Author's Note:

Welcome to Chapter 2 and thanks for sticking around. As a general rule, I'll try to get at least one chapter out per week, but I can't make any promises. I also appreciate any feedback you can give me.

XXXXXX

You find yourself in a forest that is covered in snow. There is a light breeze and you take a moment to look around you.

I recognize this place. I remember. After I rode in Strelizia with Zero Two yesterday, there were images flashing in my mind. Now I can see them more clearly...

But what is the meaning of this? You ask yourself when you hear something behind you. You turn around to see a massive tree that wasn't there a moment ago and there is a small figure in a black cloak underneath it, weeping.

"Hello? Are you alright?" you ask the figure but it doesn't respond.

You walk towards the little figure but despite the short distance, it feels as though you're hundreds of meters away and each step barely gets you closer. Finally, when you're in arm's reach and try to reach for the cloaked figure, it vanishes right in front of your eyes. 

Suddenly, everything around you crumbles and starts to vanish as well. Then, the ground below your feet disappears too and you fall into nothingness for what feels like an eternity.

You open your eyes again and find yourself in a barren wasteland this time. The sun blinding you for a short time before your eyes adjust to the light. It is then that you realize, that there is a horde of Klaxosaurs all around you. They come closer and closer to you, their massive size making you look like an ant to them.

In the blink of an eye, something comes crashing down behind you. You turn your head to gaze upon a massive Franxx, bigger than any you have ever seen before. It has a crimson paint job, heavy armor and wields a two-handed sword whose blade is nearly as long as the Franxx is tall. Towering like a giant over the Klaxosaurs, its faceplate sparks to life and it wastes no time to cut through the enemies surrounding you.

Despite its size and overall bulky appearance, it can still maneuver relatively well. This gigantic Franxx cleaves through the Klaxosaurs with its massive blade with such force that you can feel the power behind each strike just by watching it.

"(Y/N)! Wake up!", you hear a voice shout.

You find yourself in your bed in the boarding house, panting heavily as you wake up from your dream. You notice that Hiro, Goro, and Ryoken look at you with concern. 

"Are you alright?" Ryoken asks. "Yeah, I'm fine," you reply, "just a bad dream." "More like a nightmare," Goro adds, "You were shifting erratically and mumbling something incoherent." "I'm alright now, really," you say to ease them. "If you say so," Ryoken responds, "Then let's get breakfast."

The four of you get dressed and start heading down to the mess hall. As you enter it, you notice that besides the tables for the boys and girls, there is a smaller third table with Zero Two sitting at it. She is too busy though with pouring honey on her plate that she didn't notice you entering. As you take your seat at the boys' table, you can see that nearly everyone else in the room is watching Zero Two with various expressions on their faces.

"Why is she still here?" Miku whispers. "What a strange person. I wonder if she likes sweets," Kokoro adds cheerfully. 

"She's not a person. Not with those things on her head," Miku says as she uses her index fingers to imitate her horns. "Cut it out," Ichigo interrupts them, "She's our savior, you know." "Do you think she really has Klaxosaur blood? Besides, I thought nobody had single-digit codes," Ikuno remarks. "Guess we were wrong," Naomi adds.

"She's nothing like the rumors said," Futoshi says as he grabs all the food off the table that he can fit on his plate. "She's ruining her good looks with the way she's eating," Goro comments. "I can't believe all her injuries healed so quickly," Ryoken says in a surprised tone.

"Hey, there!" Zorome begins as he approaches her, "It was a real treat to watch your skills in action. I, Zorome the Great, shall graciously ride with you if you so desire. I'm sure I can do a much better job than all of these jokers combined. Why don't we try- eek!" He stopped mid-sentence as Zero Two wipes the honey off her hands with his shirt. 

"What do you think you're doing?!" he shrieks, "Ahhh, my Sunday best!" Several of the boys start laughing as they see Zorome freaking out.

You, however, are deep in thought about the dream you just had. 

Who was that little figure in the black cloak? Why did I see a Franxx I've never seen or heard of before? What does all of this mean? I could only see images flashing in front of me after I rode with Zero Two, now I could see them in my dreams. Maybe there is more if I ride with her again? So many questions and no answers...

While you were pondering on all of this, you didn't notice that Zero Two stood up from her table, walked towards you and slid next to you on your seat, which pulled you out of your train of thought. 

She throws her legs over yours and says seductively, "This is really nice and sweet. Let's eat together, okay?" She grabs the honey jar and starts pouring it over your food, her tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth. As she finishes, she dips the tip of her index finger in the honey and puts it in her mouth.

"Tell me, can I ride with you in Strelizia again?" you ask. "Sure thing," she says after removing her finger from her mouth. "You were incredible yesterday," she continues as she runs her finger along your lips, "Daaarling."

"D-Darling?" everyone in the room questions. "What's that mean?" Miku adds. "Beats me," Kokoro replies, followed by chatter among both tables.

You stare into Zero Two's beautiful cyan eyes for a few more moments before the door opens and Nana walks in.

"Okay, keep it down, kids," she speaks up to get everyone's attention. "I'll be your caretaker, just like I was in the Garden. APE HQ has assigned me to the 13th Plantation Corps. My name is Nana. I look forward to your cooperation," she finishes as cheers of approval could be heard throughout the room.

"Nana?" Ichigo asks. "What is it, Ichigo?" "Is she going to stay here?" she inquires. "We're still awaiting orders from HQ on what to do with Zero Two. But in general, she won't be working with you guys," Nana answers. This immediately brought down your hope. 

"Come with me," she says to Zero Two. "Aw, but this table felt so comfortable," Zero Two pouts as she gets up and walks toward the door.

"Nana? Can I be assigned as Zero Two's partner?" you ask her. "That isn't for us to decide. Papa and the rest will give you your orders in due time, too. Sit tight until then, alright?" she responds. "Papa will?" Zorome suddenly perks up, "Give orders to him? Why?" "Also, you kids should get ready for the completion of the startup ritual soon," she adds before leaving with Zero Two.

Breakfast continues normally with the usual chatter. You decide to try some of the stuff that Zero Two poured honey over. 

That's actually not bad, you think to yourself. Still, I have to find a way to ride with her again but how am I gonna do that? You sigh. I'll have to think about that later.

You turn towards Hiro, "So, are you excited about your first ride in a Franxx later?" "Yeah, though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous," Hiro answers as he puts a hand behind his head. "I'm sure you'll manage," you encourage him with a smile, "You just need to concentrate and focus on your partner and you'll have no problem." 

"He's right you know," Ryoken, who has been quiet this entire time, chimes in. "Don't worry, (Y/N) and I can give you advice if you need it, we've both been piloting for some time after all," he adds. "Thanks, guys," Hiro replies.

As everyone finishes up with breakfast and starts heading upstairs to get ready for the last part of the startup ritual that has been interrupted yesterday, you get an idea. "Hey Ryoken, can I talk to you for a moment?" you ask him. "Hm? Sure, about what?" he asks as he turns around and walks towards you.

Maybe he has some information about this Franxx I saw in my dream.

"You've been traveling with the doctor longer than I have, right?" you ask. "Yes," he replies. "Did you see many stylized Franxx units during that time?" you continue. Ryoken thinks for a moment before he answers, "I have seen a few, why?" "Have you ever seen one that is taller than usual, with a crimson red coloring and equipped with a two-handed sword?" you inquire. 

Ryoken is silent again and thinks to himself before he gives you an answer, "I'm afraid I haven't seen one matching that description, I'm sorry (Y/N)."

A dead end. I couldn't have just made that Franxx up though, there's got to be something that I missed.

"Oh, ok," you say, "Thanks anyway." "You shouldn't thank me, I wasn't of any help," he comments, "Anyway, I'll see you at the briefing room to watch Squad 13 take their first steps then." You nod to him before he leaves.

Well, I should head to the briefing room then I suppose.

XXXXXX

Some time later

Ryoken is leaning against the wall next to the elevator, looking at his communicator. He looks up as he hears someone approaching. "Took you long enough," he says with a smile. "Charming as always, Ryoken," Misaki retorts, "The others should be boarding their Franxx any minute now, let's head to the briefing room." "After you," he says as he gestures towards the elevator.

As the elevator descends, Ryoken speaks up, "I've got news about (Y/N)." "Oh? What is it?" she asks. "I think he saw Titania in his dream today," he answers. "Are you sure?" she inquires, to which he simply nods. 

"There's no mistaking it. He obviously had a dream, or rather nightmare, and he came to me after breakfast, asking me about a tall crimson Franxx with a two-hander," he explains. "What did you tell him?" she asks. "I lied, of course, I can't just tell him the truth. I wish I could..." he responds, his voice slightly trembling.

"How have you been doing? What do you think of Squad 13?" he asks. "Well, the girls of the squad are really kind. They also use names instead of code numbers. To top it all off, they have stylized Franxx units... They-" she is interrupted mid-sentence, "They remind me of them too," he finishes her sentence. 

He then reaches into the inside pocket of his uniform and pulls out a folded piece of paper. He unfolds it, ignoring the dried bloodstain on the top right corner. Misaki leans over to him to look at it as well. "I miss them so much..." he says as a tear forms in his eye. "I miss them too," she responds while resting her head on his shoulder.

XXXXXX

Plantation 13 – Briefing room

Shortly after you took a seat in the briefing room and look at the monitors with Hachi and Nana, Ryoken and Misaki enter as well. You watch as Squad 13 takes their first steps in their Franxx and can't help but chuckle with the others as Argentea trips and nearly falls over but Delphinium catches them in time.

"Line up in formation with Delphinium in the center and advance," Hachi orders over the comms.

XXXXXX

APE Central HQ Council – Lamarck Club

"Confirmed appearance of one Mohorovicic-class Klaxosaur at Plantation 13. Strelizia intercepted and neutralized it. Fuel stockpile down to 54%. Currently anchored in the area. Requesting kissing with Plantation 26," a voice over the screen asks. 

"Authorized," Papa replies. "Roger. Kissing will commence in 175 hours," the voice states before the communication ends.

"We've received word that Strelizia has stayed back at Plantation 13," Baboon says. "Another of that girl's whims? Dr. Franxx spoils her too much," Lemur remarks. "But in this case, if you just look at the numbers, it seems to be a rare sample without signs of physical aging," the Vice Chairman comments. 

"It's Code 023. That's him, isn't it?" Tarsier asks, "So, this boy wasn't a complete waste of resources after all." "Unthinkable!" Gorilla interjects, "With no established cause, mixing with the special specimen will taint her blood. She must be recalled at once." 

"But we saw how she shone in that battle," Papa speaks up, "It's worth investigating. Let us wait and see."

XXXXXX

After Squad 13 finished their startup ritual, they were called to the briefing room. Zero Two showed up as well.

After everyone has gathered, Hachi speaks up, "Tomorrow we will begin the mock battles. They are scheduled at 1800 tomorrow next to the hangar gate." "This will be an excellent opportunity for you to get a feeling for actual combat," Nana adds. "We already have decided on the match-ups," Hachi says as he looks at his datapad.

"Wait, I have a question," Zorome interjects. "What is it?" Nana asks. "What about them?" he answers as he points to Ryoken, Misaki, Zero Two and you. 

"Valkyrie won't participate and HQ hasn't authorized the use of Strelizia," she explains. You roll your eyes and Zero Two just sighs at that statement. "Aw, come on! I want a real challenge!" Zorome complains, "I want to go against them!" "Hey, who died and made you the boss?" Miku tries to stop him. "Come on Miku, back me up here," he whispers. Miku, visibly annoyed, sighs "Fine, we'll do it."

Nana then looks over to Ryoken and Misaki, Ryoken turns to Zorome, "You had your first steps in a Franxx just hours ago and you want to go against us?" he asks with a hint of condescension but maintains a smile while doing so, "Sure, why not."

"Very well then," Hachi states. "Gladiolus will face Chlorophytum. Delphinium will go against Genista, and Argentea will face Valkyrie," he finishes, "You're dismissed."

As you get up and try to walk over to Zero Two to talk with her, you notice a hand on your shoulder and before you know it, Ryoken and Misaki are on your left and right practically dragging you along as you exit the briefing room after the rest of the Squad.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" you ask them as you walk down the colorless corridors. "We're a little concerned about you and Zero Two, have you not heard the rumors?" Misaki asks. "What rumors?" you ask back. 

"She had many partners over the years, and every one of them died after their third ride with her," Ryoken says in a lowered tone, "It is said that she literally drains their life."

It is then that you remember 081's words he said to you the day you met her and his demise later that day. No, you say to yourself, I refuse to believe that.

"And what if it's not true?" you tell them, "Those are just rumors." Misaki asks in a concerned tone, "You're not planning on riding with her again are you?" "Of course I plan to!" you retort, "Look, I appreciate your concern, I really do, but this is my choice and I won't give up on her." 

Both of them are speechless for a moment after that. Ryoken sighs, "Guess there is no use trying to stop you."

You leave the two of them alone and walk back to the boarding house by yourself.

"At least he still has some of that fire inside him," Misaki says. "Yes, but that might be his undoing," Ryoken responds.

XXXXXX

The next day

You wake up in your bed, this time not because of something in your dream though. In fact, you didn't get that much sleep at all due to thinking about the events of the past few days.

I wonder what Zero Two has been up to. They probably didn't allow her to come over here. I also need to find answers about the things I saw in my last dream. I have never seen or met that cloaked figure before have I? Maybe I just can't remember... And then there is that Franxx. Sadly, Ryoken didn't have any info on that. Speaking of, I should probably apologize to him about yesterday.

You sigh while getting up, but you notice that Ryoken isn't in his bed. 

"What time is it?" you mumble to yourself as you look at the clock. 

6:45 AM. Breakfast is usually ready at 7:30 AM. 

You get dressed as quietly as possible to not wake up Hiro and Goro and then head downstairs to look for Ryoken. Your search doesn't take long as you find him with Misaki in the lounge. They noticed you as you entered the room and look at you somewhat expectantly.

"Good morning," you greet them, which they return to you as well. "Listen, I want to apologize about yesterday," you begin as you put a hand behind your head, "You just wanted to look out for me and I reacted a bit too harsh." "It's alright, we basically dragged you out of there," Misaki replies, "Don't worry about it."

After a short while, Ikuno and Naomi join you in the lounge as well and you chat with them until breakfast is ready.

Besides the fact that Zero Two isn't present during breakfast, everyone at the boys' table is talking about the mock battles later today. "Are you scared yet?" Zorome taunts Ryoken. "I was going to ask you the same thing," he replies with a cheeky smile. "Maybe challenging an experienced Franxx pilot wasn't a good idea, Zorome," Hiro comments.

"Well, I have to go against Goro and Ichigo," Futoshi complains while chewing on his food. "You say that as if I am as experienced as (Y/N) or Ryoken over there," Goro responds. "Don't worry Futoshi, you'll be fine, though I am not so sure about Zorome," Ryoken comments. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Zorome interjects to which you and Hiro chuckle. "And what are you laughing at?" he shouts to the two of you. As always, Mitsuru doesn't participate in the conversation at all and is quietly eating on his own.

XXXXXX

Later that day

Besides Hachi and Nana, you are the first to arrive at the gate outside since you are the only one who is not participating in the mock battle. After a while, you can see Argentea and Valkyrie coming out of the hangar, the rest of the squad has gathered next to you to watch the first battle.

Valkyrie's physique reminds you of Strelizia, but with additional armor on her chest that is painted silver. Her arms and legs are painted in royal blue with occasional silver lines. In addition, the upper part of her head looks like a helmet with two tiny wings on either side of it. 

For her weapons, she is carrying a bouche shield and a very peculiar sword, to say the least. The sword doesn't match Valkyrie at all due to its coloring. The blade is pitch-black while the hilt is a mix of gold and white.

Argentea grabs a training baton and goes into the designated arena. Valkyrie puts her shield and sword away, grabs the other baton and follows.

"The rules are simple," Hachi begins, "The first Franxx to desynch loses. Stepping outside the bounds also results in a loss. Any questions?" There is a moment of silence. "Good, Argentea and Valkyrie will go first. Begin the battle," he finishes.

"You're going down hot-shot!" Zorome exclaims but Valkyrie didn't seem to be paying attention as she is drawing a line in the ground with her training baton right in front of her, then throws the baton to the side after she finishes.

"If you step over this line," Ryoken announces, "You will lose." 

"What kind of bluff is that? Oh whatever, you're going down!" Zorome exclaims as Argentea begins to charge at Valkyrie, who isn't moving at all. Argentea is getting closer and closer, though Valkyrie is still not moving. 

"What are they planning?" you mumble to yourself. The