Openings song: The walking dead of the Dropkick Murphy's.
Didn't have much fun with last chapters, now a lot more. With Syndicate almost downloaded the time I wrote this, I decided to do this. And I'm glad I could do this, before I was absorbed by the game. I had a talk with my parents and the idea to go work parttime is playing up. I hope I got enough time to write. The monthly updates will go on.
It's a bit more different than what I imagined, but now, I'm finally getting somewhere and I can get a direction of the romantic scenes and how to make Ichika stronger. The idea has been playing and I don't see on how to make him stronger with the Infinite Stratos, so I have a twist. It may take a while for the next one.
Please for the ones reading this could you guys give me some suggestions with this? I feel like I'm hitting a writer's block again and that is a bad timing just before the Christmas Holidays.
Oh, and I messed up with the semesters and seasons. As Flemish guy, my school begins in September, not in April. I have forgotten it and got confused with my semester. Sorry. From now on, I'll try to write in their way. So, you can say, it's May now on the school. My bad.
Hours passed, time was slowly going on. None of the two boys spoke, left alone by their friends. Everyone respected it, but still, the two boys were tired. It had been too much the last weeks, rest was necessary for the coming weeks. But that wasn't going to happen, the two knew. Not with their friends and their siblings. It was in the middle of the night, but as well Ichika as Anaton didn't want to leave the place. Kerlongsj had been in there and for him, it was okay if they stayed there. Maya stayed at the post for hours, but went to bed eventually. Ichika and Anaton couldn't sleep, last events made that happen. They wanted to see their siblings.
It was silent, the two didn't speak for the entire time. The same idea was on their minds, they shot looks the constant time, but even then, they couldn't speak. They shared a look and went back on the door. Finally, the doors went open and they could get in the infirmary. It was past 3 am, but the light turned green and Kerlongsj came out. Anaton didn't see Kerlongsj like that in ages. Normally, he looked cool, composed or laid back. The cool, soothing, father like aura was empty. In his Old Man's eyes, was just tiredness from what happened. And not only his eyes, no his whole body made clear that he was dead tired and looked like saw hell. Which was the case. The wounds that Chifuyu carried were enough to kill a normal person. Actually, a normal person would be dead right after a shot like that "She's going to make it." He brought out softely before his legs gave out and he almost fell with his face down. Despite their own fatigue, the boys were still alert. Anaton caught him, but he stood alone as Ichika passed the two. If Kerlongsj was like this, he had a certain idea on how his sister was. Still, from what he saw, he got a huge shock as he looked to his older sister.
Twenty four hours ago, she was a proud woman, standing strong and strict as his homeroom teacher and former Brunhilde, the strongest woman in the whole world. Now, he saw a weak, heavily injured woman lying in the bed. Bandages were wrapped around her and an IV implanted in her arm. Where was the powerful sister and teacher he knew so well? It made him sick to think that he was the reason what happened.
Chifuyu laid in the bed, severely wounded, but stable thanks to Kerlongsj. That was the most relieving part for everyone. Kerlongsj was just in time to save her. Most girls were off, thinking what happened. Enemies who were so strong that they could harm her. If Kerlongsj and Chifuyu weren't there in time with the hacker gang, they were surely killed. But it would take more time now for the two warriors to get back up.
"Chifuyu-nee." Ichika couldn't help, but supress tears as he looked at his older sister. Her red eyes were closed and even the signs and dust of the fight were still on her body. Ichika fell next to her bed and began to cry. His head was buried on the blanket, his knees on the floor. This was his fault. If he wasn't so weak to finish the job, she wouldn't be hurt. If he saw the bullet, he could protect Kerlongsj instead of her. He was the one with her Infinite Stratos. So many things passed his head, but it came down to one thing. He was weak and that resulted in his sister injury. It almost killed his older sister, his so god damn weakness.
His sister wouldn't even approve of the fact he cried over her, but he couldn't help it. Now, he didn't give a care. He felt a strong hand on his shoulders, squeezing them, giving the boy courage. He looked to the eyes, filled with empathy. Kerlongsj stood next to Ichika, getting back up and Ichika saw Anaton at the other side of the bed. He was the one who placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. It's your sister. She's strong enough, she'll live through. And it's me we're talking about her. I'm the one who healed her." But it was not Chifuyu or himself Kerlongsj was worried about it. He saw the look in Ichika's eyes and wasn't mistaken.
That look, oh, the older man whished he never saw it again in the eyes of the young boy. Eyes who were serious, who told him exactly what Ichika wanted and no price was too heavy to bear for finding strength. He wanted strength to fight and kill the ones responsible of hurting his older sister. They had to pay for what they've done. But those eyes told him that he wanted to be strong and didn't give a care about the risks that search for power brings.
While looking for strength was not a bad thing per se, it was dangerous to draw in power and not watching were you go and what you did with your power. You could hurt people you cared about and even worse than that. You could destroy the reason why you wanted to become strong. It was dangerous. It sounded like what a martial artist would say, but it fitted in everywhere. Also for the hackers. It was just how much you body could handle. Becoming a monster in the search for power is way easier than remaining the warrior you are in the begin for your quest. In his own quest for power, Kerlongsj was often conflicted by it. If it was not for his gang members and Azalof, he would succumb himself in the drain. And that's why he could place himself in Ichika and he was actually one of the few who could advise him.
"I'm weak." Ichika spoke at a solemnly tone, Kerlongsj heard that tone and those words so many times from so many people. But not from Ichika, he never heard it before. He even never considered hearing it from him. The point was that Kerlongsj couldn't deny this. It was not completely wrong, but it wasn't completely true as well. Ichika was strong, better than an average human. But in this world and in comparison with the other pilots or the hackers, Ichika was the lowest. Those pilots, their enemies they now faced, took down six representatives candidates and Tabane Shinonono's little sister without too much problems. If the hackers didn't work in a group like they yesterday, they would have been killed. And those guys were ranked second in the world and even they couldn't take the pilots head on like they normally did.
Ichika's training paid off, but at this point, not enough. The pilots being stronger than him. The hackers being better than him. That began to irate him and it had reached a boiling point. "It doesn't matter how much I train, how much I fight, how much hardness I endure. I'm still not strong to protect my sister. Or anyone else." He felt the grip on his shoulder becoming stronger, taking both shoulders, causing him to stand up and look to Kerlongsj.
"Ichika." Kerlongsj sighed and took the role of older brother over. More like a father. Something he really needed at this moment. What should have been there all his life. "You're not weak. The point is that you're the only male pilot. How you see or turn it, women are still better in it. The Infinite Stratos is built for them, being they the only ones who can use it. So the whole fucking circus is built around them, makes it difficult for you. They were looking for a man, but it's dangerous to risk all that shit. And the damn gender rules didn't really help. What's legally to become stronger is more for women. You can become stronger in your own way, but it will take way longer than normal pilots. You only have to train a lot. And how much I hate it, I can't help you with that." Ichika turned completely to Kerlongsj. The look in his eyes didn't change.
Kerlongsj was right. Training for pilots was made for women. They were helped in it and it was made for them. Ichika got an own unit, a few good weapons, but still, piloting an IS was something a woman did. Despite everything he got, more than normal pilots would get, he wasn't strong. He didn't grow. That was the most annoying thing. He couldn't grow further, despite all the hardship. So he had an idea. He had enough of taking hits, being killed or dragged down. He wanted to be strong. If the pilots couldn't help him, in that case, he would look in other places to get power.
"You can help me becoming stronger." Kerlongsj released him and crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, honestly surprised by what the male pilot said. "Then you need to tell me how I can help you to become stronger. Because I really have no idea how I could help a pilot, like yourself, to become stronger despite training." Kerlongsj crossed his arms. Ichika was determined to become stronger and he would take anything for that.
"That's true, you can't make a pilot stronger, but I have never said you would help me as pilot in this thing. Can you make a hacker out of me?" Ichika's answer was harsh and Kerlongsj knew what he meant.
"You mean? You want an initiation? Besides being pilot, you want to be a nanite hacker as well?" Kerlongsj was dumbfounded that Ichika wanted that risk. Even more shocked with the nod. To be honest, Kerlongsj had the idea more than once for making a hacker out of Ichika. Ichika was strong, well built, he easily could become a hacker. Just for knowing and killing curiosity, he checked Ichika and he would be a good hacker. Besides everything else, Ichika had a program, ready and good, in his gauntlet. It would help him a lot in the coming fights. Still, what it would bring, Kerlongsj couldn't predict, because Ichika was the very first male pilot. So dual wielding it, well. That was never seen before.
Ichika nodded. "I don't have the time to train for years and now I've lost the patience. I want to fight alongside my comrades. Finish the fights I start. And with what happened, the last year, I have enough of it. If Byakushiki is not strong enough to protect my friends, I'll become a hacker if that's what it takes if I can protect them." Kerlongsj sighed. Ichika was right on that and at this point, Kerlongsj wanted to help him. Still, it wouldn't be easy. "Ichika. I hope you do understand the full extent of your question and the possible risks it could bring?" Ichika nodded again. This was a leap of faith and he would take it with his two hands.
"Okay, but I need to tell you a few things. Inside Byakushiki is a program. So, we can use that instead of creating one. We need to draw it out your Infinite Stratos and install it in your body. But I can't tell what it will cause on your Infinite Stratos. Worst case scenario, you may lose the ability to pilot an IS. You won't be the first male pilot anymore. You'll be one of the thousands hackers." He raised up a hand, stopping Ichika and Anaton listened along. "I'm not saying it will turn that way, but it's a risk that's quite realistic." Still, Ichika didn't' back down.
"Second. If you graduate, this is more a, how to say, matter of honour. You'll have to serve twenty years of service. Under me. As legal hacker. I'm not asking you to come to Flanders. Not at all." Ichika face was puzzled for a second. "If you remain pilot, I rather have you at this place. You'll be close to news that can be valuable. When you graduated, you're mine in papers." Kerlongsj wasn't mistaken for a grin. Funny enough, it was one of relief. Why Ichika had that on his face was a mystery. "So, nobody can seize you." Ichika shrugged. "Well, I never had an idea what I should do after I graduate." Explaining why he was grinning "Rather serving you than any other country." Kerlongsj grinned and cracked his knuckle. He gave Ichika a soft punch. "Last thing. It's something you or I could decide." He turned to Chifuyu. His face got a grin.
"We'll need to have her consent. You're sixteen years old, legally old enough for it, but she'd kill me if we make a hacker out of you without her permission. And I wouldn't blame her" Anaton grinned. Kerlongsj who would ask a woman for consent. Unbelievable. Ichika agreed. They turned to Chifuyu. She could open her eyes and had a soft smile. Supposedly, she woke up after hours of fighting.
"Chifuyu" "Nee". The two men said. Anaton remained silent. "If you're really fine with it, Ichika and if you, Kerlongsj, can cover the risk. Then I think you better hurry up." The men looked to her and back. Ichika nodded and Kerlongsj returned it. "You're really sure. If so, then we'll do it tomorrow. Both you and I are in the high need of some sleep. It will take time to prepare. Inanition is more than just getting a program and start fighting. It's more than that for us. It's a ceremony. Something we hold in high regard. And you'll need the permission to join a gang. Have you thought about that?"
Anaton followed the whole conversation, knowing it would turn in that way. He also followed Ichika's test. If something like this would turn out, the hackers agreed to welcome Ichika in their ranks. He decided to wait when Chifuyu was back to sleep.
Chifuyu smiled. "Good. If you don't mind, I'll sleep. You guys need to sort it out. See you tomorrow." The woman fell back asleep and Ichika was pulled back by Kerlongsj. "Ichika. She's fine. She just needs to rest. You go to your room and sleep. We'll see in the evening. Anaton will fetch you, okay, lad." Anaton nodded. "Ichika. We talked about it. If it would turn out this way, we'll welcome in our group." Ichika gave Anaton a hand. "I'll see you guys tomorrow. Good night, lads."
The two stayed behind. "Let's go to our room, okay?" Anaton nodded and he saw Kerlongsj passing him, offering his back. "Eh, so that doesn't change. Fine, Kengi. I wanted to ask." Kerlongsj didn't move nor he spoke. Anaton understood that he was glad the boy lived. And that after everything that happened, the two were still the same. The two brothers by bond. Even he was now at the end of his rope. So, he did what he always did and walked in the back, getting his arms around the neck of Kerlongsj. Kerlongsj stood up, closing his arms and putting them in his pocket. Four years since the first time and that didn't change. The reason why Kerlongsj wanted this, was due the day. Fighting, healing, he wanted something not to think about. It was five am and Anaton fell asleep in his back as soon he walked off. "What did I get myself into?"
At the place it was quiet and he went to his room. Like the attack more than a week ago, he didn't bother changing. He fell asleep and hoped he could sleep without nightmares.
Kerlongsj's dreams.
"What in the world?" He walked around, realising he was back home. In the main base, only it was deserted. "Yo, kiddo?" He turned and saw Azalof. "Hey, Azalof." Unlike last time, Kerlongsj was less surprised to see his mentor, older brother and care taker standing alive in the dream. "You had a crazy day." Kerlongsj nodded. "Yeah, it's been a roller coaster and it's putted lightly. Say, a question. Is it really a good idea to initiate Ichika?"
Azalof walked to him from the wall. He didn't change a bit since last time. "Kerlongsj. It's better this way. We'll just find out. Besides, that kid has potential. I'll be staying for a while." Kerlongsj eyes began to tear. "Why are now here? I needed you so many times before. At this point, I haven't seen you since you died. Now, at this point. You reappear before me here." Azalof shrugged. "You needed me longer, that's true. But whenever you need me, I'll be there. You'll find out." Azalof disappeared for the rest of the night. Kerlongsj woke up. "Well, I hope you hold your promise." Before falling back asleep.
Later that day.
Kerlongsj and Anaton slept till late noon and woke up. Kerlongsj saw that Jozalof and Cirluk began to prepare. Together with the gang members of Anaton. "Good lads, but now it's really getting interesting around this place." Kerlongsj loosened his neck. This is going to be a long day again. He had check out Chifuyu. He left fast, giving his regards to his pupils.
He raced to the academy, Madoka saw him leaving. "Where is he going?" She wondered. "Getting your sister on her feet." She saw Cirluk entering with some food. "Cirluk. Hello." She always seemed to cheer up when the guy came in. "Hungry?" She nodded and took the bread. "Well, eat and I'll explain what happened, but no interruptions? Deal" She gave him a smile as agreement. In the end, she was surprised that Ichika would become a hacker, but it would be interesting. "Well, that's going to be promising."
"It's going to be interesting. That's a given." Madoka shrugged. "Hey, a question? Did my brother got a girlfriend between all those girls?" Cirluk began to laugh and shook his head. "And no and if I can be honest, Madoka. The reason I chose you, is because, how crazy as it sounds, you're saner than those girls. And it irritates the lads till no extent." The two sat down, enjoying the calm moment. And each other
Later, Kerlongsj came to visit Chifuyu. He healed her, but she had to stay in bed for at least two weeks. "And that's going to give to trouble. After that, four weeks of no training." Chifuyu was dumbfounded. "No training, no sparring. No violence. Even hitting people with your book. And that's final." Kerlongsj changed from a calm, bit goofy guy till a strict dictator as husband. She had to listen. Ironic in the day when women stood above men.
Ichika was joined by Anaton and the two began to talk and travel back. At the place, it changed a lot. Camp fires were everywhere, the whole place was cleaned up and circles was drawn on the floor. Ichika had no idea the guys had such a way with tradition. He saw Anaton's gang members walking to them. Ichika spoke up.
"I've been around you guys for a while. Last fight proved that with Byakushiki alone I'm not strong enough to defeat my enemies. I ask you guys. I want to be a hacker like you. Do you accept me as gang member?" Anaton shrugged. "You know I can't make that decision alone. My lads. My gang. What do you think?" He placed a hand on Ichika when he said those words and with the other arm, he went over his current gang.
Tizof nodded with a grin. "He's welcome."
Thazalof agreed. "I don't see why he couldn't become one of us?"
Raton crossed his arms, but smiled. "Welcome to the gang."
Kashal put his hands his pocket. "I see him as fit."
Izolf smiled. "Hear, hear."
Erzof shrugged. "Well, I'm not going to be a killjoy. He's good for me."
Anaton turned from his gang members to Ichika. "Okay. You heard the men. As supportive, you'll be my brother. While it is rare for a gang to have two supportives, with your Infinite Stratos, you'll be placed over the battle field, usable on every place. Be prepared for that. Kerlongsj must have told that. Are you sure you want to join my ranks?" Despite knowing the answer, he wanted Ichika's words.
"Yes. Training alone with the IS won't work. I need everything I can get. And working with you, louts, is perfect way to do so." Anaton made a smile.
"Okay. But there is something else I need to tell you. An initiation is a damn import thing for us. It is to know yourself. You'll change who you are. You'll not be the same after we're done. Do you still agree?"
"I want to be stronger. I have one question for you." Surprising by the question, they listened to Ichika.
"Shoot." Ichika raised his bracelet. "I will be a hacker, but I won't stop being a pilot. I am still the only male pilot. Do you still agree?" Anaton looked up, finding it no problem.
"For us, that's not a problem. Kerlongsj?" Kerlongsj blew his air through his air from his hook. "Well, as long you remember to who you belong. Besides, we're not that close minded. I mean, look at me. I'm the top leader of the hackers you are about the join and most likely, your sister will end up as my wife." Blushing and looking away, every hacker was grinning. "But still, Ichika. Are you really, really, really sure you want to be a hacker?"
Ichika crossed his arms. "Yes. I won't back down." Kerlongsj took a large breath. This was going to be so much fun. "Okay. Lads. You heard the guy."
The boys gathered around the fires. The gang of Jozalof sat one end, the pack of Cirluk at another. Fires were placed in certain places. The six gang members sat one their knees, but with the other feet up, ready to run. At a fire, Kerlongsj stood with Ichika and Anaton.
Ichika had his upper clothes removed, only carrying the white trousers of his uniform. In his upper body, he only had the gauntlet. He kneeled for the two hackers. Kerlongsj and Anaton stood up for the fire, with their arms raised.
"We stand up from the shadows of technology to strike in the light. We unite men, who're scattered by the Infinite Stratos by nanites. We oppose every rule what will drag us down. Only answering to our own. We have no government, no society we answer to. We only take commands from our own or who we deem as them. We're nanite hackers. Ichika Orimura. We have three rules we live by." With a short break, Kerlongsj went on.
"Use your powers for the righteous cause." Kerlongsj spoke. "This means that using this power you received, you have to protect what you're fighting for. Our rules our free, but you yourself have to see for what is wrong. Misusing means death"
"Fight, however you see fit." Kerlongsj explained again. "This means that there is no wrong way in using your power. Honour is something you have to allow, not applied on a war. This means that killing a fallen enemy is not wrong."
"Stay loyal to your brothers. This has no need to explain. These are not words meant for freedom. We have to answer eventually for what we've done. Ichika. Your decision joining us may be rushed. Still, we see that you're ready for this. Do you accept?"
Ichika nodded. "Give me your bracelet and clench your teeth." Kerlongsj touched it and in a second, the two were taken to Ichika's conscious where Ichika got power before. Ichika was still kneeling and Kerlongsj stood next to him, his hands on the bracelet. "Why are we here?" Ichika was shocked to be in this place. "Your Infinite Stratos made a subconscious inside you. Here, I helped you gaining a way to be stronger. The second shift, remember. Byakushiki took a form of a young woman. Inside her, you'll find the data that Anaton left behind. We'll take that and implant in your body. It's a lot easier." Jack flicked his wings as they saw the girls approaching.
Ichika gulped as he saw Byakushiki. "You're here, my knight. You're the one that allows me to fly and be free." Her voice wasn't clear, it didn't sound like a human. More a machine or robot. Still, it wasn't completely like that. "Byakushiki?" was the only thing Ichika said.
Kerlongsj spoke first. "Byakushiki. Inside you, a part of a program is sealed. Your knight received that not so long ago from the one who will become his brother. He wants that part out of you."
"Yes, but it was you who dirtied my knight. Months ago, you sacrificed his purity by allowing those machines to live in ME." Her voice became angrier, more painful. Kerlongsj was unaffected. He could take her own. "Yes and now I want it out you and inside your knight. He gave his consent becoming what I am. His purity will be his sacrifice for strength. In the life we live, we need sacrifice something to be strong. What makes us unique. In my case, that was innocence. Not by literal, but with my view. On how the world really is."
Byakushiki sighed. "My knight. You've been clouded. Still, you'll become stronger. And those machines and this man can help you." She made peace with his decision. She gave him a hand and Kerlongsj touched Ichika shoulder. "Extracting the program. This will give a shock." After just saying the words, a shock went through the two. Ichika clenched his teeth and fell on the ground. He looked up in a second and Byakushiki seemed to release energy. "Give me that." Kerlongsj offered her his hand with a soft tone. She nodded and gave to the older man. "Please. Protect my knight." She stood back and from the energy, a form was made.
Kerlongsj amused as it took the appearance of a dog. No, not a dog. "Your keeper is a wolf. Normally spoken, those animal stay inside you. Only with a high sync rate, he'll come out. But that's for another time. Byakushiki. This wolf is a part of Ichika. Do you see fit taking care of him?" The woman smiled and nodded. The wolf walked from the two to her, accepting her as his master. "He'll be a fine … companion. I see you later, my knight." She disappeared with the wolf. "Eh, what?" Kerlongsj grinned at the dumbfounded reaction. "Your IS took a form in this world. Just like a program. You'll see in the real world."
The two were gone in a flash.
With a scream, Ichika got back. The men tensed up, looking to him. Now, Kerlongsj stood next to him. He released the boy's head and set his arms at the end of his back. "Ichika Orimura. You did it very well. Your program is known as Devil's Knight, similar to Devil's Code and Hell's Fire. You're one of us. But I have a few things to warn you for." Kerlongsj let him go and let Anaton walk to Ichika.
Ichika looked to Anaton who offered him a hand to stand up. "From now, Ichika Orimura is reborn as nanite hacker. Known as Knight and the second supportive of the Hell Hounds. Welcome to my gang and to this crew." Ichika took the hand and was pulled up. Kerlongsj gave him a white sweater. "You're now a hacker, so you have to wear the uniform of us. But, because you're still a pilot, so we took the two combined." Ichika smiled. "Thanks." He pulled it over his head.
"Fitting. It seems comfy." Kerlongsj and Anaton looked to everyone who turned to Ichika. Kerlongsj broke the sacred silence. "Ichika." The boy looked to him. "I forgot to tell this. When we said it will change you, we meant that in more ways. You'll be faster, stronger, and sharper in reflexes. You'll also be a bit more aggressive. It won't change so much. But still, the ones around you will notice. Well, it depends what they are to you. The hackers will actually welcome you in our group like that. The teachers, well, as hacker you only have to answer to me and your sister. But eh, your so called 'harem'" earning a grin from every hackers, Ichika included. "They'll notice it in a very bad way."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, when Laura wants to gut you open with her blade, most likely, you'll punch her in the ground. When Houki tries her katana on you, you'll activate yours and be faster. Activate it for a second. It should allow you to use this weapon."
Ichika nodded and with a shock and a grin, he activated partly Yukihira. "Wow. Hectic. I couldn't do that before. And not so smooth." Kerlongsj grinned and put a hand on his shoulder. "That's not everything. You can use it outside now and in a fight, your special trick, that energy blade, you can restore your shield points with your hacker program. For a long time. Lastly you'll be able to use guns from hackers, but that's not for today. Sorry I ask you now after everything. How do you feel?"
Ichika let out a groan. "Like I, like I've ran a fucking marathon or five. I'm dead tired, still I feel energy raging in me." Kerlongsj raised an eyebrow and everyone around them was surprised. "What?"
"Well, you're the first hacker who can stand up after the initiation for so long. Normally, you'd be sleeping the sleep of the dead. On the floor. In twenty four hours, your program is ready." Everyone now had deep respect for Ichika as they remembered their initiation. "One last thing, Ichika." Kerlongsj said, before he let the boy leave. "Being a part of an Orlejov hacker gang means you'll have to carry our family weapon. Your left hand please."
Ichika followed the command. Kerlongsj took a bracelet from behind his back. It was larger than Byakushiki and it was customized to the hacker logo. The guys were grinning as Kerlongsj took the bracelet and shove it on the arm of Ichika. "This, Ichika, is our family weapon. See this as an honour. You're the first foreigner ever to carry a weapon like that." Ichika looked at the weapon. "Thank you sir, but it's just a bracelet. How is this a weapon?"
"Really? This is the weapon I can match your sister with." Kerlongsj said in a joking tone. "I don't think it is just a bracelet." He activated the two hidden knives on both his arms and the two thirty centimetre long knives came out. Ichika was dumfounded by them. "Do the same. Stir up your ring finger and make sure that the blade doesn't hurt them. Get them out the way." Ichika followed the command and blinked it out. "Wow. This is cool. Many thanks. Every one of you."
"This is nothing more than a welcome gift. Every hacker in our group has to wear that. I suspect you want to rest right now." Ichika nodded. "No problem. The rest of training and celebration is for tomorrow. We'll see you coming".
Ichika left in the dark woods, disappearing as the boys watched him. He pulled his hood up. Kerlongsj looked to Anaton. "This is not going to go well, right? Those girls, it will spark. Like never before. And as gang and me, as brother, we have to watch him and help him." Kerlongsj agreed. "Yeah, I suspect he'll face problems. Follow him and if, only if he needs help, kick their arses. If you guys still got the energy?" Anaton made a grin and punched his brother in the shoulder. The hackers nodded and followed him. It was more than helping a friend. Ichika was a gang member. There was no graver sin for them than not to help one of your members. Kerlongsj was really surprised that Ichika could walk. Normally, he would be sleeping on the ground. Kerlongsj was no different when he was initiated, almost then years ago.
If the pilots knew what Kerlongsj had done, well, he didn't want to know what kinds of problems that would bring. The hackers on the place were shocked and that wasn't a surprise. In a normal ceremony, you needed seven S ranked hackers, the highest rank for them, for initiating a middle ranked schooler, by the class of B or C, if the boy had the age of seven. Ichika was an A+ hacker, the second highest rank you could get as schooler and he was sixteen years old. That Kerlongsj pulled that stunt in his own, controlling all eighteen power flunks, that was incredible. Again, Kerlongsj surprised them.
But even he felt the energy that was gone and how he got an effect on his body. Especially after nursing Chifuyu. It would take a few days before he was battle able. It would take two weeks before he could pull a stunt like that again. Well, enough time to nurture Chifuyu and to tease her to no end. Oh, he would enjoy that. He left, Chifuyu needed him now. More than ever. And Ichika and his newfound members could also use his help.
Even weakened, like this, he easily could take down the girls at the school as easy shit. But he was the last to act. Not, because he was too tired. Just because he would annoyed.
At the academy.
Ichika's hands left his pocket, pulling the hoodie down and cracked his neck and knuckles. He was tired, but still, he felt the energy raging in his body. His eyes went to the bracelet. With the right one, he was still a pilot. The very first male pilot for ten years. With the left one, he now became a hacker member of the Hell Hounds. One of the generation of almost fourty years. He clenched his teeth, knowing problems would come and walked in, bumping in seven certain angry girls. And boy, how right he was.
"What's up?" He asked in not even caring tone and wasn't bothered by the killing intent was directed at him. Even Kanzashi and Tatenashi were angry. "Where have been, Ichika-kun?" Tatenashi asked in her joking tone, already pissing him off when he remembered everything she put him through. He understood what Kerlongsj said he would be different. The six others wanted to know same as they had the same expression. If it hadn't bother him before the last year, it surely did now. He groaned and shrugged at them. Time to show who he was.
"None of your concern." He answered in a way he never thought he would speak like that. He had a low voice and it was like he didn't care what she could do to him. "Well, I thought I taught you that if this onee-san asks where you've been you answer that." She took her fan in the closed from and aimed for his throat. Ichika thought on Kerlongsj word. "It takes one tenth of second to activate the hidden knife. You'll be more aggressive, but stronger as well."
The words echoed in Ichika's head. In his left hand, he made the knife as soon Tatenashi came close. He backed down, pulled the knife up and by making a circle, he parried her attack. The shocked expression was worth a picture. But that counter didn't end there. He took her right arm at the wrist, flying her off and slammed at the window, shattering it. He moved his arms up and down, looking with an annoyance in his eyes. "Learn this from now on. If this young lad said, it wasn't your fucking concern, it isn't your fucking concern. Anyone else?" He turned to the girls, ready to take them on, but they weren't jumping in.
All twelve eyes looked at his left hand. Ichika followed them, understanding where they were looking at and withdrew the blade. "Ichika, what is that?" Houki asked, despite knowing she saw it before completely understanding what it was. "You mean?" He ejected the blade again. "This." Ichika looked at the knife. "This is, what I believe, the Orlejov's family weapon. I hope you know what that means if I carry this one." Charlotte got the words from a depth, refusing to believe, but it was true. "You became a hacker?" Ichika nodded. "Indeed. And what the fuck are you going to do about that? It was my choice."
Houki was shocked. "Are you stupid? Why did you?" Ichika deactivated the blade, so it wouldn't come out and put the hands in his pockets. "The Infinite Stratos I have is strong, but with that only, I'm not going to be strong enough to fight. I don't have the time nor the patience to wait and train for years. And surely, not under seven psychotic killers and better to train seven psychotic gang members who at least don't try to kill me every five minutes." The hard tone he spoke. It was like he was jealous on the girls. "I don't care what you think about it. Believe me when I tell you I couldn't care less of your opinions. I need to be strong and if I have to turn to the hackers for becoming stronger, then I'll do it. I had it with the way you all treat me. That's over."
Laura got from the group. "You are my wife and even so, you refuse to listen to me. I should teach something." Ichika only looked pissed when Laura used her energy claw. With a bang, he blocked her attack. The girls were astonished, Laura the most, to see Yukihira out of Byakushiki and as partial deployment. He parried her down, dropped the sword and grope her wrist. He jumped up, catapulting himself and with a strong effect, the end of both his feet made contact with Laura's face. She flew back, she was down.
"I'm not your fucking wife. Never been, never will." He spat the term as he took Yukihira back from the ground and felt the murderous aura of the remaining girls. He sighed, swinging the sword on his shoulders and ejecting the blade, dual wielding the two. "You wanna fight? You five against me? You sure?" He asked like he could take them on, what was the case now. He could take them on. It would only be a pain in his ass.
The girls looked to him and back to each other. In a flash, the Infinite Stratos were made. Now, Ichika surely had to lose. "No, that's not the way you're going to do it." A loud voice said. The seven gang members got in. Kashal cracked his knuckles. "Fuck, Ichika. You took down Laura and Tatenashi. And you just had an initiation. If you didn't' have my respect before, you sure have it now." Raton made a gun. "No, Charlotte, just no. He can take you on, but not like this in his current state." Tizof made his swords and put a hand on Ichika's shoulder.
"Top job, kerel. Seriously, I'm impressed." Ichika simply nodded. Before the rest of the guys and girls, they heard someone clapping. They turned to Kerlongsj who walked in. "Girls. Listen and that's also for you two." Laura and Tatenashi just got back on their feet. "Ichika indeed became a hacker and a gang member of Anaton. That was his choice and I respect that. I had Chifuyu's consent being his sister and neither he or I don't need yours. If you want to fight, do it later when he's strong enough. Initiating a hacker takes a lot of energy. It's the fucking middle of the night and it's the second one in a row. I used enough to power Japan and blow it up at the same time with what I just pulled. These guys can fight you, but they only want to rest. And you really want to fight?" cracking his knuckles.
"In that case, I'm ready and able. Even if I have ten percent of my normal strength, that's enough to kill all of you three times over again. Still game?" He looked to the girls who deactivated their Infinite Stratos and left. "Good and I don't want any complaints of this. To your rooms, it's past midnight." The girls left defeated. Their chances of Ichika choosing one now were even smaller. He found a reason to like the guys as friends even more.
Kerlongsj nodded as Charlotte picked Laura up. She could walk, but she gave a glance to Ichika and Kerlongsj. Tatenashi left and looked to Ichika, causing the boy to gulp. "She's going to kill me in my sleep." He said. "Well, in that case. Spend the night in our place. Okay?" Ichika nodded. "Before we leave, Ichika. I have given you these powers. They're not meant to kill those pilots. Don't do that, okay. And keep low profile. Tomorrow, we'll have your first training at our place. After that, it's more a time for celebrating. It's like a test. For the time being, don't piss off the pilots. Which is going to be impossible."
The guys left. "Where have I started with? Well, we see how it works out. Still, that kid. To walk after an initiation is one thing. Being able to take down two pilots, even the academies strongest. With some training, this kid is the new one. Ichika. Who the fuck are you really?"
The guys left in a jovial mood, chatting and making jokes. Just like Kerlongsj, they were impressed. Not even being the initiate, Ichika managed to take down two pilots. It greatly impressed the boys. The training and sparring should be promising tomorrow. At the place, the guys got at their dorms house. Ichika took the spare bed of Anaton's room. In five minutes, everyone was sleeping like a dead man.
Kerlongsj on the other hand got in the infirmary, most likely, he would sleep there. It had one guest inside. He took a glass and filled it with water. He was beaten and his eyes were clouded. He took the water and walked to the room of Chifuyu. When he got in, she was snoozing peacefully. She was so cute at this moment. Still, he promised to wake her up after the ceremony. "Chifu, hey Chifu." He said, tapping her. She was drowsy, but looked to him. "Kerlsj, oh. Hello. I had a nice dream."
"My apologies for waking you up, but you were the one who asked me to tell how Ichika faired." She nodded and sat up. "Is that for me?" looking at the glass with water. "Yeah, here." He gave it to her. "Thank you." She was dying of thirst. In one swoop, the glass was empty. "A second?" Kerlongsj offered. "No, first telling me? How did Ichika do it?"
"Unbelievable, really. After the initiation, he was awake. He could walk on his own two feet back here. Even I, fell asleep right after mine. He could even take Tatenashi and Laura down. The kid created Yukihira as partial deployment. He wanted to take down the rest of the girls, but the gang interfered and I did as well. Not that I think he couldn't take them on, but the guys see him as gang member. I stopped them. He can fight tomorrow."
He felt Chifuyu's hand on his own. "Did we wake a sleeping lion?" Kerlongsj shrugged. "You're going to be surprised how much he's changed. But you might like it." Kerlongsj and she smiled and the two enjoyed each other's companies. "What do you mean?" Kerlongsj shrugged. "Well, it depends on how you treat Ichika from now on. He might be a bit different, but you, his older sister, does have authority over him." Chifuyu looked up surprised. "What do you mean?" Kerlongsj grinned. "He kicked down Tatenashi. In his own. And he stopped Laura. That guy, I wish you could see our training. And I'm going to apologise. I told the girls I had your consent."
Chifuyu's eye twitched, but she stood down. "Well, it's the truth. Still, I have a question. Why did you, Kerlongsj Orlejov, agree with Ichika's crazy idea?" Kerlongsj took a chair and went to sit, turning the back to Chifuyu. "Well, that's the same reason I let Madoka come here. Because we lack numbers. We need everybody we can get. While you're strong, you can't win every fight without Kurazakura. And even I'm not mad enough to ask you, to activate her. It's your right. But we need our numbers somewhere. So when Ichika asked."
"You had a hacker and a stronger pilot." Kerlongsj nodded. This wasn't easy to speak about, considering how special the bond between Ichika and Chifuyu was. "Yeah, that's true. Problem with that?" Chifuyu shook her head. "No, but when I can get up." Kerlongsj pushed her down. "You are going to rest and heal. I can't afford you to pass out. Chifuyu." His green eyes were serious. "I can't have you dying on me. Not now. Ichika chose to become a hacker to be strong. To be like you. But you need to think something over. We'll see how he fairs, but the reason he's always trying so hard is because he wants something very simple. Your approval. We all need you now, more than ever. You don't realise it, but you're a beacon of strength for a lot of us, including me. I don't want to lose anyone else. Never again."
Chifuyu's eyes went open. It was something Kerlongsj never told her before. "Chifuyu. I don't ask you to drag about him. Not at all. But a nice word every now and then and avoiding lectures some time. It would help him a great deal. And it's something only you can do." Chifuyu saw Kerlongsj leaving. "I'll brief you about him, but for now, you are staying here. A question. What are we going to do with your class? Days off or let me and Maya take over? Because in no way, I'll let you walk away. " Chifuyu sighed. Kerlongsj was really stubborn, but she understood. "Can you handle my class than?" Kerlongsj shrugged. "Being a teach not assigned to one class, I can pull the trick. I only have three classes. When Maya is teaching, I'll take over the rest. I know enough thanks to you." Chifuyu smiled at the man. "But I mean it. No work, no training, only resting and healing. The nanites I installed inside you, need that time. You're strong yes, but not invincible." Chifuyu decided to listen to a man and laid down. She closed her eyes. "What a crazy week this has been."
Kerlongsj left. For now, Anaton had to train the newfound hacker. Kerlongsj wanted to rest as well and the normal defences began. The teachers had to protect. He went to bed. Tomorrow was going to be a forced free day, meaning that the student were free and the teachers were briefed. Kerlongsj had enough to pull that.
Next day.
In the teachers' lounge, the principal and teachers got briefed by Kerlongsj who practically begged to take a day off. It was necessary not to have students taking lessons. Kerlongsj wanted to rest as well and boy, he wouldn't do anything else. After briefing, he went to see Chifuyu and most likely, he would take a nap there. In the meantime, the most students went on with their lives. Cirluk sat in his room. He gave Madoka an update. She was dazzled with what happened to her older sister. Cirluk also explained that the guys were training.
She was free to walk, but she wasn't allowed to be seen. For her, that was not a problem. Her brother got at one arena. His first real training had begun. The lads greeted them. For now, he wasn't wearing a pilot suit, but he was dressed in a long trouser and a shirt. "Okay, why did you lads asked me to come in these cloths?" He asked to Anaton. The young leader walked to him. "Well, the reason why Kerlongsj thinks you can be strong is by using your technology and your Infinite Stratos on the same time. Of course, we need to get you on the same level for that. You're ranked A+ for energy flow, but that doesn't mean anything. For now, you'll get theory from us and we'll practice immediately. Let me tell you that it will be completely different from your Infinite Stratos in some ways."
Ichika raised an eyebrow on that. "How? It's thanks to the technology that I could defeat the girls yesterday." Anaton crossed his arms. "Yeah, the initiation gave you a stronger body, but that's only in normal terms. You didn't use it as what we call real tech. The reason why we need a stronger body, is because your body would break using it. You need to know that your nanites will take and give. But that's all for later." Ichika looked dumfounded. "For now, I need you to activate your technology. Unlike your Infinite Stratos, you need two things." Ichika payed attention. "The first thing." Anaton raised one finger. "You need to let the energy flow enough. Don't resist them. Let them come out. The second thing is the opposite. You can't afford your nanites to do whatever they please. You need to control them to a certain level." Ichika was confused. Anaton smiled on it.
"Let me show you." The boy activated Hell's Punch. "This is the perfect example, because we're going to train as supportive." Ichika backed down. "You told me I could be used on three sides." Anaton sighed. "Yeah, but we don't know how you'll do that. For now, I need you to train. We'll use Byakushiki for that. Now, I need this. Look." Ichika saw the fist of Anaton controlling the energy "I use my nanites to come at my skin and they form energy there. Like your Yukihira in Reiraku Byakuya. Unlike that, I can control how much energy on that and I can decide where they have to go. Hell's Punch would be impossible for you." Ichika looked down. "It took me almost three years to get it. It's a technique I thank on my Nature. Low control. A Nature you can't control or train. You have it or you don't. It depends on who you are. You need to be in sync for that, so we'll find out."
Ichika followed it. "Now, Ichika. Let your nanites out and control it." Ichika had a stupid look. "On what?" Anaton scratched his cheek. "Your fist. Let me tell this beforehand. It's not like Hell's Punch. When you're using that, you're replacing the energy. With Hell's Punch, you build up layers." Ichika understood and he slowly began to form nanites. They began to deform his hand. "Wow." But as soon it worked and he spoke, he was blasted off. "What was that?" Anaton nor his gang were very surprised. "You didn't control the energy bending enough. Try again." Ichika got back up and did again. And again, and again, and again. Hours passed, the sun came up, but still, he tried. He didn't have to expect help from his friends. He tried to form, but it was always wrong.
Or the energy was too wild or he controlled it too much and the nanites didn't have a chance to come out. The hackers began to sit down and look at him. Hours later and Ichika laid on his back, paining heavily, not being able to stand up. His arm was completely burned and it was as numb as you could expect. He couldn't move his fingers. "Shit."
"No big surprise that you couldn't. That'd be amazing. For now, we're going to rest. Take your leave guys. Sorry for asking this." The members shrugged and left the place. After a long tiring training, Ichika laid on his back, completely exhausted and battered. Piloting the Infinite Stratos was one thing, controlling hacker technology was something else. Especially because his arm was feeling like it was burning up. Anaton sat next to him. "Good job." He was positive of the older boy. Ichika was amazed, he completely flunked last training and he couldn't believe Anaton's smile.
"Why are you see saying that? I completely failed it." Anaton's smile couldn't be more misguiding. "Wrong. What I wanted was that you get your body accustom to the nanites that are now inside of you. The point of today's training was that you, your body, got accustom to it, because you have a hard time to control it. But your Infinite Stratos doesn't. You can use it the same way like us, but instead of using your body, you use your machine." Ichika couldn't follow it, but tensed up when Anaton began to heal the burned arm.
"Your Infinite Stratos will use your tech to back up. Activate your suit." Ichika nodded and started Byakushiki, but his Infinite Stratos had a change. It wasn't like a first of second shift. It glowed a lot more and some places were different. His sword was glowing, but not like Reiraku Byakuya. It was a bit different, glowing of nanite technology. His energy claw was also different, it had changed in a hidden knife. Ichika was glad about it. His canon was back, but he felt it loaded with nanites and his rifle was better at his arm. "Welcome to our group, Ichika. Your nanites got attached to your Infinite Stratos and they're communicating to your nanites inside you. So try to get nanites in your sword and use them."
Ichika nodded and to his shock, it was a lot more powerful. Unlike Reiraku Byakuya, it was stronger, aggressive. Like a boy's energy and not a girl's energy. It also didn't drain his shield points. Ichika smiled and nodded to Anaton. "Supposedly, your program can now only be used when your Infinite Stratos is active, so we need to work on that. The good thing is that we don't have to teach you much. Only to control it." Ichika sighed. He wasted all day on training, but didn't grow. He got down and got a tap on his arms. "Hey, quit the dark thoughts. You did a good job." Ichika was a bit pissed, but he would forgive the guys. He had to.
After Anaton left, he figured he might visit his sister. Most likely, Kerlongsj would be there as well. For now, he could use some advice. As he changed, he decided to drop the dense act and began to speak up. But he might need the advice of a few persons for that. In the clothing room, which he shared with the hackers, he changed his clothes after a warm shower. He took the shirt and pulled his hoodie above it. He left soon. The shower had the great effect, feeling recharged. He would sleep like a log. Despite not being able to use nanites actively, passively was no problem. Handy for avoiding girls. With his newfound skills and strength, that wasn't a problem. He sneaked his way to the academy.
He didn't want to deal with his self-proclaimed harem or at least not with all of them. That would suck. Hell, even with his powers and help of the lads, he could aim as academy's strongest. The guys were that normally, but because they worked in groups, it was illegal. With the help and data transfer, so he could receive the weapons of his gang members, he could destroy the armies that gathered here. Nobody, with the dual effect, could match him. Tomorrow, the rough training would begin and he was going to kick asses. Without being noticed, he got at the infirmary. He knocked at the door and went in. He passed Kerlongsj who got a glass of water. "Ichika. Hey, how went your first nanite hacker training?" Ichika gave him a devilish smile. "Hellish, How's Chifuyu-nee?" He responded at the same tone the older man spoke to him. "She's good, but please prove yourself. It would be a pain in the ass, if your training doesn't pay off." Ichika gave him a soft punch on the upper arm and passed the older hacker.
He walked to his older sister who was still in bed. She looked a lot better. Her arms were still bandaged and those around her neck were still on, but her IV was off. She looked up, better than yesterday, but she still had to rest. It would take a while, before she could fight, but her changes were higher. "Chifuyu-nee?" Ichika asked, causing her to look up and smile. A reassuring one for a change. "How many times do I have to tell to call me?"
"Orimura-sensei? Piss off, sis. You're not in teacher duty, so Chifuyu-nee is how I'll call you from now on in times like these." She understood what Kerlongsj meant with the fact he'd change. This could be fun. "Well, seems like you got some guts. You'll just wait until I can walk." He grinned on that and got a chair. "In school, fine, I'll call you Orimura-sensei. But outside those hours, you'll have to deal with Chifuyu-nee. I'm a hacker. Besides, Anaton does the same with Kerlongsj. So why can't I?" Chifuyu heard from Kerlongsj that getting close as siblings doesn't have to stand in the way of your career. She saw how Kerlongsj did that with Anaton.
Ichika would still respect her and see her as his big sister, but getting some pressure of him, would do a lot. "Fine. So how have you been now I'm here and how was training?" Ichika smiled. "Well, harsh, but it paid off. For now, I'll try the coming days again. How are you?" Chifuyu shrugged and took the glass of water Kerlongsj brought. Ichika was glad his sister was taken care of, but for some stupid reason, he was also jealous. "I'm getting healed and guarded. Kerlongsj thinks it's better we take off some weeks. So, he'll be guarding me." Ichika looked up, surprised. "Why?"
"Well, because I need some time to give my nanites the chance to replenish. So that's why. The hackers will have to study on their own." Ichika grinned. "You'll get trained by Anaton and your gang will have to give you handouts. Okay?" Ichika looked down. "That will give some problems. Tatenashi is going after me for this."
Chifuyu had to agree. She was an amazing student, that was true, but she was also an incredible annoying girl at moments. She even lost the respect of Kerlongsj. He had two ways it worked. Or your follow the rules or you break them. Bending works, fine, but don't do it in a way, so it works out for you. The hackers never did that, because they just don't play by rules. They only answered to their own. Bending rules, what politicians often did with the hackers, ended with them on the end of their blade. Tatenashi had to learn the rules for now. Ichika was a hacker, so her rules couldn't do anything to him. Or at least in such a big scale.
Kerlongsj shrugged. "For now, training will be more important." Ichika nodded, those were world's strongest man and woman, but now, they looked tired and they deserved some rest. "Something on your mind." Ichika couldn't believe that Kerlongsj looked up, but it was Chifuyu who spoke up. "Yeah, can I ask you some advice?" Chifuyu was surprised. "About what? Don't ask for extra lessons. Ichika shook his head and had a serious look. "No, I'm not asking as a student from a teacher, I'm asking as a little brother to his older sister who's his guardian." Chifuyu was surprised he spoke like that. "What is it, brother?" With a heavy breath, he began to talk. "I'm done playing nice, but I'm also done playing dense. But I have no clue in the world how to deal with the girls chasing me! I mean, they're still in love with me, but that isn't the biggest issue."
It sounded weird for Chifuyu and Kerlongsj. What could be more problematic for a guy to have seven psychotic girls who all had problems with the world's advanced weapon after you? "Yesterday, the guys have told me that all of them, or most of my new group, are getting attracted to one of those girls." It rang a bell for the two. Yes, seven girls with an Infinite Stratos could be problematic, but seven nanite hackers as worlds best youngest were a bigger issue. "They're not blaming me for it, but they are pissed on that. So how am I going to clean up this mess? Can't do it alone? Do you have an idea?" Kerlongsj shrugged. He had no idea where he could help out. Of course, he had an idea how to deal with a girl, but Chifuyu wasn't like the girls. More like a rough start ending a good ending. These guys had no problem telling to the girls they liked them and it was very different, because they were old fashioned. They had no idea how to change their attentions.
"Well, let me put it to you this way." Chifuyu asked. "For solving this, the girls have to learn they all can't have you." Kerlongsj nodded. "Ichika, are you really not wanting a girlfriend? That can help a bit in making a strategy." Ichika cleared his eyes painfully, shaking and nodding together. "Well, yeah, but I'm not good choosing a girl. And if I have to be honest, it's hard to make the right one." Kerlongsj grinned. "Well, if you take my advice as older guy. The reason why the girls are all after you, is because you do or did something to them in some way." Ichika nodded. "And to be honest, this is just my idea. I stay with my previous opinion. Houki's your best choice. The problem is that the guys have the decency to get the girls the right way. Not when they're comforting them over a broken heart." Kerlongsj knew his guys as well and the girls wouldn't take it that way. The girls had to learn that the normal way.
"It can't be easy." Was Chifuyu's answer. Kerlongsj looked to Ichika with a serious look. "Talk first with the guys and work it out with them. They're your allies, also in this, not your rivals." Ichika grinned. "Okay, thanks for the tips. Good day. Chifuyu-nee. Kerlongsj-nii." He left them with a smile on his face. "Did he just call me Kerlongsj-nii?" The two looked to each other with the same look on their faces. He left the room. It wouldn't be easy. He now had feelings to figure for himself, but with the life now, it wouldn't be easy. He had the cards in his hands. With playing it right, it could work out for everyone. He didn't want to be cupid. He had his own feeling towards one and Kerlongsj's advice was placing heavy weight on him. The guys wanted the girls to fall for them for who they are. They matched the guys in some way. And he had one who matched him in a good way.
And he saw that someone passing. Houki. He looked at his childhood / samurai friend, now with calculating eyes. He would use his knife or his new powers when it was necessary. She was likely angry from yesterday, but this time he would fight back. First he wanted to see what she wanted. "Hey, Houki." He spoke nonetheless. "Ichika." He got as response. Her voice was away and empty. Her eyes were red swollen. Like the rest of the girls, she was sad over what Ichika said yesterday. Those hard words. It made it clear on how shitty they had been treating Ichika. Ichika made it very clear he didn't want to do anything with them anymore. "Where have you been all day?" he shrugged. "Training with the lads. It was nice, but a bit rough. Something up?" He asked, a little more friendly than last time.
"I, eh, eh, no. Just passing by. Eh, Ichika." He looked up, but leant at the windows. "How serous were you yesterday? When you wanted to fight us?" He shrugged on it. He had time to think about it. "Well, I'm sorry about calling you guys psychotic killers, but really, sometimes you girls act like that. You just jump in conclusions. I agree they were a bit unlikely to happen, but really, do you really all think, I'm just a boy who can't control his urges." It hit a few painful sores for Houki.
"But I meant what I said to Tatenashi and Laura. I was angry at the two. Mostly Tatenashi. You know how she is. How she acts around me. Where she puts me through? I'm not Laura's wife. I had it with that shit." Both had a smile formed at their faces, but it disappeared after they noticed it from each other. "And I 'm not some fucking toy or a trophy to win. I'm a person. May I have a choice? True, I'm or better was the only guy at the school, but really, I haven't asked for it. I've had it with the way Tatenashi treats me. I now officially hate her guts." Houki took a liking to Tatenashi as she acted her older sister at moments, reminding her of Tabane, but Ichika was right " The rest of you girls as well. Like I said, I'm not some kind of bloody trophy." Ichika looked outside. "I've done wrong with acting dense, I admit, but you've all done as worse as well. And really, if I didn't, it would be so much worse." Houki had an idea what he meant, but he was right. "The point I have the most problems with, is that you girls don't understand I'm in a very delicate position and I haven' t asked for it. Now it's less problematic than our first year, but I'm still the only goddamn male that can use an Infinite Stratos. Can you believe I was happy with the hackers coming here? With all this, I can't choose a girl just here and now. Can I?" Houki gave it a thought.
While it was true, Ichika had a difficult position. She never placed her in his shoes and if she thought about it, she understood why it was difficult for all of them. "And you girls aren't the only ones who're oblivious to their surroundings." He grinned if he thought about what the guys told him.
"Huh?" Houki looked surprised. "Well, I'm wrong with you, but the lads told me. All of them, except Tizof and Anaton fell in love with one of our friends. It's maybe a bit low, but can I ask you something? As friends?" Now, Ichika spoke in the most friendly tone she heard for a while.
"What is it?" Ichika closed his eyes and opened them. After that he spoke up? "What do you girls even like about a boy like me? Why are seven girls chasing me? What specific trait do I have you girls all want me? It isn't just the thing I can pilot an IS." Houki was blown away, but all the girls had a reason why they like him. "Well, I like you, because you stood up for me and protected me in elementary school. You're nice and thoughtful. You're good with training. Rin fell for you for the same reason and because your promise meant a lot. She wanted to see you again. It made her strong. Cecilia sees you as strong as well."
"But considering the dreams they had about me, was that she still sees me as a lower in society, despite loving me. If we take this to the World purge, sorry to ask, but why was Charlotte a maid and Laura, well, you know the apron?" Houki smiled for a bit and walked closer to him. When she stood next to him, she gave him the answers. "Well, Charlotte thinks of you as her protector, you know from her father, and Laura wants someone to see her as human. Not a soldier like most of the times." Ichika leant at the window. "And Kanzashi as some anime hero and Tatenashi as a?" Houki was facing him. "I don't know, but why do you ask all this?" Ichika cupped his chin. "Well, because Raton is after Charlotte, Kashal after Laura." Houki nodded and her eyes were sparkling of it. "So it was true."
"Izolf for some crays reason Kanzashi, Erzof took a liking to Cecilia and you'd be surprised if Thazalof is after Rin." Houki had a wry smile.
"And Tatenashi." She asked, making Ichika crossing his arms. "Well, Jozalof wants to get closer and I don't know of Tizof's interest. That makes us the ones left. Could you keep this a secret?" Houki nods, she would keep this secret. "Sorry for the awkward tension." Ichika got back up. "I'm going back to the hackers. Training is now more important, but I have one unfinished job. That is something from the summer." He pulled Houki in a soft, but long kiss.
Surprise filled her eyes and her strength was drained. His arms were around her head as her were around his waist. Still, she enjoyed it. He didn't use his tongue like Laura did, but their lips didn't let go. It was soft, but firm like the girl always wanted. What she wanted a summer ago. The two didn't let go. His breath left after a few minutes. A bit of drool was left on the lips of the two. "Consider I made my decision years ago? Before the Infinite Stratos." Houki let her arms ago and her blush was fiercely red. 'How much did he change to be this aggressive?'
She wanted to tell the world about it, but calmed down. She had to keep it a secret. For now, the girl had to decide what to do with the info. Still, it surprised her that Ichika fell for her. She felt a paper in her hand, she began to read. "To Houki. Sorry for what I did, but I couldn't resist. You were playing on my mind, even after you left. I couldn't forget you. I was so sad when you left. My feeling stayed lingering and got back when I saw you again. More beautiful than in my memories. I wanted us to get close again, but times had changed. I'm sorry for making you wait this long. Enjoy your reward." She smiled as the boy left she dallied to her room. Only if it worked out, the maiden could kiss him again. But for one thing, she felt weird. Ichika being hacker meant he was stronger. That was her ideal Ichika. He had to be stronger. Tizof who became a close friend, her best friend despite Ichika, told her something about a boy's hearth. Despite all crushing for him, her love for Ichika was pure. The other four were more lust than love. It sounds weird, but even guys wants a girl that loves him and not just lusts after him. Tizof also explained to have some knowledge of it and that the hackers learnt of it as well.
She also thought about the friendship she had with Tizof. While it was more than clear the two weren't in love, the two were really best friends. Like it was like this. They could take about things they normally couldn't. That's why she was glad to learn from her dream and how a boy would look to it.
For the time being, she would keep it a secret. Finally, she began to know why Ichika acted like that. And he made a point. If she wanted to go after him, she had to stop the other pilots and let them know a hacker was after them. she smiled and left for her room. She was glad and for her, it has been a good way. She knew she was his choice. She had to wait, but the shrine maiden had a good mood for the rest of the day. If she could hide it, it'd save her a lot of problems.
Ichika walked back home. Was kissing Houki such a good idea? Still, she was the one who had been on his mind for a long time. He walked on, steeling that he made his choice. Oh, man, couldn't the hackers come out of hiding sooner? It would save him for a lot of problems. If she could treat him better, it would work out fine. Still, he needed the help of his gang members to get somewhere. It would be pathetic for them to get the girls if they fell over comforting. They had to fall for them eventually and that could only work when they got close to the hackers and Ichika wasn't a route anymore. Was Houki's right on the example, she could help his gang members. Jozalof had to sort things out himself with Tatenashi. Suddenly, he felt a presence. One he hadn't felt in a life time. One who was similar to a known one. One who was deadly. Was, now, it wasn't so much. "Come out, Madoka." He asked, while he stood alone.
He saw his younger sister, coming out of the bushes. She wore the same attire when they first met.
Ichika pulled up his hoodie and drew his hidden blade out. "Been a while, Ichika." Ichika didn't response, but only gritted his teeth. If she would drew out her gun, he would gut her down. He had the power for that. "Nice toy you have on your hands." Mentioning the hidden blade. "Cirluk told me you became a hacker and that you impressed them."
"Shut your mouth. You'd almost killed me last time we fought. You wanted to kill Chifuyu-nee. What the devil are you doing here?" He was angry, but knew that letting his emotion take control would end up badly. She was strong. Acting on instinct would kill him.
He didn't pull his hood down, but made himself ready to attack and if necessary kill the girl.
Cliff hanger for a change. See you guys later.
I have cut the edges on this. I really needed it.
And with that, I'm done. Man, I wanted to do this thing for a while. So, I changed Ichika to a hacker, I hope you like it. I made him a supportive type, but due to his Infinite Stratos, I made him useable on every terrain. Sorry to say, but in canon, he sucks. The program will help him controlling his IS and will make it easier to fight. I have enough of harem heroes who get killed by their harem, so I made him a bit more badass.
Okay, it's a bit stupid and who've read my story, might have seen this coming from a mile that I would pair up Houki and Ichika. Sorry, for me, that's the best couple and to be honest. The more logical. Hope you guys don't mind, because the romance will play part, but not as heavy as Kerlongsj and Chifuyu who're still my main couple. Now, I made a Ichika a hacker, I have a few more ideas and I can use my main characters for a few other stories.
Ichika's program is Devil's Knight. A program similar to Kerlongsj's Devil's Code and Anaton's Hells Fire. Why I mention it here, that will be verified in coming chapters. I also intend to let him dual wield weapons like a sword and hidden blade and change his fighting style a bit. About the girl in his head, where he gets stronger, well, I've read something in that, so that's why I placed it there. She doesn't speak normally, but I decided to place it there and I made Ichika her knight. For the program, well, I just made a wolf, because Ichika's program is similair to Anaton's.
There is something I want to ask you guys. Please send me a message on suggestions for the romance scenes and how I should pass it on. I have some ideas, but they're not so good. Technically, I took a run with this and I didn't stop. So, suggestions on how the romance would be nice. I'm not going to rush anything, I'll take my time for it.
This is something worth mentioning. The couples for who haven't read my entire story are these.
Houki x Ichika. (Although, I won't need help with this one soon.)
Honne x Tizof. (Sounded nice to me, not so much help needed.)
Charlotte x Raton (Okay, the two fell out a bit, so I got an idea on how this is going to work, but still a suggestion is nice.)
Laura x Kashal. (This is a bit more rough. Relation placed I mean. Kashal is a guy trained to fight, with nearly no respect to military and he is not completely domestic. He's more like equally. He wants that Laura sees him as her equal and not as a house keeper. The reason why I gave those two a pair up, is because they're hardly used to normal life. Like Raton and Charlotte, I got an idea on how this going to work out.)
Now, a bit more difficult.
Tatenashi x Jozalof (The reason why I shipped those two is, because they're both a bit older than the others. If you don't have any ideas, don't worry. Me neither, I only named the guy. I have to work out his character and how to interact. He's a lesser problem.)
Now, the really hard ones.
Thazalof x Rin (This is going to suck like a bitch. I got something, but a suggestion is nice. Rin is hyper active and a bit creepy. Thazalof is more cool and calm. The most calm one of the group. He likes Rin for a reason. What that is, not going to give. He's also someone who's a bit more calculated. He wants to help her and fight besides her.)
Cecilia x Erzof. (The reason why I paired those two up is more of their differences. Despite his looks, Erzof is quite large, he is friendly, cool, but he doesn't refrain from fighting. He's also humble and often listens to Cecilia. He didn't fell for Cecilia for her looks, but more for her strength. He also wants to change her ideas for her world vision.)
Kanzashi x Izolf. (This is the hardest one. A gloomy, shy girl who's a fan of anime to a scarfed, rough guy whose ideas are dark, pessimistic, but often realistic. He wants to let her know that you don't have to hope for a hero, but to fight yourself and call on your comrades when you need help. He also wants to show her she doesn't have to take everything from her family. The reason why he got close to her, is because she heals in him a way that no one else can. What that is, you'll find out. And I got some ideas explained in coming chapters.)
For the ones who're reading and are (still) hopping on an incest fic, who're nowadays for some reason extremely popular, especially in these fanfics, I'm not going to change that. Not because I don't have an open mind set or don't enjoy reading them. No, because if that was the case, I wouldn't go through all the trouble, creating the hackers and giving them form and getting my current stories in this way.
Still, I will give you the guys the couples of Ichika's (canon) sisters.
Chifuyu x Kerlongsj. Do I really need to explain this one? If I really have to, than I'm seriously questioning your mental health. Or in case, you haven't read my other stories, sorry, than I suggest you read Crossed Paths or previous chapters?
Madoka x Cirluk. (Due to the fact that both are scarfed, early in life, far worse than Izolf and that both had a past that haunts them till today, gave me a reason to pair both up. It was a suggestion early in my story to pair her up with a crazy hacker and I decided to make a run with it. So, the reason why I got a Palestinian (former child) soldier is meant as mirror for the Silver Gospel, and I paired him up with Madoka, because the two are attracted to each other for helping and healing each other. Here, I would like some ideas, but I have a few basics. Because now, I got Madoka at one place, but a bit more ideas to get her in the stories would be nice.)
The reason why I've put it here is, because if I want to get suggestions, so you guys need info. Please leave a review or pm for ideas. Thanks. I hoped you like my chapters.
One last thing. I have an idea for coming chapter or in February, but more than likely, after that, I'll end up in a break. I have absolutely no idea for doing after this. I think I'll wait for a while and do something else. Like my other fic (The Graduated student or a dark one).
Can I ask you guys to check my poll? I got three votes, but it won't be enough. I'm also thinking of making a Highschool Dxd fic. It's a great anime and I have some ideas. But I'm going to need my drawer for that.
Saluut.