Infinite Stratos: Truth Be Told Chapter 36: Little Big Trouble part 2, an infinite stratos/is<インフィニット・ストラトス> fanfic

Infinite Stratos: Truth Be Told

A/N: New chapter again! Apologies for my slightly late updates, work from school is flooding me, can't write straight if there are many assignments. Anyway I'm really excited for the Infinite Stratos season 2, I saw the preview on youtube and it was the beast! Oh yeah! IS is back baby and I hope that now it would become 24 episode series.

Back to my story, I'm finished drafting my new IS units and new characters. They will make their debuts one by one. The battle against the main antagonist in this arc is fast approaching, gotta read me some good action works. That's all for now!

Disclaimer: I don't own Infinite Stratos (except for my OCs), it belongs to Izuru Yumizuru.

Chapter 36:

"Nee-chan where are you taking me?"

The little Ichika asked as Chifuyu took him to the bathroom.

"Isn't it obvious? You're taking a bath."

Ichika disagreed by moaning.

"I'm not taking a bath if nee-chan won't take a bath!"

The young Ichika puffed up his cheeks at his sister.

"UH!..."

Chifuyu didn't know how to react to her little brother's request (demand).

(It should be alright? Right? I mean he's young once again and there is no harm to it if we take a bath together. But wait….. Won't this look like I'm taking advantage of him? But…..)

Chifuyu's mind turned messy as the different opinions in her mind started conflicting.

(Grab)

Chifuyu looked down and saw her little brother looking at her pleadingly with his teary azure eyes.

"Uh…"

Chifuyu blushed at the cuteness of her vulnerable little brother. Refusing him, would be so heartless of her.

"(Sigh). Alright then."

Chifuyu conceded at her little brother's request, Ichika jumped like a kid in Christmas when he heard Chifuyu agree.

Minutes later….

Chifuyu whose now dressed in just a bath towel wrapped around her body showered with the naked Ichika. Chifuyu felt a little awkward at first but she then got over it, after they usually do this when they were young so this would be no awkward moment.

"Chifuyu-nee that tickles!"

Ichika giggled as Chifuyu rubbed his sides with a sponge.

"Just stay still, so we can finish faster."

Chifuyu thoroughly scrubbed every corner of Ichika's body; she doesn't feel embarrassed or awkward anymore. After all Ichika is her little brother, fussing over something like this would be more awkward.

"Don't move I'll rinse the soap."

Chifuyu took the shower head and washed off the bubbling soap on Ichika's body.

(What happened to him inside the barrier? Can this be reversed? Tabane has a lot to answer for this.)

Chifuyu couldn't help but growl.

"Nee-chan…"

Ichika's innocent voice snapped out Chifuyu of her daze.

"W-What is it?"

"Do you hate taking a bath with me?"

Ichika meekly asked Chifuyu, his eyes laced with tears. Chifuyu nearly panicked when Ichika revealed such an expression.

"Where did you get that? I don't hate taking a bath with you at all."

Ichika started to sniffle when he taught that Chifuyu was lying.

"You're lying…."

Ichika's tears run down his cheeks. Chifuyu felt her heart wrench when she saw Ichika crying, it reminded her of the times when Ichika saw her fighting with her cousins or her big sister. Ichika would always cry hard whenever he saw any of them fighting. Chifuyu hated to see Ichika crying, so she will do anything to keep him from crying.

"I'm not lying. Look at me Ichika."

Chifuyu grabbed Ichika's cheeks and pulled him in close enough that his forehead would touch hers.

"I love you Ichika. Don't forget that, I always enjoy the things we do together. So get that thought out of your head alright."

Chifuyu smiled at Ichika and then kissed him on the forehead.

"…."

The two siblings looked at each other and smiled.

"I believe Chifuyu-nee."

Ichika smiled at Chifuyu and Chifuyu smiled back.

(SPLASH)

The two siblings are now on the bathtub together. Ichika is sitting on Chifuyu's lap, while Chifuyu is busy washing Ichika's hair.

"Taking a bath with nee-chan is the best!"

The little Ichika turned to Chifuyu with a really happy smile on his face.

"Stay still you don't want soap getting in your eyes."

Chifuyu poured a hand full shampoo on her hand and rub it on her little brother's raven hair.

"Hmmmmmm….."

Ichika purred as Chifuyu's hand massaged his head.

"What is it Ichika?"

Chifuyu heard Ichika purring and asked him why he was making those sounds. Ichika just turned to his sister and hugged her tightly, burying his face on Chifuyu's ample breasts.

"AH!"

The very close contact made Chifuyu flinch slightly, the warm touch of Ichika made her a bit ticklish all over. But having prided herself as a disciplined woman Chifuyu quickly reverted back to her usual demeanor.

"Quit moving."

Chifuyu gently made Ichika let go of her and resumed washing his hair.

"Chifuyu-nee is really warm, I feel safe whenever I hug you."

Chifuyu couldn't help but blush slightly at Ichika's innocent words.

"Quit talking or you'll get soap on your mouth."

Chifuyu tried to make Ichika to keep quiet but the boy kept on throwing his subtle attacks at her.

"Taking a bath with Chifuyu-nee is the best! I don't feel lonely and I feel really at ease."

Ichika kept on talking and Chifuyu kept on blushing.

"Chifuyu-nee is so beautiful and she smells good too!"

Finally, Chifuyu couldn't take it anymore and lightly pinched Ichika's cheek.

"Ueeeh! Nee-chan!"

"I said keep quiet."

Chifuyu didn't glare at Ichika; she couldn't bring herself to do so. Ichika as of now is too cute to even scold so she just pinched him lightly on the cheek.

"Just keep quiet alright."

Chifuyu told Ichika and the young boy smiled at her.

"Hai!"

Chifuyu took the showerhead and spray water on Ichika's head.

"Close your eyes."

Chifuyu rinsed the soap on Ichika's head.

"Hmmm…."

Ichika closed his eyes as the soap on his head got washed away.

"There now you're all cleaned up."

Chifuyu smiled at Ichika.

"Hmmmmmm."

Ichika clung to Chifuyu again, snuggling on Chifuyu's chest.

"…."

Chifuyu looked at Ichika's face. The peaceful expression Ichika is making caused happiness to fill Chifuyu. She then hugged her younger brother tenderly.

"Chifuyu-nee is so warm."

Ichika mumbled as he sank deeper into Chifuyu's embrace.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

Chifuyu heard her brother snoozing.

"(Sigh). What bratty brother I have."

Chifuyu smiled. She then carried out Ichika from the tub and wiped him and herself off.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

After dressing in her sleepware and fitting Ichika with one of her shirts since Ichika doesn't have any shirt that would fit him as he is right now, Chifuyu gently settle Ichika on her bed and then she lay beside him, affectionately pulling him close to her.

"Just like in the past."

Chifuyu kissed the forehead of the small Ichika.

"Hmmmmmmmmm."

Chifuyu felt Ichika snuggle on her.

"Ufufufufu."

Chifuyu laughed a little bit when she saw her little brother's cute face.

"Sleep well Ichika."

The two siblings peacefully slept for the night.

(Scene Change)

"This is getting irritating."

Chigusa complained as she repeatedly threw her knife on the wall.

"Shut up Chigusa, you're making things worse with your complaining."

Chisaya angrily retorted at Chigusa complaints.

"Why do I have to be stuck in here with you four rejects?"

Saya sneered at her cousins.

"The trash is talking."

Misaki replies angrily to Saya insult.

"Chatter mouths…"

Yuuko snickers as listened to the insult-throwing her cousins are doing.

The five prodigies of [Phantom Task] are waiting in the briefing room. The briefing room of the [Phantom Task] HQ is quite big, unnaturally big. It boast a size as big as the conference room of the organization but there are seats around the conference table, like the stand seats of a coliseum. At the center of the briefing room is a large spherical table that has a holographic projector at center. The walls are pitch black, even the chairs and the spherical table, basically everything inside the briefing room is colored black.

"I swear if they called me here just to make me wait, I'll roast those idiots alive."

Chigusa slammed her fist on the wide table.

The four other stayed silent but their irritation makes the entire briefing silently noisy.

(ZISSSSSSSSSSSSSS)

The door opened and Squall and Autumn entered the room.

"!"

The two women flinched when they felt the thick auras of the five.

"Bad luck again Sqaull."

Autumn mumbled to her partner.

"Point taken."

Squall could barely speak as the terrifying presences of the five slowly robbed her of her strength.

"What's with the two of you?"

Squall and Autumn nearly run off when the demonic voice of Chigusa snapped the out of their daze.

"We were called as well, since this is going to be a meeting for the operatives of [Phantom Task]."

Squall to answer as calmly as possible, but her voice still shuddered from time to time.

"Operative meeting?"

Saya stood up and instantly appeared in front of Squall, staring the blond woman right in the eyes.

"Y-Yes."

Squall, a seasoned veteran and a trained killer is now shivering as she unluckily stared at of the prodigies. Saya's yellow glowing eyes are like the gates of hell slowly opening.

"Stop it Saya, picking on the weak is unbecoming."

Chisaya unconsciously saved Squall from Saya's choking presence.

"Che!"

Saya vanished and reappeared back sitting on her chair.

Squall and Autumn gingerly made their way to their seats in the conference table, as soon as the two arrived on their designated spot, Squall sat down and Autumn stood beside her. Squall and Autumn never said a word, namely because the five prodigies are in a bad mood today. A mere 12 minutes of them not doing anything could already result to a devastating tantrum. Right now the five are slowly settling back to waiting but if one disturbance occurs and bothers any of the five, it will start a chain reaction and all five of them will rampage around.

"….."

Squall and Autumn nervously looked around looking for any indications of irritation from thee five that could serve as their warning to avoid getting caught up in the tantrums of the five.

"Hmmmmmmmmmmm."

Saya tapped her hands on the table while scowling because of boredom.

"…."

Chisaya just laid back and closed her eyes.

"Nothing to do….."

Yuuko slumped herself on the table.

"….."

Misaki just stared into space.

"…"

Chigusa lay back on her chair started to sleep.

Squall and Autumn breathe a sigh of relief when they saw that the five are not angry and ready to cause another catastrophe.

(ZIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS)

The door opened again and this time many started to come in. All the operatives of the [Phantom Task] throughout the world were called to the HQ today for the first ever meeting of the operatives. The operatives did have meetings like this in the past but not all are attending only a minor number will attend but this time all the operatives of [Phantom Task] from all over the world are gathered here.

(Chattering)

"Those idiots….. they're causing too much noise."

Squall nervously mumbled as the operative that entered started to chatter loudly. Squall and Autumn started to panic.

"….."

The five started to frown because of the noise, minutes later one of the prodigies silenced the new comers with a roar.

"SHUT UP!"

A red aura swept through the entire briefing room silencing the chattering operatives. It was Chigusa that roared in annoyance. Immediately all the new comers are silenced, hearing the peaceful quiet Chigusa sat back down on her chair.

(SILENCE)

"Woah….."

Squall stared in shock at how terrifyingly effective the prodigies can be even in these types of situation. A mere roar silenced all the trained killers under [Phantom Task]; this proves as a testament at the prowess of the "loose cannons" of [Phantom Task].

"They never change."

Someone whispered to Squall, making the blonde woman turn around.

"Jean Villariaz, long time no see."

A brunette woman at average height smiled at Autumn as she sat beside Squall. Jean Villariaz, the continental commander of [Phantom task] in-charge of Europe. She leads all the European forces of [Phantom Task] and reports directly to the high council.

"Squall, Jean Autumn! You three look well."

A blonde woman cheerfully tapped the shoulders of both Squall and Jean.

"Liza you're here too?"

Squall asked the blonde who is the only one out-of-place because of her happy attitude.

Liza Jones, the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in-charge of America. She leads all the operations in the North American continent and reports directly to the high council of [Phantom Task].

"Small world."

Another brunette appeared.

"Istella? Don't tell me all the continental commanders of [Phantom Task] are coming here?"

Squall asked the newcomer named Istella.

"This is a first in the entire history of the organization, so everyone is excited to attend."

Istella Vasquez, the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in-charge of South America.

"Well this is nice."

A black haired woman happily greeted the three commanders.

"Antonette?"

Antonette Ross, continental commander of [Phantom Task] in-charge of Australia.

"….."

A dark skinned woman with black hair silently followed Antonette.

Khari Al-Zhaweri, continental commander of [Phantom Task] in-charge of Africa.

"Jean, Liza, Istella, Antonette, Khari and me. If she arrives all the continental commanders of [Phantom Task] are complete."

Shortly after Squall said that, the last one arrived.

"You're the last one to arrive, Daniela."

Squall smiled at the blonde at arrived last.

Daniela Cascade, the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in-charge on Antacrtica. But unlike the rest of the of the [Phantom Task] division that carry out missions, the Antarctic division is the developers of technology for the entire organization. In fact, the [Hunter] IS units of [Phantom Task] as born out of the underground labs of Antarctica.

"The whole set is here."

Squall smiled.

All the seven commanders of the [Phantom Task] are here. Squall the continental commander of [Phantom Task] forces in Asia, Jean the continental commander of [Phantom Task] militaries in Europe, Liza the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in North America, Istella the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in South America, Antonette the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in Australia, Khari the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in Africa and Daniela the continental commander of [Phantom Task] in Antarctica. The second in commands of the organization are gathered for the first time, together with the most powerful operatives.

"The whole set of idiots are present."

Yuuko snickered as she looked at the seven commanders of the organization.

"….."

The seven could only glare momentarily at Yuuko before looking away.

"I can already see that this meeting will address really interesting things, maybe this isn't such a bad idea after all."

Chisaya revealed a smile, finally showing a little interest in the gathering.

Soon all the operative are seated and waiting for the transmission from the high council.

The continental commanders are seated in the center, in the conference table together with the prodigies. While all the other operatives are seated on the high stands.

(SISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH)

The live call from the high council finally patched through. Omni-directional holographic projector showed the twelve members of the [Phantom Task] high council in a very large image, many times bigger than a cinema. Halevey Verallis, Gen. Jovard Battroloine, George Carlton, Veronica Pyrracle, Rinka Kamikura, Sierra De La Vega, Gen. Robert Foller, Gearhart Lensher, Mishata Khadija, Alexander Karkaroff, Shen Yun and Cathaly Nerriviem. The twelve leaders of [Phantom Task] for the first time held a big meeting.

[Well we have the complete set.]

Sierra De La Vega, one of the members of the [Phantom Task] high council made the opening statement. She made a smile as she looked at the

"All commanders of the [Phantom Task] are present."

Squall stood up and saluted.

[Alright then, I guess let's not was the time and start right away.]

Gen. Robert Foller, the British general who is also one of the high council members, hurried the start of the biggest meeting in the organization.

The total number of the operatives present in this meeting is near 10,000, though they won't be participating much in the meeting itself they will receive their new objectives set by the high council.

...

After the headings of the meeting and pledge of allegiance were finished the meeting started.

[First order of business, reports of all the high commanders of the [Phantom Task] about the situations in their territories. First Commander Squall.]

"The Asian division is doing well all in all. The China, Indonesia and Malaysia branches have succeeded in infiltrating the said nations' government. Our operatives having positions in government of those three nations, now we have a clear view on their movements and plans. The Indian branch have bogged down since they were discovered by the Indian Government and now currently in hiding. The Korean branch got into trouble with the powerful families there, mostly the Lee Family, they have been a thorn on our sides like the Sarashiki family of Japan. Speaking of Japan, the Sarashiki family have been hounding any movements that we make there, most of it started when we sent Commander Yuuko there. Meanwhile in the Philippines we managed to throw their government into disarray by supporting the rebels there present in the southern areas of the nation, we are in the process of stealing most of their IS research. It is a big surprise though, though the Philippines is a disarrayed nation of corruption they're doing well in their IS research and probably in the process of creating their first experimental unit. Our Saudi branch have claimed the biggest gain of all, the king of Saudi is now under our influence and is being manipulated like a puppet. We are funneling the gains of their massive oil industry to our organization."

Squall relayed the progress of her division.

[Regarding about stealing Saudi's oil profit, won't the government get suspicious as to where it goes?]

Gen. Battroloine is a bit worried of the Saudi scheme.

"Nothing to worry about regarding that, our branch there can keep it under wraps even though the Saudi authorities pry on it."

Squall confidently said.

[Impressive, but about Japan. I heard that the rabbit made another scene there in the IS academy.]

Everyone present started murmuring, the topic about the academy, specially about the only boy who can pilot the IS is always a conversation starter.

"About that, I have a photo here that was taken hours ago. There was a strange energy concentration in the academy. It was very unusual since that strange event released energies that is equivalent to thousands of tons of TNT. I don't know if the Japanese government noticed it or just pretended not to notice to carry out a secret investigation. Anyway here is the photo."

Squall is a bit hesitant to show the photo, since this might make the five, namely the prodigies go nuts. But still with the stares she is getting she is forced to show it.

(Damn it why did I bring this up in the first place!)

Squall started to regret it now. She inserted a USB on her terminal and a separate holographic screen showed. The picture is an aerial view so Squall zoomed and enhanced the image. Then the worst occurred...

(GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOON)

Five massive auras erupted inside the meeting.

"Kuh!"

"(Cough)"

"What the!?"

"What is happening!?"

"(Cough)"

Many started to feel the immediately effects of the massive auras of the five monsters present in the meeting.

"Squall kindly explain this."

Chigusa's ominous voice echoes in the meeting room.

Squall couldn't move nor even breathe because the attention of the five are solely focused on her.

"That's right Squall, what happened to him?"

Yuuko stood up and pointed at the image being shown in the giant hologram.

It was an aireal picture of some students, specifically the personal machines users together with the Brunhilde, the US representative, the genius creator of the IS, a teacher and most noticeably a little boy clinging to Chifuyu Orimura. But when the picture was zoomed the little boy was revealed to have the near identical features as Ichika Orimura.

"Tell us Squall."

Misaki stood up and spoke in a very threatening voice. Squall wanted to speak but the words won't come out of her mouth she is too overwhelmed with fear to even speak one clear word.

"Squall, speak up now or else."

Saya stood up and punched the conference table.

"Talk now Squall."

Chisaya's voice echoed.

"I t-think that this boy is Ichika Orimura. We don't know how b-but it was clearly described to us by our operatives there, they clearly saw before the event that Ichika Orimura is with them and when they came out that boy is with them. So they concluded that Tabane Shinonono's experiment went wrong and this became result."

Squall finally answered.

The five glared at her even more. Cold sweat started to drip from Squall because the pressure she is feeling right now is comparable to that under the ocean trenches.

"..."

Moments later the five toned down their auras and walked out the meeting.

[Where are all of you going!?]

Alexander Karkaroff angrily shouted at the five for leaving early. But the five ignored him and walked out of the meeting completely. With the absence of the five, all the operative that were about to faint from choking recovered slowly.

"What is with those five?"

Liza asked as she just recovered from the effects of their massive auras.

"They really are disobedient."

Istella rubbed her throat that she felt was being squeezed earlier.

"How are you doing Squall?"

Antonette asked Squall who is breathing heavily, desperately trying to catch her breath. She was the focus of the auras of the prodigies earlier and she felt that she just lost nearly half her life span from being the focus of the presences of the five prodigies.

"HA...ha...ha...ha...ha...ha..."

"Squall sit down."

Autumn helped her partner to sit down.

[Give Commander Squall some time to recover.]

Gen. Foller said while massaging his forehead.

"Where do you suppose those five are going?"

Jean asked all the commanders.

"Probably...to IS...academy."

Squall answered while still trying to recover her breathing.

"Should we stop them?"

Istella asked the question that nobody would dare answer. But one did.

"No need, the leader will do that."

Daniela the commander of the Antarctic [Phantom task] branch answered monotonously.

All the commanders looked at her curiously, even the high council of [Phantom task] was staring at her in a mystified manner.

"Well we should continue the meeting."

Daniela once again spoke monotonously.

And with that the meeting continued.

(Scene Change)

The five quickly made their way to their leader's quarters.

"Aunt Izanami! Allow us to go to the academy!"

Yuuko demanded on Izanami who is busy drinking sake.

"So you saw."

Izanami slowly turned to them with a smile on her face.

"Please aunt! Let us go!"

Chisaya added.

"Mother!"

Chigusa also pleaded Izanami. But the response they got is a massive black aura choking them.

(GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON)

"I hate to repeat myself over and over again. I told all of you that now is not the right time."

Izanami's voice started to sound more demonic than before, she is now becoming irritated at having to repeat the same words over and over again.

"Guh!"

The five prodigies are now the ones kneeling on the ground. The sickly aura of their leader is more massice than theirs that they can't even muster any strength to look up.

"Hm..."

Soon Izanami dispersed her aura, allowing the five a breather.

"Don't make me repeat this again. Control yourselves for now until the day where all of you are allowed to cut loose."

Izanami stood up and smiled at the five who are still grovelling on the floor.

"""""Yes"""""

The five answered in an exhausted voice.

"Good, now why don't you sit here with me and drink some Sake. I'm sure all of you are to bored to go back to that meeting right?"

The five did as their leader said and sat with their leader.

"..."

The five became curious that their leader or rather their aunt is not the least bit excited about this unexpected opportunity. But when they caught glimpses of her eyes, they knew that she is as excited as they are only that their aunt knows how to control herself.

(Scene Change)

Morning in the IS academy.

"Hmmmmm..."

Chifuyu woke up from her sleep.

"I have to wake up early. Come on Ichika, time to wake up."

But Chifuyu found that Ichika is not beside her. Chifuyu searched the bathroom but he wasn't there. At first Chifuyu taught that Ichika is just hiding, so she checked every place in her room that Ichika could hide in but she found not a trace of Ichika. She started becoming worried, then she saw the door of her room open.

"Oh no..."

Chifuyu could only think of the worst. She hurriedly dressed and frantically ran out of her room and looked for her little brother.

"ICHIKA!"

Somewhere in the academy.

"Where am anyway?"

The little Ichika wander to the edges of the island and is now hopelessly lost.

"I just wanted to wander around this place for a bit before nee-chan wakes up but now i'm lost and if I don't get back right away, nee-chan will get angry."

Ichika started to whimper.

"Oi, kid what are you doing here?"

Ichika turned around and saw a girl, though she was a little short she looked a lot like Chifuyu, so the boy hurriedly ran to the girl and embraced her.

"Chifuyu-nee!"

Ichika thought that he is hugging Chifuyu, but unbeknownst to him that he is hugging Madoka.

(What the?)

Madoka was a bit confused of the situation.

(Is this...Ichika? But it's impossible for him to turn back into a boy.)

Madoka couldn't be fooled, she recognized Ichika's presence right away when he turned to her. And last night she saw Tabane Shinonono making her entrance in the academy again.

(All this fits together then. That rabbit probably screwed up in her experiment and turned Ichika into this. But...)

Madoka revealed an evil smile.

"...This isn't so bad at all."