Hiro

 is the main protagonist of DARLING in the FRANXX.

Though he was formerly seen as a prodigy parasite with a code of "016," he was unable to pilot until he was partnered with Zero Two in Strelizia.

Appearance
Hiro has a standard "slim" male physique with black, shaggy hair and rich blue eyes. His checkered past has left him with an emphatic expression on his face, despite his personality.

In Episode 5, he had a blue tumor-like mutation in his chest, caused by piloting with Zero Two, which increased his yellow blood cell counts, the polar opposite of what happened when Zero Two rode with other parasites. In Episode 06, this mutation grew larger due to piloting with Zero Two again, but Hiro was able to overcome the mutation using his willpower, and completely got rid of it, although a scar was left on his chest.

In Episode 14, his canines have further developed due to his "saurification".

In Episode 17 it's revealed that a tiny pair of blue horns has been growing on his forehead, hidden behind his bangs.

Personality
As a child, Hiro was jovial and hopeful, giving names to other kids and to himself as well, when codes are the only identity and nickname given to them. This earned him fame among other children, even those in other squads. He even spent time teaching other children, especially Ichigo, about stars. During his time at the Garden, Hiro was also curious, asking himself a lot of questions, and becoming frustrated that whenever he asked the adults, they would never give an answer.

A former star student of the academy, Hiro's aptitude skill began to dip after he ingested a young Zero Two's blood years before. This inability to pilot a FRANXX has left his hopes low, even to the point of choosing to leave Cerasus until his former partner Naomi encouraged him to stay.

Losing the ability to pilot left him feeling that his life had little worth, to the extent that he is more than willing to ride with Zero Two even if it means death. (Ironically enough, the only reason he could pilot with her was because he ingested blood from her wound years before.) However, this wish of his came to an end after he survived his third ride with Zero Two in episode 6. It was then that he realized there was more to life than just piloting a FRANXX.

Ever since then Hiro has been thinking about Zero Two and her personal life, in helping her to be stronger and to get closer to her. Hiro is shown to have fallen in love with her, even before he was discharged from the Garden.

History
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Episode 01
Hiro sits up and finds that Ichigo messaged him. She says that their briefing ended. She tells him to show up for the welcoming ceremony the next day. Though it's sad about Naomi, not to be stubborn since he can stay. He hears a noise and goes to investigate.

He finds blood on the dome and notices a bird lying on the ground. When he tries to pick it up, it weakly flies away. Zero Two's plane flies above and she says that she "found one."

Hiro follows the trail of blood and hears chirping, noting that it's still alive. He comes to a lake and says he never knew it was there. He notices clothes on a tree and wonders if it's a parasite's, though it's not like theirs. He picks up the underwear and notices someone swimming. He notices that she's naked and turns away, but when he looks again she's gone. He runs into the water, thinking that she drowned. She suddenly jumps out of the water with a fish in her mouth.

Zero Two spits the fish out and wipes her mouth. She leans in and sniffs him. He suddenly comes to his senses and says that she's naked. She walks past him and says that she thought he was dead. He asks if she's a parasite and why she was bathing. She says that she heard ocean water was salty. He says that it isn't the ocean. She says she knows, but it's the most ocean-like place she knows.

She asks if he's going to swim. He says no, and she says that it feels good and, since he was staring so hard, she thought he wanted to swim too. He comes out of the water and explains that he thought she was drowning. He looks away and asks that she puts on clothes. She says he must be a pervert, since he's holding her underwear. He thrusts the underwear towards her and blushes.

Zero Two laughs at his reaction and thanks him for jumping in to save her. She puts her clothes back on and asks if he's a parasite too. He says no, that he can't pilot and dragged his partner down with him. He says he doesn't have a place there. She says she's always alone too, thanks to her horns as she puts her band back on. She tells him to build a place where he does belong and to find another partner, or take on by force. She suddenly licks his cheek and straddles him, causing the bird to fly away.

She says that his taste makes her heart race. It bites and lingers, like the taste of danger. She asks if he would have preferred a kiss. He doesn't understand, so she says it's special. She says that she's taken a liking to him and asks that he be her darling. He asks if she means "partner." She extends her hand and says that his ability's probably still dormant and she can awaken it for him, since he wasn't afraid of her horns.

They're interrupted by 081 who says they were looking for her. He asks why she keeps running off alone. She says there's nothing to do until the next day's welcoming ceremony. He plops her hat on her head and says that, as her partner, he suffers for it. 081 apologizes for Zero Two. Hiro asks what he meant by "partner." He tells him to stay away from her, as she's not the kind of pistil that just anyone can handle.

They begin to walk away. Hiro asks what her name is. She asks if parasites even have names. Her code is 002, so everyone calls her "Zero Two."

A soldier says that Mistilteinn's issued a search request for him. As he's dragged along, he finds the bloody corpse of the bird.

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.

After Naomi crosses the bridge, she turns and smiles; telling Hiro to take care since she doesn't think they'll ever meet again. As he runs towards her, she tosses her luggage at him. She says she doesn't need it anymore and to share it. She smiles and thanks him for her name and hopes that he finds a good partner as her door closes.

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 essential 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
Hachi begins the startup ritual the day after the klaxosaur attack. Papa and the other adults do not attend while Dr. FRANXX, Nana, and Hiro attend the ritual. Hiro has no recollection of anything that happened after he got in.

At Mistilteinn, Hiro buries a bird. When he returns to the boarding house, he finds Ichigo playing with a cat. She tells him that she heard Naomi was alright and got taken to the hospital. She asks if he was the one piloting Strelizia. He says he doesn't really remember and wants to try again. She says she heard a rumor that her partners could never ride with her more than three times. He says, without being able to pilot, he's as good as dead anyway. Goro comes through the door and tells Hiro to come in quickly as Zero Two is 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.

The stamen look through their lockers. Futoshi eats bread as Mitsuru tries to see what he's doing. Goro says he's amazed Hiro managed to fight that klaxosaur. Hiro says he doesn't remember anything but how it felt. Goro says he's happy he stayed and maybe he's the type that comes through when it matters most. He playfully nudges him for getting a jump on him.

Zorome roughly shoves him and says that he doesn't believe for a second he piloted a FRANXX before them. 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. Hiro watches them proceed from his training unit and Zero Two arrives by train.

Playing ball, Futoshi wonders if they can fight the klaxosaurs like Hiro did. Zorome says that it doesn't count as piloting. Mitsuru says that he heard that Zero Two has the ability to pilot alone and he was taken along on the ride.

Hiro approaches and Zorome kicks a ball at him. He sarcastically apologizes and says he thought he'd dodge it. Zorome continues to mock him, so he walks up and says that he did pilot and they butt heads. Goro and Ichigo rush out and pull them apart. Ichigo gets a call from Nana.

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.

Zero Two smugly flicks her hair as she leaves. Hiro apologizes. Trying to hold back her tears, Ichigo says not to apologize and "you were awful."

Episode 03
''As children, 016 gives himself the name Hiro and 015 the name Ichigo. Mitsuru stands with his ball. Other children begin asking for names as well. Though they wait for their parents, they never return to them. Mitsuru shyly asks for a name too. Hiro smiles back at him.''

In the Plantation's inner city, Hiro comes out from being scanned to find Ichigo. He asks if anything's wrong and he says that they didn't find anything. She enthusiastically says that she's happy to hear that. Hiro is about to say something else when he is interrupted by Nana calling her and she runs away.

Nana says that Hiro is the first sample that piloted with Zero Two and taken so little damage. Hachi says that he failed to common connect with Delphinium, but was compatible with Strelizia, even though he was unconscious. They wonder is it's because of the special specimen.

At Cerasus, Goro asks if something happened between Hiro and Ichigo in the cockpit since she was acting weird after the mock battle. Hiro says that she seemed mad when she ran into him earlier as well. Goro says that she always gets too worked up when it comes to him. Since there aren't many with codes in the teens, Hiro, and Ichigo are basically siblings. Goro says that they've always been together with him at their side. He says that it was a miracle that all three of them got assigned from the special class to there. Hiro agrees that they are like siblings.

He asks Goro, since he's her partner, to tell Ichigo that it wasn't her fault. Goro agrees but asks what he's going to do. He says he'll ask if he can ride with Zero Two again. Goro asks if he's heard about the rumors that her partner can only ride with her three times without dying. Hiro says that it is just a rumor. Goro asks if he saw what happened to her last partner, but Hiro interrupts to say that if Zero Two is the only one he can ride with, then he has to ride with her. Since their entire purpose is to pilot the FRANXX and that was the reason they were born.

Hiro practises fighting alone as Zero Two watches from the ceiling. After he leaves, he finds her leaning against a pillar, seeming to be asleep. He walks over and stares at her horns. She calls him a pervert and to stop staring. He is taken back and apologizes. She says it's fine, since Dr. FRANXX says that parasites are better off being a little pervy. He asks how that makes him a pervert. Zero Two stands and says that she was tired of waiting for him and begins walking, telling him to follow. He asks to where.

In a hallway, Zero Two walks through a scanner but Hiro is stopped. He says that children have restrictions on where they can go and almost all of that area is off-limits to them. Zero Two shows her hand which says "S Rank" on it. She walks back and leads him forward, allowing them both to cross.

She brings him to a balcony and he asks how she knew about it. She says that all the plantations have similar designs. Hiro says that he's never set foot in the city before, only ever the Birdcage and a few other facilities. He looks over at her and she asks why he's staring again. He smiles and says that he's trying to think up a name for her, since he's really good at it. She says she's fine with "Zero Two." He asks if it doesn't feel lame to go by a code name.

Zero Two hops over the railing and balances across thin path. She says that, once they die, they'll only be a statistic and it won't matter what they were called. She says in that lifeless city, there are no skies or oceans. It's isolated on a one-way street to nowhere, a dead end of life. Hiro says that it isn't safe and to come back as he extends his hand. She turns and asks if he wants to run away together. She says she can get him out of there. She does flips back to the balcony and says she's just kidding.

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.

Goro asks if the mock battle is bothering Ichigo. He tells her to switch gears, since they're going into actual combat. She says she knows and is about to say something, but stops herself and says that she'll do her best as leader and they fistbump.

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 Strelizia, 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
Shaking in bed, Mitsuru is terrified and tells others of Zero Two being a demon who will kill him. The group worries for his state of mind and health as he leaves his food untouched.

Hiro walks in and asks what happened with Zero Two. Mitsuru tells him of Zero Two trying to completely devour him, including his blood, flesh, and soul, while smiling. Mitsuru warns Hiro to not ride with Zero Two again.

Later, Ichigo approaches Hiro about his decision to ride with Zero Two again and states how she cannot trust her, especially after what happened to Mitsuru. She says that if the rumors are true, Zero Two will eventually kill him. Despite her warnings, Hiro persists on his desire to ride with Zero Two.

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. Hachi 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. 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.

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 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 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. As a man takes Zero Two away, she bids Hiro goodbye. 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 and that she isn't simply human.

As Zero Two walks through the hall, she turns and looks behind her where she sees Hiro come to a passage he cannot cross and yells to her. He says that he was afraid of riding together and he still is, but because he lacked resolve, not because she isn't human. 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 and defeats the armed men guarding her. She approaches Hiro 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 and 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 zip to where the other parasites are struggling and quickly save them. Ichigo orders 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.

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 is happy to at least fly once more.

Episode 05
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-tine 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Episode 06
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.

Ichigo washes herself and claps her hands against her face. In their room, Goro asks Hiro is he's going to fight. When he says yes and leaves, Goro calls him a fool.

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.

Some 9's watch the battle and 9'α says that they're really hitting it off.

Episode 07
Looking at the sun, Ichigo narrates that 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.

Gorilla marvels at Hiro's ability. One notes that Zero Two's search for a man has finally ended. Marmoset says that she still needs to be monitored closely. Papa says that Plantation 13 is a top-priority surveillance subject. He says that Code 016 is tasked with bringing her to the Grand Crevasse.

Hachi says that one of APE's special forces has become a plantation's exclusive parasite. Zero Two tells Dr. FRANXX that they didn't have to come all the way. Nana introduces Hiro to Dr. FRANXX, the creator of FRANXX. She begins to introduce a boy, but he stops her. He approaches Hiro and says that he's the first person to survive Zero Two. He says that he has an interest in them. Hachi tells the doctor that Strelizia and Code 002 are transferred into Plantation 13's purview. He waves at him and says that the geezers already told him. When Hachi announces that they're officially partners, Zero Two hugs Hiro.

Hachi says that foreign elements to adapt to their environment. Nana notes how strange it was that the doctor sent the children to the beach alone.

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.

''Hiro remembers when they talked earlier. Dr. FRANXX tells Hiro not to let him consume his emotions if he wants to always be her apartment. Otherwise, he'll suffer.''

Zero Two seems to be about to kiss Hiro, but she instead licks his cheek. She teasingly asks what he was expecting. She says that a kiss is a declaration that the other person belongs to you and you should only kiss the person you love. She asks if he maybe kissed someone else. Before he can answer, Goro, Zorome, and Futoshi pull Hiro under the water.

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 boys toss Hiro on the ground. Goro says that he didn't want to bother him, but the other two wouldn't listen. Zorome leans closely to Hiro and asks what a "kiss" is. Futoshi says he doesn't know what it is, but it sounds magical and Hiro tries to sneak away as he does. Zorome grabs him and asks where he's going. He tries to get Goro to help him, but he says he wants to know as well.

Hiro says he doesn't know either, but it's when two people stick their mouths together. The other are surprised and Zorome asks what happens. Hiro explains that it makes him feel good, but they weren't kissing in the sea. Zorome says he wants to try it himself and demands that Hiro let him kiss him. As he tries to, Ichigo walks up and asks what they're doing.

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.

Ichigo comes to a bookstore where she sees a poster featuring a kissing couple. She thinks of her and Hiro's kiss and touches her lip. Zero Two suddenly says behind her that she did it with Hiro. Ichigo is startled and asks her what she means. She answers "kiss" and says that she probably isn't ready for it yet. Ichigo says that she has too. Zero Two asks with who and says that it should only be shared with someone special. She asks if that person was special to her. Before she can answer, Goro calls her and he and Hiro wave them over.

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.

They walk along the beach and she says she couldn't sleep. He agrees and says that he felt it would have been a waste. She walks in his footprints and then looks up at the sky. She tells Hiro to look at all the stars and points out Orion. She says that he used to tell her about the stars when they were little too. He doesn't remember, but she says she remembers everything he taught her. She asks if he forgot about the Ichigo star, but he says that it's the fifteenth star of Orion, the same as her code. He says that they promised they'd see it together after leaving the Garden.

They continue to walk down the beach together and she says they all have to do their best. She says she'll do her best as leader, so not to give all his attention to Zero Two. She says she sees their kiss as something special. Before she can say she wants to be with him forever, he tells her to look at the shooting stars. The rest continue to sleep, but Zero Two watches from a rock.

Ichigo narrates that their trails shone brightly, just like them and gave off gentle rays of hope.

Hiro says that if you wish on a shooting star, it'll come true. He asks what she wishes for. She says she tried to tell him, and teasingly called him stupid. He chases her down the beach. She wished on the shooting stars that night for that light to never fade.

Episode 08
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. Dr. FRANXX and the two apes watch. Hachi says that it's unprecedented for so many members of a squad to hit puberty at once. Nana says that it has always been at most one or two together. Nana says that if they go by Ape's manual, they should intervene and resolve the issue immediately. Dr. FRANXX asks what would be the point of the test team if they did that. He tells them to observe and write for him detailed reports. He tells them not to interfere or tell "the geezers."

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.

In the yard, Zero Two plays with a ball as Hiro says that everyone's gotten too stubborn and they need to do something. She says she thinks the opposite and that they need to spice it up a bit.

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.

Miku, Ichigo, and Ikuno look for food and go to the first floor. They had never been there before, and find a room that says "keep out." Ichigo wonders how long things will go on like that and Ikuno says she wouldn't mind if it didn't ever. Zero Two licks her and says she tastes a secret. She begins to walk away, but Miku tells her to wait.

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
Goro watches Ichigo through a window. He narrates that he's always trying to figure out what her outlooks is. Ichigo plays with a cat while sitting with Ikuno. Futoshi yells that their presents arrived.

The parasites are happy to receive their gifts: Ikuno receives books, Kokoro receives a sewing kit, Miku receives perfume, Mitsuru receives a pen, Zorome receives a ball, Futoshi receives food, Ikuno receives a plush cat, Goro receives a fishing rod, and Hiro a book about birds.

Goro teases Ichigo for asking for something childish and she says it doesn't matter. Hiro tells Zero Two that, once every year, they can ask Papa for the things they want. She asks if he got a picture book, but he explains that it's an illustrated guide. He asks if she likes picture books and says they might have some in the study.

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.

At 7:10, Goro notices Ichigo sitting on the step. He asks what she's doing, but she shushes him. Hiro gives Zero Two Naomi's mirror. Smiling, he says that he wanted to find something for her. She smiles and hugs him, saying that she never knew getting a present could make her so happy. She promises to take good care of it. Looking at Ichigo's hairpin, Goro remembers their past.

Goro tells Ichigo that her bangs have grown at that it will be hard to see. Ichigo says that he asked for another stuffed toy and asks what they asked for. Goro writes a letter asking for a hairpin. When he's about to give it to her, he finds that Hiro is already putting one on her.

In their room, Goro holds the same hair clip. Hiro comes into the room. Goro teases him for how Zero Two smiled at him. Hiro blushes and asks if he was watching. Goro apologizes and Hiro asks if the hair clip he's holding is Ichigo's. Goro says that it's the same type of hair clip, but it's the one he tried and failed to give to her. Goro asks if he remembers when he said he didn't understand "love" and says that he's starting to think it means the other person is special to you. Hiro agrees with his definition. Goro says that he'd always been Ichigo's hero, and that it's special. He says that Ichigo feels the same way about Hiro as Hiro feels about Zero Two, like wanting to know more and be together, and kiss. Hiro is taken back and Goro asks if he hadn't noticed. Goro says he knows what makes her laugh, cry, but none of them would work for him, only Hiro could. He says that watching him lately made him realize that he loves Ichigo. He says he feels relieved to tell someone and quickly takes off his glasses to sleep. Lying down, he smiles and says he's happy with the things are.

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.

Goro narrates: "What is the outlook for tomorrow? Right now, you're impossible to forecast."

Episode 10
Zorome narrates that he'd been having the same dream over and over again where he's surrounded by darkness and staring at a distant bright light, and crying. Gradually, the light grows larger until it envelops him, and he lets out a loud scream.

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.

The Seven Sages discuss the children. Tarsier suggests that they reward the children, and Papa agrees.

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.

Zero Two and Hiro walk far behind the group. Hiro asks what she meant when she said the city was lifeless. She says just what I said. Hiro says that she'd been acting weird, and asks if something happened. She says that she just couldn't care less about this place.

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.

Zorome notes that the city seems empty. He sees a person and calls out, but they walk away. Zorome tries to crawl down, but notices an adult and falls to the ground.

He wakes up to find that he'd been treated by an adult. She is happy that he is okay and says that the medical checker just wouldn't work on him. But she tried a bunch of things, like using pet mode settings, and then it worked out. Before she can let them know where he is, Zorome asks to just talk for a bit. She agrees and removes her face covering.

The woman disinfects the house by spraying orange liquid, and then offers tea and sweets. Zorome stuffs them in his mouth. He asks her various questions, and she explains that there was a time when she used to enjoy the sense of taste, but she doesn't really care now. As long as her body gets the nutrition it needs, that's enough, she lives with her partner. She asks if he'd like to meet him.

She brings him to a dark room where her partner lies in a machine. He smiles and the woman explains that he's activating his brain's reward system to gain a sense of pleasure. Zorome says that he'd rather gain it by eating those snacks from earlier. She falls to her knees and says that talking had just made her tired.

They return to the living room. She says that she doesn't even remember what his voice sounds like. She doesn't think either of them is dissatisfied with their partner. They don't meddle in each other's business, which gives them the freedom to live their lives as they please. Zorome complains about Miku, so she says that he should change his partner, then. He is taken back and begins defending her. The woman somehow already knows his code 666. She becomes more ill and says that she needs to get him picked up.

On the phone, she says that she checked with him, so there's no doubt about it.

She returns to say he'll be there soon, but notices that he's crying. He says that he doesn't know why, but he feels really familiar somehow. He recalls his living in the Garden. He feels that someone's always been watching over him. Gentle and kind, like they're always there to protect him.

She wants to comfort him and tries to move her arm towards Zoromo, but she stops. She says that he is mistaken, as they kids are the ones protecting them. Zorome becomes happy and tells her that he'll keep protecting it, fighting until he kills all the klaxosaurs, and then one day, he'll become an adult. He begins to ask if she can be his family when he lives in the city, but stops and instead asks for her to be his friend. She finds this funny and says that's obviously out of the question but is cut off before she can explain.

The woman explains to a man that she treated and fed him. He hands her a heart. A man tells him not to waste their time and infected children shouldn't enter. The other man tells him to knock it off, since they're victims too, calling them pitiful.

Ichigo 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.

Zorome rides the elevator with Nana. As he cleans the bath, he hums. Miku enters and yells at him to take it seriously. He asks why she's watching him for. She says that he won't take it seriously unless she does or he might get lost. He laughs and asks why she got such a useless kid. He scrubs her with his brush. Outside, Hiro hears them bickering and laughs before looking at Zero Two's window. She looks at herself in the mirror and sees that her teeth have become fangs.

''He thinks that they're not pitiful. He wonders why the women felt so familiar. He thought about it a bunch of times after that day, but he never found an answer. Eventually, he stopped thinking about it, and even forgot about her and stopped having that dream.''

Episode 11
Smiling, Hiro tells a group of children that he's been chosen to represent them. They stare back in admiration. Present-day Mitsuru tells himself to stop looking at him with admiration. He shouts that he's a traitor, causing him to wake up.

Zorome notes that it's unusual for him to sleep in and Futoshi asks if he was having a good dream, as his face is all red. They head off for breakfast as he rubs his forehead. He narrates that he chose to not expect anything from anyone, preventing his hopes from being betrayed. He slips out of bed and leaves the room.

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.

Hachi notes that they've now killed over 90 in their area. Nana smiles and says that their kills over the past fortnight are 3.7 times greater than in their first. She says that what would normally cause problems in a group are drawing out their full abilities. Hachi says that it would be a total refutation of their previous methods. Nana replies that it might be what Dr. FRANXX is after.

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 Kokoro to make promise for being 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 communication. 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.

As Mitsuru lies in bed, Hachi notes that his child fever came sooner than expected. Nana gives him an antipyretic as Hachi notes he had already had the procedure.

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.

While dreaming in the hospital bed, he remembers telling Hiro that he wanted to be like him, fight in the FRANXX together. He sadly says that he can't because he's too weak, so if he takes the injection and comes back alive, he asks if he would pilot FRANXX together. Before he replies, Mitsuru suddenly wakes up, cursing.

The next morning, Nana notes that he seems to be out of the woods for now. He asks to pilot a FRANXX. She is reluctant and thinks it over. When they test, his capacity is low and Hachi notes that he might become a pruning target. Nana thinks of what they should do.

She 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. Hiro asks Zero Two if something is bothering her and asks if she remembers when he asked her to speak her mind with him because he wanted to get to know her better. As he talks, she covers his mouth and says they can understand each other just fine by piloting Strelizia together.

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 locker room, Ichigo smiles and says she knew it wouldn't work without a boy. Ikuno coldly says that she was serious before closing her locker and walking out. Both she and Mitsuru leave at the same time. She tells him to laugh if he must.

Futoshi cries into his pillow as the other boys are at his side. He asks if he did something wrong. Zorome suggests that maybe he annoyed her and that he should lose weight. Goro wonders why she would and Hiro replies that she must have felt she had to do something for Mitsuru. Zorome smiles and says especially since he's so miserable. Futoshi leaps out of bed and begins shaking him, saying clearly he's the most miserable. Goro tells him to calm down, as Mitsuru suddenly returns. They all turn to look at him. He begins to leave, but Futoshi angrily asks if he thinks he's pathetic. Mitsuru asks what it matters who their partners are. Futoshi easily throws the others off of him and says he has no idea how he feels. He tries to punch him, but misses and falls on his face. Mitsuru adjusts his tie and says he's annoying. Hiro tells him to try and understand Futoshi's feelings. Mitsuru clenches his fist and asks what right he has to say that. Hiro doesn't seem to understand and Mitsuru walks away. On the floor, Futoshi says that, when he thinks of Kokoro, his chest feels tight. Now, he says that the tightness hurts now and wonders why. Hiro smiles at him and says he understands.

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 Miku 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. Kokoro's head is bleeding. 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 (Hiro), 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 and says she often does something that is unbelievable. 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. Hiro sadly looks on from his FRANXX and Zero Two embraces him from behind. She tells him that they'll be together until they die.

Mitsuru reflects that he doesn't know if he can forgive Hiro, but he agrees that he knows things will keep happening between them all. The next morning, his temperature returned to normal.

Episode 12
''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 Iota 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
Nana warns that Hiro's and Zero Two's consciousnesses will connect through Strelizia and merge.

Zero Two narrates that her small room was the entirety of her world. Hiro narrates that the Garden was the entirety of his. Zero Two adds that, one day, she went outside for the first time. Though Zero Two says that she can't forget, Hiro says he'd forgotten completely. She says she can remember the vastness of the outside and how warm the hand she held was, or the promise they made.

Zero Two wonders who she is, though she never crossed her mind as a child. She was trapped in her room for as long as she could remember. Though she felt like I had even older memories, but she soon forgets about them.

When a person enters, Zero Two says that she was probably a stand-in-mother. She would bring her food and pet her head. One day, for the first and only time, she brought her something that wasn't food. Though she tries to eat and break it at first, her "mother" flips open the page and Zero Two begins looking at it.

Is is amazed by its bright colors and different shapes. Though it had words, she couldn't read. After that day, she never showed up again. The book was her first "pretty thing." She was sure the outside world surely had many more. She adds that she was half right. She is unshackled and dragged out of her room.

Hiro too wonders who he is. In contrast, he says that he always thought about it. He was in the Garden for as far back as he could remember. They lived there to become parasites who would fight for Papa and the others. All children were referred to by their code numbers. The lower the number, the higher the child's potential as parasite. The double-digits up to 099, especially the teens in particular, were given special treatment. Hiro was one of them, and he was told he was special, unlike everyone else.

When Hiro tosses a ball, it rolls into Ichigo's feet. She sits crying and doesn't look up. Ichigo wonders if she's strange, since everyone else has stopped showing emotion, though she continues to cry and says she wants to be like everyone else. She asks if she should get more injections. Hiro says that their codes are in the teens, so they were different from the others to begin with. She says she doesn't want that and being different is scary.

Hiro sits beside her and asks if she wants a name since he gave himself one. He says his name and says she'll feel better if she has a name like him, so he names her "Ichigo." He says that having a name makes it feel okay to be different. She is amazed and asks if he can name the others. He begins naming the other children, including Mitsuru.

Two adults enter and says that they can't change their designation without permission. Hiro politely asks what the problem is. The adults realize he's one of the teens and simply tells him not to just do as he please before leaving. Hiro thinks that they never answered his questions and no other children ever asked any.

The children watch as the adults pack up one of the beds. Hiro narrates that children were gradually disappearing from the Garden at regular intervals, though the adults wouldn't tell them why. Hiro was designated a special research subject and underwent tests at the Lab all by himself. If he did well, he was given a reward. One day, after testing, he witnesses Zero Two being dragged along for testing.

Dr. FRANXX looks over her and notes that she's leagues better than all of their past specimens and can't believe she developed such a human form. A laser is centered on her palm and when it fires, she screams in pain. Dr. FRANXX is amazed at how quickly her skin regrows.

Hiro asks an adult who "the girl with horns" is. She becomes frustrated and scolds him for always asking questions and orders him to his room. There, he decides to find out for himself who she is.

After testing, he tries to sneak off, but is stopped by an adult. He fails in his other attempts and runs out of ideas. Outside, he notices the girl trying to get her book back from an adult.

He scales a large tree to look through her window. Zero Two manages to take the book back and the woman gives up. For a reason unknown to Hiro, he is overjoyed to see her happy.

As Mitsuru walks off with an adult Hiro asks if he's going to the lab and if there is something wrong. Mitsuru says he's going to get an Elixir Injection, as he won't be able to stay if he doesn't. Mitsuru says he wants to become a parasite with him. He asks if he comes back alive, if he would pilot with him. He happily agrees and the two make a pinkie promise.

Afterwards, Hiro, Goro, and Ichigo quietly walk back together. They find that 494 was taken away. Another notes that it was 367 before that. The three look on, scared, until Hiro says they have to do something. Goro says that Papa and the others made the decision and Ichigo says there's nothing they can do. An adult suddenly appears to collect Hiro for testing. Though Hiro asks where the other kids went, but the man ignores his question and tells him to get ready.

As Hiro undergoes testing, an adult notes that is sensitivity is troubling and may affect the other children. Dr. FRANXX observes him and a man asks if they should increase his yellow blood cell dose. Dr. FRANXX says no because he is interested in what kind of parasite a child like him will grow up to be.

After finishing his testing and receiving candy, he leaves the room alone. He hears screaming and goes to investigate. He rushes over to find Zero Two undergoing painful testing with a group of adults surrounding her. Hiro is horrified and falls to the ground. A man suddenly appears and orders him to return to the Garden. He asks him to stop causing her pain. The man says it's none of Hiro's business and pulls him away.

Frustrated with his situation and unwilling to watch the girl suffer anymore, Hiro packs a portable searchlight and scaled one of the trees near her cell. She had just gone through testing and is now curled up on the floor. Hiro shouts and slings his searchlight at the window. Shattered glass carpets the floor and wind floods the room. Though Zero Two is initially aggressive, she sees his tears and begins to crawl towards his outstretched hand. When they both put their weight on the branch, it breaks and they fall to the ground. Hiro loses consciousness.

Zero Two carries Hiro through the snow. She is amazed at the outside world and looks around curiously. When she trips and drops Hiro, she notices a group of mice and begins to try and catch them. Hiro wakes and finds Zero Two eating a mouse. When he tries to get her to spit it out, she bites him. To get her to stop, he begins petting her hair. This reminds her of her "mother" and she lets go. He calls her mean and she appears to be ashamed. He realizes that she can't understand him but introduces himself anyway. Though he asks her name, she can't answer, and he sees on her ankle that her code is "002." He thinks of a name, first thinking "Oni," then "Zero Two." He thinks they're both bad, but she begins to try and say "Zero Two." When she continues to say it, he says he should have thought of a better name but begins to call her that himself.

Zero Two notes that she didn't understand his words, but knew his voice called to her, saw new things with her, and walked with her. He makes her shoes.

Hiro hands her one of his candies, but she doesn't understand with it is. He tells her to go "Aah," and slips it into her mouth. She enjoys it and Hiro eats his own, enjoying her reaction. She shows him her book, "The Beast and the Prince," and she notes that the pictures are pretty. As he begins reading, a group of adults appear, looking for them. The two hide and Hiro tries to calm her down. One man asks what they should do with 016, and the other answers that 002 takes priority and to kill him if he resists. Hiro pulls her closer and promises to protect her.

The two continue to flee from the adults and they eventually fall into the freezing water.

The two sit under a tree and Hiro finishes reading as Zero Two lies against him. He tells her that it's sad they can't get married. When she ties to say "married," Hiro explains what marriage is. When he looks at her, she smiles back. He says that they should get going, but she falls when she tries to stand. He had scraped her knee and blue blood oozes from the cut. He looks for something to bandage it, but is forced to lick it instead. He explains that animals lick their wounds to heal them.

With him kneeling before her, she confuses his pose with the prince proposing. He asks if it's marriage. Smiling, he says that they will once they escape. He tells her he wants to be with her forever too and become her darling. She begins crying and blushing and hugs him close. They look up and notice that they are under mistletoe. They are suddenly interrupted by a group of adults. Though Hiro tries to protect her, he is hit with the butt of a gun and falls to the ground bleeding.

After that, their memories are erased. Hiro forgets his promise to Mitsuru and stops naming other children. Zero Two swears to become human since if she were like him, they could be together.

In present time, 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. Hiro, crying, says that she was the girl with the picture book. She looks back at him with tears in her eyes.

Episode 14
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
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.

At APE central HQ on Cosmos, Dr. FRANXX meets with the council. He finds that Zero Two devoured all of her stamen and he calls her a hellcat.

One of them says that they may finally get their wish if they take over Gran Crevasse. Another says that Hringhorni's construction is proceeding smoothly. One says, if they have both, they can bury "those pests" once and for all. One happily exclaims that the time has come.

Dr. FRANXX begins to walk off, and is asked where he is going (referring to him as "Werner"). He says he wants to watch it from a front-row seat.

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
In her room, Zero Two happily files her horns as she looks at herself using Naomi's mirror.

At Cosmos, one APE says their parasite reserves have dwindled to 60% after the last battle. Another asks if they didn't go too far blowing those plantations up. The Vice Chairman says that the end justifies the means. Humanity now has control of the Gran Crevasse. He says Hringhorni's construction has entered the final phase. Papa says that he sent two messengers and it will likely be their final warning to them. One says that there is no need for two keys.

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.

Zorome spots a ship and says that it's Papa but is disappointed to see it land somewhere else.

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.

Nana and Hachi call Dr. FRANXX. The doctor asks if they had made contact with the children. When Hachi confirms they hadn't, Dr. FRANXX is happy. He says that if they intervene with the children, the whole project will be ruined. Nana says she doesn't understand and that their efforts will have been in vain. Dr. FRANXX notes that she's inflexible and she's been down the road, too. He compliments Hachi and hangs up. Nana gets a headache.

Goro says it's been a month as he and Hiro look at the cans. Hiro asks if he wants to get back in the FRANXX. Goro says that, even though they were fighting and could die anytime, not fighting makes them all fidgety too. He says that he thought Hiro was the most obsessed piloting the FRANXX.

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.

Hiro and Zero Two walk together. Hiro says that Goro must have gotten child fever last week. Zero Two curiously looks at a plant. Hiro explains that they're sakura buds. He says that they're a really pretty color, like her hair. She giggles and says she wants to see them.

He asks how she felt about their lives and she says they're having fun and would like to live like that forever. He scooches closer to her and is about to hold her hand, but she suddenly remembers that she was supposed to go bathing with the other pistils. She tells him not to peek.

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.

Futoshi says that, even after seeing what happened to squad 26, he was sure it wouldn't happen to him.

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.

Futoshi says that they cried and laughed more than ever before.

That night, Kokoro and Miku sleep together. Zero Two draws pictures in her room of the book they read together. When Hiro says that it's a sad story, she says that it was her first "pretty thing." She met him and wanted to have something beautiful with him. She realizes now what it means to be human and they embrace. She hears a klaxosaur scream as another horned girl is shown.

Episode 17
''Ikuno narrates that everything comes to an end eventually and when it happens is the only difference. Even when they sense that the end is nigh, they continue to idle.''

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

Ikuno holds a mirror for Zero Two as she files her horns. She asks if it hurts and she says bit at all. When she finishes, she tells Miku. She presents a flower headband and places it on her head. Zero Two asks what it looks like and Miku says perfect and that Hiro will love it. Zorome suddenly runs up and says there's a problem.

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.

Smiling, 9'α smiles and asks how long she's going to play human since she'll never be the same as them. Though they're unique, they're imperfect unlike she and the other nines. She tells him not to call her "Iota" but "Zero Two." He asks if she's throwing away the Special Forces code name that Papa gave her. She says that her darling gave it to her and it's important. He begins laughing at her as she walks away. He wishes her luck, again calling her "Iota."

Zero Two looks at the flame of a candle in her room when Hiro calls out to her. He asks about her flower headband. She says that Miku made it for her. She shyly tells him not to stare, but says it's okay after he compliments her.

Zero Two pushes his bangs back to reveal small blue horns poking through his forehead. She says that they'd grown bigger. She thinks that they must be because he rode with her or because she drank his blood. She sadly says that she drastically altered his destiny. He leans in and places his horns against her's. They kiss and rest their foreheads against each other. Blushing, Hiro says that it makes him happy to be more similar to her.

She tells him that she ate her old picture book when they were trying to erase her memories. She says that she started wanting to become human because she wanted to see him again and she was told that she could do that by killing klaxosaurs, though she realizes she shouldn't have believed them. Hiro asks if Papa and the rest told her, but she doesn't answer.

She asks that he show her the picture he drew. He refuses, so she playfully snatches it from him. She finds that he crudely drew a picture of a king. She begins laughing and he covers his face in embarrassment. She says that it's approved and she loves it as she holds it against her chest.

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.

Mitsuru stands motionless at a body of water. Hiro appears and they enter the water together. Mitsuru says he doesn't understand what Kokoro's thinking. Hiro smiles and says that he's changed. Before he'd only distanced himself from them. Though Hiro says that it was all his fault for breaking their promise. He says that he's probably in love with Kokoro, since he has similar feelings for Zero Two as he does for Kokoro. Mitsuru thinks to his self that he is in love with her. He says he can't be sure, but that it how it's for him as he stands up. Mitsuru stands as well and says that he's similar to Hiro and he's glad that he could have a nice chat with him after so long.

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.

Hachi asks when it started and Nana says a week ago. She says watching them go about their lives made her feel so irritated. 9'α asks if she relapsed into puberty. She denies this, but he smirks and asks if they didn't already undergo emotional indoctrination when they were parasites. He tells Hachi they should have her replaced with a new Nana. He says he hopes they go back to doing their actual job instead of getting up to mischief with the doctor. He says he'll be reporting to Papa.

Dr. FRANXX asks if Nana is useless now and Hachi answers that he believes continuing the test will be difficult. He agrees but says he gained some intriguing data about the development of humanity's original reproductive instincts.

In a blue volcano, Lemur and Tarsier go down an escalator. Lemur says that klaxosaurs' development differs greatly from human civilization and culture. They approach 001 and Lemur tells his men to lower their guns. He says that it is a great pleasure to meet her. He says that humans and klaxosaurs have waged a war spanning close to a century and orders her to surrender. She screams and they all cover their ears but Tarsier. Lemur asks if they're words sent directly to the brain. Tarsier hears her words and draws two blades, telling her to prepare to die. Lemur tells him not to, but he continues and is quickly killed. Her two dragons go forward and kill the rest of the men.

001 descends the stairs and pushes off Tarsier's mask, revealing there is nothing under it. She calls them "Dammed human wannabes" without opening her mouth.

Mitsuru sits alone in the greenhouse, thinking. In the living room, Futoshi says that Kokoro is taking a long time to return. Miku says she had no idea she was thinking about that and wishes she would have told her. Ikuno looks down and says that everyone has things they can't talk about. Miku asks if they think they really can make babies. Zorome says he has no idea and Goro wonders how they were born if Papa didn't create them and asks what Hiro thinks. He says he doesn't know, but that they may have the potential to do something Papa hadn't told them about. They reflect that they may be able to leave something for the future. Smiling, Zero Two says she's envious, since she can't leave something behind. She calls them all wonderful since they have the ability to decide their futures themselves.

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.

Ikuno narrates that everything comes to an end eventually. The only difference is whether it happens sooner or later. As for what comes after, they know nothing. Zero Two shows Hiro a picture of a queen that she drew in her room. Ikuno sits on the porch with her head on her hands. Mitsuru and Kokoro lie naked in each other's arms.

Papa and the Vice Chairman sit on Cosmos and Papa says that the klaxosaur princess chose to go down the path of annihilation. The Vice Chairman says they'll feel the pain of having their earth scorched by their own creation. The Nines that visited the 13th Plantation appear and 9'α says there's something he needs to know.

Episode 18
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.

In the control room, Hachi tells Ichigo that they will abandon Mistilteinn shortly and tells her to be ready. She asks why and he replies that the situation has changed, so they will take the next supply ship to the parasite camp. Ichigo realizes that, even though they weren't in contact, they were still being monitored.

Goro holds his head and Hiro asks how his fever is. He smiles and says fine. Hiro says that Miku had her fever recently as well. Ichigo comes out and Goro asks what's wrong.

In the elevator, she tells the two of their plans to abandon Mistilteinn. Though she wants to stay, Goro says that they don't have enough rations and Mistilteinn won't last very long in itself.

As they walk back, Goro says that their life there wasn't all bad. Ichigo says it's sad that they have to leave. Hiro says there's something he'd like them to do while they're still there.

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.

Zorome kicks a ball around as Futoshi and Hiro set up chairs. The sakura petals are blown in the wind. Zorome kicks the ball to Hiro and the three pass it back and forth. Miku comes out and scolds them.

Ikuno lies on her bed when Ichigo enters the room. She asks if she's feeling under the weather. She says she's fine. Ichigo asks if something happened with the 9's since she never saw her get so angry. She says no, and Ichigo apologizes for prying and thanks her for Kokoro and Mitsuru. She says that she didn't do it for them. She sits up and asks if she's interested in her.

Ikuno takes off her clip and pins Ichigo down on the bed. She says she also hates the boy-girl system of the FRANXX, like the Nines, and she slapped Alpha to hide it. But she realized she wouldn't be herself if she refused to acknowledge it and neither would Ichigo.

She hugs Ichigo and says that her feelings are a mess and she confesses to loving her. She says that she did ever since she named her.

A boy says she should be named "Ikuro," and a girl laughs at her name. She asks if Ichigo remembers everyone started copying Hiro and naming each other. Ichigo adjusts the 6 and makes it look like の, giving her the name "Ikuno."

Ikuno says that she probably thinks her reason is stupid, but she loved her since then. She says that she changed her hair clip and that she notices things like that about her. She asks if she's creepy and says she gets jealous of boys who get to stand by her just because they're boys and she wants to keep her to herself. She begins crying and asks why she's such a pain.

Ikuno thinks that she's just like how she used to be. She sits up and hugs her. As she pets her hair, she says that there's nothing wrong with being a pain and that they all are. Ikuno thanks her.

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

Zero Two looks at her mirror and headband. She is about to draw something, but stops and looks at the drawings for her book. She hears screaming and a black hole appears in the ground. Stamen, such as 081, climb out of the hole and pull at her. The large hand is about to strike her, but she is woken up by Hiro.

Hiro asks if she's okay and she shakes in his chest. She smiles and says she dozed off. Hiro says her books almost complete, and she smiles and says she'll show it to him when she's done.

Zero Two and Hiro walk through the sakura. Zero Two wears a formal pistil outfit that Kokoro lent her and Hiro compliments her. She asks if he remembers their promise to marry and he says he does. They spin around in the petals.

As the others wait outside, 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.

Hachi watches the wedding from the control room but an APE assault ship appears. Alpha greets him from the monitor and Hachi asks who authorized them. Alpha answers that Papa did. Hachi asks if they are going to force them into the parasite camp's re-indoctrination program when Squad 13 is exempt from it. Alpha says just two of them. Alpha tells him to just sit there and watch, like usual.

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.

The parasites sit sadly around the yard. Hiro thinks that it's like the Garden and they're not allowed any happiness. As they pack, Hiro wonders where they were taken and if they'll come back. The cargo ship comes and picks them up.

Nana sits in a cell and Hachi asks what he could have said to them if he had emotions. He remembers Nana as a parasite when her FRANXX was destroyed. Hachi opened it to find her and her stamen. The SP later took her away too as he watched. The door to her cell closes and he wonders if she could have supported them.

One APE asks what happened with the klaxosaur princess. Gorilla says he thought she would just surrender and asks why they weren't told she was to be assassinated. Marmoset says they seek a world where APE and humanity can live for all eternity. Vice Chairman says they predicted what happened and it won't be a problem, since they already possess the replacement key. Papa tells them to look at the big picture and that they will be released from their bodies when they realize their ideals.

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.

Hiro says that they have to fight their destiny.

Episode 19
Marmoset explains to Dr. FRANXX that they wanted to eliminate all irregularities before their operation. Dr. FRANXX warns that, if they continue, there's no guarantee that the children will remain obedient. Another member says that they haven't done anything to any of the other members of Squad 13 but those two. When Dr. FRANXX asks why, the vice chairman answers they decided to rid the parasites of all unneeded emotions and memories. Dr. FRANXX asks why he wasn't consulted, Papa asks him to behave since he wished for their plan to come to fruition as well. Once they hang up, he thinks that he's no different than they are.

In 2025, Dr. FRANXX scolds someone for entering his office. The man says that the chancellor asked him to get him.

Werner is told about APE and asks what they want with him. A man says that they want to hire him, since they're impressed by his research. When he asks what part, the man tells him to ask for details when he's there since he accepted their offer. When he asks why he would accept without consulting him, the man replies that he shows no signs of ceasing his illegal experiments, such as cloning, and the community is up in arms against him. He says that the law only cracks down after he's done. The man says that's because no one would expect him to show up. He agrees that he's an atheist. The man says that he's talented, but terrifying, which confuses Werner.

''Ape is a group of scientists with no known origins or nationalities. It operates with the Lamarck Club at its core. They introduced revolutionary mining technology, dug up magma energy from underground reserved far deeper than man had ever ventured, and created a new energy source that was both all-encompassing and low-cost. With this energy revolution, humanity drastically sped up its progress towards the apex of material civilization. At the same time, APE gained huge influence in international politics and the economy.''

At a building, a woman walks beside him and asks if he's Werner Frank. She says it's an honor to meet him and that she read all the papers he's published. She introduces herself as Karina Milsa. Though she extends her hand, he shifts away from it. He asks if she's of regenerative telomere medicine fame. She confirms this is he is surprised.

Werner looks over his contract and an APE asks if he has a problem with the contract. He says no, that he was just surprised with the amount of funding. A member answers that it's simply a fair valuation of his talents. He says what they expect is outside his field of expertise. One answers that, with his abilities, he should be able to contribute more than enough. One says, with magma energy, they can make immortality a reality.

In 2030, two scientists test and find no signs of aging. Karina Milsa reports that they couldn't have done it without Dr. Frank's help. She later notes that he doesn't seem happy about it. He answers that mankind might lose its reproductive functions in exchange for its immortality. She says they don't have indication of that, but he says it's inevitable. She asks if he thinks it's wrong for mankind to attain immortality. He says no, that he always wanted to know mankind's pinnacle, but wonders if they'll still be humans at that point. She asks if he means they'll be gods. He smiles at her and says he's an atheist.

''Dr. FRANXX narrates that the treatments led to the loss of reproductive functions, but many still made the choice to become immortal. Around that time, mankind recovered from its rut and quickly approached the apex of material civilization. But the only ones to benefit from it were the rich, with access to immortality and the class divide continues to grow wider. Some years later, to combat the population explosion, a law passed in East Asia to heavily tax childbirth. At the same time, rapid desertification was observed in the southern parts of North America. Some identified the mining of magma energy as the cause, but they were ignored.''

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.

In 2036, humanity's immortality rate exceeded 70% and the rest were scheduled to complete their procedures withing two years. But he still refuses to.

Karina asks if he still can't bring himself to undergo the procedure. He says that he doesn't like having his body messed with. He says he'd prefer to replace it with a mechanical one. She smiles and asks if he doesn't think it's time he stopped to think about his future. He says that isn't like him and asks if she isn't going under the knife. She says she wants to have a child. He is surprised and says he didn't think she had a partner. She says that he's dense and hasn't noticed her feelings. He says that she should asks him for dinner instead of himself. She says that she did. He is still confused, and she asks if he isn't being too dense. He asks if she means him and says that she has bad taste.

''By that time, desertification had become a serious issue across the globe, and APE presented to nations its plantation project, which would be humanity's ark. It essentially became the leader of the world.''

In 2037, at an offshore magma energy mine, a klaxosaur appeared and destroyed the mining facility and made a landfall, only stopping after several nuclear missiles hit it. The eastern half of the Australian continent became an exclusion zone. They were called klaxosaurs for "screaming reptiles," and began showing up everywhere. They too were attracted to magma energy mines. The plantations turned into mobile anti-klaxosaur fortresses, cities were abandoned, and mankind disappeared from the surface.

Karina asks where he is going, and he answers that they've secured a decently preserved klaxosaur corpse in Alaska. She says they were supposed to submit their marriage registration next week. He tells her to submit it if he's not back. She later signs her section alone.

He was enthralled that their bodies could be both mechanical and organic, and thought they were extremely beautiful. He noticed that it contained the same XX chromosomes seen in female humans. He was appointed lead developer of an anti-klaxosaur weapon, the FRANXX.

In 2042, they hold the 13th startup trial for the FRANXX prototype. It hit a roadblock where it wouldn't start up. After rigorous testing, it was discovered that the pilot needed to possess reproductive functions.

Werner tells Karina that she didn't have to volunteer herself. She enters and it begins to move, but it smashes its head against the wall and she dies.

Tests continue and many lives are lost. They are injected with yellow blood cells that act as a conduit to the FRANXX and have them ride in male-female pairs. After losing its reproductive functions, mankind found a need for new children. As parasites, pilots of the FRANXX, they were called "children," and were made to refer to the rest of them as adults.

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 walks up and Ichigo asks about Zero Two. He says she just needs some final tune-ups. He tells the group that he's thinking of directly asking Papa to return them to normal.

In the initial usage phase of the FRANXX, entire squads would die off, taking the klaxosaurs down with them. They developed weapons that worked on klaxosaurs. After massive sacrifices, they started formulating an effective way to kill them. The Garden was founded as a facility to nature the children and the plantations were fitted with a quarantine zone for parasites, Mistilteinn. Because parasites needed emotions, they found that antiquated environments were best suited to raising them. Their health is monitored in extreme detail, and everything is controlled to keep them in the best possible shape. Eventually, the "adults" forgot about the existence of klaxosaurs and obtained eternal tedium. He says that, at that time, his interest of the future of mankind had faded, and he engrossed himself in research into a perfected lifeform. A strange rumor began that said the klaxosaurs had a leader and APE discovered where it was hiding.

Papa tells him that he can go under the condition that he bring back a sample of DNA.

They found remains of an unknown, ancient civilization. A voice asks why they are there and why they kill their brethren. Werner realizes that she's transmitting directly into their brains. A member of SP says they're being surrounded. She says that they're needlessly belligerent. Everyone but Werner is killed and she orders that he be brought to her.

She appears before him and he thinks she's the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen in his life. She orders him to hold out his hand and then she sniffs it. She says she smells her brethren on him and that his sins are far too grave to be punished with mere death. She licks his hand and bites off his arm. He says that he remained in love with her and might have already lost all of his humanity. She spits out his arm and tells him to tell his kind not to lay a hand on her brethren anymore.

Looking at his robotic hand, 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.

Zero Two sits outside. He stares at her horns and she calls him a pervert. He smiles and tells her that they made their decision. He holds out his hand and they walk away. The doctor watches them walk away holding hands.

He narrates that fate is more often cruel, but it can be powerless in the face of desire. He thinks that she would hate him if she knew.

In a flashback, Werner Frank wakes up in his hospital bed with a fist full of the Klaxosaur Princess' hair and makes an embryo out of it.

Episode 20
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.

Gorilla says that they don't need to worry and Baboon says that that's why they modified it for so long. Another says that they're implanting Strelizia in Star Entity's core. Papa says to Zero Two that it is for that purpose that they raised her. She is unimpressed, but Hiro grabs her hand and asks what happens after that. He says that the future will belong to humanity if they defeat the klaxosaurs. He says they won't call him "Papa" anymore and they'll control their own destiny.

Hachi tells Dr. FRANXX that Hringhorni is ready for action. Dr. FRANXX asks if a massive spear built using Klaxosaur cores was necessary. He asks how Nana is, and Hachi answers that she's briefing the squad. He says that he didn't mean that Nana, but says to do as he likes.

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, Zero Two, Dr. FRANXX, and Hachi go down an elevator with Strelizia. Hiro and Zero Two discuss their plans and Zero Two says she doesn't care as long as they're together. She is about to say something about the last page of the book, but stops herself. They kiss as they promise to be together forever.

They reach the bottom of Gran Crevasse. Zero Two hears something coming and they leave. One of the snake klaxosaur break through the wall and 001 says she won't allow them to do what they wish with their child. Dr. FRANXX asks if she's there to take back Star Entity, but he says she can't since she's the last surviving klaxo sapiens. He says he'll operate it with her, since he always dreamed of it since they met. She suddenly pins him down and says she needs no partner, but she will use the one he's offered.

Strelizia tries to open a gate, but can't. 001 catches up and pulls Zero Two out, saying that she's a duplicate that does not realize she is being used by the invaders. She says she isn't fit to pilot their child before throwing her out. She kisses Hiro and says he must not be an ordinary human before closing the door. She says she will devour him and opens the door.

At Cosmos, Gorilla says that the worst has come to pass and the work on 002 will be in vain. Marmoset says that if she connects to Star Entity, they'll be defeated. The Vice Chairman says they've already taken measures.

Hachi and Dr. FRANXX see that she connected to Strelizia, and Dr. FRANXX falls into Hachi. He says he wasn't expecting her to link with a human and thinks she will devour once again.

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.

Zero Two continues to walk staggering and says she'll keep her promise to Hiro.

Episode 21
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.

Hiro curses as 001 struggles. He connects to her consciousness. He asks if she's been alone since humanity existed. Zero Two walks along looking for Hiro. The other parasites watch as VIRM kills other parasites. They wonder who they should be fighting.

Dr. FRANXX says that the detonation stalled once Hiro connected, the explosion is triggered by stampede mode. Zero Two says that he bought them some time before collapsing.

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.

001 says that VIRM got her and that it's no use. Hiro asks about VIRM and how long she'd been alive. 001 says that it has been more than sixty million years. They inhabited Earth as an advanced civilization. One day, VIRM arrived. They were a group mind with no physical bodies, and they wanted them to cast aside their bodies and join. During war, they forged themselves into immortal weapons and evolved into Klaxosaurs. By the time they fought off VIRM, fighting and warfare were all that remained of their civilization and they lost their ability to procreate. The enemy they fought off was VIRM's vanguard. To prepare for their return, they went underground and the weak turned themselves into energy, and the strong combined to evolve into even stronger weapons.

Zero Two wakes up and says that 001 called her a fake. Dr. FRANXX says that 001 is the sole survivor of the klaxo sapiens, and she is her clone. She was created to operate Star Entity on behalf of the human race. He says that she was the only success. He created the 9's using her cells too, but they didn't inherit the Klaxosaur blood. She says that she's going to save Hiro and she doesn't care about the rest. Dr. FRANXX says he'll go as well.

As Unit 13 continues, they run into the 9's. They command them to return and continue to follow Papa's orders. They kill more klaxosaur, but are attacked and killed by VIRM.

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.

As they break through the wall, the snake klaxosaur dies. She opens the door to Strelizia and tries to revive Hiro. She finds out that he's covered in blood and that they'd run out of time. Her horns break free and her skin turns red and she kisses him. 001 gives the rest of her strength to them. She stakes the planet on them.

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.

Panting, Hiro smiles and says to Zero Two that they did it. She doesn't respond, and her face is lifeless as her horn crumbles. }}

Zero Two
Hiro first met Zero Two when she was skinny dipping. Despite that others may discriminate her for her horns, he found that they are alluring. When they met, both of them were lonely and shared the struggle of not being able to pilot. After kissing Zero Two and piloting Strelizia, he was keen to do it again and prove his ability. Hiro blushes when Zero Two is around him, and is comfortable with her presence.

In episode 12, Hiro tells Zero Two that he loves her and they almost have sex with each other due of Zero Two impulse.

In Episode 13, An unusual phenomenon begins within Zero Two's body. Zero Two was now more hostile than ever. Even the words of Hiro, her partner, were getting out of reach. In the middle of such a fight, Hiro connects deeply with the consciousness of Zero Two and catches a glimpse of the memory that was their childhood. A young Hiro had just witnessed a girl with red skin and horns being pulled to another room by an Adult. Curious, he persued her and was petrified to see her being used as a lab rat, subject to torture, etc. Unwilling to watch her suffer, Hiro broke her out of her cell and together, they hid in the forest. Hiro was kind enough to look after her, talk to her, gave her sweet and even tended to her wounds. Time passes by, and one day, Hiro and the girl rested under a white tree. Hiro promises the girl that he will be her Darling. Overcame with joy, she broke into tears. But their happiness was cut short when they were arrested and brainwashed. Hiro then woke up in Strelizia, tears welling down his face. That girl was Zero Two, who is currently out of control, beating up her teammates. Hiro confronted her. Tears flowed down both their faces.

In Episode 14, as Hiro is forcibly separated from his partner, he tries to escape the hospital room he is locked in by the rest of the squad to see Zero Two, but only finds a ruined empty bedroom in Mistilteinn. He comes to realize she also went out to look for him in the hospital. However, when he arrives in his room again, he finds an outraged Zero Two holding Ichigo by the neck, while the rest of Squad 13 lies unconcious. Ichigo is then thrown to the ground. Ichigo tells Hiro to run. Zero Two, with a devious grin, invites Hiro to "talk lots and lots". Hiro scolds her for being such a monster. causing Zero Two not to despise him, but to understand the damage she's made and how unfair she's been to the one she holds dearest. Feeling like she needs to be punished for her misdeeds, a depressed Zero Two consents to leave Cerasus and meet the Nines for the battle of Gran Crevasse, this time by the side of disposable stamens, leaving as Hiro cries. When he tries once more to retrieve her, Ichigo stops him, confessing her love for him while Hiro instead pays attention to the sky as Zero Two's plane leaves the area.

In Episode 15, Hiro had a chat with Dr. Franxx. It was after this event that Hiro made up his mind. He was not going to abandon Zero Two, recklessly charging through the battlefield in a Training unit, armed with nothing but a wooden board. He fell. Blood slowly oozed from his forehead, but he was not going to give up just yet. Goro, seeing his efforts, allows him a first class seat inside Delphinium with Ichigo. Together, they reached Strelitzia. Hiro managed to make his way into the cockpit and consoles Zero Two. In return, Zero Two reciprocates Hiro feelings towards her, resulting in Strelizia "evolving". They then annihilated a super Lehman class Klaxosaur while screaming each other's name out loud.

Ichigo
Ichigo is Hiro's childhood friend. He cares a lot about her, but seems to be oblivious to her feelings for him. When Hiro piloted Delphinium with her, their compatibility was 100%, higher than any other pair. However, their FRANXX deactivated shortly after. When Ichigo kissed him at the end of episode 2, he felt nothing but guilt. In episode 14, Ichigo confesses her feelings for Hiro and forces herself on a kiss, despite his visible discomfort. She tells him she loves him and doesn't regret their kiss in the mock battle, saying she will try her best to make them pilot together.

Ichigo, after synchronizing her mind with Hiro in Episode 15, saw Hiro's fond memories with Zero Two. Finally giving up on Hiro, Ichigo decides to support Hiro and Zero Two together.

Goro
Goro and Hiro have a good relationship and grew-up together. He's often supportive of Hiro and cheers him on in his endeavors, hoping that he finds success and happiness. Likewise, he hates seeing him hurt and so learning that Hiro is dying from piloting with Zero Two leaves the latter feeling frustrated.

Nevertheless, Goro supports Hiro and Zero Two, and sees Zero Two as an ally.

Zorome
Zorome and Hiro have clashing personalities. Zorome often would mock Hiro of his inability to pilot. However, after Hiro pilots Strelizia with Zero Two and saves him alongside the rest of the squad, Hiro makes amends with him, and states that he will try not to be a burden to Zorome and will fight alongside him, which gained his respect

Mitsuru
Mitsuru and Hiro have a negative relationship. Mitsuru used to look up to Hiro, but finds his inability to pilot pathetic. He mocks him and seems to have an inferiority complex against him. He is desperate to prove that he is better than Hiro, stating that he will even become the stamen of Strelizia because he is able to ride it just as good as Hiro. However, he is left greatly injured after riding in Strelizia, which makes him anxiously think about why Hiro can pilot it so well while he can't, showing his great jealousy of Hiro.

It's later revealed that Mitsuru cold attitude towards Hiro stemmed from their childhood. Mitsuru once promised Hiro that they would ride a Franxx together. But, due of Dr FRANXX wiping the latter's memory, Hiro forgot about that promise. Mitsuru view this as an act of betrayal and hated Hiro ever since. Hiro later remembered his promise in episode 13 and confronted Mitsuru in episode 14, apologizing for what had happened. Mitsuru said he had forgotten about that already. Whether he forgives Hiro or not remains unclear.

Naomi
His former partner while training to become Parasites. When tested in their ability to connect they failed. Naomi was expelled, and Hiro chose to leave, despite HQ giving him the rare chance to remain in hopes of getting a partner that is compatible with him. Naomi cares for Hiro enough that she gets upset that he chose to leave Plantation 13 along with her. When they're meant to get on a transport to leave, she prevents him from getting on board by throwing her suitcase at him. The last thing she tells him is that she likes the name he gave her, and that she hopes he finds a good partner.

She had supposedly survived the klaxosaur attack and had gone under medical treatment.

She appears again in Episode 6, in the moment when Hiro almost dies, reminding him that his partner (Zero Two) needs him, also that he is lying to himself upon the fact that he is satisfied and that he thinks had done his best.

Dr. FRANXX
Dr. Franxx once commented that :" That boy (Hiro) might be the one to fulfill Zero Two's request". But, upon meeting him personally, he warns Hiro that if he wants to be with Zero Two forever, he musn't let her consume him.

In episode 15, they had a chat. Dr. Franxx remarks about how Zero Two is such a marvelous creation, yet is always so lonely, like a Klaxosaur. Hiro objected, saying that she's human. Intrigued, the doctor turns around to look at Hiro. He says that he had thought she (Zero Two) may have finally found a partner as Hiro prepares to leave for Zero Two.

Papa
Along with APE's council (Known as Lamarck Club, or Seven Sages), Papa refers to Hiro as the "Special Specimen".

Klaxosaur Princess
Hiro and the Klaxosaur Princess were connected temporarily in Strelizia and she considers him as no ordinary human after looking at his small horns and some klaxosaur blood in his veins.

Etymology
Hiro's nickname may use some of the numeral's readings from his real name "Code:016": hi from 1 and ro from 6.

Quotes
"I feel myself going deeper inside you!"

- Episode 4

"I'm your partner. I'm not going to leave you alone."

- Episode 6

"Yeah. Once we get out of here.. I want to be with you forever too. And then I'll be your Da...*Static Noise*"

- Episode 13

"The picture book... You were the girl with the picture book back then, weren't you?"

- Episode 13

"This world is surely much, much larger than we can ever imagine! We couldn't do it back then, but this time, for sure, let's go to the outside world together!"

- Episode 15

Trivia

 * Hiro gave everyone in Squad 13 their names except for Ikuno.

Хиро