Disclaimer: I. Own. Nothing.
AN: Overall update on Raiden will appear at the end. That is all.
The stark white walls of the infirmary were not a comfort to the sole occupant in the room, neither was the steady beeping and clicking of the various instruments surrounding the bed a young teen laid on.
"Ichika..." Chifuyu Orimura ran a hand through her brother's silver hair, hoping he would wake up. "Why did it have to be you..."
"Wolf, analyze." Wolf turned it's red eyes to Ichika, turning away from the door for once, and turned to face Chifuyu moments later.
"Analysis is complete. Primary information. Physical health of Subject Ichika Orimura remains at acceptable range in comparison to established parameters. Biometric scans indicate an increase in adrenaline with trace amounts of classified substance. Additional information. IS Raiden has completed bonding process with Subject Ichika Orimura. Any attempts to remove IS Raiden will result with 100% chance of fatality to Subject Ichika Orimura." Wolf turned away from the bed as it finished its scan, turning it's eyes back on the doorway. "Creator apologizes for these results. Information from remote diagnostic shows IS Raiden was unintentionally rebooted by unforeseen factors during the initial bonding procedure."
"So she did end up fixing that little problem then?" Chifuyu didn't bother to glance over at Wolf as the creation of her, if not her only, friend, who was also responsible for nearly killing her brother, continued the perimeter scans she knew the machine was conducting now. "I figured she would figure it out eventually but never this soon with how scatter brained she was once she finally got that one up and running."
"Your assumption is correct. Creator discovered and isolated an error in the programming for IS Raiden only after learning of Subject Ichika Orimura use of a Practice IS and his enrollment into the IS Academy."
"I guess she just needed the right motivation." Chifuyu sighed as she looked over Ichika's unmoving form. He remained only breathing after the shock his system must have went through when Raiden had activated. After it had bonded itself to him.
"IS Raiden was to be completed by the end of this year. Files show Creator was behind on the established schedule due to other projects." Wolf turned to face Chifuyu, clearly finished at the door for the moment. "All scans have been completed. Threats to Subject Ichika Orimura are not within range of my sensors."
"You sound so sure of it, I didn't know she gave you that much in her little updates." Chifuyu looked away from her brother at the moment, turning to see Wolf merely observing her for the moment before it's red eyes flashed as they swept the room once again. It was closer to a mechanical tic than actually useful now. Simply done to occupy its systems for a moment while it created a response.
"Recent observations and data collection have lead to my conclusion. Subject Ichika Orimura has threats around the globe at the moment but scans indicate none are currently within range to cause possible long term damage. Results of scans for short term damage or incapacitation remain inconclusive." Wolf walked up to Chifuyu, its red optics locking with her eyes as it bowed its head. "Previous observation data directs me to apologize for not intervening earlier. Creator did not intend for IS Raiden to reboot before bonding with Subject Ichika Orimura. I hypothesize Creator would wish to apologize as well."
"It's not your fault Wolf." Chifuyu only let out a sigh as she continued to run her hands through Ichika's silver hair. "I don't even blame Tabane to be honest."
"I do not understand." Wolf moved over to Ichika, red optics flashing as they examined Ichika in almost every way imaginable. "The current condition of Subject Ichika Orimura is a direct result of the bonding to IS Raiden and IS Raiden was sent by Creator with those intentions. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is that Creator is at fault for deploying IS Raiden to Subject Ichika Orimura. Scanning of data of similar events indicate Knight should experience intense negative emotions towards Creator in this situation."
"It's never that simple Wolf." Chifuyu offered the mechanical wolf a sad smile as she continued to run her hand through Ichika's hair. "Tabane, despite all of this, will still be my friend. Ichika, even if things look bad now, will pull through this and I'll have my little brother back and eventually..."
"IS Raiden cannot be removed from Subject Ichika Orimura, the bonding process is permanent. Attempts of removal will lead to-"
"I know. That's why I know Ichika is going to one day learn how to control Raiden, either with my help or because he's too stubborn to stop." At the thought, Chifuyu couldn't help but let a small smile spread across her lips. "I know that he'll pull through this and he'll be okay even if its a rocky start."
"I still do not understand why you have no negative thoughts towards Creator." Wolf stood up on its hind legs, forward extremities dropping down on the bed as it focused more intently on Ichika as its eyes analyzed the only male IS user in the world. "I shall reiterate my point. Subject Ichika Orimura is in current situation through the direct actions of Creator. Creator removed the IS designated for that of Subject Ichika Orimura personal use, Creator was responsible for replacing Subject Ichika Orimura Personal IS with IS Raiden. Creator is responsible for the activation of IS Raiden and subsequent bonding to Subject Ichika Orimura. Subject Ichika Orimura is in danger because of the direct actions of Creator. Knight should feel negatively about Creator. It is a logical conclusion when accounting for human emotions in similar situations I have compiled data from."
"It's different for me Wolf, it's different for everyone. No matter how much data you look at, you never know how someone will react when something like this happens." Chifuyu once again gave the mechanical wolf a small smile, continuing to gently run her hand through Ichika's silver hair. The action was doing more to keep her calm as her mind flashed back to more peaceful times than anything else of note. "It's something you can't ever understand without emotions yourself."
"That is illogical. The data I have gathered has offered a 95% success rate with little margin for error." Wolf turned and fell back to the floor where it walked towards the door. "The logical action is to account for new data acquired from this conversation with you Knight but it will require indeterminate time to recompile and reanalyze all data I have collected therefore, to accomplish my current tasks, I will perform this action at a later date when it is most optimal."
"Wolf, thank you." Tabane's creation could never simply say things outright but after years of spending time with it, Chifuyu understood what Wolf really meant even if it wasn't outright said.
"I do not see the need to express gratitude, Knight." Wolf froze for a moment afterwards, his frame shrinking as parts moved and collapsed in on themselves. Wolf rapidly shrunk down, taking on a less block-like and mechanical appearance, rapidly streamlining as technology that would put the IS to shame put itself to work throughout its frame.
"Modifications complete." Wolf turned around, for less mechanical looking and more like an actual wolf if still very large, including the addition of pseudo-fur. "Past data collected by Creator has given me enough information to assume a more direct to public oriented form to better perform the orders as I have been directed. Knight, is this form acceptable for public interactions while I observe Subject Ichika Orimura?"
"You're fine Wolf. Just like always."
"Your words are acknowledged, appropriate response is gratitude. Thank you."
Wolf hopped onto the bed, observing Ichika for a moment before turning around and laying down.
"I will begin to guard Subject Ichika Orimura in this form. Current actions are deemed acceptable to orders from Creator."
"Thank you Wolf." Chifuyu stood up from her seat, Wolf nodding to her before its eyes locked onto the door as it opened.
"I told you all to stay out." Chifuyu was at the door before it could open, her foot stopping it as she only offered a glare to the people behind it, to the one responsible for opening the door. Being too curious without a sense of self preservation when something involved her brother was asking for trouble. "Leave before this gets much worse than it is already."
"You ca-"
"I can and I will, leave." She pushed and the door slammed shut.
She made sure to lock it this time.
Fear of her had held them back for as long as it could it seemed.
'Ichika, what the hell happened to you?' Houki Shinonono looked over the recordings from the battle between Ichika and Cecilia, trying to discover what caused the strange IS to latch onto him and change him like it did. Everything that was happening was unprecedented to begin with from Ichika being in the school to some of the things people were saying about his new and mysterious IS, some of the top IS researchers in the world said it was passing every theory out there and moving to a possible Fifth Generation, something that only put him in even more danger if not for Chifuyu...
Yes, if Houki learned one thing from today it was that Ichika's older sister could terrify the devil into submission.
"Shut up." The entire room fell silent when the black haired woman entered, Houki, along with a good majority of the students, watching from above, as the former Mondo Grosso participant took control of the room with ease. "I'm going to tell you all precisely what is going to happen and you will listen to me."
"One, you will stay away from Ichika Orimura as has been previously agreed on with his guardian."
"Two, the delicate nature of his studies here will remain a confidential matter as has been previously agreed on with his guardian."
"And three, he will be having a personal instructor to continue his training in the proper use of an IS with adjustments to the agreed extents and levels of research allowed to be conducted."
Houki had never been more terrified for her life than at that moment despite how short it had all lasted, not even two minutes if her phone was correct. Chifuyu Orimura could have an absolutely terrifying presence when she wished and it was best simply to follow her, something everyone present did as fast as possible.
'Ichika.' When he had started screaming, begging his sister to let him go, the kendo expert couldn't help the fear that swept through her when she remembered his eyes. His warm brown eyes were gone, replaced by something else. Whatever it was, it wasn't the Ichika she had known. Whatever it was, it was different, different in a absolutely terrifying way.
That entire IS he had used was horrifying. It was just supposed to be a temporary substitute until his own IS showed up, he was supposed to have time to train in it but then it was delayed and the system must have bugged because the match was moved up. It was nowhere near long enough for anyone could get his IS here. And then there was Cecil. She was far from her friend but she didn't deserve to face whatever thing took over Ichika for a moment.
"Get away from me!"
The match shouldn't have even been allowed but everyone was so curious to see what Ichika could do. He was the only male to ever pilot an IS and no one was willing to wait and, as shaming as it was now, she had been the one to push him to use the IS. She just wanted him to get the hang of using an IS early, work out the majority of how to work the systems before really putting him to work in his own IS once it got here. It would have all worked out in the end, he would have had a few problems, probably lost, but he would get the basics down in a way that training simply couldn't do. He would have been easier to train afterwards and she would have helped him through a few rough patches while he got used to it before he could fight Cecil again. She had planned it all out, thought it all through, she just knew he would be better off getting some experience from someone like Cecil, she would push him but not really hurt him. Just embarrass him, wound his pride at worst.
Why did she have to be so wrong?
After Cecil had shot him in a panic, trying to stop him from attacking her with that sword of his, trying to save herself from actually being hurt...
It was the blood. No one had expected to see it when he was finally brought under control. It had terrified a few people once he was gone, wondering if as a consequence any IS would begin to kill a male pilot. She could already imagine the insane rumors that people would be coming up with on why and hot fast they would spread. The school was in a panic and, something she should probably get used to if today was any indication of the future, Ichika was at the middle of it all.
Ichika and his IS. Her favorite IS.
'What are you going to take away from me this time?'
"Bunny-chan."
She hated their codenames, they were either irritating to say or just embarrassing at times but she could put it aside, they were a necessity to remain in contact with her and right now they needed to talk before things got any worse. Her little brother was in danger because of one of Tabane's plans and right now she needed answers and she would have them delivered from the source or she would be forcefully taking them. Once she restated the message to the source of course: No one touched her little brother.
"Chi." No added -chan? She was taking this serious it seemed.
Good, this was no time for her normal games.
"Why did you do it?"
"I told you what I would do with Raiden Chi. It was either you wear it or this."
"I told you why I didn't wear it, too many bugs and too many dangers without thinking about your insane plan. The other one was far safer."
"I need data Chi, you know that and I of course know that. Raiden is dangerous but powerful and I need to work out all the bugs. We both know my little crazy boy is my strongest creation by far."
"I know you needed data and we had an agreement. I was willing to use it even so why does it have to be him? He's already in enough danger as it is so I do not need him to be wearing that stupid weapon you built!"
"Chi, you worry too much. Trust me when I tell you I have everything under control. My little puppy is there for a reason, data collection and protection!" And the normal Tabane had finally made her return it seemed. "He'll make sure nothing happens to your little brother and I'll have plenty of data for my research on Raiden to see what made all those bugs in the first place."
"I would have worn it for you. Ichika doesn't even know the basics! He won't even know how to activate it!"
"No! That's why he needs to be the one!"
"What? Have you finally lost your mind? He can kill someone with that thing!"
"Raiden is like nothing else besides a few other IS I've developed ever since we launched Shiro-kun and started all of this. I added enough improvements to the neural interface to fix all of the little bugs given time and let Ichika work out the problems himself. The human mind is the most powerful computer so I decided to put it to use. Save me some work."
"What are you talking about?"
"They've created Generations for the IS, right? Well my Raiden is past even their most outlandish theories and my Raiden is precisely what they are after, our mutual friends."
"And did you honestly think it was a good idea to paint that type of target on Ichika's back?"
"He's special. Don't act like he didn't already have a giant one anyway. I'm helping him even if you can't see it now. I'm giving him more worth to keep around. His value has gone up exponentially to everyone after him so he'll be safe as long as they focus on tearing each other apart trying to get to him."
"Value? You think I care about his 'value' to those monsters? I wanted him out of this school by the end of the year! People would have realized he had no talent and forgotten about him! He would have been safe from all of this then!"
"Safe? Don't make me laugh Chi." Tabane hated her when she was serious and the feeling was mutual, Tabane being serious meant she couldn't be talked down, couldn't be reasoned with if she had her own plan in mind, her own vision she was working towards. It was rare but once she was committed to anything she was suddenly impossible to stop until she decided to. It was one of her more annoying characteristics. An eccentric genius that enjoyed having fun for most of the time or someone that saw people like an experiment, working towards an end only she could guess.
"Ichika would never be safe from anyone ever again. The moment we agreed to launch Shiro-kun we made his destiny. He'll always be hunted no matter what. Some people would want to know how he can do what he does and others don't like you and know he's one of your only weaknesses, maybe even your only one. People will always come after him no matter what you may say. He'll never be 'safe' like you want him to be. Your concept of 'safe' is nothing more than a highly delusional thought brought on by your past actions towards his well being proving successful enough for you. The eventual conclusion, the only logical end to all of this if he was to leave the academy, would be his death. I put him in danger? Don't think for a second you aren't responsible for everything that happens to him from all the attempted kidnappings, to all the bullying and harassment. Everything can be tied back to you even if you won't admit it. I just gave him a chance to change all of that. He can protect himself with my Raiden and make people who come after him pay. I'm the one who's really protecting him and he's not even my brother. Now, can we continue our conversation or will I have to call you later Chifuyu?"
The line was completely silence for several moments, Chifuyu being very mindful of her own strength was the only reason the phone in her hand was not snapped in half as she swiftly calmed herself down. Didn't mean she wouldn't send the same back to Tabane.
"Don't think you aren't the same."
"...I suppose I went a bit too far there Chi-chan."
"You did."
"I'm sorry, I guess I got a little angry."
"Just tell me if you have any actual plans this time."
"A few, my puppy is there for one and I programmed a few things into Raiden here and there when I had some spare time. It all should be enough to keep him from doing anything really dangerous until the glitches are worked out."
"Speaking of the glitches, which ones are still a problem?"
"Now you know that already Chi-chan! Only Jack of course."
There was only one word that completely summed up the situation.
"Fuck."
AN: Nothing.
