"I will be honest with you 003, I do not know how we are speaking, but I am quite excited to have the chance to do so."

"I'm sure you are old man. Now, let's skip the formalities, we both know what I'm planning to do."

003, the 18-year-old klaxosaur hybrid didn't have time to discuss what he was feeling with the venerated doctor, nor did he have time to undergo any testing that Dr. FranXX undoubtedly yearned to perform on his newly restarted experiment.

"Very well, if that's what you wish. Do you wish to be put into active parasite duty?"

"Yes I would. It's what I was born to do. You'll get to see just how effective two half-klaxosaur hybrids can be when fully synchronized. I'm sure you're just bursting with excitement."

"Your sarcasm still hasn't faded, young dragon. However, there is a problem. 002 had no problems, she even has a reputation for killing her partners due to them not being able to keep up with her. All her past partners have died after three piloting attempts."

"I wonder why. She's like me. Half-klaxosaur. Doesn't exactly work with a normal human. The connection is too intense."

"I would not be so sure. There is one. He has ridden with her for more than three missions, with no reported adverse effects. We don't know what makes him so special, but... She doesn't seem to..."

It wasn't like Dr. FranXX to get held up by something as trivial as this. He was the forerunner on any and all parasite research, development, and everything else that had to do with the FranXX units.

"Doesn't seem to... what?"

"She does not seem to remember you lately... As if she suddenly forgot about you."

For a few moments, 003 simply stares in confusion at what he just heard. Forgot about him? Him? Impossible, surely. He must've just misheard the old man, or maybe his age was catching up to him more than it already had, maybe the old man was finally losing it.

Or was he? 003 knew better, the old man would've had enhancements done to himself to make sure his mind outlasted his body if that was the case. But it was still no less of a shock to the parasite that wanted nothing more than to be with his partner again.

"What? How could she- You didn't wipe her memory, did you? If you did I'll track down those old bastards and-", He stops himself before he lets his klaxosaur side run wild. That would be a direct ticket back into stasis.

"No, we had nothing to do with it. She won't let him go, although there is some confusion as to why she piloted with him in the first place. He's a failure. He can't pilot with anyone either. He was due to be sent to a plant for either termination or suspended animation."

003 drops his voice to one dripping with anger, spitting the words as if they were a bad taste in his mouth.

"So why is he with my partner and not there? And why have you let him stay? He'll be dead soon anyway, due to the connection eroding brain function, so whats the point in prolonging the inevitable?"

"I'm curious. And surprised that you remember that. What were we supposed to do? Keep her from piloting? Just because of an accident?"

"I was five. That's old enough to remember. Klaxosaur blood, remember? Now can we please get moving? I have memories to restore."

"Very well, 003. You have piqued my curiosity. I will be watching closely to see how this plays out. And yes, we did."

"Good. Well, lead on old man, we have work to do. Oh, if I kill him first, it's not my fault."

In Cerasus' meeting room, Nana and Hachi were delivering good news to Squad 13, due to their performance in the last battle.

"Firstly, Zero Two will be officially assigned to Squad 13, and Hiro will be permanently added to the list of active parasites."

There were a few smiles and congratulations passed Hiro's way, Zero Two however, simply sat there, staring off into nothingness, seemingly lost in thought.

"Secondly, Papa has decided to allow you some time on leave, to a nearby beach no less. You will leave in 5 days, you'll have that long to get ready before-"

Nana's briefing and the squad's cheering are interrupted by the chime of the computer screen behind her, signalling an incoming communication. She activates the com-link to be greeted by Dr. FranXX's old, weathered, and metallic visage.

"Hello, doctor, what do we owe this unexpected conversation?" Hachi speaks up, while Nana quiets the squad.

"Hachi, Nana, I am on my way back to Cerasus. Oh, good, the children are there as well. I have someone with me, someone you all know very well. The newest addition to your squad is very acquainted with them."

Zero Two seems to not hear him at first, still staring out into the FranXX docking bay. Its not until Hiro taps her shoulder that she even notices Dr. FranXX on the screen.

"Hmm?" She looks to Hiro. "Did I miss something darling?"

Dr. FranXX could tell that she was not her normal self, but he was anxious to see how 003 would handle this situation, so he dismissed it.

"Do any of you remember Code 003?"

Confused glances and a few 'whats' and 'hmms' get passed around the room, before Hiro speaks up quickly.

"003? Who is that? Do you know them Zero Two?"

She pauses for a moment, seemingly lost for words.

"Zero Two?" Hiro seemed to push her for an answer, but he had his reasons.

"No, though his code seems familiar..."

The doctor would smirk if he could, as the children and their overseers stare confused at Zero Two.

"002. I never said 003 was male."

She stares for a moment before looking back towards the docking bay, just in time to see a APE transport plane arrive in the hangar, and she zones out again, yet she could hear the doctors robotic voice in the background.

"Have the children meet us in the hangar. This reunion will be a sight to see."