of them, lacking the viewpoint of life in the Imperium's wars. Surprisingly Kokoro seemed astonished by his words, though unfortunately or fortunately she did not grasp the concept of 'mortality' he was trying to convey.

"Wow, that sounds deep! Sounds like you would have been an amazing leader!"

He could not help the tinge of pink that flashed his cheeks, all the same though he must set the record straight on his stance of leadership. He was no leader of men.

"No Kokoro; those words came from my grandfather, Aidan, Grand Master of my House. Compared to him I'm simply an instrument of the Emperor's wrath, nothing more." He tried to keep his features even, but sorrow still found its way into his words.

Miku's voice seemed to shake as she spoke. "Your Grandfather, he's-"

"Slain," he finished for her.

The Knight looked down into his open hand and clenched a tight fist. "I am the last of my once noble house, and it is my responsibility to keep its legacy aflame." He turned back to the Parasites, but kept a lingering eye on Zorome who as expected just scowled back at him. "I have made my place amongst you; so long as I still hold breath, I will not let you be found wanting."

The parasites again were confused by such an odd phrase, their looks betraying their confusion as easily as the sun shining in the sky; this confusion was short lived, as they simply passed it off as another quirk of the culture of the Imperium. Casten likewise allowed them to process in their own time.

It would be an error on his part, that he missed the spark of recognition amongst the Parasites, that his last words did in fact resonated with 015, Ichigo; for that was exactly what she was feeling.

Her silence lasted until everyone would make their way to the dining room for their daily breakfast.

Casten admittedly also looked forward to starting the day off with a humble meal. Hunger was the enemy; you can claim that you can fight with spirit alone, but if the body fails from hunger then that's just one burden that could have easily been avoided.

"Hey…" Casten must have been more hungry than he thought, because that sounded like Ichigo calling upon him. Jest aside however, it was most definitely not his imagination.

He turned to the leader of Squad 13 herself as they were halfway down the steps on the fork that conjoined the branching paths leading respectively to girls and the boys wing.

While certainly nothing odd, it was still novel as this was a first that Ichigo took an active role to approach him in any capacity. When both were actively hostile to each other, they had a mutual understanding that neither of them wanted to make nice, nothing but spiteful tolerance. So it came to a surprise when he finally got a good look at her, he realized that she was very short; he towered her by a fair margin.

He had her attention, and so did she, both standing in silence; growing awkward, Casten decided to take a leap of faith.

"Is there… something I can be of some assistance with?"

Ichigo opened her mouth, only to stop before even a word could pass through, before closing it. She looked... lost was his best description. While the bitterness surrounding his initial stationing was no longer present, he could still see the seething anger that lurked within her, but better hidden. The anger, however, was laced with something that he would have preferred the bitterness many times over: deep, overwhelming sadness.

The girl bowed her head, no longer having the strength to keep eye contact, and just silently walked past him, not looking back.

Casten, in all honesty would rather have the girl be spiteful, this way their stance on each other was clear and can be tolerated. Sadness was not something he was prepared for. The sense of guilt that he had no control over latched on like an unwanted barb, digging in and painful to remove. If there was anything he could take away from this, at least it was that he was making headway improving relations with the squad leader… At least, he thinks he is… No matter how small...

Either way, a meal awaits and he can distract himself from the unwanted guilt she unceremoniously strapped him with.

Casten walked into the dining room and was immediately met with Zero-Two bounding up to the Knight with a bright smile on her features. "Morning darling!"

He found that he was already smiling in return. "Good morning Zero-Two."

"This way, come on!" She took his hand and pulled him towards the boys table, sitting him down beside her.

"Hey, you're a girl! Why're you sitting here!?" Zorome exclaimed.

Futoshi nervously mumbled. "Uh… That's my seat."

The smaller boy nodded, yet he seemed to be hiding behind the backrest of his chair. "Y-yeah! Get back to the girl's table!"

Though Casten did give an apologetic look in Futoshi's direction, he knew that there was no way Zero-Two would listen to them. Surprisingly, it was Ichigo that interrupted the boys protests.

"Pipe down and take your seats already," she sternly ordered. "It's time to pray."

The Knight raised an eyebrow at that. Pray? It was far from unheard of for undiscovered human civilizations such as this one to still be praying to the belief of form of divinity. It was forgivable until the Imperium arrived to purge the heretical rot and cleanse all in the light of the the God-Emperor.

He was not an orator, preacher or familiar with any of the norms that the Ecclesiarchy used to enlighten the locals in the glory of the God-Emperor. As the members of Squad #13 clasped their hands together and closed their eyes, the Knight steeled himself against the heresy that he was to witness.

"May Papa never thirst." Ichigo's first verse of her prayer ceased all thought in the Knight. The sentence registered with him as gentle as a pike being slowly jammed into his brain.

The steel wall he placed in his mind shattered like so much glass, his sense calm effortlessly compromised by such vitriol. Papa… Father, the ruler of the planet. This was no obscure figure of divinity, no omnipotent protector of humanity, they were worshipping a mere man. That honour and the right for such worship was for the God-Emperor alone! Only the manifestation of humanity's will, the Master of Mankind deserved such worship!

This was heresy! Heresy beyond heresy!

"May Papa's heart be filled with peace for eternity." She continued.

Casten's eyes were wide when she spouted the first sentence; now a wave of hot burning promethium filled his very being. He found that his twitching right hand was already reaching for the chainsword at his waist. His left hand grabbed the offending wrist, shaking from restraint. He hadn't noticed when he stopped breathing. But he realized that if he took a breath now there was no way he could hold back the Litany of Hatred that was lodged heavily in the back of his throat.

This was Goge Vandire's 'Reign of Blood' all over again!

Then he felt familiar slender fingers squeezing his shoulder. He turned, facing Zero-Two's smiling face. Unlike the others, she wasn't praying. He gave thanks to the God-Emperor for that blessing. Casten calmed himself, reaching up to hold onto the girl's hand. He allowed himself a moment of weakness, squeezing gently onto her like an anchor of faith to the Imperium in the room full of heresy.

He let go a moment later. Zero-Two began to pour honey on everything on her plate, just as she did at every meal. Casten smiled at that, grateful for the distraction that drowned out the blaspheme prayers. He took deep breaths, placing a hand over his racing heart to return to its normal, steady thumping.

"Let's eat." Ichigo finished.

Kokoro glanced in the Knight's direction, finding him completely motionless, staring down at his plate. "Casten? Are you alright? You seem a little pale."

The Knight had heard her, lifting his head and meeting her gaze. Navy-blue eyes seemed to stare into her very soul. The longer he silently stared, the faster she found her heart beating. His features bore no distinguishable emotion, no anger, no sadness… nothing.

Deep within, his emotion raged between sympathy for the ignorant fools that were unaware of the glorious Master of Mankind and a need to smite the heretics. So far he wasn't so sure which side was winning.

The other members began to take notice of the exchange.

"H-hey… Casten?" Goro nervously nudged him with an elbow, but got no response. Not even a twitch when his body was pushed around.

Zero-Two was the one to finally snap Casten from his trance. The pinkette had pressed her ear onto his left pectoral and closed her eyes, listening to his beating heart. Teal eyes opened as she pulled away, grinning.

Large teal eyes stared up at him. "Darling, you have a strong heart."

The Knight whispered a word of praise to the God-Emperor once again for the her. He sighed in relief before leaning down to press his forehead against hers. He didn't seem to care about the horns that dug into his skin. That wasn't lost on her, nor was the quiet whisper of thanks that he sent her.

Slowly, Casten raised his head to look to the others. "Forgive me a moment's loss of focus. I'm… unfamiliar with your customs -"

A piece of honeyed toast was thrust before his gaze. "Darling~" Zero-Two smiled

He nodded in thanks, though he never really saw much in sweet treats. For some reason that bite tasted better than the usual. "Thanks, it's good." he smiled.

"You can have my share." She offered the Knight.

"No," he pushed the pinkett's plate back to her. "you need to keep your strength up. If not how will you slay the Xenos?"

She hummed in thought, licking some honey off her index finger before smiling. "Only if darling feeds me too!"

He sighed, smiling at her antics as under his breath before nodding and taking raising a cut of honey slathered meat to her open mouth.

"Lucky. I want to try something like that too." Zorome said, eyeing the pair jealousy as he took a nibble out of a sausage.

Goro closed his eyes and shrugged. "Why don't you just ask your partner, then?"

"What? I'd rather get a cute girl, like Kokoro!" He shifted his gaze to the pair that were copying the Knight and odd Pistil at the other end of the table who merely smiled.

"You two are so easily influenced." Miku laughed, at the pilots of Genista before staring at her own partner.

"Maybe I'd do it if someone were nicer to me." She pointed to the Knight, who was busy dabbing away honey that had gotten onto Zero-Two's face

Zorome whistled and made a point of avoiding her gaze from then on.

Goro gestured for Casten and Zero-Two when they had eaten. The blonde parasite jabbed a thumb over his shoulder, smiling. "I'll show you guys around, we didn't get much time to do that. Might as well get both of you settled in."

The Knight nodded in thanks, giving the pinkette beside him a wordless tilt of his head. She understood, jumping to her feet and going to her darling's side and grabbing his arm.

The three had missed Ichigo's expressionless stare as they left. The leader of Squad #13 looked down at her tea. Staring at her own reflection in the steaming drink.

Their first destination was the bathing room. Though Casten already knew where it was he had trouble finding it the first time, since he couldn't read the signage.

"We parasites have fixed times to wake up, bathing, going to bed… all of that. Well… most of us anyways." Goro explained, looking pointedly at Zero-Two.

Casten nodded to him but pinkette didn't pay him any attention. Though Goro seemed to take that as a given and continued on. She amused herself by balancing on the raised tiles of the tub where they had bathed together and smiling at Casten, who returned her smile. He knew Casten was at least listening to him, sighing, he led them out to the next place.

As they walked the rustic designed wooden halls Casten couldn't help but notice the impressive craftsmanship. Growing up, he had only been housed in fortresses, keeps and other such strongholds. Places that, by their nature, had few windows or easily flammable materials such as wood. It was an interesting sensation to be walking on surfaces of wood, the smell of varnish and wood was calming in its own way.

As they walked, Goro continued his introduction of life in the barracks."Everything from the food we eat to the clothes we wear are laid out for us, all we really need to do is train, keep our numbers up and do our best to fight."

They came upon the library next. The Knight made a mental note of its location and to come back later to gather intelligence. He had taken to learning what he could of the local language, it was very much an offshoot of High or Low Gothic. He saw characters and letters he recognized and heard words that he understood even without the translator device.

Though not while Zero-Two was present, as he busied himself with replacing the many books she simply tossed onto the ground after flipping them open. Goro wore an twitching smile, even he was struggling to keep a straight face watching the pair.

She paused when coming upon a glass display upon a wooden stand, tilting her body and bringing herself closer to it. The Knight approached, discovering what she was so focused on. It was the preserved skeleton of an avian of some sort. She stared specifically at its wings that had the feathers attached to them still.

His gaze fixed on her as he brought a hand to his chest. He could feel it again. That longing for something that he felt from her so many times before. Reaching out to grasp her shoulder, Casten made the sign of the Aquila over his chest. She grinned, the meaning wasn't lost on her, though the blonde boy did raise an eyebrow at the exchange.

Goro crossed his arms as they left the library, thinking about things now; he didn't know all that much about the pair. They were both equally odd in their own ways, much like how they seemed to communicate without speaking. The teen found himself wondering of the Knight's curious ability. Wouldn't it be great if all parasites would get along without speaking like that?

"This forest...what is its purpose?" Casten's question snapped him from his musing.

The Knight was staring out the window panes, in the hallway. Fully turned towards them

Goro shrugged. "The entire forest was built to fine-tune our numbers, apparently."

He hummed in response. "I suppose it makes sense. Emperor knows what would happen if this pleasant atmosphere weren't here to dampen my mood."

"Is that why there's a ceiling?" Zero-Two asked, looking out of the window with Casten.

The Stamen blinked. It was the first time the girl had spoken to him. "Well...I guess. It even rains sometimes."

"Rain?" She tilted her head in puzzlement,looking to her darling for answers.

"Rain is the event in which water vapour in the clouds gathers in sufficient mass to fall back down as liquid. Into streams, rivers, lakes and oceans as art of the water cycle." He answered.

Her expression immediately brightened up at that. "Wah~ So water pours from the ceiling? Do it now! I wanna see it!"

"Uh-" Casten found himself taken aback. "I-I don't decide when that happens Zero-Two, the controllers of the climate simulacrum do-"

She pouted at him, tugging heavily at his heartstrings. "I wanna see it right now."

"Do it." She demanded.

He took a step back. "I-I shall speak to the APE officials to coax the machine spirits of the climate simulacrum."

She gave him a triumphant grin.

They arrived back at his quarters, where the Knight busied himself with the maintenance of his Hecate Pattern chainsword. Muttering the Litanies needed to appease its machine spirit. Zero-Two seemed to amuse herself by jumping on his bed, long pink hair flowing with every hop. He glanced up from his task to look at her for a moment.

"Zero-Two, not that I don't like your company but… Why are you here? I thought you already knew where everything was." He asked, wiping an oiled rag onto the weapon's internal components.

"Why? Because... I'm going to live here too!"

Her statement made him lose focus for a moment stare at her in a mix of shock and joy. The half disassembled weapon slipped from his grasp and began slipping from his lap. As he scrambled to keep it from hitting the ground, he grasped the bladed end mid-fall.

"Tsk! Emperor's teeth!" The Knight cursed in pain, setting the weapon onto the desk beside him with his other hand.

A small set of bleeding cuts ran across his palm. The wounds were small thankfully, nothing to be concerned over though they did bleed quite a bit.

He looked up, finding Zero-Two bent down and staring at the blood pooling and dripping from his hand. The girl pulled his hand up to her face and sniffed the crimson fluid. Casten raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Until that is, she started licking it.

He hissed slightly as the warm orifice found the raw cuts and began licking as quickly as he bled. Part of him wondered how carnal was this girl, he knew animals licked wounds instinctively due to the enzyme that prevented infection within saliva. Though that hardly made him feel any less strange.

She kept licking, seemingly with no intention of stopping until he stopped bleeding. Her tongue gracing some of the wounds. He was face was gaining a rosy tint now, he would never admit it to anyone else but… it felt nice.

She stopped a moment later as the blood clotted with her help.

"Uh… My thanks?" Casten wearily said.

The pinkette grinned at him and stood up, placing her hands behind her back. "It's fine! Only darling's blood tastes good anyways."

"Should I be worried that you would eat me?" He grinned.

Curiously, she didn't answer him. Only smiling in return. That was slightly worrying to the Knight, he couldn't tell why. He felt sudden weight on his very soul at the silent exchange of mirthless smiles between them both. That was until the sound of muffled laughter drew his attention away.

From the corner of his vision, Casten spotted two pairs of eyes watching him from the frame of of the door that he had left open to air out the room. It was Futoshi and Zorome who were spying on the pair.

"Do you two find something amusing?"

The pair's eyes widened when they realized that they had been spotted. Casten spared them a glance before gesturing to Zero-Two. He grinned at them. The same grin he had while thinking of battle days prior, sending chills down Futoshi and Zorome's spines.

"Zero-Two may not find you very appetizing but I think she'll eat you all the same."

The two squeaked and took off down the hallway at full sprint. Casten stood up and made to close the door.

"Do remind me to keep the door closed." He sighed, turning top Zero-Two, who had laid down on his bed and gave the Freeblade a smug grin.

+ Some time ago +

+ Plantation #13: Briefing room +

"Zero-Two and Casten will be staying with the you all."

Nana's tone told Ichigo there would be no negotiation. The pair had Papa's direct permission to remain together with your squad.

"Does that make them a part of my Squad?"

The caretaker crossed her arms under her ample bosom. "No, it doesn't. Casten may be an envoy but he's under nobody's command. According to the Imperials in orbit, he isn't even under their direct command. He only obeys as far as he feels necessary."

"Ichigo, for both our sakes and theirs… Make them, Zero-Two and Casten feel at home. We need them as much as they need us."

Nana's words echoed in Ichigo's mind as she left the briefing room behind with Goro in tow. His presence helped calm her some, yet there was a tension within her when she looked at her partner.

She couldn't look him in eye properly, even when they reached the elevator leading back to the barracks. If anything, it grew worse since they were in a confined space, with nothing but the sound of the elevator getting closer and closer back to their home.

"So, they're staying with us now huh? Leave it to Goro's smooth entry to help offset her bossy brooding mood. Ichigo thank Father for such small mercies for having Goro as her partner, it helped her from getting lost in her currently soury demeanor. For the most part, but points for effort.

"Yes, looks like it" Enough said

Goro took the hint and kept quiet, their familiarity with each other granted them the ability to perceive the smallest of cues. It was a trait born from a long companionship, where it was always the three of them; Hiro, Ichigo, and lastly Goro. It was always the three of them together back at the Garden, and when they were sent to the plantation they held their heads up high believing that the three of them can get through anything. Now there is only two, and it was poisoning her, and she knows it, but can't do anything about it.

"We'll get through this" Goro attempting to balm her the ache in her chest "Hiro would want that."

Yes...yes he would, the bitterness came back harder then ever and Ichigo couldn't stop the crease in her brow or the droop of her head. Hiro would most certainly want that, it's a shame that he is not here. No, they were foisted with an inhuman horned trite, and a barbarian from space.

Who risked their lives to save everyone.

The sun peeked through the elevator doors as they slid open and back towards the barracks. Without needing to say anything, Goro and Ichigo agreed to let the matter rest for now, whereas Goro took things in stride, he is at least has the fortitude to withstand his own conflicting thoughts and feelings and turn into something positive. Ichigo sadly does not, and it hurts that he is trying so hard to help her, only stumble.

She is happy that he tried so hard, but it's just not the same anymore. They were once an inseparable trio, reality however laughed and cruelly now made them two.

A piece of a puzzle never again to be made whole.

+ Plantation #13 Barracks Garden +

Within the Greenhouse Mitsuru kneeled over the flower bed. Holding his aching chest with one arm whilst another fished out the small yellow bottle of pills the adults had given him, made with the help of that "Magos Biologis" that Casten had called down. They were supposed to help with just such times as now. When his nerves began acting up again. The Throne Mechanicum had wreaked such havoc on his nervous system that he would be experiencing random bouts of pain for some time.

"Why me?" Mitsuru muttered.

"How can he still be sane? Why can he stand strong while I'm like this?" He struggled to pop the cap open and tap a few of the white tablets out onto his hand.

He threw them into his mouth and swallowed. Almost immediately regretting his decision to take them without water as he gagged, hacking uncontrollably immediately after getting them down. He took deep breaths and put a hand to his chest to steady himself.

Feeling a presence behind him, the Stamen turned back to find Kokoro, a watering can in her hands

"Mitsuru?"

The Stamen immediately rose to his feet and resumed his facade of cool indifference. "What is it?"

She stepped closer. "Oh! Uh… I just saw you walking in is all. Are you okay? You've been looking uncomfortable for awhile."

"I'm fine," he brushed her off.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" She smiled, trying to make the usually distant boy more comfortable. "You never lean on others-"

"Are you taking pity on me?" He cut her concern.

"N-no I didn't mean to…"

By then he had already shuffled past her and made his way out of the Greenhouse.

+ Casten's Quarters +

"What are you doing?"

Casten looked up to find Ichigo at his door frame. Staring down at the girl on Casten's bed with an angry glare.

Zero-Two's reply was straightforward, as he expected. "Being with my darling, what's it to you?"

"You're both staying here for awhile. Meaning that you follow our rules, meaning you stay in the girl's wing with the rest of us Pistils." Ichigo spat back.

"As far as I know." Casten began.

"Neither of us are beholden to your squad. You should know by now Zero-Two will obey when and how she sees fit." The Knight gave her a pointed look before going back to his task. "I have appointed myself being responsible for her, so I will keep her in line, I will follow your rules to the best of my ability, but as her charge, I can only do so much.

He ignored her annoyed glare, purposefully focusing on reassembling his recently cleaned chainsword giving the throttle an experimental squeeze to ensure the safety was functioning properly. She didn't want to dignify that with a response, just as he knew she wouldn't.

"What my darling said." The pinkette responded, kicking idly in the air and giving Ichigo a bored stare.

The leader of Squad #13 left, slamming the door behind her.

+ Later +
+ Plantation #13: FranXX Garage +

Goro gazed stood upon the gangway in front of the FranXX of Squad #13, staring up at their blank facial features. They always looked so empty and lifeless without their riders lending them their hearts. They bore facial expressions and a degree of nimbleness reserved for living beings.

Argentea's mirthful, arrogant acrobatics, Delphinium's precise strikes, Genista's clumsy gait, Chlorophytum's rapid darting movements and even Strelizia's raw, regal power. Each 'Iron Maiden' had her own rhythm and personality. Then… there was Ave Rubrum.

The Imperial Knight stood in a separate alcove within the garage. Surrounded by what Casten had introduced as "Skitarii" or "Tech-Guards", servitors, grotesque augmented cloned workers that had been programmed to perform a set task, and hovering skulls bearing anything from small arms and welders to speakers that droned out a constant stream of prayers in a language he couldn't even hope to decipher.

Ave Rubrum's lenses remained dark and his expressionless head tilted down, casting a shadow over his features. Though the simulacrum eyes were anything but lifeless. When active, Casten's zeal, and rage seemed to smoulder within the ruby lenses as if his will fuelled the walker's movements. Without his pilot the towering machine seemed to be staring down, echoing into his soul, judging him, assessing him.

Goro's instincts wared within, logic telling him that the Imperial Walker is inactive, an inanimate object. Yet, the primal corners of his being is screaming at him; yelling at him that the armour was alive, that it was a predator to be feared.

Ave Rubrum's very aura was not like that of any FranXX. He was not cheerful, confident or proud. He was foreboding, hateful… his very presence seemed to promise doom.

"Is something the matter with my armour?"

"Gah!"

Casten's voice made him jump in surprise. He turned to find the young man standing behind him, muscular arms crossed and eyebrow raised in a puzzled expression. How does someone of his size move so quietly!?

"Oh... hey." Goro breathed, putting his hand against his chest to steady his breathing. "What're you doing here?"

The Knight shrugged. "Brigid wanted to see me regarding my armour. You seemed to be distracted, so I came to check on you." giving his knight a once over, being the source of said distraction.

The parasite looked back up to the Knight's suit. "Just wondering about the difference between our machines is all."

The Knight nodded. "That's simple-"

"Hey! You guys!"

Before he could answer, someone had called to them from the deck below. They were the Parasites of Plantation #26 and some from Squad #13. Casten returned a good natured wave and a humourless smile, walking back to the lifting platform. He stopped and gestured to Goro to join him, to which he nodded, thankful that he didn't have to admit that he was afraid of an inanimate object.

They had been joined by Ikuno, Zorome and Futoshi. Apparently they were curious as to the newcomes. Casten couldn't blame them, it was an excellent opportunity to learn more of the other Plantation's defenders. Though it was by pure chance, it was a good opportunity to learn more.

There were a few representatives of Squad #26. Amongst them were two girls and boys respectively. The boys sported brown hair and eyes, one however kept his hair well combed and the other a ragged mop with a bandaged wrapped about his head. Of the girls one had a distinct oak brown shade to her lightly curled hair whilst the other had straight, muddy brown hair. All appeared slightly older than the members of Squad #13, more so now that he got to observe them close up than at the ceremony the previous day.

"Your machines all have very unique designs," the one Casten guessed was the leader of Squad #26 commented.

Goro looked to him and raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"We thought that was standard." Ikuno added.

"Of course not. Our FranXX all have similar frames and weapons. That makes it so teamwork is easier." Squad #26's leader explained.

"So Squad #13's machines deviate from the norm?" Casten asked.

The teen seemed taken aback to Casten's deep voice. The Imperial had been satisfied with just listening up to that point.

"I could say the same about your machine." He laughed.

Casten shook his head. "No, we follow a Standard Template Construct. Almost all Imperial Technology save some ancient relics do."

"We? Your… Knight, was it?" The leader pinched his chin in thought. "Do you kind of mix yourself and your machine up?"

He nodded. "That is because we are one in the same. Some Freeblades even go by the same title as their armours and forgo the use of their birth given names entirely."

The leader seemed shocked for a moment before resuming his composure and continuing. "So why were they built? I mean, our FranXX were made to defend Plantations from Klaxosaurs. They thrusters made to outmaneuver most Klaxosaur types. What about your Knight?"

The young man pinched his chin an hummed in thought before answering. "The suits of armour of all Knights are only as they are because of the Omnissiah's blessing. There is some debate as to what was the original purpose of the Questoris armours. It is generally agreed that they served as sentinels tasked with the early human interplanetary colonies."

He pointed to Ave Rubrum's Carapace, halting his pace; all the others of the group followed suit to see where he was pointing. "Heavy, thick, and sloped carapace armour serves to shield critical components and house the cockpit. Serving as an effective bastion in defense or weathering hails of incoming fire in offense."

Casten then pointed to the Thermal Cannon. "While my Errant-Pattern Questoris armour is blessed a Thermal Cannon made to defeat armour. The Paladin-pattern has a rapid-firing battle cannon that are rumoured to have been used to blast apart rocks to harvest ores when the early colonist had not yet constructed mining vehicles."

He then pointed to the Reaper Chainsword. "As ignoble as it sounds, the Reaper Chainswords are speculated to have been used to harvest lumber from titanic trees. There was a forest on my homeworld of Avalus that had trees that towered over Ave Rubrum and were each thicker than one of his legs."

The Parasites eyes all widened in wonderment, trying to imagine such fantastical places in which machines as mighty as Knights were used for mundane everyday tasks. Casten simply turned and kept walking after giving Ave Rubrum a last glance. The others following closely behind.

"That's pretty amazing." The leader smiled.

The Freeblade nodded. "Those were times long past. During mankind's Dark Age of Technology."

"Dark Age?" Futoshi asked.

He nodded once more. "Do not let the title deceive you, by no means this was a period of damnation, if anything it should be the golden age where legends foretold that humanity was at the height of its dominance and power. Relics and feats of wonder from a bygone age so fantastical that the science borderlines mysticism and blurs the line of what is fact and fiction.. However, those relics are dangerous beyond measure. Many caused the complete destruction of all life on many worlds in the Age of Strife that followed ten millennia ago. Which is why every piece of unknown technology is scrutinised by the Adeptus Mechanicus before being sanctified and cleared for use. Hence the Dark Age of Technology as far as the Mechanicum and the Adeptus Administratum is concerned"

"Explains why that lady with you keeps staring at everything we use like it would bite her." Zorome whistled.

"We suspect the technology that you use is also related to those times." Casten suddenly said, looking over his shoulder the parasites. "Your society's fall, the entire reason you are forced to live in such conditions. If we can find the link that connects between the Imperium and your technological history, the mechanicus will most likely fill in the blanks. Emperor willing, we will reinforce your numbers an reclaim this planet.."

The revelation was disheartening, though it didn't shock them. There was much that was lost in those times, almost all records before the of the arrival of the Klaxosaurs are vague at best. It wasn't too big of a surprise to find that they were a lost part of an interstellar humanity fallen to ruin. The information of the Imperials had been distributed by APE, the presence of the twin-headed eagle that resided beyond the stars.

Still, for the children of Squad #13, he appeared to be just a dour person that never hesitated to burst everyone's bubble with a truth that landed Mitsuru in the infirmary.

"I was told Squad #13 was a hastily-assembled test team." The leader said, the implication wasn't lost on Casten.

"So they differ from the norm then?" The Freeblade raised an eyebrow at that.

He nodded in return. "We're vastly more experienced. I take it this is your first taste of kissing?"

Casten's answer surprised the parasites of Squad #26 "No."

"You've defended a pair of kissing plantations before?" Another member, a girl, asked.

He turned, stopping in his tracks and raising a hand to pinch his chin. Almost immediately the Knight realized what she was talking about. "No! Apologies, I was mistaken! I-Uh..."

The members of Squad #26 were taken aback by the stoic and pensive Imperial's sudden flustered breakdown. Goro threw a grin his way, the composure of their gritty Knight faltered. At that point he had a hand held over his face to hide his reddened visage.

"He's been doing the other 'kissing' with his partner." The blonde grinned, earning an annoyed glare from Casten.

At first the leader didn't seem to know what the two were referring to, though he seemed to get it a moment later and smiled. "It's good that you two are so close."

Casten nodded and muttered his thanks but was unable to keep the blush from his face. Some of the girls present, save Ikuno, giggled at his uncharacteristic bashfulness.

His considerate smile never wavering, the leader, nodded. "Well, if you have any questions. We're far more experienced than Squad #13."

Casten's embarrassment quickly faded and his expression returned to the slight scowl he always wore. Pinching his chin, the Freeblade raised a hand. "Forgive my oversight but… What is do you go by?"

A long moment of silence prevailed between them before the leader burst out in laughter. It was good natured at least, he too had realized he had been speaking to the Imperial Knight without knowing his name. To the surprise of the members of Squad #13, Casten too started to laugh at his own oversight and way joined by the members of Squad #26. His laughter was surprisingly gentle, more of a suppressed chuckle than true laughter.

"I'm code Zero-Nine-Zero, leader of Squad #26, Plantation #26 'Chrysanthemum'." He introduced himself after recovering from his laughing fit.

The Knight made the sign of the Aquila and smiled. "Casten Zelius of former House Zelius, envoy of the God-Emperor's Imperium of Man."

While the members of Squad #13 practically had their jaws hanging open at the Casten's suddenly developing a sense of humour, one of the girls of Squad #26 approached Ikuno.

"I'm jealous, he's quite something." She whispered.

Ikuno simply nodded, her expression remained impassive. While she was indifferent towards the Imperial, he obviously didn't much care for them if he could act this way towards other people naturally. What was it that made him so unfriendly towards Squad #13?

"Well that's easy." She whispered to herself, an overbearing, hostile leader in Ichigo, a boastful glory hound in Zorome, and an arrogant upstart in Mitsuru.

"You do not possess given nicknames?" Casten followed up.

Zero-Nine-Zero tilted his head, puzzled.

The Freeblade jerked his head towards the parasites of Cerasus. "My mastery of your local form of Low Gothic is very limited but Squad #13 seem to all have nicknames based on their codes."

"No," he shook his head. "Their nicknames are a peculiarity amongst Parasites. Code Zero-One-Six was the one who started coming up with them I think?"

Casten looked to Goro, who nodded and asked his own question. "You've heard of Hiro?"

"Yeah. He's famous among us children. You're all very unusual." He looked up at Delphinium and the other machines of Squad #13.

"Your FranXX designs are all over the place and you all refer to nicknames instead of codes."

"Me! Me! I've got a question." Zorome stepped forwards.

He grinned up at the senior Parasite. "Have any children from your squad become adults?"

They focused on Zero-Nine-Zero. Who held a dumbfounded expression. As if he had no idea what the younger Stamen was talking about.

His bandaged squadmate rapped his knuckles on his leader's back to gain his attention. "He probably doesn't know."

The crestfallen expression that the other members of Squad #26 didn't go unnoticed by the Freeblade, who crossed his arms. They were hiding something from their juniors. Which meant that either they wouldn't even consider telling an outsider like himself… or that it was a truth too terrible to share.

Either way, Casten didn't like it. They risked glances in his direction, obviously aware that the Freeblade was suspicious of them.

Still, Zero-Nine-Zero cast a smile towards Zorome. "Oh, that's what you mean. Not from our squad, no."

"Really?" Zorome pushed, leaning forwards. "Have you at least heard any rumours about it?"

The older Parasite shook his head. "No, sorry."

The small Stamen pouted. "What the heck."

There was a childlike sparkle in the small boy's eyes… then again that was appropriate. Perhaps, Casten reasoned internally, that he never had that sparkle of innocence, or had left him long ago. Was that envy he was feeling? The Knight averted his eyes from Zorome; it was unbecoming of a Knight Scion to feel such things.

"A moment of laxity breeds a lifetime of heresy…" The Freeblade muttered under his breath.

If anyone had heard him, they didn't comment on it.

Whilst Futoshi and Zorome talked excitedly amongst themselves on the former's question, Casten took a step to leave and laid a large hand onto Zero-Nine-Zero's shoulder. He leaned forwards between him and the auburn haired girl's head. Just loud enough to be heard by only the surrounding members of Squad #26, he freely said what they all knew he was thinking.

"I won't pursue you for information, for the your sake. However, let whatever retainers holds your leash that we don't appreciate being uninformed of matters of import." The Freeblade Knight's deep menacing tone gave them no illusions. The young man was of the habit of being honest and straightforward.

"Between you and me, you're testing my patience. In me, the Emperor did not send a saint…tread carefully." With a final squeeze of the Parasite's shoulder,.

Squad #26's leader rubbed his now sore shoulder and watched the Imperial walk Imperials were definitely a different breed from the norm. It was honestly refreshing in an intimidating sort of way. Dangerous yes, but definitely someone that can be trusted, the problem is how long will that keep him alive before something happens to him, if the Klaxosaurs dont get him, APE will.

+ Plantation #13: Operations Control Center +

"Please tell me I misheard" Nana swears she is gonna die of a headache long before a klaxosaur will. If it's not the stress of being the Imperial liaison, or the caretaker of these kids, then its her in the firing line for strangling . As usual Hachi just looked away from the argument knowing better like a smart person to not get involved and help her case. The ass.

The elderly man drawled his answer in his usual lackadaisical manner. "You heard me right, this could lead to a major breakthrough. Let's not rush the happy kids... and learn all we can. Zero-Two and Casten seem happy enough…"

"Their happiness, is my job not yours! The children are being exposed about-" Nana was cut off by a chuckle from Franxx.

"About the real meaning of kissing?" He chuckled. "You never know, a little romance could boost their numbers!"

On instinct, Nana grabbed her butt, intercepting a phantom hand about to do a fast one even if the doctor was in a separate facility. Already she was reminded of the many times her rear end was fondled by the old doctor. She is quite proud of herself for being fairly attractive, but she will deck the 'good' doctor if he pulls another one again, she just wishes she could do that without getting herself confined to the brig. "N-Now you see here you cyborg coot! I-!"

"Oh, look at the time! I have to get going, take care of those kids you hear?" He cut the call short, leaving her listening to a continuous beep.

She stood in complete silence for a long minute, the device still held up to her ear.

"What did he say?" Hachi, standing across the holographic projection table asked.

She sighed and pocketed her handheld now that that part of the report is dealt with. The caretaker stared at the hololithic projection of the Knight's readings in the previous battle against the worm-type Klaxosaur.

"About as well as can be expected."

Hachi's cold stare remained unchanged. "He knows about risks?"

She nodded.

Hachi continued. "That…thing that holds them together in his Throne Mechanicum. It isn't just the chain that binds them together… It's the noose around Casten's neck. The further this goes, the more that IMU of his will force his brain to increase the release of chemicals. Psychosis, neurosis, obsession..."

Nana raised a finger. "One wrong move is all it takes for his own mind to kill him."

Her companion hummed. "The Imperial?"

She released an exasperated sigh, visibly deflating as the memory of the Knight's response returned to her. "He didn't really seem to care."

"Sounds like him to think like that. Quite predictable really." The commander nodded. "But it's also a shame, we need all the working bodies we can get."

Nana frowned at such callousness, but with such stakes and the possibility of reinforcement from a third party morality and practically are still at odds, she wishes she could do more, but for now, she will do the best she can for her station.

+ Later +

+ Plantation #13: Briefing room +

Grim faces were lit from the dim glow of the large monitor. It displayed a topographic map of the two plantations and the surrounding area, taken by satellites in low orbit. Casten sat between the two squads, fixing the projected forms with an intense glare. It was as if he believed his ire alone would be great enough to somehow destroy the small blue arrows that represented Klaxosaurs on the monitor.

Hachi broke the silence. "We detected Klaxosaur signatures an hour ago at a distance of three thousand kilometers away. They number between a hundred to a hundred and fifty."

"O-One hundred and Fifty!?" Futoshi gasped.

While the members of Squad #13 were taken aback, Casten turned his gaze to the members of Squad #26. He found them calm at the news. He saw it in their eyes that they were used to battling such odds. Focusing on the predicted path of the small arrows.

Hachi continued, uncaring of Squad #13's response. "Their numbers are expected to go even higher as whatever hives they pass will add to that number. Their estimated time of arrival is estimated at thirty three hours from now. No matter how we rush, we'll never manage to complete the kissing process before they get here."

Casten raised a hand. "What is the force composition of the Xeno horde?"

Hachi brought up a few still images likely taken by aircraft or low-orbit sensorium arrays judging by their low quality and distance. Still, it was unmistakably a massive Klaxosaur that seemed drag the sand as it moved and left a billowing cloud of sand and dust in its wake. The Freeblade sat silently at that. There were smaller forms of the Xenos that swarmed around the gigantic one's legs, each one unlike the other in size and form.

"That, Imperial, " Hachi pointed to the giant form. "is a what we call a Gutenberg-class Klaxosaur."

Casten leaned forwards, from what he learned, numbers and measurements on this planet have no deviated much. From the runes on the displayed on the pict-screen he guessed it was just under the size of a Warlord Titan. It seemed to be completely lacking in the devastating ranged firepower that Imperial Titans were known for, thankfully.

"Its huge… how do we fight something like that?" Miku gasped.

"Prodigious size alone, does not dissuade the sharpened blade," the Knight tried to reassure her.

He knew, however, that the sheer scale was a threat. Mass alone served both as this vile Xeno's weapon and defense and mass alone could at times decide victory or defeat. If the Xeno was as armoured as it looked, it could more than weather the static defenses of both Plantations and simply brush the FranXX aside. Thankfully the girl seemed to take his words well, unaware of his growing unease.

Casten whispered a well known Imperial phrase under his breath. "Blessed is the mind too small for doubt."

When the teens seemed finished, Hachi continued with the briefing. "Squad #26 will be the vanguard," he pointed to the projected lines of battle on the screen, then to the line indicating the position to the rear. "Squad #13 will serve as backup in case the line breaks.."

"Huh? Backup!?" Zorome sputtered indignantly.

"It's going to a chaotic fight," Zero-Nine-Zero replied. "Our squad can link up better if we go by ourselves."

Miku and her partner both eyed the leader of the other squad with a scowl. "Did he just call us dead weight?"

Hachi cleared his throat, not that there was anything stuck, he simply needed their attention. "Defending the pipe linking our two Plantations together takes top priority. Having you two may not be enough." He nodded to Casten. "Freeblade."

The young man rose from his seat, the parasites curiously followed him as he stepped towards monitor. Hachi nodded to him and allowed the young man, who pulled out a Data-Slate that he had brought. The screen projected an additional yellow symbol, that of a Imperial Aquila.

Another two windows opened on the screen. One a dated pict of city highway in parade, the centre of which was a column of Knight suits similar to Ave Rubrum that towered over the cheering crowds below. Another displayed a few different Knight armour variants, each proudly displaying the heraldic livery of their house of Caelum, white plate and silver trim.

Casted raised a hand and pointed to the map. "I have requested aid from the Knights of House Caelum posted at an Imperial research outpost being constructed some distance from here. Baron Argos has graciously answered the call and pledged two retainers of his court. Two Questoris Paladins and the Baron himself will be with his Gallant."

The Parasites of Cerasus paid attention to him, showing some interest in the other Knights. Zorome in particular made a sour expression at the mention of them, muttering something about them 'stealing his thunder'. Whilst the Chrysanthemum Squad paid rapt attention, having never before seen armaments so large and heavy being mounted on machines comparable to theirs.

"They're near identical to Ave Rubrum, save their armaments."

The picture zoomed in on the side-profile of a Paladin's arm. "The two Paladins are blessed with Rapid-Fire Battle Cannons, firing semi armour-piercing rounds in salvoes of two shots, as well as another Heavy Stubber."

"Next is the Questoris Gallant." He tapped at the Data-Slate again.

"This armour abandons nearly all ranged capabilities, to mount two melee weapons. The Reaper chainsword and the Thunderstrike Gauntlet. A weapon that Ave Rubrum will also be carrying for this battle."

The parasites seemed at once disgusted and fascinated by the pict capture Casten brought up of a Knight Warden striking a massive green warbeast that seemed to be carrying an armoured platform made of scrap and guns on its back. The creature's spine pulverised by a downward swing from a closed Thunderstrike Gauntlet in a shower of blood and ruptured innards.

"In addition," Casten closed the pict capture and brought up another. This of a strange oval pod mounted on the Carapace of a Knight. "They will be armed with carapace weapons, upon my recommendation, likely Stormspear Rocket Pods."

"Finally there will be smaller walkers, similar to your FranXX in size, called Knight Armigers."

Kokoro couldn't resist a giggle at the sight of the small Imperial walker. They looked like little versions of Ave Rubrum. While the Knight Errant's hunch made him look like an armoured brute, the gangly-limbed Armigers had hunches that made their heads so low that it was hung barely above their waist joint.

He took her laughter in stride and nodded to her. "Yes, it is as it appears. Armigers posses similar armament and qualities to my own armour. Simply smaller in scale."

"They are approaching from here." He pointed once again to the map, "It goes without saying, be it my armour or those of house Caelum, do not be anywhere in front of a Questor's line of fire. That is all."

Casten returned to his seat, Hachi taking over once more. "That being said, House Caelum will work on the flank of the horde. I'll be placing a FranXX capable of fighting alone with Ave Rubrum since they specialize in fighting more dangerous targets that manage to get through."

One of the girls from Squad #26 raised a hand. "Do we really have a FranXX that can match Ave Rubrum? I heard he took on a Mohorovic on his own and split it in half."

One of the boys scoffed. "I heard he melted it with that cannon of his."

"No way," another countered. "I heard he just charged and crushed it!"

Casten sighed. Rumours, the Freeblade never imagined that he would have rumours of all things circulate of his first clash with the Mohorovic-class.

"All of the above." He said, giving them a dispassionate glance before returning his gaze to the monitor.

They regarded him silently for a moment, unsure how to react to his abrupt answer.

Zero-Nine-Zero cleared his throat "A-anyways, which FranXX will be with him?"

"I'll be pairing him with Strelizia."

The mere mention of the White FranXX sparked fervent talk amongst the members of Squad #26.

"Strelizia!?" He exclaimed. The leader rose to his feet, face twisted in a mix of panic and horror.

Casten raised a brow inquisitively, while information from rumors can provide some context, rumors are just that, rumors. The picture painted for Zero-Two was never a pretty one even from just rumors, and he saw it coming, firsthand accounts however were infinitely more valuable.

"What are you-" His words were cut off by the hiss of hydraulics, Zero-Two and Nana finally joining them in the briefing room.

"Sorry we're late," Nana greeted them.

Zero-Two stepped forwards after her, giving the map a bored glance. Her features blossomed into a smile when she saw Casten. The Knight immediately rose from his seat returned the affection.

Squad 26's leader, however, was far from pleased. "Code Zero-Zero-Two!"

"Did we receive Papa's permission?" Hachi asked, ignoring Zero-Nine-Zero's outburst.

Nana nodded. "We have to go-ahead. Freeblade Zelius will be her partner until further notice."

Casten's brow twitched at that Papa groxshit… That damnable object of false of worship once more. Zero-Two felt her darlings anger, hopping to his side and grabbing his arm. She didn't care that she jumped between and shoved past the members of Squad #26 to get to him.

"Hey, darling!" She grinned.

The Freeblade's anger cooled significantly, though he more or less learned to get used to it, the upbringing of the Emperor as the one true god of mankind is not one easily allowed to stay quiet. These people were simply ignorant of the truth that was the Imperium, he needed to remind himself of that fact. The Emperor is magnanimous, though there were committing heresy, unwitting heresy is not treason, not yet at least.

Nana followed and to the front with the two and Hachi. "We just finished telling them of the Imperial forces joining us."

"Hold on a second!" Zero-Nine-Zero walked up to them. "We can't fight alongside Strelizia!"

Hachi remained obstinate. "The plan is not up for negotiation."

"But…" his face twisted into that Casten knew as one of panic, of loss, and desperation. Pointing at the pinkette. "That girl doesn't care about her allies! How can we trust her to have our backs!"

He looked to her, gaze accusing. "Code Zero-Zero-Two, you should know what I mean!"

Still holding onto Casten's arm, the girl's teal gaze remained uncaring. "What are you talking about?"

"The joint operation two years ago! Your reckless fighting style got us isolated on the battlefield, and you cost me my partner!" He yelled, fists clenched and shaking.

"Huh… Doesn't ring a bell." Zero-Two shrugged, looking away from him.

Casten looked to his side, finding her unfocused. He felt… nothing from her she well and truly didn't remember, nor did she care. Yet there was something in her unfocused stare that spoke of a reason behind her callous dismissal. "Weaklings die. It happens, big deal."

Zero-Nine-Zero walked towards her, anger evident on his face. Before he reached her, however, he was blocked by Casten's getting between himself and the one that had cost him so much. He looked up in shock, looking up at the Knight's grim frown. The leader of Squad #26 expected barbed threats of violence for threatening his partner, perhaps even an actual blow as a warning. Instead, he got a sigh, and Casten blocking his view, before pointing at himself on the cheek, oddly specific.

"Right here," he said suddenly.

Zero-Nine-Zero blinked, shock overtaking his anguish. "Excuse me?"

The Freeblade nodded once.

"You heard correctly. If you have grievances you wish to met out, then here is a good target." His rising voice echoed the briefing room into silence."

The teen at first was surprised and unsure of what to do as nothing prepared him for such a scenario...but he was to caught in the torrent of his own and Casten's frenzy to think straight and gladly took the offer.

A meaty thwack echoed as a gloved fist met contact with another's face.

Zero-Nine-Zero didn't realize how much his fist actually hurt, since combat was not part of his training he did not know that to throw a proper punch never put your thumb inside your clenched fist, as he could feel the throb that reverberated throughout his thumb and arm.

Casten raised a hand, physically holding back Zero Two, their Communion intercepting her attempt to maim the boy. Her animalistic scorn and growls held in back only by the Knight squeezing her hand. It was his turn to calm her fury as she had done for him. Thankfully the pinkette did heed him.

Honestly though, it wasn't so bad, compared to his training on Avalus, the blow was tame. Though he had to admit; it was good effort on his part. Already he could feel his jaw burning, supposing he survived the battle ahead it would be sore for some time. He returned to face Zero-Nine-Zero fully once more.

"Now, has your anger been quenched?" Leveling to the slightly hunched parasite still nursing the new experience.

"..." Zero-Nine-Zero didn't know what to think; so he summed up as honesty as his currently conflicted feelings could.

"No? Maybe?" Didn't sound honest enough, but to hell with it

"No definitely no."

"Good, let the foe have the rest" Casten thumbed to the projections of Klaxosaurs on the screen. succinctly satisfied with the response.

Confusion did not even begin to race through everyone's head, was Casten trying to help or not!?

"But-!" He tried to demand an answer for this transgression, unwarranted as it is. Only to be cut off once more.

"First off, as I am now responsible for Zero-Two then it simply means I share the baggage that she carries with her." He paused to wait for Zero-Nine-Zero to stand up straight, even if his hand still hurt.

"As you should know, I cannot in confidence vouch for her remorse in the loss of your partner." He extended his hand "However, we have bigger things to worry about right now. You do not do your partner's death honour by starting an internal conflict right before a crucial battle."

The other teen was nonetheless stunned before a bitter chuckle escaped his throat. Sadness was still overwhelming him, but the utter bluntness of their mysterious guest… it was quite refreshing. The anger was still there, but he felt...cleaner? He threw a scowl at Zero-Two's direction and flinched when her eyes screamed like she wanted to rip him apart. He looked back at Casten and at the still extended hand, before taking a firm grasp with his still throbbing arm.

"Truce."

An accord is struck with one hearty handshake.

+ Later +

+Plantation #13: Barracks +

The briefing took longer than expected. By the time Casten, Zero-Two and Squad #13 had returned, simulacrum dome's projected sky was already dyed an inky black. Walking the dirt path leading to their barracks. Casten's steps lagged with a deliberate slowness behind them; Zero-Two was holding onto his hand, practically dragging the Knight along with her as he shuffled along.

Casten had been silent since the confrontation with Zero-Nine-Zero. In truth, he came to regret his actions in a small way. Had he overstepped? Would his current conduct show the servants of the Imperium as oafish and unappealing as rulers? Storm clouds gathered in his mind as it ran wild, trying to figure out what to do, wondering if he could have done better.

"Who do they think they are!? Treating us like dead weight…" Zorome fumed as he walked along the dirt path.

If Goro showed any displeasure, then no could call out on his bluff, shrugging his shoulders at Zorome's expense. "They're not wrong, we are a test team."

Zorome was not gonna take that lying down. "And don't you think that pisses you off? They're our seniors, big deal! We gotta get that experience at some point too!"

Goro looked to the evening sky, the lights of the plantation and theirs exchanging their magma energy reserves. A 'kiss' such a weird word, yet for some reason strokes something appealing in his chest, doubly so when thinking of Ichigo, who remained silent and shared his viewpoint of the plantation.

Casten mentioned that a 'kiss' was not a transference process, but an act born of intimacy. That sounded nice -no- fitting sounds more like it.

"We'll get there Zorome" Ichigo's soft voice cut through the gloom that clouded over everyone.

Ever the boisterous one, even Zorome welcomed anything to help his sour mood.

Everyone shared their ever energetic friend's disposition at being labelled their lesser, so it came to no surprise to want to hear something from their leader with something that can hopefully get them out of their funk.

"We'll get there everyone," she took her eyes off the plantations and looked to her squad.

"We're here and that's all that matters. We have a responsibility to Papa and everyone in this Plantation, to make sure that we have a future." A spark was in her eye those words. Her belief just radiated in her words, and Goro couldn't help but be proud.

"So don't feel down, just because what they said, we're counting on you Zorome" She finished with a smile meant for everyone.

"W-well, of course! With me the great Zorome here, I'll bring us to victory!" His spirits lifted, he held his head high with renewed confidence.

Goro smiled wistfully, at everyone's renewed vigor, from Zorome's usual theatrics, to Kokoro's gentle demure, he couldn't ask for anything else.

His mind travelled to the odd pair out from the squad. Since the confrontation with Zero-Nine-Zero in the briefing room Casten had been eerily quiet-more so than usual. Normally he would have had a rough word or to accost Zorome about his boisterousness.

"Hey, Casten you…" He said, turning around to check on the Knight.

"-Okay?" The parasite's words died in his throat. The where the pair had been following before was now only an empty dirt road.

His frown was matched by the exasperated sigh he released. While everyone got their bearings back from the less than stellar briefing for tomorrow's operation. He idly wondered where'd they run off to as he walked back with his squad.

Casten walked the sterile halls, steel toed boots sending echoing clanks along the metal floors. Zero-Two slowed her pace and followed the Knight as he silently separated from Squad #13 and left the Eco-dome. She said nothing, watching his broad form as he stalked towards a destination he was too preoccupied to tell her about. He was nervous, the Pistil could feel it.

She spent a few long minutes staring at his broad back. "Darling? Where are you going?"

He stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder, almost as if he hadn't expect her to follow him.

The Freeblade smiled. "I have a been summoned by Magos Biologis Marik,"

Zero-Two hummed in thought, looking up the the ceiling and pinching her chin. "Mango... ?"

The solitary word floored him with a stumble in his step mistaking the Magos for an piece of fruit.

"Man-? No no, Magos" He paused when he realized the humour to it "Oh I see, wordplay." His lips quirked when he took it as it was. Magos and a piece of fruit? That was actually hilarious in hindsight.

Before one realized that such a commodity would weigh its worth in a hefty sum of thrones, to purchase and consume the luxury item. Ironic since he is now in a similar position with the daily morning meals during his time with Squad 13.

"Yes, you see the Magos-Zero Two?" His words fell deaf when he saw her looking directly above them both. A ventilation shaft. She was peering inside the innocuous tunnel, it was far too small for any average sized person to fit through, a small animal perhaps, or worse could their enemies, have infiltrated their dwellings through the vents. Basic instincts started setting off for the knight fearing for the worst.

"It stinks like oil and bone" She squatted all the while keeping her eyes on the vent.

Oil and bone? In that case then it must be…

A quick hop and her fingers curled around the grills before she shifted her center of gravity and using her momentum to plant her feet on the ceiling with simian dexterity, ripping the the grill right out of its bolts, and snatched whatever she was looking at.

Casten's guess proved true.

It was a servo-skull, or more precisely, one of Magos Marik's servo-skull, this particular one loaded as a monitoring scout. A burst of static filled the air as a vox speaker on the skull blared a harsh protest at its treatment at Zero-Two's hands.

"Unhand him at once miscreant! Freeblade! She listens to you, request the fleshling Abhuman to unclasp her filthy bony fingers to release him at once!"

Casten scratched his head in deliberation whether to incur the Magos's ire or Zero Two's; both of them holding a particular blend of unhealthy. "Apologies Magos, I'm afraid to inform you that I cannot make her do anything that Zero-Two does not want to do. However, she is susceptible to common courtesy."

It was a task in of itself to keep a straight face, while Zero started poking and prodding the skull that seemingly could float without any visible means of propulsion.

Not long did he heard a quick strings of bleeps and boops, the Martian binary language of the Mechanicus. Before the beepings stopped, and a long sigh filtered through the vox caster.

"Can the abhuman unhand Thaddeus this instant...please…?" The last word came out as if he was trying desperately to scrub his vocal chords clean. After a moment of unintelligible static tinged protests, the floating skull finally fell silent.

"Whatever" and nonchalantly lets go of 'Thaddeus'. Zero-Two drops down all the while the servo-skull reorients its gyroscope to return its level. The servo skull floated back down to the pair's level as both of them clearly wanted an explanation for an intrusion in their privacy.

"I was investigating your mating ritual with the abhuman, Code Zero-Two. Your behavioural patterns may unlock more secrets of the flesh… Also, you are going the wrong way."

Casten shrugged his shoulders at that. He understood, it's just part of Marik's field after all as the Magos Biologis, though it does not lessen the unsettling nature of being watched unawares.

"Now get going, we have much to discuss. I understand that your inferior unmodified flesh brains may not have remembered my assigned space within this so-called Plantation, but that is no excuse. Now, come along unblessed ones." Thaddeus promptly spun around, urging the two to follow the floating skull.

They entered a more populated section now, led by the morbid construct. A few personnel edging the walls to keep a distance at the disturbing sight of a floating skull like it was a spectre of death. A few turns of the corridors, and a few more gawking A.P.E staff later, they eventually arrived at the door leading to the Magos Marik's requested work and habitation space.

Casten raised his hands to knock, only for the red and green tinted lenses of the Magos greeting them at the door.

"You two are late, come quickly." Two Mechadendrite tendrils snaked the pair's waist, before all but slamming the automatic door shut.

Casten strained to see in the darkened room but it became obvious that the Magos had… repurposed it to serve his own needs. The lights had all but been removed save a single one at the center of the room illuminating an examination and operating table, the others have been removed to make use of their power conduits. Metal wall panels were even now being cut open and the power cables within detached.

Servo skulls working in frenzied efficiency, attaching the cables to bring life to the many consoles, centrifuges, cogitations, stasis tanks and myriad of other equipment that Marik had brought with him. Casten could already sense the earful of complaints that he was sure to receive from Nana about the disruption to Cerasus's power systems.

Zero Two almost felt the urge to act on gagging, not because of the sights, but the strong noxious odor of the incense and a cocktail of smells clashing against one another that was leaving a dizzying stench in the room. She will have to remember to avoid the creep and whatever he was piping in the near future. Unless Darling was involved of course, she'll bear it.

"I see that you have been busy Marik," the Freeblade whistled.

"My blessed form grants me the strength to work faster in service to the Omnissiah," Marik waved the Knight off. "You should consider my offer Freeblade, your ties in flesh and mind to the Abhuman's could be made even stronger if you allow me to make the necessary improvements. I am confident you will find it most satisfying!"

Casten didn't know what the Magos meant by 'improvements' but he decided against finding out. "I subscribe to the notion that if it isn't broken, it shouldn't be tampered with. Surely as Scion of Mars like yourself understands."

"Hmph," Marik huffed, like a child denied a sweet treat. "My offer stands if you should find anything broken."

"Get to the point rust bucket, why do you want to see darling?" Zero-Two cut right to the chase.

She had been too busy staring at all the servo skull, Casten knew she wanted to try and catch one but held back for his sake. He was grateful for that much. Of course such distraction worked for a time.

"Yes, why did you request my presence?" The Knight nodded.

Marik nodded, his rust red hood shifting with his head. Bringing up a Data-Slate from the sleeve of his robes, the Magos tapped at it a few times to bring up his findings.

"The High Queen and Shipmaster Zetros have requested a full medical report. I was told to repeat it to you for your benefit. Your blood is untainted, though I recommend reducing your sugar intake."

"I…" Casten gave Zero-Two a knowing glance. "will try."

"Your cerebral scans have returned false for any tampering beyond what is normal for Questoris. Your nervous system is stable and the burst of Psycho Stigmata induced migraines should cease with the Omnissiah's blessing and a few utterances of the Litany of Connection. The strange dreams you spoke of seem to be endemic to your… unique circumstances to your abhuman mate. It is normal for maturing human teens before entering their second decade of life."

Casten's eyes widened, and he immediately felt Zero-Two's stare. He locked gazes with her as her expressioned turned to a mirth-filled grin. "Well, at the very least, that's reassuring, Magos Marik."

"That concludes my business with you," Marik turned his focus to Zero-Two, lenses zooming in on her horns. "With you however…"

The girl noticed, shooting the Magos a scathing glare. "What?"

He clicked his tongue… at least as far as Casten could tell. "I would relish the opportunity to examine your… adaptations closer in order to catalog you. We wouldn't want Imperial authority finding an unsanctified abhuman after all."

Casten stepped in between the two, cutting off the glaring contest. "A full medical report has be provided by A.P.E. She is human Marik, remember that."

The Magos nodded, albeit slowly. "It is as you say. Now leave me Freeblade, I have more to do to better serve the Omnissiah."

A beat passed as Marik in hopes to induce levity at his departing guests, Casten forming the sign of the Aquila before leaving.

"Remember, lower your sugar intakes!"

+ Later +

+ Plantation #13: Barracks +

The journey back through the seemingly endless sterile corridors was no less arduous than their way to Marik's workspace. Only when Casten entered the biodome did he notice how late into the night it was; and how he longed for sleep's embrace. The welt on his cheek stung quite fierce and he could most certainly feel the bruise he received from Zero-Nine-Zero.

By the Emperor, was today a plethora of exhausting events, and the fighting wouldn't even start until musing was put to a halt when he spotted a familiar head of blue; Ichigo. Whatever she was doing previously, he missed it entirely being in a deep sense of lethargy as he was. Their eyes made contact, and communication was established, the moment their respective ocular organs trade an invisible message.

"Go on ahead, I will follow shortly" He trailed off slowly projecting his plea to Zero to acquiesce his demand.

It was as clear as being in front of a Baneblade's demolisher cannon what she actually thought of his request, but relented with a dismissive shrug, taking long even strides past Ichigo before disappearing into the shadows of the building.

Even when Zero-Two passed her by Ichigo kept her eyes locked on to him whether it's because of the intensity of her emotions, or fearful of Zero-Two, he couldn't place it, such is speculation.

"Please, follow me to the greenhouse." He couldn't quite make out the inflection when she made her demand, it was like she was ordering him, yet it lacked the strength he was familiar with. With that being said, he followed without a word, and followed her lead, no doubt that this is something tantamount to the bluenette.

The crunch of the soil amplified significantly in his ears, as neither said a word during the trek, the knight was not so much as nervous as it is apprehensive of whatever will be proceeding in their soon to be discussion.

Nonetheless, he saw this coming, and it seems that the inevitable has finally come to fore. Fitting that this would come just before the upcoming operation, reality after all is not that kind nor convenient, hoping that this would have come on a more leisurely hour.

The soft lights of the greenhouse greeted the mismatching pair, a girl with blue hair in her nightgown, and a young man in uniform with a visceral chain weapon strapped to his waist. The sight was not even funny, it was poignant with the air of a somber stench with the girl turning towards the knight and tried to assert her diminutive height against his physically imposing stature.

"Freeblade Casten" He steeled himself when she announced his title, a title of both reverence and shame "As leader of the Plantation #13 FranXX squad, I expect the best out of you in the upcoming operation tomorrow, while you are a guest, you are under my command, and I expect you to follow my orders. Do you understand?

The moment of truth has arrived,

And it was disappointing. Still she made the effort, it is only courtesy to be forthwith.

"Number Zero-One-Five, Ichigo, as a Freeblade employed under her majesty Queen Artra, loyal to the Emperor upon His Golden Throne, I cannot abide by your orders."

The outright refusal came like a slap to the face, already breaking through the facade of authority she tried desperately to emulate. She was no Nana, while their interactions have been less than stellar, he could say with confidence he respects her authority, as she much like any officer is simply doing her duty to the people that rely on her. Ichigo, still has much to experience before she can command with such an air.

"Wh-Why not?! Don't you understand what's at stake here? We can't afford any mishaps from you or Zero-Two being insubordinate!"

Casten was not dettered, but he saw the true heart of the matter that is causing her fraying nerves. She did not have the art of deceit, and that is an admirable if exploitable quality should a more heinous person take advantage of such pure values.

"It is simple, I obey only myself, my queen, and the immortal Emperor upon His Throne. In this case, my judgement tells me that the person I see before me is currently unfit to command me, much less lead."

Ichigo bit her lip at the accusation her will crumbling with every bite that came with his words, digging her nails in her fist, tears threatening to spill form her eyes.

"...Why…?" it barely could have been mistaken for a faint whisper in the wind, but Casten will oblige her question.

"Because you are a terrible liar." He cut her off before she could make a reply.

"We both know very well, why we are here of your demand, and it is not about following rank. I will be frank, if you have something against me, than be upfront about it." The Freeblade crossed his arms.

"While we are wasting time and energy circling falsities when we should be resting, you are hindering yourself and everyone around you in the process."

Ichigo eyes were shaded by the light of the greenhouse, and her hair. Her lips quivered, as hot tears began to stream freely down her face, her sniffles were corrosive to his mien, as once again he lacked finesse to deal with sadness other than violently avenging them against the enemies of man.

"It's not fair…" She sniffled, tear welling up at her eyes.

"Life never is fair..." Casten began.

"Shut up!" Casten couldn't stop from visibly flinching, at the shrill shriek. The diminutive girl had quite a set of lungs.

"I hate it! I hate you! I hate everything about your stupid Imperium!"

Tears streamed freely down her cheeks now. The intricacies of the human heart was not something he was taught to navigate. The best he could do now is let her say her piece. "Why you? Why did you have to show up out of nowhere along with that girl?"

That painted a depressing picture, now that the girl was actually showing her actual feelings about the Freeblade's presence here in the Plantation. Yet it was not enough, he needs to put more promethium into the fire.

"I am here because the Emperor has plans for me upon this world, employed by my Queen, Zero-One-Five. Stop your sniveling rabble and lets get this over with the real reason we are here right now."

Ichigo, tears in her eyes, her face flushed with sadness glared at him, the image ruined by her snivelling, refused to admit the truth that she tried to hide. In vain hopes that the knight did not know what he was talking about.

"This 'Hiro' is gone. Though unfortunate. You must deal with it, and move on."

Ichigo lost all sense of reason, Hiro's name echoing repeatedly in her mind and heart, wondering how he knew that name. Before she knew it, she walked right up to the towering boy, did something she thought she would otherwise never do.

She slapped him.

Right where he was punched in the face earlier today. Never in her life, did the day would ever come, that she hated someone as much as she did now. In her irrational mind, if Casten didn't show up, maybe Hiro wouldn't have gone away, if he didnt show out of nowhere, then maybe she could have helped Hiro bring out his potential as a parasite.

The truth was torture…

She might never see Hiro again, and it's all because of him.

Casten's head followed in the direction of her assault, the pain was by far harmless, and nowhere near as painful as the blow by Zero-Nine-Zero, but again, it did its job. He looked back to the girl, arm still outstretched, before reeling it back to her chest, now realizing what she did.

"How dare you say his name! Where did you even heard it?" she spat with every word hoping that it would curse him.

Casten did not know how to respond without exposing Goro as the culprit, as he would be the only one with the demeanor to actually befriend him. Nana and Hachi could easily have provided the name, but he didn't have a reason to dig nor he actually cared about a specific person that came before him. He didn't know how, but he has to try something. So he looked her back in the eye, to explain himself.

"Pilot Ichigo, calm yourself immediately-...!"

A shade of pink entered in a corner of his vision "Zero-Two?"

"Zero-Two?" Ichigo tried to look behind her, only to find her world going everywhere, her face, suddenly in the dirt a foot pressed excruciatingly on her back, and pain exploding from her arm!

"You have some balls to hit my darling..." She began to stretch Ichigo's armbar, pulling at her entire arm, while crushing her wrist with the strength of a press.

Ichigo vision was white, and her scream of pain was choked out of her as her brain was to busy registering that she was in horrible, horrible, pain! Her wrist felt like it was about to ground into pieces, while she could feel arm about to ripped out out her socket, her tears of sadness was exchanged with tears of pain! Make it stop! Somebody help! Hiro!

"-it!...Let..this instant!" She felt a second pair hands around her wrist, while her mind was currently in a haze of agony, she knew well enough that while this Casten trying to help her once again her mind imposed the image of Hiro overlapping him to provide some form of relief.

Emperor upon His Throne! He knew Zero-Two was strong, extremely so. But this felt unreal! Casten, tried to pull and push with all his might, to try to move Zero-Two's hand to relieve the pressure from risking Ichigo's arm from either popping out of her socket, or permanently damaging the tendons entirely all the while trying to pull the fingers off Ichigo's wrist that held on as if they were made of iron, he might as well have an easier time trying to tip over a Chimera!

He strained against her grip, still trying to pry her fingers open to no avail. "Cease and desist!"

Zero-Two looked back and forth between her darling, and the weakling beneath her feet. "But she hit you." She said, almost nonchalantly.

"I was trying to teach her!" He yelled.

Zero-Two's brow quirked at that answer "You mean like before?"

"Yes! Please by the Emperor's Golden Throne, stop this now!" The futility of trying to force her vice-like grip had already been made plenty clear. Though he at least tried to lessen it.

For Ichigo felt like eternity passed, before relief came flooding back to her. Her relief however was overshadowed by panic, as she clutched at her throbbing still numb arm, she tried to make a run for it, only for the exhaustion and debilitating experience cause her to stumble into the dirt, further ruining her already stained nightgown.

She held her arm close, trying to get the feeling back in her arm and looked towards the pair, or rather more specifically, Zero-Two. Her eyes glowed a deep red in the darkness, and her horns equally as intimidating, if her horns made seem inhuman, then what she was seeing solidified that she was a monster masked in her human form.

Thankfully, someone came to her aid. It was not Hiro though.

It was Casten, the Freeblade, the person she despised, who is now helping her up to her feet, blocking Zero-Two from her line of sight.

"I am sorry, that should not have happened" He started moving her arm, and massaging it to return the flow of blood. It hurt, but she was beginning to feel her arm return to her. "I think we can postpone our upcoming discussion later Ichigo. I will handle things from here, we both need rest for the coming morn."

She was silent, her mind processing that once again, he saved her again, even when she didn't ask for it.

"...Thank you" Her thoughts were a mess, she was grateful, but it came from the one person she didn't, want to acknowledge, but all too aware, that he was currently the one protecting her from looking at the monster behind him.

He patted her arm for good measure, before nudging her on her merry way "The Emperor Protects"

Ichigo walked as fast as her legs could take her, all the while trying to hide her intention to flee from the sight of the horned Parasite. Needless to say, she welcomed the sleep the moment she changed into cleaner clothes, and her head hit the pillow.

Casten practically collapsed onto his bed,unceremoniously falling face-first onto the bed which groaned in protest at his weight. He let loose a long, pained groan that was mostly muffled by the mattress. The day's events left him more drained than any battle against the Klaxosaur-breed Xenos thus far.

Dealing with petty feuds, matters of the heart, and lost partners. Casten thought such things existed only in the pages of fictional tales his grandfather had told him in his childhood. Not in the harsh reality that he had grown up to accept. Who had time to deal with a fallen comrade when the foe that killed them was still plaguing humanity?

Zero-Two followed him in , softly closing the door behind her.

The bed shifted suddenly. The Freeblade dragged his face across the bedsheet to look at the girl that had taken to sitting on the edge of his bed. Their eyes met, teal to navy blue. No words were exchanged for minutes that seemed to last an eternity. Part of him urged him to say something, admonish her, tell her that he could take care of himself and to not hurt other humans… nothing came out.

The pinkette grabbed his shoulder and pushed, rolling him just enough to crawl onto the bed with him. The Freeblade knew better than to object in any way. There was nothing he could do to stop her anyways. Whatever Zero-Two wanted, she tended to get one way or another.

He sighed, drawing his arms around her lithe frame. Zero-Two's breath felt pleasantly warm against his chest, Casten didn't really mind her that horns dug into his chest. But… there was a lingering unease within.

It was best to let it go for now, energy best spent elsewhen. There was still much he didn't know about this girl that had affected him so much. She filled a void within him where Avalus once was, a purpose. She called for him where there was only dark places and bitter vengeance, a light, a higher calling to once more serve the Emperor and Mankind.

The Freeblade had forgotten a prayer that he had recited time and time again in Chapels. "A mind without purpose wanders in dark places."

Strange… she is Abhuman, despite being that, she is more true and pure to him than any of the rabble he had seen. She was human, more human than anyone he had seen on this God-Emperor forsaken rock.

His arms tightened around her, fingers running through her long pink locks. Her scent filled the air he breathed as Casten leaned into her.

"Hey, darling?" She suddenly said.

The Freeblade answered after a moment, arms still holding her tight."Yes?"

"Stay with me." The request-no, it was more of a plea, triggered something within.

Promises always weighed heavily on Casten's heart, whether he could fulfill them was always a source of hesitation. Of this one, however, there would be none. "Always."