Kokoro

Kokoro (ココロ) is a character in DARLING in the FRANXX. She is a former Parasite with the codename "556" at the Thirteenth Plantation, where she is partnered in boy-girl pair with Mitsuru to pilot a FRANXX called Genista. She was previously partnered with Futoshi.

Appearance
A young girl with long, wavy, ashen blonde hair and rich blue eyes. She wears a lacy blue headband to keep her hair out of her face. When piloting her FRANXX Genista, she wears a white bodysuit with light green accents, and keeps her hair in a braided ponytail. As an adult, her hair is cut to shoulder length.

Personality
Kokoro is a very gentle person with a kind and optimistic personality to match. She doesn't speak too often, choosing to think before speaking. Her kindness is treated with welcome by her more feisty comrades. During scenes of tension she is never the breaker or starter, and sits by watching usually. Like the other kids, she doesn't know how to translate her feelings of love.

Kokoro holds back a myriad of feelings, admitting to Mitsuru that she is often dishonest with most around her. The incident where she feigned loyalty to Futoshi by breaking her promise to be partners with him forever by partnering with her romantic interest Mitsuru left her feeling bad. Through dishonesty with Futoshi, she reforms herself a little in praising Mitsuru for being so honest with her about his suffering and lack of trust in others. Mitsuru and Kokoro meet and bond over plant disucssion in Squad 13's garden. After finding a book on pregnancy and child birth in Episode 8, Kokoro develops a fascination of it and wonders why humans stopped having babies. Knowing her purpose in life is to pilot the FRANXX and to die in battle, Kokoro develops a desire to bear a child to leave a mark for the future when she takes leave of it.

After having sex with Mitsuru, their mock-wedding is interrupted by APE and their memories of love and each otehr are erased. She retains her kindness but is more focused on her duties and loyalty to Papa, and as a result is more distant with Mitsuru than anyone else. Once learning she is pregnant with Mitsuru’s child, she is distraught at having lost her purpose in life (the inability to pilot the FRANXX) and rejects Mitsuru’s support because of their memory loss. However, when he proves his resolution to stay with her and their child forever, they reconcile and rekindle their relationship. They are able to form a genuinely happy marriage and she is a loving mother to their daughter.

Episode 01: Alone and Lonesome
Zorome talks about the Partner Killer, who has horns, fangs, and any parasite that rides with her will have his blood sucked and die after the third time. Futoshi says he wouldn't ride with her. Miku says that it's just a rumor. Zorome says that someone heard security talking about it. Ichigo texts Hiro and Ikuno watches her while reading.

Goro walks in and asks if she got a hold of Hiro. She says no. Zorome asks if Hiro is gonna stay after all. Futoshi says that he didn't attend that day's briefing, so maybe he's going to turn down the chance. Kokoro says it's sad if he leaves. Ikuno says that, if he doesn't, where would that leave Naomi, since she got caught up in his mess. Mitsuru says that Hiro's showing real integrity and that it must be difficult for him, though he says this without compassion. Miku says that he's acting forced. Goro asks if she's okay and she says he's an idiot.

At Cerasus, the parasites attend their welcoming meeting where they are praised by Papa. The adults cheer for them. At Mistiltein, Hachi gives Hiro the official instructions for his return to the orphanage. He says that HQ had given him special permission to remain there and asks him to reconsider. As Hiro leaves the meeting, he finds Naomi crying.

As Naomi and Hiro try to connect, their positive pulse and P-Factor drops and they're times out and they fail. As they wait for their ride, Naomi tells him he should stay and asks if he refused for her. He says that he wouldn't be of any use if he stayed. She says he's running away from his partner and himself. She asks if he remembers how many of their friends disappeared from the orphanage. She tells him that he's lucky to have a chance to stay at all. Crying, she says she'd do anything to stay and asks why he had to be her partner.

In the train, the group discuss Hiro on their way to the startup ritual. Ikuno says that their ship probably isn't headed back to the garden since she never heard of any parasites coming back home. Hachi greets them at the platform.

Zero Two says that she can smell a klaxosaur. In the parasites' FRANXX, they begin the startup ritual. A fog rolls in and the ritual is stalled. Hiro begins to refuse to leave when Naomi's ship is hit by a klaxosaur. The plantation begins firing at the klaxosaur and Strelizia in its stampede mode. Dr. FRANXX notes it's a maho class and Nana orders everyone to evacuate.

Zero Two throws 081 out of her FRANXX and tells Hiro that he's done for. Hiro tries to stop her from piloting alone. She says that it'll start moving again eventually and then everyone will die. She says she's not afraid of death and she has a job to do. He says that he'll pilot with her. She asks if he's prepared to die. He says he's essentially dead already and asks to be taken along. She says they're similar and it'd been a long time since she saw a human cry.

She pulls him into her FRANXX and into a kiss, calling him her darling. Dr. FRANXX says that when the negative and positive - male and female factors combine and their hearts become one, the iron maiden will reveal her true form.

Strelizia easily destroys its core and defeats it. They are shocked when it's revealed that Hiro was piloting it. Zero Two drops Hiro to the ground. Nana introduces her as a pistil with the special forces unit APE directly controls. Zero Two looks down and smiles to him, saying she found her darling.

Episode 02: What it Means to Connect
Hachi begins the startup ritual the day after the klaxosaur attack. Papa and the other adults do not attend while Dr. FANXX, Nana, and Hiro attend the ritual.

Later, in their mess hall, Zero Two slathers her food with honey as she sits at a separate table. When Miku talks bad about her horns, Ichigo scolds her and says she saved them. Ikuno asks if they think she has klaxosaur blood. The stamen watch her as well and Futoshi stuffs break into his arms. Goro says she's ruining her good looks with the way she's eating. Hiro says he cannot believe all her injuries healed so quickly.

Zorome says it was a treat to watch her. He "graciously" offers to ride with her and says he could do a lot better than Hiro. She responds by wiping her hand on his shirt. She gets up and sits on the same chair as Hiro. He asks if he really managed to pilot with her. She says yes, and calls him "Darling." The rest of the pilots are unfamiliar with the term, except Ichigo who is not surprised.

Nana comes in and announces that she'll be their caretaker, just like she was in the Garden. She says that APE HQ has assigned her to the 13th Plantation Corps. Ichigo asks what's happening with Zero Two, and she says they're awaiting orders from HQ on what to do. She orders Zero Two to move off of his chair.

Hiro asks her to let him ride in her FRANXX again. Smiling, Nana says that it's up to Papa and the rest to give him his orders. She follows Nana out of the room.

In the girls' change room, Miku tries to put on her shorts. Kokoro says that connecting feels so weird and hopes that they get used to it soon, since it's not at all like how their training units felt. Miku fondles her stomach and says it's like your body is being stirred up from the inside. Ikuno tells them not to remind her. Ichigo says it did feel a bit weird, but put her at ease like being one with someone. Kokoro says that she wishes her numbers were as high as hers and that she and Goro must be really compatible. Miku says that they "double-digit elites" must be made for each other. She mocks Hiro for being so lovey-dovey. This annoys Ichigo and she storms out.

Hachi says he'll be giving overall strategic instructions, though field decisions will be made by the leader unit, Delphinium. Miku asks why she gets to be leader. Hachi says they will now begin the drill. As they connect, some of the pistils shriek lightly and Zorome scolds Miku. Hachi says that, if two partners are even slightly out of sync, their para-capacity will fluctuate wildly. The FRANXX pairs manage to connect. Zorome begins showing off and ends up falling over and Delphinium catches them. Ichigo says that the stamen has the initiative when it comes to handling, so consider whether the pistil, who is connected to the FRANXX can keep up.

In the conference room, Hachi and Nana announce that Hiro will partake in a mock battle and, depending on how he does, will promote him to parasite. When he is asked to pick a partner, Zero Two volunteers. Ichigo says that she should instead. Mitsuru asks why it should be her since Goro is already her partner.

Nana says that HQ hadn't authorized the use of Strelizia, so Hiro will have to pilot with someone from his own squad. She says that her injuries haven't healed completely anyway. She mockingly asks that she take care of "her darling."

Hachi asks if anyone will volunteers as their opponents and Zorome quickly does. Miku is annoyed at him and asks why he is the boss. Glaring at Ichigo, she agrees. Hachi says they'll do it the next day, but Zorome wants to immediately.

Goro cleans his glasses and Hiro apologizes for taking his partner. He receives a call saying they're ready. Goro says not to worry, since she never takes no for an answer.

The parasites along with Hachi, Nana, and Zero Two watch. Ichigo tells him to focus on connecting and she'll take care of the rest. Both Argentea and Delphinium manage to connect. They suddenly disconnect and Ichigo asks what Zero Two did differently. Hiro says Zero Two and him kissed as soon as they got in Strelizia and everything turned bright. Ichigo seems to be unfamiliar with the term "kiss" but she tries it. Afterwards, he says he didn't feel anything. He feels Ichigo lips were trembling. Argentea suddenly attacks and Zorome says that he doesn't mind taking over as pilot for Delphinium either. This annoys Miku and she says not to hit on other girls and they suddenly stop.

Hachi says that the trust between partners has a direct influence on the handling. Ichigo pilots alone and smashes Argentea against a wall. Hachi announces that, since both FRANXXs have been rendered inoperable, the mock battle is over.

Episode 03: Fighting Puppet
Inside, Futoshi asks what happened with Hiro becoming a parasite. Ikuno says he could only connect for a bit at the start, so she doesn't like his chances. Zorome says that there's no way he'll get in. Mitsuru says that he doesn't know about the ones who only managed a draw against that, either. Zorome says that it was Miku's fault for randomly falling over. Miku angrily asks if he remember what he said when that happened.

Kokoro warns them not to fight because it will affect their numbers. Ikuno says that she doesn't think Papa will accept a parasite who can't pilot. Futoshi agrees and says that so many kids disappeared from the Garden due to that.

Miku says that Ichigo is no better. She says that she's too biased towards Hiro when she's supposed to be their leader. She says she doesn't understand how Goro's putting up with her as her partner. Ichigo asks what Goro has to do with it. Goro also walks in and asks what they're talking about. Annoyed, Ichigo says that, if Hiro becomes a parasite, he'll be a great help. Miku says that he might not even. Ichigo says that he still has a chance, and Miku disagrees. She says that he couldn't get it done with her, so I think it's over for him. She says that he piloted Strelizia, even if he was unconscious, and saved them, so she still believed in him.

Mitsuru says that he understands why she wants to stick up for him, but he was only taken along for the ride. Ichigo yells that they don't know that. Mitsuru says that Hiro was special, even among the double digits, and they were all certain that he'd be their leader. But in reality, he couldn't become a parasite and he isn't what he used to be. He says that they should cut their losses because he doesn't want to see the pathetic side of Hiro anymore.

Hachi says they received sortie orders from HQ. Nana tells them that the Klaxosaur won't be as big as the one they already saw. Hachi says it's a Conrad-class klaxosaur, a bit smaller than a FRANXX. He says that they're attracted by magma energy reactions and appear in their vicinity. He says, lately, they had been showing up deep in a Level 8 mine on the outskirts and wreaking havoc. Nana says that Strelizia won't be a part of the mission. Because they'll have to defend Plantation 13 by themselves eventually, it will show if they can handle fighting them in the future. Nana says that Ichigo and Goro will have field command.

In the FRANXX, Zorome is excited, but Miku tells him not to go crazy by himself again. All but Mitsuru and Ikuno connect. Hachi asks what's wrong, Mitsuru says that it doesn't look like Ikuno can do it. Ikuno says that he's nearly there and to wait for a second. Mitsuru seems annoyed and tells her not to bother. Hachi announces that Chlorophytum will stay behind.

The three head out to a big hole. They marvel at it and say that they use the pipes to extract magma reserves. Hachi tells them to head down to the 8th floor. He says that, in order to completely neutralize a Klaxosaur, they must extract its core, and shatter it using their customized magma-energy weapons. He tells them to defeat it and the three head in.

Nana asks if Ikuno is not feeling well. She says that that isn't it. Nana says that she has always been a bit unstable and they'll run test the next day to make sure. Mitsuru asks if it could be that they have compatibility issues. Smiling, Nana says that a lot of parasites experience that at first and it isn't grounds to split them up. Mitsuru seems disappointed.

Ichigo says that they have visual on klaxosaur and they're spreading out. They run to it and begin slashing it. Before Zorome can finish it, it attacks and knocks them over. Miku is electrocuted and passes out. Futoshi shoots and exposes its core. Ichigo stabs it.

Zorome tries to check on Miku, as does Ichigo. Many more suddenly fall from the ceiling, so they plan on fleeing. Nana says that they attracted more because they released their magma energy. Zero Two says that she should have sent her from the start. She says they'll die. Hiro is alarmed and tells her to sent himself and Zero Two to help. Hachi refuses and says that he isn't an official stamen, so he can't give permission to board a FRANXX. Zero Two says that the plantation squad is going to be wiped out again and to let her pilot with Hiro. She says she won't be allowed to sortie.

Mitsuru says that he could pilot with her. Nana says that Strelizia is no ordinary FRANXX, if he isn't used to its connect. Mitsuru says that, if Hiro could, there's no way he couldn't. Zero Two says that she wants to ride with Hiro, but he asks that she just go with him. As Mitsuru walks by, he tells Hiro not to come crying to him when he regrets his goody-two-shoes act later because he's going to prove that he can pilot Strelizia better than he did.

Miku wakes up and Zorome hugs her. They begin piloting again. Hachi tells them that Strelizia is about to help. Ichigo is bothered by this and causes them to fall. This lets the klaxosaur to get in, so they flee. Many follow and a very large one is about to bite Ichigo. Strelizia appears and kills some. Mitsuru tells them to get back and Hachi tells them to evacuate.

Panting, Mitsuru says that he feels like he can do anything. He says that he's amazed changing partners could make such a difference, and he knew he wasn't the problem. He says that he's just as good as Hiro. He tells Zero Two that he wouldn't mind becoming her official partner, to the dismay of Ikuno. Zero Two says that she should go all-out for a bit.

Hachi tells her to stop, as the others had already evacuated. The three FRANXX are surprised what happened. Zorome apologizes to Miku. She says that it doesn't matter if it was his fault, since they're partners. He begins crying. Goro asks what's wrong with Ichigo. She lies and says she got careless after she found that help was coming.

When they retrieve Streliza, Zero Two walks out and smiles and waves at Hiro. Mitsuru is gravely injured and unconscious. She says that he isn't suited to be her darling, only Hiro is.

Episode 04: Flap Flap
Papa announces that Klaxosaur activity has increased, and large ones are showing up everywhere. An APE says the Nines are dealing with them for now, but they still have other tasks to complete. One asks how long Strelizia will be allowed to goof off, now that Hiro's aptitude has been ascertained, they have no reason to leave it there. Marmoset says that it isn't wise to let her mix with tainted stamens any longer. One says that they will have to ready a new stamen. The Vice Chairman says that there are many parasites who want to team up with her. Shaking in bed, Mitsuru is terrified and says that Zero Two is a demon who will kill him. Futoshi walks in, has a glimpse of Mitsuru, and takes Mitsuru's food away. The other parasites wait outside. Futoshi says that he has not touched his food at all and maybe he should eat it so it does not go to waste. Zorome says that he'd been like that since the battle.

Hiro walks in and asks what happened with Zero Two. He says that she tried to completely devour him, including his blood, his flesh, and his soul. Though it was normal initially, she eventually was out to kill him. When Hiro reaches out to him, he suddenly grabs Hiro's collar and says that she had a smile on her face all the time.

Kokoro yells out to Mitsuru and Futoshi tells him to calm down as he hands the tray to Zorome. Mitsuru says that it will happen to Hiro too, if he decides to ride with her again and is out of mind. Futoshi holds him back and lays him back into bed where he seems to have fallen unconscious and pants heavily.

Futoshi and Zorome play with a ball as Hiro watches. Ichigo asks if he still wants to ride with her. She says that she cannot trust Zero Two, especially after what happened to Mitsuru. She says that if the rumors are true, Zero Two will eventually kill him. He says at least he would be useful. She is frustrated, but says that she is the leader, has to steel herself and will not stop him from riding with Zero Two again.

Zorome tells Futoshi to eat less, or he will get fat. He gets mad at being called fat, so Zorome calls him it again. Futoshi throws food toward Zorome.

Zero Two rides in the elevator with Hachi and Nana. He tells her that she does not have free rein just because she has to kill klaxosaurs. Nana says they almost lost Mitsuru because of her. Zero Two says that as long as she has Hiro, she does not care and the rest are sure to die soon anyway. Nana says that the kids are her fellow pilots, even if they belong to different units. She smiles and says the weaklings are a nuisance no matter how many there are. Hachi says they were specially chosen unit and she only feels that way because she is special.

She becomes annoyed (and feels offended) and asks if he means that she is not human. He says that he is talking about her abilities. He says that 016 (Hiro) will not be given permission to pilot. Nana says that HQ ordered her back to the front lines. Hiro trains and thinks about Zero Two, the injuries on Mitsuru, and the rumors. He pilots the training unit and keeps running. The other members of Squad 13 discussed Hiro and Zero Two, as well as the partner killing rumor. Miku says Zero Two is not human because she possesses klaxosaur blood. Ichigo says Hiro is well aware of all these rumors and situations but he still wants to ride with Zero Two. Ichigo reminds every one that if things do not change, they could also die at any time. Ichigo says that they need to defeat klaxosaurs without Strelizia and cannot mess up again so as to survive. Ichigo asks others to help her and work in a team. Every one, except Ikuno, agrees promptly. Ichigo requests Ikuno for help once more. Ichigo puts her hand with smile on the left shoulder of Ikuno. Ikuno's face slightly turns red.

To prepare for the kissing with Plantation 26, Plantation 13 switches to mobile setup. At the FRANXX dock, Zero Two stares at Strelizia. Hiro sees Zero Two and hides hastily.

Hiro bathes and thinks about the rumor again. Zero Two appears and says she found him. She walks into the water and rubs his chest. She asks Hiro to run away with her. She tells Hiro that he is her only partner and as long as he is with her, nothing else matters. Seeing her horns, he gulps. She asks if he thinks she is a monster as well. Before he can respond, an alarm sounds.

They detect a worm-type klaxosaur heading towards Plantation 13. Mitsuru tries to get up, but struggled. Ikuno tells him to grab on, and he refuses. Eventually he leans on her anyway.

Hachi says that they have only detected one, but there may be more in hiding. He tells them to connect.

Mitsuru says he hopes Ikuno can connect. She says she can and they connect after Ikuno touches on her left shoulder where Ichigo touched during the discussion. Mitsuru and Ikuno connect and the paracapacity is about 80 for both of them. The FRANXXs advance forward.

Zero Two and Hiro go to the command room in their suits. Nana tells them they aren't deploying Strelizia. The FRANXX momentarily stop the klaxosaur, but another one appears in the mist from behind and grabs Argentea. Hiro and Zero Two watch and Zero Two says that they should help and asks who landed in the transport plane.

A group of escorts arrive and Nana looks at the screen and says to Zero Two to do as they say. Nana says Zero Two is returning to the front lines. A man says they want to leave while the FRANXXs are keeping the klaxosaur occupied. When he touches her shoulder, she sends him flying back. They begin aiming their guns at her.

She puts her hand on his cheek and says that she has to go, even though she felt like things would work out with him. When she puts her head against him, she hurts him with her horns. She says "Bye-bye" before following them out. Nana then says that the order was from Papa and the rest. He asks if the partner-killer rumors are true. She answers that she's a special pistil who must keep fighting on the front lines and that she takes a toll on the stamen who become partners with her. She answers that she isn't simply human. He suddenly runs out and Nana calls out to him.

As Zero Two walks through the hall, she turns and looks behind her. A soldier points his gun and asks her what's wrong. She answers nothing and keeps walking. Hiro comes to a passage he cannot cross and yells to her. She stops briefly but then continues. He says that he was afraid of riding together and he still is, but because he lacked resolve, not because she isn't human. When he first met her, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Though he had been moping, he felt like he could fly with her. He realized that he never really cared about riding the FRANXX, but about riding with her. He asks her to stay.

Zero Two stops and smiles. Though two soldiers order her to keep going, she says she can't leave after that. She manages to take one of their guns to crack the glass above Hiro. She then jumps and breaks through the glass. She stands close to him and says that nobody has ever said such embarrassing things to her before. He says it was a first for him too. Smirking, she asks if he wants to ride with her and he answers, embarrassed. They dance through the gate together. Zero Two pulls him along and they board Strelizia.

Nana appears on screen and orders them off, but Zero Two ignores her and hangs up. She asks Hiro if he is okay and he is nervous about piloting. She encourages him and they successfully connect.

They fly through the air and Hiro is happy to be able to pilot. They discuss their feelings of connection and Zero Two says they are a perfect fit. They zip to where the other parasites are struggling and quickly save them. Ichigo is reluctant to rely on her. When Hiro challenges this, Mitsuru seems offended. Ichigo agrees and tells everyone where to focus. Strelizia rips it from the ground and reveals it was actually one long klaxosaur. After other FRANXXs fix the klaxosaur to the ground, Ichigo asks Hiro to help. Strelizia stabs its core, destroying it. Hachi announces that they neutralized it and to return to base.

Nana wonders if Zero Two was always planning it all along. Hachi says that the numbers prove that Hiro is compatible with Strelizia. He wonders how Papa and the rest will react. They plantation begins to move.

Hiro narrates that he always dreamed of the day he could take flight, but now he may have found a pair of wings to call his own. Even if they destroy him, he can at least fly once more.

Episode 05: Your Thorn, My Badge
Cerasus carries out the kissing with Chrysanthemum. The parasites watch as the plantations connect. Zorome asks what "kissing" is. Miku mocks him, but she does not know either. Kokoro points this out. Ikuno explains that it is 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 cannot 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 will 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.''

Hiro also attends the ceremony while Zero Two does not. 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. Hiro is sick. When Goro puts his hand on Hiro, he feels that he is burning up. In the bathroom, he asks if he is okay. Hiro cheerfully says that he even feels like training. Goro is reluctant to believe him.

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

Zorome happily says that it is heartening to be supported by the adults. Futoshi agrees, and Zorome stands up and imitates the mayor's speech, making some of the parasites laugh. He finishes that he will 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 feels, 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 is 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 will 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 o'clock, Futoshi announces that it is breakfast. As they walk to the dining area, Ichigo stops Hiro and pulls on his collar, causing Hiro to recoil. This reveals a mark on Hiro's neck. 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 pray. Kokoro invites Futoshi to sit beside her.

Kokoro prays that Papa never thirst and that his heart be filled with peace for eternity. The prayer ends with let's eat. 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 does not ask Miku then. He says that he would rather ask a cute girl, like Kokoro. He notices that she is feeding Futoshi, to his annoyance. Miku teases that she is too easily influenced and looks at Zorome at the same time. Ichigo looks down into her cup. Hiro gives Zero Two a tour, saying that they schedule their time for waking up, bathing, and sleeping. Zero Two is looking around, such as the books on the book shelves and the specimen in the jars. Everything is laid out for them, such as their clothes and food. He says that the forest was built to fine-tune the parasites' numbers. She asks if that is why there is a ceiling. He says probably, and that it still rains, even with the ceiling. She does not 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. She is disappointed. He asks why she suddenly wanted him to show her around. She bounces on Goro is bed and says that she is going to live there too. Goro and Zorome overhear this. Zorome asks what a girl is doing in the boys' wing. Hiro drags her out. Zorome says that they are holding hands.

Nana says that Zero Two is going to remain there for a while and Papa gave her permission. She asks if Hiro is officially a parasite then. She answers that it is still being considered, but it will probably happen. She tells her to make Zero Two feel 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 did not seem forced. He asks that she talks to him, but she says they have to worry about themselves, since the next battle will be more difficult. She says that he should be focused otherwise she cannot do her best.

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, who wanted to irrigate the plants, was watching him. She says she saw him walk in and asks if he is okay, and says that she wants to help, since he does not lean on others. He interrupts and asks if she is 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 is 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 parasites from Plantation 26 is there.

Strelizia is covered. A stamen says that their designs are all unique. They did not 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 are more experienced, so if there is anything they do not 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 does not understand, so a boy with a bandage says that he doesn't know. 090 says that they had not, saddening Zorome. He asks if they heard any rumors about it, and he says no. Goro asks Zorome if he really cares about that.

090 says that their names are strange and asks if Code 016 was the one who came up with them. He says that he is famous among children. He says that they are 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 is wrong and Hiro says nothing. He looks at his chest to see a blue tumor. He asks if it is been there since he rode with Zero Two. Though he is about to call someone, Hiro stops him.

Nana says that he has abnormal yellow blood cell count and that she is amazed he is still alive. Hachi says that it is 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 Hiro not to pilot Strelizia again. Hiro says that he is determined. 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 is 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 are 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.

Episode 06: DARLING in the FRANXX
A large klaxosaur crushes a tall building and approaches with an arrival time of 0210 hours. The bulwark in the last line of defense is 85 percent complete and will be completed by 2200 hours. Squads 26 and 13 are to stand by for combat by 2030. Nana and Hachi stand in the control room. Hachi says that he never saw a large klaxosaur like it before.

Kokoro gets dressed as she says that the number of klaxosaurs are higher than estimated and wonders if they'll be okay and come back alive. Ikuno says that it will not be like anything they have experienced before. Miku says that they can just let Squad 26 handle everything, since their "dead weight." Ikuno says Miku is awfully timid for once. Ichigo touches her lips.

The stamen walk through the hallway. Mitsuru says that they can't afford to be too optimistic, given the difference in numbers. Zorome says that he, "Zorome the Great", is on their side, so it should be fine. Futoshi says that, Zorome aside, they've got Strelizia. Annoyed at his comment, Zorome says that they won't let squad 26 hog the glory. Mitsuru says that shouldn't be why they're fighting.

The girls come out of the changing room. Ichigo and Goro talk alone and she asks where Hiro is. He says still inside. He again asks her to talk with him, and pushes her towards him as he walks away.

Ichigo tells him that the operation starts late at night. They make small talk about their sleep before Hiro says they should make sure the operation succeeds. He says that being a leader isn't easy, but he knows she's up to the task and that he's counting on her. She says she counts on him lots too. Zero Two walks by and stops briefly before continuing. Ichigo says that she always thought of him as a brother. He agrees and says with Goro too. He pats her on the shoulder and encourages her as he runs to Zero Two. It is bittersweet to Ichigo.

In their FRANXX, Ichigo says that Hiro sends his regards. She tells him that they're going to save Strelizia for as late as possible.

In their FRANXX, Hachi announces that, beside from the Conrad-class pack, they've also detected a large, tightly packed unit. He gives 090 field command. He tells Strelizia to stay back.

Unit 26 takes out a few klaxosaurs. 090 tells them to deal with them calmly. Four get through and he asks that Squad 13 takes care of them and advises them.

The stamen comment on his attitude and Mitsuru agrees that they are really new to it. As battle begins, Argentea crashes into Chlorophytum causing Zorome and Mitsuru to bicker. Though Genista is almost attacked, Delphinium jumps in and kills the klaxosaur. Kokoro thanks Ichigo. Ichigo asks Zorome to bait the enemy without getting too close, since they're fast. She tells Mitsuru to stay close to Genista and back it up. Goro advises that she doesn't get too worked up.

Seeing Ichigo, 090 wonders what such a skilled teen code is doing in a makeshift team, along with Hiro. He is interrupted by the announcement of a second wave.

In Strelizia, Hiro pants and clutches his chest. Zero Two tells him that they're all over the place, unlike 26. She says that she wants to fight already. Hiro asks why she fights the klaxosaurs, since she always looks like she's having fun. She says because she's a monster. She asks about him, and he says to protect Papa and all the adults of the plantation, since that's their purpose in life. She says his answer is lame. He says they should move out to help.

Strelizia quickly defeats many klaxosaurs. 090 scolds her for ignoring orders. Hiro says that he's just there to help his squad. Though he begins to protest, Hiro hangs up. A member of his squad asks what to do, and 090 says to ignore them and take it out in one fell swoop. They begin attacking together.

Zero Two and Hiro begin to disconnect, so she turns to see him panting and clutching his chest. She asks if that's all he has. With blue veins popping out of his face, he sits up and she praises him. They continue to fight. Ichigo tells Strelizia to go back, but Hiro says it's fine. She says to get back again, so Zero Two calls her bossy.

Unit 26 begins attacking and the klaxosaur screams before becoming its Gutenberg-class humanoid form. 090 orders them to keep attacking, but they are roughly thrown into the ground. He orders them to get back, but he is unable to move as they're out of fuel. Before they are crushed, Argentea pulls them away.

Hachi orders all squad 26 units to fall back and Squad 13 will deal with it. Though the group agrees that they need Strelizia, Ichigo orders that they stay put. She says it'll land the finishing blow. Zorome becomes angry, but Goro says that only Strelizia's spear can reach its core, so they'll make an opening for it. Ichigo privately thanks him for his plan. They begin crawling up it.

Hiro pants and Zero Two asks if it's too painful. She says it won't end until they kill it. He begins fighting and they launch into it. Hiro things they got it, but it swipes them far away and changes form again. Hiro becomes unconscious. Their link is broken and Strelizia enters stampede mode. It continues to smash them against the wall.

Ichigo breaks down and disconnects from Goro, thinking he's dead. The other parasites worry and Mitsuru says it's bad if it breaks through the wall. Crying, Ichigo says that she couldn't tell him not to pilot. He angrily tells her to get it together.

Hiro stands where he sent Naomi off, realizing he died. Naomi appears and scolds him for giving up without listening to his partner. She asks if he's okay with that. Smiling, he says he doesn't care since he got to be of use. She calls him a liar as the elevator door closes.

Hiro sees Zero Two standing under a mistletoe tree. He thanks her for everything, but she sadly walks away.

He wakes up to see Zero Two struggling and that they didn't actually kill it. He thinks that she can't do it alone. He realizes that she fights alone after losing her partner. He says that his wings exist for her as his veins retract.

He hugs her from behind and she calms down. He says that he's her partner and he won't leave her alone. They begin fighting.

Dr. FRANXX begins watching as well. They all begin attacking again to create another opening. Strelizia flies into its core as everyone watches in amazement. Dr. FRANXX says he might make her wish come true. Hiro tells her he found another reason to pilot so he can be her wings. She says she's sure he'll be fine.

They walk out together and the two groups celebrate. As Zero Two watches, she says she has to kill more klaxosaur.

Episode 07: Shooting Star Moratorium
After the successful kissing with Plantation 26, Unit 13 was given a special vacation. The kids seem happy and Futoshi and Zorome run to the water. Though Miku says that they're childish, Kokoro smiles and says that it's expected, as it's their first time seeing an ocean that's okay to swim in. Ikuno says that she didn't know a place like that survived on the surface.

Goro sets up an umbrella and tells Futoshi and Zorome not to go too far out. Ichigo tells him that Nana will pick them up the next morning. Goro wonders if it's some kind of training, but Ichigo smiles and says that they should enjoy themselves anyway. Goro blushes and agrees, turning away.

Zero Two pulls Hiro to the water and they laugh as she splashes him. Kokoro smiles and says she's glad he's all better. Goro says it's good that he's an official parasite now too. Ichigo narrates that she was uncomfortable about Zero Two, but could see that she was what he needed.

Kokoro serves a ball to Miku and Futoshi and Zorome admire their figures. They're surprised when they find Goro doing the same. Hiro follows Zero Two further into the water and the three boys begin watching them. She notes how nice it feels to swim in the ocean. Hiro seems embarrassed when he looks at her and she asks what's wrong. He says she looks good, but she can't look her in her eyes. She thanks him for all he did for her.

Ichigo watches the other kids. Ikuno smiles and asks if she's distracted by the water. She asks if she is going to swim since she was always good at it. Ikuno pulls out a book and tells her to enjoy herself. She thanks her and runs off.

After Ichigo leaves, Ikuno begins to read. Mitsuru asks if she came there just to read. She says that she isn't interested in goofing around. Mitsuru says that the guy who looked suicidal now looks like part of the group. She tells him not to look to her for affirmation, since she's not like him. Smirking, he says he was merely talking to himself. She asks if they're done talking then, and he says that he found something odd.

The other boys laugh as Zorome and Hiro fall to the ground. Futoshi asks if she knows what a kiss is. She becomes embarrassed and turns away, denying that she knows. Miku and Kokoro call the group back.

Mitsuru leads the group through a thin pass. Zorome says that it's exciting to explore. Kokoro says that she's a bit scared of the dark. Mitsuru coldly replies that she didn't have to come if she didn't want to. Futoshi is angered by this and tells him to be nice to her. He says that he can't guarantee their safety.

Goro asks if there's a relationship closer to being partners and that watching him and Zero Two makes him wonder. Hiro says he doesn't really get it either. He mentions his relationship with Ichigo and thinks he's different than them.

Ichigo looks down as she walks down the path. Ikuno touches her cheek and startles her. She asks why her face is all red. Mitsuru says that they can see it now.

They're lead to what appears to be a city. Zorome comments that it's nothing like the cities that adults live in. Kokoro asks if people live there, and Mitsuru replies that he'd never heard of anyone living outside the plantations. Zorome spots a building that looks similar to their own boarding house. Ikuno says that they must have used it as a model to build the environment they live in. Futoshi wonders where Kokoro went.

Kokoro looks around and comes by a medical office. She finds a book about childbirth. Mitsuru calls out to her and pulls her back before a bookcase falls on her. He asks her not to run off alone.

They walk back to the rest of the group and Miku says that she's exhausted. Kokoro agrees. Zorome wonders about the city and Ikuno says that they can be sure that it was part of civilization. Goro asks if people lived there in the past. Zero Two answers that they abandoned it and that humans used to live on the surface. She says that there are tons of places like that around the world.

Back at the beach, food had been delivered. They all begin eating and Goro hands Zero Two a shish kabob. Zorome roasts a marshmallow. Zero Two tells Hiro that she's going to go swimming before running off to the sea. Mitsuru watches Futoshi stuff food into his mouth. Miku teases Futoshi and Zorome by lying on Kokoro's lap.

Hiro asks why they think humanity abandoned the surface and wonders if humanity hadn't started extracting magma energy, if the klaxosaurs wouldn't have showed up. Mitsuru asks if he's doubting Papa and the rest. He says that they moved into plantations in order to protect mankind. This pumps Zorome up, to Mitsuru's disdain, and Futoshi as well. Zorome asks if he agrees and when he shyly answers, he asks why he's acting so aloof when he's their teammate. Miku says that they have to put in both his and Naomi's share of the work. Kokoro says that she finds it reassuring that they're with them. Futoshi and Goro agree. Ichigo stands and officially welcomes him and Zero Two to the squad. He thanks them all.

When Zorome finds a crab, Futoshi wants to eat it. Mitsuru is surprised that he still wants to eat, causing the others to laugh. Zero Two watches this from the water.

The parasites all sleep close together, with Futoshi and Zorome lying atop one another. Ichigo lies awake in her sleeping bag. She sits up and finds Hiro getting up.

Episode 08: Boys × Girls
As the parasites are fighting a klaxosaur, it spews goo. It leaks into the cockpits and melts the girls' parasite suits. Though the boys begin spacing out, they don't tell the girls and they finish off the klaxosaur. Hiro finally tells Zero Two and the rest of the girls realize what's happened.

The girls cover themselves with a towel and glare at their partners. Besides Zero Two, who doesn't seem to mind. The boys look embarrassed, and Goro explains they only didn't tell because they didn't want to distract them during the battle. Futoshi says he didn't because he found Kokoro to be amazingly beautiful. Kokoro turns red and looks away. Mitsuru calls him an idiot and walks away.

Zorome tells him that it's not like it hurt them to be seen, and Hiro says that Zero Two said it is better that parasites are a bit pervy, which Zero Two confirms. This annoys the girls further.

As the girls shower, they discuss what happened and wonder how long they had been ogling them. Kokoro says they're taking things a bit too far, but Miku says that should quit.

The girls begin splitting the area of the house between the boys and girls. Zorome begins to cross, but is threatened by Miku and stops.

The girls talk about what's happened but notice that Zero Two is ignoring their split. As they go to reprimand her, the boys walk in from swimming in the lake wearing only boxers. Though Miku tells them to get dressed, he says they can do whatever they like on their side. As they clean the bath, Ichigo says that it must have been Goro's idea.

When they go to eat, the boys are already there. Goro says that they've already taken over the area. Miku becomes annoyed, so Goro suggests that drop all the rules and eat together. Zero Two walks in and Miku attempts to follow her, but the other girls pull her back.

When Kokoro enters a small greenhouse, she finds Mitsuru. He slips his medication into his pocket and she asks if he has an interest in plants as he tucks a baby book into her pocket. He says no, and that it's a good place for being alone. Kokoro says she begged Nana to let her take care of the greenhouse. She tells him about the meaning of some of the flowers and then asks if he doesn't mind chatting with her when the girls and boys are "feuding." He says it's stupid and can't be bothered. Kokoro is amazed and says it takes a lot of courage to refuse to toe the line and she was too scared to say anything. When he walks closer to her, she panics and drops her book. He says that it doesn't matter to him and walks out.

In one of the girls bedrooms, Miku asks whose side she's on. She says that they're just playing around, but Ichigo says they're serious. Hearing that, she says she'll play along.

She changes the girls only bath sign to allow boys and, when they enter naked, the girls are already bathing. They become angry and begin throwing bathing supplies at them. Zero Two runs out with their clothes and Hiro chases her. They meet on the roof where Hiro begins laughing after she throws their clothes in the air. She says she wanted to take part in a human fight.

The other parasites continue to bicker when Nana suddenly interrupts. She and Hachi scold the group after they get dressed. Hachi is surprised by Zero Two's participation. In the girl's room, Zero Two tells them if they half-ass things, they'll end up adults. She says to say what they want because they'll all die sooner or later before leaving the room.

In the boys room, Zorome is mad and Mitsuru says that they must look down of the boys. Hiro says it was fun and got to see a more human side of Zero Two. Mitsuru says it's not the same for them, since they have normal partners. Hiro says she is a normal girl and that pistils let stamen handle all the controls, but they bear the brunt of each battle. Futoshi, Goro, and Zorome agree that they should look after them.

Kokoro says that they need to begin working together again after looking at her book. She says that they need them to pilot the FRANXX and, blushing, having children. The pistil in the room feel that it is unusual for her to be so assertive. Miku says she's she'll continue no matter what and heads into one of the sealed rooms. There, she finds a picture of another group and panics. The rest find her and wonder what the room is. Zero Two says that it's probably one of the rooms the former Squad 13 used. Zorome questions what happened and Zero Two says they were obviously wiped out. Goro says stamen and pistil should know each other better.

Zorome apologizes and says he won't leer anymore. Miku says that she's too cute, so a little bits okay. Each pair of partner apologize to each other, except Mitsuru and Ikuno.

Miku narrates. ''The vase by the window had lilacs in it. What were the former Squad 13 parasites thinking when they placed them there? There is no way for us to find out now, but the next day, we went back and replaced them with fresh lilacs. In the language of flowers, lilacs represent friendship, fond memories, and youth.''

Later on, Zorome and Miku are seen bickering before they enter their FRANXX. Hiro says that he wants get to know Zero Two better. She tells him to grab on and never let go of her.

Episode 09: Triangle Bomb
The parasites are happy to receive their gifts: Kokoro receives a sewing kit.

Zorome shouts that he'll read Papa's message. The message is as follows: "Boys and Girls, your numerous accomplishments represent a ray of hope, a harbinger of peace and prosperity for mankind. Glory be to you noble parasites, who risk your lives for us." The parasites smile as he reads it out loud. The letter congratulates and praises them, making everyone happy. Hiro notices that Zero Two is unfazed by the letter.

As Hiro and Goro turn off their lights, Ikuno says she's turning off theirs. Ichigo tells her to wait. She puts her hairclip on her bedside table and snuggles her two stuffies. Zero Two looks at herself in Naomi's mirror.

Hachi tells the parasites that they've detected a Gutenberg-class Klaxosaur 2,000 from there. Nana says it's moving slowly. As she continues to talk, Hiro looks over at Ichigo but turns away when she looks at him.

The FRANXX approach the klaxosaur and Argentea approaches first. It is wrapped in tentacles and brought closer. It attaches explosives, which causes slight injury. Mitsuru notices the core and quickly charges at it. He only nicks it and it begins to multiply its jelly. Goro quickly pushes them out, but is stuck instead. Goro quickly launches Ichigo before it explodes.

Goro wakes up and turns off the alarms. Hiro begins messaging him. He says that Ichigo's fine but got knocked out by the ejection and is getting treated with Zorome and Miku. Hiro explains that he's inside the klaxosaur. They were ordered to retreat. Futoshi promises that they'll figure something out. Goro says that he's switching to safe mode to conserve power.

Ikuno says that you can't utilize a FRANXX's magma energy without its pistil. Mitsuru says that they are programmed to run their life support systems on backup power. Zero Two says he'll die if it runs out and they'll all be in danger.

Ichigo suddenly charges in with Miku and Zorome following. Though Miku tries to stop her, Ichigo asks what happened. Zorome says he told her that he tried to save them. She turns and asks why they aren't going to rescue him and how they could abandon him. She asks why he'd cut her loose when he's helpless alone. Zorome becomes uncomfortable and backs away from their argument. Miku sighs and calls her annoying and says that Goro's always looking out for her, like the time Hiro almost died when she broke down and Goro got her back on her feet. Ichigo asks what gives her the right to talk to her like that. Miku says that she's supposed to be the leader, but she loses her cool and lashes out constantly, and Goro must have a hard time with her as his partner.

Nana and Hachi enter and, smiling, Nana claps her hands and says that she's glad they're safe. Hachi explains that the klaxosaur vaporizes its bodily fluids to expand and explode. Kokoro asks if Goro's stuck in its fuel. Nana says that the fluid is harmless to FRANXX. Zorome says that they'll rescue Goro first, since he owes him. Hachi coldly says that their top priority is preventing the target from making contact with the plantation and explains their plan. Hiro angrily asks if they'll leave Goro to die. Nana says that if worst comes to worst. Hachi tells them to prepare to sortie. Ichigo asks to speak to Goro.

Goro says it's been 30 minutes since they radioed. Sweating, he tries to loosen his collar. In his hand, he holds Ichigo's hairpin. Ichigo calls out to him and he is happy that she came to. She suddenly shouts, scolding him, but he smiles. She sadly asks why he doesn't lean on her a little. Crying, she promises to save him, which Goro finds surprising. He says he came up with a plan and he's going to kill it and come home to her. He says he needs to go to conserve power.

Ichigo asks Hachi to be allowed to save him. Hiro agrees. Nana asks what they intend to do. Zero Two says that there's an exhaust hole on top of the klaxosaur.

Genista and Chlorophytum stand as the last line of defense. Ichigo sits in Strelizia's hand. Hiro says that, to get to Delphinium, she'll have to cross an area of highly pressurized vapor fuel. Zero Two says she wouldn't do it if she was her. Smiling, Ichigo says she believes in her. Zero Two smiles and says she doesn't dislike that. They throw her in and she swims to Delphinium.

Inside, Goro pants. He remembers two kids asking why he always picks fights with them. The other says he's weak, so it doesn't matter. Goro says he was sick of the communal lifestyle and thought he'd get to be alone if he made everyone hate him. Ichigo asks why he keeps getting into fights when he's so weak. He tells her to mind her own business. They push him to the ground. She helps him up and they defeat the other kids together. She says they can win together. Goro smiles and thinks that he loved her since then. Hiro suddenly walks in and smiles at Ichigo and the kids all stand around him and forget about the fight. Goro notices she is overjoyed to see him as well. Though he looks sad, he narrates that it was okay because Hiro was special to him in his own way too.

The klaxosaur approaches the line. Goro thinks that he used to think that he didn't mind if his feelings never got through to her. As Ichigo swims, her hair clip comes off. At 6%, Goro says that he has more than enough to self-destruct, and an extra pack. He says he wishes he could have told her. Ichigo suddenly bursts in and says that the air's thin. He asks why she came, and she says he's so headstrong, even though he's weak. She says that they can't win alone, but together they can. Goro smiles with tears in his eyes. He narrates that he though he was satisfied that she would cry for him, but he's happier than ever to see her smile. He extends his hand to her. They leave and Goro drops the bomb, causing it to explode once they're away from it.

Ichigo bandages him. He asks where her hair clip is. She looks around, distressed. He hands her his and she asks if he picked it up for her. He says that he waned to give it to her, but couldn't. Smiling, he says that he loves her. He says that he doesn't want to regret not taking action. She smiles and thanks him for being her partner, but she doesn't know how to respond to his love. He says he wasn't trying to put her on the spot. They hug and he asks if they can stay like that for a while.

Episode 10: The City of Eternity
The FRANXX attack a klaxasaur and easily disarm it. Zorome and Miku deliver the final blow, but Zorome takes too long to pull out and it shoots blood all over Argentea.

Zorome and Miku argue about their previous battle. Hiro notices that Zero Two seems sad, so he asks her what's wrong. She replies that she was just thinking about something and they both leave together. Nana shouts that she has good news.

The parasites gather around her and she happily explains that they have to wear their formal clothing the next day as Papa is going to award them medals. The ceremony will be held in the Plantation Parliament HQ. Though the other kids are excited, Zorome doesn't understand and seems indifferent to the medals. Miku explains that it means they can go into the city. Zorome looks to Nana for confirmation and she smiles. He becomes overjoyed and yells, to the annoyance of Miku.

Zero Two looks indifferent and turns to leave. Before she can, Nana stops her and says that she'll arrange for her to undergo tests while there. Zero Two says that she hates the tests and always feels lousy after she takes them. She turns and smiles, saying that she's in great shape right now and will pass on the tests for a while. After she leaves, Nana says that she thought she'd grown more obedient since she teamed up with a certain someone.

The next morning, the kids stand at the door and they remark that Zorome looks cooler than usual. Zorome smugly agrees, but Futoshi teasingly says that he was checking himself out in the mirror the entire morning. Mitsuru asks how he didn't get sick of it, causing Zorome to become angry. Kokoro giggles and says that he does look a lot cooler, though, returning him to his positive mood. Miku tells Kokoro not to flatter him, causing she and Zorome to bicker again. Hiro notices that Zero Two is being standoffish, but Hachi and Nana open the door and they all leave.

At an ID gate, Hachi and Nana easily pass through. The children hesitate so Nana tells them to come along. Zorome suddenly throws himself through the gate, to the amazement of the others, but lands on the ground.

The children marvel at the city. At the ceremony, the mayor congratulates them and thanks them for their efforts. When he congratulates Ichigo, she says that it was everyone's effort. He tells Zero Two that their plantation is honored that a former Nine like herself has joined them. He turns to Hiro and says that he's lived up well to the expectations placed upon him. Hiro thanks him, but looks troubled and turns to Zero Two who still looks indifferent.

He thanks Miku and when the mayor thanks Zorome, he is overjoyed and offers his hand. The mayor seems confused and walks away.

Afterwards, Zorome stares at his hand. When Hachi says that he's leaving the rest to Nana, the children are disappointed with how the ceremony actually played out. The girls push Nana to let them walk back, and she reluctantly agrees.

The children look around as they walk back. Zorome happily looks forward to when they too can live there as adults. The others disagree and feel like they won't be able to become adults, though they don't know why. Ikuno says this is an delusion.

The children marvel at the city's main energy source. When Goro asks Ichigo, she seems uncomfortable. He says that maybe he shouldn't have told her how he felt and says to not let it bother her.

Nana tells them they have to return, but Zorome wanders off and is separated. He looks at the energy source, but realizes that he's been separated and cannot contact the others.

Ichigo later happily announces that they found Zorome and everyone sighs in relief. Miku calls him a jerk for making them worry. She sentences him to clean the bath for a week..

Episode 11: Partner Shuffle
Ichigo reports that they killed 25 conrad-class klaxosaurs. Nana thanks her and says that the S-Planning in their area is proceeding smoothly, thanks to their efforts. Hachi tells codes 326 and 196 that they need to improve their kill count, and that their parasite score is dropping as well. Hachi dismisses the group, leaving him and Nana alone.

As the unit stands on guard, Zorome asks what "S-Planning" is. Hiro replies that it seems like they're digging for something, and Zero Two says that it's probably nothing good and she can smell klaxosaurs.

Futoshi tells Kokoro that they've grown stronger, as they're on a special mission. Kokoro says that it's thanks to him carrying her through. Futoshi says that she's his responsibility and she giggles and thanks him. Blushing and nervous, he asks that she promise to be his partner forever. She again smiles and agrees. Futoshi is happy and promises to always protect her. Miku suddenly interrupts and says he's gross. Zorome agrees and says to cut off his comm. Kokoro giggles, but Futoshi reprimands them for listening.

An alarm suddenly sounds and Ichigo announces that seven conrad-class klaxosaurs are approaching. Goro wonders if they have a nest nearby. Ichigo tells them to get ready. Chlorophytum suddenly falls to its knees. Ikuno turns to see what's wrong, and finds Mitsuru sweating and panting.

Goro notes that he had always been frail, and Ichigo adds that he was the only one who received the injection and came back. Miku is confused, so Ikuno says that it was the Elixir Injection, a highly concentrated drug that induced yellow blood cell production and greatly increases parasite aptitude. Miku asks if he had always acted that way. Goro says no, he used to follow Hiro around. Futoshi says that that's shocking and Zorome asks how they ended up butting heads. Goro says he doesn't know, but it started not long before he took the injection. He says that Hiro changed a little back then, too. Kokoro says that the injection has only a survival rate of 15% and didn't know he had such a risky procedure.

Nana suggests that they try a "partner shuffle." She tells them that it's simply an option available to them. The children discuss their thoughts, and Futoshi says that they don't need to, since he promised to protect her forever. He asks if she agrees and she reluctantly agrees.

Mitsuru watches Hiro from far away and Ikuno tells him to stop, since he knows what caused the mess. He asks what she's talking about. She tells him to drop the act and that it takes courage to face up to others and himself. He asks what her point is, and she says that he wants to be acknowledged, not by Papa or the adults. He suddenly shouts for her to shut up. Everyone turns to look at him, causing him to look ashamed. Ikuno smirks and says that it suits him better than acting cool and aloof. She says she's not like him.

Nana asks if there is anyone who wants to try piloting with a different partner. Ikuno asks to try a pistil-pistil connection as a backup plan when they've lost a stamen. She asks Ichigo to help. Ichigo is surprised by reluctantly agrees. Nana agrees to let them try and asks if there's anyone else. Kokoro shyly puts up her hand and asks to try with Mitsuru. This surprises everyone, and Futoshi is hurt. She apologizes, but he begins to cry.

Nana announces that 160 seconds have passed. Ichigo says she doesn't feel anything and they time out. Genista's score crossed the minimum required, though it is in the lower range, it is stable.

In the greenhouse, Kokoro twirls around and hums. To her doll, she says that the flowers smell nice. Mitsuru suddenly asks what she's doing, and she throws her doll in surprise. They sit together and she asks why he thinks humans stopped having children. He says probably because they don't need to anymore. She says that it seemed having a baby was the most natural thing. He tells her not to waste time thinking about unnecessary things, as one look at the adults makes it clear: They don't need others to live. He asks why she volunteered to be his partner and that Futoshi hates him now. He asks if it was out of pity. She says no, and begins to suggest something, but is interrupted by sirens.

A Gutenberg-class klaxosaur approaches and Hachi commands to set up a defensive line 500 meters from the S-Planning and neutralize the target. He says that Genista and Chlorophytum will act as rear support. As Kokoro and Mitsuru go to their FRANXX, Futoshi stops him and tells him to protect Kokoro. Mitsuru scoffs and says not to be ridiculous. Kokoro stops him and says she'll be fine. Futoshi tells her to be careful and says he'll do his best with Ikuno. Kokoro smiles and nods. Futoshi begins crying and rushes into the cockpit, causing Ikuno to sigh.

Zero Two suddenly attacks, and Hiro says that its core is too deep. She rushes in again and is trapped, forcing Miku and Ichigo to save her. She tells Ichigo to mind her own business and charges at it again. The pieces cut off turn into the Conrad-class klaxosaurs they'd been fighting. Before she can attack again, Hiro stops her and she tells him not to get in her way. He asks Ichigo what they should do. Kokoro says they need to shoot at it. Futoshi cries as they talk.

Three get past and Futoshi goes after it. He tells Ikuno that she's too tense, but they manage to kill it. Mitsuru struggles as well, and Kokoro says that there's no need to rush. Strelizia kills it for them and Hiro asks if they're okay. Kokoro thanks him, and he tells Mitsuru to hand in there before rushing back. Mitsuru becomes annoyed and charges blindly at the klaxosaur, causing them to smash into it. An operator announces that Genista's positive pulse is dropping below minimum. Though they are about to be squished, Chlorophytum protects them. Ikuno asks if they're okay. Kokoro thanks both of them. Miku and Ichigo cuts its back legs, but it begins stretching in place towards the S-Planning. Ichigo says she and Miky will stop it. Miku tells Chlorophytum to take care of Genista. Futoshi says that he'll protect her as they shoot into its foot.

Kokoro says that they should start over and turns toward Mitsuru. They power down and he tells her that if she places her hopes in him, she'll only be let down because he's incompetent. She disagrees and Hachi suddenly orders them to reconnect. She enters them into radio silence, leaving Hachi confused. Kokoro says that he can rely on others more and that she believes in him. She tells him to believe in her too. He smiles and asks if she's joking.

As a child, he asks Hiro to pilot together. Hiro smiles and promises. After his injection, he approaches Hiro, who forgot all about it. He tells Kokoro that believing in someone will only get you betrayed. He says he was a fool for expecting anything from him and asks why he would make a promise if he was going to forget about it. He holds his head in his hands and cries.

Kokoro says that must have deeply hurt him. She says that she acted similarly towards Futoshi and she isn't the nice girl they think she is. She says that if someone did something like that to her, she wouldn't have any right to complain or blame them. He angrily asks if he should forgive him, then. She says that they aren't perfect like the adults, but she wants to have relationships. She says she believes in him. She turns and begins to enter stampede mode. Mitsuru suddenly hugs her and she stops. He asks how she can trust someone so much. They smile at each other.

Genista reconnects and they all work together to kill it. Afterwards, Futoshi asks why he was so reckless, and Kokoro is about to stop him but Mitsuru stops her. He punches him in the face and Kokoro rushes to care for him. He asks why he didn't dodge it. Mitsuru asks if he realizes how unreasonable he's being. Futoshi shouts at him before Mitsuru slowly says that he promises to protect her. Futoshi falls to his knees and says that he loved her.

Episode 12: The Garden Where It All Began
''Hiro narrates that where he came from doesn't matter to him, but he does about living life to its fullest. He thinks this is what it means to be human. Though he thought that Zero Two felt the same, he isn't sure.''

The episode opens with the members of Squad 13 looking out of a large window within a vehicle, seeing the Garden as they approach it. Zero Two is elsewhere within the vehicle, looking for picture books but to no avail.

''Hiro narrates that they are headed to the Garden; where they grew up. It's a parasite development facility where hundreds of children live. There is also the research hub (Nursery 3: Laboratory).''

As they walked into the lab. Miku says she saw it every day but never went inside. Kokoro says that very few children got to enter, though Hiro did a few times. Hiro says he was designated special research subject. When Futoshi adds that Mitsuru would have went there too, Hiro doesn't remember and Mitsuru is offended.

Nana tells them that they were brought to run tests on them. She says that they are banned from entering the Garden. When Goro and Ichigo wonder what they're being tested on, Hiro says that they're probably just tagging along with Zero Two. Hachi confirms that she in particular will undergo thorough testing.

The nines appear and 9'α says she must be there for maintenance as well. She walks away and he says she's the same as always. Kokoro wonders who he is and Miku says he's hot. Nana introduces them and 9'α says it's a pleasure to meet them. He asks that they escort Ioto safe and sound. Ichigo asks where he means. He says that they must know that all the plantations on the continent are currently heading there. Nana says she'll tell them later.

Hiro asks why she's called "Iota" and he says that she used to be a Nine as well. He says that he's surprised a normal squad could "tame" her. Ichigo says that she's one of them and that the "special forces" haven't been taught basic etiquette. She says that she'd rather fight along Zero Two than them. He laughs and says that they aren't a normal squad. He walks over and kisses Ichigo's hand.

Nana calls Squad 13 to leave. As they walk away, he says that he'd love to be part of their squad sometime. She says that they only have space in the attic and it wouldn't befit them. He says to himself that she's proud and dignified.

''Hiro asks Zero Two if something happened recently as she looks through books. He asks that she talk about it since they're partners. She asks to kiss. He agrees but backs up as she approaches. When she opens her mouth, he notices her teeth and she stops, saying to never mind.''

Disobeying orders, Hiro, with the other members of Squad 13 visit the old facilities where they were raised in, hoping to meet Naomi again. Naomi is nowhere to be seen and the adults refuse to tell them where she is. They also discover that the children from Garden are being developed into Parasites at a much earlier age, in response to the increased number of Klaxosaur attacks. When a group of Klaxosaurs attack the Garden, Squad 13 is dispatched, and Hiro notes that Zero Twos canines and horns have grown longer. During the battle, a hysteric Zero Two ignores direct orders and attacks alone, claiming that she must kill more Klaxosaurs in order to become truly human. After the battle, Hiro asks the meaning of her words, but she refuses to answer. Meanwhile, Ichigo eavesdrops on a conversation between Nana and Hachi in which they affirm with each other that the Saurification process in Zero Two and Hiro is intensifying, much to her horror. When the second wave of the Klaxosaurs attack, Squad 13 sorties again and once more Zero Two turns rogue. Hiro is attacked by Zero Two whilst trying to stop her, and he receives visions of a past long forgotten.

Episode 13: The Beast and the Prince
Nana warns that Hiro's and Zero Two's consciousnesses will connect through Strelizia and merge.

Delphinium's arm is ripped off and thrown along with Strelizia. Ichigo yells for Hiro to get away from Zero Two or he'd lose his humanity.

Episode 14: Punishment and Confession
Zero Two and Hiro realize they knew each other as children. Zero Two catches Hiro before he collapses and asks if he's her darling from her childhood and is horrified thinking of what she had done. Ichigo suddenly interrupts and throws her off of him and into Goro. He asks if she's alright as Ichigo tries to revive Hiro. The other FRANXX wait. When they return to the docking facility, Hiro is taken for treatment. Zero Two realizes what Hiro meant when he said he wanted to understand her better.

At an APE hospital room, Nana notes that his yellow blood cell count has gone far beyond what the human body can handle and his saurification could begin at any moment.

Zero Two goes to talk to Hiro, but is stopped by Ichigo. She blames her for his hospitalization and says she can't see him again. Goro and Miku tell her to calm down. When Ichigo reveals that Hiro will lose his humanity, the rest of the parasites don't believe her and ask Zero Two. She tells them to shut up and mind their own business. Ichigo stops her again from seeing him and says that she isn't a member of their team.

Hiro wakes up and is surrounded by his teammates. He asks where Zero Two is and Ichigo says she stopped her. Hiro has strangulation marks on his neck. They all leave, but Hiro stops Mitsuru.

Hiro says that he made a promise to him before he got an Elixer Injection. Mitsuru is surprised, but says to never mind and it was a long time ago. He says he'd forgotten about it before that. He says that any other stamen would've died long ago. He tells him to listen to Ichigo and stay away from her. Hiro says that he has something to ask her and thanks Mitsuru.

He says that after that day, his aptitude kept decreasing. Though he felt like he died, she gave him a new life. He thinks it must be because he drank her blood. Zero Two sits in her room, biting her nails.

Hachi announced they must neutralize every klaxosaur inhabiting Gran Crevasse. Nana says that it is a joint operation with the 9's and FRANXX squad from each plantation. He says that Squad 13 is schedules to be part of the sixth wave. Nana says it will be their most difficult mission and Ichigo raises her hand. She asks that Zero Two is removed from Squad 13 as of that mission and, if not, Squad 13 will not participate in the operation. Nana says that she was set to return to the 9's as of the mission anyway. Zero Two protests, but the parasites stop her from seeing him.

When Hiro gets up, he is stopped by Miku. Zero Two is also guarded and prevented from leaving her room. Ichigo comes in to see Hiro and they chat. She gives him an apple. She tells him that Zero Two is returning to the 9's the next night. She asks if he hates her and says that, even if he does, not to go anywhere.

Hiro apologizes and Ichigo cuts her thumb, so Hiro bandages it for her. Zero Two remembers what Ichigo said and thinks that she knew she could never be a human. Ichigo leaves the knife and apple peels. Zero Two breaks out of her room as Ichigo returns. She roughly throws Goro against a window. Ichigo scolds Zero Two and asks if she wants to lie to him again. She says she's wrong and just wants to talk to him.

Goro tells Ichigo to let her see him and Kokoro agrees, stating that it's sad to see them apart. Goro says that she can meet him, but they're all going to be there. When they enter the room, it's empty. Hiro had used the knife to make a rope out the curtains. He then tied the knife to it and climbed upstairs, escaping containment. Zero Two becomes enraged and says that they tricked her. Hiro unknowingly goes to Zero Two's room.

He asks through the door if she knew about their past. He opens the door to find the room destroyed. He returns to the hospital to find all his teammates unconscious and her attacking Ichigo. Zero Two, with a devious grin, invites Hiro to "talk lots and lots". Hiro scolds her for being such a monster. She realizes the damage she'd done to him.

Zero Two leaves the plantation as the other parasites watch her leave silently. She passes by Hiro without saying anything. When Ichigo suggests they go inside, she finds that he's crying. He is about to go after her, but Ichigo stops him, saying he'll turn into a monster. When he turns away again, she grabs his face and kisses him.

9'a greets Zero Two and presents her with the stamen that Dr. FRANXX brought for her.

Ichigo says she doesn't regret the kiss they shared during the mock battle and that she wants to be with him forever. Goro overhears this and sadly smiles. Ichigo says that he'd always been her everything and that she'd never been interested in anyone else. He looks up to see Zero Two's ship.

Episode 15: The Bird that Shares Wings
At Cerasus's international briefing room, Hachi explains that their objective is to take control of Gran Crevasse. Though another group is attacking, they aren't making headway. Squad 13 is to group up with squads from other plantations.

Kokoro asks what Gran Crevasse is. Nana shows them a video where a large amount of klaxosaur are. Hachi explains that taking over Gran Crevasse is Papa's long-standing wish and would be a turning point in humanity's history. On screen, a large group of FRANXX walk behind Strelizia in it's stampede mode.

Hiro watches Zero Two attack a klaxosaur. Ichigo suddenly grabs his hand and squeezes, but doesn't look up at him.

The parasites of Chrysanthemum struggle against the klaxosaurs large numbers. 090 screams when one of his squadmates is almost killed. Strelizia kills it, saving the FRANXX, and 9'α appears to take out more of them. He compliments 090 saying he did well for humans. He says they'll take over, so they can go in the rear.

In Cerasus's command room, they receive a message from mission command saying they're prepared to sortie. Nana tells the kids to get ready. The parasites all walk away to battle. Goro tells him not to be sad, because they'll be fine. Ichigo says that she'll teach him how to pilot from the ground up once she gets back. He asks them to come back alive, and they smile at him.

The 6th united FRANXX company begins marching together. The 9's take out a bunch of klaxosaur. Ichigo is amazed, saying it's like having a bunch of Strelizias. 9'α says that there's a lot of them. 9'β points out Plantation 13 fighting. He jumps behind Ichigo and says that her FRANXX is adorable. She sarcastically thanks him. He says that they're holding them off fine, but they're not making any progress and that the Crevasse has been sealed off inside a thick dome. They need to strike from the inside to get rid of it. Hiro sadly watches from the control room.

The unit takes out many klaxosaurs and Unit 26 notes that they're fighting well. 090 notes that they're still all over the place, but he's happy they're there. He tells them to regroup. They are about to enter the hole in the wall, but the klaxosaur all flee. The control room detects magma energy readings underground ascertained to be super lehmann-class klaxosaur. Dr. FRANXX walks in and is amazed that it was hidden underground. Hachi says he never heard of that class.

As it comes from underground, it pushes the plantation on its side and it begins to break. 090 reacts in horror as his home is destroyed. Vice Chairman says to get 090 on the line and tells him they're moving to Protocol 32. He tells him that it's a great honour. The klaxosaur moves toward plantation 13. Unit 26 lines up with bombs. He whispers that they're counting on 13 now before the squad explodes. It stops, but its face smashes through the wall and it releases klaxosaur inside. Zero Two runs in and begins attacking. The adults say that they have to neutralize the Super Lehmann-Class and Papa and the rest will take care of Gran Crevasse. Nana says that Dr. FRANXX should return to HQ and Hiro to Misilteinn. Dr. FRANXX asks if he finds her more beautiful than any human, pure, proud, and more alone than anyone like a klaxosaur. Hiro says that she isn't a klaxosaur. He says that he thought she had finally found a partner and Hiro goes up to Misilteinn.

The FRANXX struggle against their large numbers. Zero Two takes out a large amount of klaxosaurs. 9'β says that she's in a foul mood. 9'α says that the though of getting on that unseemly beast's bad side gives him the chills.

In Zero Two's room, he finds scratches and blood on the wall. In front of the window, he finds Naomi's mirror, which Zero Two taped back together after breaking it. Gulping, he asks himself why he's holding back.

Kokoro says that they're being pushed back. Chlorophytum runs out of ammo, so they use a pillar to attack. Argentea is pushed back, and the Old Woman watches it walk forward from her window. Ichigo watches Strelizia and Goro tries to get her to focus. They notice a training unit zip by them, as does Argentea. They realize it's Hiro. The training unit is taken out, so Delphinium stops him and says that he won't let him see her. Goro suddenly stops. He says he can't stand watching Hiro and Zero Two like that anymore. He steps out and tells Hiro to get in. He says that Hiro has something to say and Ichigo is worried about her too, so he asks her to take him to Zero Two.

Hiro apologizes to Ichigo and they begin to connect. Finally connecting to him, Ichigo is disappointed to find that all his memories are of Zero Two. She cries as they head out. Smiling, Goro quietly wishes them good luck. Argentea picks him up and Zorome and Miku ask what he's acting so cool for.

Zero Two thinks she was human, though she pretended, she wished to become one. Ichigo charges towards her. She begins attacking and says that she's sick of how she always toys with her. After Strelizia breaks her spear, Delphinium slaps her and says she wishes she'd never known her. She breaks her helmet and Ichigo says to get her act together as she headbutts her.

As the door opens, he finds that her horns have grown and branched and her eyes are red. He says that he came to see her. Ichigo says to protect Strelizia since it's the only one that can kill the monster.

As Genista and Argentea attack klaxosaurs, one of the cores crack in half and something falls out of the center. Ikuno says it looks like a human. Suddenly, there is an explosion. As it is announced that the backup plan is almost complete, Papa says that they can let the plantation go now. The stamen of the plantation are confused as to why they're making in plantations self-distuct. 9'ε and 9'a says that they're planning to end things without Strelizia's help. Dr. FRANXX is disgusted with their choice.

Hiro tries to connect, but he gets no response. He holds her horns and asks to be taken to her. A man says that, though 016's memories were erased, 002's couldn't be completely erased. The doctor tells them to continue to try and erase, regardless of the effects on her and orders Hiro back to the garden. He says that he's probably useless now that he ingested her blood.

She cannot remember things, but begins to when she recognizes familiar actions. She licks her wounds in a similar way. Seeing her book, she begins eating it. She learns the word "boku" and Zero Two, and "darling." She remembers him getting attacked and begins crying.

Zero Two's horns break and Hiro hugs her. She pushes him away and tells him not to look at her. They apologize and cry holding each other. He says they can see the world together and kisses her as she cries. Strelizia is attacks and transforms into a red version of it and easily takes out the klaxosaur. They confess their love for each other. Futoshi and Zorome cry and Ichigo says she's happy for them. The 9's begin attacking as well. The sages say that the door to Gran Crevasse has been opened and the day of humanity's liberation is upon them.

Inside the mountain klaxosaur, they find that its core is a collective mass of cores. A large hand suddenly shoots up from the ground. 9'a laughs and says that it reacted quickly. It smashes a majority of the plantation, leaving mistiltein.

Episode 16: Days of Our Lives
Futoshi says that, in the battle of Gran Crevasse, their plantation was left in ruins, but they're still living in Mistilteinn. They stand by and wait for their next mission. One month has passed since they were given those orders. He says that the damage to the plantation has affected the water supply system, and they had to restrict their electricity usage. Their caretakers are gone too. Though food supply is delivered once a week.

Futoshi, Kokoro, and Miku do the laundry. Zero Two suddenly bangs a spoon against a pot. Kokoro and Miku discuss that she's on messenger duty this week. Goro finds a note among the boxes and puts it in his pocked.

Mitsuru and Hiro inspect Cerasus' water sources. Mitsuru says that it's turning foul as well. Hiro says they should try and filter it. Mitsuru says that their water supply could stop at anytime as he stands up. They're interrupted when Zero Two bangs on the pot and says that breakfast is ready.

Ichigo serves up their rations. When Zorome complains, Ichigo takes his rations and says he doesn't have to eat it. Ikuno enters and offers to help, but Ichigo says that it's fine and asks if her fever went down. Zero Two places her forehead on Ikuno and says that she's 36.7 degrees (a normal body temperature) but tells her not to push herself.

They pray for Papa before they eat, though Zero Two eats anyway. Zero Two lists off the chores and Miku, smiling, notes that she's meticulous.

As the stamen eat, Futoshi stops. Hiro asks if he's okay. Futoshi lies and says he's dieting. Zorome laughs and pinches his stomach, saying he isn't cut out for it.

Mitsuru went to the greenhouse and asked Kokoro to cut his hair. She was confused, questioning where that request came from but upon seeing Mitsuru timidly look down, she merrily accepted. As she cuts, Mitsuru wondered what he was hoping for with Hiro. He admitted that he was wrong and was probably using his grudge to carve out a niche for himself and now he has nothing.

Kokoro tells him to look up and giggles when he looks. He asks if he looks weird, and she says he looks handsome. She says that, if he understand, he can start over.

He smiles and says her saying that makes him feel like he can do anything, she's kind and gifted with her hands. Kokoro gets down on her knees and kisses him. Mitsuru is quite surprised and does not say anything. Kokoro, embarrassed, apologizes and runs away.

The girls bathe in the river. Miku asks if they seen Mitsuru's hair as she washes Zero Two's hair. Ikuno says that he looks pretty good. Zero Two sees a fish and is about to get it, but Miku stops her. Miku says that her hair's a pretty color, and Zero Two says that Hiro said so too. Miku pours water on her head and asks if they always talk about corny stuff. She tackles her and pushes her into the water. When she says that she'll wash hers, she notices that she has grey hair.

The parasites meet in their living room and Ichigo says that they have five sources they can use for drinking water. Mitsuru says that only two of them are only usable with filtering. Ikuno asks if they can repair the circulation system themselves. Hiro says that Mistilteinn doesn't have the equipment. Futoshi says that their access to the elevator is restricted too. Zorome asks why they don't send a letter to Papa and ask him to fix it. Goro says that he doesn't think there'd be a point. The parasites sadly reflect on their vulnerability, so Zero Two says that they should cook their own food.

Hiro agrees with her, and Mitsuru agrees with him, remarking how there are cookbooks in the library. Kokoro says that maybe they could do it then. They all agree, except for Zorome who pouts.

When Futoshi starts a fire, he tries to show Zorome. Zorome asks if he's not dieting. He eventually becomes enthused as well. Miku and Ikuno make dough. Kokoro makes a salad and Mitsuru reads a cooking book. Ichigo welcomes Hiro, Goro, and Zero Two back from fishing. Zorome and the rest are impressed with the 11 fish that she caught. Goro caught 9 and Hiro, awkwardly smiled and scratched his head, saying he didn't catch any. Zero Two says she'll teach him later. The others want to try fishing as well.

Goro asks Ichigo how she is, and she says that the mood really changed. She happily watches as Zero Two tells the rest how to fish. Ichigo says that Hiro was right about her being a normal girl. She says she wants whats best for her and Hiro.

Before they eat, they all marvel at how they were able to cook. Though Ichigo's about to pray, Zorome starts eating and says why should they when they did everything themselves. He says it's good as Miku tries Kokoro's salad. When she says it's good, Kokoro is happy and she and Mitsuru smile at each other.

Zorome is happy at what they've accomplished and tries to get Futoshi to eat. Futoshi accidentally drops the food and Mitsuru asks if he's okay. As he picks glass, Zorome tells him to quit forcing himself. Zorome begins helping. He says that he knows Futoshi is forcing himself to eat and throwing it back up. Though Futoshi denies it, Zorome grabs his collar and begins crying. He says he has to eat to survive. Futoshi forces himself to eat and Hiro puts his hand on his back.

Zorome asks why Papa isn't getting in touch as he cries. Miku begins crying as well.

Mitsuru says that as pilots, there's a limit to their lives. Miku cries as she says that she was worried too, but too scared to speak up. Ikuno and Goro agree. Goro says that he'd been writing to Nana and Hachi to let them know how they're doing, but they never accepted them. Hiro says it's fine if they were cast aside by Papa as long as he's with them and there's more to their lives than piloting. Futoshi starts crying and says he's hungry. They all laugh and Zorome says he suits being fat.

Episode 17: Eden
Kokoro reads her baby book by the greenhouse. Ikuno reads on the boarding house's steps when she looks down the path.

9'α, β, γ, δ, and ε stand at the door. Ichigo asks why they're there. 9'α says they came to check on Papa's orders and that he had been worried sick about them. This is a great relief to Zorome and Miku. 9'β notes the problems in their environment and 9'γ agrees. 9'α asks for them to ready rooms for them. Ichigo is surprised that they intend to stay there, and he smiles and says that he'd taken a liking to them.

Ichigo is surprised to hear that all the surviving squads had been gathered in one place and sadly asks why they were the only ones left out. 9'γ says that it wasn't what Papa wanted and that Hachi and Nana should have told them about it.

Miku cries while eating, and 9'δ asks why. Smiling, she says that she's just relieved that they weren't left there to die. Zorome throws his arm over 9'β shoulders and encourages him to eat, though he politely refuses his offer.

Ichigo says that she assumed that they were there to take Zero Two back. 9'ε laughs and says they aren't her babysitters but her squad mates. Even though she didn't seem pleased to see them.

9'δ looks through the hallway when she almost bumps into Kokoro. She holds her before she falls and asks if she's okay. Kokoro thanks her and asks what she's doing. She says exploring and asks that she doesn't tell the others. She agrees to and bows after saying goodnight. On the ground, she notices her baby handbook.

In the glass building, 9'δ brings the book to the other nines. 9'α notes that it covers things that Papa hadn't taught anyone. Kokoro smiles as she plays with a doll in her room.

Kokoro brushes Mitsuru's hair in the greenhouse. She says that, since the nines are there, someone should be coming to get them soon. Mitsuru says that he'll be a bit sad to leave, since they only began spending time together after he came there. She smiles and begins patting his head. She slides her hand down the nape of his neck, to his confusion. She says that his body is much tougher than a girl's. She rubs his chest and says that boys and girls have such different bodies, and there's a reason. Mitsuru asks what she means. She says she read that boys and girls can create new life by joining their bodies together. She gulps and undoes his shirt, saying that it represents hope for them. He shoves her hand away and stands, asking what she's doing.

Before she can explain, Zorome asks if they just tried to stick their bodies together and if they're imitating Hiro and Zero Two. Mitsuru zips up his shirt and asks if he needed something. He says that he was supposed to be on water duty. When he asks again what they were doing, he says he'll get the water. He stomps off saying to hurry up then. Mitsuru asks why she did that out of nowhere. She says she'd been thinking about it for a long time.

When Hiro and Mitsuru enter the living room, Miku says that he's there. Smiling, Ichigo says that Zorome told them about him and Kokoro. Ikuno says that she's not surprised. Zorome angrily explains that he just asked if a boy and a girl getting all clingy was the cool thing to do. Miku tells him to be quiet. Futoshi suddenly grabs Mitsuru's collar and asks if they'd kissed. Kokoro looks down, embarrassed, and they realizes they had. This upsets Futoshi and begins to say that, if they're happy but is interrupted with the 9's entering the room.

9'α holds up the childbirth handbook and asks if they recognize it. With Kokoro and Mitsuru's reaction, he says that they do. He asks for an explanation from Kokoro, since she's the one who dropped it. He says that it's strange, since it wouldn't have been provided in the study there, and it doesn't belong to her. Kokoro apologizes for not telling them all.

She turns to her squad and says she wants to make a baby. This confuses the other parasites. 9'α smiles and says that Papa had banned that. Zorome says that it sounds bad and Goro asks Mitsuru if she said anything, and he fidgets uncomfortably.

Kokoro turns back to the nines and asks if it's so bad since it's how all humans were born. Futoshi asks if Papa didn't create them. She says they were born like any other animal and it had always been like that for all living things. She says that's why they have boys and girls. She says that she wants to leave something behind before she's gone. She happily explains that their purpose in life isn't just to ride FRANXX and that they could carry new lives and leave them for the future. She says that it made her happy to hear that, but she is interrupted by 9'a calling her disgusting. When she turns to him, he says that she's disgusting.

He explains that humans have evolved and cast their reproductive functions aside in the process. Reject that, and they all have to go back to conforming to one gender. He asks if gender isn't just a pain that's tolerated to operate the FRANXX. Kokoro has tears in her eyes and Mitsuru begins to say something, but Ikuno suddenly walks up and slaps him. 9'γ whistles and the other nines seem surprised, as is Ichigo. Ikuno asks what it matters if it's a pain. alpha says that humans have also cast away their tendency to be ruled by emotions like her since it serves no purpose. He smiles and tells them to look at themselves, though.

Ikuno begins to walk up to him, but is pulled back by Goro and Ichigo. Nana and Hachi appear and ask them to stop.

Nana exclaims that this is why she didn't want to let the nines in. Hachi calmly says that Papa sent them, so they couldn't just turn them away. She says that they should put an end to their test now. Kokoro asks what she means. Hachi says that it was on Dr. FRANXX's orders that they didn't contact them over the past month and that it would be their final test. Though they still monitored them, and know what she was trying to do with Mitsuru. Nana says that no one can speak of that, let alone do it. When Kokoro asks why they have organs for reproduction, Nana says to pilot the FRANXX. She asks what her feelings are for then. Nana has a blurred flashback and then swipes at Kokoro before clutching her head. She tells her to be quiet. Hachi tells her to return to her dorm and they'll give her her orders in time. Kokoro runs out of the room.

Mitsuru leaves the greenhouse and finds Kokoro crying on one of the beds. She says she was wrong and apologizes for trying to force him to go along with it. He tells her not to and says she wasn't forcing him to do anything. She says he's lying and tells him not to try and be nice. She asks that he leave her alone. As she walks out, he grabs her arm and refuses. He pulls her into a hug and asks for her to lean on him more because he wants to make her happy. She asks if it was so bad to create a new life and if they aren't allowed to think of the future. He kisses her and she pulls him closer to her, and they sleep together.

Episode 18: When the Sakura Blooms
Mitsuru wakes up after spending the night with Kokoro. They look out the window together where sakura petals float in the wind. He says it's beautiful and she agrees.

Hiro explains to the parasites that he wants to have a wedding. As they don't know what it is, Hiro explains that it was a ceremony where two people would make a vow together. Miku asks who will get married. Hiro says Kokoro and Mitsuru. Kokoro says that Hiro told them about it and it sounded wonderful. Mitsuru says they decided to do it before leaving. Goro, Miku, and Zorome voice their support. Though they stop to check on Futoshi, he exclaims that he wants to play the priest so he can be right beside Kokoro and Mitsuru to congratulate them. Kokoro thanks him.

Zero Two shows Kokoro a drawing of a wedding dress. Kokoro asks what material they can use to make it. Miku and Ichigo collect curtains to do so. Ichigo looks around the abandoned room that the couple slept in and notices a camera. Mitsuru and Goro make rings for the wedding and Mitsuru explains what they're for. When Goro says that Kokoro will love it, Mitsuru blushes and says he hopes so.

The parasites paint the side of the house. Ichigo bring Ikuno out and they all pose for a picture.

The next day, Mitsuru paces at the bottom of the stairs. Kokoro comes down in her wedding dress. Mitsuru looks at her but becomes embarrassed and looks away. She takes his hand and says they'll find happiness together. Ikuno runs down the stairs and gives them each flowers and then opens the doors.

Zorome asks if they ring the bells now and Miku says yes. The parasites ring their bells as Mitsuru and Kokoro walk together as well as throwing petals. Futoshi cries.

Futoshi tells the couple to exchange rings. After they do, Futoshi tells them to kiss. Before they can, they are interrupted by APE SP who tell them to freeze. When Zorome questions them, he is hit with a gun. Futoshi stands in front of them and tells them to run. They do, but are stopped by the nines. Alpha tells them that Papa said they were dangerous and need to be re-indoctrinated.

Zero Two leaps forward and Alpha asks if she's still playing human. She tries to attack him, but he jumps away. The other nines begin attacking her as well. They hold her down and Alpha tells her that she mustn't defy Papa. SP take the couple and tear them from each other. Hachi comes down the steps and watches.

At the Bird Nest, Ikuno says the parasites are being summoned in order. Miku says that it reminds her of Garden. The stamen talk about how it's been weeks since their last mission. Ichigo gets a message and they go to the door.

Kokoro and Mitsuru walk through. Though they still have their rings, they don't remember the wedding or each other. Hachi watches them as well.

Kokoro walks through a hall and notices a sakura.

Episode 19: Inhumanity
Futoshi shouts at Kokoro and says that she isn't changing his mind and storms off. Mitsuru asks what they were talking about, and she says he doesn't want to be her partner anymore and that he'll team up with Ikuno and he wants her to team up with Mitsuru. They're both confused, and Mitsuru says that they keep telling them all this stuff that happened between them, but neither of them remember anything. He says he doesn't believe he'll develop feelings for her. She agrees.

Goro says that Mitsuru and Kokoro were implanted with fake memories. Ichigo wonders if their memories are lost forever. Futoshi asks if what they did warranted their memories being erased. Zorome says that Papa has his reasons. Miku asks if he's serious and Ikuno says they destroyed everything about the wedding they'd worked so hard for. Zorome says that they've only had Papa their whole lives. Miku says she thought he was better than that.

Hiro asks that Misturu and Kokoro's memories be returned. Papa refuses and says that they removed the unnecessary information and there is no way to return them. The rest of the parasites are distressed and the Vice Chairman says that what they're doing is a severe breach of protocol and would normally be punished, but they'll let it off with a mere mention on their record. He says to return to their waiting quarters. Futoshi demands that they apologize. Zorome asks how many klaxosaurs they have to kill before they can become adults. They don't answer and Zorome asks what they're living for. Hiro says that they took away Zero Two and his precious memories as well as Kokoro and Mitsuru's. He says they can't see him as their Papa and to set them free once the battle is over. Papa agrees, as long as they fulfill their duties in next mission. Then they hang up. Dr. FRANXX tells them to show whether they can become real humans. Hiro says he saw him in Zero Two's memories and that he can't forgive him before walking out.

Episode 20: A New World
Nana's replacement explains to the parasites that the Star Entity is now under their control and they'll be booting it up the next day. The FRANXX squads are tasked with keeping all enemies away from it. Miku asks where Nana is, and she replies that she is Nana. She introduces herself as Code 007 and says that she's been appointed the new caretaker of Squad 13. Ichigo asks what the Star Entity is, and Nana says it's a klaxosaur weapon. Ichigo asks if it's risky, but Nana simply smiles.

Futoshi tells Goro that both Kokoro and Mitsuru took off their rings. Goro is surprised he noticed and begins to ask if he's not over her, but stops and apologizes. Kokoro suddenly spills her water and runs to the bathroom to throw up. Miku, Ichigo, and Ikuno follow her and Ikuno says that it'd been happening a lot lately. Ichigo says maybe she shouldn't go along with the upcoming mission. She says she must for Papa, even if she dies. Miku hugs her and says that none of them are his and they have to leave their mark on the future, just like she said.

On D-Day, at Bird Nest, Vice Chairman says that APE has always desired peace and prosperity for mankind. Marmoset tells them to offer all of themselves. Papa says they will finally prevail. 9'α watches the squad and becomes annoyed when he sees Zero Two yawn.

After the assembly, the 9's mock squad 13. Zero Two steps forward and says they're all stronger than them, since they have their eyes on the future. This angers Alpha and he says that Papa only treats them differently because they're his tools before they all walk away. The squad is thankful to Zero Two but are interrupted by a siren.

An announcer says that a klaxosaur pack is headed towards Gran Crevasse. The parasites all head out. Kokoro rubs her finger and Mitsuru says they were partners, so they should be able to connect.

At the Gran Crevasse ruins, the FRANXX attack the klaxosaur. When Mitsuru compliments Kokoro, he has a pain in his head when saying her name. Genista struggles, and Kokoro gets the same pain when saying "Mitsuru."

Hiro asks how she can pilot Strelizia. She says it was originally one of their brethren. Her horns begin glowing and she sends a message to the pilots. Dr. FRANXX and Hachi hear as well. Dr. FRANXX says that he found that the klaxosaur split into two forms. One returned to the earth and became energy. Baboon says that the seal is an affront. Gorilla says that the magma energy is part of the planet's resources that saved humans from ruin. 001 says they're selfish and asks if they now want to steal her child. She says she will not allow it and that the child is a crystallization of their bonds.

Alpha tells her not to talk down to Papa. Dr. FRANXX finishes that the other form consumed that energy and evolved physically and stopped mingling with one another and lost their intelligence. Hachi asks what they are, and he says weapons built by the klaxo sapiens. They are composed of one male and one female klaxo sapiens. The female's soul connected to the weapon, and the male's soul took root in the core, the cockpit. Hachi says that it's similar to the FRANXX. Dr. FRANXX says they're an application of the klaxosaur system. Klaxosaurs that can be piloted by humans genetically modified to be similar. The parasites realize they'd been kept in the dark.

001 tells her child to awaken since they're nearly there. She begins the implanting process. Papa says that he was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but they have no choice. Vice Chairman says they wanted to take it and Hringhorni to space as soldiers. Papa says that, if they can't have it, then it can go down along with the planet and they will return to their original roles.

Klaxosaur begin popping out from the ground and shooting into space. They shoot spaceships in the sky. Star Entity wakes up and Dr. FRANXX says its beautiful. 001 says that the humans made her ugly, but it's okay. She says a long time ago, when they were attacked by invaders from the expanse of space, they fought and drove them off and then holed up in the earth to prepare. They shoot at a VIRM fleet. They shoot back and 001 says that she won't let them touch their planet. It shoots back and destroys it. Papa says its futile and she asks what VIRM did to their child. The chairman and vice chairman's masks fall and the vice chairman says that Star Entity is a mass of life that could disturb the universe's peace. Papa says that if the klaxosaur princess took over the implanting process, they programmed it to explode. They say that the planet will explode and leave nothing behind. Papa says that they'll take them to eternal paradise.

Episode 21: For You, My Love
Vice Chairman announces that it is VIRM's will for star energy, which is a mass of life that could disturb the universe's peace. Papa says that if the klaxosaur princess took over the implanting process, they programmed it to explode. The other members of the counsel are confused and Papa explains that they have assimilated several lifeforms from all over the universe and helped them break free of the shells of their bodies. Vice Chairman says that the time has come for humans to embrace their evolution. They say that there exists a form of pleasure that is gentle and perpetual that they will experience. The three fall to the ground.

The other parasites watch as VIRM kills other parasites. They wonder who they should be fighting. The parasites wonder what they should do and worry about what the announcement said. They agree to return to Gran Crevasse to see for themselves.

As Unit 13 continues, they run into the 9's. They command them to return and continue to follow Papa's orders. The FRANXX break though and they go to help the two. Ikuno and Futoshi clear a path. Ikuno's turns grey. They let Zero Two go alone with Ichigo and Goro.

001 and Hiro continue to struggle. He relates to their want to fight but feels that he wasn't really living when he only wanted to fight.

Hringhorni begins flying. Alpha asks Papa to say something. Dr. FRANXX and Zero Two continue as they stay to fight VIRM. Dr. FRANXX sacrifices his arm to the door, as it contains 001's cells. Though he wanted them to turn him into a klaxosaur. The snake allows zero Two to ride. She asks him if he took her t Plantation 13 to reunite her with Hiro. He says he wasn't expecting them to rekindle what they had, just a whim. Smiling, she thanks him for creating her and helping her meet Hiro. After she goes, he wonders how she became so human.

The two reunite under a tree after keeping their promise. They kiss and the bomb disintegrates. It breaks their program and begins attacking VIRM. Dr. FRANXX finds her beautiful before a rock kills him. VIRM takes their lance and withdraws saying that they will bring back their army.

Episode 22: Stargazers
Squad 13 works together harvesting plants to survive with the limited amount of rations left. During a meeting, Kokoro becomes nauseous and leaves to go rest. While working in the fields and seeing more klaxosaurs leave to fight VIRM, Kokoro suffers from nausea again and faints. In the infirmary, the new Nana tells Kokoro she is pregnant. Kokoro is confused on what ‘pregnancy’ means. After being explained what it is, she is distraught as the new Nana explains a pregnant pistil cannot pilot a FRANXX and gives her the choice of terminating the pregnancy and continue piloting or keeping the baby but discontinue piloting before leaving. Kokoro begs for an answer on what she do before Miku comforts her and sends the boys, including a shocked Mitsuru who realizes he is the father of her unborn child, out of the room.

Kokoro keeps to herself in her room, even holding her stomach, as she struggles with what to do. Mitsuru tries to see her but he is unable to bring himself to do so.

When Squad 13 gets ready to leave to go after Zero Two, Kokoro and Mitsuru stay behind because her pregnancy makes her incapable of piloting FRANXX.

Episode 23: DARLING in the FRANXX
As the other parasites leave for space, Kokoro asks Mitsuru why he stayed behind and he says he wanted to because it’s his responsibility. Kokoro says she didn’t expect anything from him to be because they don’t remember.

Kokoro tends to Zero Two as new injuries start showing up on her body and she tries to stop Zero Two from walking away. Kokoro starts to feel hopeless because she is not a parasite anymore and she rubs her stomach.

The effects of the battle create a dangerous storm and Kokoro tries shielding Zero Two. Mitsuru orders her to get inside but she refuses because she wants to protect Zero Two. Mitsuru says it will be bad for her body but Kokoro breaks down that she is no longer a parasite and has nothing left to live for but the least she can do is protect Zero Two. To her surprise, Mitsuru says if she has nothing, than neither does he but he has found a reason to live: protecting her and their baby. He shows her his wedding ring and says, even if they don’t have their memories, they can start over. Kokoro shows she still has her wedding ring and calls out to Mitsuru.

When the storm passes, Kokoro and Mitsuru watch Zero Two suddenly smile and her body turn into a statue. They are then seen holding hands and wearing their wedding rings. The

Episode 24: Never Let Me Go
Kokoro’s pregnancy starts to become obvious when she says her stomach is getting bigger. The new Nana makes arrangements to get her pregnancy clothes and have her monitored because she is the first parasite to bear a child. Kokoro requests she get no special treatment but the new Nana insists because, as the first pregnant parasite, Kokoro must set a precedent for the others.

Kokoro later teaches some of the girls how to knit and Mitsuru asks her if she needs him to do anything but she assures him she is fine. Futoshi and Zorome run to Kokoro and offer her food they say is full of good nutrients, and she thanks them. They then get ready to head back to the fields and have to drag Mitsuru, who is reluctant to leave her.

245 days since the gate passage, Kokoro gives birth to a baby girl. Mitsuru rushes to her hospital room and cries when he sees his daughter. Kokoro asks the baby, whom they name Ai, to call Mitsuru “papa”. Kokoro spends her time taking care of Ai and helping with day to day chores.

After a couple of years, Ai looks at Zero Two’s statue and begins saying “Darling”. Her parents hear this and alert everyone, who hold hands and send their thoughts to Hiro and Zero Two. After the two sacrifice themselves to destroy VIRM, Kokoro breaks down in tears and hugs Ai.

Several years pass and Kokoro attends a school ceremony with Mitsuru and it is revealed they had two more children and are expecting their fourth. Squad 13 later reunites at a cherry blossom tree and thank Hiro and Zero Two for everything.

Mitsuru
Kokoro is the first to notice that something is still wrong with Mitsuru, after he tried pilotting with Zero Two. From there on, they have random walk-ins with one another mainly inside the greenhouse. Despite his aloof demeanor, she offers him help, but, he refuses it and sees it as Kokoro is pitying him.

When exploring the abandoned city, Mitsuru tells everyone that he can't look after all of them. Yet, nevertheless, he was the one to find Kokoro, who had wandered off on her own, and save her from being injured from falling debris. Despite seeing that Kokoro found a book and is taking it, Mitsuru keeps quiet about it and reminds her to not go off on her own. Even later on, Mitsuru says that the book is her matter, and not his, so, she shouldn't worry about him revealing its existence.

Kokoro shows great interest in Mitsuru, initiating conversations and topics with him, whenever they meet at the Greenhouse. She talks about plants and tells him their many names and meanings, and also talks about humans having children, afterwards.

When the boys and girls start a "gender conflict", due to the events of Episode 08, Kokoro wonders if he is truly okay with talking to her and, just like Mitsuru, shows no interest in taking part of the "fight". However, unlike Mitsuru, she is not honest about it and praises him for being so open about his opinion.

By Episode 11, Kokoro shows further interest in Mitsuru, even going as far as to break her promise with Futoshi and become Mitsuru's partner. Despite Mitsuru's insistence that she was only doing it out of pity, Kokoro manages to talk it out with him and convince him to trust her and the others much more.

In Episode 16, Mitsuru went to the greenhouse and asked Kokoro to cut his hair. She was confused, questioning where that request came from but upon seeing Mitsuru timidly look down, she merrily accepted. Mitsuru remarked on how he had been unfair to Hiro and the guilt that he currently feels. Kokoro listened and comforted him, getting down on her knees and kissing him. Mitsuru was quite surprised and Kokoro apologized over and over for acting to her instinct.

In Episode 17, Kokoro, due to her growing feelings for Mitsuru and her desire to bear a child, made a sudden sexual proposition to Mitsuru. He was confused and rebuffed her. Kokoro later opened up her feelings about wanting to have a child to leave a mark in the future, but she was berated by the Nines for this and she was saddened. Soon after that, Mitsuru comforted Kokoro, leading to a passionate kiss. They wake up together the next morning.

In Episode 18, Kokoro and Mitsuru decide to have an outdoor wedding, but the 9’s quickly inform Papa of this and the two are detained in the middle of their wedding. They are later reincorporated back into Unit 13 with no recollection of their past memories, as Papa had brainwashed them both into believing false memories about one another. Kokoro and Mitsuru talk to each other about how the squad believes that they were once in a serious relationship, but Mitsuru and Kokoro both agree that they would never do such a thing in the first place. Kokoro attempts to become partners again with Futoshi, but he insists that she stay with Mitsuru.

In Episode 20, the two take off their wedding rings. While Futoshi and Goro are talking about this, Kokoro suddenly becomes sick due to morning sickness, tossing her cup of water to the floor, and rushes to a nearby bathroom. Ichigo and the others look on in sorrow as Kokoro tries to explain how she will continue to fight for Papa regardless. Later in the episode, Mitsuru and Kokoro decide to pilot together, and they do a very well job in the beginning of the battle. However, while giving a compliment to Kokoro, he accidentally calls her by her nickname (“Kokoro”) and triggers a memory as a painful flash. With no recollection of the past, the two are fear-stricken and shut down their FRANXX in the middle of the fight, forcing Ichigo to come to their aid and protect them. They do not continue in the fight afterwards.

In Episode 22, Kokoro finds out she is pregnant with Mitsuru’s child. Faced with the choice of terminating the pregnancy and continue piloting or keeping the baby and quit piloting, she is left feeling distraught on what she should do. Mitsuru is so shocked by the news he falls to the ground and later expresses his own dilemma on what he should do. He tries to see Kokoro as she ponders this alone but he still doesn’t know what to do. Because Kokoro is unable to pilot a Franxx due to her pregnancy, she and Mitsuru don’t accompany the rest of Sqaud 13 to help Hiro save Zero Two while she is subconsciously battling the VIRM.

In Episode 23, Kokoro makes it known to Mitsuru that she doesn’t expect anything from him due to their memory loss despite his insistence that he wants to support her. Afterwards, Kokoro tells Mitsuru she has nothing left to live for since she’s not a parasite anymore. Disagreeing, Mitsuru says that if she has nothing, he doesn’t either but his reason for living now is to protect her and their child, and and wants to start over with her. They show each others wedding rings that they kept, and they were seen holding hands together wearing back their wedding rings.

In Episode 24, when her pregnancy becomes more obvious, Mitsuru becomes protective of her and Kokoro appreciates his support. When she gives birth to their daughter, Ai, Mitsuru sheds tears and Kokoro asks Ai to call him “papa”. Their relationship becomes more affectionate following the birth. In the final episode, they are still happily married and have three children with a fourth on the way.

Futoshi
She gets along exceedingly well with her partner, comforting and complimenting him. During their first time in Genista they flash each other a thumbs up in the cockpit before beginning, and Kokoro reassures him he did a good job as they take their first steps.

They seem to have, as Zorome describes, a "lovey-dovey" relationship. In Episode 05, Kokoro offers Futoshi the seat next to her when Zero Two takes his spot, and she then hand-feeds him toast, imitating what Zero Two is doing to Hiro.

Despite their interactions, it is revealed by Episode 11 that Kokoro seemed to hold back her true feelings with Futoshi, showing that she did not feel the same as he did. Later, this led her to breaking their promise and switching partners, devastating Futoshi. However, Kokoro admits feeling bad about it and tells Mitsuru that she thinks of herself as a bad person for having done it.

By Episode 12, Kokoro has demonstrated no further apprehension of what she did, although, she seems to be on good terms with Futoshi, especially after Mitsuru promises to protect Kokoro.

They remained friendly, so much so that Futoshi shows his full support for Kokoro and Mitsuru’s relationship when they make it known and he even presided over their wedding, and congratulates them after their daughter’s birth.

Miku
As they were friends since childhood, they maintain a close relationship.

Ai
Ai is Kokoro and Mitsuru’s daughter. Although she was shocked to find out she was pregnant and undecided on what to do, Kokoro came to love her child and, when Ai was born, Kokoro became a loving mother to her daughter.

Etymology
Kokoro's nickname may use some of the numeral's readings from her real name "Code:556": ko, an alternative spelling of "5" and ro as in 6. Kokoro is also the Japanese word for "heart", reflecting Kokoro's caring and kindhearted personality.

Quotes
"I believe in you, Mitsuru."

- Kokoro

"We lived our lives believing our only purpose was to ride the FRANXX into battle. But you know what? That might not be true! We could carry new lives and leave them for the future. When I learned about that, I was very happy"

- Episode 17; Kokoro says this to Squad 13 and the 9's

Trivia

 * Kokoro is the first parasite to naturally conceive and give birth to a child.
 * Kokoro greatly resembles Lilie Shirogane from Aikatsu Stars!, both of them have long wavy silver hair worn in a similar style.

Кокоро Oh,