Chapter 1 - I.S Academy

The overdue summer holidays.

To Ichika this was the most relaxing time. The Academy was enjoyable, but there was something about the comfort of his own home that was irreplaceable. He had also not seen Gotanda Dan in a while, having another male as company would be a good change of pace. Ichika stretched and checked his room critically, he had taken the items that he needed. He would be back in 6 weeks anyway, there was no need to be worried about leaving things behind.

Ichika's eyes drifted to the twin beds, one occupied by him and the other one previously by Houki, then Charlotte. This year really had been a rollercoaster of a ride. He felt his heart thumping harder and his body burning up. Being the only guy in this Academy was not easy.

Two knocks on his door.

It was almost three in the afternoon. Ichika opened it to see his sister, Orimura Chifuyu. She had a stern expression and her arms were folded over her tight fitting suit. In her hand was a little booklet which she passed onto him without a word. She gave a brief nod before walking away.
"Wait Si-"
He was against the ground. She had just grabbed his head and pile driven him into the floor. If not for her repeated abuse, strengthening his skull to match a Shaolin monk, his head would have split open.

He knew enough to know that she was in a bad mood.

"Orimura-Sensei," he corrected apologetically.
"Good."
"What is this?"

He raised the little booklet with a nervous hand. Ichika was careful not to set off any more chances for physical abuse.

"It's a special visa, knock yourself out."
"Visa?"
"Go abroad this summer. I don't care."

He had only seen her in this mood once, and that was when he used a microwave to cook her dinner. As punishment he had to write a 5000 word dissertation outlining the main reasons why microwaves were bad.

She even gave him a grade.

"Orimura-sensei, what will you be doing this summer?"
"Working! I'm an adult now, I need to work." Her grumbles made it clear, she was forced to do errands and could not go home for holidays.
"I see."
"Be careful where you go. Take your IS too, it might be useful."
"Is that something I should take normally?"
"No, but if you leave it behind I have to monitor it and it'll be a pain."

Was she always like this?
He gently leaned towards her, close enough so that he could feel her breath on him.

"What are you doing stupid brother?" she protested. As soon as she spoke Ichika had the evidence that he needed.

She was drunk.

In the middle of the day.

If another student were to see her in this state, things could get problematic. He gently grasped her hand and led her into his room.

"Were you always this manly?"

"Yes," he said gently before laying her on the spare bed. Sleep came to her instantly and she drifted off. Her face was content, comparable to a queen, regal, untouchable yet charismatic. Gently he pulled the covers over her and let her rest.

"You're amazing sister."

Ichika opened the booklet and sure enough he found his student ID and photo on the back page. It was filled with the words 'Japanese Representative IS.'
He knew he wasn't, but it was common knowledge that if he was given that title, then he could travel to any country that was part of the IS anti-combat treaty. He was mildly excited.

After all this included France, England, China and Germany. He wondered if he had time to see them all. Ichika also hoped that the representatives that he was acquainted with also had the time to accommodate him.

"Of course they do, stupid!"
He jumped as his sister screamed this, before grumbling and falling back asleep.

Was she planning something?

"Big news! Big news!"

Charlotte looked up from her desk. The classes had just ended and Ichika had rushed off to pack. He was in such a hurry that no one reacted to his sudden departure.

"What's up Nohotoke?"

The girl at the front was smiling broadly, shaking her whole body as if dancing. Charlotte had to admit that she found her actions adorable.

"Ichika has gotten a Japan Representative Passport Visa."

What?!

He had?!

Most girls looked excited at the news. She could even hear Cecilia's mad laughter and Laura screaming something about a military gathering. Still Charlotte could not get her hopes up, it was not as if she was planning to go back to France.

There was a tap on her shoulder and she transferred her gaze to Shinonono Houki. The tall Japanese woman indicated with her index finger towards the door and Charlotte followed. Behind her she noted that Laura and Cecilia had also risen from their seats, walking towards them. It was clear what this was.

A meeting of rivals.

"So Ichika who will you be visiting first?"

Ichika was shocked. He had opened the door seconds ago and now he was sitting on the bed next to his fast asleep teacher surrounded by five girls.
From the right; Cecilia, Rin, Houki, Laura, and Charlotte all staring intently at him. He was going to ask them if he could visit their home countries, but now he wasn't so sure.

It was rude to invite himself after all.

"I can't trouble you guys like that."

"It's no trouble at all!"

They were really well synchronised he admitted, all with the same eager expression pressed onto their faces.

"Well I suppose I'll start with Houki, she lives the closest. I need to say hi to her folks after all."

It did not pass his notice that the Japanese girl was glowing with glee. The others looked disappointed, except Charlotte who had a rather funny expression on her face.

"Then I'll suppose I'll go visit Rin, Laura, Charlotte then Cecilia in that order for three days each."

The girls looked amongst each other and then started whispering in low voices. To Ichika he just chose the route that was easiest. There was no point in retracing steps and going around the globe in that order made the most sense.

China, Germany, France then England.

If he had to be honest he most looked forward to England. The postcards that he had received from his sister captured the breath taking night views and inspired him to buy a camera.

"What?!" Cecilia screamed, before they once again deliberated in quiet voices.

It was true that they had to align their own schedules, so he did not hold it against them to change that order. He hoped that it would not be too costly however. Funding was not a big problem being the only male IS pilot in the world, but being wasteful will cause his sister to shorten his life span.

Speaking of which.

"Quiet! Why are you all so noisy?!"

His sister had awoken, clutching her head in agony. She aggressively threw the covers from her and sat on the edge of the bed crossing her slim legs. The girls instantly stood into a military line waiting further instructions.

"Oh… you want to steal away my little brother do you? Some guts you have."

"N-N-N-N-"

"Yes!"

All eyes turned towards Charlotte, who looked at the instructor straight in the eye. Ichika wondered what she meant, was there something valuable he could provide them with? In contrast the other girls had a face of pure terror as the French girl had dared to talk back to a superior.

"Dunois, nice spirit. But do you have what it takes to challenge me?"

Her battle aura increased, the glare she gave pierced through the air and even Ichika who was out of the direct range of the blast felt the oppressive weight of killing intent.

Charlotte in retaliation looked around her and then went pale white.

"I said that out loud?"

She then went a shade red hiding her face behind her hands. The battle aura dissipated, replaced by Orimura Chifuyu's defeated expression.

"All of you idiots. What have you planned now?"

"Teacher, we have decided the order on Ichika's visits." This time Cecilia had spoken out, voice clear and full of authority.

"Visits? Oh the visa," she said with a sour expression.

"First Shinonono, then Rin, Bodewig, myself and lastly Dunois."

He didn't quite understand this tense situation, but there was nothing wrong with the order. Perhaps he would even get a chance to have another stop on the way back. He was excited by the new found freedom.

"Are you sure about this Dunois?"

His sister had asked this as if the order mattered. To him it was the same either way, but he did suppose that the last person would have the increased pressure of expectations.

"I'm fine with this."

"Even if he is taken by someone else?"

"Taken?" As soon as he said this all eyes turned towards him. Girl talk was very confusing.

He decided to focus on what mattered. Learning at least basic phrases of each of the languages.

"If you're fine with it, then okay. Don't forget to do the homework."

As soon as she said this she walked out. The rest left soon after, being dismissed by him. He needed to pack and download the latest language sets onto his portable wrist watch.

Information was fed into the terminal regarding the specific cities that he would have to fly to.

Houki would be the easiest, being within Japan. The Hakone hot springs were within her facility and he looked forward to the chance of relaxation. Of course he would have to visit her dojo and end up training for two or three sessions.

Next would be China, Guangzhou. Blistering hot at this time of year. The highlights included food… lots of food. He wondered after sampling these cuisines whether he would be able to cook these for his sister.

Germany, Berlin. A large modern city. Unfortunately he knew not where the location of the Schwarze Hasewere Corp was, and could not plan for sightseeing. Berlin is famed for its historic sites and he hoped that Laura would be accommodating enough to take him. He expected that she would probably make them spar in IS suits all day. A backward visit there could be beneficial.

Visiting Cecilia in London, the financial city of the world left him the most excited. Old architectural landmarks with the high sky rise modern buildings and shopping malls. The night views were something that he had to see. If there was enough time he also wanted to visit the mountainous areas to the north or west of England.

Lastly to see Charlotte. France, Orleans. He looked at the pictures and noted the stunning buildings and environment. He also had an interest for French cuisine, the so called greatest food in the world. He scanned the Dunois Corporations records and noted that the headquarters was situated in Paris. He ideally liked to visit Paris later in his life. He felt that he lacked the sophistication to fully appreciate it.

Downloading the necessary packs he lay onto his bed.

Tomorrow he would travel with Houki. His luggage bag would be a small suitcase, it was only half a month and he knew that he could wash his clothes along the way. There was no need to take too much and he had to do some shopping himself when he was abroad.

The journey was beginning.

"Of course we can't let her get away with a running victory!"

Rin was planning her own victory already. She had summoned a meeting with Charlotte, Laura and Cecilia in the cafeteria. Shinonono Houki had went back to her room to pack giving Rin the opportunity she needed.

"Are you saying we're going to sabotage their date?" Cecilia enquired.

"That's exactly what I'm saying."

"Guerrilla tactics, I see. A common ambush military technique. I approve." Laura looked excited and Rin tried to ignore the fact that she was absently stroking a cutlery knife.

"Wait guys, I don't think we should do this."

As expected, Charlotte would be against this. Rin glared at the French girl who looked shocked at the idea of cheating.

"So you're okay with someone else taking Ichika away?"

"Well… no."

"Charlotte, you're a kind person. But if you act like this... you will lose," Laura said bluntly.

"But guys, there's something wrong with this."

"At least come with us when we tail them," Rin suggested. Cecilia was nodding in approval, already readying her strategy.

"T-Tail them?"

"Yes Charlotte, tail them. We have to find out whether we have a chance or not. Knowing Ichika, even if they become a couple… we wouldn't know and he wouldn't tell us."

"I suppose."

"There's no harm if you're in the area after all," Cecilia added.

"Reconnaissance is the first step for action and then success," Laura supported.

It was going as planned, Rin thought smiling mischievously. If Charlotte were to see Ichika and Houki's relationship deepening it would put doubts into her conviction. She also had full faith in Cecilia's tailing ability and Laura's skills as a professional.

"Well I guess this is settled. Let the best girl win."

"I must admit this is my first time partaking in such mundane events. What sabotage do you think would be appropriate?" Cecilia enquired. Rin kept quiet, she mostly wanted to know what Laura was thinking, being the most experienced in warfare.

"Cecilia, I think it's something like… seeing them going into a cake shop with a couples menu, so you go out of your way to ruin the stock. Perhaps when there is a romantic development, force a distraction upon them. Actually, I think the best thing to do is to make sure every romantic mood is broken down by something equally unromantic, like sudden urges to run to the restroom."

A sweat bead ran down Rin's face. The person who had spoken out was none other than Charlotte, and spoken with such firmness that she felt cold fear descending into her stomach.

She was not normal this girl.

Cecilia looked equally shocked, but then took out a notepad and pen. Rin couldn't believe what she was seeing. She had to avoid getting on Charlotte's bad side at all costs.

"Ah! Charlotte you are indeed formidable," Laura exclaimed with pride. "However your methods are too soft."

Rin could not even comprehend half of Charlotte's suggestions and she was sure that the French girl had more. Yet Laura claimed that she had better ideas. She might have awakened a bunch of monsters.

"Laura?"

"Take the girl out for good," she continued, drawing her thumb across her neck. "A single stun bullet, land mine or grenade would do the job perfectly."

G-G-G-Grenade?!

Rin rather nervously looked towards Cecilia who was… still taking notes. The Chinese girl looked pleadingly at Charlotte, who caught her worried gaze and smiled at her in reply.

This blonde girl! She knows!

All these people were… Terrifying.

"L-Laura, I don't think you need to go so far as to throw a grenade," Rin said tentatively.

"There could be civilian casualties," the German girl nodded in agreement. "A rocket launcher would give a more predictable blast range."

"Crossbows and Sniper Rifles…. You can leave to me!" The English girl chirped clapping her hands in excitement.

These guys…

"So what happens when he goes to China?"

Laura had to bring up that question.

A chill descended Rin's spine when she realised what she had started. From the blank look on each of their faces, Rin knew exactly what would happen.

They were planning to tail her too.
This was war.

"I see," the silver haired girl claimed. "This is what they call, cat fight."

This was the most dangerous cat fight that Rin had ever heard of.

"Not quite," Charlotte answered giving a short chuckle.

"Guys, do what you want, but for now we have to stop Shinonono Houki from stealing Ichika."

This might be all out war, but Rin couldn't lose. She had dreamed for a chance like this for years.
No matter what these girls unleashed, she couldn't give up.

The game was on.

A/N: Heya! First ongoing story I've posted and hope you've enjoyed it so far, it's gonna get much more intense from now on!

Just a couple of notes regarding the cities in which each of these girls come from.
I couldn't find any information about their specific birthplace city so I came up with them myself. Also I've been to all these places so feel comfortable writing about each of them.

Hakone: Beautiful scenery, famous for hotsprings and many kendo dojos within the region. I thought it would be fitting for Houki to come from here.

Guangzhou: South of China, normally with shorter average heights than the north and with Rin's connections with food I thought it'd be perfect.

Berlin: Has a modern and yet ancient feel, which is the feeling I'm getting off Laura.

Orleans: I always had a feeling Charlotte was raised in an area with lots of greenlands and old rustic buildings. Orleans fits this perfectly as well as being related to Dunois. (Jean de Dunois the Bastard of Orleans.)

London: Nothing says regal quite as much as London or Windsor. I always imagined Cecilia was from London so the idea kind of stuck.

Well that's all from me, hope you enjoyed. Will update very soon.

Happy New Year!