Infinite Stratos: Darkness From Within
Chapter 3: First Day in School
…Class One Homeroom…
"Hm, ahh…" Ichika, who is sitting at the middle front seat, feels uncomfortable. Not just because his fever is still in effect, but that the stares of the ones behind him are like stares that are telling that someone is conspicuous, like a spy agent who has been spotted or whose disguise has been unveiled and now he's cornered. 'This is more serious than I thought.'
The room is completely silent. Though of course, the silence isn't something that is scary, or at least, Ichika is very nervous that it makes it scary for him, but the atmosphere sure is rather awkward and quite mystifying. Despite the fact that Yamada-sensei just entered the room, everyone's attention is still focused towards Ichika.
"Everyone's here, right? Then let's begin with the SHR(student homeroom meeting) first. Oh, first of all, congratulations, everyone," Yamada-sensei, who is standing in front, bowed politely to everyone. "I'll be the assistant homeroom teacher of Orimura Chifuyu-san, Yamada Maya."
"…" Silence means yes, if there is someone staring her way, which, there is none, of course.
"E… Eh? Uh…" Yamada-sensei is bewildered by the ridiculous silence that is filling the classroom. "T-Then, w-well… We'll be together for three years, so along the way, we are all required to give everything at our best effort and…"
"…" 'Oh, it's Houki.' Ichika heard from Chifuyu and Tabane that Houki Shinonono, a childhood friend of Ichika, would be here. She's sitting at the right corner of the room, near the window. It's been a long time ever since Ichika has seen her. It feels like eternity. 'Houki, you…'
"Hm?" Houki, who seems to have become aware that Ichika is staring at her, frowned. She turned away.
'Huh? Did I… disturbed her? Hm, oh well, I guess I better not burden her.'
"That reminds me, she won the championship, wasn't it?"
'…Yeah. I remember.'
"Hm, are you going to speak to her?"
'…I don't know.'
"Hm, then you best do well not to humiliate yourself, as well as her. Oh, and listen to your advisor.'
"—let's all get along well for the years to follow, okay?"
"…" Silence was the only response that Yamada-sensei received even after saying all those friendly suggestions of cooperation and dedication to one's studies "W-Well, then, let's now move on to self-introductions. Hm, we'll go by seating arrangements."
"…" Ichika remained as he is, even though he felt like he has to do something for Yamada-sensei who panicked whenever she is overwhelmed by the awkward silence, he could not for there is no time.
"Hey, Yamada-kun, sorry to keep you waiting." Here's the homeroom teacher of this class, Chifuyu Orimura. It seems the meeting at the faculty office was over.
"Ah, Orimura-sensei, is the meeting over?"
"Ah, sorry to force this on you. I came here as soon as I could."
"Oh no, it's nothing. I was just getting to the self-introductions and…"
"Hm, I'll take over from here." Chifuyu put her bag on the teacher's desk. "Everyone, my name is Orimura Chifuyu, and my duty is that for this one year, I'll be training you in the operations and controls of IS. Everything I teach, you have to remember, and understand. To those who can't understand, I'll teach them till they can. My job is to thoroughly train you during your first year, from the age of 15 to 16. You can dislike my attitude, but you still have to do what I say. Understood?"
"KYAAA—! It's Chifuyu-sama, it's the real Chifuyu-sama herself!"
"I've always been your fan!"
"I came to this school from North Kyuushuu because I admired you, onee-sama!"
"I came all the way from southern Hokkaido!"
"I'm so happy to be taught by Chifuyu-sama!"
"I'll gladly die for Chifuyu-sama!"
A lot of Ichika's classmates became ecstatic at Chifuyu's introduction.
"...it's really quite a sight to see so many idiots gather here every year. What a surprise? Or is there a special reason? Are these fools only here to attend my class?" She said placing a hand on her forehead in annoyance at the yelling of her name. She is famous so a lot of people know her.
"KYAAAHH! ONEE-SAMA! SCOLD US MORE! CONTINUE TO SCOLD US MORE!"
"BUT BE GENTLE TO US FROM TIME TO TIME!"
"AND BE EXTREMELY ELEGANT AFTERWARDS~!"
"…" Hearing all of this, Ichika recalled the times where Chifuyu was strict to him. Very strict in which she would tell Ichika to be a man or else he'll be a failure as a man, and as such, she would also berate him for being unreliable and being a burden to her. Even though some people see her as a magnificent and admirable individual, Ichika, being honest with himself, also feels hatred… yes, hatred, anyone can feel hatred for anyone who they feel have betrayed them or at least, one can feel hatred when someone you care made you felt the feeling of betrayal. Yes, in all honesty, Ichika did felt betrayed by Chifuyu.
"Need help at your predicament?"
"…" Ichika shook his head. "I'll take care of this myself."
"Very well. Good luck. Just remember… Words are cheap. Good and Evil are just words, power always wins."
"…" Ichika's expression is now mimicking the expression of the other Ichika. Serious, emotionless… cruel. Though that is just perhaps an impression, not the actual expression—or at least, it's not what Ichika is expressing despite the appearance he's showing. 'Hm, quite an ecstatic group of people I belong, I better make sure that they keep at it and ensure that it mostly remain like this.'
"Now then,"
*Slam-!* The attendance book was slammed on the desk, making everyone shut their mouths.
"-we'll continue to where Yamada-sensei left off. Now then, first one to introduce themselves is…" Looking through the list of names, it starts with 'あ' (a)…
'I will be staying here from now on. Hm, quite a lofty position I got, whether this will be my salvation will be determined in accordance to what fate has in-store for me. …Fate. Freedom. …Life. Hope… Dreams… The freedom to pursue one's goals, can such a thing be possible for those with power…? And those who don't have power… will never make their realities come to be. …For what prerequisites are required to attain one's own freedom…?'
"The answer… is you. It's always people who can make shape things as they are. …For the power to do that is… …reflection."
'Reflection…?'
"…san. Orimura Ichika-san!" Yamada-sensei's voice finally reached his ears.
"Huh?" Looking in front, Yamada's face is just approximately… well, perhaps there is no distance to be measured at all, in fact.
"What are you doing? We're now at 'お (o)' in the name list. Hurry up and introduce yourself." Chifuyu said.
Some girls are snickering since Ichika seems to have been caught off-guard.
"Um, I'm sorry if I raised my voice and startled you, Sorry-sorry! But, the self-introductions... we started from 'あ' (a) , and now we're at 'お (o)' for Orimura-san now. So, pl-please, could you introduce yourself? Co-could you?"
"…" Ichika's expression didn't changed to what it became earlier. "Huh," He smirked a little. "Why not? Formalities such as this is required in order be able to fulfill certain satisfaction in getting to know and understand another, right?" He said that as he stood up.
"Eh? Uh… I-I… I believe… so?"
"…" Chifuyu herself feels like there's an aura about Ichika that seems to be… different. This one… This Ichika she's seeing… it's not the same one that she can easily mess around, more like, anyone who approaches or attempting to have a conversation with him might get overwhelmed by that aura that can attract others. 'What's with this guy? Ever since he had a fever, something had changed in him… …And, why am I… shaking…?' Chifuyu is not making it obvious, but she is indeed shaking.
"Th-Then, Orimura-kun, w-will you… introduce yourself?" Even Yamada seems to be getting overwhelmed by the aura around Ichika.
"Huh, very well. Though you getting flustered about this makes me unable to refuse, huh, though that may be one prime example of how great you can be in your own position as Orimura-sensei's assistant homeroom teacher."
"…! E-Eh… Uh… Y-Yes…? Uh…"
"…"
"…"
"""…""" Chifuyu, Houki and the rest of the people around felt like they're watching a guy confessing his feelings for someone he cares about.
'…Okay, something is definitely different about him. Did this guy hit his head or something when he was sleeping…?' Chifuyu recalled how Ichika fell from his bed when she checked up on him. He did hit his head when he came face to face with the ground, but that doesn't explain him getting feverish.
"Let us move on with this formality, wouldn't want to delay this session of understanding each other because I'm not the only one who gets to speak out my own mind." Ichika said facing the class. "…" His expression reverted to the normal one.
"Y-Yes, then, y-you better do it properly, okay? Then, everyone, please hear him out."
"…" Being back to the usual Ichika, he cannot help but feel speechless. 'Great, now what do I say?' He had a confident look earlier, but now, being his unassuming state again, he cannot help but simply look down for a while, and then turning to everyone… "I'm Orimura Chifu—I-I mean, I'm Orimura Ichika. What I was going to say is that I'm Orimura Chufuyu-san's younger brother. And I'm… uh… I'll be… in your care." He said bowing courteously. "…Arg." Was that supposed to be the end of that…? A lot of stares are still focused towards him, like they are saying 'say something more' and 'it can't be just that, right?'. "…" 'Great, now what?'
"Perhaps you can show some side of you that people do not see everyday?"
'Like what?'
"Search your feelings, Orimura. You will know what to do, haha."
"…" Ichika looked downward, '…A side of me that people doesn't see every day, huh.'
"Yes, perhaps you can relate to your own resolution ever since "our" last encounter, hahahaha. I've "told" you before, you'll never escape from "me", hahahahahahaha."
"…" Ichika raised his head once more, with this time, his expression is more serious, has piercing stare and… somewhat cruel smile. "And of course, this is also my first chance of experience to get to know a lot of people. For in my lifetime, I am someone who has become dependent of my older sister, our teacher, Orimura Chifuyu."
"""…""" A lot of people felt overwhelmed by that speech as if there's something else other than words coming out of his mouth.
'…Orimura Chifuyu… -san, huh.' Upon hearing that from Ichika, Chifuyu cannot help but feel… lonely. Addressing someone as "-san" is like addressing a complete stranger. As in despite being a family member, another family member is addressing someone with "-san" as if they are more mighty, more higher in position, more far away from them… far… far… far away… to which, it's so far that it's also very lonely… Being independent means being far away from those who are not independent… a path of loneliness… "…" Chifuyu formed a sad expression though she quickly tried to dismiss it.
"So, as we get along well for the next years to come, I hope you will all not treat me as a respectful person to be treated,"
"""Hm?""" Everyone questioned what he meant by that.
'Ichika…?' Houki has noticed that something is different about Ichika. This Ichika is… confident, strong, resilient… almost different from the one she remembers. "…" She feels lonely as a result.
"For you see, if you guys treated me like I'm someone who should be respected, I might lose my dignity and feel like this place is serving, not…" Turning to them with a deadly serious expression. The others felt stiffened. "…not treating each other equally. Don't respect me, huh, treat me like I'm an equal here. Hm," He smiled wickedly.
"""…""" The others seem to be captivated at his speech.
"And I suppose you know already, I've already operated an IS." Flashbacks of Ichika's battle with the other Ichika, whose influence seems to be running through him, came back to him. "But I'm still a beginner. Some of you may know more about—Huh, probably way ahead of me. So," Looking downward for a bit…
"""…?""" The others leaned closer…
"…So I'll be in your care, so, uh, n-nice to meet you." …Back to the usual Ichika.
"""…"""
"…?" 'What…? Did I say something funny…? Well, actually, I can't believe I said that much. Maybe I should have—'
"""KYAAAAAAHHH-!"""
"…!? Wh-What the…!?" Ichika was overwhelmed by the voices of delight and appealed emotions of his classmates.
"""We'll treat you really, reaally, reaaallly well! KYAAAAHHH-!"""
"…" Ichika sweat dropped. 'Maybe I shouldn't have said so much…'
"Well done."
'Shut up.' Ichika cursed the voice inside his head. 'Who the hell are you, anyway?'
"You'll know soon enough. But…"
*SLAAAAMM-!*
"SHUT UP! Orimura, sit down!"
"H-Hai!" Ichika instinctively sat down back to his seat as Chifuyu commanded. By the way, that attendance book almost made a crack on the teacher's desk as Chifuyu seemed to have put a lot of applied force and strength to it.
"Do something like that again and you're all be running for 20 laps, got it!?"
"""…Hai.""" They all said feeling disappointed.
"Hmph, now, continuing on…" The class continued…
…Later, lunch break…
"Hey, it's that boy."
"You mean that one on the news?"
"Yeah, there he is."
"Oh, it's really him! Wow, he looks so handsome."
"Hey, let's approach him…"
"Wha—B-But, y-you first…"
A lot of whisperings, which can be heard, so they're not whisperings at all, can be heard in the hall. A lot of female students, including seniors, are lined up outside the classroom. It's lunch break and Chifuyu and Yamada-sensei left the class for a while to prepare for something at the faculty office.
"…" 'Maybe I should get out of here.' Ichika thought as the atmosphere became intensified around here.
"Brilliant idea. It would be strategical to know your environment as you become one with its accommodations."
'You again?'
"Of course… I know who you are."
'…Who the HECK are you?'
"I don't think the answer will serve you much… and even if you knew, would it make much difference? And the answer cannot be given freely, much like efforts are the key to gain something, don't you agree?"
'…Anyway, I'm leaving.'
"Yes… And perhaps I may have something to do as well… haha,"
"…" Ichika stood up from his seat. Looking down for a bit… "Ah..." …Then raising his head… "Hm, quite an attractive place, hm, perhaps I should take this leisure time to explore a little. Hm," He smirked at the idea and left the classroom.
"Ah." Houki saw him leave. "Ah, I-Ichika…" She wanted to talk to him but it seems he managed to beat her on who gets to get what he/she wants. "…Ichika. … …" She decided to follow him.
…At the hall…
"Hey, look, it's that boy."
"Huh? Wha—W-Waah…! I-It's him!"
"Hey, isn't that Orimura Ichika!? Wa-Waah… What a… What a… What a lucky day…"
"Hey, let's talk to him…"
"Huh!? Y-You go first."
"…" Ichika remained serious in his expression. His hands are in his pockets as he walks through this corridor. A lot of classrooms have already been passed by and some students too, of course. "…" Ichika eyed them.
"""UU~~…""" They became nervous at his serious stare.
"…" Noticing that, Ichika turned his face around… … …Then turning back to them… with this time, with his usual expression of being unassuming. He waved at them.
"""...! H-He… O-Orimura… -kun, kya~"""
"…" Ichika somewhat regretted—No, he really regretted doing that—he just wanted to give a friendly greeting but it turned into this.
"Pretty nice, huh?" A voice ahead told him.
"Huh? O-Oh, Chifuyu-ne—" *Chop!* "Ow."
"Call me Orimura-sensei."
"…Hai, Orimura-sensei."
"Hm, follow me." She said turning around.
"Huh? Wh-Where?"
"To the field. There's something I want to give you."
"…? Give me?" He followed his older sister.
"You'll see when you see it for yourself."
…Behind them, a lot of students had curious faces as they stare at the Orimura siblings.
"He's Orimura-sensei's younger brother?"
"It seems so. It's…"
"…" Among the curious onlookers, Houki seems to be disheartened. 'Ichika… …Hm?' Then she noticed a British young woman staring at Ichika's way with a stern expression. 'That's the IS representative candidate of the United Kingdom. Cecilia Alcott, from what I can remember. Why is she staring at Ichika?'
"…" 'That's the boy. Hm, he doesn't look tough. And he seems to have something going on here… His speech earlier didn't deceived me. It's obvious that he's making a good impression so that he may be able to gather a lot supporters and followers. Just like any politician would make a name for themselves and then use their influence among their followers to gather support. But I won't be fooled! I, Cecilia Alcott, will represent my country as one the valedictorians who has been chosen with the honor of representing my country!' She said that with burning passion to herself.
"…" Houki sweat dropped at her behavior. 'What is she thinking? What does she want with Ichika? Wait a minute, what if… Ah.. A-Ahh…!' Houki imagined Ichika flirting with girls without her looking, and when he exited the classroom earlier, could it be… he just… went around, flirting with women, and she's one of… them…?' "…I… chi… ka…" She said that with a clenched fist that might destroy a pebble. 'Ichika, why you… Going around and picking up women, you ungrateful weakling, I'll slash you up!'
…Two girls in the corridor, Houki and Cecilia Alcott, are burning with passions of wanting to get up closer to Ichika and… and do whatever it is they want, which of course involves getting slice up with a sword and being mocked and challenged by a representative candidate.
The others sweat dropped at their behavior.
"Uh, who-who are they?"
"That's Shinonono-san, the younger sibling of the IS creator…"
"What—Really?"
"Yeah, and that's Cecilia Alcott. She's a classmate of Orimura-kun."
"Wah~ Oh, I wish I should have enrolled earlier so that I may be at Class one."
…At the field…
"Wha…" Ichika and Chifuyu are here. …Chifuyu's former IS, Byakushiki, has been brought here. Ichika is the next owner of this personal IS. It seems the torch has been passed on.
"This will be your personal IS. It once belongs to me, so treat it with care and love. And don't think of it as a mere weapon, got it? Anyway, this will be your personal IS and since you are not a candidate, you are not allowed to use it freely, and just think of this as something like a special honor of being able to use this as a symbol for the rest of your classmates."
"…This is… The one you used at the Mondo Grosso."
"Ah, that's right. Class will begin soon, but I doubt we'll be over here when that happened. So I'll leave the rest to Yamada-kun while I…" By the way, Chifuyu is holding a wooden katana that she is intending to use for this… "special treatment" for Ichika. "…while I teach you a thing or two about what it means to be an IS pilot. So, put it on."
"Huh? H-How?"
"Just touch it. It will respond immediately. You did it before, right? You touched it and it responded?"
"Oh." Ichika remembered that time where he got lost in a school building and ended up in a storage that is keeping Byakushiki. He became curious of it and touched it, activating it and surprising anyone who witnessed. Then while he was on it, an instructor tried to subdue him, to which, in a struck of lucky syndrome, Ichika failed to maneuver it and made it look like he performed a dodging maneuver and the instructor missed and crushed at the wall, defeating her, unwittingly. "Uh, then…" Putting his finger on it…
Flash!
"Whoa! Th-This is…" It's on him now. Wow, technology has indeed evolved to a higher degree. "This is…" The computer voice sounded and welcomed Ichika as the new owner of the IS.
"Alright, I'll put on a practice IS."
"Huh? You…"
"Yeah, you think I'll just give you a demonstration of how to move an IS? Huh, you're in luck, boy, I'll give you a special treatment… …of learning combat maneuver."
"What? But—"
"Hey, bring me that IS practice suit!" Chifuyu commanded of the women who are in charge of keeping the Practice IS intact and prepared.
""Yes, ma'am!""
"Uh, Chifuyu-nee, you sho—" *Chop-!* "Ouch!"
"Call me Orimura-sensei. Hey, hurry up!"
""Hai!"" The training IS has been brought to Chifuyu. This one is capable of wielding a katana. …Which Chifuyu is amazingly wielding with one hand even though she's not in the IS suit yet. She dropped the wooden katana and replaced it with a more heavier, and more stronger, too, for the training she has in store.
Flash!
The training IS is activated. Chifuyu is wielding the katana with the IS giving more force and strength into it. …She doesn't need the IS to carry it, but in fact, it only made it more lighter for her.
"Yosh, ready?"
"…Hey, are you certain about this?"
"Trust me, when dealing with a blockhead who doesn't know anything about how to operate an IS, force and discipline are the most effective factors in teaching. And when it comes to you, who doesn't know how to even handle your own standing, you'll fall like a fool, bakamono."
"Eh? Wha—G-Guaah!" Ichika almost fell on the ground since he didn't realized he was floating the entire time and when his mind drifted to another subject in mind, he subsequently controlled Byakushiki to fall. It would seem the control for IS is rather… very sensitive. As in a stray thought may become the downfall of someone. The brainwaves of the wielder interacts with the IS, and as such, one foolish thought may even lead to someone falling. …Like being absent-minded, for one. Being so absent-minded that one doesn't even notice that they're falling… One must be straight-minded in this kind of handling.
"Hurry up and maintain your stance, you fool."
"R-Right." 'W-Wow, this feels similar to…' Ichika remembered how he battled that other Ichika, he seems to have easy control over his IS that time. And this time… perhaps the realm of mentality is different to that of the realm of physical matter.
"Come on, I'll teach some of the basics of control. First of all, your mind is what matters the most. If you cannot even have the will to perform or summon your IS, you'll find that you'll be a laughing stock to the eyes around you. And one more important thing, when you wield an IS, be mindful that your own mind may be put in a state wherein you may feel like you're awakening to senses that you have not felt for a while."
"…? Senses?"
"Ah. Like for example, one person is perhaps holding back his rage for a while, but when he pilots an IS, this rage is then amplified further as being exposed to the waves that are produced by IS can make someone unstable as well. In other words, your own mentality will determine the outcome of any IS battle. So keep your thoughts straight if you don't want to get left behind."
"Waves? …These waves are…" Looking at his palms, as well as the IS's hands which are equipped in his own hands, Ichika wondered if the IS is somehow affecting his own mind.
"Surely you can feel them. The fact that you managed to equip it and make it move means you're already being exposed to that wave that is interacting with your brainwaves. One important thing about it is that whenever you feel stressed out or tired, you should stop. Or else, your mind might become overwhelmed by that wave and may even drive you to a frenzy."
"…? Frenzy?"
"Ah, there were some rare cases of which some people were driven insane in the past due to their abuse and misusage of IS. The waves that are produced by IS are also affected by the mentality of the user, if the user is evil, then the IS may also become evil, in a sense, that the IS may change in its appearance."
"Change? Is that… possible?"
"Very, yeah."
"But… Didn't you say that those who use it for evil become…"
"Insane? Hm, I'm not certain myself, actually. You can think of IS as the ultimate weapon. Many wish to acquire one. And to some extent, some people also revere them as "gift of the gods". Claiming that the IS is a gift from supernatural beings, and that kind of nonsensical ideas, that only those who are able to use it are blessed by those gods they refer to in their delusional imaginations. So as you can probably tell, even fanaticism is involved when it comes to IS."
"…"
"Anyway, enough about this, time for us to continue."
"…Hai." Ichika prepared for whatever it is that might happen.
"I'm going to warn you, if you don't focus during this training, I might end up beating you badly."
"…" Ichika felt shiver running down his spine as Chifuyu gave him that warning.
"Anyway, let's try on how you move your IS. Okay, I will give an assault, and you dodge."
"Eh? B-But…"
"What? Is there a problem?"
"But that's…"
"Like I said, force and discipline are the most effective factors in teaching blockheads like you. And if you cannot even learn from this, then you might be the most retarded blockhead I have ever seen."
"…" Of course, perhaps this is encouragement… or insults coming from Chifuyu, either way, they can make Ichika move as she intended to. "…" Ichika just floated a little from the ground and waited for anything that might happen.
"Here I go, if you don't dodge, then blame your idiocy for any beatings that I might inflict on you."
"…"
"Yosh, here I come…!"
…*Shhheeeiieeshh-!*
"…!" Unbelievable, Chifuyu, in a blink of an eye, managed to get closer to Ichika. And…
*TTTOOOWWWWWSSSHH-!*
"Guaah-!" Ichika is blown away by that powerful punch and he was sent flying away, but since Chifuyu is only using a training IS, it didn't made a lot of impact since Byakushiki is a more powerful IS.
"Too slow. You must be retarded for not thinking that you should move from your position. Come on, stand up."
"…" Ichika did as instructed. At the same time however, "…" He glared at Chifuyu. She seems to have noticed that which she may have intended for him to be angry so that he may be able to focus in keeping his mentality or stream of thoughts straight.
"Come on. I won't go easy on you this time. I will say this, despite wielding a personal IS, it would probably be the most pathetic thing in the world that I will beat you even though my IS is very weak."
"…"
"Hmph, you're really are a failure, you know that? Sometimes I wonder just how much of an idiot you really are."
"…" Oh, that's it. …Ichika's rage has been suppressed for a while. But now…
"No more chance. No more holding back. I will say this, this will be the last time I will speak with you. After I'm gone, I will say one thing to you that I want you to heed very closely…
…
…
…..
…UNLEASH THE HATRED THAT SEETHES WITH YOU-!"
…That voice disappeared like he said… It seems Ichika is now free of his influence…
"…" Ichika envisioned a black, red seed… It bounced and then it exploded into sparks of light. "…" Ichika's eyes become blackish in color and demonic in what one can have an impression… "…" Turning to Chifuyu,
"I'll come again, I'll warn you, don't take this seriously, and I might just do it this time."
Ichika's IS seems to have become more active and the blue parts around it are giving a flashing light that quickly vanishes.
"…" Ichika waited for anything that might happen…
"Now, dodge this, if you can-!"
*Shhheeeiieeshh-!*
Once again, in a blink of an eye speed, Chifuyu managed to approach Ichika closer, only…
"…" Ichika's demonic eyes tried to pierce through Chifuyu…
"…! Huh?" Caught off-guard by the intensity of the atmosphere around Ichika, Chifuyu seems to have hesitated.
"That is a weakness that will cause you something." Ichika said coldly.
*BLOOCKK-!*
Ichika stopped the katana and held it tightly.
"Chaos… Chaos can bring about new possibilities, don't you think?" Ichika asked.
"…Huh?" Chifuyu is confused by his question.
"Chaos… Chaos can attract the retarded, the smartest, the fearful, the strong, the weak… Every people… That is why…"
*Claash-!*
"Hngh!" Chifuyu was pushed back as Ichika just used the saber to clash with her katana.
"I won't hold my breath, Orimura-sensei." He said that directly to her face even from this distance. His eyes showed a piercing stare that is directed towards Chifuyu's eyes.
"…Yeah. You do that. Here I come," She prepared for another assault and Ichika has to dodge… or fight back, as she allows that option as well. "withstand this!"
*Shhheeeiieeshh-!*
*Clash-!*
Again, Ichika used the saber to protect himself.
"I'm tired of this boring session, Orimura-sensei, how about…"
"…?"
"Let's try something else!"
*Claash-!* *Claash-!*
"…!" Chifuyu didn't expected this. Ichika is now doing his own assault towards her. "…You're challenging me?"
*Swiing-!*
Chifuyu moved away from Ichika as he just swung his saber for an attack, and she dodged.
"…I've beaten hundreds of participants in the Mondo Grosso. …You think someone who just learned how to move an IS can beat me…?"
"Who knows? Within the chaotic state of what we may find ourselves into… Perhaps even the unexpected things can be achieved."
"…You dare challenge me, boy?"
"…What does it look like?" Ichika said pointing his saber to her. "Are you deaf that you don't even know what does it look like when someone is challenging you, or that your brain is broken that you cannot comprehend it?"
"…" Chifuyu didn't expected this. She was just goading Ichika to give everything he's got and now… he's challenging her and taunting and mocking her at the same time. "You've asked for something I didn't think you would have the guts to ask, boy. Fine, I'll show what it means to face reality…"
"Huh, does your mouth ever shut up? Why? Did you lose a tooth that you cannot help but open your mouth?"
"…" That was the last straw. "Well, you've asked for this you good-for-nothing punk!"
*Shhheeeiieeshh-!*
*Claash-!* *Clash-!*
"Hn,"
"Hm," Both Orimuras are really serious here. Chifuyu was the one going for the offensive and Ichika is doing the wait, anticipate and then counterattack basis.
*Claaasshh-!*
Saber and katana clashing against one another. So far, Chifuyu is not giving everything she got.
"…What's wrong? Why the hold back? …Are you getting weak or slow that you don't wish give everything you got?" Ichika has noticed this and decided to taunt her over this.
"…You're really asking for it."
"Yeah, and why are you holding back? Afraid you won't live up to your reputation as the champion of—"
*CLAAAASSHH-!*
Okay, now that was very strong. It seems Chifuyu is being pushed to give everything she got.
"Are you sure you want me to be serious?"
*Clash-!* *Hiit-!*
The right arm of Chifuyu's IS is in the state of disrepair. Ichika managed to make it incapable of working by cutting it with his saber.
"…You've crossed the line." Chifuyu seems to be not holding anything back now. "Alright, boy, let me show you why there are lot of idiots in this world that many of them would just scream in their idiotic fantasy my own name and why I dislike those who do not do anything to make me feel… alive." She said taking a fighting stance. Similar to a swordsman putting on a stance that can instantly…
*CLAAAASSHH-!* *POOOOWWWWW-!* Sliiicceee…!
*Boom-!*
The saber of Byakushiki was disarmed from Ichika, and with Chifuyu's relentless strength, it exploded when Chifuyu sliced it with her katana. Ichika was also pushed back with a powerful punch.
"…" Ichika, who is still flying in mid-air, thought of doing something unexpected. …Besides, she mentioned it herself. So far, no one has surpassed her expectations, or at least, so far, no one has did something very unexpected in front of her eyes. …So Ichika thought of giving her a change of perspective. "Chaos…"
A sound coming from Byakushiki was heard. Only Ichika heard it though. It seems, with the right user, an IS hidden function or capability can be put to use.
*Shhheeeiieeshh-!*
Chifuyu was not yet finished with her maneuver. She went closer to Ichika in a speed that is that of similar to once you blink, what you see in the manner of position or location is no longer at the same point of their location. "Look at what happen when I become serious. Hmph, I guess no one can surprise me in these days."
*POOOOOWWWWW-!*
Another powerful punch that sent Ichika to the ground, leaving a crater.
"You really believe that you can surpass my expectation… That's what you're trying to do? Hmph, sorry, but I've lost touch with fairy tales."
*POOOOOWWWW-!* Another powerful punch. It was not directed at Ichika, but to the ground. The crater became large a bit.
"Reality is a cruel mistress, no matter what you do. You have to do something that others don't like, even if they are disappointed, then you just do what you need in order to keep them safe."
"…" That was the last straw for Ichika.
Tseeepp…
An hidden functionality of Byakushiki is activated.
Seed factor: Confirmed.
Non-official usage of system deactivated.
Removing all seals for the hidden system.
Activating… Zero… System…
"…" With Ichika's strength of will, and the confirmation of something called the "seed factor", it seems the system activated itself. Chifuyu said that the outcome of battles involving IS depend on the mentality—the will—of each individuals who are involved. If one has a strong, unflinching and unfailing will and determination… "Chaos…" Yes… Chaos… New possibilities can be achieved…
…Zero… System…
Please enter code identification.
The word "ZERO" came to Ichika's mind as if Byakushiki telling him what to input.
"…" With just the power of thought, Ichika inputted the code.
Z E R O
Code identification: valid.
Activating Zero System…
"…" Ichika could feel the wave that Byakushiki is sending through him has changed. This time, it's much more… intense. Like it's penetrating through his brainwaves, making his reaction time become faster, almost like he doesn't have to think about what to do, but simply follow through irresistible urges that will guide one to one's own future. And… through the endless stream of possibilities that are shown before him, there is only one path… …freedom. Yes, freedom. One of the greatest blessings that life has to offer… …is the freedom to pursue one's goal… and that is… …enlightenment…
"Well, get up from there after you recover from— Huh?" Ichika grabbed Chifuyu's katana.
Flash!
His IS, Byakushiki, was dismissed. It's now in its closed form. Ichika is in his uniform once again, he's still holding on to the katana.
"…No. There will be no tomorrow. There is only… today. Give it everything you got… and…" Turning to Chifuyu, he formed a wicked smile. "I will make this the day where your wild delusions are destroyed, and show you reality!"
*POOOWWWW-!*
"…!" Chifuyu's katana was disarmed from her and she was pushed back by an unknown strength that Ichika mustered. His hand is glowing. Blue in color. "Wha…"
Ichika tossed the katana aside, as he feels like putting his words into his fists. …One thing that he did was… with the ZERO system that is installed in Byakushiki activated, new available functions were provided. One is to have the ability to follow certain new possibilities or paths to be taken that are shown by the system, through the advance computation of the computer, and then to be able to "bond" with the IS personally as if the two: the user and the individual, become one and the same. As in whatever the IS feels… or whatever damage it might sustain, the user will also feel the impact or the strain the IS is undergoing. The thoughts and movements of the user will be shared by the IS, thus, creating a bond between the user and the IS itself. Becoming an "other self" for the user, that's how this ZERO system performs.
Right now, Byakushiki's strength capacity and other attributes are shared to Ichika. Which means… his fist… his attacks… are the same magnitude and strength of that of Byakushiki. This is done through a "telepathic transfer wave system" that is a new functionality of Byakushiki that was accessed by Ichika. While being in its closed form, Byakushiki can send out data that can be manifested in which the world is made of information or data information. With Byakushiki sending out data information in Ichika's own "document", then the data is altered in which, for example, a mere human… combined with that of the data of an IS… …can have the same strength and capacity of that of an IS suit. Which means… despite Ichika being weak in his physical strength, with his bond with Byakushiki and its attributes being shared to him…
"There's no tomorrow for me, Orimura-sensei. …Unless I change your mind right here, and NOW!"
"…Stupid boy. You really want to surpass me…?" Chifuyu took a stance. "Then," Gesturing at Ichika to come to her and do what he dared to do… "come at me. Just like I told you before, if you can surpass me, then you're a grown man and I will admit that I am the one who has been wrong all this time."
"FINE BY ME! Huaaarrghh-!" Ichika charged forward with a clenched fist.
"Hmph, damn you, you've caused me enough trouble already. Now, submit-!" With a clenched fist of her own, Chifuyu moved for an attack.
***POOOOWWWW-!***
Both fists created an impact that also sent a sound that seems to have moved light objects that are lying on the ground. Like the fault of the ground has just shaken.
"Grg," Chifuyu felt pain in that punch that was delivered by Ichika.
Separating their fists from one another.
"Hmn," Ichika goes for another one…
"Hn," Chifuyu herself decided to go for another one, but…
*Twissht-!*
Chifuyu's fist slightly touched Ichika's fist, then passing through it, Ichika's clenched fist went for—
***POOOOOOWWWWW-!***
"…" Ichika was successful in delivering a punch to Chifuyu's beautiful face. A bruise has been inflicted. …Chifuyu was blown away in a very little far away distance. "…"
Tseeepp…
The Zero System deactivated itself. And Ichika's attributes have reverted back to normal.
"…" Ichika eyed his older sister who is lying on the ground. She seems to be in pain. "…" He approached her.
"…" She has a shocked and surprised, greatly surprised, expression on her face as she just lies there. With pain ringing through her right cheek, the spot that Ichika managed to land a devastating punch, her feeling like her entire body was paralyzed with the pain and with her own brother looking down on her. "…" She touched the bruise that was inflicted into her. She wringed in pain as she does so. "That was…"
"Hmph, I'm no longer yours. I've broken my ties over you. You no longer have any hold over me. I'm free." Ichika declared as it started raining.
"…" Chifuyu, with her expectations being surpassed greatly and with her brother's words echoing in her heart, felt like someone have finally made her feel alive. It is through the heat of battle that she feels like this. And through the words of a family member who has finally mustered enough courage to say that to her face, and land a punch too, a deadly punch. "… … … … … ..So it would seems."
"…" Ichika walked pass her, but he stopped. "You said I should become a man, right? With this, your ideals are now considered false. The weak's ideals are false, and the strong ones are right, right?"
"…" She nodded weakly. "Then, you have… … … … ..You have surpassed me." She said that as the tears that have been threatening to fall finally came flowing as if a dam has just been opened. "Huh, looks like… I was… wrong. I thought that I would simply watch over you for the rest of your life. Huh, but I was wrong. I'm not strong enough. Though you may think of me as strong or tough, I'm actually… …very fragile." The tears came down all at once as the raindrops increased.
"…" Ichika turned to her. "…Aren't you gonna stand up?" Ichika's eyes returned to normal as the SEED subsided.
"… …I can't. I'm too weak. sob, Through my time teaching rookies, huh, I feel like I was never going to find anything that might surpass my expectation. But… here you are, with an answered that is thrown directly at my face, feel like… the world that I have come to imagine, wherein the strong ones will prey on the weak, has been shattered."
"… … …Words… Words are cheap. Good and Evil are just words, your strength… your resolve… your emotion… your will… that is what matters the most."
"Huh, since when did you became ever philosophical?" She said half-smiling.
…Ichika kneeled at Chifuyu's side. "Chifuyu-nee…"
"Call me… Orimura-sensei."
"…I won, so I got the right to address you whenever no one else is around."
"…So it would seems. Huh, yeah, I lost. Literally. Ugh," Her right cheek is still in pain. "Huh, you've grown, Ichika. Huh, as your sister, I should be proud of you. But…" Tears begun to fall in a gentle manner. "…But now, you're moving away huh?" She remembered the times she spent with Ichika. When Ichika was a child, Chifuyu was more kind in her words and actions. But she became cold after coming back for a year, probably because she has been exposed to the cruel realities of others. "You're strong, Ichika. Compared to you, I'm nothing. Huh, though you might think otherwise… I am weak."
"…"
"Sigh, here I am, rambling on and on about my own whinings."
"…I like to hear more."
"Huh?"
Ichika touched Chifuyu's shoulders gently.
"Chifuyu-nee… No, Orimura-sensei. You've always been there for me. Even though you acted cold, you're still the only one who can make me a man. In fact, my motivation was that because I wanted to hear you… your approval… of me… becoming… strong."
"…Huh, is that so? Hm, then I was wrong, you're not a man, you're a child." Both Orimuras have traded sarcasms with one another. "…But thank you." …But they're also gentle ones.
"Orimura… sen—"
"You don't have to call me that right now."
"…Chifuyu-nee. …I need you."
"…Huh?"
"I need you. Without you, I won't be who I am now. I just wanted to at least, make you feel more comfortable. Without being a burden… Without me being a burden, I thought that I might give you—"
"A new future."
"Huh?"
Chifuyu touched Ichika's cheeks. "Huh, who have ever thought that my good, obedient and adorable young brother is such a strong young man. …You have grown. How time passes so fast that I feel like it went by too fast?" Chifuyu gave a gentle smile.
"…" Ichika touched Chifuyu's hands that are touching his cheeks. "Sorry about the… uh…" Looking at the bruise at her right cheek, he cannot help but feel like he has to regret his action a bit.
"Hm? Oh, this?" She touched it. She winched a little. "Huh, nah, this is a wake up call for me."
"…I… see."
Chifuyu stood up from the ground.
"Chifuyu-nee…"
"Hm, you pack quite a punch."
"…Hey, Chifuyu-nee…"
"What? I said I'm fine, okay? It's just—Huh?"
Ichika fell to the ground. "…I haven't… drink… any… medicine… for my… fever…" He became unconscious due to his fever becoming worse.
"Wha—I-Ichika!"
…Later, at the infirmary…
All Ichika could see is blackness. He could hear some people, two people, speaking.
"How is he?"
"He should be fine, Orimura-sensei. He seems to be recovering now, thanks to that syringe you just injected him with and the medicine you provided. He should be fine. I'm impressed by your brother though, this kind of fever is something that people do not recover in just… three days."
"…? Three days?"
"Yes, your brother will be recovering for three days. By then, he should make a full recovery."
"I see… Then, can you give me something for my…"
"Oh, you mean that bruise? Hm, where did you get that, anyway?"
"Does it really matter?"
"No, no, I won't interfere with your privacy. Let me check it."
"Thank you."
'…Chifuyu-nee…' Ichika's sight is still nothing but blackness but he understood the conversation. He can feel that he's lying on a soft bed. 'Hm, this feels… nice.'
…Later that night…
…With the lights of the infirmary off, Ichika could sleep soundly and the raindrops outside are quite comforting too.
…Sliide…
Someone came in. It's Chifuyu.
"…Hmph, still here, I see." She said sitting beside the bed. "…I wonder how long has it been ever since I watched you sleep like this?" She recalled the times when Ichika was going to put to bed during his childhood years. She acted as a motherly figure for him as well as an ideal older sister. …That is until she and him were separated for a year. Now that Chifuyu thinks about it, perhaps being independent made her life miserable than the other way around. "…I'm a fool. I should have been able to see the freedom I have been longing for." She looked up. There are stars at the sky that can be seen through the window. "I wonder though, can a shooting star grant a wish… truly?" She said as a shooting star passed through the other stars above. "…" Leaning closer to her brother's gentle-looking face. … … … …chu. Her lips touched his. "Mmngh, mmgh, ah. For now, I'll start believing in the maybes. Hm, haha. …Orimura Ichika, my only ideal brother, my only one special someone… haha, thank you." She said that after breaking the kiss.
She left the infirmary with a smile afterwards and she made sure that the door is closed. She then went to her desk at the faculty room to take care of something. "With this new strength that idiot gave me, haha, I feel like… I feel lighter." There she goes, ready to take challenges and ordeals that may come her way, and with a newfound goal, she becomes more brighter and beautiful than before.
End of Chapter 3