Episode 05

"If the Plantation has no magma-fuel, the city can't maintain function. That's why there's mining facilities everywhere, to keep digging out the fuel. It's the same with us and food. When we eat lots, it gives us strength. So, let's eat!"

- Futoshi

Your Thorn, My Badge is the fifth episode of DARLING in the FRANXX.

Synopsis
The Thirteenth Plantation and Plantation 26 begin kissing. This kissing attracts a large quantity of Klaxosaur. The 13th unit and the 26th come together to protect their two plantations. To protect the main pipe, Hiro and Zero Two plan to ride Strelizia together. When the children of the 26th unit hear Zero Two and Strelizia, they become shaken. Zero Two had fought alongside 26th unit and, because she ignored her surroundings, their teammate died. Hiro agrees to ride with Zero Two even though he is very sick after riding Strelizia twice.

Plot
Cerasus carries out the kissing with Chrysanthemum.

''Hiro narrates that, when he and Zero Two first met, she told him, "a kiss is a very special thing." He wonders if the adults kiss and who likened plantations making contact to a kiss.''

The parasites watch as the plantations connect. Zorome asks what "kissing" is. Miku mocks him, but she doesn't know either. Kokoro points this out. Ikuno explains that it's a transfer of magma fuel reserves from one plantation to another through a large pipe.

Mitsuru explains that the fuel is essential for both the adults and them to live, and FRANXX can't be operated without it. Goro says that, since it's a large-scale transfer of magma energy, it should attract a large number of klaxosaurs. When Futoshi and Zorome seem nervous, Hiro reassures that they have Strelizia, so they'll be fine. Ichigo sadly agrees.

''A grand ceremony was conducted with the utmost solemnity. The children of Plantation 26's FRANXX squad were also in attendance, and they seemed a lot more calm and composed that Plantation 13's.''

The mayor says that the klaxosaurs are sure to attack in great numbers, and the fate of the two plantations rests on their shoulders. He says they're strong and will bring them to victory.

Hiro narrates that being treated like VIPs gave their morale a boost, though they sensed the fierce battle approaching.

At the boarding house, Goro wakes up and puts on his uniform. When he puts his hand on Hiro, he feels that he's burning up. In the bathroom, he asks if he's okay. Hiro cheerfully says that he even feels like training. Goro is reluctant to believe him.

Kokoro says that the previous day's ceremony was so exciting, she couldn't sleep. Miku says that 090 seemed nice. Kokoro asks if she would like to ride with him. She says that it's better than the boys they're stuck with, and tries to get Ikuno's opinion. Ikuno says she doesn't care.

Zorome happily says that it's heartening to be supported by the adults. Futoshi agrees, and Zorome imitates the mayor's speech, making some of the parasites laugh. He finishes that he'll be the one who leads them to victory. Smiling, Ichigo says that Hiro will. Kokoro agrees and says that he shone in the previous battle. Futoshi asks how he's feeling, and Hiro says fine. Futoshi is happy to hear this, and Miku says that the rumors about Zero Two weren't true. Ikuno says that maybe he's extremely compatible with her, saddening Ichigo.

Hiro thanks them, and says that he had a hard time keeping up with everything happening, but their support let them win. Hiro happily asks if he can let him fight as part of the team. Goro observes him suspiciously.

Zorome becomes annoyed and tells him not to get cocky, since he only got through one time. Goro asks if he has to be a spoilsport. Hiro stands and tells him he'll do his best to not be a burden. He extends his hand and asks that they keep fighting together. Zorome is taken back, but tells him to keep it up as he shakes his hand. As Miku teases him, Mitsuru becomes angry and leaves. Kokoro notices him walk out as Zorome says that he's the team's ace pilot.

At 7, Futoshi announces that it's breakfast. As they walk to the dining area, Ichigo stops Hiro and pulls on his collar, causing Hiro to recoil. She is saddened by his reaction and explains that it was bent. She smiles and asks when he will take care of himself. She tells him she was amazed he realized what she was going for in the last battle.

As they tease each other, they enter the mess hall. Zero Two runs over and pulls him away. She sits in Futoshi's seat, to the stamens' disdain. Ichigo tells them to take their seats so they can prey. Kokoro invites Futoshi to sit beside her.

Kokoro prats that Papa never thirst and that his heart be filled with peace for eternity. Though everyone bows their head in prayer, Zero Two pours honey over her food. As they eat, Zero Two begins feeding Hiro. Goro looks uncomfortable, and Zorome says that he wants to try something like that. Goro asks why he doesn't ask Miku then. He says that he'd rather ask a cute girl, like Kokoro. He notices that she is feeding Futoshi, to his annoyance. Miku teases that she's too easily influenced. Ichigo looks down into her cup.

Hiro gives Zero Two a tour, saying that they have fixed times for waking, bathing, and sleeping. Everything's laid out for them, such as their clothes and food. He says that the forest was built to fine-tine the parasites' numbers. She asks if that's why there's a ceiling. He says probably, and that it still rains, even with the ceiling. She doesn't know what rain is, so he explains. She becomes excited and tells him to do it for her. He says that Papa and the others decide when it happens. He asks why she suddenly wanted him to show her around. She bounces on Goro's bed and says that she's going to live there too. Goro and Zorome overhear this. Zorome asks what a girl's doing in the boys' wing. Hiro drags her out. Zorome says that they're holding hands.

Nana says that Zero Two is going to remain there for a while and Papa gave her permission. She asks if Hiro's officially a parasite then. She answers that it's still being considered, but it'll probably happen. She tells her to make Zero Two fell at home.

When Ichigo leaves, Goro is outside waiting for her. In the elevator, he asks what she thinks about how he was acting. She says that it had been a long time since she saw him smile so much. Goro asks if it didn't seem forced. He asks that she talk to him, but she says they have to worry about themselves, since the next battle will be difficult.

In the greenhouse, Mitsuru panicky asks why him and not Hiro as he takes pills. He chokes on them and asks what the difference is between them. He notices that Kokoro was watching him. She says she saw him walk in and asks if he's okay, and says that she wants to help, since he doesn't lean on others. He interrupts and asks if she's pitying him. She says no, but he walks past her and tells her to leave him alone.

Ichigo makes Zero Two's bed and says that the room is hers to use. She says that she'd rather be with Hiro, but Ichigo says she needs to follow their rules and asks her to take care of Hiro. She says that Hiro's hers and she doesn't need to tell her that. Ichigo says that he doesn't belong to anyone. Zero Two calls her bossy.

Hiro wets his face in the bathroom when he notices a spider crawling up its thread. When he looks up, he sees that it caught a moth. He clutches his chest.

Goro stands outside of Delphinium. Zorome yells to him and he finds that the other plantation is there.

A stamen says that their designs are all unique. They didn't know that they were, and one explains that their FRANXX have similar bodies and equipment all around, making it easier for them to fight together. He says that he was told they were a hastily-assembled test team and asks if this was their first kiss. Goro says that it is. 090 smiles and says that they're more experienced, so if there's anything they don't know to ask.

Zorome becomes excited and says that he has a question. He asks if any of the children there had became adults. 090 doesn't understand, so a boy with a bandage says that he doesn't know. 090 says that they hadn't, saddening Zorome. He asks if they heard any rumors about it, and he says no.

090 says that their names are strange and asks if Code 016 was the one who came up with them. He says that he's famous among children. He says that they're strange and asks what the point of being unique is.

When Goro enters his room, he finds Hiro clutching his chest on the floor. Goro asks what's wrong and Hiro says nothing. He looks at his chest to see a blue tumor. He asks if it's been there since he rode with Zero Two. Though he's about to call someone, Hiro stops him.

Nana says that he has abnormal yellow blood cell count and that she's amazed he's alive. Hachi says that it's the opposite reaction to the other parasites that rode with Zero Two. She says that it would be dangerous to let him ride again, but Hachi says that they need Strelizia in the next battle.

Hiro downs a glass of water and chokes on it. Goro asks that he doesn't pilot Strelizia again. Hiro says that it's his decision. Goro becomes angry and says that it could kill him. Hiro says that he feels really alive and that he hadn't for a long time, and that he wants to give it his all on the next mission. Goro asks if he wants him to turn a blind eye, if he's going to keep it from everyone, even Ichigo. He answers yes to all. Goro again becomes angry but turns to find Hiro smiling at him before walking out. Goro sadly calls him an idiot.

Klaxosaurs are detected and an hour later a meeting is held. Hachi explains that there are 100 to 150, and they're expected to arrive at 33 hours from then. He says that 13 will act as back up. Zorome and Miku become annoyed at the other unit as they speak down to them. When Hachi says that Strelizia will be placed closest to the pipe, the other team is horrified.

Nana comes in with Zero Two and Hiro. 090 says that they can't fight alongside Strelizia, since she doesn't care about her allies. She doesn't know what he's talking about. He says that they had a joint operation two years ago where his partner was killed under her fault. Zero Two coldly says that "weaklings die" and that it doesn't matter. He begins to walk closer to her, but Hiro steps between them and promises to keep her from going out of control.

As they walk home, Zorome expresses annoyance at being treated like dead weight. Mitsuru says that they are a makeshift team. Goro stops walking and says that Strelizia shouldn't be part of the mission. Hiro happily replies that they should show them what they're made of. Zorome agrees and tells Goro not to be so timid. Goro asks what Ichigo thinks and she says that they need Strelizia in the next battle. When he looks at Hiro, he notices Zero Two glaring at him.

Goro has trouble sleeping as Hiro seems to writhe in pain. He goes outside and sits on a step sadly. He notices Zero Two and Ichigo walking off together.

Outside of the greenhouse, Ichigo asks that she stay in line during the mission. Zero Two calls her bossy and begins to walk off. Ichigo grabs her arm, but Zero Two isn't slowed down and yanks her along, so she stops walking. She yanks her hand away and Ichigo asks that she not be too hard on Hiro. Zero Two says that he wanted to ride with her and asks if she wants her to give him to her. She says that she tried to ride with him and it didn't work. Ichigo says to leave her out of it and asks if she's trying to suck Hiro dry. Zero Two says again that he's hers. Ichigo says that he could die. Zero Two replies that he could, but that would just mean that he didn't amount to much.

Ichigo slaps her and her headband falls off. She says that she isn't human. Zero Two's eyes and horns turn red. She asks what "human" is to them. It starts raining, so Zero Two looks up.

When Ichigo walks back, Goro tosses her a towel and says she'll catch a cold. She asks if he saw everything, and he said he did. Ichigo expresses her helplessness. Goro doesn't understand his feelings or how to comfort her.

Zero Two stands by the lake. She says that everything smells nice after it rains. She asks to make it rain again, but she remembers that he can't. He says that he can't say that for sure yet.

She says that it's where they first met. He says that it's thanks to her that he's standing there and can pilot. As she unzips his shirt, she says that only she is his partner. She says that none of her partners could ever ride with her more than three times. She says that the tumor is painful, but beautiful. She asks if he wants out of the ride. When he says that he'll ride again, she twirls around happily.

''Hiro narrates that, even if the wings he reached out and grabbed are to snap one day, he'll still take flight into the sky. Because he feels that's why he's there.''

Appearances

 * Hiro
 * Zero Two
 * Goro
 * Ichigo
 * Zorome
 * Miku
 * Futoshi
 * Kokoro
 * Mitsuru
 * Ikuno
 * Nana
 * Hachi
 * 090

Transcript
Episodio 5