Hello everyone. Here's the new chapter.
As much as I don't want to admit it – it's another filler, so to say, but I can't just jump to 'Cannonball Fast' out of blue.
For those who wrote a review:
Imperial-samaB, FateBurn, DarkBladerZX, Alex2909: Many thanks people. I'm trying to make characters a bit less flat (I'm not meaning breast size) then they are in LN, and, especially, in anime.
Anikong: Thanks man. And they soon realize, wait for Cannonball Fast event.
Now, let's proceed to chapter.
Chapter XVI – Daily Routine
…
September, 17th, Sunday, 9:10 PM.
"…biomaterials, which we acquired during today's incident, will be sent for DNA analysis, in case the attacker decides to change her appearance," Chifuyu explained. Under the term 'biomaterial' she meant Autumn's leg, which Ichika sliced off. Laura delivered it to the laboratory (initially Chifuyu tasked Maya Yamada to do that, but when she saw a severed limb she felt herself a bit sick, so Chifuyu had to ask someone with stronger stomach…)
Right now, Laura, Cecilia and Tatenashi were in control room with Chifuyu. "No doubts that both attackers were from that secret organization – 'Phantom Task'. Recently their activity drastically increased, they managed to steal a few I.S. during last several years," Orimura Sensei said. "In particular, two units that was spotted today were 2nd generation US I.S. Arachne and recently stolen 3rd generation I.S. made in Great Britain – Silent Zephyrus. How exactly they managed to steal those frames is unknown, but as you can see by yourself – they are not to be underestimated. Of course, this information is strictly confidential, you are not allowed to reveal it to anyone else. Understood?" She asked strictly.
"Yes, sensei," All three girls replied simultaneously.
"Any questions?" Chifuyu asked, intending to end this debriefing.
Of course, girls had a ton of questions. About Ichika, his hand, his eyes… and about his sister as well, to be honest. The way her voice suddenly changed, girls remembered that as they heard her – they couldn't disobey, they couldn't even think of not doing what she told them to do – they just had to execute her command. Even Sarashiki. But all three knew Chifuyu's reaction when it comes to personal questions…
"Um, Orimura-sensei, where's… where's Ichika-san?" Cecilia asked humbly.
"He got a personal debriefing," Chifuyu replied dryly. She didn't want to lie, so she just answered like that – and it worked, all three seemingly decided that he's reporting to his JSDF superiors. "And I'm not eligible to discuss any personal information about Academy's students," Chifuyu added, to prevent any questions about Ichika's arm, eyes, insanity, etc… Of course, during summer trip she has told a lot, in quite casual manner, but today's situation was completely different – it was an official debriefing. All three realized what she meant – if they want to know something – their only option is to ask Ichika himself…
September, 17th, Sunday. 9:22 PM.
In a room of a high rise condominium, filled with luxurious furniture, Autumn was lying on a leather sofa. She got an injection of medical nanomachines, which cleared the wound ('shear line', so to say) and fixed nerve endings, suppressing pain, but her left leg of course was lost for good.
"YOU DAMN BASTARD! WHAT WERE YOU DOING!?" Autumn screamed, she definitely was on edge of insanity. But only thing she got in response was silence; young girl, about 16 years old, with body that seemed quite petite even for her age, was looking at Autumn silently, her eyes were cold and emotionless.
"SAY SOMETHING! YOU SHITTY KID!" Autumn's voice was boiling with black hatred, she was mutilated, and seemingly she was blaming this girl in front of her as much as that guy, who actually mutilated her. In her blind anger, Autumn pulled out a knife and raised her arm, intending to throw that knife to this girl's face. "I'm going to scar that face of yours...!"
"Stop it, Autumn. You're too noisy," A woman with beautiful face, dressed in a bathrobe, walked out from the bathroom, and the light blond hair radiated under the light.
"Squall...!" Autumn gulped as if woman's appearance scared her.
"You'll get old if you always get angry. Calm down, Autumn," A woman named Squall said as she sat down on the sofa near Autumn. She was speaking as if nothing bad had happened at all.
Autumn glared at Squall with fear and regret. "You... now… with my leg…" She mumbled.
"Don't worry, Autumn, I know. But you're still my lover who's very important to me," Squall assured her, "Even though you lost your leg. I'll find the best specialist to make a bio-electric prosthesis for you, it will look like a new."
"I, well, thank you…" Autumn's anger up till now got wiped off by the smile on Squall's face, and she blushed as she looked down. She looked like a girl who just met her first love.
Seeing her cute look, Squall again smiled happily. "Come over, Autumn. I'll make a bath for you. You're wounded and I believe you're really tired today, right?"
"Ah, thank you…" Autumn blushed even more. Seemingly, all her fears were dissipated when Squall assured her that she still loves her, for a moment she even forgot about her lost leg…
The girl looked uninterested as she stared at interaction between two women, 'Nonsense… just nonsense…' She knew that Autumn was just an insane bitch and Squall's just a mendacious bitch, but she didn't care. She joined Phantom Task with her own reasons.
"M, please send your I.S. to service. The Silent Zephyrs was just stolen, and it's necessary to readjust it," Squall ordered. "I saw the record of your battle – opponent seems to be extremely dangerous and cruel, threat level is way higher than we expected, next time we shall devise our plans much more carefully, probably some additional preparations are needed."
"I got it," After the girl called M replied, she closed the door. Alone in the corridor, she held onto the necklace on her chest and closed her eyes. 'Just a little more… Just a little more… It doesn't matter how powerful you are, Orimura Ichika, you will not stop me!' She thought. 'I've been waiting for this for too long, waiting for this moment to arrive. Then, my revenge will begin… that's right, finally… We'll finally meet… …Orimura Chifuyu…' With no one knowing it, the girl's lips curled evilly.
September, 18th, Monday. 10:18 A.M.
Ichika slowly opened his eyes. His body was strong, and, with help of his numerous implants his physical stamina recovered several hours ago. But his mental exhaustion was an issue – to completely recover his mind required more than fourteen hours of sleep. Staring into the ceiling, Ichika sighed deeply, "Damn, it seems I really went overboard…"
Today's lessons were canceled as students had to clean up their booths and return all the equipment that they've borrowed, as well as get classrooms back in order. Probably, the right thing to do just now was to go and help the girls from class 1-1 to turn the maid café back into a normal classroom, but Ichika had no desire (and no shame) to do that.
He sat in bed and looked around. Nightgown, which was untidy lying on desk. Slippers that were lying about in the middle of the room. Overall disorder in room plus some familiar items – all that (and few other things) left no doubts – it was Ichika sister's room. Ichika was still dressed in his field military uniform. Chifuyu didn't even took off his boots… "Onee-chan… You're incorrigible…" Ichika sighed again as he jumped off the bed.
There are many mysteries in this world… For example, here's one of them – there are those in this world, who possesses the essence of divine beings… Each one has essence of two beings, and there are only five such individuals in the entire world, which appear once in a century…
One of them possesses powers of Alarim Zaphkiel – Ruler of 3rd sephira, Binah; Lord of Understanding, the aspect of future. Also, she possesses powers of Auphanim Raziel – Ruler of 2nd sephira, Chokmah; Lord of Knowledge, the aspect of devotion. The person, who possesses these essences, is a 'Creator'… peerless genius, a bit insane and other-wordly.
Another one possesses powers of Malachim Raphael – Ruler of 6th sephira, Tiphareth; Lord of Shining Beauty, the aspect of harmony. Also, she possesses powers of Elohim Haniel – Ruler of 7th sephira, Netzach; Lady of Grace, aspect of victory. The person, who possesses these essences, is a 'Graceful Light'… an undefeatable protector, blessed with unmatched beauty.
Third one possesses powers of Seraphim Kamael – Ruler of 5th sephira, Geburah; Lord of Battles, aspect of holy wrath. Also, he possesses powers of Chaioth Metatron – Ruler of 1st sephira, Kether; Lord of Holy Crown, aspect of 'gates of abyss'. The person, who possesses these essences, is 'Holy Cleansing Flame'… the relentless warrior, merciless and impossible to deceive.
Who are the other two is yet to be known…
Getting sister's room in order (he just couldn't leave it as it was), Ichika was thinking about yesterday's events… '…Archangels consume too much of my stamina… to think that I would collapse from exhaustion just like that…' He didn't forget that he passed out yesterday…
Despite all his implants and training, Ichika still was just a fifteen years old boy. Besides, it's not about physical stamina, mostly. Eyes of Kamael, true form of his emperor's eyes, ability granted by his second Archangel, consumes considerable amount of physical stamina. But biggest problem is another ability he possesses – Vision of Metatron, ability granted by his first Archangel… In active form it drains huge amount of his mental energy. How to deal with that – this is the real question…
September, 18th, Monday. 10:50 A.M.
The bay's doors opened, revealing Ichika's 'personal chambers', so to say. Everything here was just as it was when Ichika left almost twenty-seven hours ago. It wasn't easy to get here, without being spotted by anyone, because if they'll spot him – it'll be much more difficult for him to avoid working in the classroom. But mostly Ichika wanted to avoid meeting with three girls, who were involved in yesterday's fight against Phantom Task, especially Tatenashi… He knew that they all have a ton of questions, and probably he has to answer at least some of them, he just couldn't decide – which questions should get the answer.
Ichika approached his I.N. – Majin Naamah. She performed all required task, and now was waiting for him, for almost twenty hours. Now she was in sleep mode. Ichika touched her with his right arm, with his Realizer, to wake her up. Just as he did it, her frame began to glow with dark violet light.
"Adonai, calibration complete. All plasma conductors are fully operational," Demon Queen reported.
"Very well," Ichika replied. "Reestablish connection with primary armament," He ordered.
"Proceeding," Demon Queen began assigned operation. "Adonai, I'm detecting signs of extensive use of the armament during last twenty-four hours…" A.I. noted.
"Yeah, sorry about that," Ichika laughed joylessly. "You've missed all the fun…"
"Have you suffered any damage?" A.I. asked. Unlike this core's previous personality, Naamah likes her master, and seemingly now she was a bit worried… ain't it touching?
"Only thing that suffered was my pride…" Ichika sighed. "I made a mistake. I underestimated our enemies' boldness. I actually didn't believe that they'd dare to show themselves here, in academy. But they decided to leave shadows too abruptly… and I don't know why. Yesterday's attack doesn't match the profile of a 'secret organization', they really thought that yesterday's commotion would provide them with enough cover?…" Ichika definitely had more questions than answers.
"Primary armament connection reestablished. Overload Mode and Paradise of Darkness are available," Naamah reported.
"Then here's no time to waste," Ichika said. He raised his left arm and Demon Queen disappeared, taking form of a black chain, wrapped around Ichika's left arm. Then beam plasma cannon Ira materialized on 'operating table'. Ichika sat on his throne-like chair, leaning on its back, and closed his eyes. Throne began to glow as more than sixty hornet-like mobile construction units woke up and soared into the air.
September, 18th, Monday. 11:05 P.M.
More than twelve hours of hard work, but now it finally has been done. Ira was finally equipped with active heat sink, beam focuser has been redesigned, cannon was ready for field testing. Also, Ichika made a few adjustments to his plasma sword, Invidia, more specifically to its Ark Projector mode, Cardinal Sin. The only problem was that he missed yesterday's dinner as well as today's breakfast, lunch and dinner, and now he was as hungry as Wile E. Coyote [Looney Tunes character].
'And where are all those annoying girls when I actually need one of them?' Ichika thought as he was walking towards his room in dormitory. Not that he was out of options – he could visit one of city's restaurants, for example. In worst case he could fly home and prepare a dinner for himself – if he'll be careful enough – he won't wake up his sister. While choosing an option, Ichika reached his room. He at least wanted to change clothes.
"Ichika!?" But just before he could open the door to his room, neighboring room's door opened and Houki appeared on the doorstep, "You've just came back?! I've heard you was called for debriefing or something…" She actually seemed surprised, as she hasn't seen him since that idiotic 'Cinderella' play.
"Yep, and that was the longest debriefing so far," Ichika lied without hesitation, the excuse that Houki just suggested seemed pretty convenient. If she and other girls are thinking that he spent this day on naval base, reporting to his superiors about what happened yesterday – that suits him just fine. "Though, I also had to visit our R&D department, there was something I wanted to look at," Ishika added a few details.
"Don't you think you should take a break from time to time?" Houki asked worriedly, "If you continue to work regardless of your own feelings…"
"Desperate time requires desperate measures," Ichika interrupted her.
There was something strange in Houki's behavior. She was unusually soft, talking to Ichika… No doubts, everyone in the school knew that there was an incident during anniversary event. Details were classified, and Tatenashi, Laura and Cecilia no doubts kept their mouths shut, but general information is much harder to hide. And seemingly Houki managed to add two and two, she realized that this incident was somehow connected to Ichika (because they all connected to Ichika).
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine," Ichika assured her. "However…" He suddenly got an idea "…is there any chance that you ware making dinner for yourself today, and you have something left?" He asked casually.
"I… I did…" Houki stuttered, she was a bit surprised with that question, "And here's something left – some fried rice and chicken with soy sauce, but…"
"That will do just nicely," Ichika assured her, "Can you… share with me…?"
"Of… of course!" Houki's face shone. She quickly put on table everything that left of her dinner. "Just let me reheat it…"
"No need," Ichika refused to wait as he took the tablespoon, which Houki-had-no-idea-where-he-got-from, and began to eat. Within one minute, right under Houki's shocked gaze, all her food disappeared.
"Ichika… what…" Houki was quite surprised with such an appetite.
"Don't mind that," Ichika waved her off, "Many thanks for the treatment." After he said that, Ichika was just looking at Houki with his heterochromic eyes. Honestly, that sight made her feel herself a bit uncomfortable… "Hmm, alright," Ichika said as if he decided on something. Though, he didn't say anything specific right now, he just thanked Houki once more, wished her good night and left her room.
In the meantime, Ichika entered his own room. "Ichika-sama!" Teasing and careless voice greeted him, "Other girls were saying that you were called to naval base and won't return today, but I knew you'll come back!" Despite she came here to talk about serious things, she still tried to keep that carefree attitude, seemingly, initial shock from what she saw yesterday has passed. Tatenashi was lying on bed, which she used while she lived with Ichika.
Ichika wasn't surprised – he knew that she's here, and he already knew what to do with her. Even before she could stand up Ichika's right palm touched her forehead. Expectedly, her sight became unfocused, and she now was so obedient… "Just as you've been told, I didn't come. You fell asleep while you were waiting for me," Ichika 'programmed' her memories. "Now you going to sleep for at least nine hours." Then Ichika snapped his fingers, and few moments later Tatenashi fell asleep, just as Ichika ordered her.
"Damn, I'm using my Realizer on her more often than on all others combined…" Ichika sighed, looking at sleeping Tatenashi. "What an annoying girl…" He sighed again as he sat on his own bed.
September, 22th, Friday, 8:10 P.M.
Evening, I.S. Academy kendo club. All members of the club already went to their rooms, so Houki was here all alone. She wasn't too sociable, so she preferred to train alone, besides, she was training using real katana – her family relic – and it would be dangerous to use it with other students around. Right now she was standing in the middle of the room with her eyes closed, 'tuning' her mind before training.
"Houki", Quiet voice called for her from behind.
"Yaah!" Houki exclaimed from unexpectedness as she accidentally threw her sword up and it plunged into the ceiling. "Stop doing this!" She protested. Since Monday's evening, Houki had no chances to talk to Ichika. During practical lessons he was sticking closer to his sister, and by now all girls have learned that trying to chit-chat during Chifuyu's lessons is quite hazardous. And since there were no I.S. theory classes during this week (only practice), Ichika was vanishing right after HRS, just like a ghost. And now, out of blue, he himself appeared right behind Houki… She was quite surprised, to say the least.
"Tomorrow, wait for me near the academy's main entrance at 7:55 A.M.," He said calmly, ignoring her startled expression. "Don't ask anything, I'll explain everything tomorrow. Avoid meeting any other girl on your way, and wear an I.S. suit…" Houki's eyes widened, but Ichika continued talking as if it was nothing special, "…and don't worry about Tatenashi, I'll take care of that." As he finished talking, he turned around and headed towards kendo club dojo's exit. "Oh, and that's not an order of course," Ichika added, "Just an invitation…" And he closed dojo's door.
'What the hell was that?!' Houki though, staying like paralyzed, staring at closed door. 'Did he… just… invited me… for a date?! No, wait! Calm down Houki, you need to calm down!' Houki made several slow breaths to calm down her wildly beating heart. 'He asked me to wear an I.S. suit… why?! But still… he told me to avoid others… does it mean… there will be only two of us?!' Then she accidentally looked up. Sight of her own sword, sticking out from the ceiling, moved her out of her stupor. "Hey, wait, Ichika! Help me get my sword down!" She cried, looking back, but of course Ichika was long gone.
September, 23th, Saturday, 7:53 A.M.
Just as Ichika told her, Houki was waiting for him near the academy's main entrance (seriously, she couldn't lose such a chance, even if it's definitely not a date…). She was hiding behind a huge concrete arc with winged female figure upon it, trying her best to not being spotted by anyone. Houki came here beforehand, and now she was shivering a little, waiting for Ichika, she was dressed only in a quite revealing I.S. suite, and September's morning wasn't too warm.
Two minutes later, exactly at 7:55 AM, Ichika appeared. He also was wearing his I.S. suit. Without delay he passed under the concrete arc, leaving I.S. Academy's territory. "Houki," Ichika waved to her, "Come here".
"Good… good morning…" Houki mumbled, leaving her hideout and approaching Ichika.
"Yes, pretty good," Ichika agreed, looking at a clear horizon, though he knew that this is not what Houki meant. "Just what we need. Deploy your I.S." Ichika ordered.
"What?!" Houki exclaimed, "Right here? But according to Academy's regulations…"
"Academy has nothing to do with that," Ichika interrupted her. "We're outside the academy now, this is my territory. I give you permission to deploy I.S., proceed."
"O… okay, I got it!" Houki replied, louder than needed, as those notes of defiance again appeared in her voice. "Let's go, Crimson Camellia!" With bright flash of quantum transfer, Houki deployed her I.S. Red I.S. with white panels was shining as bright as ever.
Within a moment, Demon Queen also appeared, as dreadful as ever, Ichika deployed his I.N. without saying a single word. "Follow me, it's not too far from here," Ichika said via I.S. private channel, "I'll explain everything as soon as we arrive." As he said that, Demon Queen soared into the air.
Since she already agreed to that, Houki had no choice but to follow him.
Actually, place where Ichika and Houki have arrived was quite far from Academy, they had to flew across the entire city and about 30 miles further away from their education facility. That was an old JSDF test site, which, in fact, now became Ichika's personal test site.
"What is this place?" Houki wondered, looking around. Here was nothing but rocks, some of which looked like they were destroyed by unnatural means.
"This is the test site JSDF command granted to me," Ichika replied. "I.S. Academy standard arenas aren't capable of withstanding my unit's firepower, so I'm using this place to commit live fire tests," He explained. "But that is secondary objective for today," He added.
"What… why you called me here then…?" Houki wondered.
"No, Houki, it's not a date," Ichika snorted with irony, "Even though here are only two of as – we're gonna have a very serious talk, and do quite serious things, and time is of the essence…" Though Houki was quite disappointed as she heard that their meeting here has nothing to do with a date, the way Ichika was talking prompted her to listen carefully.
"Houki, everything I'm going to tell now is strictly confidential, don't say anyone that we even had this conversation," Ichika said, looking straight at a bit scared girl, "Understand?" Houki just nodded, but seemingly that was enough for Ichika. "Listen then. No doubts that you've heard about so called 'incident' that happened during school anniversary festival. In fact, our academy was attacked by members of an international criminal organization, the so-called 'Phantom Task'. That organization managed to steal several I.S. units from all over the world during few last years. Their ultimate aim during attack on our academy was to steal my personal I.S. – Demon Queen…"
"WHAT?!" Houki couldn't hold it, but Ichika didn't let her continue.
"Doesn't matter, that attempt was utterly pathetic and futile to begin with," He said. "Laura's pride and Cecilia's faith in her own abilities – those were our only losses, so to say; on the other hand, enemy lost one I.S. frame and one of their operatives was crippled. However, one thing I can say with 100% certainty – they won't stop. Which leads us to the main point of our today's meeting…" Ichika sighed. "You probably did notice that I had no I.S. during the anniversary event, did you?"
"I… I wasn't sure… Houki replied uncertainly.
"Well, it's truth," Ichika confirmed, "I left her to perform quite a long routine task… never mind. Nevertheless, during attack on our academy, even without I.S., I managed to cripple one of enemy's operatives. In turn, they couldn't even scratch me. And I'm not bragging, I'm telling you this so you could understand one thing – even as stupid as they are, I doubt that they would dare to attack me again, when Demon Queen will be with me and ready for battle. On the other hand, I still think that they really want to get their hands on 4th generation I.S., and, aside from my own, I know of only one such machine…" Ichika looked right at Houki as he finished his monologue.
"You… you think they may… they may try to steal Crimson Camellia?!" Houki asked in shock as she unwillingly clenched her fists.
"I'm not sure, of course," Ichika shrugged. "But this is quite likely. Chifuyu seemingly thinks the same, that's why she asked Sarashiki to help with your I.S. piloting training…"
"What?!" Houki exclaimed, "It's Chifuyu-san's request?!" Seemingly, Houki's feelings about that were quite mixed…
"Again, I'm not sure… she couldn't train you herself – it would've looked like a favoritism of sort… anyway, it's just my wild guess, it actually could be Sarashiki's idea in the first place, that girl definitely has ants in her pants… or panties…" Ichika shook his head. "Doesn't matter, and remember, we never had this conversation – it's all just my speculations. The training that you're getting – that's a concrete thing, and that's what I want to discuss with you today," Ichika concluded.
"My training?" Houki wondered, she seemed a bit at loss with all these Ichika's discourses, but when he finally got to the point, she got back to her senses. "What's wrong with it? I actually became much better since Tatenashi-sempai started to train me!" Houki announced somehow challengingly.
"I know," Ichika replied imperturbably, "And that's is our current problem – you personally became much better, but as an I.S. pilot you're not fighting alone – you're fighting together with your I.S.," He said. "Don't you remember?" Ichika asked, looking at Houki with evaluating sight, "When I saw your training for the first time, I've mentioned that if you're trying to improve your synergy with your I.S. – you're doing everything the wrong way. I never expected you to understand what I've meand by yourself, but you could ask your sister… Anyway," Ichika raised his arm to prevent Houki from saying everything she thinks about his suggestion as she already made a deep breath, "Using manual control is the last thing you should do if you want to better sync yourself with your I.S." He concluded. Houki seemed at loss again, so Ichika decided to give more detailed explanation.
"On your training, Tatenashi forces you to control your I.S. manually. Indeed, it's pretty effective way to improve pilot's personal skills and tactical thinking, but this is work for a short-term outlook," Ichika explained.
"Short-term outlook?" Houki still seemed at loss.
"Yes," Ichika nodded. "I give you an example. If you will use your Fold-Out Armor and both weapons at maximum output, you will run out of energy pretty quickly, right?" Houki nodded reluctantly, so Ichika continued, "Now tell me, you think that your sister's really that incompetent to create an I.S. frame, which can run out of energy in the middle of battlefield?"
"What?! No, I… I have a Gorgeous Dance One-Off ability to restore energy!" Houki exclaimed. Despite her relationships with Tabane, Houki felt some displeasure when Ichika called her sister 'incompetent'; seemingly, Houki thought that it's okay for her to badmouth Tabane, but not for the others…
"Gorgeous Dance has nothing to do with that," Ichika replied emotionlessly. "That ability's main purpose is to restore shields of your own I.S. and restore energy and shields of other units. Restoring energy of your own I.S. is just a side effect. Why am I so sure?" Ichika asked as he read that question in Houki's eyes. "Because main reactor of Crimson Camellia now provides only 32% of its design output."
Houki's eyes widened, "How do you know that?!" Normally, even I.S. pilot can't get access to such information without special external interfaces.
"Crimson Camellia herself told me," Ichika replied. Houki's eyes widened even more, so he added, "I.S. cores network, Houki. She told that to Naamah, and I learned from her…"
"Traitress…" Houki mumbled resentfully, meaning her I.S., as if Camellia told one of Houki's dirty secrets to the man she likes.
"You're fool, Houki," Ichika snorted, "She's worried about you." Houki tried to reply something but Ichika didn't let her, "Shut up and listen. Manual I.S. control is good thing then you need to learn new skills from the scratch. But when you're using manual control, I.S. core's working in passive mode, transferring your commands to frame directly. If you want to improve synergy with your unit, if you want it to evolve, if you want Crimson Camellia to achieve Second Shift one day and reveal her hidden potential, you should use manual control as little as possible. That's the first reason."
Ichika continued, "And second one – there's a limit of maneuver's complexity when you're in the manual control mode, because there's a limit of parameters number that human's brain can consciously process simultaneously. To get rid of that limit, you'll need help of your I.S. To execute really complex maneuvers, you'll need to use your imagination, you'll have to let your I.S. to see what you're imagining. And of course manual control won't let her learn to understand abstract images from your brain."
"And this is why we're here today – while I will be busy with firing tests, you shall try to execute all those moves that you've learned to perform using manual I.S. control, but now you shall use I.S. navigation and built-in control systems," Ichika concluded.
Houki was looking at Ichika with saucer-wide eyes. Let alone that tremendous amount of information he just poured on her in one go, the task that he set before her seemed impossible. "Don't be so surprised," Ichika noted, "If you really want to become an Ace-class pilot, if you want your I.S. to achieve Second Shift, your mind and hers should be in complete sync. It is crucial that your I.S. core may control your frame just as good as you, as if replacing your spinal cord. She must become an extension of your own body. Of course, you won't be able to do anything properly from first attempt, neither from second… 100th attempt may have some chances of success…" Ichika looked somewhere aside, "Of course, it's extremely difficult, but believe me – Second Shift really is a nice thing, and such things is never easy to achieve. And of course, I can't order you to do anything, I'm only offering an advice and some place to practice…" He added, waiting for Houki's answer. Ichika said everything he wanted.
That wasn't an easy question. Spending whole Saturday, training I.S. maneuvers… not the best way to spend a day-off. And doing entirely opposite thing to what Tatenashi-san taught her…
On the other hand – she's here, together with Ichika, far away from academy, away from her 'rivals in love'. Even though that's not a date… maybe this is her chance to become better pilot, to be noticed by Ichika? Naturally, Houki has no choice…
September, 23th, Saturday, 7:49 P.M.
"Alright, Houki, that's enough for today, let's head back to the academy," Ichika said as he turned away from setting sun and looked at his I.N. clock. He already completed all his fire tests hours ago, so now he was just waiting, observing Houki's progress.
"No, wait!" Houki protested, "I almost did it!" She was trying to perform the same maneuver that Ichika saw her performing a while ago – she was flying in circles, then from her circular motion she was changing it to a straight motion, as if she wanted to break through the opponent's fire at one go and use her swords to slash the opponent. Honestly, her first attempts were horrible (she crashed into rock and/or fell into еру water several times), but now it looked acceptably.
"No, Houki, your energy's almost at zero, and I mean not only your I.S.," He refused to let her continue, "The point of this training isn't to perfectly execute one or another maneuver, but to improve your connection with your machine… and that has been achieved. Crimson Camellia's operational rate just passed the 43% point, and, just so you'd know, it's the first notable increase since that operation against Silver Gospel." Since summer, operational rate only increased for 0.3% (from 41.9% to 42.2%), considering that it's been two months since that – it's a very mediocre result. But now it reached 43.1%; of course, the bigger the numbers – the more difficult to increase them, but still – 0.1% per hour – an excellent result.
"Only one percent?!" Houki asked somehow desperately.
"Only?" Ichika looked at her as if she's an idiot, "Houki, one percent increase after only nine hours of training – it's just an outstanding score, so to say. Usually, to achieve such a result, you'd need at least a week, training ten hours per day…" Most notably, reactor output increased by 1.3%, it's now 33.2% (comparing to previous 31.9%), it really was an outstanding progress, much better than Ichika anticipated. Seemingly, Crimson Camellia knows where she's lacking, and she's using her new experience to improve just that.
"A week!?" Houki exclaimed.
"Really. Alright, c'mon now, let's head back," Ichika ordered as Demon Queen soared into the air. Reluctantly, Houki followed him. "You're quite lucky, you know?" Ichika asked while they were flying.
"Lucky? What you mean?" Houki wondered.
"Because your I.S. seems to like you…" Ichika replied, "I guess she forgave you far that incident…" He added quietly.
"What?" Houki asked in confusion.
Ichika shook his head, "No, nothing, don't mind me. Important thing is – she seems to worry about you, and your sync rate grows extremely fast when you're putting your efforts into it… yeah, you're lucky indeed. My old I.S. hated me…"
"Really?!" Houki asked in surprise, "But you two seemed quite good…"
"No, more likely I was just forcing her to sync with me, with sheer power of my will alone, but, as I think of it now, we were in disagreement about almost everything," Ichika explained. "This is why I had to rid of her in the end. I hope a new pilot will be more compatible with that stubborn thing…" Ichika said, though that, of course, was a pure lie, which he told just so support his own false story. "Though, I don't really care now, me and Naamah are in full agreement now," Ichika patted his own shoulder.
Academy's lights already could be seen on the horizon. "Remember, Houki, keep quiet about what we're doing, for now. You really don't need other girls to know that we spent an entire day-off together, and if Tatenashi ask – even if she's a Student Council President – this is JSDF business that doesn't concern her."
"Yes… but I don't think she let me off the hook that easily – she'll continue to force me to train with her…" Houki said with grim face. Her next 'extra' training session was planned for tomorrow.
"That's not a problem," Ichika assured her, "In contrary – she still knows a lot of useful maneuvers, which you should learn to execute in manual control mode at first, anyway. Learn whatever you can from her, just don't listen to her when she's talking about general I.S. theory. A girl, who's being disliked by her own I.S., definitely cannot be trusted in that aspect."
"What?!" Houki exclaimed in surprise, "Mysterious Lady doesn't like Sarashiki-sempai?!"
"Yeah," Ichika nodded. "I'll tell you about that in the future, I actually think it's quite funny," He smiled to himself. "Right now, you should focus on yourself, and you can leave helping to improve your sync with your I.S. to me."
"Right!" Houki exclaimed joyfully "…ahem, I mean, of course… that should be as you said…" She quickly tried to hide her happiness about being able to spent entire days-off with Ichika.
Houki and Ichika were walking together along their dormitory's corridor, not only because they are living in neighboring rooms, Houki also insisted that she should treat Ichika with dinner, because she is 'thankful'.
"Alright, this is out of all notch," Ichika snorted as he suddenly stopped in front of his own room's door. Houki looked at him questioningly but he didn't reply anything, just opened the door. "Shall I set up a few mines here?" He asked, addressing Tatenashi. "Braking into my room, and not alone but with friends…" Aside from Tatenashi, Cecilia and Laura also were here. Tatenashi was lying on unoccupied bed, Cecilia stood near Ichika's desk and Laura was sitting on a windowsill (i.e. as far away as possible from Tatenashi). Seemingly – girls' patience ran out – all three girl that were involved into Sunday's battle gathered together and set up an 'ambush'.
"I'm sorry, Ichika-sama, but we really need to talk, and you're a very hard to find person, so we had no choice but to wait for you here," Tatenashi explained, smiling.
"Ichika-san?" Cecilia definitely wanted some answers.
"Ichika, how could you hide such a secret from your wife?" Laura asked in her usual cold manner.
"Ichika, what are they talking about?" Houki wondered, "What secret?"
Ichika sighed, "Well, I guess I really should tell that story, to all of you… but not today. Since everyone will gather together next Sunday, I think it's a good chance so I won't be needing to repeat that story. It's not the funny one, you know."
"Next Sunday?" Cecilia asked, "You mean that 'Cannonball Fast', I.S. high speed battle race?" I.S. high speed battle race 'Cannonball Fast' originally was an international tournament, but the situation is a little different at the I.S. Academy – students participate in that special event that's held by the city specifically for them.
"No, I mean… wait," Ichika turned to Houki, who suddenly stiffened, "You didn't tell them, are you?"
"Didn't tell us about what, Houki-chan?" Tatenashi looked at Houki with one eye closed.
""Houki-san?"" Cecilia and Laura gave Tatenashi their full support in her question.
But since Houki paled and lost ability to speak, Ichika replied instead of her, "Next Sunday is my birthday." [I know, actually Ichika's birthday is Sept. 27, I just moved it slightly for my own convenience]
"WHAT!?" All three girls asked at the same time.
"Even you didn't know?" Ichika looked at Tatenashi. She's Sarashiki, after all, and a Student Council President.
"Humph," Tatenashi snorted, "Wall of disinformation around you is just impenetrable…"
"It is as if your life starts from middle school," Laura confirmed, seemingly she also tried to dig for some info about Ichika. "Your middle school's name, your school grades, trophies, rewards, etc. – everything is in public access. But before that – nothing…"
"And absolutely no personal information…" Cecilia said mournfully.
"Huh, but it seems there's someone here who already knew but stayed silent about it," Sarashiki noted as all three girls turned towards Houki.
"It's… it's not like I hid it from everyone! It's just that no one asked, that's all!" Houki exclaimed as she made a step back.
"Hey, don't blame Houki alone, split the blame between both of my childhood friends," Ichika interjected casually.
"That little…!" Cecilia exclaimed and quickly headed towards room' exit. "I'm sorry, Ichika-san," Cecilia turned to Ichika as she remembered about good manners, "But I urgently need to speak with Rin-san, good night to you!" And blonde quickly left.
"We shall go too, right, Houki-chan?" Tatenashi grabbed Houki's arm, and that smile of her scared Houki quite a bit. "Rin-san's room seems to be a nice place to talk, c'mon. Good night, Ichika-sama!" Tatenashi waved her goodbye. Houki gave Ichika one last plaintive sight but didn't say anything as Tatenashi dragged her away.
"I'm leaving too," Laura said as she tried to follow other girls but Ichika stopped her, as he caught her right arm and Laura immediately froze.
"Laura, please tell Charlotte about next Sunday, alright?" He asked. Conflicts between girls were last things he needed right now, so Ichika decided that it would be better if all his 'fangirls' will be informed equally.
"Ok… okay…" Silver-haired girl replied with wavering voice.
"Thank you, I know I can count on you," Ichika said and slightly kissed tip of Laura's head. Girl's face immediately became red and she ran away without saying anything. "Hah, I think I understand why onee-chan likes her – she's really like a big living doll…"
September, 24th, Sunday. 10:52 P.M.
"Sorry to disturb you," Tatenashi opened the heavy door and walked into the Principal's office. It was dark outside the windows, and the night that gathered caused everything to be covered in darkness.
"Ahh, Tatenashi-kun, perfect timing," Inviting Tatenashi in was an elderly man with a calm face. On the surface, his wife was the principal, but in fact, all school affairs were controlled by this man, "I'm awaiting your report."
The man put his hand on the stylish table and prompted Tatenashi to speak. His face had wrinkles that matched his head and the white hair. He was rather friendly, and was often called the 'Conscience in the School'. This man, Kutsuwagi Juuzou is the real man running I.S. Academy. "So, what you think of Orimura Ichika?"
Tatenashi kept her usual playful manner as she started reporting. "To be honest, I'm really surprised. His combat skills are really exceptional, and to think that he created an I.S. like Demon Queen all by himself…"
"You're right. But I think that's to be expected – he's Orimura-sensei's brother, and I heard many times that his intelligence is on pair with Shinonono Tabane," Old man said.
There seemed to be some hidden meaning behind that, but Tatenashi didn't ask as she continued her report, "But at the same time, I'd say he is completely uncontrollable and unpredictable clinical psychopath."
"You think you can handle him?" Kutsuwagi asked.
"I'll do my best, Kutsuwagi-dono," Tatenashi bowed slightly. "Now, about Phantom Task. We confirmed that there were at least two I.S. One of the cores was taken out, so they shouldn't be able to take much action in the nearest future."
If the core's the heart, the armor's the body. If only the heart was taken out, it meant that it had to lose the body that was fit around it, so it'd take quite some time to reassemble the armor around it. Phantom Task somehow managed to steal Arachne, but they weren't the ones who built the frame, so getting the spare parts to rebuild entire frame won't be that easy.
"It's been tough on you, Tatenashi-kun," Old man said.
"This is nothing much. My machine can gain practical experience too," Tatenashi shook her head.
"Hmm, the Russian-made I.S… It's finally complete. I was worried whether it would be completed in time, you got it just about six weeks ago, right? It was the right thing to hand it over to you," Kutsuwagi noted.
"There are several flaws the developers made in the design, but I want to use it as it is now," Sarashiki said. Really, she only got her I.S. several weeks ago, yet she already familiarized herself with all its equipment and managed to develop several efficient tactics. That's the proof of Tatenashi's excellent skills. Of course, she's not even close to Chifuyu's level, but she's very good nonetheless.
"Hmm, Tatenashi-kun," Old man looked at the Student Council President, "Don't mind my asking, but have you considered asking Orimura-kun for assistance? I'm pretty sure he can help you fix those 'flaws' you've mentioned, not for free, of course…"
"No, sorry, Kutsuwagi-dono, but I'd like to keep Orimura Ichika as far away from my I.S. as possible," Tatenashi refused as she shook her head. "Not that I have doubts about his engineering skills, it's just… forgive me my stubbornness, but I don't want to borrow anyone's assistance for this case – I want to handle this myself. Besides, just as you've said, I'll have to pay him, but I can't spend my family's money to solve my own problems."
"Okay, I'll leave it to you then. Do whatever you want," Juuzou shrugged.
After reporting about two, three more things, Tatenashi ended her report, "Anyway, that's all." Tatenashi smiled as she said that, and Juuzou showed a warm and friendly smile as well. The conversation between both of them removed the tense atmosphere like a mist.
"Then, let's have some tea. Oh yea, I bought some nice snacks. It'll be great if it fits your tastes," After Juuzou said that, Tatenashi's eyes glittered.
The expression on her face at that moment fit her age, "Will Juusou-san's snacks be to my liking? I'm looking forward to it!"
"Hahaha, I'm not that amazing," Old man laughed friendly.
"No no no, it's really good. Oh yes! I brought some tea along with me!" Tatenashi announced.
"Ohh, is that brewed by Nohotoke-kun?" Kutsuwagi asked.
"As you guessed," Sarashiki nodded.
"Ohh! The tea she brews is really good. I think we can have a good tea party," Right now, his speech and mannerism were completely different from his age. He didn't look like a man who was going to be 70.
The two people who were seated started a tea party like good friends. Nobody would think that they were the two leaders of I.S. Academy if they saw them like this.
"Hmm? Kutsuwagi-dono, what's that?" Tatenashi asked as she saw a file on Juuzou's desk. Not only she was quite curious girl, but there was her name on it… and it was one among four very unusual names… Other three were: Orimura Ichika, Orimura Chifuyu and… Shinonono Tabane!
"Ah, this," Juuzou smirked, "This is some sort of a report project, which I managed to acquire thanks to my very good friend in JSDF. Feel free to read it if you want, it's not even confidential…"
Tatenashi took the file. Seemingly, it really was an early project, as it even had no official name. Aside from facing page, there were only four pages – one per each person. On each page was a person's photo, hexagonal chart with six parameters, and several comments written in dry military style.
Hexagonal chart contained central point and five layers, which were marked from 'E' (internal) to 'A' (outer), seemingly representing parameter's intensity. Four parameters were the same for every person, and two were individual for each one. Tatenashi looked at graph that was representing her individual numbers:
Stress tolerance: A
Physical training and martial arts skills: B
I.S. Piloting skills: B- (point was between 'C' and 'B', but a bit closer to 'B')
I.S. knowledge and engineering skills: C
That was her general parameters, her individual parameters were:
Talkativeness: S (point actually was outside of chart's outer border, 'S' means 'Superior')
Mysteriousness: D
'What the hell?!' Tatenashi thought angrily, 'Martial arts – 'B'!? Engineering skills – 'C'?! I've assembled my I.S. myself! And what's with that 'Talkativeness'?!' Girl felt herself quite offended, but since the old man was still here she couldn't allow herself to look hysterical, so she just turned the page over and began to examine the next person's charts – Orimura Chifuyu:
Stress tolerance: S
Physical training and martial arts skills: M
I.S. Piloting skills: S
I.S. knowledge and engineering skills: B+
That was her general parameters, three out of four were off the charts, with the second one being way above the charts ('M' means 'Maximum'); individual parameters were:
Beauty: S
Probability of finding a boyfriend: E- (that point actually was quite close to zero…)
'Well, it's hard to argue with that…' Tatenashi sighed. If she was compared to Orimura-sensei, then maybe her own values ain't so unfair? 'If Orimura-sensei's engineering skills and knowledge about I.S. are just slightly above B level, then I should be proud about my C… But what's with that last parameter?! The one who wrote it really knows no fear if she or he dared to write something like that about Chifuyu-sama…' With that thought, Tatenashi turned page over, and now she was looking at Chifuyu brother's chart:
Stress tolerance: S
Physical training and martial arts skills: A
I.S. Piloting skills: B+ (almost between 'B' and 'A', but slightly closer to 'B')
I.S. knowledge and engineering skills: S
That was Ichika's general parameters, only two out of four were off the charts; individual parameters were:
Life by rule "violence solves everything": S
Farseer: M
'Ha ha, how true…' Tatenashi laughed as she looked at fifth parameter, though it wasn't a joyful laugh… Then she looked at first four parameters, which actually were meaningful. It was hard to disagree with them… Ichika defeated her, using martial arts, so he's actually better. Stress tolerance… well, considering his behavior during incident with 'Phantom Task', he really has nerves of steel. Engineering skills – well, Demon Queen is his creation, so there's little doubts. And piloting skills… 'This report really looks quite impartial…' She thought as Ichika never tried to hide that his sister is much better pilot. 'But what the hell is this?!' She even blinked to make sure she did read the sixth parameter properly and then shook her head.
She turned the last page and looked at the most interesting chart – Shinonono Tabane:
Stress tolerance: S
Physical training and martial arts skills: A+
I.S. Piloting skills: S*
I.S. knowledge and engineering skills: M
* – Has no personal unit but all forces should consider her as S-rank threat as given.
That was Tabane's general parameters; individual parameters were:
Breast size: S**
Cosplay veracity: D***
** – actual size: 100 – 74, F-cup;
*** – cosplaying several characters at the same time isn't good.
Tatenashi shook her head to kick out of her mind two last parameters and remarks about them, and again looked at four 'primary' stats. 'Everything above the charts!? Even martial arts?!' Second parameter was not far enough from "A" to be considered "S", but still off the charts. And fourth parameter… But Tabane's the one who invented I.S. – so if here's the one who knows everything about I.S. – this is she. 'And what about that third parameter? Why she should be considered S-rank threat without personal I.S.?'
"Curious reading matter, don't you think, Tatenashi-kun?" Old man asked.
"Y… yes, Kutsuwagi-dono…" Tatenashi replied uncertainly as she again was looking at her own hexagon.
"Please, don't give me that look," Old man tried to cheer up Tatenashi, "You're still so young, you definitely has so much potential, I'm sure there are lot of ways to improve these charts."
"Yes, yes, you're right, Kutsuwagi-dono," Tatenashi agreed as she cheered up a bit. But still, her mood wasn't too good now. Ichika is more than a year younger than she, yet sum of his stats not much lower than his sister's… Besides, what's with that 'Mysteriousness = D'?! She was putting so much efforts, supporting her 'enigmatic' look… Moreover, Kutsuwagi definitely saw that Ichika's charts much higher… then why she's still Student Council President? Maybe Ichika made a promise to his elder sister, but Kutsuwagi doesn't have anything to do with that, right?
Tatenashi just got so many unanswered questions…
A bit later, when Tatenashi left, Kutsuwagi Juuzou came to his desk and opened the upper desk drawer. There was one more page of that report, that he didn't show to Tatenashi. It means two things: he actually wanted Tatenashi to read that report, and he didn't want her to read that last page.
Actually, there were only two strings on that last page:
Report approved: Rear admiral Kirishima Kōjirō
Report Composed: Commander Orimura Ichika
Well, this is quite understandable now why the old man didn't show that page to Tatenashi…
Kutsuwagi took the report. "Who could have thought that Orimura Ichika can be so impartial, evaluating himself…" He thought aloud, looking at Ichika's charts, as he gave himself only 'B+' in 'I.S. piloting skill' chart. "And that he has some sense of humor…" Old man looked at Chifuyu's parameter 'Probability of finding a boyfriend: E-' and Ichika's own parameter 'Farseer' (he actually thought that this is also some kind of a joke…)
"But most importantly – this one…" He turned page and looked at Shinonono Tabane's photo, "This woman… we should be very careful with her…"
September, 25th, Monday, 12:05 P.M.
Fifth lesson was canceled, instead, the school meeting was taking place. All class representatives and club presidents were here, because that's also the announcement of the result of the tussle over Ichika. "Everyone, it's been tough during the school anniversary a few days ago. Now, I'm going to announce the results of the votes," Student Council President announced.
Every student that's gathered in the sports hall swallowed their saliva.
"In first place, the audience-interactive play 'Cinderella' that the Student Council organized!" Tatenashi announced joyfully.
"""...Huh?""" Everyone immediately opened their mouths in shock. Several seconds later, the girls recovered and started booing:
"DESPICABLE! CUNNING! CHEAT!"
"WHY IS IT THE STUDENT COUNCIL!? ISN'T THAT TOO STRANGE!?"
"WE WORKED SO HARD!"
Facing the audience's complaints, Tatenashi made an 'Okay Okay' hand gesture and continued, "The condition to take part in that play was to 'Vote for the Student Council', but we didn't force anyone to vote, so we did follow everyone's will."
Indeed, nice condition. That's really a well-thought-out plan. Almost all girls wanted to live with Ichika, to achieve that they had to get the crown, to get the crown they had to participate in 'Cinderella' play, and to participate they had to vote for student council.
But Tatenashi's explanation couldn't stop the complaints. And then…
BOOM! Again, that was a snap of Ichika's fingers but it was translated via acoustic system at full power. "Ladies, I'm very sorry to say that, but I'm afraid that's no longer the case…" Ichika's voice announced as he suddenly appeared near Tatenashi on the stage, as if from nowhere. "I just talked with academy's board of trustees, and I'm afraid that I've brought some bad news… Since I'm attending only about 30% of lessons in this school, and since I'm attending another educational institution at the same time, board of trustees decided that it will be somehow… unethical if I am to occupy any official position in any student organization of I.S. Academy or if I will be a member of any club in girls-only school. That means no Student Council membership, no committee membership, no club membership, I even have to step down from my position of class 1-1 representative. Again, I'm very sorry, but decision has been made…"
As he said that, a tornado of angry voices flooded the entire hall. There was no way to understand a single word, but overall meaning was pretty clear.
"What's the meaning of this?!" Tatenashi whispered. She also seemed quite displeased.
"Isn't that obvious? I'm here saving your lovely butt," Ichika replied, looking at Tatenashi with plaintive sight. "When all this…" He pointed into the raging hall "…will be over, come to the Student Council room, I'll explain everything." As he said that, Ichika vanished as quickly as he appeared.
September, 25th, Monday, 12:50 P.M.
"Now, please care to explain – what was that?" Tatenashi asked as she joined Ichika and rest of the Student Council in their room. Her lips were smiling, but her eyes weren't – as she was hiding her smile behind her fan, as usual, her eyes were actually glittering with fury. "Can you imagine how many efforts and time I spent, developing that plan? How many planning it took? Not to mention that I spent 40 minutes trying to calm down all that angry crowd!"
"That was just what it was – I've simply divulged the decision of board of trustees," Ichika shrugged, looking into the window, and ignoring Tatenashi's expression. Honne and Utsuho were just silently watching at Ichika. "They've learned that I'm also attending 'University of National Defense' in absentia, though it's not a big secret, and made their decision."
"University of National Defense!?" Utsuho asked in surprise as Honne just opened her mouth in shock.
"Yes," Ichika nodded. "Nothing special, just a formality, I need its diploma to be able to get further promotions. Their exams are child's play, I'm a second-grade student now, there's no reason to be hasty with this…"
"Don't try to change the topic," Tatenashi said as she glanced at Utsuho, prompting her to not interfere, "You want to say that the board of trustees, with its full complement, contacted you personally just to announce their decision?"
"Of course not, Sarashiki, you can't read between the lines?" Ichika turned around and looked at her with pity. "That's the official story that you will tell to your annoying friend from the newspaper club. Unofficially I personally asked them to install that new rule. Why? Come on, don't play dumb," Ichika waved them off as he saw expressions on girls' faces. "You really thought that I didn't know about your idiotic plan to force me to join student council and then make me to participate in various clubs' activities? In which world you are living in? Sarashiki, I thought I've made myself clear when I told everyone that I have no gods and no masters, no one can force me to do anything that isn't stipulated by main Academy's program. Student Council, Board of trustees, Principal, Kutsuwagi-san or anyone else…" Ichika stopped talking as he saw shocked face expression on Tatenashi's face when he mentioned Kutsuwagi Juuzou.
"Okay, we can continue this discussion when you'll return to the real world. For now, let me make the long story short – there was no way you could fulfill your plan to calm down all those complaining girls, so I asked a board of trustees to install that new rule so students could blame some unknown group of unknown people instead of you. Don't presume anything – I'm just returning a favor, be thankful. Yes, I remember that I've said that we'll work something out of that, but situation has changed after Phantom Task's attack. In current circumstances I have no time to babysit those girls and their stupid clubs, I have a war to wage, and you, eldest scion of Sarashiki clan, you have too, so quit fooling around and find it in yourself to do what you have to." With that, Ichika ended his monologue and left the Student Council room, leaving the three flabbergasted girls behind.
September, 25th, Monday. 10:58 P.M.
Late evening, Ichika was returning to his dorm room. "Orimura-sama," Someone called for him from behind. That was eldest of Nohotoke sisters – Utsuho.
"Utsuho-san? Do you want something?" Ichika wondered, "I hope it's not about Student Council's affairs?"
"Oh, no, no, it's ojō-sama's business… Anyway, if you don't mind, I've got another kind of question for you."
"What's that?" Ichika asked. It's rare that Utsuho's voice would be so hard to hear.
It looked like she's wanting to say something out but couldn't. She already opened her mouth and closed it twice, without saying a word. After about thirty seconds she finally spoke up, "What's the name of that friend of yours who came to visit during the school anniversary?"
"Hmm? Ah, you must be talking about Dan… His name's Gotanda Dan, and he's studying in a high school in the city. We were classmates in Junior High School, also he was a member of my school's football team, his favorite position was of right attacking midfielder. He's pretty good guy, though his bass guitar play's really awful… but who's without flaws?" Ichika gave irrefragable answer as she clearly understood why she asked.
"Tha… thanks for the answer…" Utsuho stuttered a bit. "But it means he's of the same age as you, Orimura-sama?"
"He's half a year older, if I remember correctly," Ichika nodded.
"...Younger than me by one and half year..." Utsuho said quietly but Ichika managed to lip-read that. Though, he didn't find what to say in this situation – that was a bit of an issue… though, that issue ain't seem unsolvable.
"Anything else?" He asked instead.
"Oh, no, that would be all, thank you," After saying that, Utsuho-san thanked Ichika politely and left. Her face seemed to blush subconsciously.
"Shall I tell Dan? She's good-looking, earnest and reliable girl, I think she could make a real man out of that guy," Ichika thought aloud as he smiled ironically.
September, 26th, Tuesday. 8:40 A.M.
Class 1-1 Home Room Session. "As you all already know, as a result of new a directive, sent by board of trustees, Orimura Ichika has been relieved of his duties as a class 1-1 representative," Home-room teacher of class 1-1, Orimura Chifuyu-sensei, announced to the class. Buzz of displeasured voices immediately rose up, so Chifuyu had to clap her palms to calm everyone down. "As such, you have to choose a new one who'll be taking part in the inter-class tournament. As before, you can nominate yourself or another person. Either way is fine," Chifuyu said.
Girls began to look around. Seemingly, this time it won't be an easy decision. "As a former class representative, may I say several words?" Ichika suddenly raised his hand. Though until now he seemed completely uninterested, for some reason he decided to say something. Chifuyu looked at her brother. Actually, she'd like to refuse, because it definitely won't be 'several' words, but since Ichika already got undivided attention, she decided to let him do whatever. "Carry on," She sighed, as a teacher she had no legit reason do deny his request.
Ichika stood up, "I shall be brief…"
'Really?' Chifuyu thought.
"…I guess it's pretty obvious that class representative should be a personal I.S. pilot, so our class wouldn't be at disadvantage. As such, we have four candidates here," Ichika continued. "However, position of class' representative means interaction with Student Council, and Fräulein Bodewig expressed her lack of desire of doing so, pretty clearly. Also, Shinonono-san informed me about her desire to avoid public positions. I don't think that we should force people take positions which they don't want, right? And when I tried to ask Miss Alcott about her opinion on that matter, I couldn't get a clear response because she was too busy with counting sins, committed by Nǚshì Lingyin ['nǚshì' (女士) means 'Lady' on Chinese, a respectful way to address unmarried woman in China]. That leaves me with only option – I'd like to nominate Mademoiselle Charlotte Dunois," Ichika concluded.
"What?! Me?!" Charlotte exclaimed in shock. In fact, she was the only one with whom Ichika didn't talk – she overslept and missed today's breakfast (and barely made it in time before HRS started).
'One day I'll learn to not let him push speeches…' Chifuyu cursed herself, 'He already made his choice, and I let him impose his opinion to the class…' But now it was too late, his logic seemed quite clear, besides, Laura and Houki – they really didn't want to be representative, and Cecilia… well, she wasn't the most popular person in class… Charlotte, on the other hand, was in good relationships literally with everyone in the class, and now, when Ichika vouched for her…
"I agree with Orimura-sama!"
"Yes, I think this is for the best."
"Nice choice!"
Charlotte was looking at her classmates with desperate face expression. "Girls… I… But I…" She tried to say something but no one was listening.
"Yes, I also want to express my support to Charlotte Dunois' candidature…" That was a nail in the coffin, because the one who said that was Laura.
"Laura… and you too…" Charlotte seemed as if she was about to cry.
"Then Charlotte Dunois will be the first candidate... is there anyone else? You can nominate yourself or another person. Either way is fine," Chifuyu said. Her voice sounded like she's sympathizing towards poor girl… but not too much. "Are there any more nominations? If not, Dunois will be elected without a vote."
"It's decided then!" Exclaimed a girl, who agreed with Ichika first.
"Charlotte is a good I.S. pilot, which means she will be an excellent representative!" Few more girls shouted in support.
"Well, then I guess we should congratulate you, Dunois-san…" Yamada-sensei said, and this time no one interrupted her. Cecilia seemed that she actually wanted to say something, but her eyes met with Ichika's glowing sight, and she changed her mind… to be honest, she wasn't dreaming about that position, anyway.
"Alright, from now one Charlotte Dunois becomes the official representative of class 1-1," Home-Room teacher of class 1-1 announced. "That would be all for today's HRS," She added and headed towards the classroom exit. Next lesson will be mathematics (general high school program), so Ichika immediately followed his sister and vanished like a wraith, but not until he managed to leave a small piece of paper on Charlotte's school desk. There were only a few words – time – 15 minutes after today's last lesson, and place – far side of island on which I.S. Academy is located.
Saying that Charlotte was angry at Ichika is like saying nothing at all. She was boiling with fury! At a time like this he forced her to became a public person. She had her own issues right now…
When she noticed Ichika's note that he left on her table, initially she wanted to tear it to thousand shreds, just like she wanted to do the same to Ichika himself. When she tried to talk with her so-called friends (i.e. Laura, Houki and Cecilia), during large break between third and fourth period, all three have suddenly disappeared. Even Rin vanished without a trace. No doubts all four were acting on Ichika's order. Something definitely was going on, and no matter how much anger was boiling inside her heart now, she had to meet with the one who stays behind all of this.
So now, at 3:15 PM, Charlotte came to the place that was specified in Ichika's note. As she approached, she saw quite an unusual picture. Ichika was sitting on the bench all alone, and he wasn't doing anything – seemingly he was just looking somewhere, far away to the sea.
"Come, take a seat," Ichika invited her to seat near him as she approached.
"I'll better stay here," Girl replied coldly.
"Humph, as you wish," Ichika replied with sarcastic laugh. "Okay, listen. I more or less understand what you think about me right now. I've set you up, I know, but I had my reasons. First of all, I just couldn't let anyone from that trio to become the class representative. Their joint photo could be used as an illustration to article 'Asocial behavior' in encyclopedia."
Despite her anger, Charlotte unwillingly smiled…
"Though, it's not the main reason, of course," Ichika continued. "Main reason is that I wanted you to be angry at me rather than at yourself."
Charlotte's eyes widened, Ichika's words confused her.
"Your only fault is that you were unable to complete a mission that was impossible to complete to begin with. You should be angry at your country's government, at your father, at corrupted system… but being angry at others isn't your forte, am I right?" Ichika explained, for some reason he decided to play nice for once.
And then Charlotte got what he meant. "W… wait… you know?!" She asked in shock. Ichika slowly turned his head and looked at her with pity, Charlotte quickly realized that she asked a stupid question.
The thing that Charlotte was hiding actually was a message from French government. They informed her that her rights as a representative candidate have been revoked, and her citizenship was canceled due to her failure. Since she's an I.S. Academy student, they can't take away her personal I.S. from her right now, but she'll have to return it as soon as she graduates, after that she may go wherever she likes and do whatever she wants as her country no longer needs her, at all. This is why she missed breakfast today – she received this message yesterday after dinner and didn't sleep almost whole night, thinking about her future.
Charlotte sighed deeply as she lowered her head. Not saying anything she approached Ichika and sat on the bench near him. "Not that I was upset too much," She admitted, "Honestly, I was prepared to such an outcome, besides, I was feeling myself homeless since my mother died… It's just, well, I still had some faint hope that I mean something to my father… was that foolish?"
"Of course," Ichika replied bluntly. Charlotte again smiled unwillingly. "But feelings are always foolish, one way or another," He added.
"Ichika, you're indifferent man, who doesn't sympathize to others, but exactly because of that trait I can speak my mind to you and don't feel myself pathetic…" Charlotte admitted with sad smile.
"You can thank me later," Ichika replied calmly. "Right now, I'd suggest you to focus on gaining 'points', so to speak, if you're not planning to stay homeless forever, of course."
"So this is why you made me a class representative?!" Charlotte exclaimed.
"Of course, as the class representative you have much more chances of being noticed…" Ichika nodded. "By the way, about being noticed… There will be no I.S. practical lessons during next two days… would you mind to give me this thing for that time?" Ichika pointed at an orange pendant on Charlotte's chest.
"You… you want my I.S.!? What for?!" She asked in shock.
"Well, despite I'm attending only about 30% of lessons here, I'm still a class 1-1 student, so I'm rather interested in your victory in next class representative tournament. All should have fair chances, besides, it's probably not the most honorable reason, but I want to humiliate your father and his company. In the next two days I'll do what they couldn't do within more than two years – I'll make your I.S. a full-fledged 3rd generation machine."
And this is it! See you all in the next chapter. Don't forget to write a review!
