Soaring of the Doukugan Ryu! Orimura Ichika!

by Fangking2

Ichika was kidnapped at the age of ten. From there he had to kill 3 men to protect his sister. Now he is a hardened young man whose goal is to attain the title of the strongest. A swordsman, battle maniac, gang leader, and now a first male IS pilot.

14. Chapter 13 Clash of the Heroes Part1

Ch13 Clash of the Heroes (part1) Gordius Wheel: Wheel of Heaven's Authority

There was nothing here, but a small grass land and a river. Even if he knows they were there, he couldn't see a thing. Ichika looked around him as mists of morning light covered the field. He was not a stranger to this place for he had been here many times this pass weeks. Every night, since his brief fight with Laura, he has been coming here.

This land was sacred to him, for it houses one of the personalities of his IS.

Masurao told me that the sliver haired girl is her sister…Someone who can help me.

I trust my partner and appeared before her many times; however I still couldn't learn her name.

"What is your name?" I asked her many times, but I was answered with a muffled voice that prevented me from hearing her voice.

"Thou shall not hear me for thou are not ready. Until you learn the lessons needed to be learned…My name shall never reach your heart. Unless the time comes for me to come out to aid you…I shall stay within your heart. Always here, but never known…Waiting for the day you need me again."

"Waiting for the day I need you again…Tell me have we met before? Was there a time I needed you before? Had I ever known your name then?"

"…"

"So you can't answer…or won't?"

"…I have always been with you. There is no one in this world who knows me better than you. Ichika…I was the first to hear your ambition. I was with you when that ambition was born and has always been your side as you strived for it."

The silver haired girl looked right into my eyes. Her blue eyes shined like a surface of clear water as it stared into my soul. I felt as if her stare alone, already saw through whom I am. I have no secret to her, for she knows me better than myself.

"I was there for every battle."

*Flash*

I punched a thug to the floor.

I was surrounded by all sides by large and beefy looking thugs. I was all alone save for the ever faithful Kojuro who was watching my back. I smirked before charging towards them.

They were crushed like bugs. However, i noticed the glance of another teen with long black hair. His eyes were darks as his hair. He was wearing in a school uniform consists of white shirts and black pants with a belt. He was crossing his arms on his chest and watched me. After seeing the last of his gangs fell, he stepped forward.

The two of us got into a stance and charged,

"I was there for every time you were hurt."

*Flash*

The two of us exchanged several blows with our fists. Some were blocked, however some were received. I did a spin kick toward the opposing male, however he skillfully dodged like an eel. He took a Karate stance. It was the 'Matchless Stance.' I eyed him carefully as he charged at him. Taking a risk, I attacked the open left side, however the man spring into action as he masterfully avoided my strikes and struck the side I left open, sending me to the floor.

"I was there when your sword was drawn."

*Flash*

I slowly drew my blade as the black haired male pulled out his own. His hair danced like a strand of silk strings as he got into a drawing stance. I dropped my sheath, declaring my intent to mortally wound or to even kill him . He got into a drawing stance as well…This duel will be the finisher.

"I was there when you declared war."

*Flash*

An image of me on my bike and sword drawn appeared. It seems that I was saying something, for my image was moving his mouth.

My image stopped talking and raised the sword higher and pointed down the hill, where he found another group of bikers. Anyone would realize then that it was an order to attack.

"I was there when you were alone."

*Flash*

I was alone in my house. It was in the middle of the night and the moon was crescent. I folded my hands behind my back and simple stared into the night sky looking at the curved moon. I was simply enjoying the view and the vast open space in the heaven above.

"I was there when you are at your weakest."

*Flash*

I stared back at the black haired teen from before. This time it was no random battlefield, but a dark, broken, and old high school. It seems like I was proposing something to the other boy, but he refused…my eye was filled with sorrow. I gripped the sword on my side so tight my knuckles turned white. I was truly lost as all form of peace failed… now I need to crush this man with all my might.

"I was there when you shed tears in sorrow."

*Flash*

The black haired man was in my arms. His body was limp and bloody, but he was alive. In the man's hand was a broken sword handle and the corner of his mouth was bloody and smeared with trace of blood. The man whispered something softly to me and my form trembled in sorrow and immeasurable sadness.

Ichika held the man's body closer to his chest. For first time in long time…HE shed a tear for a loss of a worthy rival.

"I was there when you are at your triumph."

*Flash*

I stood on a mountain of bodies. It was made of rival gangsters and yakuzas. Each body was alive, but beaten to submission. Around him were his gang members. Like a proud army greeting their lord, they cheered as one to honor their victory and their lord.

I smiled at my warriors and turned and nodded to his adviser and right-hand man, Kojuro. I turned back to his friends are raise his fist in victory and all cheered around him.

"I was there when your life took a new path."

*Flash*

I was in a room with a stationed Uchigane. I put my hand upon it and suddenly the machine came to life and a flood of information invaded my mind. I stared in awe as my very body was starting to be covered in metallic armor and machine coverings. I, a man, was in an IS and was piloting it.

"I was there when you received me."

*Flash*

Beep…beep…beep.

I was on a hospital surgical table.

Above me was Tabane with her silly smile and in her hand a surgical instrument.

I didn't understand much of the situation, but…I knew that she was replacing something that can never be given again…Unless it was by crazy genius Shinonono Tabane.

"Your new vision…your sight…Just leave it to super genius Tabane-san! Ik-kun only needs to sleep. Tabane-chan will deal with everything."

"I was there…When you swore to be the strongest the world has ever seen, for only the strongest can protect the strongest woman in the world.

*Flash*

I was patting my eye-patch concealing the newly replaced eye. I could feel the pulsing sensation underneath his eye-patch. I was weak, so must become strong now . To be weak is to be a burden for his sister, so he now must be strong.

To conquer everything means to be acknowledged as the strongest. This is no longer a simple oath, but an absolute order! I will be the strongest under this heaven and over this earth.

A hero brings the people under his wings to take on the world.

I want to conquer the world to acquire a single person.

For one person and that one person only!

"I was there when you took the title as Doukugan Ryu."

*Flash*

Kojuro was kneeling before me and so was everyone else. I was sitting before them as dignified as a lord toward his samurais. Kojuro turned to the followers and raised his arms.

"We, the followers of the Orimura Ichika, hereby swear to march alongside you and to reach the distance you seek to master. We here by purposes to follow your step to reach the very end of life and this world. I hereby serve our lord Orimura Ichika…The Doukugan Ryu. As his ShinDateGun, We obey the command of the one eyed dragon and we will ready to throw down our lives for your dream to write your name down in the text of history as peerless and matchless. A single hero unequal to all. Tenka Saikyo, Tenjo Tenge.(Strongest in the World, Above Heaven and Under Heaven) !"

The men cheered in agreement. Here was all where it started. Where the Doukugan Ryu first appeared.

*Flash END*

The sliver haired girl finished her speech. I can feel the very power in her words. I couldn't argue with her. Her presence, her worth, and her conviction…How can I question such valor and strength. She is a mystery, but not a threat that will harm me.

She lifted her hands in a graceful manner and turned to me.

"I am…No, my true name will be given at later date. For now call me Tama."

"Tama? As in Soul?...Very well." I replied.

Tama…It is a good name for any. At least until I learns her true name.

I raised my hands as my IS appeared on my body. Even in this world of dreams , I can use my IS. I snapped my finger as something appeared behind my back…A weapon that I always have had ever since I achieved the First-Shift, but never got to use. A weapon that I received to change the tide of the battle to my side. A weapon for which I need her help to master it.

"Tama, help me to master this…We are running out of time."

"Then we will begin now." The girl's sheer presence covered the land. I can literally taste the power rolling off of her.

"Focus…I share your vision when we do this. This weapon must become an extension of your body and your mind alone to command this. By the speed of thought, by speed of instinct, and by sheer focus, you must command this weapon. This weapon whose power can change the method of IS forever.

"Ah…"

I raised my hand and I tried to take control of this weapon.

"I understand."

Behind me a shadow of my new weapon float into the air…It form was mysterious to all but us.

---

It's now the last week of June. The whole Academy has already gotten into the individual division tournament mode, and the panic far exceeded what was expected. It was about time for the 1st round, and all the students were still settling the admin matters, clearing the arenas and guiding the guests in.

Students were running all around their changing room, getting ready for battle. In the boy's changing room, two people were idly watching the TV screen for further updates.

"But this is really shocking..." I muttered as I watched the government officials from all over the world, researchers, enterprise representatives and other people were all gathered here. It seems the event attracted many top brasses.

"There will be people scouting the third years and others checking the progress of the second years after their training. Though the first years shouldn't be affected, I guess they will be noticed if they get the top positions in the tournament."

"Humm…it's a tough work then…Will your father be here?"

"…I don't know."

Hummm…It's a shame, that I can't get a chance to punch the crap out of Rafael Dunois today. We've finished changing into our IS suits. I check my black body suit, making sure all was ready and not a single flaw to hinder me. I checked the arm guard that was in a shape of black dragon coiling around my arm. It seems Masurao was ready as well.

"The schedule should be out."

I nodded to Charles word as I stare into the screen. I only have two concerns…Laura and Yukihana…They are the biggest threats.

"Ah, it seems like we have our opponents."

I switched the screen to the schedule and hold my thoughts, looking intently at the words on the screen.

"…Kore wa…Unmeida(Fate)…" I softly muttered to myself. This is the finest challenge that I can hope for…A perfect challenge.

There was a long writing on the bottom to explain the match up and I read them silently as Charles read them out loud.

"In regard of the power of the 3.5th generation IS Masurao and the uneven number of students, the Student Council and the teachers have decided that the opposing team will have a 3rd gen, one customized 2nd gen and a standard unit to balance the odds. This will hopefully push the rivaling contestants beyond their limits. Signed by the Student Council President." Charles read out loud.

I stared with a questioning look at her.

"Basically, because the Masurao is too strong, we will be fighting three instead of two opponents."

"Ah."

The screen revealed the names of the fighter and their opponents.

"Orimura Ichika and Charles Dunois…"

"…VS…"

"Laura Bodewig…"

"Shinonono Houki…"

"and…"

"And…"

"Sanada Yukihana."

---

"..."

"..."

"…"

Located opposite of Ichika and Charles was a corner of the air-conditioned changing room that was overcrowded.

One of them was Laura Bodewig, Sanada Yukihana, and Shinonono Houki.

Three of them gave off a weird presence, seemingly covering all the heat that was generated.

"That man in the first round? Such is the good fortune." thought Laura as she smirked. She will have satisfaction on this fight.

"My first opponent's Ichika? Why is it this combination..." thought Houki as she closed her eyes, her heart was still wavering.

"Ichika-dono…My spears shakes in excitement." Thought Yukihana as she shook in excitement. This is her first official match and her opponent was Ichika…She couldn't ask for a better match.

---

Houki shook her head and sighed. She is now in a team of three against a team of two. Her honor and pride forbids her to engage in such a unfair set up, however she has something more important than pride riding on this battle…She can't falter now.

Also the reasoning is sound in a way. Both Yukihana and Charles are using a custom model and Ichika and Laura was using a 3rd generation IS or higher. Since Masurao is higher in terms of rank than 3rd generation IS, having her might not be a completely a bad thing. Also…She fears that to Ichika, this might be more amusing than a problem. He is a proud warrior who is confident in his victory. He will not see her as a coward.

Houki turned to glance at her teammates.

Though Laura was more than capable in terms of battle prowess, Houki couldn't agree with her, and Laura had no intention of listening to her. Even if she spoke, the most she said was 'Don't get in my way'.

They just couldn't get along.

Yukihana on the other hand is easier to get along, but she is hot headed and too brash. Whenever they team up to spar with Ichika, Yukihana had terrible team work ability, which Ichika exploited many times…This match will not be an easy one.

Houki signed out loud and readied herself. There was no point in complaining about her misfortune or her situation like a child. Before the match can began, she can talk to Yukihana…at least to remind her of the task.

Her goal is clear…Her sword shall pave the way for her victory. That is all to it.

---

(Ichika POV)

Charles and I were on our way to the deployment field. Our IS was activated, but my Akakiri and my helmet were off. I held my helmet in my arm as Charles followed behind me. It almost seems like a samurai in the Sengoku era walking to meet his troops with his direct subordinate behind him.

"So…What do we do now? Normally in two vs. two it is best to attack the weak link together and to face the last one in one against two, but now we are the one with the disadvantage." Asked Cahrles.

"True, however that doesn't mean that it is a complete advantage…Even if they have the strength in numbers, without teamwork it means nothing. Laura is too proud to ask for help and Yukihana has no experience in leading a team. She is more used to deal with her enemies in a one on one battle than in a group battle."

I checked my scanner for any flaws or problems, but I turned it off as I found no problems in my system.

"Houki on the other hand, has a great handicap due to the Uchigane unable to bring out all her skill. That unit is a more of a restrain than a help to her. With her team being unreliable she will too have to fight independently. Together they are a threat, but separate…There is no prey more appealing than that."

It seems my assurance made Charles more confident as she nodded to my reasoning.

"Whoa! Ichika that is a great deduction. I would have never thought of it like that." She praised me with her angelic smile.

"It is the result of constant fighting…Such things comes naturally after some time."

Oh boy, her praise will make me blush.

We were at the entrance…All or nothing.

"Let's go Charles."

"HAI!"

---

Outside in the stadium once again the glorified cheer squad arrived.

"ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI!"

The men of DateGun were in their 'manly' outfits consisting from biker jackets to male hakama with an bandana or Japanese ropes across their forehead. This time they even brought a large drum for summer festivals and two volunteers were in fudoshi, a white loincloth with blue haori on their back started to slam the two sticks against the massive drum.

"Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don!"

The sound of the drums was like a war drums on a battle field. The men cheered and jeered as they wave their banners and flags. Their excitement even attracted and infected other timid girls to cheer out loud.

"ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI!"

"Fight on Aniki!"

"Kick their asses!"

"Ah! It is Sanada-neechan! Don't worry we will cheer for you too!"

"Spank them Aniki!"

"Who's the sliver haired chibi?"

"Ah? Who's that babe with the sword? Hey sweetheart, want a real man to treat you right?"

"BAKA! That's Aniki's childhood friend! Do you have a death wish?"

"Seriously! Aniki has all the rotten luck! Forgave me Aniki's childhood friend-sama!"

Among the cheer squad were Cecilia and Rin. Those who know Rin and recognized Cecilia from the past matches decided to serve them hands and feet. The two girls got a small flag from the gangsters and starting cheering as well.

"Ichika-san ganbare!"

"Ichika! You better beat her up!"

The girls were excited even if they were not fighting.

As the girls were cheering another special individual showed up.

She walked toward with a confident posture that was grand and majestic. A stance of a ruler or a potential queen.

"Oh? It seems that the Doukugan Ryu has plenty of people cheering for him."

When the two representatives and DateGun soldiers turned around they were greeted with the banner that said single character…the character was 'Kai.' The woman leading a band of girls carrying that banner and several other red flags with the symbol and words of the Kai was the head honcho of the Kai's all girl gang herself. Takeda Shime.

"I heard that little Yukihana will be in the tournament so I showed up…But to think she will get to fight the Dragon of Oshu."

Takeda Shime was a beautiful woman with long white hairs with glowing golden eyes. She had tanned skin with toned muscles that were rather appealing. She wore a forehead protector on her head, which had a character for 'kai.' This time she was wearing a red haori with no clothing underneath it. She had white wrappings bounding her chest and wore a white fudoshi as well. She held a war fan out like a general ordering an attack.

"Ora! Don't you boys think that Doukugan Ryu will have the unchallenged cheers, the Kai is here for our sister who is about to fight for her man!"

"HUH?"

"Nani?"

Exclaimed Rin and Cecilia.

Shime turned to them with a smirk.

"It is the way of the Kai! If a woman of the Kai desires a man than we take him by force or in combat! YUKIHANA! THIS IS A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME! DEFEAT DOUKUGAN RYU AND HE CAN'T COMPLAIN AGAINST YOU CLAIMING HIM! SHOW HIM YOUR FIGHTING SPIRIT!"

"WHAT! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" yelled out the two representative and other students who heard the declaration.

Shime turned to them with a broad laughter.

"This is the way of the Kai! There is no negotiation!"

Her oppressing presence managed to shut the girls up, however they have support from a reliable man.

"CHOTO MATTE!" yelled out a voice as Katakura Kojuro showed up in his white lab coat and a clip board.

"Katakura Kojuro? What are you doing here?"

"To stand beside my lord and to support him is my sacred duty! By normal means I will be at the command tower supporting him there. However! Since the boss of the Kai showed herself and my lord is unable to face you, as the Right Eye of the Dragon, I'll face you! Prepare yourself! Takeda Shime!"

"Oh? You intend to cross blades with me? Very well, come!"

"A bushi doesn't draw his sword for unnecessary reason! There are other ways for us to duel!"

Kojuro grabbed his lab coat and cast it aside revealing that he too was wearing a haori and a fudoshi. Unlike Shime, he had one of those white rope bandanas on his forehead and holding a small drum in his hand.

"This duel is a cheer duel! May the best support win!"

"Very well, Katakura. You truly worth the title as the Right Eye of the Dragon. Here I come!" roared out Shime as she too took out a drum. The two top class fighters and their subordinate got into a cheer off that even out shined the cheer off between Ichika's fan and Rin's fan from before.

"ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI!"

"Yuki-chan! Yuki-chan! Yuki-chan! Yuki-chan! Yuki-chan! Yuki-chan! Yuki-chan! Yuki-chan!"

"DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG!..."

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The deafening cheer shock the entire stadium as the excitement reached the all-time high.

---

"…"

"…"

"…"

The three girls watched the cheer off with a sweat drop.

"What are they doing?" asked Houki.

"I think Onee-sama and Katakura-dono are having a cheer off." Relied Yukihana with a weak chuckle.

"How idiotic and stupid." Muttered out Laura.

Suddenly a dark shadow was cast over them and they looked up to see what was casting this large shadow.

"NO such thing Bodewig. That is a fine example of fighting spirit. There is no shame in serving their lord and encouraging their comrade. It is good to see such fine comrades."

The three girls looked up to see Ichika and Charles already there above them. The three got serious as they realized his stealth mode fooled the sensor and Charles' signal was concealed by being close to him as well.

An enemy fighter just simply got near them without them noticing…This is not a good sign.

---

(Ichika POV)

I floated above them as I looked down on them. I put on my black helmet and activated my Akakiri, covering me in shroud of crimson lights.

"Sure saves a lot of time, meeting in the first round. But I never imagined this kind of match up." I call out to them.

"I feel the same."

"This is unexpected huh Ichika-dono."

"Doesn't matter, I will defeat you here for the instructor's sake."

I turned to the one with the most hostile aura against me and smirked.

"Do you wish to quit now Faker? Even with the Waka Tora and Houki by your side, your victory is too far and unreachable."

"I have no reason to rely on the weak. I can deal with you on my own."

I raised my eye brow at her boast. Does she truly believe she can win in two vs one? Even when she has the advantage of numbers? That is too much pride and not enough commander in there…I can use that thanks.

"Oh…Such a boast! True while those who with power may boast however they like. However such boasts toward me should only be made if you are the biggest threat or at least stronger than me. For now I need to address the most powerful member out of three of you."

I draw out the Kuroshiki from a basket of light by my hips like draw a sword from a sheath. I pointed my deadly blade at Yukihana.

"Sanada Yukihana! I wish to cross blade with you here to test your new spears! With those Hougu(Noble Weapons) by your side I expect a match among matches!"

Yukihana seemed surprised at my declaration to her strength. The Tiger's Cub smirked with me and raised her twin spears. The deadly shield cutting spears shine by the sun light as she waved and twirled.

"Then allow me to live up to your expectation!"

"I will accept nothing less!"

"Why you…"

"Ichika! How dare you ignore me!"

Laura seemed angry at me brushing her off the as the top opponent and Houki also seems mad for ignoring her; however this was all a part of a plan.

I checked my IS screen for the time…less than 10 seconds.

I gave Charles a glance and she nodded to me…We are ready for this.

"Masurao…Tama…lets go."

"Hai my master!" came a cheerful voice of Masurao.

"…Wakarimashita(I understand)." Came the soft and gentle voice from little Tama…Yosh! They are both ready for this fight.

I rolled my neck around and hear few crack in my neck. I lift my fist into the air and turned on the loud speaker.

"OK! ARE YOU REAL GUY?"

My group recognizing my opening call rallied together to answer my call.

"""""YEAH!"""""

"PUT YOUR GUNS UP!"

""""YEAH"""""

"ALRIGHT! This is going be a crazy party! SO…"

I summoned my Kuroshiki in my right hand and got into a cool looking stance with my legs spread out and my sword raised above my head.

"HERE WE GO!"

"ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI ANIKI!"

Our spirit and morale stood above any mountain and reached beyond any sea.

We are so ready!

---

As expected my call has brought out the mass cheer that normally disturbed the confidence of my opponents, however these three were all skilled warrior that mental interference didn't affect their focus.

It's alright; it will be boring if they of all people get intimidated by the cheer and pressures of the fans.

There're only 5 seconds till the start of the battle.

4…

3…

2…

1…

0!

"START!"

I raised my sword high…It is time to fight to the death!

---

The moment the battle started, I immediately dashed to the side and attacked the other three from a right angle with my sword. My movement was smooth as if I was skating on a field of ice and my shroud of crimson glory was covering me from their sensor, so they had to track me by their eyes. Too bad, because I am pretty fast.

"When out-numbered…Attack the weak point of the enemy's formation."

I jumped into the air with my body bend backward in a C-shape. In this posture, I can bring out a powerful overhead strike that out-powers normal double handed overhead strike, but I expose my chest for a critical blow. This is a foolish and risky frontal attack that only perhaps amateurs perform however…It is perfect in my case.

"WOOOHHH!"

I forced my attack on top of Houki, who in responds raised her sword for a high block and shift her stance to absorb my blow.

"CLANK!" The two of us grind our weapons together in a deadly lock of steel. However it was clear that my opening move had its use for it was unexpected and it was powerful. It managed to bring her down to her knee. Houki's arms were shaking as she couldn't absorb all the impact of my reckless attack.

"ksh…Ichika, such attack is useless."

"Is that what you think?" I said to her with a smirk on my face. My playful look will be rather unsettling to the onlookers.

"A dummy says 'huh?'."

"Huh?"

I can't believe she fell for it.

I simply kicked her on her chest with a low front kick with my hooved shaped feet and directed my blade to block a swift attack from Yukihana's red spear…the Gae Dearg. Yikes…that's dangerous.

"Ichika-dono! SHOUBU!(MATCH!)" yelled out the tiger's cub as she thrust her red lance to my body again.

I smirked as I redirected the deadly red edge of the shield piercing spear with the side of my sword. I felt as if the time slowed down as I could clearly see her attack and the sparks our weapons created during contact. I saw the details of the red spear as it made contact with my sword and watched as it slowly missed me…And like a lightning the time flow normally and I attacked her side with a swift side strike. The attack was not a deep one, but it left a minor dent and scratch on her armor. It wasn't enough for A.B to activate, but it was a wound to the pride, for that first contact between the two of us in this match. I draw first blood and the first hit on both Houki and Yukihana.

"Nani?"

"Just because you get new nifty spears…"

I raised my leg to and turned my knee around in a semicircular motion.

"Doesn't make you invincible!"

I roundhouse kicked her open side with my metal hooved feet. My kick has sent her toward Houki, however it exposed now my back to Laura, which means certain death.

"Humph..."

Laura stretched her right hand out—it's coming.

I remember the conversation I had with Charles before the match…The deadly weapon known as AIC, the Active Inertia Canceller.

I felt my body freeze and I couldn't move my limbs…I has under her mercy.

"Launching an attacking after the get-go? You're really easy to understand. Not only that you turned you back to an enemy…You are pathetic and useless. A true disgrace toward the name Orimura." The last bit of her sentence made me want to lay her on my thigh and spank her ass till it bleeds, but no worry…I can wait.

I could literally imagine her smug look behind my back, but I wasn't worried about what she will do to me now…For I been under mercies of many powerful women. It isn't so bad after the rough treatment, you will get to see their cute side after a while. Too bad this girl isn't letting me have that time.

"...Very good, very good, it's good that we understand each other." I responded. With my back turned to her she couldn't see my large confident smirk.

"Then you should know what I'm about to say."

I heard a loud sound of something heavy being readjusted. It must be her big ass rail gun. Honestly bigger doesn't mean better…In this case.

"Say good bye."

""ICHIKA(SAN!)"" came the cry from Cecilia and Rin from the crowd. I can pick up their voices and faces with my hyper sensors easily, but no problem…I have a guardian angel with a beautiful smile.

"I won't let you!"

Charles jumped over my head and began firing her .61 cal sub machine gun Gram and started to fire the explosive bullets that scattered down like rain. The sound of her guns firing rang across the stadium and I actually felt some of those empty casings landing on my shoulder and feet. I watched with amusement as those casing rolled away in piles. My angel has lethal weapons baby!

""Che...!""

Laura abandoned her attack and raised her arms to protect herself. At that moment my body was able to move again.

"HHAAAHHH!"

I spun around with a well-placed step technique from kendo and struck down on her side with the Kuroshiki. The damage was small and shallow; however it was a good start. Charles fired on her again and she raised her hands to block, but I was too close for her to counter easily. I managed to land several blows on our opponents and Charles and I were spotless. I continued my flow of attack by back kicking Laura away from Houki and Yukihana.

"Charles! Just as planned! Keep Laura busy!"

Charles immediately changed her gun and pointed it forward, summoning an assault rifle in her left hand. Light gathered in the air and formed a gun in less than a second. She fired consecutive shots at Laura as the one eyed girl had to make more distance between her and her team.

This, by the way, is Charles' special personal skill, Rapid Switch, an ability to quickly summon weapons in battle without calling it out. This could be pulled off due to Charles' skill and decision making. A skill that allows her to use a 2nd gen IS to perform evenly with a 3rd generation IS.

"Don't forget about me here."

Mobilized in the Uchigane, Houki appeared to block the attack that was aimed at Laura as she deployed a physical shield that was well-suited for a defensive IS. However…

"You're the one who forgot about me!" I yelled out as I stopped her attempt to help Laura.

*KLANG!*

Houki and I are locked in close-ranged combat as the hits let out sparks. Her high vibration katana grinded against my serrated anti-matter sword. My black blade heat up in red particles as it activated its chain sword effect. Houki was ill-equipped in IS and in its weapon.

The two of us exchanged several slashes, but neither of us dared to take a step back. We clashed our blades over and over again, but only thing that moved away was the sparks and the air. I tried to attack her legs, but she parried with a low sword stance and followed up with a rising sword strike to my leg to the chest, however I parried her attack and redirected the flow to the air above us. As both our arms and swords were facing toward the sky, we finished our dance with an overhead slash at the same time and ended up with another sword lock.

"Not bad." I praised her. There is only a handful of swordsmen in my generation that can keep up with me so well.

"You too." She replied, but I noticed she was sweating a lot, it seems the ill-equipped IS was making her worry.

I continued to use my sword to attack and defend as I increased the power of my thrusters. The accelerated slashes started to push Houki back.

"Ugh! Damn it...!"

"This is it!" I declared as I went for a decisive blow to finish her off, however a familiar red lance got into the way as Yukihana took over the dance for Houki. The swift lancer swung and twirled her spear to keep me away from her and Houki. Then she got into a low stance with the spear pointed to the floor. It was a stance that allows form for stab and blocks any attacks from low to high in any direction. With the distance between us, she now has control over the attack.

"I am Sanada Genjiro Yukihana! Here I come Doukugan Ryu, Orimura Ichika!"

"I, Orimura Ichika stand before you! If you dare then come at me!"

I clashed my black steel against her red lance, however I had to summon its twin, the Byakushiki to block an attack by Gae Buidhe. If I get hit by that yellow spear…I might actually lose. She struck her deadly lances at me, however I twirled and twisted out of her attack and used the twin swords to redirect her attacks to avoid any critical hits. Any one of these attacks can be the Barrier Void attack, so I can't take any chances.

I swung and she blocked. I took the offensive as I took a step by step to advance as I slashed and Yukihana took a step back as she retreated as she countered. I used the two katana's in my hands to cover the time lag of each swings to overwhelm the spear woman, however Yukihana managed to spin and twirl the lances in her hands to cover her entire form in a defensive field and remained uninjured.

"Voosh!"

"Clank!"

She flicked her lance at me and twisted and turned to get the better ground to attack. She extended those spears only for a micro second, until she pulled back to attack again. I struck back to get in close and personal, but she too redirected my attacks to make an opening for her attacks. She blocked my Byakushiki with her Gae Dearg and thrust the Gae Buhide to my opened left(Klang!) but I crossed the Kuroshiki to my chest and blocked the deadly cursed weapon. I undid our close lock to take advantage of the distance("Ora ora ora!)but Yukihana rapidly thrust with the short spear, which caused me to take a step back and lose ground…A mistake.

"Swoosh!"

"Clash!...Grind and disengage!"

"Clank!"

Slash! Slash and block!

"Klang!"

"Voosh!"

Dodge!

By normal standards and understanding of the weapon known as the spear, it is a weapon that should be a wielded with both hands. It is common knowledge. So for a lancer to use two spears is just a means to confuse the enemy. A petty trick to fool the eye and a clever usage of two long weapons.

Yukihana twirled the twin spears in both hands and spun them around to widen the distance between us and thrust the red lance to my chest. I stepped back to avoid it.

If that is the case, then between one's habitual weapon and the weapon used to dazzle the enemy, 'feint' and 'solid' moves can be distinguished in battle. However…Sanada Yukihana is not a woman who relies on pitiful tricks. Even before she received the GAE spears or even an IS, She always held two tridents of equal length and used them both with no favor. Even after receiving a long spear and a short spear, she didn't fall into the obvious easiness of 'feint' and 'solid' moves and reliance of lighter lance for finishers.

"Klang!"

"VOOSH!"

"CLANK! CLANK!"

Sanada Yukihana will not use any pitiful tricks…She is still the spitfire she was all those years ago. Fighting using sheer valor and honor. She is simply too dumb or pure hearted to spoil herself with trickery and deceit. She will always charge like a cavalry that was once made the Takeda family famous during the Sengoku Era.

Yukihana swung the lance in her right hand to my right blind side not in a thrust, but in a pole swing. I tried to block with the Byakushiki, but was overpowered and had to dodge backward. The swinging shaft covered a wide area, its strength and speed equal to what would be achieved with both hands. It was not the IS…She naturally had two hands that each equally rivals a pair of hands.

Also because she uses them with one hand, there were many moves not capable when a spear is used conventionally with two hands. One such example is a thrust from an unexpected angle.

"Clank!" Clank!"

Swing!

Block!

Slash!

Never the less a lance has its own limitations. Because of its extended length, a gap would inevitably show up between two attacks. During that time, the shorter spear from the left can follow in and continue to hassle me. However I am a dual blade user, I can match her tempo to block her secondary attack just fine.

Yukihana's eyes narrowed as she spun around to build up power and performed a single, but powerful thrust. I parried aside her long spear and dug into her guard. I grinded my Byakushiki against the Gae Dearg and slammed the Kuroshiki on the Gae Buhide.

"Tsk…This became a contest of strength again."

"Oh…Not very confident are you WakaTora?"

"Nowhere close Ichika-dono!" grind out Yukihana as she pushed against my sword even harder.

Yukihana was effectively immobilized and so was I…Or was I?

Masurao is a full body IS that covers my entire chest and even face. It has no shoulder wings like the other IS and its armors is smaller and thinner, however the armor is more flexible and skin tight, so I can do something like this easily.

What will I be doing?

Well…it is easy.

I'll be doing the following.

"Naïve!"

I kneed the Uchigane Waka Tora on the chest and stomp kicked to her side. Yukihana fell down to her butt and my stomp pushed her to the ground. She let out a cough and moan of pain at my sudden kick.

"HAH!" I yelled out as I flew above her and slashed down at her, the sudden slash from high ground damaging her shoulder. Before I can continue however ("HAHHH!") Houki dashes in for a slash.

I dodged her attack and slashed back as well. The two of us exchanged several expert level sword dance and we disengaged…and observed each other. I took a glance at the Kai no Tora's little cub.

Yukihana will be down for another 5 seconds from his stomp kick, so I have some time to deal with Houki before Yukihana can get back up.

"OHHHH!" I used my Akakiri's shroud to the best of its ability. In this red mist my movement was concealed and with Akakami, Houki's IS will not be able to track me to foresee any attack beside her eyes…Which was hindered by Akakiri. I once again thank the Masurao for her double stealth ability.

My attacks were hidden and sharp. I was not using kendo by any mean. A kendo is a sport and kenjutsu is a killing art. Even with Houki's skill, she unfortunately lacks real life experience. My slashes managed to push Houki back easily. It seems that Uchigane is more of a hindrance than help for her. With every movement my red mane waved around me like a dancing fire and I struck her guard over and over again.

"Clank!" "Clank!"

Houki was definitely unable to predict my attacks as her sensors were buzzing at nothing and her vision was clouded by a bright crimson mist that really starts the bug the eyes after a while.

---

(Houki POV)

---

"Damn it…If I had a 3rd generation IS." Thought Houki as she parried a horizontal slash and spun around to dig into Ichika's guard, but her plan was foiled by a quick slide from Ichika. It was clear while Ichika's dodge was done by his battle sense and his incredible physical strength and conditioning…However his advance IS played a big role.

Its power was above average, but its control in speed and agility while in high acceleration was too much.

She managed to trap him in a sword dance, but he always manages to break through them with sheer speed that was below Ignition Boost by several levels, but with incredible direction control and balance.

"So…The gap of our skills are even wider with IS…Can I not reach you without a personal IS?" thought the Kendo girl as she parried and redirected a triple thrust from Byakushiki and duck and avoid a following wide and sharp slashes.

Suddenly Ichika slid into my guard and went into a mad sword dance that was like being in a middle of a tempest. The sword strikes were filled with so much power that it was teeth rattling.

---

(Ichika POV)

"Klang!"

"Klank!"

"Baa-nk!"

"Voosh!"

I swung from the right and turned to swing from the left. I spun and swung as I pushed Houki back step by step. I waved my arms left and right in consecutive strikes to hammer her vibration katana which was now showing signs of chips and cracks. My powerful blows were perhaps unrefined to naked eyes, and most likely it was true, for I was prioritizing power over form. I need to overwhelm her after all.

I slashed and sliced many times over, but I noticed her lower area was unguarded. Most likely more wary of the sword than anything else. I did a push kick on her chest which knocked the air out of her chest and stomp the ground hard to leave a crater. I was now in a stance for a full powered overhead strike.

Noticing my powerful and solid striking stance, Houki panicked and raised her sword up high for a block. I was about to slash through her hastily made guard and to her body when a deadly red lance was shoved to my face from the side. Fortunately I manage to avoid the attack by titling my head. Yukihana came in for a stab with her short spear; however I managed to blast backward away from both the girls. My sudden back dash released a small burst of GN-Particles to leave a red tail to follow my slide. Honestly, my slides and twists may not be fast as Ignition Boost, but it was sharp and easy to use in tight corner. Once again my IS is a badass.

"If only you would reward me as much as you praise me master."

"Not now. Down girl!"

She pouted in my mind, but obeyed, we are in a fight after all.

I did a practice slash to my right and looked back at my two enemies. I opened the com link back to them, unless I do this, my Akakami will jam their communication for good. By the way, since our fight started, only I got to talk with any of them. These two can't even talk to each other in their private or open channel because of me. They can still shout to each other, but in a distance surrounded by gunfire from Laura and Charles it is a hindering obstacle.

"…Dealing with two of you is tougher than before…So you guys have been training huh?"

Yukihana twirled the spears in elegant fashion and settle them, down to her side. Houki too got into a guard stance. She was breathing hard, but she managed to avoid any hits from my onslaught.

"If you think I will let you stay ahead me all the times, then you are wrong Ichika."

"To be a bushi(warrior) is to become stronger from every battle. I trained every day to master my new spears to face you Ichika-dono!"

I smirked at their words. They are truly befitting to be my friends and rivals. Good! Such conviction and attitude is most worthy! Anything less will be unfitting for such women.

"Then (Flick and raised my sword) that valor and spirit, I shall answer with all my skill!" I cried out as I shift into a dual sword stance. I shift my legs to make a semi-wide, but light and springy stance…A stance that allows me to dash into any direction with a twitch of my leg.

"RATATATATATATATATATATA!"

"KATATATATATATATATATATA!"

"VOOSH! BOOM!

Behind me Charles was holding Laura back with a combination of mid to long range guns. Laura was using her AIC to stop a barrage of bullets from Gram, however she had to dodge a rocket from the IS bazooka, the Calamity.

"Click!"

"Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!"

Laura unleashed her 6 cable blades also known as Slash Harkens at her, but Charles proven herself to be agile as she managed to deflect or at least redirection off course by shooting at them and dodging them.

"If seems Charles is holding her back just as planned." I thought to myself. I have seen what the sword and spear samurais here can do…Their weakness was exactly what Charles and I expected.

Now's the time!

"Charles!"

"Got it!"

Suddenly I released a mass storm of GN-Particles to make a make-shift mist field to cover their vision and sensors to not only conceal me, but also Charles and Laura. It is like ninjas with their Shunshin no Jutsu(Body Flicker). The two of us vanished into the smoke and mist and flew into the air. As soon as I left the mist, the crimson light show faded away.

"Plan C." I yelled out.

"Understood! Let's go Ichika!"

Allow me to explain my plans.

The Plan A was to first separate the girls from one another as we dealt with them separately. An isolation tactic to see how they each fare alone and away from one another. However it was proven half useful as Yukihana and Houki was surprisingly well working as a pair. As expected Laura didn't even bother to work together, however she seems to have trouble with Charles ability to adapt to close and long range fighting to prevent Laura from advancing to me easily.

Plan B was to take out their weak link who is unfortunately Houki. Doing this it will lead us to a two vs. two battle to focus our power more. By taking out Houki first we planned to move to Plan C, but it's ok…It matters little in the end.

Plan C…Now this is an obvious and yet clever ploy. It was an isolation tactic again; however it was rather evil and annoying. The answer is simple…it was the sky this time.

The blue sky above us is the deadly hunting ground…A hunting ground where a deadly hunter strives.

That hunter's name is…Masurao.

Charles and I were back to back as Laura followed us into the air, however…Houki and Yukihana was rooted to the ground.

"Could it be…" muttered Houki as she looked above.

"Oh no!" whispered Yukihana as she too realized the problem.

"Ohhh-yeah!" I yelled out as Charles fired at approaching Laura as we got high into the air. Now Laura was trapped, with no backup in two vs. one.

---

Houki stomped the ground in anger. Her stomp left a small crater on the dirt.

"That fool! Doesn't she see that this is a trap!" shouted Houki as she brain stormed for a solution to this bind.

"We've been had! Houki-san what do we do now?"

Allow me to clarify why. The Uchigane is a hover type IS. It was built with the idea to fight in the ground. Its mobility on the floor is top notch for a mass product model, however its mobility and agility drops in mid-air. Also it lacks the necessary thrusters for high speed mid-air combat.

Even with WakaTora Custom it can't fight well enough. In fact in terms of mid-air spec, a standard Revive is better off than the Uchigane Custom. The Waka Tora is after all focused for ground combat to perform outrageous acrobatic movements and stabilizers to keep up with Masurao in close combat, not for mid-air battle.

While Yukihana might be able to fly high enough to fight, but she will need to come back down sooner or later. Houki on the other hand is worse off even compare to Yukihana. Up there, their advantage in number is meaningless and even if Laura calls for help, at best they can try a jump attack that will be too obvious and easy to counter.

Finally, this is a perfect defense against Yukihana. The only way for her to attack now would be to throw her lance and if she does that…8 out of 10 times Masurao will be able to claim her new lances for myself with Knight of Honor. Worst thing that could happen now was for me to get my hands on Gae Dearg or Gae Buhide.

Yukihana and Houki helplessly stared into the sky. It was all up to Laura alone, and she is fighting not one…not two…but in truth, three enemies.

---

"Ratatatattataattaatatatat!" the sound of Charles' machine guns raining metal could be heard as Laura was dodging with all her skill, however I came at her like a hound from hell as my red mists seemed like as if devil himself is after her.

(Author's note: To any Archer's fan. That was referring to Archer's Hunting. The Hound of Red Plain.)

My all concealing red mists prevented anything from detecting me and her lock-on system failed to get a clear shot at me. Laura's Slash Harkens and her big-ass rail gun were useless as I refuse to be an easy target, but it didn't stop the girl from trying.

"VOOSH!"

I dodged another rail gun shot, but I barely had time to take a breather as she launched her cable blades.

"CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!"

I evaded the attacks one by one. The Slash Harkens came at me to cover multiple directions, but I have a wonderful partner.

"BANG! BANG! BANG!"

Charles managed to snipe them down with her assault rifle and continued to cover my blind spots and openings.

I swung my sword at Laura, but she blocked with her plasma saber. I clashed with her a few more times, but her weapon didn't budge. I lifted my other hand which held Byakushiki and slashed at her plasma blades.

"Buzz…Buzzz…."

The anti-beam sword deflected and disturbed Laura's saber with this anti-beam property.

The pink plasma saber faltered and weakened as my silver white katana dug into it. I smirked as I stabbed at her with Kuroshiki, but she managed to deflect my thrust by swinging her arms in an outside block form. Following her momentum, she spun around to pick up more power and thrust her plasma blade; however I parried her blow for blow.

"Nowhere close! DEATH FANG!" I declared as I performed a spinning slash followed by a reverse gripped slash with Byakushiki. I followed my own spin to perform a spinning hook kick to her head, but she descended slightly to avoid her face from being kicked.

I kept the Byakushiki in a reverse grip as I slashed down with Kuroshiki. As Laura blocked with her saber I stabbed downward with the reversed Byakushiki toward her face. Laura dodged by tilting her head to the side and she even managed to kick me away.

"Oh? Then how about this!"

In a blast of high speed I released a burst of particle rings that spread like it was a sonic boom and blasted myself toward Laura in a unnatural speed that was half as fast as Ignition Boost, but long lasting and controllable.

"HAHHH!"

I slashed all around her in a dazzling red blur. It was a simple hit and run, but with my speed it was like being stung by a swarm of bees and these bees are as big as you.

Clank!

Stab!

Thrust!

Klang!

Slash!

Ting!

Like a deadly hornet or a scorn of god. I was flying toward her in many direction and attacked as I pass. Whenever I pass by her Laura fired her rail gun at my back, however…

(Vooosh!)

(Ratatatatatatatata!)

I was too fast and Charles' cover fire messed up with Laura's aim. Since I was concealed form her lock-on mechanism, she can't auto-lock me like her other targets. I can see the frustration in her face. She clearly hates the fact that she can't just blast me to pieces. If she had a team to help her, this fight wouldn't have been so easy.

"BOOM!"

I narrowly dodged another rail gun blast with a barrel roll. I saw the spinning electrified metal projectile in slow motion as it sailed pass me. I readjusted my speed and posture to come to a stop. I decided to look around the battle field to assess what my scanner and sensors are picking up.

I saw Charles harassing Laura with a combination of machine gun(Gram) and the assault rifle(Vent). Her aim was around 80% on the mark, however it means nothing as Laura was using her AIC to stop the bullets in mid-air. It was like that scene from Matrix, where Neo stopped the bullets with his palm and drops them.

"Charles!"

"I got her!"

If Charles can't beat Laura on her own, then we can team up just fine. Our support and combination tactic was effective against Laura.

I went around Laura's back to slice at her cable launcher, but she noticed me and retaliated with her railgun, however I dodged the attack and came in for a direct thrust. Layra raised her hand to use her AIC, but left herself open for Charles' machine gun attack.

"RATATATATATATATA!"

"BOOOOM!"
"Damn you…Orimura Ichika…Charles Dunois!"

In a three vs. two it was ineffective, but in mid-air where Masurao can use all her mobility and speed. Laura can't match me to keep up and even if she did, she can't focus on Charles when she is facing me. It was like taking a candy from a baby!

…

…

…Ok I might have done that ONCE When I was little, but Chifuyu-nee scolded me already for it so enough about it!

---

My speed and freedom in the sky plays a major role, but Charles ability to adapt and change weapons to suit the situation was making this even better…For us anyway. I don't think Laura is enjoying herself.

"HOW CAN I HAVE SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THIS MONKEY OF A MAN AND A 2ND GENERATION IS!" roared Laura as she fired off her rail gun at us.

…See, she is not having fun at all. It's a shame, because a good fight should be enjoyed.

Yukihana and Houki tried to attack as well, but whenever they jumped to reach me or Charles, we simply flew higher or moved away as we fired at them…Well I would kick them or slash them, but result is the same. They can't fight us up here.

Even if Yukihana uses the full power of her thrusters, it is only temporary and her mobility up here against me is like comparing a flying elephant and a soaring dragon.

Well whatever the reason, my target is Laura…Time to show her the difference between a faker who only seeks to hide in the shadow and a faker who dreams to surpass the original!

"OOOHHHHH!" I yelled out as I went in for a direct thrust with a single katana. I was holding the Kuroshiki with both hands on the handle. I lifted the katana to the side of my head and arms above the chest line. It was a classic stance for an upper slash, but it can be used to a straight thrust as well.

"IT'S USELESS!"

*BZZT!* My body froze as the AIC net completely stopped me.

"As long as I grab your entire form or even simply your hands! Even with that pesky concealment you will be trapped!" declared Laura in a proud tone as she leveled her rail gun to my face.

"...My little black bunny(I shook my head side to side)... have you forgotten? (She raised her eye brow at my nick name for her.)Don't you know? ( I smirked)We're…A tag team!"

"!(Eye widen)!"

Laura frantically moved her eye, but it was too late. Behind me Charles popped out like a wack a mole and fired consecutive streams of hot metal with her dual machine guns. The raining bullets nailed all over her and her concentration slipped.

"Ku...!"

As what we predicted, Laura's AIC had a fatal flaw. The flaw was that 'If she didn't focus on the target she wanted to stop, she wouldn't be able to maintain the effect', so right now, I was freed.

"ICHIKA!"

"GOT IT!"

I slashed Kuroshiki to her left side, and then I moved to her left side to slash at her left again and again. I focused to exploiting another one of her weakness….Her blind spot.

"Klang! Klang! Klang! Klang! Klang!"

"ku…You…"

Laura desperately used her arm and plasma sword to block my onslaught, but it was clear she was straining to keep up.

"We are alike Laura Bodewig…To how we admire someone and how we strive to reach that person. Hell, we even share the same weakness…Too bad! I am the one who took advantage of it!" I roared out as I slashed at her left side again and this time cut into her arm ever so slightly…For now.

Whenever Kojuro and I would spar for real, Kojuro constantly attacked my right. It taught me even if I know that the blow was coming, I will never be able to predict the exact way or direction to be completely safe from it. Experience and instinct helps but honestly, there is no perfect protection from it. I only managed to protect my blind side so well, because I trained in a rough environment with Kojuro to overcome this weakness. Even so I have fair share of wounds from misses and imperfect block.

So just like me…Even if Laura knows which side the attack was coming from…

I slashed at her left again in a low upper slash which slashed into her arm, damaging her left plasma saber generator. The plasma blade faded as it was damaged to the point of deactivation.

…She can't block the attack completely.

"AGGHH!" she let out as she failed to block an incoming slash property and it managed to slash her left shoulder where the cable launcher is located. The shoulder let out a sparks and stray electricity as the cut damaged the internal structure.

"Boom!"

Laura was sent forward as Charles shot her back with her rifle. As she turned around to defend herself I came in for a stomp kick to her damaged shoulder to send her to the ground level. At that moment Charles threw me a machine gun Gram from her armory. I grabbed the weapon and held it with my Knight of Honor. The weapon turned black and red veins grew on it. The two of opened fire at the injured Laura from above.

"!"

Our unified shot out let out a roar of metal and the sound of empty casings falling down. The two of us let out a trail of sparks and fire which pelted all over Laura and her surrounding…My aim is still only so-so huh.

"STOP! ICHIKA!"

"ICHIKA-DONO! PREPARE YOURSELF!"

Houki and Yukihana came in in order to help the German girl, however Charles and I simply redirected our attacks to them, so now all three of them are in the deep.

---

"Wow…Those two are not so bad." Muttered out Rin as the cheer squads let out a roar of approval as their Aniki was kicking some serious ass.

"I agree. Using Laura-san's over confidence in her skill to isolate her in a field where Ichika-san has the advantage and is able to prevent any backup for her was brilliant. He is now staying clear of Yukihana-san's Gae Dearg and Gae Buhide and with two of them, AIC's weakness can be taken advantage of." Said Cecilia as she waved a small ShinDateGun flag in her left hand and a small Japanese flag on the other.

"Pata pata pata(Sound of waving flags)"

"ENOUGH WITH YOUR CHATTING GIRL! YUKIHANA! KICK HIS ASS!" roared out Takeda Shime as she continued to ring her drums and continued her cheers. The ladies of Kai cheer like they were possessed and tirelessly waved her banners and flag!

"Pata pata pata(Sound of waving flags)"

"GO YUKI-CHAN! GO YUKI-CHAN! GO YUKI-CHAN! GO YUKI-CHAN! GO YUKI-CHAN! GO YUKI-CHAN!"

"Alright you maggots! Ichika-sama is controlling the flow of this battle! CHEER!" roared Kojuro as he now was banging the large festival drum like his life was depending on it.

The men of the ShinDateGun decided to show the ladies the power of manliness by cheering and waving the flags and banners madly.

"ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI! ANIKI!"

The roaring cheer of the men and women who fought each other and alongside each other was suffocating as their fighting spirits manifested a shadow image of a one eyed dragon with blue scales and a giant orange pelted mountain tiger which roared into the sky.

This cheer off is not over yet!

---

(Command Post)

"Sugoi! They managed to work together like this after just training for slightly more than 2 weeks."

Inside the observation room, Maya was watching the battle footage as she marveled at them and muttered.

"Orimura-kun's really amazing. As expected of an Orimura!"

Chifuyu rolled her eyes at her fellow teacher's praise for her brother and snorted in an unlady like fashion.

"Humph, it's only because of Dunois' co-operation that they were able to do that. Alone he can't deal with three of them like he is doing now."

Seeing Chifuyu criticize her own family member like that, Maya could only smile awkwardly. Chifuyu sure isn't honest with her feelings.

"But even so, isn't it amazing that Orimura-kun's able to work with others like this? Nobody would want to work with him if he didn't have charisma." Yama-Pi defended her student while bringing her fists under her chin to demonstrate the seriousness of her declaration.

"Well...(Looking up at the TV-screen)I guess you're right."

Though Chifuyu frowned as she answered, recently, Maya started to realize that the action was meant to hide her embarrassment, so she didn't really mind. Thinking about it, perhaps this was a 'Show of protectiveness of her own little brother'.

"But Shinonono-san and Sanada-san were completely blocked off."

"They are still using an Uchigane in the end. Even with Sanada's customization it can't just perform perfectly in mid-air. That is the weakness that Orimura and Dunois took advantage of."

On the screen, it showed Laura still fighting against her opponents despite this disadvantageous situation. She blocked a slash from Ichika and fired her rail gun at Charles, however the two teammates dodged her attempts to attack them. Yukihana and Houki came in for a pincer movement, however Ichika blocked their attack from both sides with one sword in each hand and almost made them hit each other.

"Bodewig-san, she's strong and Sanada-san and Shinonono-san are surprisingly working together so well."

"Humph...Nothing changed. The potential and attack are the same, but even so-"

They still can't beat Ichika.

She saw how Ichika fought both the swordswoman and lance user at same time, but received several damages from fighting two at the same time.

"That fool! He should focus on beating one of them for good, but he is dragging the fight for fun."

"Here we go again. Even if you act like you don't care, that attitude's-"

"Yamada-sensei, we haven't done any martial arts sparring for a long time. Now's a rare chance, so how about 10 rounds?"

"No, no thanks! I...ahem...have to watch the students' machines!"

Yamada frantically shook her head and waved her hands, but Chifuyu used a deep voice to declare,

"I hate people who come up with nonsense to make fun of me the most. Do you remember that incident?"

"Ye-Yes...I'm sorry..."

Maya, who was retreating and curling back, looked really pitiful, and because of that, Chifuyu patted her head gently.

"Alright, continue to watch the match. It's worth seeing how they intend to beat their opponent."

"Ye-Yes!"

---

We are now back on the ground. It seems Laura refuses to fight the two of us in our playing field. Well that's fine. It will be boring if they don't learn and improve on the run.

As Charles kept Laura at bay once more Yukihana came at me with her two cursed spears.

"Here I come!"

"Bring it on!"

The two of us exchanged a few blows with wild swings and precise slashes. We each dealt on another damages, but neither one of us used our special effects. To use them all the time means losing one's shield point that much faster. I had around 470 shield pints left and Yukihana had at least 400pt left.

"ORAH!"

Yukihana suddenly threw her short spear at me, which I parried aside, and then suddenly she throws her Gae Dearg at my unguarded stance. The moment I parried the Gae Buhide I left my left side open. If that red spear comes at me now I can't parry it without getting hit. Also that spear is glowing red, which signified she is using the shield nullification effect.

"I have to dodge this!"

My side armor skirt came to life as it blasted out concentrated GN-Particles to push my entire form to do a matrix like mid-air spin. This move will cost me some particles, but it will save my hide.

The spear came to my chest area and I did the spin. I could clearly see the spear passing by my side as I spun around mid-air. It was another matrix like slow motion mid-air spin. My limbs were extended straight to avoid any hits and as the spear passes me by harmlessly, I too landed on my feet.

"I did it!"

"HAHHH!"

"KLANG!"

"?"

I was stabbed by a spear! Wait this was…WakaTora Custom's high vibration trident! To think she still kept this in her equalizer. The three blades spear dug into my chest armor as my Absolute Barrier flare to life, dropping my shield to 390pt and dropping.

I was send backward by the powerful thrust and forced right toward Houki's range of attack.

"HAAHHHH!"

Houki took advantage of my loss of balance as she slashed my back and shoulder twice. Masurao let out shriek of pain as sparks flew as the metal sword grind into my armored back.

"KUSO!"

My body came to life as red shroud expanded. In the mist I grabbed hold of Houki's arm and threw her toward Yukihana with a grunt. I wasn't doing so well…I might need to use that weapon!

"Give it up Ichika! You are not the only one who can use an isolation tactic and elimination! Two of us can do that too!"

"You are disadvantage in number Ichika-dono! Against two of us, it might be too much for you now!"

Oh I better correct those girls.

"When did I ever say this was a three vs. two."

""Huh?""

"From the very beginning this fight has been…Three vs. Three!" I roared out as I raised my sword into the air.

"Masurao! Activate the 'Steed of the Tyrant!' password…[With this single strike, I declare my supremacy.]"

"Password accepted…Special Prototype IS Support Vehicle online…Removing all restrain…Restrain 1,2,3 removed…Full activation complete." Came the gentle whisper of Masurao.

Yosh! It time to rock the world with an IS weapon that has been created for Masurao's sake. A weapon that has never been seen by IS pilots or makers!

Suddenly there was a concentration of light from my back…a concentration of lights usually meant summoning a weapon, however this light was big and it covered my entire back and more.

"Gordius Wheel: Wheel of Heaven's Authority!" I declared proudly as my long hidden weapon now appeared…its form was magnificent.

What came out from my back can only be explained as wings.

An IS usually has a shoulder shield like armor that were usually a weapon, a shield, or a thruster. For example for Shenlong, Schwarzer Regan, and Blue Tear their shoulder equipment has been weapons of some kind. For Uchigane and Revive it was a shield and for some IS it was an extra thruster like Rafael Revive Custom II, however for Masuurao…It was hard to explain.

Ever since my match with Cecilia, I talked to my mechanics and Masurao many times about my IS and its features. One thing I noticed right away was that I have a helmet and my armor is very thin compared to a regular IS that has huge arms and legs.

Another thing everyone noticed was that my shoulder wing armament was missing. Masurao told me, I do have it, but it was still undergoing first-shift. According to her, I lacked experience with the IS to settle down everything. There was some stuff that Masurao herself wanted, such as the stealth features and other stuff, which all took time and research to make it practical. This Gordius Wheel, a weapon named after the chariot of king Gordius who offered to Zeus was made after it collected my combat data in my spars and matches with Cecilia and Rin.

The shape of the equipment was an upside down wide V-shaped backpack. It was black and red color scheme with wing like part attached to it. It doesn't seem like a shoulder part, because it was a single part instead of separate parts for each shoulder. It also didn't seem like a shield, for it was attached to the back and not very moveable looking, so perhaps it was a weapon? But how does it work?

"Allow me to show you…the power of the Gordius Wheel." I said as underneath my eye-patch my artificial eye glowed and the visor on my helmet let out a blue glow at my right eye. The visor let off an orange glow as will on my left eye. Then suddenly Masurao detached the newly formed armor pack and it fell underneath me. I simply stepped over it and my hooved feet got attached to the armor pack.

This was no armor pack…it was a flight craft. An IS vehicle support weapon.

"Let us ride…Wheel of Heaven's Authority!"

The hovercraft left out a hum as it flew above the ground and fly forward in a great speed. It let out two stream of GN-particles is it revealed it has two GN-Drives on the back. This weapon was a first of its kind and it was overwhelming.

The hovercraft also had a set of guns in the front and I commanded it to shoot at my two opponents. The gun came to life as it blasted out two stream of red beam blasts. The beam blast rivaled Cecilia's Starlight MK II as it tore through the air and reached for Houki and Yukihana.

""AHH!""

The girls managed to avoid the attack, but I managed to break through their encirclement and went straight to Charles.

"Charles jump!"

"Ok!"

Charles jumped away from Laura and managed to land behind me. At that moment I activated the Gordius Wheel's fold out armor, a weapon made by Tabane when she designed the overall structure of Masurao. When Masurao finally completed her data collection to make her other equipment the fold-out armor was an absolute addition by Tabane for Masurao to have.

The left side of my wing came to life as the armor in the wing folded and opened as it revealed some mechanical part. From there came flowing out was the red GN-Particles with formed a beam coating blade. I turned my hovercraft to the right in order to slash at Laura with my hover wing. Laura managed to dodge backward, but made herself a prey to Charles' guns.

"RATATATATATATATATATA!"

Laura raised her hands to use her AIC to stop the bullets in mid-air.

"Ichika! This is…"

"My secret weapon. Now it is three vs. Three."

I flew above our opponents as I rained down beam blasts at them from afar. Charles too opened fire at them from my back. Between our opponents, only Laura was suited to fight us in the air as she unleashed her Slash Harkens and rail gun at us. We actually made it easy for her, by staying together and the fact is this support craft is not agile or mobile as an IS, so it made it an easy target, however despite its weakness its front charging speed is faster than Masurao.

The IS is considered as the best weapon ever made, because of its mobility to out maneuver aircrafts like planes and tanks, but Goridus Wheel is rather mobile for its shape and its power lies in more support rather than direct confrontation.

Not superior to an IS, however if it is used alongside an IS, it is a powerful one man team.

Oh by the way, I actually control the hovercraft though my mind. It practically moves by the speed of my thought.

"Of course I had help…Right?...Tama."

"You are welcome…"whispered the girl in white as she was kneeling down in her lake field world as she helped me to pilot the hovercraft. Whenever I am not directly commanding it, she is taking control to cover me from afar.

I shifted my weight to avoid a direct hit from the rail gun and made a sharp turn to avoid Yukihana 's jump thrust, however her red lance managed to slash at the bottom of the hovercraft, which activated the hovercraft's own Absolute Barrier.

This hovercraft is an IS Vehicle, so it is expected to have its own GN-Drives to replace an IS core and Absolute Barrier. When it runs out of power, then it will fall like any other IS.

"Tsk! That lance of hers is a real pain!" I muttered as I avoided another thrust from Yukihana by flipping away from her attack and spin around to adjust my stance and balance.

"HAHHH! TAKE THIS!"

Houki suddenly came out, flying from the side with her katana raised above her head. I adjusted my form to block her attack. The two of us exchanged few blows, but we were interrupted by Yukihana's attack rush. As I was holding back to the modern samurais I told Charles to engage Laura instead of bothering with these two in our private comm link.

Charles jumped off my Gordius Wheel and took out a chain gun and aimed at Laura. The German girl aimed her rail gun and the two fired at the same time cancelling each other at the same time.

Me on the other hand was spinning on my IS Hovercraft fending off two opponents at the same time. My Gordius Wheel's fold-out armor energy wings made my attack range longer than the two of them, however every time I spin around there is an opening that they take advantage off. Whenever that happens I parried and struck back with sharp slashes. In such close range, I can't use the beam cannons on the Gordius Wheel, so I need to make some room.

The moment the two girls attacked at the same time I jumped into the air. Then I commanded the Gordius Wheel through speed of thought AKA asked Tama to separate the two. The Gordius Wheel glowed red as it blasted toward Houki and smashed her aside. It floated above her reach and revealed it also carried a set of M-15 mini gun which came to life as it blasted at Houki. The samurai girl blocked to the best of her ability, however she was pinned down and powerless.

"Tsk! Such thing."

Houki suddenly gasped as the hovercraft came charging at her and the front of the craft was a blade front which looked very sharp. Houki side stepped to dodge, however the unmanned craft(piloted by Tama) started to spin like a top with its bean wing activated and started to attack Houki.

"Clank!" "Klank!" She desperately blocked and slashed, but it was hopeless as the spinning hovercraft got closer and closer.

I on the other hand was sword dancing with Yukihana as we once again tried to go through one another's guard with a swift and fast strike.

"This reminds me (Slash, turned to the side and slash!)of the time when we got (Clank! Slash Block!) ourselves a new weapon! (parry and side step. Step back and stab! Miss, but slash to the right to corner her) Back then we always tried to (Overhead slash and triple thrust with the second blade. Manages to land a clean blow, but gets slashed by the red lance and receive a dent on his shoulder armor) try our new shiny toys for fun!"

"It reminds me (Twirl and thrust! Block and swing!)of that as well Ichika-dono! (Klank! Clank! Block and redirect. Slide back and double slash, but blocked) To be free (Weapon lock, but disengage) and continue to fight to be stronger. (Spin kick and thrust, dodge left to avoid the slash from Kuroshiki)To challenge those who are even stronger (Block, block, block)for the sake of becoming stronger! (Rapid thrusts, but Ichika dodges)However! (A big swing that Ichika blocks, but made him slide backward at least 7 feet) This is a sacred match! I will not hold back!"

The two of us separated. I was panting rather heavily, but I notice everyone was panting rather hard. We have been fighting for some time now after all. I also noticed that Charles was ensnarled by the cable wires and was being pulled toward Laura. My partner was struggling valiantly, however it was clear who had upper hand in term of power. Laura smirked as she activated her remaining plasma saber. It seems she intend to finish Charles off with her beam blade and not her rail gun. This is a chance!

I mentally recalled the Gordius Wheel to come to me and the large lifter obeyed my command to the thought. It turned away from Houki and flew toward me and Yukihana. Yukihana had to dodge to the left as it almost ran her over. I jumped on top of my hovercraft and flew toward Laura.

I threw my Kuroshiki like a disk of death and it sliced through the cables holding Charles. As Laura stumbled slightly by the loss of the pull, I jumped off the Gordius Wheel and let it charge toward Laura. The German bunny noticed the attack and stopped the Gordius Wheel's with her AIC. As the Goridus Wheel came to a stop it managed to cover my approach to her back. She couldn't sense me anyway thanks to the Akakami.

I dashed behind her in my shroud of red mist and did a one hand slash.

"KLANG!"

Which was blocked by Yukihana who was using her twin cursed spears in an X-block above her head. The force of the blow sent her to her knees, however the Kai no Waka Tora struggled relentlessly. I narrowed my eye and grabbed the handle with both hands to increase its power, but Yukihana refused to move.

"I got you now ICHIKA!"

I looked up to see Houki blasting toward me with her thrusters at full power to perform a powerful overhead slash.

"MEN!" She shouts out as she swung down her sword…I wouldn't be able to dodge or block in time.

I resort to my final attempt beside the Absolute Barrier.

"KLANK!"

"NANI?" exclaimed Houki in shock as I used the two horns on my helmet to block her slash and locked her sword by turning my head. The two horns gripped tightly around the katana as both girls were trapped with me.

"Kuu…For a group of girls that has a rather crappy teamwork…You guys lasted for long time." I grunted out as I pushed Yukihana lower and locked Houki's weapon tighter.

"You…" muttered out Laura in an angry voice as she turned to me.

"Whoa! Don't lose your focus now Laura…If you do, then my Gordius Wheel will crush you."

"Tsk!"

Laura redoubled her focus on the hovercraft as it was still trying to reach her in the AIC field. The GN-Drive thruster on the Gordius Wheel let out a blast of red particles, but it was not move a single step.

"Hey Laura…"

"WHAT!"

"Did you know that Gordius Wheel's main mission was to trap you…Just like now."

"!"

"IT WAS ALL FOR THIS MOMENT!"

That was Charles, who immediately used [Ignition Boost] to the maximum speed.

"WHAT...! THAT'S [IGNITION BOOST]!"

Laura showed a dumbstruck look. It was not so surprising considering that there was no data on Charles being able to do Ignition Boost.

"Well...this is the first time I'm using it!"

"WH-WHAT...? DON'T TELL ME YOU LEARNT IT DURING THIS BATTLE!"

It seems now that Charles' flexibility isn't just a unique attribute, but a skill altogether. Maybe one can even call it a 'one and only unique ability'.

"Humph...BUT IT'S NO USE AGAINST MY ALL STOPPING BARRIER!"

"The very barrier that you wouldn't dare to move!" I reminded her as my hovercraft continued to try to ram her with its sharp blades.

"…Kuso!(Damn!)"

That's right. Charles and I realized that in worst case scenario if we don't manage to beat Houki or Yukihana in the beginning of the match, then I must deal with two of them and use Gordius Wheel as a lock for the AIC. It was a plan that was made for this moment!

"DAMN IT...HOW COULD I!" Laura shouted, but she still didn't lose her cool. She probably would ignore my taunt and focus on Charles. She aimed her rail gun at Charles.

"But I got a window to attack now." Declared Charles as she threw her guns aside.

"SO WHAT! WITH A 2ND-GENERATION'S ATTACK POWER, TRYING TO TAKE DOWN THIS SCHWARZER REGEN IS…"

At this moment, Laura suddenly stopped.

The red eyed girl widen her single remaining eye as she saw Charles pulled out her own secret weapon from her shield. The strongest weapon among the 2nd generation IS.

A .69 caliber IS battering ram Gray Scale also known as…

"I WON'T MISS AT THIS RANGE!" roared Charles in victory.

"[SHIELD PIERCE]!" exclaimed Laura as she realized what is going to happen.

""OOOOHHHH!""

Both voices overlapped. Charles clenched her left hand to charge forward, and it was a simple forward thrust like what I had just done. However, what's different is that she even used Ignition Boost to close in, its power now seriously packs a mean punch.

"!"

"GO CHARLES!" I yelled out.

In a moment, just for a short moment, Charles showed an angelic smile that looks like a declaration of death, a dazzling yet guilt-ridden smile…She is quite the art work.

*BAM!*

"KUuu...!"

The battering ram hit Laura's abdomen. Laura's face twisted with anguish and pain as the battering ram smashed into her IS armor and her Absolute Barrier. The armor was dent and cracked as the damage was clearly powerful enough to knock her shield point down to 155.

I can't just let her do all the work!

I take my glory with my own hand! This is not for another's glory, but for my own!

I twisted my head to the side and snapped my head toward another direction. The sudden twist and snap broke the high vibration katana between my horns. Now that I was no longer trapped. I decided I want to make a risky gamble. I activated my Ignition Boost at close range and blasted myself toward Yukihana which broke our dead lock and I practically body slammed her away. Like a red bullet from hell I smashed Yukihana's front armor which by the way cost me my own share of damages on my shield points and armor.

Despite the damage I turned and threw my Byakushiki at Houki in a spinning white disk, which slashed into her chest. Unfortunately my beloved white katana broke in contact with Houki's Absolute Barrier.

I need to treat my weapons better.

I summoned Yukihira Akatsuki and activated its beam katana blade. I raised my sword of promised victory above my head at same time Charles raised her Gray Scale for finishing blow.

"""""""THIS IS THE END!""""""

The two of us shouted out loud. It would have been the finishing move…

(Sound of glass cracking!)

"!"

If it wasn't for the stadium barrier being destroyed by an Unknown object…Again.

The emergency alarm rang and the students were called to evacuate. I saw my gangs and Kai no Tora's girls looked around in wonder.

I contacted Kojuro though my com link to his blue tooth.

"Kojuro!"

"Hai!"

"Emergency situation! I want all civilians to be out of here in less than two minutes, Tell Kai no Tora to get out as well." I commanded to my loyal retainer.

"But what about you my lord?" asked Kojuro in a worried tone.

I rolled my eye at his worry…that mother hen.

"I'll be fine now go!" I commanded with my serious voice.

"HAI!"

Now that is over with.

I looked up to the broken barrier where the smoke was covering my latest annoyance.

I swear this is like a bad habit that will not go away. I think I was actually lucky when my match with Cecilia wasn't interrupted like this.

An unknown object managed to break through the barrier and it was not by accident…Guess who it is.

---

Name: Laura Bodewig

Age: 15

Infinite Stratos: Schwarzer Regen

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Stat

Strength: C+

Agility: B-

Speed: B-

Defense: A+

Endurance: B-

Luck: C

IS Syncro: A

3rd Gen weapons skill: B+ AIC

Personal Skills.

Riding: A-She can ride IS 3rd Gen effectively. Laura is also able to drive and pilot military vehicles such a fighter planes and tanks. Something mundane as car is simple to her.

Special Eye: C

A unique eye to support oneself or have influence on the other. Laura's special eye is Eye of Odin. An eye that was a IS hyper senor that was down-graded to fit a human body. It is incapable of being turned off, however once used it allows Laura to process things in high speed like a normal IS sensor, only weaker by large margin. It will lose rank against Masurao, for it jams such attempt.

Battle Continuation: C

Strength of vitality for predicaments. Also, the ability to withdraw from combat and reach allied territory alive after being defeated. Laura can fight even with crippling injury is inflicted for short time.

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-, Laura is capable of any branch of military actions. However she is only limited to military and survival. She has no skill as a average person, like ordering something from a store like a regular person

Independent Action: C The ability to remain independent even when under order. As a soldier she is capable of operating without constant order from her superior.

Eye of the Mind: B-

Heightened insight that was refined through experience. Laura isn't a normal girl, but a super solider. Her experience in battle or preparation for it is better than most. It actually rivals Ichika's insight in battle.

Military Tactics: D-

Tactical knowledge used not for one-on-one combat situations, but for battles where many are mobilized. She is a leader of a large number of soldiers, the Black Hare squad. She is more than capable of leading an armed forces.

---

Rant from Fangking2!

And there it is…A fight that you didn't expect huh. I originally wanted to make an epic fight with VT-Laura, but I thought, why not like this…

Just wait for it, because it will be epic.

I always enjoyed Typemoon stuff, but honestly I always liked Rider, so in my respect to the awesome character I bring you the Wheel of Heaven's Authority.

I originally planned to make metal horses or oxen like in G-Gundam, but I decided it will be a major turn-off, so I looked toward Gundam Seed and Astray for help. And there it was…It was simple and yet brilliant.

Please Review or Pm me for your thoughts. I might be making this fic rather a cluster of ideas, but I really like it ^-^.

I am a huge fan of mecha fan, so….YOU MAY TRY TOP STOP ME, BUT YOU CAN ONLY DELAY ME! I AM A BURNING SUN THAT WILL NEVER FADE!...AT LEAST UNTIL DINNER…

REVIEW PEOPLE, FOR I NEED FOR HOPES AND DREAMS TO GO ON…EXPECT THE NEXT HALF OF THIS ARC IN FEW MORE DAYS…

BY the way a warning…I hope you guys know Code Geass, because it has something to do with that…On the Next Chapter! Finally recently I updated by page with many challenges. Please look them up and PM me if you are interested in the ideas. As much as I wish to do them all, it is too much and I like to focus on the ones i am doing right now!. Please look them up!

-Fangking2