Hey guys. I've returned. Yes, I'm back in business. Let's go back where we left off…

(Ichika's POV)

I'm sitting in my seat, with a million eyes glaring at the back of my head, especially a set four pairs. I'm still nervous after Miyako and Neo caught me and Houki when I was returning a favor. I remember how the how whole thing started.

(Flashback)

"Beginner's luck? Anyways Ichika, you should think about it. Trust your guts." Neo said as he left my dorm.

"Trust my guts huh? I really don't understand love I'll have to ask Chifuyu later." Just then I remembered something. "Oh right, I forgot I have training with Houki." I then went to find Houki.

I found her in the kendo dojo, where else? She was in her kendo outfit, repeatedly hitting the dummy with a practice bokken.

"Hey, Houki." Her bokken was swung in my face, until she looked at me.

"You're late Ichika. I was about to come and punish you again."

"Well, I'll make sure to get here faster. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Thanks for asking." I noticed Houki's tone was a bit irritated.

"Happy Valentine's day."

"Yeah, you too." Houki said, although I could sense the irritation in her voice.

"Hey Houki, are you okay? You seem irritated about something."

"S-Sorry. I'm just a little tired after practice. I need to rest."

I know just what to do. "Then maybe I can give you a massage."

Houki the punched me in the stomach. "Ouch, what the hell?"

"Pervert." Houki then left me on the floor, clenching my stomach.

"What did I say? Oh, that's right. I almost forgot the Valentine's cards!" I decided to head to my dorm to finish the Valentine's cards for everyone. Little did I know, the girls were listening the whole time.

(Tuesday)

After the creepy staring in class today, and the encounter with Neo and the girls, I was now hiding in Houki's closet.

'Okay Ichika, what have we learned today? Well, Neo is either some sort of ninja, or he's really dealt with these kinds of girls before. Houki now probably hates me, and Chifuyu still hasn't told me anything about this "Madoka Orimura" person. It's really starting to irritate me. I'm gonna get some answers from her, one way or another.' I then hear someone walking in, probably Houki.

"Now, where did I put that present?" Present? What present? I look at my feet, where a single blue box with a silver bow with was in between them. 'Thanks world, I love it when you throw me into these kinds of problems.'

"Oh yeah, in the closet."

'Oh come on!'

Houki opens the closet. "W-What the- Ichika!"

I pick up the present and hand it to her. "Look, before you try and kill me, it was Neo's idea to put me in here. Also…" I pull out a valentine's card and give it to Houki. "Happy Valentine's day."

"Um, Thank you."She pushed the box back into my hands. "Happy Valentine's day." She didn't look me in the eye. I open it and find a silver heart-shaped necklace.

"Ah, thanks Houki. I love it."

"I-I'm glad you like it." Houki was twirling her hair again, but only until she looked at me with anger. "But don't think you'll get away with hiding in my closet. Time for you to be punished!" Wait what? I saw Houki reaching for her bokken in her bag, but I reach out and grabbed it first and held it out of her grasp.

"Wait Houki. I was hiding there because…." Come on Ichika, think. What would Neo say?

"Just trust your guts. Go with what you think will work." ….Yeah, that seem like Neo's plan.

"Because?"

"Because. Remember when we were on that rock by ourselves, after the Silver Gospel?"

"Y-Yeah, I remember. You almost….."

"Well, since no one's here, I wanted to return the favor."

Houki can now be classified as the first human strawberry. "W-W-W-What do you mean?"

"I mean, you seemed out of it back then. You felt like you really wanted to kiss me, until the girls showed up. And since it's valentine's day, I want to do you any one favor you ask."

'Ichika, you idiot.' "Oh, okay. W-well then, I command you to let me kiss you!"

"Hmmm? O-okay." Houki had came closer, and closer, until our lips touched. I had closed my eyes.

"Hey Ichika, I wanted to ask if-" said Neo as he walked in. I looked and saw Neo and Miyako walk in.

Houki had pushed me away and I had landed on my butt. "N-Neo! Miyako! I-I-It's not what it looks like!"

"Don't worry Houki, there's nothing for you to explain." What does Neo mean? I just wanted to repay Houki for that favor.

Ichika!" said the four angry IS Representatives running down the hall. 'Why are they so angry at me all the time?'

" Now if you two don't want to be beaten up, then follow us." Neo said as he started running, me, Houki, and Miyako right behind him.

(Flashback ends)

So, that happened. Just then, Miyako came in, saying something wrong with Neo. , I, Houki, Cecilia, and Miyako went to his dorm, where Neo was in his bed.

"Umm, Miyako, Neo's just asleep."

"No, I think it's worse. Here, watch this." Miyako said as she walked over to Neo, and pinched his right ear and started pulling it. Neo hadn't moved an inch. Miyako then let go and looked at us. "See?"

" Wow, he's really not waking up. Let me think of something" I then walk over to Neo and had an idea. "Miyako, do you have any perfume?"

"No. but I know that Cecilia has a bunch of it. She uses it to-Mfh!" Miyako was going to finish, but Cecilia covered her mouth.

"Umm, what was she gonna say?"

"N-Nothing Ichika. Now here, I always carry a bottle or two just in case." Cecilia said handing me the bottle.

"Thanks." I then sprayed the perfume in Neo's face. Nothing. Neo's nose twitched a little, but other than that, nothing. "Well, that didn't work. I wonder what's going on in his head."

(Neo POV, Neo's mind.)

I wake up, not in my dorm, but again in this mysterious, grey sea-like place.

"Oh no, not this again." I began to think that that IS ...person..who ever it was is messing with me, Hey! Show yourself. I want some answers." I really did. Who was that IS? And why did she sound like Nena?

"And answers, you shall receive. In due time." I turn around, and instead of the IS, was a woman. She has black hair in a ponytail, blue eyes and star tattoos, and dressed in a black and blue kimono. What surprised me is that right next to her, was Nena, but she was unconscious and laying next to her.

"Nena! Who are you?" I almost yelled.

"I..am Nena. The Nena that has been watching you ever since we met." What? What is she talking about?

"But Nena is laying next to you."

"Yes, 'This Nena' has always watched over you. But I'm just a ghost of what she really is." She said as she sat next to Nena while (Nena?) patted her head and ran her finger through Nena's hair. Ugh, this is getting confusing.

"I see. Then if that's the case, why are you here? And what did you mean when you said 'true enemy'?"

"Neo, I want you to listen to what I'm going to tell you very carefully. You have many people you care about, but two of them stand out."

"Miyako and Yumi. My girlfriend and my lost sister." Why bring them into this?

"Yes. One was almost killed by the other. One is on the verge of having her will broken."

"What? What do you mean 'will broken'?"

"Your sister of course."

"What's that supposed to-" Suddenly, it hit me like a truck. Yumi did attack Miyako and almost kill her and Charlotte, but also knew I would help them. She didn't attack them because she was provoking me.

She did it because she had no choice.

"I see you understand." (Nena?) then walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I think you see what I'm trying to do."

"And that is?"

"You know that you'll have to fight your sister sooner or later. You shouldn't hold back when the time arrives."

"Then what do you expect me to do?!" I said in a surprising rage, although I could feel the tears welding up. "I don't know how to save Yumi, or if I can at all. I'm the big brother, and yet I'm just helpless to help her."

"And that's the second issue."

What? "W-What did you say?'

"You doubt yourself. You're not aware that you be more if you just become confident in yourself."

Then, memories started to flash in my head

(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.) Miyako said that on our first date.

(Promise me that you'll always smile. It's not cool of you to cry and frown like that.) Then Yumi's promise before her operation.

"I guess I've just been an idiot the whole time. From now on, I'm not gonna doubt myself. I will save my sister and protect my friends." I said with a new-found pride.

"That's good to hear."

Although, there was something still bothering me. 'That male pilot. He called himself Death. Not only is he another male IS pilot, but he's working for Phantom Task. I guess I'll have to deal with him when the time comes. Wait, why do I smell perfume all of a sudden?'

Just as I said that, a pink-ish mist rolled in and consumed my vision.

(Dorm 1004, 7:50am)

"(COUGH, COUGH) God, I hate perfume." I said as my eyes shot open and I take in the smell of perfume. I really can't stand perfume at all. Yet another reason I stay away from Cecilia. I look and see that Ichika, Houki, , , everyone was here in my dorm. "Uhh, hey."

"He's awake!" Ichika said catching everyone's attention.

"Neo, I was worried. Are you okay?" Miyako asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. How long have I been out?"

"You missed the first hour of class." said. Well that's not so- Wait, what?! Oh, she's gonna kill me. "But I'll let you off with a warning." Oh, thank you universe. "But, as punishment, you'll have to do 1,000 push-up while reading the IS manual after class is over."

…..I hate you universe.

(Traning field, 3:00pm)

Okay, NOW I can officially say that I have gone through what most people call 'Burn'n'ache training'. Ara said that she went through it and even dragged Shinn into it, but I've never knew what she meant, until now. My arms hurt, my les ache, and my body just feels like it could fall apart any second now. I managed to drag myself back to my dorm. No, I am freaking serious. I literally just used my own to hands and arms and crawled back to my room. Don't care it's too early, if I still have homework, not even if Nena has something to say right now. I just want to sleep.

"Hey Neo. You look exhausted." I looked up from the floor of my dorm and saw Miyako standing in front of the door at I crawled around the corner to my dorm.

"(Huff)(Huff) Hey. (Huff) Miyako." Oh god, I feel like my lungs are trying to kill me. I then see Miyako extend her and, to which I gladly accept. She helped me into the room and placed me on my bed. " Thank you." I managed to breathe out.

"Hey Neo, do you have a partner for the tag tournament coming up?" Miyako asked.

"I did ask Ichika, but he said he already has chosen a partner, so I'm flying solo." I had asked him before my crazy training session with Chifuyu. I wonder who his partner is.

"Good. I been meaning to ask, but will you be my partner? I asked Houki, but she's partnered with Tatenashi." I'm surprised. I mean, Houki and Tatenashi? That's a disaster waiting to happen.

"Did you ask Charlotte or Rin?"

"I did, but Charlotte was paired with Laura, and Rin had already asked Cecilia when I found her."

"All right. I'll be your partner. We'll start training tomorrow."

"Really? Thank you Neo." Miyako said smiling.

"You're welcome. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to faint and sleep now." True to my word, I did finally pass out and let the sweet embrace of sleep over come me.

Meanwhile, Yumi was in her room, looking out the window wall that light up her room.

'Why? Out of all the people in the world, why did it have to be him? Neo. Why did you have to get involved in all of this?' Yumi thought, not noticing Squall walking in.

"I thought I told you not to let your bond with him get in the way." Squall said.

"And I thought you of all people understood what it's like not wanting to fight your own family." Yumi snarled.

"Oh? Then what about M?" Squall said.

"M and I are different. I'm not cold-hearted like she is. I'm not a murderer."

"You shouldn't lie to your mother, you know." Squall responded with her mouth in her trademark smirk. Suddenly, Squall was being pressed against the wall, Yumi's elbow against her neck.

"You. Are not. My mother! And I don't want to hear those words from you ever again." Yumi said with extreme venom in her voice. She was so mad; one could see her Hyper Sensor-eye glowing underneath her eye patch.

"Oh my, I touch a sensitive nerve did I? My apologizes." Squall said.

Yumi looked away from Squall for a moment and then released her. "I only have one mother, and she doesn't even know I'm alive."

"Well, maybe you should go talk with her. After all, you probably miss her a lot, as well as your father and brother, don't you?" Squall said, obviously hitting a soft spot.

Yumi's only visible eye widen, with surprise, or shock, or hope perhaps, but what ever the case was, Squall then took the chance of Yumi's distracted thought to push her to the floor. Yumi started to get up, but Squall placed her shoe heel on Yumi's chest.

"Urah!"

"Now then Yumi, If you play nice and do as I say, you won't have to worry about what I do to Neo, or your parents." Squall threatened.

"….No. Mom, dad, Neo." Yumi said with her eye wide open. "You won't dare…"

"Yes, I would, and don't think that I won't be so quick to punish you." Squall said looking at her with a serious look. She took her right hand and removed Yumi's eye patch, showing her green eye glowing brighter than normal. "You can barely control this hyper Sensor, correct?"

Yumi stayed silent, trying to avoid eye contact with Squall, but Squall grabbed Yumi's chin softly and forced her to look in Squall's direction.

"Well then, if you want to keep your family safe, I have a task for you." Squall said with a wicked smirk crawling up her face. The kind of smirk that tells of coming despair. "Are you willing to listen?"

Yumi then pushed Squall off of her, recovered her eye with her eyepatch, and rubbed her chin, feeling rage at Squall's threats. However, Yumi knew better. She knew that Squall was in charge for a reason, and so took a long, painful sigh and looked at Squall with her dull, lifeless blue eye."… Fine. What do you want?"

(IS arena 2, Thursday, 12:30pm)

(Neo's POV)

I was training my shooting in the IS arena, firing the SMG at multiple targets. I just couldn't hit the 100 mark and always hit either 80 most of the time, or sometimes 90.

"Come on Neo, you have to focus. Shooting is simple." Miyako said standing on the bleachers.

"I know, but it's not quite as easy as you make it sound."

"I said it was simple, not easy. Look, just breathe and concentrate on the target."

I took a deep breath. All right Neo, focus. Keep your eye on the target. I kept my eye on the target, my hand on the trigger. I could feel my heart calming itself. My aiming was right at the center. I then pulls the trigger and-

(BANG!)

I hit the 100 mark, for the first time in about….one, two, three, six tries.

"There you go, you finally got it!" Miyako said."

"Yeah, I'm gonna need some improvement on that though." I then look at the six other targets I missed th e 100 mark on. "A lot of improvement."

' You have no idea.'

'Oh, hey Nena. Am I really THAT bad with a gun?'

'…..I think it's better if you don't have my opinion.'

'So, pretty bad, got ya.'

"Neo!" Called Laura from the Arena entrance.

"Oh, hey Laura! What are you doing here?" I said as Dark Hound deactivated.

"Miyako, can I please talk with Neo privately?"

Wait, she wants to talk with me? Alone?

"Sure, I'll just head back to my dorm Neo. I have some things to take care of anyways."

"Okay, bye." I said as Miyako walked out of the arena. "Okay Laura, what did you want to talk about?"

"It's about when your sister attacked a few weeks back."

I sighed. "It seems recently that's the main topic of my mind. I've been meaning to ask you something about that too."

"Really? Oh, well….how do you feel knowing your sister is alive, but working for Phantom Task?"

I just looked up into the sky. "Why do you ask?" I asked a bit irritated.

"Uh, well, recently, you seem to be bit…distracted."

I didn't really want to talk about this, but I guess if she wants to know…..

"You have no idea how happy I was just to see Yumi alive, but, I don't know if things will ever go back to the way I wish they were."

Laura then looked at me with a confused expression. "What do you mean by that?"

"Yumi and I together, just brother and sister, side by side. No IS, no Phantom Task, just me and Yumi hanging out together to make up for the time we've been apart. I guess you could say that Yumi gave me a reason to feel needed, but that's how all big brothers feel I guess."

I could see Laura wiping her eyes for a second. "You really miss her, don't you?" Laura asked me.

"I do. You miss her too, don't you? That's why you want to ask me, right?"

Laura was surprised. 'I thought so.'

"Wh- How did you…."

Laura didn't finish as I interrupted her. "I know my sister well. She was your friend too, even if it was only for a couple of days, right?"

Laura then started to tear up. "Yeah, she was one of my only friends during that time. Your sister was one of the friendliest people I have ever met."

I then looked at Laura as a question popped in my head. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you something about her Laura."

Laura then wiped her eyes and looked at me. "Yeah?"

"Come on, you can tell me on the way back. It's about lunch time." I then started to walk out of the arena, Laura following close behind.

(1:05pm)

Laura and I were walking down the path by the lake, which was bigger than I had first heard.

"So, my question. I noticed Yumi wearing an eyepatch, kind of like yours. You think that she had the same eye as you do?"

Laura put one hand on her chin and then looked at me and said, "I would think so. The miniature Hyper-Sensor I was given is a prototype, but I think Yumi has one similar to mine."

I was afraid of that. "Alright, thanks Laura." I then started torun to the lunch room

(8:30pm)

I was in my dorm room, ready to sleep. The tag team tournament starts tomorrow, Miyako was already asleep as usual, and I had improved my shooting skills…somewhat. Nothing could possibly ruin this next day.

Meanwhile that night, M, Death, and Mirage were watching the school from the sky in their IS's.

"Mirage, remember what Squall told you. Eliminate ne anyone who gets in your way, and she means ANYONE." M said looking at Mirage with her usual cold eyes.

"Yeah, I got it. Akira, make sure that no one else gets in my way, got it?" Mirage said looking at death through her mask.

Death only nodded as Yumi flew off back to base. Death then looked at M. "How long until you think she'll notice Hydrax's new system?"

"By time she does realize it, it will already be too late. Besides, she'll accept it." M said as she flew off behind Yumi. Death only stayed put and looked down to Neo's window, looking down at the sleeping boy. "Your sister is lucky. I can't believe that I'm even doing this, but it is what it is." Death said as he flew off back to base, all three going to prepare for tomorrow's mission.

(8:45am, Friday, IS Academy Auditorium.)

I was at the opening ceremony, led by none other than Tatenashi. If there's one thing I had to give her credit for, it's that she's very charismatic.

"Alright everyone, time to show the first round match ups!" Tatenashi said, opening that precious fan of her. Behind her appeared a large grid of lines and names; tournament brackets.

"Let's see. Our opponents are….

Round 1 : Ichika Orimura and Kanzashi Sarashiki vs. Tatenashi Sarashiki and Houki Shinonono

Neo Ichimaru and Miyako Shirakumo vs. Laura Bodewig and Charlotte Dunois

"So we'll be fighting Laura and Charlotte. That's not good." I said. I know that Charlotte and Laura are a really good tag team. I was about to go and see if I could find Miyako in the crowd, only to be greeted by Ichika.

"Oh, hey Ichika. What can I do for you?"

"A few things. First…." Ichika started before he plucked my forehead.

"What th- Uh, what was that?"

"That was for putting me in Houki's closet yesterday. That was the first place she looked too." Ichika said.

'It was a 50-50 chance.' I rubbed my forehead. "Okay, I deserve that. Oh Ichika, have you seen Chifuyu? I need to ask her something really fast."

"Funny you should say that. She's actually looking for you. Something about a 'private matter' to discuss with you."

I was very confused right now."Really? Alright, is she in her office?"

"Go check. She said only Neo could come in for right now."

"Alright, thanks Ichika." I said as I managed to slip my way out of the crowd, now making my way to her office.

Nena had materialized again beside me and was walking with me. "So, what do you think she want to talk about?"

"I don't know. Maybe something to do with Phantom Task."

"I hope she can shed some light on how to finally beat them." Nena said as she smashed her fist and palm together.

"Have you ever had any dreams of your own, Nena?"

"Huh? Why do you suddenly ask?"

"Just wondering."

Nena was silent at first, but then she looked at me and said, "Well, recently, I've had this one dream that keep happening over and over.'

'What happened?"

"You were there, standing in the middle of a grey, sea-like surface. I was always lying down, but not on the surface, but on a person's lap. I always black out before I see the person, but she wore a kimono and had her hair in a ponytail. That's not weird is it?"

Wait a second. Grey sea surface, kimono, ponytail hair, me standing in front. Yeah, there's no doubt in my mind now. That other Nena person wasn't just a hallucination. But then, if that's the case, why did she appear? Is she trying to warn me about something, or maybe... Arrrh, I should focus on what'a important.

I finally arrived at Chifuyu's door. "You might want to un-materialize."

"Okay." Nena said as she disappeared.

I took a deep breath. 'I promised myself I wouldn't have to come back here. Especially after that little writer's cramp incident.'

I then knocked on the door. "Umm, Miss Orimura? Are you in here?"

"Come in." said the voice of Chifuyu from the other side. I then heard the door unlocking. I grabbed the doorknob and opened the door.

What I saw blew my mind. There was a woman with long brown hair and grey eyes in a black business suit sitting in a chair to Chifuyu's left, whom was standing next to her own desk. That woman was no ordinary woman. That woman was none other than my own mother, Renowa Ichimaru.

"MOM!? What are you doing here?" I yelled.

"Neo!" My mother got up and grabbed me into a bone-crushing hug. "It's so good to see you again."

"Y-Yeah, It's...good ...to see... you too. Ugrugh, mom...can't breathe..." I struggled to say as I was having the life choked out of me. How could I forget one of life's most powerful techniques? The 'Motherly Bear Hug of Doom'

"Oh, I'm sorry." She then let go of me, giving me a few minutes to catch my breath.

"I'll leave you two to yourselves, and Neo, you know what to do." Chifuyu said, whispering that last part to me in my ear as she left the room.

'She's probably going to watch the first round matches.' I then took a seat on the right side of the room, while my mother took a seat opposite of me. "So mom, how have you been?"

"Just fine. My squad is doing just fine, your father's business has been progressing well."

"Have you heard anything about Shinn and Ara?" I asked. I was really worried they'd miss me.

"Yes. Shinn actually said to give you this." My mother said as she reached in her purse from the desk and pulled out a small blue gift box.

"What's inside?" I said looking at my mother. SHe just looked back and shrugged her shoulders. I took a deep breath and opened the box, revealing a small note in the inside. It reads:

Hey buddy, how's it going at IS Academy? I really miss you, and so does Ara. I've never seen her miss someone so much. I guess she really does have nice side. Also, happy birthday!

-Sincerest regards, Shinn.

"Hehe, that's just like Shinn and Ara. I'm glad to hear they're both alright."

"If you were wondering, Ara might be joining you here at the Academy."

My eyes just shot right open and I looked at my mother in shock. "R-Really?

"Neo, how have you been doing here at the Academy? Is treating you well?"

"Yeah, everything's going great. I'm having the time of my life. I met a lot of new friends, and even had my first IS battle. It was exciting." I said with a smile.

"I'm sure it was, and how about your girlfriend?"

"HUH?! H-How did you find out? I was hoping to surprise you." I said, twiddling my thumbs together in my lap as my face lit up.

"I'm your mother; I have a sense for things like this. Also Chifuyu told me. So, what's she like?"

"She's really nice, pretty, and she's very friendly. She's the one who helped me change so much in IS academy. I'm sure you two will get along." I then sat in silence with my mother. The whole room was quiet; the air was still, the light of the ceiling light burning. I look at my mother with a serious expression and decided it's time to unload a lot of unanswered questions. "So mom, exactly how long have you been an IS core scientist?"

My mother's face grew pale, showing that my question had struck some truth. "How did you-"

"Let's just say I had a run in with Phantom Task."

My mother closed her eyes and cupped her hand. "I've been working on the IS core for four years, until you and Yumi were born. Neo, Phantom Task is a very dangerous organization, and not one you should be messing with. You need to promise me that you won't fight them, understand?"

"Sorry mom, but I can't promise tha. I can't forgive them for what they did."

My mother's face grew into one of surprise and confusion, and for good reason. He only son was now fighting an organization that could easily have him killed. Wow, it's actually a lot more serious once I say it in my head. "But why Neo? Why can't you stop fighting. An what woun't you ever forgive them for?"

I sat there, silently tapping my right foot over and over again.

Just as the silence sunk in, so did my mother's realization. "Yumi's murderer is with Phantom Task, aren't they? That's why you won't stop."

"Yeah, but there's actually more than that." Much more. I took a deep breath and decided it was time to finally tell her the big truth."Mom, the truth is-" I was about to finish when I heard a large explosion outside.

"What was that?" My mother asked.

"Come on!" I then rushed out the door, hoping my mother would keep up.

"Neo! The explosions sound like they're coming from the IS arenas."

"Right." I then make it outside, where I see Rin fighting this weird IS looking mech.

"What is that thing? Can you identify it Nena?" I said, flipping on my visor as a message popped up that reads: NO DATA FOUND!

"No, I've got nothing. More importantly, We've got to stop that thing before it hurts a lot of people!"

" Right! Come forth, Dark Hound!" I then called Dark Hound and flew off to assist Rin and the others, unaware of my mother behind me.

"Neo! Be careful!"

Rin has fired Shenlong's shock cannons directly at the Golem's face, but after the smoke subsided, it only came out with some scratches and a small dent.

"Damn this thing." Rin had dodged another of the Golem's swings, but she was about to be hit by the other arm. "Ah!"

"Rin!" I had aimed my beam launcher and fired the large, red beam and diverted the attention of the Golem. "Hey, try picking on the new guy around."

The Golem looked at me and tried to aim its four beam cannons, but Rin had appeared behind it and stabbed it in the back. The armor may have protected it from any vital parts from being damaged, but Rin then began to stab it repeatedly, with the Golem trying to swat her off its back. I counted about 9 to 10 times before the mech's armor finally gave in and revealed an opening. The Golem then grabbed Rin and threw her in my direction.

"I got you, Rin!" I caught Rin in my hands and noticed something. Rin had a small cut mark on her right cheek.

"N-Neo! Glad that you finally sowed up. Where the hell were you?" Rin asked angrily.

"I'm more concerned about that cut you have. I thought the IS was supposed to protect you from it."

"These things are somehow stopping that. We have to get rid of them."

"I kno!" I aimed by beam launcher again, but I was then tackled to the ground by something. I look to see the claw of an IS around my neck, and said claw belonged to none other than Yumi.

"Hello, Neo Ichimaru." Yumi said to me.

"Yumi, I don't want to fight you, but I will if you don't let me help you."

"Tch! I told you, my name is Mirage!" Yumi/Mirage said as she then threw me into a nearby tree. When I hit it, my backside hurt and I felt a sharp pain. Not on my body, but in my heart.

"Ugh!" I managed to stand up and looked in Rin's direction and saw that Cecilia was with her. 'Good, she's okay too.'

'Neo. It's time make a decision. Save her, or fight her?'

I then held out one of my hands to Yumi. "Yumi, don't make me do this."

"I'm done talking to you!" Yumi screamed as she drew her buster sword. Just then, an explosion came from one of the IS arenas. A large cloud of smoke and water particles above the arena.

' Those particles...Tatenashi! Nena, can you patch me through to anyone near her?'

'Hold on...Okay, got it!'

A small screen poped up next to me, showing Houki's face.

"Houki, what happened? I just saw an explosion coming from one of the arenas!"

"Neo, Tatenashi is hurt, really bad!" Houki said as she showed Tatenashi lying on the ground. I tighten my fist as I shut off the transmission.

"You didn't have to bring her into this. It's me and Ichika that you guys want right?" I screamed looking at Yumi- No. This person standing in front of me is not my sister. She's a cold, heartless agent of Phantom Task.

"Oh? I see a new emotion in your eyes Ichimaru-san. Is that regret, guilt, fear, or maybe even hatred. If it is hatred, then use it to fight me! Maybe then you'll stand a chance of entertaining me. well, At least until I kill that is." Mirage said as she laughed like a psychopath.

I slowly drew both of my heat swords, both burning a bright orange at the blade's edges, just like my now raging heart.

"Alright then 'Mirage, if it's a fight you want…" I then activated my thruster and tried to slash her, but she blocked with her buster sword. "…Then it's a fight you'll get!"

"Yes! That's it! Show me what you've got!" Mirage screamed as she then kicked me in the side of the stomach. I felt a lurching pain in my side as I then quickstepped back.

"Ugh!" I put a hand on my stomach and still felt a small sting. 'So this is what would happen without the Absolute Defenseive Shield? If that's the case, then I'll have to end this quickly.'

"Come now, I want to see another foolish attempt to see your sister again." Mirage said.

For the first time in my whole life, I guess you could say I finally snapped. I did want to save Yumi, but first, I'll wipe whatever essence of 'Mirage' is controlling her out of her.

"No. You are not Yumi. You're just a Phantom Task agent that is controlling her.. You are guilty of these sins, and now... I SHALL ELIMINATE YOU!" I screamed as I aimed my beam launcher at Mirae.

"Hmf, then bring it!" Mirage said as she tossed her buster sword into her left hand while she spawned one of her rifle in her right and pointed it in my direction.

There you have it. Neo had put his foot will happen next? Tune in next time.