Episode 3: Trip To Hokkaido

Orimura Ichika is bored out of his mind while tuning out his old teacher who is talking about random things in their last homeroom before Golden Week started. Their homeroom teacher, an old guy named Tanaka, teaches classic and has a tendency to talk too much in a monotone. It's a miracle they can even pay attention to his class.

"Even if it is holiday, don't forget to do your homework. Alright, class dismissed. We'll meet again after Golden Week."

The teacher dismissed the class after giving one last pep talk about homework and left. Everyone cheered and began chattering with each other, discussing about what they're going to do during Golden Week. There are some who had planned a trip in advance with their friends and some who decided not to go anywhere. During this time last year, Ichika was just waiting to be dragged around by his friends, Gotanda Dan and Huang Lingyin. This year though Lingyin had moved to China so it would've been just him and Dan… if it weren't for a certain big sister figure of his that had made plans.

Ichika was about to head back home, currently in the process of cleaning his table, when someone sat in front of him. There is no need to guess who it is. The bandana and strands of red hair he briefly saw is enough to identify who had come to speak with him. It is none other than his friend, Gotanda Dan.

"Yo Ichika, ready for the holidays?"

"Dan."

Ichika smiled and greeted his friend. After he finished cleaning his desk, Ichika got up from his seat, ready to go home, or maybe hang out with Dan. Dan followed him out the classroom and towards the locker.

"You know, it's rather peaceful without Rin around."

Dan said. Ichika chuckled and replied with a simple 'yeah' since he also felt that way. Their Chinese friend Huang Lingyin, affectionately called Rin, had been loud and hot headed and had dragged them into several shenanigans when she was around. Without her around, things have been rather peaceful, which is not bad but it gets boring from time to time, though Dan is probably the one who felt like that the most.

For Ichika, he misses the shenanigans for a whole different reason. He's used to action and not doing anything sometimes made him feel uneasy; a byproduct of his constant training and simulations as well as studies with Special Disaster Response Team Section Two. He considers himself a man of action, or maybe Kazanari Genjuuro influenced him more than he thought.

"Speaking of which, do you have any plan for the holidays?"

Dan asked when they arrived at the shoe locker. The two boys put on their shoes and exited the school.

"As a matter of fact, I do. I'm going to Hokkaido for the duration of Golden Week."

Ichika answered his friend.

"Hokkaido? Sounds fun. So will you be going to the sea? Can I come with you?"

Dan asked. Unfortunately, Ichika shook his head, much to the red head's disappointment.

"Sorry but it's a personal trip."

Ichika informed. Dan became dejected. Internally, Ichika felt that he has to apologize to Dan. Since he'll be going with Tsubasa and Kanade and likely Genjuuro and Ryoko, he can't take his friend with him. They will be staying in one of the Kazanari's villa after all and as he heard it, it's not all pleasure.

"Aww man. Ohh well, I suppose you do want to spend time with your sister. Last year we went with Rin to Fukuoka after all."

Ichika chuckled weakly. Dan probably thought that he would be spending time with Chifuyu when he said personal trip, as in, a family trip. But he couldn't say that he'll be spending time with Kanade and Tsubasa. For one thing, he wanted to separate his normal life from his 'side job'. For another thing, the Kazanari name is rather well known in the political side of Japan. That and…

"Ahh, Zwei Wing's new single is on sale! Ichika, let's check it out!"

Dan yelled when he saw a poster of two female idols standing side by side that promotes a new single. The two female idols on the poster are Tsubasa and Kanade themselves. This is another reason why he didn't want Dan to know that he knew Kanade and Tsubasa. They are idols, and have been a duo going by the name 'Zwei Wing' for more than a year now.

It's funny how their tenure as an idol began. Tsubasa had no desire to become an idol at all but one day, during their training where they are testing Tsubasa's output with her relic which had not risen much since their first meeting, Kanade barged in and shouted that they'll become idols. It was a random idea which came to Kanade when she watched Tsubasa sing. Apparently because Kanade feels that Tsubasa is not putting enough effort and emotion into her song it is affecting her performance with her relic. The idea was accepted by Ryoko and Genjuuro and soon they made their debut as idols.

As he stood outside the music store waiting for Dan, Ichika shook his head in amusement as he remembered how Tsubasa started out. She was all embarrassed and she stuttered a lot when she first got onto the stage. It was a memorable day when the eternally serious Kazanari Tsubasa's stone cold expression finally broke into a stuttering mess. He still has the video in his work phone that he would watch if he needed a good laugh.

It took Dan at least twenty minute to finally finish his purchase and get out of the shop. The two walk together back to Dan's home, having decided to spend the day hanging out together since they won't see each other during the Golden Week. Along the road, Dan asked Ichika a question.

"You're not buying the CD? I thought you like Zwei Wing."

"Nah, already got one, signed personally by Amou Kanade herself."

Ichika replied with an evil smirk, making Dan stop in his track. He looked at him with open jaw like he had just said something ridiculous.

"H-how?! How could you always get a signed CD right on the day it is released!"

Ichika did not answer him. He only showed him a smug smile as he continued walking. Obviously he would get one copy of the single even before it was released directly from Kanade and Tsubasa themselves complete with their signature. Well, Kanade's signature at least because Tsubasa thought it is embarassing to give a signed CD to him of all people while in the base.

"I'm back!"

Ichika announced once he entered the Orimura household at around seven.

"Welcome back."

He heard a reply coming from the living room. There on the sofa lie Orimura Chifuyu wearing only a black tank-top and shorts with a can of beer on the floor near where her hand is dangling. Ichika sighs at how she is acting when she's at home. Nobody would've believed that the famed Brunhilde would be such a slacker when she's at home.

"Did you just got back or have you been waiting for a while?"

Ichika asked his sister who is in her slacker mode as he head to his room to change his clothes. He took off his blazer and shirt and changed his pants into shorts. He put on a simple white shirt he wears at home daily and head back to the living room. It's almost time for dinner and Chifuyu can't cook worth a damn.

"I've been waiting for a while. Where have you been?"

Chifuyu asked from the couch.

"I was with Dan. Since Golden Week starts tomorrow and I'll be going to Hokkaido, I figured we should at least hang out today. Speaking of which, what will you do while I'm in Hokkaido?"

Ichika asked back.

"I don't know. Maybe I should go back to the academy. Golden Week or not, there is always work for us teachers."

Chifuyu replied. Ichika sighs at her somewhat expected. She's already rarely home and without him around she might as well not go home at all. And with the kind of school she's teaching in, he has no doubt that she does have some work waiting for her.

It was a surprise to him that Chifuyu decided to become a teacher after her last tournament. As far as he remembered, her college degree is not related to teaching. But after he heard what school she's teaching in from Genjuuro, it kinda made a lot more sense.

While Chifuyu herself never told him or even hinted where she is teaching, Ichika with his own connections had found out that she is teaching in IS academy. He's not sure why she didn't just tell him where she is teaching. It's not like he won't approve of it. On the contrary, with her staying in the academy during the weekdays, it just gave Ichika more opportunity to spend his time with Section Two.

"You should learn to relax sometimes."

"Ehh, but I am relaxing right now~."

Chifuyu whined, a sight he is sure none of her students have ever seen before. She can be so serious and unbearably strict sometimes but when she's in her lazy mood, which is usually whenever she came home, she's like a lazy cat who would like to do nothing other than sunbathing for a whole day.

"You should at least learn how to do housework or cook for yourself. At this rate you'll never find any boyfriend."

Ichika said with a half teasing half serious manner. He then reflexively tilted his head to the right, allowing an object to soar past him harmlessly and hit the wall behind him, causing a small crack. How a rubber eraser can do that is beyond him and simply a testament of his sister's brute strength. He then heard Chifuyu spoke in a dangerous tone.

"What was that Ichika? Did you say something?"

"Nothing~"

Ichika playfully replied as he prepared the ingredients for tonight's dinner. It's just another normal day in the Orimura household, though he was honest in saying that that Chifuyu should at least learn how to cook for herself. At this rate, she'll really never get a boyfriend.

Orimura Chifuyu stood by the front door as she wait for Ichika to come out. As she thought, Ichika decided to wait until the last moments to pack his things. Fortunately, she doesn't have to wait any longer since Ichika came out before she decided to call him down.

"I'm ready, Chifuyu-nee."

Ichika said. He carries on his back a large backpack which, while large, doesn't seem to be able to fit enough provisions for a week. Then again, maybe he could fit a week's worth of necessities there. Boys doesn't pack as much as girls anyway.

"Let's go. You said that your train leaves at eight. We have one more hour to get to the station."

"That's plenty of time."

"Being early is better, Ichika."

Chifuyu chided him. She then went to open the garage. Inside is a single large blue and white bike that looks like it would fit in a kamen rider series. Ichika can't even tell what its original model is by looks alone, but he knew that it's a Yamaha because he recalled Chifuyu owning a Yamaha bike years ago. That bike was probably modified by Tabane into this thing he is currently seeing.

"Let's go."

Chifuyu said as she got onto her bike. She rarely ever used it now but she still maintains it every two weeks or so. Ichika got on the back seat and they departed from their house. It would take them around ten minutes to reach the station. Once they arrived at the station, Ichika got off from the bike and look around.

"Oi Ichika, over here!"

Ichika heard Kanade's voice calling him. He turn to the direction where her voice came from and saw her waving at him. Together with her are Tsubasa, Ryoko, and a red haired adult with a goatee. The red haired adult is Kazanari Genjuuro, Tsubasa's uncle. Chifuyu saw the group waiting for Ichika. Her eyes landed on both Genjuuro and Ryoko, two people she recognized.

Two years ago, just after finishing the final match in her last Mondo Grosso tournament, she was contacted by the Japanese government, specifically a government official by the name of Kazanari Fudou. The Kazanari family is a very powerful family involved in politics and military. Getting a call from the head of the family himself meant something big had happened.

Sure enough, she was informed of Ichika's kidnapping and that almost made her receive a heart attack. Fortunately, Fudou informed her that they have mobilized their resources to rescue Ichika and they have succeeded, relieving Chifuyu. According to Fudou, Ichika was kidnapped as a mean to blackmail Chifuyu into forfeiting the tournament, breaking her consecutive victories. Thankfully, their plan was thwarted before they can do anything.

But unfortunately, they cannot trace who sent these kidnapers due to the culprits being mafia of mixed nationality and the rescue was not clean either. Fudou then informed Chifuyu that Ichika would be returned to her once she returned to Japan. True to his words, Ichika was returned to her the moment she arrived back home. It was those two who delivered Ichika back to her.

"I'll see you again next week, Chifuyu-nee."

Ichika said his goodbye to Chifuyu. Chifuyu send him off with a smile as the boy joined his friends. Genjuuro nodded to Chifuyu while Ryoko waved goodbye. The group then left towards the station with Chifuyu watching them until they are out of sight. Once they got into the station, Chifuyu left with her bike, now heading towards IS Academy.

Once the Section 2 group got inside the station, they went to buy some bento to eat long the way. Half an hour later, the train that would take them to Hokkaido arrived. Five of them boarded the train and went to their respective seats. It will be a long ride but Ichika is rather excited.

Golden Week has begun.

-Hokkaido-

A boy with silver hair and grey eyes is scratching his head while he walked through a forest. He is looking at a map in confusion. He put the map into his suit's inner pocket and draw a black sword sheathed behind him to cut some vines and branches blocking his way.

"Did I make a wrong turn somewhere?"

The boy wondered. He looked up at the sky and sighed. His name is Lux Arcadia, a knight from Northern Europe. He is currently trying to find his way in a forest in Hokkaido, Japan, far away from his home. It's a request by his brother, Fugil Arcadia, to find and talk to the head of the Habakiri clan in Japan. It's a diplomatic task entrusted to him by his brother in order for him to learn about the outside world. To learn about other culture and diplomacy is what he said.

Lux had asked him why the Habakiri clan in particular since they are in Japan which is halfway across the globe from where they lived in Northern Europe. According to Fugil, The Habakiri clan is one of the oldest clan related to magic that still survives in Japan. They have a treasure trove of knowledge and most of all, they are the keeper of a seal that kept a living dragon slumbering.

That's right, a living dragon. One of the most powerful creature that ever walked the earth. They went extinct during the Age of Heroes thousands of years ago. Just by hearing that, Lux immediately agreed to Fugil's idea… which he's starting to regret. It has been an hour since he arrived in the forest where the Habakiri clan's hidden village is supposed to be but he can't seem to find the place.

"Maybe it's hidden by a spell?"

Lux wondered. He then heard the sound of rustling leaf. His instinct suddenly warned of an impending danger. He drew his sword again and turn around just in time to block an attack from a person. His assailant has long black hair and mismatched eyes and is definitely a female. She wore traditional Japanese clothing, a kimono if Lux recalled correctly. She held in her hand a dagger that had almost took his life.

The girl did not stop when her first attack was blocked. She continue attacking Lux with her dagger, forcing Lux to defend himself. He parried a stab which was followed up with an upward slash that he dodged. He barely managed to sidestep a kick which led him to the path of the girl's dagger. He managed to bring up his sword just enough to protect his neck.

Lux was awed with how smoothly her attacks flowed. The girl is fast and graceful and Lux knew that she's not showing her full capability. Lux parried a downward slash and their eyes finally met. Lux blushes despite the situation. The girl is one of the most beautiful girl he had ever met… but it's not the time to be entranced by a beauty.

As the girl was about to follow up with another attack, Lux quickly jumped back with his magic enhanced strength.

"Wait, wait a moment! Are you one of the Habakiri?"

Lux quickly shouted while holding up his hand, telling the girl to stop. The girl stopped and tilted her head.

"I am Lux arcadia from Atismata. I'm uhh… trying to find the Habakiri village."

"Arcadia? Ohh, you are that Arcadia boy we were expecting."

"You were expecting me?"

The girl nodded.

"We were, but you never showed up at the main gate."

"…main gate?"

Lux was confused. He then took out his map once again and checked it. The girl went to his side and took a peek at the map that depicts the area and a marker that shows where he's supposed to go. The girl looked at the map carefully and then chuckled, confusing Lux even further.

"You're holding the map upside down. The main gate is on the other side of the mountain."

Lux's eyes widened and he blushes in embarrassment. That was a really embarassing mistake. The girl chuckled in amusement before offering him a hand.

"I'll guide you to the village then, sir Arcadia. My name is Yoruka Habakiri and I will be your guide during your stay here."

Okay, this chapter officially starts the first arc of the story. I'm finally including the third part of this crossover officially with Lux Arcadia and Yoruka Kirihime's introduction. For Bahamut fans out there, sorry but I'll be butchering a lot of things in Bahamut canon due to the setting like Atismata now is a secret magical society instead of a kingdom. Before anyone ask, yes, Yoruka is the main heroine for the Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut side. She will also be somewhat different from canon Yoruka because of the setting. Next chapter we will have Section 2's arrival in Hokkaido and encountering Lux.