Anime Unleashed Chapter 46: Blue Days Red Switch, an anime x-overs fanfic

Ch. 46 Blue Days ~ Red Switch

The teachers' IS vanished; leaving Rai and the machine the only two left still able to fight. He looked across the field. Ichika and Charles's units were out of commission, and it looked like Laura would charge at any second. Rai looked at his hands.

"I don't think my fists are gonna cut it now," he assumed. Rai looked at the scythe in his grip. Last time, I blew myself off to the emergency room. I can take the hit, but I need something stronger. Something I can use to get Laura out of there, something…" He looked past the barrier in the sky. Behind a passing cloud came into view a structure that might give Rai the win.

One week earlier...

Rin made her way to the center of the field. She held out her bracelet as she prepared to summon her IS.

"What's this?" Another student called out.

"Hmm?" Rin turned her attention to Cecilia. She strolled by with not a care in the world.

"Up at the crack of dawn, I see? And here I thought I was going to be the first one to arrive."

"I'm here for some extra training so I can beat losers like you in the tournament," Rin informed her. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm doing the same thing." Cecilia boasted. They glanced at each other. Both were eager to win the prize.

"You wanna back up that fat mouth? Why don't we see who really is the best right now?"

"That's fine with me." Cecilia brushed away her hair. "Why don't we have a proper contest to sort this out? And then, we'll find out who's stronger and more elegant!"

"Agreed!" Rin nodded.

They veered left into the infirmary. Once inside, they ran into Ichika and Charles who were watching over the patients. Cecilia and Rin were in their beds with bandages on their arms and forehead.

"We heard *huff* the rumors," Rai tried catching his breath. "What the hell happened?" Cecilia turned away.

"…It was that German harpy," She answered.

With Cecilia in her Blue Tears and Rin in her Shenlong, they were prepared to go hand-to-hand in a private match.

BOOM!

A missile crashed between the two. When they looked to the left, they saw their classmate flying above the bleachers. She giggled at her misinterpreted aim. The screen appeared in front of Rin as she read the data from the IS.

[German Third-Generation]
[Intermediate Range Dual-Purpose]

"That's a German third-generation model, the Schwartzer Roegen!" Rin read out loud.

"Laura Bodewig…" Cecilia scowled. "You swine…"

"What's your issue? You shoot at China's Rep and you'll get back a world of hurt!" Laura looked over her monitors and classified each of her opponents' IS.

"So, China's Shenlong…" Laura examined. "…and England's Blue Tears, ja?" She grinned. "They appeared to be much stronger when I was looking at their data."

"What's that? Oh wait, now I understand. You're itching for a butt-kicking and you came all the way here so we can serve yours up on a platter!" Rin mocked her enemy. "Are you a masochist, or is that what you do for fun back at the potato fields?"

"Now, now, Ms. Rin," Cecilia playfully declined. "It would seem that our new playmate doesn't speak a civilized language. It's not nice to tease someone intellectually handicapped."

"My god," Laura shook her head. "I can't believe it's true. To think people like you have third-generation type machines like mine. A country that cares about cheap, ridiculous quantity…" Rin glared at her. "…and one that's about stale-old traditions." Cecilia glared at Laura. "They must be extremely short-handed."

"Is someone asking to be turned to scrap-metal?" Rin demanded.

"It would seem like that's the case!" Cecilia agreed.

"Hmph!" Laura scoffed. "Why don't you come at me together? It's impossible that I would lose to two mares fighting over that pony of a stallion."

"I don't know what you hear…" Rin deduced. "But, that sounded a lot like 'beat my stupid German ass senseless' to me!"

"Trust it to a German to disrespect someone not present!" Cecilia added. "However, I'll happily teach you the flaws in your manners and technology!" Laura reached out her hand. She ushered them to fight.

"Do your worst…" She smiled.

"Laura…" Kurumu guessed. Jolt hopped on the bed and presented the bouquet of yellow daisies in his mouth.

"Pika Pi," He held them to Rin. She smiled and took the flowers.

"Hey, don't I get any special treatment!?" Cecilia ordered. Yami moved beside her. She pulled a taiyaki from her brown bag.

"…" She handed her a piece.

"Still, it wasn't necessary for you to help me back there," Rin huffed.

"We surely would have won if only we were permitted to finish," Cecilia added while chewing her fish.

"In your dreams, maybe…" Ichika sighed. Charles stepped forward with two drinks on a tray.

"Stop putting up a front, you two," she suggested.

"Putting up a front?" Rai asked. Charles handed each of them a hot tea.

"You guys are embarrassed because someone you like saw you were losing. That is correct, no?"

"I…I have no idea what you're talking about!" Rin flustered. "Cross my heart!"

"I…I…I'm not putting up a front at all!" Cecilia rattled. "I'm just as confused as well!" They both drank their tea.

"Geez, all this because of Laura?" Kurumu wondered.

"Someone want to tell us how it started?" Rai asked.

"PFFFFFFFFFFFTTT!" They both spat their drinks and coughed.

"Well, that is..." Rin uttered.

"How should do I put it?" Cecilia mentioned. "Basically, she disrespected our female pride..."

"You mean what's left of it?" Kurumu snickered. Charles figured it out.

"I get it now!" She deduced. "Ichika is someone you—!"

*Grab!*

Rin and Cecilia pinned Charles to the bed. They covered her mouth before she can say anymore.

"You certainly have a lot to say, don't you!?" Rin whispered.

"Honestly..." Cecilia argued. "I couldn't agree with you more!"

"Alright, cut it out," interrupted Ichika. "You two have been moving too much despite being seriously injured." Ichika tried removing the girls.

"Dude, I wouldn't..." Rai suggested. Ichika touched their shoulders.

Pat!

The patients cringed in pain from the slight touch.

"See, you're obviously still in pain."

"It didn't before..." Yami noted.

"Don't overdo it." Ichika smiled. "That would be just foolish."

"Foolish?!" Rin detested. "Who are you calling foolish? Fool!"

"You are the biggest fool here, Ichika!" Cecilia shouted.

"Yeah, you big dummy dumb-head!"

"Geez, is this a girl thing?" Ichika didn't know what was going on. Kurumu and Yami both shot him a cold stare. A chill ran down his spine.

"...Ladies," Rai walked up. He patted Ichika on the head. "I sincerely apologize for my friend's incompetence."

"Well, at least someone here has some common sense," Cecilia folded her arms.

Rattle! Rattle!

The shelves shook with medicine bottles. It wasn't long until the noise of rushing feet grew louder.

Boom!

A parade of girls stormed into the infirmary shrieking and running up to the boys.

"Orimura!"

"Dunois!"

"Ortega!"

All the girls circled around them.

"W…What's going on?" Ichika asked. Yami approached one of the girls.

"…Why is everyone here?" She questioned.

"Look!"

Every girl pulled out a flyer with information about the upcoming class match.

"What the crap?" Kurumu snatched one and started skimming it. Charles looked over her shoulder and read the news.

"Students must form pairs for this month's tournament in order to conduct the most practical simulated matches," she recited. "If you're unable to form a pair, your partner will be chosen by a drawing."

"When's the deadline?" Rai asked.

"Anyway, just pick me, Orimura!" A female student declared.

"Pair up with me, Dunois!" Another cried. Ichika clasped his hands together and apologized.

"Sorry, everyone, but I'm pairing up with Charles, so forget about it!"

"...Well, if that's the case…"

The girls exited the infirmary.

"I suppose it's okay if two guys are teaming up."

"I think it's hot!"

Ichika let out a sigh of relief.

*Grab!*

Rin took Ichika by the arm.

"You need to pair up with me!" She ordered. "We're childhood friends, aren't we?" Cecilia grabbed his other arm.

"No, he has to pair up with me since I'm his classmate!" She announced.

"No, you won't!" Ms. Yamada interjected. She checked the virtual pad in her hand. "I'm afraid the damage reading on both of your IS are above Level C."

"That doesn't sound too bad," Kurumu scratched her head.

"Either way, you can't participate in the tournament."

"No way!" Rin argued. "I can fight just fine!"

"I just don't understand what you're on about!" added Cecilia .

"No means no!" Ms. Yamada ordered. "If you don't focus on repairs for a while, it will lead to major problems in the long-run." Rin and Cecilia both pouted. The two nodded at each other.

"Listen up, you three!" Rin declared. "You have to win the tournament no matter what!"

"I want you to give it all you've got!" Cecilia ordered. "Remember, you're doing it for us as well."

"What?" Kurumu noted. "And leave us out of the fun?" She folded her arms.

"We will not fail…" Yami nodded as she ate her taiyaki.

"Yes, of course," Charles added. "We will do our best to meet your expectations." Ms. Yamada looked at the group.

"What a beautiful friendship…" she smiled.

The starry sky draped over the IS academy. The group decided to go back to the dorms while the patients recovered. Charles looked over at Rai with Kurumu and Yami following right behind him. Jolt viewed up at her.

"Pi?" He tugged on her jean.

"Oh…" Charles fiddled with her hands. "Um, Ichika…"

"Hmm?" Ichika replied. "What's up, Charles?"

"I know it's a little late saying this, but thank you for helping me back there."

"…Did I do something?"

"You know, at the nurse's office. You told them that we were pairing up for the tournament, remember? I was really happy when you did that. But…" She looked over at Rai. "…I would prefer to be partnered with Raimundo, if that is alright."

"Rai? No, I don't mind at all." He turned to him. "Is that cool with you?"

"Me?" Rai blinked. He turned to Charles.

"It would be wise to consider…" said Yami.

"…Oh!" Rai realized. "Yeah, sure! Sounds like a plan."

"Thank you, Raimundo." She blushed. "You're so sweet." Rai scratched his cheek.

"Well," Kurumu stretched. "It's getting late, so I think we better hit the clay."

"It's hay…" Yami corrected.

"…Alright, then," Ichika and Charles walked ahead. "Guess we'll see you guys at the competition." The group dispersed to their own dorms.

Room 1963

Rai sat at his desk reading the thick, gray book on the table. He went through studying the IS and its many different characteristics and functions. With one hand turning the page, the other held his face from leaning on the counter. Yami petted Jolt while resting on the bed. Kurumu unfurled her clothes and wrapped herself in a towel.

"How's the studying going?" The succubus asked.

"It's long, complicated, and starting to put me to sleep," Rai answered. "…It's going great." When he saw Kurumu in her towel, she quickly returned to his book. She teased him by leaning on his side.

"You're really hitting the books, aren't you?" He turned the page.

"If I want to win next week, I'm gonna need all the info I can get on the machine I can use."

"That goes for us as well," Yami added. Kurumu knew her antic wasn't working and grabbed her night gown.

"Come on," Kurumu observed. "You know those two will make a great match."

*Riiiiiiiiip!*

Rai tore a page out from his book.

"WHO—WHAT!?" Rai stuttered. Kurumu stared curiously.

"…You and Charles…for the tag team competition."

"Oh…" Rai settled down. "…Right." He grabbed a roll of tap and repaired the pages.

"Rai, is there something you want to tell us?" Rai looked at her and Yami.

"…W—What do you mean?"

"You know: the hanging around, the way you're looking at each other…" Kurumu looked away in shame as she faked her tears. "If you're really playing for the other side, you don't have to hide it from us." Rai sweat dropped.

"…Yeah, sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm as straight as an arrow." Rai went back to studying.

"…Even an arrow bends in the wind…" Yami added.

"…Not helping…" Rai wasn't amused. Kurumu giggled as she took her things to shower. Rai tapped his finger on the desk. "If only we caught a glimpse of that fight, I'd know what Laura was capable of."

Knock-Knock!

It came from the door. "Hmm?" Rai walked over and looked outside.

Creek!

"…Hello?"

"Er, Raimundo," Charles replied. "Good evening!"

"Hey, Charles. What brings you here?"

"Might I…come in?"

"...Sure, I guess?" Rai stepped aside and allowed her in. Jolt twitched his ears as soon as Charles entered the room.

"Pi?" Rai sat down next to him.

"Jolt, there's something that I need to tell you…" Jolt blinked. "Man, how do I put it…?"

"Pi…?" Jolt looked over at Charles as she slowly removed her jacket. His face turned pale. "…PIKA!?"

"Charles…is a woman." Jolt paused.

"…Pika?" Jolt looked over to Charles. She untied her hair and removed the bandages from inside her shirt. Her physique was now feminine. "Pikachu…" Jolt gave a sigh of relief.

"Just make sure no one else finds out until we know for sure how to handle this, okay?" Jolt looked over to Charles, then to Yami.

"…Pika," He nodded. Rai went back to his desk and continued cramming. Charles stood behind him.

"What are you doing now, Raimundo?" She asked.

"Just doing some research. Without practice until the match, I can't predict what Laura 's gonna throw at us." Rai closed the book. "If only…" Rai had an idea. "...Wait! You were there, weren't you Charles?"

"I was where?"

"When Laura fought Rin and Cecilia!"

"Oui. I didn't just watch, but I fought her nonetheless." Rai looked around the desk.

"Anyone got a pen?" Charles pulled out a pen from her pants. Rai tore a page from the textbook…again. He folded it over and began writing. "Alright Charles, I need to know as much detail about her IS that you can tell me." She nodded.

"Very well…"

One hour later...

Rai turned the sheet over.

"That should do it," Rai assured. "Thanks again for the intel."

"My pleasure," Charles responded. Yami settled Jolt on the bed while she went to the balcony for some air. Jolt scuttled into the pillow and curled himself to sleep.

"Well, good night, Charles." Rai stood up and moved to the closet. He began removing his shirt.

"Actually," Charles spoke. "I was wondering if you would let me change here." Rai stopped. "I didn't want Ichika to find out if I were to change in my room."

"...Here?" He put his shirt back on. "Okay, just let me step out for a minute." He moved toward the door.

"No, wait! It's alright. I'd feel bad because it's not fair to you when it's your room...and I don't really mind."

"No, no it's cool. I just wanted to make sure you had some privacy."

"But, since we're both guys, the others might get suspicious if they see you outside while I am changing."

"...Yeah, there's that." He looked at the bathroom door. "Then, there's Kurumu if she starts telling everyone." He nodded. "Okay, you look near the balcony and I'll watch the doors." The two stood apart from each other and turned in opposite directions. Rai removed his blazer followed by the buttoned shirt. He tossed the pieces on the chair. He lowered his pants to his feet.

"Ahh!" Charles cried.

Thud!

Rai turned around.

"You alright?" What he saw was Charles's face on the ground and her butt sticking in the air. Her pants fell at her ankles.

"My leg got caught…" Luckily, she still had her panties on.

"...Whoa..." Charles's face grew red as she noticed Rai staring. She was ready to scream. "Wait; don't—!" Rai sealed her mouth with his hand.

Creek!

The bathroom door opened.

"I'm finished!" Kurumu called out.

"Crap!" Rai looked around. He grabbed Charles and rolled underneath the bed on the left. Kurumu walked over to her side.

"Whew," she said relieved. Charles and Rai could see her legs as she moved around the room. Rai viewed Charles and mouthed his words.

T-r-y t-o k-e-e-p q-u-i-e-t... Charles nodded. Kurumu's towel dropped.

"Good thing Rai's not here to see me change." She fitted her gown. "Then again, every time I try to show him, he has to act like the mature one." She huffed. "Hmph!"

*Kick!*

Charles kicked Rai's leg.

O-W-W! He turned to her. Charles looked away from him. Yami entered the room from the balcony.

"Hey Shrimp," Kurumu greeted her.

"...Finally finished?" Yami responded.

"Yeah, it was nice~." She started tying the knot to her gown. Yami viewed the bed. She could see Rai's face poking out from underneath the sheets.

S-O-S! Kurumu finished dressing.

"Let me guess, Rai went out with the boys?" Yami blinked.

"...Yes..." She replied.

"Alright, then..." Kurumu detected Rai's blazer resting on the chair. She then saw one more on the bed. "...Who's is that?" Rai and Charles froze.

"...It's Rai's..."

"...Is that so..." Yami inched near the bed. Kurumu detected the pants sticking out from below her bed. "If it's his, then why are they different sizes?" She bent down to check underneath. Rai grabbed Charles and pulled her on top of the bed. They jumped over Kurumu onto the other loft.

"Pika?!" Jolt bounced while the two made a quick rush into the closet. Kurumu lifted from the floor and checked the area.

"...He probably shrunk it again." Kurumu theorized.

"Pikapi?" Jolt rubbed his head. She went to throw the clothes inside the closet.

"I keep telling him to stop using hot water." Yami snatched Jolt from the bed.

"Pika!?" She tossed him out the balcony.

WHOOOOOOOOSH!

"CHUUUUUUU!?" Jolt went flying into the night.

"What the!?" Kurumu rushed out and flew after him. Rai and Charles climbed out of hiding.

"...That was close," Rai breathed.

They both finished dressing into their night apparels. Rai escorted Charles out the door.

"We should do this again sometime." He chuckled.

"Yes, we should," Charles giggled at his sarcasm. The two waved goodnight. Charles walked down the hallway while Rai returned to the room.

I must say, he was more forceful than I expected. If it were just the two of us…She blushed. …Let's just go to bed, oui! She felt a slight chill in her pants. …!?

Kurumu came back with Jolt breathing for his life. "Geez, what's with you guys?" Yami stood by the desk in her nighttime sleepwear.

"Night guys," Rai wished them off to bed. He sat down on the chair to continue studying.

"Honestly, am I the only one out of the loop?" Kurumu lifted her sheets. A pair of white laced panties fell on the floor. Everyone stared as she picked it up. "…Rai…" He started sweating.

"…They're mine," Yami interrupted. Everyone turned to her. She took the underwear from Kurumu and went to change in the bathroom.

"..There you go," Rai spoke.

Battle Stadium (1 week later...)

The crowd was littered with upper-class students watching and anticipating for the match to begin. Inside the locker rooms, the contestants were gearing in their suits.

"Wow, this is something," Ichika said out loud. Rai and Charles came out from the locker section to see the bracket. There were also video screens of prestige onlookers from the higher balconies.

"Those are recruiters for the seniors," Charles explained. "And for the sophomores, people come to see the results after a year of training." Ichika finished putting on his torso.

"I take my hat off to them." Rai looked at the screen.

"It looks like they're about to announce the line-up," he deduced. He turned to Ichika who continued to stare at the screen. "You ready for your fight against Laura?" Ichika shook his head.

"Yeah, you could say that."

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

"That's good to know," Rai replied sarcastically. The screen completely wiped out and revealed blocks for the first round.

"Look, they're about to post the first matches." The three looked up at the contestants.

*GASP!*

Everyone held their breath.

From the girl's locker room, Houki, Yami, and Kurumu were just as surprised at the first four combatants.

What the hell are they trying to do!? Houki thought.

There's no way Raimundo can win! Kurumu gripped her fist. Yami continued staring with concern.

[Ichika Orimura/ Raimundo Ortega]

[VS]

[Laura Bodewig/ Charles Dunois]

Ichika, Rai, and Charles looked at one another.

"I thought you put the registry for us to be partners?" Rai asked.

"I thought you were the one who would handle it!" Charles replied.

"Then," Ichika spoke out. "I guess that makes us rivals…"

Battle Stadium

On one side of the field were Raimundo and Ichika. On the other side were Charles and Laura. All of them were as determined to win in this fight.

"…To think I'm going to face you on the very first match," Laura whispered. "How very convenient. Now I don't even have to wait."

"Yeah, that's how I feel," Ichika replied. "Like Christmas, but with more violence…" Rai looked at Charles. She viewed back.

"Charles!" Rai shouted. "…Give it your all!" Charles nodded and smiled. The crowd watched in silence as the countdown started.

[05]

Rin, Jolt, and Cecilia watched from the stadium.

[04]

The recruiters kept their focus on the four combatants.

[03]

Ms. Yamada and Chifuyu watched the match from the cameras in the observation deck.

[02]

Kurumu and Yami sat in the lower bleachers.

[01]

Laura and Ichika: "I'LL CRUSH YOU!"

[00]

Ichika rushed in with his blade. The bright saber swung over his shoulder right at Laura. Laura raised her right hand.

BWOOOM!

A bright wall of light appeared in front of her. Ichika was frozen.

"Just as I expected," Rin noted.

"…A. I. C." Cecilia added. "And I thought he understood it now."

"Never heard of it," Rai responded.

"It stands for Active Inertial Canceller," Charles explained. Rai continued jotting down notes." The Schwartzer Roegen's third-generation weapon. It is capable of cancelling all inertia."

"According to Bill Nye, inertia is the property of matter…" He paused. "…Wait, so it's like a shield that can stop anything?"

"Oui, that's exactly it."

"A preemptive attack right after the match begins?" Laura noted. "You're so predictable."

"Thanks," Ichika replied. "I'm glad you're able to read my mind." Laura lowered her cannon at Ichika's face. Her round reticle digitized in front of her right eye.

BAM!

Rai bashed Laura from the side. She slid across the dirt until she started gliding to avoid his close-range combat.

"Oh no, you don't!" Rai went dashing after her.

"Wow," Kurumu blinked. "He pulled it off." Yami nodded.

Bratatatatatatatatatatat!

The bullets zoomed after Rai's trail. He swerved backward until he saw where the bullets came from. Charles zoned in on Rai with her machine guns.

"Do not forget that I am still here!" Charles announced. She continued firing at Rai's position. He held his shield forward and blocked the attacks.

Bratatatatatatat!

Ichika charged forward.

CLANG!

His blade forced its way onto Charles's guns. Rai gripped his sword and readied to strike. Ichika grinned at their combined attack.

Whappah!

A red vine latched itself around Charles's leg.

WHOOOSH!

Charles was pulled from Ichika. Laura reigned in her catch and tossed her overhead.

"What are you doing!?" She yelled. Laura ignored her cry and focused on the target.

Crash!

Charles rolled across the ground until she regained her footing. Meanwhile, Laura and Ichika crossed blades in their duel

"Laura didn't exactly help Charles," Rin suggested.

"She moved her out of the way…" Yami noted.

"Pikachu…" Jolt's ears dropped. Their swords continued to clash. From Laura's armor came out two pairs of ropes diverging around their battle. They honed in on Rai from both sides.

"There are also her remote grapplers you should be aware of," Charles added.

"Remote grapplers…got it." Rai wrote down. "Any idea what they look like?"

Whish!

Yami's hair vined around and snatched another book beside Rai. She pulled it close and read.

"…Much like that," Charles noted. "Try not to get caught before they strangle you."

Rai ducked underneath and jumped. "Over, and under..." He leapt through an opening and kept his distance."And through the loop!" Charles went running with her rifles ready.

Bratatatatatatatatatatat!

She fired at Ichika.

Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping!

Rai used his sword to deflect as much bullets as he can.

"Sorry, Charles," Rai declared. "But, you're dancing with me today."

Ms. Yamada and Chifuyu watched the match closely as well as Rai and Ichika's strategy.

"Hmm…" Ms. Yamada inspected. "Do you think their plan is to go after Mr. Dunois first?"

"Not the best strategy," Chifuyu explained. "But, Bodewig doesn't understand the advantage of having anyone else on her side in a combat situation. She's been unable to think of her partner as an asset from the start."

"On contrast to Bodewig's approach, the coordination that Orimura and Ortega have displayed has been simply brilliant!"

"Well, I would expect nothing less from them."

Rai and Charles were pitted in a final standstill. She brought out her assault rifle and aimed at Rai's chest.

"You're fast…" Rai spoke. He grabbed the barrel and aimed it upward.

Poomb! Poomb! Poomb! Poomb! Poomb! Poomb!

She continued firing until it was emptied of ammo. Rai drew his blade and brought it over his right shoulder.

SLASH!

His sword bashed right through her defenses. She stumbled backward.

Pshhhhhhh!

Charles's IS lowered to the ground with steam emanating from her joints. Her machine guns vanished and the messages on her screen flashed across her face.

[SHIELD ENERGY]
[0]

[UNABLE TO CONTINUE THE BATTLE]

"…But I'm faster." Rai smiled. Charles looked up to him and smiled back.

"…It appears so," she replied. Rai quickly turned to aid Ichika. He broke in between their fight and separated their distances. "Sorry I'm late."

"Hey," Ichika welcomed him. "Just glad to see you're still in one piece." He looked around. "Where's Charles?"

"He's put on hold for now."

"That's awesome." Ichika took his stance. "But I have something else up my sleeve."

[UNIT POWER]
[64%]
[79%]
[87%]
[93%]
[100%]

[Reiraku Byakuya]

[AVAILABLE FOR USE]

[Energy Conversion Rate]
[Above 90%]

Ichika's IS radiated a golden aura over his body. He rushed at Laura with full power. Rai honedin from the front. Laura raised her hand and activated her A. I. C. She stopped Rai in his tracks.

"GYAAAAAA!" Ichika came swinging in from above.

Boom!

Laura jumped away and took off. Ichika gripped his blade. "…One more time!" He went dashing again. Laura unleashed her wave of grapplers at Ichika. He jumped over and around each vine until he was charging in for a strike. Laura grinned.

"Persistence is futile," she mocked him. Her A. I. C. shield went back on and halted Ichika's strike. Her massive cannon loaded for fire.

"Sorry, Laura!" Ichika noted. "You're forgetting something!"

"What?!"

"There are two people on our team, remember?"

"I didn't!" Rai acknowledged. He jumped out from behind Ichika. He threw his sword until it spun like a whirling buzz saw.

Slice!

The blade scratched off a piece of her turbines.

"See that?" She backed away from the two. "So predictable."

"Another combination?" Ms. Yamada noticed.

"So," Chifuyu explained. "He's finally realized the crucial weakness of the A. I. C."

"Huh?"

"Its overall effectiveness...can only be sustained when your focus remains on your target."

"Go get her, Rai!" Kurumu cheered.

"Pika Pika!" Rai went dashing in and picked up his sword from the ground. He tried landing a few swings on her. She took to the skies to avoid his assault. It wasn't until Ichika dove in with another Reiraku Byakuya strike. He came down for the final swing.

"HYAAAAAA!"

Bzzzzt!

His blade ceased its power and stopped glowing.

[SHIELD ENERGY]
[48]

"Aww, you can't keep fighting now that your shield energy has been exhausted now, can you?" Laura ridiculed him. She pulled out her violet blade and swung at him. Ichika dodged to his left.

Ka-chink!

Rai's sword clashed onto Laura's. She tossed it aside and fired her ropes at him. "Now you're just in my way!" The first rope went around his torso.

KA-CHANK!

The other impaled his right shoulder guard.

"Raimundo!" Charles cried.

SLASH!

Laura hacked her sword at Ichika.

Bam!

His back hit the dirt.

"Raaaaaaaargh!" Laura went in for a final strike.

BAM!

Rai bashed into Laura with his left shoulder guard. She went tumbling across the center field.

"I'm not out of the game yet!" He shouted. Laura took Rai's sword and bent the blade with her bare hands.

CRACK!

She tossed the two pieces front of him.

"Now you don't have any weapons left to fight me with."

"I still have these!" Rai held out his fists. He went in for a full assault.

"Why won't you just die!?" Laura raised her shield. Rai pushed forward at top speed.

"Come on, come on..." They were face-to-face. "COME ON!"

FWOOOOOOSH!

Rai's fist enveloped in a gulf of flame.

CRASH!

Rai penetrated through Laura's shield with his burning fist.

"NEIN!" Laura cried. "It's piercing the shield barrier!" In an instant, he made contact with her torso.

[SHEILD ENERGY]
[459]
[426]
[400]
[371]
[352]
[314]
[309]
[287]
[264]
[237]
[205]
[188]
[162]
[140]

She exhausted a large breath before she was sent flying into the wall.

BOOM!

The crowd stood silent as the black cloud fumed from Laura's machine.

"...Whoa," Ichika awed. Rai looked down at his hands. They were coated in a yellow blaze, but felt neither pain nor burning at his fingers.

"What the hell is this now?" Rai questioned.

"...How did he do that?" Kurumu asked.

"It must be his new skill..." Yami suggested. From the deck, Chifuyu blinked at Rai's actions.

"Rai!" Ichika yelled to him. "Finish it!" Rai snapped out of his trance.

"Oh, right!" He went charging for Laura. He shoved her against the wall. "It's time we start draining that shield energy!" He clenched his fist.

Punch!

"Sorry!"

Punch!

"Just a little more!"

Punch!

As Rai continued depleting her shield, Laura's mind was losing consciousness.

No, I can't lose... She thought. There's no way I can lose like this! I can't!

...DNA reinforced specimen C0037. Your new identity is now...Laura Bodewig.

...I was made...for the sole purpose of fighting. Born and bred, training my entire life in expectation. I was superior. I…was an elite. I aimed for the highest level. But, that was before the world's greatest weapon appeared: the IS. In order to raise my conformance to it as quickly as possible, I had nanomachines implanted into my eye. I was willing to accept the modification. But, my body rejected them fiercely, and as a result...I was branded a failure. One day, a man appeared before the board and offered to help me with this "new power"…this "reaper" he called himself. To achieve my purpose, they took it without hesitation...it was a success. However, it was too late. The project was dismissed before the tests could even begin, and the man had vanished without a trace. That...was when I met that person...and everything changed. She was an extremely skilled instructor. Once again, in the IS dedicated unit, I had risen to become the best.

"I want to become as strong as you are!" Laura confessed. "What is it that makes you so strong?" Chifuyu stopped to look at the roses.

"I do it…for my younger brother…" She answered. Laura was in shock.

…No. But why is it you look so soft? You have great strengths, dignity, and confidence? Those things are what I admire in you. ...That is why I cannot forgive him. The man who can change my instructor like this. I won't acknowledge this...I want more power...

Do you wish for it? Do you want to obtain greater power?

…Give me that power! GIVE ME UNPARALLELED POWER!

[Damage Level…D]
[Mind Control…uplift]
[Certification…clear]
-Valkyrie Trace System-
[…Bodewig]

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Laura screamed at the top of her lungs. A warp of red electricity flailed about from her center. Rai went flying backwards from the sudden blast. The lightning flared upward until it engulfed Laura's IS. Ichika and the students watched the horror as Laura's machine started melting and her entire became body swallowed in a creamy, black sludge.

"What the…!?" Rai cautioned.

"My God!" Ichika cried.

*SHINE!*

A light from Rai's leg glowed immensely.

"Security alert," Chifuyu ordered. "Level D."

"Yes, ma'am," Ms. Yamada responded. The massive black sludge overtook Laura and grew in size. Its form changed as hands and legs merged outward. Ichika could only stare as it took its new form.

"What is that thing?!" Kurumu yelled. The sirens started going off.

["This is a state of emergency. All tournament matches are cancelled. This situation has been classified Level D and we are sending instructors to bring this matter under control."]

The students jumped out of their seats and ran for the exit. The same goes for the recruiters in the upper balcony.

["All guests and students must evacuate immediately."]

"Ichika…" Rin stared at the scenario.

"Let's go!" Kurumu declared. Yami nodded.

"Pika!" Jolt jumped from his seat toward the awning.

CLAMP!

The shutters closed off the view to the outside.

Bonk!

Jolt knocked his head into the metal. Yami stretched her hair.

Slash! Slash! Slash!

She sliced at the metal, but hardly made a scratch.

"It's no use…" Yami deduced.

"Now what!?" Kurumu asked. The monster clay morphed into its final shape. Charles exited her IS and went running toward Rai.

"What is that thing?" She asked.

"Definitely…" Rai stood back. "…not good." The IS matched Rai's matched in armor and appearance. The one important trait about it was the rounded hair and the long ponytail down its back. A large sword mutated from its right hand.

"…Yukihira…" Ichika whispered. He grit his teeth. "Just like my sister Chifuyu's…"

"That thing out there seems to be completely different from the one that attacked here last month," Ms. Yamada analyzed. "What do think happened to Laura Bodewig?"

Ichika's breathing grew more furious. His grip on his sword tightened. Rai turned to the angered Ichika.

"Hey, Ichika…" Rai called to him. "Don't do it…"

"This one's mine!" He held his blade out.

WHISH!

The machine moved at high speed.

CLANK!

It crashed the sword onto Ichika's. It fell across the ground and disintegrated. Ichika looked upward and saw the creature raise its blade.

KA-CHANK!

Ichika blocked the strike with his left arm. He tumbled backward while his IS vanished. A stream of blood dripped down his forearm.

"…He did it," Rai rolled his eyes. "Charles, get Ichika out of here!"

"Oui!" Charles ran after Ichika.

That sword technique…Ichika realized. That's the first technique that I ever learned from Chifuyu! He gripped his arm trying to shake off the sharp pain. His anger developed the longer he stared at the machine. Damn you…The creature walked over to Ichika. You're copying my sister to fight me? HOW DARE YOU! "I'LL MAKE YOU PAY!"

"Ichika!" Charles grabbed his bloody arm. "We have to go!"

"LET ME GO, DAMN IT! SHE'S REALLY PISSING ME OFF! I'LL DESTROY HER!" The creature tilted its head.

"What's going on?" Ms. Yamada asked. "Why isn't she moving?"

"Perhaps it's some kind of automatic program that responds to weapons and attack?" Chifuyu theorized.

"An automatic program? Then that would mean Ms. Bodewig's will is…"

"YO!" Rai shouted. The creature turned its head. "You still in there, Laura?" Rai ripped the hidden cellphone from his leg. The bandages flew in the wind. "Last I checked, we didn't decide on the winner." With one push on the screen, Rai's scythe materialized right in front of him. He grabbed a hold on the staff. It now extended to proper IS usage. He tossed the phone over to Charles. She caught it with an open hand.

"Stay out of this, Rai!" Ichika ordered.

"Not gonna happen, Ichika."

WHOOSH!

The creature went zooming at Rai. He swerved backward and skid across the ground. "This is my fight now." It continued forcing precision swings at Rai's armor.

"Ichika, come on!" Charles begged.

"Let me go!" Ichika fell to the ground. "She's using Chifuyu's technique. That's my sister's and my sister's alone!" A swarm of black tentacles went seeping out at Rai.

"I doubt she can do this!" Rai propelled his scythe and chopped away the appendages. He swerved back around her and went circling the field. The creature followed right behind. She's not letting up. If I don't stop her now…A group of female teachers floated toward the mechanized enemy. Rai zipped by while they took aim.

Bratatatatatatatatatatatatatatatat!

The creature morphed into slime and swerved around every shot. It grabbed the first teacher and tossed her into the one behind her. It swung its sword at the third and immediately kicked the fourth against the steel clamp.

BAM!

The crash molded a small hole in the wall.

"Look!" Cecilia pointed. "There's a way out!" Kurumu and Yami flew to inspect the opening.

"It's no good," Kurumu announced. "It's too small." Yami grabbed the open-ends and started pulling. The more she tugged, the more a centimeter of metal bent. Kurumu pulled Yami's hair and tugged. Jolt ran up the hair over Kurumu.

"Pika!" Jolt squeezed through the opening.

[UNIT POWER]
[35%]

"Ichika…" Charles tried reasoning with him. "There's nothing we can do about this."

"…You're wrong," he answered. "You're dead wrong. I don't want to fight, but I have to. Because…because this is about me too!"

"Pikachu!" Jolt went running toward Charles and Ichika.

"Oh!" Charles said surprised. "Isn't this Rai's little friend?"

"You?" Jolt looked over. He saw Rai being backed to a corner.

"Pika!" Jolt charged into the freight.

"Wait!" Charles cried.

"PIKA…" Jolt's cheeks sparked. "CHUUUUUU!"

BZZZZZZZZZZTTT!

A stream of lightning shot out at the machine. The static cloaked the armor until it paralyzed and dropped to its knees.

"Jolt!?" Rai noticed the strike. He quickly zoomed past and snatched Jolt up. He made his way quickly to the others.

"I-It just fired electricity!" Charles said astounded.

"Electric mouse," Rai replied. "Always good to have one." Jolt jumped to Charles. "Ichika, think you can help me out?"

"…I can't." Ichika couldn't bear to say those words. "I'm out of power…there's nothing I can do." Charles looked at Ichika, then back at Jolt.

"Actually," Charles smiled. "Sometimes, the solution to no power is to simply borrow some." She took Ichika's arm and opened his metallic bracelet. "Energy transfer authorized." She looked over to Rai. "Now, we need to refuel the core energy. First," Charles pointed at Ichika. "...Promise me...that you won't lose this fight." Ichika turned to Rai and Charles who smiled at him. He smiled back.

"…You got a deal! I'm no man if I lose, right?" She turned to Rai.

"However, if Raimundo loses first, he'll be coming to school in a girl's uniform!" Rai cocked an eyebrow.

"…You're on!" He agreed. Ichika and Jolt cringed for a second. Rai looked at his static partner. "You ready, buddy?"

"Pikachu!" Jolt's static flailed with anticipation.

"Let's do it! Thunderbolt; max power!" Jolt jumped on Ichika's arm.

"Pika…CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" The electricity surged from Jolt into the power band.

"I'll get her ready. I'll be back when you're good to go." The machine slowly recovered to its feet.

"Right," Ichika responded.

"Now to finish this!" He went back into the fight. The machine went rushing in. Jolt held tightly on to the bracelet.

[Remember the name - Fort Minor]

"CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" Jolt gave it his all as he charged Ichika's IS.

WHOOSH!

Rai took to the sky with Laura's machine after him.

"Alright, just like we practiced." Rai zipped around the sky. The machine slashed and hacked with each opportunity given. To Rai's surprise, he managed to avoid each hit. He flipped forward toward the ground. As Rai reached below, he skidded across the dirt and made a sharp, right turn zooming past the machine.

"CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" Jolt let loose his static. "Pika…Pika…" He huffed after releasing more than half his power. He held on tight for one last burst. "PIKA...CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

As Rai skyrocketed upward, he spun and planted his feet on the barrier shield.

"That's it…a little more…" The machine swung out its sword. Rai immediately pushed off.

CRASH!

The barrier shattered. A hole opened to the outside. Jolt tumbled to the ground with Charles quickly catching him.

"The transfer should be complete," she informed.

"Thanks, little guy," Ichika patted the exhausted pikachu. He tapped on his bracelet. "Re-activating the Byakushiki in single-pole mode." In a bright light, Ichika summoned his machine's right arm and sword.

"Oh, I guess it was only effective on the right arm and the weapon." He swung outward.

"Good enough." Rai closed in. He sheathed his scythe on the back of his unit.

"You ready?"

"Yeah!" Rai grabbed Ichika and lifted him off the ground. He activated his thrusters and left through the barrier. The machine followed after them. Rai noticed his one arm weapon.

"Think that'll be enough?" He asked.

"…I know it will," Ichika answered. He focused the power in his sword. "Reiraku Byakuya…activate!" His aura radiated bright yellow as he revealed the shining blade. Rai raised their elevation until they were above the highest building on the island. They hovered in mid-air waiting for the machine to charge.

"Hey, Ichika." The machine zoomed in on the two.

"Yeah?" It raised its sword over its shoulder.

"You mind holding my scythe?" The machine went for a forceful swing.

"WHAT!" Rai spun once until he tossed Ichika in the air.

CLANK!

Rai blocked the strike with his arms crossed.

[SHEILD ENERGY]
[15]

He threw his scythe into the sky. Rai gripped his fist until it became shrouded in a coat of flames.

BAM!

Rai sent an uppercut straight into the creature's jaw. As it flew upward, Ichika descended down on it.

"NOW!" Rai shouted. Ichika brought his sword overhead.

"Let's go, you cheap imitation!" Ichika declared.

SLASH!

Ichika sliced a tear in its body. It revealed Laura in an unconscious state falling out of her suit. Rai grabbed the exoskeleton of the machine.

"It's back to the junkyard for you!" He let out a meteor punch and sent it straight into the needle of the building. The torso was pierced until it remained lifeless on the tower. Ichika snatched the spinning scythe and latched around the building's loop until he was dangling on the side. "We did it!" Ichika quickly pointed below.

"Laura!" Her body was still dropping.

"SHIT!" Rai put all his remaining power from his unit and shield energy into the thrusters. "LAURA!"

DOOOSH!

Rai raced at her before she was nearly feet from the ground.

*GRAB!*

-WARNING-
[EXCEEDING LIFE SUPPORT]

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!

Rai plowed across the grass creating a dirt trail. The crash through the campus fields had his armor parts flying everywhere in different directions. His impact continued until it gradually slowed to a halt by a parked vehicle.

Boop! Boop! Boop!

The alarm went off.

"…Why do you try to stay strong? …Why are you strong?"

"Well, first, there's the protein in meat. …But, seriously, I do it because I need to be. You know, for others we want to protect."

"Others…you want to protect? I don't understand…"

"If there is someone or something you care most for, you're going to give it your best to keep them safe. It's putting your own safety aside for the sake of others."

"…But it sounds…exactly like her."

"I don't know who she is…" Rai answered. "But, she might be right." He smiled. "And that's why…we're willing to protect you too."

"But, I am not…" Laura woke up in the infirmary. She turned her attention to the teacher sitting next to her bed. "Mentor…what has happened to me?"

"…This matter is of upmost importance, and also highly classified," Chifuyu informed. "What do you know about the V.T. system?"

"…You are talking about the Valkyrie Trace System?"

"Yes. Its research, development, and usage have all been completely prohibited by the International IS Treaty. However, it appears your IS was equipped with it…and more. It seems it was set to activate only after situations where there was extensive damage…and the pilot's mental condition was entirely focused on winning. You willed it to happen."

"It happened…because I wished for it?" They were both silent.

"…Laura Bodewig!"

"Y…Yes, ma'am!" Laura rested at attention.

"…Who are you?"

"…I am…"

"…If you're no one, then that's perfect. From now on, you are just Laura Bodewig." Chifuyu stood up and exited the room. "But remember…you will never be able to become me." She smiled as she left. Laura giggled.

"So, they cancelled the whole thing?" Kurumu asked. The group ate at two tables in the cafeteria; one for the boys and one for the girls with Jolt resting on the boy's table. Today's dinner was ramen noodles and cucumber slices.

"They still want everyone's data," Yami explained. "Everyone will still get to fight one round each."

"Man, what a pain." Kurumu chewed her food with annoyance.

"Come on," Rai offered. "It wasn't a complete lost." Three girls stood by as they watched them eat their dinner.

"The chance to win it is gone…" A girl sniffed.

"To win a date…" The other sobbed.

"WAAAAAAAAHHH!" All three ran away.

"…That was weird," Rai said after he chugged his noodles. Houki arrived from across the room. She seemed nervous and anxious.

"I think it's for you…" Kurumu spoke to Ichika. He rose from his seat to talk to her.

"By the way, Houki…" Ichika recalled. "About that promise from last month." Houki gasped in silence. Her face grew red. "…I don't mind going out with you." Rai and the others were surprised he managed to score a date.

"Y-You what?" Houki sounded amazed.

"I said I don't mind—" She grabbed Ichika by his collar.

"Really? Are you sure about that? Do you really mean it?"

"Well...yeah."

"Why!?" She released her hold on him. "I mean…please explain your reasons to me."

"Well, you're my good childhood friend." Ichika said proudly. "So, why shouldn't I go, right?"

"…Right…"

"It's just shopping, right?"

PUNCH!

Houki beat him in the face.

"I knew you would say something like that!" She then planted her boot straight into his gut.

BAM!

She walked off leaving Ichika to wince on the ground.

"Oooo…so close," Rai presumed.

"Oh, Ichika," Charles added. "Sometimes I wonder if he just does stuff like that on purpose."

"Doubt it…" Yami assumed.

"Orimura! Dunois! Ortega!" Ms. Yamada came into the cafeteria bright and ecstatic. "I got some wonderful news! I know you went through a lot earlier, but I thought you'd like to know that we finally managed to get all three of you a wonderful place that will reward you!"

"Is it an arcade?" Rai asked.

"A tanning salon?" Kurumu asked.

"…A library…?" Yami asked.

"It's…" Ms. Yamada raised her hands with joy. "A new men's bathhouse!"

Rai and Ichika relaxed in their large bath with a great view of the outside. It appeared like a locker room, but with much better décor. Ichika relaxed on the side across from Rai.

"I was expecting something more entertaining," Rai admitted. "But, this is actually not bad."

"Yeah," Ichika agreed. He stretched his arms with ease. "This is refreshing." Jolt floated on his back over the water. His energy was restored. "Too bad Charles couldn't come with us."

"Uh…yeah, guess he was busy, huh?" Ichika rose up and covered himself with his towel.

"Well, I better get going. It's getting late. You coming, Rai?"

"Nah, you go on ahead. I'm gonna stay a little longer."

"Alright, see ya." Ichika exited the bath through the doors. Rai removed his translator and rested his head to stare at the ceiling. He contemplated the thoughts in his head.

...Where did Laura get all that power...I wonder how Lala and the others are doing...Why the girl's uniform.

Creek!

"Um, osoreiri kudasai," Charles called out.

"Huh?" Rai sat up. "Is that…?" He suddenly noticed Charles in nothing but a towel covering her chest and lower waist. "Wait, what are you…!" He quickly snatched his translator.

"Don't stare at me," Charles blushed. "Raimundo, you pervert." Rai turned around and faced the window.

"That's actually up for debate, hehe." He tried to avoid her sight. Charles removed her towel and stepped into the bath. "What are you doing in the men's bathhouse?"

"Does it really bother you that I'm here?"

"Well, no, but I thought you'd use your bathroom or the girl's locker room."

"You know, I figured I should check out the bath," Charles turned away. "But, if it bothers you that much, I can go and leave now."

"No, no!" Rai stood up. He quickly placed the towel over his lower half. "You can use it. I'm just about to leave."

"No, wait!" Rai paused. "I need to tell you something. It's something important and I want you to hear me out, okay?" He scratched his head. Jolt left the bath with a towel over his head.

"Pika…" He closed the door.

"…Yeah, alright." The two sat back-to-back.

"Well, it's about what I told you before."

"You mean staying at the academy until graduation?"

"Yes, that's right." Charles smiled. "I think I will stay here, after all. Because, well, you're here, Raimundo, and I think I want to be here, too." Charles touched his hand from below the water.

"Oh…" Rai flinched. "But, you know I'm gonna have to leave soon, right?"

"I know…but, until then, I want us to at least enjoy this until you're gone. Besides that: I decided one more thing…about the way I should be." Charles turned around and placed herself against Rai's back.

"H…How you should be…" Rai blushed trying to avoid arousal.

"From now on, will you please call me Charlotte? But only when we are by ourselves. Could you do that?"

"…That's your real name, isn't it?"

"Oui. That is the name mi mama gave me on the day that I was born."

"...Sure thing..." Rai smiled. "...Charlotte."

The Next Day

Ms. Yamada shifted her glances from the student back to her class.

"I'd like to introduce you to a new transfer student today," she announced. The class turned to the new student approaching the podium. Everyone was surprised to see the blonde in her skirt. Her chest was more unperturbed and...plentiful.

"I'm Charlotte Dunois," she greeted. "It is nice to be meeting everyone once again." The class was silent.

"Yes, it seems that Mr. Dunois...turned out to be a Miss." Everyone's mouth dropped. "…We were kind of shocked too."

"So, Dunois is really a girl?"

"I knew there was something fishy about it!"

"She wasn't a beautiful boy, but a beautiful girl."

"Wait a minute; wasn't Orimura and Dunois sharing a room?"

"I had no idea she was a girl!" Ichika declared.

"But, didn't they use the boy's bath yesterday?"

Half the class, including Kurumu, turned to Rai.

"..." Rai paused. "It's a funny story, actually..." Yami immediately shifted her attention to the window.

KABOOM!

Rin broke into the classroom in her IS. The girls shrieked at the intruder. She glared over at the boys.

"ICHIKA!" Rin shouted. She readied to fire her lasers.

"Hey, wait!" Ichika cried. "I didn't know!"

"Yeah, we're dead..." Rai gave up. The yellow laser charged up and fired.

Kaboom!

"...Am I dead yet?" Ichika asked. He and Rai opened their eyes. They saw Laura block Rin's strike with the barrier. "Wow, Laura, you saved us!" Ichika thanked her. She shoved Ichika to the side. "Hey!" She gripped Rai by the collar.

CHUUU~~!

Laura pressed her lips onto Rai's. Kurumu, Cecilia, Houki, Rin, Ms. Yamada, Ichika, Charlotte, and the other girls watched in shock as the two shared a passionate kiss. Yami lightly blushed at Rai's situation.

"…Pika?" Jolt tilted his head.

"…!?" Rai blinked. "Fwaa!" He finally separated from her.

"Now," Laura confirmed. "I have decided that I am going to make you my bride! That is final and I will not accept any objections from you!"

Everyone: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?

"…" Rai tried processing it through his head. "…D…Did I miss something!?"

The twin, flying spacecrafts slowly brought about their descent on the massive mother ship. It looked like a casual UFO having a disk appearance with a more spherical shape. There were four green bulbs on the bottom with one in the center half. Around the equator were more green bulbs that glistened from the lights inside. The two ships finally landed in the docking bay underneath. The princess' exited their ships and were escorted by guards in red armor to the main chamber. They stepped forward past two steel doors toward the throne on a spiral pinnacle high above them. Sitting at their presence was King Gid Lucione Deviluke. His fingers tapped against the armrest with an irritated look on his face.

"Your Majesty," the guard answered. "I present to you the princess' of Deviluke: Lala Satalin Deviluke, Nana Astar Deviluke, and Momo Velia Deviluke." Gid raised his hand.

"...Leave us," he ordered.

"Yes, sir." The guard quickly fled the chamber leaving the daughters with their father.

"Papa!" Nana shouted. She jumped up to her father. The king stood from his throne and walked towards them. "How have you been?" He looked to his daughters. His face remained stern.

"...After I explicitly ordered for you three not to come anywhere near this planet," he scowled.

"But, father," Momo interrupted. "It's our home! We need to know if there's anything we can do to help!"

"YOUR SERVICES ARE NOT NEEDED HERE!" His voice rose. The girls stepped away from his outburst. "...I will have the guards escort you to your ships, and you are to return to earth. That is my final decision." He turned around and walked back to his thrown.

"...No..." Lala spoke. The king stopped. He slowly turned to the princess.

"...What did you say?"

"We're not going anywhere!" She demanded. "You should be the one leaving!" Momo and Nana looked to Lala with surprise.

"B-Big sis!" Nana stuttered.

"What do you mean?" Momo asked. Lala pointed her finger forward.

"That's not our Papa!" She accused. "He can't fool me!"

"Your father would also never be this cold to his daughters, especially in times like this!" Peke announced. The king lowered his head. A grin crept along his face.

"...So it seems..." The king's body slowly began to grow. His arms and leg extended while his face aged into wrinkles and pale skin. His hair turned blue with spikes and his outfit grew along with him. After his completed transformation, the king was now an illicit man with a red aura radiating from his body. "...you saw through my façade."

"W-Who are you!?" Momo cried.

"I am the one who will make my dreams a reality." The man stepped down from his throne. "As long as your people see me as their ruler, I will be feared by all." The princess' took it as a challenge. "Such hatred and dejection is not welcomed in my world."

"We won't let that happen!" Nana shouted. All three pulled out their D-dials.

"Oh, I can assure you," He pinched his fingers together. "You won't be obliged to interfere."

Snap!

He snapped his fingers. The monitors above the room all displayed images of Gid Deviluke along with Zastin and his guards. They were tied and locked away in prison cells. "I'm sure I can persuade you that it's in your best interest to heed my demands. If not...well, that should be obvious."

"Papa!" Lala cried.

"You coward!" Momo shouted.

"This is not an act of fear, but an act of strategy," Cyrus explained. "For you see, if you want your 'real father' to remain unharmed, I expect your full cooperation." The princess' looked at each other with hesitance. It was decided. They lowered their phones. Cyrus regained his power and shifted back into the short ruler of Deviluke. Nana could only grit her teeth as she watched the imposter take the form of her own father. He pressed a button on the throne's armrest. The royal guard came into the chamber.

"My liege," he bowed. "Is there anything you require?"

"Yes..." He smirked with his razor sharp teeth. "...Have these ladies confide to their bedrooms."

The morning dawned on the sleeping couple. The boy shifted trying to wake up. His eyes slowly opened to the exposed maiden in his arms. He smiled as he patted her head. Trying not to stir, he shifted from her grasp and exited the bed. He fitted back on his shirt and shorts. The girl rubbed her eyes as she rose from her slumber. She noticed him getting dressed.

"…Joseph-kun?" She lazily called to him.

"Yume?" He answered back.

"Where are you going...?"

"Oh, I was just going to surprise you for breakfast."

"You don't have to do that." She crawled next to him. "I'd be happy to make your favorite!"

"Well, then it wouldn't be a surprise." He turned to Yume. Her lips were puckered and waiting for a kiss. "…*gulp*" Joseph blushed as his girl was waiting for his response. He slowly eased in on her.

Ding~! Dong~!

The doorbell rang. The two looked at each other with uncertainty. They quickly changed and made their way to the front. Yume opened the door.

"Hello?"

"Hey Hey!" The young man grinned while stepping forward. His outfit was a gray sweater vest with a black long sleeve underneath. His blue jeans were complimented by his white sneakers with blue stripes. His main trait was the scar that crossed over his left cheek up to his ear. His spiky, red hair was combed back, but still lifted upward like it was on fire. "Man, it's about time I found…" He immediately caught a glimpse of Yume in her pink shirt and tight shorts. This view immediately set off his attraction to her and had his mouth drop open. "Holy cow! What a hottie!" He tried to act cool by leaning on the door's awning. "And who might I have the pleasure of meeting today~?"

"Um…well…" Yume nervously replied.

Bonk!

The man slid and crashed to the ground. Joseph stepped forward.

"Alright," He picked the boy up from the collar.

"Easy, dude! This is like 90% cotton!"

"Who are you?" He glared down at him.

"Me?" The boy smiled with his fang sticking out. "The name's Zack." Joseph's stare didn't change. "Come on, man. We're like bros!"

"You can talk English, but I know you're not my brother."

"Dude, hellooo-oo-ooooo!" The boy stepped back. He rose out his right hand.

SWISH!

From a light came a large sickle. It was curved with not one, but had two blades with a crooked holder around the top of the black rod. Dangling from the holder was a chain with a small, yellow sun charm. "See, I got one like you!"

"Yours…" Joseph stared with amazement. "It's just like mine!" Yume inched behind him.

"What did ya expect, man? We're reapers!" He puffed out his chest with pride. "Celestial Reapers!" He stared back at Yume. "…By the way, does she have a sister?"

-To Be Continued-

Shizune: At last, a hot steamy summer has finally arrived!

Kiyoka: Since its summer, we're all going to the beach, of course!

...No—No, I'm pretty sure it's still winter.

Shizune: But, tomorrow happens to be Sunday. We should all go shopping together!

Kiyoka: The question is what are we going to buy?

Actually, I saw this discount at the market for milk, so…

Shizune: Swimsuits of course!

…*Sigh* There goes my wallet. All right's reserved and material used so far all belong to their respective owners. Be sure to comment and review! Maybe if I cut back on the root beer…

Next Chapter: Ocean's eleven!

Honne: Wait! It looks like we're not the only ones here to buy swimsuits!

Kiyoka: And they're here too!

I can't afford this much on my paycheck!