(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
A routine mission in the outskirts to find some abandoned cities or magma veins on the surface. Turned into an impromptu live fire training mission as they found a Klaxosaur screaming its roar with its blue blood dripping off of its mouth. Sending his face towards the Chlorophytum who dodged and provided suppressing fire letting off shots finding it had no effect. But that didn't matter as Argentea jumped high landing on this Klaxosaur bulbous frame and digging her claws in. Hitting it a couple of times digging into the core before jumping off as the head that was shot off returned to bite it back. Leaving Genista to pick up the slack as they slid across the dusty plains lining up her shot on the creature's two heads open wide at the sides. Finding it can only do things at once as it rolled back from the upclose cannon shot right at its mouth.
'Good job you three! Time to end this!' Came Cherno Alpha as they rushed forward with the others aiming to destroy it in one blow.
The Klaxosaur roared and spun in place spewing its blue goo around covering the five leaving four to stop in place as their suits were tied to their personal sensors. Except Cherno who covered their arms from the blow banking on their armor, holding up with Codsworth on standby to repair the damages. Leaped in and punched inside the Klaxosaur where Argentea made.
'What is this? Gross!' Argentea coughed blue goo out of her mouth trying to get it off of her. Genista stood in place not liking how this goo feels.
'It's all sticky!' until a com link was established with the four showing codsworth hovering in place.
'Mind you to keep the language down to the minimum' Genista tilted her head wondering what she said was a swear word. Chlorophytum patted her shoulders and shook her head as this was something they shouldn't know about.
'Codsworth can you tell us what this is? This goo doesn't seem to hurt' With the other three nodding and voicing their agreements. Codsworth did diagnostic scans as the Cherno was beating the klaxosaur down, getting more of the blue gore on itself.
'Well the results are inconclusive, better to beat this ruffian while I run tests, Strelitzia you up'
Strelitzia nodded and was about to move until they slowed down a bit with the other three following suit.
'Darling what's wrong' ZeroTwo asks Hiro.
Hiro didn't say anything, only noticing that the goo managed to get into their cockpit and burnt up the parasite suit exposing her form. Leaving only scant remains to cover herself. The others were already seeing what he saw Zorome being very interested, Futoshi having a bit of a nose bleed and droll, Goro trying to smack his face to get his head in the battle, Mitsuru staring blankly then turning his head not wanting to be a part of this, and finally Hiro who uh at the situation. Getting another com link Ezekiel who wanted to know what's the hold up.
'Hey, what's the hold up?!' he questioned as they looked, seeing he was also covered in blue goo. Sizzling somewhat. Hiro shook his head and answered.
'Well y-' Before he was interrupted by Zorome cutting in on the coms.
'Nothing at all! Just some bugs in the system' He smiled hoping his little lie managed to get through. Only to consider backtracking as Ezekiel just stared at him, finding his metallic suit was burning a bit, finding some of his upper chest exposed. Codsworth chimed in to give his report.
'Indeed my good sir, apparently some of the goo got into our systems, seems to...have some bugs' Zorome's eyes widened as Codsworth was joining in on the lie. Before Ezekiel would question further Vorona com barged in as she yelled in.
'Dang cheap appliances! When we get back I'm kicking those engineers butts'
Taking great care not to swear to set a good example to the kids. Ezekiel rolled his eyes while Codsworth hovered a little lower. Giving the boys a sight of Vorona exposed upper chest seeing it smoking a bit. Having the three eyes widen with blushes coloring their faces becoming red. Mitsuru held his hand over his eyes turning to the side. Vorona looked over and took a glance at the boys wondering what got them so weird. Before shaking it off.
'Whatever, just push through it, you got that' Turning their comms off leaving Ezekiel and Codsworth to look at the boys.
Ezekiel gives them a smirk while Codsworth holds his tentacle over his approximation of a mouth. Cutting the feed off. The girls oh at that understanding why they slowed down. Zero Two moved the mech's arms a bit while the others were going through their checks making sure they were in it.
'You heard the lady, let's finish it off, darling!' Hiro shook his head and nodded, boosting through as the Klaxosaur spewed more of the blue goo at Strelitzia who speared the blue goo forward with her spear.
Roaring forward as breaking through the goo and piercing the Klaxosaur hitting the core of the creature and breaking it into pieces. Sending the other parts flying down to the ground. Getting a comm check from Cherno as to congratulate the two being covered head to toe in blue goo.
'Good work you two, getting a lot...' Was Vorona's response before she stopped herself looking a ZeroTwo suit was being eaten by the goo, exposing herself a lot more with Hiro who was looking at her and the comm of Vorona who looked disappointed in him.
'W-wait it's' Cutting the com for a second leaving Hiro to flounder a bit then reopening having the girls on com.
'Girls move your heads a couple of feet please'
'Huh why?' Was Ichigo's response. Before doing a double take that Vorona suit was sizzling and noticing her chest was out. Vorona smirked.
'Trust me you thank me when we get back' The girls, not knowing what to do shrugged and moved their heads back.
Hearing their counterparts yelling out their disgust and eww noises as they were covered in blue goo. Wanting to know why they made that nose they turned on the personal view of their cockpits noticing their suits were exposed and sizzling. But the most important part was their male counterparts were wiping away the blue goo from their suits, failing as their suits were burning up revealing their naked parts to them. They looked for a long second before Miku screamed.
'KYYYAAA! Get out!' came Miku who was using her mech to rub her face trying to swat Zorome away while Zorome held on.
'Wait No! Calm AH!' Zorome pleaded before the mech ran around in circles. Ichigo blushed red seeing Goro exposed like that as Goro was covering himself. As he shrinks from Ichigo looking at him at the comms. Futoshi lowered his head and clapped his hands together and pleaded.
'Kokoro please forgive me' Kokoro made no response, only thinking one word on the sight of what she's seeing.
'Oh my, this is quite lewd' Ikuno looked at Mitsuru feeling nothing while Mitsuru was calmly removing the blue goo off his suit as he sighs.
'Sorry this is embarrassing' Ikuno nodded and fiddled around her coms, giving her a private peek at Ichigo on her comms.
'Wish Ichigo be here' She thought out loud.
'What?'
'What?' Mitsuru questioned only to be shut down by Ikuno to not be questioned any further. Mitsuru looked over and saw Ikuno was looking at something. He sighs. Meanwhile Zero Two was smiling ear to ear at her darling being exposed to her like that while Hiro covered his face as he grew red like a tomato. Finding her opportunity to be coy she spoke to him.
'Darling~' Hiro moved his hands out of his eye and saw Zero two disabled the mech suit and sat in front of him showing her scorched suit looking eye to eye with him.
'Like what you see' Hiro laughed nervously and showed himself his suit burnt revealing his chest and some parts underneath. Still not making eye contact being embarrassed.
'I-I do Zero, uh, do you like what you see?' Hiro asked the question back. Zero looked him up and down. Finding some parts that are appealing. With a chuckle she lifted her head.
'Indeed, darling' The commotion of their pilots was viewed by Cherno who walked back to the group already the repair drones were hosing down the mechs as it approached.
'Quite a sight isn't it' Came Ezekiel having both of his attention at the inner coms having his suit being scorched a bit revealing his parts along with Vorona who also was scorched having her parts revealed as well. Vorona smirked.
'Don't get many of these, do we?' Both laughed as Codsworth was vacuuming the inside and hovering over the place cleaning up the goo with his tools. He spun in place thinking of a picture to commemorate this day.
'So begins another thrilling adventure in team Shatterdome, wouldn't you say?' The three shared a hearty laugh. Thinking that when they return it's going to be quite the ride.
At the Hanger, the engineers were doing a deep clean and repairs on all five mechs. Being half forced and needing the distraction after they suffer an earful of Vorona yelling at them. Wanting to have their minds busy because they swear when the room is quiet they can still hear her voice screaming at them. Groaning and being whipped into action by her specifications they worked on while the teams gathered on the ground floor. The girls of the Shatterdome all looked at the boys in both disgust and anger as their designated suits were covered by a towel.
Except Kokoro who covered her body from embarrassment, Vorona looked at the boys in disappointment as the boys shrinked from her glare, Ezekiel who also looked at the boys with disappointment somewhat while smirking that it was kind of funny in the end. Both of them were covered by towels while ZeroTwo didn't care and didn't cover herself in a towel even when Codsworth asked her to do so much to his dismay. The boys on the other hand looked away from embarrassment and some regret except Zorome who pouted as they were also covered in towels.
'You got it wrong, the only reason why we didn't tell you about your pilot suits melting was because we didn't want to distract you from battle' Goro pleaded. Futoshi lit up and tried pleading for his case as well.
'Then in my case! I simply found you too beautiful for words Kokoro! Believe me! This comes straight from the heart!' He proclaims. This made Ezekiel slap his face and Vorona to just shake her head but gave a small smile, Kokoro on the other hand. Her entire face turned red as she looked away from embarrassment.
'This is stupid' Mitsuru said, walking away from this whole mess, while Futoshi looked down in head raised high.
'What's the big deal? It's not like seeing you hurts you at all'
'Excuse me what did you say?!' Miku yelled. Hiro was about to butt in but Codsworth beat him to the punch. Codsworth grabbed Zorome by the ear and began pulling.
'Mr. Zorome, I don't know who taught you your manners, but when me, Mr. Ezekiel and Mrs. Vorona are here, you will treat these young girls with the respect they deserve, am I clear?' He asked pulling Zorome ear harder, Zorome screamed in pain. Pleasing Miku to no end while the others chuckled in various enthusiasm.
'Ow! Ok ok! I'll treat them-Ow quit it! with respect' Codsworth floated up happy with his statement and let go of Zorome ears. Zorome's ear was a bright red and in pain. He rubbed it, comforting it. As he pouted on following this new rule.
'Now what do you say to Ms. Miku?' Codsworth asked. At first Zorome didn't say it, but when Codsworth showed Zorome his claw he tensed up and bowed his head at her.
'I'm sorry for looking at you without permission' Zorome said. Miku only hmph at this not believing him. Codsworth then looks at the rest of the kids.
'Now you two follow suit' Codsworth said, looking at Futoshi and Goro.
'But-' Goro tried to explain but Codsworth snapped his claws, scaring the both into apologizing.
'I'm sorry!' They both said bowing their heads. Zorome, still rubbing the pain in his ear, realized that Hiro hadn't apologized yet.
'Hey! How come Hiro didn't have to apologize!' Zorome yelled.
'Because unlike you sir, he got permission from his partner isn't that right miss?' Codsworth asked, looking over to ZeroTwo, to which she nodded her head.
The three of them stare at ZeroTwo as if this was her fault.
'What the hell?' Ichigo said. Hiro looked at both of the groups realizing this isn't over. This is when Ezekiel butted in.
'Alright that enough you two, hit the showers' Ezekiel order. The groups grumbled and headed off. Leaving the two and Codsworth who sighs. This is going to be quite a long day.
'I can't believe they've been ogling us' Miku complained as she was washing her head with soap. Before something struck her that this wasn't the first time they did this.
'Wait, were they doing it back at the beach, too?'
'That's how boys are' Ichigo answered while rolling her eyes. Before smirking a bit.
'At least we got some payback on them' Miku groaned and complained some more.
'Not enough! They're such creeps!' Ichigo hmm at that while washing her arms.
'A bit of an extreme since we are even now, but if this matter continues this could deeply affect squid morale' Then smirking a bit as she ruffled her hair with soap.
'Wouldn't hurt to one up them' Kokoro shivered and looked over the two on their statement.
'All of you need to calm down a little, shouldn't we-' Before she was interrupted by Miku who yelled out her proclamation.
'I've had it! I don't wanna be anywhere near the boys anymore!' She then leaned over at her shower door and spoke to the others.
'I know what to do, we should quit' Getting the attention of the girls who looked interested in what she had to say.
'Let's put an end to our communal life with the boys!' The girls looked a bit nervous on how they are going to do that exactly. But noticed Miku smirking that she has a plan on how to separate the boys and girls. A foolhardy plan that has been tried and true at the engineering bay. Even being taught to them by their teachers.
Inside the Birdcage everything was tape in half, from the living room all the way to the bathroom. Miku stood up, placing the last bit of tape proud of herself. The boys were on the left side while the girls were on the right side. Vorona, Ezekiel, and Codsworth all sigh at this idiotic action.
'Alright listen up no boys are allowed on this side of the line' Miku stood proudly of course Zorome objected to this.
'Who died and put you in charge, just try and stop me' As he approached the line the girls gave him a death stare except for Kokoro.
'Zorome if you cross that line you're gonna regret it big time' This made all the boys scared and Zorome backed off. Zorome groaned in frustration looking up to their teachers who shrugged. Leaving the boys on their own while the girls satisfied that their scheme would be continued.
'Ah puberty' Dr. Franxx said as he spoke through a video call. Hachi and Nan standing at attention in the meeting room. Both Vorona and Ezekiel were present as well, rolling their eyes on how horribly uneducated on handling children.
'Yes but for so many members of one squad to begin at the same time it's unheard of' Ezekiel looked at Haci like he was a robot. Who looked back as he smirked a bit.
'Well Hachi life's mysteries and works in mysterious ways' Ezekiel poking fun at Hachi who didn't get the joke and stared at him. Nana cleared her throat and continued to report.
'Statistics indicates that at most one or two members starting it together'
'Well then your static's are wrong, aren't they?' Vorona asked. Leaving Nana to look at her who was waving off the whole thing. Getting her a bit frustrated that they are not taking it seriously on this anomaly.
'Indeed' Dr. Franxx said, agreeing with Vorona's statement. Causing Hachi and Nana to widen their eyes a bit as they watch the teachers just yawn and play with these children toys they were assembling on the panel.
'Ezekiel, Vorona I'm trusting you to make sure this goes too far' Dr Franxx asked which the two nodded. Leaving Hachi to breath out his nose and accept the assignment while Nana protested.
'Sir I don't believe we should trust this experiment-'
'This isn't an experiment' Ezekiel interrupted as he was finishing his toy boat with Vorna putting in on the finishing touches
'These are children going through stuff, it's normal where I come from, just let it settle itself out' Ezekiel explained putting away the toy and pulling out another one using some windup parts.
'Agree' Dr. Franxx said.
'We make sure this doesn't go out of hand doctor' Vorona assured the Hachi and Nana who had their doubts but sighed. Their experimental group was outperforming their regular parasites teams in every way. May even rivel the 9's if this keeps up. So they decided to let them have the lead for now despite their hobby in toy making for the kids.'Did you see the look on the boys' faces back there?' Said Miku as she sat in their room with the other girls except ZeroTwo who was off somewhere.
'Serve them right!' She triumphs. Ichigo meanwhile had no such triumph. Looking out the window caught both Ikuno and Miko's attention. Ikuno walked up to Ichigo wondering what she was looking at.
'What's the matter?' Ichigo didn't respond, only looked through the window.
The others look out of the window as well. Finding Hiro and ZeroTwo on the other side of the tapeline. Doing what the teachers call couple stuff. Such as sitting next to each other being lovey dovey like their teachers sometimes. Having the Ire of Miko that she is not obeying the girl rule. Ikuno who looked on expecting this to happen. And Ichigo who sighs and tries her best to be happy for them. Might want to have another go on target practice if they haven't tapped that part off since "it's a boys activity". Walking down the steps to discuss the flaws in their plans Miku was the one who stated it simply.
'Now we've just gotta rein her in' Until the door opened and they all looked up seeing the boys in their swim trunks with towels around their neck laughing triumphantly. All under the guise of the girls who looked on with disgust.
'H-Hey! What do you think you're doing?' Miku questioned in anger as the boys were walking up the stairs being indecent. Zorome being designated as team leader and voice for the lads spoke in the most obvious tone they should know about.
'Well, seeing as we can;t use the bath, we took a dip in the lake' Then hung back as the others were coming up the stairs to get changed.
'It felt amazing' Infuriating Miku who grumbled.
'W-Would it kill you to get dressed?' Zorome chuckled and continued to walk up, making her sweat a little as he moved up hearing Miku complain some more.
'Are you listening to me?' Zorome looked back and pointed down to the line.
'What we do in our territory is none of your damn business' Then waved her off as he made some mocking gestures at Miku's expense who was fuming.
'Besides I give you permission to look' Then made a bleh face as he walked backwards as Miku yelled at him. Leaving the two girls to sigh at the plan might not be fool proof as it should be.
The Girls were now in the bathroom cleaning. The Reason being that since they tape off the bathroom that meant they had to pick up all the responsibility that comes along with it.
'What in the heck what's that all about?!' Miku asked as she angrily swept the floor.
'They're trying to prove us' Ikuno said, giving her the answer.
'I bet it was Goro's idea, there was no way that Zorome or Futoshi could think of it' Miku hmph at this.
'How come they get to spend their morning goofing off at the lake while we get stuck cleaning the bath, it's not fair!'
'We Can't really complain about that' Kokoro said, cleaning a bowl.
'That's true, we declare the bathroom off limits to the boys when we split the house in half' Ikuno reminded Miku that this was the consequence of separating their rooms.
'But it's not fair! Aww man! Of all the things we had to do ourselves, why did it have to be cleaning? I mean are the invisible caretakers soo busy cooking our food and cleaning our laundry that they couldn't handle this too, and why isn't Codsworth helping us?! If he was here, we would have been done already!' Miku yelled out as she was swinging her broom in the air.
'Well, Codsworth was ordered not to help either boys or girls by both teachers so that he wouldn't hold favoritism of any of us and just do the cooking' Ikuno explained, Miku simply groan at this and continued sweeping the bathroom.
The four girls were looking at their eating spot that was overtaken by the boys with Codsworth handing them their meals. Goro looked back as the girls were looking on, frustrated and confused on how they were eating at their side of the tape.
'Sorry, but we've taken over this area' He explained as the others were eating cheese on a stick.
'We noticed that you girls hadn't taped it off' Ikuno grumbled that Miku forgot the basics of logistical class. Red tape everything or else you get shenanigans like this. A fact made more evident that Zorome was eating a cheese cake and playing up the deliciousness of the cake at the expense of the girls.
'So good! Today's breakfast is extraordinary!' Miku looked on distraught with the others in various amounts of disappointment and kokoro sighing about the divide.
'No fair! You're heartless!' Miku yelled out with Goro shrugging as Codsworth hovered close, bringing in some more food on the table.
'You're right, so what say we both drop all the silly rules and eat together?' Miku was already entranced by the food and threw away her plan and tried to come in as Ikuno and Ichigo were chatting about this obvious trap.
'It's a trap'
'Agreed' They both said and looked at Miku. The one who started this whole thing was throwing away all her principles for food. Ichigo immediately sprang into action, her sargent training kicking in as she pulled her back.
'Don't go, Miku! You're shaming this unit!' With Ikuno holding Miku back somewhat as she noticed how strong Ichigo was as she pulled her back with only her arms. Miku didn't hear what Ichigo was saying, only listening to the hunger of her stomach as ZeroTwo walked by. Miku shook her head and noticed her take one last look at them and stepped over the line. With her groaning and whining about her not having lunch. Ichigo rolled her eyes.
'It's fine Miku, me and Ikuno are going on a supply raid, hope you like ration bars' This made Miku more upset as she whined some more as the last time she ate ration bars it tasted nothing like the food she was given. Kicking and screaming as they dragged her up the stairs. Ikuno at her wits end told her about her position.
'If you keep this up we're demoting you and making Ichigo squad leader' Which shut Miku up as she was dragged up the stairs planning on how to go on a supply raid for food. Goro and Hiro looked on with some concern.
'Talk about pigheaded' Goro said and Hiro looked at Codsworth to question about this supply raid.
'Codsworth what do they mean about supply raids?' Codsworth was finishing pouring honey on ZeroTwo cake slices as ZeroTwo was rubbing her hands with delight. Codsworth waved it off.
'Oh it's nothing Mr. Hiro, just sometimes things go missing' Hiro narrowed at the things that go missing.
Thinking Vorona has been teaching Ichigo and Ikuno to steal from farther. More specifically how Vorona always seems to be fist fighting with the engineers both metaphorically and physically on numerous design flaws. Taking the two along during their field trips. He shrugged as he ate another cake watching ZeroTwo was about to wolf her honey cake down but was half paying attention to Codsworth teaching her using utensils.
Ikuno, Miku, Kokoro and Ichigo were carrying small boxes of ration bars. Having some on the way for breakfast as they explore the house as they had nothing to do. Especially since the light snow covering the area. Although Miku doesn't like the taste of them, she had no right to complain since this was her idea after all. But she complained anyway.
'I can't believe we're eating ration packs' Miku said in a disgusting tone. Trying to swallow the ration pack but finding it bland. Having no idea on how Ichigo and Ikuno can eat these things.
'Well this was your idea' Ikuno swallowed and pointed out.
'Yea, but I never thought I would eat ration packs for the rest of my life!' Miko complained again. The four sigh as they descend down the stairs to the first floor. Looking around the hallways is like any other hallway.
'So this is what the first floor is like, I have never been down here before' Until The four stopped at a door which was taped off. Tilting their heads on the yellow tape being written as keep out.
'Why is it sealed off?' Ichigo asked.
'Scary' Kokoro added, feeling creeped out by it.
'Maybe nobody's using it' Miku explained. The four looked to their left to see another door being tape off. Something to ask for the teachers and Codsworth for later. But for now they have a war to win and secrets to uncover at another time.
'How long will this fight go on?' Ichigo thought out loud. Already tired of this gender war. Thinking this might be war fatigue that the teachers have been telling them about.
'Honestly' Ikuno said, getting the other three attention.
'I like it to last forever' Before Ichigo was about to ask what she meant. She saw someone lick Ikuno's neck from behind.
'Taste like someone has a secret' This caused Ikuno to jump and shiver from the unexpected lick from behind. It was ZeroTwo, who came out of nowhere.
'Whaaat?!' Ikuno yelled out in confusion as she held her neck. ZeroTwo said nothing. At first she just turned around and started to walk away.
'Wait!' Miku called out, grabbing ZeroTwo's attention. After a bit of back and forth the four girls went to a room to give ZeroTwo a private chat.
'Whose side are you, on?' Miku hoped her interrogation lessons paid off. ZeroTwo sat on the bed crisscrossing, with her shoes off of course, some of Codsworth's teaching were rubbing off on her. However not listening to his manner lessons as she looked somewhat bored in their questioning.
'We prefer that you cooperate with us, of course' Ichigo said. ZeroTwo however looks disinterested and stretches her back.
'I hate to break it to you but this whole fight is lame, you're just fooling around' Miku took offense to her statement, except for Kokoro. With the others wanting to give it a fighting chance.
'Eh! This isn't a game!' Ichigo holds her hand up telling Miku to calm down.
'Maybe to you is lame but we're serious' Ichigo decides to take the lead as Miku was too hot headed for this.
'Uh well-' Kokoro tried to say that she wasn't serious about this but quiet herself.
'You're serious, huh?' ZeroTwo thought for a moment before smirking.
'Alright then, I'll join you' The four were skeptical about her statement. Thinking this was another ploy of her. But relented, they needed all the help they could get.
Downstairs ZeroTwo was beginning the motion of her plans by tearing up the paper in front of her. Having the words labeled Bath and Changing Area No Boys Allowed! Crumbling them up into a ball. Futoshi and Zorome were walking down the stairs noticing ZeroTwo was doing and asked.
'Huh?'
'What's up?' They both said their versions of wanting to know what ZeroTwo was doing. She turned her head.
'They said you can use the bath now' Throwing the paper behind her. Leaving out of sight. Leaving the two to wonder if her words were true. Leaving ZeroTwo the next stage of their plan in changing the bathing design sign to boys bathing. Looking behind her that her devious act was unnoticed. Seeing only Codsworth who chuckled. She returned the gesture.
The sun was almost at the horizon. With the winter cold being somewhat lessening and replaced by the familiar cold of the night. The boys were undressing their clothes as they got to bath in an actual bath rather than using the local river. It was nice and all but sometimes it's quite cold. Despite Ezekiel insistence that it was lukewarm and was told that the rivers of Russia were freezing temperature. Whatever Russia means anyways.
'ZeroTwo said it was okay for us to use the bath?' Goro questioned the two who told them. Hiro was also curious that ZeroTwo told them about it.
'Really?' Zorome smiled and closed the door containing their clothing with a towel over his neck. He spoke triumphantly about the girls giving up or something.
'Really, the girls must've waved the white flag' Now entering the baths naked they opened the door seeing all the girls and sitting around the bath naked as well.
Both were like deer in the headlights at the revelation. The Girls were shocked at them being seen naked again. The boys were also shocked as well. Except Zorome and Futoshi who oogled at the sight. Miku noticed the two idiots that caused this whole mess in the first place leaned down picking up something to throw at them. Goro managed to spot what they were doing and put up his hands.
'Wait! I-It's not what it looks like!' But it was all in vain as they threw their bath tools and some rubber duckies at the boys. Getting hit by a toy and harmless tapped by a rubber ducky. He took cover as Zorome just sidestepped the incoming projectiles.
'Hear us out! It was Zero Two!' Zorome pleaded. But it fell on deaf ears as Goro commented on the situation.
'Crap, we can't stop them now.' Hiro was holding a towel trying to make himself decent.
Only to catch ZeroTwo looking at him carrying a basket filled with their underwear. She gave him a wry smile and ran out of the room in almost a blink of an eye. Hiro was a little angry that ZeroTwo would orchestrate this event. But at the same time not because it was kind of funny.
'Stop!' Running outside he confronted ZeroTwo who was standing tall and waiting for Hiro to catch up.
'Why would you do this, ZeroTwo?!' Still blushing that only a towel to cover him. ZeroTwo lowered her head and looked at Hiro smug.
'This is a real fight, come at me with all you've got, darling' Now standing tall and a little leaning back as she gestured her hands to come at her.
Hiro stifled the blush and breathed out through his nose. Aiming to win this game of hers. Running forward he tried to grab the basket and missed having his towel caught as ZeroTwo spun around catching it with her feet. She laughed at Hiro who was on the ground giving her quite the sight with Hiro who flustered a bit but grabbed the towel anyways still trying to win. Not concerned his manhood is at risk. Meanwhile at the bathhouse the boys were taking cover behind the doors hoping diplomacy is still an option.
'We were set up!' Futoshi pleaded hiding behind the door cover getting hit by a bowl bin on his head. Who sighed.
'Enough excuses!' Ichigo yelled, throwing another bath bowl covering herself with a towel.
At the stairs Hiro was running up the stairs trying to catch ZeroTwo but missed as she jumped on the railing and slid down the railing getting to the otherside of the stairs. Taking a look back at Hiro who followed, finding immense joy on her fun little prank she did.
'Hold it!' Making a bleh face she ran forward with Hiro close behind. Laughing all the while as she jumped over the couch cushions in the living room and flipped to the other side with Hiro following along.
'Hurry up and catch me if you can, darling!' She flipped to the other side of the doorway in an instant and ran along the hallway with Hiro following suit. Laughing all the while. Hiro, thanking Ezekiel jogging lessons, kept up and with a determined look in his eyes ran forward.
'You're on!'
'Perverts! You horny perverts!' Came Miku as she covered herself in a bath towel with the others following suit throwing more of the bath tools at them. The others sigh thinking this is the best time to leave as Miku was going on another rant.
'Fiends! I'm gonna break you in half!'
'We should leave for now' Goro said, voicing the boys thoughts out loud. Until Futoshi said something that caught the boy's attention.
'Hey, our clothes are gone!' Both looking over seeing the drawers holding their clothes were all but gone and opened.
'What?!' Zorome screamed out upset that ZeroTwo tricked them in this confrontation.
ZeroTwo meanwhile was outside looking at the cold sunset having a familiar feeling and hopped up to the roof with Hiro following, finding it familiar and not familiar as he followed along ZeroTwo running along the roof now standing at the peak of the house looking over the sunset. With Hiro shivering and walking forward. But surprisingly he grew quickly used to it as he walked forward, actually having fun in this chase and wouldn't mind running a bit more. But alas the game has to end.
'This is it, there's nowhere left for you to run-' Before his eyes were covered by something. Hiro struggled for a bit before pulling them off and finding out that it was a bra he was holding. He gasped in surprise and looked up seeing ZeroTwo laughing at him with the sun behind her.
'Darling, you pervert!' Throwing all of their clothes in the air as they scatter among the winds and air.
Leaving Hiro to watch as their clothes were coming at him and all around. Flying towards him and being covered by it as they flew right at his face. Hiro was taken aback by this but laughed it off. Finding it so ridiculous it came back to being funny. Laughing it off as ZeroTwo stands on the rooftop her feet moving the cold snow a bit, finding it quite familiar. After Hiro's laughing fit he spoke to ZeroTwo.
'Why'd you do this, though?'
'The fight, I wanted to try taking part in a human fight' ZeroTwo answered. Hiro felt an instant wave of chills that still froze him still. Freezing him more than the cold air around him.
'ZeroTwo' He said breathlessly. ZeroTwo leaned in close.
'Hey darling, do I seem a little more human now?' Now standing tall with her arms out in the air smiling all the while.
Falling backwards off of the roof. Hiro immediately went into a panic and ran after her calling out her name. As he was almost close enough to catch her. But as he was about to reach her she flipped and grabbed the house window roof, jumping on a tree root, the wall and landed on the cold ground. Looking happy to show off her skills and liking that he showed concern for her. Hiro moved back breathing a sigh of relief that ZeroTwo was fine.
'She quite the acrobatic isn't she' Hiro turned around finding Codsworth holding the clothes that was thrown in the air and handed him his clothing to wear. He chuckled and started to put on his clothes feeling it alot more warm than before.
'Yeah, she is' Back in the bath house Zorome was yelling out his war cry as he held onto the broom and knocked back the bath bowl that was thrown at him. Then moving sporadically in place as he yelled out to the girls.
'That's it! We've had it with this crap!' Then he got hit by a bath tool in the face. Leaving a redmark on his head. The girls kept throwing their bath tools as they grabbed more of the bath tubs just floating around. Except Kokoro who was using the bowls as cover.
'We're the ones running out of patience!' Miku yelled as the other three kept throwing while Zorome was batting away the bowls. With the other boys looking on by the door and Mitsuru sitting at the chair waiting for this to be over.
'Shut up! Don't look down on us boys!' Zorome yelled out while Miku argued back.
'Why don't you try sparing a thought for us girls?!'
'Shut up! All of you-'
'Knock it off!' Nana finally having enough of this went into the room and yelled out in the bathing room. Upset that the teachers weren't doing anything. The boys and girls looked at Nana stopping their argument and were embarrassed that they were caught in this. Vorona walked in next to her fixing up a wind up toy as it jitter around in her hands.
'Aww it was just getting to the good part'
In the main room Nana and Hachi were Standing by the stairs while the two Groups were still separated by the tape except for Codsworth, Ezekiel and Vorona. Who milled around in place making their toys and instruments. For what exactly? They didn't say yet.
'What would happen if a Klaxosaur attacked in the middle of this silly feud?' Nana lectured to the group.
'I wouldn't say it was silly...' Vorona said trailing off. Nana looks at Vorona, upset that she is still playing around with her toys rather than leading these parasites.
'And what would you say?' Hachi asked. Stepping up as he knows Nana will not survive Vorona when you make her angry. A lesson he witnessed as she chucked an engineer off of her workstation for daring to add boobs in her mech.
'I would say it was down right hilarious!' Ezekiel answered for Vorona, laughing as both were watching the groups on the cameras in the building.
Watching the boy and girls skirmish. Both of the two furrowed as. After he calmed down he wiped a tear from his eye and continued making a Balalaika, a small part of both of the motherland, using the wood from the trees and the other materials requested. Getting the group to chuckle and laugh along with Ezekiel thinking it was alright.
'But in all seriousness Nana right, a pilot and his/her partner must be able to work together otherwise you get killed in the battlefield' Ezekiel said in a serious tone. Getting all of the kids to line up and standing straight as instincts kicked in. Although fun, they needed to learn their partners now and learn how to work together.
'Is that clear?' He asked. The group sighed and looked off in varying directions.
'Kay' They all said which Ezekiel nodded.
'Alright hit the sheets' The two groups began walking upstairs to their separate rooms. Leaving the five alone.
'These children are nothing like the others' Nana said.
'That because there are not some brainless soldiers you can't just expect to follow whatever you say' Vorona looked at Nana giving her a death glare. Nana was about to protest but quickly shut up as she remembered she read the report on Vorona chucking people off of stairs. Hachi patted Nana's shoulder for her to calm down.
'But what confuses me is ZeroTwo joining in this charade' looking at Ezekiel who clicked his tongue as the other two were putting toys in his bag.
'You have a long way to go to realize kids are not robots' Then hefting the bag over his back leaving the house giving his parting words before he goes off.
'They're only human'
'I had so much fun' Came ZeroTwo who was sitting on her bed playing with her little wind up toy in the shape of Codsworth. Spinning around in place. Giggling that this toy spins around on wheels. On the frame of her bed.
'I loved how naughty and rebellious that was!' The girls looked up, not amused by ZeroTwo's plan of having that confrontation.
'What were you thinking? Explain yourself?' Ichigo was upset by their carefree attitude. Also having a toy when she has none. But that's not important right now. As they listen to what ZeroTwo said.
'If you keep half-assng things like that, you'll end up like the adults one day' The girls looked up wondering what ZeroTwo meant as she winds up her little Codsworth and placed it on her frame. Rocking side to side in place.
'If you have anything you wanna say, you'd better spit it out while you can' Then jumping off and heading to the door. Before feeling that she missed her days of carefree attitude with her previous team. Thinking they might have to fight them one day. Now turning around looking at them. Not happy that she has grown a liking to them and has to deliver a harsh truth for them to hear.
'Because you're all going to die sooner or later' Was all she had to say and left the room. Leaving the girls to ruminate on what she says.
In the boys room, Zorome, Futoshi, and Mitsuru all laid in bed. Goro leaned against the bed ladder, while Hiro sat in a chair resting his head on the back of the chair.
'Man I'm pissed! Where do the girls get off being condescending all the time?' Zorome complained, very angry that they got in trouble even when it was the girls' fault.
'Their like that because they don't think highly of us' Mitsuru explained.
'Thanks! But no one asked you for your calm analysis! Ugh! Screw this crap I'm done with this! I'm through with the girls for good' Zorome yelled at Mitsuru thoroughly done with everything and him. That was until Hiro spoke up, raising his head from the chair.
'I feel bad but if I'm being honest, I actually thought that was kinda fun' All the boys were surprised by his statement. Expectually Zorome, knowing Hiro would say that but still.
'Huh?!' He asked, confused even after all of that. Hiro continued his thoughts on the matter as he explained it calmly to the others.
'ZeroTwo did too she was laughing, really hard, you know now that I really think about it, we should try consider our partners feelings more'
'Why should we bother to do that? Their nothing but weirdo wackjobs' Zorome replied back. Not at all satisfied with Hiro praising his girlfriend again. Hiro nodded, not denying that and elaborated more.
'True I don't get them either, but it is what Ezekiel said: We're partners, when we don't work together we both die, so if we are partner at least we could do learn about so that I can give better support when she needs it' Mitsuru rolled his eyes and explained calmly about his partner being a special case.
'If you're talking about ZeroTwo, she is the ultimate pistol, who doesn't need help from anybody, even you' Hiro shook his head no that despite his analytical approach. He is thinking like a machine and not taking into account her baggage she alone has to carry. How could she not. She's only human.
'No, ZeroTwo is a normal girl but it's not just her their jobs as pistol relies on us to handle the controls, when we go into battle it's their frail bodies that take the blunt of it'
'Oh yea that must be rough on them' Futoshi said in a saddened tone being reminded about that particular detail in their suits. Hiro nodded seeing they were getting it and continued his speech.
'They keep connecting to the Franxx and do their best, they place their trust in us, watch ZeroTwo like that...It made me think I want to become stronger to take care of her better than I can now' The boys were silent for a moment before Goro spoke rubbing the back of his head.
'Your right the girls give it their all in every battle, it's wrong of us to be ogling back their while they struggle'
'Of course they want nothing to do with us' Futoshi said as he sighed leaning down as he was disappointed in himself with what he said earlier back at the pilot bay. Zorome was silent a bit longer, turning his head to the side. Absorbing his words and decided to put his pride away to protect his teammates.
'I can be a man about this too, ok, I'll admit it, I also feel the need to look after my partner and take care of her. Believe me I don't like seeing the girls in pain anymore then you guys' Goro smiled and nodded getting up from his ladder and addressing the boys.
'That means there's only one thing for us to do' Then turning to Hiro and giving him a pat on his shoulder.
'Nice speech' Hiro rubbed the back of his head as he laughed sheepishly.
'Well, I learn from the best'
'Die sooner or later, huh?' Ichigo thought out loud while sitting on the couch with Ikuno.
Kokoro sat on the other side sitting on her bed as Miku was laying down. Somewhat fiddling around the toy ZeroTwo has left behind but placed it to the side. Not happy how the day's events ended. Kokoro looked to the side and held the book she picked up from earlier. Thinking about how she wanted to share the book with Mitsuru. Maybe talk to Codsworth about it. But the time isn't there yet. Making her resolve known she stood up.
'H-Hey, you know what?' Getting everyone's attention as all eyes were on her as she spoke.
'I really think this can't go on!' Now standing tall to the girls holding her words will hit a chord in them.
'There are things that we can't do alone, but can do if we work with the boys!' drawing memories of their sortie from earlier she continued to speak about how the Franxx are two pilots rather than one.
'And there are lots of things like that, aren't there? Piloting the Franxx is one of them!' The girls listen intently on what Kokoro has to say next as she continues.
'Yeah, the boys are perverts, and I have no idea what goes through their heads, boys and girls are nothing alike, but that's why it's good for us to be together!' Then yelled out her last statement before retreating back into herself. Still working out the finer details of the book.
'After all, that's how...uh...it's born, I think' Quickly thinking of how to save herself and not reveal the book as the standard looking forward to tomorrow and stuff.
'You know, like...the future, hope, and stuff' The retreating into herself as the shy timid girl that the girls knew her as.
'So...So...'
'It's really unusual for you to be so assertive' Ichigo pointed out.
'Yeah, it surprised me' Ikuno added in. Before taking a breath and lying back on the couch.
'What you said did sink, though' Kokoro looked up seeing Ikuno taking her words into consideration.
'We can't just be the ones who complain all the time' Miku got up, not happy after that speech, the girls just forgoing everything she worked for.
'W-Wait a second! Are you thinking of forgiving the boys?' Ichigo leaned forward to address Miku.
'Well, we won't get anywhere as things stand, besides, we're even' Miku furrowed and stormed off in a huff as she yelled out still not forgiving them as they didn't even apologize in the first place.
'Oh, really? Suit yourselves, then!' Now running to the door and ripping it open.
'I'm not letting this go, even if I'm left all alone!'
'Wait Miku!' Was all Kokoro said as they saw her storm off and out of sight.
'I'm not gonna beg and plead for forgiveness, kay?' Zorome tells the boys about the ground rules of how they are apologizing to the girls with dignity. While they walk into the living room. Goro looks back a little confused on how he could think of his pride at a time like this. It's just going to be a simple apology. Short and sweet.
'You're still going on about that?' After walking a bit they saw Ichigo, Ikuno and Kokoro standing around in the living room to address them.
'Goro...' Ikuno hesitated for a single second before heading up to the boys to ask for help.
'Miku's missing, please help us find her!' The boys gasped in surprise and were on the move. Helping the girls as they search the house and yelling out her name. Hoping for her to come out. Miku meanwhile was sitting inside the abandoned room. With her hands over her knees grumbling as she listened to her name being called out. Looking at the door she barricaded with suitcases and chairs.
'Listen to that, they've all made up already' Now huffing her anger out as she is now all alone in this separation.
'Well, I'm still not leaving this room' Now looking around in an attempt to fight off boredom and her self doubt.
She scanned around seeing this to be like the girls' dorm. Almost to the exact specifications with the exception of it being pink, having wilted lilacs in the flowerpot, and a bunch of stuffed animals. Not interested in these things at all. She stood up and looked around some more, finding the desk having a mug, a couple of books labeled diary and a pen at the side. But what was most interesting was the framed photo in the middle of the desk.
'Is this...' Now picking up the photo besides some books and a perfume bottle. She held it close and the realization struck her. This room was home to other squad mates.
'No...' She thought out breathless as she realized that they hadn't seen these pilots before.
Thinking the worst that they died. And her team is going to be next. Breathing more and more, finding her heart beating faster and faster. Connecting the dots together on why the rooms were tapped off. These were rooms of people who died. Dropping the frame picture she sat down and held her head sobbing in silence. Until the door was kicked open by Zorome who broke it by its hinges. Thanking Ezekiel jogging for later as they found Miku and Kokoro rushed in to comfort her.
'Miku!' Kokoro yelled out and held her close to her chest as they all saw her in a collapsed state.
'Thank goodness, we were so worried' Hiro looked around for a bit and noticed a picture framed of a team was on the floor. Its glass panel cracked as he lifted up to inspect it closer.
'What's wrong?' Kokoro hoped Miku would say anything but she said nothing. Hiro furrowed about not recognizing the layout.
'What's this room?'
'Probably one of the rooms the former Squad 13 parasites used' ZeroTwo coming out of nowhere and leaning on the wall. Looking a bit down on herself as Codsworth isn't here to explain the history of the former squad 13 as he's out somewhere in the snow.
'Former...squad 13' Was Mitsuru and Ikuno's responses hoping to elaborate some more as their teachers never made mention of this.
'Oh, of course this plantation had a defensive squad before we were assigned here' Goro explained to the others. Getting some memories jogged back as they read a brief report on the previous people stationed there. But never in detail or what happened to them.
'So how come they aren't here now?' Not getting an answer and fearing that it may be what he thinks about. He asked again hoping he's wrong.
'Why's that? Zorome sighs and decides to state the obvious.
'They were wiped out obviously' Zorome gasped in horror that they were a casualty of war like what Ezekiel said if pilots don't return home.
'They couldn't come back alive' Ichigo thought out loud. Miku continues to sob as she holds Kokoro tight realizing that will be her one day just like what Vorona warns her about if they don't pay attention to their drills. Leaving the group in an uncomfortable silence as they weigh in the words and discovery they just found. Goro furrowed.
'We won't survive unless we all get to know each other better' Now getting everyone's attention as they waited Miku to finish mourning the previous squad 13.
'Let's make up for you, guys'
At the living room the boys and girls were doing their apology, Standing around in place gathering the words to say. The one's up first were Miku and Zorome.
'Ka so...' He bowed his head.
'I apologize, I'm sorry' He looked up a bit. Hoping his words have weight. Seeing there was no reaction he continued his apology as Miku was looking down holding her arm.
'Also you have my word that i'll try not to leer at you anymore'
'You'll try and fail' Miku said in a low whisper. Zorome was taken aback by this and frowned that Miku would still be mad at him.
'I'm way too cute for you not to leer at me' Zorome frown went away instantly and turned into surprised that she said what he wanted with no strings attached.
'Ahh!' Was all Zorome had to say when Miku looked away for a bit with a light blush on her cheeks.
'You can a bit, just don't take it too far, ok?' Miku asked, giving her permission just as he did. Zorome nodded his head.
'Yea ok' Zorome said with a bit of blush to his cheek as well.
The other boys and girls gave their apologies with various amounts of enthusiasm. Futoshi was on the floor and his head held low as Kokoro tried to stammer out that he didn't need to go that far. Ichigo and Goro both rubbed the back of their heads and laughed it off. Proceeding to shake on it afterwards. Ikuno and Mitsuru were somewhat on the same wavelength as they knew they had no attraction to one another and walked around a bit finding Hiro and ZeroTwo chatting with Codsworth on where they had been. Spinning around that the whole thing was behind them he passed out some toys that they had on hand as extras. Giving them out as rewards for making peace with each other. Along with plans to give the former squad of 13 a proper military salute send off and exchanging the lilacs with fresh ones.
The next day with the snow being a light haze. The pilots were getting into their Franxx ready to start the mission. Or at least supposed to be when Hiro was walking around the walking bay he heard a commotion finding it familiar. Looking over he saw Zorome and Miku arguing again as usual.
'Hey knock it off Zorome!' Miku yelled.
'What did I do?!' He asked.
'You were eyeing me again! Admit it!' She yelled.
'I wasn't even looking at you'
'Oh please' Hiro smirked, then turned around and saw ZeroTwo holding out her hand. Smiling at the gesture he swallowed a bit and got serious for a bit.
'ZeroTwo always speak you mine with me don't hold anything back'
'Oh? Why should I?' She asked coyly.
'Because I want to get to know you better' Hiro said with confidence. Zerotwo smiled as they both grabbed onto each other's hands to shake on it.
'Darling...Grab on to me and never let go, okay?' Was the final words that needed to be said as they hooked in getting the coms as the teachers managed to patch in giving them the brief rundown on the scouting mission. Hiro, having a thought in his mind, asked his question.
'Ezekiel, where did you and Vorona go last night?'
The two smirked with Codsworth chuckling, The team not getting the joke shrugged and was getting ready in position. As the teachers were leaving some parting words.
'Just some hobbies me and Vorona were up to, you know when it's time for christmas'
Word count 9614
How did I do?