WORESHIP IT! ...Just kidding. Here is ch11, The awaiting battle is not here yet, but wait a little longer.


Ch11 Faker, Faker, and Me!


"...What is this?"

"Hm? Is something wrong?"

During lunchtime, all of us were on the roof. It seems everyone ran to the cafeteria to look for Charles, so there is no one here. It seems we can enjoy the open space by ourselves.

"Do you have a problem with eating on the roof? Then you should have told me sooner, Houki."

"That's not what I'm referring to...!"

Houki glances aside to look at Cecilia, Rin, Yukihana, and Charles.

"Since we're having lunch, I decided to add our friends to enjoy it together. Also I scared Charles today, I better make up with him. I don't want to be seen as a barbaric gang lord you know."

"But you are a gang boss." Said Rin with her eye brows raised.

I could only scratch my eye-patch in silence. "I am a…a gang leader who values good as well." I answered her weakly.

"…I guess it is true, we don't want to be rude after all." Admitted Houki. It is hard to make this girl admit to anything. It seems Houki called me out to enjoy her bentos? Yare, yare, I guess I can get to taste my childhood friend's cooking skills today. I wonder how much she improved?

"Here, Ichika. This is for you." said Rin as she throws the container to me, which I caught with no problem.

"Oy oy! Rin! Don't throw foods! Now…let's see…Wow, it's sweet and sour pork!"

"Yup, I made it this morning! Didn't you say that you wanted to eat it?"

My, my…childhood friends are the best! I got not only one, but two childhood friends that are willing to demonstrate their cooking skills.

Hoo…They look great! However, I got to warn you, this Orimura Ichika is a skilled cook myself. My grading will be strict and to the letter!" I warned her with a teasing smirk.

"Ahem—Ichika-san. For some reason, I woke up earlier as well, so I prepared some things as well. If you like, please try some."

"Oh! Oh! Me too! Ichika-dono, you should try this takoyaki!" said Yukihana as she took out a container with the takoyakis.

Next to her, Cecilia opens her basket. There's a stack of neatly arranged sandwiches, however...

Sudden sense of extreme sweetness and a mix of spices!

"Th-Thanks, I'll eat it later."

This is troublesome… This English representative candidate Cecilia Alcott just can't cook, while it looks tasty, the food is just simply bad. The only other person with such a destructive cooking skill is Chifuyu-Nee. However, unlike Chifuyu-Nee's unrecognizable…thing, Cecilia's foods looked beautiful. By the way it look, Cecilia obviously cooked with appearance in mind, not in taste.

"It's because you never said it clearly that the problem continued to persist. Id—iot." Teased Rin as she too noticed the scent.

I gave her a pointed look. I still remembered her earlier attempts at cooking many years ago. Back then I even had to lie to make her feel confident again. Well…at least she improved.

But even so, it still doesn't change the fact that I'm lying. Sigh...

"Huh? Can I really eat together with everyone?"

Sitting beside me, Charles sat there in a shy manner. I had to drag him away from the horde of ladies to get to lunch. He is popular alright and his politeness and 'easy picking' like aura made him an easy target compared to me.

"Don't worry about useless things. You and I are roommates anyway. We might as well get along sooner than later." I told him as I poked him on his forehead.

"A man doesn't falter. Don't show any form of weakness, Charles. Being nice and all is good, but show more confidence and authority." I warned him. It is true. While Charles is a nice guy, in the street where the ruling of the woman is strong, only strong men may stand above another. At the rate Charles is going, if he meets one of those trash talking harlots who took the whole 'Era of Women' too far, then he might get bullied.

"Thanks, Ichika's really kind and really cool."

"Humm! It isn't kindness, but a warning. As a cadet, I might face you sooner or later. I don't feel like fighting someone who can't even stand his ground, so man up." I told him. My tone wasn't friendly, but it seems Charles could tell, I didn't mean any harm in it. This guy is good at reading other peoples' intension.

We continue to eat lunch as we talked. Rin and I were eating sweet and sour pork, Yukihana was enjoying her octopus treat, Charles' was eating bread that he bought, and it seems like Cecilia bought her own share. This means that the sandwiches were meant to be eaten by me. I better give her a piece to show where her skill lies now.

In the midst of all these, Houki, who's sitting beside me, hasn't moved her chopsticks at all, or I should say, hasn't even opened the cloth that's wrapped around the bento as she remained silent.

"What's wrong? Is your stomach feeling weird?" I asked her. She is quiet for someone who invited me for lunch.

"That's not it..."

"Well…if you are fine then, let have a taste of your bento."

"..."

Houki silently passed the bento over, and I really don't know how to respond. Such an emotionless action! Houki, a good cook serves his or her work with pride!

"Let's get to it. Oh! This is…Impressive."

Opening the bento, I see many dishes with balanced nutrition-including salted grilled salmon, deep-fried chicken, chili fried konjac burdock, spinach and sesame salad.

"This's amazing! Each dish looks like it took a lot of work."

"I, I just had other reasons. I spent time on it so that I could eat it myself anyway."

"Even so, I am very impressed. Your skills have definitely improved compare to back then. Thank you, Houki."

"Heh, hehe..."

Even though she looks like she doesn't mind, Houki still looks rather happy as she opens her bento. Of course, her dishes are similar to mine...Hummm? Hold on.

"Houki, why doesn't your bento have any fried chicken?"

"That, that's because, eh..." For some reasons her answer remained unclear.

"...It can't be helped that those are the only dishes that are nice..."

"Huh?"

"I-I'm on a diet! That's why there's a missing dish. You unhappy!"

"Not really, but..."

I stared right into her eyes with my own. My eye peeled her outer shell to see deep within her. Houki felt his gaze dug into her. She felt practically naked.

"T-That Guy! Why is he looking at me so intensely?" Thought the Kendo girl.

"…You shouldn't hide anything from me. You look just fine, so diet is unnecessary. It might actually be harmful for someone who trains all the time."

For some reason Houki looked disappointed.

"This guy…" growled Houki in her head.

"Ahem! That's enough nonsense. Let's hurry up and eat!"

Houki sounded really serious. Hold on, what does that mean?

"Whoa! Don't be mad Houki." I clapped my hands together. "Itadakimasu."

I stuffed a piece of fried chicken into my mouth.

"Woah, it's good!" The taste was juicy and tender. I can taste the effort put into making these pieces of chickens. I can tell the complex combinations of sauces and spices were all fixed to a perfect degree to balance the taste. The chicken in the bento was cool however the taste was not affected.

"This taste…the balanced flavor along with the chewy and crispy meat that was seasoned with several apices…It demonstrates the chef's effort and love into it! Houki, is it really okay for you not to eat it?"

"...I ate all the failures myself, so..."

"Hm?"

"Ah, ahhh? No, it's nothing, nothing at all...anyway, I'm glad that you find it good." It seems Houki is blushing, but for what? Will I think she should taste her own hard work.

"It's really good. You should eat it, Houki! Here." Before she can refuse, I put the half eaten chicken into her mouth. Houki's eyes widen in surprise, but didn't spit the food out.

"T-This is! In-Indirect kiss! A piece of half eaten chicken!" thought Houki as her mind went 100 miles an hour.

"?EEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeee!" exclaimed the girls. Rin and Cecilia looked ready to burst and Yukihana's jaw was on the floor in disbelief.

"T-That Jerk! He gave her an indirect kiss! Why? I should kill him!" Roared inner Rin as she had dragon wings on her back as spilled out imaginary fire at imaginary enemies that looked like a chibi Ichika with horns and a word on their forehead that said 'BAKA'.

"I-Ichika-san's half eaten food…something his mouth touched…" wailed inner Cecilia as she bites into her imaginary handkerchief in rage and envy.

"Ichika-dono…WHAAAA~ I should have done something! Just foolishness! I let my guard down for a second and Shinonono-san received such blessing! This is disgraceful!" thought Yukihana was her imaginary inner self committed a Seppuku and came back to life.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"Oh, could this be considered what they call 'here, say ah`n' that couples do in Japan? You two are really on such good terms with each other."

The moment Charles finished saying, his face shows a smile that's easy to understand. However his innocent remark was not appreciated.

"Wh-Who said so? How can you say that they're friendly!"

"That, that's right! I request the right to correct that!"

"First of all that was not 'here, say ah`n'! That was just a Ichika-dono force feeding Shinonono-san while her guard was down! 'Here, say ah`n' is more willing and not sneaky!"

The three girls were upset at Charles, however the ever noble prince kept on smiling, but I could tell that he was about to be overwhelmed.

"Oy! We need to finish eating soon! We still got class you know!"

After that somehow things lead to me hand feeding the girls and they hand feeding me. I almost died twice. Once when I had to try Cecilia's food and the second time when Yukihana filled my mouth with food with gusto! I almost choked to death! If I didn't know better, that was Yukihana's attack again.

After a while I even feed Charles, which the girls laugh at, but hey! I was just being nice to the guy who couldn't use chopstick! Also Charles didn't mind at all. After that we all head back to class. Chifuyu-Nee will not tolerate me being late again today.


Next day, we had a free practice during class. While I was tuning Masurao with Kojuro, Charles came up to me for a spar. Which of course I accept with gusto.

"Hey! Look! It seems Dunois-kun challenged Orimura-kun for a spar!"

"Whoa! Two boys duking off, that is rather manly huh?"

"No one ever challenged Orimura-kun since his matches, I wonder if Charles-kun will be ok?"

"The IS Dunois-kun is using… It is Rafael Revive! A 2nd generation IS from France!"

I was in my armor as Masurao's warmth protected me. My black armor covered my flesh in a tight protection of samurai. My red mane was floating gently like a real hair. Its red glow looked ominous on a samurai warrior.

"Thanks for accepting my challenge, Ichika. I wanted to see the power of the latest IS, Masurao in action." said Charles as he too was in his armor. His armor, the IS was an orange colored Revive, however according to my scan and Masurao's analysis it was a custom made to fit Charles. Last time I fought a Revive, Yamada sensei nailed me pretty good. I realized then that live round weapons are a problem for me, who is completely devoted to CQC with no way of blocking all the tiny bullets.

"To challenge me shows great deal of courage! However, don't expect any mercy for your good character!" I said to my newest friend as I held my arms across my chest.

Charles still had his gentle smile on his face. "Here I come!"

"Bring it!"

We dashed at each other and clashed. In my hand was Byakushiki and Charles was welding his shield to block. He disengaged as he flew away.

"Turning your back on me? That takes balls! Charles!" I yelled and chased after him. Suddenly Charles turned around and summoned a machine I recognized as Gram and open fired at me. My reaction was supported by Masurao, so I managed to narrowly dodge with a barrel roll.

"Master…Charles's reaction and materialization of weapon was noticeably faster than Yamada Maya." Reported Masurao.

"So, his quick draw is faster?"

Suddenly Charles changed weapon and drew out an assault rifles of some kind and opened fired at me. The rounds of fast bullets flew at me which I ducked and dodged. While Charles's summoning speed is faster, Yamada sensei's accuracy was definitely superior.

Suddenly my back blasted out a stream of GN-Particles and a ripple of particle sonic boom burst me to charge at Charles. My gleaming blade was aimed to cut Charles by his torso. However, suddenly in a blinding speed, Charles summoned a Shotgun, the Rain of Wednesday, and opened fire on me. My armor was smashed by the small and uncountable shells and my aim was off.

"Tch! I missed."

Charles noticed my misfire and opened fired again. However this time I activated my shield. I charge forward in a speed that was making me look like a red shooting star to the observers below as I came in for a slash again and again.

Charles' blocks and evasion was impressive, however my unit clearly had the advantage in term of control, speed, and mobility. I managed to hack my Kuroshiki against his armor and dug the matter cutting heat sword against his shield.

In order to protect myself from his tiny bullets effectively, I used the shield and sword style with my shield to cover my front and using the sword for a side way slash in the passing. This way I can avoid any direct line of fire and attack at the same time. I tried to fight Charles in close combat; however he was used to the CQC as well as long range battle. His knife skill was far better than Cecilia's, but it was lacking compared to Yamada sensei and Houki.

I came in for another slash, but Charles used the curve of his shoulder shield to block. That shield was having serious cuts as my heat sword was equipped with serrated edge which saw through the dense shield. The shield on the right was barely intact as it had at least 4 slash marks that dug through. Charles armor also bared several cuts and scratches.

He summoned a rocket launcher this time, which Masurao identified as a 2nd generation armament for Germany which is commonly called the Calamity. Charles fired a powerful, but noticeable weapon toward me which I snorted as I sliced into two pieces. I stood there as the two piece of the rocket flew behind me and exploded in a dramatic fashion.

However as I looked up, Charles was below me with a chain gun on his hip, which he opened fire with at me. The Chain gun that Charles was using it turned out to be a Anti-IS armor gun called the Sharkbite, an anti-armor round with uranium casting. A gun that is deadly to my rather thin armor.

I focused my shield to block his barrage of bullets and I draw my Kuroshiki once again. I couldn't really use the Knight of Honor as I could get close enough to steal one, however the Akakiri and Akakami were doing its job rather well, because Charles was clearly having a hard time tracking me as I moved in a wild motion to avoid letting him have a clear shot.

I used my superior speed to avoid the barrage of bullets and came in for another slash, however, this time as I approached I switched my blade to Byakushiki and threw it at the French boy. Charles was surprised at my latest approach as he dodged the rather obvious attack to the right, however my armor skirt on the left came to life as it blasted me the right as well with a burst of GN-Particles. With that intense turn I grinded my teeth at the pressure as I came in for a thrust. I slashed into Charles guard and sliced his chain gun into two pieces, I was relentless as I followed up with several classic kendo slashed from all nine direction of a sword art. My attack has caught Charles unguarded as he fell from the blows.


(Charles POV)

"How! First I couldn't see his movement in the sensor, then my view is covered by the mist and now he is making such sharp turn! The data I got from the Dunois company was lacking, but to think is at this degree!"

I steadied himself and summoned the assault rifle, the vent and aimed at the dark IS, however the enemy IS started to move in a untraceable pattern as his hyper senor was jammed.

"It must be that mist! Revive can't seem to get anything from it. This must be Ichika's method of keeping his IS a secret. Well I have to hand it to him, beside the effect; I can't tell what is causing it and how!"

I maneuvered his form for a long range combat and open fired. The trail of bullets were launched toward Ichika, however the one eyed samurai didn't falter as he blocked and dodged through his assault.

"I don't believe this! No IS is invisible!"

I immediately summon the Gram and opened fired on the black IS. The dark samurai seems to falter at the sudden increase at the small bullets as it was too much for him to block perfectly. The black IS' form was unclear, but it was clear that the mist was no armor…just a cover.

"By the end of the fight with Yamada sensei, Your IS had several dents and damages on the armor! It means that for all that speed, you sacrificed the defense, which making my high caliber bullets effective if it breaches your armor!"

Ichika came in for another strike, but I dodged and pointed the Gram close to his chest.

"Checkmate, Ichika."

"Not true…" replied the Japanese teen.

I opened fired and watched as a trace of bullets rammed into Ichika's side area. I saw a glimpse of A.B being activated around that area, Ichika was taking major damage!

However before I could celebrate my victory, Ichika grabbed the arm with the machine gun and lifts it over my hand, effetely redirecting my attacks. Without a pause Ichika rammed a bottom of a sword in my side. The smashing blow actually left a trace of cracks on my side, but I returned the favor by summoning the Bread Slicer and rammed the CQC knife into the Masurao's armor skirt.

Masurao actually let out a small explosion as my attack damaged his side booster and the balancer. Ichika's hip was releasing a small amount of electrics as it sparked, like a blood flowing out of an open wound.

"Don't get conceited! CHARLES!" roared Ichika as he tighten the grip on my arm and actually threw me toward the floor. Before I could even balance myself, Ichika charged at me and tackled me in mid-air.

"AAAAAGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!"

The impact sent us down to the floor and we crash landed on the training ground floor. The dust and smoke covered our form from the students, but as the smoke cleared it revealed the result.

"My solid win…Charles." Said Ichika as he was saddled on my chest with on hand on my arm with the gun, and the other, somehow impaled by the Kuroshiki. Ichika was leaning his body on top of mine in a mockery of two lovers. My true self…Charlotte Dunois was blushing like mad; however I couldn't really act upon my true self as Ichika held my own Bread Slicer on my neck. My orange blade was now completely black with nasty red veins all over it.

I couldn't move to engage him again, but before I could formally surrender this sparring match a squeal from the other students got us out of the funk.

'KKKYYAAAA! Orimura-kun and Dunois-kun are together!"

"Is this the forbidden love?"

"NO! Dunois-kun is entering the dark side!"

"But this is a gift in one way!"

"Yaoi! Yaoi!"

Ichika's serious look faded as he sweatdrop.

"Oh, I don't believe this." He muttered under his breath as he got up.

I could say anything, because I as Charles and Charlotte was blushing like mad.

This mission is getting harder by the minute.


(Ichika POV)

"So the reason why Ichika has such a hard time against mid to long ranged weapons users is because you haven't grasped the nuances of ranged weapons."

"Ho… is that so? I thought I should have understood it. I always thought their advantage lied in their distance for the safety and ability to attack without risking any close range threats."

"Mm-yeah, it may sound like I'm using some half-baked knowledge, but when you fought against me, you almost couldn't close the distance in, right? You had to sacrifice your armor and shield points to get in close and use a lot of energy for your particle shield. While your speed is impressive, even with that it was a real bother to get close to me, right?"

"Hummm...that's true. Masurao's speed and mobility is second to none, supreme under the heaven and over earth. However, it was really tricky to get close to you. Even the Ignition Boost was seen through...Of course, that skill is a one way move. I can achieve that speed without using Ignition Boost."

"That's also because Ichika's IS can only fight in close range, so if you downplay the characteristics of ranged weapons, you can't win in a battle. By the way, you are right. Ichika's Ignition Boost goes in a straight line, so even if I can't react in time, I can use the trajectory to predict the attack."

"Hummm…But if I remember correctly, to change direction like that will result…"

Charles nodded grimly as Masurao projected herself next to me.

"Not the best idea you've ever had Master. If you change the trajectory in mid-flight, it will cause a lot of pain for me...seriously. The air resistance or pressure will cause additional burden on my body, and in the worst case scenario, may even cause fractures! Don't you know how hard is to have such a perfect body master?" complained my IS as she spun around a little to show off her holographic bust line…More like my fantasy of sexy woman.

"...I see." I muttered as I divert my eye away from my IS' form. This time for a crazy reason, Masurao was in her adult form with a kunoichi outfit. The tight, black stealth outfit really complimented her looks. Her red hair in a pony-tail was a bonus.

I turned back to Charles's explanation as his words were too easy to understand. Unlike those people…

"Like, *rip*- after I do that, there will be a *klang!* *Donk dong!* feeling." (Editor: Reminds me of my teacher English, she also teaches like that-xTenchix)

"Your instincts should be able to understand, right? Use your feelings, feelings...whaa? Why can't you understand that, idiot!"

"It's fighting spirit! With guts and the will to fight, your path will be cleared! No army can stop a man in a middle of a quest! You need for spirit to bump yourself for action, Ichika-dono! March on toward the setting sun Ichika-dono! Banzai! BANZAI!"

"When you defend, the right part of your body must tilt forward by 5 degrees, and when dodging, you must turn in the opposite direction by 20 degrees."

So far, those four who call themselves my training partners and helpers have just given me those kind of helps…I rather commit a seppuku and be done with it. Honestly, some of their instructions had nothing to do with IS! Houki is making the sound effects that I could have used, oh I don't know…When I still played with those Super Robot toys! Rin should know my instinct are top notch and my battle sense are peerless!...With a few small exceptions. However the case, Tenryuji should know that my sense for 'feeling' it is no problem…it is just her crappy explanation!

As for Yukihana…I got more fighting spirit than anyone she has ever met in her life! I mean, who besides me fight with such gusto! Finally we have Cecilia…Sorry Sora no Mei, I am not that smart, for specific details like with how much degrees I have to turn.

"Hoo…I see, I see. Charles, I am glad that you are helping me with this. I am still not knowledgeable with IS and Kojuro is too busy with his job to help me with the details now. You're reasoning and explanations are easy to understand. Arigato ne."

"Humph, that's because you didn't listen to my suggestion."

"I made it so easy to understand already, and yet you couldn't understand."

"What is hard about understanding GUTS!"

"Do you have any dissatisfaction against my clear and elaborate explanation?"

Sigh...and the four so-called training partners of mine were muttering behind me.

I ignored the peanut gallery. Now it is time for training and training needs focus and dedication. It will be no good to let my mind wonder off.

"Doesn't Ichika's Masurao have an equalizer?"

"Humm…I have three equalizers. One for the three sacred swords, one for my three stealth supports skills and the last on for my Shunko. Every other space was used for armor, booster, and other things" I answered him honestly.

As the name suggested, it's a 'one and only' ability, and it's an ability that occurs naturally when IS pilots are in maximum synergy with their IS. My skill for this is Shunko, the Flash Cry. A technique which produces the 10 to 50 times the GN-Particles which overpower the Masurao to fight on a level that is normally beyond her. I provides me with enough power to unleash the Destroyer mode on my Yukihira Akatsuki as well, the mode that should be considered forbidden because of how dangerous it is…to the receiving end. In this stage, I suffer from power overload and my armors are strained to barely keep me intact. According to Kojuro, it is a double-edge sword that is boulder-line forbidden because of the danger it poses. According to Masurao, Chifuyu-Nee actually tried to remove it, but she failed.

"You are amazing Ichika. Masurao 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 an ability. And its ability is even similar to Orimura-sensei's-first generation Brunhilde, right?"

That seems to be the same. Chifuyu-Nee's weapon ,the Yukihira, also had the same shield banishing ability. However mine is built on with beam saber in mind, not her shift sword with can use beam and solid steel.

Her design on the IS was different as well, because mine is a full armor type with thin armor and super boosters.

"Nee-chan's power is no joke, however only thing the two of our units share is that we are both CQC masters and that our strongest sword has same power and similar name. After that, it's all Doukugan Ryu from there."

That's right! My strength is my own…My swords are my own…not Chifuyu-Nee's.

"Is that so? Well, if there is no answer for now…Lets have some shooting practice! Here, this is for you."

After Charles said that, he passed me the 0.55 caliber assault rifle Vent to me. Hey…It seems I forgot to cut this one into pieces. It's been a real pain in my ass lately.

"Huh? Aren't we not allow to use other people's weapons? I didn't activate Knight of Honor yet."

"Normally, but if the owner unlocks it, everyone can use it as long as they're registered. Hm, right now, I allowed Ichika to use it with Masurao. Try shooting it."

This is the first time I'm holding a gun, and I find it unexpectedly heavy. I was a traditional kind of guy, who looked down on guns and respected the way of the sword. I prefer arrow and a bow over a gun…However, I remembered how troublesome it was to fight long range IS pilots…I lacked a mean to fight them effectively; I guess I better learn it. Masurao will complain to me for using guns, but in truth…She realizes its usefulness.

"I, I just need to hold it like this, right?"

"Let me see...close your armpit down and move your left arm here, got that?"

Charles got behind me, and though there's a difference in our height, he used the floating feature of the IS to nimbly guide my arms. I am clueless about these guns so I allow the expert to guide me.

By the way, I am feeling a steady battle aura from the girls…with a slight bit of lust?

"And as it's a firearm, there will be lots of recoil, but the IS will almost negate it completely, so you don't have to worry. Can you do a connection detection?"

"You're talking about that option when using firearms, right? I was looking for it since just now, but I couldn't find it."

As I'm shooting in hi-speed, I definitely need a super hi-grade sensor. That's to include the required signal when the enemy's in firing range for the IS pilot to detect. The weapons and sensors have to be linked together, but ever since the beginning, Masurao doesn't even have such an option. However, I am equipped with a hyper senor eyes for other purpose that can be used for ranged weapons.

"Hm-even if it's a close-ranged machine, normally speaking, there should be one..."

"She is a picky girl…But I got my all seeing senor which should work like the connection detection…I used to throw my swords as a projectiles after all."

"Whoa! Really? A hyper senor that covers all features and situation? That is impressive Ichika."

"She is stubborn, but she wants to be the absolute, peerless IS in the world."

I lift the gun again to aim at the floating target. Let's let it rip!

"I'm firing then."

*BAM!*

"WOAH!"

I turned the gun to the second target and pulled the trigger. I turned to the target after that, and after that.

*BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!*

The last target appeared as I adjusted my weapon toward it.

"…Fast." I muttered as I pull the trigger for the last time.

"…How is it?" asked the blonde boy as he turned to me for comment.

"Ah, ahh, I don't know. The first thing that came to my mind was 'fast'. I can see that this will be a fine tool, however it is ultimately up to Masurao if she wants it or not."

"That's right. It's fast. Though Ichika's speed is insane for a IS not using the Ignition Boost all the time, but the bullet is small in size, so its speed increases at a faster rate. Thus, if the enemy predicts the trajectory, it would be easy to hit you, and even if it didn't, it can suppress an enemy. It's right for Ichika to have an attacking mindset, but there still has to be a brake in your heart."

"With no long to mid-range weapon, attacking forward in top speed is better for me. I do have the GN-Shield for such a reason you know."

"Mn."

"Speaking of which, is Charles' IS a Revive?"

"Mn, that's right. Ah, your arms are open. Close your armpits tight again."

"Ah is that so? Well, I am glad to have such capable teacher with me."

"O-Okay, adjust your arm and bend here…"

He is very dedicated…such a cute little prince from France. Despite his soft nature, he is capable.

"As for that IS, it looks very different from the one Yamada-sensei's using. Are they really the same model?"

"Oh, that's because it's been customized for me, so a lot of things were modified. The actual name of this baby is Raphael-Revive Custom II. The functionality has been multiplied after removing a few pieces of equipment."

"Multiplied? Ho…that is impressive. So they actually improved a standard mass-production unit into a high performance IS. With such a upgrade, it has a good chance of fending off third generation IS, huh. How much weapons can it hold? I noticed you used a lot more guns than I expected."

"Hahaha, as it's custom-made, right now, it has about 20 equalizers.

"Wow—that feels somewhat like an armory."

An IS's weapon is equal to one of those cumbersome tanks at least. To have so much equalizers, Charles can fit all kinds of weapons and support equipment in his slot. I recall Cecilia and Rin having only about 5 IS equipment slots, or at the most 8. That's because it's impossible to use all the weapons that are stored up. More importantly, considering the waiting time needed to summon a weapon, there's no point in having more. Even I only have three swords and one shield. My support skills are constantly activated, and Masurao and I are sword users, so summoning them is easy. But for some of others, they don't have the advantage of the bond Masurao and I share. Too have too much weapons might actually be a disadvantage.

And that custom machine of his should have been made with these considerations, so maybe Charles has some unique skills?

Ah! It must his rapid switching skill, with that he can use just about all of them with not worry. During our spar, he managed to summon those weapons faster than how other students summoned their preferred weapons. Charles speed in summoning surpassed even Cecilia's and Rin's.

"So you are like a specialist in everything."

Before Charles can deny or agree to my words we had to turn around to face the source of a hostile aura.

The arena started to buzz all of a sudden

"Huh, look at that..."

"No way, that's the 3rd generation German model."

"I heard that it's still in the testing phase in their country..."

"...This killing intent." I muttered as I recognized this icy-cold aura.

Standing over there was the other transfer student, the German representative candidate, Laura Bodewig.

Ever since the moment when she first transferred in, she had never interacted with anyone in class, let alone say a single word. She's a lonely and proud girl.

She has been giving me glares behind my back for some time now, Sometimes a little more than a glare.


(Flashback)

"PIC is one of the IS's most important features that literally determines the life or death for the pilot. PIC stands for…"

I was in class, reading a line from the textbook on PIC. I was standing in front of my chair with a book in my hand and reading to the class. The girls were focused on me and frankly their stares were a little unnerving. It is normal for me to be stared at nowadays, I get Houki's sharp glares, Cecilia's demanding stares, Nee-chan's hawk glare, which I for some reason enjoy, Yamada sensei's nervous look and even Charles' encouraging stares. However I also felt something else that day.

A killing intent, that was very subtle and silent. If I was a lesser man than this killing intent would have washed over me like water from a cold river. The silent glare on my back, especially where the back of my neck is located is very vulnerable. For no creatures can guard the back of neck all the time.

As I was reading Nee-chan stood up and told Yamada sensei that she had to go to the dean's room for a meeting. The moment she turned to the door, the killing intent spiked slightly.

As Nee-chan opened the door, I put my hand in my pocket to slowly pull out a dark throwing dagger (Editor: it's called a kunai for those interested) provided by Kojuro for 'In case of emergency where enemy ninjas try to assassinate me and I don't have a katana with me at the time.

Nee-chan walked out and I heard the sound of fabric moving. I tensed my shoulder. Chifuyu-Nee closed the door as Yamada sensei turned to wave her off and the class' focus was on my sister's departure. No one was looking at me but her.

She struck.


(Vooosh!)


I heard the sound of something cutting through the air and approaching my back toward my neck. My body moved like a coiled viper and I turned around and used the thick book in my hand to block the incoming weapons, which I found was an army knife. The sharp knife was no suited for a throwing attack, but I can see that it was sharpened enough to do the job. I could also tell by the dark, ill-willed aura on the knife, it was sharpened with the intent to be used against me. How the hell did she manage to transfer her killing intent to the knife like a wretched evil spirit, I'll never know.

At the same time I blocked the knife, which by the way tore half way into my thick ass book before it stop, I threw my dark throwing knife at the assassin, which by the way is copying my awesome one eye look. My skill in Projectile(Dagger) was rather good for a swordsmen as my kunai aimed right at the German girl.

The dark projectile was thrown with accuracy to nail her head; however I didn't throw it fast enough or with killing intent. It was meant to fail. The one eyed German super girl blocked my attack with her own book. The dark projectile was sent toward the ceiling by the deflection and stabbed into the soft ceiling.

Yamada sensei turned back toward the class because of the noise and so did the other students but by the time they turned their head, the two of us were hiding any trace of the assassination attempt. Well, at least we are both skilled enough for this kind of mission to hide any evidence.

"Ara? Did you guys hear something?" asked Yamada sensei with a question mark over her head.

I give her my charming smile. "Is there something wrong, Yamada sensei?"

"Ah! Orimura-kun…Oh that's right. Please finish reading the passage."

I nodded the teacher and opened my book to continue reading. The book now has a hole through its front and back, but its content was readable. I finished my assign duty with an army combat knife clenched in my remaining hand, hidden from view. I better get that throwing knife back from her later.

(Flashback End)


Another time in the P.E class during a self-defense class.


(Flashback)

Class 1-1 was in a dojo for a basic self-defense class for the first years, the instructor of the class was Kazuki-sensei.

We were told to do a simple no contact sparring to remember what was taught, however …My partner had a different idea.

"Crush! Bash! Boom! Bam!

The little silver haired girl was coming after me with furious punches and kicks. Each attack was lethal and was aimed to cripple. I responded with equal fury as we exchanged blow after blow. Honestly besides Yukihana and Kojuro, no one ever sparred with me to this level. I hate to admit it, but this little fire cracker is good. As expected of Nee-chan's disciple.

She is mixing the military hand to hand with German military art, Russian Commando Sambo and Indonesia's Pencak Silat.

The German military art is an art to submit the opponent and kill. It aims for a solid grip to cut the throat and aim for the vitals for immediate kill. A skill used by the special force. It fits Laura's style perfectly and if I think about it, so does the other two.

The Commando Sambo is a Russian military art that uses over 200 different martial arts. It has mixed of many which are popular in many armies across the world. She has been trying to trip me and get me into a lock; however I too use a grappling art. The JUDO!

Laura was sent flying as I threw her over my shoulder, however she didn't land on her back, but on her feet like a cat. The angry kitten jumped back at me with punches and kicks filled with strength her little body couldn't possibly have. Her tried to lock her leg into my legs for a tripping motion, but I know a grappling technique when I see one. There was no way i will put myself in her home field. I performed combination of consecutive kicks from hooks, side, spin, and round. However she managed to nimbly dodge and block them. I even added several high and low combination, but as expected she was ready for them. I snapped like a coiled snack and managed to gaze her guard with a spin back turning kick, but she wasn't knocked away like I hoped.

"The amount of force I put into my blows can knock a normal male adult down for ten minutes…she is good." I thought to myself.

Laura suddenly switched her style to Pencak Silat, the Indonesian martial art that has been originally used by the Royal families. An art that is famous for using short poles…or knives. The style was made to be used in jungles to kill its enemy silently and effectively. Even without weapons their style which is based on wild animals and targets the eye, groin, and any other soft part of the body you can come up with. It is a famous martial art that hides itself by passing down its art through cultural dances.

She aimed her fingers and nails to cut my eyes or under the eyes where the flesh is soft, however I countered with the pride of Japan's hand to hand combat, the Karate.

"CHESTO! CHESTO! CHESTO! CHESTO! CHESTO! CHESTO!" I roared in thrill of the fight as I released a combination of punch, chop and palms at my shorter opponent, however she performed marvelously as she swayed and dodged me blows and throw in few counters. She took a extreme low stance which is a signiture for Pencak Silat. She went for trips and locks to make me fall. She was aiming to bring me down to finish me off. She is clearly used to fighting enemies that were taller than her. It seems her Pencak Silat was more based in the weapon arts...I can tell, because she wasn't using any other form of Silat. Most likely she took the weapon style of Silat and added to her knife skill as her primary skill. Her hand to hand in Pencak was lacking compare to her sambo and military hand to hand.

She aimed to claw at my eye, but i parried the blow aside and returned with a chop, which she ducked. The two of us were aiming at the same part of each other's body. It was natural for we both had same weakness…our blind side.

We been trading blows to attack the blind side where normally a person can't defend well against, however if you know where they are aiming for, you can prepare for them. Our dance of death was attracting all the attention from the students and Kuzuki sensei, the PE teacher tried to stop us. Something about no contact. Bah! What does she know about fighting in real life? I'm willing to bet that it's not more than me.

I switched from Karate to another art, the Thailand's pride the Muay Thai! The art of fighting with elbows and knees. As a man who strives to be the strongest in the world, it will be silly if I only know how to use a sword. I have been formally taught how to use Karate, Jujitsu, Kendo, Ancient martial art. Shuriken jutsu, all form of deadly Kenjutsu, Katakura Ryu, Shinonono Ryu from Japan. However! A MAN SHOULD SEEK OUT HIGHER! I TURNED MY SIGHT TO THE FOREIGN LANDS FOR ANSWERS!

To learn more arts I learned the Chinese Kenpo, many branches of Kung Fu, the dark and light side of Taichi , Thailand's Muay Thai, Korea's Tae Kwon Do, a little pit of self-taught Pencak Silate, and even…Suiha Senken(False Drunken Constitution)!

Laura suddenly managed to nail my lower leg, with a well place low stomp kick from Pencak, it forced me to my knee.

"I got you!" was the word on her face as she went for a finishing blow that will most likely kill me or seriously injure me, too bad…I was not unprepared.

My legs were down to the knee, however I twisted my body to turn in an impossible stance to nail her in the stomach in a difficult position. I followed up by a weak, unbalanced stance to throw several ill-place punches. Whci were not a very solid hits. It only annoyed her.

"ICHIKA WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"

"ICHIKA-SAN! WATCH OUT!"

It seems my fall scared the crap out of Houki and Cecilia. I better finish this fast then.

I smirked as I stumbled toward Laura with my limping left leg...Where she placed the stomp before. LAura was like ashark who smelled blood, but was I the injured animal...or she a fool to fall for a clever trap.

Time to find out.

My punches and waves that seem disturbed and broken were actually nailing Laura all over the body in consecutive successful hits. The False Drunken Fist is after all, an art that achieves victory through negative ground.

"Had enough Bodewig-chan?" I asked her in a teasing voice. It seems she didn't like to be looked down on. She came at me with even greater enthusiasm as she dug into my personal space for a palm to the chest; however her attack changed as I stepped back which got me out of her range perfectly. Too bad, because it seems I made a mistake as she continued with an attack to my neck. It seems we had the same idea as I too was aiming for her neck.

Our right hand was grabbing on to each other's throat and squeezed as our left hand grabbed the offending limb to get is off. The two of us struggled in a fight of endurance as our wind pimp was restricted by our grip. Normally I would have the advantage of strength and height.

By being taller, all I have to do is lean down with my weight as I grip her from higher ground to low. On the other hand, Laura's position was below me with her hand, rising over her shoulder to reach me. Surprisingly her strength was beyond what her small body suggested it was.

We both disengaged as we couldn't risk a fight of endurance, for it seems it will be too close to decide a winner with that method. Even if we win, we will cause unbelievable harm to ourselves by it. Our distance was still close…I can still do this.

"ELBOW DROP!" I roared as I attacked with the infamous and basic move of Muay Thai, an overhead elbow blow to the skull, however Laura was no fool as she decided to take a low stance which prevented the elbow from reaching her and performed a snappy spin hook kick to my open left side and toward my head. Luckily I managed to tilt my head to the side to dodge it.

Her leg was by my head…I had an idea.

I grabbed her offending, but rather slender with toned muscled leg and threw her to the other side of the dojou. The black kitten from the snowy land of Germany landed on her feet again, however the throw had its effect as she grabbed her head in dizziness.

I released my 'Dou' Ki, the ki of aggressive spirit and charged forward. I had the advantage now so I will finish her off with a decisive blow. My mouth was releasing steam and according others after the match my remaining eye was rather scary. My dougi was ruined so I tossed it away during the charge.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I roared as I aimed for the weakened prey. Laura wasn't a super soldier for nothing as she got into a basic Pencak Silat stance with a fist in front of her face with her remaining hand in a palm over her eye brow above her head. Her eyes were that of a warrior fighting to the death.

As two of us were about to clash again, an unexpected thing happened. We saw the glimpse of steel being drawn…Well for me I heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed because this occur at my right side which I can't see.

The two of us disengaged as a perfect and graceful slash sliced the area where we would have clashed.

"What are you two idiots doing?"

It was my sister…We are so dead.

The two of us noticed how the other students cowered in the corner in fear and Yamada sensei and Kuzuki sensei were holding each other teary-eyed. Oh by the way, Houki actually seemed impressed enough not to glare at me. Ah wait! She is glaring at me now. She is so hard to satisfy.

"There is a good reason for this Nee-chan…Bodewig and I have been training hard and it seems we got too excited." I tried to reason. But Nee-chan had the angry vein on her head and she is holding a sword.

We didn't stand a chance as she beat us up for making a ruckus.

(Flashback End)


She hasn't exactly been hiding her killing intent toward me for a while, but she never tried anything during an IS practice…in her personal unit. Humm….This could mean trouble in so many ways.

"Hey."

A voice could be heard from the IS communication channel. It seems she is here for me after all.

"...Can I help you…Bodewig-kun."

Though I didn't really want to answer, I couldn't just ignore her. After all I am a class rep, I have responsibility as the class leader.

After I answered her casually, Laura continued to speak as she glided down.

"It seems like you possess a personal IS. If that's the case, it's simple. Fight me."

How blunt…like a certain Waka Tora. However…her tone and attitude is nothing like the cheerful and joyous Tiger's Cub of the Kai. Normally I am all about fighting anyone worthwhile and she is worthwhile, however…This girl…She has no fighting spirit. Just skill and knowledge that were planted and taught into her for someone else's will. To fight her, will be like fighting that doll, from Class Tournament against Rin. How can she expect me to be interested in fighting an opponent who doesn't know herself? An enemy that doesn't fight for their own will and goal will be a boring fight. And I hate boring fights.

"To challenge me to a fight shows that you have more nerves than all the others. However you should consider your health more Bodewig. I clearly beat you before without IS, what make you think you can beat me now?"

"So are you a coward too?"

"Hardly! I am the Doukugan Ryu, Orimura Ichika. I fear no battle, no foe, however I don't fight a fight that I can clearly win and the fact you bore me doesn't help your case."

"You may not have a good reason to fight, but I do. I need to get rid of a fool who stains the instructor's honor."

Ahh, I see-Germany, Chifuyu-nee. I can link these two events together to remember one thing. It's the finals of the 2nd Mondo Grosso. The event that I changed forever…

That's a memory I myself personally don't want to remember, yet it's etched deeply within me.

I still remember that dirty warehouse…those three men…my hand…

Covered in blood as I killed them…I kept on killing and killing.

The smell of blood and their body's content. The sound of flesh being stabbed and slashed. The feeling of the thick blood and the knife in my hand. The fear, the excitement, the thrill of that moment where I took a life. The rush that blinded all my reasoning as I fought to kill. The event where I learned that the value of a life…is so light.

That day I lost my eye…My eye in exchange for a reason to fight. To some it might be an unreasonable trade, but for me it was everything.

One good thing that day was that I got to see Chifuyu-Nee going Hero of Justice for me. The way she majestically blasted into the warehouse for me…it showed me she cared…It showed me that she loved me. I couldn't forget how Chifuyu-nee looked. Suave, overpowering and beautiful. So beautiful that…

"I WANT TO KEEP IT FOR MYSELF! ALL FOR ME! MINE FOREVER!" roared a voice in my head.

"What the!...Where did that come from?" I muttered as the dark voice faded. I touched my eye-patch and rubbed it. The rubbing eased the pain and the thumbing. I was brought back to the real world by Laura's ranting.


"..."

Huh? was she saying something?


"...If it wasn't for your existence, instructor would have easily reclaimed the championship, so I will never, ever, agree to your existence."

...And that seemed to be the case. As Chifuyu-Nee's student, Laura must practically worship her strength. That's why Laura hates me for breaking Chifuyu-Nee's perfect, undefeated record. How can I disagree…I was too weak so I was a burden to her.

Weak.

Powerless.

Burden.

A fool.

Meaningless.

Just.

A.

Weak.

Nobody!

But now…Now I am strong! I have a reason and the resolve to get even stronger! To wash away my shame, I have sworn to dedicate my life to her. To be stronger than her to protect her forever. I will not be pushed by a fan girl, a doll that is chasing a shadow to hide behind it.

I realized this is why I didn't want to face Laura. We both love Nee-chan, but she isn't like me. She is a blind follower who had no sense of who she was. She is like a doll that that follows someone else's tune. To be pulled and act according to the strings of the puppeteer. She is just a girl that was fascinated by my sister's strength. Who wished to become like her, but lost herself on the way. A person so busy imitating another that she lost herself along the way. A girl who doesn't see her own reflection and seeks out someone who she believes is the ideal form in grace, power, nobility, and beauty. While I can't blame her to fall for Nee-chan's charisma, but how can I feel the thrill of battle against her? She is only Laura Bodewig by name…she is an inferior and imperfect copy of Orimura Chifuyu. Until she is Laura Bodewig and Laura Bodewig alone…She will never ignite the blood of warrior in me. That's too bad, because she is strong…and I like strong women.

However the definition of strong is not always in physical strength or skills. Until her heart is strong as her body. Only when her will and mind is equal to her flesh she will have true strength. A weak one like her is no good as an opponent and I, the Doukugan Ryu Orimura Ichika, shall never dirty my hand by fighting a weakling.

"Maybe next time." I turned around, signaling her that she is dismissed. She didn't like that apparently.

"Humph, since that's the case. I'll make you fight me."

After she said that, Laura switched her black IS into battle mode. At that moment, the large cannon on her shoulder was leveled at me. She fired the cannon at me! I didn't even bother to dodge.

*BAM!*

"Suddenly starting battle in such an enclosed space. Germans are really hot tempered, huh?"

"You..."

Butting in, Charles used his shield to deflect the live bullet and pointed the .61 Garm, sub-machine gun in his right hand at Laura.

"To think that the likes of a second generation French IS is standing in my way."

"It's probably more mobile than your third generation German model which still can't be mass produced."

They glared at each other coolly. Though I'm impressed by Charles interfering, he didn't seem to be the type to dive into other's fight.

His reaction speed and summoning was superb! Adding to the fact he managed to fight on par with me, in restrained form, shows that he is a high level opponent. I can finally understand why Charles is a representative candidate and why his machine's a customized one.

"Calm yourself Charles! Do not lose your elegance or patient!" I scold him half heartily as I turned to Laura. I was still in my IS form, so I was battle ready myself. I could have defended myself just fine.

"You students over there! What are you doing! State your yea-"

A teacher watching the distribution turned on the micro phone; however she was cut off as I throw my Byakushiki in a blinding speed to cut off the speaker. The Spinning white disk of death sliced the sound machine into two pieces and no one…Not even the representative students notice my summoning and attack.

I smirked. "Charles isn't the only one with a quick draw."

I turned to Laura. My IS was not emitting its usually red mists, so everyone could see me clearly.

"…Bodewig, while your reason to clear the stain on Chifuyu-Nee's name is admirable…I don't think a mere faker like you have what it takes to punish me. My shame will be cleaned by my action, so a mere doll of mud like you has no place in lecturing me. Leave Laura…Before you actually anger me." I said my piece and turned to walk away. My Masurao vanished back into her standby form on my arm as a black, dragon arm guard.

It seems my blunt dismiss to her was the last straw as I heard the rail gun cannon aimed at me again, however I was not worried, because I saw someone trust worthy approaching before I turned around…We had a deal after all, and this is his job now.

Before Laura could fire her weapon, a dark blur ambushed her from behind. Laura saw the attack jumped over her and landed on her cannon. The attack was a brown haired man in a white lab coat and in his hand was a…katana pointing down into the circuit panel on the IS.

"NANI!" exclaimed Laura as Katakura Kojuro; my proud right hand man stabbed his extreme high class katana GokuRyu into the weak point of the cannon. The special Katana was able to stab through metal armor of the cannon and slice into the more delicate machinery within.

"I, Katakura Kojuro, the Right Eye of the Dragon will never allow unworthy being to attack my lord. Especially not his unguarded back as long as I live! All those who dare to cowardly attack my lord will be killed in the name of Shin Date Gun!" roared the Right Eye of the Dragon as he pulled the sword out in a rough manner.

Kojuro didn't pause as he jumped off and landed in front of her. Kojuro let out a battle cry as he slashed Laura over and over again in multiple direction and methods. His blows were graceful as it was powerful. His forceful attacks forced Laura to use her arms to block. The sword strikes aimed at the weak point on the armor such as the neck, arm pit, the joints and such. Each of those critical blows forced Laura's Absolute Barrier to activate.

"W-Why! A man with no IS dares to attack me?"

Laura tried to punch Kojuro, however my loyal retainer is too skilled to fall for such an attack. While he might not have an IS, he realized that Laura's cannon is useless in CQC. Also he knows that Laura will not kill him, for she will receive a punishment in thousand fold.

She tried to raise her hand to use her 3rd generation special skill, but before she can activate the AIC, Kojuro's killing intent hit her mind like a ram to a castle gate. Her lap of concentration by the superior fighting spirits cost her the chance to fight back as Kojuro was slashing for all his worth in anger. His blows while more animal like than his normal classic sword play.

He spun around Laura's body and reached deep into her personal space. He pulled the sword out and pointed to the girl's head.

"The crime of attacking Ichika-sama, is death!" roared Kojuro as he stabbed the GokuRyu on the floor and pulled out another blade from his side. In an impressive speed and power, he performed an Iado drawing technique that managed to slash into her stomach and side, but at the cost of the blade itself, as the katana broke by the impact. This technique which consists of drawing a new blade to perform an Iado which has no resheathing after the attack is finished and only focused on clean and powerful slash is a Katakura Ryu Hiken…Kiribocho, the Head Cutter. However it seems the sword is now broken. As expected of IS, its Absolute Barrier is crazily powerful.

"Impressive…I can't let my guard down against an IS after all. However…" Kojuro narrowed his cold eyes.

"This will not stop me from performing my duty to Ichika-sama and proving my loyalty!" shouted Kojuro dropped the now useless handles of a katana.

Kojuro was now without a sword…Laura saw her chance.

Laura raised her arms to attack, but Kojuro fearlessly dug into her personal space. His hand was no longer empty as he managed to pulled the GokuRyu from the floor and still managed to push Laura away. "MADA MADA!" roared Kojuro, but I could tell that he was exhausted and tired.

My samurai retainer was serious. His eyes were cold and hardened like whenever anyone attacked me from behind. Kojuro took his job to watch my back seriously. In all my years as a gang boss, I never received an injury on my back. While my front bears several old scars from several worthy opponents, my back was stainless as I never turned my back to run away and Kojuro always dealt with unworthy foes I ignored.

I couldn't ask for a better bodyguard and a friend. Kojuro was breathing too hard…Laura will win within a few minutes. His sword was still pointing at her throat.

"Laura…I am afraid Kojuro will really kill you or die trying, so I will ask you again to leave…If you want to fight me, then bring me a good reason for me to draw my sword on a doll that has no name. If you can, perhaps I will indulge you with a sword play. Until then, see ya…Faker."

Laura looked as if she is trying to burn a hole through my head, however more teachers were gathering around us. Even if she fought, she will be punished severely for it. I hope this taught her a valuable lesson in warfare. One must know when to retreat and fight another day. By seeking out to fight in a wrong time and place can cost you your life after all.

"...Humph. I'll retreat for today."

The faker casually got rid of her battle mode and left the arena through the gates. Her retreating form was cold and silent, but I felt her burning will for battle. At least her killing intent is real.

Kojuro didn't lower his sword as Laura walked away. He was in a low stance with his sword forward for immediate action, but slowly sheathed as the German girl turned around the corner and vanished.

Kojuro gave her one last glare and jumped down to greet me.

"Are you okay, Ichika-Sama? Have you been harmed?" asked Kojuro as he kneeled in front of me.

I waved off his concern.

"No need to panic Kojuro, Charles here dealt with her before I could get hurt."

Kojuro turned to Charles and did a deep bow. "I am grateful for your help, Dunois-Dono! How can I express my gratitude!"

Charles blushed shyly at the praise and Kojuro's gratitude. He raises his hands to wave it off.

"Boku…Boku wa…I just did what a friend will do." Said Charles as he gives Kojuro a well-meaning smile.

Kojuro let out a river of manly tear.

"OOHHHHH! Such is the bonding of a male friendship! Such will to protect another in the time of danger! I am impressed Dunois-kun!"

I laughed at the scene, but I felt that this trouble with Laura was only beginning.


"Such a bother…" I muttered as I walked back into my room. After the encounter with Laura, Yukihana was suddenly pumped up for a fight! She used Laura's declaration as an excuse to get all fired up and attacked me.

After an hour of IS beating, I sent her back to her room. But by the time I was done, all the students left and Cecilia told me that Charles already left for our room. After another amusing fight between the remaining three girls consist of Houki, Rin, Cecilia I walked back to the changing room for a shower and head to bed.

"My life just got more complicated." Behind me a red glow of light covered the hallway as Masurao materialized. She had her smug look on her face as she followed behind me.

"Nothing you haven't dealt with before, my beloved master. If that Laura girl will cause you any more problems, then you can fight her to put her in her place." She told me in her carefree voice.

"But you and I both know that fighting such a boring enemy is no fun. A fight is at its best when two souls are competing for their goal. To reach that goal means that he or she must strive to a new height. However...That girl's goal is to be remaining behind another...never to improve further. I have no interest in such an opponent.

Masurao nodded behind me, she understood my reason the best. After all we are so much alike, it is almost frightening me.

"By the way, I want to thank you for not causing a scene when we were training with the gun. I know how annoyed you were."

Masurao suddenly ran in front of me and looked right into my eye with a pout.

"That's right! I still don't like guns! They are loud, they are cumbersome, and any fat pig with a working finger can use them! A sword on the other hand needs a delicate touch and grace to truly use them. They are quiet and are useful as long as it is on your hand. A gun is useless after its ammos are spent!" ranted Masurao as I quietly listen to her ranting about how good a sword is compare to gun.

I didn't agree, but you didn't hear me denying either.

"By the way, master…I finished collecting the data for our shoulder shield…it is done."

"Huh? Are you serious?"

This is a big thing since Masurao has never shown me our shoulder wing before. All IS has a shield or a wing like part floating behind them, but Masurao lacks them. It wasn't that she didn't have one, but it was not complete because of lack of data. After fighting Rin and Cecilia, and all the other IS sparring it seems it is finally complete. Now we have to wait till the science department AKA Katakura corps' technician crew led by Kojuro will has finalized and refined it.

"Oh…How does it look now?"

"Here." Said Masurao as she projected a hologram of an object in a shape of 'V.'

" T-This is…unusual. Again."

"Well, this is a first time an IS will be equipped with a weapon like this. But hey, we are the strongest pair so we have weapons no other IS has. Also One-chan decided to help you control this anyway." Said Masurao as she hanged on to my neck from behind me…wait a minute.

"One-chan? Who is that?"

"Ah!...She never told you huh…You met her right before you met me."

I tried to remember the day when I fought Cecilia…Was there someone else?

FLASH-A small girl in white dress with a snow white flower hat. Her hairs were sliver white and she had a small smile on her lip.-FLASH END.

"Her? Who is she anyway?"

"I am not telling. If One-sama will not tell you then you need to wait. She will give you the support to pilot this so don't worry about it master."

Masurao is a stubborn girl when she wants to be. I wouldn't be getting any new info out of her as of now. Well…That other girl didn't seem bad…I will have to give this plan a chance before tossing it out.

"How will she help me to control THIS?"

"She will support us through me. Trust me, with her help we can use this like as if we been using it all our life."

Her words managed to assure me a little, but I will be lying if I said that I lost all my worry. I continued on to my room as Masurao teased and poked at me to loosen up and relax. She is such a considerate girl.

"Ahh…Hey master, do you want me to be your Nee-san for tonight? I can gave you all the loving you fantasize. I can do the all the outfits from school uniform, nurse, business suit, swim suit school and bikini version, miko shrine outfit, a nun robe and more."

"…"

"Ara? You are tempted aren't you? I can see you blushing master."

"S-Shut up! What the hell are you saying you fool!"

She effectively got me out of my worry about this 'One-Sama of hers' but I hope she can do this without being dirty minded…God damn it some of those ideas are really tempting. (It is up to the reader to think what outfit and what age form Masurao is to be on is the hottest. Hair style and foreplay role is up to your dirty imagination. This is M-rate so it is ok to fantasize. (xTenchix: … I don't know to act insulted or admit that most people would do it.) (Fangking2: Humm…Imagination can go a long way, Tenchi-chan. Let the readers dream. We both know that they all have their own tastes.)

I finally reached my room and I managed to shut Masurao up with a threat to add a gun to her arsenals whether she liked it or not. I know that it is ultimately up to her to accept a weapon, but she was considerate enough to drop the dirty subject and her very, very tempting offer.

"I can read your mind, master…Master no Ecchi."

"God damn it. Get out of the gutter!"

"You mean your mind Master? It is tough because we are you know…connected."

"…Just…Just stop it damn you."

"Ok, ok…I had my share of fun so I will leave you alone. Honestly, I can't leave you alone with a girl in a same room. Imagine what will you do, my beloved master."

"I'm back—hm, that's strange? Charles isn't here." Thinking about this, I hear the sound of water in the bathroom.

"Oh, he's bathing…Speaking of which, he did tell me that we ran out of bathing foam."

"Oh right! You used up the last drop huh master." Said Masurao as she was floating in the air in a leaning position as she was checking her holographic nails. I won't ask where she got the holographic nail polisher bottle and a brush for them.

"Yeah I di…Wait a minute. How do you know I used the last bit of the soap foam?"

"…Well, would you believe me if I told youI didn't peek at you showering though real time view?"

"No!"

"Then I shall say nothing."

I decided not to kill my eternal partner for peeking at me in the bathroom. Honestly I can't stop her. Good thing is she wouldn't say any of these embarrassing things to others, because she doesn't want to cause any permanent damage to my reputation.

'I don't know master…according to this document, your 'package' is actually much bigger than average Japanese and bigger than those drug using dudes from porn. It is a very attractive, completely natural product. I think this will actually make your reputation much more desirable. It is a positive thing master, nothing to be embarrassed about."

"M.A.S.U.R.A.O! G.E.T B.A.C.K H.E.R.E!" I roared at the mischievous spirit of my IS, but she locked herself in to my gauntlet. She wouldn't come out for a while.

I sighed as I felt like I aged another 20 years and snapped out of my bad/embarrassed mood.

Remembering what Charles said, I pulled out the pre-prepared bathing foam from my cupboard. Since I had thought that I would be the one bathing first, I thought I should fill it up while bathing.

"Hmm…Charles probably doesn't know what to do, so I'll take it to him."

The bathing room is separated from the sink and the changing area, so I should just head to the changing area and call him, I guess.

After thinking about that, I head towards the sink.

*Klak*

"…Klak?"

Huh. I just opened the room, and it's too strange to hear such a sound...ah, did Charles open the bathroom door? He should be looking for bathing foam.

"Ah, Charles, nice timing, this is the refill-"

"I-I-I...chika...?"

"Wha...?"

A 'girl' I didn't recognize walked out of the bathroom.

How can I tell? Well, it's simple.

She has smooth white skins that shine.

She has a nice ass…Don't ask how I know.

She has breasts.

"Correction master she has BIG breasts." Said a voice in my head and no…I am not crazy, it's just my perverted IS.

"Shut it Masurao."

I focused on the girl in front of me…Naked girl in front of me.

Her drenched hair is blond and curly with such softness and elasticity, and she has nice long legs on her slender body. Her slender waist also indicates larger breasts than what they should be. But my sharp left eye noticed her cup size by the glimpse. It is a talent developed after using to track sword patterns and quick attacks. (Editor: *cough* nice excuse *cough*)

Anyway, the girl was completely naked, and though I wanted to look away, my eyes continued to stare involuntarily. I traced my eye from the bottom of her feet, to her hips, and strayed by her breast again and to her face…she has purple eyes. Huh…never met a girl with purple eyes beside…

"No...Fucking…Way…"

I feel like I had met this naked girl before, but as my mind's concluded an impossible conclusion that is so out of the world. My life was not a manga so it couldn't be. I don't get into the crazy crap from manga and anime. My crazy life is the result of being an Orimura!

It seems the girl managed to find her voice again…In anime there is one of those moment where…

"KYAHH!"

*BAM!*

Suddenly recovering, the girl hurriedly covers her breasts and escapes back into the bathroom.

"...I was expecting a beating, but this works too."

The person on the other side of the door doesn't say anything. It's likely that she doesn't know what to do.

"Ah…I, I'll leave the bathing foam here...And I'll be waiting in the bedroom."

Humm…The last part could be misleading…Such misfortune.

"O-Okay..."

I placed the bottle in front of the bathroom door and left the changing area.

So…Let think about what happened. Logically, Charles should be inside the showers now…mu, so it was Charles just now? My eye for detail couldn't be fooled. She looks like Charles. If he was to let the hair he ties up down, it's likely he would look like that. But that's not the main problem.

"Why does Charles have breasts? That's right, breasts. Is his life a Jump Manga?"

I can't shake off the image that's imprinted into my eyes. My eye can pierce through anything for details, but my mind can remember them in details as well. My mind naturally analyzes what I saw in detail to the point that I can recall them perfectly.

"Her breasts...are pretty big and soft looking…AH FUCK! THAT IS NOT THE MAIN POINT! It is a nice view, but not the important thing….For now.

"What the hell is going on…?" I muttered as I tried to get the hentai image out of my mind, but Masurao was keep reminding me of it!

"Hey don't blame me for it, you are recalling it yourself."

"Why don't I believe that Masurao."

"Because my breasts are SOOO much bigger."

"…NOT THE DAMN POINT! Anyway, you can control and change your looks so it doesn't count!"

"That is not what you thought when I wore that one piece swimsuit!"

*Klak*...

"!"

The changing area door opened softly, causing my body to freeze.

"I-I'm done..."

"Ah…Naruhodo(I see)."

The voice that came from behind did belong to Charles. I tried my best to ignore Masurao's ranting about my thought on Nekonomi and devil outfit…Which by the way looked good on her and with a nervous heart and turned around.

A beautiful, but nervous girl was standing over there...But she couldn't be anyone beside Charles Dunois, the second male pilot.

...or is SHE.


Name: Charles/Charlotte Dunois

Age: 15

Infinite Stratos: Rafael Revive Custom II

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Stat

Strength: D-

Agility: B-

Speed: C++

Defense: C+

Endurance: C

Luck: D

IS Syncro: B-

2rd Gen weapons skill: A All Command of Revive

Personal Skills.

Riding: B She can ride IS 2rd Gen effectively.

Clairvoyance: B Superior visual perception. Supplement long-range aiming and increases dynamic vision. At rank B Charlotte is capable of keeping track of fast-moving object within a range of 4.5kms.

Eye of the Mind(Fake): B

A sixth sense for avoiding danger. Char has a good sense in battle to avoid danger. Also since her IS is inferior compare to 3rd Generation IS, she is more aware of her surrounding to avoid : C

The ability to break away from combat. Char doesn't have a warrior's mindset to finish a duel in one on one. She is fully willing to aim for the weakest one or weak link to insure victory. Also she doesn't mind running when it isn't advantageous for her.

Expert of Many Specialization: A

Access to and use of many expert skills. A total of 32 different skills ranging from tactics, academia, espionage, assassination, swindling, rhetoric and others can be used with proficiency of Rank B or above. This skill also includes expert skills in multiple brands of weapons such as guns of any kind. With this Skill in A, Charles is virtually all knowing in terms of Revive combat. Charles also used this skill to spy on Ichika and fooled the school that she is a boy. She is kind and gentle, but her training makes her an effective assassin or a spy. Just need more experience.

Rapid Switch: A

A skill to rapidly summon and weld a new weapon. Char's skill in quick draw can rival the old time cowboys in their drawing match. This skill also applies in bladed weapons, but she prefers guns.

Shape Shift: C

Refers to both borrowing appearance or change one's form in anyway. A method to hide one's true form to blend in or escape notice. At rank C, Charles was able to fool others of her real gender. It is a method that used chest wrappings, make-ups, and clothes to hide one's form. Charles was able to not only fool the students, but also the teachers and facualities in IS Gakuen where they teach girls and one boy how to use military hardware.

A master of this skill who has reached B can make false face from facial masks, change on odor with chemicals, surgically change one's face, and even change one's gender better than Char. Those who reached Rank A or higher are those who uses ancient ways of concealment such as peeling faces off their victims and uses ancient ways to twist one's form and even go far as surgically remove or change one's body. The last method can also include gender change or imitating someone who lost a limb before. These skills are from ancient China to desert of Middle East.

A+: It seems like the victim look has been copied exactly for face to height, and even birth marks…Don't ask how.


And there it is folks, Charles' secret is out. Will Masurao's dirty thoughts continue? Hell yeah it will! My goal is to aim for a harem, but I always thought Charles is closest to Ichika among the girls, even more than Houki. Ch 12 will have more action with IS, at least compare to this one. My plan for laura vs ichika will be little different from all other attempts. But i need to iron out some details. See ya later!

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