Chapter 3: May 5, 2024

"Traditionally Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest right?" He questioned the pint sized supersoldier. Charles was employing most of his will power not let Laura tag along with them. Her garb reminded him of an adorable twelve year old version of his Cecilia with innate silver hair dressed as a pirate thanks to the eyepatch.

"Roger," said pirate answered bluntly without reservation as she continued to follow the couple off campus.

"So don't you think the instructor and I deserve the chance to enjoy it?" he kept hinting hoping her social denseness was just a facade the lovable chibi used to deceive her opponents.

"Yes Sir," little Bodewig answered in the same good little trooper even tone before following them again. 'She still doesn't get it? Unbelievable… what did those syringe loving bastards do to her?' Charles mentally cursed.

"As in we want to be ALONE," he pronounced the last part with extra emphasis. Laura only gave a confused look that made Chifuyu smirk a little at the sight of Whytelaw taking a knee to trying and reason with the "Wee-Widdle-Jerry-Lass" as he nicknamed her or W2-JL for short.

"But you said…?"

"Yes we need watch each others' sixes from now on," he was applying pressure to his sinuses while his other half to their equation was using all her willpower not to break her poker face. "I didn't quite mean literally every waking minute of our lives."

"You lied?" Laura's single red eye narrowed with what Charles could faintly describe as hurt-betrayal or anguish.

"It's an expression meh Wee-Widdle-Jerry-Lass," Charles tried explain as the Black Hare's face softened again to her usual neutral tone before producing the faintest half-smile he barely noticed during the ruffling of her hair. "Now be a good girl and go back to the academy. If meh memory serves… Instructor Orimura assigned your class a twelve page paper due for tomorrow that could use your TLC."

"TLC Sir?" Charles nearly fell on his face.

"An acronym for Tender Loving Care. Understand?"

"…?" Laura scrunched her nose as she assessed the words in her head. Chifuyu was on the verge of tears now as she somehow miraculously maintained the facade of indifference throughout the whole charade.

"What?"

"How do you love a paper, Sir?"

'Must not kill Laura. Must not kill Laura. Must not kill Laura.' Charles's patience was wearing thin as he keep his cool before a lightbulb finally appeared up above, "Captain how do you usual prepare for an operation in what is perceived to be a hostile environment?"

"Thoroughly check and then recheck my equipment, after confirming all available data for accomplishing the mission's objective. Sir I don't understand?"

"Of course you don't. Damned syringe-nazis…." Charles started muttering cursing to himself angrily but Laura and Chifuyu heard him regardless. Neither said anything knowing full well he was furious about the little Captain's upbringing. Though the younger of the two didn't quite understand why just yet? Something about the sentiment did make her feel …warm… inside though.

"TLC is the same thing in a way since if you want to pass Orimura's class you must be meticulous with your school work and studies," a look of understanding washed over Laura's face before he took it home. "Kind of like a HK417. If you take good care of it then it will take good care of you. Understand Captain?"

"Yes Sir!"

"Good now we take our leave," Charles got only two steps towards the tram station connecting the island to japan before he heard the familiar light step of child sized combat boot trailing the couple. He sighed before looking back at the supersoldier "Let me guess, you already finished the paper and re-reviewed it several times already."

"Correct Sir, I finished it the evening it was assigned by the Instructor," the Major palmed his face, 'of course she did.' All out of ideas now Charles looked towards his better half to be tagged out.

"Captain Bodewig you are on leave, dismissed," the first Brunhilde commanded.

"Wilco Instructor" Laura saluted before spinning on her heal and marching back to the academy in a neat military fashion. They watched till she was out of sight before heading towards their date.

"How…? How did you do that?" Charles stopped walking for a moment. After spending a good fifteen minutes trying to reason with the little mädchen only to have it take Chifuyu all of five seconds. The SAS Major was starring at IS Instructor with a look of bewilderment. Orimura just smiled knowingly while leaving a dumbstruck Whytelaw behind at the entrance of the tramway.

"Lets go we're late," the major vented a bemused sigh before hoofing it to the outside seat of the bench Chifuyu was now resting on before snaking his arm around her waist as Orimura rested her head on his shoulder.

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Captain Laura Bodewig of the Schwarze Hasen for all extensive purposes was confused right now. It had been only fifty minutes ago before she had been somehow swept up by that unworthy brother of her Instructor and his reproduction following on a reconnaissance operation of the Major and Instructor's "date" as Representative Alcott called it. Lieutenant Harfouch had described these dates as some kind of courting ritual that was necessary to see the if the fruition a matrimonial union was viable option between two people prior to procreation. "Like a treaty or union between two nations Captain," as Clarissa had described it, Laura could only describe them as distant superpowers she hoped to be worthy of someday.

She oddly found herself hoping the negotiations went well as she watched with the other but not entirely there as she remembered the morning of the day following her failed attempt to spy on the British Commando. After returning to the academy both continued to exhibit what she considered to be "weakness" as they kindly fussed to her. Causing Laura to ask the question that been eating away at her since her separation from the Instructor.

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May 4, 2024 1:04

"Your showing weakness but you're both strong…. Why?" Charles looked to Chifuyu with a confusion. He had just handed both of the girls resting on his bed a cup of hot chocolate and was expecting a thank you or something.

"I told you already Bodewig," Chifuyu spoke cryptically while her expression softened.

"You said your brother was your strength….but the face you made…the one your making right now isn't it weakness?"

'Oh I see where this is going, the problem is Laura's asking us and herself the wrong question,' Charles cleared his throat before testing a new nickname. "The question you should be asking right now meh Wee-Widdle-Jerry-Lass is not why we're strong, but why we fight at all."

"I don't understand Major," a blushing Laura's eyes remained calculative as she scanned the contents of the mug handed to her before taking sip. Her face became one of childlike fascination and wonder as she took another sip, and another, and another till the contents were now gone leaving a disappointed little German girl in front of the two amused adults. Charles merely chuckled as he handed her his still untouched cup of chocolate.

"What's your purpose? Why do you fight?" The Major added while Chifuyu had unconsciously taken the role of the protective mother as she sat next to Laura after wrapping the Schwarzer Hase in a blanket or two. Charles wisely chose not to say anything about the sentiment.

"Why I fight? My purpose is to follow orders and to execute my objective." Laura recited her childhood doctrine before noticing the evident anger and pity in her superiors' eyes, "Did I say something wrong Major? Instructor?"

"Bodewig there are more important thing to life than just following orders," Chifuyu final spoke after picking up the miniature uber-soldier and placing Laura on her lap. For the first time since they left the Chophouse Bodewig displayed emotions as she blushed at the sudden amount of alien affection she was receiving.

"L-like w-what?" she stuttered from surprising warmth from the instructor she unconsciously yearned for (Not that way you perverts!).

"Family for starters," Charles answered while heading off to his kitchen to brew up another batch of Hot Chocolate. "and Friends are another."

"Family and f-friends?"

"Yes, we fight to protect them and in doing so we shield others from harm," Chifuyu added her voice was unusually gentle now. It seemed to be soothing the hidden storms brewing beneath the supersoldier where a delicate little girl still remained (a little that could clear a room without blinking but still a little girl all the same).

"Following orders is good Laura it keeps people alive. But if you have nothing to protect, nothing precious driving you to your primary object then you have no purpose." Charles's microwave signaled with a beep that the milk was warm before adding a little more than the appropriate amount of cocoa powder to the steaming liquid and then mixing it well. "I have Chifuyu, Goldilocks, me Mum, and me mates. It's for them that I fight and why I put my life on the line without hesitation."

"Instructor?" Laura looked up to the closes thing she'll have to Mother and a role model for the truth.

"He's right Laura, there is no victory without sacrifice," she said as Charles handed Bodewig her third cup of cocoa. "If it wasn't for my love of my foolish brother we would have never met - and you would have never become one of my precious people as well."

"I-it's happening again," Laura said with confusion as she tried and failed to wipe away her tear. "I'm sorry… I know I shouldn't."

Charles chuckled a little as he sat on the edge of the bed with the girls as he wiped the Hare's eyes with his handkerchief. Laura's artificial eye a Hyper-sensor package was now open for all the world to see thanks to the greasy disgrace of a former spetsnaz that tore away her patch from her eye before he almost…. She didn't want to think about it. Instead she much rather remember how the Major rushed in at the last moment to rescue her and more than likely crippled the monster for life. She could still hear the sound of the Russian's femur shattering after the forearm that connected to the hand that released the Makarov pistol into Charles's grip. "There's nothing wrong with crying Laura. Your still human just like the rest of us."

"B-but-" she was cut off by Charles's hand ruffling her hair as the other retrieved the yet again empty mug from her hand. Laura instinctively buried her face into his chest to muffle her confused cries, while the Major hugged her back. Charles had a sense of déjà vu as he recalled a day involving Cecilia and a she-wolf.

"Yup still human," he whispered as he found himself cradling both Chifuyu and Laura in his arms.

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"Oi! Soldier girl! You gonna return the binoculars our not? Must I say please a third time? Honestly!" Laura blinked a few time at the out stretched hand of the Major's little sister before handing the lenses over to Alcott. Cecilia stared at her a little more than she normally would before looking back to her brother's date. The Southern Brit was sure she saw something that until today she thought was impossible, 'was she just smiling just now?'

After waiting on Chifuyu hand and foot without complaint while on safari through the largest and most treacherous shopping plaza in town. Charles had taken her out for lunch at a sushi bar with an outdoor lounge. Making it all the easier for Ichika and his harem along with Dunois and Laura to spy on the couple. Whytelaw so far had adamantly paid for everything. Every time Professor Orimura had tried to pay for something he always whispered a few choice words into the Brunhilde's ear that made her stop rifling through her purse and blush.

Orimura Ichika the first man to pilot an Infinite Stratos and sole male student of the IS Academy (far as he knew) was dumbstruck right now. When his older sister was with Cecilia's brother Chifuyu-nee was almost a different person in public. For example her guard was down. NEVER! Had he EVER managed to spy on one of his sister's dates this long without getting caught. He had repeatedly over the past hour pinched himself to make sure he was not unconscious while quelling his killing intent so he could observe Whytelaw.

The girls with the exception of Laura were dumbstruck even with everything that had happened in the last few days. They had yet to get over the shock of seeing their sensei with an actual MAN. Hell it probably didn't help that Alcott's brother was a ruggedly handsome Scottish gentleman with an actual clue. They had repeatedly looked towards Ichika-no-baka with spiteful glares after Cecilia had been forced to explain everything and anything that was related to her brother.

Then the stalkers sensed it. The raging killing intent of a Orimura signaling a war on the horizon for the last piece of the spicy fatty tuna roll neither adult looked like they were about to back down for. The spectators watched in foreboding excitement before a smirking Charles launched a preemptive strike with a passionate kiss on the lips causing Chifuyu to drop her chopsticks in surprise. Now disarmed Cecilia's elder brother swiped the last of the roll with a victorious thumbs up to the crowd. After recovering from her stupor the first brunhilde glared death at Charles while blushing madly.

"What? These things are spicy. I needed a little something sweet to help offset the heat," Laura read Charles's lips word for word for those out of ear shot before he ordered another roll for the two of them to share anyway. Chifuyu turned crimson before looking away in embarrassment while an older couple chortled at the younger ones "cute" display. The peeping academy girl's with the exception of Laura just squealed in response. Ichika face palmed in defeat.

"Charles no baka," Laura continued to read out loud.

"Yes, yes, Charles no baka. But I'm still YOUR idiot," he smiled warmly as Chifuyu rolled her eyes at the cheeky Scot before leaning in for the kill.

"That's assuming I still want you by the end of the day," Charles paled a little.

"Sounds like I'm in trouble," he narrowly doges the fatal blow by snaking his arm around her waist to regain his footing before whispering eagerly in her ear. "What must I do to sway milady's reckoning?"

"I'll think of something," She whispers back in the same teasing tone before producing an encyclopedia from thin air. Ichika and the gang didn't remember anything after that….

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May 6, 2024 12:19

"Welcome to Military Basics, CQC, and Tactics. I'm your Instructor Major Charles Alastair Whytelaw your representative instructor from the British Army and this is my co-instructor."

"Sergeant Damian Alejandro Valdez of the United States Marine Corps," Alcatraz spoke up. "THIS WILL be your least favorite class."

"We will expect nothing less than surgical precision from all of you by this year's end. Failure to meet the necessary criteria will either result in being held back a year or expulsion from this academy."

"WHAT?!"

"WAIT! NO FAIR!"

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" The class was in an uproar. The two veterans seemed unfazed as the entire collective began voicing opinions that molded into senseless noise.

"ENOUGH!" Silence soon followed the Scotsman's baritone boom, "This it the Infinite Stratos Academy. Incase any of you failed to read the fine print in the brochure let me remind you. This institution is for all extensive purposes a Service Academy NOT a day spa. Becoming an IS pilot means serving each of you countries respectively. I will not let anyone who is a clear liability to their nations servicemen and woman pass this course."

"B-but the Alaska Treaty…."

"Has not been enforced since its signing and now it's void thanks to the Ceph," the Marine added.

"But their gone right? Americans beat them back in New York."

"That was a minor incursion they will eventually return in far greater numbers. It's only a matter of time. Which is why we intend to make sure you lot are combat ready the moment you graduate," Charles finished.

The sobering effect of Whytelaw's words were instantaneous after that just like the class before it and the one before that. In the hour and 45 minutes that followed words like flanking and encirclement were drilled repeatedly. While the first hand experience of their instructors were unveiling how to apply these lessons against the Ceph. Students who had once no respect or interest in the past found themselves engrossed in the brilliance of ancient conquers who's ingenuity may just save their lives one day.

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May 7, 2024 12:53

"The Battle of Pharsalus was the decisive engagement during the Roman Civil War on the 9th of August, 48 BC." Student tactical pads were alit as maps of troop deployments appeared before their eyes. The Major was giving the lecture while Alcatraz proctored from the back of the dojo searching for any slackers, "Caesar's forces in blue and Pompey's forces in red."

"Caesar was out numbered nearly three to one, in hostile territory, and was low on provisions. Pompey on the other hand had every tactical advantage a commander could ever hope for. What were these advantages…?"

The Wee-Widdle-Jerry-Lass or W2-JL shot up instantaneously followed soon after by few more studious students. "Bodewig name one."

"Sir!" W2-JL stood at attention with a flawless German army salute. "General Pompey had a surplus of supplies thanks to his many allies in Greece, Sir."

"Correct and for the second time today Laura at ease." Charles sighed as a few of the girls giggled at the teachers pet. "Shinonono?"

"He held the higher ground," houki remained in proper seiza as she reviewed her notes from last night's reading.

"Yes what else?"

"Pompey used the River Enipeas to cover his right flank preventing enemy cavalry from breaking his infantry's ranks."

"Correct Shinonono. Now then does anyone know what was Caesar's advantage…?" The Major ran his eyes down the class participation list on his pad finding the only name yet to answer a question. "How about you Orimura? Despite overwhelming odds what was Julius Caesar's greatest advantage?"

Ichika just look back wide eye in shock as his face reddened several shades under the combine pressure of the class's gaze, "Err…adaptability?"

"Interesting…. Can you go in more in depth Orimura?"

"Well, Caesar men were experienced war veterans," Whytelaw waved him to go on. "Pompey had ordered his men not to charge but instead wait for Caesar's legions to come in close for the kill. Caesar's men independently stopped the charge to regroup, refit, and rest before advancing once again."

"Exactly Orimura. Cut off from the chain of command Caesar's troop used their own experience from previous conflicts to adapt to the situation. Pompey was plaining on Caesar's legions to be too fatigued and too confuse to hold the line. Which brings us to our quote of the day by Field Marshal Helmuth Karl Bernhard Count of Moltke, "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.""

"It is the adaptability and experience of those boots on the ground that decides the over all victory," Alcatraz finished. "It was also Moltke the Elder who proposed the use of the color blue for friendly forces and red for hostile forces in strategy or wargaming. Thus the creation of the term blue on blue."

"Now then turn to page 7 in your presentation. The pincer movement best exemplified by Hannibal at the Battle of Cannae…." It continued like this for another twenty minutes before close quarters combat training took center stage.

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May 13, 2024 14:00

Ichika sighed in relief when the bell signaled the conclusion of Whytelaw's class and the end of the school day. Cecilia's brother was even more of a slave driver than his nee-san, surprisingly enough. An it certainly didn't help that he was paired with Laura primarily for CQC sparing. The little German had flat out dominated him making it look like it was the easiest thing in the world to do, she only stopped when Whytelaw order her to. Whytelaw and Valdez rotated the sparing partners every week to diversify and improve their adaptability. So this week he was paired with Cecilia.

Imagine his surprise when the dainty Brit was giving almost as much a handicap as Laura in their match. Now that was just plain insulting he wasn't expecting their resident princess to dance around him like wind nymph with her cross between of krav-maga and judo. His kenjutsu or there lack there of wasn't very helpful against her quick disabling gabs and her inherit flexibility. By the chiming of the bell he landed on his arse for the hundredth time today. He was about to retreat to the confines of his room for a hot shower and a quick nap when a firm hand grasped his shoulder and held him in place while the dojo emptied out.

"Orimura we need to talk," Ichika groaned internally when I recognized the voice. It was nee-san's…well he didn't want to think about it. The idea his sister was in a relationship was understandably troublesome for him.

"Yes Major?" Charles detected the dejected venom but chose to ignore it.

"Frankly I concerned," he began. "Your what? At least half a foot taller and a couple stone heavier than these girls and you're still getting the stuffing beaten out of yah."

"Your point…?" The killing intent was out now as the more tamed of the Orimura's was gritting his teeth at the emasculation.

"If this is a foreshadowing of what's to come I'll have to fail you," he said bluntly earning a look of disbelief from Ichika. "Which is why I'm assigning you supplementary lessons everyday before and after school. One at two to five in the afternoon and the other at four to seven o'clock every morning Monday through Friday. This is nonnegotiable Orimura."

"Wha…you got to be kidding me!"

"Your supplementary lessons will end when I see clear progress." Whytelaw deadpanned, "So for now I suggest you reside yourself to the fact you will not be having as much leisure time as before. Because your training starts… Now."

"Guack!" Orimura buckled over from the extended knuckle digging right into his solar plexus. Tears began to form at his eyes as collapsed to his knees.

"Get up. Your a man right? Act like one," Ichika gave him a loathing scowl as he slowly got back up on to his feet. "That's more like it Girlie, get up."

Ichika roared as he performed a partial deployment and swung Yukihiria wildly his intent clear as day. The Scotsman seamlessly dodged and drove his fist into his opponent's jaw knocking the IS pilot on his arse again.

"CLEARLY the IS has become a crutch for you. You're far too reliant on Byakushiki. We're going to break this childish compulsion right here, right now."

"What would you know!" Ichika shot back after rubbing his jaw while looking up defiantly at the westerner.

"I know a good soldier understands that there is only one THING he can rely on when shit hits the fan."

"Oh yeah and what's that?"

"Himself. No fancy techno doodads required Girlie."

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May 17, 2024 5:27

Automatic fire stirred the IS Academy from its dreams yet again for the forth time this week. Those who were aware of Ichika's training schedule curse their beloved prince no baka's inability to dodge and take cover. But most of all they cursed his inability to avoid giving the sadistic SAS walking around campus with an assault-rifle loaded with rubber bullets a clear line of sights. Only Bodewig seemed to be relishing being woken up every morning to the sound of gun fire as a smile formed on her face.

"Hmm… I wonder what Major is using this time," she giggle while rolling out of bed in the buff for all the world to see without and ounce fear for decency. Huang Rin sighed in frustrations at the uber-soldier's shenanigans as Laura B lined for her desk where a video camera lay were waiting for her. "Hmm…. Let's see. Ah a custom FY-71M very good choice Major."

Rin buried her head under her pillow to block out the sound of Laura incessant complimenting of Cecilia's brothers and while she recorded the morning workout for tactical reference later. "Optimizing my combat effectiveness," she called it yesterday but that vindictive smile Rin saw plastered on her face yesterday told her a different story.

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The named of the game was capture the flag and like every other training session this past week Orimura Ichika had bruises on his bruises from high velocity rubber. At the moment he was hiding in a storm drain that fed out to sea. He considered using Byakushiki for a second but dismissed the thought considering that would just give the crazy Scot an excuse to use live rounds and explosives like he did when Ichika attempted to "cheat," yesterday. Needless to say he was relieved that his Absolute Defense held when Charles shot him out of the sky with a Gauss Rifle. His mind flashed back to yesterday when he was dropped out of the sky like he was mallard duck during hunting season.

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May 16, 2024 6:37

"That be cheating Girlie," Ichika groaned at the soldier's emasculating accusation from his crater.

"You said there were no rules!" the teen shot back. The world was still spinning after being hit with a 10mm Depleted-uranium Slug.

"Did I? Oh well. Now let's talk strategy Girlie," Charles continued to prod. Ichika just scowled at the nickname Bodewig had somehow found out about and was making a habit to using every chance she got. Whytelaw just stood over him rubbing his chin contemplatively with a amused smile on his face as he continued to eat away at the younger man patience.

"Wh-"

"You know," Charles cut him off again - Ichika began to grind his teeth in frustration. "For an Orimura you time management skills are severely lacking."

"Huh?"

"I mean you didn't plan anything in that last attack."

"I had a plan."

"No you didn't. You rushed in blind like one of 'em western cowboys wankers that like shooting from the hip so much."

"Your point."

"It looks cool…. But you look like a royal arse when you don't hit anything," Charles smiled again before frowning. "Does your life mean so little to you that you're wiling to risk the safety of others and become a liability on the battlefield?"

"Plan huh?" Ichika slowly got to his feet Byakushiki had long sense gone inert to make repairs and recharge.

"Yes plan." The instructor continue, "You need to be able to plan a head and use foresight with the moves readily available."

"Not really my thing."

"And you wonder why woman penalize you on a daily basis…." Charles deadpanned with a sigh. It was getting to be about that time for the talk.

"Huh?" What ever anger Ichika had felt before washed away by confusion.

"Ichika you are the only male student at this academy. Surely an endearingly sincere idiot such as yourself must realize the situation your in?"

"…? Wait what about Charles?"

"She doesn't count," Whytelaw deadpanned.

"Ehh…?"

"Unbelievable you haven't notice yet," the elder of the two shook his head disbelief.

"Notice what?"

"I mean… I noticed on the first day I met her. So I figure it was obvious," he started talking to himself. Ichika eyes developed an annoyed twitch when ever the foreigner seemed to go off tandem and ignore him.

"What are you talking about?!"

"Maybe an underdeveloped libido?" Charles answered dismissively while being engrossed in complex thought. "A puff perhaps? Nah… Girlie's just too dense."

"WHAT!"

"Never mind…." Charles dismissed his theories as he considered another angle. "Lets try of with something simpler. Cecilia tells me you made a monumental promise to Little-Rin when you two were younger. Do remember? You made it without understanding the hidden meaning."

"You mean her promise to give me free fried pork everyday if she became a better cook? What about it?" Whytelaw jaw nearly unhinged in shock even he wasn't this thick at Ichika's age. 'How dumb is this kid? It seems Meh-Little-Chi's whack'n his noggin has be counter productive….'

"Tell me Ichika in traditional Japanese culture why would a girl want to cook your meals for you EVERYDAY for YOU the REST of your LIFE?"

"…Ummm….? Wait…wha! Y-you mean?!"

"Girlie what did yah think she meant? Free meals at the reopening of her family's restaurant for life?"

"Well…," Charles felt a sweat-drop form at the back of his head at the embarrassed teenager in front of him.

"Ok ignoring that. Given the obvious level of affection Miss Huáng has for you can you put two and two together and realize anything else about the woman in you company?"

"Well…," give him a minute folks his brain still hasn't reset from being shot out of the sky. Orimura had a look of intense concentration while Charles felt more sweat forming at the back of his head. A good two minute later a dawning look washed over Ichika's face, "Wait…! You don't mean all of them do you?"

"God only knows why?" Charles sighed in exasperation at the paled expression before him. "How long did you intend to be thoughtless and unmindful of their feelings?"

"The more your string them along like this the more you hurt them in the long run," Whytelaw put a sympathetic hand on Orimura's shoulder who was deep in thought now. "All corniness aside Ichika life is really like a battlefield. So you must always be mindful of your surroundings, your comrades, and your enemies. There is a war floating on the horizon when do you plan on making yourself an asset and not a liability?"

"Because as it stands I don't feel comfortable with you watching my six. Hit the showers and do the reading for a change. Wars are not won with just heart and childish bravado, they're won primarily with cunning and reason. You have neither."

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5:43

Back in the storm drain Ichika was deep in thought over Whytelaw's words and how on the money they were. It was like seeing the world without blinders for the first time and what he saw surprised him. Houki, Cecilia, Rin, and Charles or should he say Charlotte were infatuated with him. Ever sense the talk yesterday morning he had developed growing suspicion of his very feminine roommate. When Ichika asked if it was a French thing during his afternoon training secession with Whytelaw, the older of the two smacked him in the back of the head saying, "Oi! I own my life to a few GIGN boys so don't be call'n the whole lot of 'em sissies."

Ichika decided to take Whytelaw's words to heart and "accidentally" walk in on Dunois while she is in the shower last night. Despite his mental berating himself for such a violation of privacy, he certainly didn't regret getting to see Charlotte in all her glory. '"Ichika no Ecchi!"' her words echoed in his mind making blush a little.

"Still worth it," he mumbled with a smirk.

"Oi if you have time to be sitting around smiling dumbly you have enough time to be dodging."

"Crap!" flashes of automatic fire that blinked from the dark tunnel entrance were shrouded by and explosion of blue.

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6:57

"What Happened to you?" asked a distraught Charlotte at the sight of her Ichika covered head to toe in blue paint.

"Paint bomb," Orimura said dryly. Aside from being called '"Smurfette"' by Charles now he honestly didn't care anymore - too sore to complain. So he shuffled slowly into the shower and got the water running.

"Oh," Dunois began to fiddle with her fingers blushing. "Well…. If you need any help getting it off…."

"Believe me you'll be the first to know Char," Ichika blinked at the thoughtlessness of his comment after noticing the unconscious innuendo Charlotte will most likely infer. He cursed Whytelaw for making him aware of his surroundings now he was all too aware of how much of a prized piece of meat he was to the girls' of the academy. Well aside from the girls inside his own unique circle of friends who seem to actual care about him.

His thoughts fell to Rin after that - he needed to apologies. Knowing the extent of his mistake made him feel like a royal arse. 'So this is what they mean by ignorance is bliss,' he thought while washing the blue out of his hair with moderate success, 'how could I be so stupid? I need to make this right.'

He had a determined look in is eye as he scrubbed his skin till it was pink again. Ichika was already out of the shower when he heard a knock on the door and Charlotte answer.

"Oh! Whytelaw-sensei good morning."

"Morning Jeanne d'Arc, have you seen La Schtroumpfette (Smurfette)?"

"La Schtroumpfette? Wait did you just call me Jeanne d'Arc?"

"Oui Dunois. Je vous ai appelé Jeanne d'Arc (Yes Dunois. I called you Joan of Arc)."

"So you know?" Charlotte had a down cast look.

"To perfectly honest Jeanne d'Arc it was obvious. I more surprised your roommate hasn't noticed yet so where is Smurfette by the way?" Ichika resisted the urge to grown - Girlie wasn't enough now he was calling him Smurfette.

"H-he's in the bathroom," Charlotte was shook up by the fact that Whytelaw saw through her disguise.

"Really? Well be a Saint for me Jeanne and give this to him will yah?" he heard the rustling of a paper bag being given. What came next made his jaw drop to the floor, "Lot less girlie than what he's been wearing lately wouldn't ya agree? Anyway I'll see and your bunkMATE LATER (he emphasize the last bit for kicks)."

And then the door close Ichika was slamming his flush face against the bathroom door while Charlotte made a face resembling a fish out of water. When Orimura finally opened the door he was greeted by the sight of hot and flustered French maiden on the floor with smoke bellowing out her ears giggling and mumbling incoherently.

He waved his hand in front of her, no results. Ichika exhibiting a sigh before a devilish smirk crossed his face and began whisper in her ear, "Char is you don't get up we'll be late to class and I have to carry you."

"Eh carry?" she was still in a half daze.

"Yes BRIDAL style."

"WHA! BRIDAL!" Ichika began to laugh as she regained her wits and began to beat his chest relentlessly for teasing her. Both were laughing so hard in the end they forgot their troubles before resting their heads against each others in silence. The bliss of the situation made them oblivious to the intimacy of their situation.

"I glad your here Char,"

"Me too…."

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13:05

Charlotte could have been walking on air quite literally when they walked into the newly retrofitted boy locker room together. Her persona the new transferred student from France the gentlemen Charles Dunois was dropped immediately, and all that remained was Ichika's new GIRLFRIEND! She mentally squealed at the last bit as she retightened her bust binding without fear of being found out.

Ichika on the other hand was doing his upmost best not to peak. Which was sweat even if he was failing miserably. She giggled as she watched him berate himself while pulling on the new training fatigues Whytelaw-sensei had given him. He was clearly relieved it wasn't anything effeminate or androgynous like the last one Charlotte was wearing. I consisted of a tight dark blue t-shirt and matching tight running shorts to go under a pair of white workout pants.

Charlotte was disappointed of course at the lack of skin, but understood Ichika wasn't the least bit found of his previous training fatigues. Instead she resided herself to another kiss on the lips from her BOYFRIEND (she's never going to get sick of saying that) before heading out to Training Ground 2 where some of their class mates were already out their waiting for them.

Much to her surprise both instructors were wearing those strange suit of armor she had seen them wearing two weeks ago.

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"Everyone here? All right lets begin today we are going to apply what we have learned the past two weeks during CQCT to IS maneuvering and execution with the Uchigane. Any questions?"

Laura's hand shot up immediately before giving the Major a salute, "Sir, are we allowed to use our personal ISs?"

"No."

"Understood Major."

"What! Why?" Rin cried out in despair she wanted to show off in front of Ichika-san and win him over.

"I agree they are quite tasteless," Cecilia soon followed before paling at the immediate drop in temperature coming from her brother.

"I beg your pardon Goldilocks? Care to repeat that?" the eyes of Charles's nanosuit glowed a dangerous red as he stare down his little sister.

"N-n-nothing b-big-g brother-r. P-please c-c-continue."

"You mean Instructor Whytelaw correct?"

"Y-yes S-sir," Alcott's head fell in defeat as she felt her brother's eyes linger on her a few seconds longer before averting his gaze to the rest of the class. No one dare laugh - there would be hell to pay if they did.

"Good. Now then… ALL of you will be operating with the Uchigane. The reason why? Is because it is a CQC type. We will be use the Raphael-Revive basic layout later in the semester for infantry basics and squad tactics."

"So no personal ISs?" Houki had a hopeful look in her eye that caused Ichika to sigh guiltily he needed to fix this problem before it got out of control. But he wasn't sure how without hurting someone in the end, 'Maybe…? Nah! No way in hell I'm going to HIM for advice! I should ask nee-san instead.'

"None. Your here to refine your skills as pilots through teamwork. NOT, show off like some of you been doing RECENTLY," Cecilia immediately bowed her head in shame yet again, while cursing Chelsea's loose lips. The young Brit had practically tossed their family's virtues out the window the moment she landed in Japan. Stomped on the very code of ethics and conduct Charles had been preaching to her long before she became the UK's Representative Candidate. "NOW is the time to show me what you've learned."

Orimura and the others paled at the fires of determination literally erupting from Whytelaw's younger sister while Alcatraz chuckled. Cecilia was resolved to win back the shine of pride in her brother's eyes again, 'I was raised and trained by one his Majesties's finest! I will not fail him ever again!'

"Alright Alcott, Bodewig your up let's see what you ladies can do," Damian read off the list.

"Yes Sergeant Valdez."

"Instructor."

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13:21

Captain Bodewig was furious at her grudging respect slowly forming for the British representative. Despite her clear distaste for the Uchigane an its inadequate maneuverability compared to her RAFIS-X20A Blue Tears Cecilia was actually proving to be a competent opponent. This is the third time the Princess had righted herself in mid Sambo throw and get her in a flying armbar lock pulling Laura down with her. Her resolve was admirable but Cecilia was tiring and Bodewig had yet to break a sweat as she displayed a little atypical flexibility and broke the hold and rolled away. Laura was about to counter when the whistle blew causing both girls's stances to become relaxed.

"Nicely done both of you," Valdez commanded. "Dismount and cool down."

The girls kneeled before dismounting like instructed with a sliver of a smile adorning each of their faces Alcott more so as Whytelaw passed each of them a towel and a water. The Commando had taken a knee and waved the girls to do the same. Behind them Shinonono and Dunois were mounting up.

"Well first I'd like to compliment you lasses on ur progress. I'm glad to see your implementing what we covered in class…," the Major removed his helmet with a smile adorn on his face. Both girls couldn't help but blush at the visible pride in his eyes, hell Cecilia was on the verge of tears at the thought of regaining her star. "But…. There is room to improve for both of you. First Cecilia…."

"Yes Onii-sama?" Charles resisted the urge to blush at the cuteness oozing from the response, 'T-That's cheating Cecilia how am I supposed to discipline you act like that…?'

Laura just frowned she did not completely understand to this thing called "cute" but she was aware of how susceptible the Major was to it. Instructor Orimura said it was powerful weapon to utilize against paternal man like Whytelaw. Lieutenant Harfouch recommended reading many reference materials called a shojo magnas to explore the subject. Her studies revealed that stoic individuals like Whytelaw are especially responsive to acts of pure naiveté. This behavior seems to be fueled by an innate primal desire to protect such innocence from being spoiled by the cruelties of the world by sheltering the individual. Clearly Alcott was well versed in the employment of this art cause the Major's disposition faltered a little before scowling.

"Stop that," he growled while Cecilia acted obliviously innocent while pouting in a childish manner. Mentally she celebrating little victory over her indomitable brother while Laura made reference to the display for further study.

"Now…." He coughed there was a blush adorn his cheeks now, "Goldilocks we need to discuss your endurance and energy conservation. You took less blow than Laura but you wasted more energy dodging and performing complex maneuvers. In the end you just burned yourself. Don't be afraid to take a hit or two get in close and break you opponent's defense."

Cecilia nodded silently, before he continued with the supersoldier, "W2-JL your issue is the opposite actually while conserving your energy you have tendency to overextend yourself leaving your left side wide open for a counter. Like when Goldilocks managed to get you in an armlock during that last sambo throw. So speed it up a little."

(I blame this random act of cuteness on Mei Sunohara { watch?v=GAziBVp0l-Q})

"Yes Papa!" Bodewig tested a flawless imitation of a character from one of Clarissa's top recommendations. Time seemed to stop at that moment for everyone of the fresh man class turned around stare I disbelief at Laura.

"Wha-wha-what was that!" Cecelia exclaimed first with a blush. The words Laura and adorable never seemed to fit in the same sentence before now. Whytelaw seemed the worse effected as word, "adopt?" continued to echoed through his mind.

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Author's note:
For those of you who never saw the similarities. I always thought Laura personality and backstory paid a close homage to Soma Peries from Mobile Suit Gundam 00. The fact her Schwarzer Regen resembles to the GNW-001 Gundam Throne Eins from the series make the connection more obvious to me.