Darling in the FranXX: Insurrection

Chapter 12- Twilight

Hello everyone, we are back with another update. We are once again headed into the fire so prepare yourself for lots of things happening quickly. This is also the second longest chapter to date so you may wish to take it in more than one sitting. As always feel free to leave any questions or comments! I love hearing from you guys!

Following the serpent Klaxosaur's escape from the carnage-laden battlefield, the remaining Conrad-class had scattered. It seemed that just as the creature had been responsible for rallying them, its withdrawal had been enough to break them once more. That left no further enemies for you to defeat... which was good, because none of you had the will to continue fighting after witnessing Squad 70's sacrifice.

You all were shaken by their unexpected, unprecedented, and violent end, so much that not a single one of you were able to connect in your FranXX to make your way home. As a result, Plantation 13 had to provide transport for everyone and their FranXX in the form of a small army of trucks. Nana and Hachi had been waiting in the docking bay when you arrived, but no one had a said a word to either of them and they hadn't offered any of their own.

Back in Mistilteinn, a miasma of despair had fallen over the normally upbeat house. No one spoke, no one ate, and no one slept. It was all impossible. You couldn't escape the feeling of dread that had descended upon everyone, and for good reason. It would seem that only sheer dumb luck had kept you from being the executors of Protocol 32, as the archives called it.

In the morning after a sleepless night, you roll out of bed. You are vaguely aware of the pain in your backside after hitting the floor, but pay it no mind. Hiro appears to be up as well, changing by his dresser. You follow suit, slowly changing into a clean uniform. As you glance up to the mirror you can clearly see the heavy lines and rings around your eyes, and the haggard look written across your face. You rub your eyes distractedly, but stop upon finding that it seems to make you look even worse. As you finish, the two of you silently make your way to the dining room like it was any other morning.

Inside, only two members of the squad have already arrived, with the majority yet to show. Mitsuru sits in his usual chair closest to the room's corner, while Ikuno mirrors him on the girl's side. Both you and Hiro take your seats, but neither of you reaches for the food or drink that has been prepared and served for you. Mitsuru's plate is also barren, and Ikuno simply stares at hers blankly, her book nowhere to be seen.

The four of you sit in silence for the five minutes that it takes for the remaining members to slowly file in. Their expressions and dress tell all. Kokoro, for the first time you've ever seen, has put no effort into her appearance. Dark bags fill the area beneath her eyes and she wears no makeup. Even her usually pristine hair has been thrown into a sloppy bun, and several long strands have fallen out. However, the most indicative part must be her eyes. The sparkle that the orbs so often hold has been diminished, leaving them to look bleak and hazy, almost dead. Kokoro had always been, from what you'd experienced, the happiest and most lighthearted member of Squad 13. She was its heart. But today, that girl was nowhere to be found. And if she was broken, it could only be worse for the others.

Eventually everyone arrives and takes their seats, but the atmosphere doesn't change in the slightest. Zorome and Futoshi glance at each other and around the room, although they also remain quiet. Usually Ichigo would have led you in prayer at this point, but she stares down at her plate and gives no sign of an intent to do otherwise.

The sound of a chair scraping across the wooden floor beside you draws your attention. Hiro stands, casting his gaze over the room. When his eyes return to you, he takes a deep breath and utters the first words of the morning.