Author notes: Okay so I been writing this off and on along with some other chapters for other stories I have in my works project list so sorry for the delay but here is chapter:5 I do hope you enjoy.
Also, in case you missed it generally, crossovers are done between two Anime/Manga whereas I am including three here: Chobits, Ranma1/2, and Heaven's Lost Property tieing these three together aren't the easiest of work but I am doing my best here.
Also, you may have noticed I am using many characters you never heard of and that is largely due in fact because I am using my own creations throughout the story to propel it forward. Though this should taper off once I am further into the story and can introduce some more canon characters in when the time comes.
With all that said on with the show...
Ikaros
Persocom1/2 chapter: 5
A few days had passed since Ikaros had helped Ryuu with the items to trade for her purchase she sat on the futon he had provided her with a look of boredom since she hadn't left this room in a while mostly due to the fact that Ryuu's son was home since he was feeling under the weather.
She looked down and to the right observing a yellow piece of line paper that had a detailed shopping list written on it, she let a sigh escape her lips reaching down to pick it up reading over the details which were a list of items she had been asked to purchase.
Only one minor issue that had not been factored in was the fact the teen of the home hadn't left the apartment and didn't seem like he planned to which meant she couldn't leave the room to run the errand requested of her, she looked to the window a thoughtful expression to her features as a plan started to formulate.
Course she knew she could probably generate everything on her list, but that meant drawing on the Synapse which every time she did so knew in fact that it increased the chance she would draw unwanted attention to herself which is something she didn't want.
She stood up walking over to the window, looking down observing just how far from the street she was and observing how many potential witnesses were milling about on the sidewalks, or in their cars driving along the street.
She then went on to observe how bright and sunny it was, with a moderate breeze and a partially cloudy sky though it was most likely not going to rain, even the weather forecast she had gotten from the internet had said as much in its index chart.
'The only way out is through this window...' she considered realizing what she was about to do was a big risk, but then while it may cause a stir if she were caught on the other hand she may escape the room unnoticed by the apartments only other inhabitant.
Reaching up she unlatched the lock on the window, then removed her cape a digital portal opening up she reached in with cape in hand then pulled her now empty hand back whilst the portal was in the process of closing.
With that done she climbed up onto the window seal, two large feathered wings sprouted through the sleeves on the back of her coat between the shoulder blades, one white with black tips on the outer feathers, the other black with white tips on the outer feathers.
She waited a moment, scanning the potential witnesses once she was sure she had a marginal opportunity of not being seen she leaped out the window, soaring into the sky her wings spread wide.
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Finding herself a landing point on a rooftop Ikaros touched down, her wings retracting back into her body as she glanced around the roof observing the typical scenery one would expect from a business rooftop.
She scanned the area observing a fire escape ladder proceeding to cross the distance before descending its rungs until her feet touched the ground within the alley, leaning over her shoulder still clutched in her right hand the Hibiki umbrella.
With a slight flourish, she then moved the umbrella just under her right arm, while resting its butt end in the palm of her right hand in a casual manner as if holding a cane, proceeding forward towards the street in her left hand she held the yellow piece of paper reading over its contents briefly as she went.
The street she entered was apart of a group of shopping businesses and, restaurants and or pastry shops, along with quite a few market stalls all selling wares of various origins, some of which were on her list of things to buy.
She glanced about briefly before making her way towards a store with a window chock-full of pastry items including assorted cakes, cookies, and treats of all kinds of which were all made by who she assumed was the man hard at work at his craft just past the display behind the counter at least that she could make out from her vantage point.
Eventually, she made it to the stores only entrance which was a glass door, proceeding to open it she heard a chiming sound as she stepped inside the door closing behind her.
The pastry chef who was your typical older Japanese male with graying hair in his late fifties wearing a white-n-red chef's coat, white pants momentarily paused in his work briefly glancing over his shoulder at her before turning back to what he was doing not at all speaking to her.
Walking over she stood by the counter glancing around at the various items, "Excuse me sir can you help me out?" she inquired.
The chef continued working seeming to ignore her, to which Ikaros seemed to bite her lower lip in frustration as a new emotion washed over her, she took a breath, "Sir please can you help me?" she inquired once more.
She then heard a feminine voice from the back of the shop just past a red-curtained hallway, followed by slight footfalls, "Sorry child you will have to forgive my husband he lost his ability to speak awhile back."
Just then an elder woman stepped out from behind the curtain wearing a similar wardrobe to her husband, in her hand, she held a plate with two cups of tea to which her Husband reached overtaking one proceeding to drink from it.
Ikaros gave a look of understanding as well as the look of frustration vanished from her features as she glanced between the husband and wife, "I am wondering if you both could help me my current owner would like for me to purchase some things for his son's birthday party, however, I am ill-equipped for this purpose which is a failure on my part."
The aging chef looked to her as she returned it with a slightly confused expression, and even though she couldn't hear a sound she knew he was chuckling, as did his wife who let a slight giggle escape her lips.
"Well, what is this a persocom that is ill-equipped on birthday customs is it? Why dear that is no fault of your own since the blame clearly falls to your owner he should have explained it to you or the very least installed the proper software, now let me see that list you are holding perhaps we can get everything you need and give some helpful pointers." she offered with a wan smile to her lips.
Eventually, Ikaros had the umbrella tucked under her right arm, whilst held a white paper bag by a straw handle with various party related items inside, and held in her left hand was a platter with the cake that had been finely crafted with care.
She bowed her head in gratitude toward the couple, "Thank you so very much for the help and the tips I will do my best to utilize this information to the best of my capabilities."
"Any time dear if your owner or his son needs anything else feel free to drop by, and you to deary are welcome here any time." the elder woman called as she watched her husband walk over opening the door as the red-head stepped through disappearing beyond the doorway.
'Such a delightful child.' she thought unto herself as for a persocom unit the red-head seemed to be so much more to her almost human even, with that she proceeded to head into the back area of the store, as her husband went back to working on yet another pastry project.
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A helping hand-
A potential friend?
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Ikaros continued from store to store buying various purchases adding to her already considerable items she already carried, and now carrying six bags worth of items, whilst still, the umbrella tucked under her right arm as well as the cake and platter balanced on her left hand.
Though the weight of the items was proving no trouble, the sheer amount of items were making things cumbersome making her wish she had brought a more effective means of carrying said purchases, of course, an image flashed in her mind of an alternative option would have been to purchase the cake after everything else and only have to carry it home.
She continued up the busy sidewalk side-stepping various pedestrians who were going too and from to their various destinations, she took great care to not come into contact with any of them, observing a rather large group of businessmen she stepped over and placed her back against the wall of the nearby structure to allow the men to pass.
She then found herself startled slightly as a feminine voice that spoke in a lilt, "My you sure are carrying quite a bit there would you like some help?"
Turning her head to the left towards the voice that spoke to her she founds its owner to be a girl about her height with light blue-hair worn with duel pigtails, and two mid-length bangs framing her face with dark blue sapphire eyes, her ears were of a similar color to her own though they were pointed almost like an elf with a black lightning bolt-like pattern towards the bottom of said ears.
Her clothing was a white-n-black dress, with black stockings held by white garters complete with white knee-high boots, on her arms she wore long white gloves, around her neck was a collar with a short piece of chain hanging off of it with what appeared to be a broken link where it ended.
Ikaros looked to the newcomer a feeling of trepidation crossed her mind, she then softly spoke to the blue-haired girl, "U'm sure if you are offering it cannot hurt I sup'os miss?" she inquired.
The blue-haired girl gave her a slim smile, "Ah my name is Nymph and you are?"
"R_Alpha_One military prototype persocom, or Ikaros for short." Ikaros relayed, as the blue-haired girl took the cake in both hands.
The blue-haired girl named Nymph gave the other girl a brief glance, "You know you don't look like an Alpha to me."
"I don't?" Ikaros questioned a curious brow raised, as she proceeded to start walking as her new companion walked at her side.
Nymph gave a nod of her head, going on to say, "No you don't; you are more like a Chronos to me, or perhaps maybe even a Zafkiel."
Pondering momentarily over the girls' words, a brief flash of an image of the inside of her watch at the words etched inside being: Zakiel 'Emperor of Time', she then went on to think, 'She mentioned the name from my pocket watch does she know me is that who I really am?... is she with them... have they found me so soon?'
Nymph looked to the red-head observing a brief look of worry cross her features, "Something the matter?" she inquired.
"No nothing is-is wrong," Ikaros assured, attempting to hide her worry behind a blank mask that was very thin, as she did a scan of the blue-haired girl realizing quickly she was built in much the same way with the same materials from the synapse as herself.
Nymph paused in her step, so to did the other girl, she then in a calming voice, "Relax I am not with whoever is looking for you, now let us take this stuff to its destination then we can have a talk about the reason I have sought you out Chronos."
While her words did have a disarming effect Ikaros still felt wary of the blue-haired Angeloid's intentions, giving a timid nod, "Yes follow me, and my name is Ikaros." she called in a dull monotone voice.
With a giggle the blue-haired Angeloid spoke with a negative shake of her head, "I told you you don't look like an Alpha to me, No you definitely are a Chronos."
In her mind, she was already sizing the red-head up getting a feel for her personality and while it seemed she had one it seemed almost detached almost like she was following the set parameters of a program someone had installed.
"My name is Ikaros." Ikaros reiterated once again in a monotone voice that held an air of annoyance to its tone.
Nymph chuckled at her companion, then in a cheery lilt, "Whatever you say Chro' nos."
The duo continued on eventually reaching the residence with little trouble, but now were faced with the task of entering the apartment should Ryou's son still was home, Ikaros paused across the street looking up to the apartment in question her eyes turning red as she did a scanning sweep of the apartment.
Nymph waited patiently looking up to where her companion's gaze seemed to be captivated.
"Chronos what is up there is that our destination?" she inquired of her red-hard companion.
Ikaros ceased her scan and with a sigh of frustration escaping her lips at the name her companion seemed driven to call her by giving a nod of her head. "Unfortunately yes."
"Unfortunate... Why unfortunate?." Nymph said with an inquisitive brow raised.
Ikaros speaking in her typical monotone voice, "We must not be seen by the current occupant of the apartment in question. So to meet mission parameters we will need to enter through that window." she explained, gesturing up to the window in question with her right index finger.
"Chronos why do we need to go through the window just go into the apartment while the bug is in his or her room." Nymph suggested since it would be her preferred approach.
"Bug?" Ikaros questioned, giving her companion a sideways glance.
Nymph shook her head ever so slightly, "Bug... you know the insignificant Human occupant of the apartment." she explained.
Ikaros cracked a slight smile at the explanation, "Humans are more than a simple bug by my calculations even with their many flaws. However, this 'Bug' as you call him has good hearing so sneaking in via the front door is impossible considering it is very loud when opened no matter how quiet you attempt to open it."
"I see your point if the door is loud then I guess the window is our only option. If it is your wish to minimize the number of people observing our entering I would recommend we get to the top of the building behind us and then fly in, mind you carrying the items we are carrying will leave a margin of error considering the wind currents above us." Nymph Suggested, turning her attention up and to the building in question.
Ikaros turned her attention to the building her blue-haired companion suggested, "I concur let us proceed, and should a mistake occur I will access the synapse to recreate if something is destroyed."
"I would recommend caution when accessing the 'Synapse' you do not want to garner Minos's attention any more than you already have, but I am sure you are quite aware as that is partially how Alph' 'er-I found you," Nymph warned since any access to the Synapse should be sparse when wanting to stay hidden.
Ikaros held Nymph with her gaze a moment having observed her companion slip which meant she wasn't being completely honest with her, but for the time being decided to not confront her, proceeding to make her way to the building's entrance, Nymph following suit close on her heels.
As they walked up a few flights of stairs Ikaros decided to pose a question, "Are you working on behalf of the Synapse?"
Shaking her head negatively. "No I went rogue, well technically I am exiled by the Master of the Synapse for helping a sibling and should I return would ensure my own destruction." Nymph somberly explained.
Hearing the explanation put Ikaros at ease since her companion was a rogue Angeloid and not working on behalf of the synapse.
"Do you know what you are?" Nymph questioned, as they walked up the final flight of stairs.
"I am R_Alpha_One Military prototype Per-" Ikaros started to reiterate finding herself interrupted by Nymph who frowned, saying. "I know that but that is what you were programmed to say to the bugs but that is simply just a cover now tell the truth do you know what you really are?"
Pausing just at the door that would allow herself and her companion access to the roof, Ikaros seemed to consider her companions' words carefully, "I am a Mili-" she started to say finding herself interrupted once more.
"Look Chronos you already stated that but it gets neither of us anywhere if I am to help you you need to trust me and let me in so please I ask you once again what are you do you at least know that much?" Nymph emphatically inquired of her red-haired companion.
Ikaros stared at the door just in front of her, biting her lower lip. "Our construction is much the same, You were born in the Synapse, I was born in a lab here on Earth using stolen equipment. That is all I will say for the time being Sister."
"So with no uncertain words, you admit that you are an Angeloid like myself, and know yourself to be my Earthborn sister?" Nymph questioned of her companion.
Ikaros spared a glance over her shoulder to the blue-haired Angeloid, "Yes Sister I will admit that much, but that is all I will say on the subject for the time being. Now may we please proceed with the current objective?"
Feeling triumphant Nymph gave a simple nod of her head, to which Ikaros proceeded to open the door to which both of them quickly walked through and onto the roof crossing the distance to the platform that they would use as a jump-off point in order to enter into the apartment window.
'At least she acknowledges she isn't what she claims to be, but to what purpose was she built I really need to access her internal core memory which should be simple enough.' she thought to herself.
Though she was quite confident since she was an Electronic warfare-type Angeloid hacking into her red-haired counterpart may prove simple enough however she wasn't sure it would be wise since she didn't have enough knowledge of the abilities the Angeloid posing as pesocom was capable of.
Did she have countermeasure programs that could be harmful? One of many questions the blue-haired Angeloid considered which brought her to the conclusion that any unwanted invasion could have unwanted ramifications.
No for the time being she felt it best to play along and see where things would lead.
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It had been several minutes since both Angeloid's had entered the apartment via the window with minimal problem, Nymph could hear music being played loudly from somewhere inside the apartment that she could only assume was the apartments only human occupants room.
"Does he always play loud music?" she questioned as she observed a cabinet proceeding to walk over placing the cake upon its flat surface top.
Ikaros proceeding to walk over placing the items she was carrying next to the cake, turning to glance in the direction the music was coming from. "According to my owner yes his son always plays loud music when he is doing homework."
"Well at the very least he won't hear us speaking then." Nymph observed, proceeding to cross the distance to the window looking out of it before sliding it closed before turning to face her red-haired counterpart.
Nodding her head the red-head then walked over to the wall proceeding to sit against it, her blue-haired counterpart walking over sitting down across from her.
Ikaros seemed to gain a look of contemplation going on to say, "So you sought me out may I inquire the reason?"
"Well that all really depends on you. So I guess my first question for you is what is the current goals as set by the man who calls himself your father?" Nymph inquired while giving the red-head a scrutinizing gaze.
Shaking her head Ikaros shrugged, "That is on a need to know basis."
"Of course it is." Nymph muttered seeming to think for a moment before querying; "Okay what are you capable of? surely you can tell me that much."
Ikaros shrugged replying in a dull monotone; "Classified."
Rolling her eyes Nymph pondered a moment, 'Of course, she either won't or cannot tell me anything about that.'
She seemed to ponder realizing any more questions would result in no new yield of information, for the time being, she glanced up to the ceiling.
"You mind if I stick around a little while?" she inquired.
Ikaros shrugged, "I sup'os since I do not see the harm in you staying awhile longer the master of the house should be home later this evening.
Reaching up to her left ear Nymph then spoke, "I am going to stay with her for a little bit longer." she relayed, proceeding to rock her head side to side as she listened to the voice in her ear.
"No Alp' 'Er she won't or cannot say." she paused a moment nodding to the voice on the other end of the line before speaking once more. "Yes, I will return sometime tomorrow."
Ikaros looking to her blue-haired counterpart who was speaking with someone the clock like symbols in her eyes appeared and rotated as she seemed to gain a thoughtful expression to her features.
"Yes I know I understand I will be careful." Nymph relayed, rocking her head some more as she listened to the voice in her ear, "I know what I am doing I won't do anything that will put myself or any of the bugs in danger." she assured.
Ikaros continued her thought processing as a text message appeared in her vision reading:
?: So we have siblings.
Ikaros: Seems that way... Wait who are you?
?: Oh wow did I finally make contact?
Ikaros: Who are you and how are you contacting me?
Ikaros: Hello hello?
?: I am not good with this technical stuff, No-no-no
Ikaros then reached up holding her head, squeezing her eyes closed due to a powerful headache as a piercing ringing sound entered her thought process she then opened her eyes, and her mouth as she released a shrill shriek before blacking out, slowly tilting sideways before slumping to the floor incapacitated.
Nymph observing the red-head with a look of concern proceeding to cross the distance to check on her observing her eyes were open flashing a multitude of colors signaling a memory crash.
"Chronos? Chronos You okay?" she called with great concern, observing eventually the flashing in the redhead's eyes and ceased leaving dull blue orbs that faded to black.
A few minutes went by then much to Nymphs relief Ikaros seemed to mechanically pick herself up off the floor into a lotus sitting position. Her eyes closing then slowly opening revealing her left eye was sapphire, while her right was crimson red briefly before it changed to sapphire as well.
A thoughtful expression to her features as the clockwork symbols in her eyes was rotating at a rather quick pace eventually slowing down eventually fading from view as she glanced to the blue-haired angeloid who was looking to her with a look of concern.
"Are you okay?" Nymph questioned.
Ikaros reached up rubbing the side of her head with her right hand, blinking briefly a portal appearing just to her right she quickly reached inside retrieving a large-caliber sniper rifle that was black-gold-white with the Roman Numeral: IX pushing the muzzle of the rifle against Nymphs chest.
She then posed a question; "Who are you and how did you get in here?"
"I am Nymph we met during your shopping trip remember?" the blue-haired angeloid returned in alarming shock observing the weapon in question which was meant for more than anti-personnel and most likely would put a sizable hole in her if not obliterate her entirely.
Ikaros seemed to consider her words, 'Shopping but I have not gone shopping yet?' she internally questioned turning her head slightly she observed a cake and several party bags on a dresser.
'Or did I...' she trailed as the symbols in her eyes appeared as she poured over her internal data observing the time wasn't matching the time on the bedroom clock meaning she must have had a recent memory failure.
She then started to process several garbled and fragmented bits of code eventually managing to clean them up enough to corroborate the blue-haired Angeloids story and with that she proceeded to put the rifle back into the portal before it blinked out of existence.
"We did go shopping I remember now sorry 'bout this." she relayed with an apologetic bow of her head.
Nymph feeling relief wash over her as she was still intact, "It's okay no harm done really." she assured, though internally she was counting her lucky stars that the girl was able to remember.
'I almost became paste... she's almost as scary as Alpha!' she internally exclaimed.
With that Ikaros then proceeded to do a system scan on herself, closing her eyes, while Nymph distanced herself proceeding to lean back against the wall just under the window seal as the image of that rifle and its numeral were still on her mind.
'If that was Nine, I don't think I want to see ten, Eleven or even Twelve for that matter.' she internally thought to herself.
A few minutes passed in silence as Nymph gazed to the red-head a few minutes before interrupting the silence with a question, "So Chronos how long do you plan to stay with these bugs?"
Ikaros half-opened her right eye to look to her blue-haired sibling explaining. "At least until I feel I have paid my debt to my owner."
"What do you owe this bug for anyways if you don't mind me asking?" Nymph inquired once again since she observed her sibling wasn't imprinted nor wore the imprinting collar.
Closing her right eye Ikaros relayed, "He saved my life. He found me unconscious in a scrapyard full of used persocom units and I may have eventually been scrapped if not for his intervention."
Nymph looked to the red-head a look of understanding to her features as she had once faced that very possibility herself which wasn't very appealing to anyone who enjoys living.
"While I understand you feel you owe this bug for saving your life, do bear in mind so long as you stay with him and the little bug they will be in danger," she advised.
Ikaros slightly nodded her head, "I am aware, I have access to all security feeds in the area if danger gets close I will have ample warning the moment they either show up in the feed or the feed is cut." she explained.
Nymph thought on this gaining a look of realization, 'So wait that means she is partially built for electronic warfare kind of like myself, but she is also a very capable weapons platform based on that rifle she had earlier a very nasty combination no wonder Alpha is interested in Chron'os's interests.'
She then looked to Ikaros's vest on the right collar observing in gold a roman numeral of XII which raised even more questions.
"Why do you have a numeral on your vest were there twelve of you manufactured?" she inquired.
Ikaros shook her head negatively, "No I am the only one of my kind built by Father, there are some the Military was going to work on but I do not know if they were ever finished since I have the only functioning reactor they would need to be fully functional." she explained.
"You still didn't answer my question why twelve if you are the only one?" Nymph inquired her curiosity increasing.
Ikaros let a sigh escape her lips before saying in a dull monotone, "I won't answer that for security reasons."
"Of course you won't." Nymph muttered under her breath, posing yet another question, "What about that reactor is that a secret to or is it similar to the one inside of me?"
Ikaros thought briefly, "Its similar to your own but made by father he called it an Eternium core which gives me a seemingly everlasting supply of energy and in theory could power an entire city, but Father speculated it could power an entire world." she explained, pausing briefly.
She then continued, "However currently it is only running at minimal efficiency, and most my power is coming instead from my backup micro Eternity batteries which are charged by solar energy, and or consumption of other energy sources."
"Would you have a problem if I take a scan of it?" Nymph inquired, in hopes to sate her curiosity.
Shaking her head negatively Ikaros relayed, "No I won't allow that at this time, maybe when I know I can trust you."
"Fair enough." Nymph simply stated letting the matter slide for the time being.
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later that evening Ryuu finally had arrived home from work standing just outside the door of his apartment, he could make out what he had considered the droning of rock music most likely coming from his son's room.
He was surprised he never got a complaint from his neighbors, but since there was none he saw no reason to voice his concern to his son since it would only add more friction to their already strained family situation.
Proceeding to enter his apartment he closed the door behind him, proceeding to head directly for his room proceeding to retrieve a key from his pocket unlocking the door before sliding it open allowing him to step through closing the door behind him.
As he entered he observed on the dresser top was the supplies for his sons upcoming birthday, he then noted Ikaros who was sitting by a nearby wall her eyes closed most likely doing a self-scan or currently in stand by, he then turned his attention observing a blue-haired individual who he had never seen before though with some scrutiny he observed she was like Ikaros another type of persocom.
'They are multiplying.' he inwardly noted to himself, he then decided to address the blue-haired girl in a tired voice, "Ah I see Ikaros has made a new friend. Who might you be?"
Nymph was already eyeing the raven-haired man with a scrutinizing gaze of her own, she then after a moment spoke her mind, "I am Nymph, and you are the bug 'Er human who owns this apartment I assume?" she inquired.
Ryuu frowned having caught the bug remark, "Nymph is a pretty name, and yes I rent the apartment you are in. Say it will be getting late soon how long do you plan on staying, and won't your owner be worried about your whereabouts?" he inquired.
"I will be staying the night and leave by morning if that is okay by you what is your name?" Nymph questioned halfheartedly managing to refrain from saying 'bug'.
Ryuu spoke up, "My name is Tobishita Ryuu."
"Tobishita-san it is then, as for my owner worrying about me no I have already made the necessary arrangements so I can stay for the night." Nymph explained with a tiny white lie since she didn't have an owner, nor a true master at any rate though she liked to think of a certain individual as her master he had told her he wanted her to remain free.
Ryuu considered this information before speaking, "Very well I suppose but do keep the noise down to a minimal my son can't know either of you is here." he warned.
"I know Chronos already explained it," Nymph assured.
Ryuu looked to the blue-haired girl with a raised eyebrow, "Why do you keep referring to Ikaros as Chronos? He questioned.
"I call all my siblings by their model." Nymph explained nonchalantly.
Ryuu looked to the blue-haired girl his expression of thought, 'Siblings?' he then posed a question to better understand what he was just told, "Sibling you both are related?" he inquired.
"Well yes in a sense, but I really shouldn't go into detail on that subject at this time since I don't know how much Chronos has told you," Nymph said as she glanced to her red-haired counterpart who was still in a type of standby mode not saying anything.
Ryuu shrugged his shoulders, "Well I know she is a military prototype persocom she explained that, but I didn't think she had a sister or more since you said siblings in the sense of multiple individual units."
"I see." Nymph rocked her head back and forth, 'So he really has no idea what Chronos truly is.' she inwardly noted to herself realizing that she should keep detailed answers to a minimum then as far as Ryuu was concerned.
Giving a slight nod of her head. "Well yes siblings there are more than just me, but I won't go into the details of our family unit with you since it is irrelevant information."
"Fair enough I won't push you for more details." Ryuu simply said as he collected some clothing items, proceeding to leave the room to get himself a bath.
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Mid-Night
Snacks+Skirmish
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Now just a little past mid-night Nymph glanced to Ikaros who was still in the process of a self-scan, she glanced around the room briefly glancing at the lone sleeping human of the room, she stood up walking over to the window looking out it noting the apartments across the way the lights off meaning all the humans were asleep.
'Wish I brought my snacks this sucks!' she inwardly thought to herself as she stared off into the night as she thought on why she was here, she tilted her head down.
She realized her sister unit probably knew more about Chronos than she did, which made her wonder why she had been sent instead. 'Alpha should be here she knows everything about Chronos why did she send me.' she inwardly complained.
"So what are you looking at?" Ikaros asked from her place beside Nymph jumped as she was startled having not even noticed she had got up and was standing just next to her.
After getting over the initial shock Nymph glanced to the red-head frowning, "Don't sneak up on me like that again you scared me." she stated.
Ikaros gave an apologetic look, "Sorry didn't mean to scare you. You were so engrossed with whatever you were looking at out the window I guess you didn't see me walk up."
"Say I don't suppose you know where I can find a vending machine I can get some snacks from do you Chronos?" Nymph inquired, tilting her head looking to her friend.
Ikaros seemed to think for a moment, "I found a drink machine, perhaps a snack machine is there as well but we will have to sneak out of the house to get there, or Fly down from this window." she explained not bothering to correct the girl on the name she referred to her by since it didn't do any good the last few times she tried.
"So our options are to sneak out the front door which is loud in an attempt to avoid the little bug, or leap through the window guess this is our only true option, or I won't get any snacks... as it is I already missed my soaps for the day." Nymph observed, whilst complaining about missing her favorite TV shows.
Ikaros gained a confused expression, "What is a Soap? Did you mean for bathing purposes?" she inquired.
"Oh no not bathing Soaps, I meant Soap opera as in Television Do you not watch TV?" Nymph quickly replied with a question, blue wings sprouting from between her shoulder blades as she went to push the window open.
Ikaros sprouting her wings preparing to follow Nymph, replied with, "I can't say I have watched television that much."
Ryou woke briefly observing Ikaros as she leaped out the window observing on her back were wings of two different colors, 'Since when did persocoms fly?' he inwardly questioned, before rolling over and back to sleep.
Once both Angeloids were on the ground they began their trek to the vending machine Ikaros had seen on her way back to Ryou's apartment.
The streets were deserted with the occasional car randomly driving by, the street lights shined brightly, with exception of a few that flickered on and off due to the fact they were in need of maintenance, creatures of the night sang their nighttime song as most of Nerima's inhabitants were long in the process of sleeping.
A cool breeze blew over the duo as they walked though it didn't seem they were bothered by it as they continued up the street towards their destination in silence.
As they walked Nymph was the first to speak, "So Chronos you like snacks like wasabi peas?"
"I honestly wouldn't know I have not eaten anything since my activation," Ikaros responded, while constantly glancing around with her eyes scanning their surroundings.
Nymph frowned at her companions' words, "Well then we must change that when we get to the vending machine you are going to eat some stuff your choice of course on what we eat." she promised.
"I get to choose huh. Though I take it I am not allowed to say no to eating?" Ikaros questioned, though she already expected the answer.
Nymph giggled at her companion saying, "You got it Chronos." she then observed the bamboo umbrella the red-head was carrying in her right hand, "Say where did you get that umbrella it looks nice."
"Oh, this I got it from some teenage thugs who were attacking another teenager," Ikaros replied with a slight smile to her lips.
Nymph chuckled at this, stating, "Thugs are the lowest form of bug imaginable, I am sure they got what was coming to them."
"To be honest I tried to get them to leave on their own, but they decided to attack me so I was forced to defend myself," Ikaros explained, gazing ahead at the vending machines that were their destination.
She then went on to say, "I kind of like it, and well it feels familiar somehow like I've held this particular umbrella before. I just for the life of me I can't remember when."
"Past memory perhaps an activation period that was erased from your memories by your father?" Nymph questioned since she was partially briefed.
Nodding her head Ikaros considered her companions' words, "Yes perhaps so..." she trailed.
"So these blackout spells, and memory lapses have they been happening long?" Nymph inquired of her companion.
Ikaros considered on what to say, finally deciding, "No well the blackouts have been a recent issue, but this last time was the first time I had a memory lapse, I am sorry for what happened I should not have drawn a weapon on a sibling unit."
"It is fine really it is only natural to defend yourself against potential unknown enemies, I am just glad you were able to see a reason to recall I am friendly." Nymph assured her companion.
Continuing her forward momentum Ikaros pointed with the umbrella, "Here we are the vending machines, I believe the one in the middle is for snacks you are wanting." she dully stated.
"Great, but you know Chronos we really need to work on your personality just a bit the dull monotone voice isn't that cheerful sounding," Nymph called as she approached the machine glancing over the various snack options retrieving some coins from her right belt pouch.
Ikaros now standing next to her blue-haired counterpart tilted her head to the side, seeming to consider her words, 'Not very cheerful?' she inwardly thought remotely accessed the internet seeming to space out.
"Chronos-Chronos what do you want to try?" Nymph inquired Elbowing her companion in her right side causing the red-head to cease searching the internet.
Ikaros glanced at the machine looking over the various items, "We could try the Wasabi peas, and maybe those pocky sticks?" she offered.
"That is good that is a start!" Nymph exclaimed cheerily, proceeding to insert the coins pressing the corresponding buttons, the items falling into the vending slot.
Ikaros glanced over some of the other options briefly, gesturing to four more selections to which Nymph inserted coins proceeding to press the associated buttons, before gathering all the snacks they had bought before walking over to a nearby bus bench sitting down together proceeding to open packages.
"Okay so which do you want to try first?" Nymph inquired gesturing to the already opened packages to which the red-head glanced over the various items pointing to the pocky sticks.
Ikaros leaning the umbrella against the bench to her right she then reached for the pocky sticks taking one briefly glancing at it before bringing it to her lips taking a small bite, a thoughtful expression to her features as the taste seemed somehow familiar to her though she couldn't recall why.
She then finished the rest of the pocky stick she was holding, proceeding to grab yet another item popping it into her mouth chewing, then grabbed another item in quick succession much to her blue-haired companion's amazement.
"You seem to really like snacks as much as I do it would seem." Nymph observed, proceeding to take two pocky sticks snacking on them.
Nodding her head, "Yes it would seem I do like them..." Ikaros trailed, her expression one of thought as a brief memory that seemed not her own flashed across her mind one which she sat across from a blue-haired teenage girl with short hair and chocolate brown eyes, in front of her on a table was a chocolate, vanilla parfait with a cherry on top, but the memory vanished almost as soon as it appeared.
Both girls continued snacking while taking sips of their perspective beverages not at all registering the five partially drunken individuals who were gradually approaching them from the darkness of one of the nearby alleyways.
The first of the five was a tall man with a muscular build, his eyes green his facial features finely chiseled, with short spiky light brown hair, he wore a black t-shirt with a brown leather jacket with a dragon emblem on the back, black leather gloves, dark blue jeans with tears over the right knee, black-n-white tennis shoes.
The second being a tall lanky man with fare facial features holding a baseball bat in his right hand walking just behind him and to his left had raven-hair tied back in a ponytail, his chocolate brown eyes behind square red-framed glasses, he wore a similar fashion to the first.
Directly to his right the third man also holding a baseball bat in his left hand he had long raven-hair worn straight with similar facial features indicating they were brothers, though he wore a black muscle shirt featuring an eighties rock band a red vest with matching symbol as the rest worn just over this, with dark blue jean shorts, with black-n-white tennis shoes.
Behind him walked a fourth man with a shaved head and of short stature who was somewhat chubby wearing a black hoodie with the hood down on the back a white-n-red dragon emblem, on his feet, black jean shorts, similar shoes to the rest.
The fifth walking just behind him a tall individual with a muscular build, fare features, long black raven-hair worn in a ponytail via a blue-hair tie he wore a white t-shirt, and a black leather jacket with a red-n-white dragon like the rest, his pants black jeans, similar shoes as the rest of his fellows.
The group continued to converge on what they assumed were teenage girls who were busy talking among themselves snacking on junk food fanning out to encircle them, the first individual speaking up,
"Awfully late isn't it ladies shouldn't you be tucked into bed right now?" he called to the girls garnering their attention.
The chubby man spoke up, "Yea little girls it's not very safe out here especially for two dainty girls such as yourselves."
Nymph in the process of chewing her current mouthful observed the five individuals who were encircling them and still closing the distance, 'Oh great bugs...' she inwardly trailed.
Crossing her arms over her chest, swallowing her food she then spoke, "I don't have a bedtime since I am not a little kid."
Ikaros taking a pocky stick in her left hand bringing it to her lips nibbling on it, while with her right hand she gripped the umbrella while watching the men as they were now within striking distance, a HUD displayed in her vision as she glanced over the tactical information her database gathered.
"Threat assessment nominal," she said in a mere whisper, continuing to nibble on her treat.
The lead man stepped closer now just a foot from Ikaros as he looked down observing her sapphire eyes that had a glow to them due to the nearby street light, glancing and addressing the blue-haired girl speaking up in an offer through a smirk, "Perhaps you are not a little kid as you say, but perhaps my boys and I can keep you company surely you would be safer with us around?"
"Safe you say... Somehow I doubt that bug." Nymph returned giving the man a steely gaze, scooting back in her seat a little.
The man with the red jacket stepped up raising his bat just under Nymph's chin causing her to tilt her head back, "Did you just call Mr. Kinji a bug little bitch?" he inquired.
"I did he is an insignificant bug just like you." Nymph replied with no fear, though she feigned trembling.
The chubby man stepped closer, reaching down grabbing Nymph's left wrist squeezing pulling her up into a standing position to which she pretended to wince in pain, "You sure got a mouth on you little bitch to be talking about the boss like that. Maybe we should teach you a lesson." he threatened, as he gazed at the girl up and down.
The lead man revealed to be Mr. Kinji smiled at the blue-haired girls' words, "Such a feisty little thing you are." he commented as he gazed to her taking in Nymphs features observing her ears,
He then spoke once more, "Oh you must be into the whole cosplay thing, I always wanted to tag a chick that was into that kind of thing." he commented offhandedly, as he then turned his attention to the red-head who continued to nibble on the pocky stick held between her lips.
"You are delusional if you think I would ever let you do anything of the sort with me Bug." Nymph stated defiantly.
Mr. Kenji reached with his right hand placing his index finger just under Ikaros's chin forcing her to look up at him, "So what do you think Red any chance me and my boys can have some fun with you and your mouthy little friend here?" he questioned.
Ikaros gained a faraway expression to her features as her mind went another place in time a memory not her own yet felt also like it belonged to her as an image of a taller raven-haired boy with a yellow-n-black patterned bandanna worn as a headband, he wore a warn yellow sweater, and dark blue pants, black slippers, and on his back he had a worn and frayed travel pack upon his back.
In his right hand he held an umbrella brandishing it, disorientated Ikaros seemed to sway side to side as if avoiding attacks as this adversary with fanged teeth protruding just beneath his upper lip continued jabbing at her with the umbrella.
"Damn you Ranma prepare to die!" he shouted leaping into the air bringing it down onto the concrete below her feet just as she in the memory leaped from harm's way the sidewalk spider webbing before splintering into a crater.
Though to the five men and Nymph, it appeared Ikaros flinched as if to avoid a hit from an unseen assailant, her grip on the umbrella turned her right-hand knuckles white, as the memory dissipated and she regained her senses.
Her hand lifting and then jabbing the umbrella's top point down into the sidewalk as it left spiderweb cracks throughout the concrete eventually exploding outward sending dust and debris exploding outward towards the Mr. Kenji causing him to stumble backward in fright and away falling onto his butt as he was pelted by micro concrete fragments.
Ikaros then rose from her seat her eyes changing crimson red that flickered briefly before changing back to sapphire blue, giving the umbrella a flourish, spinning on the ball of her left foot as she lifted her right knee slightly bent.
The two men with bats turned their attention to Ikaros bringing their bats in swinging, as she quickly deflected both strikes with the umbrella, snap kicking with her right leg connecting with both men in rapid succession sending them back off their feet where they promptly recovered brandishing their bats once more.
Mr. Kenji getting over his initial shock at what Ikaros had done with the umbrella got back to his feet, proceeding to retrieve a switchblade from his right pants pocket.
"You will pay for that!" he shouted, proceeding to charge Ikaros from behind only for her to sidestep to the right catching his right arm under her left grabbing him by the wrist squeezing causing him to scream in pain as he let his knife go where it fell clattering on the ground.
All the while she with the umbrella parried the baseball bat-wielding duo's attacks with ease, she then with her left leg performed a mule kick to Mr. Kenji's abdomen knocking the breath out of him as she let go of his wrist to which he was propelled off his feet and backward where he crashed into a nearby trash can causing it to fall backward with a bang of metal on concrete and sending trash every which way.
Nymph watched the action from her spot continuing to allow the chubby man to keep a hold of her wrist giving him a sense he had the upper hand even though she could easily overcome him if she so wanted.
She observed how fluid her companion was when fighting the three thugs which seemed effortless, and seemed the red-head was taking care as to not seriously harm them despite the fact the lead thug had made an attempt to stab her with a knife that was now lying upon the ground.
The chubby man was also watching as concern started to overtake his features as Ikaros brought the umbrella down hard on one of the baseball bats wielded by his friend in red the bat splintering to pieces.
He then got nervous as she then seemed to get behind his now disarmed friend bringing her left hand down in a chopping motion on his neck knocking him out cold where he slumped to the ground unconscious.
"Shit," he mumbled as he let go of the blue-haired girl's arm turning his back on Nymph proceeding to run for it when she then in a similar motion to the one Ikaros had just done to his buddy knocked him out cold where he to slumped to the ground unconscious.
Keni after having the wind knocked out of him looked to the fifth man who had yet to get involved calling through gasps, "Shoji help us man what are you doing?"
He didn't get to listen to the answer as Ikaros closed the distance tapping him on the back of the neck with the tip of the umbrella causing consciousness to quickly leave him, she then turned her attention on the man revealed to be Shoji.
While at the same time moving the umbrella over her right shoulder without looking blocking an incoming swing from the remaining baseball bat wielder.
Shoji raised his hands defensively palms out saying in a smooth and soothing voice, "Easy sweetheart I am not wanting to fight with you."
Ikaros seemed to tilt her head, proceeding to turn on the ball of her left foot bringing her umbrella in an upward swing clashing against the baseball bat-wielding man's bat that was behind her.
They both then seemed to clash several times before finally she managed to dislodge the bat from her attacker's hand where it was sent flying off towards Nymph who ducked it as it hit the nearby snack vending machine shattering the glass front.
Sending glass shards inward and outward onto the ground below the machine, as the bat hit the ground clattering and rolling until it came to rest as Nymph stopped its momentum with her right foot.
The now disarmed man looked to the red-head sizing her up his expression in between fear and awe proceeding to speak up as he brought his hands up into fists, "You really aren't a cosplay girl, are you? Your the real deal one of them machine law enforcement models aren't you?" he queried as he considered his options.
Tilting her head to the left as she eyed the man as her previous threat assessment was no longer accurate and he wasn't even worthy of her attention despite his attempt to look as if he still wanted to fight.
"Machine yes... Law enforcement no." she in a dull monotone voice replied, proceeding to lean the umbrella over her shoulder. She then called to her companion, "Come let us depart Nymph." before turning and started her trek to her current home.
Nymph quickly collected their snacks, proceeding to follow suit only to stop briefly along with Ikaros who turned to look over her right shoulder as Soji called out to them.
"Hey I am sorry about my friends they been drinking tonight and it is unacceptable that they would try to intimidate you. Please allow me to make amends by walking you home." he offered, bowing his head apologetically.
Ikaros peered over her right shoulder briefly, before continuing on without so much as an answer instead it was Nymph who looked to the raven-haired man speaking up, "Apology accepted and while that is sweet of you bug to offer to walk us home I believe we will be just fine without your presence."
With that, she returned to following her companion to the apartment she was staying in for the night whilst snacking on the pocky from one of the open snack packs.
"Jeez man those chicks are tough Soji." the unnamed man called as he watched the girls walk away.
Soji nodded his head in agreement as he continued to watch the girls who eventually rounded a corner down the road, he then spoke, "Yea they are but that is expected from machines, but man I wouldn't mind getting with the red-head she looks smokin' hot, and her friend also is hot and I bet could be a freak in the bedroom."
"Well does that mean you want to try to go at them again later when we get the entire gang together?" the unnamed individual inquired in a question.
Soji frowned at his companions' words, "Look why don't you sober up before speaking again you are sounding like a creep." he noted with distaste.
Notes: So Ikaros has met Nymph who tends to call our protagonist by her model which is: Chronos the two meet up when Ikaros does some shopping for Ryou's son's upcoming birthday.
I had planned to add more content to this chapter, but I decided to go ahead and push it out as is with some editing to the content within.
I sincerely wish everyone a good week and hope you are all being safe during these trying times since Covid-19 and the Quarantines have really been of the suck for all of us.
If you enjoyed this chapter feel free to leave a review, if not that is fine as well I look forward to making more content for you to read as soon as I get it documented.
