Before anyone asks I have to say this Celica likes both Ichika and Tye, but for different reasons. I am putting this out here just in case you guys may be wondering why she is flopping back and forth between the two. Celica likes Ichika because he is a strong willed male that doesn't back down which was the opposite of her father, read the manga if you like it's pretty good. Second for Tye she admires him because he stood up against her but also treats her like a person plus he technically faces certain death every time he uses his IS because he has no shields. Any way enjoy the next chapter ^^
"Are you sure this is a good idea Tye?" Rin called from her side of the arena.
"I hate to admit to it, but Rin is right. You just got out of the infirmary." Celica said with a concerned look... Wow that's really sweet, then again she did visit me while I was in the infirmary.
"Of course, you two, I need to test the full strength of the Brave Shield." Raising the shield in front of me, I knew what it could do in the lab but I wanted to fully test it here. "Plus, I'm fine the nurse cleared me so let's stop stalling and do this!"
Shrugging Celica raised her rifle and fired, while Rin started to fire her cannons. The blasts connected smacking into my shield, grunting under the pressure the Victory Dragon was pushed back but the shield still held firm against their combined shots. Lowering the shield, I quickly looked it over there wasn't even a scratch on it. Letting out a sharp whistle I couldn't help but grin. "Niiiccceee!"
"My word that thing is tough." Celica commented in shock.
"Hey! If your done admiring your hardware let's get this test finished up!" Rin shouted sounding rather annoyed.
Laughing I nodded my head and activated the thrusters within my wings, and blasted off toward the two girls. Holding the shield in front of me I headed straight for Celica knowing she wouldn't try to block but dodge instead. Eyes widening Celica flew out of the incoming gold battering ram, and returned fire with her rifle. Turning around quickly I blocked the shot, grinning all the while. "Nice shot but not good enough!" Tossing the Brave Shield like a frisbee at the blonde who narrowly avoided the shield, but completely missed the kick I had aimed at her IS. Flying away I re-equipped the Brave Shield but I was unable to block Rin's cannon fire.
"Damn it, grh!" Spinning around to glare at the small Chinese girl who simply grinned.
"Don't forget your fighting two people Tye!"
"Noted!" Re-activating the thrusters I flew straight into Rin who barely blocked the hit in time with her twin scimitars. Grunting under the stress Rin fired her cannons but with my thrusters and some fancy dodging on my part the shots were avoided. "Phew…Close one." Lowering the shield, I switched it out with the Dramon Breaker. "Okay I think the test is complete, what do you say we finish this off old school style."
"Thought you would never ask!" Rin grinning combined her scimitars into the staff form and spun the blades around.
"Oh, and what about me you two?" Huffing Celica crossed her arms across her chest.
Sheepishly I rubbed the back the back of my head which wasn't easy to do with horns in place. "Sorry Celica…How about this we can do anything you want after this?"
Brightening at the idea Celica smiled with a blush. "Very well I shall hold you to that, oh Rin do be gentle with him!" With that Celica left the arena.
"Yeah, yeah I'll make sure the boy toy isn't hurt to badly." Rolling her eyes, the Chinese representative charged forward.
Dodging I spun around smacking her with my tail, followed up with a quick boost from my thrusters I sliced my sword at her torso. Crying out in pain Rin snarled and let out a battle cry as she swung her bladed staff in a wild frenzy, dashing from side to side I blocked half of the attacks. Narrowing my eyes a plan came to mind, I activated my thrusters and dashed around the arena with Rin following close behind. Grinning I turned around and swung the massive sword down in a horizontal strike. "You're Finished!"
"Gah!" Flying backward the Chinese girl cried out in pain, but luckily her shields protected her from the worst of the damage. Panting softly both Rin and I nodded at the other and floated to the ground, where Celica was waiting along with Ichika and Houki. Dismissing our IS's Rin and I smiled at each other.
"Wow you two that was amazing!" Ichika exclaimed. "Rin your swordsmanship is awesome." Ichika said giving her a thumb up.
"Aw Ichika really!" Blushing Rin looked down at the ground sheepishly, realizing her behavior she stood tall and smirked. "Well of course I was trained to be one of the best."
Nodding Ichika turned to me and smirked. "And Tye…your style is really interesting."
Grinning I nodded. "Thanks, but let's be honest I'm a rank amateur, compared to people like Rin, or Houki hell even you are better than me, just by a little of course."
"What how is that possible!? Every time we spar it's a draw.' Ichika asked his eyes widening.
"Ichika, what is the most dangerous thing for a master?" Houki asked drawing his attention.
"Huh? Well let's see…." Closing his eyes in thought the Japanese boy rubbed his chin in thought. "Another master!" He said only to be smacked. "Ouch! Hey what was that for!?"
Snorting Houki looked away crossing her arms across her chest. "I can't believe you're that stupid."
"Come on Houki what do you mean?" Ichika asked but received no answer.
"Ichika." Celica said drawing his attention. "The most dangerous thing for a master is an amateur." The blonde explained.
"Huh? How does that make any sense?" Ichika still couldn't wrap his head around this.
"It's easy really, a master is trained to respond a certain way, an amateur however can think outside that box." Rin said hopping to get the point across.
"She's right you know?" I said shrugging. "Hell, half the reason your as good as you are, is for reason. You're an amateur like me, but your kendo training holds you back."
"Huh…I guess that does make some sort of sense now that you mention it. Wait are you saying that I just suck in general?" He asked looking a little hurt.
"No, I'm not Ichika." Laughing I shook my head. "Think of it like this, Rin, Houki and Celica all think within a box, you and I think outside of it."
"Oh, now that makes more sense." Laughing Ichika shook his head.
"Though in Ichika's case he didn't realize there was a box in the first place!" Vic supplied cheerfully.
"What!? Oh, come on!" The Japanese stomped his first in frustration causing all of us to laugh.
Inside one of the control rooms Chifuyu and Maya watched the group of teens interact. "Must be nice huh Miss Orimura?" Maya smiled.
"What's that?" The older woman asked looking down at a computer screen.
"To have friends like that, I know how worried you were about how they would be when coming here." Maya answered a small smile on her face
Not bothering to answer Chifuyu cupped her chin in thought. "Maya bring up the specs on the Victory Dragon."
"Huh? Of course, but why? None of its technical data has changed." Pressing a few keys a holographic image of the Victory Dragon appeared on a large screen.
"It's just a hunch but I have a feeling that there is more to this custom IS." Looking over the data Chifuyu frowned.
"Well it is a full body IS while strange it isn't unheard of." Shrugging Maya decided to look at the data herself.
"It's not that, there is something else strange going on. It's part of the fact that the IS has no shields and yet the pilot suffers small injuries, Kane should have been in the hospital for weeks, after that last battle and yet there's barely a scratch on him." Tightening her grip on a clipboard Chifuyu bit her bottom lip as she studied the information on the Victory Dragon, while comparing it to Kane's medical data.
"Oh, so this is about Kane, not the IS he pilots." Grinning cheekily Maya leered at Chifuyu." Could it be you have a crush on one of your students?"
And at that moment Maya learned not to tease Chifuyu as such things lead to nothing but pain.
"Achoo!" Rubbing my nose I looked around in confusion.
"You okay Tye? You could be coming down with something." Houki asked looking concerned.
"I should be fine, just now though I got the feeling someone, somewhere is in pain because of me." Shrugging I started to leave but was stopped by Celica grabbing my arm.
"Oh, Tyler dear, you owe me remember?" She said with a sickly-sweet smile.
Grinning nervously, I nodded my head. "Right-Um…I'll see you guys later." Waving goodbye Celica dragged me off to do whatever she wanted.
"Guh someone kill me…." Groaning I hiccupped and a small bubble came floating out of my mouth.
"Um…Tye you okay?" Ichika asked concerned. "What did Celica do to you yesterday?"
"She washed my mouth out with soap…" Groaning I hiccupped another bubble. "Apparently, a gentleman shouldn't use such foul language."
Snorting Ichika covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing.
"You laugh, and you die…" I eyed him evilly from my desk, but said glare didn't work as well when another bubble came out of my mouth. Snorting once again Ichika fell over clutching his stomach laughing, growling I jumped out my desk and attempted to pummel him only for the Japanese boy to laugh even harder. As the other girls walked into the classroom they all couldn't help but watch the strange sight, the only two boys in the academy fighting one another…Well fighting is the wrong word, more like one trying to fight but the other was dying from laughter.
"My word why are they fighting?" Celica asked as he came in.
"Apparently, it has something to do with you Celica." Honne Nohtoke supplied.
"With me? Oh, are they fighting over who will have the honor as having me as their girlfriend?" Celica was now lost in her own little world.
"I really doubt it." Houki snorted as she came into the room, looking at the sight of the two boys all she could do was roll her eyes. "Tye! Stop trying to kill Ichika!"
"Never!" I shouted, only to be pulled off him by Chifuyu who smacked us both with her clipboard... Damn it Chifuyu now is not the time.
"Kane, Orimura. Kill each other on your own time, and if you don't stop fighting I'll have you both running laps until dooms day." The older Orimura sibling glared at the both of us with Maya giggling behind her.
"Yes ma'am." We chorused or at least we tried to say that. Ichika was still trying to hold back his laughter while another bubble floated out of my mouth.
Now I'm not sure if I was seeing things or not but I swear I saw the tiniest of smiles on Chifuyu's face. Blinking in shock I shook my head and moved back to my seat glaring at Ichika who wouldn't look me in the eye otherwise he would start laughing again, by the time the both of us regained our seats class had started up.
"Guess what class, we're about to meet yet another new transfer student." Maya cheerfully said from her podium.
Now that caught our attention, and for good reason. The moment the new transfer student walked into the classroom we were all in shock, the transfer student had long blonde hair and purple eyes but the most shocking thing was the transfer student…is a guy. He was wearing an IS uniform similar to Ichika.
"I'm Charles Dunois, and I've come from France." The new transfer smiled at the class as his name appeared on a holographic display. "And it is nice to meet you."
"Dude…you're a boy…" Random chick from the back of the class asked.
"Oui, I heard of the two male students who were in the same situation as I am. Therefore, I transferred here." Charles said nodding at Ichika and myself still smiling.
The class was eerily silent for a moment before all the girls stared to squeal with joy. "Oh, god why, make it stop!" Sticking my fingers into my ears I cringed at the babble going around.
"There's a third male student!"
"And he is in our class!" Another girl shouted.
"Yeah and he is the type that girl's want to protect."
"Silence!" Chifuyu shouted to regain order. "That is quite enough." After everything died down Chifuyu started to speak. "Today we will be doing joint practical training with class two. I want everyone changed and assembled on the second ground asap, and Orimura, Kane."
"Yes ma'am." We said at the same time. Wow…. That is getting creepy how we keep doing that... Also is it bad that she has us at her beck and call like that?
"Since your both male I want you to keep an eye on Dunois." Chifuyu ordered placing her hands on her hips. "Let's get moving girls!"
Walking up to the both us Charles smiled once more. "So, you're Orimura and Kane, nice to meet you I am- "
"Um no time for that getting changed is our top priority." Ichika grabbed Charles hand and rushed out the door. "The girl's will start changing soon so ah, let's get our motor on."
As they walked out the door I followed behind, mainly for laughs, since every time there was practical training the girls of the school would always try to spy on Ichika and it gave me no ends of joy seeing Ichika trying to keep them from peeping. Though I did try and keep my bro covered, because... bro code.
"So, we will be changing in the locker in the arena, we have to change there every time we have practical training so you better get used to changing before the girls. Well Except Tye." Ichika took the time to glare at me.
"What? I don't look good in spandex so sue me." Shrugging I put my hands behind my head and walked along next to them. "My IS fits over my clothes. So no need for the standard IS suit" I explained to Charles with a smile.
"Ohh-Right…" The French boy muttered, poor guy looked so lost right now.
"You seem anxious do you need to use the restroom?" Ichika asked our new friend.
"Uh…No that's not it." Charles stammered, however
Suddenly without warning a girl slid right in front of us and pointing. "Hey I see the new transfer student!"
A second girl appeared right next to the first one. "And he is standing with Orimura and Kane!"
"Uh-oh…" Looking behind us a whole group of girls had gathered to block our exit.
"I have to say I love the blonde's hair, but I love Oriumra's black hair too, and Kane has such great eyes."
As this went on, Ichika and I both knew that would be late and if we were late his sister would punish us... Then again... Shaking my head I slapped my face. No bad Tye, we don't like that... "Okay I am out!" Looking for a sudden exist I saluted both Ichika and Charles and jumped through one of the windows in the hallway.
"Run for it!" Ichika shouted dragging Charles behind him.
"Will he be okay?" Charles asked very worried about the fact one of his fellow students just jumped out a window.
"Tye? Yeah, he should be fine this isn't the first time he jumped through a window. I'm just glad it was open this time."
"Your practical training begins now. We will now need a pair to simulate a real battle. Huang Alcott." Chifuyu crossed her arms with a frown on her face as she called out the girls names.
"Ma'am." The both chorused, though they didn't sound happy about it.
"Since you both have your own personal units I am sure that means you will both gladly volunteer. Step forward girls." Our teacher explained.
As both girls stepped forward I rubbed the back of my head. "I can't believe I had to jump out a window again…"
"Well it was that or get mauled by the girls, and be late." Vic chimed in helpfully.
Both girls seemed to be lighten up as Chifuyu said something to both girls. "What did the teacher say to them" Charles asked.
"Beats me and…. incoming!" Vic yelled.
Looking up I grabbed Charles by the shoulder and pulled him back as Maya fell from the sky wearing an IS. Luckily no one was hurt…. Well Ichika was I think but damn did he luck out with someone Maya underneath him and one of his hands gripping of one her breasts. "Damn Ichika… I didn't know you liked older women." Grinning I couldn't help but feel dread as I narrowly avoided being shot at by Celica and Ichika…well he avoided the same fate.
"Oh, my goodness sorry I seemed to have miss fired." Celica smiled cheerfully at us both. "And Tyler what did I say about using foul language?" Gulping I backed up slowly remembering what happened last night... The horror... The horror.
"Ichika!" Rin shouted throwing her combined scimitars at the Japanese boy only for the weapon to be shot down my Maya…Okay I am not underestimating that woman ever, she seems like a cheerful goofball but that is just an act... Maybe.
"Hey there Orimura you didn't get hurt, did you?" She smiled cheerfully.
"Um no I didn't thank you." Smiling Ichika looked away.
"By the way Miss Yamada used to be a representative contender, making a shot like that is nothing for her." Chifuyu explained…Oh now that makes sense. Looking at the assistant home room teacher I had a new-found respect for her.
"Thanks, but that was a long time ago and I could never break free from being just a contender." Maya said standing to her feet.
"Still more than a match for these two, together." Chifuyu smirked.
"What you mean two on one?" Celica asked shocked.
"Yeah I don't think it's a good idea. Rin chimed in looking at Celica.
"Oh, don't worry I am sure your embarrassment won't last to long." Chifuyu said her smirk getting even bigger. "Let the carnage begin!" She said swiping her hand down.
With that both girls took off into the air with Maya following along lazily.
"They're doomed." I shook my head, with a sigh.
"Huh what do you mean? Rin and Celica are tough I'm sure they can- "
"Sorry Orimura, but Kane is right." Chifuyu said watching the girls fight the green haired teacher.
"Huh but what do you mean?"
Ignoring her brother Chifuyu looked over at Charles. "Dunois tell us about the machine that Miss Yamada is using."
"Ah yes ma'am- "
And like that like I zoned out, not that I didn't want to know about the IS Maya was using I just had something else on my mind, the fight itself so to speak. As Celica and Rin flew around launching attack after attack against Maya, none of them landed a single hit. In fact, if I was to hazard a guess our resident bubbly and green haired teacher was toying with the two girls. Holding up my hand I started to count back. "Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three- "A thundering crash blocked out all other noise as both Celica and Rin were on the ground tangled up together both blaming the other for losing the match.
"Now I hope you all learned what your instructors are capable of." Chifuyu walked in front of the crater her arms across her chest. "And knowing that show her the proper respect. For the first phase of practical training you'll form teams, those who have personal machine will be the group leaders. Soon get forming already!"
Yeah nothing like throwing us to the wolves Chifuyu, Ichika, Charles and myself soon found ourselves surrounded by girls. "Let us join your group!" They chorused.
Rubbing the bridge of my nose I selected a few of the girls and led them over to a training IS. "Now pay attention everyone…." I tried to say but all the girls bowed before me offering me their hands. Poor Ichika and Charles were in the same boat. "Don't worry Charles you'll get used to it…or jump out a window."
Shrugging his shoulders Ichika laughed. "Welcome to the man meat grinder Charles."
After our practical training, it was time for lunch and as I sat down on the grassy roof top…still weird if you ask me, I soon found myself surrounded by, Ichika, Charles, Houki, Celica and Rin, all the girls apparently had boxed lunches prepared while Ichika and Charles had nothing. Me on the on the other hand I brought two sandwiches and a small cooler with some drinks just in case Tatenashi decided to steal something again I would at least have a backup.
"Okay what is going on here?" Houki asked quite upset.
"Huh…I always eat here if anything I have the right to complain, about you invading my space." Shrugging I opened the cooler and handed everyone some soda. "At least I came prepared."
"Well more the merrier they always say." Ichika smiled. "Plus, Charles just only transferred to the school so he doesn't really know his way around yet."
Sighing Houki nodded. "Maybe so but- "She and the other girls started to glare at one another.
"Um Ichika are you sure it was really okay for me to join you here?" Charles asked slightly concerned. "And Kane if you really want I can- "
"Naw relax Charles." Shaking my head I popped the tab on my soda and started to drink. "I'm just playing around, your always welcome to eat up here with me."
"Well of course we boys should stick together especially since we will be roommates from now on." Ichika said with a smile.
"I am really touched. Your both really sweet guys." Charles smiled. Waving it off I chuckled though for some reason the way Charles talked... he almost sounded like a she... Weird. While I pondered about this, Ichika looked like he was blushing but that was stopped when Rin leaned forward with a glare. "Hey Ichika mind telling me why your blushing?"
"Blushing? I'm not blushing." Ichika denied. "Am I?"
Not thoroughly convinced Rin slowly opened her box showing off what she made. "Wow is that sweet and sour pork?" Ichika asked almost drooling.
"Yep, made it this morning. You said you wanted to have some right?" Rin smiled happily.
Coughing into her hand Celica gave Ichika and I both a smile. "It also happens that I too woke up early and so I prepared this delightful basket of sandwiches for you both. Ichika I wanted to show that England does have some delicious food."
"Well it certainly looks good, let me try this one…" Ichika picked out a sandwich and I did the same.
Taking a bite out of it I smiled, wow this isn't half bad. Finishing it off I reached for another as I nodded my head towards the British blonde. "Thanks Celica it's pretty good."
"I am so glad you liked it, and Ichika how do you like it?" She asked looking at the other male student.
I'm sad to say Ichika had a different reaction, he looked sick to his stomach for some reason. "Um…. yeah it's good I'll try some more later."
"Ichika…" I said eyeing the Japanese boy who turned toward me. "As a man, you will finish that sandwich, not only because we are men, but because a beautiful woman made it for you. So, you will eat that sandwich whole and love it. Your pride as a man is at stake here."
That seemed to put a fire under him as he finished off the sandwich Celica had given him with gusto.
Grinning I looked over at Celica who seemed lost in Lala land. "Huh... I really need to watch what I say..." Turning back around I offered one of the sandwiches I had brought to Charles. "Here since I really doubt the girls will share with you have one of mine."
"Um thank you but I'm not- "Charles tried to push it away, but I wasn't having it.
"Charles, you will need to eat, it's never good to skip meals you need the energy to make it to dinner."
Ichika seemed to agree with me as he at this very moment tried to feed Houki some of her food, since she seemed like she didn't want to eat either. Which I must say was cute, and it's even funnier given the fact he has no idea the affect he is having on the her or the other girls.
Charles however in between bites of his sandwich brought something to light. "Oh, I know what is going on. Your both doing that thing Japanese couples do when they feed one another." Teasingly he leered at Houki and Ichika. "You two must get along well hmm?"
"But why are they getting along so well huh?" Rin snarled in anger.
"Yes, I demand a do over!" Celica demanded her brain finally coming back.
Smiling Charles smacked his fist into his palm. "Hey I have an idea why don't we all exchange one piece with another hmm?"
The girls all seemed to agree on this but me I rather not, it's not that I didn't want to. It's just there isn't enough of the food to go around and if Ichika's reaction to Celica's cooking was any indication about her skills, then no one would want her food. Well expect for me but I hey I'm an American put anything between two slices of bread and we'll eat it. Excusing myself I stood up and turned to leave.
"Hey Tye where did your cooler and other sandwich go?" Ichika asked.
"Huh…They are right…" Looking around I saw the first sandwich and my cooler was missing. "How does she do that…"
Later that night I was hanging out with both Ichika and Charles in their room drinking some tea. Ichika and Charles were sitting at the desk while I brought a folding chair to sit on. "Man, Tye you are so lucky that you have your own personal room, but hey at least I get to share with another guy which is much better." Ichika said finishing off his cup.
"Wait you have a personal room?" Charles asked quite shocked.
"Yeah which believe me it is so much better than having to share with someone else…No offence Ichika." I said finishing my of tea... Kind of wish this was coffee but Ichika rarely drinks the black gold so I had to make do.
"None taken to be honest I am surprised they didn't ask you to room with me sooner, but it all worked out in the end." Shrugging the Japanese boy refilled his cup and mine. "How are you liking your tea Charles?"
"It is quite different from European tea. Not what I'm used to but I like it." Smiling the blonde set his cup down. "So Ichika, Tye I heard that you both train every day after school yes?"
"Yeah I have a lot of catching up to do because I am so far behind everyone else." Ichika sighed looking down.
"I'm kind of in the same boat but really I am just trying to make sure I don't lose in the class tournament next month." Rubbing Ichika's back I shook my head. "And you're not that bad dude just give it time, seriously I know for a fact that if you could get your main attack off right away you could win every battle."
"Ah I see, so would you two mind if I joined you?" Charles asked leaning forward. "I have my own personal machine and I think I could be a big help."
"Not at all." Smiling I finished my tea. "It would be good, plus it's good to face different people."
"Sure, I could use all the help I could get." Ichika smiled.
"Okay then it's a deal!" Charles nodded his head with a smile.
"Cool now on to the movie!" I shouted happily.
"Wait movie?" The blonde Frenchman asked.
"Oh yeah, sorry I forgot to tell you. Tye and I normally watch a movie together, when I visit him we watch a movie I pick out, and when he visits he picks the movie." Ichika explained with a grin. "It's really fun."
"Yeah it's a way for us to hang out and bond." Shrugging I pulled out a disk and placed it within the computer. "And now since you're here you can be part of the tradition to!"
"Oh, I like the sound of that. What are we watching?" The blonde asked turning his head.
Grinning I showed them the case. "Underworld."
"Attention everyone I have some exciting news." Maya said from her podium. "We seem to have yet another transfer student. Meet our newest transfer student from Germany. Laura Bodewig!"
Another transfer student already? But hey I'm not complaining the girl standing before us was short but extremely cute. She had long silver/gray hair and pale skin, her school uniform consisted of a tie instead of a ribbon like the rest of the girls and poufy pants. The only strange thing about her was an eye-patch over her left eye, weird but it didn't take away from the fact she was cute, but given her body language she looked like she was ready to kill us all.
"Be quiet everyone, her introduction isn't over so show some respect!" Maya said over the noise of the girls of the class talking.
"Yes, go ahead Laura, please finish." Chifuyu said staring at the girl.
Huh she had a red eye now that just made her even cuter in my books. "Ya vol mentor." Laura said. Mentor? Does that mean Chifuyu taught her?
Snapping to attention the German stared us down. "I'm Laura Bodewig."
…. Yeah, I got nothing well if anything this girl is straight to the point... Cute to but something about her was strange.
"Um is all you wanted to say Laura?" Maya asked looking at the small girl.
"Yah that is all." Turning slightly, she stared directly at Ichika and glared. "And you must be..." Walking toward the Japanese boy Laura then bitched slapped him in front of the entire class. "I do not approve. In fact, I'll never approve that you are her brother." Laura said giving Ichika a death glare.
"Holy shit/Holy shit." Vic and I both said at the same time.