WARNING: I do not own Kamen Rider or Infinite Stratos. They are the property of Toei and MF Bunko J. Kurogasa Kururugi is owned by KRDuelist. Cody Aldrich is owned by striberx.
The first rays of sunlight peeked through the window as Kurogasa slowly opened his eyes. When his vision focused, he saw that he was back in his room. Plus, he felt someone hugging him as if he felt safe. And he recognized the scent of this someone too.
"Hou… ki?" He muttered.
As his eyes fixated from the light, he noticed that Houki was hugging him in his bed, sound asleep yet with a smile on her face. This meant she slept beside him all night. In his room. Alone… Together… Kurogasa smiled softly as he hugged her back, still feeling safe and relaxed as well… as they cuddled.
'She must've been really really worried about me…' He thought.
But there was also one memory that bothered him. That being from last night. Not only does he have a Yandere on his watch, but she somehow knew of him. He was unsure who she was as he couldn't remember her, yet she did.
"It's been so long since we've seen each other."
"I promise… I'll take good care of you…"
"Let me deal with them, then I can take you home and we can be together, like you promised…"
"Don't worry, you'll remember me soon."
'Who was she…?' Kurogasa asked himself.
"Mmmngh…" Houki's voice grumbled as she began to wake up, fluttering her eyes open as she smiled. "Hey…"
"Uh… hey." He smiled weakly. "You've been… hugging me the whole night haven't you…"
"Five more minutes…" she grumbled before hugging him again.
Kurogasa sighed at this, "I'm sorry Houki… for making you worry…" He apologized. "I really didn't mean to. I just… needed to come to terms with what I am. Even if it did take a certain jerk to do it."
"I know. Just promise me you won't do something that drastic again. Me and the others are here for you after all." Houki smiled.
"Promise." Kurogasa nodded. "As for… making it up… uh…"
"Hm?"
"Uh… do you want me to do anything for you?"
Houki thought about it for a moment, before smiling a bit, "I just want to go on a date with you…"
"A date huh? Well, I can do that." Kurogasa smiled sheepishly. "Where do you wanna go? The movies? Mall? Amusement Park? Katsudon restaurant?"
"Um… a-all?" She requested shyly.
"Hahahahaha… alright, my wallet may be crying after that, but sure." Kurogasa laughed.
"I-I'll help with some of the billings!" She stated.
"Da-me," Kurogasa said, flicking her forehead. "Today's all about spoiling you."
"D-Demo-"
"Da. Meh." Kurogasa repeated, before smiling with closed eyes and letting out a dark aura. "Wakarimasu ka?"
Houki flinched, knowing that this was the few times he let out his authority, something she secretly liked as she nodded, "H-Hai…" She responded.
"Good." He said, before his aura vanished instantly. "Now c'mon, we're gonna be late for breakfast."
SONG: Zero ~Hajimari no Basho~ - Ayumi Miyazaki
/PRELUDE/
As various bits of code began to appear, the opening soon showed off the various IS units and Risers as the camera flew across the water before it arrived at the main team standing tall in front of IS Academy before turning up to the sky as the title was formed.
/Tsuyosa no kagi wa kioku no nani
Chirabatte kakera hiroi atsumete/
It soon jumps to Kurogasa and Ichika standing atop a cliff as the former watches the ocean view, while the other looks towards the Rising Hopper key in his hands as he holds it up to the sky. It soon shows Houki and Linyang arriving to join the boys while Laura and the Sarashiki sisters watched them from afar. It then changes to Cody walking through IS Academy as he becomes haunted by a shadowy figure before Laura holds his arm, causing him to calm down for a moment before Cecilia grabs his other arm, leading to the Frenchwoman getting jealous much to the American's dismay.
/Zutto zutsu ita mama no aimai na kanjou
Mote amashitenai de toki hanateru to/
Afterwards, it shows Chifuyu, Maya, and Rex as they look over the class as they turn to Aruto and Izu, who welcome Class 1-A as they arrive at class. However afterwards, it jumps to a scene of Phantom Task looming over the protagonists as they prepare to transform.
/Dakara shinjite tada shinjitai sou
kono negai wo/
As a burst of colored light appears, it soon shows off Thouser as he thrusts his Thousand Jacker forward like a lance, causing several Phantom Task IS pilots to fly as Laura and Rin arrive to fire their weapons at the enemy. Silver Gospel arrives soon after, battling against Cody as he fires off his Shotriser as he, Cecila and Laura provide cover fire.
/Kokoro ga zero mo kakagetara hajimaru/
It then jumps to Charlotte and Houki charging into battle, clashing their weapons against Squall and Reiko, the two performing a tag-team maneuver as they blast their foes away.
/Mienai sekai no naka de
yasashii yuu kimochi yore ba/
Finally, it shows Kurogasa flying through the battlefield, changing forms as he teams up with each of his allies before joining up with Ichika as they leap towards Madoka, who is ready for them.
/Soko ga hajimari no basho/
The two shout as the trio clash, causing the screen to flash white as Kurogasa wears the Zero-One Driver and performs the signature pose while Ichika summons Byakushiki's claw, allowing the camera to pan out and reveal the rest of the cast alongside all of Class 1-A.
Chapter 5:
Back to the Ankle Grind
"Geez, why am I here again?" Cody asked, as he was in the council room with Chifuyu and Maya, "I already got my punishment. Do I need more torment now?"
"You're right. We saw, to your punishment." Chifuyu nodded with eyes closed as she had her arms crossed and one leg over the other as she sat on the couch, before suddenly opening her eyes. "However!"
'Here we go… another cry of anger and harshness…' Cody thought to himself, ready to walk should they demand his exile.
"However… We and the rest of the staff admit that maybe we should have another set of eyes on you, both to make sure you do well, but also make sure there are no more wrongdoings towards you." Maya added.
"Great… a babysitter…" Cody rolled his eyes.
"Which is why, not only this person is your partner, but also your new roommate." Chifuyu said, looking towards the door. "Come in." She ordered
After the door opened, in came… Another male student? He seemed to have the same outfit, as his hair was an orangish-blonde and had a bit more feminine features on his appearance.
"Cody, meet Charles Dunois." Maya introduced.
"Dunois? Of the French Company?" Cody commented.
"So you are informed." Chifuyu said. "Good, that makes things easier. Starting today, Charles will be your new roommate."
"It is… how you say, a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Cody." Charles said in his French accent, holding out his hand to the teen.
Cody sighed, but waved off nonchalantly, instead of shaking his head, "Yeah… likewise I guess?" He said. "Just promise you're not gonna hit me like others plan to, and we'll be good Charles."
"Hm? Hit you? For what?" Charles asked, confused.
"You don't know?" Cody raised an eyebrow.
"No, I don't believe so…" Charles said.
Cody sighed, "You'll find out soon enough." He said, standing up from his seat, and even fully clothed, both the teachers and Charles noticed a limp in his leg, as if someone held him and struck in retaliation… or simply from rage.
"How did-" Charles began.
"Long story short, I did something that made the entire school hate me. Don't ask why." Cody said, before he turned around to walk away with a limp.
Once gone, Maya had a worried and sad look on her face as she turned to Chifuyu, "Chifuyu-san… are you sure this'll help? From that limp, seems some of the more… 'broader' students are willing to actually go as far as to cripple him… Can't we just do something to help him?" She asked, worried for the gunner.
"We'll help him as much as we can, but at the moment, I think Mr. Dunois is the only thing that can stop those people from hurting Cody further." Chifuyu said, before turning to Charles. "I trust you will be able to handle that?"
"Oui, Orimura-sensei." Charles nodded, "Even I can see that's too much. I'll do my best to… how you say… 'make this leaf be turned'?" He said.
"Turn over a new leaf. And see that you do."
MEANWHILE…
"A WEEK'S DETENTION?!" Kurogasa gasped.
"You ditched classes for one week. So it's only fair." Rex said in a lazy manner. "Look, I'm not shitting on you for what happened to you. I totally get it. But you still ditched classes and need to make up for it."
The young Rider sighed at this. He eventually knew this was going to bite him in the ass sooner or later.
"Relax. It's not like I'm gonna make you do tons and tons of essay reports. I'm more reasonable than that." Rex reassured the boy.
"Then… what'll you have me do?" Kurogasa asked.
"Simple." Rex slapped down several stacks of paper, "Catch up on your homework."
Kurogasa was horrified by the sight.
"I think I'm feeling ill…" Kurogasa said, feeling light-headed as he wobbled side-to-side until Houki caught him.
"Hey now, don't die on me now soldier." Rex said, "This is necessary if you want to keep up with the rest. Besides, I'm not gonna let you go through all of them at once."
"...You're not?"
"I did say a week, after all." Rex deadpanned, "I'm not that cruel, unlike a certain somebody. Plus, during your breaks, we can test out the rest of the Progrise Keys Tabane's been sending en masse as an apology for ya."
"Oh… I guess it's not all bad."
"There ya go." Rex grinned. "And to sweeten the deal, your girlfriend can help you out and it's open-booked."
SMACK!*
"SHE'S/I'M NOT MY/HIS GIRLFRIEND!" A heavily blushing Kurogasa and Houki roared, leaving two goose eggs on the teaching assistant's head whilst blushing like crazy.
"Ow! Okay, okay! I got the memo! You're just friends!" Rex groaned while massaging his head, "Ugh… Jeez, can't tell a joke in this place without getting hit."
Charles was walking through the hallways at a fast pace, as somehow, Cody got the best of the new student and was able to escape his view. He now had no choice but to track him down, and hopefully make sure nothing bad happens to the troubled teen.
"Bon Sang, where is he?" Charles groaned, as he was trying to find the teen. "For someone who limps, he's very fast…"
As he walked, he noticed a few random students, each one with either food in hand or bundled trash.
"You sure they caught him?" One student asked.
"Yeah, our own little sport's lover from Scotland said they have him ready for some pelting."
"Good! I'm excited for this! That jerk deserves this for harming Kururugi-san!"
"Sacre bleu, they're already gunning for him…" Charles sighed exasperatedly.
"Hm? Hey! New kid! Grab some stuff that you can find!" One student called out to Charles.
"Porque?" Charles blinked.
"What? You don't know? That representative from America almost killed Kurogasa Kururugi last week." One student informed him.
"Who?"
"He's one of the few Riders in this school, but boy is he the worst of them! That Yankeee deserved getting his ShotRiser suspended. But, many of us are gonna punish him for attempting that little stunt last week!"
"I see… well, I don't have anything at the moment. But at the very least, you could lead me to him. I'm supposed to look after him." Charles said.
"Ah! You too want to give some punishment? Serves that Yankee right!" the girls laughed as they soon led him to where the lost teen was.
Charles was frowning all the way, surprised so many not only had those feelings for this 'Kurogasa', but would also go this far. Reminds him of certain fandoms and more. And upon arriving, he was brought into the sight of the teen, pelted with food and debris, as he seemed to actually allow them to throw the items at him as he was, once again, covered in filth.
"Great… I really need a shower after this…" Cody groaned.
"Shut it, you dog!" The Scotland Rep frowned, "You're not here to enjoy this or get a free wash. You're here for punishment!"
"From what? A duck?" He commented with a chuckle.
"That does it!"
"Zat is enough!" Charles shouted, immediately getting in front of Cody. "All of you have done quite enough damage for one day! I would like to ask, zat you stop harassing him!"
"Seriously? Do you even know what he did?" The representative questioned Charles. "He deserves every piece of this!"
"Even so, what you're doing is excessive! I must ask that you leave at once, lest you want me to inform Orimura-sensei for your continuous harassment."
"Just let them get it out of their system, Charles…" Cody said, surprising the group and Charles. "If they're this easily angered by one injury, then let them get it out. Otherwise they can't grow or get stronger when a more dire time comes…"
"You're not angry?" The Scottish student questioned, "You should be! You should be wanting to hit us! So why don't you?"
"Because then I have no meaning for my actions. I'd rather show what I mean than just spew pointless words. So if you're done, then kindly go. Otherwise this ends." Cody said, slowly standing up as he began to limp off, as the group of students just stood there in silence.
"Monsieur Cody, wait!" Charles said, catching up to him.
"If you're going to throw something as well, just get it over with." He responded.
"No, I'm not." Charles shook his head.
"Then just leave me be until I shower…" He responded back. "The worst part is the mustard jar that shattered." He said, as Charles noticed a scrape on his neck from said jar.
"Zen I'll take you to ze infirmary." Charles said, before dragging him.
"No need. I'll just put a bandaid on it…" He denied, trying to move away from Charles's help.
"Monsieur Cody, zat scrape will be infected if you don't treat it right away."
"Just means I get to leave earlier than expected." He said, earning a frown from the French student.
"Why?"
"We're all meant to die one day. So who cares if I speed up the clock for myself?"
"Monsieur, I will not allow zat. Now no more sass, we're taking you to ze infirmary now." Charles said in a demanding tone.
Cody flinched from it as he groaned, "Fine…"
As the two headed to the infirmary, Cody sniffed the air and felt… confused.
'Since when did this guy wear girls' perfume?' he thought.
"Alright class, listen up!" Chifuyu announced as they immediately quieted down. "As of today, we have ourselves a new transfer student." She said, turning to the door and it slid open to reveal Charles in his male uniform as he stood in front of everyone.
The girls, save for Houki and Cecilia, suddenly gushed at how yet another handsome male student was in their class. The male students of the class were rightfully wary of the Frenchman, given how the last transfer acted.
"Bonjour everyone. My name is Charles Dunois. I've been told that there are other males that are in the same position as I am, so I transferred here. It's nice to meet you." Charles bowed.
"Charles Dunois is the representative for France, so please welcome him." Chifuyu said, as many of the students quickly glared at Cody, who didn't pay attention while Charles sat next to him.
"So that's the new transfer huh?" Kurogasa muttered to himself.
"Hopefully we can befriend him?" Houki smiled.
"Hopefully he's nicer than the last transfer." One student groaned.
"Yeah, maybe."
"Alright, now that introductions are out of the way, we're gonna be having a joint training session with Class 2 later on today. So after this, I want you all to suit up. Kururugi? Orimura? Aldrich?"
"Yes sensei?" They asked.
"Make sure to show him around."
"Yes ma'am." Kurogasa nodded.
"Hai, hai…" Cody sighed and waved off.
"Good, now let's begin today's lesson." Chifuyu said, starting the class.
"So, what kind of Progrise Key do you use?" Ichika asked Charles as the four walked to the changing room.
"Pardon?" The Frenchman asked.
"A Progrise Key. You are a RaidRiser user right?" the younger Orimura clarified.
"Em… actually… I… use an IS."
"HAAAAAAAH?!/EEEEEHHHH?!" Kurogasa and Ichika gawked.
"I-Is zat a problem?" Charles hesitantly asked.
"No, but… well… I guess I'm not the only one." Ichika said sheepishly.
"Oh! So you are like me then?" the Frenchman gasped.
"Yeah, Ichika's also an IS pilot." Kurogasa explained to the transfer student. "In fact, the firstmale IS pilot. That's why he's at this school to begin with, to figure out why he can when females are only allowed to pilot an IS."
"Oh! I didn't realize that!" the Frenchman gasped.
"Anyways, that's the men's changing room." Cody noted before walking in, "You three coming in yet?"
Charles was amazed as he saw the various RaidRiser users joking and laughing as they finished changing into their suits. It was almost a bit intimidating for the greenhorn.
"Man, are these things tight fits!" one slightly portly pilot grumbled as he put on his suit, "I mean, those Riders get to wear their normal clothes before they transform while the rest of us get these suits."
The Frenchman seized up a bit while Kurogasa, ichika, and Cody got to their respective lockers. They were the last ones to enter so the locker room was mostly occupied by those four.
"Welp, looks like we're gonna be late. We should change now and get to the arena as soon as we can." Ichika said to the two Riders.
"Got it!" Kurogasa said as he and Cody got to changing, causing Charles to get flustered.
"Come on, you're gonna be late if you don't get changed up" the gunner noted as he started getting into his pilot uniform.
"Yeah, our teacher doesn't exactly tolerate lateness." the grasshopper Rider said as he struggled to get into his pilot uniform.
"I'll do it, but do you two mind looking the other way?" a strangely embarrassed Charles asked the two.
"Uhh... sure..." Kurogasa noted as he looked a bit concerned rather than the confusion Cody had.
"Well I wasn't going to stare anyways." Cody said before he was about to tell him to hurry up, only to find Charles already in his pilot suit, a coal gray bodysuit with orange outlines, in a matter of seconds.
"Uhh… is something wrong?" the Frenchman asked his fellow pilots, as the latter finished putting on his pilot uniform.
"It's just that you've changed incredibly fast." Cody observed, "You got a secret trick or something?
"O-Oh, n-not really!" Charles reassured the two.
"Well that's a shame, because these things are a pain to put on!" Ichika grumbled, "I mean, do it wrong and things would always get caught!"
"T-Things get caught?" Charles cautiously asked.
"And how!" Kurogasa confirmed, much to the blushing Frenchman's dismay. "Also…" he said, causing Charles to flinch, "Don't worry. Neither of us are gonna judge you for swinging that way."
"Uhh… don't worry, it's just that I feel... kind of inadequate compared to the others..." the Frenchman reassured the pair, "I am straight for the most part!"
The two Riders merely shrugged before Cody took notice, "Your suit looks easy to put on," he observed, "At least compared to the other pilot suits..."
"Y-Yeah, it's an original made by Dunois." The Frenchman explained.
"Right, those guys." Cody grumbled, "I can imagine having the Dunois corpo backing you means you get a lot of custom stuff."
"Well, we should head out now. Class is gonna start soon." Kurogasa said, before making his way out.
"Yeah, let's go!" Ichika agreed before rushing out as well.
As the class was outside, already ready for this, Chifuyu showed up first, also in her own IS Suit, as she seemed to also gain extra Units for practice, for at least those who need it.
"Alright class. Today, we're going to have runners and spotters. Those who are runners will be using these practice suits, while spotters help them get used to the controls and unit."
Soon, one of the students from Class 2 raised her hand.
"Uhh, Orimura-sensei? Why is that?"
"It's because of how both systems are made. For all intensive purposes, all IS units are experts in aerial combat. Given the systems were initially made for space traversal, it only makes sense that the IS was made to allow it's pilot to effortlessly fly through the vacuum of space and the skies if used on Earth. Conversely, Raiders are more built for ground combat due to their armor suits allowing them to shrug off most conventional weapons. They are also built for versatility as while IS units are often built to specialize in certain aspects, a RaideRiser can create an armor themed around the animal the Key takes the DNA of."
"Guess that explains why keys like Rising Hopper or Lightning Hornet are exceptions." Kurogasa noted.
"Cecilia, Lingyin? Since you two have your own personal machines, I want you two to show off and show the others how using a IS Unit is all about." She ordered the two girls.
"Ugh… why does it always have to be me?" Lingyin sighed.
"Do I really have to do this?" Cecilia sighed as she and Lingyin stepped forward.
"Show a little more enthusiasm." Chifuyu said. "Besides, think of it as motivation to one-up the Raiders."
Soon, both Ceclia and Lingyin flinched with surprise, quickly looking at said boys, before they smirked.
"Well then, as the representative of England, it would be rude of me not to show the others how an IS Unit is capable of when in the hands of a pro!" Cecilia said proudly.
"Exactly! And as China's representative, I'll definitely show the difference between those who have personal machines and those who don't!" Lingyin added.
"What are they getting so fired up about?" Kurogasa deadpanned.
"You two dolts are here." Cody commented, pointing to him and Ichika.
"Zat would include you Monsieur Aldrich." Charles said.
"One hates me and the other simply sees me as some lost puppy." Cody huffed, looking away with a frown.
"Hey, at least it's better than being treated as a pest." Kurogasa said.
"Oh blow me a river, cyberpunk!" Cody growled.
"What was that?" Kurogasa snapped back, leading to the pair snarling at each other.
"Oi, knock it off you two!" Chifuyu shouted at the two Riders, making them back off.
"So, who's my opponent?" Cecilia asked. "I wouldn't mind tossing you around, restaurant girl."
"I could say the same thing to you, Miss Crumpets!"
"Oh, don't get ahead of yourselves. You haven't met them yet." Chifuyu said, before looking up and someone was coming down way too fast.
"GET OUT OF THE WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!"
"Yamada-sensei?!" Kurogasa gawked.
"I-I can't stop myself!" She cried out as she was beginning to get closer like a meteorite. Soon those on the ground began scrambling out, but unfortunately Yamada with her IS crashed into one of the boys as soon as she impacted the ground with a large dust cloud forming. When it cleared…
"Get… off…!"
The unfortunate victim was Cody.
"Ugh… s-sorry…." Maya groaned out, but unfortunately because of the IS crashing, they both were stuck from it, as Maya couldn't reach the release switch on it. Even more embarrassing, Cody's face was in front of Maya's and his hand was on one of her breasts.
"Oi! Don't grope the teacher, pervert!" Lingyin howled out.
"Shut it, twerp!"
"W-Well… just as long as you're gentle, I don't mind…" Maya blushed out.
"No thanks!" Cody shouted, immediately getting off of her after finding the release switch and being freed.
"So wait… Miss Yamada is my opponent?" Cecilia asked.
"Everything alright there, Maya?" Rex, wearing Thouser's bodysuit, called out as he rushed to her aide.
"Y-Yeah, I'm good…" Maya sighed in relief.
"Whew. That's a relief." He sighed.
After dusting himself off, the gunner saw that she was using an IS Unit with dark green armor pieces, with two large wings on the back, a pair of dark green armguards and black gauntlets, a pair of dark green hoverboots, and finally a large sniper rifle as her weapon of choice. However while most of the RaideRiser pilots were slightly embarrassed, they soon began to pale with fear at the sight of the teaching assistant in Thouser's bodysuit.
"Wait, Thouser's coming?!"
"I don't wanna hear any complaints!" Chifuyu ordered, causing the boys to groan.
"Okay… what should we do?" Kurogasa gestured to himself, Ichika, Cody, and Charles.
"Three of you will be doing the same drill that Alcott and Lingyin are going through, while Aldrich and Dunois are going to observe." Chifuyu explained to them, "In fact, Rex-san will serve as your opponent just like Maya."
"Great, as if last time wasn't humiliating enough." Cody groaned, "Wait, three?"
"Of course, Mika's gonna be joining you on this little exercise." The teaching assistant said, motioning towards Mika who joined the boys, "Now then. Kururugi, Orimura, best be on your A-game."
"Right…" Kurogasa sighed to himself, before strapping the Zero-One Driver to his waist. He then selected one of the new Progrise Keys that was given to him by Rex through Tabane to activate it.
FANG/DASH!
AUTHORISE!
"Engage, Byakushiki!"
"Henshin!"
RU~SHING~ CHEE~TAH~!
After Mika transformed into Valkyrie, a cyan-colored beam shot towards the ground and a mechanical shark came digging itself out of the ground, flopping around before Kurogasa flipped the key to reveal the mechanic inside the shark and then inserted the Progrise Key into the Driver.
PROGRISE!
KIRIKIRI BITE! GIRIGIRI BITE!
BI~TING~ SHA~RK~!
[Fangs strong enough to break through concrete]
The resulting form soon gave Kurogasa a new aquamarine shark-like face mask for his helmet alongside a pair of similarly colored shoulder pads and chestplate, the latter of which had gill-like vents. His arms and legs were also outfitted with a pair of yellow fin-like armblades and aquamarine shark leg guards.
After Ichika activated his armor, the three stood ready while Rex, already having changed into Thouser, prepared himself for a fight alongside Maya.
"Just a reminder, both Maya and Rex were once the Representative Contenders for Japan and America respectively." Chifuyu told the class, "So this should be an easy fight for both of them."
"Thanks, but that was a long time ago. I'm still a bit rusty, but I still got it." Maya chuckled.
"I'm sure we'll be more than a match for these five… together." Rex said with a smirk.
Cecilia was surprised, "W-What? You can't mean that it's five against two?"
"You sure about this?" Zero-One asked Chifuyu, "I mean, I've seen how Thouser fights, but I think both of them against us might not be enough."
"Oh don't worry, I'll hold back." Rex chuckled, "I'll only be using my slowest Zetsumerise Key after all."
Rex then equipped his Driver and then took out his Stampeding Triceratops Zetsumerise Key.
TRICERATOPS!
ZETSUMETSU DEMOLITION
Unlike his normal transformation, a large mechanical Triceratops soon emerged alongside the Arsinotherium and caucasus beetle Rider Models.
BREAK HORN!
"Henshin!"
He then slid the Amazing Caucasus key into the driver, allowing his normal Rider Models to merge and create the Thouser armor while the Stampeding Triceratops Rider Model broke apart and created the familiar arm guards and helmet.
EVOLUTIONRISE!
WHEN THE FIVE HORNS CROSS, THE GOLDEN SOLDIER THOUSER IS BORN!
STAMPEDING DEFENSE!
[Presented by ZAIA]
"Alright. If you say so." Zero-One said, getting into a stance.
"Are both sides ready?" Chifuyu asked the two groups before giving the signal.
As if a switch was flipped, Maya quickly flew in alongside Thouser, the latter of whom quickly kicked the air hard enough to quickly dash through the air. After rocketing down, Zero-One and Ichika got out of the way of the uncrowned Rider's meteor attack.
"Alright, he's open!" The lone male IS pilot cheered.
"Ichika, wait!" Zero-One tried to call out.
However before he could attack, Maya arrived and fired off several blasts at him, forcing him to back off.
"Are you alright, Rex?" She asked her partner.
"I'll live." Thouser grumbled, "I haven't exactly done SkyWalk in ages, and clearly I'm out of practice." the uncrowned Rider grumbled after a couple of stretches.
"Don't think this is over, you two!" Cecilia chuckled.
"We got bogeys in the sky!" The crowned Rider called out.
"On it!" Maya affirmed before flying up and quickly out-maneuvering both IS pilots before returning fire with her rifle.
"Mr. Dunois!" Chifuyu said. "Explain to the class about Miss Yamada's current IS!"
"U-Um of course… well…" Charles started to stutter before Cody patted his shoulder to calm him down. "The IS that Miss Yamada is using is the Rafael Revive, made by the Dunois Corporation. It was created at the end of the 2nd Generation development, however, its specs are not inferior to the early 3rd Generation models. This is the latest mass produced modeled IS that is currently in use. Right now, its market share is ranked third worldwide. Furthermore, this model can be modified for combat, artillery, and defense."
"Very good, Charles." Chifuyu praised.
"Not bad, Frenchy." Cody said teasingly with a chuckle.
Meanwhile, Zero-One, Valkyrie, and Ichika all circled Thouser before they all leaped at him. Thouser smirked before jumping up, allowing the three to crash into each other.
"H-Hey, get your wings out of my face!" The cheetah Rider complained.
"My wings? How about your foot!" Zero-One growled.
However before Ichika could complain, he soon saw Thouser coming in hot, likely another meteor attack.
"Uh, guys? Incoming!" He cried out.
That warning sadly came too late as Thouser activated his finisher.
THOUSAND DESTRUCTION!
With his arms out, he quickly began spinning like a drill and landed on all three with a sickening crash. Once the dust cleared, Thouser quickly jumped up, showing that he was now in his Soaring Flight configuration. The others?
"Ugh…"
A pile of unconscious pilots.
Meanwhile, Cecilia and Lingyun weren't doing any better as the girls crashed into each other, opening them up for Maya to shoot them down with a single grenade shot. The girls soon joined the downed boys and Mika in the pile, while Maya and Thouser shared a high-five.
"That was like what? A minute at most?" Rex chuckled as he checked the clock.
"I guess that survived for longer than we thought." Maya agreed.
"Ugh… not… done… yet…" Zero-One growled, slowly getting up to his feet, only to stumble and fall out of his transformation.
"Well I hope you five know just how capable both instructors are. So at least show them their proper respect." Chifuyu noted, "Now then, I want you kids to group up, with pilots that have personal IS units or are Kamen Riders serving as group leaders."
As soon as she said that, a good chunk of the female students from both classes grouped up to Kurogasa. Ichika slapped his face to his palm.
"Not again…" he grumbled.
"Not what again?" Both Charles and Cody asked Ichika.
"Never mind…" Ichika sighed heavily.
Luckily the rest of the students would form into more coherent groups as the IS pilots and Riders helped their fellow students with their tasks. In spite of this, Houki was a bit jealous of the attention Kurogasa was getting.
"You doing alright, Houki?" Ichika asked her.
"Mmmmm…" Houki pouted.
"What's wrong?" Ichika asked.
"They're all ogling him…" she grumbled while the pair watched Kurogasa help one of their classmates with the IS.
"Right…" Ichika agreed, "Feels like middle school all over again." He reminisced, though not exactly as fondly.
"Alright, who's next!" Kurogasa called out.
"Me." Houki said, approaching Kurogasa.
"Oh right, you don't have your own personal IS." Kurogasa realized. "I thought Tabane-neechan would have given you one by now…"
"She was training me, remember?" Cody called out.
"What? Training you to avoid her garden shears?" Kurogasa snickered.
"Er-hem." Houki cleared her throat, getting Kurogasa's attention. "I won't be able to reach into the cockpit being left like that."
"That's a common mistake that a lot of riders make in the beginning!" Maya pointed out. "Kururugi-san, can you make sure she's properly mounted?"
"Excuse me?!" Houki gawked.
"Oh relax, he's gonna carry you in his arms and into it," Maya smiled, and the rest of the girls suddenly became absolutely jealous.
"Well then…" He said, as he transformed using his Flying Falcon Progrise Key.
FLY~ING~ FALCON!
He then slowly hovered towards Houki and gently picked her up, carrying her like a princess and slowly moved towards the IS. As he did, Houki couldn't help but feel happy. This was what it was like, to be carried like a princess.
"D-Don't drop me…" Houki said, as she hugged his neck.
"Don't worry, I won't." Zero-One chuckled as he gently flew up to the IS Unit, before gently helping Houki into it. "So you know how to operate it?"
"Y-Yeah." Houki nodded. "By the way, Kuro."
"Hm?"
"Do you have any plans for lunch today?"
"No, why?"
"W-Well… then why not let me make you something for lunch?" She offered.
Zero-One smiled a bit behind his helmet, "Sure. I kinda missed your home cooking."
Sadly for her… it seemed like she was gonna have to share with the others. Namely Ichika, Cody, Mika, Charles, Cecilia, and Lingyin.
"What's going on here…" she growled.
"Don't look at me." Cody raised his hands, "Frenchy dragged me with him."
"I mostly got invited by Kuro." Ichika said sheepishly.
As it turns out, as soon as classes were done for that morning, it was lunchtime, as they decided to have it on the rooftop. However, sadly for Houki, everyone else had the same idea that Houki and Kurogasa had. They too made meals for the group.
"Just be glad you're getting anything at all, Cody." Lingyin huffed.
"Aiyaiyai…" Kurogasa sighed again.
"Uh… are you sure it's alright for me to be here?" Charles asked.
"Of course, we boys gotta stick together." Ichika said, hugging both him, Cody, and Kurogasa.
"Hey, back off. I ain't joining your little buddy-buddy club." Cody growled, smacking the lone male pilot away.
"Dude, I love ya like a brother, but I ain't that chummy…" Kurogasa said, moving his arm away. "Anyways, uh… what do you make Houki?"
When they looked towards the girls however…
"Grrr…"
Houki, Cecilia, and Lingyun were all glaring daggers at each other.
"I think we should avoid saying something that'll get us killed." Kurogasa observed, earning a silent nod from Ichika.
Both boys could tell an incoming harem spat when they saw it, so they at least tried to avoid ending up in the girls' crosshairs. Meanwhile, Houki was the first to make a move as she took out a two-tier bento box and opened them both to reveal she made Katsudon on each tier.
"Oooooooooo…" Kurogasa gulped, looking at the katsudons with sparkles in his eyes.
"I see that you like it?" Houki noticed with a smile, earning some slight growls from the other girls.
'Uh oh… gotta do something quick to get the heat off him!' Ichika thought before he looked towards Lingyun's bento which had some pork.
"Oh, nice! Sweet and sour pork!" He cheered, getting the Chinese representative's attention. "I missed having those!"
"Really? You like mine?!" Lingyin asked excitedly.
This left Cecilia and Mika alone with Charles and Cody. The British representative soon looked at the gunner with an inquisitive smile.
"Well well, wolf-boy. I guess that leaves you and me." She said in an attempt to woo Cody. Sadly for her, the gunner didn't bat an eye and was just lounging around.
Night soon came and Cody grumbled and groaned as he walked to his dorm room alone. His limp had healed up thankfully, but that didn't help his reputation in the slightest. Thankfully however most of the boys were slightly more forgiving of the gunner's actions than the girls. But it wasn't by much.
'I didn't even want to go to this damned school in the first place…' Cody thought to himself, 'Yet here I am serving as Kururugi's babysitter.'
"Monsieur Aldrich?" Charles asked, approaching him, while having his track suit for pajamas over him and a towel over his shoulders.
"Huh? What's the matter with you, string bean?" He asked the Frenchman.
"Uh… ze shower's all yours. I was trying to tell you, but you were spacing out."
"Oh, right. Sorry about that." The gunner dismissively apologized, "I'll be a while." He said before entering the shower. After getting his clothes off, he ran the water up to temperature, but just stood there as the water rained down on him.
'One day… one day I'll get back at them…' he thought to himself as he looked towards his arm which had something brandished onto his skin.
The next day…
"Today, we will be getting another new student who is the representative of Germany. Please, welcome Laura Bodewig." Maya introduced.
As the door opened, the one who walked in was a very young girl with long silver hair and an eyepatch on one eye. She too had the girls uniform with what looked to be some type of knife holder on her thigh as her red eye scanned the area. Though oddly enough she gave off an aura of someone who could take you down in an instant.
But surprisingly Laura walked towards both Kurogasa and Ichika, and with a swift movement, she slapped both of the males backhanded, shocking everyone in class.
"You two…" She growled with venom in her voice "I do not approve… I do not approve that you're both her brothers!" She scowled at them.
"Hey! What-" Kurogasa got out.
"Huh?" Ichika asked in confusion, stunned from the slap.
"I can't believe such pathetic boys are related to her… I will not stand for this." She growled at them.
"H-Hey… I don't know-"
SLAP!*
Ichika was given another hard slap by the silver-haired girl before he could even finish. "You better watch your tongue. As if someone like you could ever have her full attention…"
"Hey what's your problem?!" Kurogasa snapped, standing up.
SMACK!*
"Silence!" She snapped, after slapping Kurogasa again. "You're not even worth speaking to at all, thief!"
"Enough!" Chifuyu scolded.
Laura flinched from hearing her voice, as she turned to her shocked, "M-Master!"
"Master?!" Many shouted out in question.
"Now it makes sense." Cody noted, "So that explains why you went to Germany." He muttered that to himself.
"B-But Master… These two…" she gestured to the two boys, "They need to be punished! They need to be-"
"I said enough! In your seat, now!" Chifuyu ordered. Laura flinched, but she nodded her head and obeyed as she took her seat, next to Charles.
Later on…
After class ended, Kurogasa and Ichika went to the infirmary to get their cheeks treated.
"Itetetete…" Kurogasa winced in pain, feeling the sting of the medicine on both cheeks.
"Hold still." Cecilia frowned as she was the one applying it with a cotton ball and tweezers. The rest of their friends also came along to be sure they're okay.
"Kinda hard not to… considering how hard that girl slapped me…" Kurogasa hissed. "Just what is her problem?"
"Yeah, Aruto gave you his Zero-One Driver. You didn't steal it!" Houki agreed.
"That's not the point…" Cody said, leaning against the doorway. "I think I have a reason, but I'm unsure if I can even tell you all." He commented.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Ichika glowered.
"Meaning it's secretive enough that Chifuyu only told Tabane about this. And I only found out through her drunken stupor once." Cody said, as he looked serious for once, "And as much fun as this is? I don't think it's right to tell you about it without Chifuyu's permission."
"Great." Kurogasa sighed heavily, "Just what I needed. More secrets from Tabane-neechan…" he grumbled.
Everyone was now within the outdoor arena as they were doing some training. Turns out, Chifuyu made another surprise as everyone was now going to be in a tournament. To not only show off their skills and what they learned, but also the countries for the representatives for those who might get a better future with their system than the others. It was a contest as well as something to show the others who had done better, even giving them some data from the tournament to help advance their IS.
"So, a tournament for my affections. As if this day couldn't get any worse…" Kurogasa groused.
For those who may not know, there was also a rumor going around that whoever wins the tournament gets to go on a date with one of the boys and somehow Kurogasa got mixed up in this. Apparently, it was decided by the girls of the school. "Whoever made this rumor must be desperate…"
"Given your heartthrob status, I can bet one of the guys made it as a joke, only for a lot of girls to sign up, thinking it's real." Ichika guessed, "I mean did you hear the chatter back at the dorms?"
"What are you talking abo-"
Ichika merely pointed his thumb behind himself. Kurogasa was confused before he looked and saw the other RaidRiser pilots wondering who would be the boy the winning girl would date, with many of them hoping it was either Cecilia or Houki. The lattermost choice got Kurogasa fired up.
"Welp… just another day in the office…" Kurogasa muttered.
"Amen to that." Ichika agreed with a shrug.
"Ichika, how about a bit of spar?" Charles offered. "We can compare your IS with mine."
The IS that Charles is using is of course the Second Generation IS: Raphael Revive Custom II. While it lacks special equipment utilizing state-of-the-art technology found in most 3rd generation IS, it boasts a large arsenal comprising a wide range of conventional weaponry. Notable changes from the production variant include partial removal of armor plates and 2 pairs of multi-thruster wings, which are replaced with 2 modified multi-thrusters. The new multi-thrusters provide an overall increase in speed and maneuverability.
"Yeah, sure!" Ichika nodded with a smile.
The two soon took their places as Kurogasa served as mediator.
"Are you guys ready?" Kurogasa asked the pair before shouting, "FIGHT!"
Charles went first as he quickly fired off his assault rifle at the lone male pilot, but Ichika was quicker on the draw and used his sword to deflect the bullet.
"Not bad!" Ichika complimented the Frenchman, "But I won't go down that easily!"
He then quickly dashed forward and swung his blade at his opponent. Charles backed off and tried to block the several slashes coming from Ichika. Opening up a compartment, Charles armed himself with a smaller knife-like blade and quickly locked blades with his sword.
"Not bad. I don't normally like fighting up close, but today seems to be an exception!" The Frenchman spouted before breaking the blade lock.
He then landed and equipped a sub machine gun that the Frenchman used to try and shoot the lone male pilot out of the sky. Ichika saw this and began to deflect bullets back to Charles like mad, each bullet hitting his IS unit's shield and whittling it down.
With a smirk, Ichika dashed in and sliced through the sub machine gun like butter before kicking Charles away. The Frenchman barely had time to stabilize his flight before Ichika came charging in, thrusters at max.
Thinking fast, he quickly grabbed a shotgun and fired it right as Ichika got in close. The resulting blast knocked the lone male pilot away long enough to give the Frenchman time to breathe.
"You are pretty good with that sword of yours." Charles observed.
"Learned from the best." Ichika answered, before the two got back into a fighting stance.
"Alright you two, I think we can call this fight a draw." Kurogasa called out, "You two look exhausted."
The two backed off as Charles dis-engaged his IS unit.
"Though if I may be honest, Ichika, is zat you have very little understanding of ze shooting weapons' characteristics." Charles said while Ichika's wings and gauntlets disappeared.
"And since I only have theories to go on, I'm practically screwed…" Ichika sighed with his arms crossed.
"Zat's right. Ze Byakushiki doesn't have an equalizer, does it." Charles surmised.
"Nuh-uh. Something about not having an empty bus slot?" He wondered.
"It's only speculation, but I think ze Byakushiki is using the vacant bus slot for its One-Off Ability."
"A what, now?"
"Ze ability zat naturally emerges when ze IS and its pilot are in zer best condition at ze same time. For ze Byakushiki, your Reiraku Byakuya may be it."
"In other words, Ichika, your hissatsu waza is taking up that empty skill slot." Kurogasa translated. "Or to put it more simply, Reiraku Byakuya is such a big attack, it has to compensate by taking up two empty skill slots."
"I mean the Reiryaku Byakuya is an insane ability that even consumes the unit's energy shielding."
"That's ze same as Miss Orimura's IS, is it not?" Charles pondered. "You shouldn't be able to employ ze same technique merely because ze two of you are siblings…"
"But… I can't… I'm not like Chifuyu-nee…. I'm just her brother…"
"Then prove to be someone who can surpass her." Cody commented. "If you just think like that, you won't grow, nor be able to continue on with this new life of yours. Take hold of your own destiny."
"Che, I don't recall you being a philosopher…" Kurogasa scoffed.
"At least I'm helping, unlike you." Cody frowned.
"So how about zis?" Charles said as he pressed a few buttons on his rifle and a holographic target appeared. "Here. Use it."
"Wait, I thought I'm not allowed to use anyone else's equipment." Ichika pointed out.
"Normally, no. However, if ze user unlocks it, anyone can use it as long as zat person is a registered user." Charles reassured. "Go ahead."
"Uh… okay." Ichika said, taking the rifle and aimed at the holographic target.
"Okay, so you want to breathe and make sure to not let the kick hit. Otherwise you'll be on your butt." Charles informed him.
"Got it." Ichika said, taking aim while Charles was supporting him from behind.
"Settle your crosshairs… exhale… keep your feet solid to the ground." Charles instructed.
"Hey, is it just me or are those two really close?" Lingyin asked.
"Oh great, now you're having yaoi imaginations?" Kurogasa facepalmed. "This is so wrong on so many levels it's not even funny. Still, think it's weird how… feminine Charles looks?"
"You're telling me." Cody agreed.
They continued to watch Ichika shooting the holographic targets before his final score popped up.
Final Score: 43/50
"Huh… not bad…" Kurogasa mused.
"Wow! Thanks Charles! This helped out a lot." Ichika smiled.
"Merci, Ichika." Charles smiled, "Just keep it up and I'm sure you'll do fine. I'll even lend you zis gun for more training."
"Hey look, it's Laura Bodewig!" One voice called out. Everyone turned to see Laura in her 3rd Generation IS: The Schwarzer Regen.
Designed around the AIC (Active Inertia Canceller), it is capable of projecting an inertia negating field, and is based around melee combat (where the AIC would be most effective), but is also equipped with several Equalizers which enable ranged combat, making it a fairly stable all-round type. First was the Active Interia Projector, an inertia negating field that effectively stops any projectile and attacks directed at Laura. Next were six wire-guided daggers. The wires connected to daggers are strong enough to function as tentacles, capable of immobilizing, constricting, and even throwing a target as large as an IS. Then there was the Purizushi, a .80 caliber heavy railgun, mounted on the right shoulder, which implied that the speed at which the projectile is launched can be controlled. She also had beam sabers/spears that could be generated through her hands.
"Looky here at this Gundam wannabe." Cody smirked.
"You do realize that all the IS's are Gundam-like, right?" Kurogasa whispered to him.
"True, but some can look less like a Gundam, and more like an original mech suit design." Cody shrugged.
"And yet we all look like Super Sentai one way or another." Kurogasa joked.
"Okay, see here yo-"
"Ichika Orimura and Kurogasa Kururugi!" Laura called out, interrupting Cody.
"Yeah what now?" Kurogasa frowned.
"Today is your end. I will defeat you both and reclaim my teacher!" She announced. "Both of you have a personal machine, yes? Then this makes things easier! Fight me! Both of you!" Laura demanded.
"Why should we? We have no reason to!" Ichika snapped.
"You two may not, but I do!"
"Well the class league match is coming around the corner, so you can vent out then!" Kurogasa said.
"I shall not be denied!" She hissed before she fired her railgun at the two! However, Charles materialized her IS's shield and swatted the attack away.
"Charles?!" Ichika gasped.
"Unbelievable! I can't believe she challenged you two like that! Of course, Germans are always hot-headed and bothered easily." He said, as he now had his guns loaded and ready.
"How dare you block, with that inferior 2nd Generation model, you French poodle?!" Laura growled.
"A machine zat works much better zan your 3rd Generation type which currently has no prospect for mass production!"
"You stay out of this, French dog!" Laura glared, as she soon lunged at Charles, but before she could even land a blow, Cody lunged forward, striking the young German using a nearby power loader.
"Interesting… Mind if I have this dance?" Cody smirked from the controls.
"Cody, what the hell man?!" Kurogasa gawked.
"This chick wanted to brawl, and was about to attack my partner. I'd be stupid to just stand there even without my ShotRiser. So I'll see how well this fraulein is like in a fight with this old fossil?" He said, throwing another punch at her.
"How dare you interfere with my vendetta!"
"You know how we Americans are, butting into things we don't belong in." Cody said, before lunging with one of the power loader's claws.
The German pilot had to block before she was sent flying from the impact. In spite of how outdated power loader tech was in comparison to the IS or RaidRiser V, it could still pack a punch. However, she managed to recover and hover over the platform.
"If you wish to face me, dog, then so be it…"
"Whatever you say Nazi girl!"
["Attention! Students on the field! What are you doing down there?!"] One staff member shouted over the intercom.
"Che… I'll let you escape for today…" Laura scoffed before deactivating her IS and then leaving the arena completely.
"Che, just when I was actually having fun." Cody frowned before jumping out of the power loader.
"Okay, what was that all about?" Houki demanded.
"How should I even know?" Kurogasa said with confusion.
"It seems to me, you and Ichika have a more determined rival." Cecilia stated.
"That's an understatement of the century…" Kurogasa sighed.
Later on that day…
Kurogasa and Ichika were walking together back to their dorms, though the former was limping a bit.
"That Laura… she doesn't pull back any punches…" Kurogasa got out.
"We should thank Cody-san for that help…" Ichika said, wincing in pain.
"Yeah I guess…" Kurogasa got out but then his thoughts went back to when Laura slapped both of them in the face.
"You two… I do not approve… I do not approve that you're both her brothers!"
"I can't believe such pathetic boys are related to her… I will not stand for this."
"As if someone like you could ever have her full attention…"
"Hmmmmmm…" Kurogasa murmured as he subconsciously placed a hand on his cheek.
"Please Master! Answer me! Why are you in a place like this?!"
"Huh?" The boys got out as they looked to see Laura and Chifuyu talking.
"Don't make me repeat myself again." Chifuyu warned. "I have my own role to play. That's all you need to know."
"What role could you possibly have to play here in the Far East?" Laura asked incredulously. "I'm begging you Master to please come teach us back in Germany once again! You can't even exert half your abilities in this wretched place!"
"Something more to life than just being your instructor…" Chifuyu said. "And I'm more happy here than I was there."
"The students at this Academy do not deserve to be taught by someone of your stature! They lack a sense of danger! And they have mistaken the IS as some sort of extravagant fashion accessory! And the Raiders are no better! All of them are just muscle-brained glory hogs who just wish to use the system for war! I find it unbelievable that you could even give them the time of day to these people!"
"True… But two certain people do and they're always with me. And I will continue until I'm satisfied. Seeing them okay is more than enough for me to continue."
Laura growled, "It's because of them, isn't it! Your worthless brothers! I do not approve of either of them. Especially Kururugi, he doesn't even deserve the title of Kamen Rider! Why on earth would Hiden give up his inheritance to some low-level cyberpunk?"
"Gh…" Kurogasa winced, clutching onto his cybernetic arm. Even after his friends reassured him that he wasn't like the others, he still despised being called a cyberpunk.
*SLAP!*
"Watch your tone, Bodewig. I will not tolerate you insulting my family like that." Chifuyu glared. "You will treat them with respect, understood?"
Laura could only look at her mentor before suddenly running off.
Chifuyu sighed, "You silly little girl… You don't know what they mean to me… same goes for you…" She said before turning around, "You two can come out now."
"Gh!" Kurogasa and Ichika flinched before they slowly came out.
"U-Uh… hi sis…"
"Call me Orimura-sensei at school" the former IS pilot reminded them.
"Yes ma'am..." Ichika sighed.
"If you have time to waste, then at least get some practice in there" she told him off, "If you keep acting like this, you'll be knocked out of the tourney's first match."
"Chifuyu-nee… was it because of us?" Ichika asked. "Leaving Germany and throwing away the tournament to find us?"
"That's all in the past…" Chifuyu said, turning around. "There's no need to dwell on it. And I did say I'd do anything to protect you two."
"But… Laura thinks it's our fault that you lost the Brunhilde tournament… and now that you're back here… she couldn't accept that…" Kurogasa pointed out, clutching his cybernetic arm again. "And it's not like I chose to have this…"
He then felt a pair of his hands on his shoulders, making Kurogasa look up at Chifuyu.
"Believe me when I say this. What happened back then… none of it was ever your fault. I mean that." Chifuyu said firmly.
"Nee-san…"
"Likely if I were to go back to that day, I'd still do it. After all, you're both family and that's all that matters to me." she said, before kissing his forehead then leaving after.
As the two boys felt a sense of pride, the pair looked towards each other and smirked.
"Ready for some cross-system training?" Kurogasa asked Ichika.
"Like you had to ask." Ichika affirmed before the two headed for the training grounds.
Chifuyu sighed as she continued walking.
"Think they'll be okay now?" Rex asked, leaning against a tree.
"Hopefully." She sighed.
Meanwhile, Cody arrived at his dorm with Charles nowhere in sight.
"Ugh… finally…" Cody groaned out, closing the door, "I need a shower…" He groaned out as he walked to the bathroom as he opened the door.
"AHHHH!"
"Huh?" Cody looked up, seeing Charles there… but… something was off. The said French IS User was there, covering themselves up… But what he saw wasn't a boy but… A girl.
Charles was a she as they just stood there, staring at one another, only for Cody's instincts to kick in as his eyes began to wander up and down on her.
"SACRE BLEU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! GET OUT! OUT! OUT!"
The said blonde pushed out the other blonde before the door was slammed shut behind him. Cody was still a bit stunned and surprised before it started to come to him as he gained a hard blush as well.
'I…. I think I just saw everything…' He got out in his thoughts.
And as if Charles read his thoughts, the door suddenly opened and a wooden bucket was thrown at the back of his head, knocking him down, face planted to the floor.
"YEOW!"
"Zat was for peeking, you pervert!" Charles said before slamming the door again.
"Pervert? Where the hell did that come from?!" Cody shouted at Charles, "I'm not the one who didn't lock the door!"
He got no response as the gunner growled and simply walked to his bed. After sitting down, Cody pondered and he soon realized Charles wasn't what 'she' seemed to be. 'So… Charles is more of a *Charlotte*…. Well at least she has a really nice body.' He thought to himself before he smacked his cheeks to snap himself out. And then he heard the door open again, and felt something hit his head.
"OW! AGAIN?!" He growled when he saw that it was another bucket.
"Stop sinking about me, you pervert!" Charlotte shouted.
"How did she even know?" He gawked, only to shake his head before he stood up, ready to walk out.
"Oh no, you're not going anywhere!" Charlotte responded, "You will sit and wait for me to finish!"
"Hey, I don't takes orders from-"
WOOSH! BONK!*
"QUIT THROWING THINGS AT ME, DAMMIT!"
"SIT YOUR LE CUL DOWN!"
Cody grumbled as he sat on his bed, arms crossed with an annoyed look, "This isn't fair…" He pouted, more shocked that he followed what she said, something that he has never done before with anyone else.
It wasn't long before Charles came out of the shower now dressed in sweatpants and shirt, with a towel around their neck as he, or rather she sat down on her bed.
"Now… care to tell me the truth?" Cody demanded. "Why are you disguised as a guy when you're actually a girl?"
"It's… because of my Papa… as well as some of ze scientists for France…" She admitted, "Under his direct orders, he… sent me here in order to not only gain valuable data from the other IS Units… but… you, Kurogasa, Mika, Monsieur Hikari, and Ichika as well…"
"Eh? Me too?" He got out.
"Y-Yes… due to your unique systems, France became interested and wanted to learn more…" She nodded, "You see… My Papa… I'm his illegitimate daughter…"
Cody blinked from this, not expecting to hear that "You're… a bastard kid?"
"Oui… I was separated from him for a very long time… until two years ago when he took me in, around ze time zat my Mama died. The people from the Dunios family came to pick me up. After various tests, zey saw that I was compatible with the IS and even though it's unofficial, zey made me ze secret test pilot of the IS."
"I'm… sorry to hear that…." He said, his voice showing truth and understandment. "So… upon doing that, they found out about me, Mika, and Kurogasa wanting to learn more? For some new IS Generation?"
"Oui…" She nodded softly. "The Dunois Corporation is having financial difficulties. Since England and Germany have already produced 3rd Generation IS units, like Ms. Cecilia Alcott and Ms. Laura Bodewig, zey needed that valuable data to produce 3rd Generation models but progress has been slow and zeir development permit is threatened of being withdrawn."
"Hence why choosing me and Kurogasa was the best idea for them… something to get a leg up from anyone else…" He noted as she nodded once more, "Your pops' company is planning to hybridize the IS and RaidRiser V."
"But… now zat you know? Zis means I will be forced to head home…"
"Hm? Why's that?" He asked.
"Why else? I'm just an advertisement to get ze attention…" Charles smiled sadly as she looked down. "For zis charade, zey felt I had a better chance if I met up with you and pretended to be a boy, stealing both of your data without any suspicion."
"I see…" Cody nodded softly, "Well… I'm not letting that happen." He said before standing up, "If they even think of taking you away, they'll be dealing with me and Tabane."
"What?" Charles looked surprised.
"You being used as a tool by your father is just wrong, something that I won't tolerate." he stated, "Even I got my limits for patience."
"C-Cody…" Charles got out.
"So if you want to stay here? You can. I'll keep this just between us." He smirked softly, "And if they try anything? I'll just beat them down. And besides, the IS's manual states that as long as you're here, no nation of organization can interfere in your studies,"
"You read ze manual?" She got out.
"I may look like a meathead, but I do study hard." he smirked. "Basically, here in IS Academy, at least for the next three years, you got diplomatic immunity. And after that? I'll make sure they can't touch you. After all, never mess with a wolf's pack."
Charles chuckled, "You know… 'spite how you act? You're a really sweet guy."
"Thanks Charlie."
"Um… only call me zat when others are around. When it's just us? Can… you call me Charlotte?" She asked, a soft blush.
"Sure thing, Charlotte." He smiled softly. "Just… don't hit me again. Already had enough of that." he grumbled before massaging his head.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I'm still alive and kicking folks.
Yeah, truth be told, this chapter was already done and ready to publish. However the problem was that my computer was down for the count and, on top of FF dot Net's mobile chapter update system being buggy at best for me, I decided to wait until I get my computer fixed and then upload what I have in the vault. Which sadly means that I missed all of April.
No story-related talks here since it's been a while since Duelist and I finished the chapter, so hopefully I can get CrossChro and EoT updated soon...
Until next time, this is HackerEX logging out! See ya!