Author Note: This chapter really is meant more for filler purposes really which I admit may seem a little rough I apologize ahead of time. I am glad I managed to get something out this month, I will be turning my attention briefly to another one of my older stories I think one or two of them really could use another chapter.

Also, forgive me if I am not focusing too heavily on Ikaros herself since I am trying to introduce the rest of the cast of characters for this story as well.


Ikaros

Persocom1/2 Chapter:4

It was a rather warm afternoon with a mildly cloudy sky, wind was barely noticeable however what would be unbearable to some didn't bother Ikaros who was making her way up one of the many sidewalks that would lead her into Nerima, Japan.

Still wearing the clothing Kuma had given her though they were showing signs of needing a wash from her long journey by foot. Eventually, she paused in her step observing a window that gave a good look at her reflection.

She frowned observing her reflection realizing her hair was in a bad need of brushing, and the sight of her clothing only further confirmed her thoughts they needed to be replaced or cleaned, her attention then observing a sign depicting some anime-themed characters.

"This just won't do, maybe something like that?" she muttered a question to herself, closing her eyes as she clasped her hands together concentrating, a brief flash and her current clothing seemed to vanish being replaced altogether with new apparel.

She now sported a black-n-white sleeveless v-cut vest that was also a long coat worn closed that gave a view of her ample cleavage also at the lower front of the vest was two tiny pockets, right below the navel region the coat was completely open giving a view of her legs, at the back of the coat were two empty sleeves between her shoulder blades, also at the center bottom hem a v-cut that ran up just at the knees.

She also wore a pair of black shorts with white fraying just at the legs, her feet a pair of black combat boots with white laces, the eyelets for the laces were gold in color.

Around her neck a black choker, with a gold skull pendant with tiny rubies in its sockets, her hair also seemed to have changed as she sported too very long forward bangs that framed her face, as well as shorter bangs in the mid, the rest of her long crimson-hair was tied back into twin pony-tails held via white lace ribbons that stretched down just past her knees almost five inches from the sidewalk.

She then seemed to spend time in front of the windows doing various poses seeming to consider the look she had taken, her features blank not showing if she liked or disliked her new appearance.

'Hmm I guess it will work for now.' she inwardly thought to herself, proceeding back in the direction she was heading before she happened upon the storefront window.

She paused in her step checking to ensure she still had her small bag which now looked like a tiny backpack, with small straps hung just over her shoulders at each end of the tiny black leather straps were tiny gold chains that connected them to the leather bag.

Once she was sure of everything she continued her trek towards the place she had been activated since she knew she would need something to occupy her time and she remembered the man who had activated her had mentioned wanting to give her to his son as a birthday present.

While it didn't seem at the top of her list of things to do, she at the very least figured she owed it to him since he had activated her, and if not for that she would still be in a salvage yard potentially eventually being scrapped for parts.

The mere thought of herself being cannibalized for parts gave her a vivid image in her mind which made her feel sick to her stomach, bile building at the back of her throat, she the paused in her step hunching over, however, stood back up straight as she managed to stave off the need to wretch.

"Note to self do not visualize that ever again," Ikaros promised aloud, whilst nodding to herself.

As she walked she fell into thought, both her eyes displaying the purples rings in her orbs the outer turning clockwise with runic symbols, whilst the one's around her pupils were turning counterclockwise with roman numerals indicative with those on a clock.

Eventually, she came upon a bridge proceeding to cross it, she paused in her step looking to her right observing the canal below which only had a small river running through it, whilst the upper region was dry as a bone due to the lack of water flowing through.

The reason she stopped being she heard a cry for help, she scanned the area observing nothing starting once again forward only to stop once more upon hearing someone cry out this time seeming as if they had been hurt.

She continued to scan the canal finally observing a group of boys in the distance surrounding one lone figure in the distance not too far up the canal once again hearing the voice cry out, "Stop it I didn't do anything!"

She considered whether or not to get involved, after deliberating a moment she started to continue on though as she did she once again heard the figure that was being ganged up on that seemed to yelp as if he had been struck hard in the gut.

She paused in her step once again, turning to look to the crowed of boys in the canal one of which was brandishing what appeared to be some kind of umbrella who stood directly in front of the lone figure while the others who numbered up to twenty all seemed to laugh and watch.

Down in the canal the lone figure who was cowering with his back against the stone wall he had dark brown hair, with green eyes that were surrounded by dark rings as if he didn't get much sleep or was sickly, he was a tall willowy figure that looked like the wind could blow him away.

His clothing which was covered in mud-n-grime mixed with his own blood that trickled from his lip consisted of black slacks, with a long-sleeved white button-up dress shirt, a black-vest with a red tie with black diagonal stripes worn over around his neck, he wore black dress shoes, laying nearby in the shallow water of the canal was a boys school uniform blazer that was thoroughly soaked.

"Normally I wouldn't be bothered with a small fry like you, except what you did to my little sister is unforgivable Kugi'!" The boy brandishing the umbrella called out, proceeding to make the boy across from him cry out as he with a swift uppercut knocking the breath out of the poor teen.

The boy was rather tall and well built had short green hair, his eyes dark brown, he had fangs that barely shown beneath his upper lip, his clothing consisting of a dark blue long-sleeved shirt that did little to hide his chiseled muscular chest, nor did the sleeves hide the muscle underneath, with black trousers, upon his feet he wore black kung fu slippers, a patterned red-n-black bandanna tied around his neck.

"Please stop Hibiki-san It wasn't me I swear!" the boy called Kugi' explained as soon as he had regained his breath.

Just behind the boy brandishing the umbrella was his twin but with dark brown hair, his clothing consisting of black slacks, and a long-sleeved red shirt with the cuffs rolled back which gave the appearance of black rings around his wrists.

"Oh so you are telling us somehow embarrassing photographs of our little sister just happened to be flying all over the school and that you had nothing to do with it?" he questioned in a menacing voice."

Kugi' quickly nodded his head, going on to say, "That is exactly what I am saying I had nothing to do with this incident."

The brown-haired teen seemed to glare daggers at the willowy boy, "You hear that Katashi he had nothing to do with it?"

The green-haired teen revealed to be named Katashi grimaced at his twin's words, "Oh so what he is saying Kohaku is that all these people with us are lying is that it?" he questioned sarcastically.

The brown-haired Hibiki twin revealed to be Kohaku chuckled, going on to reply, "Yea I suppose they all could be lying."

"No I somehow doubt they would lie about this, I mean we both know Haru Gosenkugi has been stalking our sister for years with that stupid camera of his, and we both tolerated this because whatever pictures he had taken never got shared until now," Katashi growled as he proceeded to lift his umbrella into the air as if a samurai sword preparing to strike.

The willowy teen revealed to be Haro, fell to his knees, "It is true I took the pictures okay. But I swear I didn't share them I don't know how they got out... please have mercy on me!" he begged of the fang-toothed twins closing his eyes preparing for the pain to come.

Katashi proceeded to bring his umbrella down with as much force as he could muster, however, he stopped mid-strike leaping back barely missing being kicked by a newcomer who had seemed to appear in the blink of the eye between himself and his target.

"I have no idea what this person has done to anger you so, but judging by his frail appearance if you hit him with that umbrella you might kill him. So I suggest all of you disperse or pick on someone your own size." Ikaros called to the larger group, standing between the mob of teens and the willowy teen.

Both Katashi and Kohaku now standing side by side sized up the newcomer, the earlier going on to speak his mind. "What's this a persocom unit?" he questioned.

Kohaku shook his head negatively, "Why if it isn't which one of you is it Riichi or Megumi?" he inquired of the newcomer.

Ikaros ignored the question speaking up once more. "I say again disperse, or face someone your own size."

Katashi pondered as he glanced over the red-haired persocom unit, "Its probably Riichi he always was into that cosplay crap, but then again both he and his sister look the same to me when he transforms I don't care if they dye their hair red or not." he said to his brother in a low voice.

He then spoke up brandishing his umbrella, "You realize asshole you are outnumbered. That and as I figure it the entire reason you and your sister never fight is because you are both weak which is the entire reason nobody bothers with you so stand aside and let this jerk get what's coming to him or we will just beat you up alongside him."

'Sister?' Ikaros inquired inwardly, observing the large group along with the fang-toothed teens had all taken a few menacing steps forward.

She pondered on the situation considering her tactical element, once she considered a plan she called over her shoulder, "Look you will only hinder me so get out of here while you can I'll hold them off."

Haro didn't have to be told twice he quickly got up and ran as fast as he could, the group of teens attempting to give chase, only for the red-haired persocom to appear just in front of them blocking their path.

Kohaku gained a look of surprise, inwardly pondering at what he had just witnessed. 'I didn't even see her move.' he thought to himself a shiver running up his spine.

He then watched his brother along with the crowd all charged towards the red-head, time seeming as if it slowed down literally in slow motion as he watched the red-head seem to blink from one spot to another as he watched his fellows fall like felled trees.

He then barely had time to block as she seemed to blink just in front of him time seeming to speed up as he found himself blocking hundreds of palm strikes, some of which made it through he felt as if he was being hit by a truck for every strike that made it through his defenses.

The redhead's relentless assault on the brown-haired fang-toothed martial-artist only came to an end when she did several back-flips away from him to avoid an incoming umbrella that embedded itself in the concrete of the canal causing it to crater inward.

"Dammit, I missed her," Katashi muttered to himself, looking to the red-head who seemed to pivot on the ball of her right foot taking on what he assumed was a casual stance of some kind, past her he observed all of his comrades were lying all over the place.

'She knocked all of them out... I guess father was right I shouldn't underestimate a potential opponent.' he inwardly noted to himself.

Ikaros sized the remaining two combatants up, 'Moderate threat assessment, no fatalities with minimal injuries to the fallen.' she inwardly observed, going on to say, "Your allies have been defeated, I give you one more chance to disperse you are far too early to be fighting me."

Kohaku taking stock of the situation not at all liking what all he had seen thus far, looking to his brother going on to say, "Bro lets get out of here while we still can."

Katashi growled through gritted teeth, bringing his umbrella to bear, "No Kohaku I ain't running... So what if she beat all of them they are not even on the same level as us, and we both know the Saotome twins are the weakest fighters in Nerima why else do they avoid conflict at all costs it is obvious they can only beat the weak." he pointedly said, giving a menacing glare towards his red-haired opponent who had a blank mask, her sapphire eyes seemed devoid of emotion.

'Saotome?' Ikaros inwardly questioned, reaching up with both hands grasping at her head as if a powerful headache seemed to wrack her core processing unit, she barely registered that the green-haired teen with the umbrella had leaped into the air bring his umbrella to bear.

Still having the piercing feeling within her mind, she managed to reach up with her right hand gripping the umbrella in an iron grip, she then allowed herself to fall backward onto her back, placing her feet against the green-haired teens' abdomen proceeding to kick him away.

The force was enough to cause the teen to be propelled backward losing his grip on the umbrella up until now had served as his weapon.

Katashi hit the ground with a hard thud, the breath having been knocked out of him, he managed to recover, slowly attempting to stand up thanks impart to his brother who had crossed the distance offering a hand which he took.

Both the Hibiki twins looked to the red-head who was now back on her feet holding the umbrella in her right-hand proceeding to perform a flourish with it as if it were a samurai sword.

Kohaku grimaced as he had seen that style before, though it was only briefly when he had met the Saotome Matriarch once when he had visited the Tendo dojo with his father.

He had watched the elder woman perform a sword-based art technique, and he was watching the red-head with precise movement seemed to mimic the older woman with his brothers umbrella though he was surprised she could wield it as it was quite heavy for a bamboo umbrella since it was weighted to his fathers specifications which even some persocoms had trouble lifting it.

'I am surprised she can wield it, Well Riichi or Megumi whichever you are color me impressed, that and cos-playing a persocom is interesting I suppose if you are into such things.' he thought to himself.

Ikaros narrowed on the green-haired boy, a familiar feeling overtaking her as she brought the umbrella to bear pointing it right at him, she then in a dull monotone voice called, "P-P..." she stuttered briefly closing her eyes then re-opening them.

"P-P- Piglet!" she called out, a sly grin to her lips, though inwardly she didn't know what caused her to say that, but she could tell it had the desired effect as the green-haired boy had become very angry judging by his features.

"What did you say! Katashi shouted through gritted teeth, glaring daggers at the red-head as he tore off after her like a shot, proceeding to rapidly throw several powerful punches which the red-head seemed to deflect with relative ease with his own umbrella not even bothering to back peddle at all instead she stood her ground.

Kohaku watched as his brother and the red-head seemed to be locked into a fast and furious battle with one another. 'Damn she is something else, guess he is going to need some help.' he thought to himself,

Charging into the fray only to find himself repelled off his feet and into the air as the red-head leaped up into a roundhouse kick which sent Katashi flying, whereas he himself was sent flying when he received what he had assumed was a full force blow from his brother's umbrella.

Both Hibiki twins hit the ground with a thud each on opposite sides from each other, the duo started to get back up observing the red-head who was standing between them was standing on one foot in what they assumed was a crane stance.

"You alright Kohaku?" Katashi queried, as he kept a trained eye on the red-head attempting to search for a weakness to exploit.

Feeling pain where he had been struck, the brown-haired boy briefly looked to his green-haired twin, then narrowed on the red-head whose back was facing him. "Yea I am fine what about you?" Kohaku answered with a query of his own.

"Yea I am just peachy... I think its Riichi." Katashi replied, glaring at the red-head still fuming over the fact she had pointed at him calling him a piglet.

Ikaros said nothing on her part choosing to remain silent, waiting for her opponents to quit prattling with one another. 'Who is this Riichi and Megumi they are talking about? Why do they think I am them?' she inwardly wondered to herself.

Though she didn't dare correct them since she couldn't afford them to know her identity on the account it could lead to her being discovered by the people she was sure were searching for her.

Kohaku considered the possibility a moment, "What makes you think it is him... Could be Megumi?" he questioned.

"Cause he doesn't talk a lot, and well Megumi doesn't know how to stay silent plus she would never call me a piglet. Though I must say I never thought you were this strong Riichi." Katashi explained to his brother whilst giving the red-head he thought was 'Riichi' a compliment.

He considered his options, going on to say, "Alright one more time Kohaku move in at the same time as me we will get him this time."

Meanwhile, on the bridge a well-built man in his thirties that stood approximately five-foot-one with raven hair, dark brown eyes, fangs just below his upper lip, his outfit consisting of a yellow long-sleeved sweater, a yellow-n-black patterned bandanna wrapped around his head, dark blue trousers, a red belt around his waist.

He watched on observing his boys were fighting someone off in the distance though he couldn't quite make out her appearance due in part to the sun had lowered so much it was quickly becoming dark.

Whoever it was appeared to have the upper hand in matters as she was beating his boys with Katashi's umbrella using a very familiar form of martial-arts which was practiced by only two families and since his friend and rival was missing or dead left only two possibilities being one of the Saotome twins or so he thought.

The longer he watched the fight he felt something was off as this person seemed to display the skills of a master and was seeming to toy with both Kohaku and Katashi as if it was a simple game to her.

He then observed other figures all laying about, he brought his left hand up cupping his chin and he contemplated the situation.

'Serves them right I guess biting off more than they can chew it would seem. Though I don't remember either of them having that kind of skill I guess they learn fast.' he thought to himself, as he watched as both of them were soundly defeated, the figure did a flourish with the umbrella she was wielding now leaning it over her right shoulder proceeding to leap out of the canal vanishing from sight.

He leaped down from his spot on the bridge proceeding to cross the distance between himself and his fallen boys, he looked down observing Kohaku was out cold, while Katashi was awake, but moaning in pain.

"Well you and your friends got your asses handed to you thoroughly it would seem." he dully said to his son.

Katashi looked to his father a frown crossing his features. "Sure Riichi was cheating using my own umbrella on us." he dully said.

"Cheating you say? Boy, there is no such thing when in fact you brought the weapon into play, to begin with." he chided, before going on to say, "Oh you think that was Riichi are you certain?" the fang-toothed father questioned, as he contemplated on what he had seen.

Slowly sitting up, wincing in pain, replying "Yea old man I am sure it was him he's into that cosplay crap, and well Megumi talks too much so it couldn't be her."

He then even though it pained him to say it he did anyways, "To be honest Old man I have to admit he surprised me I figured he was a pansy since he always tends to avoid conflicts."

"Well we will just double your training you will get him next time I am sure." the fang-toothed father said, giving his son a thumbs up, he then considered the carnage in the canal. "So listen why were you all fighting down here anyways?" he queried.

Katashi let a frustrated sigh escape his lips, "Well that Gosenkugi boy he took some embarrassing photo's of our sister and now they are circulating the school so we came to avenge her when that Saotome bastard showed up allowing the scumbag to get away."

The fang-toothed father seemed to consider this news briefly, a thoughtful expression crossing his features as he remembered something from childhood. "It is funny that boys father Hikaru used to do the same thing to Riichi and Megumi's mother... Father like son I guess," he said with a nervous chuckle since nothing surprised him when it came to such matters.

'Well, I guess the cause was noble even if the means were not justified.' he inwardly thought to himself feeling disappointment, not in the fact his sons were so easily defeated, but rather the fact they had so many individual's involved in a fight against one person.

XXXXXXX

Later that-

Evening...

XXXXXXX

It took some time traveling by foot but Ikaros had finally arrived at the address of Ryu Tobishita the man who had both found and activated her with the help of his friend Kuma, she gave her surroundings a once over making sure she had not been followed, still held in her right hand leaning over her shoulder was the Umbrella she had taken from the fang-toothed combatants in the canal.

She looked to the building before her which appeared to be a typical apartment complex, most the lights in the various apartments were off since most the occupants of the structure had a already called it a night.

She walked up to the entrance proceeding to scan the names of the various residents eventually observing the one she was looking for proceeding to with her free hand press the button which would buzz the occupants of the apartment.

As she waited patiently a few cars drove by on either side of the street, she scanned her surroundings once more proceeding to hit the buzzer once more.

'I got here too late I guess.' she inwardly noted, just as the speaker system on the door crackled to life a young teens voice was heard. "I don't know who you are but do you realize what time it is?"

Ikaros didn't have to deliberate at all on the words spoken, "It is exactly eleven-o'clock sharp. U'm I am sorry for arriving this late but this is Tobishita Ryuu's apartment yes? If so he is expecting me." she inquired.

"Hai, yes that is my father I'll buzz you in." the teen unbeknownst to her was Tobishita Hiro called with a hint of annoyance to his voice.

A buzz sounded just as a click of the doors lock was heard, Ikaros reached up with her left hand opening it proceeding inside making her way to the elevator that would carry her up.

Eventually, the elevator arrived at the indicated floor, Ikaros walked down the hallway eventually arriving at the before mentioned apartment, proceeding to raise her left hand giving the door a wrap with the back of her knuckles.

She heard footfalls near the door from the inside, she then heard the locking mechanism release just as the door slid open to reveal Ryuu who appeared to be wearing a robe, his face one of someone who had just woken up, on the side of his head was a knot from where it appeared he had been hit.

Somewhere inside the apartment, she heard a door slam shut, she looked to the man with an expectant gaze.

Ryuu looked to her a few moments allowing his vision to clear as things were still hazy eventually coming into focus observing it was the red-head persocom he had left with M'. "Oh Ikaros I was told you would be here earlier, but it would seem you are late why is that?" he questioned, gesturing for her to enter as he stepped aside.

Ikaros entered the apartment, hearing the door slide shut behind her. "I am sorry I got caught up in something." she dully explained, proceeding to with her right hand bring the bamboo umbrella down putting its point directly on the floor.

Studying the man a moment she decided to pose a question of her own, "What happened to your head?"

"Don't worry yourself over this it was an accident at work." Ryuu lied, though if he was, to tell the truth, it was because his son had thought he hired some girl for the night which had woken him up with the door buzzer.

He then proceeded to head towards his bedroom gesturing for the red-head to follow him while placing his right index finger against his lips indicating for her to be quiet, to which she did once inside he closed the door.

Once inside the red-head looked around the room observing it was your typical bedroom a futon on the floor, with a black blanket, a small inn table to the right with an alarm clock, along with the other typical furnishings an adult would have, though most everything had a layer of dust over them.

"Sorry about the mess, Look it is probably best my son doesn't see you for the time being so if you don't mind could you stay in here?" Ryuu inquired of the red-head who gave him a puzzled expression.

Ikaros tilted her head sideways, "This room will be fine for now I suppose. Ryuu if I may ask why is it you don't want your son to see me?" she questioned.

"Its because my son well all his friends have persocoms, and well he doesn't and I don't want to get his hopes up you understand?" Ryuu explained walking over to his futon sitting down.

Pondering a moment as she remembered the conversation both Ryuu, and M' had with one another gaining a thoughtful expression, Ikaros then decided to reply, "I seem to remember now you want to give him a persocom as a gift for his upcoming birthday present, though I must say I am hardly the first choice I am a military prototype weapon."

"Precisely why I am reluctant to get his hopes up." Ryuu dully said in a mere whisper, he then went on to say, "M' told me some things, and well I'll let you stay for the night but I am going to walk you over to the salvage yard tomorrow and give you back to my boss then from there you and he can figure things out."

Ikaros pondered over this as the idea of being cannibalized for parts came to mind, she narrowed her eyes briefly turning red as she looked to the man who was in the process of going back to sleep.

"You cannot do that. You activated me you are responsible for me." she pointedly said with emotion rather than her usually blunt monotone voice, while with her right hand pointed the tip of the umbrella directly at Ryuu.

Ryuu looked to the red-head, letting out a yawn going on to say, "Look yes I did activate you. However, I am not responsible for you besides I realized it will take a very long time to pay my boss off."

"Is money really an issue? I mean yes I was found in the salvage yard but I do not belong to your Boss he has no legal claim over me since technically I was dumped there without any paperwork being claimed." Ikaros pointedly said, maintaining her stance as she stepped forward poking Ryuu with the umbrella three times.

Ryuu grimaced at the redhead's antics, going on to slap the umbrella away. "C'mon will you stop that. Sure pretending a moment what you say is true people like my Boss see you as any other persocom you are a valuable asset and was in his yard there is no way to prove either way he has paperwork on you or not so your a white elephant if you want to get technical." he explained.

"Then in the morning you will go pay your boss, and I will stay here," Ikaros said with finality bringing the umbrella down thumping its tip on the floor twice.

Ryuu shook his head negatively, going on to say, "Did you not even hear a word I just said I can't afford to pay him, Also besides that, even you said you are not the ideal choice for my sons first persocom you are a military prototype weapon after all."

"Just because I was made for war doesn't mean I have to serve that function, Besides I have things I have to do and refuse to become scrap parts until that purpose is served," Ikaros explained, proceeding to fall to her knees, bowing her head.

Closing her eyes she then spoke, "I owe you a debt for activating me so I can fulfill my purpose in the meantime I will serve you in any capacity you so desire if money is still a problem I will do anything in my power to rectify the situation."

Ryuu blinked at what he was seeing, going on to say, "C'mon Ikaros lift your head you don't need to beg me, but besides that, unless you can make five-hundred thousand yen appear from thin air I have no choice but to take you back I am sorry."

Sitting up, Ikaros looked to him as she considered her options as she realized that was a rather large amount of cash to come up with. 'Damn that is a lot of money to come up with at once, but then if paying overtime probably would take quite a while to pay off given his current wages.' she inwardly observed, she then pondered a moment, giving a nod of her head as if agreeing to some unseen individual in the room.

She reached into the front right pocket of her coat retrieving an old pocket watch that appeared to be made of gold, she proceeded to set the umbrella on the floor directly in front of her, taking the chain connecting it to her other vest pocket, with that done she proceeded to open it, inside it had the typical look of a watch, inside the lid in print read in italics: Zafkiel "Emperor of Time"

"Would you like that much money?" she offered, looking to him expectantly.

Ryuu looking to the pocket watch in the redhead's hands, he shook his head negatively going on to say through a chuckle, "I mean sure why not, but honestly if you are going to tell me that watch of yours is worth that much I would assume you are kidding." he explained since he figured the watch wasn't worth very much at all.

"I guess if I offered you this watch I couldn't blame you for thinking I am joking, but no this watch is priceless to me, However perhaps I can offer you something far more valuable," Ikaros said, as she with her left hand reached down behind the umbrella, the area behind it opening a digital portal as she reached in retrieving a long flat black wooden container, the digital portal dissipating.

Ryuu gained a perplexed expression as he observed the red-head retrieve a long flat container that was black in color from behind the umbrella, "How did..." he trailed as he attempted to comprehend what she had just done which should have been impossible.

Closing her pocket watch, she laid the container in her lap giving a rye grin, "Its a magic trick. Your boss dabbles in parts for old persocom units maybe he would find what's in this container payment enough." Ikaros offered, proceeding to replace her pocket watch back inside her right coat pocket.

She then picked up the container holding out, Ryuu taking the proffered item in hand turning it around sitting it in his lap, proceeding to open it observing what was inside which looked to be chipsets that were still in their packaging.

'I dunno how she thinks this will be of equal value for her... but then who knows.' he thought to himself exhaling briefly.

"Fine I'll bite and take these to my boss and see what happens however if he still says it is not enough I will be taking you back are we clear?" he queried.

She gave a single nod of her head, "I understand, just when you take them to your boss do not mention you got them from me." she pointedly replied.

"Why not..." Ryuu trailed as he gained a thoughtful expression realizing the implication of what she had pointedly told him. "I understand, but again I honestly doubt he would consider these payment enough. Though I will give it a try," he said, proceeding to place the container to the side of his futon, proceeding to lay down.

He then looked to Ikaros one more time proceeding to close his eyes, "Goodnight." he said through a yawn drifting off to sleep.

"Night." Ikaros dully said as she reached down picking up the umbrella scooted back leaning back against the wall, her head against it as she looked up to the ceiling while leaning the umbrella against the wall to her right.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Case of-

Mistaken Identity

XXXXXXXXXXX

The following day came around it was a rather cool start to the morning with minimal cloud cover as the sun shined brightly over the land mostly unimpeded, a light wind blew, children of all ages were heading to school, whilst older pedestrians were in the process of either heading to work or heading home from a long night shift from the evening before.

Both Riichi and Megumi were on their way to school, only stopping briefly at a convenience store to grab some morning snacks before heading on to school which mostly went uneventful the gated entrance just in view as the duo got closer with every passing step.

At the gate, a large group of teens that looked battered and bruised all seemed to be staring directly at the duo that was nearing them, among them was both Kohaku, and his brother Katashi who's attention was directly on the crimson-haired teen.

"I dunno about this bro you sure you want to do this?" Kohaku inquired of his brother as he wasn't really wanting to get involved in what was about to take place.

Katashi didn't bother to look away from the crimson-haired teen who was nearing them, going on to say to his brother. "Yea I am sure. I have to save face it's already spreading around school that we got beat up by that bastard," he explained.

Megumi looked to the crowd of boys that were now in the process of fanning out to block the entrance, "Well Riichi what do you think this is about?" she questioned.

"Beats me maybe some form of protest?" Riichi offered, scanning the crowd as he quickly realized they were all eyeing him hungrily, he then said in a hushed voice as he and his sister neared the larger group, "Something tells me we are about to find out."

Megumi observing the green-haired Hibiki twin was taking a few steps towards them, she feigned a smile to the fang-toothed martial-artist. "Hibiki-Kun what's up?" she queried.

"I got a bone to pick with your brother Megumi, the guys will let you through hurry on in." Katashi drawled, proceeding to crack his knuckles.

Riichi came to a stop a confused expression to his features, Megumi also gaining a confused expression as she too came to a stop.

"What did my brother do?" Megumi questioned, a curious brow raised.

Katashi still glaring daggers at the crimson-haired Saotome, replied with a question of his own. "Oh he hasn't told you about yesterday evening has he?"

"Told me what?" Megumi inquired, she then looked to her brother with an expectant gaze.

Riichi raising his hands in warding, "Don't look at me Sis' I haven't a clue I was at home all afternoon."

"Don't you dare lie, tell her where you really were you cosplaying bastard!" Katashi half-shouted, balling his fists his temper showing.

Megumi for her part looked between the two feeling rather confused, "Riichi what is he talking about?" she questioned.

"I dunno Sis' take my bag and head inside no sense in both of us being late for class I don't think they are going to let me through." Riichi dully said, proceeding to shrug his bag off handing it off to his raven-haired twin.

Taking the proffered bag in hand, Megumi gave a nod of her head going on to say, "I expect an explanation later." proceeding in heading towards the crowd of boys who cleared a path for her to pass unimpeded closing the gap behind her.

After looking past the crowed observing his sister enter the school, Riichi turned his attention to the green-haired teen, taking on a casual stance with his hands in his pockets.

"Look I haven't a clue what this is about Katashi, but I really don't like people making up stories about me just to have an excuse to fight. If you really wanted to fight you just had to send me a challenge letter I would have accepted." he offered.

Katashi grimaced at the crimson-haired teen's words, "Did you hit your head or something? You already brought this fight on by your actions last night when you decided to take up for the likes of Haru Gosenkugi!" he shouted charging forth throwing several fast-paced punches with precision that the crimson-haired teen bob and weaved around.

"U'm Katashi what are you talking about? What actions?" Riichi queried as he found himself on the defensive backpedaling away from the green-haired teen.

Katashi doing his best to get a hit in, yet the crimson-haired teen was fast in his ability to dodge not at all even removing his hands from his pockets which only served to piss him off further since just as the previous night before he couldn't lay a finger on his opponent he was having just as much difficulty.

"Don't play dumb you know damn well what you did, you smug bastard now stop dodging and fight me!" he exclaimed as he managed to get a powerful uppercut to hit home.

Riichi feeling a pain center mass as he took a powerful uppercut to his stomach that sent him off his feet knocking the breath out of him as he eventually landed roughly on his backsliding briefly eventually coming to a stop.

'What does he think I did?' he inwardly wondered to himself, as he attempted to get his breath back, finding himself kicked in his right ribs which sent him off the ground once again spinning in the air.

Katashi wasted no time in continuing his offensive on his opponent who was helplessly spinning in the air, he leaped up into a spinning ax kick connecting sending Riichi crashing into the ground where he rolled several times before coming to a stop.

Kohaku watching the fight up until this point gained a perplexed expression to his features as this didn't seem like the same opponent from the evening before.

'Is he allowing himself to be kicked around?' he inwardly wondered, which most the group watching wondered the same thing.

Riichi grunted as he grimaced at the pain he was feeling in his side where he had been struck, slowly getting up in a standing position, eyeing his opponent with a piercing gaze.

"Oh, you finally going to get serious?" Katashi inquired, raising his right hand beckoning the red-haired teen forward.

'I can't let him keep kicking me like that or I'll be in trouble.' Riichi thought to himself closing his eyes, proceeding clasp his hands together proceeding to crack his knuckles.

He then opened his sapphire orbs glaring at the green-haired teen, going on to say. "I honestly don't know what all of this is about, but if you want a fight you got one now you walking pork cutlet." he deadpanned.

Katashi grit his teeth glaring daggers at the crimson-haired teen. "How dare you insult me once again you bastard!" he exclaimed charging forth throwing several strikes that the red-haired teen easily parried whilst getting his own powerful attacks in all hitting home.

Riichi wasted no time in putting the green-haired teen on the retreat, leaping up in a fast-paced vicious roundhouse kick that Katashi barely had time to bring his arms up crossing them to block the blow finding himself sent backward and onto his back skidding for several feet away.

Proceeding to limber himself up, Riichi took on a crane stance as he watched his green-haired opponent getting back to a standing position. He then lifted his left hand beckoning the fang-toothed teen forward.

"Get over here you Pork cutlet I got five more minutes to play with you before the bell rings," he called to his opponent confidently, whilst undoing the buttons to his uniform blazer with his right hand.

The next moments were a blur as not only did Katashi charge at Riichi so too did all the boys at the gate with exception of his twin brother Kohaku just stayed put as a casual observer.

Riichi now not only forced to fight both Katashi, but his comrades as well did his best to both block and defend taking one opponent down after the other in rapid succession.

Inside the school students, all gathered at the windows of the various classrooms to watch the ensuing battle that was taking place just outside the school gates, Megumi being one of those students watching her brother fight mock punching the air in mimic as she cheered her brother on.

"You better win this Riichi!" she shouted, observing her brother was now being ganged up on by the Hibiki brother's followers, though she did observe one of the Hibiki twins was simply observing and not getting involved.

Kohaku for his part continued to observe the fight and within mere minutes had already put all of his and his brother's friends out of commission but not entirely unscathed as he had taken many hits from the horde in the process.

'I don't get it. Is he toying with my brother? Last night he was invincible? Or...' he trailed turning his attention towards the school observing the cheering raven-haired Saotome. 'Was it Megumi in the canal with us and not her brother is she really that skilled?' he inwardly wondered to himself.

While he knew his brother was sure it was Riichi that had fought them in the canal he himself wasn't so sure since he had never once observed Megumi in a real battle not even once, though he knew for fact she trained side by side with her brother almost on the daily according to what his father had told him.

Course when he thought about it he couldn't ever recall an event where he even observed the crimson-haired Saotome ever do battle at least not in person until now.

His attention turned back to the duo when he heard someone land hard at his feet, looking down he observed his brother out cold, he looked up observing Riichi staring right at him as if he was a potential target.

"Well, you want some too? I got another three minutes?" the crimson-haired Saotome called, annoyance clearly evident to his expression.

Kohaku put his hands up giving a cheesy grin, "How about no I told my brother this was a bad idea from the start." he said not really interested in a fight.

Riichi still feeling rather annoyed, keeping a steely gaze on his next potential target hearing the bell ring meaning he was off on his count. 'Damn I am late...' he inwardly groaned.

"Well since I am late for class anyway, perhaps you can tell me why your brother and friends picked a fight with me this morning?" he queried, looking to the fang-toothed martial-artist for answers.

Kohaku shrugged his shoulders, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Well if you don't know then I can assume it was your sister in the canal with us last night. That and no offense but you clearly don't have the skills of the combatant who beat us yesterday unless you are holding back making a fool of my brother." he offered.

Riichi looked up to the now empty window his sister had occupied confusion to his features, he proceeded to shake his head negatively. "Look I honestly don't know about some fight in a canal I was at home doing my homework." he paused a moment.

"Also I think you must be mistaken there is noway Megumi would get in a brawl with boys it's just not her..." he trailed, as the thoughts of the persocom from the terminal came to mind.

Kohaku having listened to the crimson-haired martial-artist words, "So it was your sister that attacked us?" he questioned.

Riichi shook his head negatively once more, looking to the fang-toothed martial-artist as he considered how best to ask his question, "Look I know this will sound silly, but you say you fought either myself or my sister right?" he inquired.

"Go on I am listening?" Kohaku queried tilting his head with intrigue.

Riichi then continued, "Well that just cannot be since I was at home doing homework, You can even ask our personal house persocom she wouldn't lie about that, and well Megumi she was with friends at a slumber party. That and she generally doesn't do fights outside of martial arts tournaments." he explained.

"Okay so let us assume that you and your sister were not in the canal cos-playing a Persocom-" Kohaku started to say quickly finding himself interrupted. Riichi quickly speaking, "Wait cos-playing a persocom?" he queried since he remembered Katashi's earlier words.

"Yea one of you was dressed as a persocom with red hair the same color as yours," Kohaku explained, he then observed a knowing expression cross the crimson-haired martial-artists features.

Riichi's face turned from knowing to comedic as he started to burst out laughing, going on to say through laughter, "Oh man that is rich so let me get this straight you ran into that persocom doppelganger of my father's younger cursed self and got your asses handed to you... How do you get beat by a persocom?" he queried, his ribs hurting now not only from the kicks he received but his own laughter as well.

Kohaku glared at the crimson-haired martial artist, while at the same time gaining a slightly puzzled expression, "Hey this is serious man quit laughing." he then went on to pose a question, "What do you mean doppelganger of your father?" he queried.

Riichi's laughter died down, as he gained a serious expression, "Just what I said my sister and I the other day were just returning from a concert when we had a run-in with a persocom that had the very appearance of our father's female half well his between the ages of sixteen to seventeen self that is." he explained.

He then went into laughter once more, a goofy expression to his features. "Oh man you and your brother both got yourselves laid out by a persocom how the heck do you manage that?" he questioned, going on to say "Here and I thought you Hibiki's were strong damn and to think I wasted my time fighting your brother I mean picking on the weak isn't my thing," he said through more laughter.

Kohaku closed the distance in an instant surprising the red-head as he grabbed the boy by his collar lifting him off the ground and into the air, "Say that again Saotome-kun I dare you." he growled through gritted teeth before dropping the boy on the ground where he landed on his feet.

Calming his temper turning away from the crimson-haired martial-artist proceeding to bend down picking up his brother going on to say. "Look I guess I can't blame you for laughing If I heard someone got their asses kicked by a persocom I guess I would do the same." he paused as he shook his head negatively at the memory.

"Don't assume we are weak you didn't fight her Saotome-kun, she isn't your run of the mill persocom she is a monster. We couldn't even touch her and that speed she displayed when taking out our comrades I swear she looked like she was blinking in and out of existence," he explained, walking off towards the school to get his brother to the nurse's office.

Riichi watching the fang-toothed martial-artist walking away pondered over this new information attempting to imagine the doppelganger of his father blinking from one spot to another for the life of himself he couldn't even wrap his head around such an event transpiring let alone occurring.

'I can do things rather quickly if I really try. So can my sister, but the speed you would need to do that just isn't humanly possible.' he observed.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Ikaros's purchase...

XXXXXXXXXXXX

The following day both Ikaros with the bamboo umbrella held in her right hand leaning over her right shoulder, and Ryuu holding just under his right arm the case he had been given arrived at the salvage yard just an hour before the latter would have to clock in for work, the duo proceeding towards the bosses office which was a small structure nearest the center of the yard that was a tower with a winding staircase that leads up to it.

As the duo walked Ikaros couldn't help but observe the piles upon piles of used persocom units with a blank expression, her eyes turning the color of green, inside she felt as if her reactor was in pain which was a new feeling she hadn't experienced before.

'So many...' she inwardly trailed, which only made her more determined not to end up in such a pile if she could help it, she paused in her step observing her companion had come to a stop looking directly at her which caused her to wonder what was on his mind.

"Something wrong Tobishita-san?" she inquired, observing he was looking to her with a scrutinizing gaze.

Ryuu after a moment spoke up, cupping his chin, "I wonder if we shouldn't get you something to add to that outfit of yours. Don't get me wrong I like it but I think you should cover-up in the chest department cause I don't think my Boss would like to see you like this." he explained.

Ikaros looked down at her coat a moment observing her ample cleavage was in view, she let a sigh escape her lips, proceeding to open the black bag she had hung at her side with her left hand reaching inside a digital portal opening up retrieving a white cloth item.

She zipped her bag up, proceeding to unfold the item proceeding to dawn it revealing it to be a hooded cape that hung about her shoulder's, with a hood down.

Ryuu observing the article noting it covered her chest and seemed to be apart of the girl's outfit as a whole. 'I guess that works, but she looks like an Anime character from one of them cosplay conventions.' he inwardly noted.

With that the duo continued up the path and eventually up the steps leading to the tower office eventually once inside indeed sitting at a desk with a mountain of paperwork on its surfaces was Ryuu's boss who looked up observing their entrance into his office.

"Why Tobishita-san what brings you here so early? Oh and is that the persocom unit you found in that old sedan?" he inquired, giving his employee an expectant gaze.

"Why yes this is that very persocom unit, Her name is Ikaros sir," Ryuu said introducing his companion who bowed her head in respect.

"Pleased to meet you, Sir," she said with a cheerful lilt.

The man behind the desk gained a pleased expression, "Well she seems to have some manners about her. I can't say Ikaros is the first name I would have given a persocom but should she have wings I wouldn't recommend her flying too close to the sun." he jested.

"Well, I didn't name her sir she had a program already preinstalled. Which brings me to why I am here you said if I could get her working we could discuss payment." Ryuu explained, closing the distance between himself and his boss's desk.

Ikaros lifting her head, shifted the umbrella off her right shoulder, flipping it placing the tip against the cheap linoleum beige tiled floor, she glanced about the office observing it was quite messy which gave it a nonprofessional air.

"Well if she already has a program installed, and appears to be functional perhaps you could work on a payment plan. Given her appearance I would say she is a custom model which typically are worth quite a bit I am thinking in our yen the equivalent of five-thousand American." the boss went on to say, drumming his right-hand fingers upon the desk.

Ryuu let a slight chuckle escape his lips, not at all surprised by his boss's words, "I thought you might ask for that, but I wonder if we could do a trade instead?" he offered, taking the case he was holding out from under his arm sitting it atop his boss's desk.

The older man looked to his employee a moment, he smiles crossing his lips as he started laughing as if he had been told a joke, "Oh come now it is far too early for April fools." he noted through snickers as he did his best to reign in his laughter.

"Just humor me sir look inside the case and tell me if it is worth it to you," Ryuu said doing his best to keep a straight face, so sure was he that whatever was in the case Ikaros had given him probably would really seem laughable as any joke an employee would attempt to play on their boss or co-workers.

The boss eyed his employee taking on a more professional demeanor, he turned his attention to the case, reaching up unclasping the latches before lifting the lid eyeing the contents, he closed the lid briefly opening it doing a double-take, doing his best to keep a blank expression.

'Holy holy...' he trailed in thought going on to say, "Tobishita-san where did you find these?" he questioned.

Ryuu let a tired sigh escape his lips, "I was at a flea market the other day and happened upon someone selling old persocom parts, though I doubt they will even cover half a payment for Ikaros am I right?" he questioned quite sure of the answer.

'Cover half... Does he not realize the value of these parts.' The boss man thought dumbfounded at his employee's seeming ignorance, keeping a straight face. "Oh half no Tobishita-san you did really well finding these. Tell you what give me another one-hundred yen along with these and she is all yours." he offered.

Ryuu eyed his boss suspiciously, but reluctantly retrieved one-hundred yen from his pocket placing them atop the case, "So you serious no payments I can just walk off the lot with her right now?" he questioned to make sure he heard right.

"Of course Tobishita-san I am very serious." The boss simply replied, while in thought he felt rather excited as he realized with the contents in the case he could make a fortune off the contents since they were all unopened and still in the package chipsets for classic model persocom units.

Ikaros having watched the exchange, picked up the umbrella lifting it up leaning it over her right shoulder, tilting her head to the side. 'Well one problem solved.' she thought to herself though she felt disgusted by the fact the man that was Ryuu's boss even asked for an extra hundred yen on top of the contents of the case playing on his employee's ignorance.

Apart of her wanted to chide the man for such an infraction, but she kept it to herself since she didn't want to cause problems between the two men especially since the man being Ryuu as far as she was concerned saved her life by activating her which in turn meant she felt she owed the man a debt, one which had yet to be satisfied.

XXXX

XXXX

On the roof of their High school both Megumi and Riichi sat having their lunch, also joining them eating her lunch was a teenage girl named Kikyo Hibiki with fair skin, her hair long raven worn in duel pigtails on both sides, with emerald colored eyes, two fangs protruded just below her upper lip.

She wore the typical uniform dress attire of the school, around her neck she wore a pink-n-black patterned bandanna which was a signature of the Hibiki family.

Megumi looking to her brother expectantly, "So tell me Riichi what was that about this morning?" she queried, however before her sibling could speak their lunch companion decided to speak for him.

"According to my father, last night my two numb skull brother's got their asses soundly handed to them by your brother down in the canals and well rumors of this defeat is floating around the school so my baka brother Katashi decided to get a rematch to somehow save face," Kikyo explained, while with her chopsticks taking a morsel from her bento devouring it in quick order.

Megumi blinked a couple of times, however before she could say anything Riichi piped up. "Save face yea that went over well I defeated your bother this morning. However, I cannot claim victory for a fight I had no part in since I was at home the entire time your brothers were getting mopped up."

"Well if it wasn't you then... Wait Megumi did you-" Kikyo started to question finding herself interrupted by the raven-haired girl who shook her head negatively, "No don't even go there I was at Arisu's house attending a slumber party, besides I wouldn't dirty my hands fighting in a place like that much less outside of a tournament Mom would have my hide."

Kikyo considered both siblings words she shook her head negatively, "Well one of you is lying cause my Father wouldn't lie he said he witnessed this fight from the bridge just above the canal and swore the art form your family practices were in use so it had to be one of you." she said accusingly.

Riichi with a wave of his right hand as if to ward off the accusation, "No truth be told neither one of us is lying. After defeating Katashi I had a conversation with your other brother Kohaku he told me they initially he thought it was either me or Megumi me in the canal, truth be told I can't blame him for thinking this since there is a doppelganger of my father's teenage self-running around somewhere here in Nerima."

"A teenage doppelganger of your father..." Kikyo trailed eyeing the crimson-haired martial-artist with suspicion, going on to state, "Look Mother said given how long he has been gone he most likely is deceased. I honestly can't believe you to make a lie like that up is disrespectful to your father's memory have you no shame? So stop telling fibs and tell me the truth."

Megumi then spoke up in her siblings defense, "No Riichi would never dishonor our fathers memory, and Kikyo its very possible the other day my brother and I went to a concert and when we were coming back we had a run-in with a persocom that looked like the spitting image of our fathers cursed half from his teenage years."

Having heard the conversation, observing no hint of deceit in the raven-haired Saotome's words, Kikyo then went on to say, "So wait... You mean my brothers got beat up by a Persocom..." pausing as she started to snicker bringing her left hand up to cover her lips, going on to continue,

"A walking talking computer machine thingy?" she queried to ensure she heard right, whilst attempting to keep a straight face, but despite herself, she was snickering.

Riichi couldn't help himself as he started to laugh which in turn turned contagious as both his sister and the fang-toothed girl all erupted into laughter, "Ye-haha, That's what-" he tried to get out however he was unable to finish his explanation as fell onto his back unable contain the laughter he was getting as a vision of a persocom beating up the twins came to mind.

Eventually he managed to reign himself in taking on a more serious expression, "Yea apparently this persocom not only mimics our father in the looks department, but she can fight according to everything Kohaku told me, and well you said your father witnessed her using my families art style during that fight so that right there proves she isn't an ordinary persocom."

"I still don't understand why someone would go to the trouble of building a persocom replica of our father," Megumi stated, her thoughts troubled by recent events.

Riichi shaking his head negatively, "I honestly don't have an answer, but what I do know is we need to find this persocom and put a stop to whatever scheme the person who built her has cooked up."

"Well, I still am having a hard time believing my brothers were defeated by a persocom. I mean their chassis are not built to withstand the kind of punishment us martial-artists deal with on the daily." Kikyo stated though she was sure she heard the truth she still couldn't imagine it based on what little knowledge she did have about said machines.

"Well from the way I understand it according to your brother Kohaku she was so fast they couldn't even lay a finger on her to even find out. So on a chance, she may fold easily if we can somehow get a hit in on her." Riichi offered, taking a morsel from his bento.

Megumi pondered on her brother's words adding, "If the Hibiki twins couldn't even keep up with her speed-wise what makes you think you will fare any better?" she inquired.

"Look and don't get upset at me saying this Kikyo I mean no disrespect for your brothers but they are not that agile in a fight, and are slow powerful hitters. Heck in male form I am not much better, but when in my female form I am very fast" Riichi pointed out which caused Megumi to gain a thoughtful expression.

Megumi then commented, "True they are slow you are right, between me and you were are very fast and agile so we might be able to get a hit in on her."

"Assuming you speed demons manage to match her speed-wise, what are you going to do if she doesn't topple over on the first hit assuming you get one in at all?" Kikyo inquired, in her mind she imagined the Saotome duo taking on said persocom but for some reason, she didn't see it going in the twin's favor at all.

Riichi gave her words some consideration, "Well assuming we manage to get a hit on her and she doesn't fall the first try we will have to keep beating on her until she goes down." he explained.

"Then once she is down we will grill her for information and find out what kind of sick person created her in the first place, then go deal with him or her!" Megumi added, feeling fired up.

Kikyo slow clapped at her companion's half-baked plan, "I guess that is a decent plan. Have either of you any idea on where to find this wayward persocom?" she queried.

Both Saotome twins hung their heads in defeat. "Not a clue," they said in unison.