(Two weeks have passed since Phantom Task attack the school. My wrist is doing fine, but I can't really do anything too crazy yet. Luckily, I can still pilot an IS, I just have to be careful. Speaking of which, ever since Dark Hound was finished repairing, Nena hasn't said to me for the last week. I'm sure she's just tired, but even so, I'm worried. In other news, it's Ichika's birthday today, so I'm sure the girls are gonna do something crazy. I just hope they don't realize it my birthday too. )

Right now, I'm just getting back from class and heading to my dorm, but then I see Ichika with a whole bunch of books in his hand. Where is he going? Might as well ask him.

"Hey Ichika, where are you going?"

"Oh, Ms. Yamada asked me to bring some book material to this place she told me about." Ichika then showed me a map. "I'm supposed to head there with them right now."

"Why don't I come with you? I might be able to help you a bit" And I was curious about this map. Something just seems really off.

"Sure, why not? Follow me." I proceeded to follow Ichika until we reach this big corridor. I didn't even know this was here."I never even knew about this part of the building. Hello? Ms. Yamada? I brought the materials." This was getting really suspicious.

'You don't have to tell me twice.'

'Wow, Nena! I'm just glad you're back. How are you feeling?'

'I'm fine. I've just been resting. Anyway, good luck.'

' Hmm? Good luck for what?'

'…'

'Hey, don't ignore me now.'

Ichika and I then reached a door where we walk in, and it was really dark in here.

"Man, it is dark in here. Did you bring a flashlight Ichika?"

"…."

"…Ichika?" I looked and saw Ichika was gone.

"Ichika, where did you go? Come on, this isn't funny." Then someone grabbed me from behind, only for me to flip them over me. Good thing I was prepared for this. "Dark-" Then I felt something hit me in the back of the neck, and my vision started getting blurry. I could make out a few figures and an unconscious Ichika before I went unconscious.

'Ugh, where am I? All I remember is being knocked out.' I look to my left and find none other than Ichika, also tied to a chair.

"Ichika! Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Hey, who did this? Show yourselves!" I then noticed the blinking sign above us. Maiden battle start? Why does that sound like something Tatenashi came up with?

"Welcome Ichika Orimura, and Neo Ichimaru." Said a voice from the darkness. Then, all the lights turned on finally, revealing on a stage, wearing a cow-patterned outfit.

" ?" Ichika and I were surprised.

"This is the beginning of Cater to Neo and Ichika's service battle, and I'm your moderator, Maya Yamada!" Okay, this is getting awkward. I was still trying to get out of these restrains. Serious, who made these things so tight? "Each of you may choose what to do, and who ever pleases Orimura and Ichimaru the most win. Okay, let's get this started."

"Hold it, hold it! What is this exactly?" I asked. 'Wait I just realize something. Please tell me they didn't get Miyako involved with this, although after the Cinderella incident, I'm not holding my breath.

"It's a…secret battle. Now then, introducing contestant number #1, Houki Shinonono!" The stage lights turned off and then turned back on, revealing a shrine-like room, where Houki was standing wearing an very loose kimono, and has a pair of fox ears and a fox tail. I could tell that Both Houki and Ichika were embarrassed. Then my chair was dragged into a dark room, which turned on the lights, revealing again .

"Hey, what's going on?"

"First off, while Ichika is being served, and I have prepared a special surprise for you."

'What are the chances that it's a gift from Tabane?'

'Very slim.'

'Oh, NOW you decide to speak up again.

'Whatever. I'll need to talk to you later, but until then, enjoy your present. And Happy birthday.'

Suddenly, the floor in front of me opened up, and a platform rose out, carrying none other than Miyako, who was dressed in a black cat waitress outfit. My eyes are bulging out of my head at this point.

"Meow, hello Neo. Happy birthday, meow." Cats. My only weakness. How did you know?

"How did you know that I liked cats?"

"A little birdie told me." Miyako then walked over to me, and then I realized I was still strapped to the chair.

"Can you please release me now?" Miyako then unstrapped my wrists and legs. "Thank you."

"How do you like your surprise?" Miyako asked me. I saw that already was gone. These teachers really know how to book it.

"Very much. So, who told you that I liked cats?"

"If I told you, then I wouldn't be a secret now would it? Now close your eyes and open wide."

I closed my eyes. Before Miyako could do what she had planned, I heard the lights turn off. I then felt something tying my hands, mouth, and eyes together. I was being kidnapped.

"Huh? Who did that? Neo, are you okay? Neo? Neo, where are you?" I could hear Miyako searching for me. Eventually I felt my face hit the cold floor, and my hands undone. I quickly take off my blindfold and untie my mouth. I look to see Yumi in front of me, wearing a black button-up and a white scarf.

"Yumi!" I reached for Dark Hound's visor, but Yumi grabbed my arms and pressed me against the wall.

"I didn't come here to fight you." Yumi said.

I got out of her grip and pressed her against the floor, my arm against her neck."Oh yeah? You didn't seem to have a problem last time."

"I came here to have a talk with you. Just five minutes, that's all I'm asking. Please Neo."

' I'm really gonna regret this, I just know it' But being the brother of s sister who'd been dead for three years, I can't really deny her this. I let go of her and get up." Fine, but five minutes." I didn't really mean that. Now that I have the chance, I have a lot of questions for Yumi.

Yumi led me outside and sat at a bench. I just stood, leaning against the lamp post beside it. "So, what have you been doing?"

"What do you mean Neo?"

"I mean, what has Phantom Task made you do over the past three years, and what have they done to you?" I said in a higher tone than what I meant.

"Well, I was trained. Trained to be their information spy. I get in and out with what I need. When I was 'revived', my body was still in critical condition, so I was given some pills to help stabilize my body. I don't need to take them as much as I needed to before, but it helps."

"So who were the others that helped the attack? I recognize one of them."

"Yeah, Autumn. She was the one who attacked me three years ago." I was about to say something, but Yumi cut me off. "Don't worry. I plan to deal with her soon enough."

We stayed in complete silence for a few seconds. "Why don't you just stay?"

Yumi was surprised "Huh?"

"Don't 'huh' me. I mean, why don't you just stay here, at the Academy? Sure and some of my friends will question you, but I just want you to come back. Mom and Dad miss you. I miss you. Please Yumi, just stay."

"Neo, you know I can't. Phantom Task will hunt me down and drag me back."

"Who's Phantom Task? Yumi, what's wrong? This isn't the you I know."

"Neo, I-" Then a gunshot was heard.

"What was that? Yumi, stay here." I went to see Ichika, Laura using a partial deployment, and a third girl. 'She looks just like Chifuyu.'

Madoka then looks at Neo and tries to shoot him, only for Neo to deploy Dark Hound's right arm and the SMG and fired back. Madoka dodged and called Silent Zephyrs, and then flew off.

"You guys okay?"

"Yeah. What did she want?" Laura asked.

"I don't know, but you guys should go and tell . I still have to take care of something."

"Alright. Be careful." Ichika told me as him and Laura ran back to the Academy's main building. I walked back to where Yumi was, only to find her gone.

"(huff) I guess I should have expected this. I should back to-" I then felt something hit my neck hard. I blacked out, but not before hearing "I'm sorry". That was Yumi's voice.

(?, Unknown time, Neo's mind)

I open my eyes. I look around, and find myself in an unfamiliar place. Not the Arena from my previous dreams, but a new place. The entire ground was a reflective, water-like surface. The sky was a dark gray, with white clouds passing. There were various rock formations and trees around. I stood up, surprised that I wasn't falling into the watery ground.

"Where am I? Is this another dream?" I suddenly felt a large gust of wind behind me, and I turned. I had to cover my face to withstand this wind. I peek through my hands, spotting a black silhouette in front of … looked like an IS, but it was smooth, streamline, and had a pair of wings.

"Do you know who your enemy really is?" Said the IS. I tried to identify the pilot, but he, or she, whoever it was, was covered in shadows. But that voice. It sounded like Nena's, but older.

"What are you talking about? Who are you anyway?"

"You don't know who your true enemy is. I will reveal my name when the time is right." Then there was a flash of light.

"No, wait! I still have questions!" Too late.

(Friday, 6:15 am, Dorm 1004.)

I could hear voices. I could tell I was surrounded.

"Is he awake?"

"I hope he's okay."

I know those voices anywhere. I started to open my eyes.

" Hey, he's awake." I noticed that voice. Ichika.

"Ugh, where…am I?"

Your dorm room. We found you unconscious on the ground outside." Said Laura.

"What were you doing out there?" Charlotte asked.

"I was-"

"Neo!" I was then tackled my Miyako. "Neo, I was so worried. Where did you go?"

"I will explain." I told them that Yumi had kidnapped me to talk with me. I told them everything that happened. Laura was sad, Ichika and Charlotte were suspicious, and Miyako was concerned.

"So, she's really not the enemy?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes. No. I don't even know anymore. I want to help her, but whoever this 'Phantom Task' is, they has her on a short leash. I don't know what to do."

"I'm sure you'll get through to her eventually." Miyako said.

"Thanks."

"Do you need to be alone?" Ichika asked

"Yeah, just give me a few minutes." The group then left the room.

"(huff) What am I supposed to do?" I then noticed something hanging out of my draw. I open it and find a small present box. I open it. Inside was a picture of Yumi with her eyepatch, a silver necklace with an azure orb hanging in the middle, and a small note.

I'm sorry. I can't be with you or mom and dad. I'm not Yumi anymore. I'm Mirage now. Happy Birthday big bro. The next time we meet, you better be ready to fight me.

With sincerest regards-Mirage

I felt a small tear fall from my eye. " Yumi." I then take the necklace and put it on. "Don't think I'll listen to you. Your words lie, but your heart doesn't"

Meanwhile, Mirage was standing on top of a building. M was behind her, pointing a gun to her head.

"Madoka Orimura."

"Don't call me that. Why did you talk with Neo? You were ordered not to engage Neo on this mission."

"By engage, she meant fight. I didn't fight him. That's not breaking the rules."

"Even so, you 'engaged' with him via conversation."

"Hehe, looks like I'm caught."

Madoka's communicator then set off. "Yes? She's right here. Alright."

"What? Did Squall give you another order?"

Madoka kept quiet and pulled out some sort of remote. She turned the dial.

"What's that supposed to- Argh!" Yumi then suddenly felt a large headache. She was on the floor, holding her head. "AARRGGH! What the hell did you do to me?"

"The medicine you've been using was laced with nanomachines that were healing from the inside. With this remote, I can command them to send a pulse through your bones, straight to your brain, causing a massive headache, and making your body numb as well. I can increase or decrease the effect of the pulse with the dial. Should you decide to betray us, I was given orders to maximize your pulse settings. I think you know what happens if I do."

"But..why nanomachines?"

"How do you think those pills healed you?"

"Damn you! Aaargh!" Yumi was clenching her head, hoping to work through the pain. 'I can't believe I let this happen. It hurts so much! Neo, I'm sorry. I won't be able to help you now.'

( A week later, Monday, 12:30 pm, Class A-1)

I wanted to talk to Ichika about something important. I noticed he's been uneasy as of recently. Then again, if you were just about to be shot by a complete stranger, I'd be on edge too. I had a talk with Chifuyu, and she explained to me what Phantom task was, after hitting me on the head for using her first name again of course. I have really got to stop doing that. Anyways, I found Ichika in his dorm room, asleep at his desk, head in the IS manual.

'Oh course, typical Ichika.' I go over to him and shake him. "Hey Ichika, wake up."

"Huh? Oh. (Yawns) Hey Neo, what brings you by?"

I noticed you were uneasy during class today. Are you still worried about that girl, Madoka was it?"

"N-No. I talked to Chifuyu, but she didn't know anything." Or she lied to you. I can tell. "But that's not the problem."

"Then what is it?" I asked. Ichika simply pointed to the calendar, at tomorrow's date. February 14.

"Oooooohhh." Valentine's Day. What I call the worst day in Ichika's life. It's okay if it's just one or two people, but add the entire school, plus the fact that some of these girls have personal military-grade weapons, and you've got yourself a recipe for the most screwed-over guy in the world. AKA Ichika Orimura. "I can see your problem."

"Yeah. I notice the girls have been super nice to me the past few days." Yeah, I've noticed the girl's little transformation over the last week or two. Rin hasn't drop-kicked Ichika, and I haven't heard any screaming from Ichika's room I over the last two weeks. When I went to check on Laura, she was wrapped up in her own bed sheets, which is what happens when Laura is thinking about Ichika. One day, Charlotte had asked me what kind of clothes Ichika likes, the next day she comes and asks me to help try them on. Cecilia was in her dorm, but she was too absorbed in her cooking and inner thoughts to notice me. Note to self, do not be around Cecilia when cooking. She will make you taste test it. I think my stomach is still recovering, and don't even get me started with Houki. For once, I didn't find Houki in the kendo dojo like usual. I don't know where she could be, but to see her away from the dojo is new, even for Houki.

"Yeah, and if I were you, I'd go ahead and pick one of the girls already."

"Huh? What do you mean Neo?" I knew he was dense, but now this is getting on my nerves. I mean, he's already been here a year and a half, and he still hasn't chosen one of the girls.

"(huff) Okay Ichika. I'm going to see this in the easiest way I can. The girls don't just want you as a friend. They love you. All of them."

"But, I'm not any of the girl's types."

"To the contrary, you're every girl's type. Ever noticed that?" I guess he finally understood, because he started blushing and turned away from me, clenching his head.

"You're right. What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I-" I then spun him around and slapped him.

"Dude, calm down."

"Okay, thanks, I need that. (huff) You do make a point. I can't date them all at once, and if I date only one then the others will get upset. Neo, what would you do?"

"M-me? Well…Uhhh…."

"You don't have a plan, do you?"

Well, I didn't say I was a love expert. "No."

"Then how is it you're dating Miyako and haven't been killed by the other girls yet?"

"Beginner's luck? Anyways Ichika, you should think about it. Trust your guts." Then left to my dorm.

(Monday, 7:20 am, Class A-1)

I got to class today, and I noticed something extremely different. It's either was sick and was filling in, or the fact that every girl in this room was beaming their eyes at Ichika. I took my seat next to him and whispered in his ear.

"Dude, is it just me, or is everyone throwing glares of doom at you?"

"You have no idea."

The rest of the class was as normal, except for the glaring eyes behind me and Ichika. Then we class was over, Ichika walked over to my desk.

"You. Me. Roof. Now." He then grabbed my arm and pulled me out of class faster than he's walked before.

"Dude, what's the deal?" He didn't say anything. When we got to the rooftop, he let go. "Okay Ichika, what's the big deal? The glaring, your speed walking, what's wrong?"

"Neo, remember when you said to trust my guts?" I have bad felling about this right now.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Let's just say me and some of my classmates aren't on good terms."

"Oh, so you actually asked one of them. Who?"

"I'm not telling."

"Fine."

"Also, you don't happen to have any pain pills do you?"

"I have some in my room. I bought them while I was shopping with Miyako, why?"

"Houki punched me in the stomach earlier."

"Okay, follow me." I stopped as a blue laser drone was now hovering in front of me. 'Oh come on!' I then moved Ichika out of the way. I saw Cecilia standing in front of us, Rin behind us with her scimitar in hand with an angry, yandere face, Laura on our left with one of her beam spear arms, and Charlotte on the right with one of her assault rifles.

"Ichika, you've got some explaining to do." Rin said.

"I can't believe my wife is cheating on me. This will not go unpunished Ichika." Why does Laura keep calling Ichika that? I'm pretty sure she's supposed to be the wife.

"So, what do you have to say Ichika?" I've got to be honest. Charlotte is a lot scarier with that smile than I thought she would be.

'Hey Neo.'

"Nena, now isn't a good time. I need help.'

'Looks to me you've got everything you need.'

'What? My skills?'

'No. Smoke bombs!' Ooooooooohhhhhhh. I completely forgot I had those. I reach into my sock and pull out one of my secret weapons.

"Smoke bomb!" I threw the small, white pellet to the floor, creating a thick mist of smoke. Luckily, when I pull down my visor, it helps me see through mist and fog.

"(Cought, cough) Where did that come from?" Laura asked.

I took the chance, grabbed Ichika, and took the elevator.

"Dude, where did you get that?" Ichika asked.

"I always carry around at least one good smoke bomb with me. I still have one in my other sock."

"That's fine, but where did you get it from?"

"Oh, I had my smoke bomb creation set shipped here. I had to persuade to let me use it, but she agreed."

"What did you have to do?"

"Let's just say I had writer's cramp that same afternoon." I had to do all of her paperwork, and trust me, she had a lot of space in her office for a reason.

The elevator finally reaches the bottom, and as soon as the door opened, me and Ichika booked it. I told Ichika to hide in Houki's dorm.

"Are you sure that's smart?"

"They'll suspect that Houki is looking for you. Just hide in her closet and don't make any noises, or smells." I then went to my dorm.

"Wait, what do you mean smells?" I completely ignored what he said and went to my dorm. I reached for my draw and grabbed two things: some pain pills, and a heart-shaped chocolate box with a card tied to it. I wrote the card myself, but now I was having second thoughts. 'I can't let her see this card.'

'Why not? You wrote it for her, didn't you?'

'Yeah, but I don't want to embaress myself.

'How would you do that?'

'Look.I wrote this, and I quote-'

Just then, Miyako had stepped in. I put the pills in my pocket.

"Oh, hey Neo, what were you doing?"

"Uh, nothing."

"Hey, what are you hiding behind your back?" Miyako said with a smile.

"Ummm.."

'You idiot, you just gave yourself away.'

'You don't think I know that?!' I was surprised as Miyako snuck behind me while I was talking with Nena, and stole the chocolate.

"Ah, is this for me?"

"I was waiting till tonight, but you caught me."

"And this card. Let's see what's inside."

"Wait, no, don't read it now." I can't let her see that card. Unfortuanlty, I can't reach it because Miyako was holding my forehead.

Miyako opens the card and started reading. "Dear Miyako, I'm glad that I got the chance to meet someone like you. You're smart, beautiful, like the stars that light my night."

'Oh just put me out of my misery. I can't believe she's actually reading this. She's gonna laugh.' I decided to stop fight it and just sat on my bed.

"I never thought I would find any friends here, let alone a beautiful girl like you. I hope you can accept these as a token of my thanks, my appreciation, and most importantly, my love. I know that I'll mess up from time to time, but even so, I'll stay by your side, to the very end. My only question is, will you? Signed, Neo."

'God, if you're listening, stop trolling me right now.' I look over to Miyako, who looked at me. She was…crying. 'Why is she crying?'

"Neo, did you really write this?"

"Yeah. Sometimes, when I have trouble saying how I feel, I write it out. I wanted to do the same with this Valentine's gift. I'm not as good as those other passionate writers." I stopped and looked to see that Miyako was right in front of me.

"Well, you're good enough for me. Now then, close your eyes, and don't peek.

"Okay." I closed my eyes. Then I felt something cold press against my lips. Chocalate. I was about to open my eyes.

"Not yet." I close my almost open eye. This time, I had the same cold chocolate press against my lips, following the heat of Miyako's lips. We stayed like that for a good minute or two before we separate. The sweet chocolate taste, the heat of the kiss, I loved it.

"Happy Valentines' Day." I look at my watch. It's only 3:35pm.

"So, did I tell you Ichika finally has a lover?"

"Really? Who?"

"I don't know. He didn't tell me. Let's go ask him."

Miyako and I head over to Ichika's dorm, where things were about to get awkward. I reached and open the door.

"Hey Ichika, I wanted to aske if-"Me and Miyako stopped in our tracks. Ichika was locking lips with Houki, both of which noticed us.

"N-N-Neo! Miyako!" Houki said as she got up waving her hands. "I can explain."

"Don't worry Houki, there's nothing for you to explain."

"Ichika!" said the four angry IS Representatives running down the hall

" Now if you two don't want to be beaten up, then follow us." I started running, Ichika, Houki, and Miyako right behind me.

(Tuesday,7:10am, dorm 1004, Miyako's POV)

After escaping the angry four, Houki and Ichika went to their respective dorms. Neo followed me back to our dorm. Now it was morning.

"(Yawns) Good morning Neo."

"….."

"Neo, wake up. We have to go to class."

"….."

'What is he thinking? He knows will be pissed if we don't get to class in time.'

I walked over to Neo and shook him. No response. Now I'm starting to get worried. I tried to poking him, multiple times. I check his breathing. Normal. "Neo." Still no response. "Neo!" Nothing. I'm scared. I dediced to get some help. I run to class, hoping someone can help.

" Miss Yamada!"

"Oh, Miss Shirakumo. You're late. I'll just mark-"

"There's no time for that. Something's wrong with Neo!"

Uh oh. Things just went south. See ya next time.