Authors Note: Hello and welcome to my fanfiction I am calling the Jian Bird. In this adventure, I will be telling my version of DARLING in the FRANXX. One of the key differences with my story is that certain events throughout the story will trigger Hiro's memory of his and Zero Two's past. So after the first few chapters, we will be in completely open waters and away from the events of the anime. Just to put your minds at ease (spoilers) I will be giving these two the happy ending that many fans of the series wanted. I will also be dropping a very unnecessary plot twist from the ending arc of the show.

I would like to apologize in advance for any grammar or writing errors. I have never written in a creative way before. So if things sound strange or clunky then please let me know so that I can improve. This is a learning experience for me; so constructive criticisms would be most appreciated.

As a general disclaimer, this story will feature content of a sexual nature. All distributions and or acts of this nature will be necessary to the overarching narrative. DARLING in the FRANXX is a story of self-discovery and the blossoming romance of a fated pair. I really enjoy DitF and will be treating these characters with the respect that they deserve. If you have any further questions leave them in the comments below.

Please note that if a passage is italicized it means its a memory of previous events. I hope this clears up any confusion.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy.

The Jian Bird, also known as the bird that shares wings. Unless a male and female find a partner they are forever grounded. To me, however, their way of life struck me as profoundly beautiful.

"Why are you taking me to Plantation 13?" Zero Two asked for probably the hundredth time.

Dr. Franxx's sighed. "Rectifying a mistake I made years ago."

He closed his eyes and prayed that she wouldn't keep pressing the matter.

"But why to Plantation 13?" She fired back. "You and Papa have paraded me around my whole life. Why take me to Plantation 13 now?"

"I swear if you were't my…." He muttered under his breath.

"What?" She fired back.

The pour soul that was strapped wounded and drained next to her grunted in annoyance.

"You shut up." Zero Two spat back. "I can drain the last of you here and now if you want."

He sighed and reached into his pocket to find some candy to try and appease Zero Two tendency to lash out. Finding it he turned in his chair.

"Here." He said tossing it to her. "It's honey favored. Now would you please be quiet, before I change my mind about taking you here."

"I'd rather have a shower." The girl muttered, peeling off the candy wrapper.

"Plantation 13 as a few lakes, you can swim in one of them." He replied shaking his head.

The pilot in the front called over the loud speaker. "We will be landing shortly. Please fasten your seat belts."

A communicator buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out he answered. "Yes Nana."

"Sir." Plantation 13's female administrator replied. "Hachi reports everything is ready."

"Very good." Glancing back he looked at Zero Two as she sulked, sucking on her loll pop. "I have what we need. Make sure that Code 016 is in position."

Hiro hated being helpless. It was a feeling he was all too familiar with, but he hated it all the same. Of course, he had to fail the parasite test. It was the one thing he had been training for his whole life and he still failed. What made it even worse is that he had dragged his partner Naomi down with him.

She had been one of the more talented members of the squad and her skill at piloting a FRANXX was extraordinary. Which all begged the question as to why she had been paired with him of all people. The only thing that he had ever been able to pilot with any success, was the stupid training FRANXX. Which he had probably spent more time in then the rest of his squad combined.

His musings were interrupted by a buzzing from his pocket. He pulled out his commutator and activated its holographic display. He absently glanced through the message and was about to form some non-committal reply; when he heard the sound of something impacting the glass dome nearby.

Glad of the excuse not to answer, he quickly sat up and pocketed the device, before hurrying up the nearby hill. When he reached the top he found an ominous red stain splatter over the glass. Examining it, told him that it was blood; but where it had come from he was unsure.

As if in answer he heard the pained squawking of its owner behind him. Turning he noticed one of the local birds was sprawled in the grass; its now wounded wings flapping feebly as it tried to move. His heart went out to the little creature. It would be forever trapped in this glass cage no matter how hard it tried to leave. In a vain attempt at assistance, he lowered his hands. The bird however just squawked and flapped feebly into the air and disappeared over the crest of the hill.

Before he could do anything but protest, the loud whirring of engines become audible above him. Shielding his eyes against the sun, he glanced upwards and saw one of APE's massive transport jets. The appearance of the jet was an uncommon sight. Usually, those jets were reserved for the giant mechanical FRANXXs, that were used to fight the biomechanical menace what was the Klaxosaurs. However, all the current members of Squad 13 already had their FRANXXs so what the jet was doing here he was uncertain of.

Sighing, he started off following the trail of blood left by the wounded bird. It was several minutes before he noticed that the trail had led him to a lake in the middle of the woods.

"I never knew there was a place like this." He muttered to himself

Stopping, he cast his gaze over the clearing. He was about to turn around when he spotted, a pile of clothing resting on a deformed old tree. Walking over to it, he bent over and examined it.

"Is this a parasite uniform?" "Strange it looks nothing like ours."

He curiously picked up the piece from the top; which after a few moments he decided was underwear. Quickly, he realized that this was a very compromising position. He was about to move to put it back when the sound of splashing coming from the middle of the lake stopped him.

Turning he saw the silhouette of a nude girl, swimming in the center of the lake. Blushing profusely he quickly turned his head away and hid his eyes. The sound of splashing had stopped however; so slowly he looked up and saw the lake had gone as smooth as a sheet of glass.

The seconds crawled by, and still, there was no sign of the girl resurfacing.

Giving a start of surprise he yelled out.

"No Way! Is she drowning?!"

Immediately he charged off into the lake his legs pumping as the water slowed his stride.

"I've gotta help her!"

He had only gotten a few steps however when the girl with a fish in her mouth, burst into the air from the water in front of him.

It only took seconds for him the realization that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Nude as the day she was born; her perfect curves were on full display. Her light pink hair flapped like wings around her, and her eyes were a rich shade of Jade green. The thing that really completed her spell on him however, was the two crimson horns protruding from the top of her head.

He stood transfixed, his eye glued to her beauty. Only when she spit out the fish and stroud forward to examine him did his brain finally grind back into gear.

"N-N-N-N-NAKED!?" He stuttered in a panicked voice. Desperately he slammed his eyes shut and turned his head away from her.

"Oh. And here I thought you were dead." She said somewhat lazily; as she walked back to the shore.

"A-Are you a parasite?" He asked, trying to regain his composure. "Why are you bathing here?"

Licking herself the girl replied "Because I wanted to, and plus the water is nice and refreshing."

His heart began pounding in his chest. For some very odd reason this girl was energizing him like nobody had ever had before. It was so strange. For some reason he felt connected to this girl, but why he did was still a mystery.

"Aren't you going to swim?" She inquired curiously.

"Huh?" "Me?" "Nah, I'm good." Was his confused reply, as he made his way back towards the shore.

"Really?" "But it feels so good and you were staring so hard, I thought you wanted to swim, too."

"Th-That's because I thought you were drowning." He said quickly, his hands making a placating gesture "So I jumped in to save you, and…." His voice trailed off and he turned away as he realized that she was still naked. "S-Sorry, but could you put your clothes back on?" He requested meekly.

She brought her hand up to her chin as if pondering and then bring her fist down into the palm of her other hand she said in a slightly triumphant voice. "Oh, I get it! She pointed at him dramatically "You're a pervert"

"W-W-W-WHAT!"

"Where'd that come from?" Came his incredulous reply

She lowered her pointing finger to his hand, which he then followed with his eye, only to realize far too late that he was still holding her underwear.

"This isn't what it looks like!" He exclaimed in surprised horror, as he desperately tried to rid himself of the undergarment. Feeling his cheeks burn like the sun he held them out to her.

To his astonishment however she burst out laughing and began clutching her sides.

"Your face was priceless!" She wheezed still fighting to regain control of herself.

"But you jumped in to save me, huh?" She said once she had calmed down. "Thanks, I appreciate that." And flashed him a cheeky smile.

He turned around to give her some privacy as she changed back into her clothing.

"That uniform… Are you a parasite, too?" She inquired

"No." He said dejectedly, picking up a stone.

"So you don't pilot?" She asked

"I can't pilot. I no longer have the ability." Came his meek reply. He threw the stone and almost as an afterthought he added. "I even dragged my partner down with me." The stone made a splash as it hit the water and sank below the surface. "I no longer have a place here anymore."

"Huh. So you're just like me." She stated.

That statement piqued is curiosity. Lifting his head he turned to look at her.

"I'm always along, too. Thanks to these horns." She stated while putting on a headband that seemed to secure itself to her horns with a little click.

"If you don't belong here, just build a place where you do." She continued. "If you don't have a partner, just find another."

Raising her hands like claws she started forward and grabbed him while saying "And if you can't." Her face flashing with an almost hungry expression. "Take one by force!"

Leaning forward she licked his cheek. Taken by surprise and with her full wait on him, he collapsed back into the edge of the lake. The strange girl following him down with her arms landing near either side of his head.

The atmosphere around him for the most fleeting of moments changed as she stared hungrily at him.

"Wow, your taste makes my hear race." She said hungrily "It bits and lingers. The taste of danger."

"Wh-What are you…" He started

"Would have you preferred a kiss?" She said ignoring him; her voice sliding back into its usual tone.

"A kiss?" he asked confused

"Oh, you guys don't know, huh?" She said.

Leaning down to his ear she whispered. "It's a very special thing."

Standing back up she stated. "I think I've taken a liking to you. Won't you be my Darling?"

"D-Darling? You mean Partner?" He asked confused

"Your ability's probably just still dormant. I can awaken it for you." She stated holding out her hand. "And you weren't frightened by my horns."

Was this his chance? His chance to reverse everything and become a pilot like the rest of his squad mates. He reached out his hand shaking, uncertain that it would work; but confident that it was better than doing nothing.

A rustling from the tree behind them broke the magic and she retracted her hand.

"Too Bad." She stated her voice growing cold. "Time's up."

She turned away, looking towards a wounded man and a small squad of plantation forces that had just come out into the clearing.

"We've been looking for you." the wounded man said annoyed. " Why do you keep running off alone."

"It's not like there's anything to do until tomorrow's welcoming ceremony." Her body poster and tone indicating that this was a less than welcome interruption.

"Well, as your partner, I am the one who suffers for it." The man said and roughly situated a hat on her head; making sure it covered her horns.

"Partner?" He muttered to himself an odd emotion sparking in his chest.

The man turned to him and asked. "Are you a parasite cadet?" Not waiting for a reply the man plowed on. "Your welcoming ceremony's tomorrow, correct? Sorry, she bothered you."

The plantation security forces were wrapping a coat around her and talking to her in hushed but stern voices.

"It's okay." He muttered

In a louder and slightly more desperate voice, he asked. " Um, what did you mean by partner?"

"Let me give you some advice" came the man's irritated voice. "Stay as far away from her as you can." The man turned and the group began to walk away as he said over his shoulder. "She's not the kind of pistil that just anyone can handle."

His brain was going into overdrive trying to think of something to say.

"Your name!" He blurted out. " What's your name?"

"Name?" Said the girl not turning around. "Do we parasites even have names?"

His heart fell. Of course, he had forgotten that outside of Squad 13 none of the parasites have names just codes to identify their aptitude.

"Well, my code is 002." "Everyone calls me Zero Two."

Pain blinded him as a memory of events long forgotten surged to the forefront of his mind. Images, sights, feelings, sensations, sounds, drowned him and it has all we could do to keep from crying out.

"Code 002." He muttered. "Wow… I've never seen a code in the single digits before." He looked up at her. "You're really amazing, having a code this low is unheard of." He sat and thought for a moment. "You know…. Back at the orphanage, I gave everybody their own names." He paused for a moment and looked up at her. "Do you want one?"

Curiously she tilted her head and stared at him with her beautiful eyes.

Hoping that was her form of consent, he pinched his chin between his thumb and forefinger. "Code 002…. Hmm… Oni... No that's dumb…Umm, Zero Two?" He shook his head. "That's a little unoriginal…Hmm"

Before he could change his mind however, the girl shouted out. "Eo To! Eo To!"

He gave the girl an amused smile. "I should have thought of a better name. Sigh…"

Then looking into her beautiful eyes he said. "Well, I guess it's official." A big smile spread across his face. "Zero Two."

Abruptly, he snapped back to reality with the realization that the plantation guards were half leading, half hauling him towards what looked like the parasite administration building. Quickly he looked around and noticed that Zero Two and the plantations security forces were nowhere to be found.

The guards stopped at the entrance and shoved him forward. "The administrator is waiting for you inside." One of the guards said in his flat voice.

Without saying a word he made his way through to the room where the administrator's desk was located. Naomi was seated next to it, and was staring at the wall with a dejected look on her face. He opened his mouth to speak but the door opened and the sound of the administrators urged him forwards before he could think of anything to say.

Taking the seat provided he waited; noticing that the male administrator Hachi was the one seated across from him. Hiro knew what this was about; any parasite team that failed to pass the parasite test would be sent back to the orphanage where they grew up.

Interrupting his thoughts and without any form of permeably Hachi began speaking. "You and your partner are scheduled to leave for the orphanage in twenty minutes."

"Understood," he replied dryly

Hachi's next words, however, caught him slightly off guard "Code 016, you have been given special permission from HQ to remain here in Mistleteinn."

"Why." He asked, alarm bells popping up in his head. Papa and APE protected and looked after the children but they weren't known for doing unnecessary things.

"I am not privy to that information." Replied Hachi

For a few fleeting moments, he thought about staying. He came to the realization however that it would be useless. Zero Two was probably long gone, and sitting around being dead weight for his friends in Squad 13 would have been only made things worse.

"I will leave with Naomi." He heard himself say.

"Very well. Code 703 is waiting for you outside. Guards will escort the both of you to the transport station." Came Hachi voice.

Walking out of the room Naomi, was crying on a bench just outside. He couldn't help but feel like an absolute jerk. It was his fault that they had failed and he was the one who was offered to stay. He tried not to think of that day but in his guilt, it came back sharp as ever.

A robotic feminine voice began speaking. "Positive pulse and P-Factor dropping. Time Out. Commencing stage six linking. Measuring ability score. Negative pulse detected. Positive pulse on standby. Three. Two. One.. Timed out." Mercilessly the test moderator's voice spoke ."Code 703 and Code 016. You Fail"

When they arrived at the station he took the place on the opposite side of the loading ramp walkway. Looking right, he saw a group of transport spheres crawling their way towards the station.

"You should've stayed, Hiro." Came Naomi's soft voice. "Did you refuse because of me?"

"It's not like I'd be of any use if I stayed." He said mechanically.

"You've always been like that." She countered quietly. "You're just running away. From your partner, and from yourself." She continued talking however her voice started taking on slightly desperate tone. "You remember how many of our friends disappeared from the orphanage, right? There's no telling if we could end up just like them."

He turned his lips trying to form a reply but she plowed on without giving him time.

"So don't try to play the hero!" She yelled dropping the briefcase she had been carrying. "Who cares if it's favoritism? You're lucky you have a chance to stay at all!" Crying she continued. " We've made it so far! I would definitely stay, even if it killed me!

He barely heard the guard tell them to stop talking.

"Naomi…." Was the only thing his pathetic brain could think to say.

Naomi continued still sobbing. " Why… Why did you have to be my partner?"

There was nothing he could say to that. The consequences of his failure were now magnified a hundredfold, and all she did was utter a single sentence. Desperately he tried thinking of anything else. He thought of his Squadmates who were scheduled to sortie for the first time in their real FRANXXs; while he and Naomi left for the orphanage. He desperately clung that thought and held it in his mind. Still holding on he imaged what it would be like to fight, to protect, and to fly with them.

The giant transport sphere arrived at the dock and opened its doors for him to enter. A cage he thought, as he followed Naomi towards the doors. A cage where he could never fly or be free ever again.

Naomi stopped at the door and turn abruptly on her heels to face him.

"Well, take care, Hiro. I don't think we'll ever see each other again." She said sadly.

Startled, a protest began forming in his mouth, but she cut him off. "I'm done now, but you still have a chance. You don't have to factor me into your decisions anymore."

"Wait a second, Naomi!" He exclaimed as he started forward. But before he could take more than a few steps she threw her briefcase directly at him. Catching it and falling back he landed with a loud thud on the ramp. "What are you doing?" He cried in desperation.

"I don't need those things anymore. Make sure to share them with everyone" Came her reply a hit of sadness entering her voice. "You know, I really like the name you gave me." And with one final sob, she added. "Hiro, I hope you find a good partner."

The transport sphere's doors slammed shut; sealing her off from him, and the rest of the outside world.

"Naomi…" He cried leaping forward.

The hadn't even gotten a full step when the plantations guards caught him.

"Don't! You can take the next transport and still make it!" The guard said struggling to keep Hiro, from leaping at the door. The guard let him go when he finally stopped struggling as the transport cleared the station.

Stepping to the edge of the ramp he waited for the next sphere to crawl its way into place. Turning his head he watched as the transport containing Naomi began to get further and further away.

His sphere crawled up and opened its doors. Before he could take a step however something made him hesitant. Was following her the best idea? Up until now, he was certain, but now worms of doubt start creeping into his mind. Maybe that strange girl Zero Two was actually still around. Maybe Naomi was right. What if he did have a purpose here? Papa woudn't have offered him a place without a reason right?

"What's the matter? Get in already." Came the guards voice from a long way off.

Stepping back he turned to the guard and said. "Uh, I think I'll stay." His last word was cut off however as a tremendous crash cleaved the air.

"What was that?" he said startled. Looking off to where the transports were crawling their way off towards the horizon. Staring in horror he saw two massive blue and black glowing spikes emerge from the ground on either side of the transport that contained… But before he could complete his thought, the whole ground that the transport was crawling on burst up as something emerged beneath it. He watched in horror as the transport was tossed up into the air and then crashed to the ground breaking into a thousand little pieces.

"Naomi!" He screamed helplessly. But were Naomi once was stood one of the biomechanical menaces that were known as the Klaxosaurs. Screaming its challenge it started forwards towards the Plantation.

Distantly he heard the Plantation guard yell. "It a Klaxosaur! Ready intercepting fire!" The sound of intercept canons deploying and firing erupted violently from the plantation behind him.

The cannons rained their fury down upon the Klaxosaur but to little effect. The Klaxosaur simple walked forward a few more massive steps and swiped its gargantuan tail across the surface of the plantation. In the process of taking out the intercept cannons, the tail hit the loading dock where he was located. He desperately grabbed the railing next to him as the dock was bent up and thrown out of the way.

By some miraculous stroke of luck, the dock hit the walkway that curved around the plantation. Breathing a sigh of relief, he was able to drop from the railing to the surface of the walkway. Dully he noted that Naomi's briefcase had fallen beside him as he crashed to safety.

His momentary relief was over however and he saw as the Klaxosaur began turning to make its way to where his squadmates would be receiving their FRANXX's.

"Damn it!" He exclaimed. Sprinting with all his might to try and keep up with the Klaxosaur's massive steps. The Klaxosaur quickly pulled ahead however and left only a massive cloud of dust in its wake. Swearing he kept running his body running on pure adrenaline as he tried desperately to catch up. Through all the dust and screeching of shattering metal, he didn't hear or see the white, four-legged FRANXX, run by until it was right on top of him.

"Another Klaxosaur?!" He gasped startled. But before he could do more than express his surprise it was swallowed up in the cloud of dust.

Up ahead he heard the shouting of people and the awful sound of metal being forcefully torn apart. This all stopped abruptly when the air rang with the sound of something being slammed forcefully into the ground. It was then immediately followed only moments later by agonized roars of rage and pain.

Rounding the bend, he launched himself towards the railing. When he reached the railing however his mouth fell open in shock. The massive black and blue Klaxosaur was facing down what looked to be a white FRANXX with four legs. He watched as the Klaxosaur charged up a massive beam weapon and shot it at the FRANXX. Bracing the FRANXX flipped it's tail forward splitting the beam and dissipating it with a massive explosion.

Coughing he looked up again and screamed in terror was the four-legged FRANXX flew through the air towards him. With a leap, he barely made it out of the FRANXX's way before it smashed into the walkway.

"Ow.. What the hell was that?" He said rubbing his head.

In response, the body of a man covered in red blood hit the ground in front of him.

"H-Hey.. Are you alright!?" He said crawling forwards to help the man.

"Forget about him. He's done for." Said a familiar voice.

Looking up he saw that Zero Two wearing a skin-tight red parasite uniform was leaning exhausted in the doorway to the cockpit.

Standing he said, "What are you doing in there?" Equal parts concern and confusion entering his voice.

Turning her head to look at him, he saw that the whole right side of her face was covered in dark red blood. What he thought was odd however was that there was a strange blue substance running down her left cheek.

"What, you have to ask? I'm going monster hunting, of course." She replied as if stating the obvious, her voice snapping him out of his thoughts.

"You're going to pilot this robot alone?" His voice filled with bemusement.

"I gotta go." She said ignoring him and getting up awkwardly she turned to head back inside.

"W-Wait a second" he cried leaping forward and grabbing her arm. "You can't! You're hurt!"

"Out of my way!" She panted slapping his hand away.

"This is insanity. Besides, you're by yourself now. FRANXXs can't be piloted alone." He said trying to reason with her.

"I'm always alone." Came her sad reply. "That's how it's always been. I'm used to it."

"No! You'll die!" He yelled his desperation mounting.

"I'm not afraid of death." She countered softly. "That thing's going to start moving again eventually. And when it does, everyone here is gonna die either way."

"I'm not afraid of death and I have a job to do." She said starting forward. "I'm going."

He wouldn't let her go. Not alone. He was powerless, unable to help his friends, and unable to fight the Klaxosaurs. But this girl needed him. It didn't matter if he only had one wing. If he could use it to help her fly; even for just a little bit longer, than he would do it.

"Wait." He commanded. "I'll pilot that robot with you. I'm not about to let you go alone."

"Oh?" She inquired curiously turning to face him, "Are you prepared to die?"

"I don't know." He replied. "But as I am now, I don't belong anywhere. That's no different from being dead."

Straightening up and looking her straight in her beautiful eye's, he demanded with all the strength that he possessed "So take me with you!"

"Huh.. You really are just like me." She said quietly. "You and I are very similar. It's been a long time since I last saw a human cry"

Reaching out she caught one of the tears that had started to fail down his cheek and added in a louder voice. "I like the look in your eyes. It makes my heart race."

"Now come to me." She said while grabbing his hand and pulling him bodily into the cockpit.

As they fell towards the cockpit chair she said with a smile "Let me get a tased of you. You are now…" "My darling!" Landing in the seat she pulled him close and kissed him hungrily.

It was the most addicting thing he had ever experienced! Her lips were as soft as a dove and her mouth tasted as if it contained the sweetest honey in the world. Her tongue shot forward as she began to feed off his desire, and he replied with equal enthusiasm trying to lap up that sweet honey that he found so enticing.

As he continued to kiss her; he felt his blood burn. His whole body surged with a power far stronger than he had ever experience. This power, however, didn't feel foreign and it felt as if it had always been apart of him; just locked away.

Their minds begin to sync; positive and negative pulses soaring to the max within seconds as the FRANXX came alive around him.

[STRELIZIA - ACTIVATED]

[STRELIZIA - ACTIVATED]

[STRELIZA - ACTIVATED]

The FRANXX came alive unfolding from its four-legged bestial form and transforming into the blindly white Iron Maiden. Unsheathing its massive magma spear, the FRANXX flew at the now charging Klaxosaur and drove the point straight through to its core. The Klaxosaur exploded in a massive cloud of blue blood which fell like rain as it's blue and gold core slid off the tip of the spear.

Hiro returned to his own mind panting a few minutes later. The effort of piloting the FRANXX with the ferocity that they had leaving him breathless. Although he was winded he felt that something deep inside him had changed. His once caged mind felt open and as though could fly anywhere he wanted to.

Looking around he spotted Zero Two smiling at him from the pistil's seat situated in front of him.

"That was quite expressive." She said approvingly. "I don't think I have had anyone with your potential before."

"Thanks," he said breathlessly.

Shakily he got up and began to walk towards the now open cockpit door. His legs, however, gave way after only a few steps. Luckily Zero Two was quite fast. She grabbed his arm and placed it around her neck before he hit the ground. Leaning on her they made their way through the door and stood on the face plate of the FRANXX. She lowered him gently to the floor and he sat leaning his back lean against the door.

In his exhausted state he never heard her whisper softly to herself. "Found you. Darling"

Author note:

Thank you for reading the first chapter of the Jian Bird.

One question I have is that later in this story a certain sexual act needs to take place. I would like to know if I should describe this in a (Lemon) chapter or just imply that it happened. Feedback on this question would be appreciated.

If you have any questions or feedback please feel free to let me know.