Ichigo stood in the shower letting the warm water run over her body. She liked it when she had a chance to take a morning shower. It was a refreshing experience, and she always felt prettier afterward.

Reaching up she grabbed the soap and began to wash herself. She hummed happily as she watched the soap suds form all over her body, washing away any impurities. This really was fun.

She smiled happily as her thoughts drifted to yesterday's day at the lake. It had been so much fun to splash around in the water, and playing ball with the rest of the squad. What made it even more enticing was that she had gotten to see Goro's bare chest. She blushed profusely at the memory of it. He had been so strong and handsome, and his deep brown eyes had seemed to sparkle beneath his glasses. Needless to say, she couldn't wait until she got a chance to return to the lake.

It had defiantly been a good thing for everybody, and she felt that some members of the squad and formed closer bonds. Although Zorome and Miku were constantly fighting, she didn't think that they ever really meant the nasty things they said to one another. And in a bizarre sort of way, it almost seemed like a sort of bonding. So although the had a very vehement screaming match yesterday, she doubted that it would negatively affect them.

Hiro and Zero Two, well those two were inseparable. She got the feeling that those two were pushing their partnership farther than any parasite team had ever pushed. Not only did they spend every waking moment together, but they actually slept together as well. Ichigo knew how small that bed was, and the only way two people would be able to fit on it would be to lie completely intertwined.

She wondered what it would be like to lay with someone like that. To feel their warm body pressed against you and their breath tickle your skin. Goro was there his arms wrapped snuggly around her. She could feel his muscles beneath his night skirt and his warm breath against her skin. She turned to look him in his gorgeous brown eyes.

Slowly their mouths got closer and closer, his lips so tantalizingly close. Mouths mushed together as they emulated what Zero Two and Hiro had done. The taste of him was…. Was…

She was dragged out of her daydream by one of her prescient cramps. It had been happening for a few days now, and although they didn't hurt per say, they were distracting. She was about to try and recapture her daydream when she thought she felt something emerge from between her legs. Looking down she saw that her legs had small red drops of blood on them and that the water beneath her had a slight pinkish tinge to it. She stood there and watched as the blood continued to drip from her lower lips. The sight of her monthly bleeding had ignited a question that had laid dormant in her mind for the last few days. What did this bleeding signify? If Papa was to be believed it was from the stress of piloting a FRANXX. However, she had read a tidbit of information that stated otherwise and made slightly more sense. If that information was correct then one of her eggs was in the process of being flushed from her body.

Reaching down she stroked herself and deposited some of the blood onto her finger. Bringing it up to her eyes she examined it, debating over what it really meant. Her genitals bled like this for a few days every month, at almost the exact same time; which made the explanation about her losing an egg each month seem more plausible.

Papa's explanation just seemed to be off somehow. It had been serval days since she piloted her FRANXX; so why was she bleeding now and not then? If he was correct, then why did it have to come from down there? Why couldn't it come from anywhere else except her genitals?

It also didn't help that over the last few days she had seen things that really made her doubt Papa's teachings. The adventure into the city had really been a wake-up call for her. For all her life she looked up to the adults and wanted to be just like them. Now, however, she wasn't so sure. Being practically a robot that lived in a pod didn't sound like her idea of living. She couldn't imagine living a life where she couldn't run around and interact with her squad mates.

She sighed. It was all so confusing, and it was hard to make a definitive decision. The squad was no help either since they were just as confused as her. What was she supposed to do at a time like this? Why was life so difficult?

With a grunt of annoyance, she cupped her hands and splashed water on herself to clean the blood away. Shutting off the water, she grabbed the towel and began to dry herself off. As she did they idea struck her to visit the library. It was the only place in Mistilteinn were she could hope to find the answers she was looking for.

It took her only a few minutes to dress and comb her hair. Clipping in her green hair clip she began to make her way towards the door, only to stop as she noticed a tiny trail of red droplets on the white tiled floor. The trail led from the shower to her locker and then stopped. Lifting her skirt and peering into her underwear told her she was still bleeding.

She swore and made her way over to some toilet paper. She placed a piece inside and pulled up her underwear again. Grabbing a few more sheets she went to clean up the mess she'd made.

Argh! Now she really wanted an answer to why she was bleeding. She had been dealing with similar situations for years, but now that she was actually paying attention to it, she wanted to know its purpose. Hopefully, it was something special. Because if it really was just from piloting a FRANXX then that would be stupid as hell. She was pretty sure boys didn't have to deal with such problems since the caretakers hadn't mentioned them having to deal with anything. If she had to go through such annoyances then it better be some sort of superpower or something.

When she had finally finished cleaning up after herself she made her way towards the library.

When she got there however she noticed that someone else was already hard at work. Ikuno was sitting at one of the tables. Books were spread out all across its surface as she read and took notes from each of them. She seemed to be fiercely engrossed in her studies, as her pencil dashed across her notebook. Without missing a beat, she reached over and grabbed a water bottle. Taking a long swig, she gulped down as much water as she could before setting down again.

It was then that she finally noticed Ichigo.

"G-Good morning Ichigo," Ikuno said in surprise. "I didn't see you come in."

"I'm not surprised." She replied with a laugh. "You seem quite preoccupied."

"Not really. I'm just taking notes." Ikuno said. "What brings you here so early in the morning?"

Ichigo debated for a moment on whether to tell her or not. Questioning Papa was tantamount to treason, so she was hesitant to voice her thoughts. She shook herself mentally. These were her squad mates and her friends; they deserved to know the truth.

"I'm having my monthly bleeding." She said calmly. "I would like to know what it means."

Ikuno stared at her for a long moment, almost as if debating something.

Quickly she realized that it was now or never. She either needed to commit to her decision to question Papa or back off. With a gulp she said. "I believe it holds more significance than just piloting a FRANXX."

Ikuno stared at her for another few moments before speaking. "I believe you may be right." She said calmly. "If what I've studied is true, then every person in this building may be capable of something far beyond anything we've ever been told."

Ichigo was intrigued. Did Ikuno really know some of the answers? Hurriedly she walked over to her and sat down in the chair opposite from Ikuno. "So what is it that we're capable of?"

Ikuno grabbed her notebook and began flipping through its pages. "Ichigo, all I can tell you is what I think and suspect. None of this may be true."

"Maybe. Maybe not. But I think it's worth investigating." She said. "All I know is that there's more to this then what we've been told."

"Well then, here's what I've got." Ikuno swallowed hard. Plainly she was just as nervous as she was. "If what I've read is accurate; then we girls carry a cell called an egg in our bodies." Ikuno pointed to a drawing she had made. "Supposedly, if we don't get it fertilized within a certain period of time, then we lose it so that our bodies can prepare for the next month."

Ichigo leaned forward and stared at the drawing. "Egg." She muttered. She'd read that word before but she was having a hard time placing it.

She looked up. "So what do we use this egg for?"

Ikuno paused for another moment before answering. "Well, if we get it fertilized by a male, then it becomes this baby thing." She pointed to another drawing.

What looked like a drawing of chubby little human sat on the page. It had a big round head, and pudgy little arms and legs. Ichigo frowned. It defiantly was a strange creature. She guessed it could have been a human, but she had never seen anything like it before.

"So… W-Why would we need to make this thing." She asked confused. Being told that she had cells inside her that could make things like that was weird.

"I'm not entirely sure," Ikuno said. "Supposedly that's how we create new people, but I don't really understand it."

Ichigo thought for another moment. "So….. You said we have to get our eggs fertilized. What does that mean?"

"Well, males create these cell things called sperm." She said pointing to drawing of weird oval thing with a tail. "Supposedly if one of those meets with our egg, then their union starts forming that baby thing."

Ichigo rubbed her forehead, trying to process all this information. These concepts were defiantly boggling her mind. "So.. Um… How would we get our egg fertilized if it's inside us? That seems like it could be a problem."

"I have a theory on that," Ikuno said.

Quickly she began sifting through her pile of books, until she found one titled, "Human Anatomy."

Pulling it out she flipped through the pages until she came to a picture of a cross-section of the male and female body. Ikuno pointed with her finger at the female. "If this book is right then the hole in our genitals is called a." Ikuno twisted her head to read better.

Ichigo did her a favor and read it for her. "A v-vagina." Ichigo scratched her head in confusion. "Why's it called that."

Ikuno looked at her and said, a little annoyed. "How would I know, I didn't make any of this up." Ikuno shook her head and turned back to the book. "Anyway, this vagina thing seems to lead into this complex system here; which I don't know nearly enough about to try and explain."

Ikuno then pointed to the males genitals. "Supposedly this is called a penis. You see how it erects into this stick like thing?"

"Yeah." She said, bending over to get a better look.

"Doesn't it look like it would fit perfectly in the vagina thing?" Ikuno said, gesturing between the two with a finger.

"Yeah… I guess your right." She said slowly.

The thought of having something like that plunged inside her was kind of scary. It would probably hurt to take part of another person inside her. She also wasn't sure if she trusted anybody enough to let them do that. She shook her head. That was an unworthy thought. She trusted Goro completely. He would be careful with her. He would make sure it didn't hurt her.

She sat there and thought of Goro, imagining him easing himself into her. She felt a stirring in her core; like some sort of blizzard primal urge. Her body was arousing as it prepared to accept her partner. Goro was there, and she felt the lips of her vagina guiding him in, as he filled her with his prescience. She could feel him. As he gently…. AHHH STOP IT! STOP IT! She shook herself, her cheeks flushing a bright red.

Pinching herself hard under the table, she brought her attention back to Ikuno. "So how did you discover all this?" She said trying to cover her momentary daydream.

"I spend most of my time reading," Ikuno said simply.

Ichigo laughed. "I can tell. I didn't know any of this was here."

"It wasn't. At least, not until about a week ago" Ikuno said looking around nervously.

A dark feeling of foreboding washed over her. "So, these books weren't here before?"

"No, they weren't," Ikuno said in a whisper. "Somebody put them here recently."

Ichigo stroked her chin thoughtfully. This was an interesting turn of events. It appeared that somebody somewhere was feeding the squad little nuggets of information. She thought back over the last serval days. Something was going on here, but she just couldn't put her finger on it.

She looked back at the book and Ikuno's notes. She wondered why Papa had kept them in the dark about this stuff. If males and females had genitals and cells that were designed to make little humans, then why would he not tell them.

"Doesn't it seem odd that all this information almost directly contradicts what Papa told us," Ichigo said, glancing up at Ikuno.

"That's not even the half of it," Ikuno whispered. "You know how the Klaxosaurs are supposed to be mindless beasts?"

"Yeah," Ichigo said quietly. "Although to tell you the truth, I think there might be more to them then what we've been told."

"Well, you wouldn't be wrong. If what I've read is true, their very complex and nuanced creatures."

"There are books on them too!?" Ichigo whispered in surprise.

"Yes," Ikuno said lowering her voice even more. "I found one just this morning."

"Can I take a look?" Ichigo whispered with nervous excitement.

"Yeah, sure its right here."

Ikuno closed a book next to her so that the cover was showing. It read. "The Biology of the Klaxosaurs."

Ichigo reach out to see the book when suddenly an alarm went off. Ichigo was so startled that she almost pissed herself from surprise.

Suddenly she gasped in fear. They had been found out! They were about to be punished for doubting Papa's teachings!

The alarm sounded again. A few seconds later Nana's voice sounded over the loudspeakers. "Members of Squad 13. Please suit up and assemble in the briefing room. We have an urgent mission that requires your immediate attention. I repeat. Please suit up and assemble in the briefing room. We have an urgent mission that requires your immediate attention."

Suddenly she heard a crashing sound as somebody jumped off their bunk to the floor. Feet were moving upstairs as people scrambled to get on clothes.

Quickly she and Ikuno scrabbled to put away the books. "Ikuno." She said as they worked. "Let's keep this under wraps for now. I don't think we should tell the squad until we know more."

Ikuno dashed a few more books back to their shelves. "I just keep doing my thing. I'll let you handle everyone else."

"Thanks." She said with joking sarcasm.

When they had finished the made their way towards the lobby to wait for the rest of the squad.

The pair had fallen asleep facing each other, their faces only centimeters apart. Currently, the crimson horns of Zero Two had slipped under Hiro's hair and were rubbing against his forehead. Their presence was encouraging and accelerating the growth of its mate's pair, which were now two little navy blue protrusions. All throughout the night, the close contact of their horns had accelerated the visible signs of Hiro's transformation.

However as Zero Two unconsciously nurtured her mate towards their apex; their newfound connection was allowing Hiro a glimpse into her past. And the sight that he was currently experiencing scared him to the core.

"Your mine Iota!" Screamed the voice of nightmares.

He grabbed at her legs trying to pull her towards him so he could ravage her sweet life juices. His hands pulled at her, tearing her suit as he tried to get a more secure hold.

She was scrambling to regain control. When she had tried to get away from him, he had tripped her, and she was sprawled across the controls of Strelizia. His hand reached up and yanked her hair, pulling it from its roots as he tried to pin her down.

She screamed in pain as she fought desperately to get out of his grip. She kicked and kicked, lashing out as she tried to get him off.

His hand closed around a handful of suit, his long nails lacerating its surface catching the clips of her bra.

"Give it to me! Your mine Iota!" He screamed again.

She twisted and her suit tore causing it to loosen around her. They fought and her suit took the damage, sections of suit tearing away in the struggle.

Her blood as on fire. Her horns and eyes ablaze with fiery hatred. She clawed at him trying to destroy this disgusting person.

His cruel face was curled in a snarl as he launched himself again and again at her neck, trying to suck her life energies. His greasy yellow hair was flying about wildly as he struggled to pin her down

"Let go of me!" She screamed, fighting desperately.

"Never!" He said with a strained snarl.

He kneed her hard in the crotch, trying to disable her.

That was his final mistake. He had put all his force into trying to disable her from between her legs.

It hurt like hell, but Zero Two was far more resilient than that. She used her legs to grab him, causing him to lose his balance. They tumbled and rolled, crashing onto Strelizia's cockpit floor.

This time the tides had changed. Zero Two was on top and had all the advantages. She started off by driving her knee hard between his legs. He screamed in agony as she continued to pound away.

At the speed of light, she changed tactics. She slammed her fist into his jaw. Once. Twice. Thrice. CRACK! His jaw snapped in two and he screamed in unimaginable pain.

She wailed on him punching, kneeing, anything she could do to take him out.

"I'm going to kill you Alpha!" She screamed.

Mercilessly she launched forward baring her fangs and sinking them deep into his shoulder. She bit down and tore a chunk out of him. The taste of steely blood filled her mouth, mixed with the rancid taste of his flesh. Spitting it out she returned to her attack, as she watched him scream in agony.

Suddenly she felt herself being dragged back, as the rest of the Nines dragged her away from him. She kicked and screamed, trying to get them to let go. Alpha wasn't dead yet! He needed to die!

"Darling. Darling wake up. Darling, please wake up."

Her horns broke contact with his and the memory dissipated in a flash.

His eyes flew open, and he awoke with a gasp. His mind was on fire. Zero Two! Somebody was hurting her! He needed to move!

"Darling, what's wrong?" Said a concerned voice.

Still panting, her eyes came into focus on two beautiful green orbs. He gave an audible sigh. Zero Two was fine. It was just a nightmare.

Her eyes were full of concern, and he felt her reach down and gently grasp his hands.

Gently he reached up and wrapped his arms around her. The feeling of her warm body nestled within his hold was comforting. He breathed in the sweet aroma of her hair, letting it fill his nostrils with its presence. Her horns were gently digging into his throat, and he could feel his nerves pulsating in ecstasy.

Although this position was helping to calm his racing heart, it apparently was frightening Zero Two. His sudden shift from pure fear, to a loving embrace, plainly had her confused.

"Darling are you okay?" She asked in increasing concern.

"Yeah." He mumbled. "It wasn't real, its fine."

"What wasn't real?" She said in alarm. "Darling, what's going on?"

"Nothing." He replied hoping she would drop the subject.

"It wasn't nothing, you were crying out in your sleep." She counter, separating herself from him so she could look him in the eye. "Darling please tell me what's going on."

"It was just a bad dream about you." He said. The last thing he wanted to say was that he had watched her be beaten an tortured by some disgusting creature.

Zero Two prompted him to continue, and he realized that she was going to hound him until he gave a more descriptive answer. He sighed. Zero Two was the most perfect person in the world, but if she had one fault it was that she was extremely overprotective. She was going to dig and smash her way through to anything that dared to threaten what she deemed as valuable.

With another sigh he relented. Better to just get it over with and move on.

"Somebody in my dream was trying to hurt you and there was nothing I could do about it." He said quickly. "I don't know who he was but he looked like he was trying to beat you or something. I'm sorry Zero Two, it was just a dream. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you."

A feeling of foreboding washed over him as he watched that angelic face twist in remembrance.

"Darling, did this boy have greasy yellow hair?" She asked curiously.

"Y-Yes, he did." He said in horror. "H-How did you know?"

"Well if you somehow dreamed what I think you dreamed, then that actually happened." She said calmly.

Ice flooded his stomach. No. No. No. No! This can't be real! Who would hurt such a precious person! It has to be fake! It can't be real! Who would have dared hurt his precious Zero Two?

"Zero Two, please tell me your lying." He choked.

"I'm not." She said grinning.

Tears were beginning to form and he felt like he was going to retch. Who had dared hurt her? Who had dared to harm such an angelic person? He was going to find this… this… this monster! And when he did he was going to make him pay ten times over what he had done to her!

"Darling." She said calmingly. "Don't be to anger, that event was defiantly a very satisfying one."

He gapped at her in astonishment. "How was that in anyway satisfying? He hurt you. H-He tried to dominate you. H-How?"

Zero Two thought for a moment. "I'll admit he got a few hits in." She said smiling. "But you should have seen what I did to him. The feeling of his face breaking beneath my fist was so liberating. He had been abusing me for months, and to finally feel his jaw crack…" Her face took on a very wistfully expression. "Aside from when I'm with you, I've never got more satisfaction out of one event."

Hiro felt like he was going to explode. "If I ever see this animal of a person, I swear I'm going to… to…." He was so angry that he couldn't even form a sentence.

Zero Two smiled her sweet and radiant smile. "Its okay, I don't think we'll ever really see him. He and the Nine's are Papa's elite squad so they are constantly busy."

Hiro tried to stay angry, but her smile was working its magic. He sighed. "Come here." He said pulling her into a massive hug.

She giggled happily and he felt her wrap her arms around him. They lay there hugging, feeling the warmth of each others bodies, and empowered by each others presence.

He breathed in a deep breath of her tantalizing smell, letting it fill his nostrils, and pass into his body. She really was such an amazing person. Everything about her was just perfect.

Letting go just a little bit, he reached up and gently began to play with her hair. It was so soft and smooth that it felt like silk as it ran through his fingers.

"Darling, what do you want to do when the war is over?" She asked suddenly.

"Live with you I guess." He said after a moment. "I don't know, I never really thought about it." Then after another pause. "How bout you? What do you want to do?"

"The same I guess." She sighed. "I kind of wish that we could make something."

"Make something? Like what." He asked curiously. For some reason, what she had just said had struck a chord within him, but he couldn't quite place why.

"I don't know." She wistfully." Something that we could leave behind. Something that would prove to everyone that we existed and were partners."

He thought for a moment. "We could draw or write something, I guess."

"Yeah, but anyone can do that." She said a little dejectedly.

"Speak for yourself." He said amused. "I can't do any of those things. At least not very well."

"Oh come on of course you can." She countered energetically.

He gave a disbelieving snort. "I can not. Have you seen any of my drawings?"

"No, I haven't?" She said in astonishment, sounding like she had just realized this fact.

"Probably a good thing." He muttered.

"Now you have to show me. Remind me after breakfast, I want to see them."

"Yeah… Sure…" He said noncommittally. Mentally he made a note to never give her such a reminder.

After another few minutes of tender hugging, they both sat up. The morning sun was sparkling through the window, illuminating the room with a gentle glow. With a massive yawn, he stretched, raising his arms high above his head before finally lowering them again.

Momentarily he glanced over at Zero Two, "Well I guess we should probably get ready to go down for breakfast."

He was in the process of getting up when he felt Zero Two grab his arm. Her grip was almost painful, and he could tell that something was obliviously wrong.

"Darling, look at me." She commanded in a shaky voice.

Baffled he looked her in the eye. "What's wrong?"

She didn't answer but kept staring at him. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes and her face was contorting into one of pain and dismay.

Startled he reached out and gently put his hand on her shoulder. "Zero Two whats wrong."

"No. No. No. No. No. This can't be happening!" She muttered in dismay.

"What can't be happening!?" He said with increasing fear. "Zero Two whats wrong."

"Y-Your eyes….They've…"

"They've what? Zero Two what's wrong!?" He was doing his best to stay calm, but seeing Zero Two break down like this was heart-wrenching.

She was so distraught that she couldn't even form a sentence.

Gently he reached down and held her soft tender hands. "Come on Zero Two, show me what you think is wrong."

With the utmost care, he tenderly stood her up, and they walked over to the mirror. Letting go of her hands he looked into the mirror and gazed at what was bothering her.

It took him a few moments to spot the source of her concern. But when he finally did, he was baffled that such a same simple thing, had caused her so much grief. His eyes, which had once been green were now a deep shade of sapphire blue. What was interesting was that this new shade almost seemed to make his eyes sparkle. It kind of reminded him of the way Zero Two's eyes seemed to shift and glisten, like beautifully gems.

Along with his change in eye color, he could see two faint, but clearly visible sapphire blue marks under his eyes. They were the exact same shape and size as Zero Two's, but inside of being a crimson red, they were a sapphire blue.

He sighed. This is what Zero Two was worried about. A change in eye color. Okay yes admittedly, his change in eye color was a little unnerving, but it wasn't the end of the world. It didn't hurt that aside from the color his eyes had they same complexities and intricacies as Zero Two's.

With a smile, he turned to where he had left Zero Two. She wasn't there. Icy flooded his stomach, as the fear of her running away from him tortured his insides.

Spinning rapidly he searched the room. His eyes flew about the room, but she was gone. No. No. No. NO! NO! Don't tell me she left!

He searched one more time and found her. She was huddled in a corner, her knees drawn up to shield her face. She stared at him until his eyes found hers and she looked away.

Seeing her like this broke his heart. This feeble attempt to shield herself from him was almost childlike. What had happened to her to make her like this? Who had conditioned her to make her feel like her uniqueness was something to be ashamed of?

Gently he walked over to her and placed his arms around her, trying to comfort her. "Zero Two, why are my eyes changing colors such a negative thing for you?"

"B-Because it makes you like me!" She sobbed. "I'm a monster! I don't want you to go through what I had to go through. You need to stay human!"

"Zero Two." He said calmly. "Just because your unique doesn't make you a monster."

"Yes, it does! I'm an animal!" She interrupted.

He felt her about to try and flee away from him, but he stopped her.

"Zero Two look at me." He commanded gently. It was essential that he get her over this hurdle. She needed to stop thinking of herself as a monster. It was damaging, and it was wrong. The sooner she realized this, the happier she'd be.

Slowly Zero Two glanced up, her tear filled eyes practically trembling with dismay.

"Zero Two your uniqueness is an essential element of who you are. Its what makes you the most beautiful person in the universe." He paused to take a breath before continuing. "I can't speak to what you had to deal with in the past. But to me, your horns, eyes, teeth, and everything else are what make you truly magnificent. So please, don't be frightened or ashamed of them, because the whole world deserves to see your beauty."

Gently he tucked her hair behind her ears so that he could see her beautiful face. She still looked upset, but there seemed to be less despair in her face. Leaning forward his kissed her forehead, before gently pulling her into a hug.

"I would do anything to be more like you Zero Two." He whispered in her ear. "You and I are bonded together. If that means I have to adopt every one of your features, in order to be with you, then so be it."

He heard her sob, but past that she made no reply.

Mentally he sighed. It was clear that she still didn't like this situation, but maybe in time, she could be convinced.

They hugged for a few more minutes until an alarm blared across the house. Its presence was like a knife rending apart his tender moment with the one he loved. Nana's voice sounded over the loudspeaker commanding them to suit up and proceed to the briefing room.

"Darling." Zero Two whispered.

"Yes?" He replied kindly.

"Don't ever leave me." She whispered, her voice cracking.

He held out his pinky finger. "As long as you promise not to leave me."

With a small chuckle that was almost a sob, she hooked her finger around his. Smiling he leaned forward and sealed his vows with a kiss.

A few moments later they both rose in unison and dressed in their uniforms. By the time they were done, both were flushed scarlet as they caught each other sneaking covert glances at each other's mostly naked bodies.

With shy smiles, they grasped each other's hands and made their way down to the changing rooms.

Ichigo stood in front of her FRANXX with her partner Goro. The whole squad was doing final checkups before they had to depart on this critical mission.

Her memory flashed back to the briefing.

"We're sorry to call you here so early, but this mission is of dire importance," Nana said apologetically when they had taken their seats. "If all goes well you should be back in a couple hours."

Futoshi complained loudly about missing breakfast, and some other members of the squad agreed with him.

Nana smiled. "We'll compensate you guys by preparing a feast for your return."

Hachi cleared his throat loudly, and Nana seemed to remember her purpose. "Anyway… Papa has decreed this mission to be done immediately." Ichigo for some reason found the way she said "Papa" odd. "Your mission is to attack a Klaxosaur nest, and destroy the pods within."

"Excuse me." Kokoro interrupted timidly. "But won't a Klaxosaur attack us if we start destroying the pods?"

"Normally yes," Hachi answered. "But this time we're in luck, and the Klaxosaur that nurtures this nest is not at home."

For some reason, Ichigo felt uneasy. Why are we attacking things that needed to be nurtured? If the Klaxosaurs were the mindless beast that Papa had said they were; why would they be nurturing something? Nurturing something involved caring for it, feeding it, and most likely defending it. None of those behaviors matched anything Papa had said.

"Any questions?" Nana asked after a moment.

Ichigo held her tongue on her unease and asked a standard question. "Do we have any sub-objectives, or are the pods the only objective?"

"Only the pods," Hachi answered crisply. "Those are Papa's orders." The way he said "Papa", sounded off too.

It was odd. Why were the plantation administrators saying Papa's name with such contempt?

She didn't have time to ponder it though.

"Well if that's everything, then good luck Squad 13."

Goro gently squeezed her hand. Gratefully she returned the pressure. Delving into some nest, and destroying things that needed nurturing had her nerves on edge.

"Relax." He whispered.

"I am relaxed." She countered.

He smiled. "I can tell." He said amused.

She took a deep breath. It's mission time. Time to be squad leader.

In a loud commanding voice, she announced. "Everyone board your FRANXX's."

Stepping forward she and Goro boarded Delphinium and took their respective seats. She deployed the controls for Goro and waited for him.

Suddenly she moaned in pleasure as Goro's presences rushed up from between her legs all the way up her body. Her vagina was throbbing and it almost felt like Goro was inside her, filling her with his presence. This was stronger than anything she had felt. She could almost feel Goro in her mind, and could almost hear the intentions of his movements.

"Ichigo," Goro said with a pleasurable gasp. "Are you feeling this?"

"Y-Yeah." She replied shakily. "Do you have any idea what this could be?"

"I'm not sure, but our sync rates are higher than usually; maybe that has something to do with it."

"Maybe." She agreed as Delphinium reached out and grabbed up her weapons.

Curiously she glanced over at Strelizia and was forced to do a double take. Something was odd about Strelizia. It almost looked like it was glowing with a faint golden light. Just then she became conscious of the fact that Strelizia almost seemed to be pulsating with waves of fiery heat.

"You alright over there?" She called over.

"Never better." She heard Zero Two respond.

The sound of Nana's voice abruptly cut off their conversation. "Alright everybody call in."

"Delphinium ready," Goro called.

"Strelizia ready," Hiro called.

"Argentea is waiting on the rest of you." Both Miku and Zorome shouted.

Silence. A few more moments. Silence.

What is taking them so long? Ichigo thought to herself.

"Chlorophytum is ready," Ikuno said, sounding a little annoyed.

More silence.

"You guys alright over there?" Goro called to Genista.

A few more moments of silence.

"S-Sorry, we were just having some difficulties," Kokoro said weakly. "Don't worry, we're fine now."

In a louder voice, Futoshi called, sounding a little dejected. "We're ready."

"Very good," Hachi said over the comms. "Squad 13, proceed to the objective."

"Alright squad, move out," Ichigo called.

The hanger doors opened and the squad glided out of the hanger and away from the plantation.

They had been traveling for a few minutes when Delphinium noticed that Strelizia looked almost restless. Ichigo remembered that Strelizia could fly, and she guessed correctly that trudging along with the pace of the squad was probably agonizing.

"Strelizia, why don't you guys scout ahead on wait for us at the nest," Delphinium called over.

"Really!" Replied Zero Two's excited voice.

"Just wait for us there."

Without another word Strelizia shot off into the air, leaving the entire squad far behind.

"They really are an amazing pair," Ichigo whispered to Goro.

"They really are something that's for sure." He agreed.

"Why'd you let them go on ahead?" Zorome said indignantly.

Ikuno gave him his answer. "Look how fast they're going. If you could go that fast would you enjoy trudging along with the rest of us?"

"Yeah but still, why is their FRANXX so powerful?" Zorome asked annoyed.

"Hey!" Miku shouted. "What are you saying that I'm not good enough for you!"

"I never said that! Why do you constantly have to be a pain in the ass!?" Zorome fired back.

"Pain in the ass! Why you little…. You're the one piloting me! Maybe it's you who keep us from flying!"

"I am not!" Zorome countered. "Here I'll show you!"

"Wait what are you doing!" Miku screeched.

And to the squad's disbelief, Argentea began to lift off into the air. Argentea began to gain altitude as she shot forward into the air. They had done it! They just discovered the secret to flying!

Well, at least for a few seconds. Just as quickly as she started, Argentea crashed painfully back to Earth. Scorched red earth flew up into the air as they landed with a "thud", only a few meters away.

"You son of a…" Miku screeched. "What did you do that for! You could have killed me!"

"Why did you stop!?" Zorome countered. "If you had just paid attention, then we could have been flying!"

"Paid attention!" Miku raged. "You didn't give me any warning!"

"Alright that's enough, get back in formation!" Ichigo called. In a softer voice, she asked. "Miku your not hurt are you?"

"Surprisingly," Miku replied annoyed.

"Good, we have a mission to do so no more fighting. Got it."

"Yes." They both said in unison.

A little while later they arrived at the mouth of a massive cave, it's dark foreboding depths almost beckoning the squad to enter. The squad stood waiting as each of them finished a final check.

"What do you think is down there?" Kokoro asked to nobody in particular.

"Don't you remember." Zorome scoffed. "Nana said there are pods down there."

"Yeah, but isn't that kind of vague," Futoshi commented.

Goro interrupted the conversation before it went too far. "Alright everybody lets focus on our objective. Strelizia, Argentea you guys take point. Chlorophytum watch our backs. Genista stay with me."

"Roger." The squad replied.

Ichigo chuckled to herself. It was good to hear Zero Two's voice among the rest of the squad.

In the back of her mind, she felt Goro turn the comms to initiate mode. Curiously she wondered what he had to say.

"Ichigo." He said calmly. "The place between your legs is bleeding. A-Are you okay?"

Silently she swore. Curse this stupid suit for being white. Why do I have to be bleeding now of all times?

"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry too much about it." She said slightly annoyed at herself.

She wondered how bad it looked, and cursed herself for not remembering to put some kind of barrier to soak up the blood.

"Are you sure your okay? You weren't hit by anything were you?" He asked still concerned.

"Trust me I'm fine. This bleeding thing is just something that happens to us girls, its natural."

Mentally she realized that this was the first time that she had every bled in front of Goro. They had been practicing FRANXX piloting together for serval years, and not once had her monthly bleeding alined with one of those training sessions. This fact defiantly pointed towards her bleeding meaning that she was losing one of her eggs and not bleeding due to stress.

For a moment she thought about explaining what she knew to Goro but decided against it. She didn't know enough herself, let alone enough to explain this to someone else.

Goro calming energies flowed into her as he did his best to be helpful. "Well if you sure. Just, please promise me you'll tell me if you get hurt, alright?"

She smiled and sent her own wave of gratitude. "Thanks, Goro. I promise that I'll tell you I'm hurt if anything happens to me."

"Is everything alright over there?" Mitsuru asked slightly irritated over the comms.

Shaking herself she responded. "Yeah sorry, we were just having a quick conversation."

Clearing her throat she gave a command. "Alright squad, let's move out."

The cave was dark and menacing, as it burrowed deeper and deeper into the Earth. Even the FRANXXs' lights weren't enough to drive back the darkness. The walls of the tunnel were cracked and scorched from the Klaxosaur's efforts in making itself a nest. The ground beneath Delphinium's feet shifted and collapsed as she made her way forward.

Nervously she looked around. She got the distinct impression that this was the last place they should be right now.

"Relax." She heard Goro, whisper to her.

Gently she felt him send a warm comforting waving of compassion through their connection. Its warmth spread from between her legs, and throughout her whole body. Almost blissfully she swam in its presence letting it wash over her.

"Thanks, Goro." She said affectionally.

He chuckled. "You can thank me when we're done. This place is downright creepy."

She sighed. He just had to go and break their perfect little moment.

"Ichigo!" She heard Hiro shout from up ahead. "You better come and take a look at this."

Looking up she saw Strelizia and Argentea silhouetted by a glowing light at the end of the tunnel. Something was up there, and whatever it was she knew that it wouldn't be good.

Gesturing for Chlorophytum and Genista to follow she picked her way forward. Each of her steps sounded like an avalanche as it broke the silence of the abyss around her.

A few moments later she caught up with Strelizia and saw the source of Hiro concern. The pods that they had been sent here to destroy were clustered in a massive cave just ahead. Each of them glowed gently, casting a golden light across the chamber.

"Alright, squad lets move." She whispered over the comms

Carefully the squad began to inch their way forward, every one of them straining their senses for any sign of danger. The air around them was so tense that you could slice it with a knife.

Ichigo was desperately trying to not hold her breath, but her nerves were just to on edge. Something about this place was off, and she couldn't put her finger on it.

She was now within striking distance of the pods. All she would have to do is jab her spears forward, and one of the pods would be destroyed. Just one tiny thrust and the target would be eliminated.

"What are these things?" Hiro asked.

There was silence for a few moments.

"I think these are eggs, containing a Klaxosaur's young," Ikuno said hesitantly.

"What do you mean by young?" Zero Two asked, almost curiously.

"Well, let's go out on a limb for a moment. We were once all children but now our bodies are bigger and more mature."

"So basically what your saying is that these are the children of a Klaxosaur," Hiro said finishing her thought.

"Wait! Klaxosaurs can have children!" Zorome and Miku both burst out.

"I don't know," Ikuno said hesitantly. "And even if they can I don't know that these are children. I mean look. When we were kids we could move about, and interact with one another. These things on the other hand still look like their growing."

"What do you mean by growing?" Kokoro asked.

"Are you saying that there are things younger, than children?" Mitsuru asked.

"Yes, I think there are," Ikuno answered. "I mean look at these things, they look like a very small version of a Klaxosaur. What's to say that they won't grow into one."

Zero Two piped up, and Ichigo could hear the interest in her voice. "So.. If Klaxosaurs can have young; whats to say that the rest of us can't?"

Ichigo crossed her fingers and hoped that Ikuno wouldn't answer that. Ikuno and herself didn't know enough to answer the questions that the rest of the squad would be sure to ask.

"We can discuss this later," Ichigo said interrupting any further response. "For now we need to decide what to do with these pods."

Just then a garbled communication came from the plantation. "Sq..Ua…d Th…irT…ee..ng…..E….t …. o…t .. O…..f T…..e..R..e!"

"Delphinium to Plantation 13, your breaking up. Please repeat."

There was a static sound, as the Plantation failed to respond.

"I think we should return to the plantation," Kokoro said nervously.

"What about the mission?" Zorome interjected.

"I don't know," Hiro said. "I think we should just leave these pods alone."

"Yeah, but wouldn't Papa be angry with us if we failed to complete the mission." Zorome countered.

Suddenly Genista raised its massive cannon up to one of the pods.

"Well, let's just get this over with so we can get back to the plantation," Futoshi stated.

In horror, Ichigo watched as the cannon was about to fire. "Wait! Don't….."

To her surprise, Genista collapsed and the cannon smashed to the ground.

"What are you doing Futoshi!" Kokoro yelled. "You were about to make me kill these children."

"But Papa said that we have to destroy them." Futoshi countered. "We can't just ignore Papa's orders."

The comms erupted with chatter as everybody tried to voice their opinions at once. Ichigo was having a difficult time restoring order, and she simply couldn't get everybody to calm down.

Suddenly, an enraged scream echoed from far down the tunnel. The scream was filled with unbridled rage, but the most palpable emotion was fear.

Ice flooded Ichigo's stomach as she frantically looked around. Goro was equally afraid, and she could feel his heart beating.

"We need to move now!" She yelled. "Come on everybody lets move!"

Another scream rent the air, but before she could do more than turn it was already too late. The Klaxosaur dashed out of the cave colossal fangs bared, dripping with some kind of poison. It dashed at Genista who was still exposed, from its pilots disconnecting. Ichigo watched in horror as the Klaxosaur sank its fangs deep into Genista's head, attempting to destroy the thing that had threatened its eggs.

Ichigo heard the screams of Futoshi and Kokoro, as one felt the damage that had been done to her body as a FRANXX and another….. No! Don't tell me he's dead!

She and Strelizia were the first to react. Both of them flew at the Klaxosaur, weapons surging with magma energy, to avenge their comrades. The Klaxosaur only just noticed them in time and managed to release itself and dodge out of the way.

Quickly they both took a defensive position in front of Genista, shielding her from any more harm. The Klaxosaur screamed a challenge, its cry filled with unbridled rage. It changed forward but was forced to dodge to the side as a hail of magma bullets crashed into where it would have been.

"You guys take Genista and go!" Hiro shouted. "I'll hold it off!"

"You can't possibly do this alone!" Goro shouted back.

"I won't be, I have Zero Two!" He yelled back. "Don't worry we'll be right behind you!"

Ichigo realized that speed was their only option right now.

"Mitsuru, Zorome, help me carry Genista." She shouted.

"Roger." The both responded.

Quickly she disengaged her weapons and dashed over to Genista. Picking up her legs she waited for Argentea and Chlorophytum to grab an arm. When they each had a grip, they began to move as fast as they could towards the tunnel.

Strelizia dashed forwards, mega lance raised to strike at the Klaxosaur. But before they could get there the Klaxosaur fired a massive beam of energy, and Hiro was forced to jerk the controls to the side, in order to avoid being hit.

Hiro could feel Zero Two all-round him, and he could feel her presence pulsating through him, invigorating him to protect the one he loved. Nevertheless, he had to make sure his princess was safe.

"Are you okay Zero Two!" He yelled.

"I'm fine Darling! Let's just delay this thing long enough so we can get out of here!"

As one they flew at the Klaxosaur, desperate to try and end this fight. The Klaxosaur dodge out of the way, only just managing to avoid a killing blow.

Hiro felt Zero Two's presence tighten around his groin as they dodged the Klaxosaur's counter-attack. Mentally he gritted his teeth. Strelizia was best out in the open were her incredible power and speed weren't restricted by space.

The Klaxosaur exploited his momentary lapses in concentration and lunged at Strelizia. Desperately he dodged and luckily managed to skim the Klaxosaur with the tip of the lance. It screamed in pain and fired another deadly beam. Strelizia dodge behind the eggs avoiding, that deadly shot.

Just then Goro's voice came over the comms. "Hiro we're almost at the entrance! You said you'd be right behind us!"

Hiro jerked the controls and they flew towards the tunnel. "Coming!" He shouted.

He and Zero Two screamed down the tunnel, the squad at the entrance of the tunnel only seconds ahead. With blinding speed they burst from the tunnel and into the air, escaping the confines of the cave.

"Collapse the tunnel!" Ichigo shouted.

There was a colossal crash as the squad collapsed the tunnel entrance momentarily sealing away the Klaxosaur.

"Come in Squad 13!" He heard Hachi shout. "Squad 13 report!"

"We read you, Hachi," Goro answered. "We are in a dire situation! Genista as sustained critical damage and we have lost contact with Futoshi and Kokoro!"

Hiro turned and looked down at Genista. Her whole face was disfigured, and he could see the holes from where the fangs had punctured the cockpit. A fluorescent blue substance coated the damage, infecting the whole area around it. Icy flooded his stomach. No! Please tell me they aren't dead!

"Return to the plantation," Hachi called. "We'll figure out what we can do for Futoshi and Kokoro when you get here."

Hiro breathed a slight sigh. Hopefully, that meant there was something that could be done to save Genista's pilots. Even though he was worried for his squadmates, he couldn't help but notice that Hachi had used Futoshi and Kokoro's names, instead of their code numbers. He wondered why Hachi had done that, but the sound of Goro's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Hiro, Zero Two, can you guys stay up there and scan for incoming Klaxosaurs?"

"Got it." He replied.

Carefully he took a deep breath focusing his attention on Zero Two's presence. He was scared, and he could sense Zero Two's discomfort. They had just gotten out of a deadly engagement, and they were just now finally computing that possibly two of their teammates were dead.

"Come on Darling, let's see what we can find." She said calmly.

"Y-Yeah."

They boosted up high in the air, scanning for any incoming Klaxosaurs. The squad and the plantation were in a massive valley that carved its way through the Earth as far as the eye could see. Looking down, he spotted the tiny dots of the squad far below.

He sighed and looked around. Far, far in the distance, he saw an explosion.

"What was that?" He said aloud.

"What was what? Zero Two asked.

"There was an explosion far off to our left."

"Really? Do you want to go check it out?"

He sighed. "No… We'ed better stay with the rest of the squad."

They flew for a few more minutes, watching as the squad trekked it's way back to the plantation. The body of Genista suspended between them as they hauled its broken body. He sighed sadly and looked away.

"It'll be alright, Darling." Zero Two said softly.

"..… I hope so." He said halfheartedly.

A few minutes later the squad arrived back at the plantation and Ichigo's voice broke the silence.

"Hiro, get down here we need your help lifting Genista."

"Be right there." He responded.

Landing, he grabbed one of Genista's legs, while Delphinium held the other.

"On three," Goro called. "One. Two. Three!"

Hiro engaged Streliza's thrusters, and the squad slowly began to lift Genista into the hanger.

"Steady… Steady.." He heard Goro call.

When they were fully in the hanger Goro gave his final orders. "Alright, lets gently set her down."

Hiro strained at the controls, doing his best to gently set Genista down without causing any more harm to its pilots.

"And touch down," Goro shouted. "Alright lets dock, and check on Futoshi and Kokoro."

Quickly and carefully the squad docked their FRANXX's.

Hiro and Zero Two disconnected, as they listened to the Streliza power down around them. They turned and looked at each other, each of them gazing into each other's eyes. Hiro looked at her beautiful green eyes, just watching as they shifted and moved. As his mind proceeded the events that they had just endured he began to cry. Tears of sadness, misery, and relief cascaded down his face. Crawling forward he hugged her too him relieved that she was still alive. Gently he felt her arms wrap around him.

"T-That could have been you." He mumbled, burying his face in her neck.

"Y-You s-stole, m-my line." She choked.

Gently he ran his fingers through her silky pink hair.

"Y-Your not hurt are you?" He whispered.

"N-No. I'm okay."

Mitsuru disconnected from Ikuno in seconds. Without waiting for his body to readjust he punched the cockpit door control and dashed over to the snail-like door.

"Come on. Come on!" He said through gritted teeth. Kokoro could be hurt. Kokoro could be dead!

The cockpit door finally slid open, and he dashed out onto the dock. As he ran towards the stairs he spotted Genista on the floor, those two massive gaping holes in the side of her head. His stomach knotted itself even tighter at the sight of it.

"Oh, Kokoro please be okay." He pleaded to himself.

He practically leaped the last landing and dashed over to Genista's head. It was an impossible task to climb but he did it anyway. Reaching up he grabbed the nearest crevice and Genista's shoulder and pulled himself up. His muscles ached from the effort but he didn't care. Quickly and carefully he dashed over to the cockpit release pin. With a tremendous effort, he pulled and managed to get it to disengage. Then with a colossal push, that took every once of his strength he twisted and heard the whole faceplate hiss as it disengaged.

Scrabbling he dashed over to the door and forced it open. Light cascaded through the door, and he spotted Kokoro sprawled on the floor.

"Kokoro!" He screamed.

Dashing over to her he cradled her in his arms. Tears were cascading down his face, as he held her limp, lifeless body.

"No… No please, you have to wake up. Please. Please wake up." He mumbled. Gently he shook her and watched as her lifeless body shook limply in his arm. "No. Kokoro you have to wake up! Please. Please wake up!"

One of his tears fell on her lips, as he gently tucked her beautiful hair behind her ears.

"P-Please, wake up." He pleaded. "I don't know if I can go on without you."

She was dead. He burst into tears, his terrible sobs echoing off the cockpit walls. Kokoro was dead. Why!? Why couldn't it have been him? He hugged her lifeless body to him and sobbed.

Just then he heard a cough and felt the body clutched in his arms give a slight spasm. Slowly and almost not daring to breathe he separated himself and gazed at her frozen face.

Suddenly her eye's flew open, and she began coughing, the life-saving air flying into her lungs. Overjoyed he let the tears fall freely down his face, as he cradled her in his arms.

After a few agonizing seconds, she croaked in a hoarse voice. "M-Mitsuru."

He smiled. "I'm here." He whispered.

"I-I knew you would." She rasped with a slight smile.

Gently he stroked her cheek. "You alright?"

"M-My whole body feels like one giant ache, but I think I'll be alright." She said hoarsely.

He smiled. "Come on let's get you up."

Her face changed to one of fear and concern. "Mitsuru. Where's Futoshi."

Startled he realized that in his haste to see if Kokoro was okay he had completely forgotten about Futoshi. Just then he began aware of a faint wheezing sound. Frantically he looked up, his eyes scanning the cockpit for any sign of Futoshi.

"Oh, no." He whispered in horror. He felt like somebody had just poured a freezing bucket ice into his stomach.

"What! What happened!"

Quickly Kokoro sat up and when she saw Futoshi she let out a bloodcurdling screamed.

Futoshi was lying against the cockpit wall red blood splattered everywhere. Through one side of his chest, there was a massive wound where the Klaxosaur's fang had stabbed him. The entire wound was covered in a thick fluorescent blue substance, that seemed to have started to fester inside him. Blood was leaking from his mouth, and his whole body was shaking in an attempt to keep him alive. The worst part about it was his eyes. Futoshi stared at him his eyes trembling in fear and confusion.

"Futoshi…" He whispered in horror.

By now the rest of the squad had arrived at Genista and he could hear the voices of Nana and Hachi.

"Futoshi!" Kokoro scream, scrambling up and dashing over to him.

Mitsuru ran over to the cockpit door and poked his head out. Ikuno was already halfway to them, and everyone else wasn't far behind.

"Guy get it here!" He shouted. "Futoshi's been hurt!"

The entire squad instantly reacted and scrambled to hurry their ascent of Genista.

Ikuno was the first to make it to the cockpit.

"Where is he?" She asked hurriedly.

"Over there." He said pointing.

"It'll be alright," Kokoro said, her voice trembling as she tried to comfort him. "I-I promise. It'll be alright."

"K…Kok-koro." Futoshi choked.

A few moments later the rest of the squad arrived, accompanied by Nana and Hachi. Every one of them gave gasps and shouts of surprise and horror. Dully he noted that this was the first time he had ever seen such a drastic expression on Nana and Hachi's faces. Quickly, however, the took command of the situation.

"Everybody help us get him out of here," Nana shouted. "He needs immediate medical attention."

Hachi stroud over to the door and yelled down at someone on the ground. "Dr. Franxx we have a situation! Futoshi has been corrupted, what should we do!?"

"Bring him here, I need to assess the situation." A half mechanical sounding voice said back.

"Yes, sir!" Hachi shouted.

Before the squad could ask any questions Hachi turned and started giving orders. "Everybody we need to get him out of here."

Quickly Mitsuru dashed over to the rest of the squad and assisted as they lifted Futoshi's immense weight into the air so that they could haul him out.

By far the hardest part was lowering Futoshi to ground, from what seemed to be the colossal height of Genista's shoulder. It took serval long minutes and very careful handling, but eventually, they managed to get him to the hangar floor.

Mitsuru's gaze locked with Futoshi's and he could practically feel his squadmate's fear and pain as he watched those scared eyes tremble.

Before the squad could even begin to ask questions or try to console Futoshi, Dr. Franxx walked over and began to examine him. The squad stood frozen in silence, everyone one hoping for something that would relieve their fears as they watched the doctor work.

The doctor began to mumble under his breath, but Mitsuru only managed to catch some of the last few sentences. "Can't heal this here, already too far along. Going to have to hope the Garden has the facilities." He heard the doctor give a long sigh. "The only option, unfortunately."

Standing up the doctor turn to Hachi. "Set course for the Garden." He commanded.

"Yes, sir," Hachi said before turning to leave.

"I-Is Futoshi going to be alright?" Kokoro asked, her voice shaking.

There was a long pause before the doctor answered. "I don't know."

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading Chapter 9 of The Jian Bird.

I apologize for the delay, unfortunately, life got in the way and it forced me to devote less of my time to writing. Hopefully, the next chapter won't take so long to make.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of The Jian Bird: Discoveries