Chapter 5: Knights Of Sky Silver
After school - Teacher's office – 03:30 P.M
I was currently standing at the teacher's office balcony, next to Chifuyu with her back turning outside and her hand holding a cup of coffee; we were talking about what had happened an hour ago. Things escalated so quickly out of control that I was still somewhat stunned at the moment, oh, and this was my first day in this world no less.
"Why did you let Ichika fight Cecilia? He looks very inexperienced and doesn't seem like much of a fighter. It's like you want him to get his ass whooped." I asked her.
"Hmm, you don't have to worry about that, he will be provided with his own personal IS for his match against Cecilia. This duel will also serve as his first live lesson for IS combat, I would like him to gain some experience with it, winning or losing is not important," answered Chifuyu as she then drank her coffee.
"Heh, so it's both live training and an observation experiment huh. Well, since I also will be able to test out my Gundam in this world, I don't mind much."
"By the way, Maya has prepared for you a room, you will be staying in the same dorm with my idiot brother." said Chifuyu as she handed me a key, "It's room 97 on the second floor, he is supposed to be your roommate since you're now the 2nd male, but some paperwork will need to be done first to transfer him from Shinonono's room." It seemed like I will be sharing the room with Ichika Orimura in the future.
"Oh, talking about Ichika, during the lunch break, I explained to him and Houki about how I became an IS pilot by saying that you were involved during your time in Germany. You may want to cover that up if they ask." I told her about the small problem that I almost forgot.
"The first day in class and you already causing me trouble." she sighed at me and I just laugh awkwardly back.
I nodded at her and we proceeded to go to the hangar where they were storing my Crossbone Gundam and was still unable to access it.
IS Academy – Maintenance hangar
I and Chifuyu walked into the hangar of the main arena that was still being sealed off, it wasn't as big as those of a Ra Calium-class battleship, but it was still quite similar. The catapult launching system, docking areas, a repair workshop, and a traffic-control station.
As we entered, I saw Maya standing next to the Crossbone Gundam, which had many cables linked to its body, she was holding the same datapad that I had handled this early this morning.
Seeing my old partner here brought back much memory for me; my farther had piloted it, Tobia-san had piloted it, and so had my friend Font; we had gone through many battles together, and now I wondered how were they currently as I hadn't met them for 2 years. I got closer and gave it a touch, even though it was a strange feeling, it was still my same old Gundam but now that it was only a human-size figure; it felt like I was standing in front of a set of armor instead of what was once a 16-meter-tall machine.
I turned back and saw that Chifuyu was closely monitoring me while Maya was still struggling to access the Gundam main computer. Right now, I was afraid that after I unlocked the biometric security, they may take me out and steal the Gundam, since everything that they had said until now could still be a lie; if it did happen, it would be really sad, but I could potentially use my martial arts to rush to the Gundam and get out of here without hurting them, though I doubt that I could overpower Chifuyu, her aura was that of a skilled warrior. In the end, it only came down to a gamble, in the worst scenario, I could order my Gundam to self-destruct using the voice command.
"Here, let me do it," I told Maya as I walked up to her, she nodded and gave me the datapad and I swiftly unlocked the security program using my fingerprint and an access code, during that I always kept my eyes on both Chifuyu and Maya.
"Pilot identified, Tobia Arno, access granted." Announced a familiar mechanical voice from the datapad.
"Heh, good to see you back, Haro." I was happy that Haro was still with me, he was a present from Banagher-san and had been my partner for a long time.
"Good to see you too, master," Haro answered back but not in its usual pre-programmed ways, and this time, it was not from the datapad speaker. I widened my eyes in suprise as a spherical body materialized itself out of thin air. It was my Haro, but it was now a bit smaller and was hovering in front of me. "I have come back to you master." hearing him called me master was quite weird, but I found the idea quite endearing.
Chifuyu and Maya were also surprised by the sudden appearance of Haro, but I motioned to them that it was safe.
"How could appear out of thin air like that Haro?" I asked Haro.
"Master, you have realized that we are currently in an alternative world right?" he asked me back to which I nodded reluctantly.
"It seems like when we were transported to this world, I was merged with unit XM-XX's bio-computer. After that, I ran a system check and found out that new codes and system programs were added to the current unit XM-X0, one of which is called "partial deployment", it allows me to form a physical body using."
So it seemed that my Gundam did gain the ability of an IS, the question now was how it would pitch against the other ISes. From what I had learned in class, many weapons utilized by the ISes applied similar physics that I knew; so if my estimation was correct, my Gundam would have quite an edge over the 2nd generation ISes.
"Basically you are this mobile suit AI unit right?" Chifuyu questioned.
"Correct, currently I'm the main processing computer and the core of unit XM-X0. More precisely, I'm a part of unit XM-X0 and this body is only a projected physical image."
"Good, I will need you to fill in some basic information for us to add to the school database. Arno is currently a student here, so his personal machine will also need to be registered."
Haro turned to me for confirmation and I nodded while giving the datapad back to Chifuyu for her to begin the registration process. Before she did the scan, I secretly told Haro to tune down the power from the core reactor and locked away the information regarding the Minovsky Drive and Phantom system.
After the scanning was done, there was some confusion on Chifuyu and Maya's faces as they looked at the current specific specs and weapon layout of the Crossbone Gundam. Although I did tell Haro to put a restrain, the power reading was still evidently enormous, not much of a suprise since it was meant to power a giant war-machine, excluding the Minovsky Drive. For the weapons, they were unique to the women but since there weren't any descriptions of their capability, they didn't comment much.
"Okay, the registration process is almost complete. I must say, your machine is quite a peculiar one, especially its core. However, the weapons' energy output is at a safe level so there is no problem to worry about." said Chifuyu, to which I just left out a sigh of relief.
"The final step is to type in the IS's name, what do you usually call it?"
I considered for a few seconds before coming to a decision, "Silver Phantom" was my answer. With a smile, Chifuyu let me know that everything was done before Maya handed me a thick book
"This book contains the regulations about the IS and how to switch your IS into its standby mode, as well as how to call and deploy it." Explained Maya.
I asked her if I could give it a try and she told me to feel free, she then instructed me to touch my Gundam and concentrate my mind to change it into the standby mode.
Closing my eyes and focusing my mind, with some concentration; in a split second, the full arsenal of the Crossbone Gundam played out inside my head and the Crossbone transformed into the Phantom Gundam with burning purple inferno; forcing me out of my imagination. Suddenly, a bright white light enveloped the Crossbone's entire body; I immediately raised my arm to shield my eyes from the light. When the light faded, feeling there was something in my left hand, I opened my eyes to see that I was holding a pistol. The Crossbone Gundam was now just a pistol being hold firmly in my left hand, and this was another question for me of how was it possible? Upon closer inspection, it was a silver pistol with some parts in black; there was a jolly roger logo on both of its black grip panel and on its slide was '9mm Silver Phantom – SNRI XM-XX'; when I checked the magazine, it was empty, which I kinda expected. 'So my Gundam standby mode is a 9mm pistol?' I gawked in wonder.
"Hmm, so your IS standby mode is a pistol eh? Even though there is a sword standby form, this is the first time I see a pistol standby form." Chifuyu said.
"Eh, this is troubling, our school doesn't allow bringing a weapon into class," commented Maya.
"That I will talk with the principal later, you won't have to worry about that, it's not like he can find any ammunition for it. Just remember to always keep the safety engaged." Chifuyu reaffirmed to me and Maya.
After that Maya gave me some more instructions on how to restore the pistol into its IS form and how to suit up the armor; I followed the guide and successfully did everything correctly. I later asked Chifuyu to find for me a holster, and since everything was done, I excused myself to get back to the dorm and we all went on our way. In the end, I was glad that nothing happened, Chifuyu and Maya were actually good people that I could trust in this world, however, I would still have to keep them on edge of certain secrets.
IS Academy's Dormitory – Room 97
Going through another tiring day, I was finally able to lie on a nice comfy bed, easing myself with the cool air conditioner and soft pillow. Currently, I was taking the whole room for myself since Ichika Orimura hadn't been reassigned to my room yet. Looking around, I must say that the room was really nice for, comparable to a 3 or 4 stars hotel; having a dedicated kitchen and bathroom/toilet, 2 medium-size beds, a large TV and a double study cupboard with even computers, and to top of it all, there was a balcony with a nice view of the academy.
"Haro, how did you gain that speaking ability?
When I asked, Haro materialized next to me, his red eyes glowed, staring right at me.
"Thanks to the bio-computer learning capability, when they linked me with their computer, I was able to gain access to this world data bank and through it learning basic communicating skills."
From what Haro had said, I was completely gripped. Until now, I hadn't learned much about the outside world, but he said that he had gained access to this world data bank.
"Haro, when you accessed this world data bank, what have you learned!?"
"Don't worry master, I will tell you. I know master will ask me about this sooner or later, so I have been gathering information about this new world ever since I gained sentient."
He then proceeds to tell me everything he knew about the Infinite Stratos, their history, impact, and known components. I also learned about the history and current politics of this world. By using the bio-computer, he was able to hack through many countries and stole quite a lot of information, though, those seemed to only be the tip of the iceberg since Haro's current ability was still limited and needed more time to study. Despite not needing a command, Haro knew what to do when he got to this world, which was very helpful for me. After more than 2 hours of listenning, I decided to call it a day and went to take a bath.
Taking a bath was really refreshing, but thinking about all the things that Haro had told me was still frustrating since the way IS is introduced and the world's current politics were eerily familiar, except this world ISes hadn't been used for war yet due to the Alaska treaty. However, Haro had told me about some dark secrets inside the IS political world, and they were all concerning. The scandals regarding the missing ISes, world superpowers trying to build more and more ISes, super-soldiers, satellite cannon, etc. In the end, history was bounded to repeat itself, and this world was walking on a very similar path to my world.
Finishing the bath, I got out to cleaned myself up and prepared the instant noodle that I found in the kitchen cupboard for dinner. After the meal, I jumped straight into bed while leaving Haro to keep on doing his work with the computer. Turning on the TV, laying there, and staring at the screen in silence, I thought of many things, my family and friends; this new world; and most importantly, my current situation that I had found myself into.
When Chifuyu first told me about IS, I suspected that if this world found out the truth of my machine, it would be very problematic. But now, with more concrete evidence, I knew that I would need to do something to protect myself, but since I'm a male IS pilot, laying low wouldn't be a long-term strategy, so I should better be prepared for any future hassle. This world wasn't as simple as it seemed, and before I could find a way back to my world, my life could always be on the line.
Despite this was only the first day, I already felt tired; even though I went through today without much thinking, I ended up wishing that everything was just a dream and by tomorrow morning, I would just wake up and found myself in the usual lab. I would probably go back to visit my home and confess my love to Belle if possible. Scratching my arm, I tugged my legs in, feeling the anxiety that I didn't expect to experience. I hated this, hated the fact that I may not be able to get back to my world, that I would be stuck in this world, and may find myself in another war again.
"Good night Haro."
"Good night, master."
The second day came much to my disappointment, I rolled my eyes up, still feeling that my eyes were red, I got out of bed. Haro greeted me with a good morning and I greeted it back. I then went to brush my teeth and wash my face to get myself started for the morning. Now feeling lucid, I got out and dressed up myself, I did some workouts and cleaned up my bed. Decided that it was time for breakfast, I recalled Haro, which he used his optical camouflage that he inherited from the Phantom to follow me; I wore my school uniform and headed down to the school cafeteria. I met Ichika and Houki and we had breakfast together, with the guy somewhat clingy towards me, though I don't hate it. After finishing our meals, we quickly went to our class.
IS Academy – Class 1-1
Currently in the second period, sitting in the classroom, we were studying the IS features. I was focusing on Maya's teaching to not get a scold from Chifuyu while noting down the keywords as efficiently as possible. Hearing a grunt, I peaked my eyes at Ichika and saw the guy looking dizzy staring at textbook, his eyes clearly spoke for himself that he didn't get a single point what Maya was saying. If I remembered correctly, he was like that during yesterday's lessons too, he was kinda hopeless I in academic learning I guess? Though, I supposed that he may be more of a visual learner.
"IS also has the ability to gain consciousness that can converse with the pilot, which is called synchronization. So the longer the operating time, the more the IS understand the pilot's characteristics." spoke Maya when I turned back to listen to her, "The more you understand each other, the better you can utilize the IS utmost capabilities."
I see it was similar in functions to the bio-computer, both helping the machine adapting to the pilot's controls and movements. The difference was that this synchronizing system uses a mutual understanding of both the pilot and the IS' consciousness as the basis to develop its abilities in the long-term; whereas the bio-computer turned the mobile suit's data directly into sensory information and fed it to the pilot's brain, which effectively turning the mobile suit into a responsive body for the pilot to control.
"It's essential that you don't view your IS too much of a tool, but instead, your partner." Maya finished her presentation.
Immediately, a girl raised her hand.
"Sensei, is a partner like your boyfriend or girlfriend?"
Well, that was an odd question out of nowhere, but depending on the context, I did see the point.
"Well, that's, Ummm… it should be that kind of feeling I guess. I haven't experienced it before so I'm not so sure myself..." Maya answered while lowering her head as she blushed. I didn't know what to say but damn was she cute, the hell!? Hold it me, my poker face, you already had a loved one.
Soon the girls started to chatter about things related to boys and girl dating. It was truly an all-female school as the air was full of sweetness, I may get diabetes from this. Looking at Ichika's awkward face, I believed that the guy may think the same too.
This atmosphere continued for another half a minute.
"Ahem, Yamada-sensei, please continue with the lesson."
"Ah, yes, I'm sorry Orimura-sensei."
Faking a cough to disperse the atmosphere under Chifuyu's prompt, Maya returned back to the topic despite still being flustered.
"Ah, before that, Orimura, your IS will need some more time to be prepared."
"Eh?"
"There's no available suit. So the school will prepare a personal IS for you."
"?"
Ichika looked totally confused about what Chifuyu had said, and as he still seated there not knowing what to say, the class started buzzing about the fact that he got a personal IS despite being a first-year and they also wanted one.
Seeing that Ichika was still oblivious to the fact that he just received a special privilege, I decided to explain it to him as I saw Chifuyu was getting annoyed at her dumb brother not getting the point across. I mean, come on, did he even read the introduction page about IS in the textbook?
"Ichika, to this day, there are only 467 IS in the world. This is because all the information related to the manufacturing of the core is never revealed by professor Shinonono Tabane, their sole creator. And since the professor has declined to create more core after a certain amount, people could only attempt to make new armor for the already existing core but creating a new personal IS unit is not possible. You, on the other hand, being a rare case of a male IS pilot, is now getting the privilege to have a personal unit."
"Heh..."
Ah, I took it back, this guy was not kinda hopeless, but totally hopeless. Even his answer was really weak and clueless.
"But hey, since I would get a new personal IS for being a male, you would too right?"
"No, I already have a personal IS, so you don't need to think about it. You should focus on yourself since you will duel against Cecilia next week."
"Ugh, but you will also fight her though..."
As we were still talking, Chifuyu coughed in her hand and stared at us. We immediately shut up.
"In short, you're given a personal IS to gather data for research, there, you would understand that much right."
"Sort, sort up..."
"Erm, sensei, is Shinonono-san a relative of professor Shinonono?" asked a girl sitting behind Ichika.
Tabane Shinonono, one of the most influential figures of this world, she was the creator of the world's first IS, the Shirokishi, which was involved in the "White knight incident", where it appeared and neutralized military 2341 missiles flying to Japan that were hacked by an unknown hacker. She was a genius that I would like to meet myself to ask about the core of the IS and the technology she used to make them, though, I doubt she would answer me. From what Haro had been able to find, Houki was definitely Tabane Shinonono's younger sister.
"That's right, Shinonono's that person little sister."
"EHHHH-!"
"Woah, so Shinonono-san is the famed professor's sister?"
"Many nations and corporates are finding her right?"
"Do you know where she is?"
"Does that means Shinonono-san is a genius too? I have to ask her to teach me how to operate an IS next time."
Despite the class loud uproar, I had noticed some discomfort on Houki's face when the girls mentioned about professor Tabane and seemed like Ichika had also noticed it as he constantly eyeing her with a worrying look.
"I HAVE NO RELATION WITH THAT PERSON."
With a sudden and loud voice, Houki vented her irritation, cutting through the air of the class.
"I'm not that person, I have nothing to say about her."
This time, calmer, but still had some negative feelings inside her tone. The girls around Houki were revealing a 'not knowing what's going' faces, likely thinking that they had upset her.
So the Shinonono didn't have a good relationship with each other huh? Well, considering that Houki's sister was a famous figure that got chased up and down, she as a relative, definitely had gotten into some trouble due to her sister or having to be constantly compared with; it was understandable.
"Yamada-sensei, the lesson."
"Ah ye-yes, everyone, let's get back to the lesson."
With a reminder from Chifuyu, Yamada got the class back to the lesson, both were no doubt being mindful of Houki. And with the class backed to normal, I re-focus on the textbook. With that, the class went on until the lunch break.
Noon's break
"Now I can be at ease. I won't have to use a simulator against you guys."
Ah, the annoying and rude person had come. When the school bell rang, Cecilia walked over to me and Ichika. She puffed up her chest and crossed her arms under it. I just opted silent while Ichika was looking at her with weird-out eyes.
"But to duel against me like that, it would be unfair for you though."
"Why do you say that?"
"Oh my, you still don't know? Alright, let me tell you, an ordinary civilian. I, Cecilia Alcott, as England's representative, have a personal IS. In this world, where there're only 467 IS, only those who are considered the elite of elites can own a personal IS. And I'm one of them, which you have just made a great mistake by humiliating me."
"Hehhhh really...?"
"...Are you making me for a fool?"
"Ah no, I actually thought you were..."
"Were an idiot, if calling you out for being an immature brat is a great mistake, then I guess you being a sore loser and didn't apologize to the class for being racist is probably humanity's worst offense." before Ichika was about to say what I thought he was going to say, I cut in and helped to "correct" him.
*BAM* She slammed both of her hands on my table.
"You, you!"
"Again? Still can't handle being ass-whooped? I mean, come on, your logic is really horrible, maybe instead of boasting about your IS ability, you should have your brain checked instead."
"Don't get cocky you Jerry. Looked down on me and I am going to smash you in the duel, like how England had always crushed your country in every war," she grunted.
"Heh, can't even use the correct slur. Winning me in the duel is debatable, but I know that you Planker got ass-kicked during the war of 1530. Wouldn't want this duel to be another loss to go into your history now, would ya."
"Hmmm! You... You are going to regret this next week." she grumbled and left the class.
What a troublesome and rude girl, even though I didn't hold any harsh feelings towards her, but that cancerous behavior really needed to be put in place. Her cocky and arrogance attitude would cost her dearly in the duel, and especially her life. I hoped that after the duel, she will change. I was only doing this to help her, despite my method may be a bit cruel, but this was what dad had taught me.
"Tobia, isn't that a bit too much?" asked Ichika.
"It may be a bit harsh, but that is for her future. I just want her to become a better person, and this duel, we will make her learn a lesson." I replied to him with a smile, hoping that he got my reason.
"Tobia... yeah, let's do this together, we will win this duel to help her!"
I nodded at him, and he invited me to lunch with Houki. Though she refused at first and even pushed him away, I caught him of course, but with his determination, he was able to make her gave in with a blush? Hmmm, very suspicious.
Cafeteria
We were currently having our meals at an empty table. During the whole walk to the cafeteria, Ichika had been holding onto Houki's hand very "passionately", catching many eyes from the other female students while Houki was too embarrassed to even say a word. Huhhhh, Ichika, you naughty boy; even my 22-year-old self hadn't been able to touch a maiden hand yet, and he was already crushing the battlefield like this. When we took our order, she shook Ichika's handoff and quickly ran to the empty table. Ichika and I just left out a sigh, though for different reasons, and we walked to her and sat down; as we were eating, Ichika suddenly asked me a favor.
"Hey, Tobia, could you teach me how to pilot an IS? As you know, I am still inexperienced, while you have been an IS pilot even before me with your personal unit."
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help you with that. Even though I became a pilot before you, my knowledge about them is still cruel and I haven't fought in a battle yet, so I'm just the same as you. I think you should ask Houki for help, she is more suitable."
"Eh!? Me?" / "Houki?"
Ichika and Houki were surprised when I suggested her, even though what I said about myself was half-true, I chose Houki was for a reason.
"Chifu...Orimura-sensei had told me that your IS will be a close-quarter-combat type unit. Since Houki is a member of the kendo-club, I think she will be way more helpful than me in teaching combat techniques, and at least she does understand the textbook, unlike you, she will be fine to guide you with some IS control."
"I see, you got a point." Ichika agreed with me.
"Eh! But I..."
Houki looked at me with a questioning and dumbfound look, but before she could finish her sentence, I gave her a thumb-up while flickering at Ichika. "Good luck." I motioned my mouth, and she got my message, so she decided to not say anything more.
Holding his chopsticks together and clapping his hands together, Ichika begged Houki to help him.
"Fine, if you have asked and Tobia has said so, I guess I can spare some time to teach you," Houki replied with her cheeks flushed red.
"Thank you Houki! You are the best."
Ahhh, these love birds, they really made me jealous, but I still decided to help Houki out since Ichika was quite the dense and dumb type.
Ughhh, I wished I could be like this with Belle too, though she was a princess, so I guess it would be hard. But wait, my mother was once the queen of Cosmo Babylonia, so I guess I could consider myself a prince right? Huhhhh, I hated thinking about this.
Anyway, we finished our lunches and headed back to the class to finish the rest of the day. After the school hours, Ichika and Houki went to practice at the kendo club's training house; while I asked Chifuyu for permission to use the training arena for testing and she agreed.
With that, our whole weekend ended up with me and Ichika training for the duel separately. Even though I didn't know what kind of training did he go through, I could only wish him luck. I on the other hand had already gone through military service and had spent my time in the Serpiente Tacon with Tobia-san and many of the Crossbone Vanguard old members before joining the SNRI, they had taught me many useful skills and many unorthodox fighting styles to combat against the Zanscare Empire. In a sense, I had already had an edge over Cecilia, not even counting her arrogance that would be her Achilles heel. So the weekend training for me wasn't much for Cecilia's duel, but more of not letting my skills rusted and help me familiarizing myself with IS control and combat.
In the end, what must come has to come, the next Monday had reached and we were ready for the duel. Cecilia Alcott, were you ready to accept your defeat?