Holy fuck this chapter is long. It's like, 30 pages on my word processor to the usual 15/16. This is also where chapters kind of start getting to be long as well.
But it covers a lot of stufffff!
There was a Rebuild of Prototype Spartan chapter update planned, but I got sick so I wasn't able to finish it. If I'm not too busy over Thanksgiving, expect to see it within the next week or so.
But first, REVIEW REPLY TIME, GOOOOOO!
Kosuke-Dono: Good to know! Hopefully this one's better than the last! Thanks for reviewing!
deni. .3: Haha, I wouldn't compare Helios to a Deus Machina. If Lione had one, it'd be curbstomp battle after curbstomp battle. And yes, Yuki is definitely different than just a friend XD I originally didn't think of giving Irivasel lion motifs, but if I think I can make it in, I'll try adding it. As for who gave him the Irivasel blade, I'd say you're getting closer XD With the battle with Rin, trust me, I've shown he's literally going as best as he can. I wouldn't argue the freedom of many depends on his performance, but I would argue he's definitely a person of interest now. And while it seems like Helios sort of has an Emiya-like ability... hehehe, you'll see soon enough XD If by "noble phantasm" you mean "One Off Ability", I'll give a hint right now: "What does determination allow you to break?" Also, you inspired the first fight scene that happens here. It wasn't much to change plotwise, just some added dialogue and action.
Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov: Hmhm, yeah I was sort of debating having Irivasel lose but decided it was for the best. And yeah, I thought it would be a little absurd to have every girl be interested in a guy, especially in a world where it notes that there are plenty of women that look down on men, why hasn't it passed onto the next generation? Ichika isn't too relevant right now, but I'll have him come in soon enough. Amusing enough, there was a version of the RP where Lione and Houki were actually having an affair with each other, but that's not this version, as you can see that it clearly wouldn't happen XD As for the strong, but inexperienced, let's just say Irivasel's doing his best not to be inexperienced. In regards to Charlotte... well, I don't want to give it away ;D Thanks for reading!
Castor115: Yeeeees someone saw Burn My Dread in there XD And while that sounds like an awesome idea, I wish I had thought of it before .w. With Helios being "conscious" it's safer to say he's more like Cortana at the moment. Helios' true nature is sort of a plot point so I'll try not to say too much. Anyways, here's the update! Thanks for stopping by!
DGKSilver: Should I add a label that says "beware if lactose intolerant"? :D And yeah, I get what you mean. I don't think I have too much more canon-wise. If my plans stay stable, it's either next chapter or the chapter after that I start to really make some big leaps,but for now we're just establishing the events that lead up to them and setting up the characters to be in their proper places. Thanks for reviewing, though!
=Helios=
-Volume 2: High Noon-
Chapter 4: Old Flames
=(==)=
"You are the one/That I have hoped for/Now my life/Means so much more"
Ashley Ballard , It Was You
"'Oh, it's you'? What the hell kind of greeting is that? It's been forever!"
Sasaki, The Dissociation of Haruhi Suzumiya
Helios, Sever Chains!
"Chain Severing Systems, Timaues and Critias, Active!"
With that, I leap up into the air at about a forty-five degree angle, unfortunately not being able to utilize the sun because it's a damn cloudy day, using both Unknown Variable and The Four Swords, Index to block the horde of incoming shots from both her BITs and sniper rifle.
Dammit, Alcott not underestimating me this time around is a real irritation to deal with!
Futhermore, there's less opportunities of attacks, because for one, Cecilia's keeping close to the ground so that way I can't get in an uppercut easily since it'd be harder for her to aim straight downwards. She's kept on moving, as well.
Index, after her!
Activating Timaeus and Critias again while having Index attempt to trap her, I shift to Azrad and attempt to take a potshot at the BITs, but no dice!
Helios, report!
"Physical integrity holding at ninety nine percent. All critical systems at one hundred percent efficiency. Shields down to fifty seven percent."
Shit, we gotta finish thing up quick. What are her shields looking like?
"Much better than ours."
Am I not going to like the number?
"…Pretty much."
Damn.
Only one way to end this, then.
"She has been outmaneuvering us at every turn, however."
We still haven't used Solarius nor our One Off yet, though. I think if we combine the two in a quick one-two punch, we can also utilize our other weaponry. Or just spam Timaues and Critias.
"I see. Simply think it, Pilot Irivasel, and I'll see what we can do."
First things first, we have to attempt to at least close the distance. Enough that she won't flee, but at the same time isn't out of range for Solarius.
"A tricky distance. I'll update our display with Solarius' max range. If she's inside the yellow sphere, she's within range."
A yellow tinted hollow sphere (so my vision isn't entirely covered in yellow) appears on the heads up display, letting me find out Cecilia's just out of range. Damn. Helios, can you run the average for the distance we get to before Alcott moved away?
"Ah, I see. I'll add that too."
A dark green sphere originating from Alcott's position also appears. Hm,… Helios, let's try to get just outside there, but not in it so she doesn't flee and we have to restart. From there, we'll use Index.
"Understood. Flight solution, calculated."
We zoom over there, staying roughly 2 meters outside Alcott's Alert Zone. I'm able to trace the BIT shots, making it easy for me to duck and weave while trying to get the pattern in my head. Helios, do you see it too?
"If you mean the sequence by which the BITs fire, yes. It appears she's firing them off as soon as she's able to with their slight cooldown, which makes it predictable. Not a lot of pilots would notice such a thing."
Good. We'll use that to buy some time.
"Be warned she might attempt to switch that up."
I'm counting on you, then.
Alright, now just to think about this… Index, Index, Index…
I got it.
Let's go for the long wind up.
I break off engagement, fleeing to the other side of the arena. Alcott's pretty confused on why the hell I just created a bunch of distance between us, but it's all for the better. We keep flying by each other, so while I have to close some distance, I need her to get comfortable in how much there is that she'll use the BITs without suddenly cutting off and moving like when we kept trying to engage her at close range.
There's plenty of distance between us now, but let's go for the line drive!
Summoning one of Index's four swords to my hands, I shoot across the battlefield near the ground, forcing Cecilia's lasers to come only from above. I weave in and out through them, blocking them with the rest of my swords as I can, making it look like a freaking sword hurricane is going on above me. Thank God that those swords from Index are pretty much resistant to most attacks. I guess if you're making IS grade equipment, it's got to be pretty sturdy.
She starts launching rockets, four of them coming down for me.
Helios, we still good?!
"We have more than enough power!"
Then let's dodge!
I leapt into the air once the rockets get close enough, dodging the explosion while using Timaeus and Critias to shoot down next to Cecilia before she can move away.
Four Swords, Index, fly!
The other three swords off my back fly up away from defending me as I throw the fourth, targeting the BITs apparently—but then immediately fly off straight for Cecilia. I take the few hits from the BITs before whipping around, but it's worth it.
Helios, fire Solarius! Track Alcott's position and get a firing solution!
The Four Swords force Alcott to move, but because I have them attack her at the same time as to force her to move in one way, there's no escape!
"Firing Solarius!"
The massive beam fires from my chest, striking Alcott dead on and sending her flying from the blast!
"Kyaaaaaa!" she shrieks as the explosion rocks her. Index, let's trap her again!
Before she can react and recover herself, the Four Sword, Index come back together and trap her just like before in our previous match!
It's all or nothing from here! Let's do what we weren't able to do last time!
Helios, Timaeus and Critias to full blast! Prepare Void Returner, Origin!
Break past my limits…!
"Final Infinite Stratos Form!"
The blade of white and green energy pops out as I feel the world just move past me in a green, white, and blue blur.
I roar, letting everything I have pour out into this one strike!
"HYAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
Cecilia attempts to move, but to no avail. Moving at an even higher speed than I normally have for Timaues and Critias as Helios doesn't usually crank it up to full capacity, which is already damn fast, there was pretty much no hope unless I messed up.
My horizontal slice connects unlike the last time. Fortunately I have better control over it, so I can have the blade out without it actively draining energy, activating its destructive ability only when needed. The only problem is that activating it also requires a burst of energy, so every swing already drains shields—thusly, every hit must count!
I see Absolute Barrier activate for Cecilia. Because of its extreme energy consumption, her shield energy drops in the blink of an eye. Add that with the energy going into the strike and…
BHUUUAAAAAA!
That's the siren indicating the battle is finished. If this were a real opponent, one on a live battlefield where we were fighting for our lives, that would be the indication for me to keep swinging until she was dead. Without an IS' shields and Absolute Barrier consuming too much energy to be efficient so it's only used as an emergency backup, she's just another vulnerable pilot with only some armor plating.
"…I win." I declare evenly, dissipating my energy blade.
Helios, time report.
"The battle took roughly twenty two minutes this time around. You suffered less shield damage than last time, which is most likely attributed to your newfound piloting skill. It seems training daily paid off."
Heh.
"Well, there you have it." I say to Alcott, my weapons disappearing. "Seems my trainer does know a thing or two."
Sheesh, maybe this entire Alcott business will finally—
"The hell are you talking about?!" I yell back, immediately standing up. "I lost the wager match. Shouldn't Alcott-san be the representative?"
"Well, you defeated me two days ago, so I thought it would be best to hand the position to you."
"That entire match was just about you questioning the quality of my instructor!" I argue back. "It had nothing to do with whether or not I was the class representative!"
Yep, that entire debacle two days ago was because Alcott had started bugging me about my instructor and then saying they weren't all that great, saying she would've been a far better instructor. I tried to ignore it, but after a while I had enough of her essentially insulting Houki (even if Alcott didn't know who she was insulting) to the point that I declared a challenge against her, saying I'd duel her after the school day.
To which of course, led to me winning even if it was a hella lot more difficult. While she certainly didn't underestimate me, I had a better understanding of fighting, my weapons, and her style. In addition, Helios is actually just flat out better built hardware wise compared to her unit.
"But you said it yourself, didn't you? The most qualified person should be the representative and since you won and one of the main duties of a representative is fighting for the class, you should be the rep, shouldn't you?"
Even so, this is bullshit!
"I don't want it."
"It's a common IS Academy tradition though, that if anyone in a class defeats their class rep in a challenge, then they become the class representative."
"You could've tossed the match on purpose, you know."
"But I didn't! I… I wouldn't do something like that! That's rather insulting, Lione-san!"
"…Right, sorry. That one was a little too harsh." I mutter. "It still doesn't change things, though. I don't want it."
"It doesn't matter if you want it or not, Irivasel." Chifuyu interrupts. "You defeated Alcott in a fair fight and you challenged her, and whether or not it was for the title or not, you won. Like it or not, you're the class representative now by ways of showing you're the best in battle."
Uggggggggh!
"A-ah, but your instructor isn't in this class, right? Otherwise they would have challenged me instead of training you, correct? I-if that's the case, w-w-which it most certainly is, then I, Alcott Cecilia, will gladly help train your skills further as the ex-Representative!"
…Seriously?
"Oh my, it seems ulterior motives were in play. What a rather roundabout way to get you alone."
Damn straight, Helios. Also is it just me, or has the mood suddenly turned very foul in here, like everyone's suddenly against Alcott?
"Hm, I can't gauge that."
"…Whatever. I suppose I'd be more upset if you just ended up handing it to me out of pity or something. I guess that means I'm fighting, then?" I ask with a sigh. "Ugh, just tell me what my workload's going to be like with this duty and I'll figure something out. I always do."
"Of course, Lione-san."
"Drop the honorific." I snap back, getting quite a few gasps. "That goes for everyone. If you're going to make me your representative even when I don't want it, I don't need any formality. Just call me by my name and it'll be all right."
…When did Alcott start referring to me by name, again?
"I cannot recall such an event in my memory banks, Pilot Irivasel."
You can call me Lione, you know.
"But Pilot Irivasel sounds better to me."
Alright, if that's how you want to roll, go ahead.
"As for your offer, I already have an instructor." I say without identifying who it is. "As much as I appreciate the offer, I cannot go back on my request. It would be just plain rude. Whether or not they're in this class is irrelevant. I asked them, they took me up on it, that's that."
Alcott goes blank, as if the world had ended for her. The rumor mill, as usual, immediately began cranking about who it could be that's teaching me. Houki of course, gives me a slight glance to perhaps thank me that I didn't ID her.
Regardless, I'm forced to inherit the title of being the class representative. Damn you IS Academy traditions that no one told me about. I still at least got to defeat Alcott in a straight on one to one battle, though, so I guess there's that. It's made me a bit of a legend at the school, but after all, it's mainly Helios' abilities.
"Pilot Irivasel, you should at least give yourself some credit."
Hey, I'm pretty sure if I had gotten any other unit, I'd have gotten my ass kicked. Your flight solutions, computation abilities, all of that, it's what's helped me out so much. I doubt any other units have that sort of capability because I mean… surely some other pilots have thought of what I have.
"I suppose. Thank you, Pilot Irivasel. Your words are very much appreciated."
Hey, don't mention it.
Regardless, at least we have some practical lessons later today.
"Oh, Pilot Irivasel. I took the liberty of creating a few flight solutions for various maneuvers that are fairly basic to both IS combat and other styles of aerial combat."
Oh. Thanks, Helios. I'm sure we'll need them, and good for you thinking ahead of time. Mind if I get a quick list while I'm taking notes?
"Of course. I have created solutions for—"
So pretty much, Helios has almost every possible flight solution we might need and can adapt those based on enemy formations and capabilities later. Seriously, it's a good thing I got paired with you, Helios.
"Ah, but your ability to understand mathematics is a very useful aspect as well, Pilot Irivasel."
"Irivasel, Alcott, deploy your ISes." Chifuyu commands.
Uh, Helios, is there anything I have to do? I mean, the other times I kinda just asked for you to come on but that was for a fight, so what about now?
"Hurry up! A properly trained pilot doesn't need more than even a second to deploy their unit!"
"Just call my name in your mind."
Very well, Helios. Hm, I'd at least like a good incantation for this. I mean, the IS bears a lot of similarities to super robots, so why not? That, and it might provide some amusement. Hmm… well, Helios, you are sort of a glove for me…
"You better concentrate."
Oh, it seems Chifuyu's getting annoyed at the fact I'm taking so long.
Alright, I think I have it.
Let us create tomorrow with these hands, Helios.
As I finish that line, I feel as if my body is suddenly caught in a bubble of jelly. Arcane symbols appear every which way in a sheer rainbow of colors for only the blink of an eye before I'm back in the full suit, with the helmet again this time. Huh, I just noticed it too, but the helmet's different. Instead of having that vertical line down, it's just a straight up small visor there. Neat.
"Deployment time: Point seven three seconds. Good job, Pilot Irivasel." Helios' voice echoes out in the helmet, right into my ears.
What's with all the symbols?
"I thought they were aesthetically pleasing."
Alright, I guess that works. Let's see, can we do the usual grid pattern? Mark my position as zero-zero-zero.
"Understood, Pilot Irivasel. Since we are beginning from the ground, however, please note that it would be more beneficial if the grid starts with your center of gravity as the origin so that way a z-coordinate of zero is us touching the ground flat, and not in it. Your coordinates will also reflect where your center of gravity is, as well"
Got it. Good thinking of you, as well. It didn't cross my mind.
"Thank you."
The flight grid from before appears, giving me something to work with. I know that a lot of the kids said don't think, feel, but when humanity lacks the feeling of flight, I need to think.
Anyways, since we're flying with Alcott, keep track of her usual three vectors.
"Marked."
Okay, omni-directional flight paths, engage. Keep steady at zero-zero-point-one.
I move exactly that distance. Ah, this is really good that I can help guide or pilot like this. Hm, it also seems Alcott's unit has also been repaired, considering I cut apart those BITs just a few days ago.
"Escalate to two hundred meters."
Alcott immediately takes off. Helios, match her velocity vector for ascent, however I want at least one-point-five times as much acceleration to reach that final velocity if that's possible.
However, even as I finish that thought, Helios is already moving to do as such. Right, you move as I think, right?
"Correct, Pilot Irivasel."
Okay, we're approaching her velocity vector. Hold steady with acceleration zero. Now we've matched her altitude, let's shift to horizontal motion. Optimal movement, so let's hold with a horizontal orientation, parallel to the ground.
"You're really a natural with flying." Cecilia says over the communications as I look up ahead. Helios, please set me on the proper communication channel.
"Will do."
"I'm a logical thinker. Being taught the IS moves by thoughts, I have simply organized my environment to be one I can think clearly in." I reply evenly. "You're a lot more friendly, by the way."
"W-what of it?"
"Just making a note." I mutter, cutting off my end of communications.
"Alright you two, come down. Try doing a sudden dive and then coming to a complete halt. Target altitude is ten centimeters above the ground."
Helios, compute.
"On it, Pilot Irivasel. This is an easy problem. Lack of any substantial winds and other external factors makes this a breeze. Just allow me to plug the numbers into our preset solution"
Heh, I bet it is. And don't think I didn't catch that pun.
"I see you are as observant as ever."
"In that case, I'll be going first." Cecilia says, immediately dropping towards the ground. Hm, that's pretty impressive. Helios?
"Pilot Irivasel, do you want the flashy version or the regular version?"
Let's go with the version that doesn't piss off Chifuyu.
"Regular it is. Implementing calculated solution into Grid View."
I see the flight path changing as I keep going forward. Follow the plan becomes my single thought.
With that thought, Helios' flight changes and I feel us rotating after the sudden acceleration downward. Alright…! There we go!
Breathing a quick sigh of relief, I find that our z-coordinate is point-one. Just made it. Nice going, Helios. Your flight solution and computation abilities are very impressive. I envy you, actually. A lot of kids would too, especially if they could think as fast as you.
"Thank you for your compliments, Pilot Irivasel, however these simple calculations are hardly the full extent of my abilities."
I'll put money on that.
"You've really improved, Irivasel-kun!" a lot of the other girls note.
"It's Helios, credit him for that. If it wasn't for his flight solution I doubt I'd have been able to pull it off." I reply, raising my right hand where his gauntlet normally resides.
"…An interesting method." Chifuyu notes as Houki shoots me an odd look. I give her back a shrug that says I'll explain later. "Okay next, Irivasel, deploy your weapon. That should be easy for you to do, correct?"
"Which one?" I ask, going through the mental list. There's Unknown Variable, Azrad, The Four Swords Index, and Solarius, which while I've known of its existence and have used it before, still just baffles me that we have a goddamn chest laser.
"Breast Fire!"
Pffft. Okay, serious time though.
"Your main sword."
I nod. "Understood."
—My mind calls out for it. It was the match changer. The reason things could turn around. It can adapt. It can be whatever it needs to be for the solution. And yet, no one knows its true value. Only its shape, its container. It bears the form of one of the most iconic symbols of all humankind, no rather two. For both the sword and the cross have meaning in the hearts of men. Though in the end, just what is it? Only given a situation can you find its value—
My right hand becomes engulfed in light. It begins with a simple handle, however soon the rest of the blade seemingly constructs itself out of thin air.
That's right… Unknown Variable. The sword that changed everything in the end.
"Too slow." Chifuyu chides, shaking her head. "Practice until you can summon it within half a second."
Helios, you heard her. We'll have to practice later. Hm, I almost feel like Shirou Emiya in a way. Actually, that summoning reminded me of Ea.
Then again, I guess the lack of battle is making me draw it out slower. During our fight with Alcott, swapping in and out of using Unknown Variable is a lot faster.
"Alcott, deploy your weapons."
"Yes!"
Alcott of course, kicks my ass in terms of weapon summoning time. Except Chifuyu still whacks her on the head with a clipboard. "Like Irivasel—who uses a melee weapon, nonetheless—chided you during your match, watch where you're pointing that weapon. Change your pose."
"Bu-but, my image must be—"
"Change it."
"…Yes."
I don't know whether that's a Charisma check or an Intimidate check.
"Most likely Intimidate, Pilot Irivasel."
Yeah on second thought, probably.
"Cecilia, deploy your close-range weapon."
"…What? Oh, of course."
Alcott seemed to be very annoyed at having to do this. Her rifle vanished instantly, as the Infinite Stratos is able to do with its armaments, and a new glow came up, but never finished shaping.
"I'm waiting, Alcott."
"Ahhh, dammit! Interceptor!"
Oh right, that's the other method of summoning. It's technically the 'beginning' method, by focusing not just thoughts, but verbal actions, it amplifies it or something. Though is it really so bad to call out your weapons like that? I guess in combat, it is.
"Too long. Are you going to let your enemy wait for you in a real fight?"
"In… in a real battle, I wouldn't allow the enemy to enter my range! There wouldn't be a problem at all!"
"Oh?" Chifuyu asks with that 'You done goofed' smile. "But against Irivasel, who was flying for his first time, in a default setting unit, you seemed to easily let him into range. Multiple times, might I add. And if your battle two days ago is anything to go by…"
"Th… that's because…"
Ah, there's the usual pissed off glare from her.
Oh? A private frequency message?
"It's all your fault!" It says.
Well, yeah I guess it is. Timaeus and Critias are really overpowered when combined with the sword, now that I think about it. But then again it's because we were fighting a long ranged enemy. If I were to go up against a broadsword or something, we might have a problem.
"Indeed. We'd have to think of a different strategy."
Mind running some simulations, Helios?
"Of course, Pilot Irivasel. Stand up to the victory!"
"Ohayoooo!"
"Melanie, you're not even in Japan."
"I just wanted to try saying it." She pouts over the video feed.
You know, I have a really bad feeling about this. Yuki's in the middle, with everyone surrounding her as if to make sure she doesn't get away or something. Eh, it's probably just some teasing.
"Anyway, I think you guys can meet my roommate. Houki, get over here."
"W-wait what?! You're—!"
She bows in front of the camera. "I am Shinonono Houki, an old friend of Irivasel."
"K-kuh… a childhood friend…!"
I roll my eyes. "Melanie, I don't know what you're complaining about. Besides, she's after Ichi—"
"SH-SHUT UP, YOU! DON'T GO REVEALING IMPORTANT THINGS LIKE THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN!"
I reach for my new personal training blade, blocking Houki's shinai coming for my head. "Anyways yeah, this is her. Also, you finally admit it?"
Houki realizes her choice of words probably could have been better, flushing even moreso.
"Shinonono… that's…"
"I am not my sister." Houki hisses, interrupting Roy, who nods with a small grin.
"Alright, that's good. Anyways, I'm Roy."
"Well met. Oh, I'd also like to compliment whoever trained Lione with a sword. It seems while his kendo faded over the years he's still kept his skill for combat."
"That's me." Ken says, looking into the camera. "Thanks for getting my sword back. Can't believe you got the Irivasel blade so quickly. Also, Ken here."
"I know, right?"
"Hm… so if that is Roy, Ken, and Melanie, that last girl in the middle must be…" Houki looks at me, raising an eyebrow. "Is that the 'Yuki'?"
"Yeah, that's Yuki. Hey, Yuki."
"H-hi!"
"Anyways Lione, while you're both still there, I thought we'd share a little interesting video clip we found."
I don't like the sound of that.
"…Houki, do IS matches get filmed?"
"You honestly don't watch the news or read the newspaper, do you?"
"I don't look at tabloids, I just—"
"Because somewhere, I know she's watching! I know she's waiting! I know she's praying! I know that she's keeping her faith in me! And I won't let that faith be in vain! YUKI! BELIEVE IN MEEEE!"
Oh God, they did film and stream it, and everyone back home saw it.
…Helios, am I blushing?
"Facial temperature increasing, Pilot Irivasel."
Uwah…
"S-so what, I said it!" I immediately yell out, not really thinking at this point. "W-what the hell else was I supposed to say in a shonen moment like that?!"
"Like for one, 'No, I'll finish you!', considering that girl said she was going to finish you off."
"Oh, or you could've said something like, 'It's not over until I say it is!'. That seems to be more fitting of you, Lione."
"Yeah, or you could've just flat out said, 'Yuuuuki, I love yooooou~ Let your love empower me~'" Melanie chimes in.
I immediately sink my head down, not needing Helios to know if I'm blushing crazily. I only gather enough courage to roll my eyes up to look at the screen, finding Yuki mimicking the same actions as me.
"S-shut up, Melanie. I wouldn't have said something like that." I mutter, still looking down. "It was just what was going through my head."
"Hmhmhm, did you know that she responded to your earlier call?"
"S-s-siiiiis!"
I pick my head up slightly. "What?"
"Oh, it's just that at the beginning of your match, you yelled you 'Yuki! Believe in me!', and I also heard from her in her room 'Lione, I believe in you!'"
Houki gives me this look that asks if this could get any cheesier.
"R-right. Well in the end, I lost. Sorry, Yuki. I let your faith in me down."
"A-ah, no! You, you were really amazing and, and um… I-I don't mind if you call on me like that again."
Helios, mental note. Gut Houki later with her own shinai. That all-too-satisfied smile that looks like she's trying not to laugh so hard is pissing me off.
"Pilot Irivasel, that is murder and I cannot comply with such an action."
Just a hyperbole, Helios. Still though, I will get payback.
"R-right, of course. I'll call out if I need you."
"D'aaaaaaaaaaw~"
"Melanie, shut uuuup!"
"Anyways, it's time for school. We gotta head out now."
"Ah, I see. Anyways, it was nice talking, even if it was only for a few minutes."
"Mhm. B-bye, Lione." Yuki says, waving as she ends the video call.
"…You can laugh now."
Houki begins laughing mercilessly, while I keep on a completely calm face that would put Sousuke Sagara to shame. "You really need to spit it out, you know? I thought someone with your amount of confidence would've already done so."
"W-well, it's… it's just that I had to go, you know?" I ask, sighing as I get up and beginning playing a few chords on my guitar. "…Every year, the five of us go on a trip somewhere. This year's summer was going to be the first time we'd just be heading out by ourselves. We were going to go to this small little private beach, a place that one of Yuki's parents knew the guy in charge there. I had this… this very nice plan. Alone with her, at the edge of this small pier, against a sunset or even better, with some rain. It's cliché, but…"
"Rain?"
"Oh… ah… It was something important."
"…I won't push if you don't want to talk about it."
"Thanks. But I mean, I can't tell her now, though. I don't… I don't want to say something so important over a damn phone call, Houki. I want it to be personal, face to face…"
"I understand."
"Heh, you always did."
"Anyways, you look a little hungry. I think the cafeteria's open still at this time for snacks. You did get Alcott-san to acknowledge you as a fellow human, so you might as well celebrate that victory."
"Haha, yeah. Stand up to the victory!"
I really wish I could stand up and run for my room, which in this case, is victory.
Also Houki, you DAMN TRAITOR! You lied about there being snacks here late at night. You sold me out!
Houki shifts uncomfortably as I launch her a death glare, aided by my black trench coat and crossed arms, because I don't have to wear my uniform all the time. Oh, she knows she's got something to answer for later.
Besides, why are we celebrating the fact that I'm assigned being Class Rep? Everyone here is just glad it wasn't them, was it? Dammit.
"Congratulations!"
This isn't the ending of Evangelion.
I force a smile as the confetti poppers go off around me, coating me in rainbows. Ugh, I feel like rainbows are being engraved into my soul or something with all this happiness around me. Okay Lione, keep it together. You're a professional, act like it.
On another note, there's more than thirty people here. That means there's more than just my class here.
"Irivasel-kun!"
I turn around to the person to call my name.
"Over here, over here. I'm from the Newspaper Club. I'm here to do a scoop on you, the most hotly discussed freshman, Irivasel Lione!"
"Oooooooooh!" goes the crowd.
Okay, this is worse than a goddamn soundboard.
"PEWPEWPEWPEEEEEEEW!"
Okay, who has the MLG soundboard?
"I apologize, Pilot Irivasel. It seemed very fitting."
Ah, alright. I guess if you thought it was funny.
"I'm Mayuzumi Kaouruko, nice to meet you. I'm the vice president of the Newspaper Club. Here's my card."
"Thank you," I say, opening up my wallet and sticking it in there. "Sorry I don't have a card to give to you in return."
"No problem, no problem! Anyways, first question, Irivasel-kun!"
"It's just Lione. Using my last name outside of professional matters is too stiffening. The honorific is your call, as long as you're not insulting me I hardly mind."
"Oh, oh. Okay then, Lione-kun. Please state your thoughts on becoming the class representative."
As much as I want to deny this, I still don't want to just stomp on everyone's hopes that are riding on me now. Looks like I'll have to play along slightly, huh? How irritating.
"I'll do what I can. Like I said before, I don't believe I'm qualified at all for this, but if everyone wants me to do it, then I don't really have much of a choice."
"Hmm… would you say that everyone is believing in you?"
"I don't know if I'd go that far." I say with a shrug. "All I know is that apparently they think I'm the best one in this case. Whether that's just popular feeling or actual belief, I don't know. While I might've won against Alcott in a challenge, that's only one aspect of being a rep. I still think I'm underqualified."
"Oooh good. This next question comes directly from the President of the Newspaper Club. Just who is this Yuki girl, and please don't give that too short explanation you did in your introduction in class."
They know about that?
"It's understandable, Pilot Irivasel."
Still…
"…So you want to know about Yuki?" I ask, sitting down on one of the empty chairs, looking up at the ceiling. I see that Kaouruko is signaling for her camerawoman to take a few pictures, but I don't mind.
"…I guess you could say that she's a big part of the reason that I'm doing all of this for. I don't know what you were all told about my circumstances coming here, but I came here partially to fulfill a deal that would protect my family. She's also the lead female vocalist for our small band back home, an excellent cook, and my usual study partner. And, as you all heard during my match against Alcott, she's one of the people I ask to believe in me in times of trouble. I mean, that's what really good friends do, right?"
"Is that why Lione-kun asked her to believe in him during the fight with Cecilia-san?"
"Yes, it is."
I can sense some unease in the air. From what I just said about Yuki, it would seem to everyone that I'm really in love with her, but then said at the end we're really good friends. I mean… I can't say that we're lovers, right? If it's… it's just from me, then it's not really being lovers. I doubt Yuki would see me that way, when for the longest time we've just been the reason for existence, for continued living. I mean… if you fell in love with the reason you exist, it would just hurt more when it's taken away…
But still… I think a few of the girls here are debating a few things. I won't lie or beat around the bush about it, but I know that they were interested in me, a few of them romantically so. Hearing that sort of thing would really put a few doubts in your mind.
"Oh, we also need to take a picture of the ex-representative. Hm, we're running out of time, so let's just assume that you like Lione-kun."
"Please don't." I interrupt. "I don't mean to tell you how to do your job, but aren't you supposed to report the truth as a journalist? Shouldn't you talk to her about that sort of thing first?"
"Y-you…!" Alcott yells, with either a blushing red face or an angry red face. Don't look at me like that, I just saved us both a lot of trouble.
"Anyway, a photo? I guess that works." I mutter, standing up. "Do you just want us shaking hands or something?"
"Ooooh, that sounds good."
I stick my hand out and grip Cecilia's as she offers it, giving my usual professional-level handshake. A handshake does say a lot about a person, after all.
I force my eyes to stay open as the flash goes off, keeping my gaze locked with Alcott. As soon as the photo is taken, I release her grip and put my hands back into my pockets. "The shot turn out all right?"
"Mhmmm! Oh, but I do have one last question for you, Lione-kun."
"Shoot."
"Does Lione-kun love Yuki?"
All the background noise drops dead with those four words. It seems everyone wants to know…?
After a brief second of consideration, I begin my response. "I have a question in return. Do you love your family?"
"Well, of course, of course."
"I called the people I knew back home and played with me my family." I narrate out loud, going over to a vending machine and inputting the proper change. "I love my family. Ergo, it should stand that I indeed, love Yuki."
How pathetic, I can't even admit it directly…
"Quite lengthy, but if you do not wish to admit it just yet to everyone, good choice of words, Pilot Irivasel. Being fearful of admitting things flat out is understandable. No one should judge you for it." Helios says into my earpiece. Thanks.
"Hmmm, that's a pretty tricky answer." She replies as the drink I want comes out.
"It's the truth, though, with full context." I say, opening the canned coffee. After taking a pretty good swig, I wipe my mouth before continuing. "Is that your final question?"
"Mhm. Thanks, Lione-kun."
"Whatever." I say, going out to the balcony area. Hm, it's already dark out here…?
"You're not exactly approachable right now." Houki says, coming up next to me after about ten minutes of me just sitting out here. "You look a bit like Kiritsugu, with your coat blowing in the night, save for the purple scarf around your neck. It's nearly summer, you know?"
"First off, I didn't know you watched Fate/Zero. Second, I don't mean to. It's just that everyone's a little… shaky, perhaps."
"You didn't tell them the truth."
"…No, no I didn't." I mumble, vaulting up onto the wooden railing and sitting down on it. "I dunno, it just seems wrong to tell everyone but her."
"So you really were sentimental at heart."
"Ha, what? I wasn't when we were kids?"
"You were hardly even emotional when we were kids, if I remember." She says, lightly knocking me on the arm with her empty can, which I catch before it hits the ground, handing it back to her. "Ichika of all people, the dense blockhead he is, had to read your actions and translate them."
"…Oh yeah, that is true." I say, giving the past some consideration. "Ironic, that he could read me but not you—Hey, hey. Watch where you're smacking that can. Also, you owe me. You damn sold me out."
"I couldn't help it! They just started asking and pleading me to get you here." She grumbles. "They all wanted to celebrate with you. I didn't have it in me to deny them all. Just like you with your position now. I thought you were going to fight it more than you did."
"Considering that Orimura-sensei was saying I wasn't getting out of it, it seemed fairly concrete and a waste of my time resisting. As punishment for selling me out though, I'm reserving the right to conscript you for assistance with rep duties."
"You can't do that."
"I can now."
"…It was a mistake to give you power."
"Hehe." I chuckle, looking back up at the starry sky as the wind blows again. "But I will need some help. After all, I'm trying to catch up, have private lessons, and have rep duties now, right?"
"I suppose you do have a lot forced on your plate."
"Glad to know you understand." I say, crushing the can with my head. "Well, it's good to know things will be slightly stablizin—"
"Irivasel-kun, did you hear about the new transfer student?"
Goddammit.
I say that only because it means… potential trouble.
Of course, it's nothing for me to be surprised at. It obviously leaked out because as the Representative, we were told about these sort of things. They weren't exactly sure which class they would put her in, so we were all told just to prepare.
And of course, knowing who it was, I prepared something that was theirs.
After sending a text to Yuki saying that I have to take care of something for class rep duties, so I won't be able to text her until my break or after school, I look up at the kids talking and fake a conversation so they won't suspect I knew. "Pretty odd timing for a transfer."
I gather from Alcott bragging and the others that they know she's apparently a representative pilot. Damn, I hope she's not like Alcott. I mean, I know who she is, but I don't know if things have changed.
"…Is said transfer their new representative for the class?" I ask.
"Hm. A good tactical question, Pilot Irivasel."
"I heard so!" Three girls chime.
"W-we'll have to have a lot more practical lessons, Lione-san!"
"Yes, Irivasel-kun!"
Now, while this sounds like they support me, it's more of the fact the first place winner in the class tournament gets half a year's worth of free dessert coupons.
Which I'm totally fine with if we somehow win, because dear God that apple pie yesterday was delicious. Still doesn't beat Yuki's, though. Hm… I wonder if I can get her to send one… I'd really like to have a slice of it.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll see what I can do."
"Doing what you can isn't enough! You need to win!"
"Yes! You're a guy, right?! Shouldn't you have some self-confidence?"
"I have confidence, not arrogance. She most likely outskills me, anyway." I say, stretching my arms. "And any—"
"I see you've been updated."
…That voice. That's entirely unlike how she used to be.
"The new class representative of Class 2 does indeed have a personal IS. You won't win—"
She doesn't finish as I start laughing hysterically, almost slamming my head into the table with how much I'm shaking at the twintailed girl.
"Rin," actual name Huang Lingyin, "you're trying too hard! Oh God, my sides…!"
"Pilot Irivasel, she does not appear to be amused."
Of course, I see actual anger flash on her face. Oh… right, I almost forgot I need to—
I flinch pretty hard from the force of the slap she leaves on my cheek.
"That's for leaving me behind without so much as a word, you bastard…!" Rin hisses, clenching her fists as a tear rolls down her face. "You didn't say anything… not even so much as a letter…!"
Taking in a breath, I calm myself and remember everything between us. Looks like she didn't forget, either.
I stand up from my desk and put my hands on her shoulders. "Things got complicated. During break, I'll explain things, okay? I promise."
"…You better keep that promise. Or I'll slap you so hard that the only thing you'll ever remember is that slap. Just like how you broke your last promise." She says in a low whisper before pushing me away and leaving the room.
"Irivasel-kun, who was that?"
"Someone who I hurt." I mutter, shaking my head. "And someone who I will always keep a promise to."
Between the beginning of class and the break, Alcott for some reason, got really distracted and ended up getting a book thrown at her.
I immediately get up once the break begins, grab what I am to give her, and head to the entrance of Class 2. Rin is already there, tapping her foot impatiently. She gives me an expecting look, and I gesture her to follow me.
We go up to the roof and wait a minute in silence. After that minute passes, I kick the door, causing a few shrieks and footsteps to echo out.
"Just checking for eavesdroppers."
"Hmph." Rin says, crossing her arms.
"…So, where do I start, I suppose? From when I suddenly left? The most I really can tell you is that in the middle of the night, dad told me we were leaving. All we could bring was everything I could fit into a backpack. I guess… it's because we were still afraid of my mother."
"Not so much now."
"She can't do anything to me now." I say, curling my fists. "…Do you think I didn't hate it, though, at first? It was part of the reason I almost threw everything away, too! I mean, dad wouldn't even let me send a letter because it might be traced, and the one time I tried sneaking one in, he found me!"
I throw the book with envelopes at her. She catches it easily.
"Read it." I command.
She takes off the rubber band, and sees the faded, old paper, and the aged ink and lead that stains the pages. With every passing second, tears well up in her eyes.
"You…"
I look away, staring up at the sky. "I told you. I never forgot. When I was a kid, I didn't know if I'd see you again. I couldn't send letters, so I wrote it down and hoped someday you'd get it. I mean, I did at first, you'll see I stop writing after a certain day. I actually did forget about that book too, I only found it when I was searching through all my stuff for anything I might need to bring to IS Academy."
Rin opens her mouth, but freezes, both in speaking and reading. After about thirty seconds, she speaks again. "…At first."
"…Ahaha… um, funny story…"
Her lips curl into a smile as she puts her hands behind her back and walks towards me. "…That's when you met that Yuki girl, isn't it?"
"Hm." I say back with a grin. "Yes. Does that… explain everything you want to know? Oh, sorry, I left something out."
I take a deep breath and prepare my two words.
"I'm sorry for breaking our promise."
Rin blinks twice, then nods. "…I accept your apology, Lione. And yes, that does explain it. That's all… I wanted to know, is why someone who made such a promise to me left without a single word. You… you promised you'd eat my sweet and sour pork every day if I kept improving."
"Yeah…" I say with a smile. "That way, Dan wouldn't die from food poisoning and that meant not having to take the fall for you because you were way too embarrassed to just admit you messed up."
"S-shut up!"
"I mean, I remember that part vividly. I actually hated sweet and sour pork for a while because I had to eat it all the time. By the way, Dan's actually still down there. I visited him once when I had a free weekend that I was able to also meet up with Ichika."
"R-really?"
"God, you girls are so obvious with your feelings sometimes, as long as it's not around the actual guy. I swear, you can probably admit you like him to his own damn sister, but not to his fa—"
"A-AAAH SHUT UP, YOU!"
I facepalm, shaking my head. "Sheesh. Do you still like him? I mean, it's been a while since you've met up."
"I kept in touch, unlike a certain person." She replies, hitting me in the shoulder with the book I handed her. "Do you mind if I keep this?"
"Go ahead. Anyways, we should get to class." I add, stretching my arms. "And by the way… it's nice to see you again, old friend. Mind stopping by my room later? There's a few people I want you to meet. Plus we could meet up during lunch, we've got quite a lot to catch up on now, don't we?"
Lunchtime doesn't even take that long to get to, and soon I'm sitting at a corner table with Rin, Houki, and Alcott, the last of them having invited herself over.
"I still can't believe you ended up as Class 1's representative."
"You try telling me about it."
"And I heard you have a mysterious instructor."
"Who still kicks my ass."
And damn you Houki, I see you grinning. You just like making me a punching bag when banning using flight or the Chain Severing Systems. Helios, note to self. We're cheating her next time and using flight.
"…I'm not sure how I feel about that, Pilot Irivasel, but if you so wish."
Rin's mouth curls up in a feral smile. "By the way, I saw your fight. You're still pretty sloppy, but decent. Do you want some help?"
"That would be insulting to my instructor, who I personally requested teach me."
"Wow, you still haven't changed with that honor bit of you." Rin replies with a bit of laughter. "Of course, I'd already know that judging from what you've done."
"Ah, ah, Lione-san, what did you mean earlier when you said that you would always keep your promises to her?"
Dammit, Alcott. Stop saying things like that out loud.
"Aaaah, about that. Lione promise to come and ea—"
I karate chop Rin's head before she can start trolling me. Don't even start with that shit again. I still remember those years back when to deflect everyone thinking you liked Dan you'd throw yourself with me.
Rin pouts after taking the hit, but I look back at Cecilia. "I broke one promise to her and have regretted it since. From there, I have decided if I ever am to make her a promise, I will especially go out of my way to keep it to her."
"And what about a promise to Believe in me, Yuuuuukiiii? Would she take precedence over me?"
…I'll gut you, Rin.
"Pilot Irivasel, you should see a professional about why your first mental threat is always to gut a person. It seems very disturbing…"
Ah, it'll be okay, Helios. Don't worry. Besides, it's not like you'll let me do it, right?
"But of course."
"I'm not even going to answer that."
"That means yes."
Dammit Houki, stop going for the snipe. You all are against me.
"Oh, you're another one of Lione's old friends if you're talking like that." Rin observes, looking over Houki.
"Yes. I was the one who knew him before you." Houki says in a very matter-of-fact manner.
Suddenly, I feel very uncomfortable at this table.
"…Shall we exchange stories later?"
"Oh screw you guys." I growl, pounding the table with my right fist. "I'm right here, you know. Besides, I know some pretty embarrassing stories about you two as well."
My first glare goes to Houki. "Do I need to remind you about the first time you tried to wash my hakama…"
This time, at Rin. "Or the first time we all tried your swee—"
"S-STOOOOP!" the two of them well, covering their ears as if they were having a war flashback.
"Then, if I hear either of you two even mention a story the other shouldn't know, then I think we all know what's bound to happen."
"G-guuuh…" Rin mutters, defeated. "I forgot that Lione was very good at outmaneuvering others…"
Houki looks just as annoyed, giving me a look that says "you're no fun". Yeah, well screw you too. I'm not letting two of my old friends exchange embarrassing stores about me.
"So Rin, if you're the representative, it means that I'm going to be facing you in combat. Mind giving me an overview?"
"You're not even trying."
"I'm not exactly good at being sneaky."
"I'll bet." She snipes, smirking. "If you want to know, I'm just going to flat out pulverize you if we end up fighting. I won't tell you anything more. I want those dessert coupons too, you know? And this time, I'm prepared."
"Unfortunately."
Yeah… this time, Rin isn't going to be underestimating me. People have already talked about the battle and probably know of my capabilities. Pulverizing, huh… Let's see, considering Rin's personality, she's not going to be coming at me with sniper rifles or anything… she was always a pretty up close and personal one. She's more likely to use swords.
Rin finishes her soup and stands up. "Anyways, I should really go and talk with my classmates. Leave some time open so we can talk and catch up, Lione."
"Will do."
…That's probably the last time I going to be able to relax around here. I better get ready to do some training, later today.
"Oorya!"
I leap into the air, dodging two shots from Cecilia while also blocking Houki's attack with Unknown Variable. We're trying not to utilize the flight packs since Houki doesn't have access to them, or so she says.
Helios, what's our dodge margin?
"Better than last time, Pilot Irivasel! We're getting more distance so the attacks miss by a larger margin!"
Got it!
Going into a roll as I hit the ground, I immediately call upon Index, all four swords flying out and trying to find their mark at Houki. While it's not so much for her to block or dodge them, they're only a distraction—!
"Chain Severing Systems Timaeus and Critias, Active!"
I'm bathed in a green light as I get catapulted forward, crossing the distance to Cecilia as fast as I can. With my momentum, I hit the ground light and push off, shifting it partially upward.
Normally one would target a weapon in order to disarm your opponent, but apparently that doesn't work against IS units since there's something built in so that way equipment doesn't get stolen and shit. Then again, I suppose with a sword you don't really bother hitting their weapon, just your target!
So instead, I slide in a little more than usual while in a crouch, so when my momentum goes upwards she can't block—!
The attack connects. I would've bisected Cecilia if not for the fact she has the IS shields up. Of course, Houki doesn't let up while I'm in the air.
Helios alerts me to the fact Houki's moving in through the air, having leapt up. Index!
The swords immediately form a wall and then suddenly point outward. For Houki, who has no flight capability, being caught in the air is an absolute disadvantage.
…If she also wasn't resourceful.
She throws her sword as hard as she can to the side. Because of equal and opposite reactions, she moves just out of the way. When I send my swords at her, she simply dodges and punches them back as best she can while activating her weapon retrieval.
Well Houki, let it be known I'm a pragmatist in battle. There's been a technique I wanted to try, as well.
Helios, prepare for Classic Serpentine Maneuver, Overclock, Tornado Variant!
"Understood, Pilot Irivasel! Preparing flight solution! Chain Severing Systems, Timaues and Critias, ACTIVE!"
My helmet slams down around me. Seeing that we're going to be going really, really fast, it'll help to have some pretty good protection.
Houki already has her sword back… so let's make sure she can't tell where I am!
Shoot forward. But the green trailing from my legs doesn't disappear like it usually does.
Shoot partially left. Now I'm almost right by her side.
Shoot hard right just after passing Houki. I spin as I go through the air, cutting Houki in the back.
Spin. Crouch.
Shoot forward, hanging low. Houki's kneecap area gets sliced through.
Shoot forward, once again. Now I've made some distance between us, where I immediately take a defensive stance.
"Wh… what was that?!" Houki half shrieks as I almost laugh. "…That green light thing of yours is really ridiculous, you know that? I'm pretty sure that surpasses almost every single thruster pack unit ever created so far!"
"Heh. Well, fortunately I'm good with numbers now, huh?"
"Energy sig behind us!"
Helios, Sever Chains!
"Chain Severing Systems, Timaues and Critias, Active!"
I shoot backwards at Cecilia who was lining up a shot, suddenly drawing out Unknown Variable and smashing into her weapon. Even if the energy shields make it so it absorbs a lot of the impact so that way she won't get damaged, the entire impact isn't dissipated!
Houki shrieks as she dodges the unexpected shot as Cecilia's aim was diverted. Recovering, she immediately tries to close the distance between us, but before she can react, I active Timaeus and Critias again, shoulder checking her.
I immediately chain that to a right foot kick, planting my left foot on the ground. In order to keep Cecilia occupied, I launch Index at her.
After a few more slashes, Houki locks our swords before stopping, however she doesn't leap back but rather casually step back.
"Hmph. Alright, I think that's enough for today. " Houki grumbles, starting to walk back over to where the practice suits get stored. "If you're able to pull something off like that against Lingyin-san, you should be able to stand a chance. She won't underestimate you."
"I know." I mutter, stretching my arms as the helmet disappears. "That's why I've got to get creative with what I have. It's a shame that you don't have any heavy hitters on that Uchigane. It would've been nice to try out multiple weapon types."
"H-hey, aren't you leaving me out of the discussion?!"
I turn to look at Cecilia, who's flying over to us. "Oh, right. Well, if she ends up being a sniper type, I guess I've already gotten a due amount of practice in that area."
Anyways Helios, that was great. Excellent work, I don't think I could've thought of the exact vectors myself. Again, you've got amazing calculation abilities. Honestly, you deserve to be more than an IS. You should be a calculator that could help so many people rather than a war machine.
"Ah… but, this is what I was created for, Pilot Irivasel."
…Well, heh, we should just hook you up to my laptop and we'll do some bitching calculations later. Heh.
"Indeed. Shall I attempt to gather what data I can on Rin's unit? Since she is the representative of her class, we may very well cross paths with her."
Just don't do anything that gets us into trouble. We're a student with only a certain amount of access on the network. Don't overstep our bounds.
"Understood. I'm sure someone's posted something. I'll also be sure to check social media."
Huh. Didn't think of that. Alright, as long as we're not getting into trouble, we're okay.
"Still, I can't believe we've been out here for six hours. You do realize even the top third years don't even go past three most of the time."
I clench my right fist, looking down at it. "I cannot stop now. I have to seize every moment I can get. Slacking off isn't an option. I… I have to become the best that I can be. For everyone keeping their faith in me. Especially Yuki. If she still believes in me, then I can't let that faith just sit there. I have to act on it. I have to, no I want to be someone that she can rely on."
"Just watch yourself, Lione." Houki warns. "Look, we woke up this morning, ran several laps around the school, had kendo for an hour and a half, then this for six hours since we finish early on Saturdays, and you still have to study later. Don't burn out. Yuki-chan would be horrified to find you broke yourself for her."
My next step falters as the words come into my ear.
"Lione?"
"…I…" I give a wry smile. "…Man, I'm dumb."
"Oh come on, don't say that." Houki chuckles. "It's just that you really throw your entire self into whatever you do. Don't look so upset. You wouldn't want a thought of her to be the reason you frown, right?"
"…Alright." I wink, flashing a bright beaming grin as well. "By the way, when did you start calling her Yuki-chan?"
"Ehhh…"
Helios
She watched, feeling slightly elated at his battle. He was growing, ever so slightly. Learning, fighting, becoming stronger.
Even if she was no longer one of his, or at least he didn't consider her one, she couldn't help but feel pride at watching him. His skill with a sword. His strategy in battle. His prowess in combat.
Despite the fact he would never acknowledge her as a mother other than a simply biological one, she was proud to call him her son.
As one who walked the path of the sword, one who walks the path of the sword, and one who will walk the path of the sword, to see her child following in those footsteps made her heart race.
Because as one who walked the path of the sword, one who walks the path of the sword, and one who will walk the path of the sword, she will become one who will inevitably die by the sword.
To know that there will be someone who can continue the fight in the event those who were supposed fix their own mistakes failed… it helped put her heart as ease.
Helios
"Y-you're going to fight again?!" Yuki half shrieks as I break the news to her, making sure Rin and Houki are looking away for a second as I move two video files from my computer to my phone.
"This… is Yuki?" Rin asks, looking at the screen where Yuki, wearing a pair of glasses, is somewhat trying to ball up.
"Why does everyone always ask that?"
"For someone you called to, I thought it would be someone who's an unshaking pillar."
"Oh, you just have no idea."
"Split personalities?"
"No! What made you think of that?!"
"…Sorry."
"Anyways, yeah. I'm going to be fighting again."
"A-a-ah… L-lione…?"
I look at the screen, finding Yuki blushing madly as she looks away at the mouse at her keyboard. She seems to be twitching, trying to find the words to say. "Um, what's going on, Yuki?"
"C-could you… w-when you fight… c-could you call on me again?"
There are two reactions that happen at the same time:
One, is the fact my face is probably just as red as Yuki's. S-saying that to my face… I-I… w-what do I even say to that?!
Two, is an overwhelming urge to take Houki's shinai right now and gut both Houki and Rin.
"Pilot Irivasel, that is unacceptable by human standards…"
Th-the look on their faces… it's really pissing me off… a-and I can't freaking just look at them in the eye right now because my face is so red.
"I… I will." I stammer out. "I definitely will."
Houki is trying to at least look dignified, biting her lips to stop herself from laughing. However, Rin is on the ground, rolling around as she's covering her mouth. I'll… definitely… get my revenge…!
Yuki beams at this, her smile showing teeth. A-aww… Ahaha, I guess seeing her smile like that is… is really worth it. Hahaha, I… hahaha, I really do love her, huh…?
"T-then, I-I'll be waiting for you to call on me!"
Rin is literally biting the carpet in order not to break out into laughter.
"Gyah!" she grunts as I turn the seat slightly and stomp her in the ribs.
"I-is everything okay, Lione?!"
"Yeah. Just saw an ant that needed to be stomped on." I casually say, kicking Rin who struggles to get away.
Oh, don't think you're going to get away, Houki.
I turn the chair slightly and kick her in the knees.
"But yeah, everything's okay. It's going to be a rough battle, though. Or at least, rough battles."
"Mhm… we're all rooting for you."
"Heh, yeah. And now that I know all of Helios' armaments, now we can really take an aggressive stance." I smile, cracking my knuckles. "…And now, I've got to go take a shower, actually…"
"L-lione…"
"Huh? What is it, Yuki?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"I-I didn't know you were like that when you were young…"
SHIIIIIING!
"W-waaaaah! Lione, that's a little hasty!" Rin shouts as I draw my practice blade out of my sheath, but it's loud enough to sound like a sword being drawn. "We said nothing, we said nothing!"
"…Yuki?"
"S-sorry Lione… t-they said it would be funny…"
"…you two are going to paaaaaay later."
"A-anyways, I have to go Lione. Class is about to start."
"Alright. Seeya, Yuki. Have fun in class."
"I will, Lione. Thank you~"
With that, she flashes one last blushing smile as she tilts her head, right before disconnecting.
"Oh my God, what stories do you have that you'd draw your sword so fast?" Houki says, finally unleashing her laughter. Rin also collapses to the ground once again, completely ignorant of her pain. "But then again I'm sure it's just that you don't want her to know about your younger days. It might ruin the perfect image she has of y-you!"
"Hahahaha! Oh, Lione, I know you were a little soft since especially with your friends from before, but oh, oh this is just too good! Haaaaaaa!"
…It's time to gut someone with a shinai.
"E-eh?!" Houki asks as Helios deploys himself.
Wait, Helios, I didn't call for this!
"Pilot Irivasel, you have thought about gutting your friends with a shinai multiple times within a short span of time. I have summoned myself and locked the suit's mobility capabilities so you cannot move." Helios announces out loud. "Shinonono and Lingyin, you two should take the time to get away."
…You can do that?
"Um… Helios, right?" Houki asks, getting a positive response. "I'm sure it's Lione just venting. It's okay. I don't think he actually wants to do that, right Lione?"
"Houki, do I actually seem capable of murder?"
"You're scarily competent at combat."
"Not helping."
"But you lack the actual mentality to kill a person." Houki continues. "Helios, it's okay. You can release him."
The white light vanishes, leaving me back without the armor. Hey Helios, you can do that?
"I have more freedom than most IS Units." He explains into my headset. "Of course, you can countermeasure this as well. There are several human overrides that allow you to lock me down in the event you believe I am going too far."
I see. Well, we'll talk about this another time.
"Anyways, I suppose things are going to get interesting from now on. It's getting late. See you around, Rin!"
"Oh hey, I saw your guitar there. I heard you play in a band, so are you going to give a performance some time?" she asks as the door.
"Hm, I don't know." I say, going over to it and strumming the intro to My Soul, Your Beats. "Besides, I'm just the vocalist. I don't always play the guitar."
"It'd be nice to hear you play again." She notes before leaving, waving me off.
"Wait, was that My Soul, Your Beats?"
"Wow Houki, I didn't know you were a closet anime watcher. Zero and Angel Beats, wonder what else you watch?"
"S-shut up…"
"Oh come on, it's nothing to be that embarrassed about." I say with a laugh. "Hm, I guess Rin's right. I suppose taking a break from studying every night's not so bad. Mind if I play a song or two?"
"Not at all."
Of course after a night of strumming along, the next day I find out just who my opponent is.
As one would happen to expect if I were in some book, my first battle is against Rin. Yaaaaaay…
When I walk out the classroom that day, Katsugari-sensei is waiting outside.
"Irivasel."
"…Katsugari-sensei. Is there something you require?"
"You found out who you're fighting today, no?"
"I did."
"Do you feel ready?"
"With all due respect—"
"Answer the question."
"It would be better to have at least one more technique, perhaps."
"…Come to the field. Thirty minutes. Bring your sword and kendo uniform."
Katsugari-sensei stands in her black hakama and white kendogi. A plain metal katana is sheathed at her side.
I came in my uniform as well, marching up to her.
In this field, there's a smooth stone platform that she's currently on.
"I'm going to teach you a technique that your father didn't teach you." She says, drawing her sword. "You are aware that you did not learn all the techniques of the Irivasel line?"
"I am."
"Then draw your blade, and I shall teach you."
The technique is simple enough. Usually with kendo, from what I remember, there's only about ten basic moves, expressed through the kata. Fighting is just using them in a very advanced way, knowing what to do when.
As for the Irivasel techniques, they're all sort of odds and ends. It's almost anime-esque in a way.
"Next to me."
I go around, not cutting through the middle of the platform.
After that, I hold my sword with the bladed side up. My left foot is forward and my right is somewhat back, held at a roughly seventy degree angle. My left and right arms cross. My hands are almost at eye level.
The technique goes something like this.
Uncross your arms. The first part. It goes about roughly to chest level against a similarly built opponent.
Twist your blade as you thrust. The second part. It can be easily parried but it leads straight to…
An uppercut after a small spin-twist. The third part.
Normally you'd never want to turn your back to the enemy, but I suppose this technique is to be executed with enough speed or as a counter to a staggered opponent.
I recognize how each section leads into another technique that I know, along with any basic sword skills in kendo, plus a few could lead into what Ken has taught me.
Again and again, we go through the motions.
"I see you've improved quickly. You always did take to the sword quickly."
She turns towards me and readies her sword. "Let us try it."
"…You're not wearing armor."
"Hmph. Does that mean you think you can hit me?"
I scoff, shaking my head. Here we go.
I get into the proper stance. She comes. Timing it correctly, I go for the first cut. She easily blocks. The thrust is easily moved to the side. The spin thrust—!
CLANG!
She barely blocks it, right near her neck. "You really wished to hit me, hm?"
"No… I apologize, Katsugari-sensei. My pride got in the way." I say, disengaging the blade lock.
"It always did. Trying to get the hit in, even when it was impossible or when it posed risk to others or even yourself. But, it's alright to have pride as a swordsman. Even if humility is a principle that is taught to students of the sword, having a small bit of pride can push you beyond your limits."
Both of us freeze as we realize her hand is right above her head as if to pat me there. Blinking, the two of us immediately take a step back and assume a guard position.
"…sheath."
The two of us immediately put our swords away and bow before turning away from each other.
"…Techniques won't help you unless you force her to the ground. But, if it helps you to know that you have another technique up your sleeve and in your arsenal, then this was not a waste of time."
"Mam—Katsugari-sensei."
"…Irivasel, speak."
"Thank you."
"It would be shameful for an Irivasel not to have a full arsenal of skills. You can hardly call yourself an Irivasel if you don't know them all. Practice. Practice. Practice. When your battle is finished later, we shall continue."
"Thank you."
"There is no need to thank me. It's… simply what William would have wanted."
With that, I walk away, conflicts raging in my mind.
Why…?
Dammit…
…why did you have to make it so difficult? It was so much easier when we… just had to dislike each other.
"…good job."
Dammit.
Bzzzt.
Oh, my phone.
One file reconstructed, huh?
…I remember this.
About these files… I came back to my room one day and found two CDs on my desk. I ran a virtual machine and loaded them there, finding the files were corrupted but salvageable. I've only started with two, but I'll get the rest eventually.
…This one's a birthday party.
You know what, I can't… can't look at this for now. I've got to focus on the fight ahead.
I have to do battle soon. I can't afford these distractions. They'll only interfere with my ability to fight. And Yuki's watching, so I can't let anything prevent me from giving everything I've got for her.
That was a mistake. Was the primary thought that ran through her mind as she changed out of her hakama and kendogi, putting her suit back on. I let myself try to close the distance too quickly. Dammit, dammit…
"Evening, Katsugari."
"Orimura." She replied, struggling with the final button before giving up and just using her tie to cover it. "What brings you here?"
"I was trying to find you."
"For what purpose?"
"Some of the other instructors want to get dinner together on the mainland tonight. Are you up for it?"
"Perhaps. What are we getting?"
"They're thinking of the traditional ramen shop on Mayutsu Street."
"I'll have to pass, I actually just ate there two days ago."
"Hm. How was training?"
Such a hostile tone. "Irivasel is a fast learner."
"Ah. He's proven himself in class."
"I heard. He's quite the talk of the school, much to my irritation as the third years simply can't stop talking about him." She said dismissively, finishing off her outfit with her blazer. "Is that it? I have business to attend to."
"I'm sure you do. Oh, and Katsugari?"
She stopped just outside the door. "Yes, Orimura?"
"Please remember that Irivasel is my student."
"I haven't forgotten at all." Katsugari replied without missing a beat. But remember that he is still my son. William may have fallen for you, but you hardly know the truth of him… and if you did, you would…
End Chapter.
WOOOOO BOY I HAVE A LOT OF STUFF TO GO OVER.
Okay, from the top! Cecilia and Irivasel, BATTLE! Lione wins this time since he has a better grasp of Cecilia's abilities and thusly is able to exploit them in battle. I tried showing Lione's more methodical approach, completely with a very nice HUD display for him that contains all the data he wants. Helios is kinda overpowered, but then again it's just because Lione knows what to do with him.
More canon-ish stuff, Yuki and Lione's scene where they all know about his battlecry was funny to write as well. The interview scene was greeeeat, especially because you pretty much get a confession right here from Lione. But remember from Chapter 3 he still thinks Yuki doesn't feel the same way about him. Deep down, he's still scared of rejection, even if it's not going to happen.
And now RIN ARRIVES. You remember that black book Lione picked up before he left in Chapter 1? Yep, that's the one he gives to Rin here. And even more ship sinking, since I established here that Rin clearly has a thing for Dan.
Another training scene just to show Lione's working hard. Complete with some foreshadowing!
The scene with Lione, Houki, and Rin was just to show off Helios' capabilities and thinking. Remember, he might be a super smart sentient machine, but at heart he still doesn't understand things like sarcasm or just scaring the crap out of friends for fun or out of embarrassment. Hence why he pins Lione. Also doubles as… hinting, to say the least.
Added on a whim the Katsugari training scene. Also just to give Lione another technique or so for the battle against Rin. Pluuuuus we got to see Chifuyu and Katsugari get annoyed at each other. Have you figured out the past that binds all of them together? I've given plenty of clues XD
Anyways, if you have any additional questions or comments, please don't hesitate to leave a review!
Seeya all next chapter!