Goro stirred as the rays of morning sunshine shone on his face. Grumbling to himself about the regimented lifestyles that Parasites led, Goro yawned as he stretched out the kinks that had accumulated in his body.
His eyes glanced over to the bed where he expected to see Hiro still snoozing away, like the non-morning person he always was.
Or where Hiro was supposed to be.
"He's already up…? That's strange. Ah, no matter. Time to get freshened up."
Grabbing his toothbrush and mug from it's place on his bedside dresser, Goro yawned once more as he shuffled his feet towards the bathrooms.
"I have to be faster in grabbing those bread rolls at the breakfast table later, Futoshi keeps taking the entire basket for himself."
Grumbling to himself about those delicious rolls made of wheat flour that always seemed to be in short supply due to the plus sized Stamen's grabby hands, Goro would soon come to realize that bread would be the least of his concerns as he twisted open the door knob that led to the bathrooms.
His mug and toothbrush clattered loudly in the silence of the bathroom as he took in the sight before him.
Hiro was slumped on the ground, an arm draped around the bath as his body twitched harshly, but, that wasn't what horrified Goro and made him widen his eyes in fear. Being a Parasite had hardened him as he became used to sights of injury and death.
If Hiro had just merely collapsed from exhaustion or something similar, Goro would not have missed a beat as he called for medical assistance on his communicator. No that wasn't it. It was something else entirely. The sight of Hiro's broken body set off painful pangs in his heart, but it was something else that made Goro's entire body shake in fear.
A pulsating blue mass was throbbing on Hiro's naked chest.
Like an infection.
As Goro fought the urge to retch at the disgusting blue mass that throbbed and pulsed on Hiro's chest, he shook his body in a desperate attempt to revive his best friend.
"Hiro…! Hey, wake up! Hiro…!"
It was useless. Hiro's glassy eyes saw nothing even as Goro frantically shook his body in an attempt to revive him.
Meanwhile, the frothy red blood never ceased to drool out of the corners of his lips as Hiro remained unresponsive to Goro's attempts.
Seeing no other option available to him, Goro pulled out his communicator as he prepared to call for an emergency medical team to be sent to their location.
A hard grip on his wrist stopped him from doing so.
Turning towards the source of the clamping pressure on his wrist, Goro eyes met Hiro's harsh glare.
"What is with these abnormal Yellow Blood Cell counts?"
Nana questioned in concern as she brought up the latest reports from Hiro's medical file.
"I'm amazed he's even alive." She grimaced.
"Yeah, it's a polar opposite reaction to the other Parasites that rode with Zero Two." Hachi noted.
"It'd be dangerous to let him ride with her again when we don't know the cause."
Nana frowned as she realized the danger one of her precious charges was about to be in.
"But we need Strelizia in the upcoming battle." Hachi pointed out.
Exhaling loudly in the chilly air of the temperature controlled command center, Nana murmured her misgivings.
"The next time is the third ride, huh…?"
Stay safe, Hiro.
"DON'T BULLSHIT ME!"
This idiot! Did he really think that he could try and pass it off as a minor ailment? That he was "fine"?
Goro felt his intelligence being insulted at Hiro's bald-faced lie.
"How long have you been collapsed in here? How long were you unconscious? Answer me, dammit!"
Hiro couldn't bring himself to meet his eyes. His eyes were glued to the tiles of the bathroom's floor as he confessed the truth,
"I don't remember. I woke up in the dead of the night to wash my face and cool off. Next thing I knew, you were here, yelling at me."
"You... don't remember?"
Goro's eyes narrowed as he realized the severity of the health issues plaguing his best friend.
"Hiro... You're... you're sick. You need to get help. Real help. Look, let's just go to the medical bay and-"
"NO!"
The sheer panic in Hiro's voice shook Goro to his core. In his entire life that he'd known Hiro for, he had never heard him come across as this desperate.
Or scared.
"Please, if you do that, they'll stop me from piloting with Zero Two. I have to keep piloting Franxx. If I don't, then there's no way I'll be able to protect everyone."
Goro ground his teeth in frustration as he heard Hiro's rationale. Shutting his eyes, Goro's brain went into overdrive as it tried to seek any solution where he could keep Hiro safe. Hiro, with Ichigo by extension, were the closest thing he had to a family in this broken and war torn reality. He would do anything to keep them safe from harm.
Even if it meant sacrificing himself.
With a heavy heart, Goro offered himself on the altar of self-sacrifice.
I'll do anything to keep him safe.
"...Take Ichigo."
"...eh?"
Hiro's eyes widened at the ridiculous words coming out from his roommate.
"If it's just piloting you're after, you can take Ichigo and Delphinium. I'll pilot Strelizia in your stead, so you don't have to hurt yourself any further."
"...You'll die."
Sucking in the deepest breath he could muster, Goro flashed a brilliant smile. It was a smile that covered up the fears and anxiety he was currently experiencing.
A smile which tore at Hiro's heart the moment he saw it.
"If that's what it'll take to keep you safe, I'll gladly do it for you."
Hiro's heart clenched at the sight of his best friend offering himself as a human sacrifice in his attempt to secure his safety. His eyes watered with hot tears as he mentally kicked himself.
He had spent so much time in the past few days focusing on Ichigo that he forgot that he had another person that he called family.
He nearly forgot that Goro cared for him as well. With such a true friend by his side, how could he allow himself to let Goro risk death or injury piloting with Zero Two while he hid away in the safety of Delphinium along with Ichigo?
If he did that, he would consider himself to be the utter scum of the earth.
He would have to see it through the end, with his own hands. He would not run away.
Zero Two was his responsibility and no one else's.
"...I will keep piloting with Zero Two."
"But why? If you keep doing this, you might die!"
Hiro rose his eyes and locked his gaze with Goro. Expressing his true feelings about his current bond with the infamous Partner Killer.
"Goro...I feel really alive right now."
"...!"
A noise was caught in Goro's throat as he recognized that look in Hiro's eyes.
Hiro only carried that look when he had absolutely made up his mind. He knew that look.
After all, he had been friends with Hiro his entire life.
And he knew that nothing he could say from now on would be able to convince him otherwise.
"I haven't felt this way for a long time. My heart beats as if I've found my true calling in life." Hiro continued,
"I've never been happier in my life."
"...! You're happy?" Goro choked out.
"Yeah, and I want to give it my all in the upcoming mission. Along with everything possible in the future. I won't allow any more failures to occur."
"You're okay with this? Despite the pain and the risks... you're happy?"
Hiro grinned at Goro as he allowed his true feelings to surface.
"Yup!"
Casting his eyes downwards, towards his hands that were still clutched around his communicator. Goro felt the hammering of his heart as he realized he would have to make the most difficult decision in his entire life.
What would he value more in regards to Hiro?
His happiness?
Or his safety?
Just one click on the communicator and he would be able to guarantee Hiro's safety. On the screen of the communicator, the red icon of the emergency call taunted him as his fingers trembled.
He looked up once more at the pure smile that graced Hiro's face.
And made his decision.
"I'll turn a blind eye. I won't tell a single soul about this. Not even Ichigo."
Putting away the communicator in his jacket's pocket, Goro found that he did not possess the courage to meet Hiro's gaze.
"...Thank you."
As Hiro made to leave the room, Goro couldn't help but reach out to his best friend once more.
"You'll be happy right?"
"Yeah."
"This is what you want right?"
"Yeah."
"Even if it means your end?"
"Yeah."
As the tears broke out on his eyes, Goro held his face in his hands as he allowed his best friend to proceed with his own suicide.
"Then make it count! Be happy Hiro... No matter what, you have to chase that happiness and never let it go."
Hiro gently shut the door to the bathroom.
Flipping the sign outside to "OCCUPIED", he allowed Goro the privacy to shed his tears.
7 AM. Breakfast time.
Ichigo tapped her foot to pass the time as she rested against the grandfather clock on the stairs that linked both dormitory wings of the Parasite lodge. Going back to such a routine activity after the upheaval of the previous days provided a soothing and calming sensation to the blue haired Pistil. A smile broke across her face as she proceeded to indulge in one of her favorite childhood pastimes.
Escorting Hiro to breakfast every morning.
"Good morning! Did you sleep well?"
"Mhm, I did. Kinda wished breakfast was at 10 or something though, another 3 hours of sleep would be amazing..."
Ichigo rolled her eyes at that.
"Then it wouldn't even be breakfast anymore. You're thinking of brunch, which exists for those whose always sleep in whenever they're given the chance, like you." She teased.
Hiro made a sound of complaint as she skipped closer to him in order to begin her daily ritual of fussing over the raven haired boy.
Petting down the bed hair on his head that he'd missed and adjusting his bent collar, Ichigo's heart fluttered as she likened herself to a wife fussing over her husband before he'd left for work.
"Seriously, do you even comb your hair before coming downstairs?"
"Combing is overrated."
"And your collar too! Jeeze, you've got to start taking care of your appearance."
As Ichigo fussed over him, she slyly added,
"Or else no Pistil would ever want to be your partner you know."
Without missing a beat, Hiro deadpanned back to her,
"That's alright, if that ever happens, I can always fall back on you."
As the both of them laughed at his bad joke, Ichigo felt a creeping warmth spread across her cheeks. Having the old Hiro back and able to trade banter once more truly melted her heart.
She had missed this part of him the most. Ever since they had transferred to Plantation 13, she always felt the strain of comforting him throughout his periods of depression.
Seems like he's back to his old self now.
Perking up, she shifted the topic towards their last successful connection as they made their way to the mess hall.
"By the way, I was amazed that we managed to be so compatible in Delphinium. I was afraid that spending an entire year apart would have affected us, but it seems my fears were unfounded."
Ichigo's eyes flickered shyly towards him as she said that.
One of her greatest fears was having Hiro feel that she had changed as a Pistil during the past year where she was assigned to be Goro's partner.
No amount of words could state her relief when she found out that Hiro was able to connect with her and perform as flawlessly as they used to, back in the Special Tactical Fighter Training Group.
"Well, I have known you forever."
Yup! No one knew Hiro better than her.
"I knew you'd work something out."
Nodding her head, Ichigo vocalized her agreement.
"I'm glad you trust me so much."
Feeling her cheeks flush warmly at his smile, Ichigo turned her head as she proceeded to tease him.
"I was going to yell at you if you'd messed up, though."
"Ehhh? But that was an amazing dodge, I would have given it 70 points myself!" Hiro complained.
"More like 55 points. You overcompensated and your timings were too loose. You only got away with it because Zorome was a novice."
"Wow, hardass." Hiro smiled.
Bantering, teasing and subtle flirting. This was the sunny days that Ichigo looked forward to every single morning with him.
Days which brought a flush to her cheeks and a fluttering of her heart whenever she thought about them together.
Her hand crept closer to his as she tried not to seem too obvious with what she was attempting to do.
She recalled the warmth of their joined hands during their walk to the hangar. She remembered how he squeezed her hands in return in Delphinium's cockpit after the mock battle.
A little bit more and her perfect morning would be complete.
Holding hands whenever they were together. She liked the sound of that.
Just as she was about to close the final inches separating them and link their hands together, a familiar voice sounded off and shattered her wonderful dream of a perfect morning with Hiro.
"Morning, darling!"
Right. I was wondering when the homewrecker would show up.
Ichigo bitterly muttered to herself as she quickly withdrew her hand away.
"M-morning."
Don't stutter and blush like that just because she throws herself at you!
As Ichigo fumed to herself, Zero Two proceeded to pour kerosene on the raging flames with a single action.
"This way, silly~"
Zero Two immediately laced her hands around his as she proceeded to lead Hiro to the meals awaiting them at the boys table.
"Uh, wait..."
Flashing an apologetic smile towards her, Hiro looked away in embarrassment as he was dragged away by Zero Two.
Ichigo's left eye ticked in frustration.
"Hey hey! You're a girl! Why're you coming to sit here?" Zorome shrieked as Zero Two unceremoniously sat on Hiro's lap.
She wanted to do that too.
Ichigo decided she had saw enough and cut in.
"Take your seats already. Zero Two, return to the girls table. Everyone, it's time to pray."
Using her best "Team Leader" voice, Ichigo glared at Zero Two as she reluctantly shuffled her way back to the girls table.
Zero Two shot her a dirty look as she passed by,
"Bossy bitch."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Ichigo deadpanned back as Zero Two proceeded to furiously drown her entire plate of food in honey.
"Your Franxx all have unique designs."
Code 090 noted as the Plantation 13 squad brought their counterparts from Plantation 26 on a tour through the Franxx hangars.
"What are you talking about?" Goro queried.
Unique? What had he meant by that? He had assumed that Parasites throughout the Ground Forces were issued with customized Franxx like theirs.
"Aren't these the norm?" He finished.
"Of course not. For reasons regarding cost efficiency and teamwork, we are issued Standard Franxx in our Table of Organization and Equipment. That goes to all other squads that I know of as well."
"Huh..."
"I've been told you're a hastily assembled test team. That would explain the non-uniform designs of your Franxx. But, it leaves other questions unanswered."
"Which is?"
Goro scratched his head as Code 090 stopped in front of a familiar white and red Franxx. In front of Strelizia.
"I have never heard of a Franxx's design being modified after it has left the production line."
Code 090 pointed out to the upgraded machine that stood before him. Towards the inscription on the right breastplate of the iron maiden of steel.
FRX-01C.
Strelizia Custom.
Strelizia arm guards were removed in place of additional fixed armaments. Mounted on both forearms were a trio of steel tubes stacked upon each other such that it formed the shape of a triangle. At the flick of a switch, magma energy could be directed to super-heat these steel tubes and provide additional force behind it's blows.
These Magma Stakes were specifically designed to compliment the close quarters fighting style preferred by Hiro, where he seemingly preferred to close in and engage hand to hand with his opponents.
Glancing downwards, Goro saw that the armor plates covering Strelizia's kneecaps were removed. In it's place, an additional Magma Stake was installed on each leg such that a portion of the steel tubes extended outwards from it's kneecaps.
Removing the armor on the knee module to improve airflow and assist in cooling the Magma Stakes, Goro noted.
Additional boosters installed on the rear of each calf rounded off the modifications to Strelizia. Providing the dual purpose role of improving mobility and serving as an extra force multiplier in it's kicks.
Goro took in the sight of Strelizia Custom once more and made a tally of the modifications.
Three on each forearm, one on each leg.
All in all, Strelizia had the addition of eight Magma Stakes to call upon as part of it's fixed armaments.
Damn, Hiro. That looks amazing.
Giving an appreciative whistle, Goro marveled at Doctor Franxx's latest creation.
Some individuals however, proved to have a particularly bad case of sour grapes.
"That's just because he's Papa's golden boy, nothing more. We would get such upgrades if we had patches on our shoulders as well."
Zorome complained in jealousy as he took in the extent of Strelizia's changes. He wanted an upgrade to Argentea too! With a cool name like "Argentea Custom" or something like that!
Seems like we live in different worlds after all. We're just plebeians compared to the elites.
But Delphinium wasn't modified, despite it being piloted by a double digit duo, so what's was so special about Hiro?
Zorome's indignation was broken by the inquisitive voice of Code 090, who seemingly shrugged off Zorome's outburst without missing a beat.
"And that brings me to my second question."
"Which is?" Goro replied.
With piercing eyes, Code 090 inquired about the elephant in the room.
"Why is the Special Tactical Fighter Training Group even attached here to provide direct oversight towards this test team in the first place?"
Goro gulped as he couldn't find an answer to satisfy him.
"I can't believe she's late again! And during a multi-squad briefing no less! Hey Goro, you really need to keep a better eye on your Pistil or she's gonna keep running off with Hiro all the time."
Miku complained once more as she jabbed Goro with her elbows. He rolled his eyes as he let her continue.
"Seriously! Our squad looks like it's in total shambles right now! Mitsuru is still in the infirmary, our team leader is absent, Ikuno isn't here since there's no Stamen for her and now even Hiro has gotten lost somewhere. I bet we look like a total mess to Squad 26."
Goro shrugged his shoulders as he unleashed his ultimate weapon that he possessed in his "Team Dad" arsenal to calm irritated Pistils. This secret weapon was finely honed over the many years where he had plentiful chances to practice his technique on Ichigo.
It was a weapon so powerful, so secretive, that he had to carefully ration it's use to avoid it being resisted by the enemy through overuse.
He flexed his wrists as he prepared to unleash the famed Goro Headpats™.
With great power, came great responsibility.
With a solemn nod, Goro started to pet Miku's head.
"There there. I'm sure both of them have a good reason for running late."
He noticed the weird look that Zorome was giving him.
"What? You want some too? Well come over then, Daddy Goro has two hands to pet heads with." He deadpanned.
With a huff, Zorome glanced at Miku as he joined in on her complaining.
"Oh don't worry, I bet those elites didn't want to lower themselves by getting packed here with us in this crowded briefing room. I'm sure they'll get a special, private briefing later from Hachi."
Those two have more in common then they think.
Goro thought as he rolled his eyes.
Clearing his throat, Hachi stood in front of the main display of the briefing room as he grabbed attention from the combined Parasites of Squad 13 and 26.
"Settle down everyone. I'll now explain the defense plan for the upcoming Kissing operation."
Miku ceased her grumblings as she sat upright in her seat and paid attention to Hachi's briefing.
"We've detected Klaxosaurs an hour ago, at a distance of approximately 3000 meters. They number anywhere from 100 to 150."
A gasp rocked out from the side of the room where Squad 13 were huddled together.
"O-One hundred and fifty?!" Futoshi cried out.
"That number is expected to go even higher." Hachi nodded as he continued.
"Their estimated time of arrival is around 33 hours from now. No matter how we rush, we can't complete the kissing process before they get here. Thus, combat is unavoidable."
Every parasite in the room had their backs straighten up at Hachi's declaration. Even though they had the manpower of two combined squads, they would have to tackle an entire pack of Klaxosaurs head on. It was by no means a minor operation.
"So we're going to place a line of defense here, with Squad 26 at the vanguard."
A yellow line was drawn in front of both Plantations on the main display as the designated Main Line of Resistance.
"Squad 13 will standby in the rear as backup."
"What? Backup?" Zorome questioned as he looked towards Hachi for an explaination.
However, his query would be intercepted by Code 090 instead.
"This will be a chaotic dogfight. Our squad can link up better if we go at it ourselves. Besides, Squad 13 is under-strength isn't it? One of your Stamens is still bed ridden and you guys are a unit down. I think this is the best strategy."
"Tsk. Did he just call us dead weight?"
Miku muttered among her squad. But she knew, deep in her heart that Code 090 was correct. Their squad truly seemed like it was a lost cause from the way they had displayed their available strength, with nearly a third of their members missing or in the infirmary.
The sound of a cough drew attention to the front of the room once more.
"Moving on. Defending the main pipe linking the two Plantations together takes top priority. With that in mind, I have decided to deploy a Franxx that's capable of solo combat there."
Raising his hand, Code 090 asked the question that was on everyone's minds.
"Do we really have such a Franxx?"
His inquiry would be answered by the hissing sound of the door of the briefing room sliding open.
"That's...!"
"Alright, stick to the plan like we discussed. Ichigo, stand on his right. Zero Two, just hang back for a bit. You don't want to scare the Squad 26 newcomers off just yet."
"Tsk. Guess fame has it's disadvantages too huh, darling?"
Hiro rolled his eyes as the three of them stood outside the entrance of the briefing room as Nana gave out her instructions. He knew something was up when Nana called the trio on their communicators and made them tag along with her before the briefing commenced.
"Hiro, please don't bring that look on your face when you enter. This is a good morale boost to the Parasites. We will need every advantage we can get for the upcoming battle. Who knows? Maybe you'll save lives on the battlefield by inspiring them to fight harder."
He grimaced to himself at the sound of that. Nana was going to take full advantage of the fact that Plantation 13 currently possessed what remained of APE's top pilot squadron. His eyes flickered to the shoulder patches that both of them carried.
The wings of a Valkyrie with a dagger splitting it down the middle.
APE Special Tactical Fighter Training Group.
The Aggressors.
At that very moment, Hiro hated the fact that Ichigo and him was about to be used in what basically amounted to a propaganda move.
He just wanted to be treated like anyone else. To be sortied onto the battlefield and fight.
And to die.
Hiro felt the bubbling anger build up within him and threaten to spill out until he felt a warm sensation encase his right hand.
"It'll be okay. Just think about the good we'll do. Whatever happens, I'll always be by your side."
Exhaling loudly as he felt the tension leave his body, Hiro returned her squeeze.
Ichigo always had that magical effect of knowing exactly what to say to ground him back to reality.
That's the scary power of a childhood friend for you.
His musings was interrupted by a loud hiss and an increase in killing aura that made the back of his neck sweat.
Ohhhhh she's so gonna kill me later.
He winced as he felt Ichigo squeeze his hand even tighter in response to Zero Two's reaction behind them.
Yup. I'm dead for sure. I hope the locks to my room are still working.
Shaking his head to refocus himself, he heard Hachi's voice leak through the closed door of the briefing room.
"-Franxx that's capable of solo combat there."
"Not yet, wait for it..."
Nana's eyes narrowed as she hovered her access pass over the door's entry terminal.
"Do we really have such a Franxx?"
"Now!"
Nana's hiss was mirrored by the door as she unlocked the entrance to the briefing room.
Taking a deep breath and focusing on the warmth in his right hand. Hiro strode in step with Ichigo as they entered the briefing room to hushed silence.
Voice rapidly fell away as the Parasites in the briefing room quickly identified the newcomers. Even the usually rowdy Squad 13 followed suit as the entire room, buzzing with conversation and noise just moments before, fell into hushed silence.
Hiro felt every pair of eyes place their gaze on the both of them.
In that fleeting moment, he truly understood the responsibility he shouldered, and the duty he was entrusted with as APE's ace pilot of the entire Ground Forces.
And the legacy and heritage that he carried.
Hiro slowly walked towards the conference area, chin up and eyes looking forward. He was dressed in his normal uniform, the emblem of his pride fixed over his shoulders. Ichigo flanked him to complete the image, hands clasped with his, as Zero Two and Nana followed in his wake.
At that very moment, he took in and fully absorbed every sensation currently rolling through his body.
The waves of awe and admiration.
The warmth in his hand as Ichigo squeezed it to reassure him.
And the sight of the Parasites of Squad 26 slowly rising from their seats in respect as the twin sets of Wings and Daggers glinted under the lights as they strode towards the conference area. The only sounds being the rustling of fabric as it betrayed the silence of the briefing room.
This was why he poured his entire life and soul into piloting Franxx. This was his reward, richly deserved and fully earned.
Behind him, Zero Two looked around the room in muted awe as Squad 13 copied the actions of their counterparts and rose from their seats in deference as well. Although, Zorome had to be coaxed and tugged by Miku to follow her action.
"Have they no shame? It's an operational briefing, not an APE propaganda highlight reel." Zorome muttered.
"Just stand you idiot. You'll make us look bad if you keep sitting."
As Zorome complied to her insistent tugging, Miku felt a shiver run through her body as she realized how different Hiro looked.
A pleasurable shiver that made knots curl in her tummy.
With a fleeting surge of jealousy running through her as she witnessed how Ichigo strode alongside Hiro with her hand in his, Miku narrowed her eyes and shot a dirty glance at Ichigo.
Papa I wish that was me.
With a quick glance at Goro, Miku made a good-natured jab at Code 090's expense.
"He's outrageous! But you have to admire Hiro. There's poor Code 090. He's our field leader for the entire operation, but no one got up for him."
Goro gave a quick chuckle at Miku's jab, but there was a look in his eye that gave Miku pause as she noticed him shaking his head at the entire scene.
"...Goro?"
Shaking his head once more as he spoke in a hollow voice,
"No...no. I know that look in his eye. Hiro thinks-"
Miku held her breath as she awaited Goro to finish. Something in her mind told her that something was terribly wrong.
Goro felt off.
This was bad. Goro never felt off. Why was she getting such feelings of unease?
And then Miku realized the reason for her unease.
She had never seen Goro look so shaken during her entire time in the Squad.
"Hiro thinks he's the savior of Humanity." He spat out.
Miku blinked as her mind processed his words. Glancing at the duo that had stopped in the center of the conference area, Miku felt a sense of unease creep through her body.
As the impromptu ceremony died down, Code 090 motioned towards the Parasites to return to their seats as he stepped forward and extended his hand towards Hiro.
"Sir, it's an honor to serve with you. Will the Special Tactical Fighter Training Group be participating in the upcoming mission?"
Nodding stiffly, Hiro returned the gesture with a quick handshake.
"Yes."
At his curt reply, a round of cheers broke out among the Parasites of Squad 26. Nodding with a smile on his face, Code 090 continued,
"That's great to hear, sir. Would you prefer if I transferred field command to you?"
"Regrettably, I'll have to reject the offer. Strelizia will be held in reserve as the solo combat unit defending the pipeline. It won't be engaging in general combat duties on the MLR. You will have a clearer picture of the battlefield as compared to me and as such, you should retain field command."
"I see, in that case- Wait! Did you just say Strelizia?!"
With a final squeeze of his hands to reassure him for the upcoming confrontation, Ichigo nodded at Hiro as she released their hands and left his side to rejoin the rest of their Squad.
Hiro felt a soft grip on his shoulder as he heard a purr from behind him. The purr which never failed to cause him to shiver in pleasure and anticipation.
Oh that purr which made him think such naughty, naughty thoughts in his mind.
"Why yes, darling here is going to be my partner. You got any problems with that, fodder?"
"Code 002!"
Code 090 gasped in shock as he saw Zero Two reveal herself from Hiro's wake.
"I assume that Papa has given his approval to sortie Strelizia then?" Hachi asked Nana.
"Yes, we are a go. Hiro will pilot Strelizia as Zero Two's partner."
Hachi nodded as he agreed with Nana's clarification.
"This is the best course of action right now. Strelizia has unsurpassed performance among all of our units, even more so after it's recent upgrade."
"Got it." Hiro replied.
"Please, wait a second!"
All eyes fell on Code 090 as he strode forward to interrupt the current ongoing conversation occurring at the front of the briefing room.
Hiro noted how plainly obvious the agitation affecting him was.
"We can't fight alongside Strelizia!" He appealed.
"The plan is final." Hachi's cold voice booked no argument.
For once, your crappy personality is put to good use. Go Hachi!
Hiro felt a strange feeling creep up upon him as he realized that he was actually cheering Hachi on for the first time in his life.
...What am I even doing.
"But...! That girl doesn't care about her allies! We can't trust someone like the Partner Killer to have our backs! Code 002, you know what I mean."
"What are you talking about?" Zero Two cocked her head in puzzlement.
Everyone's ears perked up as they latched on the information Code 090 was about to provide them.
"The joint operation two years ago!" Code 090's voice cracked as he shouted.
"Your reckless fighting style got us isolated on the battlefield and I lose my partner!"
The entire Squad 13 froze as they watched Code 090, who they came to saw as a cool and composed figure, scream himself hoarse by the end of his rant.
Panting from exertion , Code 090 glared as he awaited Zero Two to defend her past actions.
However, if he was looking for an admission of guilt or sympathy, he had come to the wrong place.
Because she didn't give two damns about anyone except her darling.
"Huh... Doesn't ring a bell. Weaklings die. Big deal."
Hiro frowned at Zero Two's callousness. However, he would need to talk to her about that later.
Because he now needed to defuse an incoming fight from the approaching Code 090.
Putting himself in between Code 090 and Zero Two, Hiro proceeded to intercept the angry Stamen.
"I'll stop anything bad from happening. You have my word on that. I'm Strelizia's Stamen, I'll have control over Zero Two."
As Hiro finished his sentence, he facepalmed as he realized that he could have worded that better. He really was too easygoing in giving Zero Two ammunition to publicly embarrass him with.
"That's what he says, but you should see who's really in control when we're in bed-OOF!"
Zero Two's purring was cut off by a quick elbow jab from Hiro as he immediately covered her mouth and shushed her. He prayed to the heavens above that she wouldn't bite his hand as he wrestled her back towards the Squad 13 side of the conference area.
The warm, wet and sticky feeling of her licking his palms caused him to blush throughout the entire journey.
The cool refreshing night air rejuvenated Hiro after the drama in the briefing room. He knew going for a relaxing night walk alone was the correct idea. The sound of crickets soothed his mind as he drew the fresh and cooling night air into his lungs once more.
A rustling in the bushes alerted him that he had a visitor. Closing his eyes, he called out to the only person who he knew possessed the ability to predict his actions and find him in the forested areas of Mistilteinn.
In the dead of the night.
That's the scary power of a childhood friend for you. Seriously, is she a tracker or a childhood friend?
"Ichigo?"
"I'm sorry if I interrupted your relaxation. But there's something important that I need to talk to you about."
Her clear green orbs shone in the night as she approached him with a determined look on her face.
"Is something the matter?"
"In the upcoming mission, I want you to pilot Delphinium with me."
"...!"
Hiro gasped at the bluntness of her request. For Ichigo to be this direct with him, she must have truly felt as if she was backed into a corner. His heart clenched painfully at the thought that he might be hurting her once more.
"You know we can't do that. We're already a unit down since Mitsuru is still recovering. If we lose Strelizia too, the odds for the upcoming battle will be grim."
"I believe we can do it, if it's you and me in Delphinium. We can still protect everyone."
This was her last chance to save Hiro. Nothing else mattered anymore. She would gladly endure all the scorn in the world from her squad that she was being an unfaithful Pistil to Goro if it meant saving Hiro.
Because the next ride was the 3rd time.
And it would kill him.
"If you do that, who will Goro pilot with?"
Hiro pointed out the usual flaws in her plan. This was the elephant in the room whenever Ichigo wanted to return to their previous piloting relationship as a permanent measure.
However, he had underestimated Ichigo's dedication.
"Ikuno and Chlorophytum are still available. Goro can go with them."
Hiro's eyes widened at her suggestion.
This girl really planned it out before coming here, huh?
"Ichigo... Do you understand what you are even suggesting? Do you know how will everyone view you if you pull this off?"
Hiro attempts at gently persuading her was an utter failure as he underestimated the depths of Ichigo's devotion once more.
"I don't care. Even if the entire world hates me, I will protect you, Hiro."
"Papa has already issued sortie orders for Strelizia. Zero Two will be sent out and someone else would have to take my place. Are you saying you would sacrifice Goro just to keep me safe?" Hiro accused.
Ichigo's voice choked in her throat at Hiro's tone. She...She...
Just say yes. Burn this entire world down if you have to. Protect Hiro at any cost.
But no matter how much her mind whispered the toxic thoughts of throwing everything aside to be with him, Ichigo recalled the goofy smile on Goro's face.
She couldn't bring herself to trade one life for another.
She wasn't a heartless witch.
Hot tears welled in her eyes as she realized she had reached the limits of her persuasion.
Hiro's heart ripped itself to pieces as he saw the tears stream down Ichigo's face. But it was a necessary evil, he told himself. He needed to protect everyone, with his own hands.
Zero Two was his responsibility and no one else's. He couldn't just dump that onto another Stamen and condemn them to death.
Not especially if it was Goro's life at stake.
Hardening his heart, he whispered an apology to the sobbing Ichigo as he made to return back to the Parasite lodge. His teeth chattered as he heard the cries of Ichigo behind him as he forced his body to drive every foot forward into the ground away from her.
He made Ichigo cry again.
He had fucked up once more.
Shivering from the emotions that ran through his body, Hiro cursed himself to the grave as he struggled to increase the distance between them.
That was until he felt an impact his back and an embrace of arms holding him dear.
Ichigo's quivering voice betrayed her emotional state as she more or less outright begged him to stay.
To stay with her, by her side.
"I won't let you!"
"...Ichigo?!"
The arms she had locked around his waist tightened painfully as Ichigo put every ounce of her strength into restraining the raven haired boy.
She would beg and grovel on the muddy ground if needed. She would do anything to keep him safe.
"I'm not letting you go! If you go back to her, your life is forfeit! I'll lose you forever!"
As her voice rang out in the silence of Mistilteinn's forests, Ichigo continued,
"I'll rather die than let that happen!"
Hiro felt his eyes water as the raw emotions released from Ichigo slammed into his heart.
There she was, sobbing and screaming her heart out, begging him to stay. He felt disgusted at himself for hurting such a pure soul like her.
But he had to go.
This broken world wasn't kind to pure souls like Ichigo.
Sometimes, desire found itself powerless in the face of fate.
With tears dripping from his face, he gently stroked the hands that were locked around him.
"I'm scared too, you know."
"...!?"
Ichigo's eyes widened at the honesty in his voice.
"I know I'm probably going to die the next time I get onboard Strelizia, and that scares me. It scares me more than anything. I'm just putting on a brave front, to be honest."
"If so!... Then just come with me! Hiro-"
"But I must go."
With a gentle but firm application of force, Hiro pried open her interlocked fingers and released himself from her grip.
"...Why? Why do you go so far? For someone like her? To the point you're willing to throw your life away like it means nothing to you...!"
Hiro turned around as he saw the shivering wreck that was currently Ichigo.
Extending his hands out, he stroked her cheek as he replied.
"It's not about Zero Two. It's about what I want to protect. And there are some things in my life that I have to protect. No matter what."
His blazing green-blue orbs told her exactly what he had meant by that.
Which made her feel even worse.
"You don't need to protect me. I'm an ace pilot like you. I can protect myself, or even better, we can protect each other! So please, pilot Delphinium with me once more!"
Hiro shut his eyes as he prepared to let her down and shatter her heartfelt appeal.
"I will not trade one life for another. With my very own hands, I will pilot Strelizia and protect everyone. Especially you."
Ichigo heart froze as she recognized the conviction in his eyes.
Of course she recognized it, she knew him better than anyone.
"So you've made your final decision then."
"Yeah. I have."
Ichigo wiped the tears off her face using the sleeves of her pajamas. She wanted herself as clean as possible for the next step.
Because it might be the final chance she could get.
"I don't agree with you... But there's something I have to tell you before you go."
There's a strange look in her eyes. Something bad always happens when she gets that fire lighted up in her eyes.
"Yeah, you can tell me anythin-!"
His voice was cut off by the sensation of her lips crashing against his. With his brain self-destructing from the unexpected events that had just occurred, Hiro began to idyllically compare her kissing technique to Zero Two.
Well I take it back, maybe I was wrong when I assumed something bad would happen.
Unlike Zero Two, Hiro could feel her lips quivering as Ichigo forced herself to perform a bold act that was completely unlike her usual demure self.
His heart melted in adoration as felt her body shiver in fear as she pressed herself forward into the kiss. Her hands cradling his face as she poured her heart out through the current physical act of affection between them.
Always forcing herself to do things she was uncomfortable with for his sake. Idiot Ichigo, stop pushing yourself so hard all the time.
After what seemed like an eternity, Ichigo pulled away from their shared kiss.
Hiro's eyes followed the bridge of saliva that connected their lips as if it's swaying hypnotized him. It's slight swaying motion imparting Hiro with a flush of heat that raced through his body as he comprehended the sheer lewdness that such a display provided.
How could something so wrong feel so right?
The snapping of the thread of saliva finally brought him back to his senses and he shook his head to refocus his attention towards Ichigo, whose blazing green eyes shone with passion.
With nothing left to lose, Ichigo pushed forward as she confessed her heart out for the second time with the clearest language she could find within herself.
"I enjoyed the kiss we shared during the mock battle. I want to be with you forever!"
Hiro's heart surged forward in happiness until a dark whisper stopped all of that. The dousing of his happiness felt like a bucket of iced water was dumped on his head.
He had already pledged himself to Zero Two.
This wasn't going to work. No matter how much their chemistry sparked in the current atmosphere of racing hearts between them.
He belonged to Zero Two.
Fear gripped Hiro's body once more as he realized the mistake he was about to make.
But what if the mistake feels so right? What then?
Harshly squeezing his eyes shut, Hiro couldn't help but listen to the rest of Ichigo's confession.
"I can do anything for you. It's true. I mean, I've always... You've always been my everything."
Stop, Ichigo. Please stop, if you go any further...
"Ever since we were kids, I've-"
Something between us will irreversibly change!
"I've always, always had eyes for you alone."
What was this creeping sense of fear and anticipation that filled his body? This was wrong! He didn't want this!
Or did he?
"I..."
STOOOOOP!
With a final punch to his chest to hype herself up, Ichigo's eyes shone with unshed tears as she cried out the words that buried their current status as childhood friends into the grave.
"I love you, Hiro!"
At that very moment, there was no one else in the entire world who Hiro hated more than himself.
For feeling his heart flutter from the wave of thrill that washed over his body.
Even though his mind screamed at him that this was wrong, his heart betrayed him.
As if the universe itself was having a laugh at his current predicament, the first drops of rain began to fall.
Goro glanced at the clock in the courtyard and yawned. How long did Ichigo plan to take? Ever since he noticed her sneaking off into the forest in the dead of the night, he already knew the reason for her breaching of their curfew.
Not like it was difficult to tell, the way she wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to Hiro.
Goro rolled his eyes as he realized figuring out the rationale behind Ichigo's irrational behavior didn't exactly require an expert detective to solve.
The soft patters of footsteps alerted him to her return from her late night rendezvous.
Ichigo looked absolutely devastated.
Glancing downwards for a moment as he felt a stab of pain shoot through his heart at her sorry state, he called out to Ichigo and flung the hand towel he was holding on for her.
"Here, you'll catch a cold."
Ichigo made a squeak as the dry and warmed fabric collided with her head. Unable to bring herself to meet his eyes, Ichigo muttered,
"Thanks. I just went out to take care of something."
"I know. Hiro, right?"
"...!"
"Come on, give me some credit. I'm not that oblivious."
Ichigo's eyes widened in fear as she questioned Goro.
"Did you see the whole thing?"
"No, I tried to give you guys your privacy so I waited in the courtyard. I didn't hear anything as well."
Ichigo felt terrible at herself for suspecting Goro of spying on them. He wasn't the type of person who would do that. Yet, she immediately latched on to the worst case scenario.
She really was a terrible person.
"I don't know what to do."
At the end of her rope, Ichigo found herself spilling everything out for Goro to hear. Goro, to his credit, understood perfectly the symptoms of a distressed Ichigo and prepared to listen to her troubles.
"I'm supposed to be the leader, and he and I go way back, but I couldn't stop Hiro from going back to Zero Two and throwing his life away."
Goro nodded as he allowed her to continue.
"I couldn't stop him. But she's there for him now, and that's what Hiro wants, apparently."
Goro scratched his head as he wondered how he could calm her down.
That was until he heard Ichigo utter something that made the blood in his veins turn to ice.
"But I'll stop them, no matter what, I will save Hiro. Even if he hates me, I will protect him."
"...!"
"I will protect him... I will protect him... I will protect him..."
As Ichigo's desperate mind broke down, she found herself mumbling to no one in particular.
"Hey! Stop that! Wake up Ichigo, this isn't like you!"
Shaking her by the shoulders, Goro desperately tried to pull Ichigo back to reality.
"What do you know about me and him!? I tried so hard. I tried and I tried and I tried. But he keeps going back to her! It's easy for someone like you to let it go easily-" Ichigo snapped at him.
"That's not true, he's my best friend-" Goro found himself cutoff by Ichigo's shouting.
"That's different! I don't see him as a mere friend, I want something more than that! I love him!-"
"I LOVE HIRO TOO!"
"...!"
Shocked into silence from Goro's outburst, Ichigo's eyes widened at the panting boy in front of her that was hunched over, gasping for breath.
Filling his sore lungs with air, Goro jabbed an accusing finger towards Ichigo.
"I love Hiro too! He's the closest thing I have to a family! You think I see him just as a 'best friend'? He's my brother!"
"Goro..." She murmured.
"If there was only a single grave between me and him, I would gladly jump in and bury myself to ensure his safety."
"So you do agree with me then-"
Her heart shattered once more for the second time of the night as Goro furiously cut her off.
"But! But...!"
Placing his hands over her shoulders and fixing his determined eyes onto her green orbs, Goro did the one thing Ichigo feared the most.
He betrayed her.
"Ichigo, we have to stop caging him."
"What are you talking about...? Goro...? Have you gone insane? Are you listening to yourself?"
Ichigo frantically laughed as she heard the insane words leave the lips of her best friend.
Surely Goro wouldn't believe that-
Her thoughts were interrupted as Goro reaffirmed his insanity.
"He's happy Ichigo. He's the happiest he's ever been in his life. We have to let him go now. Let him spread his wings and soar, even if it brings his demise. Because he deserves happiness, more than anyone of us." Goro continued.
"Ichigo, we cannot chain him down to the earth with our selfishness anymore."
As those words left his mouth, Goro felt himself forcefully shoved backwards.
Hard.
But if he thought the notion of Ichigo getting physically aggressive was one thing that surprised him, nothing could prepare him for what came next from her.
He heard her hiss sharply through clenched teeth.
Goro choked on his saliva when he heard that. Never in his entire life had he ever heard Ichigo sound in that manner.
Never.
Goro gulped in fear at the harsh glint that lit up her green orbs and tainted it's beauty.
"If no one else cares about Hiro's safety, I will."
"Ichigo! That's-"
"If no one else wants to protect Hiro, I will."
"You don't understand, I want to protect him too-"
"If no one else bothers to think of his well-being, I will."
"Just calm down Ichigo, let's talk it out! We can figure something out!"
Despite the amount of pleading Goro had inserted in his voice as he begged Ichigo to return to reason, the sharp glint in her eerily clear green eyes struck fear into his heart.
"You know Goro... I thought you of all people would understand. But no matter, I'll protect Hiro by myself if I have to."
Ichigo smirked at the shivering blonde that laid on the ground before her.
"Hey, darling."
"Mmm?"
"The next ride is the 3rd time you know?"
"Yup."
"Scared?"
"Yup."
"Good. I'm scared too."
"That makes two of us, then."
As he snuggled into Zero Two's embrace on her bed, he felt the blue pulsing mass on his chest being gently massaged by her soft hands.
Peering out the window into the morning sunlight, he noticed a bird soaring through the skies.
Before it crashed into the transparent glass dome that surrounded Mistilteinn with a sickening crunch.