Hello everyone! Believe it or not, but here's the next chapter, only six days since the previous update! This one is still preparational though – next one will contain the battle with Golems Mark III
About my plans for the closest future – there obviously will be the 'unmanned I.S.-es attack", the, despite it was an anime-only, I'll implement the 'Kyoto school trip' arc. This is very important.
FateBurn, Imperial-samaB, Alex2909, kuro yaksha: Thanks a lot people, here's an update as I've promised.
Abe Malfoy: I'll reply to you via PM.
Primordial Inscriptor Z-09: Of course, it's a lot of work but if you really want to change the entire world – it can't be easy…
Now, let's proceed with the chapter.
Chapter XXI – Path of Loneliness
…
October 8th, Sunday, 9:24 P.M.
Inside her own room, Kanzashi covered her head with her blanket to avoid being disturbed by her roommate as she continued to watch the TV. The small holographic screen appeared in the air, perfectly showing how the hero today brought down an evil organization.
Though she was watching this with an emotionless look, she was actually agitated. Yes. She had always been like this.
'I… I was so rude…' She tried to control herself when they met. But for some reason, she behaved herself as if he was an enemy, that was unacceptable for the daughter of Sarashiki clan.
'Why am I being like that?' It's true that it was Ichika's fault that her I.S. was incomplete. But he didn't have any ill intent, he probably just followed his orders. 'Am I… just acting spoiled…?'
Seeing others take the initiative, Kanzashi would always feel that she was spoilt. Born in the Sarashiki family, she realized the difference in ability between her and her older sister as she grew up. Their relatives often expected things from both of them as such, making her feel dejected. However, she never cried about this to anyone, and her heart had started to seal off. It was supposed to be like this, or at least that was how it should have been.
'Orimura…Ichika…' That guy's presence remained in her. She remembered his eyes of different colors. 'Rumors have it... He's the only one whose intelligence is match for Shinonono Tabane… The Anti Hero… Those eyes are as cold as the absolute zero… But he really looks so cool…' A mysterious feeling swelled up in her heart, and Kanzashi's face was colored like a cherry. The anime hero on the TV screen finally ended too.
October 9th, Monday, 7:12 A.M.
I.S. Academy, dojo. "Ugh…" Ichika let out a dull sound as his back clonked into the wall. Despite he managed to block the attack with his right, artificial arm, force of the blow still threw him out of dojo's mats and he crushed into the wall, barely managing to land on feet. He was sweating all over, and looked somehow crumpled.
"Ichika, you're relying on your eyes too much," Elder sister's voice criticized him. "I'm telling you this since you were six years old!"
"Yes, I'm sorry, onee-sensei," Ichika replied as he fixed his kimono and returned to mat.
"Watch opponent's moves, think – which moves he can use after those he already executed and which he can't – I know you can do better than that!" Chifuyu instructed her brother.
Chifuyu and Ichika were having a sparring match. Until recently, Chifuyu was refusing to give her brother personal lessons, because it would've looked like a favoritism. But Ichika insisted that she, as a professional, should do everything within her powers to help her students to learn and grow, and he is her student as much as other people from class 1-1. Thinking of small things in this situation is unacceptable. And Chifuyu finally gave up, no matter what, she's the only one in this academy who can be Ichika's sparring partner. She can't help him with I.S. due to certain circumstances, but at least she can help him with martial arts. All surveillance equipment here was turned off (and jammed, just in case), so Chifuyu could use any hijutsu [secret art] she'd like to.
"Alright, Ichika, prepare yourself!" Elder sister ordered, and for some reason her voice sounded not like usual, but like flowing, beautiful melody. That was her second Archangel's ability – Voice of Haniel. At the same time her jet-black hair suddenly became blond, of irresistibly beautiful color of a rising sun itself. That was her first Archangel's ability – Radiance of Raphael. "I'll come at you with full strength!" Beautiful blonde announced with melodic voice.
"Understood, onee-sensei!" Ichika replied as his irises began to glow with fiery-red light and his eye whites began to emanate the cold white light. He activated his second Archangel's ability – Eyes of Kamael and his first Archangel's ability – Vision of Metatron, respectively.
"Ikimashō, Ichika!" Elder sister announced.
"Haah… haah… Damn, that was a bit too close…" Ichika noted to himself, breathing heavily. He knew what Chifuyu was intending to do even before she started to move – he saw it thanks to his first Archangel. He knew how and when she's going to do that – he saw it thanks to his second Archangel. But still, even knowing all that, Ichika couldn't intercept Chifuyu's attack. All he was able to do is dodge, at the same time using Phase Shift technology on his own body, to not being blown out from the dojo.
"Well, that's it for today," Elder sister declared as her voice returned to normal and hair became jet-black again.
"Thank you very much, onee-sensei," Ichika bowed to his sister.
"Don't mention it," She replied. 'Ah, I'm all sweaty… I'd prefer to be sweaty because I was tied up and fucked until dawn…' She thought, untying her ribbon that she used to tie up her hair before sparring.
"Onee-chan, you're thinking about something lewd right now, aren't you?" Ichika teased his sister as he saw her dreamy face. His eyes also returned to normal.
"Buzz off!" She snorted and took the towel, "I'm going to shower, I have to prepare for HRS."
"Alright," Ichika nodded. "Oh, and don't worry about that," He pointed at a huge hole in dojo's wall and roof, which Chifuyu had made with her last attack, "Since today will be no I.S.-related lessons, I'll repair it after HRS."
"Do so," She waved her hand in response and left the dojo.
On a side note – Ichika happened to be right once again, even though he didn't want to. Due to increased workload, Chifuyu was unable to get back home during weekend, she spent an entire week in the academy. Probably, Ichika and Chifuyu won't be able to resume their lovers' relationships at least until the end of the tournament.
"But still…" Ichika said as he looked at the destruction, inflicted upon the dojo, once more. Few more bricks fell on the floor. Dojo looked just as if Ichika used his plasma rifle here. "I guess I should refrain from making Chifuyu really angry at me in the future… She sliced the space itself with her bare feet…" Ichika slightly shook his head. "Chifuyu onee-sama, you really are invincible. Being as powerful as you're beautiful… That's the real cheating…"
October 9th, Monday, 8:50 A.M.
Home-Room Session just ended. Maya Yamada, with some additional commentaries from Chifuyu, just explained about mixed-year tag team tournament. It is planned on Sunday, October 22th. The reason for that was pretty simple – academy students, personal I.S. pilots specifically, already were attacked twice during the last few months. Thrice if you remember the incident with an unmanned I.S. Golem. As such, these girls should quickly gain more of a real combat experience, as well as improve their teamwork.
Weird thing happened right after HRS. Just as the bell rang, all screens in the academy – class desks, announcement stands and even tablets with classes' numbers started to display one and the same message – "Orimura Ichika will not be participating in the tournament!"
Class 1-1 immediately became noisy as a hornets' hive. No need to be a prophet to know that the same thing was happening in all other classes in the school.
"What the hell!?"
"What's the meaning of this?!"
"Why Orimura-sama isn't participating?!"
Houki's drilling sight was aimed right at Ichika. Cecilia's cheeks were pink due to indignation. Laura was staring at him coldly. Only Charlotte seemed more or less calm, though she hung her head.
But not only personal I.S. pilots seemed agitated – other girls also were displeased. Ichika was prohibited to use his weapons on I.S. Academy's territory completely, except for extreme emergencies, right after summer break. As such, most of the academy students never even saw his new I.S. in action. During Summer Festival incident, as well as during the Cannonball Fast incident, all students without personal units were evacuated and screens were turned off. But many of those girls really wanted to see Majin Naamah (whose power, thanks to rumors, became almost legendary) in real combat.
"Silence!" Chifuyu demanded as she clapped her palms. Buzzing quickly ceased and the class became silent. She really managed to put some discipline into these kids, though noise from other classes still could be heard. "Orimura, explain yourself," Chifuyu looked sternly at her younger brother. No, of course that is not about him not being allowed to participate – it was about this show with this 'notification' that appeared almost everywhere.
"I am sorry, Orimura-sensei, I forgot to warn you before HRS," Ichika apologized. That was a truth – he really just forgot. "Me and President Sarashiki discussed the situation, and came to the conclusion that this is the best course of action. If I have had to personally decline every invitation to team-up and explain the reason – here would've been a complete chaos. So, we decided that if a chaos is unavoidable – let it be the controlled chaos at least."
"Hoo? You and President Sarashiki?" Chifuyu asked.
"Oh? Orimura-sensei, are you mindful of it~?" Maya smiled.
"Yamada-sensei, we'll have a close combat fight as an exercise after dinner," Chifuyu announced with horribly friendly tone.
"I… I was joking! Aha… Ahahahaha…" Maya laughed nervously. Yamada-sensei seemingly have gotten into a tight spot after teasing Chifuyu like that. She ain't learning. And of course, no one took her words seriously… no one but Ichika.
He narrowed his eyes, 'Don't you dare to be jealous! I'm doing this to reduce your workload so we could've spend at least a few nights per month together!'
Did Chifuyu read this in brother's eyes or simply decided to forgot about all that – was unknown – she just ordered, "Alright, but get rid of all that until the next lesson."
"Of course, Orimura-sensei, everything will go back to normal as soon as bell for the next period will ring," Ichika assured her.
"Good," Chifuyu replied and left the classroom. On a side note – next class will be mathematic so she really has nothing to do here anymore.
In common situation Ichika would've done the same – he would've disappeared before girls could get back to their senses. But, for some reason, today he decided to stay and explain himself. Maybe he suddenly felt himself responsible… or that simply was Tatenashi's condition for her help with notification. "A moment of your attention please," Ichika said as he turned toward the class, which still was silent by the way. On a side note – Rin and several other girls from other classes was already hanging around Class 1-1 door. "As many of you saw that with your own eyes – academy's arenas cannot withstand my unit's firepower. And nothing changed since then – so of course I wasn't allowed to participate in this tournament. Another reason – this tournament was organized so that personal I.S. pilots could gain combat experience, but anyone paired with me won't get anything as I have no habit to hold back. And last, but probably not the least important reason – without me there is twelve participants, which makes it into six complete teams. If I would've been there – it would've messed up everything – no one wants to be left without team, don't you agree?" Ichika literally brought down all that flow of words onto girls' heads. And since he fulfilled his promise – explained everything to his co-students – he vanished like a ghost while girls were stomaching his words.
October 9th, Monday, 7:39 P.M.
Since I.S. Academy was built on an island, of course there was a bridge connecting it to the mainland via monorail, a road for cars, and a footpath. Though, footpath was rarely used because actually it was quite a walk to get from the academy to the mainland. And right now, Ichika was sitting on the bridge railings at footpath's side, watching the setting sun.
"Commander Orimura? Good evening," Unexpectedly, man's voice called for Ichika. Calling for him was no one else but Kutsuwagi Jūzō – the real head of I.S. Academy. Ichika noticed him some time ago, but since they've been barely acquainted, he really didn't expect to be called.
"Oh, director Kutsuwagi-san?" Ichika turned to old man, "Good evening indeed. I have to say – it's a rare possibility to see you just openly walking like this, let alone at the academy's ground," He noted.
"Is it? For almost everyone here I'm just an academy principal's husband. Is that really strange for an old man to wait for his wife?" Kutsuwagi-san said ironically.
"I see," Ichika nodded, "Yes, you're right…" That wasn't an answer for his question, but Ichika wasn't really interested in the answer.
"By the way, I can say the same about you, commander," Kutsuwagi-san noted. "One usually can't find you at all since you're always busy with something."
"Perhaps," Ichika agreed. "But this is why it is important to take a break from time to time and just look at the sunset, not thinking about anything important."
"Agree, well, weather really is great today," Kutsuwagi-san nodded. "And which unimportant thing is on you mind right now, commander?"
Ichika looked at the old man again. That question was a bit suspicious, but it is unlikely that he actually asked that with any ill intent. Besides, Ichika really wasn't thinking about anything important. "Well, I'm just curious," Ichika replied as he again looked at the sunset. "All those girls in there…" He waved his arm towards I.S. Academy "…especially those who are aiming to became the I.S. pilots, not the maintenance and engineering crew, which future they're imagining for themselves? I mean, of course they are aiming to become I.S. pilots, but at the same time they are talking about boyfriends, family and stuff like that. Do they really not understand that those are mutually exclusive things? Let's say that an I.S. pilot also got married, what will happen then? She'll call her government and will say what? 'Hi, hi, I'm going to have a baby, so I'll be on a maternity leave for three years. Oh wait, but I actually want two children, so see you in six years, bye, bye!' I can imagine… They never will let an I.S. pilot to go on years-long leave. If she'll disobey – they'll took away her I.S. and in exchange she'll get a whole lot of troubles as a penalty for the contract violation. And if she'll obey… I.S. performs better the longer it together with its pilot. As such, government won't let the really good pilot off the hook until her age really will start affecting her performance, which will happen after the age of 40 years, closer to 45 probably, considering today's level of medicine and pace of its developement (it's the same as with the sport like a biathlon). Making a family and rising a child, especially more than one, at this age isn't that easy, even today, no matter what others may think. It's just too big of a mental load at that age, after one spent about 30 years serving in the military and piloting an I.S. No, both of those options won't do. The path of an I.S. pilot is the path of loneliness…" Ichika looked at the sky "…Tabane-nee, making the I.S. a female-only device… you really are a cruel person, you know that?" Though, of course that was just a sarcasm – Ichika knew for sure that I.S. was made a female-only 'device' only due to Tabane's irresponsibility.
Kutsuwagi-san patiently listened to that what Ichika had to say. "Well, commander, though you've said that this is the unimportant thing – I really think that this is actually quite an important question. Probably not for you and me, but for all the other students. However, and I'm sorry to say this, but I have no answer…" Old man admitted.
"Neither do I," Ichika sighed.
"As for that thing, which made you curious," Kutsuwagi-san continued, "I'm pretty sure you know it yourself. Those girls aren't interested in question, which you've described earlier, because they're still young. If you're young – you're tend to make mistakes…"
Ichika didn't reply anything, just looked at the sunset once more. "Well, director Kutsuwagi-san, thank you for your company, but probably it's time for me to get back to work. I wish you a good evening," Ichika raised his hand, jumped down from the bridge and disappeared.
For several moments Kutsuwagi Jūzō looked at the railing where Ichika was sitting just few seconds ago. "Orimura Ichika…" Old man quietly said to himself, "You cannot understand those girls. You, who always thought about what will happen tomorrow, and after tomorrow, and after that too. You, who never did mistakes of youth, because, due to your brilliant and very powerful mind, you never were young… as well as you are, probably, the only student here who is truly lonely…"
October 10th, Tuesday, 9:51 A.M.
Since the tournament was officially announced, all personal I.S. pilots had to start looking for someone, with whom they'll team up. Unsurprisingly, all Ichika's fangirls were still displeased about him not participating in the tournament, even though he patiently particularized all the circumstances, because of which he can't participate. Starting since yesterday's HRS, whenever he'd meet any of those hetare girls (Houki, Cecilia, Rin, Charlotte, Laura), she'd "Humph!" at him and turn away. That wasn't inconvenient or something, in contrary – Ichika thought that this is pretty funny.
Besides, despite, or maybe, thanks to the fact that Ichika ain't going to participate – there was almost no intrigue about teams' composition, not among first years at least. Despite that they're constantly arguing about almost everything, Rin and Cecilia actually have quite good relationships. Charlotte and Laura are roommates and, despite differences in their characters, they are close friends. Only Houki was under question, regarding her team, because, despite she was a member of an 'I-want-to-be-Ichika's-girlfriend' unofficial club, she's still a loner. She still has no really close friends in this academy. Thanks to Ichika's absence – there are twelve personal I.S. pilots – three from third grade, three from second, and six(!) from first. But still, if Houki won't agree with anyone – she'll be paired randomly with someone else without a team, with Kanzashi, for example. At least – this is today's disposition.
· Cecilia Alcott's situation:
"Ichika-san… I know… That all was a set-up… I'll make you regret for purposely avoiding me. Ha, ha-ha, ha-ha-ha…" The Starlight Mark III and the four BITs fired out at the same time. As they were in Polarized Shooting trajectory, Cecilia shot down all the moving targets. "I'll show you! I'm not weak! I'll make all of my adversaries to tremble to their hearts' content under the Requiem that's played by me, Cecilia Alcott, and Blue Tears! And then, Orimura Ichika, you…"
· Huang Lingyin's situation:
"I want my right shoulder part to be replaced with a spread Impact Cannon, and send me the package data of the piercing Impact Cannon on the left side. Also, Souten Gagetsu needs to be changed into a spear. Change the Impact Cannons on the wrists to a high voltage chain! To be done in three days… Ha? Can't do it? Do it even if you can't! Get to work!"
After sending a one-sided message to the person in charge of manufacturing her armaments in her own country, Rin fired the Ryūhō at maximum output. The ground exploded majestically, leaving a large crater in the arena. "Watch this, Ichika… How much time you're intending to ignore me!? This time, surely…" Clenching her fist tightly, Rin's eyes were burning with battle intent.
· Charlotte Dunois' situation:
"Alright…" Looking down from about 200 yards above the central tower, there were 87 targets on the perimeter. They were all auto-fire mock-battle types.
"Let's go, Sandstorm!" Announcing this, Charlotte quickly swooped down. She was holding onto two large and long .59 caliber heavy machineguns Desert Fox, one in each hand. Two 30 mm autocannons, each one mounted on independent, flying weapon platform, Wyverns, were flying around like vultures.
Not decelerating but accelerating, Charlotte swung the heavy machineguns and shot down at her targets. Six-barreled autocannons opened fire as well. Within a moment, most of the targets got hit – French girl was learning to use her handheld weapons and control flying platforms at the same time. *CLUNK!* Once she used up her bullets, Charlotte threw her guns away and summoned a pair of Assault Blades as six-barreled autocannons continued to fire. Charlotte was maintaining her maximum speed as she flew down to the ground in a straight line. She continued to slice up and shoot all the targets in her path as she quickly approached the ground.
"Haaaah!" Just when she was about to crash hard into the ground, Charlotte did a 180 degree turn, using the thrusters on her feet to support her body. With that, she crossed her arms and used two Lineage ultrasonic cannons, mounted beneath her elbows, hitting the last two targets nicely. "Watch me, Ichika! I'll show you the best match ever!" Charlotte smiled. That angelic smile however was giving off an absolute zero-like freezing air.
· Laura Bodewig's situation:
The silver-haired girl was sitting on the bench of the changing room as she was sharpening her army knife. Then, she raised the knife to check it. The thing that was sharpened until it was glittering like a mirror was a deadly weapon that could cut off flesh on the slightest contact.
"…Haah…" Seeing her face reflected on the blade, a smile appeared on Laura's face. 'Instructor rejected me, and now Ichika escaped me once again. What was I doing…' She sighed deeply. "But if it has come to this…" Black flames lit up in Laura's body. "I'll show you. I'll show you how the real warrior fights, Ichika!"
The knife that was thrown out went into Ichika's photo that was in her locker. "I'll win! I'll crush everyone! And after I win, it'll be your turn, I'll make you completely mine, Ichika!" Laura stood up and clenched her fist. There was no sign of hesitation in her eyes. 'That's right. Get ready, Ichika!' Laura's eyes gazed sternly at the photo in the locker.
Oh… Looking closely, the knife pierced viciously into Ichika's forehead on the photo. "Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!" Girl screamed in panic. It was the only photo she had. However, Laura completely forgot that she bought the digital source file as she turned completely pale. She gingerly raised the photo that had a hole opened in it with both hands.
'I… I… I finally… got this. It was the only photo in the world…' She paid 200 000 yen to get the priority to choose at the photo auction Mayuzumi Kaoruko organized. And she even bought the photo of the Ichika she liked, together with the digital source file. 'That's… not too bad…' But it was too late even if she thought of that. She had erased the digital source because she was afraid that others would duplicate it. In other words, this was really the only existing photo of Ichika in the world, the one that Laura liked the most. And this one photo now had a hole, viciously ripped through it by the knife.
"D-Duct tape… if I use duct tape, maybe…" Though Laura frantically rummaged through her locker, she only had military rations, prepared I.S. suits, knives, knives, knives and more knives.
"Huh…" Forcefully poking out her face from the locker, Laura screamed loudly, "Medic! Meeedddiiiccc!" Her eyes were completely teary, and it most likely wasn't just a feeling.
Either way, no one actually believed that Ichika had no choice but to comply when academy's administration didn't allow him to participate in the tournament. He was treated as a betrayer of some sort by the first-year girls with the personal I.S.-es…
October 10th, Tuesday, 4:42 P.M.
And as for the last important character here, Shinonono Houki…
"Ichika…" She said quietly, preparing to take out her sword "…once again you're at it… some hidden movements… conspiracy behind the stage… such a behavior is unworthy of a warrior… I'll win! They won't even see it coming! And then you will no longer be able to deny me!" She raised her polished katana above her head, and…
"Houki-chan, acquired!" Lively and teasing voice announced as pair of hands grabbed Houki's breasts.
"Waah!? Wh… Wha… What's going on, Sarashiki-sempai!?" Houki screamed as her cheeks flushed. After school, she was ambushed by Tatenashi while doing Iaido training in the kendo dojo.
"Ah-hum, just call me Tatenashi," Light-blue-haired girl smiled happily as she released Houki. On a side note – Ichika kept his word and fixed everything here, in the dojo.
"Ta… Tatenashi-san. Is something the matter? I'm doing self-training," Houki mumbled a bit resentfully.
"Ha, Iaido with the real swords? You're going for real, it seems," Sarashiki noted.
"Yeah, sort of. I'm a descendant of a family that went through the Sengoku Era after all," Shinonono replied.
"Really? Okay, I understand. Houki-chan, pair up with me!" Tatenashi suddenly asked.
"What!?" Houki almost jumped in surprise.
"Please! It's… It's unbearable that no one wants to pair up with me!" Sarashiki put her palms together and begged.
"I see, alright…" Seeing Tatenashi like that, Houki was so troubled that she couldn't look back at her coldly.
"You're okay with that?" Sarashiki asked gingerly.
"Well, this, if that's the case, I don't really mind..." Shinonono mumbled uncertainly.
"Really? That's great. Houki-chan's so kind!" Tatenashi's face went from troubled to delighted as she gave a radiant smile.
'Ugh! I… I got fooled, huh?' Just when Houki was wondering about that, Tatenashi grabbed Houki's hand and walked out.
"Come on, let's go. Let's do it!" She was radiating liveliness.
"Whe… Where are we going?" Houki asked uncertainly.
"To the checkup room. I want to see Houki-chan's biometrics," Sarashiki announced.
"What? Why?" Shinonono asked in confusion.
"Oh my. Isn't this important? I.S. have an auto-adjust mechanism, but it's not good to do these adjustments without the latest figures," Tatenashi answered.
"I… I see…" Houki nodded. Understanding Tatenashi's smooth explanation, she found herself in front of the checkup room.
"Open sesame!" As she said that, Tatenashi touched the switch on the door. The sound of compressed air being released could be heard, and the door opened diagonally. "Then, I'll operate this. Houki-chan, please stand on the scanning area."
"Okay," The girl obeyed.
Summoning the control panel, Tatenashi began to prepare the data scan. During this time, Houki wiped her sweat off with the towel on her neck. "Okay, I'm ready. How are you feeling, Houki-chan?"
"I'm alright here," She confirmed her readiness.
"Oookay, let's begin!" Tatenashi announced. The keyboard was tapped, and the scanner floated up from below Houki's feet, shooting out an intensive green light on her body. "Hmm, this is…"
"Is there a problem?" Houki asked a bit worriedly.
"Houki-chan's breasts are really big. Maybe I've lost by a notch…" Tatenashi replied with pretty serious expression on her face.
"Wha… What are you analyzing there!?" Houki screamed as she flushed again, "Can't you take it seriously!?"
"Ahaha. Sorry, sorry," Tatenashi laughed carefreely. But after that, she never did or said anything strange to tease Houki. About two minutes later, the checkup was complete.
"Then, I'll send the data to your Crimson Camellia. There will be a certain level of auto-adjustments, but you have to do the rest yourself… oh yeah. I'll explain those things to you before the tournament starts, okay?"
"Oh, okay. I don't have a reason to refuse," Shinonono agreed.
"Haha, Houki-chan, you're cute when you're being honest, you know?" Tatenashi smiled.
"Pl… Please stop teasing me!" Houki protested. "The… Then, I'll say goodbye for today."
"Okay, good job for today," Sarashiki agreed.
After leaving the checkup room, Houki had an inexplicable feeling. 'Why is it… That I don't hate her for saying that…' Normally speaking… If it were someone else, she would've resisted that person no matter what. But for some reason, she accepted Tatenashi's invitation to team-up. This inexplicable feeling wasn't something she was unhappy about. Engulfed in this emotion, Houki walked to the bathroom in a good mood.
October 10th, Tuesday, 5:34 P.M.
Tatenashi was still in the checkup room. Opening several display screens to compare the data, her expression became extremely serious. 'What's going on…' On the left side, Houki's personal biometrics from when she entered the Academy were displayed. Her physical ability was top-notch, just like now, but the most important parameter – 'I.S. compatibility' – was rated at pretty mediocre 'C'.
Tatenashi then turned to the display screen on the right side. It's the latest biometrics she just got, and over there, the 'I.S. compatibility' was rated with the letter 'S' – superior. 'The biggest factor in the compatibility was that the pilot had to be born with it. Of course, the compatibility would naturally increase through training and synchronizing with the I.S…'
But improving from C to S is something completely unheard of, let alone in such a short time. Of course, there was no such record in any open library. 'The only ones who have the I.S. compatibility ranked 'S' are people like 'Brunhild', who won the Mondo Grosso, and the Valkyries, who won the 3vs3 group tournament…'
In terms of compatibility, Houki was equal to the eight strongest pilots in the world. This sort of thing shouldn't be possible at all – logically, it should be like that. 'If that's the case, the key is…' Related to the one who created the I.S. itself – Houki's elder sister – Shinonono Tabane. 'It should be correct if I think of it like that…' Tatenashi again gazed at the screen seriously. A sharp glint could be seen from the eyes that belonged to the Sarashiki clan.
"Interesting readings, isn't it?" A quiet voice sounded like… one inch away from Tatenashi's ear.
No, that was too much even for the eldest scion of Sarashiki clan… "Yaaahh!" A girl screamed as she jumped away in panic. "I… Ich… Ichika?!" She exclaimed, as she even forgot to add an honorific. Her heart was pounding as if trying to leap out of her chest – she really was taken by a complete surprise.
"And this is how one should hide his presence," Ichika noted calmly, he seemed pretty pleased with himself.
"That's not funny!" Tatenashi protested resentfully. "What if I'd kill you accidentally?!"
"That isn't possible," Ichika waved her off. "Better tell me, what's going on here?" He again looked at Houki's data readings.
"I've invited Houki-chan to be my teammate at the tournament," Tatenashi replied, still trying to calm down her rapidly beating heart (and still pouting). "We were updating Houki-chan's data for auto-adjustment…"
"Hmm? Really? You and Houki?" Ichika seemed a bit surprised. Though, if you think of it – Tatenashi also started to teach Houki recently. 'Onee-chan, is that your wicked idea again?' He thought. Then he again looked at Tatenashi, 'Though, this one really could come up with that idea herself. But in that case… with who you actually teamed up, Tatenashi-chan? With Houki? Or with Crimson Camelia, 4th generation I.S?'
"Ichika-sama, I don't like how you're looking at me," Girl complained, his sight was making Tatenashi feel herself uncomfortable.
"You're imagining things," Ichika waved her off. She hasn't believed him, but he didn't care. "So, what do we have here?" Young man looked at Houki's readings.
"I'm not completely sure what is this…" Tatenashi admitted as she also looked at the data.
"How's this looks like to you? Houki's I.S. is changing her genetics," Ichika explained as if that was a completely obvious and unremarkable information. "Crimson Camelia is adjusting not only herself but also her pilot so they could better fit each other, all for the sake of improving performance."
"Saying things like that as if it's nothing special… wait, you knew?!" Girl exclaimed.
"Aha," Ichika nodded, he still seemed as if it is something completely uninteresting, "I've noticed this accidentally a few weeks ago, back then it was 'A+', though."
"Ichika-sama's skin really is a shellproof, nothing can get under it," Girl shook her head as if she couldn't believe him, "You really don't care?"
"I am in no position to teach Shinonono Tabane how she should treat her younger sister, and you aren't in this position either," Ichika replied. Tatenashi seemed unconvinced, so he added, "Relax, if Houki will turn into an obedient biodrone, controlled by her I.S., and two if them will go on a rampage, I'll personally take care of that, I promise."
"Not funny!" Light-blue-haired girl reproached him. Probably she wasn't convinced that all the possibilities, similar to the one which Ichika just described, are completely excluded.
"By the way, Tetanashi-chan…" Ichika looked at the girl and his tone changed, he became really serious. "It doesn't directly concern me, so don't take it as a threat or a warning – it's just an advice, but a good one, so please listen carefully. Stay as far away as possible from everything that has anything to do with Shinonono Tabane, her precious little sister included." Tatenashi's eyes widened as she was very surprised with Ichika's unexpectedly serious tone. "Don't get me wrong – I'm not saying that you shouldn't help her with I.S. piloting lessons or that you shouldn't team-up with her – in contrary – Houki really, really, could use a good friend. Just don't poke your nose too deep into what has nothing to do with outsiders, like relationships between Shinonono sisters. If you cross a certain red line, not just you but your entire family *will* regret this, a lot."
Tatenashi seemed a bit shocked – to think that Orimura Ichika would say something like this. She was just silently staring at him.
"Well, sorry if that sounded too dramatic," Ichika added, "But really, mind your own family business. Now, let's talk about more important things than a boring I.S. compatibility question," He continued, as he, first, looked at Houki's readings, then turned to Tatenashi and explicitly looked at her chest, "So, Houki is bigger, ain't she? Even though you're older?"
Due to a bit shocking previous theme of their conversation, it took several seconds until Tatenashi realized what he's talking about. "Ichika no ecchi! Don't stare at me like this!" She screamed and turned away from him, trying to hide her chest and flushing slightly. "I am already cannot be a bride because of you!" Girl complained. Well, Ichika really saw her naked on several occasions. "You should take responsibility…" Tatenashi mumbled.
"Responsibility?" Ichika asked her. "And by that you mean that I shall marry you? Well, why not? You are the Sarashiki, after all, so, somewhere deep inside, there should be an elegant and refined young lady."
"I am an elegant and refined young lady!" Tatenashi exclaimed resentfully.
"Really, and why can't I see that?" He snorted. "Listen, I actually do believe that the eldest daughter of Sarashiki clan is a very nice young lady, genuine ojō-sama, smart and educated, talented, with well-trained yet feminine body, soft skin, nice smile and bottomless eyes of color of a setting sun; she likes to tease but weak when teased herself, lively but can be serious when needed, so anyone should consider himself blessed in life if he's allowed to marry such a girl. But, for some reason, instead on an aforementioned princess, I'm only allowed to see some skirt-wearing clown, who tends to annoy me whenever she's nearby," Ichika poured all that down on her in one breath.
Tatenashi listened to Ichika with her arms folded (she wasn't your generic schoolgirl, after all). "Humph, 45 out of 100," She snorted, meaning that she accepted it as a compliment.
"You have pretty high standards," Ichika noted. "But I've never scored less than 100 out of 100, so we will return to this conversation later."
They spent a few moments in silence. "A question, Ichika-sama," Tatenashi asked, "You really like a traditional dancing?"
"Hmm? Yes," Ichika confirmed "This is one of those things about this country I actually like – I think it describes our culture well. By the way, Tatenashi-chan… behind that fan and teasing smile of yours… you actually are deredere, aren't you?"
"Stop it already!" Girl demanded as she turned away from him, pouting. She stood like that for several second, then sighed deeply, "Really, Ichika-sama, what's with you today? You seem to… huh?" She looked around in confusion. Here was no Ichika. She looked around for a few more seconds, only to confirm that he was gone. "How he's doing this?" She asked herself helplessly. She made sure that Ichika was really gone… and her head started spinning. "Is… Is… Is… Is… Is… he… for… real?!"
When Ichika was counting her 'features' (and called her a 'princess'), it took all her dignity and willpower to stay calm. But now, when she again was alone, she finally could let loose of her emotions. Steam almost bursted out of her ears and her face was as red as a ripe tomato. "Who… Who can tell things like those to a girl with such a tone?!" She exclaimed angrily, trying to calm down her wildly beating heart. She made a few deep breaths to calm down a bit, and mumbled resentfully, "...100 out of 100, Ichika no baka..."
On a side note, just like Tatenashi noticed, that was a very unusual thing for Ichika to hang around the academy at such a time, let alone to waste his time to deliberately start conversation with someone just to chat. In fact, Ichika just started some long procedure that didn't require his personal presence, so he used this time to take a dinner. However, the fact that he talked with Tatenashi just to tease her could mean only one thing – today Ichika was in a really good mood. Which means that his work, whatever he's doing now, is advancing very well. Which is good for Ichika… but for others?
October 13th, Friday, 3:54 P.M.
"Very well, Sarashiki-san, please deploy your unit," Ichika requested.
Second preparation room. While Kanzashi was making a sweep through her unit's software, Ichika was busy with his own affairs. But today, after lessons, Kanzashi finally was ready to work with hardware. Not that her relationships with Ichika have changed much, but at least she could be sure that he knows what he's doing when it comes to an I.S.
It's an elimination tag-team tournament for pilots with personal I.S. units, but because of the high standard of this tournament, there were many students, other than Kanzashi, who were tuning their machines too.
"I said, please send me the mobility data you got yesterday."
"I want to lighten my armaments. Can I make it if I do so now?"
"Wait! The Hyper Sensors base values are off! Who was the last one who tweaked it!?"
There was quite a ruckus. Since they're working together happily, there will be groups screeching all over the place, but everyone was tuning their units seriously. Of course, Ichika never liked to work when he is being surrounded with an entire crowd of noisy people. Fortunately, right now he's more like a consultant here, so it's tolerable. "I guess they are also wanting to win, hmm?" He commented, looking at students around.
"Over there is… the second year, Forte Sapphire-san, with her I.S. called Cold Blood… And opposite her is the third year, Daryl Cayce-san and her unit Hellhound V2.5…" Kanzashi said, as if reminding to herself.
"I know," Ichika replied shortly, and for some reason, when he looked at those two, his sight was full of disgust. "Well, don't mind them, these losers are out of our concerns… By the way, speaking about losers…" Ichika looked to the opposite direction. Standing over there was the representative candidate of England, together with her I.S., Blue Tears.
"Yes… This is Cecilia Alcott-san…" Kanzashi nodded as she also looked toward pilot from the England.
"Yes. I want to increase the output efficiency by tweaking the mobility," Cecilia announced.
"We can do that… But it'll be difficult to control the I.S., you know? Of course, it won't be as safe," A girl from the maintenance crew replied.
"No problem. I won't lose in my next battle," Cecilia didn't back down.
"Oh well. Let's try it. If the consequences are too severe, we'll just change it back to normal," Girl shrugged.
"You're right," Blonde nodded. Cecilia continued to discuss with the second and third year girls who were most likely in the conditioning class. Suddenly, she turned to look at Ichika. Seemingly she finally noticed him. "Humph!" Her face darkened as she forcefully turned her face away and snorted. Nothing has changed since Monday. Since the moment when it was announced that Ichika isn't going to participate in the tag team tournament, Cecilia would treat him as a stranger no matter what. And of course, Ichika also mentioned that he's going to help Kanzashi because she's serving Japan, as well as he is (this is impossible to hide, so at least he wanted them to hear his version of the story instead of inventing their own). But this didn't help even a bit.
"Kindergarten…" Ichika slightly shook his head in disappointment. "Anyway, Sarashiki-san, ignore those people, proceed with the summon," He urged the girl.
Kanzashi just nodded slightly. "Appear… Uchigane Nishiki…" She said and her body was covered with light, and floated up as the armor was donned on her.
"Let's start with the basics," Ichika said as he summoned three different holoscreens, one per each of Kanzashi's weapons. "These are the operational data for your armaments," He explained. "I've recompiled these readings according to your weaponry's specifications, using public data gained from the other I.S.-es in this academy as samples…" Ichika pointed at two screens, which were displaying a particle cannon, Shunrai, and… a trident?
'Huh? Had it always looked like this?' Kanzashi thought as she saw an unfamiliar weapon.
"…ah, yes, I've adjusted its shape as we agreed…" Ichika clarified as he noticed Kanzashi's stare "…but name remained the same – the vibro-lance, or rather, now it's a vibro-trident – Trance…"
'As we agreed?! When did that even happen?!' She couldn't remember them talking about this. She was in so deep awe that she let by a half of his words? Besides, her I.S. was in Kanzashi's possession all this time, so when did he…?
"…so those recompiled data should do for now. The situation with the missile launcher, Mountain Storm, isn't that good though – there are no suitable data for such a weapon, so I had to compile those using only theoretical models. As such, live fire tests will be needed in order to refine the data…" Ichika concluded as he pointed at third holoscreen "…Sarashiki-san, this is important, please look carefully," He softly rebuked the girl.
"Huh? Oh, I'm… I'm sorry…" Kanzashi mumbled as she finally noticed that she's standing about six feet away from Ichika. Seemingly, she unconsciously stepped back from him while he was explaining about operational data, and she didn't even know why she did that. She came closer and focused her attention on the screens. Kanzashi's eyes seemed serious as she looked intensely at the screens, using her fingers to check the relevant data.
"Please take note about this data block," Ichika pointed at one of the screens.
"Yes, I see, thank you," She nodded. Quickly returning to inspect her own machine, Kanzashi still remained stone-faced as ever, but it seemed like she was looking more concerned in the matter.
In the meantime, "Oh, she's finally here…" Ichika said as if he was waiting for someone.
"Orimu~, Kan-chan~" Footsteps could be heard coming here… And there's only one person who would call Ichika like that.
"Honne…?" Kanzashi seemed surprised.
That was Nohotoke Honne, also known as Nohohon-san. She's a secretary of the Student Council, a maid at the Sarashiki clan and Ichika's classmate. Her characteristics are her lazy expressions and snail-like, slow movements.
'If her family served the Sarashiki clan for generations, she and Kanzashi should be childhood friends too.' That was ichika's reason why he called her here.
"Ehehe. I'm here to help~" Honne smiled friendly. She swayed her drooping sleeves slowly and gently. She just so happened to hit a second-year sempai who was passing by, and who glared at her in return. However, this being Nohohon-san, she was still as carefree as ever. "Kan-chan, I'm here to adjust your machine~!"
"St-Stop it… don't… ah, hey… don't pull me…" It seems that Kanzashi's not used to dealing with this childhood friend of hers who was of the same age. "Honne… you weren't called over by nee-san… aren't you?"
"Huh~? Nope! I'm Kan-chan's personal maid. It's my job to help!" Honne replied with enthusiasm. "I'm Nohotoke Honne who watches your life from Monday to Thursday!"
For some reason, it felt like a catchphrase from a certain advertisement. "What about… Friday, Saturday and Sunday?" Kanzashi asked uncertainly.
"Huh? I want to rest on weekends!" Honne announced happily.
"Three days… you really rest too much…" Kanzashi sighed helplessly. She probably was right though. The maid of a prominent family should work more properly.
"I called Nohotoke-san here," Ichika explained. "As you remember, client asked me to act more like a consultant, but building your I.S. all by yourself, Sarashiki-san, will take too much time, and you need it operational before the tournament. As such, I decided to ask Nohotoke-san for help since you are already known each other.
"Boo boo…" Honne pouted, "Call me Honne! And Orimu, you promised to spoil me if I come!" She demanded as girl came closer and leaned forward, exposing her hair.
"Yes, yes, I remember," Ichika ruffled her hair with his left hand and then gently stroked Honne's head, "Good girl, good girl, thank you for coming today."
"Ehehehe…" Honne giggled happily.
As Kanzashi was looking at this scene, in particular at her personal maid's blissful face, for some reason she got a pretty weird thought that she actually wants to be in her place.
One minute later Honne seemed ready to begin. "Then, where should we start? Should we upgrade the system? Or the weapon support system?"
"Weapon support system. It won't do if it's not me… I want to set up the mobile control…" Kanzashi seemingly thought aloud. "Honne, you..."
"Adjust the shield barrier, right? Got it!" Nohohon-san saluted.
"Li… Listen… Help me check the armor…" Kanzashi asked uncertainly.
"Ehehe, I understand," Honne smiled innocently.
Having lost all resistance to Nohohon-san, her so-called mistress sighed and dropped her shoulders.
"Wha… What… are you looking at…" Kanzashi suddenly asked as she noticed Ichika's sight.
"Hmm? What?" Ichika wondered. Of course, he wasn't staring at her, he just stood there, deeply submerged into his own thoughts, Kanzashi simply happened to be in front of him.
"No, nothing…" Girl sighed, 'Seriously, what's with him?'
"By the way, Honne-chan," Ichika called for a 'maid', "Please, dismantle the Nishiki's shield generator and give it to me, and install this one instead." As he said that, Ichika used quantum transfer and I.S.-type module appeared in his right hand.
""Huh?"" Two girls looked at him questioningly.
"I know, this is not what client really asked for, but with this we'll save a lot of time for all of us," Ichika explained. "This is Demon Queen's shield. I've already adjusted it to fit your machine. In terms of bare figures, it is completely equivalent to the one installed on Nishiki right now, 700 shield points, but this one is already calibrated and tested. Also, as soon as you install it, I'll upload the full set of completely real operational data to your I.S." Ichika had to reduce shield's strength slightly (Demon Queen had 750 points) but now it also drains less energy, to reduce the load on Nishiki's power core.
"Orimu?" Honne seemed very confused, "You're really giving this to Kan-chan?"
"Don't worry, Demon Queen needs this no longer," Ichika stated mysteriously. Both girls were very surprised, but Ichika obviously had no desire to explain himself on that matter.
So, within fifteen minutes, Kanzashi and Honne did just as Ichika said. Demon Queen's old shield was mounted on Kanzashi's I.S., while Nishiki's original shield was given to Ichika and disappeared into his quantum space.
October 13th, Friday, 7:41 P.M.
Basic tuning was mostly done. Girls were performing some finishing touches. By the way, all that time while two girls were working with Nishiki, Ichika was observing them, at the same time using four holoscreens for something. There was a math, math and more math. Kanzashi realized, that, most likely, all those formulas have nothing to do with her own I.S., but that was the only fact she managed to learn – the mathematics Ichika was working with was way too complex, even for her.
"Sarashiki-san," Ichika called for Kanzashi, "Don't forget to reset automatic adjustments made by your I.S. Those adjustments were made according to wrong parameters, they are useless and may hinder you instead," Ichika advised.
"Yes," Kanzashi replied. "And… speak… speaking of which… that…" Kanzashi started to squirm all of a sudden… Something went wrong? "Erm… that…"
"Is something the matter?" Ichika asked.
She didn't reply, just wrapped her fingers around one another and played with them. Her eyes wavered, and she looked like she couldn't calm down at all as she looked around, so she obviously seemed suspicious.
"Sarashiki-san," Ichika sighed, "No matter which wicked rumors are going around this academy – I can't read people minds." Well, he really can't – not directly at least. "So, if you have a question – please ask it verbally."
"Orimu~, I feel that you're so inconsiderate!" Nohohon-san exclaimed.
"Ho… Honne… Please, don't…"
"Yes, ojō-sama."
"What ojō-sama… don't call me that…"
"Hmm! Kan-chan then!?"
"I don't like that either..."
That useless conversation, which occurred between them, has calmed down after about two minutes, and Kanzashi again looked over at Ichika. "Th… then… the flight test… I hope, you can accompany me…" She asked gingerly.
"Ah, it's about that? Of course, I'll be present," Ichika confirmed. "Tomorrow, after school." Tomorrow will be Saturday, so there are no afternoon classes.
"Tha… Thank you," Kanzashi cautiously bowed to him.
"No need," Ichika replied. "And since it will be a flight testing, we'll be using that arena."
"Yes… The arena №6…" Kanzashi confirmed.
Speaking of Arena №6, it's the arena that is mostly intended for second and third years, who are learning to fly at high speeds in urban conditions in fast battle simulations. That was sort of a smaller version of Cannonball Fast, the high-speed flight and maneuvering training arena. Strictly speaking, it wasn't even an arena, it was a circle, built around the entire academy. Unlike the other arenas, the upper pace's completely open, and there's no restriction to fly around as long as students keep moving around the central tower of the I.S. Academy.
"Alright, then we'll met there tomorrow," Ichika nodded.
"As… as you say, Orimura-sama…" Kanzashi replied gingerly.
"Take care~ I'll be there too tomorrow! I'll be in a control room and use the data scanner to assist you!" Nohohon-san announced as she waved her droopy sleeves softly, and again knocked into another girl, who glared at her slightly for a while.
October 13th, Friday, 8:28 P.M.
"Haah…" Ichika exhaled heavily, walking through corridor, lightened with several dim lights. "Dealing with kids is really troublesome. Onee-chan, I really admire your patience… For three years you were among these… people, entire classes of them, six days per week, and you're still sane… That's really beyond me…" He was just thinking aloud.
A big door opened before him, and he entered the hangar. There was his I.N., Majin Naamah, deployed and glowing with dreaded, dark violet light. "Report," Ichika addressed his unit.
"Adonai, calibration will be completed in 0 hours 2 minutes 38 seconds," A.I. reported. As Ichika went to assist Kanzashi, he left Demon Queen deployed to perform a pretty long routine operation, which couldn't be completed when unit is in sleep mode. And now she was almost done.
'I know, onee-chan, I've promised to you that I will not go into nowhere all alone, but right now I have no choice. I can't allow anyone to see these tests, that's too important,' Ichika thought. "Prepare yourself, we're going to start the live tests as soon as you finish the calibration," Ichika ordered to his I.N.
"As you wish, Adonai," Naamah replied.
October 14th, Saturday, 1:02 P.M.
"Thruster efficiency… check…" Having opened all the controls of her Uchigane Nishiki at Arena №6 conditioning point, all the values entered her eyes. Aside from the shield generator, Ichika had almost no need to interfere, two girls did almost everything by themselves. Due to Honne's help, there was quite some development in the building of the machine. Most likely, she would follow her sister Utsuho to join the conditioning class in second year. That's the level of ability Honne had.
'And…' Data that Ichika compiled were of much use. Despite that those readings were just an extrapolation from data of several machines with different characteristics, the data compatibility was much more than expected.
But maybe, more than that, perhaps, Ichika's existence by itself was important? Somehow, despite he wasn't helping much, his very presence was making her more confident.
'Wha… What… am I thinking… I…' Kanzashi forcefully rubbed her reddish face into her hands.
Just when she was doing this, a message came from Ichika through the private channel, "Sarashiki-san? Are you ready to move off now?"
"Y… Yes…" She replied, stuttering.
"Then get ready to take off. I'll be watching your flight from here," Ichika informed, he was standing at one of observation points near the arena's circle, "If something happens, I'll interfere, so don't worry, proceed with the test."
"I… I understand," Kanzashi replied as she bent down and fixed her feet into the electromagnetic catapult. The holographic display showed the word «Ready», and it instantly became «Go!» Kanzashi accelerated and flew to the sky above Arena №6.
'Structural Dynamics… no problem… next, Hyper Sensors… connecting, activating…' The Hyper Sensors soon caught Ichika. Zooming in on his face, Kanzashi's heart couldn't help but beat faster. Those heterochromic eyes were looking straight at her.
"Sarashiki-san, please, focus on the controls," Ichika's voice suddenly pronounced via I.S. comm channel.
"Huh?… Ah… Ye… Yes!" Kanzashi panicked as her face immediately blushed. 'Ho… How did he…? No… Never mind… Ca… calm down… concentrate… concentrate…' She forced herself to work properly.
Noting the output levels of the thrusters on her back, Kanzashi let the machine to accelerate. 'Maintaining thrusters in this position… No problems… Acceleration… Activating the shield barrier to continue testing…' She summoned the control option and tried to turn it on. It was an action that shouldn't have had any problem, but on activating the shield generator, the machine started to stutter and stopped.
"Huh?" Just when she felt that it was weird, numerous displays showed up, confirming the current parameters. 'Shield generator created interference when barrier was deployed… So, Passive Inertia Canceller was interfered with…'
It seemed as though there was a problem with the matching of the shield which was installed yesterday, and Kanzashi temporarily cancelled the shield's deployment as she summoned a keyboard on both sides to input data one by one before letting the machine fly. Since right now she was using Demon Queen's shield, which was already tuned and tested, reconfiguring PIC seemed as a more obvious solution. 'Adjusting point of deployment… From PIC interference range… Gravitational Deflection Angle: twelve feet in front of machine… Undergoing adjustments… Then, Balancing boosters… Four minus and ignition…'
At the observation point, Ichika was looking at Uchigane Nishiki, which just stopped in mid-air. 'Rejection?' He thought. From such a distance, at least when his Archangels are in passive mode, Ichika couldn't see the data on Kanzashi's holoscreens, as well as he couldn't distinguish what's happening with the I.S.
At that time, Uchigane Nishiki again started to move. Kanzashi piloted the machine with both hands on the keyboards, completing the course in the process.
"Sarashiki-san, how's the situation?" Ichika asked. "How's thrusters' output? According to the specs, your machine should be almost as fast as English I.S. Blue Tears, if I remember correctly."
"It's… It's fine… Thrusters output matches the theoretical figures…" Kanzashi frantically answered. Her unit quickly flew down at breakneck speed as if she was trying to demonstrate the machine's speed to Ichika.
"Hmm?" As his eyes were following the Uchigane Nishiki, Ichika suddenly noticed something that definitely looked like an anomaly. Sparks appeared from time to time on the boosters on the legs of the unit that Kanzashi was piloting… *Sigh* Ichika sighed heavily. 'Really… that girl is just...' He facepalmed. Thinking about that, just when he was about to open a communication channel, the booster on the right leg of the Uchigane Nishiki exploded.
"Aah!?" Due to the sudden explosion and the imbalance caused by the unexpected loss of one of the thrusters, Kanzashi and her machine flew diagonally in a straight line towards the outer wall of the massive tower building.
"If you want something to be done properly – do it yourself," Ichika complained aloud as light engulfed his body.
'PIC was ineffective…!? Wh… Why…?!' Many 'Errors' appeared on the screen, and Uchigane Nishiki, which had lost control of the system, quickly closed in on the outer wall of the I.S. Academy's central tower. With PIC failure and shield being offline, she won't get out of this situation unscratched, to put it mildly. "Cha…!" Kanzashi closed her eyes in reflex. And at that moment, she suddenly felt an abrupt deceleration. From aside, it seemed like some sort of a glowing ring appeared around girl's I.S. and forced Kanzashi to stop just a few inches away from the concrete wall.
"Sarashiki-san, if I remember correctly, I've told you to erase all the previous adjustments, haven't I?" Ichika's voice asked.
"O… Orimura… sama…" Kanzashi mumbled as she opened her eyes and found herself in Ichika's arms, being held like a princess. By the way, Kanzashi probably was the only first year student who never saw the Demon Queen in real life, let alone this close. She wasn't attending the I.S. practical lessons (sometimes there were combined lessons between all first year classes), due to her weird situation with personal I.S., as well as she skipped Cannonball Fast, due to the same reason. 'So… This is… Majin Naamah…?' Girl thought, looking at these metallic talon-like fingers and 'wings', burning with plasma, clenched between Fold-Out Armor.
"Now you see what happens when you don't listen to me?" Ichika asked, his voice sounded quite calm, indifferent even. "Hey, what's with this face? I've told you that if something will go wrong, I'll interfere, haven't I?" Saying that as if there was no danger at all, Ichika looked like a hero to Kanzashi. Those words, spoked out as if he always has everything under control, sounded really cool to girl's ears.
" Ah… erm… emm…" She was unable to say anything right now.
"Are you alright, Sarashiki-san?" He asked.
"Huh…? Ah, yeah…" She barely mumbled in reply.
"Good to hear," Ichika nodded.
The outer wall of the tower didn't get any damage as Ichika stopped Kanzashi's I.S. just in time. However, the black smoke was still gushing out from thruster's ravaged nozzle on Uchigane Nishiki's right leg.
*Silence* Continuing to grasp Ichika's hand (or rather, Naamah's claw-like arm) like that, Kanzashi felt her heart beat so crazily it ached. It was the first time she stuck so close to a guy's body, but she didn't hate it. It must be because he's Ichika, Kanzashi thought as she matured late.
"Hey, hold it, those students over there! What happened!? Is there a smoke?!" Suddenly, teacher's voice sounded via I.S. public channel.
Ichika rolled his eyes, but he had to reply, "Situation is under control. Here was an I.S. training accident. I'm Orimura Ichika from Class 1-1."
"I'm… Sarashiki… Kanzashi… From Class… 1-4…" Girl somehow managed to report her name and class.
«AN ACCIDENT!? YOU AREN'T HURT, ARE YOU!? ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?» Teacher on the other side of the comm channel panicked. On a side note, continuing with the questions was today's teacher on duty, the math teacher Edwards Franchee. She was born in Canada, 25 years old, and looking for a boyfriend. Her hobby was gardening.
"Franchee-sensei, please calm down," Ichika replied patiently, "I'll explain the situation to you as soon as we'll return to the maintenance branch."
"Ok… Okay. Then, please be careful on the way down," Teacher said as she calmed down a little.
After cutting off the communication signal, Ichika carried Kanzashi and slowly descended. "It'll be dangerous if there's another system error. Let's just go down like this."
"A… Alright…" Gently, nodding lightly, Kanzashi went silent. Right now, her face was dyed as red as the ripe cherry.
October 14th, Saturday, 1:39 P.M.
Having returned to the maintenance branch, Ichika and Kanzashi explained everything to the teacher. Franchee-sensei forced Kanzashi to undergo a checkup to see if she's alright, and usually they had to write a report, but somehow Ichika resolved the situation with just words.
"She's really a worrywart," Ichika shook his head slightly.
Kanzashi seemed like she was rather apologetic as she gingerly looked at Ichika, "Ah, erm… sorry… it was… all my fault…"
"Of course it was, no need to say obvious things," Ichika replied indifferently. But really, anyone actually expected some words of support? From Ichika? As he said that, Kanzashi gripped her hands tightly and dropped her head. But really, she suffered from error, which Ichika already fixed, and she forgot to make one last thing, about which he also warned her.
"But at least now you've learned that you shouldn't get distracted when you're working with your I.S., am I right, Sarashiki-san?" He asked. "You've made a mistake, which could cost you your life, so of course you should feel bad about this. But even I and Shinonono Tabane can make mistakes…" Ichika remembered his old I.S. – Messiah. Tabane failed to erase its previous personality properly, and Ichika failed to notice the coming betrayal. "Don't let this possibility to slip by, learn from your mistakes."
"I… understand…" Girl mumbled worriedly. But she really learned a lot from this incident. And having realized her personal limits, Kanzashi should have grown up a lot from now on.
"And I think that it's better to get the people from the conditioning class to help," Ichika added. 'I could do it myself,' He thought. 'Reassembling her I.S. will take less than six hours. But if I'll focus on that task – I won't be able to do my calculations…' He looked at Kanzashi, "You should learn to work with other people, there's only one week to the tag match. I believe you can make the right choice…"
"Uh… umm… I'll do that..." Kanzashi replied humbly.
"Very well," Ichika replied. "Oh, and I'll get Mayuzumi Kaoruko to help you as well."
"So… someone you know… is it?" She asked.
"Well, sort of. An annoying person who thinks that she can easily outwit me," Ichika answered, "I guess she needs a lesson of humility…"
Kanzashi seemed confused, but Ichika just waved his arm, "Don't mind this, I'll take care of that personally. And I suppose you're alright with Honne-chan joining us once again, right, Sarashiki-san?"
"It's… It's Kanzashi…" Girl said quietly but with a certain level of determination.
"Excuse me?" Ichika looked at her.
"If… If Orimura-sama is alright with calling Honne-san by her first name… Then please, call me by my first name too!" Her words sounded louder than usual.
"Hmm? Alright," Ichika shrugged, "I don't mind. If you'd like to, you can call me by my first name too, Kanzashi-chan."
Girl jerked slightly when Ichika used her first name for the first time. She stood in silence for several seconds, and then bowed deeply, "And, well… thank you… very much… for saving me…" As she said that, Kanzashi immediately backed away from Ichika and turned aside. She clasped her hands together in front of her chest and softly played with her fingers.
"No need," Ichika replied casually. "I was just doing my job, nothing more." He wasn't bragging about or something, it was just a truth.
*Stare* She continued to stare at Ichika silently. "So… cool…" She whispered, but of course Ichika lip-read that and barely withstood the desire to facepalm.
It's been about ten minutes since Kanzashi dispelled her I.S., her body should be cold by now. "Kanzashi-chan, I'd suggest you to go change now, you'll catch a cold if you continue to stay here like this," Ichika noted. "Take the rest until the end of the day."
"Okay…" She nodded her head lightly, but for some reason, didn't move.
"Anything else, Kanzashi-chan?" Ichika wondered.
"Please… don't…" She tried to say something, probably feeling herself very shy. Looking closely, Kanzashi's face is all red now. "Don't add… -chan… just… call me Kanzashi…"
After saying those words softly, Kanzashi scampered away as if she was escaping. Seeing her disappear behind the door, Ichika sighed heavily. 'Why it always has to be like this…?'
October 14th, Saturday, 2:01 P.M.
'I… I said it…' Having returned to her own first year dorm room, Kanzashi showered in hot water, as her heart was beating wildly. For the daughter of Sarashiki clan, allowing another to use one's given name had a significant meaning. Kanzashi touched her lips and tried to say the words, 'I'-'chi'-'ka'…
Blushing furiously, Kanzashi felt that her heart was a fragile item as she gently touched her chest. It wasn't too big, but the treasure of love that was hidden in it was really soft, "Honne… really has it good…"
They're both in their first years, yet they had a difference of two cup sizes [Honne actually has F-cup with her 91 cm]. Her sister Utsuho was the same. She had well-ripened fruits. And her older sister… "Ah!" Upon thinking till here, her head suddenly cooled down.
Kanzashi, who was drowning in the heat of love, became a captive by her own realistic sense of inferiority, and her body jerked slightly. 'Tatenashi… nee-san…'
The existence she looked up to and yet couldn't catch up to… Sarashiki Tatenashi. She was a gentle sister, an outstanding, strong person and a lovely woman – she was completely flawless. 'I… Can't catch up to that person at all…'
It was unknown when she started to think like that.
– She ended up unable to catch up to that back.
– She couldn't look at that expression directly.
– She started to feel painful about bearing the same family name.
The warm water of shower was raining on her. Lowering her head, Kanzashi looked like she was crying, but that face – looked up. "Calm down… Nee-san, nee-san… I… I, Kanzashi, won't be crushed as long as I have Ichika-sama supporting me. She finally found a hero, someone who can guide her, who always knows what to do. "Orimura, Ichika…" She tried to call that name again, and she was happy yet trembling anxiously. The inexplicable drive rose up within her. 'Courage' – perhaps that's what people call it.
October 14th, Saturday, 2:07 P.M.
Ichika arrived to his hangar. "You got the telemetry?" He addressed his I.N., which seemed like a black metallic chain, wrapped around his left arm.
"Yes, Adonai," Naamah replied.
"Very good," Ichika nodded to himself. "That silly girl was of some use, after all. Upload the data and get ready, we have no time to lose."
"As you wish," A.I. reported. "Adonai, is something wrong?" She suddenly asked. "Please forgive my rudeness, but you seem more in a hurry than ever before…"
"I don't really know how to explain this to you," Ichika replied, looking somewhere aside. "Call it a premonition, if you like. I have a feeling that we'll be needing all of our arsenal very soon. The storm is coming…" Ichika turned his head. Despite here was an underground – he definitely was looking towards north-west. "She should arrive soon; her hull conversion should be completed by then. I will need your strength to complete everything in time…"
"Whatever you desire, Adonai. I will not fail you!" Majin Naamah has sworn.
And this is it for now! See you soon people.
