Darling in the FranXX: Insurrection

Chapter 10- The Garden

Hello everyone! I am sure at least some of you read the manga for the series and as a result have seen Delphinium's Stampede form. We will NOT be using that form. Instead we will be sticking with the original concept of her main weapons being her fangs and claws. The one in the manga is like an idea I'd had for her, but was too similar to Strelitzia with the tails, so I decided against using it. That's all I've got, so enjoy the chapter!

Crunch. The freshly fallen snow crackles beneath your feet as you walk. It had begun to snow early last night and continued to do so throughout the morning, steadily worsening. I've always liked it when it snowed, you tell yourself. Then again, I got pretty used to it. It snows all the time at the Garden.

You make your way down the barely-visible path for another several minutes until you lay eyes on your destination. At the edge of Mistilteinn's dome, your squadmates have gathered in a semicircle. The glass separating you from the outside overlooks the horizon, and the others anxiously gaze out across the white expanse.

"I miss anything?" you ask, stopping beside Ichigo. She glances up at you for a moment before shaking her head. "Nothing so far," she answers. "No sign of the Garden," Ikuno confirms. "Good," you comment, causing everyone to look at you.

Most of the squad seemed happy when they had learned a week ago that you would be returning to the Garden for maintenance. Coming back to the place of their childhood was an exciting experience. You, however, had not been as enthusiastic. The only one who seemed to share that sentiment was Zero Two.

"Huh?" Zorome asks, clearly confused by your answer. "I don't like that place," you elaborate. "Too many bad memories." You're too absorbed in your own thoughts to notice, but after you stop speaking, Ichigo's hand hesitantly makes its way towards yours. However, before it does, its owner seems to think better of herself and slowly returns it to her pocket.

"Well I didn't think it was that bad," Zorome says as a slight chirping sound comes from beside you. Everyone turns to face the source of the noise, except you. While Ichigo fishes out her communicator you start to make out a few scattered lights in the distance, just outside of your vision. "It's Nana," she announces, having turned the device on. "We are to meet her in the docking bay in ten minutes."

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After arriving early to the massive hangar, you wait for Nana and Hachi to escort you to the Garden. The Caretaker and Defense Commander arrive several minutes later, each dressed in heavy winter coats. Nana does a quick head count to ensure everyone is present, and when she is satisfied you are led to the outer doors to begin your voyage.

Upon exiting the plantation, you are greeted by the frigid cold of the outside world. The snow is at its worst yet, and the gales of brisk air throw an uncountable number of the massive flakes at you all. Several of the others shiver and complain about the temperature, but a disinterested glare from Hachi quickly silences them. The wind cuts like a knife across your face and you can feel the color rushing to your cheeks, feebly attempting to keep you warm amidst the snow.

Suddenly, you feel a pressing weight on your left. Glancing to your side, you find a mess of blue hair obstructing your vision. "What are you doing?" you ask Ichigo. "It's so, c-cold," she stutters back. "And you're w-warm." Nearby, you can see Miku standing in Zorome's shadow to hide from the wind. Kokoro leans against Futoshi to fight off the cold and support herself, thanks to the still-healing injury she had suffered when Genista's foot was clawed in the nest. Ikuno and Mitsuru don't seem to be bothered by the weather, but even if they were, you'd never know.

"You don't mind, do you?" Ichigo shivers. For you, never. You give a slight smile, your bleak mood somewhat lightened by the closeness to your partner. She never ceases to cheer you up. "No, Ichigo, I don't mind," you answer, invitingly extending your arm outwards. Ichigo quickly moves under and allows herself to be wrapped up with you inside your overly large coat.