12I love the reviews you and others have submitted, they really help, especially ones giving me little ideas on how to add the two to the story. Eventually, I guarantee to all of you that something grand will happen, just have patience, please. Really not kidding. Also Gadget Boy or whoever you are, it'll take a while until they call each other Kuro and Shiro. I also realized I made a mistake with the house layout which I honestly might not fix but I'm changing the first floor where 2 of the 4 restricted rooms are actually where the kitchen and pantry. Also, I'm still gonna call the upstairs lounge the stamen living room but I might forget so assume that I'm talking about the upstairs lounge.
Also sorry for taking so long for a new chapter, the pressure and workload were starting to kill me. But I hope you enjoy this slightly longer chapter.
I don't own anything.
Underlined Italics are Hiro's thoughts
Chapter 4 What It Means To Connect
Hiro slowly woke up, his limbs felt heavy but he managed to rub his eyes. He heard a voice across the room, "Look he's awake."
Another voice said "Hiro!" Hiro sat up and looked around his surroundings, he was in the infirmary with Goro and Nana talking across the room and Ichigo quickly walking towards him. Before he could speak, she wrapped her arms around him. "Finally you're awake." she was relieved he was fine, she pulled away as Goro walked up behind her.
Hiro looked between all three of them and asked, "What happened? Is the klaxosaur gone?"
Both Goro and Ichigo stared at him in confusion. Goro informed him "That white and red FranXX from before eliminated the klaxosaur and you were one of the pilots."
Nana walked up with a tablet in hand, "Piloting Strelizia with her is dangerous, but luckily you only had minor injuries. Anyways you have been authorized to stay here with the rest of your squad. Tomorrow the startup ritual will resume and since you don't have a partner, you have to stand aside with me and the Doctor."
Hiro got up from the bed with Goro"s help, "Okay, got it."
Ichigo opened the door, "Now come on, let's go eat dinner." They walked across the room and entered the dining hall, which was oddly lively. Everyone was talking about today, either about their FranXX or about the Klaxosaur attack. Asuna and Kirito were on their pages, texting each other since they couldn't sit together. They conversed about Hiro mostly, especially about the questions he asked Kirito before. Asuna was a bit curious, she wanted to know more.
After dinner, everyone dispersed to their rooms except Hiro. He decided to step outside. Asuna saw him exit the house and followed him outside. He was sitting down on the porch looking at the path in front of him. Asuna knocked on the outside of the door, causing him to turn around. "Mind if I sit down?"
He scoots over a bit, "Sure, it's fine." She sat down beside him, then he suddenly remembered something that happened earlier. He gently touched his lips, "A kiss..."
She turned to him with a curious stare, "Hmm?"
"That's the only thing I remember from earlier." He turned to face her, "Have your lips touched Kirito's before?"
Asuna was unfazed from his question, "You mean if I have kissed him before?" He nods, "Yeah, I have multiple times. Why do you ask?"
"When she pulled me into the cockpit, she said I was now her darling and then she kissed me. I think afterward I started piloting her FranXX. Some of the others don't believe that I killed that klaxosaur." He hesitates before asking, "Do you believe me?"
She smiles, "Of course. Having your first kiss with the right person can easily form a strong relationship with them. FranXX are powered from the bond between two people, that act of love helped you easily pilot that FranXX." Her tone changed and became softer, "For me, Kirito is my darling, we give each other strength. Thanks to her, you were able to pilot. I'm happy that you found your darling." Her soft expression changed to a look of concern. Hiro could only stare at her in awe, her voice was captivating. She was still talking until she started waving her hand in his face while repeatedly calling out his name, "Hey Hiro." Then she started shaking him, "Hiro!"
He shook his head, "Huh, sorry. What were you saying?"
"Are you okay? Did I say something weird?"
He fixed his composure and reassures her, "No, I'm okay. I never thought that you would know so much about this stuff and you sound like her too. It was weird but calming in away."
"Maybe she's just stuck in your head. Anyways I said you have to be careful, you could die riding with her."
"I know, but all I need is one more ride. One more to be positive that I did pilot."
"Alright." Asuna stood up and opened the door, "I'm going to sleep now. You should too. Although you're not gonna be in a FranXX tomorrow, you're still a pilot."
"I'll go back inside later." Asuna walked inside the house, Hiro stopped the door and asked one more question, "What was your first kiss with Kirito like?"
She smiles, "It was comforting. We were in a scary situation, one of us could have died or rather if one of us did die, it would be like killing both of us. After the whole ordeal was over, I was so afraid but when his lips touched mine, I froze but melted into the kiss. My heart was racing still but I truly felt safe with him. At that time, he became my darling." she walked away, heading up the steps as the door shut.
August 18th
As everyone else headed into the cockpits, Hiro waits beside the red carpet with Nana and Dr. Franxx. They entered the same position as before, stamen on their chairs and the pistils locked on the platforms in front of them. Almost simultaneously, all stamen grabbed the controls as they unfolded from the pistils' FranXX suits.
The act of bringing two pairs of lips together, which we'd never heard of was called a kiss, she said.
The garage doors slowly opened, revealing the five lifeless iron maidens. Hachi ordered, "Commence connecting." Small x shaped pixels began covering the FranXX's faces.
The day after the klaxosaur attack the startup ritual picked up where it left off, but in quieter circumstances.
Papa and the other adults weren't around to witness it anymore.
I was told the huge FranXX I rode was named Strelizia.
I had no recollection of anything that happened after I got in, but I still believe that it all really happened,
Everyone has managed to connect, the faces on the FranXX appeared in order. First, Futoshi and Kokoro in Genista, then Goro and Ichigo in Delphinium, Zorome and Miku in Argentea, Mitsuru and Ikuno in Chlorophytum, and finally Kirito and Asuna in Zephilla.
and that I was able to fly under my own power.
I'm no longer a nestling.
So I swore never to run again.
Delphinium's eyes looked down, locked onto Hiro, he was looking up at the sky with a stern look as the ritual began.
August 19th
At the Parasite Boarding House
"Meow meow?" said Ichigo as she pets a small black kitten on the porch. "Are you mew from around here?" It rolled around on its back, softly purring while waving its mini paws around. Suddenly it heard someone approaching and immediately ran away into the forest.
Ichigo watched it depart until someone said her name, "Ichigo?" She turned towards the speaker to see Hiro standing in front of her.
She quickly stood up and stammered, "H-Hiro?!".
He tilted his head, "You didn't have to wait out here for me."
She closed her eyes and turned her head away from him, "It's your fault for running off first thing in the morning. Awkward as it is, you're staying here now. Hold your head high, and make yourself at home." Her expression softened and she walked down towards him. "I heard Naomi was all right. She was taken to the hospital."
"Yeah, I heard." He slowly walked towards the house.
"Were you the one piloting that FranXX?"
He hesitated before answering "I don't really remember. So I want to ride again to make sure."
She frowned at his response, "Again? That girl isn't part of our squad you know."
"I don't care, as long as I get to pilot."
"I heard the rumors about her. None of her partners could ever ride with her more than three times. They didn't make it out alive." Hiro recalls the moment when Zero Two's previous stamen fell out Strelizia in a bloody mess. "I don't know if that's true or not, but I think you should stay away from her."
"But if I can't pilot, I'm as good as dead anyway." He walked away onto the porch.
"Hiro..."
The moment he set foot on the steps, Goro was at the door. "Hey, Hiro. Get inside quick. That girl's in our mess hall." Hiro paused and looked up at him in confusion.
Everyone including Kirito and Asuna stared at Zero Two at her separate table, especially at what she was pouring onto her food. She dumped an excessive amount of golden honey over her food, making a mess on the table. Miku watched her in disgust with her hand covering her mouth, slowly losing her appetite. Her hands were covered in honey, as well as the strip of meat she chomped down on.
"Why is she still here?" complained Miku.
"What a strange person," commented Kokoro. She turned to Miku with a smile on her face, "I wonder if she likes sweets."
Miku leaned forward over the table, "She's not a person. Not with those things on her head." She placed her hands on her head while pointing upwards.
"Cut it out. She's our savior, you know." said Ichigo. Zero Two continued to pour more honey all over a piece of bread to then immediately gobble it down.
"Do you think she really has klaxosaur blood?" questioned Ikuno. "Besides, I thought nobody had single-digit codes."
"What about Hachi and Nana? Their names are from Code 007 and Code 008," said Asuna.
"But they're not parasites." protested Ikuno.
"Maybe they used to be like us. Maybe they piloted the same FranXX together." said Asuna.
"That means we could become adults too!" exclaimed Zorome. "Maybe I could ask how they became adults..."
Asuna glanced at Zorome, she mumbled "Became adults?" She pondered on his statement. Kids can become adults in many ways, mostly by age and experience. She was technically the oldest in the room, but to some, she's seen as an adult. However, from missing two years of real life, she's still a teen.
"She's nothing like the rumors said." said Futoshi as he grabbed almost all the bread in the basket.
Goro chuckles, "She's ruining her good looks with the way she's eating."
"I can't believe all her injuries healed so quickly." commented Hiro.
Kirito looked at Zero Two and back at his food, "Hey, Goro. Could you pass the honey?"
"Sure." He grabbed the honey and gave it to Kirito.
"Thanks." He grabbed some pieces of bread and copied Zero Two, pouring enough honey to fully coat the bread. Then he took a bite, it tasted similar to a certain baked good he loved before in the Underworld. "It's good but maybe a honey pie would be better." Next, he tried some honey on meat. Everyone watched him pour the honey in confusion, "Not bad, but maybe as a sandwich would be better." He started stacking the ingredients and Zero Two decided to do the same while Miku looked like she was about to vomit. Asuna giggled at her reaction and pulled out her page.
She texted Kirito 'Maybe for our next date I could bake us some honey pie.' He grins at her as she smiled back, a certain someone smirks at their exchange. Zorome decided to move away from Kirito and headed towards Zero Two's table.
He smacked his hand onto the table as she consumed another honey-covered bread loaf, "Hey there. It was a real treat to watch your skills in action." He pointed to himself "I, Zorome the Great, shall graciously ride with you if you so desire." Everyone watched his useless attempt at gaining a demonic partner. 'I'm sure I can do a much better job than that wuss. Why don't we try-" He was cut off as she wiped her honey-soaked hand on his uniform while licking her other hand clean. He shrieked in response, "What do you think you're doing?! Aw, my Sunday best!" Zero Two looked over at Hiro and made her way towards him. "What are you gonna do about this?!" He quickly grabbed a cloth and began wiping off the honey.
She sat down next to Hiro with her honey in hand as multiple curious stares landed on her. "This is really nice and sweet. Let's eat together, okay?" She started pouring some honey onto his plate.
He looked at his plate then looked back at her, wanting to know what happened "Tell me. Did I actually manage to pilot back then?"
She turned towards him and licked the honey off her finger. She smiled "You sure did." She moved her face closer to his "You were incredible-" and moved her finger over his lips "Darling."
"D-Darling?" said everyone except Kirito and Asuna, for they already knew what it meant.
"What's that mean?" questioned Miku.
"Beats me." said Kokoro.
"Do you know?" asked Goro.
"Hey! Don't ignore me!" yelled Zorome.
"Doesn't sound like food." said Futoshi.
"I wonder what it is." said Kokoro."
"Well duh..." said Goro.
I see.
So I really did pilot that FranXX back then!
Hiro started smiling as he looked down at his hand while Zero Two just watched him with her finger in her mouth. Kirito and Asuna began texting each other again and once again caught Zero Two's attention. She looked over Kirito's shoulder and read their conversation.
'Do you think I could move over to your table too?'-A
'It would be a bit odd to the rest but you could try.'-K
'But wait till tomorrow.'-K
'I feel bad for our squad.'-A
'Because they don't know about love?'-K
'Yeah.'-A
'Maybe one day we can show them about us.'-K
'Our relationsh' his text was sent but unfinished. Zero Two suddenly took the page from his hands.
"Let's see what you two were talking about..." teased Zero Two as she took a glance at the screen.
Kirito snapped at her "Wait! Give it back!" He tried reaching it from his seat but she switched it to her other hand. Kirito decided to get up and grab it from her but was blocked from her unexpected abnormal strength.
She scrolled through the pass messages "So that's what you two were doing near the water." Suddenly the door opened and a familiar red-haired lady entered to room.
Nana clapped to get everyone's attention, "Okay, keep it down, kids."
"Nana!" said Kokoro. Zorome stopped wiping his shirt and turned to face Nana.
She cleared her throat and announced, "I'll be your caretaker, just like I was in the Garden. APE HQ has assigned me to the 13th Plantation Corps. My name is Nana. I look forward to your cooperation."
"Yes! We got lucky!" cheered Goro.
"Yay!" exclaimed Miku. Zorome slowly got closer to Nana with a broad smile on his face, ignoring his honey stained uniform.
Kirito sat back down in his seat while everyone celebrated. Meanwhile, Ichigo wanted to know something about a certain guest. "Nana..."
She looked down at her, "What is it, Ichigo?"
"Is she going to stay here?" Zero Two was offering the honey-covered food to Hiro with Kirito's page still in her other hand. She noticed her staring at them and glared back at her, with a more hostile look. Making Ichigo feel a little jealousy towards her.
"We're awaiting orders from HQ on what to do with Zero Two. But in general, she won't be working with you guys." She then told Zero Two, "Come. You're sitting over here."
She groaned, "Aw, but this table felt more comfortable." She got off Hiro and stood up from his seat, heading towards Nana with Kirito's page in her possession.
"Wait!" yelled Hiro as he pulled out from his seat. "Hey, Zero Two! Let me ride in your FranXX again. There's something I want to be sure of."
Nana interrupted, "That isn't for you to decide. Papa and the rest will give you your orders in due time, too. Sit tight until then." Before Zero Two left the mess hall she turned around and threw Kirito's page at him. He swiftly stood up and managed to catch it before it landed on his food. Then she walked up behind Asuna and wrapped her arms around her, causing Asuna to flinch from her touch. Everyone looked back between the two, either perplexed or shocked from the action.
She whispered in her ear "Invite me and my darling to your next outing. We can make it a double date." Zero Two removed her arms and walked out of the room, leaving Asuna flustered in her seat. Ichigo overheard the last bit, feeling more envious towards Zero Two.
Zorome blustered, "Papa will? Give orders to him? Why?"
With a mouth full, Miku murmured "What was with that girl?"
The dim elevator rapidly descends through the plantation. Zero Two casually leans against the wall, barely sitting on the railing.
Nana warned her "We can't have you running off as you please all the time."
She grumbled, "I just wanted to eat with my darling."
"Avoid making contact with the parasites. You're too much for them to handle." As the elevator passed by the Inner City, it was illuminated by its golden lights. Zero Two backed off a couple of steps from the wall and gazed at the golden city.
She groans, "I feel like I'm gonna suffocate in here."
APE Central HQ Council
An automated voice reports, "Confirmed appearance of one Mohorovicic-class klaxosaur at Plantation 13. Strelizia intercepted and neutralized it." Images of the scene popped up along with statistics of the Plantation energy. "Fuel stockpile down to 54 percent. Currently anchored in the area. Requesting kissing with Plantation 26."
"Authorized" ordered Papa.
"Roger. Kissing will commence in 175 hours."
"We've received word that Strelizia has stayed back at Plantation 13." addressed Baboon.
"Another of that girl's whims? Dr. Franxx spoils her too much." comments Lemur.
"But in this case, if you just look at the numbers, it seems to be a rare sample without signs of physical aging." said the Vice-Chairman.
"It's Code 016. That's him isn't it?" queried Tarsier.
"Unthinkable. With no established cause, mixing with the special specimen will taint her blood." Gorilla insisted, "She must be recalled at once."
"But we saw how she shone in that battle," said Papa. "It's worth investigating. Let's wait and see."
In the Stamen Changing Room
"I'm amazed you managed to fight that klaxosaur. How was it?" asked Goro as he rummaged through his locker, searching for the special garments.
Hiro started removing his socks, "I don't remember anything about it." He stared at his right hand, "But I remember how it felt."
"I see." Goro unzipped the top half of his uniform. "Either way, I'm glad you stayed. Maybe you're the type that comes through when it matters most." Hiro unzipped his uniform as Goro nudged his back. "Man, you got the jump on me."
"Out of my way, dude." snarled Zorome. He pushed past Hiro and Goro with his chin up high, walking towards the 'Parasite Only' barrier. "I don't believe for a second that you piloted a FranXX before we did." He whipped his head back, "Got that, you wuss?" and immediately entered one of the machines. Goro could only watch him in confusion as Zorome entered the machine.
Kirito walked up and placed his hand on Hiro's bare shoulder, "Ignore him, he's just jealous. I know you piloted that FranXX, besides guys like us are beaters too."
Hiro chuckled, "Yeah, thanks Kirito." Kirito gave a goofy grin before entering a machine himself.
In the Pistil Changing Room
"Jeez, why are these so tiny?" Miku complained as she attempts wearing the constricting franxx suit garments again. As the fabric snapped onto her skin, she sighs in dissatisfaction, "So tight."
"Connecting feels so weird. I hope we get used to it soon. It's not at all like how our training units felt." Kokoro comments as she removes the remainder of her uniform. Suddenly Miku clung onto her pasty skin, causing her to yelp in surprise. "Hey, Miku!"
She slowly starts tickling her midsection "It's like your body is being stirred up from the inside. Here it comes! Are you ready?" Kokoro started bursting with laughter as Miku continued.
Ikuno shut her locker and turned towards the noisy pair, "Stop reminding me of it." She retreated past the barrier into one of the machines. Before slamming her locker shut, Asuna quickly skimmed through her messages with Kirito, wondering how much Zero Two read.
Ichigo asked, "Was it really that rough for you guys?" Her blue and white pilot suit started appearing over her skin, "It did feel a bit weird, but I dunno... It kinda put me at ease, like I'd become one with someone."
Miku refrained from her tickling, "What?" Asuna crept past Miku and hesitantly entered the machine to the right of Ichigo.
The machine started placing the monitor onto Ichigo's back. Kokoro commented in awe, "Wow. I wish my numbers were as high as yours. You and Goro must be really compatible."
Miku walked through the barrier with Kokoro trailing close behind "Good for you. You two double-digit elites are made for each other."
"Gee, thanks." said Ichigo as she exited the machine, Asuna soon followed after her.
Miku approached Asuna with her arms crossed, "What about our other double-digit pair? How's connecting for you two, hmm?" She slowly inched towards her.
Asuna asked, "You mean our compatibility numbers?"
"Yeah, we never saw you two doing the para-capacity tests. How were they?" asked Ichigo.
"Well, we only had to take one test procedure. I never saw the test results but before I almost fainted, Kirito said they only increased the entire time. Even Dr. Franxx was amused by the numbers." said Asuna.
The three gasped in unison, "Really?!"
Asuna questions the trio's reaction, "Yeah, so why is it such a big deal?"
"The doctor usually isn't amused by the parasites anymore." said Miku.
Ichigo informed, "Actually the last or maybe the one time I've seen him gawk over something was during the klaxosaur attack when the FranXX transformed into its true form."
"Oh really?" said Asuna.
As Miku enters a machine, she continued gossiping "Speaking of which, how about that Hiro? He brings home a girl out of nowhere and she's already calling him 'darling'." She puts on an odd-looking face before giggling. "Maybe those two will actually make a good coup-" She was interrupted by Ichigo as she slammed the door of the machine, creating a huge clang sound. Everyone could only watch her leave the changing room in silence.
As the door swiftly closed, Miku nervously asked, "Wh-What was that all about?"
Asuna mentions, "To be honest I said that same thing to Hiro the night before the ritual continued."
"How did he react to that?" asked Miku.
"He was happy that he managed to find his partner, but I don't think Ichigo agrees." She walked towards the door. "I'm gonna go talk to her."
"Ok, good luck Asuna." said Kokoro. Asuna quickly exited the room to search for Ichigo.
She mumbles to herself, "With those heels, she couldn't have gone that far." The moment she looked around the hallway, almost immediately she spotted Ichigo who was just mumbling to herself a few meters away from the door. Asuna slowly walked towards her. Just when she was a few steps away, Ichigo suddenly whipped her head towards Asuna.
She asked, "What double date was Zero Two talking about earlier?" Her outburst caused Asuna to stop in her tracks. "Goro said that Kirito mentioned it before, that it was some kind of event. After Zero Two mentioned it to you, now it sounds like Kirito knew more than he let on. So tell me, what is this date and what are you doing that makes Zero Two want to join in too?"
Asuna tried to simply phrase her response, "Well it's hard to explain, but it's just an event where friends or a couple hang out together."
Ichigo mumbles, "A couple..." She started gradually raising her voice, "She can't stay here, she isn't part of our squad."
Asuna slowly changed into her vice commander persona. "Hiro doesn't seem to care. He was able to pilot because of her, we should recognize his accomplishment, not take his chance away."
"But he'll die if he continues! Why can't he just pilot with me?!" A lone tear flowed from her eye, Asuna could easily relate to her feelings in a different way. Ichigo's expression reminds her of how she felt when her mom wanted her to transfer out of the SAO survivor school.
Asuna pressed on with a conflicting question, "What about Goro? How would he feel if you left him?" Ichigo paused from responding, for she was lost for words. The door behind them slid open with Ikuno, Miku, and Kokoro passing through. Instead of continuing, Ichigo quickly recomposed herself before proceeding down the hall, trying to prevent her emotions from contaminating her mind.
Outside the Plantation
One by one the garage doors rose up, revealing the five iron maidens once again. Hachi over watched the entire drill on various screens showing both the interior and the exteriors of the FranXX inside the control room."I'll be giving out your overall strategic instructions. But the decisions on the fields must be made by the leader unit, Delphinium."
"Roger." said Ichigo.
Everyone settled in their positions. "Why does she get to be leader?" Miku grumbled as her helmet extended over her hair, revealing the monitor behind. The controls automatically removed from her thighs and extended towards Zorome.
"If you're ready, we will now begin the drill. This will be your first drill in a real FranXX, but stay calm, focus on your partner's movements and entrust yourself to them. Commence connecting." said Hachi.
Almost simultaneously, all the stamen tightly grasped the controls, allowing the FranXX to power up. Lights appeared on the back of the pistils.
"Here it is!" whimpered Kokoro. Miku yelped at the sudden sharp pain in her lower body.
Zorome flinched at her reaction, "Q-Quit making weird noises!"
"It's a natural reaction!" Hachi ignored the two and observed their compatibility levels. At the moment, Delphinium and Zephilla were averaging with the highest levels while unlike Argentea, Genista and Chlorophytum's levels were very unbalanced.
He warned the squad, "If two partners are even slightly out of sync, their para-capacity levels will fluctuate wildly. The key is to trust your partners and accept them wholeheartedly." Mitsuru proceeded with the set up quietly as Ikuno struggled to connect.
'You okay?" asked Goro. Ichigo endured the odd sensation.
"I'm fine. Keep going." Their paracapacity levels began to balance out as the FranXX's visual components began to operate within the pod. Like the time in the simulator, the Zephilla pair still felt a bit queasy in their positions, but after realizing that they'll only do this with each other, the duo easily settled into positions.
Orange and blue x's covered the FranXX faces before being swiped away. The metal restraints released the FranXX, allowing the pilots to freely maneuver and familiarize themselves with there new machines. Heavy thuds echoed as they took their first steps away from the plantation.
"Did I do it right? I didn't suck?" asked Futoshi as sweat slowly formed on his forehead. An orange panel appeared to his left of Kokoro reacting as the FranXX.
She gave him a smile, "Nah, you were fine."
Futoshi blushed in relief, "We're perfectly matched, huh?" Kokoro giggled in response.
"Whoa, quit getting all lovey-dovey over this crap. I was first to finish you know." Zorome manipulated his FranXX to point at himself, or rather him and Miku. "Got that, double-digits?" He pointed to his right at Delphinium. Zorome's face popped up in a panel to Goro's left, "And don't you forget it."
Goro chuckled, "Well, he's in high spirits."
"What's the point of competing among ourselves?" remarked Ikuno on a separate panel.
"Hah! Sour grapes, much?" said Zorome.
"Besides, you're forgetting about the other pair of double-digits in our group." Miku added.
"Huh?" Zorome looked around for Kirito and Asuna until realizing they were half a mile ahead of them. He stomped a few steps forward in frustration and appeared on a panel to Kirito's left. "When the heck did you two get so far?!" Everyone turned to Zephillia, wondering how they covered more ground so quietly.
Kirito scratched the back of his head, "Sorry, I got a bit excited with the controls." No one could blame him. Being in a real FranXX felt like playing with a new robot toy to Kirito. Asuna giggled at his response.
"Hmph! Well, I can do better than that." Zorome crossed the FranXX arms. "Controlling our FranXX to move forward is so simple, but can you do this?!" He started jumping to loosen the FranXX joints before suddenly performing a handstand. Genista and Chlorophytum watched Argentea as it pushed off the ground, flipping onto its feet before maneuvering back to a handstand and turning 180 to move back onto its feet.
Miku struggled to match Zorome's movements, "H-Hey, don't be rough!" Zorome ignored his partner and proceeded with his erratic movements. He twirled around on one foot until suddenly the FranXX's foot locked up, causing them to quickly lose balance while a thunderous boom echoed behind them.
"Wh...Whoa!" gasped Zorome. Miku shrilled as they slowly fell backward. In a flash, thrusters flared as dust trailed behind the midnight FranXX. Almost simultaneously, Delphinium grabbed Argentea's left arm as Zephilla's sudden stop stirred up dust while supporting their FranXX from behind.
"You okay?" asked Asuna. The replacement duo's sudden appearance startled the entire squad.
Hachi, who has been observing the whole action, was even fazed by their movement speed. He thought to himself, 'Typically new pilots wouldn't have such high mobility.' He brought up the record of their paracapacity test before immediately closing it after just a glance.
Miku muttered "Thanks."
Delphinium's dark azure eyes gazed upon Zephilla's hazel ones. Ichigo mouthed 'No way.' She quickly shifted her attention to the troublesome pair and appeared on a panel. "The stamen has the initiative when it comes to handling so consider whether the pistil, who's connected to the FranXX, can keep up."
As soon as her panel closed, Zorome mumbled "Thanks, Miss High-and-Mighty."
"Line up in formation with Delphinium in the center and advance." ordered Hachi.
"Roger." Everyone rearranged themselves and activated their thrusters.
Drill practice lasted until sundown. As the group began their last round, a lone yellow training unit observed from the plantation outer walls. Hiro opened the pod and gazed at his group while being blinded by the setting sun. He turned away from his group.
I did manage to pilot back then.
If I could just ride with Zero Two in Strelizia again,
I...
His air ruffles his hair as the monorail zoomed by. As if on cue, a pink-haired pistil exited the monorail. She licked on her lollipop as the training unit jogged down the path.
Meanwhile, Plantation 13's redhead caretaker received a surprising call, "A startup trial in an actual FranXX?" She glanced at Code 016's profile.
FranXX Parking Dock
The colossal doors slowly lowered once all 5 FranXX were recovered. Their FranXX powered off and rested in their metal stands. One by one, the squad exited their pods to the catwalk leading to an elevator. Kirito extended his hand and helped Asuna up from her position. "Thanks." She gladly grasped his hand as he pulled her up. As she got on her feet, Kirito snuck in a quick peck on her cheek. "Getting used to this now?" he asked. Slightly flustered by his action, Asuna blushed before giving him one in return.
"Yeah. The feeling from it is kinda comforting to me now. When we're moving, it feels like we're doing a switch or crossing our skills" The two exited their pod hand in hand out of habit. Before heading down, Kirito stopped to look at their FranXX.
"Our FranXX kinda looks like your avatar wearing my SAO gear." Asuna paused to face her metallic look alike. It had orange metal acting as her hair but her braids were white and look like it was tied up with orange in the back, resembling her hair in GGO. The limbs where white and the body was mainly plated with onyx colored metal with white highlights.
"It kinda does look like me." said Asuna. As they walked down the catwalk, she gazed at the other FranXX, where all resembled their pistils. But all of them looked like something was missing. Zorome, Miku, Futoshi, and Kokoro had entered the elevator before them and luckily Kokoro held the door open for them to enter.
"Thanks, Kokoro." said Kirito. She smiled in response. Asuna couldn't help but wonder about their FranXX.
"If we're supposed to fight klaxosaurs, how come our FranXX don't have weapons?" wondered Asuna out loud.
"Those won't be given until we completely learn how to use our basic FranXX." informed Futoshi.
"Yeah and I'm hoping our weapons are something cool I could use up close. Like claws!" exclaimed Zorome as he swiped the air like he had claws for hands.
Kirito lets go of Asuna's hand and slashed the air "I'd want some kind of sword as a weapon." comments Kirito.
Asuna noted, "Maybe two to dual-wield them." Kirito grins at the thought.
"I kinda don't like the idea of being right next to a klaxosaur." muttered Kokoro.
Futoshi suggests, "Then maybe we could have some kind of gun like the ones outside the plantation."
Goro and Ichigo had already gotten down before them. The two walked down the parking dock. Goro crossed his arms behind his head, "I'm this close to figuring out the trick to connecting." The delphinium duo stopped in their tracks as Zero Two looked over and casually walked by. Ichigo couldn't wait any longer, she turned around to confront the Partner Killer.
"Hey, tell me something. Why did it have to be Hiro?"
Zero Two stopped, "Hiro?" she mumbled with her lollipop still in her mouth and wondered until realizing who Hiro was. She took out her lollipop and faced the two, "You mean my darling?"
Ichigo frowned, "There you go, calling him that again." She tried to avow "I'm grateful for you for defeating that klaxosaur. But I want you to stay away from Hiro from now on."
Unfazed, Zero Two asked, "Why?"
"Because you're not part of our squad. If you're gonna up and leave one day, don't get Hiro's hopes up."
"Oh?" Zero Two slowly approached the pair, "What are you to my darling?"
"I'm the leader of this squad." informed Ichigo.
"Hmm..." Zero Two leaned closer towards her face. Ichigo slowly distanced herself as she got closer to sniff her.
Goro flinched in uncertainty, "H-Hey..." Suddenly Zero Two licked Ichigo's cheek. Ichigo yelped and stepped back as chill surged down her body. Zero Two backed off a licked her lips while thinking about her taste.
She smiled, "Sweet. I like your taste." She walked away from the two, continuing her day. Goro patted his partner's head until immediately Ichigo swiped his hand away, making him grin. The group exited the elevator as Zero Two passed by and out of instinct, everyone cautiously walked around her. Zero Two's eyes locked onto Asuna's. With her lollipop in her mouth, she glanced at her with a sadistic smirk, showing her fangs. Asuna stopped and stared curiously at her as the rest walked on without her. Zero Two saw she had no sign of fear or hostility in her hazel eyes. She walked a couple of steps closer to her "Aren't you afraid of me?"
Asuna stood motionless and shrugged, "What do I have to be afraid of?" She gave her a small smile, "You look normal to me." Zero Two walked closer and licked her cheek. Asuna reacted almost like Ichigo did. Zero Two licked her lips, tasting a mix of two flavors. Two that she's all too familiar with.
"I guess you're hurting." She glanced at her darling's look alike. "Him, too." mumbled Zero Two. Asuna tilted her head in confusion.
"Asuna!" Kirito called her from afar.
She turned to look back, "Coming!" She waved goodbye to Zero Two before jogging back to catch up with the rest.
"So what was that about?" asked Kirito.
"It was nothing." she sub-consciously held his hand. Kirito had the urge to release it, wanting to lower the risk of being discovered. But instead, he just firmed his grip, not wanting to let go.
He thought to himself, "We're just holding hands, nothing will happen." Two pistils witnessed their little gesture. One walked away, looking slightly amused while the other eye the two before theorizing a connection between them and the red pistil.
August 20th
Mistilteinn
3 o'clock in the morning was a normal time for Kirito to be awake, thanks to all of his all-nighters. He'd spent the night rummaging in the restricted bedrooms, searching for any stowed away items like a spare page or any kind of tech lying around. Being the tech-savvy that he is, he decided to find a way to tamper with the security cameras. Despite knowing the risk of doing so could lead to potential memory loss, he still attempted due to the boredom of being imprisoned in this birdcage. He went to the extent of even ripping one of the mattresses open, just to find something useful. He flopped on the bunk-less bed and groaned in frustration, "Why couldn't some of these kids be rebellious like Zero Two?" He banged his fist on the wall, causing something wooden to fall over. Kirito felt around the wall for something and found a fallen panel near the bottom side of the bed. He picked it up, realizing it was an oddly perfect cut piece to conceal a hidden small box within the wall. He inspected the contents of the container, finding a spare page along with wires and a vial of magma.
"How the hell did parasites manage to get this?" he questioned. He tried grabbing the vial and opened it. It was still really hot but luckily the outside was insolated. He temporarily placed the items back in the hole and peeked out in the hall. "Now I need some kind of screwdriver." Then he got an idea. He snuck up the stairs towards the Pistil wing, trying to find his partner. Luckily she was bunking on top in the first room he checked. He quietly climbed up to wake her, "Asuna." he whispered, there was no response. "Asuna." he shook her and she groaned from being awakened.
She yawned trying to open her serene eyes, "Why are you here, Kirito~kun?" she whispered.
"Well, I kinda need help getting a knife from the kitchen."
She loudly whispered, "Wait, what? Why?" He placed a finger on her lips and decided to get down, he waved her over as he exited the room. Asuna groggily followed him and closed the door.
He admits, "I'm trying to figure out how to mess with the cameras so you can have time in the kitchen."
Asuna immediately lit up, "Alright, I'll show you where to grab one." The two crept down the stairs, hiding among the shadows to avoid the camera. She guided him down the halls of the restricted area where there was a door that led to the kitchen and pantry.
"It's pitch black in here. Shouldn't you turn on a light or open your page?" suggested Kirito.
"You can't, there's a camera in this room." she turned his head in the direction of a small red light blinking in the corner of the room. "So just stay here and I'll grab one." Kirito relied on his ears, hearing her soft footsteps and drawers open while waiting for her to return. She soon came out with a thin kitchen knife and asked, "So what's this for?"
"Just follow me." they walked to the restricted bedrooms. Asuna placed the knife of the bed as Kirito removed the wooden panel, grabbing the box and revealing the magma vial.
Asuna eyed the orange substance, "Where did you get that?"
Kirito opened the vial, "I just found it before I woke you." He dipped the tip of the knife in the vial, melting it down flat. "Perfect. Could you hold this, Asuna?"
Asuna grabbed the blunt knife as Kirito sealed the vial, "So this is your makeshift screwdriver?" she asked. Kirito nodded. "How long are you gonna tinker with the camera?"
Kirito removed the rest of the materials, "I don't know but it shouldn't take me that long to figure this out." Asuna laid down in the bottom bunk.
"Ok, I'll chill here till your done." Before Kirito could question why she continued, "Just in case if you stay up the rest of the night. You wouldn't want to miss our scheduled breakfast right?"
He chuckled "Ok, but make sure you don't fall asleep though." He grabbed his supplies and the desk chair, ready to get to work.
40 minutes later
Kirito yawned as he returned to the room. He'd made some kind of progress of performing a minor hack in the camera system. He placed the chair back and stowed the materials away. He looked down in the bottom bunk, "Asuna. I'm done for now so let's-" he stopped for a moment and poked her face. She flinched at the touch but went back to sleep. "Heh, I knew it." He'd already tired himself out and from not wanting to carry her upstairs, he decided to remain in the room. He bent down to kiss her forehead before backing up and laying down in the bunk-less bed. As he drifted to sleep, he heard the bed creak as the sheets shuffle behind him. He ignored the sound and instead turned around to embrace the warm figure.
3 hours later
Kirito woke up and was unexpectedly greeted by no one. He checked his page to see if Asuna had said something. She texted earlier saying, "Morning, Kirito~kun. Sorry I didn't wake you. I rushed upstairs to make sure the girls don't notice I was gone. I quickly grabbed a set of your uniform too so you won't have to go up." He closed his page to find his uniform on the desk. Once he got dressed, he tread over to the mess hall where his everyone minus Asuna and Ikuno awaited. Kirito walked over and slumped into his chair, his drowsiness was hard to not notice. Goro couldn't help but question his roommate.
"Are you feeling ok, Kirito? I didn't find you in your bunk last night."
Kirito rubbed his eyes, "I'm fine. Just a little tired from studying last night." He directed his attention to the door where Asuna and Ikuno entered the room and joined the other pistils at their table. Once they sat, the group did a little prayer and began to eat. Through the chatter, Asuna noticed the table meant for Zero Two was still in the room. After she grabbed her food, she moved her stuff and took over Zero Two's seat. She gained a couple of confused stares from her squad, even from Kirito.
She looked back at him and smiled, "What are you waiting for? Aren't you going to join me?"
He paused and stuttered, "Oh, right." He moved to the seat beside her, "Sorry I'm still feeling a bit slow this morning."
"That's what you get for being up so late." She poured some honey on one slice of bread.
Kirito choked a bit on his food, he snickers, "Says the one who fell asleep." He swallowed as Asuna shoved the honey-covered bread in his mouth.
She pouted, "Quiet." The group watched their playful banter and for some, especially the boys felt a bit jealous of Kirito. They almost wanted their partners to do something similar to themselves, too.
Sometime after lunch
"So did it work?" asked Asuna as she handed Kirito the knife with the tip melted off. He grabbed the item and used it to remount the camera.
"Sorta." He stepped off the counter and landed on the floor. He looked up at the disabled camera, "I can't do much without the right materials so the best you have for now is a good 10 minutes out of surveillance." He placed the knife on the counter and slid his hand away from it, "Sorry I couldn't do much."
She placed her hand over his, "It's ok, Kirito~kun. Now go play with the others. I heard Zorome and Futoshi playing with the ball outside earlier."
"Ok, see you later Asuna." he kissed her before rushing outside to join the others. Asuna quickly looked around for the light switch. She felt around the wall and found a panel. It lit up and displayed the kitchen settings. She swiped a bit before finding the lighting options.
"Alright, now what is this kitchen hiding from me." She activated the lights, revealing a pristine kitchen stocked with all the necessary appliances and utensils, She'd always had to roam around blind in here for the past couple weeks, but now she felt relieved and excited to properly access everything the room had to offer. With the remaining time she had left, she located all the materials she needed to prepare for their next date, making a mental note of all its whereabouts in between. With a minute left she quickly reset the room to how it was with the lights off and exited the kitchen with an undeniable smile on her face. She weaved away from the "restricted room" and returned to the boarding house's main room where she bumped into Ichigo who'd just gone down the stairs. "Hey, Ichigo."
Ichigo observed the oddly giddy redhead before plainly responding, "Hey." Asuna started heading up the stairs, "Wait, Asuna."
She turned to look down at the leader, "Yeah?"
"You've been acting a bit strange lately. Similar to Strelizia's pistil." stated Ichigo.
"Acting like Zero Two? How?" questioned Asuna.
"Both of you have been secretive recently, especially yesterday when she took Kirito's page and that date thing. Also, what were you two talking about, back in the parking dock? And from this morning, it kinda looked like you mimicked her clingy nature on Kirito."
"Well, that was just something me and Kirito do from being partners and only having each other in the Garden and..." Asuna rubbed her arm and walked down the steps, "Sorry for pressing that on yesterday."
Ichigo sighed, "Don't worry about it. I just couldn't help but worry about him."
Asuna recognized that facade. She'd seen it on many girls that befriended Kirito "You lik-"
She was interrupted but a certain tall blonde heading down the steps "Ichigo, Hiro's on-" he looked down the steps to see Asuna with his partner, "Oh, hi Asuna." She simply waved back at him.
Ichigo guessed, "So Hiro's here?"
"Yeah, he texted me that he's out in the back." said Goro. He turned to Asuna, "Wanna go out too?"
"Sure, Kirito's outside with the rest anyway so why not." The trio walked to the back door.
Suddenly they hear Zorome shout out "Challenge accepted!" Ichigo opened the door, immediately rushing in towards the Zorome and Hiro who were trying to fight for dominance. Goro and Asuna rushed behind.
"Hey, what are you doing?" cried Ichigo.
"Stop it you two!" Kirito ran in between as an attempt to stop them, sadly he wasn't able to contain Zorome by himself. Futoshi watches the two, unable to intervene.
Goro calls out, "Come on!"
Ichigo pushed back Hiro, "Knock it off." she advised.
Zorome growled, "Don't get in the way!" Goro and Kirito held back Zorome as he tried to flail from their bind.
"Enough!" demanded Goro.
Zorome raged on, "Damn you! You're nothing but a loser!"
"Just calm down!" warned Kirito. He looked over to Hiro who just gritted his teeth. He sighs, for he was glad that Hiro was more maintainable.
Ichigo grabbed his arm, "Don't let him get to you."
Asuna whispers, "Besides, he's just jealous." Hiro looked at Asuna before looking back at Zorome. Asuna thought to herself, "You're not the only one." she glanced over at Ichigo.
"Lemme go!" ordered Zorome. Hiro reverted back to his grim expression.
Hiro sighs, "I can pilot, too. I just need a chance."
"Hiro..." said Ichigo.
Asuna walked over to Zorome and grabbed his collar. With the same stare she threw at Kirito back in Aincrad, she warned him holding her page as a replacement for the kitchen knife, "Stop struggling." She sent chills down his spine. Luckily Zorome had a sudden change of heart and finally decided to stop fighting.
He scoffed "Tch! Fine." Asuna smiled and placed her page back in her pocket.
Goro leaned over to Kirito, "Remind me not to get on her bad side."
Kirito chuckled, "I doubt you will." Even though he wasn't the one in trouble, he could still feel that time when she threatened him with a simple knife.
A page began ringing for all that's around to hear. Ichigo felt the vibration in her pocket and pulled out the page. "It's Nana." Immediately she answered the call. After a few responses and curious stares on Ichigo, Nana ended the call. Ichigo announced, "Nana wants us all to report down in the strategy room."
Strategy Room
Squad 13 entered the room, everyone spaced themselves out, especially Zorome who still held a grudge against Hiro. Kirito and Asuna sat in the back, side by side near Goro. Hachi and Nana stood in the front and unexpectedly, Zero Two was also present. She sat at the edge near Asuna.
"This announcement mainly addresses you, Hiro." Nana looked over at the special parasite. "We've settled on allowing you the chance to have a mock battle."
Hiro puzzled, "A mock battle with me in a FranXX?"
"That's right." said Nana.
Hachi added, "Depending on how you do, we're considering promoting you to parasite." Hiro beamed with anticipation at the thought.
"Grats!" whispered Goro from behind. Hiro looked back with a joyful smile, an expression he hasn't used for a while.
Hachi continued, "Pick your partner."
Immediately Zero Two declared, "I'll do it." She fixated her gaze towards the Zephilla pair. "Maybe we could spar against these two." Everyone looked over at the horned pistil.
Hiro turned his attention with a smile, "Zero Two..."
She faced her darling and proclaimed, "I mean, you are my darling."
Ichigo raised her hand, "One moment. Let me be his partner."
"Ichigo?" said Hiro.
"She doesn't belong to our squad. Also, if you're only measuring Hiro's aptitude, it should work for me as his partner, too?" concluded Ichigo.
Mitsuru questioned, "Then why does it have to be you? You already have Goro as a partner, and you want to ride with Hiro?" His words practically were a replay of what Asuna said to her before their first drill.
"Pipe down," said Nana. She advised, "Don't go running your mouths now." She turned towards the rebellious pistil, "Zero Two, HQ hasn't authorized the use of Strelizia. So Hiro will have to take the test with someone from his squad."
Zero Two moaned, "Boo. That sucks." She stood from her seat, "Fine. My injuries haven't healed completely yet, anyway."
"Wait, what?" stuttered Hiro as Zero Two bent down to match Ichigo's eye level. Goro stared in concern as his partner slowly started trembling in her seat. "I'll let you have him this time. Go for it." She placed her hand on her petite figure and whispered in her ear, "Take care of my darling, okay?" Everyone watched her as she headed towards the door.
"Then you'll handle it, right, Ichigo?" asked Nana.
Ichigo responds, "Sure." As Zero Two passed Kirito, she ran her fingers over his head, startling him as Asuna glared at her. She only felt his slick raven hair, feeling disappointed. She walked up to the door as it slid open.
Hiro stood up, wanting to follow her, "Wait!" The door slid shut before he could say anything else.
Kirito rubbed his head, feeling around if she did something just to find nothing. He fixed his hair and looked back wondering, "What was that for?"
Hachi interjected, "Does anyone want to volunteer as their opponents?"
"Me!" Zorome shot his hand up.
Miku choked and questioned her partner, "Hey, who died and made you boss?"
Zorome explains, "I'm gonna show 'em what I'm capable of."
Miku looked over at their so-called leader before she raised her hand in agreement, "We'll do it."
"Done deal." said Nana.
Hachi declared, "The battle will be held tomorrow morning."
Zorome disapproved and raised his hand while standing up, "Wait, wait, wait!" He confidently declared, "Let us do it now!"
Stamen Wing
"Zorome's still mad about your fight today." said Goro as he wiped his glasses.
Hiro felt guilty for everything happening to them, "Sorry. I know Ichigo's your partner." There was a sudden knock on the door. Kirito, knowing who it was, jumped off from the top bunk and gladly opened the door.
He opened the door to greet his partner, "Come in." Asuna stepped in with a disturbed look on her face as Kirito closed the door.
"Hey, Asuna. What's wrong?" asked Goro as he put his glasses back on.
She sat down on Goro's bed and leaned towards Hiro, "Hiro, I have a question." Hiro awaited as Kirito sat down backward in the desk chair. "What kind of things have Zero Two done to you? Anything strange perhaps?"
"Uhh...well she called a perv, she pushed me to the water and licked me. She said something that I taste like danger. She, well you know..." he gestured at his lips, not wanting Goro to be a part of this matter, despite already failing considering his perplexed look.
"When did this happen?" asked Goro.
"A day before that klaxosaur attack," said Kirito.
"Oh..." Goro suddenly realized, "Wait, you were there?"
Kirito shrugged and admitted, "Yeah. Remember that date thing I mentioned before?" Goro nodded, "Asuna and I were on one that time."
"Ok? I guess. But why are you asking?" wondered Hiro.
"I just wanted to know if you knew why she does this because she kinda did similar things to me and Kirito. Like earlier in the parking dock when she licked me." She pondered what she said afterward. "But don't you remember other times?"
"Oh yeah.." said Goro. "Ichigo seemed a little off that morning when she ate with us. What was that about anyway?"
Asuna whispered to him "That's because she wanted herself and Hiro to be a part of it." Hiro's page began to ring.
"Everything ready?" asked Goro. Hiro checked the alert and closed his page.
"Yeah, I have to go." said Hiro.
"Sure. See you later." Before Hiro could open the door, Goro added, "And Hiro, don't worry about it. She never takes no for an answer."
"I'm going to make this chance count."
"Yeah. I know you can do it."
"Good luck." said Kirito as he gave him a playful punch to the arm.
"And Hiro, let's continue this later." said Asuna. Hiro clenched his fist and stepped out. Asuna stood from Goro's bed, "I'm gonna head out too."
"Me too." said Kirito. Before she opened the door she looked back at Goro.
"And Goro.." said Asuna
"Yeah?" he said.
She pled "Don't tell Ichigo about what we said here. I don't think she'll cope with knowing."
"Of course." said Goro. The pair left the room, leaving the blonde alone as he looked over to where he hid his precious little trinket.
Outside the Plantation
Spotlights illuminated the desert battlefield. Argentea and Delphinium stood lifeless in the center with their parasites in position. Hachi, Nana, Zero Two, and the rest of the squad viewed the post-battle from the sidelines
Zorome eagerly appeared on a panel in Delphinium, taunting, "Hey, wuss. Let's settle the score once and for all!"
"Given who your partner is, I might just beat you this time, Great Leader." noted Miku.
Ichigo replied, "Feel free. This isn't about winning or losing, anyway."
"Miku's totally up for it too." comments Futoshi as he continued stuffing his face with bread from dinner. Kirito looked over, wishing her brought a snack too. Asuna nudged his side, she was nibbling on some bread with butter on it. She had another bread in her hand with a butter packet. Kirito gladly accepted the baked good and added butter to it. The butter melted in his mouth, making him recall the time he shared his cream with Asuna back in Aincrad. Futoshi noticed their little exchange. Once he finished one of his loaves, he asked Asuna, "Do you have any more butter on you?"
Asuna smiled, "Of course." She handed him one packet and watch him experience their nostalgic feeling.
Ichigo thought to herself, "This isn't about winning. I must prove to everyone that Hiro can pilot the FranXX!" She positioned herself into the platform, reassuring him, "Just focus on connecting, Hiro. I'll take care of the rest." The controls extended from her thighs, waiting for Hiro's grasp.
"Got it." said Hiro as he grabbed the controls.
Hachi announced, "Begin the mock battle." With ease, Argentea activated and Zorome didn't hesitate to prepare himself.
He took a few light movements before declaring, "We're good to go." He extended his baton, waiting for Delphinium to activate, doubting it would to begin with.
"Focus." said Ichigo. She thought to herself, "It'll be all right. I can draw out Hiro's ability, too." Slowly the two teen-digit parasites' minds became one.
This feeling...
I'm entering Ichigo's mind.
He hears her say, "It's all right. Keep going."
"Got you!" Lights appeared on her back as the monitor lit up with their compatibility levels stable enough to power the FranXX. Argentea's face stared with shock as Hiro tried controlling the FranXX.
Zorome muttered in disbelief, "Are you for real?"
"We did it!" cried Hiro.
"Way to go, Hiro." praised Goro. The other squad members watch in awe at the sight.
"But, this is where things get real." said Nana. Delphinium took its first steps towards Argentea.
"This is it! I recognize this sensation!" exclaimed Hiro.
"Let's do this, Hiro!" said Ichigo.
Hiro looked forward, beaming with confidence, "Yeah!" He extended the baton and approached their opponent, about to take the first strike.
"Bring it on!" hollered Zorome as he swiftly attempted to attack the azure FranXX. There was an obvious speed difference between the two users. Zorome performed a horizontal strike until suddenly Delphinium apparently dodged, but started to power off. Perplexed, Zorome questioned, "What?" Delphinium fell to its knees. Zero Two grins at the sight. Argentea looked down at their fallen opponent, "What's going on?"
"They stopped?" doubted Miku.
"No...Why?" pled Ichigo. The pair struggled to stabilize their connection, "This can't be!" Before she uttered anything else, she yelled, "Time out! Give us three minutes!"
Simultaneously Miku and Zorome reacted, "What?!"
Miku protests, "You can't just call for a timeout!"
"Why'd it stop!" Hiro began panicking and pulled the controls, trying to reactivate the FranXX. "Move! Move! Damn it! Why is this happening? I was able to pilot back then!" Ichigo's suit powered off and the controls retracted back to her suit.
"What's wrong?" asked Ichigo as she tried to catch her breath.
"I don't know. It just stopped."
"Was it my fault?"
"I don't think so."
Desperate to retry, she questioned, "What did she do differently?"
"I don't know. I don't remember."
"Calm down. No need to rush. You might remember something." Hiro tried to recall his memories. He had mentioned something before to Asuna, but what was it? The only thing he remembered was some odd sensation upon his lips.
"The kiss..." he mumbled. Ichigo wondered what he meant. "Maybe it was the kiss."
"Kiss?" she asked. "What's that?"
"We stuck our mouths together, and everything turned bright, like, 'Wham!'"
His lack of explanation just confused her even more, forming some kind of anger or jealously towards Zero Two. "What the heck? That's what you were up to during a klaxosaur attack?"
Hiro waved his hands in denial, "It wasn't me! She did it as soon as I got in I didn't understand what she was doing, but Zero Two said it was a very special thing." A few moments of silence passed, Ichigo mentally debated the whole situation, trying to process and figure out what to do at this point. She was already this desperate, so she decided to carry along with it.
She stood from her pod, walking towards Hiro, "Fine. Let's do it. It's embarrassing, so keep your eyes closed." Hiro felt uneasy about the sudden contact from her as she leaned forward, practically on top of him.
"W-Wait a second!"
"We can't move unless we do it, right?" Hiro stared at her cautiously, feeling more uncomfortable than his first experience. "If that's what it takes, I don't mind. This is nothing." Once she brought her face closer to his, she never felt so flustered until realizing how close they were.
"But..."
"Shut up." He could only stare at her with concern.
"Ichigo, you're trembling..." she cut him off and covered his eyes as she pressed her lips against his.
"What do you think they're doing in there?" asked Kirito as he licked the butter off his fingers.
"Not sure but..." Asuna leaned closer to whisper, "what if they're trying with the same method that started up Strelizia."
"Hmm...maybe," said Kirito.
"Could you pass some more butter?" asked Futoshi. Kirito threw him another packet now that he was down to one bread.
Zorome sat impatiently in his seat waiting for Delphinium's reactivation. "Hey, hasn't it been three minutes already?" asked Miku.
"Yeah. I don't see why we gotta wait any more." Zorome gave up and grabbed the controls, making Argentea stand up, "Sorry, but we're taking you out." There was no response from Delphinium, for the two just sat inside, building up more frustration and sadness as time passes by. Argentea easily kicked over the FranXX like a ragdoll. He gloated, "Hey, this is too easy. Guess this proves that I'm really the best." He prepared to strike the FranXX right down the throat. "I don't mind taking over as pilot for the Delphinium, too!"
"Excuse me? You're hitting on another girl now?" shouted Miku. Zorome could only look down with a devilish grin. "Cut it out already, dude!" To everyone's surprise, the baton stopped before it touched Delphinium until realizing Argentea ceased all movement.
Kokoro, who covered her eyes mere moments before, had removed them to stare at the event in confusion, "Huh?"
Hachi explained, "The trust between partners has a direct influence on the handling. Should it be thrown out of whack..." Zorome tried applying all the FranXX's weight onto the baton but it wouldn't budge.
"What's going on? Move..." complained Zorome. Miku was unresponsive to the action and quickly the FranXX collapsed on top of the still lifeless Delphinium.
"Staus report, Ichigo." ordered Nana as she appeared on panel, "Ichigo?" Somehow Zero Two appeared on a separate panel and yawned from the boredom of the situation.
"Get it up already!" yelled Miku.
Zorome fumed, "Shut up! I'm trying!" With frustration and without the help of a stamen, Delphinium slowly started moving.
"Ichigo, don't!" warned Nana. "Piloting a FranXX alone is dangerous." Delphinium remained in its two-legged state as it grabbed Argentea and blasted its thrusters to slam the pink FranXX to the wall, dangerously near the bystanders. Miku yelps in response, taking the damage as minor parts of the outer wall tore off. The two FranXX collapsed, causing an explosion of dust. Some coughed at the substance while Futoshi gasped and quickly wiped the dust from his buttery snack.
"Of all the reckless stunts..." groused Nana.
Hachi announced, "Since both FranXX have been rendered inoperable, this mock battle is over." Hiro sat motionless in the stamen's chair as his childhood friend pants from exhaustion.
The gentle touch of her trembling lips...
filled me with guilt.
The feeling the I'd gotten to fly back then...
quickly slipped through my fingers...
and eventually shackled me to the ground once again.
As the garage doors opened to retrieve the fallen FranXX, Zero Two marched in, triumphantly flipping her hair as she walked away from the training ground.
It felt like I was being bound up in a thousand invisible threads
"I'm sorry." mumbled Hiro.
"Don't apologize." Salty tears formed in the corner of Ichigo's eyes as she rubbed her mouth, "You were awful."
So if you think I was going to have Asuna and Hiro have a romantic moment, that's not happening. I'm not gonna let Kirito or Asuna get romantically involved with any of the Darling in the FranXX characters. IT'S NOT RIGHT, also it'll ruin almost everything I'm planning. I just wanted to add more special interaction or something since Asuna and Zero Two have the same Japanese voice actor. So I had to search up the "names" of the council because I had no clue who was who when they're talking. Plus some parts about the structure or little details about the environment were made up and maybe incorrect since I'm only basing this off the anime and a fandom timeline. This chapter is somewhat decent, could be better but I just wanted to finish it so badly.
Since you've read this far, why don't you go vote on this poll in my profile? I need to know before Episode 6 (Chapter 7) is done which is give or take around Summer (maybe now Fall) 2020. Yeah I know it'll take a while but bare with me. Feel free to leave a review of theories or possible extra events for months that don't have episodes tied to it.
