Ch. 48 My name is…
Slurp! Slurp! Slurp!
Zackary chugged down the entire bowl of ramen in mere seconds. Yume and Joseph were surprised at how fast he plowed through his main course.
"Ah~!" He sighed. "Seconds, please!"
"Oh, of course!" Yume replied. She quickly took his bowl and refilled it with more ramen noodles. She settled it in front of him. "Here you go."
"Mmm~." He could smell the cooked vegetables and fresh pasta. "My compliments to the chef!" He took his chopsticks and began eating. Joseph tried starting his conversation.
"So..." He implied. "...Zackary..." Zackary stopped eating.
Gulp!
"Bro, call me Zack." He offered. He went back to eating.
"...Zack. I have a lot of questions I want to ask you, like why are we here..."
Slurp~!
"What's going on..."
SLURP~!
"AND ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?" Zack placed the bowl down.
"Chill, homie." He rose from his seat. "One at a time." He pulled out his index finger. "First, we're here because, right now, everyone's playing keep away for the souls."
"Souls?" Yume questioned.
"Yep. If you see one, it's kinda like a jawbreaker. But, you know, made of glass with some magic or something." Zack paused. "...Don't eat it." Yume reached for her pocket. She pulled out the red sphere and showed it to him. Zack's eyes glued themselves to the jewel he was seeking.
[Planet: Earth]
[NOW ENTERING GLOBAL ATMOSPHERE]
"No way..." Rai awed.
"...Unbelievable..." Yami said with wide eyes.
"Are these seriously...?" Kurumu asked.
"Yep!" Tabane answered. "These little beauties are 4th Generation type IS made by the one and only genius, Tabane!"
"4th generation?" Cecilia gasped.
"All the nations have only experimental 3rd Generation models recently built," Charlotte informed.
"Yet, she already…" Laura emphasized.
"Don't be so surprised," Tabane gestured. "That's just 'cause I'm Tabane the genius."
"Yeah, we get it," Kurumu rolled her eyes.
"Now, Houki-Pokie, let's start your fitting and personalization!" With one push of the remote, the red suit opened its chest cavity to the latch pit.
"Very well," Chifuyu approved. "Shinonono..." Houki walked over to her sister. Her eyes were fixated on the personal IS. Tabane summoned her virtual computer screens and typed the key codes and input selections.
"Now, I've already have some of your personal data running," Tabane swaggered. "So, I just have to update it with your latest information." The cables extended outward from her screens to the unit.
"Amazing!" Rin spoke. "The speed is completely off the charts."
"Okay, the fitting is all done now." Tabane close her blue screens. "That was super-fast~! I did great!" She turned to her little sister. "Okay, let's take it out for a test drive! Try flying it! It should move how you imagine it should." Houki nodded.
"Okay," she declared. "I'll give it a shot." She closed her eyes. She envisioned herself soaring straight up. "…"
ZOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
She vanished. In a split second, she was already 500 meters above the crowd.
"…Okay, that's really fast!" Rin commented.
"That's the speed of a 4th generation model?" added Charlotte. "C'est incroyable!"
"So, Houki," Tabane talked through the headset. "What do you think?" The dazzling red light moved about the air. "It moves a lot better than you thought it would, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, I guess…" Houki answered nervously.
"Try using the swords. The Amazuki is the one on the right, and the Kareware is on the left. I'll go ahead and send you some data on the weapon's specifications." Tabane went back to typing on her virtual keyboard. Meanwhile, Houki brought about her twin swords in each hand. She crossed her arms.
"Alright, Amazuki, let's go!"
PEW! PEW! PEW!
She swung her swords like an X and fired a barrage of lasers into the open. The bright lights pierced the clouds and continued endlessly. "…Holy…"
"Hey!" Rai shouted. "That's my move!"
"Technically, she didn't use her swords," Kurumu retorted.
"Nice, nice!" Tabane clapped. "And now…"
Whoosh!
A massive sixteen-shelled, rectangular missile launcher vaporized by Tabane. "You can try dealing with these next!"
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Each missile traced directly to Houki. "Good luck, Sis!" They weaved while honning in.
"HYAA!" Houki drew her left blade across.
SWISH!
In one blow, she let out a red Air Slash that zipped right through the missiles.
KA-BOOOOOOOOOOM!
…They were all destroyed.
"…Amazing," Ichika commented.
"Super-duper!" Tabane cheered. She chuckled at her greatest success.
"It's perfect!" Houki claimed. "This IS can do anything!" She floated downward towards the group. Houki's IS dissipated and transformed into a small bracelet on her wrist. Tabane turned around and pointed to her lab rat.
"Next, let's have the new guy try his on." Rai stepped forward. He looked up at the machine. It stood tall with its yellow, bulky exterior and menacing stature as though it defied anyone who wished to approach. The plated forearms and calves protected its joints while a helmet hovered above the suit.
"Well," Rai spoke. "Here goes." He lobbed over the legs into his seat. The arms and legs adjusted to his measurements. The helmet slid over his cranium with only his eyes peering through a dark visor. Tabane checked thoroughly over the suit's specs and data input.
"And...Done!" She closed the monitors. "Mr. Ortega~!" Tabane turned to Rai. "Now it's your turn!" The cannon elevated upward.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The missiles launched into the sky. They disappeared beyond the clouds. Rai stared up as his eyes widened before he realized what was happening. Immediately, they were falling back down to Earth.
"…OH SH—!"
KA-BOOM!
The first missile blasted at Rai.
KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM!
The bombardment of explosions clashed forming a crater. The girls quickly rushed to see the expected remains.
"Oh Mon Dieu!" Charles shrieked.
"Raimundo!" Laura covered her mouth.
"Pika!" Jolt covered his eyes. He waited a few seconds to reopen them. "…PI!" Jolt's jaw dropped. Everyone else stared in astonishment at the center of the crater. Rai was completely unharmed. He opened his eyes to witness his defense mechanism. His right and left shoulders had called in rectangular cyber shields that blocked the projectiles.
"…Shit…" Rai spoke out.
"With the new built-in shoulder shields, these puppies will unfold on the users command and deploy instantly before impact!" Tabane readied the cannon for another round.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Three missiles were fired. Rai watched as they traced back to him.
"Oh, hell no!" Rai jumped from the crater and started running. As he hurried across the ground, the back of his calves and spine unlocked hidden rocket thrusters. The blazing red flames pushed Rai forward as he ran from the missiles.
"I've placed nitrous oxide boosters in to provide a speed increase and at least 300 ft. of vertical lift!" As Rai reached the end of the cliff, he jumped from the rocks and straight into the ocean.
"CRAP! CRAP! CRAP!"
VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMM!
The spinners on his heels blazed furiously. Once they touched the surface, Rai rode across the water.
BOOM!
The first missile blasted into the ocean. The two extra missiles trailed behind him.
"Try grabbing it before it gets away!" Tabane shouted. Rai turned his head. The missile zoomed right next to him. He reached out his suit's left arm.
KA-DOOSH!
Rai's bulky hand fired and chased after the missile. In a swirling loop, the fingers trapped the rocket and retracted itself back to Rai. He turned his body and jumped 50 ft. in the air. He witnessed the last missile zooming at a fast pace. "Now, open your retractable cannon located on your right arm!"
"My what!?"
Ka-chunk!
Rai's right arm shifted outward. A large slot opened on his forearm. He glanced at the missile, then back at his arm. "...Ooohh, okay..." He smirked. He shoved the missile into his arm. He pulled the shaft and cocked his arm back in place. The tip of the missile poked out from his cannon. The oncoming strike was seconds before impact. "I'm on the rebound!"
POOMB!
His missile fired.
KA-BOOM!
The two rockets exploded on impact. Rai swerved around the large dust clouds and tailed it back to the seaside cliff. He jumped over and landed just in front of the students. The helmet lifted over his head and retracted behind his skull. The girls watched in amazement at his daring feat.
"Ladies and Gentleman..." Tabane exclaimed. "I give you the N.B.E –02 AB, or how Mr. Raimundo would say it; The Lucha Libre!" He nodded.
"…Not bad."
"And so…" Tabane twirled. "With my final design, I present—!"
"Oh no!" Everyone turned to the screaming teacher. Ms. Yamada came running in a blue track suit with a cellphone in her hand. "Ms. Orimura! Look at this!" She showed her the screen.
[! EMERGENCY SITUATION !]
Chifuyu analyzed the virtual pages.
"…It's a Level A priority mission," she explained. "And apparently, the countermeasures have already been activated." She turned to the others. "This test is suspended for now! I'm afraid there's something else I'll be needing all of you for." Ms. Yamada finally caught her breath. She noticed the girl with the bunny ears.
"Hang on," she paused. "Who is that strangely dressed woman?"
"That's Tabane Shinonono." Ms. Yamada covered her mouth.
"EEEEEEEEEP!" She squealed.
...
Everyone gathered back in the guest room. However, there were now computers resting on foldable tables and a large monitor standing at the front of the room. A blue screen displayed a map of the world with four more screens appearing after it.
[Unknown Data]
[Unknown Data]
[Unknown Data]
[Unknown Data]
[Unknown IS in Field Area]
The students gathered around as Chifuyu explained the situation.
"Two hours ago, the Silvario Gospel, a third generation IS nicknamed The Gospel, jointly developed by America and Israel, went rogue." Everyone looked at Rai.
"…What?" He replied. "Don't look at me. I'm just flying them."
"Whatever the case," Chifuyu continued, "reports indicate that the unit began running wild during test maneuvers being carried out over the seas of Hawaii." Kurumu looked at the virtual display of the islands. "Word has come that it's disappeared from the observation area."
"That doesn't make sense," Kurumu stated. "If something happened to the machine, the driver should've just parked his butt out of it."
"According to our information, it was an unmanned unit."
"…Again?" Ichika whispered. Jolt poked his head through the hologram.
"Pi?"
"As you can see, satellite tracking now indicates that The Gospel will be passing through our airspace just two kilometers from our present coordinates. That will occur fifty minutes from now. The order we just received from the Academy's Board of Directors have made us responsible for handling this situation." Yami noticed five images of IS units hovering around the islands' boundaries. "As we speak, our instructors are taking the training units and locking down all of the air and sea perimeters. The rest of the action will be handled…by the students who own personal units."
"Say what!?" Ichika panicked.
"That's why we were given the units..." Yami concurred.
"And why the board authorized you two for clearance to use them," Chifuyu said.
"So, we're the ones fixing their slip-up," Rai deduced.
"Wait; us!?" Ichika panicked again.
"Will you quite acting surprised!" Rin demanded.
"Before we begin our official mission brief," Chifuyu informed, "now would be a good time to ask any questions."
"Ma'am," Cecilia raised her hand. "I would like to have full-specs and data on the target IS." She nodded.
"Very well, that's a reasonable request. However, if any of this information is leaked, you'll be tried in a court of inquiry and place under house arrest for a minimum of two years. Got it?"
"Understood…" In a matter of seconds, dozens of windows popped on the screen with information and details about their opponent. "A special artillery-type designed for widespread target annihilation…"
"...I don't get it!" Kurumu shouted in a confused fit.
"It's capable of all ranges of attack, just like my IS."
"All ranges of attack plus maneuverability, too?" Rin pondered. "That'll be tricky."
"This specialized weaponry looks a little suspicious, n'est-ce pas?" Charlotte added. Rai tried reading the screen.
"Looks like it has some tough defense," he noted.
"This data leaves its hand-to-hand capabilities unknown," Laura eyed the monitor. "Can we do some preliminary recon?"
"No," Chifuyu replied. "That won't be possible. The problem is that the target is currently moving at supersonic speeds. We'll only have one chance to intercept it." Ms. Yamada moved away from one of the computers.
"But if they're just going to have one chance," she analyzed. "Then that means…only a unit that has single-shot kill capabilities could hit it."
"Hmm…" Ichika hummed. "…Huh!?" Everyone looked at Ichika. "What!?"
"We'll get it with your Reiraku Byakuya," Rin explained.
"It's the only thing that could possibly do it," Cecilia mentioned.
"You're the one for the job," Rai assumed.
"But," Cecilia interrupted. "The problem will be…"
"Having Ichika reach the coordinates," Yami spoke out. "He will need all his energy to perform against the IS. What we must figure out is getting there without having him waste it too early."
"That will be difficult," Laura added. "His IS doesn't have enough speed to catch up to that target. He would also need an ultra-sensitive Hyper Sensor."
"Wait; hold on just a second!" Ichika blasted out. "I'm the one who's going?"
Everyone: Isn't that obvious!?
Ichika was sent back.
"Will you stop speaking in unison!?"
"Orimura," Chifuyu spoke out. "This isn't a training exercise: its real combat." Kurumu folded her arms.
"You have to kill it before it kills you," she detailed. The thought finally hit him.
"If you don't think you're up for it yet, we won't force you to go." Ichika gripped his fist.
"…Oh, I'll go," he uttered. He turned to his sister. "I'll show you that I can do it!"
"Alright, that's settled. For the present time, the personal unit currently able to go the fastest is…"
"Hold it, hold it!" Tabane shouted. She poked her head from the ceiling. "Just put this operation on hold for a minute, okay?" She flipped forward and landed through the hologram. She scurried to Chifuyu up front. "Chii-chan, Chii-chan! Guess what? I have an even better plan that's in my head, and now it's…printing! So, where's your printer?"
"Will you leave?" Chifuyu wasn't too thrilled to see her.
"Come on; just listen!" Tabane continued rocking her back and forth. "For starters, it's time for the P-X-E's turn to shine!"
"What?" Everyone paused at her statement.
...
Deep within the forest of the island, Kurumu stood alone on the rock with the final IS waiting for its rider. The others idled by ready to watch the demonstration.
"Okey Dokey!" Tabane declared. "Now all I need is..." She turned to Yami. "...Oh no!"
"What's wrong?" Chifuyu asked.
"Chii-chan never told me there were two of them!" She looked back to the armor. "I only have one left! I wish you told me sooner!"
"It's fine..." Yami interrupted. "I don't require an improvement over my abilities. It would be best to have Kurumu assigned to it."
"...Shrimp," Kurumu blinked. "I'm touched..." Kurumu sniffed with bubbly tears. "...I'll take it!" She ran off in excitement towards her suit. "Come to momma~!"
SWOOSH!
The suit vanished. "…Hey!?"
Clink!
A circlet fell on the ground. It was a silver ring that looped around past the point of contact. It had an aquamarine jewel incrusted on top. Kurumu picked up the trinket. "...This is it?"
"Not exactly!" Tabane picked the ring and placed it in Kurumu's palm. "This is a very special IS unit!" She turned to the young man. "Raimundo, can you come over here, pretty please?"
"Sure," Rai shrugged. He approached the girls.
"Now," Tabane moved Kurumu's hands and placed it in Rai's, "I need you to slip the unit into her left ring finger!" Kurumu flinched from Tabane's instructions.
"You can't be serious!" She exploded.
"But I synced this IS with Raimundo's. Without his approved access, it's unable to reach its full capabilities!" Tabane handed Rai the ring. He looked down at it.
"You don't have to if you don't want to..." he suggested. "You want Yami to do this?"
"...It's fine," she responded. "Let's just get this over with." The other girls could sense her frustration build up.
"Alright, then." Rai held her left hand. He slipped the ring onto her finger.
"Ooh!" Tabane shrieked. "It feels just like a wedding!"
"Don't push it," Kurumu moaned.
FLASH!
A bright light enticed Kurumu's body. Everyone covered their eyes before being blinded. To start the show, Kurumu's lower hips were encompassed by a trailing light. On each side of her hips, she sported a metallic garb, but had a small cup covering her nether regions. As she kicked her right leg up, black stockings trailed down her shins and summoned cybernetic knee caps accompanied by metal high heels. As the light continued to whirl around her upper torso, a metallic bra ensnared Kurumu's chest and shielded her assets. With her arms up, plated shoulder guards appeared and rushed over her arms. Her forearm and hands were covered by long blue sleeves as the armor embraced her elbows and triceps. Her knuckles were braced around each finger. The light completed its trail around Kurumu's forehead. Large wings overtook her ears as a green visor screened across her eyes. Her wings and tail shot out as she posed with her legs crossed and her right fist punching forward. The light vanished with Kurumu unveiled in her new combat attire. On the right shoulder guard, there was an imprint of the model's name: 2198 AX.
"Install complete!" Tabane cheered. The girls stared at Kurumu's apprehensive outfit. It seemed basic, but built with unique specs. "I give you my newest form of combat armor! The 2198 AX, or my personal preference; P-X-E!"
"Pixie?" Charlotte asked.
"Like a fairy?" Cecilia described. "I can hardly picture her as a radiant sprite."
"Alright!" Tabane instructed. "Unfolding Armor: Activate!" Kurumu's shoulder guards and knee braces released a wave of energy. The light looked to be an expansion of armor to protect her body. "Unfolding Armor is now standard to all 4th generation IS models. To put it in simple terms…The Akatsubaki, P-X-E, and Lucha Libre are the next evolutionary step of the Yukihira Nagata!" Everybody gasped.
"The next step?" Houki questioned.
"Yep, and I used Unfolding Armor for the units entire body; Yahoo!" Everyone remained silent as she did her double piece sign. Kurumu sweat dropped.
"…Yeah, that just flew over my head," Rai said confused.
"Trust me; it has a few tricks up its sleeves." She turned to her friend. "Hey! Things running amok out by the ocean kinda reminds you of that Shirokishi Incident, huh?" Chifuyu stuttered for a second.
"…The Shirokishi Incident?" Yami asked.
"It was nearly ten years ago if I recall," Cecilia explained. "Just after a month the IS was announced, almost 3,000 missiles across the earth launched an attack all at once!"
"Everyone believed their guidance system was hacked at the same time," Charlotte continued. "Their target was pinpointed on Japan."
"A single girl piloting a silver IS appeared out of nowhere…" Ichika added on. "…that IS, which would come to be known as the Shirokishi, single handedly, shot down all the missiles. And as the sun set, it suddenly disappeared. As if…it had only been an illusion…"
"And who was inside that Shirokishi, huh?" Tabane flattered her friend. "Huh, Chii-chan?"
"…I have no idea…" Chifuyu answered.
"Well, I bet it was someone who has an 88 cm. bust line!"
WHACK!
Chifuyu struck Tabane on the head with her tablet. "Owie! That was so cruel, Chii-chan!" She rubbed her damaged cranium. "You've split Miss Tabane's brain right in two!"
"Well, isn't that nice? Now the left half of your brain can take turns thinking with the right half."
"Oh…good one! Yay!" Her mood quickly went back to normal. "You're so smart, Chii-chan!" Tabanet jumped at her with a tight squeeze.
"Let's…" Chifuyu removed her. "…Get back on topic…" Tabane fell on the ground. "Okay, Super Genius, how long until the adjustments to the 4th Gen units are finished?"
"Miss Orimura!" Cecilia interrupted.
"Yeah, what?"
"I'm sure I can achieve the objective in my Blue Tears! As you know, the Gunner Strike, my high-maneuver ability package, is on its way now."
"…And does that package operate on molecular exchange?"
"Well, um, not yet…"
"By the by," Tabane swooped in, "I can finish adjusting the IS in seven minutes; no problem!"
"Fine," Chifuyu declared. "That's it. The operation is that Orimura and Shinonono will engage the Gospel: She drives, he shoots. Ortega and Kurono will be reinforcements. Let's shoot that thing out of the sky! We launch in thirty minutes, ready or not! Suit up and get ready! What are you waiting for? Get your asses moving!"
"Where did you find that!?" Zackary asked.
"I...won it," Joseph mentioned. "I beat them in a match, so they handed it to me." Zack folded his arms.
"...Dude, quit bullshitting." Yume looked over to him. Joseph flinched. "These things aren't something you win in a box of cereal. You gotta be either really strong or really lucky having one of these on you." Joseph tapped his fingers on the table anxiously. Yume went over to sit with him. "Alright..." Zack idled with his hands behind his back. "Let's say you did 'win' this. Do you know exactly what it is?" Joseph shook his head. "I didn't think so. Well..." He dug into his sweater pocket. He pulled out an orange sphere glittering in the sun. "...It's the same as mine."
[Searching...]
[No Data Match Found]
[_]
[Raimundo Ortega_]
[Searching...]
[1 Match Found]
[Tracking Coordinates]
Ichika stood along the coast waiting for the others to show. He checked the digital clock projected from his bracelet.
[11:30]
From his left were Kurumu and Houki, and from the right came Rai. They lined up along the beach glancing at one another.
"…" They nodded in unison. Ichika held out his bracelet, Houki revealed the gold and silver charm on her wrist, Kurumu unveiled the jewel on her ring, and Rai clenched his new, black fingerless gloves.
"Lucha Libre!" Rai shouted.
"Byakushiki!" Ichika shouted.
"Pixie!" Kurumu shouted.
"Akatsubaki!" Houki shouted.
Together: LET'S GO!
SHINE!
In a blazing radiance, each of their units dispersed over their being. They suited up and took to the air. Ichika looked to his ally.
"Okay, Houki," He grinned. "It's on!"
"You know," Houki smiled, "I'd have never let a man go before me before this. But, I think I can make a special exception this time." She lightly blushed. Ichika turned to Kurumu and Rai out in the distance. He waved at them.
"Don't mind us!" Rai shouted. Kurumu floated by with her hands behind her head.
"…She totally has a thing for him," she pointed out.
"Yeah, I kinda figured. Let's give them some space like we're supposed to."
"You don't have to tell me twice." The two noticed Ichika inching closer to Houki.
"Let's get ready." The two continued their conversation.
"Listen, Houki…" Ichika mentioned. "This isn't a practice match. So, we need to be really extra careful about—"
"You don't have to tell me anything that I don't know," Houki answered. "You can always trust me to get you where you're going, no problem." She swayed in confidence. "Just rest easy and let me do the driving."
"You seem to be getting really into this. Did a new attitude come with the personal unit?"
"No, I'm just the same as always. But, you need to remember to stay calm out there."
"…I know that."
Beep!
["Orimura, Shinonono, do you read me?"]
"Yes ma'am," Ichika replied.
"We read you; loud and clear," added Houki.
["Ortega and Kurono, are you on standby?"]
"Yes, we are," Rai answered.
"Well, obviously," Kurumu hummed.
Chifuyu contacted the pilots through a wireless chat link from the main base of operations. The others settled as they watched their teacher give the orders.
"The success of this whole mission is dependent on a one-shot kill," she explained. "So, get in there and finish it off as quickly as you can. Your target, the rogue IS unit, will simply be referred to as the Gospel. Is that clear?"
Ichika: Yes, ma'am!
Houki: Understood!
Rai: Got it!
Kurumu: Didn't we already know this—?
"Um, Miss Orimura," Houki interrupted. "Should I continue to provide Ichika tactical support as the situation calls for it?"
"If it calls for it, yes," Chifuyu replied. "But, don't overdo it. Remember, you have no battle experience in the Akatsubaki. It's a prototype unit and an unforeseen problem can suddenly arise at any time."
"Understood, ma'am." Houki nodded. "But, I'll do what I can to the best of my ability!" Ichika blinked from her bold statement.
"Does Houki…" Rin whispered. "…sound a little strange?"
"Yes," Cecilia agreed. "She sounded that way to me too."
"I can understand…" Charlotte continued. "But…"
"…It will put her at a disadvantage…" Yami concluded.
"Pikapika…" Jolt lowered his ears.
"Open a private channel to Orimura," Chifuyu ordered.
"Right," Ms. Yamada agreed.
Rai looked down at his hands. Kurumu peeked over his shoulder.
"What are you looking at?" She asked.
"Huh?" Rai replied. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking something over."
"About…"
"How I pulled off those fire-fists a while back. You know, during that fight with Laura."
"Hmm," Kurumu pondered. "You probably just did when you needed it."
"…You think so?"
"Don't ask me. It's your powers." Rai smirked.
"Thanks for the advice..."
"Switching to an open channel," Ms. Yamada announced. "Standing by."
"COMMENCE THE OPERATION!" Chifuyu ordered. Ichika climbed on Houki's back. Rai followed their example as he gripped to Kurumu.
"Can you keep up?" Rai asked.
"Guess we'll find out~," Kurumu readied herself. From Houki's IS, hyper thrusters released a large amount of exhaust on lift off. Kurumu's wings opened as her high-heeled boosters fired red flames from underneath.
ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Both units took off at the same time. Their speed was measured by the water parting just below their flight path. In a split second, they were already reaching Mach I speeds. Ichika and Rai held on as the rushing force tried throwing them off their rides.
Where is all this speed coming from!? Ichika opened one eye. The Akatsubaki is amazing!
Someone stop this crazy thing! Rai screamed in his head.
The others watched as the IS were rocketing rapidly to their destination.
"The ignition boost cannot even compare to this!" Charlotte noted.
"Such astonishing speed…" Laura said amazed.
The four surveyed the sky in hopes of finding the rogue IS. Kurumu's visor began loading.
"I'm setting up a link right now," she informed.
[Establishing Temporary Satellite Link]
[2 seconds remaining]
[Information Collation Complete]
[Current Target Location]
"I found it!" Kurumu transferred the data to Houki's unit.
"Target's location has been confirmed," she revised. "Ichika, ready to go in?"
"Yeah, ready!" Ichika answered. Houki activated her Unfolding Armor. An image flashed in front of Rai's eyes. A silver machine was flying below them.
"That's gotta be it!" Rai called out.
"I'm increasing our speeds," Houki stated. "Just ten seconds until we make contact with the target." As they readied for the mission, Ichika climbed aboard Houki's armor and kneeled in position. Kurumu's IS trailed behind them.
"Alright, Kurumu." They came to an abrupt stop. "This is where we sit tight."
"Let's just get this done and go back already," Kurumu rolled her eyes. "I still have another day of tanning on the beach~!" Rai sweat dropped.
PWOOSH!
Ichika summoned his cyber blade. He and Houki were closing in on the IS. His gold aura radiated around him. He raised his sword to hit the mark. "HYAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
FWOOSH!
The Gospel shot straight up. Houki hurried after it. "Houki, keep following it! Don't slow down!" The machine looked back.
"01000101011011100110010101101101011110010010000001100001011100000111000001110010011011110110000101100011011010000110100101101110011001110010000001100110011100100110111101101101001000000110001001100101011011000110111101110111," the suit scanned.
Whoosh!
SLASH!
It moved immediately before Ichika could strike.
"It dodged it!?" Ichika cried.
"Did that thing—!?" Kurumu gasped.
"That was way too fast!" Rai noticed. The IS opened its wings and released hundreds of light projectiles at the two.
PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW!
Houki swerved to the right, but was ultimately pinned down by the onslaught of shots. Ichika managed to dodge the rain as he curved back around.
"Listen Houki; let's try hitting it from the left and right at once! You go right, I go left!"
"Understood!" Houki agreed. She stopped and drew her twin swords. They both zoomed in on the IS while it continued to disperse the lasers from its wings. Ichika and Houki swerved side to side and avoided each strike. "Ichika, I'm gonna try cutting off its movements!"
"Go!" He answered.
"Rai..." Kurumu hesitated.
"Not yet…" He replied keeping his eye on the IS. Rai looked down. "Huh?" Houki dispersed two plates from her wings. They both flew straight at the IS.
Clank! Clank!
The Gospel took the hits and stuttered backwards.
KA-CHINK!
Houki slammed her swords on top of the machine. The two twirled as Houki locked it in place.
"Ichika, engage now!" Houki ordered.
"Roger!" He responded.
"Rai!?" Kurumu cried.
"Huh?" Ichika turned his head. He noticed Rai descending below him. He turned around and soared back.
"Ichika!" Houki yelled.
PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW!
The bullets fired in front of Houki.
CLANK!
The machine kicked Houki away and continued its rapid fire. Rai summoned his shields.
BOOF! BOOF! BOOF! BOOF! BOOF! BOOF!
He blocked the first wave of bullets. Ichika soared next to Rai.
"You okay?" He asked.
"Yeah," Rai nodded. "What about the—?"
Beep!
A monitor appeared in front of Ichika.
"What the hell are you doing!?" Houki yelled. "You just blew our chance!"
"Our intelligence was wrong!" Ichika replied.
"There was a ship passing through the ocean," Rai explained.
"A ship?" Kurumu asked. Her visor displayed a green cargo boat treading along the surface.
[Nationality Unknown]
[NO DATA]
"It looks like a poaching vessel," Ichika deduced.
"Are you nuts!?" Houki shouted. "There's no time for that!" The Gospel continued firing its barrage of bullets. "They're just criminals! Forget about them!"
"No!" Ichika aided Rai as he used his sword to deflect the lasers. Rai blocked the higher shots. The storm sprayed across the sky; some crashed just meters from actually hitting the vessel.
[SHEILD ENERGY]
[138]
[129]
[113]
[107]
[96]
[78]
[64]
[51]
[43]
His sword vanished. A bullet flew in at Ichika. Kurumu clasped her hands together. As she slowly opened her clasp, a green sphere materialized and grew larger.
"Back off!" She demanded.
PEW!
The orb shot from her hands at the machine.
Whish!
BOOM!
The bullet exploded. Kurumu's hands dispelled static from her strike.
[Beam Attack Lv. 1]
"Yahoo-hoo!" She cheered. "I nailed it!" Houki flew past the cloud of smoke.
"IDIOT!" Houki glared at Ichika. "You put protecting them ahead of this?"
"Easy, Houki," Rai conversed. "We don't even know if—"
"YOU SHOULD LEAVE CROOKS LIKE THAT TO—!"
"HOUKI!" Ichika roared. She froze. "…Please, don't talk like that." Rai and Kurumu listened. "Why would you look down on the weak…now that you've gotten strong? It's not like you…that's not the Houki I know. With great power…"
"Comes great responsibility…" Rai completed. He turned to Houki. "He's right. You might be stronger, you might be the most powerful fighter on the planet, but…what good is it if you can't help anyone except yourself?"
"…" Houki trembled in fear. She lost her grip as the swords slid through her fingers.
Splash! Splash!
The two weapons fell in the water and vaporized. She stared at her mechanical claws coated in searing red metal. She breathed deeply as she rationalized what she became.
*sob*…snivel…*sob*
The tears streamed down her cheeks. She covered her face before anyone could see.
PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW!
The Gospel released another wave of bullets down at the group.
"Move it!" Rai ordered.
PWOOSH!
Rai shot his arm at Houki. He retracted her in and pulled her to safety. Ichika followed behind Rai. He called Chifuyu on the open channel. "Hey, you guys there?"
"We read you, Ortega," Chifuyu responded. "What's going on?"
"We have to abort the mission!" The girls listened with fright. "I repeat! We're aborting the mission!"
"…"
"Ichika's shield energy is depleted, and Houki…" He looked at Houki under his arm. Her eyes were still shut. "…She's in no condition to fight. We're reporting back to heaqu—!"
BOOM!
The transmission cut off.
"Raimundo!" Chifuyu ordered. Ms. Yamada tried recalibrating the channel.
"There's no signal on the other end!" She declared. The girls grew into a panic. Yami rose from her seat.
"Fuck!" Rai yelled. He rubbed the side of his damaged helmet. "I lost them!" Rai swerved around the bullets as they made tracks across the ocean. Kurumu followed behind Ichika.
"Now what?" Kurumu asked.
"I'm working on it!" Ichika replied. Rai zoomed upwards in a loop and came back around as he rode across the water on his spinning heels. The rogue IS made a quick dash as it readied to fire another round.
BAM!
An energy ball pushed it out of the way. Rai dropped Houki near a shoreline.
"Stay here!" Houki looked to him.
"...But..."
"That's an order!" He took off. Kurumu raced around with grace and precision. Ichika avoided the shots with quick jerks and side rolls.
"We have to move it!" Kurumu told him.
"I know that!" Ichika argued. The machine rallied its missiles and took aim at Kurumu.
BAM!
Rai jumped in and pounced on the mech.
"Whoa, boy!" He hollered. "Heel!" The machine zipped across the sky dragging Rai along with increased speed. After a series of aerial rolls, Rai was thrown off. The machine readied its missiles for a close range attack. Rai looked behind him. "...I hope this thing's waterproof!" He dove straight below.
SPLASH!
He submerged into the water.
KA-BOOM!
Ichika blocked the upper shots with his back. The onslaught of missiles pierced his machine as the explosions rapidly repeated on the surface.
"Ichika!" Houki cried. She rushed in and caught the falling unit. Her cloth burned in the flames.
SPLASH!
They fell into the water. The impact from the crash nearly toppled the ship sideways.
"Crap!" Kurumu scanned the ocean. The Gospel had already vanished.
"Why is this so important?" Yume asked.
"Well, you can't find these anywhere else," Zack answered. "More importantly, these babies aren't even from this world."
"...This world...?" Joseph wondered.
"Time to wake up and smell the fried rice, bro. We're in an anime."
"Anime...?" Yume tilted her head. "But, this is real life." Joseph turned his head.
"Maybe to you, but, for us, this is a Japanese cartoon."
"You're wrong!" Joseph argued.
"Joseph-kun!" Yume replied.
"This is real! Yume's real! This city is real! How can you call this place a fake when we're right here!?" Zack rubbed his head.
"You're not wrong about that," he replied. "Check this out, man. If you think you're here to run away from the real world...you better think again." Zack summoned his scythe. "You're here for a reason."
"Huh?"
Whoosh!
Joseph's scythe appeared before him.
"Playtime's over. We gotta get to work."
[! WARNING !]
[NOW ENTERING SUBATOMIC WORM HOLE]
[UNIT POWER RUNNING AT 5%]
Chifuyu stared at the same video for the last two hours. The sheer loss from the mission didn't faze her.
"…It looks like it stopped now," Ms. Yamada confirmed. "Do you think headquarters wants us to continue with the operation?"
"Until we receive the order to stand down, we have no choice," Chifuyu answered.
"But…what means will we use now?"
Knock-knock!
Someone knocked on the door.
"Um, excuse me," the voice called out.
"Who is it?" Chifuyu asked.
"It's Dunois."
"I told you to remain on standby!" Her tone sounded serious. "I can't allow you to enter!" Charlotte looked back to Cecilia and Rin. They were stumped on the situation.
"We have to obey the orders of our superior," Laura inserted.
"But…" Charlotte replied. "I'm certain she's worried about Ichika too. She's his sister!"
"He still hasn't regained consciousness yet," Cecilia confirmed.
"She ordered Ichika's treatment, but she hasn't even checked on him…" Rin spoke.
The nurses quickly moved Ichika to the stretcher. His back was burnt and the bruises trailed around his arms and legs. Rai hacked out the seawater filling his lungs while Kurumu helped by rubbing his back. Houki watched in shock as she stood looking at Ichika's unconscious body. Rin and Cecilia were holding each other tight in fear. Charlotte and Jolt held close to Rai as they checked on him. Chifuyu commanded to her emergency team and issued an order. She turned and walked back up the stairs past the other girls. Yami stared at Chifuyu as she passed by. Laura did the same.
"Alright, what should we do?" Laura asked.
"She hasn't spoken to Houki either," Cecilia mentioned. "Yes, the mission was a failure, but isn't that being too insensitive?"
"Right now, she's concentrating on tracking the Gospel. The instructor is simply doing what needs to be done." Laura looked up at the sky. "It must be difficult on her too. That's why she locked herself in the mission room. She's worried about him, but what can Ichika do to defeat the Gospel?" Chifuyu stared at the screen.
"We have to abort the mission! I repeat! We're aborting the mission!"
She grit her teeth.
"A more pressing problem is…" Laura turned to the bedroom.
Boop-Boop-Boop…
The I.V. bag was attached to Ichika's right arm. His body remained motionless in his recovery state. The heart rate monitor kept record his heartbeats and pulse.
Boop-Boop-Boop…
The room remained silent as the sun started setting. The only other being in the room was Houki kneeling before her fallen comrade.
"…" She didn't utter a word. She didn't move, cry, or display any sign of emotion.
"This mission was a complete failure!" Chifuyu shouted.
"You can't expect us to kill it that easily!" Kurumu shot back. Chifuyu turned away.
"If there are any changes to the situation, I will convene a meeting." Rai looked up to her.
"So…*cough*….what's Plan B?" He asked.
"For now, consider yourselves all on standby!"
Houki couldn't hold back her tears. She whimpered with the guilt pressed down on her.
"I…I…" she stuttered.
"You put protecting them ahead of this?"
"Why would you look down on the weak…now that you've gotten strong?"
"...What good is it if you can't help anyone except yourself?"
"No!" Houki disagreed. "That's not it! I haven't become blind." Her shoulders shivered. "You say those guys are simply weak? And that they need to be protected. They break the law and hurt others. How is it that you're able to forgive them? ...Is that your strength? …Is that why you're strong? Compared to you, I'm…" Her hair dropped over her sullen expression. "Have I been relying on strength, simply acting violently to let out my inner rage?" The image of his heroic defense flashed in her memory. "To you, that poaching boat, Rai, and everyone deserved to be protected. But I…" She clenched her fists.
...
Rai stared off into the sunset. Kurumu leaned against the rocks while Yami idled with Jolt on her head.
"…" Yami stared at the man. "…Have you decided?" Rai pulled out his cell.
Whoosh!
The scythe vaporized into existence.
"Pikachu?" Jolt asked. Rai grabbed it.
"We're waiting, Rai," Kurumu stomped her foot.
"I know," Rai rubbed his head. "Ichika did the right thing, but it wasn't the best idea."
"It's not our concern..." Yami concurred. "Our priority was claiming the IS units. There are other matters to attend back at Sainan. It's their responsibility in reprimanding the unit."
"So what; when things get tough, you get going?" Kurumu commented back.
"Pikapi?" Jolt looked up to his partner.
"…Worst comes to worse, I'll have to fix it myself," Rai admitted
"Not gonna happen." Kurumu stood in defiance. "If she thinks she can weasel out just because her boyfriend's out of commission, she has another thing coming!" Rai blinked.
"...You're right," Rai pointed. "She is coming." Along the coast, they witnessed Houki running towards them. She gasped for air trying to escape her impending failure. She looked down at the ground. When she adjusted her posture, she stared at the sunset.
Back then, you were like this, too. You hated abusing power, and clashed head-on with those who do with defiant eye; all just to get hurt on your own. Even when I wanted to protect you…because of how clumsy and unskilled you were…
Step…Step…Step…
"…Still want that penny for your thoughts?" Rai asked.
"…" Houki remained silent. Her untamed hair rustled in the breeze. Kurumu stood by Yami and Jolt watching their conversation.
"I'm pretty sure I've already said this, but the kid is like a brick wall; you gotta draw it out for him if you want to get your point across. But…" Rai turned to her. "At least he has his priorities straight." He smiled. The residing tides motioned back and forth across the shoreline. Houki stared back at her bracelet.
"…I'm finished as a pilot…" She spoke. Kurumu gripped her fist. "…I quit."
*GRAB!*
Kurumu held Houki by the neck.
"That's it?" She snarled. "You're just gonna cry by yourself while your man's in the ER!?"
"Kurumu, hold on!" Rai tried breaking it up.
*Tug!*
Rai turned around. Yami had her hair latched to Rai's arm. She shook her head.
"He's not dead yet!" Kurumu shouted. "If he's out of the fight, are you gonna give up without even trying!? What happened to that cocky attitude of yours? Now stop sobbing and do something about it!"
"…I'll never…" Houki replied. "…Pilot an IS…never…"
SLAP!
Kurumu struck Houki across the face.
Thud!
She fell in the sand.
"QUIT BEING A LITTLE BITCH!" Kurumu demanded. "You're a pilot with her own personal unit! Start acting like one!" Houki rubbed her face. "You think Ichika is gonna take some crybaby to be his girlfriend?" Houki trembled on the ground. "…Tch…Figures. You were just all talk." Kurume began walking off. "I need to work on my tan."
"…What should I do?" Houki asked. "It's not like we know where the enemy is!" Kurume stopped in her tracks. Houki stood right back up. "IF YOU DO, THEN I SWEAR I WILL FIGHT!" Kurumu smiled.
"...You see~?" She looked back to the others. "That's how you do it."
"I see what you mean," Rin applauded. The girls approached behind Rai and Yami. "It looks like she's got her fire back now." Charlotte, Laura, and Cecilia gathered with proud expressions.
"What's…going on?" Houki asked.
"…Your intervention…" Yami assumed.
"All of us feel the same way about this," Charlotte mentioned.
"We can't let this incident end with us losing now," Cecilia boasted. "Can we?"
"Pika Pika!" Jot cheered out loud.
"Laura," Rin called. "Have your friends found the Gospel?"
"I already have the confirmation," she replied. Laura reached out her hand. Her arm summoned a partial deployment. She tapped into the charts and looked at the digital screen. "The target has been confirmed 30 kilometers from here, in the air and offshore. The unit is currently in stealth mode, but it does not seem to have any kind of optical camouflage. We were able to locate its position via satellite."
"That's the German Army's Special Forces for ya! Those girls kick ass!"
"And what is everyone's status? Are the rest of you ready to do this?" Laura asked the others.
"Of course! The Shenlong's offensive specialization package is already installed." Rai stepped forward.
"Ready, willing, and able," he announced.
"This time will be different…" Yami deduced.
"I'm ready for Round Two!" Kurumu raised her fist.
"And I'm ready to keep the British end up!" Cecilia added.
"Preparations are ready on my end," Charlotte confirmed. "I can go anytime."
"Wait a minute!" Houki stepped in. "What do you mean by go? Isn't that against direct orders?"
"So what?" Kurumu replied. "Are you gonna stop just because you're breaking the rules?"
"What will you do?" Laura asked.
"I…" Houki stuttered.
"It's all you, Houki," Rai pointed out. She gripped her fist.
"…I'll fight…" She answered. "I'll fight and win! I'm not going to lose this time!"
"That's right!" Rin declared. "We'll nail that thing for sure!"
"Where are you taking Joseph-kun?" Yume asked. She quickly hurried to Joseph's side.
"Hate to spring this on ya," Zack apologized. "But, I'm gonna need to borrow your boyfriend for now."
"Why should I go with you?" Joseph rebelled. "For all I know, you could be here to kill me!"
"Dude, don't you think I would've done that by now if I wanted to?" Zack peeked out the window. "Besides, we've got bigger problems."
"Like..." Zack turned to his only help.
"...A war."
Laura loaded her massive barrel. She pointed at the dormant machine.
BOOM!
The red laser fired in the direction of the enemy.
Ka-Boom!
The blast exploded around the unit.
Observation Room
Beep! Boop! Beep! Boop! Beep! Boop! Beep! Boop!
The alarms went off.
"Ma'am!" Ms. Yamada cried. "That was…"
"I saw…" Chifuyu interrupted.
"But, that's against orders! We have to call them back!"
"…I always suspected it would come to this moment…"
"First shot is a hit!" Laura declared.
Whoosh!
The clouds departed as the IS awakened from its fetal position. It stretched its body until it erased its barrier.
"Keep firing!" Laura shouted. Rin loaded her orbital lasers.
PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW!
Her shots fired. The Gospel dove into the shower and swerved around each of the bullets. "It's faster than I anticipated!" It reached out for Laura.
BAM!
Rai rammed himself into the machine.
"Interference!" He jested. The machine dropped from the sky. After falling 30 meters, it regained its position. Cecilia already had her barrel locked and loaded.
PEW! PEW!
Her shots grazed its wings. It took to the clouded sky and circled the area above her. It vanished in the mists. It checked behind to make sure it wasn't followed.
[01010010 01100101 01100001 01101100 01101001 01111010 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01000101 01101110 01100101 01101101 01111001 00100000 01000010]
[01000011 01101000 01100001 01101110 01100111 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01000101 01101100 01101001 01101101 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01000001 01100011 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110]
"I've got it!" Charlotte yelled out. She loaded her twin rifles and fired.
POOMB!
CLANK!
The shells bounced of the machine.
POOMB!
She fired another round.
WHOOSH!
The Gospel swerved round the next shots. It flew upward and circled around. It backed to cover more distance.
[01000011 00101101 01001001 01001110 01000110 01001111]
[01000011 01101000 01100001 01101110 01100111 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01101111 01110010 01100100 01100101 01110010 00100000 01101111 01100110 00100000 01110000 01110010 01101001 01101111 01110010 01101001 01110100 01111001]
[01001100 01100101 01100001 01110110 01100101 00100000 01110000 01110010 01100101 01110011 01100101 01101110 01110100 00100000 01100001 01101001 01110010 00100000 01110000 01101100 01100001 01100011 01100101]
[01010000 01110010 01101001 01101111 01110010 01101001 01110100 01111001 00100000 01101111 01110110 01100101 01110010 00100000 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01101111 01110010 01100100 01100101 01110010 01110011]
The machine dove below and opened its wings. A wave of bullets unraveled and bashed against Charlotte's hexagon shield.
Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping!
"At this rate, we'll never shoot it down!" Kurumu soared after the rogue IS.
Whish! Whish! Whish!
She launched separate orbs at the target. Each one missed its mark.
"Damnit!" She cried.
Whoosh!
Yami passed by with Jolt on her back. "Go for it, Shrimp!"
"…" Yami nodded. Static appeared on Jolt's cheeks.
"Pika…CHUUUUU!"
BZZZZZZTT!
Lightning shot at the enemy. The IS zoomed right. Jolt released shot after shot trying to hit it.
BZZZZZZTT! BZZZZZZTT!
Yami's hair transformed into multiple furious fists. Their bashes were a loss as it hurried into the open sky.
PEW!
Rin's laser fired behind it. It dodged at a quick pace.
"Did you get it?" Cecilia asked.
"Not yet!" She replied. Rai hurried over. He held his scythe ready to strike. A cybernetic cloak covered the blade's edge. He rushed in and sliced away at the enemy.
Slice! Slice! Slice! Slice! Slice!
Each stroke missed the mark. The clouds cut apart.
"Come on," Rai focused. "I almost…"
CLANK!
The machine grabbed the exposed staff. It readied its wings for a close-range assault.
"Raimundo!" Laura yelled. "Put down your weapon and run!"
"Raimundo!" Charlotte cried.
"PIKACHU!"
"…Gotcha," Rai grinned.
Whish!
Houki launched a frontward kick.
SLASH!
Her razor-heel detached a piece of the Gospel's wing. It fell downward in a spiral.
SPLASH!
It submerged within the ocean.
"Are you alright?" Laura asked.
"I'm cool," Rai answered. He turned to Houki. "How about you?"
"…Yes, I am," she answered coldly. "…I'm just fine."
KER-SPLASH!
A tower of water shot out of the ocean. Everyone watched the chaos unfold. A blue sphere glowed within the eye of the swirling vortex. Inside the cocoon was the rogue IS returned to its fetal position. From the black silhouette, four pairs of angel wings shot out from its back.
"What's happening!?" Kurumu shouted.
"My God!" Laura panicked. "It just entered its secondary form!"
"It's second form…!" Yami declared. The raging winds brushed against the units as the Gospel stood defiant. It opened its claws. A large energy beam fired above its head.
PWOOOOOOOOOSH!
It shot straight at Houki.
BAM!
The impact sent her flying into an uncharted island.
"Houki, no!" Cecilia cried. The machine quickly zipped by and rushed in at Cecilia. She tried to escape, but was cut off by the IS. With its massive wings, it enveloped Cecilia in a bright sphere.
BOOM!
An explosion caught Cecilia passed out while falling. Yami rushed to catch her from hitting the water. Jolt jumped off to ride along with Rai. The IS unleashed another Cyclone Beam behind it.
PWOOSH!
Charlotte raised her orange hexagon shield.
CRACK!
The shield broke apart. She spun out from the blast.
"Shar!" Rai shouted. Kurumu spun in and attacked the drone.
"Try this on for size!" She insisted. Her spinning-drill attack pushed forward into the mechanism.
SCREEEEEEEEEEECH!
Her razor claws dug itself against the steel. It grabbed Kurumu by her arms.
"CHUUUUU!"
BZZZZZZTT!
Jolt launched a Thunderbolt. The Gospel separated from Kurumu.
...
Houki remained paralyzed on the island . Her consciousness started slipping as her vision blurred away from the cold ocean.
I...Houki closed her eyes. ...I miss you...I miss you, Ichika. I want to see him!
"...Houki?" A voice called to her. "Houki." A twinkling light appeared in the darkness. As the world around her brightened, Houki opened her eyes. Kneeling before her was her childhood friend in the secondary phase of his IS unit. His ears were covered by small wings and his armor was more enhanced and sturdy.
"Ichika..." Houki whispered.
"Yeah. Sorry about the wait."
"Ichika!" Houki sat up quickly. "What about your body? Your wounds?"
"I'm perfectly fine." He smiled. "And I'm ready to fight. Thanks for holding out for this long." Tears dripped down her eyes.
"…I'm so glad..." She sniveled. "I really am!"
"Hang on, are you crying?"
"N…No, of course I'm not!"
"Well, just in case…" Ichika held out a white cloth. "…Here. To be honest, I like your normal hair-do better than this. But, you know, Happy Birthday, by the way!" Houki took the cloth in her hands. "It is July 7th, isn't it?"
Observation Room
"Why haven't are transmissions gone back to normal yet?" Ms. Yamada requested.
"Because…" Chifuyu answered. "…the kids probably shut it off themselves."
Whoosh!
The sliding door flew open.
"Ms. Orimura!" Kiyoka cried.
"Ma'am!" Honne inserted.
"Ma'am!" Shizune added.
"Just stay out!" Chifuyu ordered. "We're busy!"
"We understand that, ma'am," Kiyoka assured.
"O…Orimura is…" Shizune uttered.
"Kyuuuuu!" Honne whimpered.
"What!?" Chifuyu stared intently at them.
Pew! Pew! Pew!
Ichika fired his rifle. He tailed after the enemy around the open sky. Rai looked over his head.
"Hey!" He called out. "You're back!"
"Pipipi!" Jolt cheered. Kurumu flew by Rai.
"What is that?" She asked.
Observation Room
"That's the Byakushiki's second form," Ms. Yamada informed. "Setsura!" Chifuyu continued watching the fight.
The Gospel dispelled a barrage of bullets down on Ichika.
"Setsura!" He commanded. "Change to Shield Mode!"
[SETSURA]
[BATTLE MODE SELECTION]
[MODE CHANGE]
[SHEILD MODE]
Ichika brought up his left arm. A round, green shield blocked the incoming fire.
"It now has a shield…" Yami analyzed. "…!" Yami drew her hair around her and formed a knight's shield.
DOOSH! DOOSH! DOOSH!
She blocked the barrage aimed at her.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Large shots fell from above as it made its escape. Ichika flew over with Laura and Cecilia close by.
"I'm sorry," Laura explained. "It took this chance to recover." Rai flew in on the side.
"Don't worry," Rai implemented. "We'll figure something out." Kurumu parked beside Ichika.
"You're finally awake?" She commented.
"Yeah," Ichika answered. "Thanks for keeping it busy." Everyone else gathered around in a circle.
"There doesn't appear to be any signs of a weak point," Charlotte concurred.
"There has to be a blind spot somewhere!" Rin emphasized. Yami flew in with Jolt.
"…There might," Yami assumed.
"What exactly do you mean?" Cecilia asked. Yami turned to Rai.
"I've analyzed the enemy's range of fire." She flapped her feathers. "What do you propose?" Rai pondered her statement.
"That's pretty obvious!" Rin retorted. "It's been using nothing but lasers to try and kill us!"
"That's not much to go on," Charlotte guessed. Rai closed his eyes.
"Ichika!" Houki yelled.
PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW!
The bullets fired in front of Houki.
"We need to set up a counterstrike!" Cecilia mentioned.
"It will simply evade all incoming maneuvers," Laura argued.
PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW!
The Gospel released another wave of bullets down at the group.
"…There has to be a way," Ichika disagreed.
"There has to…" Houki whispered.
Houki launched a forward kick. Her razor-heel detached a piece of the machine's wing. It fell straight into the water below.
"…That's it…" Rai said. Yami nodded.
"What is?" Kurumu asked.
"The wings!"
"Yeah, we know. It can fly and shoot with 99% accuracy."
"Well, yeah, but think about it! Every time the Gospel shoots us out of the sky, it's always aiming right at us."
"That is what it was built for, no?" Charlotte answered.
"But…" He smirked. "…Did it ever shoot from behind?" Everyone suddenly had a realization. "New plan; we draw out its attention from the front and hit it when it's attacking. We switch places and keep firing."
"Ingenious!" Cecilia agreed. "Performing a decoy while we rotate strikes!"
"We'll sneak up while its back is turned!" Ichika declared.
"Well done!" Laura congratulated.
"Then let's begin our plan of operations..." Yami offered.
"Ichika!" Rin raised her metallic fist. "Let's mop the floor with it, lickety-split!"
"Don't worry about us," Charlotte boasted. "We have plenty of energy."
"Time for humpty dumpty to have a great fall!" Kurumu winked.
"Pikachu!" Jolt cheered.
"Let's go!" Ichika announced. Everyone lined up and followed after Ichika. Houki was the last to see everyone off.
"Ichika…" She smiled. I want to fight alongside you. I want to have your back.
*SHINE!*
Houki's suit radiated with a gold glow. She watched as her screens appeared in front of her.
[IS-SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[KENRAN BUTO]
The sun rose in from the East over the ocean. Ms. Yamada and Chifuyu continued to stare at the monitors.
"The Byakushiki's energy level has fallen to ten percent," she informed.
Jolt jumped from Rai's shoulder into his arm cannon. Rai locked his pal in place and took aim.
"Ready?" Rai asked.
"Pika!" Jolt replied.
Poomb!
Jolt shot out from the barrel. He corkscrewed at the enemy. "PikapikapikapikaPIKAPIKAPIKAPIKAPIKA!" His body became coated in electricity. The Gospel turned back.
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZTT!
Jolt bashed against the rogue IS. It spun backward until it came to a complete stop. The machine unraveled its wings and released the storm of lasers.
Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping!
Ichika swooped in and protected the mouse with his energy shield. Charlotte swept Jolt onto her IS.
"I got you!" Charlotte informed. Ichika continued taking the hits.
[SHEILD ENERGY]
[34]
[31]
[27]
[22]
[18]
[13]
"Oh no!" He yelled. "My energy level!"
SWOOSH!
A red plate flew in.
BASH!
It smashed against the machine. The plate flew back around and followed it. Charlotte, Laura, and Kurumu fired their attacks while Houki arrived from behind.
"Ichika!" She called out. "Take this!" She grabbed Ichika's hand. They slowly ascended higher. The gold light swarmed around them. Ichika looked to his monitors.
[SHEILD ENERGY]
[13]
[25]
[37]
[44]
[86]
[132]
[151]
[199]
[230]
[278]
[312]
[364]
[400]
[FULL POWER]
"What the hell? My energy's been recharged?"
"That's right! Now go and finish it off!"
"Right!" Ichika looked over to Rai. He pulled his scythe out from his back.
"Whatever happens," Rai ordered. "...Take your chance when I say it."
"…You got it," Ichika understood. He turned to his comrades. "Let's do this!"
"YEAH!" Everyone shouted. They zoomed after the enemy.
*Shine!*
A flash of light came from the highest point on the island. Two energy balls were dancing around and colliding with one another.
Ka-chink! Ka-chink! Ka-chink!
Every crash caused a screech of metal pounding against metal. As the white light flew farther away, its glow vanished and revealed the silver machine. The red suit chased it around the island.
Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!
The silver suit fired off a stream of bullets around the girl. She swerved upward and avoided the lasers as they blasted the side of the mountain. She went diving in and swinging her sword at the suit. It dove toward the ocean and back into the sky. The girl followed behind and continued to clash with the enemy. They were back into a standstill.
Ka-chink! Ka-chink! Ka-chink!
The suit blocked her swords with its bare hands. Knocking her swords back would only force her to swing harder.
"Ichika!" Houki cried. "Now!" He came rushing in with his battle suit. As he sheathed his sword, the blue energy escaped the blade and coated the metal.
"AAAAAAAARGGGHHH!" Ichika yelled. The suit glared at him.
"01010011 01101111 00101100 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01100001 00100000 01100100 01100101 01100011 01101111 01111001 00111111," It spoke.
"What the—!?" Houki was thrown off guard. The suit raised its wings.
Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!
"Kyaaa!"Missiles fired into Houki's IS. It kicked her into a backflip and switched over to Ichika.
Ka-chink! Ka-chink! Ka-chink!
The two struck against each other and kept flying. Now, it was Ichika who was trailing behind the rogue machine. It released another round of projectiles.
Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!
Ichika flew back from the blasts and dropped over the water's surface. The missiles lagged behind him until he made a U-turn back around. He readied in position.
"Laura, Yami!" He directed. "Now!"
"Wir haben es!" Laura shouted. Yami nodded. She wrapped her hair around Laura's cannon. In a matter of seconds, her gun was now twice the normal size with three barrels ready to fire.
KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM!
Rays of purple shots zipped straight at the machine. The suit turned and swerved around each attack. From behind, a yellow machine started diving from above.
"Coming through!" Rai shouted. Rai drew back his two iron fists. His scythe's blade became coated in a bright, green light and extending outward.
Whoosh!
The suit dove straight down until it came back around. It summoned its reticles and fired its missiles on the island. Laura and Yami were its targets. "Take cover!" Yami's hair transformed in front of the two. A huge, silver shield stood before the wave of lasers.
BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!
Four small blades closed in on the suit.
Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!
They fired quick beams damaging it from the back. The suit looked up at the attacker.
"Don't worry, Ichika," Cecilia assured. "I'm right her!" The suit charged in at her.
Whoosh!
A blue sphere flew by the suit. It noticed Kurumu aiming her second attack.
Boom!
The second strike was deflected by the suit's barrier shield.
"What are you waiting for?" Kurumu shouted.
"Ichika!" Rin added. "Give it one more try!" The suit zoomed straight into the air. In a sudden spin, it released a rain of lasers at Rin and Kurumu. The projectiles reached outward until they swarmed in the center.
"Pikachu!" Jolt cried. He held on as Charlotte rushed in to take them both out of range.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The lasers bombarded the ocean's surface.
"Hurry, Raimundo!" She cried. "We can't hold on much longer!"
"PIKA!"
The suit floated at attention; waiting for the enemy to make the next move. The area looked empty.
"Got it!" Rai slammed into the machine and pulled his arms under and around the suit. He locked his hands behind its head and his legs around its waist. "DO IT!" The suit glanced up as Ichika summoned a red light in his right hand.
"He won't get away this time!" Ichika declared. Rai kept the suit on hold. Its right hand drew out a white light just before impact. The two forces collided into a devastating explosion.
KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The sudden impact sent a white orb on a full collision to an island 200 miles away.
BOOOOOOOM!
The orb stopped. On the beach, Rai kept his hold on the machine. Ichika continued shoving his blade against the IS. Electricity flailed around the two.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHHH!" Ichika pushed as hard as he could. The Gospel reached out for Ichika. Rai shifted his arms and squeezed even tighter. With the last of his strength, Ichika pierced through the barrier shield and armor torso.
CRASH!
[01010011 01001000 01000101 01001001 01001100 01000100 00100000 01000101 01001110 01000101 01010010 01000111 01011001]
[0]
[01010011 01001000 01010101 01010100 01010100 01001001 01001110 01000111 00100000 01000100 01001111 01010111 01001110]
The suit stopped moving. It dropped its arms. The silver wings vanished. Rai loosened his grip and lay on the ground. Ichika stood away from the machine as Rai rolled it off of him. Houki flew in to check the situation.
"Is it over?" She asked.
"Yeah," Ichika answered. "It finally is…" Everyone else floated nearby to view the scene.
"Good…" Rai exhaled. "I need a vacation...from my vacation."
The group stood outside of the Inn.
"Mission Accomplished!" Chifuyu declared. "Well, that's what I'd like to say. But, the fact of the matter is that you've committed a grave offense."
"Yes, ma'am," everyone replied.
"When you get home, I want all of you to write an essay on what you did wrong. And in the meantime, I'll be preparing some special, gruesome training for you as punishment."
"Aww, come on!" Kurumu complained.
"Still, you all did well," Chifuyu complimented. "You did a good job." Everyone smiled. "And…" She looked away in embarrassment. "…I'm glad…you made it back alright. So…take the rest of the day off."
"...A war?"
"You think you're the only one who got his own sweet weapon? They're gonna be looking for us because we have these." He held out his orange soul.
"What are we supposed to do? Run for it?" Yume held her hands close to her chest.
"Nope." Zack pointed to Joseph. "I'm going to personally be your trainer and have you been a mean, clean, fighting machine!" Joseph looked back to Yume, then back to Zack. "I can't do this by myself. We'll have a better chance if we work together." Zack glanced at Yume, then back at Joseph. "...Especially if you want to keep her safe." The pressure was on Joseph. He would have to retaliate and go against even stronger enemies that are hunting him down. He clenched his fist.
"...I'll do it."
"..." Yume lowered her head. Joseph walked over and embraced her tight.
"Don't worry." He assured. "I'll be back. I promise."
"...Please come back," she whispered.
A feast was held in the dining hall. Each tray for the heroes consisted of cooked shrimp, white rice, miso soup, and vegetable stew. The girls crowded around the personal IS pilots wanting the scoop on what happened out in battle.
"So," Takatsuki asked persistently. "Um, like, hey. What happened out there? What really made the Gospel run wild?"
"Is it true that no one was inside it?" Shizune asked.
"Weren't you afraid when you were fighting?" Honne added. "Wasn't it scary?"
"Come on, you guys," Kiyoka pestered. "Tell us. The teachers aren't saying anything to anybody." Charlotte and Cecilia kept their mouths closed and drank their tea.
"So sorry," Charlotte spoke out. "The officials labeled the whole thing top secret."
"No kidding," Rin added. "Even we haven't been told all the particulars yet."
"I understand you are curious about the situation," Laura confirmed. She raised her knife. "But if you knew more, they would place restrictions on you as well. Okay?" The girls sweat dropped.
"Um, I don't think I'd like that," Takatsuki rationalized.
"I wouldn't wanna be spied on or anything," Shizune admitted. The girls looked around the table.
"Hold on," Cecilia first noticed. "Just where have Ichika and Houki wondered off to?" Charlotte also noticed the few people around them.
"It seems Raimundo and the others are missing as well," she confirmed.
...
The moon shined bright over the immense water. The waves rolled back and forth as the tide shifted across the sand. Rai lay along the coast watching the stars glitter. Yami stood to his left while Kurumu sat beside him to the right. Jolt looked up on Kurumu's shoulder.
"…This was some vacation, huh?" Kurumu asked.
"It wasn't exactly pleasant," Yami replied.
"Either way," Rai spoke, "it sure was something. By the way, Jolt, nice choice on the gift."
"Pikachu!" Jolt smiled. Yami glanced left near the cliffs. She noticed a boy sitting by the rocks. A young girl approached him and took a seat behind him.
"…They are…"
"Ready for a little rendezvous~?" Kurumu teased.
"Raimundo!" Cecilia cried out. She and Rin ran quickly to the others. "Did you happen by chance see where Ichika and Ms. Shinonono disappeared to?"
"It's an emergency situation!" Rin shouted. The three looked at each other. They all pointed to the cliff-side where the two were sitting much closer together. The two girls immediately summoned their IS and flew after them. Laura and Charlotte walked in as they left.
"He must have a handful," Charlotte joked.
"Such an unsuitable bride," Laura commented.
"I'm sure he'll figure it out," Rai shrugged.
"Doubt it," the girls answered together.
"…Yeah."
Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!
Tabane's monitors shot in front of her. They were all flashing red with alerts.
[-WARNING-]
[!UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT APPROACHING!]
"Chii-chan! Chii-chan!" Tabane cried.
"What is it, Tabane?" Chifuyu asked unamused. The two stood at the very top of the cliff overlooking the large ocean.
"It looks like something big is heading this way!" She hacked into the satellite security monitors and zoomed in on the approaching object. From her screen, a large metallic pod was coated in a blazing heat as it made its way toward the group.
"...Pika?" Jolt's ears twitched. He stared at the sky waiting for something to come. "Pikachu!" He called everyone. Yami looked down at him.
"...He seems distressed," she presumed. Rai turned next.
"What's up, Jolt?" Rai asked.
"Pikapi!" He pointed. Everyone looked out to the water.
"Is there something in the ocean?" Charlotte asked. Laura's IS scope appeared over her left eye. Her scanner retrieved data from the satellites.
"Nein!" She answered. "There appears to be a UFO inbound."
"A UFO?" Kurumu asked. "What; you have aliens here too?"
"Look!" Charlotte pointed to the oceanic line. A bright light twinkled. It seemed to grow larger.
"...It's heading straight for us," Yami deduced. The object began skidding across the water's surface.
"Stand clear!" Laura shouted. Rai snatched Jolt and ran to the right. The other girls quickly took off in their IS or flew away. The object made its way to the beach and plowed through the sand.
BOOM!
It crashed into the concrete wave barrier. The orb had been completely scorched, and smoke fumed from the engines. Everyone rushed to the wreckage and examined the crash.
"Sacrebleu," Charlotte said with wide eyes. "It's almost like a spaceship!"
"Is someone inside?" Rai asked. Yami moved around the ship and scanned the exterior. Based on the scars, something kept striking the doorway from the outside. Tabane and Chifuyu watched from afar to collect intel. Yami pressed a red button on the side of the door.
Beep!
Creak!
The metal doors flew upward. White gas exhaled from inside forming a murky mist. A small creature floated in front of Yami.
Squish~!
It landed on her chest.
"L...Lala-sama..." The little machine called out. Its eyes were spinning and its energy depleted.
"Peke?" Kurumu recognized the robot.
"Peke?" Rai noticed. "What the heck are you doing here?"
"Hmm?" Peke turned to his voice. "...Raimundo-dono!" Peke floated towards him. "I'm grateful to have found you here!"
"I-It talks!?" Charlotte said stupefied.
"Incredible!" Laura noticed. "A living robotic creature with artificial intelligence!"
"OH!" Tabane shrieked. She ran in and snatched up Peke in her arms. "I WANT TO KEEP IT! I can run some diagnostic tests and make one for me, and Houki, and Chii-chan...!" She squeezed the little bot. Chifuyu appeared before the students.
"Well, there goes our cover," she moaned.
"W-Wait!" Peke cried. "Please! I belong to Lala-sama!"
"That's right," Rai looked back to the ship. "Where is Lala?" Peke escaped Tabane's clutches and floated above everyone.
"IT'S TERRIBLE! PRINCESS LALA HAS BEEN CAPTURED WITH HER SISTERS!" Rai, Jolt, Kurumu, and Yami were taken back by this info.
"PIKA!?" Jolt cried.
"...Please share your information..." Yami requested.
30 minutes later...
Peke sipped her tea while cushioned on a pillow. The whole team gathered around the machine and heard the story.
"...Whoa," Ichika blinked.
"A princess captured by an evil imposter," Cecilia glittered with joy. "It's something straight out of a fairy tale!"
"Who was this person he imposed as their father?" Chifuyu asked.
"I'm not sure," Peke responded. "Once I managed to escape, I placed the coordinates to locate Yami-san. However, it appeared that she was nowhere to be found on Earth."
"How is that possible?" Houki asked. "We're on Earth right now."
"Not our Earth, exactly. Somehow, I retained data on Raimundo Ortega and searched the entire planet, until I found him located in this universe." Rai remembered.
It must have had my information when I took over its body, he guessed. "Alright, you know the drill, guys." Rai stood and grabbed his cellphone from the table.
"Pikachu," Jolt nodded. He chugged the last of his tea and cleaned his mouth.
"Guess we're rolling out," Kurumu assumed.
"Right now?" Rin asked.
"There's no point in returning if you're unprepared," Chifuyu offered. "Let's sleep on it tonight and formulate a plan."
"Yeah," Ichika agreed. "The more people we have the better chance we stand against this guy."
"I shall inform my comrades immediately," Laura offered. The girls exited the guest room leaving Ichika, Rai, and Jolt cozied in their futons.
"Looks like we got a big day tomorrow," Ichika yawned. "Good night."
"Night," Rai answered. He turned away from Ichika. …We do...
"I'll bring him back in one piece!" Zack assured. The two reapers made their way to the doorway. Joseph turned back to Yume who stood alone at the bottom of the stairs. Zack nodded to Joseph and waved good-bye to Yume. Joseph waved as he slowly closed the door behind him. Yume waited until they were gone.
"Ichika!" Charlotte cried. "Ichika, wake up, si vous plait!"
"Ugh," Ichika moaned in his rude awakening. "Huh? What's going on?"
"They're gone! Raimundo and the others are gone!"
-To Be Continued-
*Gasp* *Gasp* I...I did it!
Honne: Wow! You really made a comeback!
Shizune: I think he should have finished sooner.
Hey, cut me some slack. I had to find as much time as I can! I'm just glad I made it here in one piece! My laptop...
*steam fuming*
...Not so much
Kiyoka: What about next time?
Well, this just might be your last preview.
Kiyoka, Honne, and Shizune: WHAT!?
*Ka-Boom!*
…And my computer's.All right's reserved and material used in this story all belong to their respective owner's. Be sure to comment and review on my achievement.
Next Time: Galactic Showdown
Shizune: What do you mean it's our last preview!?
Honne: WAAAH! I don't wanna go!
Come on! We have an epic, interstellar battle to set up, and I have a computer to fix!
Kiyoka: But, how did you…?
[Your session has ended. Please return to the Library Counter.]