Infinite Stratos: Darkness From Within
Chapter 2: My Life In IS Academy
…Orimura Residence…
"Are you sure he's okay?" Chifuyu inquired.
"Yup, with this fluid, Ikkun should be just fine. As long as he gets to rest after school session, that is." Tabane Shinonono, the inventor of IS and a childhood friend of Chifuyu, was called here. She just injected Ichika with a fluid that should make him conscious enough for the first day of school.
"Ahhh…" Ichika feels groggy still though. He and Chifuyu stayed awake for three hours now. Chifuyu was very concerned, almost to the point of paranoia, about her younger brother's condition. She thought that Ichika may have overworked so much that he became very feverish.
"Are you all right, Ikkun? Hm, now how did you became feverish, anyway?"
"Ahhh…"
"I don't know. I found him like that when I checked up on him."
"Hm,"
"Can you do something about this? You're a scientist, so you should know how—"
"I may be a scientist, Chi-chan, but that doesn't mean I know a lot, and I'm not a doctor as in people who treat patients. I'm a scientist who is interested in machines and…" Tabane rambled on and on about the significance of technology and how they have helped in the evolution of humans in improvising society and the reliance of people to technology makes the world based on the relationships of man and machines that—
"SHUT UP! Hurry up and do something about him!" Chifuyu silenced her with her speech.
"Huh? Moo~ You're such a nerdy brainer, Chi-chan. And I was about to get to the good part, too~"
"Shut up, anyway, what's his condition?"
"He should be okay, though I advise you to inject him again with this for every two hours."
"Two hours? Why? Does this mean his fever won't go down…?" Chifuyu becomes concerned again.
"Hm, the reason for his state is not yet confirmed, correct? So, I cannot determine whether or not it will go down any time soon. But one thing, with this kind of heat temperature, it may even take at least a week for him to recover. You might bring him to a hospital soon."
"Hospital? It's that bad…?"
"You saw it, Chi-chan. Ikkun has a high fever. This injection is only suppressing the drowsy feeling."
"Ahhh… I should be fine. I better enroll in IS academy, right? Then I'll endure." Ichika stood up. But he seems to be getting a blurry vision from time to time.
"Are you alright…? If you want, I can make a request to move your enrollment for another day and—"
"No, I'm fine. I don't want to impose more trouble on your behalf, Chifuyu-nee."
"…" Chifuyu eyed him with concern. "…If you insist, but, if you started to feel groggy or when you feel like you're about to go down, don't hesitate to go the infirmary, got it? And if you do something reckless,"
*SLAM!* She slammed on the table which sent a force that shook the table, almost making it tumble to the ground.
"I'm going to have to discipline you in my own style, got it?" She said sitting on the table she just slammed.
"Hai." Ichika went to the kitchen to get something to drink.
"Oh, Ikkun, don't forget to drink once in a while, you're going to need plenty of liquids if you wish to lower your body temperature soon. Oh, and Chi-chan, don't forget to give him one of these for every four hours." Tabane gave Chifuyu the medicine for Ichika's fever. "Oh, and this."
"…? This syringe? Why…?"
"Because I cannot guarantee whether or not he will be okay since I've been wondering… Maybe the SEED theory has finally been proven."
"Yeah, well—Wait, what? The what theory?"
"Oh, nothing~ Hehe, just wondering if the side effects of awakening to the SEED state has caused Ikkun to become very feverish. They do say that the SEED can be awakened due to extreme situations like when one's life is on the line or that they have enough emotions to overcome anything in their path." Tabane rambled on and on and Chifuyu cannot help but be intrigued on her rambling, for once, anyway, and she cannot help but ask something about it.
"What the hell do you mean? You're saying Ichika has gained something like… like something inside him drove him to do something and in doing so, he became exposed to a different… enlightenment level, like you said, and now being exposed to that made him feverish…?" That's what Chifuyu understood in her rambling.
"Hm? Oh, yes, that's right."
Chifuyu sweat dropped since Tabane continued to ramble until she asked that question.
"Anyway, I think you better keep an eye out for Ikkun, Chi-chan. Whatever you do, don't let him get too stressed out."
"…Alright."
"Hmhm, well, then, time for me to go."
"Hm, but…" Looking at the kitchen, Ichika is washing his face. "But what am I—Huh?" Tabane was no longer there when she turned back to where she was. "Hm, I guess you're not a stranger when it comes to disappearing in the eyes of the public." Yup, Tabane is hiding from the public since they are seeking her for questioning about IS and that Ichika is the only male individual who is able to operate one of the ultimate weapons in the world, that and they wish to ask why he is capable of doing so. "Hm, this syringe…" Chifuyu looked at the syringe closer. "…I hope I won't have to fill his neck with holes."
"Chifuyu-nee, Taba—Huh? She's… gone?"
"Yeah, she left a while ago. Anyway, it's almost time to go. We both didn't get enough sleep so I suggest we leave earlier than we scheduled. We both can rest at the academy."
"Is it open?"
"Huh, with all the students enrolling there, why not? There's a lot of rookies who are willing to be taught a thing or two about how we operate the ultimate weapons in the world."
"Ultimate weapons, huh." Ichika pondered. "Then, does that mean…" Recalling his ordeal with that other Ichika, who seems to be like… a messenger, a messenger who wanted Ichika to be matured, as one can put it, and become responsible, he cannot help but wonder if that IS of the other Ichika is something that is a ultimate weapon and Ichika bested it. …With another IS.
"…? What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing."
"No. It's not nothing. It's rare for you not to get troubled—Or more rather, whenever you are in deep thought, I can tell that you are bothered by something. What exactly did you do when I left?" She said leaning closer into his face.
"Oh, that… uh…" Ichika recalled his ordeal. "I was just… Hm, I had a dream."
"…? Dream?"
"Yeah."
"…What kind of dream? A nightmare? Wait, you got sick over a nightmare?" Chifuyu cannot help but feel ridiculous at that thought.
"I… I don't know."
"…Well, anyway, go and pack your things. We're leaving."
"Now?"
"Yes, now."
"…Okay."
"Your uniform is over there. Put it on after washing your face."
"Hai…"
The two Orimuras became busy as the night continued… or morning. It's already early in the morning.
…Later, on the road…
"Okay, listen closely."
"I'm listening." The Orimuras are riding a car. Chifuyu is driving and Ichika is sitting on the other seat in the front.
"Okay, Yamada-kun will be waiting for you at the faculty room. I just called her and told her to lead you to the school dormitory. I'm going to warn you, take a peek inside one of the girls' rooms and you're expelled. Got that?" She said that with a strict tone. And a clenched fist.
"Hai. Like I'll do that anyway." Ichika just shrugged off what she said for two reasons: One, he's still feeling groggy and a little heavy due to him having a fever and the other one, is that he's someone who do not do indecent things since he was trained by Chifuyu in a Spartan way to respect girls all the time.
"Really?" She eyed him suspiciously as they just passed by an intersection. The station where they will take a train will soon be in sight, after that, it's just a straight ride to IS academy.
…Later, at IS academy…
"Well, we're here." Chifuyu said as Ichika laid their bags on the ground for a rest. He's still feeling hot and feverish despite already being injected with medicine and drinking one of the drugs that was provided by Tabane. He and Chifuyu stared at the magnificent sight of IS academy's school grounds.
"Wow, so this is… IS academy."
"Ah, welcome to IS academy, Orimura Ichika." Chifuyu said being formal in her standing. "One rule here is something you must abide though…" Chifuyu took a few steps forward.
"What?"
"Ask for something and it will be given to you. You get what you deserve, by asking, meaning your actions and responsibilities will be your standing and reflection in this place. Do something stupid, and you're pretty much asking for something stupid to happen, got that? You'll get what's coming and even if you do not feel like you don't deserve it, you're asking for it." She said walking towards the main lobby building. "Come on, Yamada-kun will be waiting for us at the entrance to the lobby."
"Oh, okay." Despite being early in time, the academy seems to be active. The lights are on and most of the people around here are teachers, janitors, people who are managing the enrollment procedures and all other employees who are all… women. Yes, women. This is a place for women. Ichika is the only guy in this island. "Hm, hm." He feels a little nervous as they pass by the courtyard. Some female students are here, wow, must be diligent students who are not wasting time and getting things done before resting. "Hm,"
"Hey, who is that? A boy?"
"Hm? Huh? Hey, isn't that… I-I don't believe it… It's…"
A lot of murmurings and whisperings can be heard. Ichika feels a little nervous.
"Hm," Chifuyu seems to have noticed his nervousness. "Come on, we're almost there."
"Huh? Oh, yeah." He said following her to the entrance to the main lobby.
"Ah, Orimura-sensei. Eh? Is this…" A woman who is like in her teens greeted them.
"This is him. I know he looks unreliable and useless, he means well. Well, except he's definitely useless and unreliable."
"…" Ichika is used to these words of Chifuyu, but he cannot help but recall what that other Ichika said. He said he doesn't trust anyone, including himself, and Chifuyu, and that the reason why he wants to become independent is because he doesn't wish to be a burden to the people around him, especially Chifuyu, who is the one providing all he needs.
…If one is going to be independent, one will not need the help and support of others… …being independent… is lonely. And… a lonely path… a sorrowful one…
"…" Ichika came to a deep realization at that. If he's going to make Chifuyu's everyday life to be comfortable, perhaps being independent in his own standing is not the solution…
"—anyway, can you lead him to the dorms after he signs all the enrolling procedures?"
"Hm, of course. Well then, Orimura-kun, can you follow me?"
"…Hai." Ichika said weakly. It seems his ordeal has really made an impact out of him. "I'll be in your care."
"…" Chifuyu noticed his timid tone.
"Hai. Please follow me." Yamada leads Ichika inside.
"…" Just as Ichika followed—
"Hey." Chifuyu called out.
"Hm? Yes? Chifuyu—"
"Call me Orimura-sensei here. We're at school, after all."
"…Yeah. Sorry. Orimura-sensei. …Was there something you wish to ask?"
"…What's wrong? It's not like you to be so polite. What happened with your tough attitude, huh?"
"…" That was meant to be both insult and support. As in those who take cruelty will only become stronger, such is the way of the warrior. …But Ichika remained unresponsive. "…" Then the image of the other Ichika came to his mind, then as if picturing himself as that other Ichika, Ichika could only form a serious, emotionless expression. The expression of that other Ichika was that of a stoic, unresponsive, at least he talks when there's something important he has to say, demonic, and… …and cruel. "Ah, it seems I have lost all of that part of myself."
"Huh…?" Chifuyu didn't expected that.
"In my case, Orimura-sensei," Turning to Chifuyu with eyes that are piercing, like they are demonic eyes, and with serious, emotionless expression. "I'm not an independent individual after all. That is why, I'll be in your care." He said turning to the path where Yamada is waiting.
"…? Huh?" Chifuyu cannot help but notice something… different, there's something different about him. "…" Throughout their time together, Chifuyu always encouraged Ichika not to cry as boys are not supposed to cry, according to her, and that they will always be family forever. …But this Ichika is not that boy, who is honest, obedient, idiotic, fun to mess around, and… …and her beloved brother. If that Ichika is gone… "…" Chifuyu cannot help but feel very lonely as she watches Ichika leave. She reached out an hand, which surprised her. "Ah."
"Let's go, Orimura-kun."
"Ah." Ichika followed Yamada.
"…" Chifuyu is just standing there. Watching Ichika leave. 'Why…? Why am I feeling like this…? He's just going to sign some enrollment procedures and—I…' She hugged herself as if the cold weather is making her shiver, but there's also something else that is making shiver more. 'What is this…? Am I… …afraid…?' She thought of that and she becomes even more nervous. 'We're… We're going to be as we are, right…?' She once again turned to Ichika.
"…" Ichika gave an emotionless, serious expression.
"Ah." Chifuyu felt like that stare pierced through her.
"…" Ichika turned back to where he was heading.
"Ah." Chifuyu sees him off. '…Ichika.' …The cold weather sure is cold and cruel… Time is a harsh mistress, and it will not care if it feels like it went too fast for those who felt like they only had a short moment of joy, or peace, or anything else. "…" Chifuyu, not wanting to show weakness, stood up straight. "…" And she goes to the faculty office.
…Student dormitory…
"Hai, we're here, Orimura-kun." After doing the enrollment procedures, Ichika followed Yamada-sensei to his assigned room. Room number 1025. "This is where you will be staying. Don't worry, it has all the accommodations that you need."
"…I see. Thank you."
"Hai. Well then, class will start at around 7 AM in the morning. It's just about 4 AM so I suggest you take some rest before the first day of school begins."
"Hm, ah yes, I believe Orimura-sensei has informed you of my condition, yes? So, where's the infirmary?"
"Hm? Ah, o-oh! Oh yes, I almost have forgotten about that. I apologize," She bowed in apology. "If you want, you can call the infirmary. Here, just push this button." She gave him a what seems to be a communication device. There is only one button, this must be only intended to be pushed when one is calling for an emergency. "If you are feeling sick, you can push it whenever you want. Someone will arrive with a stretcher if necessary."
"Ah, I see. Proper accommodations."
"Yes, that is right, well then, I'll inform—Ah." Before she could do something, Ichika grabbed her hand.
"…" Turning to her with a serious, piercing expression.
"Ah." Yamada was taken aback by that.
"Please don't feel conspicuous about your pure intentions, sensei." He said forming a slight, evil smirk. "A remarkable demonstration of a trait of an honorable teacher is that of consideration, and… And being able to think of how students should be treated with equality and personal handling of their own problems, is such a beautiful trait of one such as you, as I have to notice." He said smirking more widely.
"Eh?" Yamada-sensei blushed at that. "Wha… What are you…"
He let go of her hand and entered the room. "If you will excuse me, I will just survey my surrounding so that I may be able to interact normally and…" Forming another wide smirk, "I'm sure you have busy duties to attend to, and I wouldn't want you to stress yourself out for my own background, so please, do everything at your leisure, most kind of you to lead me here, sensei, thank you." He said bowing in respect and appreciation.
"Eh, uh, y-you're welcome." She said looking away while blushing. 'Wah… I-I didn't know he would be well-spoken and very… formal in the way he speaks, according to Orimura-sensei, he's… uh, but that is just Orimura-sensei putting insulting words as a way to show her concern for him and how much he is to her and…'
"Excuse me, sensei,"
"G-Gyaaah-!" Yamada-sensei was snapped back to reality upon him calling her out. "Wh-What is it?"
"Please inform Orimura-sensei that I will be staying here for a while. And… I'm feeling sick, so I may not attend early at class."
"Ah, o-oh, I… see. Then,"
"I'll drink the medicine that was provided for me later, in the meantime, please inform her of my condition so that she may know I may not attend."
"H-Hai. Of course. Well then, um, h-have a good rest."
"Ah." Ichika closed the door.
"Ah…" Yamada cannot help but feel like she's been graced by a boy with graceful aura who can graced anyone by their words and actions. Just like earlier when Ichika grabbed her hand and said something so formal and noble… "Ah… Wha—Wha-What am I doing!? Ahh~… I-I better get to the faculty office." Seeing that she got lost in her fantasy, she left in a hurry.
…Room 1025…
"Ah. Nice accommodations." Ichika said as he has come to admire the things around here. Two single beds. A bathroom. Bookshelf. Two computers. A balcony. A bathroom. …Can two people stay here…? "Hm, perhaps I won't be feverish for much longer. Hm?" Seeing his reflection on the mirror, right now, he's putting on a serious, formal and somewhat scary expression about him. "…" Looking down for a bit and remembering that other Ichika, he raised his head… and his expression returned to the normal one wherein he can be seen as an unassuming boy who is obedient to those who give him instructions to follow and being someone who would do anything to ensure that the atmosphere is that of friendliness and not something intense dramatic. "I would be staying here from now on, huh."
See? He doesn't speak in a formal way as if the influence of that other Ichika was lifted for a while.
"…" But despite that, he still remembered clearly what that other Ichika said.
"You'll never escape from me."
Those words still make Ichika a little unsettled, since he said that Ichika will not be able to escape easily, that means…
"It seems you will be staying in an unfamiliar environment wherein a lot of innocent and beautiful maidens."
"…" Ichika sees his reflection on the mirror. …It's smirking evilly. It has demonic eyes, and his words and actions are that of a seemingly aristocratic demeanor. "Why are you here?" Ichika is talking to his reflection… …to himself… He's talking to himself… He feels a little ridiculous, but..
"Weren't you listening to me? I said you will not be able to escape from me. We are like two sides of a coin, and we cannot be separated by time or death itself. I am watching you at every corner, at everything you do, and most importantly, I know what you are and who you really are, hahaha."
"…Stop kidding around."
"Ah, sarcasm. Indeed, very well, let us dismiss this charade already. I am *not* the person or someone who is a piece of you that you confronted. Haha, or perhaps, I am a piece of yourself, yet, I'm not like that one."
"…What do you want?"
"The seed has been implanted on you. …I wonder, where will it take you? Haha, I look forward of where this journey of your destiny will take you, and I will be looking forward of travelling it, together."
"Yeah…" Ichika cannot help but agree.
"Now, I believe you are tired. Please, rest easy. My noble self. Hahaha."
"Shut up." Ichika stopped staring at the mirror, and then when he raised his head to turn to his reflection again, it's now reflecting his normal expression. A kind boy, who is taking things a little strictly in which he always want to become useful to those around him. "…I better get some sleep."
Ichika went to bed.
…..
…..
…
…?...
"By the way, I remembered something."
"…!? …You again?"
"Yes…"
"Hey, who are you?"
"You will know soon enough… But don't worry about me. You worry about yourself… For you see, the Seed attracts both the fearful and the strong… And you may have your salvation with it… depending on where you will end up in your choices, of course. …Good night."
"Yeah, good night…"
End of Chapter 2