DT: Here is Chapter 3, the first chapter with an actual battle scene, god freaking finally. So without any other distractions- (screams and cheers) Wow, what's going on?

Neo: The match is about to start! Come on! (Pulls me away)

DT: I don't own Infinite Stratos or any of its property. Don't forget to follow, favorite, and review.( Pulled off-screen, " Neo, slow down!")

(It's been a week since me and Miyako have started training together. I think I'm really getting the hang of my IS. My shooting skills still needs some work, but today's the day of the match, so I got to go with what I got. I also want to confess to Miyako, but I'm nervous. I don't know how to go about this. Well, I guess I'll have to deal with this after my match with Cecilia.)

I was in the launch pad with Ms. Orimura, Ichika, Ms. Yamada, Miyako, Charlotte, and Houki. "Well, this is it guys, wish me luck."

"Ichimaru, remember to stay focused during the match." Said Ms. Orimura

" Don't worry, with Miyako's training, this should be easy." I looked at Miyako and noticed a slight blush, but I chose to keep quiet. 'I know I can do this.'

"Good luck Neo, hope you do better than I did." Said Ichika

" Don't go too hard on her Neo." Charlotte said.

"Don't you go wasting that training now Neo." Said Miyako

"Thanks guys, alright, I'm ready. Launching!" I then launch from the main pad, flying off the rail and floating in the air. Cecilia was already in the air, laser rifle in hand.

"Well, I'm surprised you came, since you're only going to humiliate yourself in front of this crowd." Said Cecilia with that same overconfident, condescending voice. "I'll give you one chance to give up and save yourself the-"Before she could finish, she had to dodge a small flurry of bullets from my SMG.

"Has anyone told you to talk a lot, because your giving me a head ache!" I said as I fired my SMG again with Cecilia still dodging.

"Ugh, what arrogance! I'll have to teach to behave!" She then fired her Blue Pierce laser rifle, which barely hit my arm when I dodged. I stored my SMG and draw both of my hip swords.

"Let me cut that ego of yours down a bit!" I said as I charged with both swords in hand. I saw she had sent her 4 drones after me. 'Uh oh.' The drones surrounded me and fired, but I managed to dodge and continued to charge towards Cecilia, who was forded stationary to control her drones. The drones kept chasing me and firing at me, getting a few small hits, nipping at my shield energy, which was now around 75%. The drones returned to Cecilia, who fired two missiles at me, and I dodged, but I realized some quickly after. 'Those are homing missiles!' I was then hit in the back by the missile that tracked their way back, and was blasted by Cecilia rifle.

"And that's how it's done" Cecilia claimed with a smile. But from the smoke that surrounded me came a giant red blast that almost hit Cecilia. She dodged, but her Shield energy was lowered to 65%. "What the heck?" She then looked at the smoke cloud that started to clear, and was surprised. My IS was different than before. Instead of the gray color, it was a midnight black with a green sniper visor. The simple thruster pack now had four thrusters and had a large beam cannon attached to it. My arms had panels that hold something.

I took notice of my new look and smiled. "Looks like you finally stopped talking."

"What? Your IS was in the default? Ugh, this is déjà vu again. Well, I plan to win without some silly regulation this time." She then tried to shoot me with her rifle, only to miss as I was faster than before. She then sent her drones at me.

"Well, I'm not gonna make it easy for you." I dodged the drones laser, and managed to slice two of them. " Alright, I'm starting to get the hang of this." The remaining two drones were slashed open with my swords. I then rushed Cecilia, dodging blast after blast until I was right in front of her. I then slashed Cecilia, who tried to block with her rifle, only to have it cut straight in half and then I kicked her to the ground. Her Shield energy hit 20%. She was still shooting me, but I was still dodging.

" I can't believe this is happening. You're just a boy." I was now in front of her, both of my swords was stabbed trough each of the barrel of her hip-cannons, with a look of shock in face.

" You're right, I am a boy. A boy with an IS." I said as both blades drained the last of her shield energy.

( " The winner of the match is Neo Ichimaru.") Many of the people in the crowd were screaming and cheering. I then extended my arm to help Cecilia up. " Come on, You'll probably get me next time." She accepted my hand and we both flew back to the launch bay.

" Nice match, both of you. I lost to Cecilia my first time." said Ichika.

" Only because of that weapon of yours, you drained your own energy before you could attack me." 'Drained his own shield energy? Why would that be?'

" Nice going there newbie" said Rin as she came and smacked me on my back.

" Aaahh! Lingyin Huang, I told you not to try and scare me like that!" I was then punched in the forehead." Ouch!"

" And I told you not to call me by my full name, just call me Rin, you dummy." She stuck her tongue out at me, to which I pull down both my eyelids and stick my tongue out at her too. She was so angry, that she partially-materialized Shenlong and punched me into a wall. " Quit being so cocky! Huh? Neo?" She walked over to my now-unconscious self and poked my face. " Huh, guess I hit him a little too hard."

" You think?" Said Ichika, Houki and Miyako.

( IS Academy Infirmary, 2:30pm)

I wake up in a bed with a big, aching patch on my face. I guess making Rin mad is now on my not-to-do list. I saw Miyako, Rin, and to my despair, Tabane. I wipe my eyes to make sure Rin's punch didn't mess up my brain. Tabane is still there. Yep, no dreaming.

" Look at you, Snow-kun." Snow? Why would- oh, my white hair.

" Oh ha-ha, very funny Tabane, you're not the first to make that joke."

" I'm just here to see how your handling Dark Hound, and from what Chi-chan tells me, you're pretty good, so I wish you good luck. Bye-bye!" She then jumped out of the window.

" Look, I'm sorry okay? But it was because you were being cocky, so I hope you learned your lesson." Rin said.

" I'll keep that in mind."

" Just remember, you may have beaten Cecilia, but you have a lot more to learn. When we fight, you won't be so lucky." Rin then left, leaving me alone with Miyako.

"Neo, are you okay?" Miyako asked.

" Yeah, I was just one hit, and I've been through worse." I realize that I finally have a chance to ask her. " Umm, Miyako."

" Yeah Neo?"

Oh god, I'm so nervous. Just say it Neo, just say it. "If your not busy after class tomorrow , then maybe you and I can go...hang out at the mall. That is, if you're interested."

" Okay. I'll go, but you're paying for lunch." Miyako said with a smile.

" Ha, okay, see you tomorrow." I can't believe I actually asked her out. This is gonna be the greatest day of my life. I then started to go to the my room, cause there was still some studying I had to do.

When I got there, Ichika was just laying on his bed, looking like he just went through a training session with , and believe me, she can tire a person out.

"Oh hey Neo, you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. What about you, you look tired." I have a weird feeling I'm going to regret asking.

"Well, Houki and Tatenashi both tried to-" Wait did he just say who I thought he just said.

"Wait hold on, Tatenashi, as in Tatenashi Sarashiki?"

"You know her?" Ichika asked. You have no idea.

"We have...history." If she really is here, I just hope she doesn't remember me.

We both suddenly heard knocking on the door, and you can guess who had to show up.

"Ichi-kun, can I talk to you?" God, why do you hate me?

I tried to disguise my voice like Ichika's and told Ichika to keep quiet. He listened. " Umm, I'm kind of busy right now, can't this wait?"

"Ichika, is something wrong, you're voice is different, but I swear that new voice sound familiar." 'Uh oh, she's onto me.' " Open the door."

"No."

"Open it, or I'll break it down." She wouldn't break this door down, would she? I looked at Ichika, and it's almost like he read my mind.

"She would, Houki broke the door once, so I don't see why not." He whispered. I don't know what's worse, Tatenashi, or Ms. Orimura being mad at us- Wait what am I even saying, of course Ms. Orimura is scarier. So I decide to open it and reveal myself.

"Hi Tatenashi." I smiled with a fake smile, and as soon as she saw me, she was surprised, but she still had a smile on her face, and if I know this Russian representative, that's a bad sign.

"Well, this is a surprise, I didn't expect to see you again, little Snow Wolf." She always liked to call me that because I look like a wolf, just without any sideburns." Ichika, come with me." She then looked at me and mouths ' I'll deal with you later.' before dragging Ichika against his will. I decided to continue with my afternoon, and after about 5 hours of studying about the main functions of the IS, and a bowl of Udon noodles, I went to sleep.

Meanwhile, Yumi was in the training room, meditating with her Hyper Sensor, until she sensed someone walk in. "Let me guess, another mission, Ms. Squall?"

"Please, I told you to just call me Squall, and yes, I have a special mission for you and Akira." said Squall. Akira was behind Squall, black hair swooped up with his blue eyes.

"For both of us? If it involves Neo, then I understand, but why bring him along?"

Akira was smiling. "What? You don't want me to come with you?"

"What? Get real, I could handle this on my own." Yumi said, but she had a small blush on her face and was trying to hide it.

Squall then surprised us both. " Even if you were against Japan's representative?"

Yumi was surprised to say the least. 'What? My brother is dating Japan's rep.? This just got complicated.'

"Your mission is just to follow the two and analyze them both. See how close they are to each other.

"Fine, let's go 'Death'." Yumi said. She always like to make fun of his codename, but she didn't know his real name.

"Alright 'Mirage'."

They both called forth their respective IS, Hydrax and Kuraudia. Kuraudia was a medium sized, advanced third-generation IS, very slender with armor covering most of Akira's body except for his shoulders. He had two katanas stored on his hips, and two hidden ones in the hidden kneecap holsters. Akira was carrying two SMG's that could holster on the back. His IS was colored silver with light yellow sensors across the body. They both then flew off to do their mission.

(Train station, Monday 12:20 pm)

I am standing at the train station, waiting for Miyako. I was in my normal clothes. A black shirt with a cyan undershirt, blue jeans, and my hair in my usual messy fashion.

"Hey Neo." I heard and looked to see Miyako coming this way. She was wearing a gray hoodie jacket with a red rose in her hair, with a dogtag necklace. She's still as beautiful as ever. " Sorry if I kept you waiting."

"Nah, I just got here not too long ago, so should we get going?" We both go on the train to the city.

Unfortunately for those two, they were being followed not only by Phantom Task, but also three girls from the academy, Cecilia, Tatenashi, and Rin. Both Cecilia and Rin had an angry, Yandere looks to their faces.

"What does Neo think he's doing with that girl?" Cecilia asked.

"Something he's gonna have to answer for." Rin answered.

Tatenashi was there for a different reason however. She was going to have a talk with Neo.' I have to warn him, and it will give us some reunion time.'

So when Miyako and I finally arrived, I sudden felt a weird sensation, like I'm being watched by everyone. I shrugged the feeling off. Probably just my nerves. I looked around and something caught my eye. Yumi. 'Yumi? No, I 'm be dreaming.' I wipe my eyes and look again, and she was gone. 'Like I thought, just a mirage.' Miyako then tapped my shoulder.

"So Neo, where should we go first?"

"Well, I guess the mall would be a good start." I was planning to buy some new clothes anyways. We both went to the mall's clothing store. I decided to try on a white jacket with some blue trim. I still had Dark Hound on my forehead.

'I don't know, it seems a little, what's the word?'

"Boring?"

'No, that's not it. Wait, who said that?' a hologram image then appeared behind me. The girl had white hair with black tips, grey eyes and green star tattoos. She was wearing a hood and cloak with her hood down, but you can see she was wearing sneakers.

"Who are you?"

" I'm Dark Hound, well, more appropriately, I'm the core's personality." the girl said.

This isn't really a good time for this.

"Because you're on your date?"

'What the- you can read my mind? Anyways, it's not a date, we're just hanging out.'

"Neo, I know you, mind reading, remember?"

I then heard knocking. " Hey Neo, is everything okay in there?" said Miyako. She must be done shopping.

"Yeah, just give me a second." I then looked at the girl. " Look Nena, we'll talk later."

"Nena?"

"Better than Dark Hound, isn't it?"

"Sure, later." the hologram then disappeared. I then walked out of the changing booth.

"So, what do you think Miyako?"

"I think it looks good on you." She said. That lit a little fire in my face.

"Thanks. What did you get?"

"Just this new pair of shoes." Miyako showed a pair of red flats.

"Alright." We both headed to the cashier and paid. We then left the store. "So, where to next?" (grumble) That was me.

"Looks like someone's hungry. Luckily, I know good Japanese restaurant around here, follow me." So we both walked to this Japanese restaurant, but as soon as we walked in, I could stop Cecilia and Rin at a table in the corner watching us. I decided to ignore them, but at least keep an eye on them. So when we sat down, Miyako ordered something called yakitori, which I learned is a form of grilled chicken. So I ordered the oyakodon, and it was really good. So when we left, I noticed that Cecilia and Rim were still following, because their hiding behind a bush, but moved as soon as I looked. But I was too distracted by the beautiful cherry blossom and chestnut trees.

"Wow, this is beautiful Miyako." It was so beautiful, I could almost cry.

"Is that a tear I see? Miyako said jokingly.

"What? No. I just- had something caught in my eye." I then wiped my eyes to make sure, and Miyako was giggling a little bit, but I didn't mind. We took a seat on a park bench, admiring the falling cherry blossoms around us. We also had a bit of Japanese sweets and some green tea. I look at my watch. It was 6:40 pm. " This has been really fun Miyako. I really enjoyed myself, what about you?"

"Yeah, I had lots of fun."

I could feel my heart pumping so fast. She's sitting right here and I'm still haven't said anything. Why can't I just tell her?

'No, the question is why are you too scared to tell her?'

Dang it Nena, why do you have to scare me like that? Also, I'm not scared.

'Then why haven't you told her?' She was really giving me of all people this lecher? ' Yes, I am. You're just too scared to admit it. You'll never know unless you do.'

'Really? You think so?'

'Yeah, besides, if you don't, then I'll just have to make an appearance and tell her.' What? You wouldn't? Oh wait. you would.

'Yep, so you either do it now, or I'll do it.' Did-did you just blackmail me?

"Hmmm? Neo? Are you okay? You spaced out a bit." Miyako said, snapping me out of my mental conversation with Nena. Should I really say it? Knowing Nena, she'll keep her promise.

"Miyako, there is something I have to tell you. I- I.." I was hesitating so much.

"Neo, you can tell me anything. Just tell me what's on your mind." My heart is basically a giant drum right now.

"Miyako, I-I love you okay? I have been ever since we started training together. I was too nervous to say anything before because this is actually the first time I've been hanging out with a girl like this. If you don't feel the same, then I understa-" I was silenced as Miyako has kissed me. Her warm lips pressed against mine, we stayed like that for a minute until we both separated.

"Neo, I'm glad that you're honest. I like you too. You always think about others more than yourself, but you're not confident in yourself. You're a good person, you should have more confidence in yourself. After all, you did beat Cecilia, who is a representative." Wow, my mind is just melted right now. But I guess she'd right.

' Way to go tiger.'

' Oh, be quiet' I have a feeling Nena is gonna be a new daily part of my life, and I'm okay with that.

"You're right. I've never been very confident in myself because I didn't want to become an arrogant person, but you've open my eyes. Thank you."

"Thanks for the advice, or the kiss?" Miyako asked jokingly.

"Haha, both really." Then, something made me scared. "Duck!" I grabbed Miyako and pulled her the ground to dodge a small laser. I look past her and see Cecilia and Rin, both with their IS's out. 'Crap, I forgot about them.'

"So, you thought you could escape Neo, and now you're going out with this girl? Rin, let's kill him."

"Yes, lets." Rin said as she readied her scimitar, and Cecilia readied her rifle.

"Oh boy. Dark Hound!" I was now in my IS and began carrying Miyako bridal-style out of impulse. "Hang on!" I then began to fly off, Miyako carrying the bags with her hand wrapped around me tightly as I carried her. Cecilia and Rin gave chase as I flew back to IS Academy. "Why does this have to happen?"

Meanwhile, Death and Mirage saw Neo fly away with the others. They both had their masks on, Death's skull mask, and Mirage's black dragon mask.

"Let's go." Mirage offered to pursue, but was stopped by Death.

"No. We were order to observe them, not pursue. We're heading back." Death said

"Tch, fine." Mirage said as they both summoned their IS's and flew off. Under her mask, Mirage was smiling. 'So, now Neo's got a girlfriend huh? This could be a problem, or it could be a useful advantage.

So when Miyako and I got back to the Academy, I dropped Miyako by her room, and then I instantly ran to my room, but when I got inside, I meet Tatenashi and Kanzashi sitting on my bed.

"I told you I would deal with you later. Now, how have you been?" said Tatenashi.

"Just fine. I'm glad to see you and Kanzashi are still okay." I may be annoyed with Tatenashi's teasing, but she's still a good friend. Kanzashi is an innocent girl, and I hate to break the news to both of them.

"I see you got a girlfriend finally." I then started blushing.

"Let me guess, you were with Cecilia and Rin spying on us, weren't you? Because I sensed someone else watching besides those two."

"Umm, Neo, where is your sister?"

"Well..." I had explained what happened to Yumi, and how I got here. Kanzashi was crying into her sister's shirt, who also crying and holding Kanzashi very tightly. I also heard some crying outside my door. Probably Cecilia and Rin, and maybe even more girls outside listening.

"I'm sorry that Yumi had to suffer like that. If there is anything I can do to help, just let me know." Tatenashi said.

"Actually, there is one thing." I walked over to the two sisters, and put one hand on each of their shoulders. "Look out for each other, I don't want what happen to Yumi to happen to any of you. Not you two, not Cecilia, not Ichika, not anyone. Please. Kanzashi, I know Tatenashi is difficult to deal with sometimes, but just give her a chance, okay?"

"Okay Neo-kun, I'll be a good sister to nee-chan." said Kanzashi.

"That's good to hear, now if you excuse me." I then walked over to my door and Cecilia and Rin fell in. " You know it's rude to spy on other people's conversation. I'm guessing you heard everything right?" I could tell because their eyes was red from crying.

"Yeah, we did. But what I want to know is how do you know those two?" Rin declared.

"Well, when me and Yumi were about 9 years old, we went on a vacation trip to Russia to visit our uncle Boris. On our way, me and Yumi met Tatenashi and Kanzashi. They were in Russia for a little while, Tatenashi had become their representative, Tatenashi and Yumi would try to set me and Kanzashi up for a date, but they would always fail. We all had some fun times, until those two had to go back to Japan, and we went back to America, but Yumi snagged Tatenashi's number, so we would usually call them, check up on them."

"So, those two are your childhood friends?" Cecilia asked.

"Yeah, basically."

" Now then Neo, don't think I've forgotten about your new lover." Tatenashi said with a grin as she summoned her spear. 'Oh give me a break.'

"That's right. Neo, you've got some hurt coming your way." said Rin as she summon one of Shenlong's gauntlets. I also noticed Cecilia had two of her bits summon and pointed at me. 'Oh, you got to be kidding. REALLY?! I knew Ichika had it rough, but not this rough!'

'You might want to start running Neo.'

'Way ahead of you!' I then ran past Rin, out of my room and down the hall, with three representative after me. This is really getting out of hand.

Meanwhile, Death and Mirage have returned to their base.

"So, how did the mission go?" asked Squall.

"Mission success." Death declared.

"And what did you learn?"

"Those two are close. They love each other, but maybe we can use that as an advantage. Take the girl hostage, and force Neo to surrender. Although, I am worried about the other representatives getting in the way.

"I see. Well you two should get some rest." Squall said.

"No. I'll be in the maintenance bay if you need me." Mirage said.

"Mirage."

"Yes Squall?"

"Don't let your connection to him get in the way."

"Yes ma'am, and if I may suggest something?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"If I can't convince him, then let me be the one to kill him." Squall and Death was surprised.

"Oh, that's a new one. What gave you that thought?" Squall asked.

"You're concerned with my bond with him, so if he won't join Phantom Task, then I'll just have to sever that bond."

"Alright Mirage. I'll grant you your wish." Squall said. Mirage just nodded and walked off.

"Death. M." M was hiding behind a nearby wall.

"Yes?" They both asked.

"If Mirage has any problems terminating Neo, then I want one of you to do it for her, understand?"

"Yes ma'am." Both of them said before they walked away.

That can't be good. Now I have good news and bad news. The good news is I got a new computer, so I'm not lagging as often ^_^. The bad news is that school's coming back, so I won't have as much time to work as I did. But don't worry, I will get these new chapters out as soon as humanly possible. So, this is Destiny trailblazer, and I wish that this year is better that the last. See ya later.