Darling in the Franxx: Homecoming

Chapter 28- One Last Request

Hello everyone! You have probably noticed the drawing in the header. It was done by a reader, Yedibear13 on deviantart, and submitted to me. I would like to make a general statement now that anyone who wishes to use my characters in their artwork is free to do so. As a matter of fact, I wholeheartedly encourage it and I'd love to see the works if you do.

Several quick notes regarding the illustration. First and chief among them, 059 may not look as you have him pictured. That is because each reader chooses his appearance, often based on themselves. Similarly, the name listed is the one chosen by the reader who created the art. As a final note in the story Kyu's hair is cut in a bob similar to Ichigo's or Delta's, however I will admit I like this longer haired version of her as well. Maybe we'll have that later, who knows?

In the two weeks following your return to the Bird's Nest things began to happen rapidly.

Zorome began his farming efforts, turning all of the land near the Bird's Nest into fields for growing crops. It was interesting to watch how the previously wound tight Zorome worked so diligently with the land. He truly had adopted the ways of the farmers of old, rising early in the morning and not returning until late in the evening, always covered in dirt and grime. You are fairly certain based on rumors of yelling coming from his room, which Zorome swears must be haunted, that Miku was more than happy to assist in removing it.

The only additional thing worth noting from the fields was that each day more Klaxosaurs left the earth. You had no idea where they were going or what they may be doing when they arrived but the fact that no further Klaxosaur attacks had happened since Papa's departure made you less concerned about it. The one thing that did strike you as odd however was that Strelitzia Apus had been seen coming and going from the planet numerous times. How the massive Franxx was moving on its own without Hiro or Zero Two and why it returned only to leave again were both mysteries to you. 

Ichigo and Goro worked as well together as they always had. Within a few days of you claiming your roles committees were born, and parasites began showing up to assist each of you in your efforts, all claiming to be sent by Codes 015 and 056. You couldn't help but laugh when you saw them out and about though. Ichigo had become recognizable to all parasites so she was often swamped with questions and concerns when she tried to go anywhere, leaving her little time that she could truly be considered off duty.

What made these situations entertaining was Goro. The poor man had taken to carrying a pen and paper around with him and seemed to be more Ichigo's personal scribe than Vice President. He was always scribbling notes as fast as he could while Ichigo gave orders or addressed the next concern. The phrase "Goro take note," had actually become something of a running joke between you boys as a result. 

Futoshi and his kitchen staff somehow managed to feed the five hundred parasites and nearly one hundred adults that remained day in and day out. You and Mitsuru were up to your neck in the repairs being made to the damaged systems of the Bird's Nest, barely giving either of you a moment to enjoy with the ladies in your lives. Kokoro and Kyu were doing their best to keep the parasites calm and cared for.

Unfortunately, Kyu's condition had yet to improve. This made things harder for her and by extension you. She was taking it in stride though, always smiling and still going out of her way to help the other parasites as they struggled to understand this new world where emotions existed and you had the ability to make your own choices.

During that time Epsilon was released from the medical wing. As he'd said previously he wouldn't be walking out but any far as you were concerned any mission you survive is a good one. Owing to Delta and Epsilon's complete lack of skills the pair had taken to shadowing you and Kyu.