First Fight
The roads of Tokyo were once bustling with cars everywhere, though Avatar attacks had brought traffic to a new low. Instead, any vehicles still on Tokyo's streets had the luxury of speeding across and witness the abandoned cityscape.
A lonely car drove along these deserted streets, a limousine belonging to the Self-Defence Force. Its passengers, however, were the most important: the three hopefuls who were to become iDols of µ's.
"Wow… never would've imagined a day to go all the way inside Tokyo," Honoka voiced her opinion.
"Kotori, where's your mother?" asked Umi.
"She told me she would be leaving early today to prepare the paperwork," Kotori answered, "We should be able to meet her at the base."
The second-year trio arrived at their destination in almost no time due to the nearly nil traffic around. The car entered a dome-shaped building and descended floor by floor. The building proved to be way bigger on the inside, with thousands of people tending to their devices. The ride underground might even be longer than that outside on the streets.
"Wow…" Honoka and Kotori called in awe.
"What is this?" wondered Umi.
Eventually, the limousine stopped and its driver called out.
"Ladies, this is your stop."
With that, the girls left their ride and were greeted by some surprising old friends. Three girls of their age stood before them, all wearing black jumpsuits. Joining them was the chairwoman, attired in a military uniform of the JSDF.
"Hideko! Mika! Fumika!" the trio cried, "Why are you here?"
"Hey there, how's everything in school?" replied Fumika.
"I thought you guys transferred last semester," Umi said.
"To join the Self-Defence Force," Mika cut in.
"Though we weren't selected to pilot the new iDols, we are here to support you guys in technical roles!" Hideko assured them.
"Indeed, welcome aboard to our base, Phoebus Apollo." Kotori's mother welcomed the newcomers; "In your time here and during missions, you will know me as Captain Minami and may address me as Captain or Madam… including you, my daughter."
"Okay! Let's go!" Honoka enthusiastically cried out.
"Of course, now let's bring you girls to familiarise yourselves with your iDols," Captain Minami continued, walking off and the rest following her.
Along the walkway, Captain Minami was leading the way while the second-years followed behind. The captain stopped suddenly and looked to her side, where an enormous machine was being maintained before them. In comparison, they were like insects before a giant.
The machine stood like skyscrapers and was to humans what humans were to ants. Its vaguely humanoid shape was slightly unsettling, only lessened by the masked faceplate on its head and its orange highlights were its distinctive feature. A gigantic sword was attached to the machine's back, serving as its main weapon.
"Behold, this is the Calliope." Captain Minami declared, "Named after the Muses of mythology, it excels in close combat and will be Kousaka-san's iDol from now on."
"Wow, I can really punch them now!" Honoka excitedly exclaimed, "Those Avatars will die by my hand!"
"And let's move on," the captain said, already proceeding without time to waste.
The door in front slid open and the second-years followed the captain to the next room, where another iDol awaited them. Unlike the orange-coloured Calliope, this iDol had sea-blue highlights and its form was far more feminine with twin antennas that give the impression drooped ears. A large sniper gun was attached to its shoulder, acting as the main weapon.
"And this is the Clio, best suited for long-range combat," Captain Minami explained, "Sonada-san will be its pilot."
"But I'm not used to shooting," Umi protested.
"But Umi-chan's so good with archery!" Honoka pointed out.
"And my daughter's iDol unit is next," Captain Minami said, gesturing to the door that slid open upon her gesture.
As they entered the next room, another iDol stood before them. Grey highlights matching Kotori's hair made it clear its chosen pilot. Its mask seemed to be attached to the ram-like horns that coiled into two buns. A long thin spiral spear was attached onto its back.
"And this is the Erato," the captain elaborated, "The spear allows it to attack from far and near with great ease."
Kotori only looked on at her iDol, staring in awe at its imposing figure.
"I think we've covered the basis," she continued, "Now, you need to know more about the Interactive Movement System."
In another room, the recently drafted members of µ are prepared for the first training session. Once again, Captain Minami supervised them and it was clear that she would be always with them henceforth. This time, Hideko, Mika and Fumika were with them and operating the computer systems.
But what was most interesting was the giant robotic arm inside the adjacent chamber, separated by a glass window. In their chamber, there was a tube-like device wired to the computers operated by the technicians who were their classmates once. And the second-years now donned skin-tight bodysuits, each with colours corresponding to their respective iDols.
"The Interactive Movement System is the means you control your iDol," Captain Minami explained, "Unlike most machinery, there is no real instruction manual to operate them."
"If that is the case, how will we operate our iDol?" asked Umi.
"The key is… just move them as you would," the captain continued, "It is connected to your nerves, so your every movement will correspond to the iDol's movements as well. This set-up is scaled-down from the actual thing, but it is good for training purposes. Kousaka-san, would you demonstrate that to us?"
"Okay!" That was Honoka's energetic reply, "But how do I do this?"
"Place your arm inside the tube and stay still for a second or two." Hideko answered, "We'll give you the signal when you are ready to move."
The ever-energetic Honoka put her right hand inside the tube and laid it down at the bottom. The three technicians typed away at their keyboards, engrossed by the computation work.
After a second or two, the silence broke.
"Honoka, you are good to go!"
"Kousaka-san, would you please move your hand as you do naturally?" the captain instructed.
With that, Honoka began twisting her wrist. The robotic arm in the adjacent chamber followed suit, mimicking all of Honoka's actions. Honoka, Kotori and Umi were reasonably amazed by the technology.
"This is incredible!" exclaimed Kotori.
On the contrary, the technicians and Captain Minami were less than impressed with this familiar sight. She turned to Mika and gestured to her, acknowledged with a nod.
"Activating pain settings. Level 2."
"Ahh!"
Suddenly, Honoka stopped moving about and groaned at a sudden pain in her arm. As though a thousand needles stabbed into her arm, it was truly unbearable and she pulled her arm out of the tube.
"Honoka, are you okay?" asked Umi, rushing to her friend.
"Mu… I mean, Madam, what was that?" Kotori asked, "A malfunction?"
"No, it was intentional," her mother replied, "To pilot an iDol, you must first understand how they work and their downsides. You will feel all the pain your iDol will feel in combat. Do you understand the implications?"
"That we are literally fighting the enemy ourselves… with our bodies," Umi said, "Our lives are completely on the line."
"You will face excruciating pain that does not truly exist yet your body acknowledges them as such," the captain continued, "This lesson must be the first and most important, that an iDol must endure and fight till the bitter end."
"Like A-Rise did…" Kotori added solemnly.
"If that's the case, I will be next," Umi said, "I am from a samurai family and I am more aware of the virtue of sacrifice more than anyone else."
"I will not let Honoka-chan and Umi-chan suffer by themselves. I will do this too," Kotori said.
At the same time, in Nozomi's apartment, she was fiddling with her Tarot cards as usual. Living alone had its benefits; the spiritual maiden could read futures and fortunes uninterrupted.
Before her were three cards. The Fool. The Hierophant. The Lovers.
"And the Fool charges head-on to the path, while the Hierophant guides them on the path and the Lovers unite them throughout the path…"
Ding-dong. The doorbell rang.
Nozomi picked up the next card of the deck. It was The Hermit.
"Oh, Eli-chi, eh? Guess it's time…"
Days since they first began training as iDol pilots under Section µ's, the second-years grew accustomed to their new life and training regime. All for the sake of everyone's safety and the survival of their school, they persevered.
Using an abandoned school (also shut down by the government), it was converted to a massive training ground for µ's to operate. With the track all to themselves, the three second-years ran round laps under their captain's supervision.
"Stamina is what that determines if you live for another second on the battlefield!" she called out, "The battle might drag on forever if it has to and you must outlive your enemy."
"Uh… how m-many more l-laps must we go on?" Honoka panted.
Suddenly, an alarm sprang up. A loud siren erupted, with no apparent origin as though it was everywhere at once. Along with it, a familiar announcement was made.
"All residents of Tokyo, please cease all current activity. Avatar sighting has been determined in the city outskirts. All civilians are to evacuate to the nearest underground shelter for safety purposes. Self-Defence Force units are to mobilise for defence of national territory."
"Girls, this is it. Your first mission," Captain Minami said, "Go to your iDols at once. I will be at Central Command."
"Okay!" That was their reply, running off the track and into underground.
Captain Minami also ran to the safety of the underground facilities, heading off to the Central Command. There at the Central Command, her technicians were already prepared and analysed the necessary information.
"Ladies, what are we dealing with today?" she inquired.
"Avatar sighted to be from the seas and just reached the Home Islands."
"Threat level currently at Alpha. Avatar has not yet engaged with civilian or military targets."
"Cross-referencing the Avatar Compendium… Avatar's codename determined as Ymir."
"iDols are ready for departure."
"Engage target Ymir."
Just outside the city of Tokyo, the earth shook and trembled at the footsteps of a giant. A walking iceberg was its cause. It had a vaguely humanoid shape, but that was all the similarities it had with humanity. It stood among skyscrapers and was without distinctive features, save the two holes on its face that seem like empty eye sockets that emit eerie lights from within.
This creature was dubbed Ymir, named after the primordial frost giant of Norse mythology. It definitely befitted an Avatar of its size and crystalline appearance.
Currently engaging the crystal giant were some tanks of the JSDF, firing their rounds at the titanic being. Like flies, their firepower hardly scratched the giant and it just stomped through them. The crystalline giant was unstoppable.
However, marching from the city, the three µ's units were poised to halt Ymir's advances. Their human-like frames made them suitable for running about quickly. All of them were armed with their respective weapons and ready to take down the enemy.
"Wow, this is so surreal!" Honoka exclaimed upon the cityscape view thanks to the Interactive Movement System, "The view of the city is so great!"
"Honoka, be serious please!" Umi called out over the communications system, "This is not a game; this is war."
"All the best everyone…" Kotori said.
"Okay, I will catch Ymir's attention and standby as your archer," Umi reported, "You two prepare yourselves to fight him head-on."
The Clio stopped its movements and mounted itself on top of a skyscraper. It knelt down to take aim, locking on the bulky Ymir. An artillery bullet from it fired out from the long sniper cannon, precisely aimed at the giant's shoulders. That blast stumbled the mighty giant, backtracking by a step or two. Its two hollow 'eyes' turned to find both Calliope and Erato closing in on it.
Honoka began the fight proper by swinging Calliope's sword at Ymir, though the giant caught the weapon and simply flung away the iDol like a ragdoll. The iDol crashed onto the ground by Ymir's counterattack.
"Ouch… that really hurts…" she remarked.
"Honoka-chan!" Kotori cried out.
But that was no time for exclamations; Ymir was reacting to their attacks with force. Its fist went on to attack Erato as well, which narrowly dodged the attack. The iDol fought back immediately, striking the beast with its drill-spear. The drill spun as the weapon stabbed into Ymir's fist, digging into its crystalline body.
The giant might have felt some pain, for it shook its fist and brushed Kotori's iDol aside. It would have crushed the iDol if not for a timely shot to Ymir's ankle by the distant support of the Clio.
"This guy is tough… How can we beat him?" asked Umi.
"He is not immune to pain; we just need to destroy its core," Kotori replied, "That light… It's inside its head."
"Okay, I will aim for it," Umi confirmed.
The Clio prepared for its next fire, launching the high-calibre round for the Avatar's head. This time, Ymir just extended the same arm that was just pierced by Erato's spear and clashed with the bullet. Despite forcing the Avatar back by a few metres, the giant hand crushed the bullet with golden liquid leaking out.
Ymir continued its march unhindered, this time heading towards the building where Clio was stationed. Erato and Calliope dashed towards the hulking Avatar.
"Has it realised my attacks?" Umi wondered.
"You shall not get to Umi-chan!" Kotori cried, stabbing the giant again, this time at its knees.
"Hiyah!" yelled Honoka.
Calliope joined in the attack, but with a slash on the other side's thigh. While scratching off some of its icy exterior, damage was considerably superficial and Ymir just advanced without care.
"If we can't stop it now…" Kotori cried.
"I could try shooting it at blank point, but what if it does the same as before…" Umi doubted.
"Everyone, we cannot despair!" Honoka called out, "We will just have to distract it so Umi-chan can have a clear shot."
"But what if I shot you two as well…" Umi questioned.
"Umi-chan, we have faith in your sniping! Just shoot when you feel it is the time," Honoka reassured her friend, "Now, Kotori-chan, you will strike from behind."
Calliope overtook Ymir and stabbed the giant Avatar with its spear repeatedly, striking into its chest many times over. Copying its comrade, Erato thrust its sword into the back of the giant. Confused by a two-front assault, Ymir simply stopped as it turned about wondering where to attack.
The giant slowly turned to its side and…
Its head was shot off by a round from the Clio, causing the Avatar to collapse and break away into thousands of tiny crystals and golden ichor spilling everywhere.
"Ymir is now neutralised." Hideko confirmed at the Central Command.
"Good, dispatch the recovery team," Captain Minami ordered.
"Good job girls…" she thought.
At the end of the day, Captain Minami was about to retire to her quarters after issuing orders on the disposal of the defeated Avatar. However, as she was about to enter for rest, she found two guests already waiting for her there.
Ayase Eli and Toujou Nozomi stood there, glaring at the captain. Both had also donned skin-tight bodysuits of an iDol pilot; the difference being Eli's light blue suit and Nozomi's violet suit.
"Chairwoman, wha…" Eli spoke.
"It's Captain or Madam in here, Ayase-san," the captain corrected.
"Ok... Madam, why did you drag those three girls into this?" Eli questioned, "I thought we agreed that the Student Council will bear the school's burden instead."
"Rest assure that I have nothing to do with Kousaka-san and the rest's involvement in µ's," Captain Minami explained, "Like you, they are equally eager to save the school too… at all costs and by any means."
"I should be bearing that burden!" Eli yelled, "You could have stopped them!"
"Wait, Eli-chi…" Nozomi interrupted, "It may not be a bad thing. If those girls are willing parties, they could become powerful allies for us. We should work with them."
"Nozomi, I already feel guilty enough to have dragged you into this," Eli said, "We don't need additional baggage."
"Eli-chi should trust others more often." Nozomi talked back, "Besides, a young girl living by herself needs something to while away time ya~"
Hurray for the first official Avatar battle in this series! I thought the fight might seem short, but then their opponent was not all that threatening or bizarre.
The so-called "Avatar Compendium" referred in this chapter refers to a "holy text" recovered from a cult that held the names of all Avatars. Interestingly, they share names with many mythological beings and creatures.
Threat Level Alpha is not all that threatening, since Ymir had not reached the city yet.
And here's Tarot symbolism:
Honoka: The Fool (suits her status as protagonist and reckless nature)
Umi: The Hierophant (the guardian of traditional values)
Kotori: The Lovers (the glue of the second-year trio, as seen in the anime)
Eli: The Hermit (the isolated loner, who took things up upon herself)