By far, this must be the longest chapter I& Blitz ever made, spanning about four days in-universe, and freaking over 11000 words out of universe (insert old meme here)… talk about being less conservative…
Well, I had to close the three week gaps from the last update (due to he issues IRL natch), so there, Read & Review as always.
Warning: Mood whiplash
Infinite Stratos
-Sacred Twins-
Co-written with Blitz1/2
Disclaimer:
Izuru Yumizuru & Okiura
TBS, 8-BIT, MF Bunko
And everyone else!
V2 Chapter 03: Chained Heart
It was Thursday morning in the Teacher's lounge.
"...So…in other words… you want to spend a night in our old house?"
"Would it be fine?" I asked Chifuyu-nee frankly with Madoka stand beside me.
"Hmm, well there's no clear reason for you to leave after all, so permission denied"
"Just as expected" I and Madoka sighed in response.
"You two missed your old home that much?" holding her amusement back behind her stern face, Chifuyu-nee asked us with cracking voice.
"Well, I definitely did, not sure about Madoka-"
"Of course I am!"
"We did" Synchronously we replied again.
"You twins sure are annoying… I'll arrange things for you then"
"Really?"
"You two will visit Kirishima Industries by Saturday, to retrieve KuroGane Kai"
"… KuroGane Kai?"
"The factory decided to implement some of the system within ByakuShiki into KuroGane to improve its performance, not sure why they did that… they also decided to do some upgrade on ByakuShiki"
Giving me 40 pages worth of technical jargon and blueprint, it was hard to believe that it was stated that this plan is superficial.
"Whoa, that's cool"
What kind of upgrade will ByakuShiki get anyway? Hmm, maybe just secondary system upgrades, because what I knew that ByakuShiki came as incomplete.
If the blueprint is any indication, they're gonna remove the back hanger… as if I don't need more weapons, damn it…
"Therefore, you're allowed to spend a night outside academy with the reasoning that you'll left the I.S. in the factory for 18 hours"
"Thank you, Chifuyu-nee!"
Let me think of it, bowing your head is one of the most effective ways of showing your gratitude, and we did just that.
*PANG!* *PANG!*
"Call me Orimura-sensei"
Stupid brain, putting more complex thoughts before the simpler one…
"Thank you… Orimura-sensei" we walked out of the office, hands on top of our head.
"But Kurogane being upgraded, does that mean a pilot would be chosen?"
"Hmm, there's that chance"
"Fat chance you're being selected anyway"
Gazing at me with questioning eyes, she pouted. Hmm, why she doesn't look too enthusiastic about it?
"Why?"
"Nobody else can use that monster" I told her a simple fact "Besides, now I just remember… isn't KuroGane resembles Chifuyu-nee's unit?"
"Well there's that too, the only difference that Chifuyu-nee unit doesn't have waist-mounted booster, but it still hover type right?"
"Yep, what I believe is KuroGane develop from that unit, and since it was tailor made for Orimura…"
"Only Orimura can use that, are you trying to tell me that?" She sighed.
"I'm telling that because besides you, only I can use it proper… even Charles, of all people, having a problem with it" grinned at her with reassuring eyes, I nodded "And I already have ByakuShiki"
Widened her eyes she huffed, oh, apparently her interest is back, anyway-
"Ah forget it, we never knew what happens next anyway… let's just enjoy our date!" she smirked and tugging my sleeves, signaling me to walk faster.
The date… hmm, well, from certain point of view, that was true. A date, between a brother and sister, yeah, we're just trying to spend more time together as sibling, nothing wrong with that, at all.
Somehow, time roll fast and it already late afternoon, time for me to train.
"So, the combination between this and this" Rin began to draw in the holographic board, continued by Cecilia, of all people "Combination between those two maneuvers can handle an opponent with higher strength than you"
"For some reason, today's lesson is easy to understand"
"Because we're using monkey language" despite insulting me, Rin doesn't seem angry at all, in fact, she said monkey in surely affectionate way.
"Does that make us a bunch of monkeys?" I joked.
"Ichika-san, how mean" Cecilia pouted in response.
"NOT ME! NOT ME!"
"So, you went 'whoosh' here, 'klang', 'dong', here… here… 'pa-pa-pa' here… like that?"
Even though Houki is using sound effect again, I can still understand since there's a picture for it, the sound effect surprisingly very accurate though.
"Yeah, kind of" Rin nodded.
"Hmm, but I wonder, where's Madoka-san?"
"Not joining" I told them, "She's currently disassembling KuroGane in preparation of shipping it to the factory, she left the weapon for me to use"
I pointed at the I.S. carrier where all sort of weaponry neatly laid, including the magazines.
"Huh? I see…"
"Ichika! I'm sorry I'm late!"
"Yeah, totally late, Charles!"
"How ungentlemanly-" Cecilia mumbles in a mocking tone.
"Iya, you see, family business… my dad is calling me so-"
"It's okay, I was joking" Cecilia waved her hands and smiled brightly, hmm, she got better it seems. That honest smile always suits her, no, not only her, everyone seems to be friendlier than usual.
If only everyday can be this peaceful…
Rin crossed her metallic arm on her flat chest; smugly smirk as she materialized ShenLong "Care to test your own strength?"
Unleashed the preset sword, Houki nods "With pleasure"
"Whew! This is going to be awesome" I whistled "Go for it you two, but careful, don't hurt each other"
"Once again, I lost the spotlight, fuuh.." For some reason, Cecilia huffed angrily and sat on top of the I.S. carrier, studying the firearms. Charles did the same, though he's paying attention to the fight as well.
Like always, Rin opted for first strike using her Scimitars. Uchigane is much slower than ByakuShiki, though it does posses greater strength and defense.
*KLANG!* *SCREEECH*
Even then, Houki met some problem.
First, she's a C-Ranker, even though Chifuyu-nee said the test result isn't that important, the individual compatibility with I.S. can create a great difference of result. For example, I had B Aptitude with KuroGane, B+ with Test machine, and A- with ByakuShiki.
Houki's rank is C+ in the test, and in reality, that's her average result with most of Training Machines so far.
*KLANG!* *KLANG!*
"Guah!"
"Wha? I haven't used my Impact cannon, and you're being overwhelmed?"
"K-keep shut"
Compatibility test determines the difference of reaction between the user and the I.S. she's using, C, which is by far the lowest standard to be accepted into academy, is 60%, and A+, commonly the highest rank is 95%.
S-rank, or 100% synchronicity, by far only achievable by a handful of person, more often than not, they're reaching the status of Legendary pilot.
As the result, having low aptitude with the machine will result in low response time. And that's currently plaguing Houki right now.
"Rin! Time out!"
"Huh, what it is, Ichika?"
"Houki is having a handicap"
"I'm not" Houki yelled at me "Do not disturb"
"Here, here, don't be so prideful, you're using a training machine, it IS a handicap, no matter how you look at it" I told her, reassuring.
"Well, that's true… it's not that Uchigane is bad, but obviously, Personal I.S. are better" Cecilia commented.
Not true, most Personal I.S., at least what we had, is a testbed platform for experimental system, which results in unpredictable, fluctuating stat. In short, it's full of flaws.
But yeah, she got some point right. Once a testbed I.S. completed so to speak, it'll better than mass-produced I.S. of previous generation.
"Well, Houki" I thrown a sword to Houki, which she caught midair.
"Huh?"
"Aren't you a dual wielder?" I asked her, she responded by blushing.
"What, that means-" Rin and Cecilia's eyes widened.
"All these times she's holding herself back, not because she wanted to, but because she's more excellent at using a pair of sword than one"
"Che, I knew you're having something down your sleeve… I'm not going to hold back anymore!"
*WHOOSH!* *K-BAAM!*
That was Close, but how is Houki able to evade that? I wonder…
*B-B-B-B-BYASH!* *BLAAAM!* *BLAAM!* *BLAAM!*
Houki's shield is staying at 600, even though Rin delivered so many barrages with her impact cannon.
"How persistent"
*WHOOSH*
"Got cha"
*SHWISH!* *WHOOMP*
The smoke subsides, and Uchigane still standing proudly, SP 535.
Huh, shockwave cutting? HOW THE-
"Infra-red always been part of I.S. sensor, even if I cannot determine it precisely like Ichika does, I can use it to see the trajectory… and why bother using sword if you have shield to deflect?" Houki's shoulder guard retracted again, apparently used it to deflect the shockwave and reducing the damage "It's over, I'm lost"
Rin was fumbled "Ah, c'mon! That was just the beginning! And I think you're still can pull more interesting stunt"
"I'm not magical emperor" Houki mumbles "I can't create miracles out of thin air"
"Uchigane was built with defense in mind, of course it's usage of shield energy is very efficient, especially if you combine it with the sturdiness of the floating shield and skirt armor" Charles commented "But Houki-san is amazing, even though her skill does not translate well into her I.S., for her to be able go this far"
"Hmm, that too. Problem is, Houki-san simply has no way of counterattacking except using Kamikaze tactics, she's not accustomed to ranged combat…yet" Cecilia nodded in agreement "True, true, it's been clear who's won"
"Fuuh, as you wish, that's one point for me"
Normally, it'll be good now that Houki don't forced things, both on herself or to others… still, I think it's strange now that Houki not choosing to fight till the end. Normally, Houki will charge straight anyway…
Especially with that much smoke to cover her, flanking would be easy, even if Uchigane isn't as fast as ByakuShiki, she has modular shield and skirt armor to deflect the incoming attack, since Rin won't use the more powerful charged blast, instead opting for rapid fire mode.
Something is fishy…
"That's rude Ichika"
"Eh?"
"It's a rental Machine; I can't let it damaged too much"
I see, well, if you put it like that… wait, you read my mind?
"Anyway, Houki, how exactly could you counter that last attack?"
"Well, by swinging the shield like this" She demonstrated, by swinging her left arm "'Whoosh', the wind is dissipated"
Pardon? Now I'm not understood that part…
"Sloped armor…"
"Huh?"
"The armor of main battle tank isn't always thick, they're sloped at very low degree, meaning that the practical thickness is higher than the real thickness" Charles laughed.
I see, so, since the bullet came at diagonal angle, the armor is 'thicker' than it should be. Math is definitely involved, anyway, Houki is smarter than you can expect.
"The same can be said to Houki-san's move, by moving the Shield into such position, most of the shockwave energy is bend and dispersed outward, only a little is received as impact damage" Cecilia added.
"Woah, interesting"
"It's merely a fluke thought, no matter how, because unlike Ichika I can't see the air bullet" Houki smirked, flattered "And unlike all of you, my experience of using I.S. in a real battle is too low"
Hmm, what is this…? Houki became that pessimistic, too impossible…
Something is definitely wrong.
"Ichika, we haven't tried to spar right?"
Oh right, I and Charles never fought each other, even once. I knew he's much better than me in terms of skill, combining with the fact that his I.S. is special. As I said before, Testbed type I.S. often had various flaws; Raphael Revive has no such things. It's really Jack-of-All-Trades unit that can fill any role.
This is the time…
"Wish me luck, Madoka" I brought her most favorite rifle and put it on my back hanger, the sound of hanger system clamping and adjusting itself into the weapon is incredible.
~CHARLES POV~
Both of us dashed toward each other, as I can expect, Ichika opted for flanking strategy since he had superior mobility.
*KA-KLAK* *BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!*
Skimming beautifully in the sky, he managed to evade my shotgun barrages, I see that he's accustomed fighting against gunfighter… must be because of Madoka-san and Cecilia-san.
"Yosh! That was good, Ichika-san!" Cecilia-san cheered from the side of the field.
"EIT!"
*KLANG!* I managed to deflect his first strike but…SHOOT!
*KLAK* *SCHWIIIIINNNGGG* the special shield mounted in my arm was cut off like chainsaw cutting a log, as soon as the large sword morphed into EVEN LARGER beam sword.
Thankfully I managed to escape without my shield receiving too much damage…
I forgot about that…
I've managed to acquire ByakuShiki's overall data through Koyuki, it's seems that the weapon itself is one of the most advanced features.
First, the ability to switch between three modes (High Frequency blade, beam blade, and barrier breaker beam blade), it's not something easy to achieve.
Because such ability will make the construction weaker than it can be due to the presence of various joints. That's why, even though multiple transforming I.S. has been designed, they never left the testing room, because the resulting I.S. is too fragile.
However, the fragility problem does not present in Yukihira and Koyuki…
*KLANG* *KLANG*
"Here!"
*BANG!* *BANG!*
Once again Ichika evaded my attack; I switched to dual Submachinegun with cluster ammo, hoping that I can deliver as much damage as I can, using barrage of smaller bullets.
*ZIIING* *SWHOOOSH!*
Ignition boost eh? Who could expect that?
Still, it seems that Ichika did not realize the drawback of using that technique…
I switched to dual Assault Rifle again and aim at another place, based on the calculation of my FCS…
Here it is.
*BANG!* *BANG!*
Direct Hit, Ichika was thrown aside and crashed into the arena's barrier.
"What the hell" grumbling, he rolled aside to evade my subsequent attack, and deflect the rest as he split the sword into two again.
Secondly, the armament. ByakuShiki only had two armaments, Yukihira Type 2 and Koyuki Mark 1. That leaves an interesting fact that ByakuShiki only has one slot bus… how can he store two weapon? He combined two swords into one… that ability still unresolved…
Still, the performance of the machine itself is full of holes, especially the energy system… for starter, the energy pool. ByakuShiki has only 600 Shield points, compared to Most I.S. that has 800 Shield Points…
"Well, lucky day, I'm borrowing this one, Madoka!"
Huh? Well, he does carry that rifle but…
*BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!*
"OH, eeek!"
And add the fact that Ichika's machine has no built in FCS, opting for double AWS system allowing maximum evasion capability, meaning that it's really a full-contact I.S.
Yet Ichika is able to make an accurate prediction of where I'll go… that one shot is too close to comfort…
Well, if then, I shall increase the range further… luring him into my trap and…
Goodbye!
*BANG!* *BANG!*
Two minutes later, the match ended.
"I'm lost" Ichika grinned as he unloaded the rifle before storing it in the trailer "Charles sure is skilled"
"Nah, that's nothing" I'm flattered now that he says that.
"That fighting style of yours sure is revolutionary, switching between old school maneuver with the recent version, that kind of dynamic fighting style is not something ordinary student can do" Rin-san approached me and slapped my back, made me flinch because her I.S. after all, are strength type "Though it was expected, after all you're a Representative"
Hmm, can't be too honest eh? That's funny, Rin-san.
"Though I was very surprised with Yukihira's ability of cutting through my shield like that… that weapon sure is destructive"
"Gomen, gomen…" Ichika laughed "Because I don't think if I'm not going full force, that I'll be thrashed in a minute"
"Ignition boost, I never knew Ichika would able to use that" Rin-san mumbles.
"It was originally taught by Chifuyu-nee to prepare myself against Rin, though I never had chances to use it, it's really a double-edged, if you ask me"
"That's true" I nodded "Even though Ignition Boost is fast, its trajectory is automatically set to straight, forcibly turning it during such massive acceleration might cause a fracture to the I.S. structure"
"Hmm, I knew that…" Cecilia-san nodded "Well, it's not like I need such predictable trick…"
"Hmm, what is Ignition boost?"
Houki-san raised her hand.
"Pardon?" Rin-san and Cecilia-san leered, hey that's harsh!
"Well if you don't want to explain-" Sulked from the harsh response, Houki-san turned her face away. Uwaa, that's dangerous!
"Ah, well, most people don't know about that anyway, it's really odd technique. By compressing the energy and gas in the nozzle exhaust and pressurize it, we can have a massive acceleration boost upon release"
"My Impact Cannon work in similar principle though the mechanism is different"
"Hmm, that's good; I'll write that in my mind… Ziiing whoosh, like that right?"
The four of us sighed…
~ICHIKA POV~
"Well, that concludes today's training!" Houki clapped and smile.
"Thanks for today's lesson!" we bowed to each other as form of respect, the relationship between the girls seems to be improved much farther than I expected.
"Hmm, I'm gonna hit shower quick!" Rin stretched her arms, cracking her joints in process…ouch.
"Nee, Rin-san, will it be okay if I visit your room tonight"
"Che, you just want to visit Takatsuki right? Do as you wish"
"Mou, Takatsuki-san is your roommate, how can be you so cold"
"It's better than a girl who paid no respect to the sheer difference of wealth"
"That's I…"
Especially between Rin and Cecilia, those two, while still bickering as always, appears to be honing a good synchronicity in terms of work.
(On aside note, I heard form Rin that the configuration of Cecilia's room is hugely imbalanced, not sure what she means though)
"Well, I'm going first, excuse me"
Showing us her tense shoulder while hiding her saddened face, Houki left.
Could it be that it's because of the result of her and Rin's fight? How can I cheer her…? She was all but alone…
Come to think of it, there's this request for her… if she can win the tournament…
If she can win…
Huh? Of course! That would be the problem; I'll talk with her when her mood gets a little better then. I'm very smart, aren't I?
"Come to think of it, is there a reason Ichika has only one slot bus?"
"Oh yeah, I asked others to check a few times, but it seems like there are no more expansion slots, so everyone told me that it's impossible to add more Equalizer. Hanger System was created specifically to compensate it to a limited extent"
"It's just my guess, but the capacity is used on a [one-off ability]."
"What do you mean by a one-off ability?"
"As what the name says, it's a 'one and only' ability, and it's an ability that occurs naturally when I.S. pilots are in maximum synergy with their IS."
"But most of the time, it appears in second phase. Even so, as there are so many machines that haven't discovered such power, there are 3rd generations I.S. that can allow multiple users to use a unique ability. Alcott-san's [Blue Tears] and Rin-san's [Impact Cannons] should be the same."
"I see. So [ByakuShiki]'s unique point is the [Reiraku Byakuya], right?"
Ability to negate the energy inside the field no matter the quantity, with philosophy of weapon design switched from solid ordnance to energy type, Reiryaku Byakuya must be the strongest form of defense in this era.
There's a downside to it, however. First, there's limited time of activation. Reiryaku Byakuya has limited time of activation, only 1 minute, with 3 minute cooldown. Second, normal-type barrier can't be activated during the activation of Reiryaku Byakuya, and thus I'm very prone to physical damage.
"[ByakuShiki] actually has that ability even though it's in its 1st shift, and that alone is rather abnormal because there's no precedence in such ability. And its ability is even similar to Orimura-sensei's-first generation [Brunhilde], right?"
"But can't that be explained as us being siblings?"
"That's not enough; I don't think that just being siblings is enough to establish a reason. I just mentioned that it's important for IS pilots to have synergy with the machine. So no matter how we try to emphasize on it, it's not enough to deliberately cause such a thing."
"Is that so? Considering I.S.' borderline supernatural abilities, such phenomenon involving similarities of genes between two subjects might be matter if you think of it. I.S. creation itself is based on the advancement of nanotechnology, especially regarding nanomachine, which itself was based on the concept of biological engine such as various microbes. There might be a reason for I.S. to interact with it's user down to the cellular, or maybe, genetic level"
Charles is fumbled with my explanation, poor him. Charles, you shall study with me about mundane science sometimes, not only about I.S.
If you ask me, I DO understand what I'm talking, after Madoka repeated the explanation for 10 times that is.
"But anyway, we still can't think of an answer even after thinking so long, so let's forget about it for now."
"Anyway, Charles, I'm going out in Saturday"
"Huh why?"
"The Factory, precisely Kirishima Industries called us regarding ByakuShiki and KuroGane, therefore we'll spend a night outside."
"We?"
"I mean me and Madoka"
"Well isn't it strange? Normally, they'll send the technicians here"
"Well, they said it'll took a lot of time doing their job here, probably the limitation of manpower"
Because unlike the students or staffs, nobody can enter or exit the academy as they please.
Something popped on Char's expression, and his confusion morphed into a bright smile, he's expecting something?
"Ah, I see… its okay with me"
How it's not okay anyway?
"Though you had to make sure nobody else knew about this… I mean, the girls"
Huh? "Why? I don't see any problem with that either"
"N-nah, they might be jealous now that you only bring Madoka-san"
Ha? Why the girls have to be jealous of Madoka? Wait; hmm… let me think about it… Houki also wanted to ask me to accompany her for some unknown reason.
(Even though her condition is pretty unusual)
There's a good chance that the rest of the girls became jealous and demand an equal treatment if they knew…
I'm so screwed…
"Ichika, are you alright"
"Y-you're right, t-they should never know… about…this, can you please keep it as a secret?" My vocabulary is a bit tattered due to the nervous feeling.
"Ahaha, good thing you're understand, of course I'll keep silent unless they forced me to-"
Silence…
IF my premonition is right, there's a good chance Charles spilled it had the girls using some violence…
I can see it from his horrified face; he must have quite an Imagination.
"Well, you can just told them that I and Madoka was called by the factory, that would be much safer"
"I guess? I'll tell them that then"
"Hey Charles, wanna take a shower together in the shower near the locker room, nobody use that?"
"Nah, Why should we anyway? Wait. I knew, you want to see my boobs, because looking at another man, there's no feelings of guilt" He smirked, how the hell he went into a conclusion is beyond my comprehension "Ichika no ecchi"
I screamed in disgust as I banged the locker with my head, destroying the images creeping into my head. Sometimes, Charles was too good to be a real guy! Better not tell him however, he'll be pissed.
~RIN POV~
Saturday morning, nothing much happens these days, except for the unusually tense atmosphere whenever Bodewig and Orimura twins were in a very close proximity.
Or in one case, random girls began to give Charles love letter, all of them are rejected.
Charles said he had someone in his mind, and refused to tell. This became a big hit, gossips spreading like a wildfire, about who took Charles' interest.
Strange as it may seem; I was one of the suspects, why? Maybe because the five of us (and oddly, Bodewig, through sheer amount of coincidences), spend most of our free time together.
(Bizarrely, there's no letter whatsoever for Ichika, not that I'm not happy, it's just a little… odd. My roommate told me because he had me as well as other girls that want a piece of him, badly. They're afraid of me especially…what the hell)
Even stranger fact, yet the only one makes sense is none other than Bodewig herself, yes, that one… makes sense, because I knew he always sneaking a peek on her whenever he had the chance…
I admit that Bodewig is beautiful, inhumanly beautiful, in fact. Her pale white skin, elegantly long silver hair and magenta-colored eyes like something came out of science fiction stories.
In that petite figure of her, lies a killing machine named 'Soldier'. Emitting murderous aura when felt threatened or angry, nobody wanted to approach her…
(I'm a soldier, but unlike her, my mental state had yet to be converted, I'm still just ordinary 15-years old girl in heart)
Except for Charles Dunois, he deserved both Darwin Award and must be blessed by tungsten balls, able to talk with her casually, even if he sounded awkward due to him being very careful.
But other girls except for Houki, Cecilia, and Madoka often overlooked those clues…
Anyway, I'm purposefully made a surprise dinner for Ichika, I hope he's there.
(I'll smack him if he refuses and his reason to do so is because he did not like it, not because he's full or something like that)
I knocked at the door, expecting one of the guys to answer. Holding the box behind me, I was fidgeting, uwaa…
"Yes?"
It was Charles, ah screw it.
"Is Ichika here?" straightforwardly I asked, earning a shook.
"Ichika went to Factory, err, Kirishima Industries, Tokyo branch" he explained "There's something they want to do with ByakuShiki and KuroGane"
"Huh? Strange"
Charles began to explain that it'll take a long time to get the job done if they send the technicians here; it was the factory's reasoning.
"I see…well, that's bad"
"Hmm, I knew it's rude to ask, but you seem very disappointed, Rin-san"
"Well, I made some stuff for him as surprise; I should expect it won't work. Well, do you want some Chinese dish?"
"Ehh? Would it be fine for me to receive this? After all, it's for Ichika right? And You put so much feeling in it"
My blood boils the very instant, not from anger, but the sheer embarrassment. It's not like I like him or anything, this is for Ichika and that… stupid man is nowhere to be seen.
"H-how ungrateful, and why I bother to offer you-"
"Wait! I'm very thankful, but… I mean, would it be fine? I'm just his roommate, a stranger" looking at me with such sparkly, innocent eyes… no wonder his fangirls are more open about their attraction… sometimes I forgot that he's a guy, actually.
"Yeah, its fine… would be a waste to give them to other girls… besides, you're the only male friend he has here" waved my hawk-I mean hand, I smirked.
Left the dorm section, I wonder what's Ichika's doing right now?
~CHARLES POV~
Once again, I receive something I do not deserve…
This food, Rin-san putting her feelings and effort for Ichika in this dish, I didn't deserve this, I'm just a stranger…
Before Rin-san came, I looked at that book I stole from Ichika's locker… yes; I've been lowering myself into a thief this time, for tiniest information about ByakuShiki's new engine and power system…
I went for the scanner and began to scan the book, pages by pages… then store it a Flash drive…
Calmly, I took the book again, checking if there's some damage on it… nothing, the book was unharmed.
I store it in Ichika's drawer properly, making sure he won't suspect anything. I have good memories, and I memorized everything up to the placement of his boxers…
Ichika, if you know what I did, would you ever forgive me? Probably not… and I'm not deserving that either…
*SNAP!*
"Only a B, so much as been done and the results only show a B!"
"President Dunois, you are going too far with this for the company. If we just join with the other Europ…"
"SILENCE! I will not have that discussion ever again. To preserve our status and pride of France, then we MUST gain fortune and work up to be able to produce a 3rd Generation IS. Even the earlier successes of the Raphael Revive will be ignored, if we cannot keep up with the rest of the world."
The workers only worked in shocking silence as the president continued his speech, about France's early success during the time of Napoleon and that with ISes, France has continued to be weak, unless they could produce solid results ON THEIR own.
*SNAP!*
"AAARGH!"
That seizure again, what's that again? Oh, it was when father received a report about the hurdle in creating third generation I.S…
It was nothing special, but why I'm having this headache? Like… that dream about the mysterious woman…
*SNAP!*
"AAGH!"
"-kun…DUNOIS-KUN?"
"WHA?"
It was Tanimoto-san, Madoka-san's roommate. She shown great concern, as she did not shown her usual cheerful side.
"Ah, you must've been having that seizure again?"
"Hu-huh?"
"Everyone knew about that already, ever since that time you're absent"
Oh, so they knew.
The cause of seizure is unknown, though father once said it might be caused by traumatic experience during my training as I.S. pilot, before I came here… that was what I told to the doctor in the infirmary.
"Anyway, you almost dropped this too" she handed me the box from Rin-san, good thing it don't spill…
"Ah thanks, it's precious and I'll be saddened if it wasted"
"Aha, could it be that's from the girls you liked?"
Wrong.
"No, it's from Rin-san, she made it for Ichika but he's already left before dinner, so Rin-san told me to eat it"
"Oh, yes, Madoka-san told me that as well that she'll go with Orimura-kun"
"Wha? Rin-san made Dunois-kun a dinner?"
"THAT'S ONE BIG SCOOP!"
"SO IT WAS RIN-SAN EH?"
OH BROTHER! I always forgot that in I.S. academy, gossips evolve 3 times faster!
"ICHIKA-SAMA IS GOING WITH MADOKA-SAMA?"
"DATE! IT MUST BE A DATE!"
"WHAT? HOW SCANDALOUS! THAT'S FORBIDDEN!"
"AND THEY'RE TWINS TOO! AHH, KAMI-SAMA THIS IS SO HOT, NO, THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!"
HEY! DON'T CROSS THE LINE! That aside, now I'm surrounded by the whole horde of the girls… flooding my ears with dozens upon dozens of question… I can't hold it anymore… I'M LEAVING!
*KLAK!* closed my shared room's door I dashed away while carrying the dinner in the box…I must protect it no matter what…
So this is what Ichika felt during his lonely days? Now I understand why exactly he missed male companion that much to disturbing level…
"DUNOIS-KUN! WAIT!"
*BLAK*
"HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! AUGH!"
I rolled on my back as I tripped on my own feet and lost my balance, still embracing the box, and then something pulled me hard into a room, the door is closed.
It was Bodewig again…
*PANG!* a combat knife stabbed just between my legs… MY ROYAL PARTS IS THREATENED!
"You're noisy…" she growled at me as she closed the distance between our face.
I felt the strange feelings again, mixed between fear and arousal, this situation is dangerous in more ways than one…
"I-I'm sorry!"
"Forget it; just wait here until they bored and you should leave as soon as you can, given the chance"
That's very straightforward, but somehow appropriate…
"Speaking of which, you have the room for yourself, is that right?"
"Yes, is there's anything wrong with that?"
Normally, that's just odd; the school often placed their students in a shared room so; 1. They can conserve the room usage and 2. They can make the student less-individual and more sociable.
Then again, Bodewig is… special, so to speak. Pairing her with an ordinary girl is inefficient, to say at the least…
Anyway…
"Nah, nothing wrong. Have you got something to eat yet?"
"I wanted to go to the cafeteria just now until you made that fuss… just stay here, if you want to eat something, I have some meatloaf"
Seriously, more meatloaf? I knew you're from military but at least get something decent to eat daily, even then…
Hmm, would it be fine?
"Can you lend me a rice cooker and an oven?"
"Yeah… it's unused…"
It took 30 minutes to cook the rice in the mini-cooker, and then I took some bowl to serve the rice, Japanese style. I also warmed the Chinese dish Rin-san gave me, if I'm not wrong; it's called Chop-suey, consisted of various vegetables and other materials including tofu skin.
"It's ready"
"…"
"Let's eat together shall we?"
"…you eat first"
It's not poisoned, oh well, its fine. Look, I took a bite of it…
"It was tasty!"
"…I'll get some fork"
Could it be that Bodewig also unable to use Chopstick properly? Considering what she eats most of the time though…
"Ah, then let me fed you while I taught you how to do it proper?"
"…what's your motive?"
My motive? I'm that obvious? Oh well… if you go to Rome, act like a true Roman…
"In battlefield, disabled soldier will be fed by the nurse or their comrades' right? Just think of it as part of discipline training, it's not really odd for a foreigner to eat using fork and spoon, but would it be better if we can use chopstick like Japanese?"
"To blend with enemies you had to act like them…" Bodewig nodded "Teach me"
Despite her uptight appearance and sharp instinct, she's surprisingly gullible! How innocent… Ah… I'm such a sly fox, forgive me, dear mother, this little boy of yours has turned into a womanizer…
I wonder, what about your date, Ichika?
~MADOKA POV~
-05.00 P.M.-
"AH CHOO!"
"Here's very cold isn't it" I rubbed my hand.
"Yeah, this is too cold, the hell how everyone works that fast in this kind of condition?"
"Because being lazy will make you hypothermic, follow me"
Chifuyu-nee, your jokes are way colder than the wind of arctic! Haven't you realized that from our expression?
We followed her through the corridor of Kirishima, Tokyo branch. Kirishima central branch actually located in Okinawa, this branch is reserved only for the purpose of I.S. development.
We walked inside the elevator, the sound of gears who has rather high pitch and how our bodies felt like thrown upward a bit, gave us the clue that the elevator going down very fast.
*BLANG*
Arrived in a dark room floors under the surface, it was dimly lit, as expected from a secret lab.
"Welcome to my not-so-secret lab, my friends"
In front of us, this guy gave us this ominous, chill feeling, with his glass reflected the light from his desk lamp, it was creepy.
"Is it necessary to have a room this dark, Kirisaki?" Chifuyu-nee asked the man in a mocking tone.
"Nope, that's just for the style. After all, every mad scientist should have an appropriate lab"
*KLIK* and the room suddenly became as bright as REAL laboratory, like those located in a hospital. After all, proper lightning is required for a precise work.
It was covered in white, the floor was composed of hexagonal ceramic (how he accomplished that is beyond our recognition) and the walls are normal looking, all white. The roof has artificial sky, complete with a sun, similar to the I.S. arena in the academy.
This room is elegant beyond belief.
"Because I seldom leaving my office, I made this multipurpose roof"
In front of us is Iori Kirisaki, one of Chifuyu-nee's childhood friends. If anything, this person is the one and only one person Shinonono Tabane declared as rival.
His spiky hair has shown some sign of white, even though he's just 25. Probably from accumulated stress or something else. After all, he IS the owner of the first (and by far, the only one) corporation that produces I.S. in Japan, he must be very busy.
He's kind, if a bit too serious at times. He isn't exactly the most sociable scientist, however; at least he's a little better in separating his personal and business matter, unlike her (Tabane-san).
"I'll wait outside, go ahead and finish your business"
"Please sit down, you two"
"Let's straight to business, Ichika-kun, I have received that you already mastered [Yukihira Sanshiki], can you show me?"
Hmm, went straight to the test. Ichika-nii quickly released both Yukihira Nigata and Koyuki, though in the process, he also summoned ByakuShiki's arms.
"Excellent, but why the arm? Don't tell me you're unable to lift them?"
"N-no, it's just that this level is what I can do… I was unable to release the weapon without releasing the arm as well, Iori-san" Ichika-nii clumsily replied.
"Hmm I see…it's still quite an achievement, regarding the upgrade of ByakuShiki, have you read the manual yet?"
"Yes, I suppose it's about new type of generator and propulsion right?"
"Correct, as well as improved One-Off ability" He began to explain "With this module upgrades, you'll gain 12% higher thrust, 15% higher power output and 2 slot bus for you to use"
"Isn't that a little too easy?" not convinced, Ichika-nii asked again.
"Nope, this upgrade has been created by the time you receive ByakuShiki, however, its frame wasn't developed enough to handle the resulting strain. Hanger system was placed there as training bracer of sort, to increase the frame's ability of channeling energy"
"Strain?"
"An I.S. can only be as strong as it's capability of leeching energy from the core, too much energy and it'll break…"
"ShiroKishi, 0th generation I.S. was said to be strongest I.S. in the world. Understandable, considering it has beam cannon as one of the two main weapons. But aside from that, there's also a matter of propulsion"
"Until now, there's no I.S. truly capable of Hypersonic Flight, even if they able to, it's only temporarily"
For that matter, ByakuShiki can reach mach 4+ at best, and Mach 5-6.5 with Ignition boost (for about ten second). KuroGane barely break through Mach 3 with jet module, Iori-san was right.
"Such kind of power can't come from an imperfect prototype; it must be developed long before its first sorties… ByakuShiki, who inherited similar concept, was also the same. Foregoes defense in favor of speed and/ or offense, ByakuShiki will slowly develop into a better I.S. that ShiroKishi is"
"Since it's a lightweight frame… the initial power input it can receive is low I see… but once its frame became strong enough-" Ichika-nii clapped his hand in realization and smile.
"We can mount new, more powerful energy reservoir and more efficient thruster system. You can medium-power energy weapon after its upgrade finished"
"Ano, Iori-san, I have a question?" I raised my hand.
"Yes, Madoka-chan?"
"You said something along the line of improved one-off ability… I wonder what that about, Iori-san"
"The power servo is part of that ability as far as I concerned, by using new, more efficient and powerful energy servo and module arrangement, you had net gain of 1 slot bus for use"
"But aren't one-off ability is specific to certain core and frame? How can we improve it?"
"It was placed by Tabane-san; she can create any kind sort one-off ability she wishes, including similar ability in 2 units . All engineers and scientists who currently work at I.S. industry, does not know how to construct I.S. core, I can't as well, however, since I made something that PREDATES I.S. core, I knew how One-off ability works and how to improve it, even if I can't create one"
"I see"
"Well, next is Madoka-san…"
"Yes"
"I have analyzed combat Data of Kurogane, and it was also presented in the Industry's annual meeting, and to say it's a satisfactory result is an understatement"
Uh, here it comes.
"And the factory came into conclusion that you are suited to be KuroGane's Pilot, and thus we offer you the chance to become its personal user"
OH SHIT! OH SHIT!
"But Iori-san, doesn't the factory already handling two project?"
"Actually, we have three projects inbound, aerial melee fighter, heavy bombardment, and the last would be sniper unit"
"And the last pilot would be…"
"If you're agrees, then it's you. Originally, we have any doubts regarding [Metal Frame]'s future, hence why we created ByakuShiki. But thanks to you, now we regain confidence of their design"
Metal Frame is the official, international name for Kurogane-based units, as far as I knew, Uchigane being one of them.
"Which mean the latter two will be based on Metal Frame design?"
"Indeed, but it'll take months of effort to make the solution of the problems viable, for now, it's only an upgraded Kurogane and a custom Uchigane. Well develop a new frame based on the data you gave us as personal pilot"
I see…
"I know as a teenage, many things has to be considered, well wait until you're ready to give us the answer"
"I understand"
"Well, Ichika-kun, please lend me your hand"
After then, we're brought into the factory's real installation; I can see that Kurogane is being assembled once again with different configuration. Aside from that, there's also an Uchigane, who lacked the armor skirt.
Four claw-like objects clamped into ByakuShiki as Ichika-nii released it, and Iori-san began to resume his work removing the safety measures, allowing Ichika-nii to remove himself from ByakuShiki.
"Let's meet again once you're become stronger, partner"
As if it understand, ByakuShiki responded by giving us a FREAKING morse code using signal light. In the monitor, it also displays these words.
-[The youth one, do you want my power?]-
Iori-san just smirked in response, while Ichika-nii is fumbled, my response is neutral, and I just assume that ByakuShiki has more developed core, hence better A.I. Nothing strange with that…
After walking elsewhere in the factory…
"Has the stabilization for this IS reached safe parameters?" A male voice, but a calm one. I couldn't catch his impression, but he had spiky black hair. I couldn't make out his attire but I can focus more something else
As for Iori, who finished talking with that small group, came over to his direction and led him downstairs to another hangar built in with a maintenance bay. Out of curiosity, I followed.
"Some impressive equipment you got here." I commented.
"Orimura-imouto!" Crap, Chifuyu-nee is on to me…
*crack* "You know, a human skull isn't made for abuse like this Chifuyu-nee." She dragged me out through the door.
The black haired man smirked at my sister's antics, but didn't pay much attention to it. I heard his voice again, "I look forward to seeing you again soon…"
Chifuyu paused, her expression was completely unreadable. If people said my poker face was class A, my sister would definitely be in class S.
"Let's go, Orimura-imouto."
Anyways, that was the last time I saw him today. But if I were to say, he looked very similar to Ichika-nii…
Could it be it's him? Nah, Chifuyu-nee will tell us... besides, he's already...
~CHIFUYU POV~
What was he doing here? There is no way he could be here, not after THAT incident.
While my emotions still haven't spilled out, I still haven't forgotten about that man, it's not like he h's in fault but... what we do in the past is simply cannot be dismissed.
"Ow, Chifuyu-nee, you're about to pull off my arm." Ah, I was still holding to Madoka?
I let her go; she was still grabbing her hand in pain. I will apologize to her later.
Madoka flipped her cellphone, "Ichika-nii? Oh, you are spending time at a friend's house?...Ok."
From the gist of it, I already understood everything, so both of us started the walk back to the IS academy. Not one word was exchanged. In the meantime, I have something to check…
~RIN POV~
"HUH? You're with Dan?" as I felt my vocal cords stretching to the limit, well technically, it's not exactly that Dan that was pissing me off, but rather if Ichika was spending time with that Gotanda imouto.
Come to think of it, I never liked that redhead girl anyways. Using my gut instinct, I KNOW she's a rival. In terms of danger, I have nothing to worry about, seeing as both Ichika and I are both in the same school, after being reunited for all these years.
Pleasant memories returned back to me, and my heart began to beat faster as I remember the present Ichika, as he was taller and stronger than before. But, there was something about him…
Holding on to my memories, I headed out of the dorm and went to the streets.
While safety is definitely not an issue, as I can just blow them away with partial deployment of Shenlong. I look at my watch, it read 1:30 pm. There was still a lot of time to burn off, until Ichika comes back.
Without much direction, and as personal feelings only serving as my compass. I unconsciously came to THAT restaurant.
That restaurant, the one that Ichika and I used to eat in, the ones that my parents own before they got divorced…I looked at the walls. It wasn't renovated in any way. It was abandoned entirely, with the staff being laid off and my parents going their separate ways.
But what I miss right now…is him.
Right now, I feel as though I am reliving those days. In my present body as an observer, I watch as my childhood self laugh with the young Ichika.
"Rin, you know that in a game of Tag, you can never catch me." The young boy continued to run away from my younger self.
I looked at my childhood self, who pouted. "You underestimate me Ichika, I will catch you and make you treat me for candy."
I smiled sadly as the two kids continue to run after each other, continuing to laugh.
I know that while I know I haven't grown up much, seeing as how similar I was to my younger self. I missed that fun atmosphere….so much.
"Kids, time for dinner." My mother's voice, calling out to the 2 kids. I watched the two kids disappear into the now abandoned restaurant, I had a strong urge to follow.
If the sky outside was bright, the restaurant inside was dark, as most of the windows were already covered with the blinds. But, there was still something 'warm' around. I know that that feeling belonged to my heart, who continued to replay the experience.
"Rin! Please, clean up after yourself." My father lightly scolded me; I remember that I was a person who would just leave the dirty plates at the table, because I wanted to spend more time to play with my childhood friend.
I observed as my childhood self stuck out her tongue at my past father, and the young Ichika's eyes were wide, a reaction to my disrespect to my father. He went to get my tray when my father laughed, "Don't worry about that, Ichika, and just have fun with my daughter for now."
"Oh ok," was what he said, as he followed my younger self. I felt my vision getting darker as I went in deeper of what remained of my restaurant.
Yes, I usually hanged out here with Ichika as well, there was a small room beside the food storage where I spent time with Ichika, it was here that I made that promise…a week before the dreaded separation…
While I was young, I was also perceptive, I know there was tension between my parents and it was going to be soon, of which it will result in separation.
My younger self turned to Ichika, with a smile on her face, it was probably news that I was moving away but I tried to do my best to give a lasting smile.
"Ichika…If my cooking ever improves, I will treat you every day."
That eager expression on Ichika's face was something I would never forget. "Yea! No problem, Rin!" If only, he had understood the true meaning…The memory came to a close as Ichika and I, making the pinky promise.
I looked at the clock, shrounded in darkness, not much time has passed…it was only 1:45 pm…
~HOUKI POV~
I didn't take the news that Ichika took off without my permission very well. Saturday night, even!
Taking out my bamboo shinai, I nearly shattered the table until I actually took a breather and calmed down.
Feeling that the tension still remained high, I took my bag and went to the Shinonono dojo, or what remained of it.
When my parents and I were placed under government watch, the dojo was taken over by one of the other famous kenjutsu instructors. I wasn't familiar with the new masters of the dojo, as I was much too young to focus on such matters during the past.
Taking out my shinai and inspecting it thoroughly, I held it in the start position, much like I used to in kendo practice.
"One!...Two!...One!...Two!..." Those voices, they were very familiar. Again, my childhood memories fill my mind. I have to wonder, what would I be without Ichika?
2 children, one that is my childhood self and the other is the childhood self of Ichika. Both of us were swinging the shinais while practicing our footwork. It may appear boring to outsiders, but to kendo practitioners, it was an essential and important exercise.
I kneeled down with one leg, and watch as my childhood self get flustered as Ichika was practicing his swings.
"Wrong, you are doing it wrong Ichika." as I smiled back at the recollection of my memory of which my younger self went up to Ichika and adjusted his grip, it was a trivial mistake. But after THAT bullying incident, I swore NEVER to appear weak again.
Looking back as it may, both Ichika and I seemed to enjoy the idea of being a hero of justice. For me, I was motivated from Ichika's example and I knew I wanted to surpass him. However, I seemed like I didn't beat him, because I had 'fallen'
Thinking back to the kendo tournament, I practically used my anger as a weapon. A weapon that basically pierced through my enemies. But, the unfortunate thing was this: was that I took up kendo to prevent this kind of aggression.
"I WANTED TO BE STRONG!" I snapped up, to hear the source of the scream. My childhood self sliced through the air, her emotions getting the best of her or rather myself again.
I carefully remember the monologue that I used to utter to myself.
"The strong are the ones that protect the weak….
It is only which the weak receive power, that they become the strong….
And it is that cycle that keeps going on forever and ever."
"That's not it Houki. Even if the weak were to obtain strength, they can't just be called strong like that. They have to prove it through their deeds." The childhood Ichika patted my younger self's back to snap her out of depression.
"Houki, let's have a practice match" The younger Ichika raised his shinai to a defensive position.
"I have to warn you, but I am strong." Was I really that boastful when I was young?
I watched carefully as both blades rose above their head and came together as a clash. I know that Ichika and I were extremely skilled in comparison to most kids that age, the two blades clashed against each other.
Where Ichika went for a Men (head)-strike, I shifted the blade to the side and went for a kote (hand), but Ichika smiled, it was a taunt. Twisting his blade and pushing my younger self back a few steps and almost loosing her balance. Ichika stroked…
He managed to score a Don strike on my childhood self. I clenched my blade; I remember that moment very well. It was a careless error on my part.
Now, as I step into the occupied dojo and I remember the last time with the last kendo lesson with Ichika before I was taken into government custody. Both of us strove to become the best in kendo. Kendo was the link to the past with Ichika, but he laid it away. I could only ask why…
And the flow of time continues to pass; however, I know that I didn't want things to change…
~MADOKA POV~
In the end, I was dropped off at my old home, where Chifuyu continued heading to the Academy.
In silence, I continued to walk in silence to my memorable place, a park where I used to spend time with Ichika-nii in my childhood, before I was moved into an elite girl's school.
I rounded the corner where I was greeted with an unwelcome sight…
The park where I spent time with Ichika, gone. Replaced with an office building. Valuable memories rested there, and now the only place where those memories lie are in my heart and my mind.
Kurogane, as though, responding to my irritation began heating up slightly. I resisted the urge to reduce this building to a crisp. The only thing that was important was preserving my memories with my brother.
I remained outside, as if frozen and reimagined my childhood with myself being an observer.
My childhood self was only open towards Ichika-nii and him only, not even to Chifuyu-nee for awhile.
"Ichika-nii, play with me." My younger self was smiling and reaching for Ichika's stretched hands. The two ran inside the sandbox, with the beautiful blue sky overhead.
My brother's younger self stopped running and actually had a frown, "I wonder if Chifuyu-nee still loves us. She doesn't spend time with us anymore and she always says that she has work."
Despite that I was young; I was surprised to see how mature Ichika-nii was. Even my younger self was surprised at that statement, "Why would you say that? We are family." A small part of me still hasn't forgiven Chifuyu-nee for ditching us in our childhood.
My younger self gave Ichika-nii a hug, of which I smiled sadly. I can hear her continue to speak, "Ichika-nii, I love you and I will never leave you. We will always be together." My younger self started to cry, with both emotions of sadness and happiness.
"I really meant that Ichika-nii. Onii-chan." I said softly, as my right hand moved to sooth the feeling of my beating heart. A sign of my feelings for my brother.
My feelings never disappeared, but rather they developed to a longing, a longing for which I want Ichika-nii and a wish that Ichika-nii would want me. Both of us were like two halves of a single soul. I really felt that Ichika-nii was leaving me, he didn't feel any closer emotions for me and I continued to act on those. Why have things turned out this way, Onii-chan?
~RIN, HOUKI, MADOKA POV~
Time to me moved much too slowly, but for others, it had moved too fast. Ichika(-nii), why have you changed so much? Did our childhood memories matter so little to you?
Have you moved on, to ignore our feelings to you? But, there is one thing I would want you to know. My feelings for you, from childhood have not decreased, but it grown for you.
I hope that you can realize them soon Ichika(-niisan)…
~ICHIKA POV~
Wow, that was a fun day with Dan. I can't believe that it's almost the evening, but it only felt like a few minutes to me.
I spent time playing with Dan, with his game system. Ran had some student council business at her school, so she wasn't at home.
Six victories and 4 losses, I am getting better, compared to when I played with Dan in my childhood years. Even Dan remarked that.
"So, has life been getting better for you?" My redhead friend asked me.
To be honest, I am not sure if life is 'getting better'. My childhood friends and sister haven't changed much and I THINK I am still on their good side.
"Fine, I guess."
Dan looked at me, with a smirk. "Still amazes me that you still don't realize the truth about them."
What? They treat me well, I treat them well. We still have that friendly relationship and a family bond with Madoka and Chifuyu-nee.
"You should really treasure your childhood man," says Dan, as he laughs.
"Yes, but it's also important to look at your present and the future." I had spoken unconsciously; it slipped out of my mouth before I stopped it.
My past, the past that none of the girls knew, my darkest day back when Junior High Student…only few select people knew…
I don't want them to know… it's too pitiful.
I could only hope that I would not regret it by not telling them, but hey, everyone had a secret or two, right? With that mindset, I tried to forget about the memories of blood splattering to the walls of dark alleys and my enemies screaming in rage-
SHIT! Forget it Ichika, forget it!
"Speaking of future, do you even meet new girls that captivated you?"
"Well, not really, but there's this funny British girl-"
I began to talk with Dan about her as he escorted me home; he kept silent and just comments the points where he thinks it's odd or funny.
If the humorous legend was right. Somewhere in the I.S. Academy, I.S. Cadet Representative from England is-
"Attchoo!"
Not my will to put Cecilia aside, but at the least she's spared of angst… for now (evil smirk), with Blitz12 as my co-writer, you should know spared her NOW is not a good idea (evil laugh)
Anyway, with this chapter, you know that while I kicked Charles out of harem, he become the second protagonist. Well, a mole, but…you all knew Ichika's befriending (and harem-gathering) capability is nothing to be underestimated of…
There's more into Charles & Ichika's past that you've seen so far (evil smirk)
ZeroXSEED out!