Chapter 11 Start

The day had been scorching. People could easily see the waves of intense heat seep from the ground. In the supposed male only dorm, most of the residents were dressed lightly, taking full advantage of the air conditioning.

Ichika wore short pants and an undershirt, while Charlotte wore short shorts and loose fitting top in an almost obscene manner. The sole exception was Minato. He stood in front of a full body mirror as he appraised his apparel. For a top he selected a short sleeved blue shirt with a perpendicular horizontal and vertical red bars forming a cross. On the outer borders of the cross was a white outline. As for his pants he wore typical jeans with a strap hanging from the jeans.

"I'm so jealous. Minato is enjoying his youth." Ichika was rather jealous. Lethargically, the male pilot rolled in his bed and stared blankly at Zen, who was enjoying a soak in a kiddy pool of ice water.

"Well young Ichika, a girl isn't going to just fall into your lap", Minato began as he pointedly ignored Charlotte's stare. "You need to go out and meet people."

Ichika pondered this momentarily.

After being satisfied from his look over, the blue haired teen walked to the door, "See you two later." Both waved him off lazily. "You and Charlotte should bond, but only after Charlotte has finished her work."

...

"Yes, dad I have a date", Pyrrha said for the dozen time. "It's not that bad. You know him, it's Minato Shinonono. We aren't going to be doing anything too outrageous, it mostly dining out. Please stop sobbing", Pyrrha sighed.

It had been like that for quite a while. After going through great pains on selecting an outfit, her father had called her. It would appear that her mother had let it slip that she was going on a date. Things went just as poorly as she had expected. She loved her father, but he could be a bit on the over emotional side.

"Are you wearing the special dress I bought for you?" He was now whining.

"My apologies father, I believe it was lost in transit. I'm sure it was a wonderful dress", she explained.

At the back corner of her room, a hot pink dress with sparkles and ruffles at every possible place was stuffed in the trashcan.

"My little princess is growing up. I should at least be there as emotional support. My little fire cracker don't go on that date, I'll fly right over!" Her father was just being embarrassing right now. In her heart, she felt fortunate that Minato wasn't around at the moment. Minato, being a Shinonono, would just fan flames, throw in gasoline, and then bomb the surroundings.

In the background, she heard a tussle and a pained cry of her father. "Sorry, sweetie. Your father is a little... preoccupied at the moment. Enjoy your date and remember what I taught you about relationships."

"Yes mom, love you." When she hung up, Pyrrha looked at the time and began her walk to the meeting spot.

...

Minato walked up to the front of the Academy. Near the gates he observed his awaiting date. She was wearing light jeans with a white blouse and jean jacket. Just as she saw him, she smiled and adjusted her purse for walking.

"You look lovely as always", he complimented as they began to walk side by side.

In return, his partner smiled radiantly, "You're such a charmer." She nudged him lightly on the shoulder. A sense of confidence radiated off her.

"May I?" Minato subtly gestured to her hand. She lifted her hand and accepted Minato's hand in hers. Neither teen was overly shy about the action and they swung their hands just a little bit. Hands held together they continued to their destination.

Three figures appeared behind the school gates as the couple walked away.

"Yippers, they're going on their super special awesome date", Nora exclaimed cheerily.

"As expected from my buddy. The weather won't be as hot as his date" Ichika said proudly, crying manly tears at his first roommate.

"Must be nice to go on date with someone you're pinning for. At this rate, I'll never find out." Charlotte said wistfully.

"Don't worry about it, Charles. Anybody that caught your eye will be one lucky person", Ichika said with good intentions.

In return, Charlotte just stared at him, until she finally sighed, "Thank you for the support."

Ahead of them Pyrrha and Minato shook their heads wryly.

"They really need to get better at sneaking around. They aren't even whispering that well", the redhead chided in the manner a mother spoke of her child.

Dramatically the male Shinonono placed his hand on his head and spoke in a mock weeping voice, "I am so sorry, I'm such a bad influence. I should've done the proper thing and give them lessons on invasions of privacy. Everyone knows cameras are the way to go."

"Now, now don't blame yourself sweetie. Youth nowadays just don't understand the value of stealth. I believe they can still improve."

Both broke out into laughter. When they finally caught their breath, they continued their leisure walk.

...

Following a relaxing run through of a plaza, the couple made their way to Dan's family restaurant. Teddie, inside of his bear outfit, was greeting customers and grabbing the attention of the children. "Welcome! Have a beary good meal. Ouch watch it! This fur is dry clean only. Wait stop!"

Teddie began to run as some of the more reckless kids tried to tug his fur out. "I'm not prebeared for this! Help me Dan, your best friend is in danger." The couple watched idly as the bigger kids began dragging the poor mascot to lands unknown.

When they began to drag him into an alleyway, Pyrrha made to help him before her date held her back. "Don't Pyrrha. It's disrespectful. Teddie knew the risks when he got into the food industry. But he was a true professional. He wouldn't want our pity."

"Pity is good. I love pity. Please have pity on me!"

"Even now he's trying to assure us of his bravery. God bless you Teddie." Minato wore the expression of a man of grief. Neither Pyrrha nor even Teddie believed it for a second.

Dan chose that moment to walk out of the café. He spared Teddie only a passing glance before he shook his head, "We lose so many good mascots that way. Welcome to the café. Are you two on a date?"

"Yes." The two spoke as one. Pyrrha had a brighter expression opposed to Minato's bored expression.

This only worsened Dan's mood as he clicked his teeth and muttered, "Of course you get a girlfriend. When is it going to be my time to shine? Ichika is bad enough, but you're aware of the chance. Spread some of that good fortunate to others bastard."

"Don't bother the customers with your life story." The chief, Dan's grandfather, commanded from the kitchen.

"Of course." Dan sounded a bit on the nervous side as he guided them to a table for two by a window. Bits of sunlight shined on the table through the shades. Minato was one step ahead of her and held her chair open. After a quick thank you, she took her seat and Minato took his.

The male Shinonono really looked at his date and saw the befuddled look she wore. A pleasant smile formed on his lips as he spoke, "I hope I'm not that much of a bore."

Startled, she was quick to clear any such misunderstanding, "It's not you, it's me Minmin. I mean, that's not the point, I was…"

Minato placed a hand atop of her own fidgeting one in an act of understanding and comfort. The male Shinonono shed his typical stoic appearance and smiled warmly at her. His eye looked deeply into her emerald orbs. As he spoke, his words were gentle like a faint caress, "Don't worry about it. You're improving in your piloting. Every day I see you, your skills have reached a new level. You have so much time ahead of you, there's no need to rush or put yourself down. Believe me when I say that you have the talent and the work ethic, loss or not."

This had always been an issue with the girl. When it came to her passions, she shined too brightly and would burn out at major roadblocks. It was a flaw that he saw as both endearing and headache inducing. It had cost them a lot of grieve when they were younger.

Hearing his words, the representative candidate took some comfort in it.

He continued, "Don't be too bothered from your defeat with Chichi. She was born for IS piloting, or better yet the units were a bit to her strengths. You know how she and my mom are close."

Tension finally released from her form as she sighed, "I suppose you have a point."

"Yeah it may only take you a couple of decades to surpass her."

Now her cheeks puffed up slightly in a pout. "Shinonono."

"Kidding, no need to get formal. But I have to admit, it's just adorable how cutely you pout."

She eyed him for a bit before smiling in turn, "Compliment accepted."

…

"Is there anything you need help with?" Ichika questioned as he lounged around his bed, sweat still pouring down his face. His crossdressing buddy was at work on that fancy laptop of hers. For a moment he wondered how it would be to work for his original roommate.

For some reason, he felt chills down his spine. Ichika returned to playing games with TOM. Best. AI. Ever.

"No, but thank you. He's very particular with my workload. All joking aside, some of this information is serious stuff." She had gained a great respect for him. The sheer scientific marvels that he created astounded her. If the Shinononos were more altruistic, there was no telling what good they could do for the world. "Besides, I don't even know what all the devices in this room do."

Ichika paused the game as something caught his eyes. Just above their beds was a panel filled with blinking buttons. The holographic form of Alpha appeared and began to tempt Ichika.

[Come on, push the button. You know you want to.]

"I don't know."

[What are you? A woman? A hot blooded male like you should totally press the button.]

To her horror, Charlotte realized that Ichika was being convinced. "Ichika that's a horrible idea."

"Come on, Charlotte, Alpha's super smart. If he suggests it, why shouldn't I?"

[Yeah, right. You should totally obey me. I know best. Press a button, what's the worst that can happen?]

"I never thought of it that way. I'm going to press one."

"Ichika! Nothing good can come of this." Charlotte began to back up a little. She felt that she needed to have a head start.

The male pilot pressed a flashing yellow light. With a hiss, the side of the wall opened as steam escaped. Slow Jazz music rang from the hole as a simple robotic man jiggled out from the hole. "Do you want to get funky?" Its voice was deep and smooth. The music began singing love machine over and over and over again.

"What in the name of all things holy is that?" Charlotte pointed a shaky finger towards the android, her face pale.

Ichika took a step forward and asked, "Hey there, can we help you?"

"Where did it come from?" The robot sang.

"Where… did you come from?" Asked a confused Ichika.

"What does it want?" The bot sang out.

Charlotte took the bait, "What do you want?"

"I want some loving." The android began thrusting its hips in a suggestive manner.

The blonde girl shook her head rapidly. "That ain't happening."

"I'll never stop." It began stomping towards the two.

"Oh yes you will." Ichika pulled out his unit's blades.

From outside, Ms. Yamada walked towards the room with some forms. She heard loud music from the other side of the door. Placing her ear to the door, she heard quite the conversation.

"The thrusting isn't stopping." She heard Charles cry out. A full blush spread on Ms. Yamada's face. To her surprise, the door busted open and two of the males of the academy rushed out. There was little time for Ms. Yamada to do anything but fall on her posterior.

"We don't have time teacher. Let's go." Ichika picked up Ms. Yamada bridal style and ran behind his roommate.

"Where are we going?" She cried.

The love machine danced out of the room, music still blasting. "I want loving. I'll love everyone."

"Run faster Ichika!" Charlotte screamed as the robot kept up with the same pace.

All the girls in the hallway felt a severe chill run down their spines as they saw the hip thrusting automaton.

"It's the take over all over again!"

"I can't handle this."

"Run!"

There was a stampede of running students.

"You can only run so long! I will love everyone!"

They all ran faster. It was a one robot invasion.

…

The couple was having a light conversation as they ate. Multiple stacks of plates were piled on Minato's side. Dan stared in morbid curiosity.

"How much can a guy eat at once?" Dan grumbled as he picked up more plates from the table. Huffing, he made his way to the back of the café.

The male Shinonono took a glance at his watch and smiled in anticipation.

It did not escape his date's attention. "What did you do this time?" Exasperation tinged her voice.

"Now that we're a couple, don't you thing is bad for our relationship if you make such crass assumptions?" He pointed out all so helpfully.

"Not if it's wholly accurate. Frankly, you're always up to something. I'm surprised you haven't made more enemies by now."

"I take that as a compliment coming from you. If I recall correctly, you weren't a model student back in the day. Some of the kids still shake at the mere mention of your name."

Pyrrha face became the same shade as her hair as she ducked her head, mumbling incoherently. Minato decided that he had teased her enough for one sitting and command. "Hey Dan turn on the TV, please."

"What channel?" He asked as he came into view, a remote control in hand.

"Doesn't matter. Just turn it on."

Dan shrugged and turned the TV on. He was pretty much unfazed by the insanity that was Minato.

When it came on, the broadcast ceased immediately. Minato's voice range deeply from the screen as static danced, "Do not attempt to change the channel. There is nothing wrong with your television. I have merely commandeered it. I control the sound, the picture, the horizontal and the vertical. For the next few moments, I am the master of this domain. None shall oppose me. All you can do is simply enjoy." All around the world the message was heard. From the typical family tube to military monitors. For this one moment, the whole world watched this one broadcast.

The static flickered and showed flames burning through the darkness of the screen. "The time has come. The manly spirit will not waver." An outline of a man on his knees and chained. He raised his fist to the skies and roared. "We must toil back to power. How you ask? Air Treks."

Minato was shown on the screen, a solemn expression etched on his stoic face. "We will overcome the domain of the Stratos. Do you have the will to order them?" He smirked and with a flash, dramatic screenshots of Minato launching in the sky, Ichika breaking the sounder barrier, wisps of fire beneath him, and Dan scaling buildings were seen. "Grasp your own domain. Demand it. The women of the world want us to shiver in the night. This is unacceptable. Get your own taste of freedom." A number was shown at the bottom of the screen "Air Treks are for male use only. In case of female purchase, no refunds available. If there is a ounce of defiance left in you men, buy them." The television returned to the typical programs.

Pyrrha looked at him dully. Sounds of interest were heard from the males within the café. Many of them wanted to try out the product, if for no other reason than amusement.

Stage one was complete. ATs would soon be on the market. It had taken some time, but all the preparations were complete and security was tight. Stage two would be circulation and integration into society. Charlotte would be a major face of the corporation. Things were looking up for Minato.

"Well if you've had your fill Minmin, why don't we do some shopping? There's this store I wanted to go to." Pyrrha chose not to comment on the commercial. Honestly, it was a lot tamer than she expected. And she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Her date wasn't going to be sidetracked.

"Sure. Where do you have in mind?" Minato moved from the chair and paid for the meal before they left, hands intertwined.

…

A couple of hours later, Minato and Pyrrha returned to the campus and saw some interesting sights.

Ichika stood upon the smoldering remains of a robotic body. His blade was embedded in the ground as grime and sweat rolled down his brow. Pieces of the school were still blazing in intense flames. Girls around him looked like he was some kind of hero.

All of their usual white uniforms were almost grey and there was Jazz music playing over and over. Each looked like they had come from combat. Ichika's BG2M activated.

:: So many times I had sneak up on them quicker
With my finger on the trigger, like
Like I'm pulling out my sword
This is combat, man, this is war (Afro!)

Brain stained with the harbor, sword stained with the blood of martyrs
Revenge is a never ending story, Afro's the author
Trying to bother, the bare site of my father
So I'm living today, like there's tomorrow
Sword, inside my sheet, my heart is filled with beef
For all the dead souls, that I chopped into piece
Return, of the Afro sheen, fatal mean guillotine
Sword in my hand, I want the number one headband::

"I hope you finished all the work I left for you Charles." At the sound of her employer's face, Charlotte became pale and ran from the rest of the group, no doubt looking for her laptop. The son of Tabane simply eyed the pile of the love machine. A gag robot of his. "Chichi is going to kill all of you when she finds out. And I had nothing to do with this."

Each and every person, student, faculty and staff, shuddered in fear. Ichika was affected the worst. He couldn't stop his trembling and Minato swore he saw some tears escaping his eyes. They eyed Minato with pleading and hopeful expressions. He only smirked in response, shaking his head in dismissal.

They were on their own.

Author's Note:

As always, please review, whether you liked or hated it. Took a while to actually write this one, since my college is back in session. Personally, I can't wait to write the next arc. Some interesting things happen.

Until next time.