It burns. It hurts. I'm on fire. Power. Darling. Protect. Memory. Klaxosaur. Horns. Why does everyone hate her! Power. It burns. I'm always alone thanks to these horns. Screams. Screams of agony. They were torturing her. The red little girl writhed in pain. "Why are you doing this to her!? Please stop, can't you see your hurting her!? What did she do to deserve this!?"

Hiro awoke with a throbbing pain on his chest. His blood felt like it was on fire. He was sweating so much that his night clothes stuck to his body like a second skin.

His eyes flickered open. The room where he slept with Goro and Zorome seemed to be illuminated with a faint glow. Strangely the sun or moon wasn't out, so he wondered what the glow was coming from.

The pain on his chest throbbed and it seemed as though his heart was trying to burst from his chest. Instinctively he brought a hand up to the pain on his chest. When his hand reached his shirt above his heart he felt a big pulsating lump.

He sprung up like a bullet from a gun and nearly hit his head on the bunk above him. Quickly and silently he ran to the door and pulled it open. The hall was illuminated by the glow as well, and he could see it's every detail. Forcing himself to breathe, he walked down the hall, and then down the stairs to the lobby. Nobody had seen him, so he turned towards the bathrooms. Stepping into the boys he locked the door and turned on the lights.

Blinking rapidly to adjust to the light, he made his way over to a mirror above one of the sinks. Looking around again he checked to make sure nobody was watching him. He was in the clear so he pulled off his nightshirt and stared at his reflection.

On his chest above his heart, there was a throbbing blue growth. It pulsated in time with his heartbeat and his whole chest felt like it was on fire. He reached up to inspect it. The growth was soft but at the same time, he could feel a strong pulsating beat. Removing his hand he found that it came away sticking with some sort of blue substance. The substance was fascinating because it seemed like really thick blood. He watched as it glistened in the light. "This is fascinating." He thought to himself. What made it even more alluring is that it smelled almost sweet, and part of him wanted to know how it tasted.

He knew he shouldn't but the temptation was just too much to resists. Taking a finger he stuck it in his mouth. It tasted how it smelt. The substance was incredibly sweet. "It would be such a shame to wash it away." He thought innocently. So he used his tongue to clean off the rest of his fingers.

He had just licked off the last of it when a pain stabbed through his mind. His mind seemed to leave the bathroom and travel far into the past.

As she transferred her weight around onto her knees however, she gave a yelp of pain and immediately sat back down.

His eyes began searching frantically for her source of discomfort. It didn't take him very long, and within moments he noticed that one of her knees was bleeding, her blue blood dripping down her leg. Snow had melted in her wound and he noticed with increasing distress that her cut had barely healed at all, and her usual healing factor had been reduced to a crawl.

"Oh no she's bleeding." He thought frantically. "I've got to do something fast!"

He looked at the snow around them. There had to be something. Anything that he could use to stop that bleeding. Just at that moment a memory of a lesson he had learned about animals came rushing back. Leaning forward he began to lick her wound cleaning it and engaging it to heal.

Zero Two gave a yelp of surprise and her whole body shuddered at the weird sensation.

"Endure it." He said kindly. "Supposedly animals lick their wound to heal them. I don't know if it will work but I'm going to give it a try."

Returning to his task he began licking the blood that had welled up in her wound again. He had to make sure that she would be okay. She was his new reason to live, and that meant that it was his responsibly to protect her. Everything had gone out the window the moment she had first appeared in his life. Ever since he was a young child he had always felt that there was something more to his life. And as he tasted the metallic taste of her blood, he realized that making his own way through life free of the constraint the caretakers placed on him, was what he had always wanted.

Always wanted! Always wanted! Always wanted!

Hiro snapped back into the bathroom. Jolting forward he began to stumble around as he tried to get used to the blinding light of the bathroom again. His legs tangled, and he fell backward landing on his butt. When he landed, his teeth came down on the edge of his lip hard. "Ow!" Reaching up he felt his now bleeding lip. The wound felt like something sharp had pierced it.

Getting up quickly he walked over the sink and rinsed his bleeding lip. Red blood washed down the drain turning pink as it mixed with the water. Suddenly, a few drops of something blue dripped into the sink. Startled he reached up and whipped some of the blood onto his thumb. It was red. Looking up he checked in the mirror. His reflection stared back red blood glistening on his lip.

"Probably just imagining things." He muttered.

When his mouth was clean, he looked in the mirror to inspect his teeth. Immediately he knew something was off. Opening his mouth he saw that both his lower and upper sets of canines were longer than the rest of his teeth. Curious, he allowed his tongue to inspected them; rubbing and poking to confirm if they were indeed safe. The thought of large canine teeth was stabbing at him, and he tried to remember where he had noticed them before.

"Zero Two!" He gasped. When he kissed her their first time in the FRANXX; while his tongue was dancing around her mouth. She has large canines! He now felt a lot more comfortable with his new teeth. He kind of wanted to kiss her again, just to feel if they were the same. I wonder. What would she think if she felt mine? He hoped it would make her happy. It made him happy to know that there was one more thing that brought them closer together.

An argument erupted inside his head as two trains of thought collided. Maybe he should tell her. What if she doesn't like it though. No, we shouldn't lie! Yeah, but what if it scares her, or makes her angry. The thought of her in any sort of distress was something he would not permit even for a moment. But lying will only make it worse when she finds out. How about a comprise. We'll tell her, but only when we know fully whats going on. Giving her things to worry about when they maybe be nothing would be extremely distasteful. How about the growth on our chest, are we going to tell her about that? Same situations as the teeth; leave it until were know more.

"Speaking of the growth." He muttered. "I need to find my shirt or keeping quiet will be the least of my problems."

Spotting it he pulled it on. Luckily the growth wasn't big enough to be seen through the shirt. He glanced up at the clock on the wall.

"It's still only three in the morning." He sighed exasperated.

He wasn't going to try and sneak his way back to his bunk so he decided to crash on his favorite couch in his living room. It didn't take long for him to drift into a dream filled sleep.

"Your so beautiful Zero Two." He looked at her face slowly caressing her cheek with his thumb.

"No, I'm not! Everyone hates me! I'm a monster." She wailed turning away.

"No your not! And don't ever call yourself a monster again do you hear me! He corrected severely.

"Yes, I am! Everybody hates me and I'm just a monster trying to pretend she's not!"

He grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. She sat there sobbing into his chest. Leaning down to her ear he whispered. "Nobody hates you. And you're the most beautiful person in the world.

"B-But, I'm a monster." She cried into his chest.

"Not to me." He said soothingly. "Zero Two look at me."

She raised her head, and he looked into her beautiful green eyes.

"I love you!" And with that, he leaned down and kissed her.

They broke apart a few minutes later.

"Will you stay with me forever Zero Two?"

"Until the end of time, Darling!"

Hiro stirred in his sleep and became conscious of the fact that he was clutching something warm to his chest.

"Darling, if we stay like this somebody might walk in on us." Zero Two said cutting through his sleep.

His eyes shot open and were greeted with hers only a few centimeters away. Her warm soft breath tickling his face as her breathing slowly pressed her breasts up against his chest.

"Zero Two!" He cried, started. He let go of her quickly and tried to retreat into the couch. "When did you get here!"

In response, she nestled herself even closer to him. "A little bit ago." She said. "You looked so peaceful that I had to come and get a closer look."

"T-Thanks." He muttered still bewildered.

"Um, Zero Two. I didn't say anything in my sleep did I?"

She looked up at the ceiling and made a pondering face. "N-No not that I recall." She replied turning back to him and smiling. "Why? Were you having a nice dream?"

It had in fact been the most wonderful dream of his life! The memory of what had transpired, and been said made him blush. He felt his cheeks begin to burn like the sun.

"Y-Yeah it was nice." He said slowly; hoping she wouldn't ask anymore.

She did of course. "What was it about?"

"It was..… It was….. It was about swimming with fishes!" He lied quickly.

She gave him a suspicious look and smiled. "I think Darling is lying." She said playfully. She brought her hands up. "Darling should be punished." Her hands darted forward and she began to tickle him. The feeling of her hands running over his body made him laugh. He laughed and laughed; it felt so good that he was having trouble forming a sentence. "Zero Two! Sssss-t-t-t-oooppppp. He wheezed half-heartedly as he continued to giggle uncontrollably. She only continued her attack with a grin.

When she finally stopped he gasped in a lung full of air. He looked at her smiling face and gave an exhausted smile of his own. Now that she had stopped he kind of wished she hadn't.

"Darling like." She whispered in his ear.

"Darling likes." He whispered back.

Suddenly the sound of the rest of the squad's walking feet came from above them. "Urgh, why now!" He thought irritatable. They both reoriented themselves so that they were sitting upright. He made to get up but Zero Two quickly swung around placing her knees on either side of his hips. She was poised in front of him her faced only inches away from his.

"Zero Two!? What are you doing!?" He gasped in surprise.

"Shhh."

He knew that the squad was about to come down the stairs. If they looked in the living room Zero Two and himself would be in perfect view.

"You know that the rest of the squad is about to come down the stairs and see us?" He asked hurriedly.

"I know." She said calmly keeping one eye on the door.

She knew! Did that mean she wanted the squad to see them like this? Not that he minded too much, but he preferred to keep their moments of intimacy slightly more private.

Any second now somebody was going to spot them. He looked at her again but her attention was still on the door.

"What are you two doing!?" Zorome yelled in alarm.

The squad all hurriedly ran to the door. He could only see Goro and Ichigo out of the corner of his eye, but by the sound of voices, he knew that everybody was there.

"Nothing!" He called quickly, but he was interrupted by Zero Two.

"We're kissing." She stated.

Before he could do anything about it, she launched forward and crashed their lips together. Her tongue shot forward into his mouth and he felt an urge to do the same. Her saliva was so sweet it tasted as if she had just had candy in her mouth. He remembered his canines back from the bathroom. Eagerly he let his tongue dart forward to feel if she had them. She did! She had them too. A feeling a pleasure rushed through him. They both had matching teeth!

His happiness was immediately replaced by dread. Wait! What if she doesn't like them. What if she's scared. He looked up at her. She wasn't paying attention to him but was glaring at all the girls especially Ichigo. She was obviously communicating something to them but he couldn't see enough of her face to tell what. Plus, the taste of her mouth was making it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

He heard a chorus of stunned questions and gasps. "What the hell was that!" "Is that even allowed!" "What are you guys actually doing with your mouths!" "That's so cute!" The air was filled with such a modicum of noises he couldn't distinguish them all.

They broke apart after another few seconds. Quickly she got off the couch and grabbed his hand. She pulled and he allowed her to drag him towards the squad.

"Come on Darling, its breakfast time!" She said cheerfully walking past the squad and towards the mess hall. Things were moving so fast that he was having a hard time keeping up.

The caretakers of Mistiltienn had already set the tables, pilling them with more food then they could eat. The delicious smells of fresh bread, eggs, bacon, sausage, and ham all hung tantalizingly in the air. The tables glistened with an assortment of sparkling fruits that shown like gems stones. Pitchers of apple and orange juice dotted the tables; counterbalanced only by the energizing smells of tea and the rich aroma of coffee. Each table even had an extra pitcher of golden honey that shown like the sun.

Zero Two pulled him over to the boys' table and sat down in the chair usually occupied by Mitsuru. She patted the chair next to her and he sat down with only a moment's hesitation. The rest of the squad filled in muttering about the scene they had made in the living room.

"Ahh! Why is she sitting at the boys' table!" Zorome yelled in surprise.

"Settle down," Ichigo called. "Take your seat and we'll thank Papa."

The girls went and sat that their table and the boys grabbed seats that weren't occupied by himself and Zero Two. Mitsuru just stood in the doorway looking a little confused on where he should go.

"You can sit over here Mitsuru," Kokoro called warmly.

"Really? Well if its okay." Mitsuru said in surprise; before making his way over to her.

Kokoro's partner Futoshi made a slight noise of discontent but said nothing.

"Let's give thanks to Papa," Ichigo called.

The rest of the squad put their hands together, closed their eyes and began speaking. Hiro gave a moments hesitation before following along. "May Papa never thirst. May his heart be filled with peace for all eternity. We thank you O father. And ask that you forever guide us in our fight."

When he opened his eyes he saw that Zero Two was pouring the last of a pitcher of honey onto her plate. The food seemed to take on a whole new glow is it dripped with the golden honey. His stomach growled, and he glanced around to see if he could find the other pitch. The rest of the boys were wearing faces of confusion, as they watched her scrape the last of the honey onto her plate with her finger.

"Umm... Zero Two what are you doing?" He asked to cover the silence.

She didn't answer but selected a choice slice of bread from her plate. Grabbing it she turned to him.

"Here, Darling. Say, Ahh." And brought the bread to only inches in front of his face.

Surprised but delighted; he opened his mouth and took a bit out of the bread. It was so sweet that he decided that from now on he was always going to have honey with his bread.

"Like it?" She asked sweetly.

"Y-Yeah, it great!" He said eagerly.

He opened his mouth again and she continued to feed him. He was so engrossed in this experience that he didn't even hear the whispers of jealousy coming from the other boys.

When he had finished with the bread she turned to grab another piece of food from her plate. He watched her for a second before suddenly being vaulted into his own mind.

Absentmindedly he began to feel around in his pockets, trying to think of a way to interact with her. He hadn't been searching for long when he came across the two hard candies that the caretakers always gave him.

"Oh…" He exclaimed pulling them out.

Turning to her he said. "Here you go."

Zero Two tilted her looking curiously at the candy he held out to her.

"It's food." He explained. "Here give me a second." Grabbing both ends of the wrapper he pulled and letting the candy fall into his hand. Turning to her he said. "Say, Aah."

She opened her mouth and he placed the candy on her tongue. He watched her face light up as she began to suck on the candy. She was so excited that she bobbed up and down her legs flailing in uncontrollable enjoyment.

He chuckled as he watched her. That reaction was absolutely adorable.

When she had finally gotten over the pure excitement of tasting the candy, she made a noise to get his attention. He smiled and indicated to her that he was paying attention.

Grabbing the collar of the black robe she was wearing, she reached inside, and the book that she valued so much emerged when she pulled her hand back out. She looked at it for a moment and then held it out to him.

"What? " He said startled that she would present her most prized possession to him. "Are you sure I can see it?"

She grunted and gestured from him to take it.

"Thank you." He said awed.

He blinked back into the present. Zero Two was looking through her plate for something else to feed him.

He reached forward and grabbed a honey-dripping chunk of sliced apple.

"Your turn Zero Two." He said, bring it to her mouth.

Her eyes widened with surprise and she opened her mouth.

He placed it on her tongue and she began to chew. She closed her eyes while she began to slowly chew, almost as if she was trying to prolong the sensation for a long as possible. He saw that her hand was trembling under to table and he reached out to grab it. "Whats wrong?" He said quietly. Hoping fervently that he hadn't done anything to upset her.

She squeezed his hand. Her attitude changing in an instant. "Nothing!" She replied jovially. "Now where is the ham I want to try honey on that next!"

"Come on Darling I want you to show me around!" Zero Two said after breakfast.

"O-Okay." This was a surprising turn of events. Did that mean she was going to stay here? I hope that's the case. He got up and gestured towards the door.

She bounded off after him and he began his tour. "As you can probably guess the room we just left is the mess hall. All our meals are provided for us so we never have to cook anything."

"This is the main lobby." He said when they arrived in the center of the room. "It has access to many of the rooms in the house." Turning he gestured towards the stairs that split halfway up. "Under each staircase is the boy's and girl's bathrooms respectfully. The lobby also contains an elevator that has access to the inside of the plantation." He chuckled as he realized that she would already know that."Although you probably already know that huh."

They walked over to a room that was attached to the lobby. "This is the living room. It's pretty much just a jumble of couches as you can see. However, it does have a nice view of the front yard."

Zero Two followed him as he walked back across the lobby. He turned and began to walk down a hallway. He stopped at a door and pushed it open. "This is the library. If you ever need to inquire about something then this is the place to go. There are also a few computers screens inlaid in some of the desks; if you need them."

Zero Two began to look around curiously. He watched as she scanned each of the books as if she was looking for something. "Do you have any picture books?" She inquired.

He thought for a moment before answering. "I don't think so. But I have never really looked; so I guess there could be some here."

Zero Two's shoulders gave an involuntary sag before she spun on her heels with a smile. "So whats next." She asked brightly.

"Oh. Y-Yes of course. Let's continue." They walked back to the lobby and took the stairs to the right. As they walked he saw that Nana was in the mess hall addressing the rest of the squad.

"Up here is one of the boys' rooms." He opened the door to the one he slept in. "I share this room with Goro and Zorome." Zero Two bounded forward and starting jumping on Goro's bed; a contented smile on her face. He took this opportunity to asked the question that he was dying to know. "Will you be staying here with us in Mistiltienn?" He asked hopefully.

"Yep, I got a notification from Dr. Franxx last night." She said jumping down.

"Really! That's great!" He cried happily. "Does that mean we officially partners now?"

"I would assume so, but he didn't give confirmation." She replied.

His spirits dropped just a little bit. "Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Come on I'll show you the rest of the house."

They walked down the rest of the hall and took another staircase up. A giant window ran all the way down the right side of the hallway. It had a beautiful view of the forest that sat inside the glass dome that was Mistiltienn.

"This forest was supposedly built to fine tune our parasite numbers." He said gesturing to the outside.

"How about the glass dome; was that built to help too?"

"Probably." He answered. "But even with the ceiling, it does still rain here."

"Rain?" She asked looking at him with confusion.

"Yeah. Water comes pouring down from the ceiling and everything becomes wet."

She gave a jump of excitement. "Really! I want to see that! Do it for me!"

He turned and grinned at her. "I can't. If I do it know you'll see how the trick works."

"Don't care! Wanna see!" She said partially bouncing on her feet.

"Nah, you'll like it better if it's a surprise." He teased as he continued to walk down the hall.

"No, wanna see now!" She whined playfully chasing after him.

"Nope." He said with a grin fighting to keep as straight a face as possible.

"What if I said that I really wanna see!?"

"You're outta luck." He replied practically biting his tongue to keep from laughing.

"Darling's an ass!" She cried throwing her arms around him.

He burst out laughing. "If you wanna know you'll have to catch me!" And with that, he burst out from under her and started running down the hall; laughing all the way.

"I'm going to catch you!" She cried cheerfully charging off after him.

Ichigo had never seen such peculiar behavior in her life. Hiro and Zero Two were behaving so oddly. The squad comes downstairs to have breakfast and their smashing their mouths together. What did she call it "Kissing"? And Zero Two had given her that glare. That glare that communicated clear as day that. "He's mine!" They had then spent the next twenty minutes affectionally feeding each other. Completely obvious to everyone around them. Well, she couldn't blame them. Even she kind of wished, that Goro would do that to her. Unfortunately, she'd probably be so embarrassed that, it wouldn't give the same desirable results. But still to be that engrossed in each other that they completely ignored everything else was kind of scary.

It wasn't that she minded them being close. It was just that it seemed to be so extreme that it was almost unnatural. What if Zero Two's possessiveness of Hiro wasn't because she liked him, but was because she wanted to use him! Zero Two had been given the name "Partner Killer" for a reason. What if all she wanted to do was kill him; and right now she was just toying with her prey. Was Hiro about to become just another meal for her to feed on!? The rumors said that Zero Two had Klaxosaur blood. Klaxosaur's were savage beasts that wanted to destroy humanity. Or were they? When she had destroyed that egg the Klaxosaur hadn't given a damn about anything else but it's egg. It had seemed genuinely distraught and desperate; which was something that savages wouldn't have possessed. But Zero Two didn't have eggs to protect. So did that mean she was just as savage as the rest of the Klaxosaurs?

Hiro wasn't helping to make her decision any easier. Ever since that day back at the Garden Hiro had always been dark and brooding; his light only sometimes barely poking its way out. But ever since he had met Zero Two he seemed to be so happy and full of energy. It reminded her of the boy she used to admire when they were children.

What was she supposed to do? She wanted to make Hiro happy but at what cost. Did that mean she would have to watch as her friend was slowly eaten by some monster? She just didn't know enough about Zero Two. Why would she invest so much in someone she was just going to destroy? Maybe it was because she enjoyed playing sadistic mind games? But what if I'm missing something? Is there some piece to the puzzle I simply don't have?

She looked over at Goro. His mind was obviously running along similar lines to hers. They had both tried to keep their friend safe but to no avail. But was Hiro really in danger? Were they needlessly wasting energy on trying to separate Hiro from Zero Two? Or did they need to double down on their efforts?

Nana came into the mess hall a few minutes later. "Alright everybody I have some announcements to make." She called.

Immediately the buzz of conversations died and everyone gave their attention to Nana.

"Plantation 13 will be conducting a kissing operation with Plantation 26 to refill our magma reserves. Scans already indicate that Klaxosaurs are massing to launch an attack on the plantations. You will be participating in a joint operation with Squad 26 to repel this attack. Details for the mission will be given at the briefing when Plantation 26 arrives and we begin refueling."

Nervous excitement broke around the room. Everybody discussing the operation and anticipating the fight to come. Ikuno asked the questions that Ichigo was about to ask herself. "Why is this operation called kissing?"

Nana gave her a puzzled look before answering. "I am unsure. It's to my knowledge always been called that however so that's the name we use."

The mention of kissing reminded her of what Zero Two and Hiro had been doing this morning. Hadn't Zero Two called what they had been doing kissing as well? I wonder why they're both called kissing?

Nana coughed to get everyone's attention before continuing with her next announcement. "Also Zero Two will be living here in Mistiltienn. Please do your best to make her feel welcome."

Ichigo's question was already ready to go before Nana finished speaking. "Does that mean Hiro is Zero Two's partner?" She asked hurriedly.

"Yes," Nana replied simply. "Hiro, you be briefed on your new assignment later today." She looked around noticing for the first time that Hiro and Zero Two weren't in the mess hall. "Where are Hiro and Zero Two?" She asked looking at the group.

"Zero Two said that she wanted a tour of the house. They left a few minutes ago." Miku said answering Nana's question.

Nana gave a nod. "Thank you, I will be sure to give them a notification later."

"As for the rest of you. You may do what you like until the time of the briefing. Please be sure to arrive when you are called."

She walked out of the mess hall and disappeared around the corner.

It was nearing the end of the day when the squad was called for their briefing. Hiro and Zero Two had been gone all day and Ichigo had no idea where they had went. She hoped that they would make it to the briefing in time. If they didn't she may have to give them both a scolding for not following orders, but she hoped it didn't come to that.

She and the rest of the squad arrived in the briefing room a few minutes early. Squad 26 was already there waiting for them. The one that she presumed was their leader walked up to her.

"You must be Code 015." He stated confidently but pleasantly. "My Code is 090. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise," Ichigo said. "It will be a privilege to work with a squad with such experience as yours."

"I thank you. I would say that I am intrigued to see how your squad performs as well."

Ichigo felt there was something odd in that sentence but could identify what. "Oh, really? Please do elaborate."

"For a start, all your FRANXX have different designs from one another."

Mitsuru interrupted before Ichigo could inquire. "Is that so irregular? I thought all FRANXX had different designs."

"It is in-fact. Your squad is the only one I have ever heard of where each member's FRANXX is unique. Most every other squad uses the standard FRANXX model that we use."

That was surprising news. Ichigo was under the same impression as Mitsuru that all FRANXXs were unique to the pilots. If what Code 090 said was true when I wonder why Squad 13 is so different. Are we somehow defective? She didn't like to think so, but being told that Squad 13 was vastly different from everyone else made her consider that as an option. She liked to think that they had performed well on their previous mission even if it had resulted in failure. But maybe they had failed. If that was the case, then it was her fault as squad leader. She would need to do better from now on.

Code 090 continued breaking her train of thought. "Well since our team has been fighting the Klaxosaurs for longer than yours. If any of you guy have any questions I will do my best to answer them."

Zorome began speaking before he had even finished. "I have one. Have any children from your squad become adults?"

Code 090 gave him a very confused look. "Of course not. Our purpose in life is to fight and die for Papa."

Hachi entered the briefing room before they could continue their conversation. "Take your seats, everyone, the briefing is about to begin.

They all took their seats and the lights in the room dimmed. The briefing display was the only thing illuminating the room. The light it cast flickered as it changed from one image to another.

Hachi cleared his throat and began. "Our last scan indicated that the Klaxosaurs will arrive here by tomorrow at 18:00 hours. No matter how much we rush we cannot complete the kissing before then. You will be facing a minimum of one hundred to one hundred and fifty Klaxosaurs."

"One hundred and fifty!" Futoshi exclaimed.

Hachi continued on without comment. "The squads will be placed in two defensive lines. Squad 26 will be the vanguard and Squad 13 will be placed behind them as backup.

"What! Why are we the backup!" Zorome cried angrily.

"Our squad can link up more reliably; we'll work better by ourselves." Code 090 said calmly as if stating a fact.

"If I'm not mistaken he just called us dead weight," Miku muttered darkly.

Hachi coughed and brought their attention back to the briefing screen. "Defending the main pipe link between the two plantations is the top priority. So we are deploying a FRANXX capable of solo combat here."

Do we have such a FRANXX?" Code 090 asked.

"Yes, we do. Strelizia will be placed at this juncture."

Code 090 jumped up with terror written all over his face. "S-Strelizia?" His voice shaking with uncontrollable hatred.

Just then the door to the briefing room slide open. Nana was leading Zero Two and Hiro. "Sorry, we're late."

Hiro had spent the whole day running around Mistiltienn with Zero Two. Together they had penetrated deep into the forest around the house. Mistiltienn contained far more thing then he had ever expected. They had found several little lakes nestled in secret groves. It had been very difficult to keep Zero Two away from the water. Only with the promise that they would come back better prepared did he manage to convince her not to strip and jump in. They had also explored this awesome cave system that emerged at the top of a hill that overlooked all of Mistiltienn. He personal favorite, however, was a beautiful little waterfall that collected in a clear pool before gently flowing on. The pool was ringed with cherry trees which in the spring would bloom the same beautiful shade of pink that Zero Two's hair was. He mentally kicked himself for not telling her this when they were still at the pool. He would have gladly spent the rest of the day exploring with her. Unfortunately, they had gotten a call from Dr. Franxx which forced them to break off their day.

The door to the doctor's office hissed open and they stepped inside. The room was dark and filled with glowing display screens. Dr. Franxx was sitting behind a desk; his mechanical face illuminated by the light of a display below him. The Doctor looked up as they approached; his eyes fixated on Hiro. He felt like he was being x-rayed by the doctor's piercing gaze. He took a deep breath before breaking the silence. "You asked to see us, Sir." He said politely.

The doctor said nothing for a moment his eye's moving to glance at Zero Two. After another moment he spoke; his mechanical voice making his tone difficult to read. "I did."

His eyes shifted back to Hiro before he spoke again. "I have your new assignment. You have been promoted to the rank of parasite just like the rest of your squad mates."

His excitement was growing more and more rampant every second that past. If he was a parasite then there was only one other person at Plantation 13 you didn't have a partner. Does this mean Zero Two and I are official partners?

He was so excited that he almost missed the doctor's next sentence. "You have also been officially assigned as Strelizia's stamen."

His excitement and joy were on the verge of over following. "Really Sir! I-I mean thank you, Sir!"

"You can thank me by remaining with Zero Two. She could use a more stable partner from now on."

He released some of his pent-up energy by sneaking his hand into Zero Two's and giving it a little squeeze. "Yes, Sir! I will be sure to give it my very best."

"Good. Now there is something I would like you two to test for me."

This was a surprise. He wondered how much better this day could get.

"I am going to have you two test out a modification to your parasite suits." The doctor swiped his fingers up and a holographic display showed a male and female parasite suit. Design wise they didn't look any different than normal. The only thing that had changed was the coloration. The female one was crimson with dark blue markings and the male one was the exact opposite being dark blue with crimson markings.

"What exactly are we testing Sir?" He asked slightly confused.

"If this works properly when it should allow a pistil and stamen to reach a deeper state of connection; thus allowing for them to fight more effectively."

"And if it doesn't?" Hiro asked hesitantly. He liked the sound of being closer to Zero Two, but not for the cost of one of them getting killed for it.

"If it doesn't work then it will function like a regular parasite suit." The doctor said.

"Was long as its okay with Zero Two then I'm all for it." He turned to look at Zero Two.

"Sure thing Darling." She replied smiling. "Let's see what more potential we can draw out of you."

Before he could respond Dr. Franxx interrupted. "Very good. Now I believe you too are late for a briefing."

The doctor signaled and Nana stepped in through the door behind them. "Your squad mates are already being briefed. Let's go."

Zero Two took the lead and they walked off towards the briefing room. Hiro was still processing the fact that he had been officially made Zero Two's partner. If either of them had turned around at that moment they would have seen the biggest smile positively radiating off his face.

Nana stopped them before they enter the room. "This is a joint operation between Squad 26 and Squad 13. If you two have any questions please wait until the end as to not to interrupt."

The door slide open. "Sorry, we're late," Nana said as she stepped through the door and gestured for Zero Two and Hiro to enter.

When Hiro stepped into the room and immediately felt the hostility. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and he spotted a stamen from Squad 26 staring at Zero Two with anger and terror written all over his face.

"Has it been made official?" Hachi asked.

"Yes, Hiro is now officially Strelizia's Stamen," Nana replied.

"Very good. Now.."

Hachi was cut off by the stamen in the middle of the room. "We can't fight alongside Strelizia!" His voice was shaking with barely suppressed rage as he stroud forward.

"Code 090 the plan is already been finalized. We are not changing it just because you are uncomfortable." Hachi said calmly.

"But…" He pointed a finger accusing at Zero Two; his voice shaking as he struggled to maintain control. "That girl does not care about her allies! How can we trust her to have our backs!.

Code 090 turned to Zero Two and glared. "Code 002, you know what I mean."

Zero Two eyed the stamen with suspicion. "What are you talking about?"

The gates on Code 090 rage broke and he began to yell. "The joint operation two years ago! Your reckless fighting style got us isolated on the battlefield, AND I LOST MY PARTNER!

"Huh… doesn't ring a bell," she replied looking away. "Weakling die. Big deal."

Code 090 faced contorted with fury, and he started forward towards her, his hand clenching into fists.

Hiro jumped in front of Zero Two shielding her. "I'll keep Zero Two from going out of control. I'm her partner. If you have any problems with her you bring them to me."

The leader of Squad 26 stared at him with pure hatred. "Get out of my way." He growled his voice coated in loathing.

The growth on Hiro's chest pulsated painfully and he felt a surge of power wash over him. The urge to bare his new fangs was becoming overwhelming and he wanted nothing more than to rip Code 090 apart. "If you take one more step you're going to get hurt." Hiro's eyes dimly began to glow icy blue. Just enough so that Code 090 could see; but not enough that it could be seen by everyone else. Fear entered the stamens face and he took a small step back. Hiro wasn't stratified and began to snarl at him. "I suggest you make your way back to your seat and stay there." The stamen didn't move he just stood frozen. "And I suggest you do it NOW."

"You're a monster. Just like her." The stamen said, horror creeping into his voice.

"Good. Then that means you'll stay away from us." He said with an icy smile.

He turned and held out his hand while giving Zero Two the warmest smile he could possibly give. "Come on Zero Two let's go find a seat."

Tears were sliding down her face as she looked at him. All he wanted to do was whip them away but doing so would cause a bigger scene then he already had. Gently he reached out and guided her over the rest of Squad 13. They were all looking at him with expressions of shock and confusion. He squeezed Zero Two's hand and then gave the rest of Squad 13 smile.

He leaned over to Ichigo and Goro. "Hey, would you mind filling me in on all the details when this is over? I'm afraid I may have missed a few points."

They stared at him completely taken aback by his change in attitude. "Y-Yes of course." They both replied still in shock.

"Thanks." He whispered back.

Hachi cleared his throat noisily as to get everyone's attention. "Both Squads need to be ready to launch by 17:00 hours tomorrow. You are dismissed."

Hiro gave her the smile she loved so much. She was now more certain than ever that he was her Darling from back then. Nobody except him had ever protected her from anything. Nobody except him had ever cared about her. Everybody except him had hated her because she was a monster. But there he was; smiling at her like there was no other place he would rather be. She wanted desperately to sink into that smile. To curl up in his protective arms and never leave.

How could she make him remember! How could she unlock his memories! If only she could just tell him. Tell him of the promises they had made all those years ago. Tell him that she was the monster that he had saved. Tell him that her sole purpose in living was to be with him again. If only it were that simple; she would have done it in a heartbeat. She would have spilled everything to him. Everything that she had ever done; and everything she had ever wanted. But it could never be that simple. Her only hope was that she could use triggers to help him remember. But what could she do! What triggers could she use to help him remember! Please! Please! Please tell me what to do! Tell me how I beg you!

"Zero Two." He said getting her attention. He stood there in his nightclothes gesturing to a bed. "Since you are now officially part of Squad 13 this will be your room to sleep in."

She smiled. She didn't care what room it was if she could be with her Darling. "Thank you, Darling."

He blushed slightly before continuing. "Well if there anything you need, or I can help you with just let me know. Okay."

She had to indulge herself. Just once. "Darling."

He looked at her with his kind and curious face. "Yes?"

She took a deep breath. "Would you stay with me tonight? At least just for one night."

She watched his cheeks flush the brightest scarlet. He took a deep breath before looking at her an answering."If you're sure. Then I would like nothing better."

"Thank you, Darling."

They both moved and sat on the bed each not sure you should make the first move. She really wanted him to make the first move. If he did she could curl up in his arms and be nestled in his hold.

Pat.

She looked over at the window. Something had just hit the roof outside and made a noise.

She heard Hiro gasp. He stood up quickly and grabbed her hand. "Come on I want to show you something!" He looked at her excited. "Come on your going to miss it!"

"Okay, Okay, I'm coming."

They ran through the house. Their running feet pounding against the floorboards. Hiro was leading her by her hand urging her for more speed. They made it to the front doors and he threw them open. They ran out into the yard; which was bathed in soft moonlight.

Hiro stopped her in the middle of the yard. Her heart was pounding with the anticipation of what was to come. "Darling, Wha…"

He cut her off. "Shhh. Look up at the sky and close your eyes for me please."

Confused she did what she was told. She waited with baited breath. And waited. And waited. And waited.

Suddenly something cold and wet hit her face. She gasped. It was so unexpected that she didn't know what to do.

Pat. Pat. Pat. Patpatpatpaptapptaptpatpat. Droplets of water were falling from the sky and splashing against her face. She suddenly felt a rush of joy. It's raining! Darling had made it rain for her!

Her voice cracked with excitement. "Darling you made it rain for me!"

She laughed and began to run circles around the yard feeling the rain splash onto her as it fell. "Darling made it rain!" "Darling made it rain!" She chanted happily as she ran around the yard.

"Thank you, Darling!" She cried.

"Now I got to make sure you don't get to carried away!" He said laughing as he began to chase after her.

She gave a squeal of delight and began to run in circles while he tried to catch her. The rain steadily fell as it washed over the two birds, flying happily around the yard.

Ichigo watched from a window above them. The two partners chased each around the yard laughing and giggling in the rain. It was like some bizarre dance. The two birds circling each other. Each so engrossed in the other that they cared for nothing outside of each others presence.

They looked so happy. The expression of pure joy on Hiro's face threatened to make her heart melt. How could she separate them after seeing this? If she took away Zero Two; what would it do to Hiro. How emotionally damaged would he be?

Zero Two seemed like she was a completely different person from earlier. Zero Two had been hostile towards everybody. The glare she had given her this morning, and the way that she had brutally dismissed the boy from Plantation 26. Those actions had been so cold, that the mere thought of them sent shivers down her spine. But look at her now. All of it was gone. Her hatred, anger, ruthlessness, and uncaring attitude were all gone. Replaced with an expression of eternal joy. What had happened to her to make her like this? Which version of Zero Two was the real one? It had to be the one she was watching right now. You could fake anger and everything else. But this? She didn't know if even the greatest con artist could pull off what she was seeing right now.

She watched as Hiro continued to chase Zero Two. She remembered how Hiro and jumped in front of Zero Two to shield her from the wraith of Code 090. Ichigo had never seen Hiro's face contort into so much hatred. She shivered. When Code 090 had tried to get at Zero Two. The amount of pure hatred in Hiro's voice was something she would never forget. If that situation had gone any farther than it did. Ichigo was sure that Code 090 would be lucky to be alive if at all. She never wanted to see her friend like that again.

She couldn't tear Hiro and Zero Two apart. Even if riding with Zero Two killed Hiro after their third time. If she separated them just to keep Hiro physically alive; she would then emotionally and spiritually kill him instead. There was no other choice. All she could do was hope and pray that the rumors about Zero Two were false.

Goro walked in behind her and came to the window. They watched as the partners continued their flight around the yard.

"Ichigo," Goro said quietly. "I don't think we should try to separate them anymore."

She sighed. "I know. All we can do is hope that the rumors about her are false."

Tears began to slide down her face and her voice caught in her throat. "Because if not…"

Goro reached an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his chest. His voiced cracked as he began speaking "All we can do is hope."

Goro looked down at Zero Two and whispered. "He's in your hands now Zero Two. Make the most of it."

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading Chapter 4: Her Mark of The Jian Bird.

If you have a feedback or suggests feel free to let me know.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of The Jian Bird: We Fly Together