Hello again people! Here's thirteen chapter.

Okay, first of all I want to point at that I've skipped events of 4th volume of light novel almost completely. The reason for that is because half of that volume has no Ichika involved at all, and the rest simply doesn't fit Ichika I've portrayed in my story.

Concerning my story, it was somehow like that:

Vol. 4 Chapter 1 events never happened as Ichika was unavailable and both Rin and Cecilia had no reasons to stay in Japan during summer holydays, they both went home.

Vol. 4 Chapter 2 events happened almost exactly as they did in LN, just with a few corrections and without an awkward ending.

Vol. 4 Chapter 3 events… Houki visited her home and all, but with no Ichika around that was just a routine.

Vol. 4 Chapter 4 events never happened. Ichika wasn't there, two girls weren't there – no fun.

Still, for those who still didn't do so – I'd strongly recommend to read Volume 4 of light novel, especially chapter 1, as it's much more interesting than anime.


Now, for those who wrote a review:

Imperial-samaB, FateBurn, DarkBladerZX, Eurigos, rencama1993, kuro yaksha, Alex2909: Many thanks people, soon the Phantom Task will made its move and Ichika's plans also will become more clear.

InTheYearOfTheCat: I wonder why some people want Natasha to be in harem, despite she's just an episodic character at best…

xxOblivionxxx: Agree, it wasn't explained properly, it was just mentioned as 'side effect, about which Tabane ain't care'. I'd consider it as a glitch in I.S. core programming or something like that.

R.J.P: Honestly, I tried to watch Gundam, but I become bored quickly… Anyway, I still have a lot of ideas of my own, don't you worry. And thanks for the review.

Sajuuk: Ichika already have an A.I. and quite sophisticated weapon, as well as a new Magnetometric sensors array, so don't worry about new techs, I have quite a lot of ideas. As for image – sorry, but I'm horrible at drawing…

Now, let's proceed to chapter.


Chapter XIII – Revelation

August 30, 10:05 P.M.

"…And here's the report about how to deal with Orimura Ichika," Female's voice said.

Three girls have gathered around a table in a small, slightly dark room. Two of them were sitting on chairs, and another person was standing in the center, like subjects to the "queen", and a serious tension filled the room.

"It should be time to move on…" Said the woman who was standing in the middle, though even with a small, but really clear voice, the words could still arrive to the other two's ears.

"Honestly, concerning that case, I think the response is too slow," Replied a girl who was speaking first. "Since there are lot of people urging us, from many parties… we can't wait anymore…"

Waiting for the "queen's" answer, the subjects' attention shifted to the table. Facing the fact that this year's personal machine users number reached an abnormal value, the three of them could not help but to develop serious countermeasures to this.

"Hmm…" The "queen" who was looking through the window delicately shifted her sight towards them. "I've decided, it should be time to act, we need to think for ourselves."

"So?" Asked a girl who was silent until now.

"I'll find an opportunity to get close to him, and you two will be backups," A light smile appeared on the "queen's" face as she said that.

"U… Understood!"

"I got it…"

Two other girls saluted to her.

The "queen" again looked into the window, still smiling. Like a predator who found its prey. Like the queen of an icy mountain. That was a smile that would charm you right away. "Please become aware of me, Orimura Ichika."

With the moon on her face, the woman let out a quiet laugh. *Pa!* The sound of a fan getting folded, quietly but assuredly resounded in the night.


August 30, 10:15 P.M.

That was a quite big hangar-type accommodation. Hangar seemed big enough to house one heavy interceptor-fighter with full set of service crew and equipment. The hangar was lit up with pretty dim orange lights. In the middle of that hangar, the metallic chair, which looked more like a throne, was floating about one foot above the floor. A person was sitting on that chair, with his eyes closed and back of his head was touching the chair's back as it was glowing with red light. Person's name was Orimura Ichika.

In front of him was something like an operation table, but from the looks of it you could say that this table was intended for operations over robots, not humans. Over the table, about 30 small mobile nano-construction units, shaped like big hornets, were swirling, 'shooting' small laser-like beams. And in capacity of patient, a long-barreled, assault rifle-like weapon was lying on table's surface.

Ichika opened his eyes. Throne's back ceased to glow as throne itself landed on the floor. At that moment, hornet-like mobile units flew away, and took positions on racks near the opposite wall (by the way, there were a lot more of those 'hornets' already on racks, waiting for orders).

"Damn, it took more time than I expected…" Ichika sighed, stretching his limbs. He came closer to the 'operation table' and examined the result. "But as they say, money ain't smell, right?" He told to himself, picking up the rifle from table, "And that should do nicely, much better that they hoped, that's for sure…"


August 31th, 8:20 A.M.

"Ah, we've finally arrived," A girl sighed with satisfaction as her white Rolls Royce stopped right beneath some big concrete arc. Just beyond it, the I.S. Academy's territory begins. She opened the door and got out of car, and a disturbing hot air came to her, but she was still in high spirits, 'As expected, it's because I'm under the same sky as the people I've been missing.'

Her name was Cecilia Alcott, who finally finished her work in the United Kingdom, and returned to Japan. Though, she could've returned earlier, but since certain someone told her 'I won't be available during holydays, as a special commander of Japanese Navy, I have a lot of things to do' Cecilia simply had no reasons to return earlier. That was regrettable, but at least Cecilia could focus on her own affairs.

Alcott family's job, representative contender student report, re-adjustment of personal I.S. unit, participation at the violin competition, reunion with her old friends, and finally, paying respect to both of her parents' grave. That was quite a list.

*Sigh* Every time she was thinking about parents, her chest faintly hurts.

'Why didn't they say anything before leaving?'

'Why did they leave me alone?'

'Why, at the end, these two were together?'

Sometimes, Cecilia just couldn't stop thinking about those things. 'One day I'll understand, too…'

"Milady!" After being called, blonde turned her body around to face her personal maid and childhood friend Chelsea, who showed her usual smile, "What is happening to you?"

"No, nothing," Even if she's somewhat in disarray, proud girl forcefully tried to look calm. Chelsea's sight for a person's change of heart is still keen. She's always been like that, and her body shares a feeling that doesn't match the coolness of other 18 years old, and though Cecilia was telling everyone that she's her childhood friend, she was more like a big sister or something like that. That Chelsea is the one Cecilia's yearn for, and also the goal for her efforts.

'After that, I want to…' Cecilia only began to think, but it seemed as Chelsea just heard her thoughts.

"Do you want to go look for Orimura-sama right now?" Maid asked.

"Chelsea! Didn't you go transport the suitcases?" Cecilia almost jumped.

"Actually, there's something I need to confirm, so even though I'm a bit shy I've returned just in case," Chelsea said.

"It's… is that right? So, what do you need to confirm?" Cecilia wondered.

"Is that white fabric underwear for Orimura-sama's personal use?" Maid asked innocently?

"…" Cecilia just froze like paralyzed.

"Milady, if it's too fancy, it might have a reverse effect," Elder girl advised.

"That, that is..." Blonde was mumbling senselessly.

"So, I'll go first," Without giving her time to invent an excuse, Chelsea politely curtsied.

'No it's not, it is, it is… huh? What…?' Cecilia's thoughts were at disarray, 'That thing, which I secretly bought online, was hidden in a double pocket in the suitcase. How can it be?'

Chelsea's gentle smile, and her loud laugher suddenly bursted in Cecilia's mind. Cecilia immediately faced a wave of embarrassment, 'The so-called 'there's a needle so it can penetrate' is like that?!' Blonde's cheeks started to burn, and sweat without any connection to the summer began to spew. And especially the palms of her hands, which she now wanted to wash immediately.

"Cecilia? Yo!" Familiar voice called for her from behind.

'Huh?!' Cecilia once again froze on place. 'What? What!? WHAT!? This voice belongs to Ichika-san? Why would he be here? Does it mean that he came here to welcome me?'


She stood as her hand was holding her chest beating unstoppably, she made a breath before turning to him as if it's nothing. "Oh!" Cecilia smiled as naturally as possible, "Ichika-san, I haven't seen you for a month." She greeted him by twisting a part of her dress, but girl's heart couldn't calm down. 'Ah, it's really Ichika-san! He was really thinking about me so he came here to welcome me… ah, Ichika-san, really!'

"When I thought that Cecilia was going to return, I couldn't sit properly," Ichika bowed as he replied.

"Really, Ichika-san… you really talk sweet," Blonde smiled charmingly.

"I'm serious. The month in which Cecilia wasn't there, it seemed that the time was running in an infinite cycle."

"Ichika-san… Ah."

"We won't be separated again, 'my princess'."

"Aha, aha, no, you can't, not in this place! Someone might see us!"


"Cecilia? Can you hear me?" Ichika sighed, "Hey, Hetare Ichigō, come back!" He snapped his fingers in front of her face.

"What?!" Cecilia blinked. Summer daydream… no, it was a vain thought.

"Are you alright?" He asked again, if she'll pass out right here it may be troublesome, while they are on that side of the concrete arc – this is territory of Japan, not I.S. Academy…

"No. No problem! I felt only a bit dizzy, I'm fully okay, Ichika…san?!" Only now she realized what exactly she's seeing. Ichika's standing in front of her in his everyday military uniform, nothing special about that, but there's a huge rifle (It's bigger than Ichika himself, about six feet long) behind his back! It's definitely an energy rifle, meant fort I.S., no doubts about that. "Ichika-san, what is that!?"

"Oh, that? That's my last goodbye to 'Kuromochi Machinery Development'," Ichika replied.

"That's the company that made your old I.S., right?" Blonde wondered.

"Yes," Ichika replied, but at that moment his attention was switched somewhere else, "Hmm? And she would be?"

"This is the first time we've meet. I am the maid serving Cecilia-sama, Chelsea Blackett. I'll be in your care." Chelsea, who returned Cecilia-had-no-idea-when after taking care of the luggage, was introducing herself to Ichika, bowing politely.

'Ara, why is Chelsea alone?' After thinking carefully, Cecilia immediately realized. Seeing Chelsea come alone, she was probably hiding herself somewhere to peek, and then to appear at the right moment. She's really good at reading people's feelings…

"Ah, the one Ms. Alcott mentioned before, it was you. First time we've met, indeed, though… I'm pretty sure I've heard your last name somewhere else… doesn't matter. I am Commander Orimura Ichika, JSDF, pleased to meet you," He replied. "May I ask why were you hiding behind that column? Weapon makes you feel uncomfortable?" He pointed at big rifle behind his back.

No, she may be good, but Ichika was way out of her league…

"Oh, no, no I just didn't want to interrupt your talking with the mistress," Chelsea quickly replied, though, looking into those much-colder-than-ice eyes she already knew that he didn't believe a single word, so she hastened to change theme. "Orimura-sama, please allow the presumptuous me to ask, what has milady said about me?"

"Hmm…" Ichika tried to remember, "She's very understanding, outstanding, tender, beautiful woman."

"Ah…" She warmly smiled. That kind of polite speech is very beautiful, and at the same time has a warm feeling without any harm wrapping the person. Only a very honest person or an arrant hypocrite could make such an expression.

'Ichika-san, really, he hasn't said that I am a beautiful woman…' Cecilia thought resentfully, despite that Ichika actually never said that Chelsea is a beautiful woman, either, he just quoted Cecilia herself. 'Chelsea is Chelsea… I can't win against that smile. It's always been like that.'

Chelsea seemed to have looked through mistress' jealous thoughts, "I've also heard things concerning Ichika-sama from Cecilia-sama."

"Really?" Ichika asked with irony, "May I ask you what has she said about me?"

'Aaaaaaaaah! Please Chelsea, don't get into details!' Cecilia panicked.

"Uhuh, actually..." This time, after she met Cecilia's begging sight, Chelsea made a charming smile. After slightly putting her finger in front of her mouth "…that's a woman's secret."

"…which you just disclosed," Ichika noted, rolling his eyes. Chelsia's smile was, even towards girls, fascinating… though, Ichika didn't seem impressed. "Well, ladies, I'm very sorry, but it seems I have to leave you for now. I need to deliver that thing and be done with this."

"You're already leaving?" Cecilia snapped out of her half-sane state. And again, loyal maid came for help.

"Orimura-sama, that rifle of yours… Have you made it by yourself?" Chelsea wondered. "Cecilia-sama mentioned that you're I.S. equipment developer…"

"Oh, you're interested in I.S. equipment?" Ichika wondered. No, of course she wasn't, and Ichika saw it as clear as day. He saw through maid's intentions easily, but… This entire month he was working 14 – 16 hours per day, without days off. And today actually was his day off, when he was intending to relax at least a bit. Ride in luxury car may fit those intentions just fine. "You know, actually, that's a military secret… though, thanks to a certain woman with very long tongue, your mistress already knows the most of it…" Ichika looked at her with evaluating sight, "Tell you what – give me a ride to Kuromochi's HQ, and I give you both the right version of the story, as a personal maid, you're bound to keep your mistress' secrets, right?" In fact, Ichika hadn't even thought that it's a big secret anyway, not from his point of view, at least.

"Of course!" Chelsea assured him, without any smile. "Milady?" She asked Cecilia for permission.

Though, that was clearly unneeded as blonde's eyes were already sparkling. 'A ride together with Ichika?! It's almost a date!'


"I guess you remember Tabane-san's expatiating about my old I.S.?" Ichika wondered. Though Cecilia had pretty bad memories about that encounter (she was scolded and offended), she still nodded. Ichika continued, "Well, all that she said was truth, including the fact that Byakushiki was armed with only one weapon – energy sword Snowflake Type II. But in reality, I never used it. I've replaced quite a lot of parts here and there, before naming my I.S. Messiah. But actually, first thing I've replaced was its weapon… Always liked plasma weaponry… you can call me a plasma devotee. I was experimenting with it since I was ten years old… hiding it from one-san was real pain in the ass… but that's another story," Ichika began his tale.

"When I decided to cease my relationships with Kuromochi Machinery Development, it wasn't a nice goodbye… But in the end, it was entirely their fault that we had no contract, government didn't support them as I agreed to continue providing them with biometric data for 'male I.S. pilot phenomena' research, and they don't care which I.S. I'll use for that."

"So, after their attempts to force me to do anything ultimately failed, some pragmatic people came to scene. They offered me a good money for modifying Byakushiki, for making it more… flexible, so to say. Of course, if you have I.S. which only armed with sword, you need a good swordswoman to pilot it. But finding good swordswoman with good I.S. aptitude isn't easy, to say the least."

"In the end, I agreed to make some optimization to Byakushiki's internal power contours, adding one more buss-slot, and also I've remade the energy sword Yukihira Niigata [Snowflake Type II] into this, Yukihira Hirakana [Blooming Snowflake]" Ichika took rifle that he was carrying. "Having in mind classic "SIG 751LB SAPR", I made an energy-based version of that weapon… stop the car there," Ichika pointed at cliff along the road, with great sea view.

As car stopped, Ichika took his rifle, got outside the car and jumped over the road fences. He was holding a huge rifle easily, without any I.S. support. Without warning, Ichika aimed and shot into water. Three energy bolts hit the water surface, making splashes. "This rifle has three modes – three-shot burst fire mode, semi-automatic mode and this one…" Ichika moved rifle's foregrip slightly backward, activating bayonet-like blade that was mounted below rifle's barrel. That blade was a shortened version of Snowflake Type II's blade. "Both blade and gun receiver utilizes the same type of Fold-Out Armor that Tabane originally used to make Snowflake Type II."

"Blooming Snowflake's both energy bolts and blade use the same frequency modulation – 615 THz, it has decent photon energy combined with moderate energy consumption. Besides, it has that gentle Aquamarine color, which is quite girlish… at least I think so…" Ichika thought aloud, looking somewhere aside. He was sure that Byakushiki's next pilot will be a girl, and she should like it… not that he really cared, just wanted to make that last show-off.


"Orimura-sama is marvelous! When you were shown in the news, no one mentioned that you're so brilliant!" Chelsea praised Ichika. "Milady, you were completely right!"

"...Yeah" Cecilia mumbled. Everyone returned to the car, that continued its way towards Kuromochi HQ. Cecilia was putting on a bad face and boringly looking into car's window. She thought it will be a date-like meeting, when she and Ichika could chat about how they spent their summer holidays. But instead, it actually was a story about Ichika's old I.S. and new weapon that he made for it, but worst of all… Ichika actually picked up Chelsea's interest, or so it seemed from aside.

"Ah, and Ms. Alcott was also right about you. Chelsea-san really is the beautiful and educated woman," Ichika replied politely.

'How can they be chatting so cheerfully when it's the first time that they meet each other…?' Thinking about the conversation that Ichika and Chelsea were having now, she again became irritated. 'And since when Chelsea became so interested in I.S.-related things?'

"Orimura-sama, please call me Chelsea, and the way you speak to me, please consider me as a simple maid," Red-haired maid smiled charmingly.

"Oh, are you sure? To add '-san' to someone who's older is a basic respect in this country. But if you insist…" Ichika 'reluctantly' agreed.

"Well, Orimura-sama can really speak. It seems that you really know how to please a woman," Chelsea slightly waved her hand. It's really nice skill to have a conversation like that and safely drive a car at the same time.

"So I've been told, not that I really know why…"

"So it's like this, huhu..."

On one side, Ichika, who's pride is balancing on the verge of arrogance, yet charming and brilliant, and on the other side Chelsea, who clearly knows her mistress' thoughts but is still getting close to Ichika, and that situation were making Cecilia even more disturbed.

'That rumor, is it true after all…?' At the end of the last month, she heard a rumor by chance. Until yesterday, it had not bothered her too much, but with things as they were now, she couldn't remain calm.

The rumor was – 'Orimura Ichika likes older women'.

'I originally thought that it was a baseless rumor…' But after seeing his attitude towards Chelsea, Cecilia started to wonder if it could be something more than just a 'rumor'.

'Becoming an older woman, that's impossible!' Since the two of them were born in the same year, even if she gets older, the other one couldn't get younger. Making an effort to achieve this is like trying to reach the sky.

Cecilia's mood oddly went down, feeling even worse, 'Why it's always like that… Why someone always must interfere when I and Ichika have a chance to be together?' Such thoughts were very weird from the beginning as Cecilia had no driving rights to begin with, so she just couldn't give Ichika a ride without her maid's help. But when girl's pitying herself – rational thoughts could naturally be cast aside…

Besides, the behavior of her maid also looked somehow weird. She never seemed like the type who can fall in love from the first sight. Why then she suddenly began to fawn over Ichika, asking him about I.S. and all that?...


August 31, 18:20 PM

As Ichika delivered the rifle and parted with very disappointed Cecilia (and strangely enthusiastic Chelsia), he arrived here, to JSDF Navy test site, about 20 miles away from city. He stood on the cliff with his I.N. activated, examining three holographic screens with statistics.

"Very good," He said to himself. "Double ignition boost, shooting with Equalizer and Hand of Eisheth in particle cannon mode at the same time, with Fold-Out Armor at maximum output… In other words, during maximum energy consumption mode, energy consumption was only at 72% of reactor's output, and reactor still didn't reach its design operational level. Electro-plasma flow was steady, saturation was withing green zone. Very good, excellent power output margins, even better than I expected. Then I think I can increase wingspan…" He was thinking aloud. "Very well then, Naamah, one last test and we'll be done for today," Ichika said.

"Standing by, please proceed," Demon Queen's A.I. reported that she's ready.

Ichika's plasma weapon, formerly known as Ragnarök, took shape of plasma sniper rifle (it got a new name, but that story is for another time). Its frame looked mostly like before, bat rifle gained few additional elements, like additional rail-like constructs along the barrel. Also it gained more advanced scope and its Fold-Out Armor, of which rifle's barrel was made of, now was burning with dark violet 'flame' (in fact it's frequency-modulated plasma field), like the rest of Demon Queen's FOA. But most importantly…

"Fold-Out Armor plasma output at maximum," Naamah reported.

"Firing!" Ichika pulled the trigger. Barrel extended itself for ten inches and shot a dark-violet plasma charge. *Boom!* Powerful plasma blast shook up the surrounding. "Report," Ichika addressed his I.N.

"Forced particle oscillation frequency of 785 THz confirmed. Frequency deviation: 4.3e-5(%). Plasma charge's normalized angular frequency: 1.7e+5 radians per second. Angular frequency deviation: +/- 0.3 radians per second. Estimated damage dealt to I.S.-type shield ≈ 600 points," Naamah reported recorded data.

"Excellent," Ichika said. "All parameters within tolerance, with at least two orders margin, then hereby I'm proclaiming that 3rd generation plasma weaponry is live and operational.

"Congratulations, Adonai," Naamah A.I. praised her master. [On ancient Hebrew 'Adonai' means 'Lord']


Generations of plasma weaponry:

– Zero generation: weapon that shoots simple bolts of compressed, partially ionized gas (non-thermal plasma, where electrons are much 'hotter' than ions and neutrals), this type of weapon also was called Ion blasters. Such a weapon sucks in the air from surrounding atmosphere, heating it up to state of plasma and compressing it into bolts, and then shoots it. Degree of ionization may wary, depending on weapon type. Ion Blaster were wildly used by various I.S. developing enterprises during 1st and 2nd generation I.S. frames development as an alternative to live ammunition-using weapons. Right now, as most of the world started to release 3rd generation frames, Ion blasters considered mostly obsolete.

First generation: weapon that shoots bolts of completely ionized gas. As before, such a weapon sucks in surrounding atmospheric air, heating it up to state of ionized gas, the main difference is that degree of ionization is 100%, thus those ion bolts turn into real plasma bolts. Unlike ion bolts, plasma bolts, made of completely ionized plasma, produce explosion on hit, because with complete ionization the degree of plasma compression can be increased several times. Also, thanks to advanced methods of EM-field control, fully ionized plasma can be forced to sustain desired form for prolonged time, thus making it possible to create blades made of plasma, for example. Nowadays 1st gen. plasma weaponry is used by several 3rd generation models in form of both long-ranged and close-combat weapon.

– Generation 1.5: Same as 1st generation, weapon uses bolts of completely ionized gas, made from atmospheric air, but now this is thermal plasma (electrons and ions have equal temperature, this is so-called state of 'thermal equilibrium').

Right now, the world stuck on its way toward 1.5 generation plasma weaponry. Seemingly, the existing approach to the creation of both plasma generation chamber and EM-accelerators is insufficient. To break through that wall, Earth's scientists have to invent radically new plasma generation chamber of reasonable size with reasonable energy consumption, at the same time capable of creating thermal, fully ionized plasma. Same applies to new electromagnetic compressor-accelerator – it has to be developed from scratch. By now, so much needed, radically new way of developing plasma weapon components hasn't been found.

Due to aforementioned problem, slowly but steadily, research laboratories and I.S. developing enterprises began to abandon further development of plasma technology, dedicating their resources towards energy ray-based weaponry.

…But, as entire world is preparing to abandon plasma technology all together, certain someone got hold on much more advanced technologies years before he got his personal I.S. How and where he acquired those technologies is unknown…

Second generation: As before, weapon shoots bolts of completely ionized thermal plasma, but instead of using atmospheric air it uses plasma made of heavier elements, for instance, Ichika's old plasma weapon Ragnarök used lead cells. Plasma bolts made of heavier elements have much bigger energy capacity, ionizing and piercing capability. Plasmatising and accelerating lead or another heavy element requires much more advanced plasma generation and compression chamber, as well as much more powerful electromagnetic accelerator.

– Generation 2.5: Same as 2nd generation, but with addition of molecular oscillator that forces plasma particles to oscillate together with very high frequency, instead of chaotic movements inside of plasma bolt. Such a bolt loses its energy much slower, thus time of its existence and bolt's stability greatly improves. Ichika used it for some time, but actually that was just a warm-up before the last step.

– Third generation: every feature of Gen. 2.5, plus now the plasma fireball has an additive angular momentum, which creates a strong electromagnetic field around it. The bulkier the fireball is, the greater the effects are. When a certain volume is achieved, the plasma is thickened up enough to trigger a nuclear fusion inside, leading to an even more destructive impact. Furthermore, the electromagnetic field has an adverse effect on all electronics in the vicinity, similar to an EMP. Of course, significantly more plasma is required per shot as well as an additional solenoid that would give that angular momentum to plasma bolt, and of course that requires immense amount of energy, especially for rapid shooting. It is worth to mention that battle against Silver Gospel allowed Ichika to finalize the idea of third generation plasma tech. And of course, since the rest of the world still have no idea how to make at least 1.5 generation plasma weaponry, cultivating the idea of abandoning it completely, Ichika will be the sole user of 3rd generation plasma weaponry for a very long time.

Third generation plasma weapon is the pinnacle of plasma technology in its traditional meaning, as next step will require fission of element's nuclear core, thus it will be the elementary particle weapon, not plasma.

And one last note: until now Ichika's primary weapon Ragnarök used lead cells as ammunition, but after it was remade, using new type of Fold Out armor, Ichika switched to even more heavy and infusible metal – Thorium. Heavier and hotter (9000 kelvins in normal mode, 20000 kelvins with Paradise of Darkness active) charges became even more destructive, the only loss was a tiny bit of plasma bolts' muzzle velocity. That was due to fact that heavier and hotter charges require longer EM compressor-accelerator, and, thus, longer barrel, but weapon with too long barrel is difficult to operate. So, even though electromagnetic compressor-accelerator also was remade and upgraded, Ichika still had to sacrifice a bit of muzzle velocity, though loss was minimal – sniper rifle muzzle velocity was reduced to 1000 m/s (reduced from 1025 m/s) and machinegun muzzle velocity was reduced to 800 m/s (reduced from 815 m/s). Other forms didn't lose anything because they simply ceased to exist, but, as it was said, that story is for another time.


September, 4th. 9:15 AM.

"…" "…" "…"

All girls, especially Rin, were looking at Ichika with saucer-wide eyes. Actually, it had to be a practical training lesson at the beginning of the second term that was held jointly with classes 1-1 and 1-2. However, just as practice match between class representatives (Ichika and Rin, respectively) has started, Ichika shot at Rin with his sniper rifle. She barely dodged (though Ichika didn't seem to aim too carefully), and plasma bolt hit the arena barrier, tearing a huge hole in it even without Paradise of Darkness active. Besides, an electromagnetic discharge fried at least one third of arena's registration and surveillance equipment. Thus, match was automatically suspended due to arena sustaining excessive damage.

"I'd like to remind – I've preemptively notified you about possibility of such an outcome, sensei," Ichika said via private I.S. channel, established between his unit and control room.

Inside of an aforementioned room, Maya Yamada seemed as shocked as all spectators. "Orimura-sensei…" She asked, looking at Chifuyu, "I thought arenas' barriers were upgraded during this summer holiday…"

"They were," Chifuyu replied, and Maya noticed that she's biting her lower lip. "He definitely wasn't tomcatting around during last month…" Too late Chifuyu realized that she said that aloud, though it wasn't matter. Like no one else she knew how little time Ichika was spending at home during last month, or rather, since he returned from that 'summer trip'.

Decision to make an upgrade to arena barriers was made in spring, right after the unmanned I.S., Golem, attacked academy and managed to breach the old barrier. All works indeed were completed during this summer. Yet, there was a hole in arena's barrier once again. "To think that he would be able to sunder upgraded barrier, from inside, without using barrier-void attack… Majin Naamah… It's not an I.S., it's really just like a demon…"

Maya looked at Chifuyu in slight shock, "Ori… Orimura-sensei, to think you would say such a thing…"

"I've told you I'm not going to waste any time, haven't I?" Ichika asked.

"Maya!" Chifuyu growled at green-haired assistant, as she even forgot to call her 'Yamada-sensei'."

"Oh, sorry!" Only now Maya noticed that, due to shock, she was holding 'talk' button all this time and thanks to her Ichika did hear the entire conversation in control room.

"Doesn't matter…" Chifuyu sighed as she opened I.S. public channel, "Orimura, Lingyin, get back, your match is canceled. Orimura, I want those papers with you I.S. specs today."

"Affirmative," Ichika replied.


Previously, with three pairs of wings, equipped with Fold-Out Armor, Ichika's old I.S., Messiah, could increase Ragnarök's damage output up to 60%, when I.S. was in assault mode. Now, I.N. Demon Queen, which has five pairs of wings, can increase weapon damage output in assault mode up to 100% (by the way, now assault mode and propulsion mode are always active, and they are active simultaneously, since each wing has two separated, dedicated plasma banks for thrusters and armament, so there's no need for terms 'assault mode' and 'propulsion mode' anymore). Combine that almost doubled damage output with native destructive power of 3rd generation plasma weapon and new, thorium-based ammunition, and there's already an ultimate war machine. And if we'll add Second Shift equipment (a very sophisticated particle weapon Hand of Eisheth and A.I. Naamah) into that equation, we really will get not just an I.S. but a true demon, just as Chifuyu said.


'Ah, what a waste of my time…' Ichika thought, sitting in changing room that became his personal one. 'My skills alone guarantee my victory, even if we would've used technologically equal I.S. units. But considering the immense technical advancement Naamah's giving me… I just feel myself invincible now…'

Actually, Ichika didn't like that feeling. In absence of worthy adversary, one's skills and instincts may deaden… and that was what he wanted to avoid at all costs. In his efforts to hone his skills and make a peerless I.S., Ichika cornered himself. 'My dear sister… If only you'd be an active I.S. pilot now… I would spare no efforts to upgrade your I.S. to 4th generation… If things continue to go as they are now, it will become very difficult for me to continue advancing as an I.S. pilot…"

Of course, there's another 4th generation I.S. in existence – Crimson Camellia, handmade by Shinonono Tabane. But Crimson Camellia is still far away from its 100% operational rate, from its full potential. And its Houki's fault of course. First of all – she's not very talented pilot to begin with, and her inborn I.S. aptitude is relatively low (somewhere around 'C+'). And second – she's wasting too much time on meaningless things (in Ichika's opinion), like kendo and dreams about Ichika. No, of course Ichika also does training with sword, but he's doing it with his I.N. active, and he uses his plasma blade. In his opinion, Houki should train with Cracking Sky and Rainy Moon every day and every night.

Being deep into his thoughts, Ichika didn't immediately feel that he's not alone in his changing room anymore, but as soon as some girl appeared from behind a row of lockers, his emperor's eye noticed her immediately, despite she was behind him.

"Not bad," Ichika said, still not looking at that girl, "You managed to slip in here without me noticing that… But, for the future, never again try to approach me from behind, it may cost you…"

"Is that a warning?" Girl asked with carefree smile. Her voice sounded somehow more mature than of Ichika classmates', but the slightly cheeky tone made it feel as if it's a kid who loves to play pranks.

"An advice," Ichika replied as he finally turned to her.

The girl in front of him has a yellow tie that signifies that she's a second year student. Showing a happy smile as she stared at Ichika, she then raised a fan that she kept behind her back (attached to her skirt's belt) and raised it to her lips. Looking at her again, this second year is really trying hard to look enigmatic. She looks rather carefree and gives off a rather relaxing presence, but the smile on her face gives completely opposite expression. It looks teasing, and that girl thinks that she looks quite mysterious...

"Anyway, do you want something, Student Council President Sarashiki Tatenashi?" Ichika asked, he wasn't impressed at all, "If there's nothing important, I'd rather go, Orimura-sensei don't like to read electronic reports, so I need to feel a ton of papers until evening."

"You know my name?" Girl asked, though she didn't actually seem surprised that Ichika knows who she is. "No, I don't want anything in particular, JSDF special commander Orimura Ichika, just wanted to get acquainted," She replied, hiding her smile behind opened fan, which actually was her personal I.S. in stand-by mode, Ichika easily noticed that. "Bye bye! See you again soon!" Tatenashi turned around and headed towards changing room exit, leaving Ichika with a strong desire to make a facepalm.


September, 5. 8:50 AM.

The next day, the HRS and a first half of the first period were canceled, a school meeting was organized instead. Of course, it's about the school anniversary that's held in the middle of this month. As such, with so many girls gathered over here, it was very noisy, and if they get any louder, it'll be a ruckus. Though Ichika, despite he was standing in the very middle among all those girls, seemed lost in himself somehow.

"And now, we'll have our Student Council President explain," The person who announced this calmly should be one of the Student Council members, and these words made the laughter and chatter subside quickly like the tide.

"Good morning, everyone." Unsurprisingly, the girl with the second year, yellow tie and rather short, light-blue hair appeared on the stage. She's the one who appeared yesterday at the changing room. Ichika was looking at her without enthusiasm, but she smiled when their eyes met.

"Okay okay, I had to deal with a lot of things this year, so I couldn't say hello to everyone. My name's Sarashiki Tatenashi, and I'm your Student Council President. Nice to meet you." Here was a lot of girls with blue neck accessories, meaning that they're first year students, so she introduced herself to them. The smiling Student Council President's charisma was able to charm everyone regardless of gender, as everyone below the stage applauded enthusiastically.

"Then, the important event this month is the school anniversary, so I'll allow for special rules. As for what's going on," With a refined movement, she pulled out her fan and shook it at her side. As if matching the movement, a hologram screen appeared in mid-air. "I call it the 'Every Club Fight For Orimura Ichika War'!"

*PAN!* The fan opened with a crisp sound, and with that, the large screen showed Ichika's photo.

That rather bold and quite unanticipated statement moved Ichika out of his half-sleeping state. He even blinked once.

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT...!?" It wasn't a joke. The hall really shook because everyone cried the same word out. While Ichika was still a bit flabbergasted with Tatenashi's boldness, everyone turned to look at him.

"Please remain quiet. Every year, the clubs will set up booths during the school anniversary and hold voting events. Also, the school will provide special funds to the leading clubs. But I do feel that it'll be too boring if I do that this year," Sarashiki pointed at Ichika with the fan, "So we'll forcefully get Orimura Ichika to join the number one club!"

"UWAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

"That's great! Prez's the best!"

"If that's the case, we'll do our best! We're going for it!"

As a predatory smile beamed on Ichika's face, he looked straight into the eyes of Student Council President. "Aha!" She winked back at Ichika. But that wink actually was the last drop.

"Very good! Very good! Very good! My fighting will's starting to burn!"

"Let's gather after school! Everyone, gather your ideas! We'll decide on what to do using votes!"

"It'll be best if we get number one! At worst, we must also get number one!"

*BAAAM!* Cheerful and enthusiastic screams were interrupted by an explosion-like sound. Actually, it was Ichika, who just snapped his fingers, but that sound was translated via hall's acoustic system, which now was set to maximum loudness.

"Dear ladies," Ichika's thundering voice could be heard through the same hall's acoustic system. Some girls noticed large black spider that was sitting on Ichika's left shoulder. "I by no means want to diminish your enthusiasm, but I'd like to tell you one thing – I have no gods and no masters – no one can force me to do anything." And Ichika's eyes flashed as he noticed that Tatenashi's smile paled a little. Her microphone was off-line and, most likely, student council members were trying to get President back online, but without much success.

"Still, I encourage you all to do your best, we actually may work something out of it," As he said that, Ichika turned around and headed towards hall's exit, "Just take it into consideration – no matter what – it will be on my terms. Good day to all of you…" As he said that, Ichika left the hall, black spider on his shoulder turned into sheaf of light particles and control over hall's audio equipment returned to Student Council members.


After the school, on the same day, class 1-1 had a last minute meeting in their classroom. Right now, everyone's deciding on what booth the class should set up.

*Sigh* Ichika sighed. As the class representative, he has to gather everyone's opinions, but…

Right now opinions were like these: 'Orimura Ichika's Cowboy Club', 'Play Twister with Orimura Ichika', 'Eating biscuit sticks with Orimura Ichika' and 'Play King's Game with Orimura Ichika'… and few other like that.

"It's all sucks," Was Ichika's opinion about all that. Honestly, wasting his time on that stuff was the last thing he wanted to do, but he was a class representative, so it was sort of a necessary evil.

"HUUUUUUUUH!?" The cries echoed throughout like a surround system.

"Who would be happy about setting up such a booth?" Ichika asked, without even trying to hide his disappointment, "None of you have imagination?"

Girls began shouting:

"I'll be happy! I promise!"

"That's right, that's right! You have the duty to service the girls till they're happy!"

"Orimura Ichika's shared property!"

"The other classes were all chattering about, and our club sempais have been really naggy."

"Just treat it as if you're helping others!"

"You must have the Messiah attitude!"

Ichika knew that arguing with those estrogen generators is pointless, however, last phrase, that reminded him about his old I.S. and its betrayal, forced him to act. "Enough!" He said loudly, clapping his palms.

Chifuyu herself wasn't around anymore. "It seems like it'll take quite some time, so I'll head back to the staff room first. Tell me the results later," She said and left a while ago.

'Many thanks to you, onee-chan…' Ichika thought with sarcasm. "Yamada-sensei, do you have any suggestions?" Ichika turned to Vice-Homeroom Teacher.

"Huh? You… you want my suggestion?" Maya asked in surprise and made a step back. In fact, she was afraid of Ichika since that seaside trip (she just couldn't forget how she was literally paralyzed by his presence alone). Besides, that incident with digital deconstructor prototype… "Huh, erm... umm… I… I think the 'eating biscuit sticks together' sounds good…?" Maya said uncertainly.

Ichika mentally facepalmed, 'I need to talk to the old man or principal about dismissal of this one…' Ichika turned back to class. "Alright, anything that contain my first name and/or my last name won't do. Can anyone suggest something interesting or even that I have to do by myself?" All that started to become irritating.

"How about a maid café?" Laura was the one who came up with the idea… Everyone was stunned as Ichika looked at German student with some interest. "It should be popular amongst the customers, right? And we can earn revenue if we sell food and drinks. I remember that outsiders can enter school through an invitational ticket system, so a lot of people would want a place to rest," Laura clarified her idea. Although she's saying that with the same old cold tone, these words really differed from her image a lot, and everyone in class had to spend some time to understand.

"That sounds… implementable, at least," Ichika nodded, "Thank you, Laura." The silver-haired girl flushed slightly, hearing Ichika's praise.

"Isn't this good? We'll just let Ichika be in charge of being the senior manager or chef," Charlotte said that, probably to speak up for Laura as she attracted all the girls' attention, they became quite close friends during last few months.

The class just went intense out of a sudden. 'Oh well, at least with this plan I won't have to do anything myself, just guide these weirdos…' Ichika thought.

"I have a correspondence if we need to get maid outfits, including the manager outfit. I'll go ask if I can borrow it," As unexpected as before, the one who said that also was Laura. Seemingly, Ichika's positive reaction spurred on her enthusiasm. Everyone widened their eyes. Laura suddenly felt that things weren't going right, so she deliberately coughed a few times.

"Ahem, I mean Charlotte will be the one asking…" Laura's face turned more red, perhaps feeling shy due to the overwhelming stares.

And then, Charlotte, who got called, revealed a puzzled look, "Huh, erm, Laura? Are you talking about last month...?"

"Yup," Silver-haired girl nodded.

"I-I'll go ask. Don't be angry if I can't get them…" Facing Charlotte who was looking anxious as she said that, all the girls in class replied back with confidence and in unison:

"We won't be angry!"

And thus, Class 1-1 decided to set up a modified maid café. A 'Service Café'.


"...In the end, class 1-1 decided to set up a café," In the staff room, Ichika concluded the results of the meeting to Chifuyu, who's sitting in front of him.

"I really want to say that you chose something really uninteresting, but there should be something else to that, right?" She asked lazily.

Ichika narrowed his eyes, 'Sorry, but we're just first years, so if you want a sado-maso hotel, you'll have to wait for about two years…" Just by his face expression Chifuyu realized that her brother was thinking about something rude and tried to hit him with attendance book, but he was prepared for that and dodged. "Yes, well... How should I put it? It's a so called 'maid café', or Cosplay Café, if you want," Ichika answered sister's question.

"Who was the one who came up with that? Tajima? Or was it Liadi? I guess it's one of the people who like to create quite the ruckus, right?" Chifuyu tried to guess.

Ichika smiled ironically, oh, he knew that his elder sister's gonna like that. "Nope. In fact, it was Laura's idea," He replied.

"..." Chifuyu widened her eyes. That was an exact reaction that Ichika was expecting. After blinking twice, she started laughing.

"Fu... hahaha! Bodewig?! That's really unexpected. But... ku, hahaha! She was the one who came up with the idea of opening a cosplay café? Her personality really changed so much! Hahaha!" Chifuyu's laugher sounded somehow hysterical.

"So you're really surprised, aren't you?" Ichika wondered, although answer was obvious.

"Of course I am. I know her past, so this really surprises me. Fu-Fufuu, she said that she wanted to open a cosplay café... HAHA!" After laughing a while, Chifuyu rubbed away the tears in her eyes that came out due to the laughter. Was that really so funny…?

To the other teachers in the staff room, it seemed that it's a rare scene for Orimura Chifuyu to have such a reaction as everyone widened their eyes and stared at her in a mystified manner.

"Mnn, ahem, well, is that all for the report?" After noticing her surroundings, she cleared her throat and adjusted her tone.

"Mostly," Ichika replied. "Have you familiarized yourself with the report I've sent over yesterday?"

"Of course," Chifuyu replied and her face darkened a little. Seemingly, she couldn't find a way out of situation, she just couldn't allow Ichika to use academy's arenas, or they all will be devastated.

"Then that would be all," Ichika bowed slightly, he read the answer in sister's eyes and decided to not develop this theme, they may discuss that later, without other teachers around.

"Very well then. Remember, you just need to write the equipment and food needed on this request form. Remember to send it back in a week. There's no problem, right?" Orimura-sensei asked.

"Not at all," Ichika replied. While Chifuyu leaned forward to reach the request form she just mentioned, Ichika was thinking, 'Really, she did change a lot as compared to the past… Onee-chan was really scary when she was in middle school. She was like a sharp blade, that others would be hurt if they touched her.' As she suddenly became a person responsible for her younger brother upbringing, she really was getting overboard a bit. 'But ever since she went to High school, she became somewhat more sociable. Speaking of which, she often was hanging out with Tabane… However… no, not now…'

The peerless genius, Shinonono Tabane. Most likely, the only person in this wide world who could stand side by side with her at that time was Chifuyu.

"Orimura, there will be all sorts of military personnel and I.S. related enterprise representatives coming in from different countries. Normally, ordinary people are not allowed to take part, but the school will be giving out an entrance ticket to every student for them to enter. You need to think of who you want to invite," Chifuyu noted.

"Ah, okay," Ichika nodded, though he had no idea who he might want to invite…

"By the way, about the row you kicked up this morning during school meeting," Chifuyu addressed her younger brother, "We'll talk about that on the weekend…" Looks like that Ichika is going to be scolded for that show, but not by Orimura-sensei, but by his elder sister (it wasn't an education matter directly).


"Yo!" The moment Ichika walked out of the staff room, there's a girl waiting for him already. That bold girl is quite hard to forget, even for Ichika – the Student Council President, Sarashiki Tatenashi.

*Sigh* "You ain't going to give up easily, are you?" Ichika sighed.

"Hmm? Why are you so wary of me?" She asked, as she again was wearing that careless smile.

"Wary?" Ichika snorted, "'Weary' would be a much better word." After saying that Ichika headed downstairs, and actually, he was heading towards academy exit. The sempai near him was naturally walking alongside Ichika.

"Relax, relax, don't be so unhappy. It won't be beneficial to you if you shut yourself in since you are young, you know?" She asked carelessly. "Where are you going?"

"Out of here," Ichika replied indifferently.

"Wait, you're telling the Student Council President that you're intending to sneak out from academy?" She looked a bit surprised, but retained her smile.

"Sneak out?" Ichika snorted. "I'm going to walk away through the main exit. Either the Academy will make an arena that can sustain the power of my unit, or I'm going to use old JSDF test site for my practice and live fire tests. Principal has been informed. And no, you can't go with me."

"What's the point of training all alone?" Tatenashi wondered, and her face expression became a bit more serious.

"Why not? One-on-one with my classmates ain't challengeable enough, even two-on-one isn't. Five of them at once… well, even for me, it will be very difficult to secure permission for five students to deploy their I.S. on military test site," Ichika actually was just thinking aloud.

"What about me then?" Girl asked with cunning smile, "I'm the Student Council President after all."

"So what?" Ichika wondered.

"Wait, you don't know? The IS Academy Student Council President is…" Just when Sarashiki-sempai intended to continue on, a girl in front of her came running over with dust flying. She's wielding a bamboo sword with one hand. With his emperor's eye Ichika clearly was seeing that she's intending to attack Tatenashi.

"GET READY!"

Not that he really cared, but Ichika didn't like to be interrupted like that. He was intending to grab the sword, tear it out from girl's hand, and then use it as a punishment tool.

But suddenly, sempai moved around Ichika fluidly as she pulled out the fan. "Please allow me," She said as she used the fan to block the bamboo sword and then knocked the attacking girl down with a karate chop with her left hand.

As the girl with sword fell, the glass window shattered. "What's the clownery is this?" Ichika asked tiredly as he noticed the girl at the window on the opposite school building dressed in a hakama and pulling a Japanese bow. As a barrage of arrows flew by, Ichika saw that target once again is Tatenashi.

"Lend me that," Sarashiki kicked the bamboo sword that was lying beside the previous girl and grabbed it as it flew in midair. She then threw it out. The bamboo sword went through the shattered glass window and landed pin-pointedly in the middle of the archer girl's forehead, beating her beautifully.

"WATTTCCCCHHH MMEEEE!"

*BAM!* A third assassin came rushing out of the tool cabinet on the corridor. She had boxing gloves on her hands. Taking light steps, she was swinging over the heavy punches that were full of body weight.

"Fufu. How energetic... oh yeah, Orimura Ichika-san," Tatenashi said, avoiding boxing girl's attacks.

"Now what?" Ichika asked in annoyance, that entire situation was utterly idiotic.

"I think you don't know about this, so let me tell you. In I.S. Academy, the Student Council President title is the proof of something." Sempai covered her mouth with the half-opened fan and said happily. During this time, she continued to dodge the boxing girl's ferocious attacks with little movements. What she's trying to prove is unclear but that looks really weird.

"The Student Council President is the leader of all the students," She said as she dodged the right straight punch in a circle-like manner. Then she kicked herself off the ground and leaped into the air, "And also the strongest." And then, she sent a spear-like spinning kick, sending the boxing girl flying back into the cupboard she came out from, as if it was a rewind, "And that's how it is."

She spun around and let the fan that was let loose when she did the spinning kick to fall back into her hand before it landed on the floor, and then held down her floating skirt. "Did you see it?" No doubts she was asking if Ichika managed to see what's beneath her skirt.

"Yes," Ichika nodded approvingly, "Cute panties, definitely not some cheap stuff," Ichika commented her high-quality laced underwear.

"Ichika-san no ecchi!" She screamed in quite a comical manner, but then she spun around, definitely intending to hit Ichika, and that wasn't a joke. Her reaction and speed were astonishing, much faster than of average human. She was somehow reminding Ichika of young… no, not Chifuyu, of young Tabane. But that was not enough to surpass emperor's eyes.

Ichika easily avoided her left leg swing and placed his right palm on Tatenashi's left shoulder. "The strongest student? Don't make me laugh," Ichika said quietly and slightly pushed her down, "Bow your head." Everything happened so fast, that Tatenashi only began to comprehand what just happened when she already was sitting on the stone floor.

Though she actually had very little time to think as Ichika's right hand already was touching her forehead. He already grasped the situation in surrounding area, confirming that here's no one around but two girls just defeated by Tatenashi. President's sight became unfocused, and she was sitting on the floor, staring into space with empty eyes. This place won't be that empty for long as someone definitely heard the commotion. "C'mon, get up, Hetare Mutsugō [Loser №6], let's have a little chat, you and I," Ichika said as he made the helpless girl to stand, and dragged her into small service room that he noticed nearby.


September, 5. 9:25 PM.

Orimura residence. Today was a lot of paperwork, so Chifuyu returned back home quite late. Approaching her house, she was still thinking about some school's stuff, so she didn't immediately notice that two windows on the first floor are illuminated from inside. It was a drawing room, and obviously whoever was inside the house wasn't hiding his or her presence. Though, it was easy to guess who was that late 'guest'.

"Now is the middle of the school week, what have you forgot here?" She asked right from the doorstep, taking off her high-heel shoes. Officially, Ichika wasn't allowed to leave Academy during school week, without valid reason. But she got no answer, as Ichika didn't even look at her. "Ichika, I'm talking to you," She slightly raised her voice as she entered the drawing room.

When Chifuyu entered the room, Ichika stood up and turned to her, and his eyes slightly abated Chifuyu's desire to scold him for leaving Academy on Tuesday without reason. No, his eyes themselves were as usual, it was his sight that didn't look good, it was almost… mournful. "Onee-chan, since when we lost trust between us?" He asked in plain terms.

Chifuyu blinked. She required a few seconds to completely comprehand the meaning of his question. "What?" She asked, tilting her head, seemingly, Ichika's sudden question stunned her a bit.

"Okay, not like that, rather, since when you lost trust in my feelings about us as blood siblings?" He reformulated his question.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Chifuyu couldn't understand what he wants from her, but seemingly he was blaming her in something, and because of that it was twice as irritating.

"I'm talking about that Hetare girl that you put on my tail, as if there's not enough of them already," Ichika sighed. "The girl that proclaimed herself of being my bodyguard, and I know that she's acting on your request."

"Sarashiki…" Chifuyu hissed as she slightly bit her lower lip. Seemingly, she didn't think that Ichika will learn about her plan that easily.

"Not that she had any choice – may she tell me or not – I can be very persuasive," Ichika noted. "I just want to know – why my own sister contrives some weird conspiratorial plan behind my back?"

"I have my reasons," Chifuyu replied, narrowing her eyes.

"Here we go again…" Ichika sighed. "Oh, I'm sorry!" He exclaimed as if he suddenly realized something, "It seems I mistook you for someone else, I was waiting for my sister, Orimura Chifuyu… by the way, who the hell are you? What are you doing in my house?!"

"Stop speaking nonsense!" Chifuyu demanded as she tried to hit him at the back of his head, Ichika actually managed to make her angry. But Ichika grabbed her arm and a moment later Chifuyu was already lying on sofa, on which Ichika was sitting when she just returned.

"See?" Ichika asked, looking at shocked Chifuyu, "My sister is invincible, and you're just a pale copy of her, at best."

Chifuyu was just looking at her brother with widened eyes. He dealt with her that easily?! She, Orimura Chifuyu, has been thrown away just like some high school girl?! Is he that powerful now… or it is she who actually became that weak?!

*Sigh* Ichika sighed heavily. Seemingly, his sister just couldn't comprehend his metaphors right now. "Back then, in seaside camp, I thought I finally managed to make you sit up. During that volleyball game, and after that too… But since we've returned, everything became even worse… Why you decided that I no longer need elder sister? Whichever right at all you have to decide for me what I need?!"

"I am fed up with you!" Chifuyu roared as she jumped back on her feet, his words were so unjust, "Shut your mouth!" She again raised her arm with intention to hit Ichika, and this time it wouldn't be just a smack on the back of his heed – she clenched her fist, aiming right into Ichika's face.

*Clap!* Ichika again managed to catch sister's arm, but this time it was much harder and he even felt slight shockwave from her swing. "Now that is more like my sister…" He nodded with satisfaction.

"I told you to shut up!" Chifuyu screamed as she swung her left leg, and Ichika heard that her voice cracked. Ichika blocked that attack with his left elbow, and if he had normal bones in his hand instead of high-strength alloy, there would be a fracture. "What do you want from me?! You want to bring me to tears?!" And at that moment Ichika noticed that something glinted in the corner of elder sister's right eye – that actually was a tear.

"Yes," Ichika replied bluntly.

For a moment, Chifuyu froze like paralyzed, as tears already were swelling in both of her eyes. She was hardened warrior, sharp as blade and strong as demon, and there's almost impossible to get under her skin. But when the only person she truly dotes on, her own brother slings dirt at her… even Chifuyu could break… But the next moment Ichika pulled her to himself and embraced, as tight as he could. And as Chifuyu now was completely flabbergasted, Ichika finally decided to explain what exactly he meant. "I know things I just said were horribly unjust, and believe me, saying them was just as painful for mw as for you to hear them… but please, stay with me like that and listen to what I have to say…" He made a deep breath.

"Since we were left together, you were horrible with social stuff. People were afraid of you… even I… But I knew the reasons, and I never blamed you, in particular because, no matter what, you were always honest with me. But something did change since you returned from Deutschland… you began to… hide yourself from me, so to say…" Ichika explained, still holding his sister in tight embrace… and she didn't try to break free, because, sadly, she finally began to realize what he means. "From aside it seemed like you began to wear some sort of mask…"

Indeed, when Chifuyu returned from Germany, she didn't meet her small brother as she expected. She met a man, may be a very young one (Ichika was only 13 years old back then), but there's no way she actually could call him a kid. Student Council President, football team's captain, best pupil in school, winner of numerous contests, both sporting and scientific… It seemed that he's actually doing just fine without her. That was when she decided that he no longer needs strict but close and very caring sister… But she simply couldn't stop caring about Ichika, as entire meaning of her life, or at least the most part of it, was caring about her brother. So she put on that mask, begin to hide her warm feelings toward her only dear person in the world, honestly thinking that this is the right thing to do.

Ichika released Chifuyu from his embrace and turned towards window. "Chifuyu," He called his sister by her name, instead of using '(o)nee-something' which meant that now will be that very rare occasion when he's going to speak from the bottom of his heart. "I'm sick tired of that mask of yours. I always was in need of you, and always will be. And not because you're probably the only woman around me that I don't want to strangle the moment I see her… but because in this world – you're the only person I can trust…"

Chifuyu understand what he meant. She really did, and she wanted to say something in return, but she couldn't, because of these damned tears that simply didn't want to cease… She was experiencing too many emotions at the same time – happiness, because Ichika still needs her, loves her and cares about her. Sadness, because, seemingly, during last two years she was doing wrong a lot of things in her relationships with Ichika. And of course she was angry at him for his choice of method to explain all that. "You're moron…" She whimpered finally, "Couldn't you explain that normally?!"

"If I could, I would," Ichika replied as if it was obvious, "But as I told you, I had to bring you to tears…"

*PAM!* Chifuyu gave her brother a sonorous slap, in quite a feminine way, and this time he didn't try to block or dodge as she needed to release her emotions in that way or she just won't stop crying. "Idiot!" She exclaimed angrily, but tears finally stopped flowing, Chifuyu wiped out the last of them, though her eyes still were quite red.

"I'm really sorry, believe me…" Ichika sighed. "Now, since we done with that, can we talk about my 'would be bodyguard' aka Hetare Mutsugō?" He asked.

*SIGH* Deepness of Chifuyu's sigh reached the planet's core… but that simply can't be helped. He is just as he is… and she loves him just as he is, no matter what.

"So, it is about Phantom Task?" Ichika asked. "I heard that their activity increased during last few months, in particular about their attempts to steal I.S. units from various countries, some of which were successful…" Was Chifuyu surprised to learn that Ichika knows about that? Yes, she was, though she couldn't show it – she already almost ran out of emotions. Besides, probably being surprised about that is actually quite naïve, his military rank is equal to lieutenant-colonel, after all… "This is why you've asked Sarashiki? Not just because she's a quite good pilot (she easily won over all her opponents during interclass tournament in May) but also because Sarashiki clan was a sworn enemy of Phantom Task for generations?"

As it already has been told – Chifuyu was too emotionally exhausted to be surprised, but still, 'How the hell you know about all that!?' She thought. 'Could it be that Sarashiki herself has told him about her own family? Why on earth?'

In the meantime, Ichika continued to expatiate, "And you think that Demon Queen may become their next target? Che…" Ichika snorted. "Honestly, if someone from academy stuff would say that I need someone else to protect me – here's several intimate directions in which I'd advised them to go. Phantom Task wants Naamah? Let them come then, I'll gladly pulverize those fools."

"However…" He turned to his sister, "If onee-chan will sleep better at night, knowing that I have an extra pair of guns or swords or whatever on my side – I'd agree, just let me be the first one to know about that, alright?"

*SIGH* This time deepness of Chifuyu's sigh pierced the planet through. Ichika cornered her, if she won't be frank with him after all he did and said – she herself would look like a kid… She looked straight into brother's eyes, "Yes, when I heard that JSDF gave you access to their old test site, I really didn't like the idea about you being alone in the middle of nowhere… but that's not the only reason."

"Really?" Ichika wondered.

"Really," Chifuyu snorted, "And you'd understand that yourself if you thought about others a bit more often than never. Attacking you on test site is quite convenient opportunity, but that doesn't exclude the possibility that they can try to attack you within academy's walls. If Phantom Task attack you, no doubts – the Archangel will wake up once again. What will happen then?" Chifuyu inquired. Ichika remained silent, actually, sister's argument was quite convincing. "Don't reply – we both know the answer – in that case you and that demoness of yours – you will take asunder half of the Academy. That is the main reason why I chose Sarashiki, you know about her I.S., do you?"

"Of course," Ichika replied, "Московский Густой Туман, designed in Russia 3rd generation anti-terrorist I.S., specifically developed for battles inside buildings… Ah…" [I.S. name means 'Moscow's Dense Fog']

"Bravo!" Chifuyu replied sarcastically, "You got it. Now if that's all you wanted to discuss, I'm going to sleep," She said and headed towards the stairs.

But before she reached stairs she once again was embraced from behind as Ichika silently whispered on her ear, "Sweet dreams, onee-chan…"

Chifuyu sighed, but her face expression was actually slightly happy. "By the way, don't go back to Academy, sleep here," She said as Ichika released her and she continued her way upstairs.

"Of course," Ichika bowed slightly, "Just give me five minutes, I'll get room back in order." The drawing room seemed a bit ruffled.

As Chifuyu locked her room's door behind herself, sat on bed and began to put off her clothes, she sighed again. She felt herself completely exhausted mentally… but at the same time she was feeling some tranquility in her soul and lightness in her heart. "I must've been really horrible person in my previous life to deserve a brother like him in this one…" She thought aloud as she threw her bra and panties on bedside table "…but I never wanted, and never want any other." That was last thought in her head and Chifuyu fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.


And this is it! See you soon people, don't forget to write a review!