Code 002

Today's blog is about one of the most famous waifus out there. We all know her, and we all love her: Code 002 from Darling in the Franxx, better known as Zero Two. While the anime shows us the breathtaking story of Zero Two and Hiro with a lot of vigor, first-class animation and music that touches the heart, the manga offers us other in-depth insights into the beloved characters. So, if you want to experience the full spectrum, you have to watch the anime and also read the manga.

Spoiler Alert! If you haven't seen and/or read Darling in the FranXX yet, you should stop reading here. And if you read on anyway, don't complain afterwards. Have fun ;)

The unique character of Zero Two is wonderfully portrayed right at the beginning when she tells the story of the Jian, the bird that shares wings. This bird has only one wing and is therefore unable to fly independently. Only when a male and female Jian join forces can they act as a unit and finally fly together. This story of this imperfect bird perfectly describes the scenario in which Zero Two finds herself at the beginning of the story. On the surface, she is not able to pilot a FranXX with only one partner permanently, as the strain on the male part eventually becomes so great that he dies. This is why she has to change her partner regularly, because at this point she is unable to get along permanently with just one partner. A terribly lonely existence. But if you look behind the facade, you realize that this loneliness doesn't have to be so dark. If you are unable to make a lasting commitment to a certain partner, then it simply isn't meant to be. There is nothing “right” or “wrong” about this. There is nothing “right” or “wrong” about you. Every person is completely unique. Just because you don't get along with most people doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. Whether you are an outsider or not doesn't matter, because only one thing really counts: doing what you think is right for yourself. Just like Zero Two. She doesn't allow herself to be put down by being called a “partner killer”, but she remains true to herself and her nature. She doesn't pretend. She is the colorful and adventurous person that she is and that we all love. And if she crosses boundaries, she doesn't care because she only listens to her own heart. That was also the reason why Hiro fell in love with her. He saw her for who she really is from the very first moment and was touched by her beauty. After all, there are only two options left. Either you remain anxious and alone forever and don't even dare to approach your next or first potential partner. Or you can stay true to yourself, just grab someone you like and give it a go. Zero Two never gives up and keeps on fighting until she finally finds her partner – her long-awaited darling.

During the time she joined Hiro and his squad, however, her inner conflict became more and more intense. Self-doubt suddenly arises because she doesn't know if Hiro will remain her partner forever or if she will end up lonely again. This difficult time is a test for her to find out who she really is and what she really wants. The other members of Squad 13 also have their own problems to deal with. Be it the daily pressure, their own egos or stress with their partners. After all, the world is constantly changing. No one can step into the same river twice because the river, like all things, is ever-changing and is no longer the same when you step into it the second time. Also, you aren't the same person, either. This shows us how human we all are because everyone has to live with change. After all, Zero Two didn't know if she could really be a partner for Hiro now or if she would just remain an eternally lonely monster. Only after she was able to enter Hiro's mind, and vice versa, did they both know that they could now trust each other completely. This underlines how important communication is in our lives. Communication with our fellow human beings and, above all, communication with ourselves. Again, Zero Two shows us how important it is to never lose faith in yourself. When a major threat appeared on the battlefield, she didn't hide in fear but charged straight at the problem with strength and determination. After all, problems don't solve themselves. And if you cause problems yourself from time to time because of your own nature, it's still not a bad thing as long as you fix them at the end of the day. Besides, something is only really a problem when it is recognized as such. And in order to be able to recognize it as such, the person's perspective must first allow this. Because what is a problem for one person is a blessing for another. What Zero Two is trying to tell us is that you are not a problem, a troublemaker or a monster just because others say that about you. What you say about yourself is much more important. Once you know that, you can live a much freer life.

Last but not least, Zero Two also shows us what she wants: her darling, Hiro. She doesn't hide behind a false mask and hopes that by passively waiting for him, she will eventually get his attention. She grabs him with both hands and convinces him every day why she is the only right partner for him. But she not only proves this to him, but also to herself. Each of us is great in a very special way, just as Zero Two is in her very own way. But not everyone is rock-solidly convinced of it. And to gain this conviction, we have to prove it to ourselves. We have to earn it ourselves. We have to be clear about who we actually are and what we actually want. Because once we've established that, we can't let anyone or anything talk us into anything else. Just as only Zero Two knows what is right for her, only you can know what is right for you. And once you've decided what's right for you, hold on to it and don't let go, understand?

Just as Zero Two holds on to Hiro, I also hold on to what Zero Two has taught me. Because that is the spirit of Your Waifu. The fact that waifus can offer us so much that improves our lives. Besides graceful beauty, it's also things like the ones in this blog that our waifus give us every day. If you also want to hold on to Zero Two, or even hold her in your hands every day like we do, then you've come to the right place :)