Today...is something. Jaden and his class were in some area, training. It's been... sometimes, since Jaden almost, or partially injured a new student, Laura Bodewig. He's been given a warning for his actions, which he is surprised about.

He's a 5'7 American male, with barely any knowledge on these...suits, you call an Infinite Stratos. I mean, these things can take out military bases, armies, and potentially a country. And he somehow got lucky to activate one.

Life has been normal, as of now.

"Hey, Ichika."

"Yeah? What's wrong"

"Don't you think that you're a little too lenient with these girls?"

Jaden asked Ichika a question he's been thinking about for a couple of minutes. Ichika didn't know how to answer the question, nor think about it. "What are you talking about? Lenient? What do you mean by it?" Ichika answered quickly.

This proved it. Jaden already knew about it, but wanted to see if Ichika was playing hard to get. "Are you acting dense on purpose? Or are you trying to save yourself from death?" Jaden asked.

Ichika just got more confused. Dense? On purpose? What is he even talking about? Ichika's mind was trying to process all these questions, but Jaden gave a hard sigh.

"Nevermind, let's just see what the girls are up to." Jaden started walking towards where he saw the main girls.

Ichika, reductively, followed behind. What did he mean by all of that? Did he know something he didn't? Was he just pranking him? Too many questions in under a couple of minutes.

Ichika took too long to process these thoughts before he noticed Jaden was almost a block away. "Hey! Wait up!" He shouted. Eventually, he caught up with him.

"What I'm trying to say is you have to do it like Woosh! And Clang! And Bang! You know-" Houki said while throwing punches while making sound effects.

"You understand what she's getting at right? It's all about your feelings." Rin made a sound before shifting to anger. "Why don't you understand you moron!?"

"For defense, tilt your right side forward at a five-degree angle. When you maneuver, tilt backward at a twenty-degree angle." Cecilia ordered.

Jaden facepalmed. This was getting him nowhere quick. He glanced over towards Ichika, and surprise, surprise. He was currently about to lose his mind listening to these girls blabber on about random things.

"Let me be honest with you-" Ichika said in a low tone.

"I don't get this!" He shouted.

"Why don't you get it!?" Rin yelled.

Jaden was just watching this all godown. He kept his mouth shut since he doesn't know what the hell those girls were talking about. Rin turned towards Jaden, much to his luck. "Do you get it!? Or are you as dumb as him?" Rin pointed towards Ichika in frustration.

Welp, he's doomed.

"Ugh…no, no I don't."

Rin was not shaking in anger. She was on the brim of having a temper tantrum, while the other girls stared in disbelief.

Suddenly, a bright orange IS landed behind them. It was Charles, and it appears he has his IS. It looked like a training unit, but a heavily modified version of it. "Alright Ichika, I'm here as promised. I hope you're ready for a match. Ready to compare your IS with mine's?"

Jaden was confused. "Here as promised? Ichika, did you request a match between...him." He asked. Ichika gave a sly chuckle.

Jaden sighed, disappointed in his friend's actions. "When did you ask him to fight you? I mean, it's only been probably a few days since he's been here."

"I'm sorry. Charlotte was interested in training with us, so I said why not. Besides, I wanted to see where I stand against someone besides you." Ichika said. Jaden felt a little betrayed.

"Well, don't expect me to go easy on you during our match tonight," Jaden said.

Ichika gave a cocky smile. "Alright, but don't expect me to give out so easily like last time."

Jaden froze. That didn't sound right at all! He turned around to see the girls, blushing madly. "Not like that! We have our daily competition at...night…" This just made it worse. Jaden just sighed in response.

And he thought that boys were dirtier than girls. Ichika, of course, was clueless. Until he heard about the part 'Night'. He immediately went on the defensive with Jaden. "He means doing our daily exercise. Pushups, situps, etc." He said with a faint blush.

Now they understand, but some still have some suspicions. Could Jaden and Ichika be- Naw they are just overthinking things now.

"Well, wish me luck." Ichika then flew over to where Charles was.

Jaden sighed. He turned to see Houki and the rest giving him a mean glare. "What are you getting mad at me for?" He asked. They backed down. Jaden may be smarter than Ichika when it comes to other things. But, he's just as clueless as Ichika when it comes to girls.

Ichika and Charles go into their respective stances. Ichika held his sword, gripping the edges, feeling his connection to his unit. Charles, gripping the trigger on his gun, giving a battle-harden face.

The staredown was intense, neither one of them breaking focus. Jaden thought this was a training match. Why are they so serious? It's training, not a death battle. The girls were curious about this matter, but not Jaden.

They haven't even fought yet, and Jaden can guess where this outcome will lead.

"Alright, Charles. Are you ready?" Ichika gave a happy-go face.

"Ready" Charles responded.

The two lounged at each other. Ichika laid the first swing in, but Charles blocked it. Everyone was amazed. Charles has been training a bunch before he came here. Jaden could only ponder what kind of training he could have done. Judging on watching him fight, he's a close-combat type.

Jaden looked around the arena. He saw...Laura! What she was doing here?! He stared a bit before she somehow felt him staring at her. She glanced at him, giving a delicious smile. He was quite tempted to not say anything, but a sudden crash knocked him out of his thoughts.

Ichika lost. Who could have seen that coming? Jaden thoroughly walked over to the medium-sized crater Ichika was in. "Who could have seen that coming. Serves you right." Jaden said. Ichika felt embarrassed, but something else covered him.

He felt a sense of...perfume!? Where could he be smelling that from?! Jaden also noticed the aroma in the air. He automatically knew what it was. 'Shit! If he finds out Charles is a guy. Wait a minute. Why am I protecting her identity?!'

Just then, Charles appeared. "Oh my! Ichika, are you okay?!" He said.

Ichika gave a wild smile. Jaden didn't know why he was making that face. Until he felt it. It's his nose! He felt a sneeze coming, and barley he can't do anything about it, other than let it go. Charles noticed the strange faces they were making.

"Umm…are you two okay? You two look like you're suppressing something."

Jaden's eyes were twitching, his insides were screaming at him, he felt his arms shake at a furious pace. 'Holy shit! This sneeze is going to kill me! Need to distract her.' Jaden thought. He had to think of something quick, then he got an idea.

Jaden looked to where he last saw the figure he was staring at. "Look! It's Laura Bodewig!" Everyone turned towards where he pointed, enough time for Ichika and Jaden to let out their frustration sneezes.

Everyone turned around to find exactly what Jaden said. Laura Bodewig...in her IS. It was a pure black unit with some tints of yellow and red and maybe blue. There were two cannons on her shoulders and a railgun!? That's...kinda overkill...when you think about it. And what seems to be bunny ears on her head. Guessing from a cartoon Jaden saw, it's probably her headgear.

"Ichika Orimura, Jaden Smith."

"Yeah?!"

"That's right"

"So, you both have personal units? That will be much easier, now fight me!"

Gasps were heard. Jaden wasn't all that surprised. He did...almost kill her, much to everyone's pleading. But, why was she attacking Ichika? When she first introduced herself. She slapped Ichika, for being the brother of Chifuyu?! The petty reason, if you think.

"No way, there's no reason"

"Alright"

Everyone turned to Jaden. What is he doing!? He hasn't even fought her, yet, let alone gauge her abilities and techniques. "How do you wanna do this? Should I call Germany and tell them to calm you down some more." And everyone got it. He's toying with her.

"You dare insult me! You American lapdog." This got Cecilia's attention. She and Jaden are from America. And calling him a 'Lap-dog' means calling her one too.

Before she could respond, Jaden started laughing. "Wow! I never thought you had a sense of humor. Anyways, why do we have to fight you?" Jaden said. Laura frowned, almost snarling.

"You both are disgusting! This is no place you shall be in. Especially you, Orimura." Laura said. She readied her railgun. Aiming directly for Ichika.

Once again, Jaden's instinct kicks in. He didn't waste any time, jumping in front of Ichika. He took the attack head-on. Jaden felt the attack hit his unit, but he didn't feel any type of strain on his body.

Usually, he would have felt his torso having a little bit of effect. But, he had a little trick up his sleeve. His unit was sparkling a bit. Everyone looked in confusion. What did he just do? He took the attack and it doesn't seem like he's affected his physical body or shield energy.

He flexed his unit's shoulders, he looked down at his shield energy. It was full…? He expected some type of damage. But, that was nothing. He looked at Laura, her face was pure anger. "Eh, it was mediocre for a pint-size girl like you." The smile never leaves his face.

The pure hatred she felt for both of them. It's infuriating! She hates Ichika for an unknown reason. And Jaden...well, he tried to kill her, mercilessly. She aimed for Ichika again, but Charles was faster. He blocked her attack with her unit's shield.

"You're also challenging me?! With some pathetic 2nd generation french machine!?"

"A machine that works much better than your german 3rd generation type, which currently has no prospect for mass-production."

"This just got real...super real!" Jaden muttered under his breath.

"Attention! Students on the field! What are you doing down there?!" Jaden could only guess who that was. Probably Maya, she has a cute voice after all. Jaden shook his head. Was he...daydreaming about his teacher?! Naw, it's probably just because it's his teacher...hopefully.

"I will allow you three to escape for today. But don't think anyone will save you after I'm done with you." With that, Laura called back to her unit and walked away.

Houki and the rest turned towards Ichika and Jaden. "Okay, what was that all about?!" Houki said. "Beats me, I don't know that girl. I guess she has a grudge mostly towards Ichika. And the fact that i...you know what, nevermind." Jaden said.

Jaden turned to Ichika. He now was curious. Ichika had the same face he had on when Laura first transferred here. "Hey Ichika, do you know that girl? Probably sometime in the past with you and Chifuyu?"

Ichika couldn't give a straight answer to that. He didn't even know the girl, nor the reason why she hates him. The girls were anxiously waiting for a response, but he continued to look down.

"Maybe, it could be that. Chifuyu knows her better than anyone here." Jaden questioned.

'That could be the reason why Laura attacked Ichika in the first place.'

A Lot of stuff happened after that. Charles eventually got on the topic of Ichika's artillery in guns, rifles, snipers, etc. He wasn't that bad at guns, but when it came for Jaden's turn. Let's just say...he's below average. Completely sucks at shooting guns.

The guys were in the locker room, having a great time. Jaden was on the topic of embarrassing moments, to which Ichika and Charles answered. Eventually, they got on the topic of...secrets. Why would they be on this topic? Simple! Jaden thinks it's time for Charles to reveal her true identity.

"So, Ichika, as a friend, I'm only going to say this once. Have you ever thought about your sister in a womanly way?" Jaden asked.

Ichika froze. What?! What kind of friend asks that!? Jaden could practically see the sweat dripping down Ichika's face. He knew those kinds of thoughts raided his mind. Well, Chifuyu is a beautiful, curvaceous, and strongly respected woman. Who could not think of her in that way?

Well in Ichika's case. It's his sister! He doesn't even know nor thinks about things like that. Well, that one time when he was washing her clothes, it happened. She was wearing just her underwear and a tank top. He admired her body for a few seconds before averting his gaze.

Thank god for him, Chifuyu didn't notice. He really can't deny it. His sister was very beautiful. Any man who gets with her will be extremely lucky. But the mere thought of another man with her angers him.

"Well, I'm going, to be honest here. My sister is beautiful. But, i...ugh…" Ichika stuttered.

Jaden hit the money shot. He did have a thought about his sister in that way. He wanted to press forwards some more, but he had a feeling he shouldn't. "Okay, okay." He turned towards Charles, standing there with a nervous frown.

"So, Charles. Or is that really your name?"

Charles looked up with a nervous expression, on the brink of sweating bullets. Ichika was confused. Charles is a guy. Then it dawned upon him. The perfume he smelled, Charles' embarrassment of changing in the locker room, it all made sense now.

Ichika looked to be withered. He turned towards Jaden. He was giving a stoic look. Then he turned to Charles. He never saw Charles like this before. "So, it's true?" Ichika walked forwards a bit.

Charles gave a heavy sigh. He knew this was going to happen sooner or later, but not this early. "Yes. it's true, I'm a girl." The pure shock on Ichika's face was priceless. Jaden's face still kept his stoic appearance. He wasn't shocked at all, rather apprehensive.

"Why did you hide your gender from us?" Ichika asked in confusion.

Jaden turned to Ichika, giving a smile. "Rather, just from you. I knew when she first transferred here."

Charles was shocked, the same as Ichika. He knew she was a female on the first day!? Kinda creepy. "Anyways. Charles, or whatever your name is. Why did you pretend to be a guy in the first place?" Jaden asked.

Charles sighed. "My family wanted me to do it." That was it! Jaden couldn't believe what he heard. Her family made her do it!? Was this a prank? Or some type of sick joke!? Either way, he wanted to get more information out of her.

"Just your family? I'm pretty sure sending a girl here, disguised as a guy brings a lot of questions. Especially towards the government."

"I wasn't finished," Charles said. "You see. My father is the founder of a powerful company in France. And, all this was under his direct order."

Jaden frowned. He felt bad now. Ichika felt the same as Jaden. What kind of father sends their child to a place like this!? Knowing the fact that she's a girl and disguising her as a male.

Charles took another deep breath. "To be completely honest, I'm not the child of his wife." What? Child of his wife? They were confused. And Charles could see the confusion in their eyes.

"My father remarried another woman. This was...after my mother...died." Charles said. The boys could sense the distress in her voice. She was tearing up now but did her best to not sob like a scared little child.

"Two years ago, my mother died. And that was the first time I have ever seen my father. When I was tested, I had a very high addition to piloting an IS. So, I became the informal test project for my father's company, the Dunois company."

The boys were stunned, neither one of them dared to speak. Since they were in the locker room, probably everyone has gone back to their rooms. So they were safe from any eavesdroppers.

"So, what does this have to do with you being a guy?" Ichika asked, still in confusion.

She frowned, disappointed that Ichika didn't get it yet. She hoped Jaden knew, but he was dead confused about why she even did it. Or perhaps forced. "I was meant to be the product of attracting attention. I felt that I would have a better chance of meeting you two if I was a boy named, Charles."

"And let me guess, gather information about us?" Jaden said. Charles nodded her head.

This was a lot to take in. Ichika couldn't believe he was tricked all this time. Even worse than Jaden knew the whole time. Ichika walked towards Charles, his eyes, the face was locked in a serious expression. "But you never wanted this, right?"

This question surprised both Jaden and Charles. Ichika was right. Jaden could only guess if Charles wanted this or not. Either way, he needed a response from her.

"I…really don't care." She spoke smoothly. "I didn't choose this, and I don't care...so whatever."

Ichika couldn't take it anymore. "Don't you "whatever" me! And he calls himself your "Father!?"

"Woah" Jaden muttered.

"Even if it's true that he's the reason why you're here! It doesn't mean he can do just whatever he wants with you!" Ichika shouted.

This was the worst Jaden has ever seen Ichika in. Of course, he did want to defend her, but at the same time, he doesn't have to yell. Charles was speechless. Nobody has ever asked her this question before. Usually, she doesn't have a say in things. But today is different.

"Everyone should have the right to choose how they want to live! And no one, not even your parents, has any right to deny that!" Ichika continued.

Ichika got finished. That took a lot out of him. Jaden commended him, kinda spooked. "That took guts, Ichika. I never thought you had it in you." He congratulated Ichika.

Charles was happy. She never thought anyone would, ever! Say that to her. She started to sniffle, before full-blown sobbing. Jaden and Ichika went over to comfort her but forgot they were still in the locker room.

So, they just patted her back, trying to ease the pain, and happiness she was feeling right now.

"What do you think might happen? I mean, since you're a girl." Jaden asked.

Charles started to ease her tears, clearing her throat so she could talk clearly. "I don't know. I'll probably be sent back to my country, perhaps thrown in jail."

Jaden flinched. Thrown in jail!? That's a twisted father. He thought of something. Something he remembered he read in that thick book. He still can't believe he read all 500 pages of that. "I don't think so. Article 21 of the academy states that every student belongs to no state entity as long as they're enrolled here. That means you're safe as long as you attend this school."

"Use this time to find a solution to your problems," Jaden said. He walked over to Ichika's side, folding his arm over his friend's shoulder. "We're here for you, Charles." Jaden and Ichika said in unison.

So many feelings clogged Charles' body. She felt happy...and something else. This feeling… it was completely different from the others. She started to view them in a different way...a romantic way.

"Thank you for listening to my story. I felt a huge burden being released from my shoulders." Charles said. She steps forward a bit, surprising Jaden and Ichika. What is she trying to do? "Charlotte." Huh? Did they hear her right?

"Charlotte. That's my real name. My mother named me when I was born." She said. That was a relief. Just in time too. A familiar woman walked in. It was Maya? What's she doing here?

"Good news guys! Later this month, you can use the bathhouse." She said. Wait a minute? Bathhouse!? Jaden knew this was a red flag. Charlotte also knew this was a red flag. But, Ichika didn't care.

"For real!?"

"That's right! We'd run into a few snags while planning the schedules, but in the end, we were able to establish two days within the week for men to use the bathhouse."

That's an immediate nope! Jaden isn't dumb nor stupid, unlike someone he knew. As far as he knows, Charlotte is still a guy in Maya's eyes. Nobody besides Ichika and him knows. That means…

"No! I mean, I'm good."

Ichika turned to Jaden, confused about what he meant by that. Jaden only gave a glare, symbolizing to look to his left. He did what he was signaled to do and froze. He forgot Charlotte was still here, and Maya let them use the bathhouse later this month. Which means…

A huge blush overtook his entire face. Jaden smiled in accomplishment. He knew Ichika would get it, sooner or later.

Maya was confused by his sudden outburst but shook it off. She was completely clueless about Charles 'True' gender, but they need to keep it that way until she is ready to confess. "Okay… Orimura, can you please come with me." Maya said.

Jaden felt a smile creep on his face. He was about to let out a chuckle before stopping himself.

"Um...okay. Well, I'll be seeing you guys later." Ichika said with a wink, with Jaden giving one right back.

Charlotte was safe, for now.

It's been a few days since Charles confessed her true gender to Ichika and Jaden, and the reason behind it.

Ichika was doing...something. Jaden was mostly by himself. Sometimes he'll chat with Houki and Charlotte. But, it just isn't the same when you're talking with a guy. He had to restrict himself from talking about...things. Nothing dirty. Just problems he's having.

Jaden had a severe thought. He hasn't talked to his family back in the US. He panicked, searching throughout his phone he kept with him. He found out that his sense of time was different. When he thought a few days had passed, it's been months! Carlos and Tyler might think he forgot about them.

He found his contact list and eventually found his brother's name. He made sure he was in an empty area, meaning none can hear his conversation. He dialed the number and waited. "Hello? Hi Carlos, how have you been?"

"Good, I've been doing okay. How have you been bro? You haven't called in months, almost a year."

"Sorry, I'm sorry. I lost track of time, I thought it's been like a couple of days. I swear it felt longer."

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, what made you call. Let me guess...you found a girlfriend?"

Jaden immediately blushed. "No! Did you find a girlfriend?!"

It was a brief silence until Carlos spoke again. "Well played little brother, well played."

"Hehe, it's always been your number 1 weakness."

"Same as you. The last time I remembered, you barely had the confidence to speak to a girl back in middle school. And if I'm correct, Tyler told me you were a stuttering mess. You couldn't stop daydreaming about her-"

"Okay! You win! Please stop bringing up my past."

"And I won again. I've heard on the news you beat Cecilia Alcott. Not going to lie, who is that?"

"She was a self-arrogant girl until I knocked some sense into her. And that's pretty much I know about her."

Jaden then thought of his other friend Tyler. "How's Tyler been? I bet he misses me a lot."

"Oh, Tyler. He's been alright. He misses you, but I told him he has to wait about 3 more years."

"That's tuff. Well, it's been nice talking to you, I have to get back to class."

"Alright, see you later little bro. Promise you'll call more."

"Alright, bye"

He hung up, he hasn't talked to his brother in months. He could believe it! Months! He felt horrible. But he couldn't do anything about it. It's not like he can visit them.

Suddenly, he heard an explosion. "What the hell was that!?" He went to the nearest window and saw what was happening. It was from the arena? Who could be fighting that hard!? Probably best if he checks it out. Hopefully, Ichika noticed too.

He raced his way down to the area. On his way, he encountered Ichika and Charlotte. They gave a brief nod to each other, not wasting any time. This could be serious, if not worse. Finally, they arrived, and what they saw shocked them to their cores.

It was from Laura! She was brutally beating on Rin and Cecilia. She wasn't giving them any type of room to attack, dodge, or even escape. "That bitch! Ichika we need to get in there now!" Ichika nodded, agreeing with him.

Before they progressed, they saw something. Did Laura block their attacks, with a barrier? She was extending her palm and it looked like it. "It looks like a canceler of some type," Jaden said.

"That's right. It's an AIC or an Active Inertia Canceller." Charlotte said.

"Knew it."

"A what?"

"It cancels anything coming towards her. She's going to use that as her lucky trump card I bet." Jaden said.

Anyway, they need to get down there now. Ichika thought of an idea. It's not a good one, but it's the only pion he can think of right now. "Jaden let's go." Ichika motioned. But Jaden didn't see another way to get down there quick enough.

"Byakushiki!" Ichika summoned his unit. He equipped his sword, charging directly at Laura. He noticed it was a barrier surrounding the area. So, he sliced through the barrier, continuing his charge for her. "Get away from them you bitch!"

Laura turned around with a huge grin on her face. She held out her hand, stopping him completely. "You think I didn't notice you? Pathetic. My mentor has such a weak brother." This is arrogant, stubborn, and aggressive…

Ichika lost all sense of himself. Nobody and I mean nobody. That's he's only blood-related family. And she dared say that to him. His face was twisted in anger, he wanted so badly to free himself, but he was completely stuck.

Suddenly, Jaden came in, aiming for Laura's barrier. He wasn't successful. She let go, backing straight off. "You two have a lot of nerve. But this way is much easier." She wasted no time attacking, summoning 2 wired daggers.

"What the-" Jaden was suddenly grabbed by the wire. It hooked around his arm, tugging with all his might he tried to resist.

Ichika wasn't doing any better, instead, he was doing worse. "She's really strong," Jaden muttered. Jaden thought of another idea. It was very risky, considering people are watching them both. But he had no other choice.

Summoning the anger he felt for her, his unit was engulfed with a dark aura. He had to use it in a very short burst because if he dragged too much attention, it's a wrap for his secret. He tugged on his arm, completely overpowering Laura.

He immediately went over to Ichika, breaking the wire on his arm. Ichika wanted to thank Jaden, but he knew Jaden could barely control himself in this state. He dropped out of his anger state, clutching his chest for a few seconds.

"Thanks, man, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. But, she is on a completely different level from Cecilia and Rin. I haven't got much of it, but she was trained by your sister. I don't know when but I do know she's from Germany. And I know Germans are sensitive towards insults."

"How do you know that? Could it even work against her?"

"It's a guess, but if we're lucky we'll take her out before she causes any more damage."

"Alright, let's go for relentless attacks. Don't let her get any breathing room, nor distance. Because if you do, you're certainly going to lose against her. Watch out for those wires, and if you get caught in the barrier-thing, just give me a moment."

"Okay. Let's do this!"

Jaden and Ichika charged straight ahead. She went to use her AIC, but they dodged at the last second. "Aw yeah, now we have her," Ichika said. Jaden reassured him. "Don't get cocky just yet. We still have to take her out." Jaden flew around.

"You two are no match against me and my Schwarzer Regan. Now die!"

Laura prepared to use her railgun. "Ichika! Get ready! She's about to use her railgun." Jaden barked at his close friend. Ichika understood and kept his guard up. Laura needed to decide, who to fire at?

She figured Jaden to be the stronger one between them. So, she aimed her sights for him. Ichika saw an opening, charging at Laura while her guard was down. Jaden, this whole time, giving a huge smirk.

Laura was annoyed by his smile. She fired immediately. Jaden stood still, unnerved about the attack heading towards him. Instead, he called upon his darkness, engulfing himself again in a dark aura.

The attack seemed to hit him, but clearly, it didn't. From Laura's and everyone else's view, it looked like Jaden got completely engulfed in the attack. But when the dist subsided, he was standing there, still with the same smile on his face.

"That won't work anymore, Laura. You staggering bitch!"

Laura was stunned, just for a moment. Just enough time for Ichika to make his move. "How dare you! You, Speichellecker!" Ichika found the right time. Delivering a massive strike to Laura's back. The attack sent her flying back, landing on her back.

"Got em!"

"Alright!"

Laura struggled to get on her feet. When she did, she immediately ripped around to face Ichika. Her face had the evilest glare he had ever seen. Still, it was nowhere near Chifuyu, but he thought for a moment. 'I think we went too far.'

"You!" She then summoned two beam-like sabers coming from her arms. "You will die, here and now!" She charged at him, full of rage. Ichika didn't even move, he let his guard down. Jaden was about to help, until. Something collided with Laura's sabers. It was Chifuyu?!

"Honestly, this is why dealing with children is so damn tiring."

She was using a training unit's sword. She backed down, expecting Laura to do the same. Laura eyed both Jaden and Ichika. She knew she couldn't do anything right now, especially since her master/mentor was right there.

She glanced at Chifuyu. She immediately backed down when she saw the face she was giving. "You can practice all you want here. However, as an instructor, I can't ignore it when you start destroying the barriers in the area, so this match is over."

She looked at the 3, figuring this wouldn't just be a normal sparring match they were doing. She eyed each of them. Ichika had a nervous expression, Jaden's was pure solid, and what gave it away was Laura.

She was pissed, almost as if she was restraining herself just because she was here. "I'm ordering you to wait for the upcoming tournament to settle this little score you had. Understood?"

Laura didn't say anything. Deactivating her unit, and walking away without a word. Chifuyu let her go. Whatever those boys did, probably broke her sanity towards them. "Alright, enough games. What did you do to her?"

Ichika was reluctant to asking or even saying anything. "We double-teamed her, and I think we broke her spirit." Jaden spat out. Ichika eyed him, giving him a 'really' face. "It's true, isn't it?"

Chifuyu put two and two together. Laura reached her breaking point. If not for her interfering, she would have probably killed her brother and injured Jaden. "Refrain from speaking to her until the tournament."

"Okay."

"Yes ma'am"

"Good" Chifuyu then left.

Ichika let out a sigh of relief, knowing his big sister probably won't kill them, yet. "Hey Jaden, do you think we went too far?" Ichika asked his best friend. Jaden pondered for a bit. He reminisces about her actions. Slapped his best friend in front of his face, nearly killed Rin and Cecilia, and is terrible at talking without insulting someone.

"Kinda. She slapped you on her first day, and Rin and Cecilia are in the hospital because of her. Speaking of Rin and Cecilia, I wonder how this happened."

Jaden continued. "But, going as far as insulting her. I think it was necessary. Think about it. She hasn't been friendly ever since she transferred here."

"That's...true. But, let go and check on Rin and Cecilia. I'm pretty sure they can explain what happened here."

In the infirmary room. Ichika, 'Charles' Jaden, watched over Rin and Cecilia. "I'm sorry to say this, but you guys look like shit," Jaden spoke his truth. The girls were about to argue but he was right. They had bandages and bruises all over them.

Their body's ache in pain. Jaden eyed their bruises. Laura did all of this?! And the worst part, she did it without hesitation. By the looks of it, she was trying to either kill them or severely injure them, so they can't participate in the tournament.

"Laura did a number on you guys," Ichika said.

"Yeah, and the worst part about it. She's way stronger than anyone I have ever faced. I and Cecilia didn't even stand a chance."

"We've noticed. She has a barrier she can deploy to stop all attacks coming her way. A railgun and some wires hooked up to the back of her unit. And to top it all off, some make-shift lightsabers she can deploy in her hands."

Jaden clutched his chest. He was feeling that pain again. He couldn't figure it out nor have anyone help him. "You okay Jaden?" Charles said. Jaden's breathing was slowly dropping then rising at the last moment. What is going on with him?

"I think we need a nurse." Charles began walking over to where 'he' saw the last nurse. Until Ichika grabbed 'his' arm.

"Huh? What are you doing? He needs help."

"Don't worry, Jaden got it under control."

Charles looked behind Ichika to see what he said. He was clutching his chest still, but he looked more calm and relaxed, seeming the pain had vanished.

"I'm fine. Anyway, what happened on the field? When we arrived you were getting destroyed out there."

Neither Cecila nor Rin wanted to answer that. But they had to answer, the better question is...who is going to answer it?

Suddenly, a faint rumble could be heard in the distance. "What is that?!" Jaden said. It feels like an earthquake. Then girls started pouring in, holding what seems to be paper in their hands.

"Pick me Orimura!"

"I wanna be your partner Dunois!"

"Please pair up with me Smith!"

Questions were being thrown left and right. Jaden felt like he was in a harem anime, where he's the secondary main protagonist. But the focus was on the flyers, girls begging them to team up with them.

"What is this?" Jaden grabbed a fly on the ground. "To participate, we must form a 2-person team."

Ichika approached Jaden. "Look. It's said anyone who doesn't pick a partner by the tournament, will automatically be partnered up with someone."

Then the girls started chattering again. They wanted 3 guys on their team, but in reality, it's only 2. Ichika kept silent. Charles backed off. She wanted to participate in the tournament, but she thinks it's better if Jaden pairs up with Ichika.

Why? Because everyone thinks she's a boy. And fighting in a tournament against that crazy girl, Laura. She decided to have a second match.

"I'm pairing up with Ichika. Sorry, girls, maybe next time." Jaden said in the most pleasing way to the girls.

The girls froze, then looked at each other. They shrugged their shoulders, leaving the room. They made comments on whether it's acceptable for guys to pair up. One girl even said it was kinda hot for them to be fighting together.

Good news! They dodged a bullet there. Bad news! How are they going to explain this to 'Charles' and the other girls? That's until Maya showed up out of nowhere, scaring the life outta Jaden.

"I'm going to die here, it's officially been proven."

While Jaden talked to himself, Maya was explaining how Rin and Cecilia couldn't join. According to Maya, their unit's received an extensive amount of damage, and won't be ready until the tournament.

Jaden, who was finally done talking to himself, noticed Cecilia and Rin staring at each other. Almost as if they are communicating with just their eyes and expressions. Now that's some extreme level yandere-type shit!

'Laura is indeed powerful with her unit. Plus, she has wires, a railgun, lightsaber hands, a broken ass barrier she can use with just her palms!'

"This is going to be a hard match," Jaden muttered

Ichika and Jaden got finished in the infirmary, heading towards their room they encountered Laura. She was in just a tank-top and some jogging shorts on. She was giving them a malicious glare, before leaving.

"I think she needs some help. A lot of help."

They arrived at their room, Jaden immediately went for the shower, grabbing some clothes from his closet and heading into the bathroom. Ichika was left there. Pondering. He thought about today. On how Laura tried to attack him this morning, finding out Charles' true identity and why she did it.

Laura, again! Attacking, but instead of him and Jaden, it's Rin and Cecilia. And the worst part about it, they were put in the hospital because the damage was severe. She could have killed them today, but he and Jaden interfered.

This girl was the definition of a psychopathic and emotionless bitch. But, this couldn't be the reason behind it, right? When she first transferred here, she said she disapproved of him being the brother of Chifuyu Orimura, his older sister.

Probably something he did to cause her this pain. And now, he's suffering the consequences of whatever he did. It mostly happened when his sister was off to Germany. He still remembers how it happened.

Flashback, 6 years ago.

Ichika was 9 years old, barely about to make it out of elementary school and onto middle school. He was walking the streets until suddenly a black car pulled up beside him. Men came out of the car, quickly approaching him.

He didn't even have enough time to react that much. Because, when he was about to fight back they were already jumping on him. He tried screaming for help, but one of the men covered his mouth, meaning he was unable to even make a peep.

They dragged him into their car and sped off. He was later brought into a weird store facility. By the looks of it, this place wasn't used or being worked on in the past decade. They dragged him along and that's when he got a good glimpse of the inside.

It was terrible. The walls had cracks in them, the grass was somehow growing from the cement flooring. There were barrels almost everywhere. But, he didn't have enough time to think more when they tied him up to a supporting pole, right next to a metal garage door.

He hoped for his sister to arrive and save him from these monsters. He doesn't even know or remember what day or what time it was. Because, what seemed to be a few hours for Ichika, was a few days to everyone else.

Eventually, he heard gunshots, explosions, and any other things kids his age should not have never heard or even be close to it. He waited until the battle outside was over. And a huge metal shriek was heard.

The metal garage door was suddenly forced open by a woman piloting an IS. Ichika hadn't seen the light in days, or hours in his view, so he couldn't make out the person standing in front of him. But, something in his heart told him it was his sister.

And...he was correct. It was his sister. She immediately raced towards him, breaking off the material gripping his hands. She embraced him, tears flowing down her cheeks. She told him how glad she was to find him alive and doing okay.

What he didn't see was the bloodied bodies outside. His vision was too blurry to see them. But, he embraced his sister, tears also flowing down his eyes.

He doesn't remember much after that. But, he did know his sister had to leave. At the time he didn't know for how long. But, what he did know is it felt like an eternity without his sister.

He had his other childhood friends. Dan Gotanda and his little sister, Ran Gotanda. They visited his house a lot when his sister left, mostly to comfort him about being alone. But it wasn't the same.

Before he knew it, 1 year had passed. His sister arrived and he embraced her, bursting into tears. She gladly returned the hug and comforted him.

"It's okay, I'm here."

Present time.

"Ichika!"

Ichika woke from his daydreaming, to find a confused Jaden staring at him.

"Are you okay? You've been like that for about nearly 10 minutes."

"Uh...yeah. Just had a lot of my mind"

"Well, if you want to use the shower go ahead."

"Yeah, thanks."

Ichika looked through his closet, finding a fairly decent amount of pajamas. He didn't want to think about it, grabbing him a random pair and heading into the shower. Jaden wondered what he was daydreaming about. Probably about Laura.

Ichika let the hot steaming water hit his skin. He was still thinking about Laura. Now he knew why she hated him so much. And he already is remorseful for what happened 6 years ago. He never truly forgot it.

A few minutes passed and Ichika walked out of the shower. He walked out to find Jaden doing some sit-ups, push-ups, and some crunches. He smirked, feeling he needed to let some steam off.

"Hey, Jaden! What kind of workout do you wanna do this time?"

Jaden thought for a bit. They only do push-ups, and sometimes sit-ups. "Why not try something different this time? How about 100 pushups and a late-night jog."

Ichika didn't think it was a bad idea. He looked at his IS, summoning the time. It was 9:49, so if they do it now they'll probably get back around 10:45.

"Sure"

Time had passed and it was time for the tournament to begin. Ichika, Jaden, and Charlotte were in the boy's locker room.

They were getting dressed for their big match awaiting.

Ichika looked at where he saw live footage of some of what looks to be businessmen or recruiters. "Wow! This is something, huh?"

Charles, who just got finished getting dressed, peeped behind a locker. "Oh, some of those are recruiters, here to watch the seniors. And the others are here to see how much the sophomores have learned under a year's worth of training."

"Looks like a total batch of douchebags to me. I mean, one of them has a full-cut beard and looks eerily at the students. Their wives ain't treat them well enough if they even have one."

Ichika and Charlotte chuckled.

They needed a good laugh, especially Ichika. He had a lot on his mind yesterday. And this might be the perfect time to diminish all of that pent up aggression.

"I think the only thing you two care about is the match between Laura," Charlotte said.

She was right. Ichika was mostly focused on how to beat her. By studying what she did that day, she's most likely going to use her AIC and probably those wires. The railgun is most likely going to be in a desperate situation or last strike attack.

Since it takes a few seconds to charge, it's more than enough to evade it, if you fast enough.

Jaden wasn't all that worried, but mostly nervous. He saw Laura's face when Ichika sliced her in the back that day. She was bent on killing Ichika at that moment. And if that ever happens or even come close to it. He would 'personally' see through it.

"Try not to get too emotional out there. In the entire freshman class, I believe she is by far the most powerful."

"Heh. Most powerful my ass. I think I found her weakness."

Ichika and Charles perked up. They couldn't ignore a key downside to their seamlessly powerful foe, that not even Britain's and China's representative couldn't beat.

They listen to Jaden's plan and...it wasn't that bad. Sure, I'll probably work. But, she's smart and can catch on rather quickly. But it's their only shot at beating her.

They stood in the area grounds, even single eye fixated on them. Charlotte was in the stands as of right now, followed by Rin and Cecilia.

It was Ichika and Jaden vs Laura and...Houki?

Jaden thought Charlotte was pairing up with Laura or was automatically chosen to be on her side. But thinking he refused. Smart choice.

The staredown was intense. Ichika, Jaden, and Laura locked in a furious staring contest, trying to outdo the other. Houki wasn't nearly on their level. Instead, she paid more attention to her thoughts.

Even though Jaden and Ichika were staring down Laura head-on, they had a plan. It could work, depending on Laura's teamwork skills. If they correct their theory. Laura pretty much doesn't like to work together with people, by studying her attitude.

So, they're golden, if they keep the plan up.

5…

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Go!

The battle was only getting started!

Life's been going good thank you for asking. (anyways, how's life been going for you :D)

The new OC is going to be introduced in the next chapter, so be prepared for who it's gonna be!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND ENJOY