I'm back! I know, I know. . . I'm suppose to be writing the next chapter to Naruto, but don't worry I still am. I'm just doing a one-shot of Infinite Stratos to see if you, as the reader, enjoy it. I loved the anime, and want to get the english version of the light novels. Plus, I really want to write a fanfic of the fandom, because this series is mainly romance and comic relief, both of which I believe are my forte (moreso the latter). And to top it off it's a harem, so it makes it that much better when it comes to humourous situations, in my case at least. Anyways, let's get on with the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Infinite Stratos, I only own this plot idea.
This Means War!
Ichika's POV
"Agh. . . I'm exhausted!" Ichika sighed as he left the locker room of the academy's arena.
He was wearing a white uniform that had red cuffs with red and black lining that ran across his uniform. The collar was v-shaped, black and overlapped each other in the front, near his chest area. To complete Ichika's uniform, he wore white dress pants and had a white belt with black dress shoes. He had dark blue hair with maroon eyes, and on his right wrist was a white metal bracelet, which was actually his IS, in sleep mode.
The training today was tough for Ichika, he had to face two opponents at once. One was Ling, while the other was Cecilia. Both were skilled IS pilots and didn't let up. In the end Ichika was a complete mess. He didn't stand a chance against two long-range IS pilots as a close-combat pilot.
During the whole practice session, it seemed like the two girls were venting anger or something. He didn't know what he did to make them angry. They seemed so violent shortly after they began, something he said or done must've triggered them, but he didn't have the slightest clue as to what.
"You're alright Ichika?" Houki asked nervously, while walking beside him. Ichika was unaware of her presence until she spoke, to which he nearly jumped.
"Ah! Houki, when did you get there?!"
Houki had purple tinged hair that was tied up into two ponytails in the back, both reaching to her waist. And her bangs were off to the side. Her eyes were a vibrant violet colour. She wore a similar uniform to Ichika's but as a dress. She too had red and black cuffs and collar. Her collar was also v-shaped, and it revealed a white dress shirt which had a blue ribbon tied around it's collar. Houki was wearing a white belt, which made the dress tug slightly at her body. This caused it to reveal some of her hour-glass figure. She wore white socks that reached up to her thighs and had black knee-high boots on.
"Not long ago. I was waiting for you after you finished your practice session. I wanted to ask you something. . something important," Houki replied while looking away in embarrassment as she blushed.
"Oh, okay. I'm fine. I didn't get hurt during training. So, what did you want to ask me?" Ichika inquired while heading to his room in the dorm.
"I, uh, wanted to ask if you had anything planned at the moment. And if you didn't, I was w-wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me at the cafeteria?" Houki explained.
"Actually I didn't have anything in mind, so sure. I'll have some lunch with you," he smiled at Houki.
Houki's eyes glistened with excitement from Ichika's response, "Really! You mean it?!"
"Of course! But, you'll have to wait for a moment. I need to do something before we head over to eat," Ichika said.
"N-No problem. I don't mind waiting, take your time. I'll be waiting outside okay," Houki replied, feeling slightly dizzy from her excitement.
Houki's POV
"I'm going to eat lunch with Ichika! Just the two of us!" Houki thought excitedly.
"I hope he likes the food I made for him. . ." Houki mumbled to herself. She was holding a bento box she made earlier behind her back the entire time. It was wrapped inside of a pink cloth which was tied in a knot to keep it from slipping out.
The door to Ichika's room opened and Ichika came out, "Did you say something?"
"No, Nothing! Nothing at all!" Houki quickly replied.
"Now, shall we?"
"Yes! Let's go eat," Houki said as she started for the cafeteria while Ichika followed.
"How come we didn't line up to get some food?" the blue haired boy asked.
Houki was nervously fidgeting again, while both were seated at a booth in the cafeteria.
"That's because, uh, I made both of us some lunch today," Houki said as she produced the bento box from earlier.
"Whoa! Really?! That's awesome Houki, when did you make it?" Ichika asked as he watched her take the lid off, which revealed white rice with fried chicken balls that were covered in delicious spices and a tasty looking sauce.
"Early this morning. I 'accidently' made too much, so I thought I'd give the extra portion to you Ichika," Houki explained.
"Thanks Houki, you're the best!" Ichika said as he took the chopsticks and picked up a chicken ball.
He took a bite of it and his face lit up, "Mmmm! Houki, this is really good! You made this?!" he asked.
"Uh, yes. I put a lot of care into making my food. But, do you really think it's good?" the girl asked skeptically.
"Are you kidding me?! This is amazing! Houki you're going to make a great wife someday!" Ichika replied ethusiastically while eating more of the food she made.
Houki's face went red from his response, "Ehhh?! Really?" she asked, embarrassed.
"Yes, really. This stuff is delicious," Ichika reassured her.
The girl went back to her nervous state and started twirling her hair, "Th-thank you Ichika. It. . means a lot."
"Huh? Where's your lunch Houki?" he looked at her with a sideways look.
"I, uh, forgot my bento box back in my room, but I don't mind. I'm not very hungry," she replied.
"What! Here, I can share some of mine," Ichika said. He picked up one of the fried chicken balls and offered it to Houki.
"Uh, n-no that's not necessary. I made it for you," Houki denied.
"Oh, c'mon. It's not gonna hurt. You need to eat something, or you'll starve during class. And I don't mind sharing," Ichika insisted.
Houki looked at Ichika before replying, "If you insist, then I guess it wouldn't hurt."
She closed her eyes and opened her mouth, allowing Ichika to feed her. As she was eating the food she lit up, and Ichika smiled in response.
"See that wasn't so ba- Argh!"
A blue metal hand came crashing down on Ichika's head, making him crumple to the ground in pain.
The owner of that hand was Cecilia Alcott. She had long blonde hair that reached her waist and her bangs were long and curled. Her eyes were blue and she wore the same outfit as Houki. Cecilia wore a blue band over her head, and she had a British accent. Just by appearance, she gave off this upper-class aurora.
She brought her hand back to her side and the metal piece disappeared, as it was a piece of her IS that she called forth.
"May I ask what you two are doing?" Cecilia grunted.
Ichika was rubbing his head as he got back up, "We were having lunch together. Why did you hit me?"
Cecilia glared at Houki, who returned a glare that was just as intense. They both looked away and grunted before Cecilia spoke again, "Can I ask why you two are eating together?"
"Houki asked me if I wanted to eat lunch with her today, and I couldn't refuse her," Ichika replied innocently.
His reply caused Cecilia to gasp and then shoot a deadly look at Houki, who, in turn stuck her tongue out.
"Well, do you mind if I join you?" Cecilia asked.
"Uh, I guess not. More the merrier, right?" he answered while rubbing his neck.
Houki looked at Ichika in surprise and felt hurt, and then immediately glared at Cecilia who was smirking at her while she took a seat on the other side of Ichika.
"So, how have you been? I hope I didn't hurt you while we were practicing Ichika," Cecilia started the conversation.
"No, I'm fine. Not a scratch on me," Ichika smiled as he continued to eat the food Houki made him.
"Oh, well that's good to hear. I thought I was a bit rough afterwards," Cecilia said as she started eating her food.
Meanwhile Houki had her arms crossed and was pouting.
"It was suppose to only be Ichika and I. Curse you Cecilia!"
Ichika turned to talk to Houki, but he jumped a little when he saw her burning with rage. It looked like fire was emanating from her and her eyes became white circles.
"Ah! Houki! Scary face, I don't like scary face. What's wrong?" Ichika asked.
Her scary nature dissipated to a mean glare, "No, nothing's wrong. You didn't do anything."
"Anyways, how's the rest of the food I made you Ichika?" Houki asked, but directed her attention to Cecilia.
Cecilia gasped, and looked at the food Ichika was eating before she directed her attention to Houki, who had a mischevious grin on her face.
"Oh, this. It's delicious, all of it. I have to say, you need to teach me this some time," Ichika replied earnestly.
Houki gasped slightly, "You mean it?! You want me to teach you?" she asked, filled with excitement.
"Of course! I mean, just by looking at it, it looks good. And it's even better when you try it."
"Really? I'd be glad to teach you," Houki was practically swooning at this point, causing Cecilia to bubble with rage at the exchange between the two.
"Awesome! Just tell me wh-" Ichika was hit again, this time in the face with Cecilia's arm piece.
"Ow! What was that for?!" Ichika complained.
"Oh, sorry. I guess my IS malfunctioned," Cecilia answered innocently.
Houki was glaring at Cecilia, "You lay a finger on Ichika again, and I'll kill you," she muttered in an evil tone.
"What, how? You don't even have a personal IS," Cecilia giggled at the threat.
Houki clenched her hands into fists, "I won't need one."
The two girls exchanged glares and snid comments for a little longer, while Ichika was rubbing his face and trying to calm the girls down before three more girls appeared at their table.
One was Lingyin, a chinese girl with long brown hair put into two ponytails that went down to her waist, similar to Houki's, that were tied by two yellow ribbons. She had emerald eyes, wore the school outfit and had black knee socks and yellow boots that reached her shins.
Another was Charlotte, a french blonde with a pink ribbon that tied the back of her hair. She wore the same outfit as the others and had purple eyes and had white sneakers on.
Last but not least, was Laura Bodewig, a german girl with platinum hair. She wore an eyepatch that covered her left eye, and the visible eye was ruby in colour. Her outfit was different than the other girls. Instead of a dress, Laura's uniform was more so like Ichika's but puffy, especially her pants. To top it off she wore black knee high boots.
"I hope you don't mind us joining you Ichika?" Ling asked.
"No, no. It's fine. A little crowded, but fine," Ichika answered.
"Vhat has my bride been doing now? I hope you haven't been doing anything zhat would make me angry, Ichika," Laura asked.
"No! I haven't done anything! And I told you already, I'm not your bride!" Ichika objected her.
"Oh, no? Zhat is vhat you think," Laura replied.
"Ichika, do you want to try some of my sweet and sour pork? I made a little too much this morning," Ling asked, as she opened her lunch box.
Ichika looked at her food and his mouth started watering, "Uh, I guess I wouldn't mind."
He went to try and take a piece but Ling flicked his hand away, shaking her head, "No, let me feed you. Just open your mouth and say 'ah'"
Ichika was hestitant, but he did want to try some, so he reluctantly opened his mouth and let Ling feed him some of her food. As she was feeding him, the rest of the girls were giving him death glares, while Ling was smiling micheviously.
"Ling, that was delicious. You've really gotten better at cooking since I last saw you," Ichika complimented.
Ling started blushing, "You really think so?"
"No doubt about it!" Ichika replied.
"Could I try some of your food, Ichika?" Ling asked.
"Actually this is the lunch Houki made me, it's really good, but sure."
When he mentioned that Houki made him lunch, Laura, Charlotte, and Ling all hit the floor, slightly twitching before they got back up and glared at Houki. Houki just turned her head and had the slightest of smirks on her face. They all silently agreed that they'll deal with her later.
Cecilia gritted her teeth at the reminder, "Yes, it turns out she did make it for him. It seems we underestimated her," she whispered the last part.
"Do you still want to try some, Ling?" Ichika asked.
"Uh, on second thought I'm fine. I'll just eat my own lunch," Ling let out a nervous giggle.
"Well alright, but you're definitely missing out," he bragged, causing Houki to light up from him praising her food so much. In turn, it also caused the other four girls to glare at Houki even more.
"Ahem, can I ask why you made Ichika a lunch?" Charlotte asked Houki.
This startled Houki, "Well, uh, you see, the thing is. I made some lunch for myself early this morning since I had some extra time on my hands, and I 'accidentally' made too much. So I thought I'd give Ichika the extra portion," Houki explained.
"I see. So, it was just a one time thing. So, it isn't a daily thing you do now, is it?" Charlotte asked.
"Of course not!" Houki yelled. She then became nervous and started twiddling her thumbs again, "But, if I make the same mistake again. I guess I wouldn't mind sharing with Ichika again."
Cecilia was about to speak up, but Laura beat her to it, "Nein! You will not feed my bride any of your food, und zhat is final!"
"Argh! I can't take it. They ruined my lunch with Ichika! I'm done," Houki thought.
Houki scowled, "I think I'll excuse myself. There doesn't seem to be any reason for me to stay any longer."
Normal POV
"Wait! I thought we were having lunch toget-" Ichika shouted before he saw the death stares he received from the other girls, "Heheh, nevermind go on ahead. I'll catch up with you in class," Ichika nervously laughed. With that Houki left the cafeteria disappointed.
"Want to eat more of my food Ichika?" Ling offered.
"Uh, no. I think I'll pass. The lunch I ate was pretty filling."
"Aww, you're no fun," Ling complained.
"Hey Ichika, dear. Do you want to do something after school with me?" Cecilia asked while hooking her arms around one of Ichika's.
"Sure, I guess," Ichika replied.
Cecilia's eyes lit up like stars when he said yes.
"What?!" the other girls all said in unison.
"Is there a problem with that?" Cecilia asked.
"Yes!" all but Ichika replied.
The dispute went on for a while, only getting worse and worse over time, until the bell rang. To which all the girls got up and said they're goodbyes to Ichika.
"I'll see you after school Ichika," Cecilia reminded him.
"Yeah, I will."
Ichika just sat at the empty booth as he watched the girls argue over who gets to be with him while they were walking away, not knowing they were talking about him.
"This means war!" They all said, glaring at each other.
"What. . . was that all about?" Ichika was dumbfounded by the entire thing.
Now that's it for this one-shot/introduction/possible future multi-chaptered story. I love the characters. My favourite pairing is Ichika x Houki, but I also like Ichika x Laura, or Ichika x Charlotte.
Now, if you haven't noticed already, this is a harem, making Ichika is the only guy in the story.
I say one-shot, but I guess it'd be more appropriate to call it a teaser chapter, to introduce the characters and their relationships, and show you what's to come in the future. I love comic relief, and romance, so how could I not mess with this series. It has my name written all over it in my eyes. Of all the characters, you'd think Ichika or Houki would be my favourite character in the series since I love the pairing. But in all honesty Tabane Shinonono, Onee of Houki Shinonono, is my favourite character, despite her lack of screen time. I don't know, she's just super cute and funny, and her overly enthusiastic personality reminds me of when I was a rambunctious, gung-ho, always cheerful child.
Tell me what you think, check out the series if you'd like. For the anime, both "Infinite Stratos," and "Infinite Stratos 2" are available on watchcartoononline(.io) in English dubbed. For me I found it on Crunchyroll, except they only have the second season, "Infinite Stratos 2," on there.
Fav, follow, and review if you wish. I want to hear your input on the chapter and series, as it'll help me for my future updates. Until then, peace!
