At last! One of the most crucial parts of this story has finally come! This is where Season 2 of the Anime ended, but I'm actually going to go beyond it! This will be a very crucial point for both Thomas and Ichika as fighters.

Besides, things will happen.

Disclaimer: I do not own Infinite Stratos.

The First Year Classes are going on a field trip to Kyoto!

The Representative Candidates all gather with excitement as they are going to see the sights, buy from the gift shop, take pictures, and horse around like kids! Everyone is looking forward to it.

However...Things go horribly wrong.

There's serious danger behind the scenes. Phantom Task is seen lurking about, no doubt making another attempt to abduct Thomas! But, thankfully, Thomas isn't going to let such stand without getting the final say!

Unfortunately, Thomas will soon learn his special skills won't help him this time...

The train moved quickly along the track.

It moved ever quickly to Kyoto.

The girls all sat together, playing a game of cards.

Cecelia giggled.

"The Goddess of Victory has truly smiled upon me this day." She smiled.

Most of the girls were playing cards to decide who would get to spend time with Ichika during their trip to Kyoto. That is, save Nana and Cecelia, whom both decided to spend time with Elias and Thomas instead.

"Nein!" Protested Laura, with a sinister smile on her lips, "Zhe last laugh vill be belonging to me!"

She presented her hand in front of Houki, a single card standing out, demanding that she took it.

Houki gasped in panic, praying that what she was about to do was in her favor.

"I get to be in the same group with Ichika today," Thought Houki, "I can't afford to waste this chance!"

Laura grinned, Houki gulped.

"Buddha help me!" She shouted as she drew the card from Laura's hand.

Laura's evil smirk grew bigger.

"NOOOO!" Cried Houki as she turned over the card, to find it was the very one she didn't want nor need.

Ichika was sitting next to them, rummaging through his bag to pull out a camera.

"Oh, is that yours?" Inquired Charlotte.

"Actually," Explained Ichika, "It belongs to Thomas's dad. But, he let us take it from home so I could take pictures during the trip for class mementos."

"Class mementos?" Inquired Houki, dreading what Ichika would answer with.

"Yeah!" Said Ichika, "Since I'm the Class Representative, I'll be separated from the main group. I'll be wandering around, and taking photos of all the scenery during our stay in Kyoto."

"Separated from the group?!" Repeated the girls as they realized what he meant.

"You mean you vill not be joining zhe rest of us?" Said Laura.

Cecelia giggled a little.

Nana took a sharp inhale for a joke.

"How could you neglect to tell us something so important?!" Demanded Charlotte.

"What now?!" Ichika cried in confusion.

The girls began an uproar as they complained to Ichika.

Maya giggled several seats away.

"I think this will be a great trip." She said to Chifuyu.

Chifuyu groaned, and settled for looking out the window.

"Yeah, sure."

The Class had just gotten off the train station, and were already greeted with the pleasant sight of traditional Japanese architecture.

It wasn't very long for the First Years to reach the hotel.

"Wow..." Marveled Ichika.

Being the Class Representative, Ichika had already gotten a little bit ahead from the main group of students.

The sun was shining, the water glistened as the light reflected off its surface, a gentle breeze of the diminishing warm summer air blew the branches in just the right way to tie the scene all together.

Houki and Charlotte had caught up.

"Oh!" Awed Charlotte, "What a lovely garden!"

"Yeah," Agreed Houki, "The hotel has great scenery!"

Ichika quickly pulled out the camera.

"EVERYONE!" Shouted one girl, "COME ON! HURRY UP!"

Suddenly, a massive mob of girls mauled Ichika and ran him right over.

By the time they'd finished stepping on him, Ichika was covered in dirt and footprints.

"So...Beautiful..." He whimpered.

Thomas slowly walked up, and helped Ichika to his feet.

"Yah." He yawned.

"Where were you?" Inquired Ichika.

"Sleeping."

"Oh..."

Elias was currently searching for Cecelia.

"Everyone, listen up!" Called Maya, quickly grouping everyone up in one place, "All of you will be on free-time in your groups after this meeting has concluded!"

Chifuyu began instruction.

"We're all scheduled to pay a visit to Kiyumizu Temple this evening. Make sure you arrive no later than the scheduled time. If you're late, you're left. Is that understood? Even if you don't, figure it out! Dismissed!"

"Yes Ma'am!" Shouted the students.

A minute later...

Ichika stumbled along the path, dazed and confused.

The stampede from earlier had completely worn him out.

"Orimura!" Called Maya, "A...A piece of luggage was just delivered for you."

"Huh?"

Ichika walked to the delivery van, full of the students' luggage.

Amongst this heap was a case half Ichika's size with his name on it.

The sender was labeled as secret, but it was obvious to Ichika by the handwriting who sent it.

"What's that?" Said Thomas, walking up with Kanzashi.

"This was delivered for me..." Said Ichika, "But I don't know what it is."

The trio looked more intensely at the case.

Suddenly, it began to shake!

"It's alive!" Cried Thomas, "Kill it, kill it!"

The case fell on its side, and popped open to reveal...

..Tatenashi had been sitting inside it the whole time.

"SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP!" Cried Ichika.

"Ta-da!" Said Tatenashi, "It's me! The one and only Miss Tatenashi!"

Kanzashi blushed, humiliated by her older sister's antics.

"S-Sister..." Kanzashi's voice elevated by the second, "Y-YOU!"

Kanzashi raced to Tatenashi, and proceeded to push her back into the case.

Ichika and Thomas quickly followed.

"Get in there!" Said Thomas, "You ain't touchin' my buns, hon!"

"You already went on this trip!" Said Ichika, "You'll spoil it for us if you stay!"

"W-Wait-ack!" Tatenashi struggled to speak as the trio stuffed her in the case, "Guys! Cut it out! Little sister, stobbit!"

The three slammed the case shut, and locked it up.

"I haven't even done anything yet!" Tatenashi's muffled voice pleaded.

"Back into the luggage!" Said Kanzashi.

The boys lifted the case on both sides, and tossed it into the back of the van. They then grabbed the doors and slammed them shut. Thomas quickly slapped the side of the van to signal the driver to start moving.

The trio sighed in relief.

"She'll be back." Groaned Thomas.

"I'll take bets on how long it'll take her." Quipped Ichika.

Kanzashi leaned on a pillar in her school uniform, chuckling quietly as she spied on the students from afar.

Cecelia watched as the autumn leaves flapped down from the trees.

Anyone with a taste for scenery would be entranced as Cecelia was.

The heiress then saw a sight she loved even more than the last.

Elias was standing on a high ledge, overlooking the scenery in front of him. He had yet to notice Cecelia, who was off to his left. Cecelia gazed in awe as she observed Elias undisturbed.

He looked so gallant, yet his face was so innocent.

Cecelia swooned as she closed her eyes and began to dream.

In such a dream, she was a simple lady in waiting, and Elias was her dashing hero who'd come to her aid. He wore the simplest tunic, but it was enchanted to the fullest extent. And as he defeated the evil that had stolen Cecelia away, he carried her in his arms to the warm summer sunlight.

"Cecelia!" Called Ichika.

"What is it, Ichika?"

"Hold still..."

Cecelia blushed, realizing Ichika had the camera pointed in her direction.

Ichika snapped the photo.

"May I see?" Inquired Cecelia, wondering just what Ichika took a photo of.

"Sure!" Ichika replied, holding out the camera.

Ichika had completely missed Cecelia, as he'd taken a very wonderful photo of the foliage next to her instead.

Cecelia didn't know why, but she felt a little upset. She made a short whimper in disappointment.

"What?" Inquired Ichika, "Is it blurry? It doesn't look blurry to me..."

"N-No...It's not that, it's just..."

"What?"

"Never mind, I was just going to check up on Elias to see how he was doing."

"Orimoo, Orimoo!" Called Honne.

Honne was standing at the top of a nearby flight of stairs along with her group.

"Will you take our picture?" Asked Honne.

"Sure!" Ichika said, preparing the camera.

"Over here, Orimura!" Called another group of students.

"Hey, no fair!" Cried another group, "Over here too!"

Ichika quickly found himself overwhelmed.

"O-Okay then," He tried to gain control, "Everyone, please wait your turn!"

"Okay!" Said another group, "Make sure to get everything in the shot!"

"Wait! I wanna be in it too!" Cried one girl quickly racing into the frame before Ichika took the picture.

The Class decided to take another stop at the Golden Pavilion of Rokuon-Ji.

"Oh, wow!" They marveled, "It really is made of gold!"

Ichika snapped another picture.

The group then stumbled upon a wedding.

"Wow," Swooned one student, "Look at the bride!"

"Ooh~! The all-white Kimono is divine!"

Ichika took another photo.

So far, Ichika's experience in Kyoto was quite lovely.

However, Thomas must've forgotten he was in a group, as he went off by himself. Most likely, Thomas had gotten himself lost again. However, Ichika felt a little nervous, seeing as Phantom Task could be anywhere. But he also felt reassured knowing Thomas was able to defend himself if need be.

He chose not to worry too much about the subject.

Elsewhere...

Thomas was walking, no real destination in mind.

"Last time I went on a trip to a nice place," He reminisced, "Didn't end too perfectly. Peh, listen to me, only a First-Year and I'm already remembering things like an old man. Kinda weird."

The seasons come and go, and Thomas knew the feeling.

The time one has is fleeting, and Thomas would soon come to learn just how quickly things in his life would happen. Not much had had ever been life-changing for Thomas, as he'd been mocked for his dreams from elementary to the end of junior high. However, his life had picked up for the better the moment he discovered he could pilot an IS Unit.

And ever since then, so much had happened, yet it felt like only yesterday he was still getting lost in the halls of a public high school back in the United States.

Despite how much Thomas had been through, both the best and the worst had yet to come.

Thomas had gotten so lost in thought over the subject, he'd completely lost himself on the streets of Kyoto.

For some reason, a smile began to curl on his lips.

So much had happened indeed. Sure, Thomas seemed weary of everything he'd been through at the IS Academy, but in reality, he'd begun to realize his annoyance was a form of enjoyment.

As annoying and strange as it was, Thomas didn't feel the same without his day-to-day routine of the IS Academy.

People took him seriously, he was surrounded with people who genuinely cared about his well-being, his metaphorical family treated him so kindly over the few months. Thomas didn't want what he had now to change. What he had was something that every human wanted, but none would want to lose.

But deep in his heart, he knew his wish wouldn't come true.

Someday, he'd leave the IS Academy. He would leave his happiest years behind.

And that was Thomas's true fear.

Not of scary things or people. But rather, the knowledge that the day would come where he'd be left behind, abandoned, and his destiny would be up to him, and him alone.

Thomas stopped in his tracks.

He began to wonder what he would do when that day came.

Sure, he could talk and assure people of what he would do. It'd be so easy to be so bold and claim that he'd be unaffected, that he could move on and prosper. But in reality, Thomas was far more afraid of being discarded and left to himself.

He felt that if he had to make his own fate, he'd have none at all.

Thomas began to ponder what exactly brought him to thinking over such a matter, and realized he wanted to go find his friends.

Thomas began to walk with a purpose, and looked left and right in search of someone he knew.

It didn't take very long.

"IIIICHIKAAA!" Several voices shouted.

Thomas looked to his left, only to find Ichika running like a madman away from Lingyin, Charlotte, and Laura.

"I'll be..." Muttered Thomas as he caught up to Ichika.

"Tommy! Thank God!" Said Ichika.

"You said something stupid again, didn't you?"

"What d'you mean? What'd I say?!"

"Fucking knew it!"

"Help me!"

"They're after you, not me!"

"SAVE ME, YOU BASTARD!"

"Fine, be cool dude." Said Thomas.

Thomas and Ichika neared a corner.

"LEEEFT!"

Thomas and Ichika zipped to the left, around the corner.

RIIIGHT!"

The boys then made a sharp 90-degree turn around another corner.

"What're we doing?!"

"The more turns we take, the harder it gets for them to keep up."

"Good plan!"

"Elias never has to put up with this..."

"Huh?"

"He and Cecelia are so lovey-dovey and all that, so their set. I haven't really made an attempt to talk to Nana on the subject, so I'm not set. But you? You got it the worst, buddy."

"What the fuck are you on about?!"

"You're right. It can wait." Restated Thomas.

After more twists and turns, Ichika and Thomas finally stumbled to a halt to catch their breath.

"I'd wager one minute." Said Ichika.

"You really think it'll take that long?" Deadpanned Thomas.

"You're right. Thirty seconds."

"Well, wanna hang out somewhere?"

"Les' just stroll through the streets. Take some pictures an' all that, y'know?"

"Aight."

Elsewhere, at the Fushimi Inari Shrine...

Maya and Chifuyu were walking down the 1000 Gates.

Maya could tell something was bugging Chifuyu.

"Miss Orimura," She finally spoke up, "Is there something that's bothering you?"

"Of course there is." Answered Chifuyu, "Our school and students have already been the target of several attacks, by various perpetrators."

Chifuyu had yet to declassify the information Thomas had given her regarding the unmanned IS Unit attack to Maya. That information being that Tabane Shinonono herself was behind both the first unmanned IS attack as well as the second. No doubt she was trying to gather data, for whatever purpose was still unknown.

But the way she went about her task contradicted with Chifuyu's sense or morality.

However, Maya knew about Phantom Task's fixation on Thomas.

The problem was simply that no-one could really deduce Phantom Task's motives, seeing as Thomas wasn't a likely target. There was simply no logical connection between Thomas and Phantom Task, but they were still so drawn to him.

In fact, Ichika was a far more veritable and logical target, due to him having the most gathered data on his profile, as well as an IS Unit a whole Generation ahead of literally the entire world.

Chifuyu had many theories, but nothing that would give her what she was looking for.

"We need to keep a close eye on everything, and make sure that our students actually enjoy their stay in Kyoto." Chifuyu concluded.

"Yes Ma'am!" Maya said cheerfully, inspired by Chifuyu's determination.

In the streets...

"I'm telling you, there's no way they caught up to us." Said Ichika.

"You sure? That sort of thinking's been disproved before."

"Hey there, guys!" Honne called.

The boys looked forward to find Honne, wearing a kimono as she hopped towards them, her face grinning like a mischievous child.

"Nohotoke?" Piped up Ichika.

"I'm being chased by Kan-Chan!" Honne cheered as she hopped right past the boys.

Sure enough, Kanzashi was quickly hopping after her in a kimono of her own.

"Honne!" She cried, "Please, wait! Where are you going?!"

Kanzashi stopped as she hopped right next to the boys, completely spent. She bent over as she panted heavily, trying to catch her breath.

"What's up with the new outfit?" Said Ichika.

Thomas would've added on, but was suddenly distracted by something the other two weren't paying attention to.

"Oh! Ichika!" Piped up Kanzashi, "Um...It wasn't really my idea. I only got it...Because everyone else said I should try wearing something fancy...I really didn't wanna do that sort of stuff. But, well..."

"Well," Complimented Ichika, "I think it looks really great on you!"

"Really?" Kanzashi perked up.

"Yeah! What d'you think, Thomas?"

Ichika looked to Thomas, only to find that his friend had already vanished.

"Thomas?"

Ichika and Kanzashi looked around themselves, thoroughly confused by how Thomas disappeared from plain sight without their notice.

Suddenly, an object with a reflective surface whistled by Ichika's head. With a thunk, a knife had lodged itself firmly into a wood pillar right next to Ichika.

Ichika gulped.

He knew full well who threw the knife.

"Target locked." Deadpanned Laura, standing on the rooftop opposite from where the knife was.

"So Ichika," Growled Charlotte, as Lingyin stood next to her, "What looks really great on her?"

"What she said!" Snapped Lingyin.

"Of all the times Thomas pulls a Houdini!" Cried Ichika.

"Ichika!"

"You're not getting away!"

"You'll pay big time!"

The girls lunged for Ichika. Ichika stumbled as he turned around, quickly pulling Kanzashi into a bridal style carry, and ran away as fast as he could.

Nana, who was trying to find souvenirs for her parents, turned around to find Ichika carrying Kanzashi as the two of them were running terrified, with Laura throwing more knives at them than humanely possible.

"She's throwing more knives than Dio ever did..." She muttered while gawking.

Elsewhere...

Cecelia did her best.

But no matter how hard she tried, she was never able to approach Elias.

She was either too anxious, or fate intervened and somehow steered Elias away from her approach.

Cecelia wanted to, but didn't feel right if she were to assert herself. Elias was always doing something, and it would be rude and unbecoming of her to interrupt Elias for her own desires.

She didn't know if it was right to be greedy, or to let Elias be.

The poor girl didn't have a proper model for such a situation. Normally, in this situation, a child would consult her parents on the matter, so that they may get experience from veterans on the subject.

She was currently stalking Elias from a street corner.

Currently, Elias was getting dozens of requests from other students for various things.

Cecelia couldn't help but feel a pang of envy and jealousy, wanting to replace all of those other girls with herself.

She slipped from cover to cover as she watched Elias move about his way.

Eventually, she saw him come across a very popular shrine.

Elias stared, pondering what he should do.

He went to the shrine to make a wish.

He purchased a charm, what the charm was for Cecelia couldn't see.

Elias laid the charm in front of the shrine, and began to whisper his wishes, praying so quietly Cecelia couldn't hear.

"Please," He finished, "Show me I'm worthy of milady."

Elias turned to leave, making a final bow in the hopes the gods would answer.

Cecelia quickly dropped away before Elias saw her.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Did Elias really not see himself as a worthy suitor for her?

Elsewhere...

Thomas was currently walking down a forested path to a shrine.

No-one else was around him.

He stopped abruptly.

"I know you're here," He said, "Which one of you is it this time? Madoka? Kana? Autumn?"

Squall emerged from behind a tree, her usual sultry smile on her face.

"Squall." Groaned Thomas.

"Don't get too excited to meet me," Said Squall, "After all, I think it's time we get better acquainted with each other."

Squall began to stroll towards Thomas.

"After all," Squall noted, "It's only basic that a good mother gets to know her son."

Squall was only three or four steps away.

"Yeah?" Said Thomas, "Well..."

Thomas jerked his knee, deploying the Revive's leg to send Squall off her feet.

"...I'm in a rebellious phase!"

However, Squall moved faster than Thomas could see. The next thing Thomas knew, Squall had tripped his other foot and caused him to fall on his rear. Thomas was stunned, as his usual foes would be too slow to evade, let alone counter his attack.

But Thomas was determined.

With the skill of a trained acrobat, Thomas rolled onto his shoulder and flipped back onto his feet, recalling the Revive.

"I see you take after your mom."

"What d'you know about it?" Snarled Thomas.

"Oh dear," Squall whimpered, "I must've struck a nerve, sorry."

Thomas raced up, leading with a jumping counterclockwise roundhouse kick to Squall's head with his left leg.

Squall caught him by the ankle with her left hand.

Before Thomas began to descend, he attempted to make another kick with his right foot at Squall's left. Since her reach was limited, Thomas would have a chance since he was using a one-two attack in quick succession.

Squall caught with his right ankle with her right hand.

Suddenly, Squall jumped and rolled, spinning Thomas and dropping him to the ground.

Thomas grunted.

"I see you make good use of you little skills," Observed Squall, "However, I feel like it's time you were owed an explanation."

Thomas rolled back to his feet.

He then began to attack Squall furiously.

Squall counted each and every move he made with her right hand.

"As I was saying," Squall continued, "Back about...Sixteen years ago, the UN had a little project. The name's irrelevant, as the project pretty much dissolved at this point. The purpose was to create genetically enhanced super-soldiers, masters of all forms of combat."

Thomas attempted to make a dropkick on Squall.

Squall paused her story as she grabbed Thomas by the ankles, and dropped him to the floor.

She sat on his shins to restrain him as she continued.

"Y'see," She explained, "I was a part of the project-one of the elites of it too. What they did was lace my genetic structure with nano-machines, and it really brought out my combat prowess."

She sighed.

"Unfortunately," She mumbled, "The project was pretty much a girls-only, since most of the male subjects brought in either died during the implantation, or didn't last very long after. It was sad, really. The world was pretty much approaching a matriarchy, even before the Infinite Stratos came about."

Thomas deployed both of the Revive's legs.

Before he had a chance, Squall jumped away before she was sent flying from the deployment.

"Now," Smirked Squall, "I know what you're thinking: 'What's this got to do with me, some motherless boy?'"

"Had crossed my mind." Quipped Thomas, as he began to pant.

Squall was tiring him out.

"Well," Declared Squall, "That's because your mother was a part of the project as well."

Thomas froze.

"Any normal person would've denied that," Giggled Squall, "But you really don't know what to think, do you?"

Thomas didn't answer.

"This is a lot for you to take in," Apologized Squall, "However, it's obvious there's still a bit more to say."

Thomas quickly lunged, bringing out his Revive's right arm for a clothesline.

"Not only is your mommy a genetically-enhanced super-soldier..." Said Squall as she countered.

Suddenly, Thomas's mechanized fist was caught by a much larger, golden fist. Thomas realized that Squall deployed the right arm of her own IS Unit. But what it was, he still had no idea.

"...But the strangest thing is, you inherited her nanotech." Squall finished, "But, unlike me and your mom, it's all natural for you. You're the very first male that has ever been under the super-soldier project. That's why you've been so good at fighting, up until now."

Squall then threw Thomas into a tree.

"But," She said, "That's no longer the case. After all, you've been going at it like a wild animal. But me? I've had your whole lifetime and more to practice."

"Ain't gonna let that stop me." Said Thomas, going in for another punch.

Squall once again caught the Revive's fist with her Unit's fist.

"Give up." Squall's voice snapped, "My IS Unit, the Golden Dawn, is easily a lot better at brawling than your Revive."

Thomas deployed the Revive's left arm, with a Combat Knife.

He thrust the knife.

Squall deployed the Golden Dawn's other arm, and grabbed his left wrist.

She wrestled the knife from his hand, and proceeded to cut open Thomas's school uniform shirt.

The Knife recalled, and Thomas once again fell on his rear.

There was no longer a doubt about what he had to do.

He had to run.

Thomas recalled the Revive arms, and launched towards a tree with his Revive's left leg.

He spun, punching the tree with the Revive's left fist as he launched away.

Squall saw no point in pursuing.

After all, Thomas would show himself again quite soon, due to just what sort of chaos Phantom Task had planned for the IS Academy's trip to Kyoto. If Thomas wouldn't come willingly, they'd make sure he'd have nothing to return to.

Squall made a call to Kana.

"Kana, sweetie?"

"Yes Mama?"

"Thomas slipped away from me, I'm afraid he'll get lonely very soon. Would you go and give him some company while me, Mama Autumn, and your Little Sister Madoka go and take of the business with Tommy's friends?"

"Yay! Right away Mama!" With that, Kana already disconnected from the call.

"That's my girl, over and out."

Before the day was out, Thomas would be in Phantom Task's clutches.

And how they went about finally capturing Thomas was of no concern in the slightest.

At the Kiyomizu Temple...

"Kyiomzu's main hall has a veranda that sits on a 13-meter mountain slope," Explained Maya, "The temple's supported by 139 wooden pillars nicknamed the 'Hell Pillars.'"

The First Year Class had all arrived at the Kiyomizu Temple.

The Representative Candidates were all a little concerned, as Thomas was nowhere to be seen.

Chifuyu had shown concern as well, but quickly suppressed any display of such.

"I'm sure he'll turn up." Ichika assured everyone.

It was when Thomas was suddenly missing that everyone remembered their vow to keep him safe after Phantom Task tried to abduct him. Each one of them felt a little guilty they'd already forgotten such a vow. They'd relaxed their grip a little too much, and Thomas slipped through their fingers.

But with Chifuyu's continued assurance Thomas was fine, the group did their best to feel at ease.

"How beautiful!" Charlotte marveled, looking beyond the railing of the veranda.

"How magnificent!" Swooned Cecelia, "It'd be the perfect place for a...wedding..."

Cecelia quickly began to dream. In her dream, Elias was sweeping her off her feet as they were at long last married on the best sunny day of the year in the Kiyomizu Temple's main hall.

"Oh, Elias!" Cecelia shouted to herself, "We can't do that! We're still so young!"

Elias, whom was distracted, turned as he heard Cecelia's bashful words.

"Okay everyone!" Called Maya, "We'll be leaving soon, so be sure to reach the monorail station at the appointed time!"

The students acknowledged, and began to return to their activities.

On the off-chance, Ichika glanced at Chifuyu.

She was distracted, brooding as she gazed into the distance while standing at the corner railing of the veranda.

The boy had found the perfect moment to take a picture of his older sister.

Ichika snapped the camera, and caught Chifuyu's attention.

Chifuyu turned, her usually cold expression locking eyes with Ichika.

"It's considered rude to take a photo of a woman without asking for permission first." She scolded.

"Oh," Ichika whined, "Sorry, I was just..."

"Be sure to give me a copy later." Chifuyu said with a smile, and marched off.

"Although," She piped up, "I wish you'd have taken photos of Thomas for me, like I used to do back in the day."

"Sorry, he's been elusive and getting lost..."

"Aw," Said Chifuyu, "That's a shame, it would've been nice to have gotten a few memories of his first time in Kyoto..."

Ichika was confused by the statement. Chifuyu had already walked out of earshot, so he couldn't ask her to clarify.

"Oh, Ichika." Greeted Charlotte.

"What's up?"

"Can I see some of the photos you took?"

"Sure! Have a gander!" Ichika said happily.

"Wow..." Charlotte awed as she got closer, "You've been to so many different location today..."

Charlotte didn't notice that her chest was brushing up against Ichika's arm.

Ichika, on the other hand, did.

"Oh!" Piped up Houki, "Let me see too!"

Houki began to brush her chest up against Ichika's other arm.

"Wow!" She said, "This one looks great. And this one too!"

"I'm still looking at them, y'know..." Told off Charlotte.

"Well I wanna see them too!" Houki complained childishly.

All the while, Ichika was doing his best to keep his composure as the girls were pressing against him.

"W-Wait your turn, guys..." He stuttered.

"Orimura!" Said one girl, "I wanna see 'em too!"

"No fair!" Whined another.

"Me too, me too!" Cheered Honne.

Soon enough, everyone was pushing and shoving so they could get a glance of the pictures Ichika took.

"Hey hey!" Cried Ichika, "One at a time! C'mon!"

Ichika tried to lift the camera in the air to keep it safe from dropping it.

"Guys, seriously!" He pleaded, "I'll dro-?!"

Suddenly, the camera slipped out of Ichika's hands, and dropped over the railing of the veranda, sliding down the slanted tile roof and off the Kiyomizu Temple entirely! The camera plummeted into the treetops of the forest below, out of sight.

"D'oh, dammit." Ichika muttered under his breath.

The girls all looked worried as they tried to get a fleeting glimpse of the camera.

"I'll go get it." Ichika groaned, "I mean, Mr. Scott said it was tougher than a Nokia Phone, so it should be fine."

Ichika quickly raced down the flights of stairs, and running to behind the ground floor of the temple so he could retrieve the camera and get to the monorail before the train took off and left him behind.

Ichika then realized Thomas still hadn't shown up yet.

"I'm sure he's fine," Ichika said to himself, "He can take care of himself, right?"

Ichika had reached where he calculated the camera landed from the trajectory of its fall.

He then heard a click from behind.

Ichika snapped around...

...Only to find none other than Madoka Orimura standing on the staircase behind him.

"Madoka!" He stated.

"Ichika Orimura..." Spat Madoka, "I'll take your life now."

"Crap..." Muttered Ichika.

Madoka spread out her arms.

"Come forth!" She shouted, "KUROKISHI!"

Suddenly, Madoka was enveloped in a bright light.

At the Monorail Station...

Houki was walking towards the entrance of the Monorail Station as she saw Nana jogging out.

"Nana? What're you doing?"

"Neither Ichika nor Thomas are here, and everyone's getting worried." Nana explained, "Miss Orimura's sent me to go find either of them."

"I'll help." Offered Houki, "Working together will make it easier to find them.

On the train, Maya and Chifuyu were doing a head count for attendance.

"Ma'am!" Cried one student, "Orimura and Thomas are still missing!"

"I've sent Parker to go find them," Explained Chifuyu, "But don't be worried, both of them are capable of defending themselves, at least long enough for us to locate them if they're separated."

"But Mentor!" Piped up Laura, "Thomas has been zhe target of several abduction attempts, and Orimura has been marked for assassinations!"

"That is correct Bodewig," Said Chifuyu, "But they're in danger right now, both of them are smart enough to make a disturbance that we could track if they're up against something they can't handle. At least, they should be..."

"Look!" Called a student, pointing out the window.

Sure enough, a bright flash of light was emanating from the trees nearby the Kiyomizu Temple.

Chifuyu didn't need to be an expert to know that one of the boys was in trouble.

"Miss Yamada," Ordered Chifuyu, "Take the students back to the hotel. I'll rejoin you once I find the boys."

"Y-Yes Ma'am!" Maya stammered.

It was obvious to both teachers that something had gone horribly wrong under their watch.

But they didn't have time to remedy the situation.

Without warning, the train doors suddenly shut automatically.

The digital screens on the train flickered and fizzled out.

Suddenly, everyone was rocked as the train began to move!

Chifuyu grit her teeth.

Not only were the boys in serious trouble, but now the entire First Year Class was most likely in mortal danger.

Elsewhere...

From the rooftop of a tall observation tower, Squall smiled as she watched the train carrying the IS Academy zoomed down the tracks.

"If Thomas wants to run away home," She sneered, "Then we'll just have to see to it that he has no other home to come back to but ours. Either way, you're too late to stop us, Tatenashi Sarashki."

Sure enough, Tatenashi was standing 2 meters behind Squall.

"Looking at things down below from up above?" Quipped Tatenashi, "I guess celebrities don't think like everyone else."

Squall slowly turned to face Tatenashi.

"Moscow's 'Thick Fog,' wasn't it? If I recall that's the ID of your IS Unit."

"Sorry," Said Tatenashi, "But it's the Mysterious Lady now."

"A turn of name worthy of merit." Complimented Squall.

"So what are you up to, Squall of Phantom Task?"

"The usual," Explained Squall, "Y'see, I completely understand my motives seem quite bizarre-going after some random American boy instead of a Japanese boy with more data and an IS Unit practically light-years ahead of the world."

"So, why don't you elaborate?"

"I think I will," Answered Squall, "True, Ichika Orimura is by far a more valuable target. But, M's the one who's more interested in him. However, you may remember Agent Yin, the infamous 'Black Ghost of the Amazon Program?' I know full well. You see, Thomas is the son of said Agent Yin. Not only does he possess a very unique 2.5 Generation IS Unit, but he's also the first male to ever survive the Amazon Program."

"Which means?"

"Not only is he one of the exceptionally rare male pilots, but he's an all-natural super-soldier, and his genetic structure could also be reverse-engineered, and in turn, completely revitalize the Amazon Program. Phantom Task could really benefit from his body. But me, personally? Well..."

Squall licked her lips sensually.

"...I'm going to be the mommy Thomas never had."

"So, Tommy-Mommy, huh?" Joked Tatenashi, "Nevertheless, I won't let you do as you please. After all, I'm the Student Council President at the IS Academy. I'm going to stop you. I'm not about to let this 'M' of yours have her way with Ichika, and besides..."

Tatenashi smirked.

"...The only one who gets to screw with Tommy like that is me."

"Possessive, are we?" Giggled Squall, "No matter."

Suddenly, a golden, massive, mechanical tail materialized from Squall's back, and snapped its claw around Tatenashi's torso like a bone-crushing vice in the matter of a second.

"Since you seem so keen on keeping Thomas to yourself, it looks like there can only be one." Squall sneered, "Besides, it's already begun! And you are too late to stop us from taking Thomas!"

Elsewhere...

"Ichika?! Thomas?! Where are you?!" Cried Nana.

"Damn..." Muttered Houki.

Suddenly, an energy bolt flew right by their heads.

The shooter, being none other than Autumn, in the Arachne.

"Well, well, well, you brats." Sneered Autumn, "I think I'll kill you now."

"Why you-!" Snarled Houki, but paused.

"Hey! I'M AUTUMN YOU BRATS! HOW COULD YOU FORGET?!" Autumn screamed with rage as she recalled the helmet from her head, allowing the girls to see her face.

"I know you!" Accused Houki, "You're that lady from the mall! You were trying to do something to Thomas!"

"She what?!" Cried Nana.

"Oh? So now you remember me?!" Spat Autumn.

"We're not letting you get to Thomas this time!" Boldly declared Houki.

Autumn began to laugh.

"It's already too late! Our last operative is already searching for him as we speak! At this rate, he's as good as ours!"

Autumn pulled out the Arachne's Famas.

"Either way," She sneered, redeploying her helmet, "You two should worry about yourselves right now. Seeing as Thomas likes you, he'll be trying to find you for his own safety or yours. To make sure he doesn't, I'll just kill you right here so you won't become a nuisance later."

"Aren't you trying to coax him to surrender? I doubt making martyrs out of us is going to make him submit!"

"Don't misunderstand," Explained Autumn, "My boss and I both love the dear boy with our whole hearts, like family. But, Neither of us will object to murdering all of his friends if that's what it takes to catch him."

"You bastard..."

"Not like that'll matter to you for very long, when I'm done with you, there won't be anything left for him to find!"

Autumn lunged for the girls, ready to kill them where they stood.

Elsewhere...

Madoka floated above the ground, piloting an IS Ichika had never seen before.

It looked like the Shirokishi.

But at the same time, it was a black butterfly.

"So Madoka," Questioned Ichika, "Why're you coming after me?"

Madoka scoffed.

"You're not who I'm after."

"What?"

"I'm really after Chifuyu Orimura. But, I'm not stupid; You're obviously going to try and get in my way if I go to fight Chifuyu. So, to make sure you aren't going to stop me, I'll kill you first, and then I'll kill her!"

"I won't let you!" Ichika vowed.

Suddenly, Madoka pulled out a Lancer Bit, and charged the weapon.

"Shit!" Said Ichika, deploying the Byakushiki's right arm in the hopes of somehow blocking the attack.

His vision was then filled with white as he was enveloped with searing hot heat.

Madoka chuckled.

Things were going so easy for Phantom Task this time.

It wouldn't be long before Kana located and subdued Thomas.

Feeling satisfied, Madoka made a sinister grin.

Chifuyu was next.

A/N: And done! This chapter's got a lot of revelations. Thomas is the son of a genetically-enhanced super-soldier, and Squall reveals more about Phantom Task's interest in him!

Y'see, Squall is the first opponent Thomas was unable to so much as fight, due to her being a super-soldier alumni along with Thomas's mother.

Either way, Kana's IS Unit will be revealed next chapter as well!

Things are getting intense, and it'll be mortal combat for the IS Academy Representative Candidates!

Hope you enjoyed it!

Next Time: The Power of Two.

The IS Academy's First Year Class is in mortal danger! Trapped on a runaway monorail train, Chifuyu will have to find some way to fix the already-botched situation.

Phantom Task's once again gunning for Thomas, and they'll kill anyone who gets in their way!

With Thomas missing, Ichika possibly down and out, and several hyper-lethal Phantom Task pilots out to kill them all, can the IS Academy Students still find a way to win an unwinnable battle?

Can Thomas and Ichika once again pull together, and save the day before it's too late?

Leave a review, they're much appreciated, and show that you care!