Chapter 5: Human Emotions

Parasites were begin to feel emotions and start to to understand a little about being human, a few a least.

During the night, Plantation 13 began its link with Plantation 26.

On the sidelines, Squad 13 except for Zero Two were watching the two plantations connect.

Zorome was having something on his mind. "What is kissing?"

"Gee, you watched this whole time and still don't know it," Miku criticized while having her hands on her hips.

Zorome felt irritated at the smart remark. "Oh yeah, if you know then explain."

Miku was taken aback. "Uhh...it's...well...it's when two Plantations are stuck together."

"Yes, but, there was more to it than that," Kokoro commented

"True, there is also the transfer of magma fields between the Plantations, through that big pipe," Ikuno summarized.

"That fuel is essential for both adults and them to survive and Franxx needs it to operate," Mitsuru added.

Zorome started to get it. "Oh, so, we can relax, right?"

Goro thought otherwise. "Not exactly, it's a large-scale transfer of magma energy which could attract a large number of klaxosaurs,"

"Seriously?" Zorome asked nervously.

"Not to mention, those Predacons are still out there too," Futoshi reminded sharing his teammate's reaction.

Hiro didn't seem at least nervous. "Don't worry, we have Streliza and the Maximals on our side."

"He's right," Ichigo agreed sadly.

The next day, a grand ceremony was conducted with the utmost solemnity. The children of Plantation 26 also attended.

"Boys and girls, the klaxosaurs will surely attack our plantations in great numbers, but, we know you all are up to the challenge!" An adult announced.

"Not only that!"

The Maximals attended the ceremony, and some of them had their thoughts on this scene.

Silverbolt was waving at the humans. "It's an honor to join in a battle with humans."

Cheetor was smiling happy. "Talk about welcome wagon."

Rattrap was feeling awkward. "Gee, do these have to get as much attention?"

Striker stopped at some humans and bowed his head. "It's an honor to assist you all in this war."

"Our new allies the transformers known as Maximals shall help in the battle against Klaxosaur as well as the new enemies the Predacons, with them, any future battles will end in our victory!"

Cheer roared throughout the area.

"I can sense...no...we can sense that a great battle was approaching..." Hiro thought.

At the boarding house, Goro was awake and putting on his uniform. "Alright, time to get up." He didn't get a response from his roommate and reached his hand out. "Rise and shine, sleepy head." The second he placed his hand on his cheek, he felt a burning feeling and sweat on his hand.

Hiro began to wake up looking pale, though, he eventually got up and went to the boy's bathroom with Goro to wash up. "Are you feeling okay, your body was burning up."

After washing his face, Hiro dried his face off with a towel. "I'm fine I feel light on my feet."

Goro glanced at his teammate still not convinced. "You're not lying, are you?"

Hiro looked at his teammate with an assuring smile. "Of course not, I'll be willing to train again." Despite the claim, Goro's suspiciousness didn't leave, though, he didn't want to start any arguments, so he decided to let it go, for now.

M

At the Maximal base

Blackarchnia was feeling exchausted. "Dang, that ceremony felt like it went on forever."

"Yeah, getting such cheer was an honor," Cheetor spoke out. "I mean, it's been so long we hung out with humans."

Rattrap was sitting on a chair. "Yeah, but, those humans couldn't stop staring at us with those smiles."

"Feeling embarrassed, Rattrap?" Cheetor teased with a grin.

"Shut up!" Rattrap retorted feeling embarrassed.

Rhinox cleared his throat. "Anyway, we should try to keep an eye out of Klaxosaur, with this new scanner." He went to the control panel and pressed a few buttons then a screen popped up, not showing as the scanner began to search around the area.

"Wow, sounds like you updated the scanners," Cheetor glowed in amazement.

Rhino nodded. "Yes, so, technically, we can scan for Predacon or Klaxosaur movements, though, for now, no detecting enemies."

Silverbolt had a thought to share. "Impressive, I wonder what our enemies are up to now."

Otimpus had similar thoughts. "Yes, Megatron has gotten new Predacons, it's possible there could be more Stasis Pods. If Megatron gets his hands on them, he'll try to reprogram them." He looked at his team. "Cheetor and Silverbolt you two will scout around the area, and report if you notice anything suspicious.

"Right, big bot!" Cheetor saluted.

Silverbolt bowed. "As you wish."

"Blackarchnia, Rattrap, you two will look after Hiro and his friends,"

"Aww, do we have to babysit those kids?" Rattrap pouted.

"Not like we have a choice," Blackarchnia shrugged despite not liking the order.

"Striker, you'll guard the base for today and Rhinox, continue building new gadgets, and perhaps build more of those big training Franxx."

Striker saluted. "As you command."

Rhinox nodded. "I'll do what I can."

Later that day, the parasites all talk in the boarding house's living room.

Kokoro was the first to speak out. "Yesterday's ceremony was something, I was so excited I had trouble falling asleep last night."

"Plantation 26 squad leader seems like a nice guy," Miku agreed.

"Is he someone you'd like to ride with?" Kokoro asked curiously.

Miku felt a little awkward at that question. "Better than him than any of the boys we're stuck with, right?" She asked glancing at Ikuno.

Ikuno closed her eyes not facing the pig-tailed girl. "Not really, I couldn't care less."

Miku narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "What a wet blanket."

Zorome felt ecstatic and shared his thoughts. "It gives you a confidence boost when the adults have faith in you."

"Yeah, plus, it shows how much they need us." Futoshi agreed placing his hand over his chest.

"We believe you are up to the challenge, you are strong and all of you will bring us victory!" Zorome proclaimed as a few parasites laughed happily. "As the strongest, I'll lead us to that victory."

ichigo thought otherwise. "I think you mean, Hiro is the one to lead us." Hiro was utterly stunned at that.

Kokoro agreed. "That's right, you accel in that last battle."

Futoshi had a question. "Though, are you feeling okay?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," Hiro replied.

Miku was relieved. "Looks like that rumor of three times dying was just nonsense."

"Either way or the guy is just compatible with the girl," Ikuno commented.

"Thanks, guys, although, it took us all including the Maximals to win that battle, I had trouble keeping up at times," Hiro spoke with a confident tone in his voice. "So, I hope you can-"

Knock knock

"Who is that?" Miku asked.

"I'll get it," Goro said going to the front door. "Rattrap, Blackarchnia, come in."

"Looks like two Maximals decided to show up," Futoshi said with a smile.

Kokoro stood up. "Hey, you guys were a big help, you really and your friends came through for us."

Rattrap was motioning his hands. "Yeah, yeah, no need to get all gushy."

"Anyway, how are things going?" Blackarchnia asked.

Hiro decided to continue what he was saying. "Well, I know, our alliance with Maximals is still new, but, I know we can trust them." He smiled warmly at the transformers and he looked back at his squad. "Also, as long as I can keep riding I hope you all will accept me as a teammate."

A 'hmph' was heard from Zorome, who had his arms crossed and looked away. "Don't get cocky!" Every squad and two Maximals looked at the boy. "I mean you just got through one time."

Rattrap had to agree. "The little punk has a point, one slip up and you're a goner."

Wham

"Great, we got two downers now," Goro groaned.

"Rattrap, Zorome..." Hiro got up from the couch and approached the two. "I'll try hard not to be a burden to you or others, so, let's fight together." He offered his hand to shake.

Zorome and Rattrap were taken by surprise.

"Uhh...well..fine...if you're making a big scene, then just try to keep up, okay?" Zorome said shaking his squadmate's hand first.

Hiro offered his hand to Rattrap next. "Oh, sure thing, just don't try to get killed." He looked at Blackarchnia. "Blackarchnia, I hope that we and my team can be friends."

Blackarchnia was speechless for a minute and began to rub her head. "I hope you can...back up those words..." Hiro just smiled warmly at the spider robot.

No one saw Mitsuru leave expect for Kokoro.

The bell rang for breakfast, the parasites were already ahead.

"Hiro, hang on a sec," Hiro stopped as Ichigo's hands tugged at his collar. "Sorry, your collar was bent out of shape, you need to take care of these sorts of things."

They walked down the stairs continuing their conversation. "By the way, I was amazed you were able to find out what was going on with me from that last battle."

"Well, I knew you forever,"

Ichigo continued to walk down "Which is why that I knew you'd work something out."

Hearing that made Hiro feel happy. "Glad you trust me."

Ichigo made it the way to the bottom with a smile on her face. "Don't think I wouldn't chew you out if you messed up."

Hiro chuckled at those words. "Wow, you're such a hardass." He felt a little disappointed. "I wish the Maximals could have joined us."

Ichigo just smiled. "Don't worry, we'll be able to have a feast with them someday." They eventually arrived at the dining room. "Anyway, I want to say back-"

"Go morning darling!" Zero Two approached her partner and took his hand. "This way."

"Hey, you can't sit there, you're a girl," Zorome exclaimed.

"Yeah, that's my chair too," Futoshi added pointing at the chair.

"Pipe down," Ichigo ordered. "It's time for us to praise, be seated."

Futoshi understood but still had a problem. "But, my seat is...umm..." Kokoro had an idea. "Would you like to sit next to me?" Futoshi felt happy to hear that much about Zorome's chargin'.

"May Papa never thirst...may Papa's heart peace for all eternity..." Ichigo chatted while Zero Two poured honey on her beard. "Now let us eat."

"Now let us eat..." The other parasites repeated their leader's last words.

"Here you go darling, say 'ah'." Zero Two held up a piece of bread to his face. Hiro looked at the beard for a second until he took a bite.

"Delicious?" Zero Two asked affectionally.

"Yes," Hiro replied.

Goro and Zorome stared at the scene across from them. "Lucky jerk, wish I had a girl that would feed me," Zorome muttered.

"Why not ask your partner?" Goro suggested.

Zorome just let out a fake laugh. "I'd rather get a hot girl like Kokoro but she would never-" He was soon in awe as he saw Kokoro feeding Futoshi, who seemed to be enjoying it.

"Gee, you got to be so influenced," Miku spoke with a creepy smile which startled Zorome and he backed off.

Goro then saw Ichigo was holding her cup and looked like she was lost in thought.

A short time later, Hiro was asked by Zero Two to show her around the boarding house.

They soon came to the hallway that had large windows and they looked outside.

"This entire forest was designed to find the parasites' numbers, apparently," Hiro explained.

"Is that why there's a ceiling over it," Zero Two asked curiously.

"Probably, but, even with the ceiling, it's not like it doesn't rain."

Hearing that poked Zero Two's curiosity. "Wait, rain?" Hiro nodded. "It's water that pours down from the sky."

Zero Two was more curious and eager to see that. "Ooh, I want to see that, make it rain."

Taken off guard by that request, Hiro replied. "I'd liked to, but, papa decides when it needs to."

Zero Two looked a little disappointed. "Just do it, right now." Hiro turned his head. "I can't..." Zero Two looked back at the window disappointed.

Later, they went to the boy's room, Hiro had a question. "So, why the sudden interest in asking me to show you around the place?"

"Why, because I'm going to live here now," Zero Two replied bouncing gently on the bed. Hiro was slightly surprised.

Goro was outside the hallway watching and then Zorome arrived.

"Hey, this is the boy's wing, get her out of here this instant!" Zorome demanded.

Hiro was feeling a little embarrassed and took hold of Zero Two's hand and escorted her out.

Zorome and Goro saw their teammates holding hands. "Good grief, look at them holding hands." Zorome groaned in envy.

M

At the Maximal's base.

Rhinox continued working on his Gatling guns. "Hmm...this new weaponry should help me in future battles." He saw his friends' other blasters. "Got more to upgrade."

Optimus was walking by and saw that Rhinox was working hard. "Rhinox..." He thought.

Rhinox turned to see his leader. "Optimus, do you need something?"

"Not at all, I was just passing by," Optimus replied. "But, it seems that you're working hard, so, why not take the rest of the day off, and go smell some flowers like you did on prehistoric earth."

"Are you sure, I still have some do some upgrades on our weapons," Rhinox reminded pointing over his shoulder at his team's weapons.

Optimus nodded which Rhinox noticed and reverted to his beast form. "I appreciate your generosity, I'll be back later tonight."

Back at the Plantation's headquarters conference room.

Ichigo was having a conversation with Nana. "Zero Two is going to remain with you guys and Papa gave her permission."

"Does that mean Hiro is an official parasite now?" The squad leader asked.

"At the moment that's still under consideration, but, I assume that'll happen," Nana replied. "Ichigo, make Zero Two feel at home."

Ichigo walked out of the room and was greeted by Goro, the two kids were riding the elevator.

Goro decided to ask Ichigo about Hiro. "Ichigo, what do you think about Hiro's acting?"

"Well, it's been so long since I've seen him smile like that," Ichigo replied.

Goro put his left hand in his pocket glancing at his partner. "Yeah, but, what if he was forcing himself to smile like that."

Ichigo wondered what he meant by that. "Did he say something?" Goro turned away for a moment. "No, you know he wouldn't tell us straight out, but you could ask-"

"Goro..." Ichigo interrupted as the door to the elevator opened. "I know you're worried about Hiro, that's fine, but we have to look after ourselves."

Goro knew his partner had a good point, but, he still had concerns.

A short time later, Goro was walking in the forest. "Damn...Hiro..." He began thinking about Hiro's condition, despite how much he wanted to inform Ichigo, he knew he had to take his leader's words to heart.

Suddenly he heard a rustle in the nearby bushes. "Who's there?" From the other side of the bushes was Rhinox in his beast form.

Goro fell backward on the ground. "Oh sorry, did I startle you?" Rhinox asked.

Goro rubbed his head while chuckling weakly. "Kinda, but, I'm okay, I didn't expect you to be here in the forest." He went to the other side of the bushes wanting to know rhino maximal to see what he was doing and he saw some flowers that were a few inches away from the bushes.

"What'd you doing with these flowers?" Goro asked.

"Just smelling flowers," Rhino replied.

Goro was puzzled at that answer. "Smelling flowers, why do you do that?"

Rhinox saw no problem with answering. "Just a hobby that I do, when my team and I were on another planet, I would usually use whatever time to smell some flowers."

Goro was a bit puzzled still, though, he decided to join in. "Mind if I smell one too?"

Rhino smiled slightly. "Sure." Goro crouched down picked a flower in his hand and took a whiff. "Wow, it smells nice." Rhinox chuckled a bit. "I take it that you never did something like this, did you not?"

Goro rubbed his head chuckling. "Well, we're mostly training and focusing on fighting those Klaxosaur."

"I see..." Rhinox said seeing that the kids don't get much free time. "How are your friends doing now?"

Goro paused for a moment, suddenly remembering Hiro's condition. "Well...no...but, can I ask you a question?"

Rhinox nodded. "Yes, what is it?"

Goro decided to choose his words carefully. "If one of your teammates was in pain or something, but that teammate just forced themselves to act tough and put on a cheery expression and continued to work their hardest regardless seeing how much pain they were in, what would you do?"

Rhinox was silent for a minute before he spoke. "Well...honestly, I would be worried, but our leader decides what to do for our teammates."

Goro was a little surprised. "But, what if that teammate was in much pain, why would you let that teammate continue-" He paused as he saw a smile on Rhino's face. "I can understand you have a lot on your mind, whatever is going through it, you need to focus, if you lose that focus, it'll affect your teammates and things can get out of hand."

Goro tilts his head. "I see...I guess..."

Rhinox could see that the young boy didn't understand much. "Maybe this will help you, I'll share a tale of one of my missions." He began to explain about him and his teammates Rattrap, Dinobot, and Cheetor becoming blind due to an explosion of energion crystals.

In the greenhouse, Mitsuru was seemingly frustrated. "Damn...why...him...not me...?" He took pills and shoved them into his mouth, then he coughed on them. "What is the difference between Hiro and me?"

He heard the door behind him open and saw Kokor holding a water pail. "Mitsuru...?" The parasite stood back up not looking at her. "Yeah, what is it?"

Kokoro took a few steps forward before stopping. "I saw you coming in here, so I followed, are you feeling alright, you look like something has been bothering you lately?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry about it," Mitsuru quickly answered.

Kokoro wasn't convinced. "If you need my help, I'll be happy to assist you, you're so tough and-"

"Are you giving me pity?" Mitsuru asked coldly and walked past her. "Just leave me alone."

Back at the boarding house sunset arrived, Ichigo took Zero two to the attic and began to make her bed. "This is going to be your room for the time being."

Zero Two was disappointed. "I'd rather be with my darling."

Ichigo continued to make the bed. "You're going be here for a while, right? You'll have to follow our rules and don't expect any special treatment." There was a small tension in the air. "Also, you better take care of Hiro."

"I don't need you to tell me that." Ichigo turned to look at the horned girl. "Listen, Hiro doesn't belong to anyone."

Zero Two turned her eyes to look at Ichigo's direction. "You're pretty bossy aren't you?"

"Thanks for the compliment," Ichigo replied throwing Zero Two's pillow on her bed.

Hiro was in the bathroom wetting his face looking restless and began to clutch his chest seemingly in pain.

Goro was at the FRANXX docking station and was thinking about his chat with Rhinox.

F

"So, your friends were blind and they began to panic," Goro said.

Rhino was sitting on the ground. "Yes, I can understand how they felt, but, they had to keep calm, because not only we were vulnerable to our enemies, but if we didn't reach our base in sixty cycles, the contaminants would put our sparks out for good." Rhinox looked at the sky as a small gasp was heard from Goro. "My point is, no matter how dire a situation gets, the important thing is to keep a light head, otherwise, it'll affect your team as well as others too."
B

Zoro looked down at the floor. "To remain calm...no matter how dire a situation gets." He repeated Rhinox's words.

"Goro!" Zorome called from afar with squad 26 along with Ikuno, Zorome, and Futoshi.

The leader of squad 090 was starting a conversation. "Interesting, your Franxx has all unique designs."

"What are you talking about?" Goro asked.

Ikuno shared her teammate's question. "We thought that was standard."

"Of course not, our Franxx's has similar bodies and equipment, that makes us fight easily together." 090 explained. "We were told that you were a hastily assembled test team, so, does that mean this was the first time encountering kissing?"

Goro answered that question. "Yes."

"I see..." 090 stopped and looked at Squad 13 with a small. "Then we're vastly more experienced than you are, if you have a question, then ask us."

Zorome raised his arm excitedly. "I have one, did anyone from your squad become adults yet?"

090 had a puzzled expression on his face. "Become...adults?"

A squad member with a bandaged head tapped his leader's shoulder. "He probably doesn't know."

The 26 squad leader realized the question. "I see, that's what you mean, I'm sorry, but no."

Zorome was slightly disappointed but had one more question. "Oh well...did you hear any rumors about it?"

"No, I'm sorry," 090 replied.

"What the heck," Zorome muttered disappointedly.

"You care about that, don't you," Futoshi said seeing his friend's expression.

"Because I'm not a simpleton like you Futoshi," Zorome groaned.

"How peculiar," Goro looked at code name 090. "I mean your nicknames, that was code name 016, who started coming up with them, correct?"

Goro was surprised that Squad 26's leader knew about Hiro. "Hold on, you know about Hiro."

The other boy looked away. "Yes, he's famous among us children, you guys are truly unusual, Franxxs designs all over the place, using nicknames instead of code numbers, what is the point of that anyway?"

Goro was unsure how to answer that until the boy looked at him again. "By the way, what do you think of those machines, I believe, they're called Maximals, right?"

"Yeah, they're nice guys, even though, some of them have unique personalities," Goro replied. "Heck, I just had a conversation with one, his name is Rhinox, and he seems like a nice guy and knows how to deal with serious situations, always keeping a level head."

"I see..." 090 said looking a little interested.

Later that day, Goro returns to the boarding house and enters his room only to find Hiro lying on the floor in pain. "Hiro!"

At headquarters, Nana looks at Hiro's blood cell data. "What is going with these abnormal yellow blood cell counts, I'm amazed he's still alive."

"It's the polar opposite that other parasites had after riding with Zero Two," Hachi explained.

Nana was seemingly worried even though she didn't show it. "It'll be dangerous to let him ride with her."

"Maybe, but, we'll need Strelizia in the upcoming if we want to win." Hachi insisted.

Goro tried to help Hiro on his feet. "Hiro, what is going on with you?"

Hiro struggled to get up. "It's nothing."

Goro wasn't going to turn a blind eye this time. "Nothing my ass, are you injured?" He unbuttoned his teammate's chest and saw a blue-like tumor growth. "How long has that been there, since you rode with Zero Two?"

Hiro didn't respond, but, it was clear to Goro and he attempted to get his communicator out, but, Hiro grabbed his wrist.

Hiro downed a glass of water and choked on it. "Don't pilot with Strelizia again."

"That's not your call," Hiro spoke in a raspy voice.

"You do know the next time could kill you, right?" Goro reminded looking greatly worried.

"I do, and yet, I feel so very alive," Hiro had a small smile on his face. "I haven't felt this way in such a long time, so, I want to give it my all in this upcoming mission, I don't want to end up in failure...so...please."

"You want me to turn a blind eye," Goro presumed not facing his teammate.

"That's right," Hiro replied.

"Even to the others including Ichigo and does that include the Maximals?" Goro asked again.

"That's right..." Hiro replied once more.

Goro was becoming angry at his teammate's stubbornness and turned around. "You can't-" He stopped abruptly as he saw Hiro standing up smiling at him. "I'm sorry." With that, he walked out of the room.

"You're such...a complete...an utter...fool."

Rhinox was on his way back to the base when he got a call on his com-link started to ring. "Rhinox, come in."

"Yes, what is it, Optimus?"

"The human male Hachi wants you, Rattrap, Blackarchnia, Silverbolt, and Cheetor in the conference room at once."

"On it." Rhinox made his way to the Plantation 13.

Squad 13 and 26 gathered in the conference room with five maximals.

Hachi and Nana began to fill in the situation.

"An hour ago we detected klaxosaur at a distance of 3000, there are between 100 and 150 of them,"

Squad 13 was taken by surprise. "One hundred fifty!"

"That number is expected to climb even higher meanwhile their ETA is 33 hours from now, no matter if we try to rush it there's no way we complete the kissing process before they arrive, so we're going to position a line of defense at the vanguard."

The kids continued to look at the screen. "Behind them, Squad 13 will stand by serving as backup."

"Wait, why are we the backup?" Zorome asked.

"Because this is going to be a chaotic dogfight, our squad can link up better if we go at it by ourselves."

Zorome growled in annoyance at that comment and Miku shared her partner's reaction for once. "Did he call us dead weight, because it sounded like it."

Hachi cleared his throat to get the other's attention. "Before I finish, I will have the Maximals be on the side to look for any of the Predacons."

"Gee, stand by, talk about boring," Rattrap muttered.

Ignoring the pouty comment, Hachi contined. "However, if the Predacons don't show up, then ever Maximal shall assist squad 26, but, only the ones that can fly."

Cheetor and Silverbolt knew he meant them. "You heard that big bot?" Cheetor whispered to his com-link.

"Yes."

"Rhinox, you, Rattrap, and Blackarchnia shall assist Squad 13 as back up though."

Rhinox nodded. "Right."

"Lastly, defending the pipe that links the Plantations will be our top priority which is why I will deploy a single Franxx of sole combat to guard it," Hachi said zooming the image of the pipe.

"What Franxx will be able to do that?" Goro asked.

Hachi looked at the two squads and the Maximals. "You might know it well, it'll be Streiliza."

Goro and Ichigo quietly groaned nervously, however, Squad 26 abruptly stood up and looked pale as a white sheet.

"No...y-y-you...mean...it's..." 090 stuttered.

The door to the conference room opened, and Nana entered with Hiro and Zero Two behind her. "Sorry that we were late."

"Did papa approve," Hachi inquired.

"Yes, Hiro will ride with Streiliza as Zero Two partner once again," Nana answered.

"Hold on, we can't do it..." Everyone saw 090 approach Hachi and the others. "We won't fight alongside Streiliza again."

Hachi gave the boy a stern look. "The decision is final."

090 didn't back off. "But, sir, she has no qualms of seeing her comrades die, her past actions are proof of that." Zero Two glanced at the teenage boy with an emotionless expression. "Two years, you left us isolated on the battlefield and got my former partner killed!"

Hearing that detail caused a few Squad 13 members to flinch nervously mostly, Ichigo and Goro.

"Sounds like the girl is more crazy than I thought," Rattrap whispered to Cheetor nervously.

"What a baby..." Blackarchnia thought coldly.

"I don't remember...besides weaklings die all the time," Zero Two said coldly taking her eyes off the teenage boy.

Hearing that comment made 090 angry and Hiro was able to come to her defense until Rhinox spoke out. "Knock it off!"

Everyone turned to the rhino Maximal. "Young man, that kind of distrust is going to you get and your squad killed someday!"

Goro was stunned at what he was seeing.

090 gave the rhino maximal a stern look this time. "Didn't you hear me what I said, Zero Two-"

"Enough!" Rhinox interrupted while putting his hand out. "I understand how you feel..." This got the young man to seemingly calm down. "You may not know this, but my friends and I had to work with former Predacon back then."

The parasites were shocked to hear that, the Maximals knew who Rhinox was talking about. "I'll spare you the details, but, I can say this, if you continue with this distrust it'll affect your team and every one of your allies and if that happens, the enemy will use that chance to take you down." Rhinox declared with a serious look. "Meaning it'll get you and your friends killed, is that what you want?"

090 was silent for a second and backed off lowering his head. "No..."

Rhinox looked at Hiro. "Hiro, we can trust that you'll keep your partner under control."

Hiro nodded. "Yes." He then looked at Squad 26's leader. "Listen, I can assure you that I'll keep Zero Two in check, you have my word."

A short time later, Squad 13 was walking down a path with lights hanging on the tree branches.

"Where is that guy get off treating like we're weaklings," Zorome pointed.

"He might be right, we are a made-shift team," Mitsuru commented.

Ikuno thought saw the irony in this. "Though, it pisses you off, doesn't it."

Goro stopped lowering his head. "I agree with Squad 26, Streiliza shouldn't be near the battlefield, but, I don't lie that Rhinox was right...but."

"He's not wrong," Hiro spoke out. "We got this and if there's no trust in our group, we might get killed."

Zorome smiled. "Yeah, I mean what Rhinox said was kinda cool and the way he stood up to 090 was awesome."

"Yeah, he seems to know when to have a level head," Miku agreed for once. "Unlike you."

"Hey!" Zorome growled leering at his partner.

Goro looked at Ichigo. "Sigh...Ichigo, what do you think?"

Ichigo didn't look at her partner. "I think we need Streiliza with us." Goro let out a small gasp.

Later that night, the parasites were in bed, and Goro was having trouble sleeping as he heard Hiro groaning in pain.

Unable to stand this, he went out to get some air and sat on the balcony with his hand on his head looking distressed. "Damn..." He kept thinking about what Rhinox told him earlier ago and what he said to 090. "Rhinox...I know...you're right...but...how can I accept this and not tell anyone about Hiro's condition."

He then heard footsteps from afar and saw Ichigo walking into the forest with Zero Two. "Where are they going?"

The two girls went to the greenhouse, rather stood outside. "I'm not going to say anything about your history with Squad 26, however, I need you to stay in line during the mission, I'm the leader here and need you to follow my orders."

Zero Two just yawned and proceeded to walk past the girl. "Telling me what to do again, you are bossy." Ichigo wasn't finished talking as she grabbed the horned girl's wrist, only to be pulled forward due to the girl's strength. "What do you want now?'

Ichigo had her head lowered still keeping her grip on the horned girl's wrist. "Please...don't push Hiro too hard." She said almost begging.

Zero Two pulled her arm away looking almost annoyed. "Don't forget, my darling said he would ride with me."

Ichigo kept her head lowered. "I know that, but...please don't try to put a heavy burden on him."

"Do you want me to give him to you?" This caused Ichigo to raise her head in surprise. "If I recall you tried riding with him but didn't work out, right?'

Ichigo was offended by that reminder. "You keep me out of this!"

Zero two turned her head. "Then stop putting yourself into this!" Ichigo lowered her once more. "Are you trying to suck him dry?"

"My darling belongs to me," Zero Two said.

Ichigo was getting frightened. "He could die out there!" Zero Two didn't even flinch. "If he does, he didn't amount to anything."

Hearing that provoked Ichigo and walked over to the girl slapping her and knocking her headgear on the ground. "The rumors are true, you aren't human!"

Now it was Zero Two's turn to feel angry. "Human...you say...let me ask you this..." Ichigo looked at the girl's eyes seeing glowing redness in her pupils. "What does human mean to you people!?"

Ichigo was utterly stunned not able to answer that question.

"What's going on here?" A female voice asked which belonged to Blackarchnia, who was in her beast form.

"Blackarchnia, what are you doing here?" Ichigo asked.

"I was just exploring a little more and I overheard your conversation," The spider maximal answered. "Anyway, Ichigo, she's got a point, you don't understand what human means...but, I can share some details."

Zero Two was seemingly calming down as the red glow in her eyes was fading away.

"Humanity is something you feel inside you..." Blackarchnia explained. "My team and I may not be humans, but, we can feel things in our spark, I believe that something called emotions."

Ichigo was at a loss for words and Zero Two continued to stare at the spider maximal who looked at her next. "Zero Two...was your name...I can tell that these brats don't trust you...I can see why...you two girls may not know this, I was reprogrammed into a Predacon, but, I was made from Maximal parts."

Ichigo was stunned. "You were reprogrammed into a Predacon and have Maximal parts inside you..."

Blackarchnia nodded and had to say. "Correct, I barely got any trust from the Maximals, but, only one single Maximal had faith in me." She then turned around. "Now, I have the trust of the entire Maximal group. My point is trust is something that a group must have, otherwise, we already lost the war." She looked at Zero Two once more. "If you want to earn the kids' trust Zero Two, then continue doing your best...ugh...darling...perhaps things work out."

With that, the spider Maximal went on her way leaving the two girls quiet as drops of rain began to pour.

Blackarchnia arrived back at the base, soaking wet.

She remembered what she said to the two girls. "Trust is something that we should have in a group, otherwise, we already lost the war." She shook her head. "Ugh...what is going on with me?" She never felt this way before especially toward human children especially since she couldn't stand them.

"Blackarchnia..." There stood Optimus Primal at the entrance door. "I see that you have been busy."

The spider maximal groaned. "Did you overhear my conversation with those two girls?" The gorilla maximal looked at her for a second and a small smile formed on his face. "I believe you've gotten a little soft since we arrived on this planet."

Blackarchnia groaned in annoyance. "Shut up." She walked past the Maximal leader though stopped. "Don't share this with others, I'll never hear the end of it."

Silverbolt showed up. "Too late..." He turned into his robot form. "Blackarchnia...you truly are good...Maximal as I thought you were."

"Oh...corny as ever," Blackarchnia said in an annoyed yet flirty tone.

Ichigo arrived back at the boarding house soaking wet. "Blackarchnia..." She still had the spider Maximal's advice in her head. "Was she right...do I know nothing about what being human is?"

"You'll catch a cold," A towel was thrown to her, and saw Goro.

"Thanks...I had to take off something," Ichigo turned to look at the rain. "Did you see the whole thing?"

"Uh...yeah...including what Blackarchnia said..." Goro said looking at the rain too. "Now that I think about it, didn't the Maximals mention that there were humans on the planet they were previously at?"

Ichigo didn't look at her partner. "I think so...anyway...I'm supposed to be the leader...but I don't know what to do anymore...Hiro and I go way back..." Goro looked at her. "But I couldn't help him, pilot...I couldn't stop him...but, she's there for him and that's...what Hiro wants...but..." She started to tremble and was on the verge of crying. "I-I-I...something is wrong with me..." She started to sob lightly.

"Ichigo?" Goro asked surprised to see his partner in this state of mind.

"I can't stand it...my mind is a mess...what is going...Hiro...Hiro..." She sobbed as tears fell from her eyes and hugged herself.

Goro attempted to place his hand on her shoulder. "Ichigo..." He stopped abruptly realizing what he was going to do. "What is this...feeling?" He remembered what Blackarchnia mentioned. "Is what...she meant?" He couldn't put his finger on it, but, he felt like he was beginning to understand something about being human.

Early the next morning.

The rain that poured past was over and drips of water fell from the leaves on some trees.

Footsteps were heard which belonged to Hiro, who found Zero Two looking at the fog above the lake. "Everything smells nice after it rains." She smiled in admiration. "Make it rain...oh that's right, you can't make it rain."

Hiro took a few more steps before standing next to Zero Two. "We don't know that, well not yet."

"You know, I had a chat with Blackarchnia last night," Zero Two said walking aside from the lakeside.

"Is that so, what'd you both discuss about?" Hiro asked curiously.

Zero Two giggled. "I'll tell you later, but, I think that'll be worth sharing with your teammates." Hiro was more curious than he was before, but, he decided to put his questions on hold. "Anyway, this is where we first met, remember?"

Hiro felt like that day was a dream. "Yes, it's also because of that I can pilot a Franxx."

"That's right, your partner is me only alone," Zero Two turned around and unzipped his shirt placing her hand on his tumor. "You already know that in the past my previous partners were unable to ride with me more than three times."

"Yeah..." Hiro replied not even flinching that a girl was touching his tumor.

Zero Two stroked her finger on the tumor. "It hurts, right...unbearably, I can imagine, but, it looks beautiful." She smiled while tilting her head. "Last chance, if you want off this ride, then say it."

"I am your partner," Hiro spoke with determination in his voice.

Zero Two was pleased to hear that as she began to dance around and giggle too.

Hiro continued to watch her as he began to ponder the events of what will happen. "If these wings I reached and grabbed are to snap one day, I'll take flight into the sky because I feel like I'm here right now." He began to think about the Maximals and their history with first prehistoric humans. "Optimus Primal...I wonder if you and your friends can teach us more about being human."

Hiro and his friends will bond more with the Maximals, as if more Maximals and Predacons will show, perhaps I'll give the Maximals one more and the Predacons, perhaps one more.

End of chapter.