Infinite Stratos: Darkness From Within
Chapter 4: Rocking On Heaven's Gate
…Inside a lab that is one of the hideouts of Tabane…
The sounds of buttons being pushed and the sounds coming from the monitors are the only things that you can hear in this dark computer room. Tabane is all by herself, she's pretty much occupied in her own world right now wherein only monitors, keyboards, digital sounds, visual interfaces that show progresses and other electric devices are the only things that are involved.
"Hm, I wonder though, with the—"
beep, beep, beep…
A weak humming sound caught Tabane's attention, making her come out of her own world. She has been typing on her keyboard for a while with her eyes seemingly wandering as in she is like in a trance and her eyes, despite not looking at any direction other than the direction of the keyboard, are like ignoring everything else that can be seen around.
"Hm? Oh, this is…" She pushed a button that displayed the status of one of the things she's keeping an eye out. The status of Byakushiki is shown on the small monitor that came down when she pushed the button. "Hm? Byakushiki? The…" She observed and took a closer look on the monitor. "Eh?" Tabane is intrigued. Very intrigued. "Ara? Ara, ara, ara, is this for real…? Hm," She smirked as if she has just thought of a new prank, like a mischievous kid thinking of a scheme. "How very interesting. It's been a while since someone accessed that system. …And to think Ikkun is the one who is the first to access it. Hm, I'm really am a genius, haha."
Someone came in with a tray of tea and eggs.
"Tabane-sama, your meal has been prepared." A braided hair girl who seems to be 12 years old said bringing the tray to Tabane.
"Oh, Ku-chan, arigatou~ Oh, eggs and tea, haha, wise choice, Ku-chan. I'm proud. I am proud~"
"…Hai." She, however, is not enthusiastic about the cooking. …The eggs are a little overcooked. The tea doesn't have all the required ingredients.
"Mm~ mm~ A—ma—zing… A—ma—zi—ng, Ku-chan~"
"…You are lying." She said that without her hearing what she said.
Even so, Tabane continued eating. "I'm so hyperactive that I don't mind any food, but this is certainly the best, but right now, I could tell… that the Zero System that I installed in Byakushiki was finally put to good use, yay~!" She said clapping her hands like a happy child.
"…? Zero… System?" The girl tilted her head.
"Yes, to further the evolution of humans through all the conflicts that have plagued history itself, someone needs to take the first step and do something about the abominable mechanisms that have been created to taint the magnificent evolution of technology and machineries along with the human civilization that has been so dependent on them that…"
Tabane rambled on and on and the girl didn't had any problem of hearing her out.
"…From what you are saying, the Zero System that you installed in the systematic interface of Byakushiki, the first personal IS, was something Orimura Chifuyu-san wasn't aware of. And this system can only be activated through sheer capacity to endure, to withstand torment and cruelty, and make a choice. Then, with the mentality of the individual being shaped by these cruel experiences, the system will provide new possibilities, new realms of concepts that we can delve into."
"—and the—Huh? What? Oh, yeah, that's exactly it." It seems Tabane kept rambling on and on, and the girl, understanding the most important parts, brought out the bottom line of the topic. "Hm, but does this mean Ikkun has finally… Hm, mm… The seed… is it real? That people have devoured the fruit in the garden of victory, and thus, humans were punished. Are they seeking the apple that is said to be the gift of the gods(IS), and that garden(paradise or a place of there is no conflict) is something that can be taken back…"
"…" The girl didn't understood what she is talking about but she does know that whenever Tabane would have a serious, even just a little serious, expression on her face, her words are always foreshadowing something that might happen soon.
"…However, time will never rewind. And now, we are all on a journey to one place only…"
"…?" The girl tilted her head as Tabane continued typing on her keyboard. "… …The Promised Land."
…IS Academy, classroom of Class One…
"Hey, do you know what happened to Orimura-kun? Ever since the first day…"
"Yeah, he suddenly stopped attending class ever since… W-Well…"
"Yeah, when Orimura-sensei gave him a private lesson about IS or something like that… Orimura-kun didn't attended for three days."
The girls seem to be talking about Ichika who has been absent for three days ever since class started during the first day of school.
One girl, Houki, is sitting near the window at the right corner. She's looking out at the beautiful sight of the sea outside. But the sight of it can only make her worried about a certain someone… 'Ichika…' "Hm," Houki recalled the last time she saw Ichika. That was at the corridor, Ichika was led by Chifuyu for some extra lessons about IS. Since Ichika is wielding a personal IS, it was only imperative that he'll be trained in a proper way since it might create an embarrassing reputation for him and the IS that is said to have been used by Chifuyu in the past.
Just then, Yamada-sensei arrived.
"Everyone, please sit down now. We have a returning student who will be coming back as of today." She said going to the teacher's desk.
"""Huh?""" Everyone became curious.
'Coming back?' Houki thought. "Huh? Wait, could it be…" She could hardly restrain her happiness from bursting as she thought of something that invigorated her… …the thought of someone returning.
"Class, take your seats. We have someone who is finally out of the medical room." Chifuyu entered the class along with Ichika, who has now fully recovered from his fever, and she went to the teacher's desk, taking Yamada-sensei's position, as compromise of their positions as homeroom teacher and assistant homeroom teacher. Chifuyu laid her bag on the desk and gestured at Ichika to stand in front. "I know he was just here the first day, but I suppose I should introduce him again. Ahem, everyone, this Orimura Ichika. My own brother and he'll be joining us from here onward."
"H-Hello, it's… it's been three days but, I hope I'll be able to keep up with everybody." Ichika bowed politely and courteously. …The voice in his head has faded so Ichika felt relieved but at the same time, without that, it seems he cannot put on the same stance that he put in the first day. And now his usual unassuming expression has become the most dominant character.
"""…""" Everyone is silent. Now Ichika knows what it is like to be in Yamada-sensei's position when she herself was overwhelmed by that ridiculous silence during the first day. But of course, with all the stares of his classmates directly pointed at him, this is much more overwhelming.
…
…
…
…
"Ugh," 'Did I say something odd…? I didn't look embarrassing, did I?' Ichika felt very nervous that he simply wish to get this over with quickly.
"""KYAAAAAHHH-! ORIMURA-! WELCOME BACK-!"""
"…!" Ichika felt like he just got blown away by a tornado that just went his path. The extremely delightful cheering and crying, cries of joy, of his classmates made him unable to withstand the nervousness and he thinks he has to sit down, now.
"Alright, shut up, now." …By the way, Chifuyu has become much more considerate ever since the first day… at least, near the end of the day of when class started for the first semester. "Orimura, you can sit down, now."
"R-Right. Arigatou, Orimura-sensei."
"Ah. Now, we'll begin discussing first the—Hey, get back to your seats!" …Of course, there is still strictness in her posture and standing when it comes to her position as a teacher. Just as the rest of the people were going to Ichika's desk, she scolded them and made them return to their seats. "What are you guys, a bunch of kindergarten kids? Yamada-kun, open up the screen."
"Hai, Orimura-sensei." Unlike in the other schools, the board here is a screen in which all sort of information or lesson topics can be easily demonstrated and given example of without using a chalk or writing something in front. "Now then, everyone, today we'll be discussing about the basics of IS, Infinite Stratos. Since Orimura-kun was absent and we had some preparations we had to consider, this is our first normal lesson to undergo and…"
'First lesson…? Hm, come to think of it, Chifuyu-nee did say that I didn't need to cover any lessons that were discussed… So all they did these past days are just orientations and stuff…?' Ichika thought of what he should do for the rest of the day. Well, since he'll be attending IS academy, things will not be the same for him anymore.
…Later, before lunch break…
"Well then, ever since the first day of class, we still haven't cover up most of the lesson so we'll have to make a short schedule about it, but all of you will be given various long assignments that require you to do some research. You're all not children or middle schoolers anymore so try to be more open as you try to gain knowledge about specific fields of interest. Also, there's still the matter of deciding on who among you will be the class representative who'll take part in the inter-class tournament."
'Class representative? Inter-class tournament…? Hm,' A beginner or someone who is just new to the world of IS, Ichika doesn't know the significance of the tournament that was mentioned.
Yamada-sensei volunteered to elaborate on that, though the entire class, with the exception of Ichika, seems to know already what this is all about. "The class representative is as its name indicates. The class representative will not only compete in the tournament, but will also attend student council meetings and committee meetings whenever they are in session. It is the honor that a class may endow upon someone, and that someone can be what we consider a class leader. For that reason, we're going to have to ask for your nominations in this matter."
'Nominations? Oh, then, we're going to nominate someone in our class…' Ichika felt out of place in this since he doesn't know the qualifications, in a manner of speaking, for being selected as class representative. 'I mean, it's not just about being… different from the rest of the class, right?' …One might wonder why he thought of that. 'I mean, really, it must be someone dependable and reliable when it comes to all sort of committee meetings, right? Hm, then I guess it doesn't really have to be something… I mean, what can I do? Hm, I guess I'll just support someone who is capable of it.'
For qualifications, yes, indeed, someone capable of such tasks involving meetings with various authority figures and someone who is strong enough to withstand the stress of representing the entire student body, or something like that. The qualifications that Ichika thought of are that of someone who may have the privilege of being elected without everyone else having second thoughts. Meaning that someone is undeniably the right person to be elected. For without such someone, there is no hope…
'Hm, I guess I'll just lend my support for whoever that someone is.' He thought of that as in to retreat from all the harsh things in the world. …But of course, when someone is blessed with something that they don't want, one has to wonder… if one's expectations are just blissful imaginations that can be surpassed in just about any time…
"Well? Anyone has someone in mind?" Chifuyu started the nomination for being class representative.
"Sensei!" One girl stood up. "I recommend Orimura-kun!"
Toink!
'M-Me!? Wha…' …See? Dreams are so blissful that you can just blow them away and bam, reality's harshness is harnessed. "M-Me?" He said pointing at himself and the girls nodded.
"I feel that it's a good idea too!" Another one nominated for Ichika. Then it's one after another.
"…Are you all certain?" Chifuyu asked.
"""HAI-!"""
"Wait, wait, don't I… uh…" Ichika stood up, wanting to protest but since he's the only one…
"Don't worry…" Chifuyu assured and give Ichika an assuring expression. "…we'll just put your name under the list of those who-would-be class representatives."
"Eh?"
"You're just the first one to be listed." Like Chifuyu said, Ichika's name is added to the list of possible candidates for the position of being class rep. The screen is now showing his name.
"O-Oh. Then, it's not for certain…?"
"""Ehh~~""" Most of the girls moaned at that.
"Settle down, Orimura. Take a seat."
"H-Hai." Ichika sat down.
"…" Yamada-sensei noticed that Chifuyu is a lot more gentle than the first day of class. 'I wonder what happened during her extra lesson session with Orimura-kun… ..ah, just the two siblings. …? … …? …! Wha… Wait, maybe I'm just exaggerating, I mean… The forbidden love between siblings. Sensei has read about that in books, but… M-Maybe I'm really just exaggerating, haha…' She thought nervously as she tries to dismiss the thought.
"Yamada-kun, any other possible candidates you can think of?"
"Eh? Oh, uh… T-Then, everyone, aside from Orimura-kun, is there someone else you wish to nominate…?"
"W-Wait a second! I cannot abide by this—" Cecilia Alcott, who is sitting at the back, stood up.
"Alcott? What is it? If someone is nominated, or that you nominate yourself, the one nominated cannot refuse. Though of course, it's only added to the list. …What is it you wish to say?"
'I cannot refuse? E-Even if I'm not willing…' Upon hearing that, Ichika's spirit went down similar to an RPG stat in which it can be put into something like this: Spirit: -12 - -80.
"I cannot accept this outcome."
*Slam!*
Cecilia slammed her hands on her desk as she got up, now this is the sight of a baroness or countess expressing her desired law or rule in a society.
"This kind of election outcome is totally unacceptable! Anyway, having a man as our class representative is totally disgraceful! Do you expect me, Cecilia Alcott, to endure this embarrassment for a whole year?"
"We have not yet officially elected him as class representative. And," Looking at the faces of her students, it seems it's pretty clear who would be elected… that is… "it's up for the entire class to decided but," Chifuyu becomes serious, deadly serious. "are you proposing that we all settle this in a duel among the nominated candidates?"
"""…!""" Everyone, except Ichika who had a curious expression on his face about what Chifuyu said regarding a duel, had a shocked and surprised expression on their faces.
"Th-That's… Hm, then, in this proposed duel for the election of that position…" Cecilia seems to have become intrigued and fascinated at the thought of battling anyone who has possible rights to become class rep. "Th-Then," She put her hands on her desk again, then she cleared her throat, it seems a speech is about to be heard from the almighty figure in this class. "In terms of ability, it's obvious that I should be the class representative. It'll be troubling if some rare far-east monkey is to be chosen because he is a rare breed! I came to this island country to polish up my IS skills, and I have no interest in joining a circus!"
"Then, as we have asked before, any possible nominations left?" Chifuyu asked the class for any possible candidates to be listed on the list.
"""…""" No one seems to be cooperating.
"…Then, how do you respond at this, Alcott?" Seeing that there was no one else nominating, Chifuyu figured that Cecilia's reaction will be interesting.
"Th-This is an outrage! Only the most talented can be the class representative, and I'm the most suitable one! In the first place, living in such a country with an underdeveloped level of culture is excruciatingly painful for me!"
"Then, are you nominating yourself?" Chifuyu seems to have a competitive expression on her face, it's like she's actually daring Cecilia to add her name on the list.
"If there is no one among these ungrateful peasants will, then yes! I nominate myself for this position!" She declared that with a clenched fist, but not too clenched, as everyone else, except for Ichika, Chifuyu and Yamada-sensei, who seems to be bewildered by the argument over the election of being class rep, glared at her direction.
Cecilia's name is added to the list. It seems Ichika and Cecilia will settle this in a duel at the arena.
"Then, we have a common understanding. The battle will take place next Monday in the 3rd arena. Orimura and Alcott, make sure you are well prepared. And on that note, class will be dismissed early as some of you are required for the preparation for this duel. But there is also a chance that this might be settled early, so…"
"Wait, why don't we just settle this tomorrow? Any disputes must be settled as quickly as possible, since this is an urgent matter, we—" Just as Cecilia proposed that,
"Then, everyone agree to that?"
'…No, I don't. Anyway, do I really have to do this…? I mean, there's a still a chance that this doesn't have to happen, right?' Ichika prayed with little hope, and then… the decisive moment…
"""…""" Everyone turned to their seatmates to ask for their opinions.
…
…
…
…..
All of the sudden, everyone stood up, with only Ichika not going to where everyone is getting at.
"""HAAII-!""" They all said raising their hands in approval of the proposal.
"…I don't believe this…" Ichika could only mutter that without anyone hearing.
"Alright, then it's settled. Since Orimura already has his own personal IS, then there shouldn't be any problems if none of those who are involved with the preparation would become lazy, since you guys are the ones asking for this, make sure that it goes well or else this will damage the class's reputation. Understood?"
"""Hai-!""" Everyone said.
'How did it came to this…?' Ichika thought in despair. He lowered his head on his desk.
"…Hm," Chifuyu noticed his reaction which amused her to a high degree. 'Welcome to the world of unexpected things, Ichika. Hmph, you're pretty good at that, anyway. This should be interesting.' She thought excitedly as she turned to face the class. "Alright, dismiss. Don't forget, just because both Alcott and Orimura are required to prepare, that doesn't mean the rest of you can slack off. If I were you, take your time researching about the basics of what we cover up for today, all sorts of equipment that can be used in actual combat and their characteristics should also be something you guys should keep in mind. Now, dismiss."
"""Yaay-!""" A lot of them got enthusiastic.
"Hm," Ichika pondered deeply on what to do.
…Later, at the courtyard…
Ichika wandered for a bit around here. The afternoon sunlight can be soothing and comforting in this part.
"Hm, I'm going to have to prepare huh." He said that. Even though that's what he was told to do, he doesn't know exactly what steps he should take.
Tseeepp…
"Hm?" …The bulky bracelet, the closed form of Byakushiki, is glowing. "What the…"
Activating… Zero… System…
"Huh? Z-Zero? B-Byakushiki—Gaahh-!"
Flaashh-!
Byakushiki seems to have activated itself by its own accord.
"Huh?" Ichika, in his pilot suit, is standing(or hovering) on the ground with him wearing the IS suit. "What the…" He looked at his palms that are equipped with Byakushiki's own palms. "How did I…"
Tseeepp…
…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.
ZERO
Code identification: valid.
Activating Zero System…
"Agh… Ahh…" Ah, the sensation wherein you feel like your mind is being read or being delved into certainly feels like you are not alone at all, never, in fact. "Zero… What are you… …telling… me… ahh…"
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
That aching sensation is being caused by the waves that are being sent by the Zero System. This system can actually penetrate through the brain waves of the user, thus, enabling the user to go through the limits of one's expectation. It's like discovering new possible paths, new possibilities… the power of Chaos, as in to exceed one's own imagination.
"Aghh…" But of course, it can also be very exhausting and one might become very dizzy… like… "Agghh…"
Flash.
Ichika's IS returned to its closed form. But the Zero System is still active. And the waves it's sending to Ichika is so… so… so… OVERWHELMING! The possible courses to take…!
"Agh… Ugh… Z-Zero… S-Stop… Th-This…" Ichika touched his head, he can see the events that transpired today. The events that took place earlier. Him recovering from his fever, the cover of the entire lesson that was discussed, the proposed duel for the position of being class rep and… and… "Agghh-! Stop, please… stop…!"
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
"Ugh… Ugh…" Ichika tries to maintain his composure. His vision is becoming blurry though. "Ahh… Ahh…" He wandered aimlessly, like he's about to fall off as if he's drunk.
Tap, tap.
"Hm?" Houki, who seems to have finished training along with the rest of the kendo club members, saw Ichika walking around aimlessly. "Eh? I… Ichika? Ah," The sight of someone like a childhood friend can certainly make you feel nostalgic and full of warm emotions, but to Houki, this is her first love… "Wah—W-W-W—" Houki hid behind a pillar at the corridor. She eyed Ichika from the shadows. 'Ichika…' Last time, Ichika was to have an extra lesson about IS maneuvers. Chifuyu was the one who taught him. Houki lost her chance to talk with him. "…"
throb
throb
throb
throb…
Ah, the sound of a maiden's pure heartbeat.
"Ahh," Houki touched her chest, it seems she's hurt, at least, inwardly, but the pain is a little sharp so she just had to touch her chest. "Wha… What am I doing…? This is just Ichika, he's—Huh?" Turning back to Ichika, he seems to have collapsed on the ground. "Wha—Wha—What in the…!? I-Ichika…!" Houki ran to Ichika.
…Ichika is lying on the ground, his expression is that of someone who seems to be on a trance. It seems the Zero System has induced him to the point wherein he seems to be capable of seeing something… like an hallucination or vision… of possible outcomes of situations…
"I… am… … …Chaos… power of… Chaos…" He said that as his consciousness is drifting…
"Ichika! Hey, Ichika," Houki kneeled beside him. "Ichika, ICHIKAAAA-!"
…
…
…
….
…?...
"…Huh?" All Ichika could see is the sky. It seems it's afternoon. But the weird thing is that there is… …fog. There's a lot of them. "Ah." Ichika stood up, finding himself on a beach shore. "Huh?" The calm waves of the sea is very soothing. "This place is… Hm?" He saw someone sitting on a log near the water. It's a girl… A girl in white. She's wearing a white hat and her dress are slightly being blown away by the calm breeze. "…" Feeling like this girl is approachable, Ichika went closer to where she is.
*Splaaash-!*
Then suddenly, someone… or something emerged from the water near the shore. It's an IS. …Quite bashful in its appearance as well. The water that were splashed weren't coming down, it seems to be shy to show its appearance.
*Splaaaasshh-!*
…Okay, maybe not. The water that stayed in mid-air dropped all of the sudden as a large wave just went near the shore, revealing the IS. …Wow, this is…
"Huh…?" Ichika eyed this IS, it is a Close Quarters Combat unit with designs that mirror the Byakushiki in its deployed form. The unit is covered in platinum armor resembling a medieval knight, and has a helmet-styled Hyper Sensor prototype with visor to protect the pilot's identity. "This is…"
…
…
…
….
The White Knight, the first IS to be shown to the whole world, is before Ichika.
"Thou has cometh before me… For what purpose…?"
"Eh?"
"Thou has something that is remarkable and splendid, yet… We are not convinced. If thou is true to thy words and deeds, then thou shalt be tested. For this realm possesses not a past, nor a future. It is an eternal present wherein one cannot escape…" The White Knight took a combat stance, its large broad sword is quite remarkable as it was said to have actually destroyed 1221 missiles along with the large particle gun that it used to destroy the remaining missiles. "If I have to pose a question to thou, what is a choice? Choice, in my own accord, is an illusion. If thou does not think so, then the will of the Great Will may not be so absolute…"
"…" Ichika feels like he's talking to a god. Is this really the White Knight…?
…
…
…
…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
…That sound… Is that…?
"…Zero? Is that…"
"Reflection… Orimura… Reflection… Do you remember? What that guy told you?"
"…" That voice…
"Reflect on yourself, Orimura. Only then, the brilliant light will answer. And the shooting star… will heed your call."
"…"
Flash!
Ichika deployed Byakushiki.
The girl who was sitting on the log earlier is standing beside the White Knight.
"Does thou accept our challenge?"
"…" The girl is looking at Ichika.
"…Yeah, I guess so. Besides…" The image of the other Ichika went to Ichika's mind. And… "…" Ichika's expression becomes serious, emotionless… …cruel… "Having to battle a legendary knight with a magnificent aura is certainly quite ecstatic. For in the world, you are known as the one who has saved Japan… …I do not know whether I should revere you, faithful knight, but I do know... that words are cheap. Good and evil are just words, such as your own words are just words, the one that surpasses all that… haha… hahaha…" Ichika laughed wickedly… "…Words such as good and evil are cheap, power always wins." Ichika deployed his saber.
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
Tseeepp…
The Zero System is also active. It's sending out waves to Ichika, as certain urges are to follow, Ichika's mentality is being put to the test.
"…Thou words are cruel. …Perhaps…"
"Why…?" Ichika formed a wicked smile, "Too afraid to stand up as a man…? Hahahahaha!"
"…" That may have been the last straw for the White Knight. "…Are you challenging me?"
"What do you think? Gallant knight, you are none other than…"
Sliiicee-! Ichika, through his exposure to the influence of the Zero system, seems to have become very familiar in how to use Byakushiki's weaponries. He just sent out a beam energy by just swinging forth the saber. The helmet-styled sensor was destroyed, and the White Knight's identity, which is something that baffled people for so long, is none other than…
"…Orimura-sensei." Ichika said with full confidence… and he's right.
"…" Yup, that's certainly is Chifuyu Orimura's own face, except… "Amazing. …It seems your power has exceeded my own limits and expectations. …Then it might not be such a bad thing to become one with you…"
"But of course, there is a price for it, correct?"
"…Yes."
"Alright, since we haven't been doing anything other than this pointless talking, how about…" Pointing the saber to the White Knight(Chifuyu doppelganger, perhaps?) with a very serious expression… "How about we start this ceremony where we shall dance for the honor of your resolution of being able to choose your own CHOICE!"
"…" The White Knight smiled, it's like Chifuyu herself agreed to that. It pointed its large broadsword towards Ichika. "Very well,"
"Ah." The girl smiled. "Hm,"
Flash!
It became a light that merged with the White Knight.
"Now, come, Orimura Ichika! If I am going to swear my oath to you, then prove yourself to be the man… who may be capable of being my scabbard!"
"It will be an honor, now, COME AT ME! HAVE AT YOU! ARRRRGGHH-!"
"Ahhhrrrghh-!" Ichika and the White Knight, with it giving the feeling like Ichika is battling Chifuyu while wearing the White Knight IS suit, moved towards each other.
*Claash-!* *Claash-!*
*CLAAAAAASSSHHH-!*
Both of them clashed swords, saber and sword that is, as they stared at each other's faces while their swords are still having contact with one another. Both of them have competitive and confident expressions at the same time.
"You're good." Ichika said snickering.
"So are you. You are no doubt my previous scabbard's kin. Now, show me more!"
*CLAAASH-!*
Both of them backed away from each other.
…However, it seems the White Knight has been charging up its particle gun for some time now.
"You may be the shooting star… who is capable of impacting those around you… but… can you overcome PURE POWER-!?"
BLLAAAAAAASSSSTTT-!
This is definitely the particle gun that destroyed the remaining missiles that were left behind by the broad sword.
"Uuuuaaarrgh… Now, withstand this!"
SLAAAAAAASSSSHHH-! BLAAAASSTT-!
Swinging forth the broad sword, it's like half of the world, from the White Knight's view or perspective, was cut in half. The beam energy that was sent out by the broad sword cut the Sun in half, or at least the gigantic beam energy remained at the middle of the Sun from where the White Knight is standing. That's how far things can be grasped with one's own grasp, at least, in a manner of speaking.
Everything is engulfed by blinding light.
"Quite a magnificent sight," Ichika's voice echoed.
"What? Wha—Where are thou!? Huh?" Just a few meters away from the White Knight, Ichika, with Byakushiki, is floating to where the gigantic beam energy was sent, his saber, which is empowered by that same energy beam, became very, very, very, powerful. "Wha…"
"You cut the Sun in half… Amazing… but…" Raising his saber upward,
Flash!
The surrounding changed into night time. There are lights hovering everywhere. They're like fireflies.
"I think the time for harshness is over. How about a gentle breeze for THE NIGHT!?"
BLAAAAAAAAASSSTT-!
Swinging forth his saber, the energy beam is the same size as the one that was released by the White Knight.
Flash,
Flash,
Flash,
FLAAAASSHHH-!
"…!?" Upon coming in contact with the lights around, everything is being engulfed… by bright light… all of the lights merged with the energy beam and it became more and more larger…!
BLAAAAAAASSSTTT-!
The White Knight was blown away by the enlarging light. It's shield barrier has been deactivated as a result. Then…
Flash…!
All of the lights went out, looking up above the sky that is full of stars… A shooting star is coming down…
"That's…"
"…Hm," Along with the shooting star, Ichika is coming down from above, the shooting star is behind him, from the White Knight's perspective, and they're moving… …IN AN EXTREMELY FAST SPEED! Like a meteor coming down…! "Aaaarrrrghhh-!" Ichika prepared his claw, it's aimed for… …the IS core of the White Knight… "Ahhhrrrghhh-!"
…Tsiiiiiiinnngg-!
In the speed of light, Ichika aimed his claw for the core… … …and—
*POOOOOOOWWWWWWWW-!*
*BOOOOM-!*
*BOOOOOOOOMMM-!*
Large explosions near the beach shore,
…When all the lights cleared out, the White Knight is seen lying on the ground. Its core has been damaged, thus, disabling it. Ichika is on top of it… or her. It's not Chifuyu, that's for sure, but still… Is the White Knight considered a woman…?
"…Uh, s-sorry for…" Ichika, reverting back to his unassuming expression, apologized for this rather embarrassing situation.
"…You are strong." The White Knight said looking at the moon behind Ichika.
Upon hearing that, Ichika remembered what Chifuyu told him the other day.
"Though you may think of me as strong or tough, I'm actually… …very fragile."
The sight of the White Knight, with Chifuyu's face on it, certainly feels like Ichika just did what he exactly did during that time. Wherein Chifuyu declared that Ichika was finally freed from her grasp, in which he can now make decisions for himself and Chifuyu now acknowledging that he has become stronger than before, and that she herself has found a new path to the future…
"…I have misjudged you. You are… You are exactly what my former scabbard has come to describe." It/she? put it/her hands on Ichika's cheeks. This made Ichika recall the other day again, in which upon defeat, Chifuyu put both of her hands on Ichika's cheeks and gave him a gentle expression.
"…By the way, am I correct to assume that… …the White Knight… is Chifuyu-nee?"
"Correct." The White Knight begun speaking in the same tone as Chifuyu. This made it more odd or awkward for Ichika. "But it seems now… I have a new journey… And that is…" Pulling Ichika's face closer… "I may become the light that will guide you soon, Orimura Ichika… You are… my…" Putting her lips near Ichika's, "…my scabbard…"
Lights have engulfed the entire scenery.
…Ichika's room…
"—ey, hey, Ichika! Wake up! Wake up! Ichikaa-!" Houki carried Ichika here without anyone spotting them. She has been desperately trying to wake up Ichika to no avail. She became worried and she instead relied to desperate measure in which she begun pulling on his uniform and let out tears for… to express how much she really has come to miss him, to long for his presence, to long for… "ICHIKAA-!"
"Guah! H-Houki?"
"Eh?" Ichika, now finally conscious, was woken up by Houki's screaming. "I-Ichika."
"H-Houki, you… Oh," Noticing that Houki is not wearing her school uniform, she's wearing an hakama for training. "You… Finished training at—"
"Baka!" She pushed him away.
"Guah, h-hey." Ichika found himself lying on his bed. Since when he was here? "Wait a minute, how did I…" Ichika recalled that he fell unconscious at the courtyard, and then… He thought he heard Houki's voice. Maybe she brought him here…? "Uh, Houki, you—"
"Baka!"
*Hit!*
"Ow! Hey, Houki, AHH-! Ow, ow-!" *Hit!*
*Hit!*
*Hit!*
*Hit!*
"What the hell are you doing!?" Houki kept hitting him with a wooden sword. Ichika is very thankful that Zero, the Zero System's nickname that he gave to it, is still using its functionality called "telepathic transfer wave system" which allows him to become hard as metal, hard as Byakushiki, that is now in its closed form, and thus, Houki's assault didn't hurt him much. "What the hell are you doing!? Making me worried like… that… like… tha… sob, sob." Houki stopped on her assault as the wooden sword slowly and gently landed on top of Ichika's head…
"Houki?"
"Sob, what the hell were you doing…? Collapsing like that… Making me worried… and I'm already being handicapped when I lost my chance to talk to you the other day…" She recalled the time where Ichika was walking at the corridor, then he got led by Chifuyu for his extra lessons regarding IS maneuvers. Then another time where Houki, unbeknownst to Ichika, was watching him when Yamada-sensei led him to his room during the time he and Chifuyu went here and would permanently stay. And when she heard that Ichika collapsed due to high fever, but the infirmary was not allowing visitors at the time so she once again lost the chance to talk to him. That makes it three lost opportunities. …Handicapped, indeed. "sob, sob." Houki lost her strength and dropped the wooden sword. …She sat down on the ground.
"Hou… ki?" Ichika feels guilty.
Tseeepp…
Zero stopped functioning.
Ichika came down from the bed and kneeled in front of Houki. "Houki? Uh, I'm…"
"Don't touch me!" He tried to touch her but she just pushed his hand away. "After all the things I've been through, Ichika… Ichika… Why couldn't you… Why couldn't you approach me… I tried to approach you during class but… you left. …You left me alone."
"What…?"
Flashback…
"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."
Houki eyed Ichika. She's a little angry due to all the girls staring at him. Unreasonably, she's taking it out on Ichika, who is just walking through the corridor with his hands on his pockets, and should he ever flirt any of these harlots… "Ichika…" She said menacingly.
"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…'
End of flashback…
"Houki…"
"I've been handicapped… MORE THAN ONCE! sob, sob… Ichika… you're… you're… YOU'RE AN IDIOT! sob, sob, you've handicapped me again… don't go falling unconscious like that and then making me cry…"
"…Hm," Ichika stood up. He turned around with his back facing Houki. "…" His expression becomes very serious, seemingly angry. "I suppose words will not reach you. Hm, and to think, that I've been like this to you, hmph, quite ironic, huh?" …He's planning something. He's not mocking Houki or anything, it's just that his words are so astonishing that he can't help but mock, insult, and…
"What are you saying!? Are you saying I'm— Huh?"
Ichika picked up the wooden katana.
"This is quite a magnificent sword you got. It pretty much shows your own character, dashing, beautiful, strong…" Ichika said grabbing the hilt and raising the sword a bit… "Enough to… Enough to…"
"…?" …Words that are so dashing and astonishing that he cannot help but mock, insult and… and…
"Enough to pierce through my heart-!" …He cannot help but mock, insult and… and… and stab himself! He put the katana on the ground, jumped at the edge of the bed and… the tip of the katana is seeing face to face with his… …chest… Ichika's chest, where his heart is…
*CLIIIIIIINNNGGGEEE-!* *Breaaaakkk-!*
"…!, Ah, gasp!" 'Wha… What are you… Are you insaaannee-!?' Houki couldn't believe it. Ichika put the katana on the ground and the tip of the sword came in contact with his chest, as a result, the sword was broken and Ichika fell on the ground with pieces of the sword around him. "I-Ichikaa-! Wh-What do you think you're doing…!?"
"Compensating for making you go through all that." He said standing up. He seems to be okay… Zero seems to have activated the "telepathic transfer wave system". …The sword, however, seems to have been imbued with something… Its data has been altered, it would seem that with Zero's and Byakushiki's help, Ichika made the sword to be strong as an IS equipment. He grabbed it, the hilt, and then picked the other pieces that are on the ground.
"Ichika, what did you… What do you think you're doing!?"
"Hm, this is quite an astonishing sword, Houki. Look." He said holding the sword with one hand.
"Eh?"
Flash.
"…! Wha…" The sword is glowing. "I-Ichika, what did you…"
"This sword… It will be the symbol of your own character, Houki. You think I can let something like this be thrown away? No, just like this sword, Houki, you're an irreplaceable memory in my own heart and mind, and more than that, you think I will ever forget your own face or name? Hmph," He smiled wickedly.
"Eh…? I-Ichika… You…"
To her own surprise, Ichika grabbed her from behind with his hand touching her lower back, and he handed the sword at her left hand that is being held by him, the two of them are holding the sword, then staring at her face fiercely, "Say, Houki, have I ever told you that I've watched and heard that you've won the championship? Magnificent. I wanted to give you something as a gift, but… I never had the chance to give you something, so…" With the two of them holding the sword, Ichika pulled the sword, "how about…" …then he thrust the sword into Houki's hand, she held it. He let go, but…
"Wh-What? What are you…"
Ichika backed away from her. He's near the bed behind him. "Hm," Ichika smiled wickedly. He gestured… for the sword… …to come at him… pierce him… through the heart… "Very magnificent indeed, with that sword representing your character… it's also very… mystifying…"
…mmmooorrrgghh…
"Eh? Wha—Wha—What in the…!?" The sword is glowing and is moving on its own. It's obliging to Ichika's gesture.
"Now," Ichika closed his eyes. "come at me. Pierce my heart, take your honor and pride, and make me pay for my ignorance. Do it, Houki!"
…mmmoooorrrgghh-!
"Guah—G-Gyaa-! S-Stop! We don't need to do that!" Houki tried to stop the moving sword from moving, it's aiming for Ichika's chest. "I-Ichika, what did you do with my sword!? Was that magic!? A-Ahh…!" Houki isn't strong enough and she got dragged along for the ride. "W-Waah… I-Ichikaaaa-!"
*CLIIIIINNNGGGGEEE-!* flash!
…Something that is glowing radiantly and beautifully came out of the closed form of Byakushiki.
"Hm," Ichika seems to be satisfied.
"Huh? That's…" That thing that is glowing is a bracelet that is produced out of the closed form of Byakushiki and it's been imbued with the same attributes, magnitude and strength of that of Byakushiki's saber, with the "telepathic transfer wave system", this was done when Ichika jumped at it and its data is altered upon coming in contact with him when he gestured and compelled it to pierce him.
Ichika received the glowing bracelet as it landed on his palm.
"Ichika, how did you…"
"…" Ichika just gave her a wicked smile. "Truly beautiful." He put the bracelet on the sword she's wielding.
Flash!
The sword disappeared from Houki's hands and the bracelet glowed brighter and prettier.
"Huh, here, for you." He handed the bracelet to Houki.
"…What is this?"
"That's the only gift I could think of."
"Ah." Houki eyed the bracelet.
"Think of summoning the sword, Houki." Ichika sat on the bed.
"Eh? T-Think?"
"Yeah."
"…" Houki held the bracelet tightly. "Hm,"
Flash!
"…!" Similar to how an IS just appear in a flash of light when being activated, this bracelet can transformed into Houki's sword with just a mere thought. "Wha—Th-This is…"
"Think of that as something that is of your flesh and blood, Houki. As that sword represents your character, I think it will also serve you well."
"Ichika… How… How did you…"
"Does it matter? Look, a shooting star." He said pointing outside the window.
"Ah." Yup, a shooting star was seen.
"So, Houki,"
"Hm,"
"That's the only thing I can give you as a gift, and…" The serious expression returned to the unassuming expression once again. "…It's great to see you again." This is a much more gentle tone that he's using.
"…" Houki felt a little satisfied. "A-Ah, hm. Y-Yeah." She turned around, embarrassed. "S-Sorry for hitting you…"
"Hm, I may have deserved that. Well, that's the gift I can give you. Oh, and aside from being similar to the closed form of an IS,"
"Wh-What? Is there something…"
"You can wear it."
"This? … …" Houki wears the bracelet on her left wrist. "H-How is it?"
"Imagine for the sword to be summoned."
"Eh? Why?"
"You'll see."
"Hm, alright…" She closed her eyes. … …
…flash… flaaash…!
"…! Ah…! Th-This is…" Lights came out of the bracelet, it's like rainbow or disco lights surrounding the entire room. "I-Ichika…"
"Hm," Ichika just smiled gently at Houki.
"…"
Flash!
The bracelet became the sword. It's glowing the same light as the ones that are floating. They're making Houki beautiful as far as one can see.
"You're grown, Houki. You're more beautiful now." …The serious expression is back again. Serious, emotionless, somewhat, and gentle.
"Ah…!" Houki blushed at that. "I-Ichika… Wha… Wha-Wha-What are you saying…!?" She turned around. The sword is still glowing and the lights are still floating. "I-Ichika, how exactly… did you made my sword…"
"It's a long story, but… You can keep that. It's my gift to you."
"R-Really?" Turning to him,
"Yeah. Hm, it's good to see you, Houki." This is their reunion, personal reunion, for the first time.
"…" Now this is the Ichika that Houki remembers so well. "Ichika…"
"…"
"…" The two childhood friends stare at each other. The lights around them are making the scenery beautiful and romantic… A room filled with rainbow colored lights, and two childhood friends reunited… all of this is enough to make Houki feel warm and sleepy.
'Ichika…' She finally smiled. All the times she spent with Ichika at the dojo they used to live in came back to her instantly. 'Ichika… Ichika…' She kept smiling at his direction. "I-Ichika, a-arigatou. I… I will take this gift."
Flash!
The sword reverted back to a bracelet. It's still glowing.
"S-Say, Ichika, why don't we talk… you know, for old time sake. haha," She said sounding like she's not embarrassed.
"Hm? Hm, well, it's already evening and…"
"N-No, it's okay. It's just about 6 PM in the morni—I-I mean in the evening."
"Eh? It's already…" Looking at the clock, yup, it's already pass 6 PM, it's time for dinner. …But… "…" Ichika has a very tired expression on his face.
"…? Ichika?"
"…Ah… Ah… Houki, tell the others that… I will be sleeping… early… ahh…" He fell unconscious on the bed and was out cold.
"Wah—I-Ichika…? H-Hey, Ichika! You're—Hm?" Houki noticed that he has fallen asleep. "Wha… He's… sleeping?" Leaning closer to make sure, yup, he's sleeping. "…Hm, maybe I should just—" Houki thought of leaving the room. The bracelet stopped glowing. Just then when she decided to leave, "…" She stepped back, and then she continued to walk backward. "…" Staring at Ichika's sleeping face… "… … …" The night continued…
...Later that night…
"Hmngh, hmngh, hm?" Ichika woke up. It's dark in his room. "Huh? What was I… Ah," He remembered that he fell asleep before he could eat dinner—Oh, wait, and Houki… "Houki, where… Huh?" Houki is no longer here. It would make sense as Ichika noticed that the time is now 1 AM. "Oh, I… fell asleep. Hm?" Then he thought he heard something outside. "Huh…? Is that… an helicopter?" That's what he thought he has heard, he decided to look at the balcony. "Huh?" There's an helicopter approaching. Wait a minute, according to the treaty or agreement, the Japanese government are supposed to observe what is happening in IS academy but is that helicopter part of the government or… "Hm?" He spotted Cecilia. "Cecilia Alcott…? What is she…"
End of Chapter 4