Infinite Stratos: Young Secrets CH 7
Got to See, Got to Know
Hello everyone, Coco here. After a long Hiatus Infinite Stratos Young Secrets is back people. I once lost my love for writing, but I missed the feeling of typing on a computer for fun and not work. From now on expect frequent updates that don't come every few months. Thank you for sticking with me and enjoy the chapter.
On a side note, special thanks to Bitmeister for proofreading my work. Thanks for your work and guidance.
After the events at lunch time, all the students continued on with their normal schedule, while Jordan was moved to the nurse's office to recover from Cecilia's poison sandwich. After classes, school clubs, and dinner, all the students retired to their dorm rooms for the night.
We find ourselves in the room of Charlotte and Laura. The latter of which was quite literally upside-down with her thinking.
"Hmm," Laura thought out loud. She was doing a head stand with perfect balance as she crossed her arms, and her legs pointing to the sky. Her eye was closed as she was thinking about whatever was going on in her head. She was also wearing her black cat pajamas. (This is troubling. I can't just rush in, but if I wait too long...)
Nearby, Laura no longer heard the sound of running water. Charlotte had just finished getting ready for bed. She wore her white cat pajamas as she stepped out of the bathroom. Upon exiting she immediately took notice of her upside-down friend.
"Say… Laura, is everything ok?"
Laura opened her eye and looked up at her roommate.
"Everything is fine Charlotte. I'm just thinking, that's all." She closed her eye and went back to thought.
"Then why are you standing on your head?"
"The brain thinks better with more blood. standing upside-down increases blood flow to the head." Laura let her body fall forward. Using her hands and feet to catch herself, she got up on two legs and moved to her bed. "Sadly, there's something on my mind right now."
Charlotte took a seat next to her friend. "If there's something wrong, you can always consult me about it." She put her hand on Laura's shoulder. "We're friends. Don't forget that."
"Very well, I'm worried about Jordan."
"When I said he was dead, I over reacted." Charlotte got up and moved to her bed. "Cecilia's food won't kill him, and the nurse said he will feel better in a few days." Charlotte knew the procedure all too well. The last time someone ate Cecilia's cooking, she had to get her stomach pumped.
"I already know he'll be fine. What I'm worried about is if he'll try to steal my wife."
Charlotte took a few second to comprehend what Laura just said.
"Um, Laura, can you run that by me again?" Charlotte asked.
"I'm worried Jordan will try to take my bride away from me. Was I not clear earlier?"
Charlotte gave a nervous laugh. "Laura you do know Jordan is a boy right?"
"That's what she wants you to think. She comes in disguised as a boy to get closer to Ichika, then she reveals her secret to him, and bam! The two fall in love as the story goes on. My XO told me this is a common trope in Japanese anime and manga." Laura pointed at her roommate. "You tried to do the same thing you cross-dressing."
"That was different, Laura!" Charlotte sobbed. She hated it when people brought up that incident. "Besides, Miss. Yamada said he is a real man this time."
Laura closed her eye and folded her arms over her chest. "To fool even the instructor, she must be very skilled then." Charlotte gave a nervous laugh. It didn't seem like Laura was going to listen to reason.
Charlotte got up and turned off the lamp beside her bed, shutting off the last bit of light in the room. "Just sleep on it and everything should be fine. Goodnight Laura." Charlotte pulled the covers over her bed and turned her back to Laura.
"Goodnight Charlotte." Laura looked up at the half-crescent moon through her window. Taking her roommates advice, she went under the covers and went to sleep.
A Few Hours Later
Currently, the two girls were fast asleep.
Charlotte looked like a sleeping beauty. Lying on her back, she slept peacefully as though she had not a care in the world.
"No. No."
Those words came from Laura, who appeared to be talking in her sleep. From the looks of it, Laura was having a nightmare. She tossed and turned left and right as she slept. Her forehead was beginning to sweat as she went through whatever her subconscious imagined.
Scene change: Laura's dream
Ichika and Laura were both standing on the roof of IS Academy as the sun was beginning to set. The two stood a few feet away from one another. Ichika stood with his arms crossed and his head down. It almost looked like a scene from a manga or something.
"I-I-Ichika" Laura stuttered to get the words out. Her face was bright red just thinking about what she was going to say. Laura could feel the wind blow across her face being so high up.
"Ichika. I have waited too long to say this." She moved closer to him. "I love you." She whispered loud enough to reach Ichika's ears.
"Laura…" he softly answered. Ichika kept his head down.
"Ichika…" Laura closed her eyes and moved her lips to Ichika's.
Before her lips could get close, Ichika stuck up his hand and pushed her face away.
"Ichika? Is there something wrong?" Laura asked.
"Laura, honestly, I'm flattered, but... there is another that I love." Ichika kept his head down and remained silent.
Laura took a step back and gasped. "Th-that is a joke right?" Laura started nervously laughing. "Please tell me that is a joke." Laura begged.
"I'm here, Ichika!" A girlish voice yelled out from behind Laura. The owner of said voice ran straight towards Ichika, knocking Laura down in the process. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
(That voice! It couldn't-) Laura looked up and saw a small figure hugging Ichika.
"Jordan? But that's impossi-"
Jordan turned around letting Laura look at "his" face.
(What in the world!) Laura thought upon seeing Jordan's face.
This wasn't adding up in Laura's mind. This Jordan had longer hair, and a more feminine face. She wore a white sundress with tan heels. Same height, same brown eyes, same American accent. This Jordan was like a complete female version of the original.
(But Jordan is a-) "Boy?" Jordan said finishing Laura's thought. "That's what I wanted you to think." The fake Jordan said. "All of you are really gullible; I can see how you thought Charlotte was a boy." She mocked.
Laura lied there too shocked to do anything.
"Well, let's be off my bride." Jordan told Ichika. The two began to walk off.
"Hold on, I don't care what you are, Jordan-chan, but Ichika is my bride!" Laura argued. Ichika pulled some papers out of his pocket and threw them to Laura.
"What is this?" Laura straightened out the papers to read them.
"Divorce papers, as of right now we are no longer husband and wife." Ichika coldly said. Laura began hyperventilating as she read the legal documents.
"But… but my bride." Tears began forming in Laura's eyes.
"Don't call me that. I am now the bride of Jordan." Ichika's cold words pierced Laura's heart.
"Ichika…" Laura softly called out. She stood their motionless with her hand reaching out; hoping Ichika's warm hand would grab it.
"This conservation is over." With that said he turned his back to Laura and walked away.
"Bye bye Laura." Jordan said waving his hand good-bye, a Cheshire grin plastered across his face.
Suddenly a black hole appeared underneath Laura without warning. She dropped into a black void that appeared to be endless. "ICHIKA, ICHIKA!" Laura yelled out as she descended into nothingness, while the light from the hole faded and faded.
Scene Change: IS Academy
Laura eyes bolted open from the nightmare she just had. She breathed heavily as she inspected her body. She had a cold sweat all over her, as she checked all over.
"It was only a dream. Calm down Laura." She told herself. Despite being a dream, Laura couldn't feel it was almost too life like. She looked over to Charlotte who was still sound asleep. (I need advice). Laura thought. Not wanting to wake her sleeping roommate, Laura took out her phone to talk to the only other person she knew who could help.
Scene Change
Germany: Schwarzer Hase Base
Somewhere in Germany is the base of the Schwarzer Hase. This special force unit also known as the Black Hare Squad was Germany's top special secret force.
"And you're saying all this happened in a dream." Clarissa asked.
"Correct Clarissa." Laura confirmed on the other line. Do you think there is something wrong or am I worrying for nothing?"
"Believe me, despite the circumstances this isn't just some dream. In Japanese anime and manga it's not uncommon for a women to cross-dress as a man and vice-versa."
The CO of Laura usually gave good advice except when it related to anime and manga. The Black Hare CO believed everything in those made up stories occurred in real life.
"I've been trying to find data on this boy and I've found almost nothing." Clarissa said as she typed on a computer. "No school records, no social account, nothing."
"Do you have any explanations Clarissa?"
"As of now, nothing yet. But I would try to find out about him just to be safe. She could be planning to assassinate him or worse…. Steal your bride."
(Steal my bride!) Laura flashbacked to her dreams momentarily, remembering every last detail. Her face showed a look of anger with her fist clenching.
"NEVER" Laura yelled into the phone. The yell made Clarissa stumble out of her seat, landing on the floor of the base. "No cross-dressing child will take my loved one under my watch. When I get my hands on her I'll-"
"Just a moment my leader." Clarissa interrupted her. "It would be unwise to charge at the enemy without being prepared." As war had taught her, charging in without a plan will surely get you killed. "If you can't prove he is really a she, then she will turn the situation against you."
"Your right Clarissa." Laura couldn't figure out why her friends said to fire her CO. She glanced over at the still-sleeping Charlotte who said that the most.
"Like in most manga I've read, wait until she's alone. She will definitely reveal her then. Meanwhile try to follow her in hopes she gives something away.
"So stalk her? I'm pretty sure that's a crime. The last time Laura stalked the instructor to find her room; well Miss Orimura didn't take to kindly to that.
*Stalking is considered a crime in Japan*
"Don't call it stalking, consider it observing from afar." If people could get away with it in anime, then it should work in real life.
"Very well. I'll begin the mission tomorrow."
"Good luck Leader, and remember the Black Hare squad is always ready to assist if necessary." She reassured Laura.
"Thank you. Laura Bodewig out."
Laura ended the call and looked out the window. From the position of the half-moon the sun wouldn't be up for another few hours
(Don't worry my bride, as your husband I vow to keep you safe.) Laura silently declared.
Scene Change: IS Academy cafeteria
After the events of last night, Laura and Charlotte are now eating breakfast at the Academy's cafeteria, both wearing their academy uniform. With it being early morning, only a few other students were there. Charlotte and Laura were seated at a table eating standard Japanese breakfast.
"Say Laura, are feeling ok?" She noticed her roommate's mind was somewhere else as she was barely touching her food.
"Huh?" Laura was still distracted thinking about last night.
"I asked if you're feeling ok?" Charlotte asked with concern.
"Yes, I'm fine." Laura went back into her mind to construct a plan. (Ok the first thing I need to do is observe the child. Once I have some evidence, I can expose her for the girl she is.)
Luckily for Laura, her would plan would begin ahead of schedule.
"Excuse me, may I sit with you?"
Both girls turned their heads to whoever asked them.
"Oh Jordan-chan! Good morning. Please take a seat." Charlotte answered. He happily did so, sitting at a side in between Charlotte and Laura.
"Hey kid, what're you doing up so early?" Laura asked. She took a bite of her meal using a fork and knife.
"No idea." He shrugged his shoulders. "I just got here yesterday so my internal clock is on the fritz. Who knows when I'll be tired?" He broke apart his chopsticks, preparing to dig in with a goofy grin on his face.
"Are you feeling ok Jordan-chan?" Charlotte leaned over to put her hand on Jordan's forehead. It didn't feel warm, and he had an appetite.
"Of course why wouldn't I be?"
"Because you fainted yesterday at lunch." Laura plainly stated . "You were carried off to the infirmary, and stayed there all night."
"I did!?" He dropped the scrambled egg between his chopsticks, not sure if by accident or shock. Jordan didn't seem to have any recollection of yesterday's fiasco.
"Ahh well, that was in the past." He gave a shrug of his shoulders, not caring about the recent events.
"You seem pretty calm about that." Charlotte said. She took a bite of her meal with chopsticks using the correct procedure. Unlike Jordan who once again dropped his eggs. "Um do you want some help Jordan-chan?"
"No thanks." He lied. "I think I'm getting the hang of it. See?" As he said this another piece of egg fell to the floor, joining the small pile Jordan made. "These sticks are broken." he said plainly.
"Here let me help you." Charlotte offered.
She leaned over and grabbed both of Jordan's hands and the chopsticks.
"Put your fingers like this and move the chopstick here."
"So what about this finger?"
"Leave that there but move your pinkie here."
As Charlotte helped Jordan, Laura secretly watched him, as if trying to find some sort of clue or something.
"Ok remember what Clarissa said, find something that can prove Jordan is a women." Laura told herself. From what she knew, women had faster heartbeats , lived longer than men, and resisted heat better. Of course, with Jordan being a child none of those applied here. She observed closer and closer, trying to find a bra or something.
As Laura leaned closer and closer, Jordan continued to try to transfer the western breakfast from the plate to his stomach. Key words being try.
"Come on… almost there a little more." He spoke to himself as the food was just within tongue reach. Using the technique Charlotte taught him, it almost looked possible.
Splat
As if at the last moment the egg bit fell onto the floor joining its fallen brethren in their failed attempt to satisfy hunger.
Anger vein marks began to form on his forehead; signaling is frustration with mess up after mess up.
"This is impossible."
With a slam of his fist on the edge of the plate, he gave up throwing his chopsticks to the ground.
The impact of his fist sent enough force on the plate to the remaining eggs and bacon in Laura's direction. Specifically on her face and uniform,
Only growls could be heard from Laura. Her face was covered in scrambled egg, and her uncovered eye now hidden by bacon forming a pseudo-eye patch.
"Now I've done it." Jordan thought as he grabbed the bacon covering her closed eye. "Um… uhh…" He couldn't think of any words to say.
"Laura?"
Charlotte sat there, watching the scene unfold.
Laura remained standing, her eye closed trying to process what just happened and whenever or not to retaliate
Her uncovered eye that was closed shut, yet somehow let out a glare beyond the eye lid. The kind of look only Chifuyu could give. With a piercing glare she drained all the color in Jordan's face.
"Laura, are you ok?" Charlotte asked again.
Laura took a deep breath to regain her composure. "Charlotte, I'm leaving to go process this. I will see you in class." She calmly strolled out with a hidden aura of rage around her, and egg on her face. Once out the door Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief.
"Charlotte I'm not hungry anymore." Jordan backed up to get as far away from Laura as possible, leaving his uneaten breakfast behind.
Sometime later
As the day went on, Laura continued to find any proof of Jordan lying about his gender. Any slip of the tongue, or thing that could prove otherwise. Throughout class she kept eyeing Jordan. Of course he noticed but he only thought that she was still angry over the breakfast thing.
It also didn't help that Laura couldn't get alone with him. Every time there was always someone near him. Be it chatting with Ichika or some girls hugging him while introducing themselves. There would be no way to interrogate him with everyone close by.
Currently it was lunch period, and once again Jordan was surrounded by girls in other classes. As he tried to eat, all the girls bombarded him with more questions and squeezing him against their body. He didn't seem to mind though.
"So far Clarissa, I haven't been able to find any proof or a reason to make others suspicious of her." Laura talked quietly on her phone as she took a bit of her stake. She was sitting in a corner of the lunch room by herself to not be interrupted.
"Hmm, I didn't think this would be easy." The XO put down her latest manga to think about this. "Have you tried getting to see her under her clothes?"
"Yes but she surrounds herself with others at every moment. I can't get alone with her. Do you have any ideas?"
"Just one, but it's risky."
"No risk is too great for my wife."
Clarissa had a grin on her face. Her determination is one of the reasons she was their leader. "Very well, in the main office of the principal, there's a room containing the personal records of everyone in the academy. If you can sneak in, you may be able to find some health records on our mysterious friend."
"Clarissa, you're a genius! Thank you for your wisdom."
"Always happy to help captain. Never forget I'll always have your back. Good luck." Clarissa ended the call and picked up her manga. A manga where a girl was giving her friend advice on what to do with a cross-dressing student in that chapter. (And people say too much manga is bad for you,) She mentally laughed.
Back in IS Academy, Laura deposited the remains of her meal to get a head start before class began. She raced out of the lunchroom heading for her destination, the principal's office.
Scene Change: Class 1-1
Lunch was over and each student returned to their respective homeroom for the second half of their studies. Well… almost every student. In the upper left corner of the class was one empty desk.
"Ok before we begin, does anyone know where Ms. Bodewig is?" Ms. Yamada asked the class. No one had an answer, but some students said they did see her at lunch. With no clear answers, she started teaching the class more on the history of the Infinite Stratos.
Scene Change: IS Academy Personal Record Room
Laura silently picked the lock on the door with ease. Sneaking in here was easy when you've trained in the military for most of your life. She wasn't the leader of the Black Hares for nothing. Luckily, the principal was out for lunch and no one else was in the office.
(Ok, I'm in.) She quickly spotted a few file cabinets, searching for the list of the students in class 1-1. It took a few minutes of searching, but eventually she found the class roster for her homeroom. These files would contain health records and any other important facts that should be noted. Some were thick while others had more papers then the rest.
Laura skimmed through the alphabetized files, stopping at S. She picked through them one by one until.
(Got it!) The file with information of Jordan Silver was in her hands. She put the rest of the folders pack and set this one on the floor for closer inspection.
(Let's see who or what you really are.) Opening the folder, she sped-read through the health document. (Jordan Silver, 10 years old, four feet tall, 62 lbs, female, born in America, Has personal I-.) Laura went back a few lines. Under the gender tab, "Female" was written.
(So this is why she can use an IS. Now it all makes sense.)
Laura smiled on the inside, with this she had the proof she needed. How this got past her instructor, she'd find out later. She took a photo of his records just in case she needed the evidence later. While taking the photo, the clock on it read 5:23. She'd been at this for a few hours.
Classes and after school clubs were definitely over by now. Which meant she missed the Japanese Tea Ceremony club, led by Ms. Orimura. Maybe if she exposed Jordan as a women, she might let it slide. (Who knows, might even let me call her instructor once again.) She giggled with glee *a rare occurrence for a girl like Laura* at the thought of it. Putting the folder back in the cabinet, Laura exited the room without a trace.
Scene Change: IS Academy Hallway
"I finally have what I need, but should I really be doing this?" Laura quietly asked herself as she walked to find Ms. Orimura. Despite what her XO told her, Jordan was still a kid. For all she knew, the kid was forced into doing this.
(But even so, no one can steal my wife and get away with it.) Laura mentally prepped herself.
"So you're the new male pilot? Aren't you just adorable."
Laura hid herself behind the corner of a wall. She peeked her head out from the corner to get a visual.
"Yup that's me." Jordan said. A couple of girls were petting him like a sheep at a carnival or fair. Ichika was also there with her for some reason.
(Now why is she with my bride?) She hadn't expected to run into her before finding the instructor.
"Now, now that's enough." Ichika gently pulled Jordan from them. "Excuse us but we're trying to get to the cafeteria before it closes tonight. The girls began pouting.
"No fair."
"Visit us soon, Jordan-chan." One of them said and the three students walked away. Laura pulled her head back, as to not be spotted. Luckily they walked past without noticing a thing.
"Hey Ichika, why do these girls keep petting and hugging me so much?
"They probably aren't use to see other guys besides myself." Ichika walked along as Jordan followed behind. "It could be because you're a cute kid Jordan-chan."
(Did he just call her cute?) Laura's hands slowly balled up into fists. Her face started to show signs of frustration.
"How dare him! The only one Ichika can call cute is me, his faithful husband!" She wasn't going to play second-fiddle to a cross-dressing intruder. "Oh I'm going to send her back to the west. But first, she has to understand why you don't get between a husband and wife." Thank goodness no one was around to hear her say those words.
"That settles it! This kid is going home in a box." She quickly retreated to her room to prepare a battle plan.
After a long hiatus, I finally finished this. Again, I'm so sorry for a long wait, but now I'm back in action. Expect updates that don't take longer than a month to come along. Thank you for everyone who waited so long for this. My resolution this new year is to write a story everyone can enjoy. I feel I rushed the ending of this chapter to get it out, I promise the next chapter will be better. There's going to be Action, Drama, Explosions (Probably not the last one.)
Next Time: Got to see, Got to know part 2
Laura moves in for the kill, confronting Jordan to expose "her" for who "she" really is.
This is Coco6561 signing out.
