"...and moving on, construction of the Ehrenburg Satellite Cannon is proceeding on schedule. We expect to move into the field testing phase in the next month or so."
"Excellent. Keep up the good work. Ensure there continue to be no delays and you shall be richly rewarded."
"Sir!"
With a crisp salute, the white uniformed attendant left the boardroom.
"...Are you sure about this?"
"Cease your worryings Tarsier, we must show the Princess that Humanity has the conviction to turn this planet into glass before we would even consider surrendering our home world to these beasts."
"Werner would disapprove if he knew."
"So be it. He is not the only one who has back up plans of their own. We have our own scenario."
An eerie smile broke across Papa's face as Cosmos continued it's usual orbit around Earth.
Hiro winced as the needle left his skin, he never got used to medical examinations even though they were a routine part of being a Parasite. He hated how the rooms always smelt of disinfectant and how the medical staff liked to poke him with pointy needles. The worst portion was the blood tests, while the needle was only a minor discomfort, he could never peel his eyes off the transparent test tube as it filled with his dark red blood.
Even though the rational part of his brain told him that the clear tube which contained his blood carried only 20ml of his blood or less, it always looked like a sickeningly large quantity whenever the medical orderly swirled it around.
"That's the last of it. Code 016, you can take your leave."
Hopping off the medical bay, Hiro eagerly left the room. As the automated door slid open, he was surprised to see Ichigo waving back at him from the waiting area of the medical bay.
She really does care about me, doesn't she?
Hiro felt a warmth surge through his heart. Pondering for a moment at how lucky he was to have someone as dedicated as her around him, Hiro found himself waving back with a smile.
"Are you all done?" she asked.
"Yup, they said they didn't find anything wrong."
"That's wonderful to hear."
As their short conversation trailed off, they stood next to each other in comfortable silence as they waited for the elevator to arrive. After a while, Hiro found himself whistling to fill the air and he noticed with a flutter in his heart how Ichigo started to subtly nod her head in time with the sound. Finally, Ichigo turned to look at him as she started to say something that seemed important until she was cut off by the voice of Nana over the intercoms.
"Hiro, after this, I'm going to file a req-"
"Ichigo, get ready."
With an apology, Ichigo stepped into the elevator and waved him goodbye as the doors closed shut.
Hiro mirrored the motion.
As Ichigo entered the Plantation's command center for her scheduled meeting with Hachi and Nana, she overheard Nana,
"He's the first Stamen that's ever piloted with her and taken so little damage." Nana observed.
"It must also be noted that he succeeded in a common connection with Delphinium as well, so we can say for sure that his piloting ability has fully returned."
Hachi added his thoughts to the pool as he read the detailed report of yesterday's mock battle.
"Even so... The numbers he posted when piloting Strelizia were the highest in it's history. None of her previous Stamens managed to coax out anything close to these numbers we're looking at. Even if we assume this is due to his skill at operating a Franxx, we still don't know for sure if this abnormality would carry on beyond their 3rd flight."
"So the only thing now..." Hachi mused.
"Is to wait for APE's approval."
As Nana finished, Ichigo eyes widened.
So it was true that Zero Two had caused all the deaths of her partners by the 3rd flight! This went beyond mere pettiness at their rivalry for Hiro's affections. Hiro's life WAS in danger if he continued piloting with her!
She needed to separate them as quickly as possible.
For Hiro's safety.
But her heart knew the truth, no matter how much she tried to pretend otherwise.
"Ichigo reporting, I'm here for my scheduled meeting."
"Ah, Ichigo! You wanted to see us?"
"I overheard your conversation, is it true that Hiro's in danger from piloting with Zero Two?"
Nana sighed, of all the people to overhear something like that about Hiro's welfare and safety, it had to be the most troublesome person.
"Potentially. We don't know for sure yet. The main issue that causes us to be unsure is Hiro's body. Or more specifically, how healthy it seems after his piloting session with Zero Two in Strelizia."
"What do you mean?"
"Historically, every single Stamen that has piloted with Zero Two has suffered immediate health issues after even a single piloting session. The weaker Stamens were outright killed while the more resilient ones had to be bedridden for at least a couple of days. Meanwhile, Hiro continues to bounce around like normal with only a couple of superficial bruises on his body which was caused by his safety breach of piloting without a Stamen suit to protect him from the G-forces." Nana continued.
"Basically, we're in uncharted territory. I've passed all relevant information to APE HQ along with Code 016's application to be restored to the active duty roster which is still currently processing and awaiting HQ approval as we speak. Also, Doctor Franxx has put in an formal request for Code 016 to be Zero Two's official partner-"
An emotional outburst from Ichigo cut him off.
"He did what!? You shouldn't let them pilot together! Hiro's safety is at stake!"
"Ichigo, it is not up to you or us who gets to decide who Code 016 pilots with. That depends on HQ and HQ alone. Besides, Code 016 numbers prove that he is a stunning match for Strelizia."
Upon hearing Hachi's cold voice shut her down, Ichigo gritted her teeth in frustration. This wasn't fair! Hiro was finally able to pilot once more and she was now being told that his Pistil was going to be Zero Two instead of her? Even though Hiro was able to pilot on normal conditions with anyone once more?
She wouldn't stand for it.
Not while Hiro's life was in danger if he kept piloting with that homewrecker.
Sucking in a deep breath and steeling herself, Ichigo placed her final card on the table.
"Strategic Officer of Plantation 13. I, Code 015, Team Leader of Plantation 13's Franxx squad, hereby file a formal request to APE HQ for a partner transfer. I wish to be paired with Code 016."
A crashing sound filled the air as Nana slammed her hands onto the console banks the very moment she heard Ichigo finish her speech. In her opinion, Ichigo was being extremely selfish and irrational, like she always did whenever it came to matters regarding Hiro.
She had to be told off that she was harming Plantation's 13's Franxx squad with her selfishness.
"Are you being serious?! Ichigo, if you do this, have you considered how it would hurt the entire squad and reduce their combat capabilities? If you pilot with Hiro, that would mean Goro would need a new Pistil. The only Pistil available in that situation would be Zero Two. You would risk Goro's life over Hiro's in that case? Retract your transfer application at once! Seriously, how can Goro put up with someone as selfish as you, I'll never know."
Forest green eyes widened as her mind processed the implications of what she was suggesting to her commanders. Ichigo felt a creeping wave of guilt roll over her body as she came to realize how selfish she had become when it came to Hiro.
But I can't help it, It's Hiro. And I never wanted to be Goro's Pistil in the first place if I had a choice in the matter.
Unperturbed by the entire commotion, Hachi interrupted the tension with his usual emotionless voice,
"Code 015, do you still wish to file your current transfer request?"
"...No. I will retract my request for a partner transfer."
With tears welling in her eyes as she realized she was powerless to block Hiro and Zero Two from piloting together using her status as Team Leader, Ichigo spun around and left the command center.
"Doctor, were you listening in all this while?"
As Nana queried, the image of Doctor Franxx appeared on the intercom.
"Leave her be, she's still growing up after all. We have more important things to settle than a teenage girl's jealousy."
"What a troublesome person."
Nana sighed as she looked towards the console which displayed Hiro's current status.
CODE 016
PILOT STATUS: PROCESSING
"Whatcha reading, Darling~?"
Hiro froze in his seat at the library's sofa as he felt a warm breath tickle his ears. He remembered why he was hiding away in the library in an effort to dodge Zero Two.
But she had found him anyway.
I'm dead.
Without waiting for his response, Zero Two leap over the back of the sofa and landed beside him with a poof. An arm casually looped around his waist as Zero Two started to gently scratch his abdomen while she rested her head on his shoulders. Hiro couldn't help but enjoy the sweet scent that wafted from her as she nuzzled her cheeks against his.
I'm so dead. But she smells so nice, I wonder if she uses anything special?
I'll ask her from the afterlife.
Hiro's entire body remained tensed up as he allowed Zero Two to snuggle against him on the sofa. Even though Zero Two felt warm, soft and affectionate as usual, Hiro's biological instincts, honed over 2000 years of human evolution screamed at him that something was wrong. Even if said danger was currently giving him a kiss on his cheeks every other minute.
And also smelled really nice.
And had really pretty horns.
And was soft and nice to touch, helped by the fact that she seemed to love physically clinging onto him.
And always looked at him like he was a piece of meat to devour.
Alright lets stall for time.
"It's a... It's a picture book. 'Sleeping Beauty'."
"Ehhhhhh? Picture books huh? I got one of those myself, wanna see it sometime?"
DANGER DANGER DANGER DANGER DANGER
"That... uh, that sounds great!"
"It's a promise then, I'll see you in my room later-"
Well that doesn't sound so bad-
"Alone~"
ABORT ABORT ABORT ABORT ABORT
As Hiro mentally self destructed, he never noticed how Zero Two had a knowing glint in her eye as she continued to cuddle with him.
"Hey~ Does it feel good?"
"...Uh?"
"My skin silly~ I took a bath just for you. See? Isn't it all soft and smooth?"
"...Yup, it's kinda nice..."
Hiro squeaked out in the tiniest voice he could muster as he felt the blood rush to his cheeks as he started to feel Zero Two's scratching on his abdomen become more insistent.
"You should take a bath as well, darling. Because you reek."
Wait what? Did he smell bad? He was pretty sure he didn't because he had a shower just a couple of hours ago and his clothes were freshly prepared this morning. Neither did he participate in much physical activity, all he did was go for a medical check and hide away in the library. There was no way he "reeked", did he?
As Hiro fretted over his supposed lack of personal hygiene, he would soon find out what Zero Two truly meant by that.
"...What?"
"You reek...of infidelity, Darling."
Oh.
Shit.
I'm. So. Dead.
"Ze..Ze...Zero Two! I can explain about yesterday-"
Hiro felt a finger press hard against his lips, preventing them from continuing his attempt to grovel for mercy.
"Shhhhh. Shhhhh. Hey, lets not talk about that shall we? I just want to enjoy some time with my darling right now."
Zero Two cooed in a voice full of sugar, honey and promised death. A voice that set Hiro's cheeks on fire and made the hairs on the back of his neck stand.
Goro, I leave the rest to you, take care of Ichigo for me.
"Lo-lo-look, I can explain, I swear!"
With a swipe of her hands, the picture book was knocked away and Hiro was tackled into the sofa as Zero Two straddled him. Her toned legs wrapped around his hips and squeezed tightly, causing Hiro to suck in a breath from the pleasurable sensations he was experiencing.
However, as Zero Two's hands went under his shirt onto the bare skin of his tummy, he realized the pleasure wasn't about to last.
"You seemed to have had a looooooot of fun with Ichigo last night. Didn't you~?"
"No I was just trying to prove myself to Zoro- AHHHHH THAT HURTS-!"
With a sharp stab of pain, Hiro squealed out as he felt Zero Two pinch his tummy hard.
"Hmmm? I don't think that's what you're supposed to say, Darling~"
"Uh...uh... I had way more fun when I piloted with you, Zero TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STOP STOP STOOOP!"
Seriously! She was pinching him way too harshly! His skin was totally gonna be red marked after this!
"So I'm just 'more fun', huh Darling~? That's all I am to you? Just a plaything~?"
"No no no! You're the best Zero Two! You're the best, you're the BESSSSSSST AHAAH AHHHHHH STOOOOOOOOP!"
"Best in?" she cooed.
"BEST IN THE WORLD! BEST IN THE UNIVERSE! NO ONE CAN COMPARE TO YOU ZERO TWO!"
Releasing the skin she had gripped between her fingers, giving an affectionate stroke over the spot she had pinched as she did so, Zero Two grinned.
"See? That wasn't so hard, darling. Here's your reward~"
With a gentle caress on his cheek, Zero Two leaned into Hiro. Her long pink hair fell over her shoulders and framed his face, shutting out all outside light sources. In the warm darkness provided by her hair, the only thing Hiro could see was the shine of her loving green eyes.
As Zero Two exhaled her hot breaths on his face, Hiro truly felt like she was the only thing that existed in his entire universe.
"...I knew it."
Another exhale touched his lips which made his body shiver in pleasure.
"...Eh?"
"Darling is actually pretty pervy huh? It's hard to tell behind your efforts to be calm and stoic. But I noticed darling~"
"Noticed what...?"
As Zero Two leaned in even more such that their foreheads were touching and her horns were brushing against it,
"That the sweet fragrance of a girl makes your heart beat faster."
The blush flooding his cheeks made Hiro dizzy for a moment as Zero Two grinned at him,
"Darling is so cute. I love it whenever I close in on you and you freeze up while your heart explodes in your chest. You're simply perfect for me, darling~"
"This is so embarrassing..."
"That's alright! The Doctor said Parasites were better being a little pervy anyway!"
"I hope you don't find it weird or anything."
Scratching his cheek and looking away in embarrassment, Hiro mumbled.
"Hey darling, wanna know something?"
"Yeah...?"
"I like it when you perv on me."
That face he had made when she said that was delectable, Zero Two thought to herself.
But it was still the truth, darling was the only person who she actually enjoyed knowing he looked at her in that way. She wanted him to only look at her and no one else. Zero Two then noticed something which caused her to giggle.
All this time when their faces were so close to touching, darling's eyes kept glancing at her lips.
Hehe, so that's what he wants
Using her hands to hold his in place, she felt Hiro nervously fidget under his now restricted range of movement.
"Sooooo...Did you want something from me?"
Come on darling, say the words.
"...Please kiss me."
His watery eyes lit a fire in Zero Two's heart as he said that. She bit her lip as a wave of desire rushed through her body from such a honest, heartfelt admission from her darling.
"Nobody's ever said such embarrassing things to me before."
"I-it's a first for me, too."
Zero Two cheesed at that. So she was his first huh?
That felt really good to know
"You want me to kiss you, huh?"
"...Please do."
Time to tease Darling juuuuust a little bit more.
Stretching her neck and taking a slow gaze at the deserted library around them, Zero Two asked once more in a teasing tone,
"Let me hear it one more time."
She heard darling make a squeak of embarrassment. But he didn't give up.
Yessss that's my darling for you
"Kiss me like you did in Strelizia once more!"
Who was she to deny her darling when he made such an eager, heartfelt request?
As Zero Two pulled him close, a sneaky thought ran through her mind.
I wonder if he's experienced kissing with tongues yet?
Time to find out.
"So, do we know what's HQ decision regarding Hiro's reinstatement to the active duty roster?" Futoshi spoke out.
"He'll probably be reinstated considering he succeeded in yesterday's mock battle."
Ikuno replied as she felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. If Ichigo was already this obsessed with Hiro now, what was going to happen after Hiro rejoined the squad?
"He just got lucky that I had my guard down that's all, he should be glad I went easy on him." waved Zorome.
His voice was nasally from the nose brace he was forced to wear along with the packing he had received for his broken nose. Zorome, it seemed, was a sore loser as well. Scoffing at such an obvious lie, Mitsuru sarcastically took apart Zorome for his bluff.
"It doesn't seem that way to me, considering how busted the both of you look."
"Huuuh? That was all Miku's fault. She didn't support me well enough and Hiro managed to get one past me, that's all."
"Excuse me? You were the one that got us dragged into this mess in the first place!"
Miku, with bandages wrapped around her wrists and calves, yelled angrily at Zorome for shifting the blame.
"Well it's obvious how much the difference the quality of a Pistil makes while piloting if you compare the results, that's all I'm saying."
"...You're seriously unbelievable."
As Miku scowled at Zorome , Kokoro tried to break up the incoming fight.
"Don't fight, it'll affect your numbers!"
"Then again, I'm not sure who's Hiro going to pilot with now. Considering Zero Two is the only free Pistil available." Ikuno wondered.
"I can imagine the fuss Ichigo is making right now about that. Don't you think she's being too biased towards Hiro? I get that they have history going back to their previous squadron, but she's supposed to be our leader as well. I don't know how Goro puts up with her as her partner when all she does is act like she's Hiro's Pistil all the time."
Miku grumbled out her frustrations at what she saw as favoritism from their Team Leader. She was about to continue until she was cut off by a voice behind her.
"Don't bring Goro into this. It's none of his business." Ichigo coldly stated.
"Eh? What's this about me?"
"If Hiro is reinstated once more, the combat capabilities of this squad will significantly improve, that's all there is to it."
"'That's all there is to it', she says. And who is he going to pilot with? Ever since we lost Naomi, we're short on a Pistil." Miku pointed out her hypocrisy.
"The more combat capable Parasites we have in the squad, the more flexibility we'll have if one of us gets sick or wounded. Even if we're currently unbalanced right now in Stamens and Pistils, Hiro being inducted back in our squad will be a real advantage."
"Oh get off it already, 'Leader', you just got a taste of piloting with him once more and now you don't want to let it end, that's all there is to it."
"I'm just considering it from the perspective of a Team Leader. It's up to you if you wish to believe it or not."
"Tsk, now I see why Zorome always gives you a hard time."
"Ichigo." Mitsuru cut in.
"We all understand why you would stick up for Hiro, considering your history with him."
"That's not true! I'm doing my best to be as unbiased as possible!"
"Can you really be unbiased? Considering how you two live in different worlds as compared to us regular Parasites. Have you ever considered our feelings when we were told to accept a person who ditched us at first chance to run away and live the celebrity lifestyle?"
"That's..!"
"Sure, you two might be 'special'. In fact, I'll give you a free pass because you spent the previous year down in the dirt with us piloting Franxx. But Hiro? He didn't even have that. From the moment he came to Plantation 13, he ran away from his problems. Furthermore, now it seems like he'll be reinstated to active duty and we might be looking at a new Team Leader considering Hiro's previous position. I'll say this right now, I will not accept someone who ditched us all this time to come and be our new leader."
"You don't know that for sure!"
"But you wouldn't have a problem with that would you? If Hiro came back and Hachi decided to make him leader, you would gladly put out for him in an instant, like you always do."
"That's not true!"
"Honestly, the both of you are pathetic in your own way. I've been disgusted with the both of you ever since you ditched us for that elite squadron."
A hand on Ichigo's shoulders stopped her from slapping Mitsuru where he stood. Goro merely shook his head at her as if to say,
Just let it go.
With a huff, Ichigo stormed out of the common room.
"We've received sortie orders from HQ." Hachi said.
"H-huh? We're going out to fight already? Futoshi asked nervously.
"Relax, don't get so nervous." Nana reassured them. "You won't be fighting something like the one that attacked the Plantation during the ceremony."
"Thank goodness." Miku sighed in relief.
"We would have liked to eased you in, but unfortunately, we can't afford to."
The squad looked focused and serious as they listened in to Nana's explanation. Ichigo however, was looking at the far end of the briefing room's semi-circular conference area. Goro followed her gaze to find a raven haired boy with a pink haired Pistil clinging to his arm. Hiro and Zero Two were in their regular clothes as compared to the rest of the squad who were in their pilot suits.
Her glare seemed to roast anything in it's path but it didn't seem that the both of them had noticed it.
Nana continued as a 3D hologram of a Magma mining shaft came into display in the center of the briefing room.
"You'll be facing a Conrad-class Klaxosaur." She looked towards Hachi to elaborate.
"It's a bit smaller than a Franxx." He looked towards Ichigo who took the cue.
"Weaker than even a Standard Franxx in a one-on-one scenario, but all the same, it shouldn't be underestimated. It's still dangerous in the right situation."
"My thanks to the STFG. Now, Klaxosaurs are attracted by Magma energy reactions and appear in their vicinity. Lately, they've been showing up deep in a level 8 mine on the outskirts and wreaking havoc. Even the automated turrets are having trouble dealing with them. Also, Strelizia will NOT be part of this operation."
Hiro grimaced, this wasn't right at all. Keeping Strelizia in reserve was a massive waste of their potential firepower. He would have understood keeping a reserve for unexpected situations like on the front lines, but this was a backwater Plantation in the rear echelon.
"Interrogative, why aren't we deploying all units possible to crush the threat?"
Nana glanced over as she answered Hiro,
"Firstly, the garrison squad has to defend the Plantation by themselves eventually. If they can't even eliminate this level of Klaxosaur, they won't be able to handle any future threats. Secondly, Strelizia and Zero Two fall under the direct command of the APE council. They exist on a separate chain of command and we do not have the authority to issue sortie orders for them. Any more questions?"
"No, I understand."
"Good. Ichigo will have field command. Ichigo, do you have any closing comments about the coming operation?"
"We have superior firepower and a larger force. We will succeed."
Hiro felt a poke on his tummy. He turned and saw Zero Two's nose scrunched up as she grumbled at Ichigo's short declaration.
"Oooo~ Look at her go, Ms Honor Student. Bleh."
Hiro rolled his eyes and bopped Zero Two on her head. This girl really was sometimes too catty for her own good. He knew how much pressure was on Ichigo's shoulders to pull through a team of green pilots through their first combat op. He could already see the strain forming on her forehead as she ran through the details.
"Uweh! Darling?!"
"Shush and play nice, Zero Two. You aren't cute when you're mean."
"But you like it when I'm mean to you, Darling~" Zero Two closed in and purred under her breath.
Blood rushed to Hiro's cheeks as he immediately moved to cover Zero Two's mouth, shushing her in the process. Really, did this girl have no shame at all? Using "that" voice on him in public...
Unaware of what was going on over at the corner, Nana nodded at Ichigo's declaration and issued her orders.
"All hands, prepare to board."
Ichigo threw him an apologizing look as she moved past him on the way out. As if it said,
I'm not piloting with Goro by choice.
Hiro felt the grip on his arm tighten.
Painfully.
He didn't know what expression Zero Two was making beside him.
But the hissing sounds gave him an hint.
Finally, the door to the briefing room slid shut with a hiss and it was just him and Zero Two along with the Plantation's command staff.
"Eh...Zero Two?"
"Hmmmm, what's the matter, daaaaaarling?"
"I don't want you to get the wrong idea, I really... really appreciate your feelings but..."
"...Darling?"
Her worried gaze made him feel like his heart had been stabbed.
"But it's actually starting to hurt. Like, a lot."
"Oh! I'm sorry darling, I didn't notice!"
Hiro started petting her head to calm her down.
He tried to avoid the weird looks that Nana and Hachi were giving him as Zero Two frantically nuzzled her cheek against his aching arm.
"I'm counting on you Ichigo, you're the more experienced one."
"Don't say that, we're partners aren't we? Lets get this done together."
A fist bump and they were off initiating the startup sequence for Delphinium.
Some duos, on the other hand, weren't as smooth sailing.
"What's wrong, Chlorophytum?" Hachi cut in on the communications.
"Doesn't look like Ikuno can do this."
"I'm nearly there! Just give me a bit!"
Ikuno panted and pleaded. She had to go on this mission. It was her first real operation with Ichigo alongside her. She had to make sure Ichigo came back safe and sound. She couldn't fail. She couldn't -
"Don't bother. It's over. I'm calling it here."
Ikuno's heart shattered into tiny pieces and Chlorophytum completely powered down from her downturn of emotions. Further proving Mitsuru right.
"Chlorophytum's para-capacity is below required levels and dropping even further." An operator from the command center notified Hachi.
"No good huh...? Alright. Chlorophytum will stay behind. The other three will go without it."
As quickly as he had thrown Hiro and Naomi under the bus in the past year. He filed "Ikuno" and "Mitsuru" under the failure cabinet as well.
"Roger that." Ikuno muttered.
Hiro looked towards Nana and pointed out,
"We've lost an entire unit before even sortieing, the pilots of Argentea are injured, that leaves us with 3 working Franxx on the field. With one of them being piloted by recovering pilots. This is going to be tough."
Nana didn't reply, but the tick forming on her right eye told Hiro he had gotten through.
"What a big hole, how deep does it go?" Kokoro asked.
"This is nuts. It's a monster pipe."
"These are used to extract the magma reserves. Mines like these are crucial to supplying our forces. We need to get it back up and running as quick as possible." Ichigo explained.
"Head down to level 8 and eliminate all Klaxosaurs." Hachi ordered though the wireless communications.
"Ignite your magma weapons. Locate the core and pierce it with the magma tipped portion of your weapon. That's the only way to completely eliminate a Klaxosaur." instructed Ichigo.
"Roger!" replied the pilots of Argentea and Genista.
"Delphinium on point. Argentea on my left. Genista to the rear, fire support as necessary. Move!"
Ichigo issued her orders for her team to form up. All the while, she felt a sinking feeling of unease crawl through her. She had expected to be hit by the Conrad-class the moment they descended into the mine. Klaxosaurs weren't known for skirmish tactics or ambushes, they just charged straight at you and made you take them head on.
So as they went deeper in the mine, her feeling of unease grew ever greater.
"What happened? Are you feeling unwell?"
Nana tried her best to gently inquire the pilots of Chlorophytum for the reasons of their failure to connect. She already knew that they were probably blaming themselves for not being out in the field with their team. Thus, there was no need to be harsh on them.
Besides, they were her charges as well, and she had a soft spot for them.
"No...That's not it." Ikuno replied.
"It's alright, you've always been a bit unstable, I'm sure you can bounce back from this. I'll run some tests on you tomorrow just to be sure."
It was then Mitsuru spoke up.
"If I may... is it possible that we have compatibility issues?"
Ikuno gave a frown at such bluntness by Mitsuru. It made her feel devalued and terrible.
"Alot of Parasites experience this at first. It isn't grounds for splitting you two up." Nana reassured.
But Mitsuru wasn't convinced.
"Is that so?"
He glanced at Zero Two who was doing her best to tickle Hiro into submission over at the conference area as a slight smile came across his lips.
"We have visual on the Conrad-class, moving to engage."
Ichigo nodded to Genista.
"Put a round through it. Then stay here and provide overwatch."
Genista took aim and fired a large high explosive shell at the Conrad-class currently feasting itself on a puddle of magma fuel that had leaked from a fuel tank.
The sound of explosions filled the mine as Genista's aim rang true.
Twitching it's legs as it was knocked on it's back from the explosion, the Conrad-class was now stunned and ripe for the kill.
"It's stunned! Argentea on me, close in and eliminate!"
"Roger!"
Delphinium charged in first and stabbed the Conrad-class with Envy Shop. Lifting it overhead, Ichigo tossed the Conrad-class to Argentea to finish it off.
"I GOT IT!"
Argentea yelled as it sunk it's claws into the Conrad-class and forced it to the ground once more.
"Hehe, look at me, I'm STILL the Great Zorome!"
Zorome's posing was interrupted by a wet squishing sound as Delphinium immediately came over and pierced the core of the Conrad-class. Glaring at Argentea, Ichigo lectured,
"Stop fooling around. Take out the core as soon as you can. Don't pull stunts like this again."
Before Zorome could snap back at her, there was a loud crashing sound as Argentea was attacked from behind by a second Conrad-Class. It quickly wrapped around Argentea and electrocuted it. The shock of it causing Miku to pass out and disconnecting Argentea.
"Hey Miku! Miku! Snap out of it! Hey!"
"Tsk." Ichigo groaned out.
This was bad, they've stumbled into an entire nest it seemed. No wonder everything was so quiet when they had first descended. The Klaxosaurs were merely gathering numbers to swarm them.
"Dephinium, performing retrieval of Argentea! Genista, provide covering fire!"
"Damn you!" Futoshi yelled as he started pumping rounds into the multiple Conrad-classes that started to swarm around them.
"Prepare to fall back to a defensive position! We'll hold out there until reinforcements arrive!" Ichigo ordered as she started to drag Argentea back towards the safety of Genista's overwatch position.
"Team Leader to HQ! We're being overrun! We're currently falling back to a defensive position and barricading ourselves. We require reinforcements!"
Back in the briefing room of Plantation 13, Nana felt chills run down her spine as she saw the red dots multiply on the display.
"This is bad, who knew we would encounter an entire nest... Was our information wrong?" Nana muttered.
"Don't worry, just send me and darling out, and we'll run over everything for you."
"We don't have clearance to-"
"Are you sure you want to stick to your petty chain of command? Your precious squad is going to be wiped out you know?"
Zero Two smirked at Nana and dared her to disagree.
Hiro didn't exactly like Zero Two's attitude at the moment but he had bigger problems on his plate. Namely how to prevent his friends from being wiped out on their very first mission.
"Send Zero Two and me to help! We'll get them out of there!"
"That's not possible." Hachi shut down Hiro's pleadings.
Hachi... What excuse do you have now? You by the book inflexible-
"Your piloting status is still under review by APE. Until we have approval from HQ to put you back on the active duty roster, Plantation 13 cannot be responsible for any harm that might come to you from an unauthorized launch. Please understand, our heads will roll if we got the leader of the Special Tactical Fighter Training Group killed on an unauthorized sortie."
"Is this really the time to play politics?"
"This isn't politics, it's just our legal liability at stake."
Hiro was frustrated by the rules and red tape that seemed to bar his every step of getting back into a Franxx's cockpit. He just wanted to be treated like a normal Parasite.
To be sortied to fight with his friends.
To die with his friends.
"Well, I think they both know what their only option really is if they want to preserve this Plantation's garrison squad. So just send me out already. I want to pilot with my darling."
Zero Two glared at Nana, who to her credit, refused to back down to the taller girl.
"You got that? Let me ride with my darling."
"We are NOT in charge of your sortie orders. Stop asking. If you want to be with your darling so much, I recommend taking a walk in Mistilteinn."
Nana stood her ground as she returned Zero Two's glare.
The tension between the two seemed to thicken and reach a boiling point until Doctor Franxx's image appeared on the main display of the briefing room to intervene, breaking the deadlock.
"Send Strelizia out. I will authorize it and take full responsibility for any damages incurred."
Zero Two let out a breath and flashed a smile on her face.
"You hear that darling? I'm gonna take you for a ride-"
Until Hachi's monotone crashed her mood to rock bottom once more.
"Code 016 is not allowed to be sortied."
Hiro's temper, already fraying from all the bureaucracy from the past week, flared and his self control failed to keep himself in check as he unleashed his anger at Hachi.
"Oh what is it now you damn robot? Your entire garrison is about to wiped out and you still want to stick to the rulebook? Wake up, Hachi!"
Hachi , unmoved as always, started to reply.
I'm not even surprised, screw this. This joke has gotten way too far.
"While Strelizia has been cleared by Doctor Franxx to sortie, that doesn't change the fact that you, Code 016, is still awaiting approval in regards to your piloting status. Only a Stamen in the active duty roster is allowed to pilot with Code 002."
Mitsuru eyes lit up as he realized that he could take advantage of the opportunity currently offered to him. A smirk grew on his face. This was it! This was his chance to shine! He would pilot Strelizia, save everyone and do it without breaking a sweat with the power of that bitch, Zero Two. Everyone knew that she possessed immense potential as a Pistil, to the point that she could carry Hiro, a Stamen who was out of the piloting scene for an entire year into one shotting a Moho-class Klaxosaur.
This was it! His big break!
"Seeing as I'm the only officially registered Stamen on the active duty list in this room. I volunteer to pilot Strelizia in Hiro's stead."
The raw hatred and fury packed into Zero Two's glare could melt an iceberg. But Mitsuru didn't flinch.
In the end you're just a pretty bitch for me to use.
"I refuse."
Zero Two growled her rejection. She would never pilot with anyone else. Ever. Again.
Darling or nothing.
Darling or death.
Mitsuru's smirk grew ever wider.
"But you don't have a choice! You've heard Hachi. The only Stamen you're getting today is me."
If anything, the rage on Zero Two's face doubled as she tensed up and prepared to pounce on Mitsuru and beat him into a bloody mess into the ground. How dare this little shit tell him to pilot with her? She would rather slice her belly open and rip her own intestines out with her bare hands than to pilot with anyone but darling. In fact, why pull out her intestines when she could pull his out instead?
Zero Two had a feral grin on her face as she got ready to tear Mitsuru apart.
Until she felt a warm hug encase her from behind.
That scent
That mixture of softness and firmness
That voice that whispered in her ears to calm down
Ahhh... Darlingggg
As her body shuddered from the pleasure, Zero Two found herself closing her eyes and soaking in the sensations of her darling's touch. A lovely smile grew across her face as she started cooing about how much she loved his hugs.
Unbeknownst to her, Mitsuru was watching every second of it and his smirk grew yet even wider, if that was possible.
She's just an animal to be tamed after all. Heh.
"Strelizia is no ordinary Franxx, if you're not used to connecting-"
"I'll be fine" Mitsuru replied as he waved Nana's concerns off.
"Even Hiro here could ride it after going out of practice for a year. If it's that easy, anyone can do it."
Nana closed her eyes and mulled over the situation for a moment. Finally, she came to a decision. Her eyes opened and looked pointedly at Zero Two who was still snuggling into Hiro's arms.
"Zero Two?"
Zero Two's eyes snapped open and glared at Nana. Her canines were bared at the old hag that had just interrupted her darling time. Stupid old hag with her oversized cow breasts fit only for milking.
Darling likes mine better, you cow.
"What."
"You will pilot with Mitsuru and rescue the squad. There is to be no further discussion about this."
Ahhhh... So that's how it was going to be. She was supposed to pilot with this "Mitsuru" because he was the only "qualified" Stamen here right?
So all she had to do was "unqualify" him then.
As she peeled herself off darling's arms, she felt a pang of sadness fill her heart as Zero Two heard the pitched intake of surprise from darling behind her.
Just a little bit darling, please endure it.
Putting on her best sexy walk, Zero Two sauntered up to Mitsuru. Hips swinging, heels clacking, chest puffed out to emphasize the breasts she was so proud of. She even bit her lip and put on her best seductive face.
She felt disgusted at how his eyes widened and traveled down her body. Feasting. Savoring. Enjoying.
Zero Two fought the urge to retch.
Just endure it, it'll be worth it in the end.
Her heart felt completely pulverized as she heard a choking sound from behind her. In a way, Zero Two was glad she had her back facing darling, if she could see his expression, she would probably not have the heart to go through with the act she was putting on.
Closing into Mitsuru, Zero Two stopped and started sucking on a finger coquettishly.
He reeks of bad hair gel. Urgh... How much longer do I have to stay close to this jerk?
"So you think you can handle me huh, big boy?" Zero Two winked.
"Yes I can. If Hiro can do it, so can I." Mitsuru grinned.
"But can you make me feel good? I'm such a bad girl, I just want a good time you know?" Zero Two purred out.
Zero Two wanted to puke.
"I'll make you feel better than even that nobody Hiro over there."
"How can you be so sure?" Zero Two cooed.
"Because I've seen his type plenty of times, he's nothing special."
Darling is special. Darling is unique. Darling is perfect.
Zero Two raged in her mind.
"And where have you seen 'his type'?"
"Oh you know, I sometimes take walks on the beach, see the same washed up shit dozens of times." drawled Mitsuru.
Mitsuru crowed inwardly at that score, he had been saving that for months!
Zero Two giggled flirtatiously.
Oh he was going to die for that.
"You're so funny! I think I like you. How about we shake on it?"
"Sure. Partners?"
Mitsuru stuck his hand out.
Zero Two grabbed his hand and started tracing her fingers up his arm.
"Mmm, such strong hands. I can't wait for these to grab the handles on my Pistil suit. Thinking about it just gives me the shivers."
Mitsuru grinned like an idiot. Suck it Hiro! Not only am I going to pilot Strelizia, I'm stealing your woman from right in front of your eyes! That's right, look on with your watery eyes and cry! Cry, because that's all you're good for!
"If you like them so much, after this mission, we can discuss a permanent partnership."
"Mmmm... You know what I think about the sound of that?"
Zero Two moaned as she cradled Mitsuru's right hand in her hands.
"Oh yeah? What about it?"
"How about..."
A feral grin broke out on her face as she executed Mitsuru for his arrogance.
"No."
A shrill cry filled the air of the briefing room.
Mitsuru screamed in pain as Zero Two crushed his right hand with all the force she could muster, pouring every ounce of her enhanced hybrid strength into breaking every single bone in that hand.
As everyone in the briefing room stood paralyzed at the sight, Zero Two grinned as she continued to exert all of her strength into destroying Mitsuru's hands.
Then Mitsuru went from screaming, to outright squealing like a stuck pig as Zero Two started to grind his bones into powder.
The sound of his squealing jerked the black armored security trooper that stood guard outside of the briefing room into action. With a loud crash of the briefing room's door being rammed down. He pointed his assault rifle's laser sight to Zero Two's center mass as he barked out his orders.
"STEP BACK! STEP BACK! STEP! BACK!"
Instead of letting go, Zero Two merely doubled down and increased the amount of force she was applying to Mitsuru's hands.
As the black armored security trooper moved to switch off his rifle's safety, Nana broke out of her daze and hissed at the security trooper,
"Weapons down you idiot! Do you know who she is? She's part of The Nines. We don't have the authority to charge her for anything. So weapons down before you get all of us lined up in front of an APE firing squad."
Upon hearing "The Nines", the security trooper slung his rifle over his shoulder, performed a crisp salute and went on his way. He knew better than anyone to cross APE's Special Forces.
As Mitsuru's squealing turned to wrecked sobs and whimpers, Zero Two released the crushed mess that used to be his right hand and leveled a glare at the broken Stamen kneeling on the floor of the briefing room.
"Don't you ever talk shit about my darling ever again, got that?"
Her task complete, Zero Two turned towards Nana,
"Seem's like darling here is the only functional Stamen left."
All this while, Hiro stood frozen to his spot. What... had she done? Was she insane? She did all this just to pilot with him?
As Hiro placed his gaze on Zero Two, he realized how messed up she had to be to do something like this. But the worst part was,
He found it kind of attractive how dedicated she was to him.
And how gentle and sweet she was towards him all the time, if she had the strength to destroy someone's hand like that in an instant.
Hiro found himself with a mix of confusion, guilt, sympathy, fear and attraction.
"Zero Two...You're insane."
"Strange, I think piloting with anyone but darling is the insane part. Guess we think differently then. So what will it be, Nana?"
Allowing fury to fill her face, Nana found herself about to snap at Zero Two and tell her that she could go to hell until Hachi intervened for the final time, settling the issue once and for all.
"It can't be helped at this stage anymore. Code 016 and 002. Prepare to sortie in Strelizia."
"Yes! Finally! Let's go darling~!"
Zero Two grabbed his hands and interlaced their fingers as they ran out of the briefing room. Hiro shivered from the pleasure and fear that the fingers currently interlaced between his, belonged to a person that had completely crushed Mitsuru's hands to pieces less than a minute ago.
And yet as he felt the warmth flooding his hand, the slight dampness of their intermingled sweat rubbing across his skin and the grin she flashed at him as they ran towards the Garage.
Somehow he knew, deep within his heart, that Zero Two would never hurt him. That, he was precious to her and she would wouldn't even dare consider the idea of hurting even a single hair on him.
That he was her darling through and through.
And he loved every second of it.
Nana found herself cringing at the broken, sobbing and shivering wreck that had used to be Mitsuru as he cradled his destroyed hand to his chest.
"...Send a medical team to the briefing room."
As they stood side by side on the extending platform towards Strelizia's cockpit in their piloting suits. Zero Two had just released his hands to perform a series of stretches to warm herself up before getting into Strelizia.
Hiro found himself already longing for her touch, even if she had just stopped holding hands with him just mere moments ago.
Zero Two was perceptive when it came to her darling though. She was already on to him before he could notice.
"Did you miss holding hands?"
Hiro scratched his cheek in embarrassment as he mumbled,
"Yeah...I did."
Zero Two eyes lit up in happiness. Darling was being honest! Darling was being open with his feelings! Her efforts were working! She could barely refrain from squeeing in delight and tackling darling to the floor while she tore his clothes off and bit him everywher-
Woah, have to take it slower, can't risk scaring darling off like that
She immediately laced their hands together once more and gripped them tight.
A lover's grip.
"If you ever feel like holding hands with me, you're free to do so anytime, darling! You don't even need to ask, kay?"
Oh, darling blushed nicely. Really, really nicely. Her new hobby would be embarrassing darling then, if he kept blushing so cutely.
But her perceptive eyes noticed something within darling's green-blue orbs.
His eyes flickered away for the faintest of moments. And it held a layer of insecurity.
She would need to address that. Darling never needed to be insecure, because no matter what happened, she would always be with him.
Always.
"Is something the matter, darling?"
As a sign of trust, she held up their interlaced hands as if to say "Please tell me the truth."
Darling took a deep breath.
This must have been bothering him for a while.
"I..I don't know, Zero Two."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure if you mean anything you say. I mean, this feels like a fairytale to me. We've barely met and I'm just so... I don't know. Happy? Whenever I'm around you, my heart speeds up and I feel really nervous and kind of fluffy." Hiro confessed.
Fluffy darling, mmm... I like the sound of that.
"But, I don't know if you're acting or telling the truth sometimes. I'm scared Zero Two."
Zero Two's eyes watered at his confession. Darling was scared? Was he scared of her? Her horns? Because she was different than other girls?
Frowning to herself, she awaited him to continue.
"I'm scared that you treat all your Stamens this way. I know that... that, you have a bad history. And sometimes, even though I try to stop myself, I think that, maybe, everything you're doing is an act to keep your Stamens compliant and happy. After what you did with Mitsuru there, the way you moved, the way you talked... I'm just worried, that's all."
"Darling..."
"I know I sound stupid, that I sound like a total idiot. But I'm just really, really scared Zero Two. I don't know if what's happening is the truth or just mere acting from you. Because if it's acting... at least do me a favor?"
Hiro found himself unable to suppress the shaking of his voice as he poured out all the emotions that had been plaguing him for the past week. Sucking in all the air that his lungs could hold, Hiro opened his eyes once more as he pleaded with Zero Two.
"Don't tell me the truth and let me enjoy this before it ends."
As Hiro rambled out his deepest insecurities to the horned girl, Zero Two merely nodded.
Ah so that's what it is.
Darling could be sooooooo stupid sometimes.
But that's what makes him cute.
Zero Two brightened up as she gazed into his eyes.
"But this isn't acting though."
Something warm and wet pressed against his lips. It was quick and fleeting. Less than a millisecond.
Hiro blinked and brushed his lips.
His lips parted as he tried to say something but Zero Two's finger pressed against his lips and shushed him.
"Did you enjoy that?"
He nodded.
"Then...here's your seconds."
Hiro's eyes widened as he felt her lock lips with him once more, this time much more forceful and insistent. Her body pressing against his with so much force he was arching his back on the rails behind him. Her breasts squished itself flat against his chest as Zero Two ground her entire body into his. Hot breaths splashed onto his face as Zero Two poured every drop of passionate love that she carried into him, as if he was a empty tank that required refilling.
From the corner of his consciousness, he felt Zero Two hands massaging his jaw, as if to coax his mouth open.
He complied.
Something warm and wet was thrust in his mouth. Gingerly, he used his tongue to prod at the new visitor.
He received a wet, playful swipe in return.
The soft sounds of lips smacking together along with a slight suckling noise filled the air of the Garage as Zero Two did her best to comfort her darling. Hiro gulped down the mixed saliva that pooled in his mouth, savoring the taste of his princess as his body shivered in pleasure at the shamelessness of their actions.
As if he was clinging to life(or oxygen), Hiro wrapped his arms around Zero Two and held on for dear life.
Feeling her darling reciprocate into her embrace, Zero Two resolved to make out with him even harder as an reward for him giving in to her affections.
Relishing the taste of her Darling, Zero Two's body shivered in pleasure as she proceeded to explore every inch of his mouth.
His cheeks. His gums. His teeth. His throat. Nothing was left untouched as she took extra care to ensure that not a single spot in darling's mouth missed out on the sensation of her tongue.
Realizing she could not ignore the burning of her lungs which demanded air as an essential need to continue living any further, reluctantly, she pulled away from their kiss with a loud smacking sound and knocked her horns against his forehead.
All the while gazing lovingly at his blue-green orbs.
Zero Two bit her lip as she dived in once more to sate her greediness.
With a final, hard lick on her darling's lips to seal the deal, she whispered lovingly to him,
"Still think I'm acting?"
Breathless and hazy with fluffy white clouds from the intensity of the physical act they had just indulged in, Hiro could only shake his head.
Grabbing his hands and ensuring they were interlaced once more, Zero Two started pulling her darling into their sacred chambers.
Into Strelizia.
"Time to ride your princess, darling."
Hiro couldn't help but mirror the grin currently on her face.