Chapter 5: Return of the Devil

Normally, anyone would worry if one of their friend who is a novice in piloting an IS were to have a match against a representative candidate, even if it is one of the weaker ones. But among Mikazuki's acquaintances that are watching, only Shinonono Houki is worried about the match.

Mcgillis is in no way concerned about Mikazuki's match as he has a firm believe in the Devil of Tekkadan's prowess even if piloting an IS is different from piloting a Gundam. Kudelia is more worried about how far Mikazuki would go in the match. She had personally witnessed Mikazuki's fights before. She's more worried about his opponents.

As an alumnus Kudelia managed to get a seat to watch this particular match. Strangely enough, it's not hard to ask for a permission. But she didn't mind it much because what's in her mind right now is Mikazuki's match. Mikazuki had informed her that he will only receive his IS right on the day of the match. It would've been a big cause to worry if not for her remembering how Mikazuki first pilot Barbatos.

She's now sitting on the audience seat among the second year student, waiting for both pilots to get ready. She kept staring at the hangar where Mikazuki is.

"May I have this seat?"

Kudelia was brought out of her thought by a voice that sounds rather familiar. She look up from her seat and cannot hide her surprise when she saw the blonde man wearing a suit, the same one he wore from the last time they each met each other in person on Mars. Although he's not wearing a wig and a mask this time.

"Mcgillis Fareed!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you once again, Kudelia Aina Bernstein."

Mcgillis took the seat to her right. She wondered why Mcgillis Fareed is here personally. It's not a public event after all unlike the Mondo Grosso and he's definitely not a former student or a sponsor so how come…

"Ahh, mister Fareed, Bernstein-senpai, you're both here."

A new voice arrived. This time it's a student. Both Kudelia and Mcgillis turn to the student who came to greet them. She wore the standard IS academy uniform with a scandalously short skirt along with the addition of a light yellow overcoat. She has short light blue hair and dark red eyes. She also carry a light blue fan. Kudelia felt like she should know her from her striking appearance since she's a second year according to her uniform which means she's a first year when Kudelia was in her final year.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sarashiki-dono."

"Ufufu, it's a pleasure to meet you too mister Fareed. Please call me Tatenashi. I'm younger than you after all."

"Then I shall do so. Thank you once again for inviting me, Tatenashi-san."

The two of them shook hand. Now Kudelia remembers. She had heard about a prodigious representative candidate last year who now had mate representative status. She only saw the prodigy once but it is hard to forget her appearance with her unusual hair color and distinctive appearance.

Sarashiki Tatenashi sat beside Mcgillis. So she's the one who invited Mcgillis to watch this match. Can she do that? What kind of student possess the authority to invite outsider to a school event that's not open for public? If there is one student that could possibly have that kind of pull then it is…

"Sarashiki-san, right? Are you the student council president?"

Kudelia asked.

"Yes, I am. It's nice to see you again, Bernstein-senpai."

That explains a few things, though not everything. Tatenashi continue to talk with Mcgillis. It's mostly about business. The Sarashiki family is a prestigious and wealthy family so it's not surprising for her to conduct business with Mcgillis though Kudelia barely heard what they're discussing.

"It's starting."

Mikazuki's first impression of his IS is… it's ugly. Seriously, it's like a lump of gray iron with no particular coloring, although this is just its appearance before its first shift. It is obviously different from Barbatos. It looks more like a dull suit of armor than an advanced weapon of destruction. It doesn't even look a quarter as threatening as a Graze. It's not a fair comparison though since size does matter in intimidation tactic.

This will be his weapon from now on. Kudelia had taught him how to use it even though it is in theory. He had to figure out the practical part by himself. No problem. It's more than what he got when he first used Barbatos. Back then he barely got any explanation and he definitely didn't have a manual, not like he could read it even if he had one anyway. All things considered, the circumstances is much better than when he first piloted his Gundam.

"Do you like it? It's called the Byakushiki and from now on it will be your personal IS."

Yamada-sensei told him. Byakushiki. If he recall, it means

"So… do you already know how to use it?"

Mikazuki nodded and immediately jump onto the IS, not wanting to waste any time. He recall the feeling from that time he first mounted an IS. When he entered the machine the IS clamp onto his body like a form-fitting bodysuit. It's different from piloting a mobile suit. It's more comfortable but at the same time uncomfortable. It's more comfortable since this time he's really moving his limbs and not sitting in a cramped cockpit. It gives him the feeling of freedom.

But at the same time it's uncomfortable. Connecting with an IS, for Mikazuki, is like connecting with a mobile suit through the Alaya Vijnana system although without the physical connection. The feeling is roughly similar but it is also totally different. It is probably just him but the feeling is… lacking. Sure he got real-time data and he could understand all the IS' basic functions in the same way he can read the Barbatos' monitor despite being unable to read. But it's just different.

For other people, the feeling of piloting an IS would be liberating and also powerful. But for Mikazuki, there's just something wrong. Unlike with Barbatos, especially when it has been upgraded to Barbatos Lupus and then Lupus Rex, Mikazuki actually feel constricted. It's like someone is trying to guide his movement. Like he's being led. When he piloted Barbatos, he felt that he is Barbatos and Barbatos is him. That is the kind of strong connection he and Barbatos possess, a partner in heart and body. They are one and the same. But Byakushiki, no matter what, just doesn't feel like it belongs to him, belong 'with' him. Mikazuki frowns.

"Orimura-kun?"

Yamada-sensei noticed Mikazuki's expression. She's concerned that something might be wrong. Orimura Chifuyu also noticed this.

"Orimura, if there is something wrong with the unit then tell us immediately."

"No, nothing is wrong. It just feels different from the first time."

"I see. Very well then, you may launch when you're ready."

Chifuyu told him. Mikazuki nodded. He did another check on all systems. Once he's sure it's all green, he got ready. He forgot all things about the uncomfortable feeling he got from the IS sensors. He'll have to get used to it. An Infinite Stratos is not a Gundam after all.

"Byakushiki, launching."

Mikazuki announced in his usual monotone. Both he and the IS launched from the hangar towards their first battle.

"Oh my, so you didn't run away."

Cecilia Alcott snorted as she placed her hand on her hip. Mikazuki didn't pay any attention to her as he checked his surroundings along with his equipments. When he did pay attention to Cecillia though, it is to her unit and not to Cecillia herself.

Her IS is a bright blue machine called 'Blue Tears'. It has the unique characteristic of four rear fin armors on the back. It is equipped with a large 2m long rifle called 'Starlight MkIII'. It is a laser gun, a beam rifle. Mikazuki had faced a unit using energy weapon only once and it is the Mobile Armor Hashmal. Judging from the size of her gun and the IS' standard energy reserve, it won't be as powerful as the one on the Mobile Armor.

"I'll give you one last chance."

Cecilia moved the hand and pointed her index finger at Mikazuki and the muzzle of her rifle casually pointed downward. It is a big mistake to be made against an opponent like Mikazuki. The moment the barrel of her rifle left firing position, Mikazuki attacked, not interested in hearing what she has to say, especially since the mach had started the moment they launched.

"If you have time to talk then you should use it to fight. There is no place for dialogue on a battlefield."

Mikazuki commented as he draw Byakushiki's one and only weapon. It is a sword shaped like a katana and very unfortunate, it is his only weapon. It's not his preferred weapon but he'll take what he can. At least it is a weapon he's familiar with. Holding the sword with both hands, he quickly slashed at Cecillia, aiming at her rifle first. Cecillia tried to dodge but Mikazuki used his chance well and cut the rifle. It exploded, sending Cecillia backward.

"Khh, listen to people when they're speaking you barbarian!"

Mikazuki did not comment this time but instead emerged from the smoke with sword raised up high. He slashed down at Cecillia who evaded but the tip of his blade connect and it cost her some shield energy. She seethed as she flew backward. Losing her main weapon is a big blow to both her pride and her IS' combat effectiveness.

Mikazuki began chasing her around. Cecillia try to shake him off but he is persistent. Cecillia can't believe that she's already being pushed and she had not attacked yet. He took the initiative and now she's paying the price. Plus he's slowly and surely closing in on her. His IS is is a close combat unit and is built with more speed than Blue Tears. And with Mikazuki's raw capability, it's only a matter of time until he catch up to her.

Seeing no other choice, Cecillia suddenly turn around and fired two missiles from her missile pods. Mikazuki intercepted the attack but the explosion blinded him. Cecillia put some distance between them before unleashing her unit's special ability. The four fin armor detached from her unit.

Four autonomous drones controlled by Cecillia, this is Blue Tears' special ability. Controlling all four autonomous weapons, Cecillia shoot Mikazuki from every side. The beams pierced through the smoke… but Mikazuki and Byakushiki are nowhere in sight.

"Wha… where is he?!"

Blue Tears picked up Byakushiki's signal. It came from above! Cecillia look up to see Byakushiki high up in the sky. Mikazuki descent and cut one of the drone. Now Cecillia only has three left. Gritting her teeth in anger, she order the remaining drones to shoot the Byakushiki.

Mikazuki twisted in the air, allowing the beams to miss him by mere inches. He follow up by throwing his sword at one of the closer drone and the moment he finished his evasion, one of the drone was destroyed by his sword. He switched his attention to another drone and flew closer to it. The drones are much slower than an IS. Evading shots from the two remaining drones is also child's play for Mikazuki.

Once he reached the drone, he grabbed it and break it in half using the raw strength of his IS. He did not bother to retrieve his sword as he moved to the next drone and kicked it. He had systematically destroy all Cecillia's offensive weapons. The girl is now panicking as Mikazuki turn her attention to her.

"S-stay back!"

Mikazuki obviously did not listen as he quickly charged at Cecillia. He doesn't even bother retrieving his sword as he clenched his fist and punch her. The blue IS reeled backward. Cecillia drew an army knife, her unit's support weapon.

"Aaaahhh!"

She screamed as she slashed wildly at Mikazuki. But Mikazuki is an expert at close combat. Compared to many of his enemies, Cecillia would be better off if she doesn't try. Mikazuki easily caught her hand and counter with a fist to her face. He then proceed to brutally beat her with his fist.

"Unhand me!"

Cecillia screamed and using her second volley of missile, she shoot Mikazuki at point-blank range. The blast managed to make Mikazuki let her go but it did not take him down as he again appear in front of her. Cecillia is starting to feel afraid. He did not say anything and his expression did not change in the duration of their match. She is looking straight into his eyes and she found nothing reflected in it. It is like she's fighting an emotionless robot that knew only how to attack and destroy.

And destroy he did.

Mikazuki proceed to tear away Blue Tears' shield energy and armors. He did it by ripping the armors away from the main body. It is a painful experience. Mikazuki had torn down her belief and crush her soul with pure brute strength. Eventualy, the match ended when Blue Tears had sustained enough damage and Cecillia passed out from both physical and mental exhaustion.

Nobody had expected the match to turn out as it did. Chifuyu and Maya are gawking at the screen starting from the moment Mikazuki tear Blue Tears apart one piece at a time. They had never seen such a match and frankly, it scared them. It is not how the match between two teenagers should look like.

What frightens Chifuyu the most though is the expression on her long lost little brother's face, or rather, the lack of any expression. She could approve of his initial attack, taking advantage of his enemy's arrogance. But as the match continues, she became afraid.

She lost him a long time ago after he was sold by their parents and no matter where she searched, she did not manage to find anything. Her life goes on… until that fateful day when Orimura Ichika appear once again, piloting an IS in an act that shook the world to the very core, becoming the first and only male pilot in existence.

She was confused on how to approach him. He had likely forgot about her and so far, she can do nothing other than act as a normal teacher for his class. She wanted to talk to him again, to hear about what happened to him… but now she's afraid to hear anything from him.

Because from what she saw, it is absolutely not a good story.

And that's a wrap. This is Mikazuki's first battle in an IS and he did very well. Now, Cecillia is defeated so easily but I think that's natural. Mikazuki has a lifetime of combat experience to fall back too and his combat instinct is sharp. Basically, you're comparing a seasoned general who had seen more than a few wars and lived to tell the tale and a fresh recruit who thinks she's hot stuff. I believe the result speaks for themselves. Of course, Cecillia will improve. She's also very lucky that she's alive. Mikazuki's opponents usually ended up dead after all.

Anyway, there it is. Sorry but no Houki here since Ichika/Mikazuki is not close to her at all. This pairing (and most of the main pairing) won't work anyway with how the heroines abuse Ichika. All of them will end up dead before they can whack his head. The only way any original IS pairing could work is if I break their character completely.

Now then, next chapter will focus on Mcgillis and Kudelia. Obviously it is Tatenashi who pulled some strings to have Mcgillis and Kudelia come but for what? Well that will be left for next chapter.

Now for the revs.

han00reborn: The Gundams are not complete yet.

TrimusicaDrag00n90: Not all Tekkadan members will appear because then there will be too many of them. Akihiro will appear though and so will Lafter. Originally only Mcgillis would appear in this story but then I include Mikazuki so I'm already straying from the original idea.

Fazrulz21: Ichika is a dense idiot, enough said. Precisely why I replaced him.