A/N: It feels like a long time since I have even written this chapter, I'm on chapter 216 currently and this feels like I wrote this down a very long time ago. About a month or two, heck I don't even remember writing it lol.
I've been writing consistently between the last 3 months which has been something I suppose.
I won't say much more than this: Thank you for reading my story so far, I do deeply appreciate it and I want to get more chapters out more than you know, but obviously, I will have to have it edited and such which is annoying but good because it allows me to get ahead.
So yeah... If you want to join the IS discord, I will have the link in my profile bio, but if you want to add me and let me know you want to join, here is my username:
Kano #3425
With Ichika and the ladies
Location: Osaka
Many different influential people gathered in the city of Osaka.
For example, several very powerful individual's like the war diva's, as well as some of the richest people known to mankind, although there was also a mixture of people with different backgrounds and different histories today were all gathered up in a massive room with sleek white walls, big windows on either side with the night sky illuminating the moon into the well-lit room as it swarmed with citizen's across the world.
Many waitresses walked around the room handing out glasses and bottles of champagne as many celebrated their gathering by choosing to drink and enjoy the warm atmosphere between the people.
Expensive items were exchanged between the rich as they gave to their acquaintances, all for various reasons of course, because their unfathomable wealth allowed them to do so, many also gave gifts to those who they just met to establish connections with other new and influential people.
It was a win-win situation either way.
"It feels weird to wear a dress again; it's been a while since I really needed to wear a dress."
Sakura Tachibana played with the hems of her straps as she was still unsure about wearing the dress she currently wore, Ichika chuckled while his eyes landed on her for a few moments.
"Well, you look beautiful in it, if that helps in any way of course." Ichika smiled warmly as Sakura's eyes widened in surprise.
"T-Thank you senpai."
Sakura blushed as she looked at her senpai with a surprised expression. The girl with pink hair wore a silk red dress that revealed a lot of her skin, including the top half of her back which was only covered by the red lace straps that held the dress up into place, the straps were in a criss-cross angle as they maintained the state of her dress at all times.
No sign of the teenage girl wearing a bra as Sakura's breasts pressed against the dress, her chest becoming an eyeful for anyone that dares to look at the girl.
"Oh? We are haven't been at the party for long Ichika and you are already flirting with someone..."
Rin looked over as Ichika freeze, behind him the girls coming to a standstill as he nodded his head vigorously, Ichika knew the crazy gaze that his friends Gave him was making them tick at his compliment to Sakura.
"You misunderstand Rin, I am quite surprised at how beautiful you ladies look tonight... I am amazed ." Ichika scratched his cheek wryly as he hoped the girls would understand.
Small blushes began to appear on their faces, except for Aila of course, the younger girl didn't read too much into Ichika's words as she took his compliment without thinking too much into it.
Unlike the others
Rin had her hair down her shoulders as she wore a dark blue dress that was very similar to Sakura's, the straps at the back were crisscrossed as her fine leg revealed itself as she stops moving. Unlike Sakura, Rin's dress was not as tight as Sakura's due to her breasts being smaller than the pink-haired girl's.
Shinobu and Aila wear yellow and white dresses respectively, their design also very similar to Sakuras and Rin's. While Aila's dress shows her elegant figure, Shinobu's on the other hand showing her cleavage due to her breast size
"T-Thank you I-Ichika..."
"... Thanks, Ichika."
"I-Ichika-Dono, thank you!"
Ichika's eyebrows rose as he noticed the blush on his friend's face, after a few moments of thinking, the teenager nodded.
"No problem, I am just being honest, I can tell you girls put a lot of effort into your makeup and other stuff, I'm not going to ignore that and pretend like I haven't noticed." Ichika smiled brightly as he noticed the door a few meters in front of them.
Gesturing for them to walk forward, they continued to walk towards the door
"A-Anyway! Wife! Enough about us, you also look rather handsome in your suit." Laura eyed Ichika up like a treat as she wore a slight blush on her cheeks.
Laura wore a dark black dress similar to Houki's that showed the size of her breasts that lay behind the silk black dress, her back exposed like Sakura, Rin, and Houki, her hair was put up in a bobble with strands of loose grey hair dangling. Her lipstick cherry red as she bit her lip slightly at Ichika.
Of course, Ichika never picked up on Laura's quirkiness.
"Thank you, Laura, I appreciate the compliment." Ichika smiled warmly as the group stood in front of the doorway.
Pushing the door open, Ichika and the others quickly slipped into the room with a bunch of people gathered, all enjoying themselves as they continuously went back and forth in conversations while they enjoyed themselves in the brisk of the night. Ichika did not pay much attention to those around him as he aimlessly walked through the edges of the room, Houki and the girls looked in awe as they spotted people they knew.
Some were matriarchs or patriarchs of their own clans across the world, some more known than others but they were smaller when compared to the likes of the Tachibana clan or the Sarashiki clan
"There sure are a lot of famous people here... rich and powerful people too."
Rin analyzed as her eyes lingered on a few different people in the room, coming to a halt, the group gathered in a circle almost and stood in one of the many corners in the large room, many infamous paintings lay on the wall as something that can be enjoyed by everyone
"Indeed, just like everyone in here, we are here for some reason, we happen to be the stars of the IS academy." Ichika's eyes landed on Rin for a few moments as he agreed with her.
"Which is why the others were also sent to France, to be a living display on what the IS academy students can achieve if they join." Houki analyzed as her eyes lingered on the people around the room.
"But haven't the other's already seen what we are capable of? I have seen the fandom that you guy's have created since you have joined the academy, there are people practically queuing up to join the IS academy to be in the same room as you."
Laura pointed out as she shrugged, the younger girl clearly not getting the point yet.
"No it isn't entirely about the prospect of new students joining the academy, we have been sent here to almost averted to showcase what we are capable of because there are some people that look down on or do not understand the true power of IS. several people that can change their mind may benefit the future of IS and academy as a whole as more support from the more people can bring it to the new levels that have never been seen before."
Rin explained as best as she could, that's what she suspected for the true reason for them to attend such a lavish event.
"I understand... although I am not too sure whether it's the right way..."
"It can be if used correctly, no matter the resources they brought in, they could never match Tabane's prowess when it comes to the IS, however, the idea of attracting those with potential in the future for the academy once we graduated is beneficial for the place we call home."
Ichika picked up a glass from the walking waitress and took a light sip from the glass he held.
"Someone likes talking fondly of Tabane don't they?"
Rin raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms at Ichika as she watched him like a hawk, Ichika picked up on this and made an amused smile while looking at Rin.
"You sure you are not looking into my words too much Rin? I don't want you getting the wrong idea." Ichika raised his eyebrows at the Chinese girl, before looking at the other ladies surrounding him.
Ichika chose his words carefully to make sure his words don't affect the other ladies.
"I'm sure you overthinking it Rin, besides Ichika hasn't spent much time with my sister for you to believe whatever you are thinking in that mind of yours." Houki made a small smile as she tried to reassure her friend by placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Although it did not work on Rin, instead the girl got more annoyed by Houki this time.
"Oh? So just because you are acting elegant and have bigger breasts you suddenly become the peacemaker?"
Rolling her eyes, Rin watched the warm expression from Houki's face quickly morph into an agitated one, like her own.
Sakura, Aila, Shinobu, Madoka, and Laura who watched the two argue, all wore a neutral expression on their faces as they let out a sigh, Ichika after watching his childhood friends debated for few moments decided to intervene.
"Relax girls."
Placing his hands gently on their shoulder's a light blush on Rin's and Houki's faces began to appear.
"Well... look who has decided to show up?"
Ichika let out a groan as he recognized that voice from anywhere, the two of them had a history in the past, not a long ago of course but Ichika always consider the cousin of Sylvia to be rather annoying. Rubbing the side of his face Ichika spared Daniel Cazr one glance before ignoring his 'rival' entirely, Ichika felt annoyed at Daniel's mere presence being in the same room as him.
Ichika recognized a familiar woman stood next to Daniel, flashing a warm smile to the woman who flashed one back as they made eye contact for a few seconds, Ichika turned around to face his friends with a small smile on his face.
Ichika nodded at each of the girls surrounding him as they understood what he was trying to say.
"Sylvia, to be honest, I never expected you to be here, I thought you'd be at the academy with the other teachers?" Ichika asked the busty teacher in front of him as he seemingly ignored Daniel's presence.
"Well as you can see... Daniel's dad here begged me to join him as his 'date' at this little 'party' here because he got wind that you and the others were coming here. So here I am, attending this get to together with Daniel and you."
Sylvia let out a sigh as she made it be known that she did not want to be here.
"Is that so? Well nonetheless you look rather beautiful Sylvia, I would have never imagined that you would be joining us here, I thought you would wear the usual attire that you wear around the academy if I am being honest." Ichika chuckled awkwardly, ignoring the death stares he got from Daniel as he talked to Sylvia.
"Thank you Ichika, I really appreciate it."
A small blush appeared on Sylvia's face as she touched her cheeks, the light blush becoming visible to the girls and Daniel.
"""Ichika..."""
Houki, Rin, and Laura stared at the only male IS pilot with yandere eyes from behind as he interacted with the older woman in front of them, their death glares making the boy feel more awkward than usual as he chatted with Sylvia.
"You know you are starting to piss me off." Daniel spat out as he stared at Ichika with hatred in his eyes.
"Daniel!"
"You think you're so special huh? So, what is it Ichika? Not long ago you rejected the idea of you and my date here from getting married, now that I finally get her to be my date you decide to made moves on her?!"
Daniel stared daggers into Ichika.
"I am not your actual date!"
Sylvia scoffed and turned around, walking toward the exit of the spacious room that they were in.
"Look what you have done Daniel, you have made her leave. Are you happy with the childish games that you like to play now?" Ichika watched as Sylvia trudge away before he felt his wrists be latched upon.
Houki stood behind him with a concerned expression with the other girls as they watched Daniel seethe in anger as they went along with his antics, Ichika treating him like a child rather than a grown adult.
"Are you trying to say this is my fault!? Are you kidding me!?"
"Save your pettiness for later Daniel, I am no longer interested in dealing with your idiotic nature."
Ichika shakes his head in disappointment as Daniel was purposely trying to annoy him, although he and the ladies and was not giving any attention to his supposed 'rival'.
"Says the boy who pilots a IS to get an advantage over others, you may have rugged good looks and say the right things at the right time, in reality... your no different from the rest of us."
Ichika blinked profusely as he found himself unable to take the boy in front of him seriously, letting out a sigh Ichika's noticed his friends watching him like a hawk as they got more frustrated.
'This guy is a joke... I do wonder how is he related to Sylvia? I guess I need to ask her to check her bloodline to make sure she really is related to this joke of a human being.'
Houki quickly placed a hand on Ichika's shoulder as she stood behind the teenager.
"Let me tell you, Daniel, admittedly... I am not in the best of moods today; I am sure you will sleep well at night knowing you have used every insult under the sun towards me. Frankly, I cannot take you seriously."
Daniel's eyes widened as tick marks appeared above his head, the boy's mind was filled with rage. The crowd who spectating the two influential teenagers as they went back and forward with exchanges, began to laugh at Ichika's remark on Daniel.
"You dare to insult me?!"
Ichika let out a chuckle as he dismissed Daniel's angry demeanor towards him.
"Indeed, I do, are we done talking? I want to get back to getting to know the kind people that have gathered today. If you do not want to be here then the exit is over there." Ichika pointed towards the door as he ushered for Daniel to leave. Daniel continued to seethe in his spot as his teeth chattered against each other.
Ichika knew he felt like a ticking time bomb, the teenager had been annoyed since he had arrived.
"..."
"Sorry for that ladies and gentlemen! How about we continue with what this event is really for? I even offer to pay for the champagne to celebrate tonight's gathering!" Putting on a front, Ichika forced a cheery smile as he shouts to the crowd, everyone celebrating with each other as they resume their conversations.
A waitress walked past Ichika as the young man tapped her on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, can you give these fine people some of the best champagne you have to offer? The bill is on me." Ichika pulled a black card out of his blazer pocket and handed it to the woman.
"O-Of course Mr. Orimura!"
The waitress nodded as she left in a hurry to get many bottles of champagne.
"Ichika you cannot buy champagne yet; you aren't old enough."
Ichika turned around and faced the familiar face with a small smile as he raised his eyebrows in response, his own eyes meeting Houki as she stood beside the others.
"I wouldn't worry, they probably don't know my age." Ichika laughed it off awkwardly as he knew Houki was right.
"You are the most famous person on the planet, of course, they know your age." Houki sighed in response. Sakura who stood nearby let out an awkward giggle as she had no choice but to side with Houki.
"...Good point."
Averting her eyes for a few moments, Sakura noticed a holographic screen on the wall beside them, the audio was just enough for the pink-haired girl to listen to what they were saying.
"Breaking news! Many unknown IS units have begun a widespread attack across France and in the city of Osaka, Tachibana Clan is perceived to be under attack with no way to communicate with the higher-ups within the clan while in France, many were murdered mercilessly, reports have come out that these people were related to the Dunois family/company."
Sakura's eyes widened as she didn't believe a single word she had heard.
"I repeat! There have been numerous attacks within the city of Osaka on the Tachibana Clan and multiple attacks in France which have killed many high-profile individuals apart of the Dunois family/company. If you live in any of these places, please remain calm as reinforcement has been sent out to deal with these hostile enemies."
For Sakura, her heart sank as she heard about her clan currently being attacked, her mind raced as the younger girl felt myriads of emotion wash over her soul.
Before she realizes it, Sakura began bolting towards the exit with blistering speed, her mind and body desired to help her clan out in this period of time.
"Sakura? Sakura!"
Not hearing Ichika call out to her, the teenager continued quickly left the ballroom, leaving everyone else in silence as they tried to understand the current situation.
Blinking a few times, Ichika let out a breath before closing his eyes for a few moments. his mind being completely numb as he should know how his friend would react, opening his eyes, the people in the large and spacious room stared at each other with a neutral expression, Ichika cleared his throat and tapped the side of his glass.
Effectively getting everyone's attention within a few short seconds
"Sorry about that everyone, let us continue this gathering."
Silenced reigned throughout the crowd, everyone looking at each other before shrugging their shoulders and turning to the only male IS pilot with a different facial expression.
"He's right! Let's continue!"
"Yeah!"
"Where's the alcohol? I want something different!"
Wearing a charming expression, Ichika watched as those around him began to talk to each other like nothing had ever happened, Houki and the remaining girls stared blankly at Ichika as his expression quickly changed from the charming teenager to an almost cold expression as he looked slightly agitated.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, Houki wore a small smile as she made Ichika aware that she was still here.
Turning to his childhood friend, Ichika also flashed her a small smile as she put his head on her shoulder, hugging his arm as she smiled, although her physical appearance was nothing like her mental state as she wanted nothing more than to check up on Sakura, and assumed from Ichika's expression that he wants to do the same thing as well
"Should we check on here ...?"
"Yes, if what was being said is true then we should help our friend out at all costs, she will need us if it is anything bad... besides I've grown more and more fond of her being around lately ." Ichika wrapped his arm around Houki's waist as he noticed one of the other ladies looking at him.
"Stupid nii-san..."
Madoka wore an annoyed expression as she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Ichika as he and Houki were mere footsteps away from leaving the room, although Ichika seemingly stopped.
Houki stopped a few moments later in confusion.
Turning around Ichika wore a confused expression as he let out a sigh.
"Come on girls, we need to go help out Sakura, and standing around isn't going to help our friend Ichika chuckled as he gestured for Rin, Shinobu, Madoka, and Aila to follow in their pursuit of their pink-haired friend that had walked out of the event not too long ago.
"Ugh..."
"Wife, are you really going to allow her to cling all over you like that?"
Laura and Rin walked ahead with Shinobu, Madoka, and Aila trailing behind, the two girls forced to watch the four in-fronts of them go back and forward with each other, leaving the two of them to glance at each other awkwardly for a few moments.
"I think you overreacting a little Rin, Laura." Ichika laughed it off dryly as Houki relished in Ichika's touch.
"It's not fair that she gets all the glory you know..."
"Exactly what Rin said, wife! wagging your tail for other bimbos when you haven't paid any attention to me can really hurt a lady."
Feeling two sets of hands press on both of his shoulders, Ichika could only smile wryly as his thoughts were entirely consumed by Sakura as he worried whether the pink-haired girl was in distress.
"Did you call us bimbo's!?"
"What does that even mean!?"
"I am not a bimbo!"
Aila watched silently as Houki, Rin, and Madoka retaliated at Laura's unnecessary comment towards them. The blue-haired lady's expression not faltering once as she watched each of them with intent, picking up on their facial expressions, how they acted and their eyes lingered towards Ichika every so often, it made Aila wonder whether copying her friends would be a good example to follow.
The group continued through the endless corridors of the large building as it seemingly never came to an end, they wonder where Sakura went off to.
A thought came across Ichika's mind as he recollected the broadcast from earlier.
'There's an attack happening on the Tachibana clan... and an attack happening in France... there is no way that this is just some 'coincidence' happening right now, is it?'
Ichika's expression quickly turned sour as he realized the seriousness behind this whole situation.
His expression turning dark rather quickly
"We need to get a move on! Now!" Ichika let go of Houki's waist and began sprinting as quickly as he could.
"Hey! hold on a minute Ichika!"
"What's going on!?"
"Nii-san?! why are we running for?!"
"..."
"What is the meaning of this?! Wife?!"
"That news broadcast! An attack on the Tachibana clan and in France! There is no way this is a coincidence!"
'Great, we don't even get to go to a party of some sort without something happening, just our luck! god... I hope that this is some sort of prank to give us a heart attack...'
With the pink-haired girl running away, Ichika knew there was no chance of turning back around now, the only way for the group was to continue to chase her as she inevitably made her way with blistering speed towards the home of the Tachibana clan.
Her home.
Where everything began for the poor girl, the place which held those who kicked her out of her own clan
Knowing all of this, Ichika made a promise to himself to help Sakura and any problems she has, no matter the cost, however, he knew there was something he had to do first.
"..."
"..."
With Charlotte & the Girls
A Day before...
Location: Charlotte's Aunt's home.
The atmosphere between the ladies in France as they stood at the place that Charlotte Dunois knew her aunt was going to be, the place that held important meetings for those who were a part of the Dunois family to discuss any relevant topics that needed to be discussed.
Charlotte's aunt had attended as a step in stone in her place, of course, the girl who one day going to inherit the fortunes of her family's wealth, was not yet eligible to participate in those said meetings.
Considering the girls had time to kill before they had to get ready, Charlotte had proposed the idea of visiting her family headquarters to speak with her aunt so that she could introduce her beloved aunt to her friends, it saved her endless nights of babbling to her aunt about what her friends were like after classes whenever she was free.
Talking to her aunt over the phone in the past made it were slightly harder due to the time zones
"Ah! Charlotte!"
The villa stood tall in the mountains, just outside of the capital of France, it's sleek white walls and pillars stood strong as they laid the foundation to keep the building upright.
"It feels so long!"
Charlotte embraced her aunt as the two gushed overseeing each other for the first time in quite a while.
Meanwhile, Cecilia Alcott, Marika Hanania, Emelia Moretti, Tatenashi Sarashiki, Kanzashi Sarashiki, and Yu Na stood by with small smiles on their faces as they watched a niece and aunt embrace each other, the girls could tell that Charlotte and her aunt really cared for each other, the atmosphere between the two was warm, friendly and loving after all.
After a few more moments passed, the niece and aunt let go of each other and looked at each other.
"Ah right! I forgot to introduce you to my friends." Charlotte giggled awkwardly before scratching the back of her neck, her aunt made a bemused smile before turning to Charlotte's friends.
Her eyes looking for one particular person to tease Charlotte about, but her eyes did not spot the familiar boy.
"Oh? Did you not bring that boyfriend of yours? I was really hoping you would bring him because I wanted to talk to him about marrying you already." The elder woman said as she pushed the door behind her.
The groups were stood in front of the main door which was used to leave and enter the building.
"EHHHHHHHHHH?!"
"Oh, don't be like that my niece! I'm sure that boy would be more than willing to marry you, how could he not?" The woman known as Charlotte's aunt giggled as she rubbed charlotte's head which full of hair.
'So, it's like that with her and Ichika is it?'
Cecilia Alcott bit the end of her nail as her eyebrow narrowed, her eye twitching slightly as she noticed Charlotte's aunt also almost ushering the French maiden into marrying her crush
Her sunflower dress flowed in the wind as the girl with bright blonde hair readjusted her denim jacket which she wore on top of her dress, just in case of getting cold, of course, her feet wearing sandals on top of that
'Hmmm! Big brother sure has a lot explaining to do on the history between Charlotte-san and him.'
Alys Crystal kept her composure as she watched the niece and aunt interact with each other, monitoring the cherry red blush that was plastered across her face.
Her expression was that of a smile on the outside while her thoughts ran over the possible romantic scenarios that could have happened between Charlotte and Ichika, the thought of it wasn't the most pleasing for the girl sporting pink hair.
Her lower lip also began to twitch as she listened on with her keen hearing.
'What's this between Ichika-san and Charlotte-san?! Don't tell me they already have some pre-arranged marriage between them...?'
A small aura began to appear around the skinny frame of Ran Gotanda, the girl with cherry red hair stroked her hair as a way of calming down her 'unique' tendencies to overthink words.
However, the thought of Ichika marrying another woman that was not her left her feeling cold-hearted as she knew she would likely be forced to attend such a ceremony in the future.
It was at that moment that Ran Gotanda knew she had to do her best.
'W-Why would he be getting m-married at this age?! Is he an idiot or something?!'
Unlike the other ladies who tried to conceal their unique aura and any negative emotion from showing on their faces, Marika Hanania gave Charlotte the death stare as she imaged Ichika's expression if he heard what she just heard.
The image of Ichika she had in her mind did not resemble Ichika's real personality in the slightest as Marika looked at him like a womanizer who tried to date as many women at once.
Her eyes squinted; Marika cursed his name in her mind.
'Oh? Charlotte's aunt made it sound like she and Ichika have some sort of contract binding marriage or something...'
With the Teachers
Present.
Location: IS Academy
"I should have predicted this..."
Chifuyu Orimura, the big sister of Ichika gritted her teeth as she watched the news on one monitor and CCTV footage on one of the many that were loitered in front of the ladies.
Chifuyu, Satella, Natasha, Maya, Natalia, Iris, and Tabane were currently gathered inside one of the main rooms within the IS academy, the room was warmly lit with the light above them giving them decent enough lighting to see everything around them.
Chifuyu had a coffee in front of her on the large desk in front of them
Tabane and the other women were also sat in their separate black leather seats that were custom made for the IS academy, of course, the women wore their usual attires, Chifuyu with her black pencil skirt and her blazer with her tie.
Tabane wearing her rabbit ears and frilly dress like usual.
The same can be said with the other ladies who wore their usual attires and dissatisfied expression written across their faces.
"How did we allow this sort of thing to go under our noses..."
"Or that we let those kids go to France and Osaka without supervision, except Sylvia being in Osaka..."
"Oh, come on ladies~ how are we supposed to know that the Tachi-Tachi clan and Dunois family were supposed to be attacked?" Tabane wore a childish smile as her aura reigned throughout the room.
Satella who had used to Tabane's childish behavior, let out a sigh as she knew Chifuyu was not taking kindly to her words, while her other friends reacted in different manners than her and Chifuyu who remained calm and focused.
Iris rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, monitoring the screens as they watched many IS units attack the front door of the Tachibana clan's land.
Natasha on the other hand tried to remain as calm as she possibly could by not paying attention to anything else except the CCTV footage that the infamous Tabane Shinonono had hacked from the Dunois headquarters.
Natalia, the busty nurse of the IS academy had no idea why she was here. With the IS Academy going into an uproar about the attacks happening in Paris and Osaka, Natalia had decided to tag along.
"Have we tried to get in contact with Orimura-kun and the other girls in Osaka? What about Dunois-san in Paris? I think we could guide them if we were just able to get through to them!" Maya Yamada asked as she made her point clearly known to her fellow teachers and friends, her eyes lighting up like a light bulb.
"...Ichika isn't answering his phone." Chifuyu replied as she used the holographic keyboard to go through the different CCTV footage.
"We could just use different means to contact him?"
"No need, I believe in Ichika to take those girls into battle and lead them into victory." Chifuyu stopped typing, seeing her brother running through the streets of Osaka with Sakura way ahead of him and the other girls.
"You want Ichika to lead them into battle...?"
"We know your brother's strong, but does he have the qualities to get them through something like this?"
The doubt came pouring in from her friends on her little brother about his leadership qualities, however, the older sister to the only male IS student had no doubts about her brother's qualities. A small smile formed on her face.
Tabane knew what her friend was already going to say.
"It seems you haven't learned what Ichika truly is, if my brother can go toe to toe with me and my other sisters when we had lost our minds, my brother could obliterate any opponents he has ever faced and will face."
"True, I cannot deny that facts."
"Now that you mention it if Ichika can go against you, the sky is limitless for that man."
"Orimura-kun has always been talented at everything he has done..."
Maya remembered several memories between her and Ichika, but to be specific, a memory of Ichika in his first year, squeezing her breasts as she helped him out with dealing with his friends who were considerably jealous at the time.
A warm atmosphere between the teachers was created as each woman began to think about the young man who was on their minds; each had their own candle to Ichika that the others could never replicate.
Whether it was Ichika's devotion to his older sister Chifuyu, or it was Ichika's willingness to spend time with the infamous Tabane Shinonono to help her avoid the path of loneliness. Of course, those two ladies were not the only ones; however, the path with Ichika for some of the ladies was left undecided for now, like an open book that is yet to be written.
"As much as it's a nice thought to be thinking about Ichika in all, don't you think we should be focusing on that?" Natasha pointed towards the screen as she tried to get back onto the attack.
"Hmm! I think we should be focusing Dunois-san and the other ladies~" Tabane exclaimed as she winked at the other teachers.
"We should be focusing on all of them, I believe in Ichika's skills to handle those IS units and I believe under his leadership that he will be fine, however, I am more concerned for the other girls who seem to have only just realized what is happening..."
Chifuyu turned to the monitor on her left, monitoring Charlotte Dunois and the other ladies as they began to realize what was happening, their reactions were full of surprises as many normal citizens passed them while running for their lives as the IS units in particular seemingly ignored them and went for a certain building on the outskirts of the city of Paris.
A building that was owned by the Dunois family, Chifuyu knew this because of background checks into the Dunois family.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
There was something that each teacher realized as they monitored the situation.
"This is a coordinated attack on the Tachibana clan and Dunois family isn't it? These things are literally ignoring normal civilians instead of going for them, there is no way that this can be anything other than focusing on the two powerhouses known as the Dunois and Tachibana."
Natasha Fairs spoke out as she leaned forward, she knew she was right, and there wasn't a single part of her that didn't believe she was wrong.
"Agreed, this is most likely masterminded by someone who wants to do some serious damage to the families, it's like kicking a person when they are already down ..." Iris analyzed as she watched the students from the IS academy arrive at the gates of Tachibana clan.
Many family members of the Tachibana clan battled against the IS units using their swords and weapons that they could use against the IS units, some were succeeding in keeping them back and some were easily dismantled as the fear of death took over their instincts and forced them to run for the hills, their faces full of horror as they were slaughtered like lambs.
Their torsos are torn from their lower body parts with blood spewing out from the razor-sharp claws of the unmanned IS.
Others in the distance were battling unknown enemies that were not IS units, instead, they appeared to be women wearing robes and skintight combat armor underneath as not a single one of them dared to reveal their identity to the Tachibana clan.
The atmosphere between the women in the room became quiet for a few seconds as they each watched the battles begin to ramp up in the Tachibana's territory.
However, something, in particular, popped up into Chifuyu's mind as her eyebrows began to narrow.
'These moves are the ones taught to the maids of the Orimura Clan that serve me and the others, I wonder whether this is the attack that was talked about by her when she mentioned...'
Chifuyu stepped in her train of thoughts as she found the answer to her question to be more than obvious.
"These guys are seasoned pros; they look like very difficult opponents to fight due to their fighting style."
"The fighting style they use is very awkward..."
"I think these ladies might be from [Phantom Task], what do you think Chi-chan? Do you recognize these ladies dressed in... Robes?" Tabane noticed the odd hooded style of the robes that they wore.
"Definitely a part of [Phantom Task], they also have had 'unique training'." Chifuyu spoke out vaguely.
"Unique training...? Are you elaborating that they may be trained by your family?"
"..."
"I see..."
Satella decided not to push on with her questioning any longer, the answer laying within the silence of Chifuyu Orimura.
"Regardless whether or not they are or share the same fighting technique of the Orimura clan, we should be working on what we should be doing next to help those students of ours out."
"Oh? What is your suggestion?"
"... We should not intervene with our students; I am confident that they can handle anything that is thrown their way." Chifuyu turned her chair around to face the other teachers and Tabane.
"I think you get the wrong idea Chifuyu, our students are more than capable but they are not at the cross lines of this battle, however, they will be soon with their persistence to help Miss Dunois' family and Miss Tachibana's clan."
Iris coughed as she tried to make her point as clear as possible.
"We should watch what Ikkun and Dunois-san's group has to offer, that way we can see the fruits of your teaching labor." Tabane's eyes never once moving from the screen where she stared at a particular boy who wore a concerned expression on his face
A part of Tabane's heart dropped at his concern as he and his friends chased after Sakura was clear, it was some expression she never seen him made when he looked at her
'I wonder if Ikkun would feel the same about me...?'
Her bangs covered her eyes as they began to get dark slightly, her expression almost entirely cold as the rest turned their attention elsewhere.
"Although I want to leave them to fight their own battles, I do believe we should make it known to each group that we are watching, and we can try to help if they need us to intervene in the said battles." Chifuyu noted as she pulled out her phone.
Staring at the lock screen which showed her and Ichika pressed up against each other as they wore cheesy smiles.
Chifuyu wearing an orange scarf with a jacket and black trousers with boots on, pressing against Ichika when he was in middle school wearing his old uniform he was forced to wear all of that time ago.
"Where did all of that time go...?"
"What was that Chifuyu? Did you say something?" Satella wore a confused expression as she turned her glance towards the teacher.
"I said I will try with other means this time by letting Ichika know that we were watching, I want to see from a bird's eye to glance everything they have learned from us this time."
I believe we are going to see that already." Satella responded.
"Natasha gets on the coms with Dunois and the other girls, I want them to know that we will send back up if they request it."
"Got it!"
Satella gave out her orders that she knew Chifuyu would have done it herself if Satella did not beat her to it, however it did not stop the older sister of Ichika from turning around and giving Satella an odd look.
'I can't wait until you show me what you got little brother.'
Chifuyu thought to herself as she stared at the screen in front of her, her brother's face was all for her to see alongside his friends, however, her eyes remained glued on him.
Watching him like a hawk.
A few days prior...
Scene change
"You are still in here...? You know, it's getting late, they will start closing off the cafeteria soon, meaning they will most likely force you out of here." Ichika placed his hands in his pocket as he approached the younger girl.
Peering over her book, the girl with short blue hair stared lifelessly into Ichika's own eyes before averting them back onto the book.
"..."
"You probably think you want me to go away right? Well let me stay here awhile, you don't have to talk, of course, you can listen to what I have to say and ignore it if you want to." Ichika chuckled lightly as he took a seat opposite her.
"..."
Aila Argyros' eyes remained on her book as she tried to avoid eye contact with her friend opposite her.
"You know, before all of this, I thought I was some ordinary kid with a wayward big sister that was like a hero to those across the entire world. I looked up to my big sister, she was like a pillar that was way above me, I thought I could never reach the heights that she had gotten to." Ichika paused for a few moments, taking a moment to allow Aila to digest the information he was giving her.
"..."
"I spent my years as a child and up until recently admiring her as she was something that I could only hope to be, the way she was, how secretly how intelligent she was. However, after I found out I could pilot an IS, that's when I began learning things about myself and about my sister along with everything that layout there. in the open."
Ichika messed with his hands as thought deeply about each word he used, making sure to tell his own tale to inspire Aila.
"Long before all of this, I remember thinking about how it was just me and Chifuyu in this world, a brother and his sister as they tried to find their calling, their purpose, and their reason for everything they did." Ichika talked about himself and Chifuyu in the third person.
"..."
"Meeting some of you girls was some of the best things that happened to me, even the little things, watching anime with Kanzashi, learning more about Laura as I spent time with her, seeing the mask Emelia puts on when she's in front of me and the others, the raw emotions that hide in the heart of Houki as she tries to cover her feelings with excuses."
Ichika let out a breath and allowed the blue-haired girl to sync his words in.
"Reuniting with Houki, meeting Cecilia, getting to know the real Charlotte, you get the point, Getting to know everyone that I have known from this academy, even the teachers. In the space of a year and a half, we have all been through so much together, some good, some bad, I've lost myself, Aila, I've also found myself."
"...I see."
"I learned about my family, the Orimura clan and their true nature, the façade they wear whenever they feel it is necessary to attack those at this academy that I care about, fighting against my family sucks! I have never had nor will I ever will enjoy fighting my family to protect the people I care about in this academy, although there is one thing I can always tell about my family thanks to those family members I currently have around me, I can tell behind the image they present themselves in that they care truly."
"Where are you going with this?"
Listening intently, the girl sporting dark blue hair turned her attention to her older friend.
"The point is Aila, we all have inner problems and inner demons, I mean look at me for example, I struggle to contain the darker side of me whenever put into a situation that brings it of me. I can tell you have some of your own yourself, although you probably think those problems you have within you are negative, it's what makes you human more than anything." Ichika smiled sadly towards his friend as his hands came together.
"...I see."
"Now you can wallow in despair about everything wrong about yourself or be negative about the problems that only you know about yourself, however, it's better to take notice of it and use it as a way of learning, a way of becoming the person you aspire to be, whether it's a way of becoming stronger physically or wanting to open up more mentally."
Alia caught onto Ichika as he stared at her with sympathetic eyes, she knew Ichika knew that she had her own inner demons she was dealing with.
"You want me to open up?"
"Of course I will never tell you to open up but I couldn't help but notice how 'different' you are compared to Sakura, Emelia, Tatenashi, and the other's that we know so well, I didn't want to jump to conclusions as I thought it was your nature to be a quiet person, but I have reasons to believe that isn't it at all." Ichika's eyes never stopped looking at Aila as he tried to look for the obvious signs.
"You may be right, or you may be wrong."
Aila closed her eyes and closed her book in front of her, placing it down neatly onto the table and staring at the table surface below her, shortly after opening her eyes.
"Maybe so, although I'm putting all chips on black, now tell me, am I wrong to suspect that you have inner problems going on?" Aila's eyes quickly darted from Ichika's sight as she refused to look at the older man.
"..."
"Let me enhance my point further to make you think about something, I am Ichika Orimura, the only male IS pilot, the teenager that is loved by many, the teenager that is hated by many, the heir to the Orimura clan, I have sisters that love me more than just as a brother, I have friends here that I care about that love me for who I am, and still, I feel like a failure for not being able to give the answers that Houki and the other's wanted, I feel like a failure for not being able to be there to stop my sisters from causing havoc, I feel like a failure for not being able to live up to the promises I made with my father to change the way our family is running, I know a lot about having problems, Aila..."
"I see..."
"If I could offer you some advice, pull out your heart from solitude, and realize that I and many others are more than willing to help you with your problems at any time, whenever you are ready Aila." Ichika reached over and placed the palm of his hand over hers, a small and reassuring smile appeared on his face as he met direct eye contact with the girl.
"You sound like you have more than enough problems on your own."
"I may do Aila, although I'd be damned if I allow someone else to suffer from their own problems, much like mine of course. "
A small smile threatening to break onto his face, Ichika stared at his own hand as it covered Aila's hand.
"..."
"it won't be long before They will understand ." Ichika referred to the girls he called his friends.
"How do you do it?"
"I have a point to prove with myself about dealing with these problems, which is why I want to help you and the others, growth, and understanding who you are, can really change a person." Ichika nodded before walking towards the exit of the cafeteria.
"Thank you Orimura senpai."
"Don't thank me, Aila, I'd be willing to help you out over and over again if it means necessary."
Ichika turned around once more and aimed his sights on the big exit before looking back one last time as Aila reopened her book, this time, her expression much different to the one she wore previously.
Scene change
Her eyes lingered on the older boy as she sprinted, and they sprinted and called out for Sakura
Her pink hair blowing in the wind as darkness enraptured the city of Osaka, her face bright red as she assumed the worse, with Ichika, Aila, Rin, Madoka, Laura, and Shinobu following behind.
Each girl was struggling to catch up to Sakura due to the outfit they wore.
Each of the ladies knew the dresses they wear were not exactly the easiest thing in the world to be used to run with; Aila unlike the rest of the ladies was in a slight daze.
Her eyes fluttering to Ichika every once in a while
"Sakura! Please slow down already!" Laura shouted; her cheeks red from all the running they had done.
"Hey!"
"Watch out!"
"Why are they running through the city? What's happening?"
Normal citizens questioned the reasoning behind Laura and the other girl's for chasing after Sakura, most of the city's citizens had no idea of the attack just yet, with the IS units moving around the edges of the city instead of through it.
Not once did Sakura Tachibana look back.
Her panicked expression with the fear of God within her made her concentrate on nothing but the attack that she could vaguely see from a distance, due to her training, her ears were more tuned to listen to everything around her and everything from a distance.
Something that normal humans would have a problem accomplishing, the Tachibana way some would say.
'Mom, little sister, please remains safe, nothing would make me happier than knowing you are safe, even after everything in the past...'
The image of herself being abandoned by her family stuck in her mind.
Aila Argyros, a woman with short blue hair wavered, it was like everything around her and her friends were barely existing in her mind, the image of the Tachibana clan being attacked had made her come back to reality.
For a while now, things had been relatively normal with her life in the IS academy.
Her mind began to believe that it would remain that way for a while, however, the events that took place so quickly had reminded her that it was impossible for a battle to not break out.
Her mind was also elsewhere.
Set on something completely different to a battle that wasn't long away from transpiring.
Aila knew that whatever was going to happen from here, it was certainly going to be more interesting.
?
Location: France
A presence that stood tall within the walls of the Dunois family had remained in its shadows for quite some time, analyzing and waiting for the perfect time to strike as it waited...
Commotion after Commotion was caused in the infamous building.
The fleeing innocent members of the Dunois family and those who were connected to them as they ran for their lives towards safety not too long ago
Since then it had relatively quiet.
A dark presence that threatened to crawl out of the darkness with its clouded aura was waiting...
The soft golden hair that floated in the wind had come out to reveal itself from the shadows, separating it from the unknown person that lingered within the shadows.
Glowing in the light once more like it had done several times in the past.
However, it resided in the darkness that it had known to welcome into the soul of his/her body, instead insisting to stick to the darker path that she had taken without knowing herself truly.
'...'
Her thoughts were null and void of anything.
Her mind remembering the only thing she could remember since waking up and being brought onto her 'mission' that she was set to achieve, a woman with long red hair and green eyes that stabbed daggers into anyone that dared to look at her.
Her outfit was rather unique.
Her terrifying and evil grin as she stood over her body with a glowing aura around her that still ran shivers down her spine.
Just like those who brought her to life, she had to remain in the shadows for a while until she got her time to finally announce herself onto the scene once more.
For now...
Time had to be bided until then.
