Infinite Stratos: Shades of Love
Chapter 1: A New Life
AN: So it's been like since January since I posted a story. I had school and everything and it just ended a couple days ago. I graduate from high school this Wednesday! Woo! Well to start off my come back I decided to start a new story. Not a one shot this time. Please read the AN at the end and good reading to you!
Disclaimer: I do not own Infinite Stratos or any other anime/manga I decide to implement in my story.
Story start!
"Haaa…what is that, the seventh attack this week?"
Wiping the blood off my gloves on a nearby body I walked out of the alley way. If you were to look back you would see ten plus bodies strewn about, all moaning in pain.
I know popularity couldn't be bought but I was starting to regret beating those punks up in the park a couple weeks ago. How was I supposed to know they were a part of the strongest dojo around here? They were all weak anyway. Men really have fallen far in this age.
If you're wondering why men have fallen this far, it was all because of my beautiful-ahem I mean the creation of Infinite Stratos, a powered exo-skeleton originally designed for space exploration but was turned into a sport because of the Alaska Treaty. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on your view point, IS could only be piloted by women. Hence why the blueprint for male dominance has switched to female dominance in the ten years since its creation.
Huh, are you wondering who I am? Well, my name is Orimura Ichika and I just happen to be the little brother of the strongest woman in the world, Orimura Chifuyu. She won The Mondo Grosso, an international IS tournament, two times in a row. The giant shadow casted over me because of her really bothers me but I tend to ignore it. We have actually become less close ever since a couple years ago. But that's a story for another time.
What was I doing before I was attacked randomly? Oh yeah I was heading over to take my high school entrance exams. I didn't like relying on Nee-sama's income and the school I'm trying to get into employs the students into their company after they graduate. It's a win-win for me.
Entering the building, I walked around searching for the examination hall. What's with this 'I'm too stylish to design this logically feeling?' These ceilings are definitely way too tall and all those lights packed together are a big waste of electricity! I'm totally lost from this maze like design.
Frustrated, I just opened the door closest to me. That should be the correct answer right? Walking in, I was instantly assaulted by a woman's voice.
"Ah—you should be an examinee, right? Hurry up and get changed! We're running out of time and we can only loan it up till 4 o'clock. Really, what is the government thinking?"
"Wai—
"Just do as I say!"
As this irritating woman screeched at me, she gave step by step instructions to do something I couldn't understand, and not once did she look at me. How weird.
"The things they do to prevent cheating…"
Walking into the changing room I was about to put my stuff down before I noticed it—that 'it' was an IS. The creation that shattered men's pride and gave rise to female superiority.
Guessing it wouldn't hurt to examine it, I walked over. The thing was just a huge metal dummy to me anyway. Hmmm standard mass produced Uchi-gane. Thinking about the overall design, I absently touched it.
"Eh!"
Ting! A sound of metal echoes in my mind.
Next, I felt that all sorts of information were shoved into my mind. The basic movements of the IS, operation time, capabilities, characteristics, weapons, and everything I wanted to know but yet unable to know appeared in front of me—before now.
What was with this nostalgic feeling? As if I've been piloting an IS for years, I understood everything, and even mastered it. It was a strange feeling to say the least.
All of sudden, my vision became clearer. Numbers started directly appearing in my mind.
"Is this… the Hypersensor?"
It moved. The IS started to wrap around my body.
I felt something expanding on my skin—mucosal armor extended… over.
My body suddenly felt light, I felt that I just lost weight—jets operation normal…confirm.
Absently, I felt like a futuristic samurai and the only thing I needed was a katana. As if according to my wishes, I felt a weight materialize into my hand—close range combat knife…extend.
So this is how my sister feels…this sudden increase of knowledge in the world, ultra-aware components in most comfortable mode…complete.
I understood everything about what it does. Despite only having studied it a little, I understood more than I should have in the couple months I researched about it.
"Hyaaaa!"
Turning around at the noise, I saw a petite green haired woman with the most voluptuous breasts I've ever seen—second to Tabane-chan of course—charging at me in an IS. She was rearing back her right arm as if to throw a punch at me. Hmmm a Raphael Revive of the Dunois Company?
"A guy!"
Reacting purely on instinct—and noting on the side her look of shock of a guy piloting an IS, something I was still surprised that I can do—I used the flat of my katana to bat away her offending punch to the side, breaking her guard and catching her off balance.
Instantly materializing another katana, I went for a diagonal slash across her chest that connected with the IS shields. Spinning around in the direction of my swing, my other katana flashed out aimed right for her temple. She never saw it coming. Probably too surprised that a man was piloting an IS. Instant KO.
After that my world changed.
XxSceneChangexX
"—and what should Orimura Ichika do? As the first male IS pilot he—"
Turning off the T.V., I shook my head. The news and every other media outlet was filled with 'Orimura Ichika' and 'first male IS pilot'. I was kind of sick of it already.
Sitting on my sofa, I heard the door open.
My beautiful older sister, Orimura Chifuyu, came walking in. This was a surprise—or maybe not considered what happen—but Nee-sama rarely comes home. About once every three months and even then she doesn't stay long.
Our relationship really has fallen ever since the second Mondo Grosso six years ago.
She looked at me and I saw a brief flash of pain in her eyes before she tossed me a package. It seems she still blames herself huh…
"That's your new uniform. You'll be attending the IS Academy from now on." With those short two sentences between siblings, she walked passed me and up the stairs into her room. The door closing loudly behind her.
I sighed. The reason she was like this was because of that day six years ago. The day I found a purpose but also the day Nee-sama almost lost hers.
I don't like to be reminded of it and I always feel the need to beat something up after. I would do that now but it seems this 'phone book' that came with my uniform doesn't want me to. This is going to be a long night.
XxSceneChangexX
Getting into the car that would take me to the station and then IS Academy, I couldn't help but a feel little trepidation. Just me and all of these girls for the next three years. How is this paradise Dan! Oh, Dan is a friend of mine from junior high. He seems to think one guy in a school full of girls is paradise or something. What is this, the anime or manga I draw?
It was just me, Nee-sama, and two people in black suits in the car. The atmosphere was so tense that you could only cut it with Yukihira. Making it one very awkward car ride.
Stopping at the station, I was ushered out of the car.
"Take the next ride to IS Academy. The fair is already paid for and everything." One of the Men in Black wannabes told me. Nee-sama was also in the car but I guess she didn't want to see me off…
"Okay." They drove off.
Stepping into the station and grabbing my ticket. I was suddenly attacked by a multitude of stares. From the regular passerbys to other students of IS Academy being wished off by their parents, I was the target of every stare.
I felt like a zoo animal or something. Whispers started shooting off about me like I wasn't there. I can hear everything you know? And no, I will not be turned over! Whatever that means.
Bells started going off, signaling the arrival of the train bound for IS Academy.
Sighing—something I happen to be doing a lot—I stepped onto the train to be greeted by multitudes of females. Then the stares and whispers broke out again.
This is going to be a long three years.
XxSceneChangexX
Walking into my classroom, designated as 1-1, all of sudden it became eerily quiet. Once again I was struck by the ray like stares of those who happened to be my fellow classmates for the next year.
As expected of IS Academy, the classroom was state of the art. With built in computers and holopads, it had everything! At least I know where all the taxes have been going now…
Scratching the back of my head nervously, I looked around for my seat. But as I was looking I noticed something really familiar looking.
Wait, that woman-like pony tail, that resentful glance…! Could it be?
"Houki-chan!"
Rushing over to her, I immediately hugged her and started spinning her around.
"S-Stop it, y-you idiot!" Huh her face is all red now. Is she sick on the first day of school all ready? That's bad Houki-chan! You need to take better care of yourself! Although if this feeling on my chest is anything to go by, Houki-chan has been taking GREAT care of herself. I'll just stop this train of thought now.
Putting her down, I smiled at her. The redness on her face seemed to increase.
"It's been six years Houki but I still recognized you immediately."
"E-eh? T-that's good." Awe is she shy?
"I-idiot it's not that! You're causing a scene!" Oh mind reading now? It's been awhile since I've had this feeling.
Looking around me the intensity of the stares increased. And I heard things like "who is that girl?' and 'what relationship does she have with him?' and the ever so random 'Has he started his harem plan already? I want to be a part of it! Pick me!' Harem? I have no plan for such a thing.
"Hahaha… I guess you're right. Let's talk after class!"
"O-okay."
Just then the bell rang. So I decided to sit in my seat. It just so happened to be in the middle of the first row! With this obvious masculine upper body I'll no doubt be noticed even more. Sigh.
As I regressed into my inner monologue and reflected on how I actually arrived here, I was broken out of my thoughts by the sound of someone's voice.
"…san. Orimura Ichika-san!"
Oh? It's the petite green haired girl from the entrance exam. Why is she in front of the class? Is she okay from that one hit I gave her? I have so many questions. She doesn't look old enough to teach but if she is, she suddenly looks more appealing than before.
"ORIMURA ICHIKA-SAN!"
"Huh? Uh yes I'm here!" I stood up from my desk knocking over my books as I did so. The class burst out into laughter behind me. How embarrassing…
"W-well, I'm sorry for calling you out so loudly. Did I startle you? Sorry-sorry! But, the self-introductions... we started from 'あ' (a) , and now we're at 'お (o)' for Orimura-san now. So, pl-please, could you introduce yourself? Co-could you?"
"Ah there's no need to say sorry so many times but before that I have something to ask you."
"W-What is it Orimura-kun?"
The class and her all stilled and awaited my question with rapt attention. Wait what is this feeling? I'm not going to say anything world changing so stop expecting it from me!
"Who…are you?"
DANG~ the sounds of 30 students and one teacher face faulting reached my ears.
"E-eh? W-who am I? D-did you miss my introduction? My name should be behind me on the screen!"
How did I miss that? I guess the allure of older woman has a greater effect on me than I thought. For me to miss something so obvious…
"Ah sorry about that. I just noticed. I'll introduce myself now."
Yamada Maya as I just recently read off the screen perked up all of a sudden.
"Y-you said it! So you better do it properly okay!"
Turning around, I could now feel the stares at my front. Such an intense feeling.
Sweating slightly I began my introduction.
"Ah I'm Orimura Ichika. It's nice to meet you all! Um I like to cook and hang out with my friends when I'm not beating up gangs. I dislike it when I'm attacked randomly throughout the day. My hobbies include sparring and drawing manga. If you have any question please feel free to ask me after class. Please take care of me!" I bowed my head.
A sudden applause greeted my ears. Thank god that went well. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't even do this properly.
Sitting down, Yamada-sensei took this as her cue to continue the introductions.
"Okay next is—
The door suddenly slid opened and I was greeted to the sight of an older women with a black tight fitting skirt, tall and slim, and the body line of someone who doesn't look muscular even after lots of training. Her hands folded in front of her chest, her sharp slim phoenix eyes would remind anyone of wolves. Oh wait that was my sister. Hmmm good thing Tabane-chan told me she was a teacher or I would definitely be surprised.
"Ah, Orimura-sensei, is the meeting over?"
"Ah, Yamada-sensei. It's been tough on you having them have to introduce themselves."
"I-it was actually no problem at all! They all did wonderful."
"Oh? That's surprising." She glanced at me as if expecting it to be my fault. I'm not entirely the same anymore Nee-sama… or should I say Orimura-sensei? Maybe if you came earlier…
"Everyone, my name is Orimura Chifuyu, and my duty is that for this one year, I'll be training you in the operations and controls of IS. Everything I teach, you have to remember, and understand. To those who can't understand, I'll teach till they can. My job is to thoroughly train you in your youth, from the age of 15 to 16. You can dislike my attitude, but you still have to do what I say. Understood?"
At least the way she speaks is the same. The amount of violence it promises is just like her! I can't say the same for us though…maybe I could use this as a chance to repair our relationship? We're both at fault…
"KYAAA—! It's Chifuyu-sama, it's the real Chifuyu-sama herself!"
"I've always been your follower!"
"I came to this school from North Kyuushuu because I admired you, onee-sama!"
"I came all the way from southern Hokkaido!"
"I'm so happy to be taught by Chifuyu-sama!"
"I'll gladly die for Chifuyu-sama!"
"Chifuyu-sama marry me!"
Like hell she would marry you. She would sooner kill you.
Orimura-sensei sighed and put a hand on her head.
"...it's really quite a sight to see so many idiots gather here every year. What a surprise? Or is there a special reason? Are these idiots here only to attend my class?"
Yes. Yes they are Nee-sama. Your cold attitude is rather refreshing after not seeing it for a while but you could still be a little gentler okay?
"KYAAAHH! ONEE-SAMA! SCOLD US MORE! CONTINUE TO SCOLD US MORE!"
"BUT BE GENTLE TO US FROM TIME TO TIME!"
"AND BE EXTREMELY ELEGANT AFTERWARDS~!"
At least my classmates are good at being energetic.
Just as I thought of it, the bell rang.
"Oh my, SHR is over. Everyone, I'll have you people memorize the basics of IS within the next 6 months. After that, it's practicals, you must let the basic maneuvers sink in as a part of your body's actions within half a month. Okay? If you understand, answer me. Whether good or bad, answer to whatever I say."
Yes even though I've been totally ignored, seeing Nee-sama act like this is really nostalgic. However at this IS Academy I'm going to take this chance to mend our relationship to what it was before…and maybe more! At least the last part was Tabane-chan's idea. I honestly don't understand.
XxSceneChangexX
AN: I'll stop it right there because I want some more input and criticism before I continue. As you can see, Chifuyu and Ichika's relationship isn't close at all! At least I tried to portray it that way. It's only the beginning so it's not as noticeable I suppose. Things will definitely change as the story progresses. Ichika's personality is different but the same. I gave him some fighting skills and I guess a little bit of Tabane but who do you think he has been spending time with? Oh and I needed to borrow some from the light novel so please forgive me for that.
Please read and review. I appreciate all types of input.