(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)

Unknown

In an unknown location, 7 people sat around each other each of them wearing different outfits, noticing a significant pattern, they all had animal masked. There was a Gorilla,Marmoset,Lemur, Baboon, Tarsier, and a Lion, one of them stood out from the rest which looked like a Garden gnome. They all sat across from each other as images show the Kaiju attack at Plantation 13.

'Confirmed appearance of one, Mohorovicic-class Klaxosaur at Plantation 13, Strelizia intercepted and neutralized it, fuel stockpile down to 54 percent, currently anchored in the area, requesting kissing with Plantation 26'

'Authorized' A voice with the Lion masked. Which the Ai confirm the recognition.

'Roger, kissing will commence in 175 hours'

'We've received word that Strelizia has stayed back at Plantation 13' The one with the Droopy masked.

'Another of that girl's whims? Dr. Franxx spoils her too much' Another one added.

'But in this case, if you just look at the numbers, it seems to be a rare sample without signs of physical aging' The Gnome masked spoke.

'It's Code 016, that's him, isn't it?' The one with a Tarsier masked asked.

'Unthinkable, With no established cause, mixing with the special specimen will taint her blood. With no established cause, mixing with the special specimen will taint her blood, she must be recalled at once' The one Gorilla masked spoke.

'But we saw how she shone in that battle' All of them stop talking and all look towards the one with the lion masked.

'It's worth investigating, let's wait and see'

'Plantation 13 will now carry out the kissing with Plantation 26' Came the automated voice from the birdhouse as students and teachers all watch this so-called "kissing" process.

'So what are the names of these plantations again?' Asked Ezekiel, trying to wrap his head around the fact that the exchange of fuel is considered kissing as it's mostly a basic fuel transfer between one plantation to the next.

'I believe Chrysanthemum and Cerasus my good sir' Said Codsworth who downloaded the data banks of the Plantation they were in as to help speed up the integration process and know the reference points as to how this society functions.

They all watched as two massive plantations in the night moved close to each other and opened wide arches revealing huge pipes That slowly made contact with each other to begin the kissing process. Hiro wondered about the whole kissing process. Even putting his hand on the glass remembering back to when ZeroTwo talked about kissing.

"A kiss is a very special thing, do the adults kiss?" Hiro thought to himself not really seeing any adults that do this special ritual. He only snuck a peak when Ezekiel and Vorona kissed and even then it was unintentional and quick as if it was part of their daily routine. So they must kiss like it was normal. Even so.

'Who named the plantation's pipes making contact as kissing?' He said out loud. Getting Zorome's attention and joining on the questioning hoping someone has answers.

'Yeah, like what Hiro said, what is "kissing"?'

'Both of you were watching all this time without knowing a thing?' Miko said, annoyed like the fact wasn't obvious and hmphed that she proved her superior intelligence once again.

'Shh-Shut up, dumbass! Do you know all about it!' Zorome spoke in embarrassment that both he and Hiro were lost and challenged Miko to explain what this kissing process actually is.

Miko smirk suddenly dropped and gasped in confusion. She did not expect anyone to actually challenge her in knowing what exactly is this kissing process. She just wanted a moment to feel superior. Thinking up what she saw and drawing a plank. She answered hoping it'll save her facade of knowing what kissing is.

'I-It's when two plantations are stuck together, right?' Not confident in the answer but faking it to make it look like the answer. Kokoro smiled, hoping to let her down as gently as possible that she wasn't right but getting some of it correct.

'That's not all, Miko, here let Ikuno explain it better' She said gesturing to Ikuno who was still looking at the kissing process.

'It's a transfer of magma fuel reserves from one plantation to another through that big pipe' She gestured as the pipes connecting the two plantations sealed it shut with bolts bolting themselves down. Kokoro smiled at knowing the correct information had been put forth through her friends nearby.

'Magma? Like the volcano?' Vorona asked, knowing there are better alternative fuels like oil and nuclear power since it might be easier to mine.

'Yes, teacher. Unlike oil we use these more plentiful renewable resources that are available to us that provide more power to transport these plantations, that fuel is essential for both the adults and us to live, even the FRANXX can't be operated without it, either' Mitsuru explained the question that Vorona asked. Vorona nodded and offered a counter point.

'Except Cherno Alpha, which runs on nuclear energy' Mitsuru nodded and responded

'Yes, your mech is a special case, I think the adults are looking into it, hopefully soon because there are risks in using both of these powers' Goro overhearing this also added Mitsuru point as he was reading both the news and researched further that his bracelet clearance can allow.

'Indeed, this is a large-scale transfer of magma energy. I've heard it'll attract a huge number of Klaxosaurs, as for the alternative, nuclear energy seems to be more silent in its attraction to the Klaxosaurs but has major health risks such as cancer or blowing up if left unmaintained or near the core for too long' Goro explained further to the adults and his fellow students that the nuclear energy core will need to take time to be implemented. Even then it might be a one off model due to the risks involved.

'Are you serious?' Zorono said knowing the alternative is to either fight alot of monsters, or risk getting his hair fallen off of his head. Not liking either option available.

'A huge number' Futoshi said out loud, feeling despair reaching into his bones that he and his friends may not live to see the kissing process complete if there will be an overwhelming number of them to assault the transfer process.

'Don't worry' Hiro said, getting every student's attention, wondering what he was trying to say. Even getting some confused huhs in there.

'If we work together, we'll be fine, we even have Streliza now' Hoping to get the students' moods to rise up but they were just silent and a little bit of mummering. Until Ezekiel stepped in helping to train the up and coming squad leader.

'You heard what Hiro said' Yelling aloud to the students getting their attention.

'Tomorrow we protect these plantations as they finish transferring the fuel source, we've trained for this day so don't go piloting the mechs like we already lost'

'Me and Vorona will be there to guide you every step of the way but it'll be up to you to cross the finishing line, so think about the hot showers and warm food you'll eat when we all come back to this mission, am I RIGHT PILOTS!'

Giving his speech the students were getting a bit pumped up for the upcoming battle. Sure they were green but they trained with expert monster hunters as well as some experience fighting some isolated monsters out in the wild. As well as their teachers coming into the battlefield with them so they won't be overwhelmed in the battle.

'YES SIR!' Some of the students shouted while others cheered but one pilot didn't cheer as Ichigo was looking on at the transferring of power and remembering the word kissing hoping it was her with Hiro rather than ZeroTwo. As the pilots were cheering and clapping with Ezekiel giving Hiro some pointers on how to work his speeches better. Only Codsworth heard Ichigo's thoughts out loud.

'Yeah, Hiro in the Strelizia. Me in the back just cheering him on' She said feeling down on herself.

'Madam, if you like Hiro shouldn't you say it to him rather than yourself and watch him move on' Codsworth hovering over to Ichigo hoping to help her mood improve so as to confess her feelings right away even if it's rejected. Ichigo brushed his advice off.

'What's the point? I'll be rejected either way' She said, noticing she was the only one left as the rest of the students went off to bed to get ready for the big send off.

She was about to leave till Codsworth gently held her hand stopping her in her tracks. Turning and looking at the bot wondering what else he has to say.

'Better to be rejected with a clear mind rather than an unanswered question with a clouded mind' Codsworth retorted.

Ichigo looked at this robot feeling a mix of emotions that maybe this robot is right and also wrong at the same time since it can't be that easy. Can it? Codsworth noticing the dilemma Ichigo was having with her facial expressions and eyes and explained some more.

'I'm no expert in human emotions, but through personal experience, keeping secrets and pretending everything is alright can be draining for you, I've felt I had to keep this facade because it'll make everyone feel sad, but when Vorona pressed me on how i was feeling i told her that I was sad and that made her sad, it wasn't the end of it though and we made a promise to help each other get through this hurdle together, just like I'll make my promise to you to help you get through this hurdle together'

He said feeling saddened about his moment of vulnerability when he made a minor miscalculation by dropping a cup onto the floor and in his panic tried to clean it up but knocked over more things causing the entire place to become a mess. Vorona was there to ask about what the commotion was and talked to each other for a time before cleaning up the mess. Both having a better understanding with each other. Ichigo looked at this robot.

No Codsworth realizing for the first time in a while that this wasn't some robot built to satisfy the needs of ZeroTwo and the other students. But an actual being with thoughts and feelings of his own. Ichigo smiled that what she was feeling must have been pale in comparison to her internal conflict of Hiro not reciprocating her feelings to a hundred years of loneliness. But appreciate the gesture.

'Th-Thank you Codsworth, I'll keep that in mind' Ichigo shakily responded. Surprising herself how much she needed a friend to talk about this.

'Right as rain madam, now let's hurry up, It's past your bedtime, I'll tuck you in again' Codsworth said, leading the way but not dragging her along as he slowed to her pace as she was walking back to their rooms. Ichigo hurriedly followed but only took two steps ahead, noticing Codsworth was just adapting to her speed and there was no real rush to head off after bedtime. So she'll take her time thinking about what Codsworth said about her dilemma but mostly how it's nice to have someone to tuck you in. It sometimes feels like having a dad again.

'I...would like that Codsworth' She said, both heading off to their rooms.

As she remembered about the events from last night she only noticed that they were in their ceremonial outfits watching the adults all gathered like they did during their graduation ceremony but this time seeing adults wearing big white hats that cover their eyes being kind of funny looking and wearing the uniform of a standard politician of the Plantations. Looking around for a bit she saw her classmates and her teachers were in attendance.

Some in varying amounts of excitement and wonder as they were going to head off to war then looking up to the teachers with their trained military poses. She briefly wondered how many events they attended to look like the adults before her. Until her thoughts were interrupted by the encouragement speech the adults were giving to help the morale of the pilots.

'Boys and Girls' The announcer said, getting everyone's attention.

'The dreadful Klaxosaurs are sure to attack the magma reserves in great numbers. The fate of these two plantations rests squarely on your shoulders, parasites' She grimaced on the last word.

Wondering why she did that. They were parasites not pilots so she shouldn't feel worried about being called parasites since it's just another name for pilots. But something about it bothered her ever since the teachers insisted that they call each other pilots rather than parasites. They say it'll humanize them more into liking each other, whatever that means. But it seems to be working somewhat if she feels this bothered being called a parasite.

'You are strong, we believe that you will surely bring us victory!' The announcer finished his speech and it's time to head off to the mechs to pilot the Franxx and do their duty as pilots to protect the everyone who lives at the plantation 13 and 26 during their kissing operation.

The pilots waved their hands in varying enthusiasm as they watched many flag twirlers wave their flags around giving the pilots a confidence boost. It wasn't really needed but it was appreciated as they were already in high spirits that their teachers were joining the fight. But something felt off when the sky cloud rose overhead covering the sun. Catching the attention of Ichigo, Hiro, Ezekiel, and Vorona as they watched the evening sun being covered in darkness. They all sensed that this routine defensive mission will be a much more fierce battle than they ever trained for.

Birdcage

Inside of the Birdcage rooms Goro was getting ready for the day, yawning as he was picking up his outfit in the middle of the other outfits. As he was putting on his uniform he noticed that Hiro was still in bed. Putting together his outfit in record time he went towards Hiro to wake him up from his slumber.

'Hey Hiro wakes up time' He said to him hoping that his word alone would move him. But he wasn't moving so he decided it was time for a different approach and tried to shake him awake.

'It's morning. Rise and shine.' placing his hand on Hiro's face trying to wake him up thinking that an immediate cold hand would wake the sleepy pilot up. But pulled back immediately when he felt an unexpected heat coming from Hiro's skin. He gasped and realized that he's burning up. He was about to call Codsworth to help Hiro, but stopped when he woke up. Stalling in asking his question to get Hiro oriented and cooled down to have a proper conversation.

'Are you okay?' Goro asked as he was brushing his teeth while Hiro was splashing cold water in the bathroom, As part of their morning routine.

'Your body was burning up like crazy, do I need to call Codsworth?' but Hiro just shook his head as he washed his face. Thinking it was just the weather and nerves acting up that's all. It went away.

'I'm perfectly fine, if anything I feel light on my feet today' Goro was skeptical about his statement and pressed again as having a diseased pilot would prove detrimental during their deployment.

'Your not lying are you?' Goro asked again but Hiro was resolute. No cold or flu would take him out of this deployment. Especially when the omen he felt yesterday is real. Then they need all hands on deck.

'Of course not, in fact I'm eager to get out there and do some training right now," Goro then pulled out his toothbrush, accepting his response. But still a little worried all the same.

'Okay then'

Living room

In the living room squad 13 where the chairs were arranged into a circle with a single seat in the middle. Most of the students were sitting around the round sofas, some even leaning on top of the chairs as they discussed plantation 26 squad leader and their upcoming mission. Except Mitsuro who was leaning by the windows looking outside. Some thought he was weird like that but in reality he's not the type to hang out with lots of people, preferring at most two people around him at any given time. Vorona has been helping him expand that bubble of personal space but it's going a bit slower than usual. Speaking of them, the students were waiting for Ezekiel, Vorona and Codsworth to finish cooking breakfast. A perfect time to continue their small chatter about their sortie soon.

'Yesterday, ceremony was something huh?' Kokoro asked, starting the conversation.

'I was so excited that I had trouble sleeping last night' and hoping that the feeling she is carrying with her will carry the day as the students fly off to their sorties soon. But not before having a full belly first. Can't fight on an empty stomach.

'Plantation 26 squad leader seems like a nice guy' Miku said. Fantasizing about how different and more pretty than the guys she grew to know with here as she piloted and fought with them. She didn't hate them of course but they prove to be lacking in a lot of areas.

'Is he the kind of person you want to ride with?' Kokoro said, wondered if they could ask for more transfers like the teachers that were transferred to the plantation at their first meeting.

'Better him, then any of the boys we're stuck with' Miku answered then looked towards Ikuno.

'Wouldn't you agree?' She questioned, but Ikuno kept a calm expression.

'Not really, I couldn't care less' Ikuno said never really getting the appeal of boy talk. Would have preferred what type of Franxx mechs would be getting their upgrades or the female parasites that pilot them. Being unsure why she was interested in that sort of thing but it's probably nothing.

'What a wet blanket' Miku said annoyed that Ikuno was still keeping her guard up.

'It sure gives you a confidence boost, when the adults have faith in you, huh?' Zorome asked, hoping to switch up the topic that is a glorified version of girls talking down to boys again.

'Yea, plus it shows how much they need us' Futoshi said joining in on the conversation feeling a sense of national pride as he is a part of the pilots that are well regarded as heroes placing his hand over his chest for feeling how moved from the sentiment. Then Zorome stood up in his seat and began impersonating the announcer, raising his right hand.

'But we believe you are up to the challenge, you are strong, and you'll surely bring us victory' The group chuckled except for Mitsuru, as Zorome continued.

'And as the strongest and I'll lead you to that victory'

'You mean Ezekiel and Vorona will be the one who leads us' Ichigo said, feeling a sense of pride and comfort that they will be taking the lead. Since they were good to them as well as being good teachers. Mitsuri added in the statement roasting Zorome for trying to take the leader role.

'Quite, if we let Zorome lead us we'll watch him be repeatedly punched in the face as we sit by and watch' Reminding Zorome of the humiliating defeat of Cherno Alpha. Getting Zorome to feel his pride being shattered in front of them and falling down in his seat being overly dramatic as he could to chew in the situation.

'Oh Mitsuru, why must you slay my dreams? Besides I lasted longer than you' Reminding everyone that they were knocked down by three punches instead of being comboed to death. Mitsuru replied, still looking out of the window.

'Better quick and forgettable rather than long and funny' He said adding in a jokey tone at the end. Getting a few chuckles here and there. He's getting better at this social interaction. Zorome pouted like what Miku did when she was losing an argument. Until the unspoken question was asked when the worst case scenario would happen. If the teachers were too occupied with their foe or lost, leaving no one in charge.

'Do we have any planes? For when the teachers are unavailable' Asked Goro. Causing the room to have a massive tonal shift of thinking the possibility that there teachers won't be available to protect them. Until Hiro spoke up.

'I will lead, if the worst case scenario happened' Hiro spoke up, getting a few curious looks before some of the group nodded to each other.

'Yeah, Ezekiel has been training you for your pre battle speeches, even shone in our previous battles' Kokoro said happily remembering the time when there were more Klaxosaurs then usually during a seek and extract magma flow missions seeing both the Streliza and the Cherno Alpha lead the counter charge while they were running from the approaching wave of them collapsing the tunnels and burying them under the mines.

'But how are you feeling? All good?' Futoshi said a little worried that the extra training and the costs of piloting the Streliza could be proven lethal the more times they flew. But Hiro shook his head yes.

'Well, yeah, everything's fine' He assured Futoshi. But not Mitsuru feeling that this is the same way he said to others wanting to be left alone.

'Looks like the "three times and you die" rumor was all nonsense, then' Said Miko bringing in some much needed optimism after that tonal shift.

'That, or he's extremely compatible with her' Adding in an actual logical reasoning as to why Hiro has been surviving this long. This reasoning made Ichigo frown but resolute in telling her feelings and getting it out of the way. The longer she holds it in, the more of a burden she'll be to the team. But she needs to do it in private. Not wanting to make a scene.

'Thanks, but we wouldn't have won without you guys and the teachers' Giving his thanks as to give credit to the other pilots that fought with him during his and ZeroTwo sorties.

'I had a hard time keeping up with everything happening, but it all felt just right when I fought alongside you, so if i can keep riding and picking up the banner if it falls down then I hope you'll let me fight with you as a team' Hiro said with confidence but Goro was having his doubts that Hiro might be developing a hero complex and might need to pin a conversation with him about that in the future. A conversation that might be delayed as Zorome was there to tell it not him.

'Don't get cocky, man' Catching the attention of everyone who was making a pose of disinterest.

'Just cause your training as a leader and getting through that one time, doesn't give you a right to be cocky' He said referring to the lucky breakthrough and the specialized training he had. Zorome would have said it much differently and not be so standoffish.

'Do you really have to be such a spoilsport?' He questions where and what he's doing to make sure Hiro doesn't push himself harder. But before Zorome could ignore that question. Hiro called Zorome's attention.

'Huh' He responded in an annoyed tone.

'I'll do my best to not be a burden, and slow down to lead if necessary' He said walking over to Zorome offering his hand as confirmation that he'll follow his advice to the best of his abilities.

'Let's keep fighting together' Zorome was taken aback by this. He didn't expect anyone to actually listen to what he said.

Usually they brush his advice off and move on but not this time. Hiro was being genuine in his approach to pick up and lead while also slowing down for the other pilots to pick up the slack where he couldn't.

'O-Okay' Was his sheepish response before he got back to Zorome he felt comfortable with accepting Hiros handshake.

'Jeeze, Fine. Keep it up and not burn out alright?' Returning the handshake makes the mood around the table more like the mood that happened at the start.

All happy about the upcoming sortie that comes with their roles established. After some jeering from Miku who pointed out that he actually likes Hiro and acting a bit out of character for what he usually is. Zorome was confrontational at first but went sheepishly as he can't actually refute that. Mitsuru, hearing the hovering and noticing that the conversation was over, was the first to walk out and waited by the door, seeing a familiar robot coming in through the door.

'Children, breakfast is ready' The Children stood up and began to follow Codsworth as he hovered out of the room.

The students of the plantation all moved from their living room down the steps and into the dinning room as they followed Codsworth listing out their breakfast items of their sunny side meal. But two students lingered around the steps, either through slowness or kindness one cannot say but Ichigo was trailing behind deep in thought about something. Till she noticed Hiros coller being bent. Realizing this is her chance to start the conversation without being weird she played it off as a friendly gesture.

'Hey your collar is off let me-' She said and fixed Hiros collar but he jumped back taking in the wrong direction as her fingers were surprisingly cold from the touch.

He wasn't afraid, not entirely just startled that Ichigo would yank on his collar so suddenly. Ichigo cringes inside knowing that she just made it weird. Thinking of a way to save face and to not embarrass herself more she thought up an excuse and apology that would definitely defuse any tension that might have happened already.

'S-sorry I-' Before she could say anything Hiro interrupted her apologizing as well for jumping like that.

'No, I'm sorry it's just your hands are cold that's all' He said sheepishly. Rubbing the cold patch that suddenly appeared on his neck.

Wondering why he was sensitive to cold all of the sudden. Ichigo blushed and rubbed her hands together in an effort to warm up her hands. They both chuckled sheepishly making their way down the stairs. She thought up another way to start the conversation quickly as to make her confession right here and now, to clear her mind. But she needed to amp it up first. Can't have a confession just happened out of the blue.

'I was amazed that you picked up what I was going for in the last battle' Starting off with battle tactics from their previous sortie as they teamed up to take down a Klaxosaur that was attacking the plantation.

Two of the Franxx were sent to deal with it and in short order they slain the beast in a combined strike to the core. Usually pilots like them fight these things one on one for some reason but the instructor has them go on the mission in pairs as lone wolves usually die first in combat and they are getting better even at their peak of wave linkage as they fight them like one.

'Well, I have known you forever' was Hiro's simple reply.

'I knew you'd work something out'

'Yeah...I would' She was still thinking about what Codsworth said last night.

In battle she would usually dominate her enemies and tasks with flying colors. But during the mock battles with Hiro and the teachers. Her mind was clouded and wondered if she really could figure things out. Especially the omen she felt earlier. Hiro noticed Ichigo wavered at the end and asked what's wrong. Throughout his long experience as friends with Ichigo he never actually saw her waver for a time. Ichigo breathed holding onto the armrest of the stairs as she was moving down. It's time.

'Hiro' She said, getting his attention. Hiro noticed the tonal shift and wondered why and how he helped his friend that was down in the dumps.

'Back when ZeroTwo first came to our dorms...She called you darling' Working up the courage and wavering a few times remembering that she might have lost her chance or from the very beginning they were not compatible in a relationship or the affection was just one sided all of the time.

She'll mourn later but for now she'll gather the strength to confess. Hiro remembered what Codsworth said about darling being their significant other and winning the hearts of the person they were with. Over time he and ZeroTwo were becoming close to each other. Even the teachers made fun of them for it. But they were good people in the end. Even set up "dates" they were called so they do "couple" stuff. He didn't exactly know what this couple stuff actually is but they were sort of just enjoying each other's company for a time. But realizing what an inkling of the idea is he leaned back on the armrest and prepared himself for what he expected next.

'Is ZeroTwo your darling? Or can I be your darling instead' She confessed. Kicking herself that this was the best she could come up with.

Even Zorome could have thought up better confessions and his speeches are laughably low. Thank goodness no one but Hiro was there to listen as she would be embarrassed. Hiro digested her words thinking about how his long time friend had feelings for him all this time. Even kicking himself a bit for being oblivious in her advancements.

To be fair all she did was stand off in the corner and even if they interacted it was the most casual of manners. Through all his time with her he likes Ichigo for being his friend not his lover. Never really feeling that she would be a good match for him. Heck even if they kissed he would feel nothing from that. After a moment of silence or processing the confession. He decided to let her down gently hoping they can still be friends.

'I'm sorry, ZeroTwo is my darling, but we could still be friends if you want?' He said not really good at giving these kinds of speeches.

But hoping that he let Ichigo down gently. Ichichigo on the other hand was frozen solid for a bit and looked away gripping the armrest trying to not cry in front of Hiro. Realizing that the affection she felt for him was one sided at best. But relaxed knowing it was over. Hiro moved on with another woman and he seemed to get out of his shell more than what she could ever do. So taking comfort in that she wiped her eyes and put on the best mask she could muster.

'Okay' She then put her hand out for a shake. Hoping that this will help her at least a little as she was kind of in turmoil inside now as she knows she understands why but can't help but feel like she lost someone valuable to her. Hiro noticed the hand offering and shook it. Hoping it brought some comfort to her. It did a little but she needed time to adjust.

'Friends' Hero said, sealing the deal. They both walked down to the base of the stairs. Hiro worried with Ichigo about how she was taking it, noticing she was sad for a bit until her expression changed to confusion.

'Huh' she said, Hiro raised an eyebrow and asked what's wrong.

'I thought it would be more difficult then what I imagine' Surprising herself how easily she managed to get over it. Hiro nervously chuckled at that.

'Don't worry, I thought so as well, but looking back it was strange how it was all so-' Hiro was explaining hoping to give his friend some peace of mind but was interrupted by Ichigo.

'Easy it was' She finished her sentence. Hiro chuckled a bit at how silly things can be if people would just talk some more, making the overly dramatic things just be put right out there and be solved in a conversation.

'Maybe you could confess again with another boy you like' He joked. Ichigo smiled appreciating the gesture.

'If I confessed again and you were there I'll yell at you for messing me up' She said cheerfully. Hiro chuckled nervously knowing that she didn't need help in that department if her confessions were that messy.

'Wow, hardass' Was his lighthearted reply. Both walked to the opening talking about their last battle like the previous conversation never happened. Until ZeroTwo came running up to greet a close one they hadn't seen in a while.

'Morning, darling!' She said hoping in front of him with her hands behind her back.

Hiro replied sheepishly with a hello of his own, still not used to being called darling. ZeoTwo smiled seeing Hiro flustered like that and held his hand to go and take their seats. Cheerfully guiding him to the tables as she dragged him along gently. Ichigo would have soured at that but she felt relief watching Hiro go enjoy breakfast with his darling. Realizing she doesn't have to worry anymore that Hiro was being taken away from her. Hiro is already gone already being yelled at by the other boy students, Zorume and Futoshi specifically for allowing a girl to sit on the boys table and having Futoshi already begrudgingly give his seat to ZeroTwo.

'Y-Yeah Get back to your table!' Zorume screamed out for having the sanctity of the boys only table be ruined by a girl.

'Pipe down' Calming down the commotion that was happening at the boys table.

'Take your seats already. It's time to pray' Hoping to get breakfast on the way since she is starving and does not want any boy's yelling out complaining they got to stand to eat their food. Futoshi spoke sheepishly about his seat wondering if he was going to stand to eat his breakfast. Not opposing the idea but not really liking it all together.

'Want to sit over here, then?' Came the compromise of Kokoro.

Futoshi was grateful that he is able to sit down to eat but Zorome is quite embarrassed having Futoshi to sit next to girls. But that didn't matter as all joined in for prayers to give praise to papa, their all knowing leader of the plantation. Well all except one of course.

ZeroTwo was hungry after all and met papa multiple times and he was just as human as the people around her are. So skipping the prayer she went on and poured honey all over her breakfast but in lines instead of dumping the honey on her food since the beginning. As much as she hated to admit. Codsworth table manners have been helpful in getting the most honey covering the food in the sweetest of treats.

Except for the bread slice where she dumped most of the honey filling the top side with honey but not having it dripped on the side of the bread as she lifted it up and gave Hiro a sweet treat still holding the bread.

'Here darling' She said playfully.

'Say "Ah."' Hiro noticed the playful act that ZeroTwo was doing and played along. Not saying Ahh thou because it wasn't needed to eat a slice of bread. Chewing it for a bit and thinking that Zerotwo was getting better at putting in honey on food. Swallowed the honey covered piece of bread.

Goro watched on as the couple before them were sharing their food with each other. He could only look on unsurprisingly on how closer the two were getting closer after their first meeting. Even irritating Zorome that he doesn't have a partner to try that as well.

'Lucky him, I wanna try something like that, too' he said while eating a sausage for his breakfast.

'Why not ask your partner, then?' Goro quipped.

'What? I'd rather ask a cute girl, like kokOROOO!' Zorome replied to tell him that it wasn't happening until he saw it was happening in front of his eyes as Futoshi and Kokoro were doing the exact same thing as Hiro and ZeroTwo but with a biscuit.

Who looked at Zorome who was screaming his head off from being jealous that it was that easy. Even more so that he was sitting at the wrong table so even if he was to ask he wouldn't get it. Who giggled and both made a victory sign to poke fun at him.

'We see, we do' Remembering an ancient old monkey adage that the teachers were saying.

'What's with you? So easily influenced' She said playfully before glaring at Zorume who was quite upset that he didn't consider herself beautiful. Zorume spazzed out in fear while Goro closed his eyes waiting for it to be over. And it was over when Hiro and ZeroTwo were going in for another bite.

'One more time, say, "Ahh." ZeroTwo said, babying Hiro by feeding him another honey soaked bread. Goro turned his attention to the couple seeing them as much more preferable to Zorome digging himself in a hole again.

As the team were split off doing couple stuff or just enjoying themselves. Ichigao was holding her cup of tea listening in but mostly with Hiro and ZeroTwo enjoying their breakfast like a couple. Staring at the reflection that was reflected as she looked at herself thinking about nothing and everything really. As the cup centered to her eyes.

She noticed that she was tearing up. She thought she was strong enough to let Hiro go but feeling nothing as she was losing her appetite. She drank the tea she had on her hand then continued eating breakfast but a lot less than usual picking her eggs with a fork. Maybe some food and energy will help her keep her mind off of Hiro.

'ZeroTwo is going to remain here for a while, Papa gave her his mission' Nana said towards Ichigo.

'So that means Hiro is an official Pilot now?' She asked.

'At the moment that is still under consideration, but I'm assuming that will happen' As she steps out of the room she remembers Nana's last words.

'Ichigo, Make ZeroTwo feel at home' She looked up and saw Vorona leaning against the wall, she then stood up.

'Let's talk' She simply said. The two were now in an elevator as it ascended to the Birdcage. The two were in silence until Vorona broke the ice.

'You know sometimes life is like playing cards' She said, which made Ichigo to look at her in a confused expression

'Well, when we're born we are given cards, sometimes it's not the cards you want but you just have to suck it up, and keep playing' Vorona tried to give Ichigo some words of encouragement but it fell on deaf ears.

'I don't know about cards, but what I do know is...' She paused for a moment.

'I know that I can let ZeroTwo and Hiro be together because of my action, this up an coming battle will be the biggest experience any of us have ever scene, and if I'm not at a hundred percent because on this I'll fail' Ichigo said, her last words being a tone of sadness, that is when something surprising happen.

Vorona grabbed Ichigo and pulled her into a deep hug, not letting go until she let all of her emotion out. At first there was a moment of silence before Vorona could hear the muffle sound of crying. Vorona smiled knowing that she needed this, she then patted her head.

'That's it, let it all out' Vorona said as she soon felt her clothes getting soaked in Ichigo tears, this just made her smile.

'Oh, you've been bottling this all up haven't you?' She asked, and saw Ichigo nodding her head. The elevator reaches the final level, making a ding sound. This is when they stop hugging. Ichigo didn't have a sad expression, instead she smiled, wiping the last tear off her face.

'Thanks teach I need that' Vorona simply smiles.

'No problem, that's what they do, so shall we' Vorona directed her outside the elevator, Ichigo stepped outside, now a new person, As Vorona followed behind, happy that she helped a kid get past her breakup.

As the two stepped outside of the elevator and into their forest. Goro was there waiting for the two of them hoping to chat about something.

'Hey you two mind, we chatted a bit about Hiro' He said.

The two were walking near the pond as they were finding a nice and private place to chat. Once they reached the middle of the clearing where the trees parted, Goro began the conversation.

'Have you two noticed Hiro has been acting weird lately?' Was the question that was in everyone's mind.

But was pushed back as things have been complicated recently as the new team that came back from their sortie were wounded and now has to do a double duty mission to protect the kissing process.

'No, I was at plantation 13 hanger bay to help with the morale with their pilots, it's looking grim out there and we might need to go in the frontlines for this rather than the reserves' Was Vorona answer.

Ichigo looks over to the lake knowing they are still green but they'll be the first to fight to give the more experienced of them time to rest and heal, maybe clean up some stragglers on the way but the briefing wasn't on her mind lately. It was mostly about Hiro and ZeroTwo relationship being one sided at best. Especially the constant attrition rate for her partner pilots. If she would be forced to see Hiro as a casualty of war then.

'Somewhat, I've been noticing he's been sensitive to the cold, or jumpy when I tried to fix his collar' Ichigo answered.

Vorona raised an eyebrow at that since she had seen this behavior before. Some mechanics trying to hide a scar he got from fixing the machine or scientists from scratching themselves on bone during the Kaju salvage mission. They keep saying they were fine but one died from being overworked and the other from alien diseases and grimaced thinking it might be the same with Hiro. Goro nodded.

'Yeah, I thought so. I believe he is forcing himself to be all cherry. I'm hoping you two could speak to him, maybe get him through it' He suggested hoping the two of them would somehow get Hiro to listen. But Vorona and Ichigo both grimace that trying to talk to Hiro is like trying to stop gravity.

'You know he wouldn't tell us, even if we tried, I've seen that look before, he'll pilot that machine to his last breath' Ichigo and Goro looked at Vorona, almost shocked that their most compassionate teacher would give up already. To allow one of their students their child to ride in the condition that he is in.

'How can you say that? There has to be another way!' Goro protested. Vorona sighed and looked out to the lake, picking up a pebble in the ground and throwing it at the lake, seeing it drop almost immediately after the first splash.

'I've tried again and again Goro, even got my hus-, Ezekiel to try and talk to him' She said interrupting herself at the mention of husband since the people at this plantation outlawed the use of husband and wife terms. Even basic sex ed for some reason. Such stupid people. Almost like they want to ban love outright despite using the term kissing.

'Stupid that this "papa" fellow banned the term husband' She said putting quotation marks at papa word hoping to lighten the mood. But the two were just staring at her wanting to know what Ezekiel said about Hiro, more invested in what their teacher said to him. Vorona sighed and continued the story.

'He told Hiro to keep fighting, no matter what, even if you think you're done, Even if you truly believe you did your part. Your fellow pilots and partner still needs you, alive, kicking, and screaming with them as they suplex a giant monster' Vorona laughed at her husband's way of giving prep speeches to the wounded who can still fight.

Still bothers her a bit that the crippled will still be at the frontlines but it was desperate back then too. There wasn't a time for luxury when the world was under siege. Goro was aghast at this to let Hiro to fight on even at his condition. That is just insane. He was about to protest until Ichigo helped explain Vorona's side better.

'We can worry about Hiro, but we don't have the luxury of worrying about him during this battle. We need to focus on this fight and if Hiro dies fighting, saving our lives, so be it' she said, surprising herself that she is ok with Hiro dying to save their lives. If at least somewhat. She'll mourn him when the time comes if it ever comes to that.

'That is why we won't need saving during this battle, It's up to us to carry the banner rather than let Hiro spend his last life piloting the Strelizia' Vorona said, picking up another pebble and throwing it into the lake. Goro looked on and sighed. Knowing that he'll be talking to a brick wall with all of them. So he picked up a pebble and threw it at the lake even skipping a couple before it sank to the bottom.

'Guess there is no convincing any of you to sit back and rest huh' He said, picking up more pebbles for him and Vorona to try and skip across the lake. Ichigo tilted her head wondering what they were doing.

'So what are we doing? Because right now we are just throwing stones' She said Vorona and And Goro threw the last stone, seeing that their last pebble throw skipped three until falling to the bottom. Vorona smiled, clapping her hands free from the dirt while Goro looked on soberly realizing that even if he begged or demanded Hiro to not fight. He'll fight no matter what.

'To recenter our minds, back when I was your age I used to throw stones at lakes like this one here to see if i can get as many skips as i can, it helps clear my mind somewhat' Getting a bit lost in reminiscing about her life before the monsters were considered a minor threat and peace somewhat rain. Ichigo listened to the words her teacher said, then looked down, picking up a pebble and throwing it to the lake, losing where the pebble had landed.

'I don't think this is for me' She said sheepishly. Goro looked on and smiled nervously about how Ichigo might be doing this wrong until Vorona slammed a fist in her hand.

'Oh I know how to get you centered' She said excitedly and reached for something from her side. Ichigo tilted her head and Goro wondered about what their teacher was pulling out.

'What is it?' Ichigo asked. Vorona pulled out some metal tube holding it in the air.

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'A gun' Vorona responded triumphantly. The two were still not getting it and Ichigo asked again.

'What's a gun?' Vorona made triple sure the safety was on and held it to the ground remembering her trigger discipline from her firearm training class.

Usually pilots were not issued guns since big monsters are immune to small arms fire. But through some requisitioning and assemblage she managed to get two pistols for the both of them in case someone tries to jack their mech. Or their coworkers try to stage a coup for some world domination bid. Always better to be prepared then caught with your pants down. Then looked at Ichigo smiling.

'It's better I show you, also cover your ears' Vorona responded and aim for the closet tree in front of them.

Ichigo and Goro did what was instructed and covered their ears. They waited for a few seconds before they heard a loud boom almost deafening them as they stumbled back they looked back at the tree seeing there was a small but noticeable hole in the tree bark. Ichigo looked at it with wonder while Goro was cleaning his ears hoping to get rid of the rigging that he is hearing.

'Alright kids, this is what we call a gun, more specifically a revolver' Vorona said looking at Ichigo who nodded only getting half of that as the ringing in her ears were fading but still a bit present while Goro ringing stopped and was wiping the earwax off of his finger to his shirt. Vorona smiled and turned the revolver in her hand holding the barrel of the gun and held the handle out towards Ichigo who was still covering her ears but opening her hands looking at the gun.

'Do you want to try?' Vorona said with a smile. Goro wanted to protest but curiosity got the better of him and went to Ichigo's side observing the handle.

Ichigo looked at the handle then grabbed it with both hands slowly picking it up from Vorona grip then laying it flat on her hands. Showing both her and Goro the fabled "gun" She now has on her hands. The gun both were looking at had a long metal tube in the front with a cylinder like shape in the middle. At the top right of the gun was some metal piece or handle like the tea cups but broken in half and a handle of complicated design.

With the handle being colored in brown and the rest of it being colored in gray. Ichigo moved the gun around her hand feeling the weight of it as it almost weighed her down but only at one part of the hand rather than the other. She then looks up to Vorona feeling a mix of apprehension and desire to want to fire this gun.

'I...feel like I'm under qualified for this' She said nervously. Remembering that her pilot training must be completely different with the teacher as they get to fire guns while the rest of them only learned how to pilot the Franxx. Vorona smiled.

'I'll teach you' She gestured for Ichigo to hold the revolver with both hands which she obeyed. Vorona stepped behind her and covered Ichigo's ears making her corrections for Ichigo to know where she was aiming at. Ichigo just stood there still not knowing what is happening right now while Goro looked on in wonder if this is how their pilots were trained using guns.

'See that tree over there with the hole I made' Vorona said not pointing to the tree but Ichigo nodded as she saw the tree with the hole.

'Now aim the gun towards there' Vorona explained and Ichigo followed by raising the gun to be just parallel to the hold, closing one eye to see the hole better.

'Good but keep both eyes open, you'll need the other for depth perception' Ichigo followed the advice and opened her closed eye realizing that she was off a couple centimeters from the hole and corrected her aim.

'Now pull back that metal piece sticking up with your thumb otherwise known as the trigger' pulling back the trigger she heard the click of the barrel lock into place while seeing the cylinder move at the bottom of her eye.

'This type of gun needs the trigger to be pulled back for every shot, to remember that' Ichigo nodded, hoping her head movement told her teacher that she understood.

'Good, now do you feel the handle at the bottom?' Ichigo moved her index fingers around trying to find where the handle is and found it holding both of her index fingers around the gun.

'Y-Yes' She said nervously.

'Try and keep only one index finger on the handle' Vorona corrected. Ichigo moved away her left finger and held the handle with only her right feeling that it was just right when she held it like that.

'We are almost there, you're doing good' She said to help Ichigo nerves as she can feel Ichigo's head shaking from the nervousness of firing her first gun. Ichigo nervously said something to the approximation of the word yeah but it was only just noise.

'Now keep the barrel steady no matter what, and squeeze the trigger' Ichigo held in her breath looking to where the gun was pointing and slowly squeezed the trigger keeping the gun steady.

Until a loud boom right in front of her seeing traces of smoke coming out of the gun but still keeping it noise came again but this time the ringing subsided a lot quicker this time. As the three watched as the trace amount of smoke left their vision. They saw the hole that was there before grew larger. Ichigo then felt a pat on the shoulder feeling that her ears were no longer covered.

'Great shot Ichigo' Vorona said congratulating Ichigo for making a perfect shot.

Goro clapped for Ichigo's accomplishment of hitting a bullseye at the tree. Ichigo breathed a gust of anxiety out of her, lowering her gun and breathed heavily and smiling that she did it. She fired her first gun and it was right on target. As Goro finished clapping He asked Vorona if he could have a turn. She smiled, pulling out a handful of bullets out of her pockets and opening her palm showing them that they were going to do some target practice at the lake. Ichigo smiled that she'll be able to keep firing the gun. She can't really explain it but she feels somewhat calmed when shooting her gun. So the two took turns firing the revolver at the tree, getting better or worse in their aim as they calmed themselves down from Hiro's dilemma and their upcoming battle.

After blowing off some steam, literally. She was now making the bed for ZeroTwo, there was a room available upstairs so that she was able to live near her darling.

'This is going to be your room for the time being'

'I much rather be with my darling' ZeroTwo said leaning against one of the walls.

'You're going to live for awhile right, so you have to follow our rules, don't expect any special treatment, also you better take care of Hiro' Although it hurts her, she still cares for him.

'I don't need you to tell me that, my darling belongs to me'

'Hiro doesn't belong to anyone' Ichigo said, staring at her. Insulted that this woman before her treats her partners like tools. Zero Two just stares at Ichigo unamused.

'Your pretty bossy, aren't you?' She asked.

'Thanks for the compliment' She said, throwing the pillow onto the bed.

Inside the bathroom, Hiro was washing his face. As he finished washing he looked at the mirror, his face looked like it was deprived of food and water. He then notices a spider crawling up towards the web that was on one of the lamps. On that web a butterfly was caught in it, and as the spider got close to the butterfly Hiro placed his hand on his chest.

'Hiro' A voice said, which made him jump a bit, he looked over and saw Codsworth hovering at the door.

'My dear boy, are you alright?' He asked as he hovered into the bathroom, Hiro did his signature smile.

'I'm fine Codsworth, don't worry about me' Hiro said, as he walked out the bathroom passing by Codsworth, leaving Codsworth alone. One of Codsworth's eyes then notices the spiderweb, using one of its hands that carries a dust feather, he uses it to clean the lamp.

'My goodness, has no one been keeping this place clean?' Codsworth said, complaining.

Ezekiel was in the hangar area that stores both the Franxx's and Cherno Alpha as well as many other Franxx units getting their daily maintenance checkups and repairs that were needed for the sortie tomorrow. The hangar was abuzz with activity as engineers were focused on adding in new upgrades and thrusters for the Cherno Alpha model. Up top overlooking the model he was discussing another engineer about the upgrades that were added to Cherno Alpha, with Ezekiel approval of course.

'I see so when Cherno Alpha clenches its fists two metal claws protrude out of its hand' The engineer nodded his head, while Ezekiel stroked his chin interested with these new weapons as well as boosters to keep up with the other Franxx units. A voice yelled out to him, catching his attention.

'Yo teach!' A voice called out, he turned to see it was Zorome who yelled and waved at him. Beside him was squad 26, or at least what Ezekiel believes they are. Ezekiel smiled and told the engineer that he was heading off to see his squad. While Ezekiel was moving down to join the pilots. His students and plantation 12 squad were discussing their Franxx unit types.

'Interesting, your Franxx all have unique designs, especially that one' One of the male pilots said pointing towards Cherno Alpha. Some of the other pilots of plantation 13 wondered if it even was a Franxx due to it being shaped like a male instead of a female.

'What are you talking about?' Ezekiel said catching up to the pilots that gathered there looking over the Franxx units.

'Yea we thought that was standard' Ikuno said.

'Of course not, our Franxx have similar body and equipment, and makes it easier to fight as a cohesive team. They told us that you were hastily assembling a test team, with you joining them' The boy said looking towards Ezekiel.

'Does that mean, this is your first encounter kissing then?' He asked, to which Ezekiel nodded his head. Still wondering why fuel transfer is called kissing. He tried looking up the reason but it was heavily censored beyond the basics that it resembled a barcode more than anything else. Both teams stop walking to a certain point where they all watch the claw test for Cherno Alpha claws being used for a weapons test.

'I see, we're vastly more experienced than you, so if there's anything you don't understand, just ask' Ezekiel not believing in the slightest that these kids are more experienced than he is in battling giant monsters and about to rebuke that until Zorome raises his hand excitedly.

'Oh! Oh! Me! Me! Yea!' He said as if he was a child. Ezekiel smiled and shook his head wondering how he gets so much energy from nowhere,

'I got a question for you, have any of the children of your squad gone to become adults?' This was a question squad 26 leaders couldn't answer. Ezekiel perked up at this then furrowed that if what he suspected is true then the survival rate of pilots is dangerously low.

'Become adults?' He asked, when another teammate tapped his shoulder and whispered into his ear.

Ezekiel hunch was confirmed and starting to grow a distast in the leaders of plantation leaders if this is how pilots are treated. But if the calculus of war adds up that these giant monsters are becoming more and more deadly he'll have to begrudgingly accept the losses. Maybe push for more units on the battlefield to allow survival rates among members to increase. Ezekiel was pondering this not really paying attention to the minor discussion plantation 13 pilots were having.

'Probably doesn't know' The one with the bandage over his head whispered to their leader.

'Ah, that what you mean, not from our squad no' The supposed leader of plantation 13 said. Leading to some mixed reaction from the Ezekiel team in various amounts of disbelief.

'Oh, well have you at least heard any rumors about it?' Zorome said hoping that the team there was just unlucky and surely there's loads of teams that could integrate back to the civilian population.

'No sorry' Was the quick response that was given.

'What the heck' Zorome said sadly as his and their team won't live to see their 20's to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

'You really care about that huh, Zorome?' Futoshi asked. Poking fun at Zorome for caring about those that aren't himself for a change.

'Because I'm not a simpleton like you Futoshi' Zorome responded that he's been reduced to a common gimmick.

'How peculiar, I mean your nicknames, it was code: 016, who started to come up with that correct?' Was the question asked from plantation 13 team leader.

'Wait a minute, you heard of Hiro?' Goro asked.

'Yes everyone has, those guys famous amongst us children' The Squad leader stares at the Franxx.

'You guys truly are unusual, Franxx designs all over the place, using nicknames instead of code numbers, what's the point of that anyway.'

'To remind us that we are still human ' Was the response Ezekiel gave.

Squad leader looked at Ezekiel, seeing his first adult pilot before him picking apart his words then shrugged looking at the unique Franxx standing next to the Cherno Alpha. What is human anyways? Is what the squad leader thought as the last of the touches was finished on Cherno Alpha activating it's headlights

Goro was walking back to his dorm ready to turn it in for the night but he wasn't in a sleeping mood as the thoughts of Ezekiel words echoed in his mind. To remind themselves that we are still human. Aren't they human already? But the way the plantation team acted about having codes as standard rather than their names bothered him somewhat. Maybe Hiro has an answer to this and is feeling better. He opened the door to his room looking around wondering why it's dark for some reason until he found the reason why. Hiro collapsed on the floor holding his chest and looked like he was in pain.

'H..Hiro!' he yelled out coming to his side helping him up.

'Hey! Hiro! What's wrong?' He said lifting him up onto his knees but was pushed aside limply as Hiro tried to get up but couldn't.

'Nothing' Was the weak response Hiro gave.

'Nothing, my ass! Are you hurt?!' Refusing Hiro limp response he pulled down his uniform to see if he can find anything that can be spotted hoping to see if the affliction is treatable.

What he found shocked him as he saw a blue tumor growing where Hiros heart should be expanding and pulsating around his chest. Hiro just shifted away in shame that he has to burden Goro into now keeping a secret for his desire to be an asset to the team. Goro just looked concerned, coloring his face as he knew the answers already but wanted Hiro to say it.

'How long has that been there? Since you rode with ZeroTwo?' Goro questioned.

But all he received was silence. Being annoyed at his friend killing himself over not participating in the battle that is about to come ahead. So he pulled out the alarm that is used to call Codsworth and as he was about to press the button his arm was stopped by Hiro who held his wrist in place. Goro looked surprised that Hiro is using every bit of strength that he could to stop him from calling for help. Goro relented and helped Hiro to the side of the bed so he could lay back grabbing a pitcher of water for Hiro to drink out of. As Hiro was drinking his water Goro held his hand over his forehead sitting down looking all kinds of upset that Hiro wanted to go to battle in this condition. Hiro coughing fit from the water as he drank too much in one sitting. Goro stated bluntly about what's going to happen.

'Don't pilot Strelizia again'

'That's for me to decide' Goro, feeling himself age by the second, is still baffled that Hiro thinks he has a choice in this.

'You know the next time could kill you, don't you?!' Was the counter argument Goro gave but he knew he'll lose in the end. It's just like Ezekiel, and Vorona said. He's the type of person to fight to the bitter end no matter what.

'Goro...I feel really alive right now' Goro gasped in surprise as Hiro, looking to have what is considered a tumor in his chest, is considered alive.

'I Haven't felt this way in a long time, II want to give it my all in the upcoming mission, I don't want things to end in failure' Was Hiro reasoning as to why he wants to pilot with ZeroTwo. Goro instead felt frustration for Hiro's refusal to no longer pilot with the Strelizia. As Hiro was about to continue his reasoning He was interrupted as Goro knew what he was going to say next.

'You want me to turn a blind eye?' Finishing Hiro sentence.

'Yeah' Was the simple reply.

'Are you going to keep this from everyone?' Goro said knowing what Hiro is going to say next but still infuriated that he is going to say it.

'Yeah' Was the simple reply again.

'Even Ichigo, even Ezekiel' Hiro paused for a moment. Ezekiel would let him pilot but only in the most dire of circumstances but Ichigo.

'Yeah' Was Hiro's simple response. Goro grows more and more frustrated that Hiro is just content in letting this secret in and wanting to pilot the Streliza. Gritting his teeth he went to punch him for being such a fool.

'Look you-' He said but stopped seeing Hiro giving his trademark smile looking content with himself.

'Sorry' Was the last response before Hiro walked away to the place where his life changed forever. Goro looked on helplessly to stop him as well as feeling that if he even wanted to stop him he couldn't. So all he can do is curse at Hiro as he walks away.

'You...You're...a complete and utter fool!' Was the last thing Hiro heard before meeting his darling where everything all began

In the Franxx designated debriefing room where it was shaped like the college classrooms of old. Was the leading operations operator Hachi debriefing the sortie that is going to happen tomorrow night as the pilots of both plantations and the default leaders of Plantation 26 watched on with the display.

'We detected Klaxosauran hour ago, at a distance of approximately 3,000, they number anywhere from 100 to 150' Hachi explained getting some of the greener pilots to worry about the sheer size of the number.

'That number is expected to go even higher, their estimated time of arrival is around 33 hours from now' Hachi further elaborated showing the projected movements that designated the coming clusters as group A and group B with circles labeling them as zones of conflict all reaching to the plantation until gathering at a certain point hitting the kissing point.

'No matter how we try to rush it, we can't complete the kissing process before they arrive, as well as grave news that a Klaxosauran unaffiliated with the assault is heading to the Kissing point here from the north' Hiro said showing a large dot from the north heading off to the kissing point correlating with the arrival but colored in a different dot as it made their approach.

'Kaiju' Came from Ezekiel response from the new information.

Getting a look of surprise from plantation 26 team but not their students who gained some experience in fighting these Kaijus as they are not pack fighters and are much safer comparatively between the actual Klaxosaurs they fought but Kaiju have gimmicks to them that prove to be tricky until they get easily exploited as they are hyper specialists rather than generalists. Hachi nodded and continued with the battle plans.

'We're going to place a line of defense here, with Squad 26 at the vanguard. Squad 13 will stand by in the rear as backup' Showing a visual called the defensive line highlighting squad 26th and 13th at their respective formation. Zorome was confused at this. Sending the wounded but more experience to the front lines rather than Squad 26 who is more fresh and ready to fight.

'What? Backup?' He said and as he was about to explain his reasoning as to what the plan is somewhat flawed he was cut off from Squad 26 leader.

"This will be a chaotic dogfight' He said catching the attention of Zorome and Miku

'Our squad can link up better if we go at it by ourselves' Was his matter of fact answer.

Zorome and Miku were both offended at that blatant remark that they are much more better at fighting in their wounded states then them

'Did he just call us dead weight' Came from Miku. Until both of them were interrupted by Vorona who leaned in overhead. The two looked up at their teacher wondering what she was going to say.

'Don't worry you two, you're only back up because of the kaiju in the north, when the operation begins I'll let you loose as a treat' The three smiled at getting to show off their skills in the upcoming sortie in the faces of squad 26 supposedly experienced. Hachi coughed getting everyone on track.

'Defending the main pipe linking the two plantations together takes top priority, due to a lack of Franxx capable of solo combat at both fronts, Cherno Alpha will take the Kaiju while Strelizia will take the south' Goro gulped at the news that their teachers won't be supporting them in the south and having to fight the Kaiju in the north by themselves.

Till some murmur and Squad leader 26 with some of the other wounded stood up in shock about who was coming into the battlefield.

'Strelizia?!' He said in disbelief and fear

'What are you... ' Before he could say anymore Nana stepped in with Hiro and ZeroTwo coming in, catching everyone's attention.

'Sorry we're late' Nana said before showing ZeroTwo who stepped in view. Hachi and Nana went through the standard checks of knowing that Papa authorized the plan. Getting some of the wounded and Team 26 leader crestfallen on what Nana is about to say next.

'Hiro will pilot Strelizia as ZeroTwo's partner' Said pilots stepped in front of the podium to enunciate the point.

Giving Goro more of a frown that the adults have authorized the mission even though the third pilot curse will happen at this sortie. Hachi was going off on the checks knowing that this is their best course of action till he squad leader 26th yelled out knowing that if Strelizia is part of this mission his squad won't live to see another day.

'Wait a second' Getting everyone's attention.

'We can't fight alongside Strelizia' Squad leader said, marching up to the people briefing the plan and the Strelizia pilots. Everyone was silent but Ezekiel stepped down from the steps to talk to the leader of the squad.

'This isn't up for debate, soldier, the lives of these two plantations are on us. If you rather sit and watch us fight these two waves by ourselves, then the deaths will be on your head' Ezekiel challenging the cowardice of squad leader 26th.

The 26th squad instantly looked down in shame about not going to sortie out due to a bad operation two years ago and letting that experience have them consider sitting on the side lines and watching those who fight die. Squad 13th looked on in a mixture of fear and wonder as seeing this side of Ezekiel is rare and only catching glimpses of it when he was standing up for them during the internal police coming in to ruff them up to remind them that what they are doing is not considered legal in papa's vision. Squad 26th flustered and tried to explain himself better.

'No please it's not like that, that girl doesn't care about her allies! We can't trust her to have our backs!' Ezekiel just stared at him. Then he looked at Zero Two just playing with her hair looking bored at the situation.

'Relying on a solo close combat mech to carry you should give you a clue on how she operates' Was the cold reply.

This only made squad leader 26th more upset. Seeing how this adult is showing little sympathy or even care that his wounded squad knows personally why fighting alongside ZeroTwo is a bad idea.

'A Joint operation two years ago with 002 left our squad isolated on the battlefield due to her reckless fighting style, and I lost my partner!' He screamed at ZeroTwo turning his head blaming her for his partner's death.

Ichigo remembered that the partners who rode with Zero Two died after their third sortie. This will be Hiros third and he will die if he is pressed for combat squeezing her skirt from remembering that detail. The squad leader breathed heavily after that tirade hoping that Zero Two would feel even the least amount of remorse that she is shown for the death of his partner. She didn't.

'Huh...Doesn't ring a bell' was the aloof answer she gave to the boy. Shockingly, the death of his partner is meaningless.

'Weaklings die, big deal' Was the answer that her 9s squad members and papa told her to not worry about her partners deaths. He was taken aback at this and wanted to punch her for her blatant disregard till he felt a hand on his shoulder holding him in place. As well as Hiro who moved in front of him stopping him in his tracks.

'I'll keep ZeroTwo from going out of control, I'm Strelizia's stamen' Was the simple reply Hiro gave. This didn't give the squid leader any comfort at all and felt his shoulder shake which he turned and looked up to see Ezekiel.

'What he means to say is the death of your partner is regrettable but that's battle, we give our lives so that the plantations can live to see another day, so honor that death by helping us fight these monsters that assault your homes, if the worst happens, me and my students will pull you out of the fire, are you with us?' Ezekiel said giving his speech.

Squad 26th nodded knowing that the death of their squad leader partner would want them to continue on without them. The squad leader looked down, digesting Ezekiel's words knowing that if they didn't fight they would see more of his partner like him dying and nodding.

'Yes' Ezekiel nodded. Then turned to the crowd before him.

'Listen up, we are fighting for our homes, our families, our lives tomorrow so stick with your teams and partners and we all get to go home, I don't want to see any personal feelings get in the way, but what we will have is Klaxosaursan blood on our blades and Kaiju heads to mount on our halls tomorrow, so rest up, eat well, and keep that fire going inside of your hearts, because tomorrow we will win, am i right soldiers?!' Squad 13 cheered and clapped from Ezekiel's speech but Squad 26 looked at them and each other wondering if it's a squad 13 thing or are they supposed to say it too. Ezekiel turned to Squad 26 who stood up at attention.

'I said am i right soldiers' Squad 26th understood the cue all said in unison.

'Yes sir' Came the reply. Ezekiel nodded his head then looked at the squad leader in the eyes.

'Kid, I understand the pain of loss but blaming others is not the way to go about it, use the rage in your heart and fight on, it's what they wanted' The squad leader nodded knowing now that the pilot before him wasn't being cold. He was talking through experience and thanked Ezekiel for the advice. After they all settled down they were sound off to go to bed. Tomorrow they have a big fight to participate in. And they will win.

Birdcage

Squad 13 was walking back to their dorms after the meeting to rest for their upcoming battle tomorrow walking back to their dorms they were making small talk about squad 26 and their view on squad 13 it was mostly suppose to be something else but Zoroeme started the conversation still a little sour about being treated as lesser squadmates.

'Where does that guy get off, treating us like we be in the way?' Zorome said not amused in the slightest that this squad leader comes off as more standoffish despite his best intentions.

'It's not like you'll be in the way, it's just that this squad is less experienced then squad 13' Ezekiel said mocking the tone of the squad leader getting a ha from Zorome.

'I agree, we are a makeshift team,' Mitsuru added, hoping to give some reason as to make the team not as standoffish and come from the good of their hearts. Getting a few ehs on her way.

'But it still pisses us off' Ikuno rebuttal. Mitsuru only hmm at that. Squad 13 and the teacher continue their walk until Goro stops still thinking about Hiro's condition.

'I agree with them, with squad 26' This comment made the squad pause their walk, causing them to look towards Goro.

'Strelizia shouldn't be part of this mission, let alone-' Goro was then interrupted by Hiro.

'I got this! C'mon let's show them what we're made of! you guys don't want to take their insult lying down, right?' He said he hoped his hero speech would work this time and used the team's drive to prove themselves as to not suspect his condition.

'Y-Yeah! He's right Goro, so don't start whossing out on us' Zorome struggled at first not used to being right then shift to saying it pridefully, he then looks towards Ichigo for support.

'What do you think, Ichigo?' Goro asked. Ichigo was looking off in the distance thinking about the ramifications of letting Hiro pilot again and their duty to save the lives of the plantation.

'I think we need Strelizia' Goro was surprised by her response, and was about to rebuttal but he kept his mouth shut, only looking at Hiro worryingly. ZeroTwo looked at Goro knowing he knows about Hiro's condition but it doesn't matter. They need them. And it's Hiros choice in the end.

His worries only worsened when he heard Hiro struggling with the pain in his chest at their dorms trying to sleep, Goro couldn't take it anymore and decided to go outside and listen to the rain as he sat down on the stairs in the backyard, he saw both Ichigo and ZeroTwo going into the woods.

Ichigo and ZeroTwo walked to the Greenhouse talking about their upcoming battle at first but something weighed on Ichigo's mind that this might be the last she'll ever see of Hiro. Hoping against all hope she'll be able to get ZeroTwo to lessen the restraints that Hiro might face in this battle but first she needs to set up that she isn't here to berate ZeroTwo.

'I'm not going to say anything about your past with Squad 26' ZeroTwo just yawned at that looking away.

She had this conversation a couple of times but the costs have always been upfront. Still the emotions that blind them still believe they can somehow break the three pilot streak. Maybe one day they could and she doesn't have to fight alone anymore. Still keeping an ear to Ichigo pleas she'll humor her on what she has to say.

'But I want you to stay in line during the mission'

'As of right now I'm the leader until Hiro gets elected officially and you will follow my orders' Hoping to pull rank to reign in ZeroTwo. But ZeroTwo always has problems with authority so looked away and treated her like she did with all the other people she was told by authority. Uninterested.

'Ordering me around again? You really are bossy' She said aloof and walked off like all the other officials she brushed off before till her hand was grabbed by Ichigo not being done with her pleading yet. But was dragged almost along not expecting ZeroTwo to be that strong. ZeroTwo just looked at Ichigo who was struggling to keep up.

'Just please. Don't push Hiro too hard' Was Ichigo's plea.

But that too was ignored as ZeroTwo pulled her hand away from the grabble. How could these people not realize that her darling wants to ride with her. So they ride with her. She can't possibly change the conditions no matter how hard she tries.

'Darling was the one who said he wanted to ride with me' Was her cold response.

Ichigo responded that she knows but still pleading the same with ZeroTwo to not kill Hiro during their sortie tomorrow. ZeroTwo not picking up on the pleading thought of a different reason as to why Ichigo was feeling down.

'Do you want me to give him to you?' ZeroTwo questioned. Ichigo could only gasp at that with surprise. ZeroTwo ignored her, realizing why she was so upset.

'You tried to ride with him already and it didn't work' Remembering the time where the pilots during their startup training tried to swap pilots in their start up routines.

The Franxx units have some difficulties on who can link up with who. Especially Hiro and Ichigo since no matter what they tried they couldn't start up their Franxx. At least the team gets to try out the Cherno Alpha integration system. That was somewhat more invasive and easier since they shared memories with each other in a linkage but some memories were blocked for some reason. But the Cherno Alpha they piloted was proven to be satisfactory all things considered. But Ichigo didn't want to remember that and screamed out that it wasn't like that.

'It's not about me. It's about you and your third pilot curse' ZeroTwo just looked away aloof. Thinking this might be an emotional response as to not deal with conversations like this but brush it aside.

'They chose in the end, why should it matter' Ichigo only got madder from that cold response.

'He could die, you know!' Was her rebuttal but ZeroTwo only looked off continuing to answer Ichigo coldly.

'Sure, he could. But that just means he didn't amount to much' Ichigo letting her emotions run wild walked up to her angrily and slapped ZeroTwo in the face knocking the headband off of her head. ZeroTwo didn't expect that slap and reeled back from it. No one gave her a slap to the face before but it wasn't unexpected. She knew one of these days it would happen but so soon?

'You're heartless!' She said, tears welling up in her eyes.

'You really aren't human!' She said, pouring the emotions she felt with ZeroTwo out in the air. ZeroTwo on the other hand felt a nerve struck. Feeling a different type of emotion that she hasn't felt in a very long time. Rage.

'Human' ZeroTwo said, straightening herself out.

'Human huh' Leaning to her side facing Ichigo like a predator. Ichigo could only stare at her holding her hands in fear instinctively backing away as she saw her horns glow red.

'Let me ask you something, then' Now full in her stance Her eyes and horns glowing red staring down Ichigo.

'What is "human" to you people?' Was her cold response.

Ichigo gasped and stepped back with fear as she saw the monstrous form of ZeroTwo. She would have said nothing and walked back but something within her. During her time with the teachers, Codsworth, Letting go Hiro, She found the courage to speak and gritted her teeth and stepped forward.

'A human is when they care for someone's well being, not use them like batteries, even if their blood is not their own they will fight tooth and nail to protect them like they are their own, that is what a human is to me, so excuse me for calling you a monster if you treat Hiro like garbage like your other pilots, if you are truly human and not the monster I think you are, then let Hiro live rather than die because you need someone to fight with you!'

She yelled out with all her might. Staring ZeroTwo down, breathing heavily from the emotions she had been bottling up for a while. ZeroTwo only tilted her head left and right, getting a measure of Ichigo. Then stood up still looking at her with her glowing eyes and red horns.

'If only you're with me and Hiro in the beginning, maybe things would have been different' Ichigo furrowed her eyes wondering if she can remember that she was growing up with her and had her memory blocked like Codsworth said when he analyzed the data recordings of the synchronization process of the two.

Then she felt rain drops on top of her head and looked up, noticing that the rain was beginning to rain in earnest. ZeroTwo picked up her headband and put it on looking At Ichigo and saying something to catch her attention.

'In the end it's my darling choice' Was the only response she gave then disappearing to the woods.

Ichigo could only watch as ZeroTwo disappeared from sight leaving her alone, wet and soon to be muddy with only sandals. She walked back defeated, her pleas went on deaf ears and her words alone couldn't sway ZeroTwo from piloting with Hiro.

Still not fully there realizing that she'll need to make peace with Hiro going to die tomorrow. She failed to notice that a towel on her head was thrown over it. She looked up and noticed it was Goro who waited for her to come back. He smiled hoping his friendly demeanor would help ease Ichigo from her defeated mood.

'You'll catch a cold' He said in a chipper attitude. Ichigo knew what he was doing but couldn't bring herself to pretend that it was working.

'Thanks. I just went out to take care of something' Was her response.

'I know' Goro knows what this something is. Ichigo wanted confirmation that he saw the whole thing and asked to which Goro said yes. Still gloomy that their pleas went on deaf ears. A silence was held for the two of them until Ichigo spoke up, breaking the silence.

'I don't know what to do' Goro looked at her and listened intently while Ichigo was looking down on the ground. Speaking to herself mostly about how powerless she is.

'I'm supposed to be the leader, and he and I go way back, but I couldn't help him pilot' Still kicking herself that the Franxx system deemed them incompatible. Not being able to save Hiro from killing himself.

'I couldn't stop him, but he's there for him now, and that's what Hiro wants' Feeling useless and knowing that her confession and her time with him all that she did together was just friendship and not something more. She hated it but couldn't find the words. There must be something wrong with her to make her act this way. With tears she cried out what was wrong with her.

'But I...Something's wrong with me!' Goro wanted to help but his pleas went unheard watching Ichigo continue to have a mental breakdown as her minds were all over the place.

'I...I hate this! I can't stand it, my mind's a mess, what's going on? But...Hiro' Choking out the words sobbing through the tears.

Confused about everything and not understanding what she is feeling right now. It only happened briefly with Vorona but they brushed it off at the elevator. Now she is feeling the full weight of everything and doesn't know what's happening to make her feel this way. Goro wanted to reach out to her hoping to ease her mind but stopped himself almost feeling the same emotion as what Ichigo was feeling and said aloud what this feeling he never experienced before?

'Sadness, Mr. Goro, what your feeling is sadness' They both instantly turned to see Codsworth hovering out of the door and into the two holding some napkins, towels, and a cup of tea. Ichigo feeling embarrassed quickly wiped her eyes with the towel hiding her face while Goro continued asking questions about how long Codsworth had been listening in to their conversation.

'From the beginning and more Mr Goro, the nuclear power that the good people at RobCo gave me has a power core that will allow me to run for a very long time' Codsworth said in a chipper mood but hovered lower as he went in front of Ichigo offering her some tea. Ichigo only looked at Codsworth, embarrassed that she was seen crying like this and hid her face in the towel. Codsworth only sighed.

'I know you're worried about the chap with Hiro but there is nothing wrong with you Miss Ichigo, you're just upset that through all logical reasoning Hiro decides to pilot with Miss ZeroTwo, even if it hurts us and through our persistent pleas of saying no, we can't stop him once their minds are already set, heck you should have seen Master Ezekiel when he went on a punching spree with some scavengers who tried to cut him off from their 50 to 50 deal scavenging the Kaiju' Goro and Codsworth chuckled at that with Goro tapping Codsworth metal dome.

'I think you should tell us that story to keep our minds on something else. ' Codsworth hovered up still keeping the tea cup in his hand and somehow not spilling the contents which made Ichigo blinked and catching a whiff of the tea smelling that it was rather nice and took the cup to drink it while Codsworth laughed cheerfully that he managed to turn their frowns upside down.

'Right you are, sir, I don't believe anyone else can sleep tonight after that event, so let's come to the living room, I'll serve some tea and biscuits for you to enjoy, if that's alright with you' Codsworth Asked. Goro smiled looking at Ichigo who was carefully placing her cup back on the plate hoping to not drop the cause it to fall on the floor.

'I think that's for the best isn't that right Ichigo' Ichigo placed the cup back looking a bit too pleased with herself that she managed to do at least one thing right today.

Then did a double take when Goro and Codsworth stared at her waiting for her answer. She was half paying attention after Codsworth gave the advice so she only got some of the context. But nodded, needing to focus on something else for a change. Constantly worrying about Hiro's safety is giving her a headache.

'I...would like some more tea please' She said sheepishly getting Codsworth to spin in joy elated that his invention was successful.

And hovered over to the door, opening it and gesturing to the two to come inside. Goro stepped forward for a bit waiting for Ichigo to come. She followed and took one last look to the woods before heading inside to enjoy more tea that Codsworth made. For some reason his tea is much better than the plantation tea that was usually made by other staff. Before heading inside of their home ready to spend the night on tea and biscuits pushing the thought aside of wondering where ZeroTwo go in the woods.

As the sun begins to rise over the horizon the rain from tonight wetted the landscape around them giving them a colored shine over a foggy lake where ZeroTwo and Hiro first meet. Hiro was stepping on puddles and mud as he made his way to ZeroTwo who was enjoying the rain and the lake where her life first changed after so long of going through the motions. She heard Hiros footsteps come closer but did not say anything as she was watching the lake and many dead trees being covered by a fog just like many times before.

'Everything smells nice after the rain doesn't it' She said aloud looking over the lake and smelling her surroundings. It was nice all things considered compared to the deserts and winter smells. This smell is one of the more pleasant smells.

'Make it rain again sometime, oh, right, you can't do it' She said disappointed that they both don't have the power to make the rain come and go whenever they pleased.

Doing her aloof pose as she was complaining out loud. Hiro looked down now his mind is set on making rain come and go as they please. Then stepped up with confidence that he'll make ZeroTwo's dream come true.

'I can't say that for sure yet' Was Hiro's declaration.

ZeroTwo smiled at him. After all of her darlings this one is the most invested in making her happy. She made the right choice after all of that time. Maybe when they pilot he won't die on her but the thoughts of Ichigo run through her mind about her previous pilots being used as batteries. Seeing what she got from that conversion is the difference between monsters and humans is those who have a choice and those that don't. She hmph for a bit cracking the code Ichigo was trying to tell her and smiled walking to where they first met. Hiro followed behind.

'This is where we first met' She said starting the conversation they both knew that they're going to have.

'It's only because I met you that I'm standing here right now' Was Hiro assurance that without that fateful meeting he would be forgotten and left to do some menial labor at some forgotten place at the plantation.

'That I can pilot a Franxx' He said, grateful that ZeroTwo helped him on his dreams of riding a Franxx.

'That's right, your partner is me, and me alone' With some facts and desire mixing in that the only person she actually likes is Hiro and Hiro alone. Unzipping Hiro uniform to reveal the tumor in his heart watching it pulsate as it did then tracing her hands on it like she did with many pilots of hers before. With varying degrees of enthusiasm and disgust.

'You already know, don't you? Like what your friend Ichigo said, none of my partners could ever ride with me more than three times' Giving out the risks and danger that Hiro already knows.

Even adding in Ichigo's name into the mix as for him to remember her when he is making his choice. It didn't matter in the end since from the look in his eyes he would go down swinging using everything he has left but to honor Ichigo in her own way she'll make a mention of her since she might be the first one she likes stood up to her about humanity. Barring that funny robot of course.

'Yeah' Was Hiro's response As ZeroTwo was tracing her fingers over the pulsating tumor like many of her previous pilots she did before.

'It hurts, right? The pain is unbearable, isn't it? But it looks beautiful' Remembering an old adage that greatness comes from suffering and if they were to suffer doing this one last act.

Then it'll be the most beautiful thing they have ever done. But in the end. It's their choice after all. So as a favor to Ichigo and a reminder that ZeroTwo is a human rather than a creature with horns, she asked Hiro what choice he'll take.

'What'll it be? If you want off this ride, now's your chance' She said leaning over to her side looking at Hiro intently. Hiro made a blank expression knowing he made his choice a long time ago. No amount of convincing nor refusal would ever change his mind.

'I'll ride with you' ZeroTwo processed Hiros words for a bit before smirking and then laughing that Hiro was the first pilot ever to say yes to her choice.

All the other pilots had to begrudgingly accept as to why they must ride with her. She was so happy with her choice that she spun around like a dancer overjoyed that her darling before her might be the one she was searching for a very long time. As ZeroTwo was doing her victory dance. Hiro thought about the reasons why he would ride with her even though it might cost him his life.

"Even if these wings I reached out and grabbed are to snap one day, I'll still take flight into the sky, because I feel that's why I'm here right now" Still thinking about the bird he saved only for it to die with broken wings.

He looked at ZeroTwo and was laughing and spinning with joy around the lake then looking up to the glass dome. If he were to die today. He would die accomplishing his mission and flying one last time. For it is better to burn out than fade away. To die with no regrets rather than living with a weight in his heart.

Word count 16100
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