Author note : First for the review about previous chapter. About Madoka personality, well I did not have any intend to make her have the same personality as cannon Ichika. I will admit that I copy some line directly from the LN and then edit it.
I just haven't found any chance to expand on her personality. While I intent for her to have some of Ichika canon personality but I also didn't want her to possess his incompetence. I just want to focus on Ichika firs, well because this series is about the adventure of the only male that could pilot IS.
So please bare with me. I will also fixed and re-edit the previous chapter also.
With that out of the way, here it is, my first real fight scene. I hope it will be up to par for all of you reader. Oh yeah let me say this in advance. Please forgive me if there's something that is not up to your liking, as I said this is my first fight scene, the one in chapter 2 didn't count.
Alright, now the disclaimer. I did not own Infinite Stratos or any kind of other anime or game I mentioned.
Chapter 4 Emergence of the Genestealer, Siblings Reunion.
/The Day of the Match/ /3rd PoV/
Today are a day that was hated by most student and worker in the world, the day that most of them wish to never come. Today is the day that force them out from their little paradise of their bed and home, back into the cruel world. Today is Monday.
The IS academy were bustling with activity, many students returning from their weekend holiday. While usually today most student were wishing to just stay in their bed, but this Monday was different for them. It's different because today were the scheduled first fight of the first male IS pilot in the world.
Amidst the excitement of the female students in the academy a lone male can be seen making his way to class from the dormitory.
His presence attracting many gazes from the female populous while the mask he wore only added into his mysteriousness.
Despite all the attention he garnered, the boy in question were walking like nothing is wrong in this world, ignoring all the students in his way.
In actuality he were in the middle of reading an online manga through his connection with his partner Didact via a mental holographic screen.
It's shows his skill in multitasking that he didn't crash against anything in his way to his class while simultaneously reading manga.
Entering his class and walking to his seat, he senses the gaze of one Orimura Madoka on him. Turning to her Ichika decided to give her a greeting.
"Good morning Orimura-san." Greet Ichika with an eye smile.
Surprised Madoka return his greeting. "Y-yes, good morning to you too Biaggi-san"
"Yep, so today is the day right?"
Recognizing his mention of the battle scheduled later today, Madoka give out her confirmation. "Yes, today is the match, I hope we will have a fair battle, Biaggi-san."
"Yep, I hope you will give your best later too, Orimura-san."
"Likewise Biaggi-san."
A new voice decided to enter their conversation. "Hohohoho, It obvious that the victor has already been decided."
Both Ichika and Madoka let out a groan of annoyance at the voice. And here comes the owner of said voice, one Cecilia Alcott walking to them with her usual ojou-sama attitude.
Deciding to humor her Madoka asked "And on what basis do you say that?"
""Oh my, you still don't know? Alright, let me tell you, an ordinary civilian. I, as the English representative of England, Cecilia Alcott...in other words, have my own personal machine."
This time it's Ichika who responded. "Then so what?"
Flustered Cecilia responded back while trying to recover her equilibrium. ""...Ahem, wasn't it just mentioned during the lesson? There are only 467 IS in the entire world. In other words, those able to have their own personal IS are the elites among elites chosen from the 6 billion people in the entire world."
"Aaaannd?"
"Well, it's means my IS will be better because it was made in my specification."
"Oh, I thought it was something more important." Answered Ichika while shrugging his shoulder.
DING—DONG—DANG—DONG!
Turning to Madoka he give her his goodbye. "Well it seems this is where this conversation are ending, so good day for you Orimura-san." Turning back to Cecilia he said with halfhearted effort "And you too Alcott-san."
Then he turned and walked to his seat but not before looking back from his shoulder and said. "Oh yeah before I forgot, for you information Alcott-san, I'm also in possession of my own personal IS and the same also apply with Orimura-san. Well, stay frosty." He ended with an eye smile, looking at the surprised face of Cecilia and Madoka.
Cecilia were almost looks like about to interrogate Madoka about that tidbit but the entry of Chifuyu to the class dissuade her from it.
Meanwhile Madoka were busy thinking about what Ichika said, that she has her own personal IS which supposed to be a secret thing only known by the manufacturer company, her sister and her along with some other individual.
"How did he know that I have a personal IS? Does it because his father are an owner of IS company too?" Was what Madoka is thinking at the moment. Only to be cut short with an edge of a notebook impacting with her head.(A/N : I love that notebook.)
Looking up she come face to face with her sister. "Orimura, we are doing a class attendance and it's your turn to be called. But you seems to find it better to daydream in class." Said Chifuyu with a scary aura around her. "So what do you have to say?"
Cowed by her sister and having no other alternative Madoka could only give out a subdued sorry to her sister.
/Few hours later/
DING—DONG—DANG—DONG! The school bell rang signifying the end of the school period.
"That is all for today, make sure you submit your assignment on the next week, understood?" Said Chifuyu, after receiving a confirmation from the students she directed her gaze to three peculiar people.
"Biaggi, Orimura, Alcott the three of you come with me, we will go to arena 3 for your match." Seeing the three perked up at their name called she added. "Now move quickly! The rest of you may watch the match if you want, just follow Yamada-sensei to the arena."
And with that she quickly exited the class not looking back to see if the three people she called are following her or not.
It takes them about 15 minutes walking to arrive in front of arena 3. Stopping Chifuyu turn to address the three.
"This is where your path separated, Each of you have been assigned a launch bay, Biaggi you get the North West bay, Alcott the South West bay and Orimura you get the North East bay."
/5 minutes later/ /North West hangar, changing area/ /3rd Pov/
Ichika right now were in the middle of changing into his IS suit. As a male he receive a custom suit. (A/N : His suit were the same as canon except the color are black)
He also discarded his mask and headband, fully exposing his scarred face to the world. A smile on his face.
Walking into the hangar he was surprised to see peoples he knew were there waiting for him.
Standing there besides a black container with a grin were his father and director of Arche Corp Garry Biaggi, along with his grandpa, Ian Vashti.
"Well well, look what we have here." Said Garry while walking to Ichika then proceeded to ruffle his hair. "My little boy, are gonna have his first official match today."
"Leave him alone, Biaggi. It's time for him to be reintroduced to his steed." Interrupted Ian.
Brushing his father hand from his head Ichika greeted his father and granpa. "Love you too pop, hey grandpa what did you do this time?"
"Why don't you see for yourself." Answered Ian while pressing some button which prompt the container door to open with a hiss.
And there in the back, a familiar black form sitting there waiting for Ichika to use it. With another push of button the IS were moved forward by mechanical arms, pushing it out into the light.
An almost jet black IS come to a stop in front of him. The IS sports an almost organic looks in several of its parts.
Ichika moved to touched the IS, the metal feels cold to the touch. Cold and empty because it is still just a frame, it still doesn't have a core but he could sense that it has an infinite potential, what it need was a right core and a master to use it. And he has both.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Asked Ian.
"Yes. What did you do pops?"
"Oh nothing much, I'm just replacing the GN drive with a new and improved one along with upgrading the nanites installed while injecting some more of it into the frame. It will at least increased your synchronization rate a bit, along with increasing the time efficiency of its primary ability."
GN Drive, a device that was made by one of the most brilliant professor that is working for his father company, Prof. Aeolia Schenberg. The GN drive was designed as a semi perpetual energy source, it can give out power in a constant rate for in theory an infinite period of time
In an IS the visible part of the drive was only seen as a cone shaped device attached in the back armor like a backpack.
The drive output was in the form of a special particle called GN particle. This shiny particle bear many special properties, one of which is it could produce a jamming effect on an area saturated by the particles effectively neutralizing almost any kind of sensor and radar that isn't specialized to be used for it.
Second was weight manipulation, this were mainly used for mobility purposes by manipulating the weight of the IS for desired result.
Third and one of the most important is its staple role in particle beam weaponry aptly named as GN particle beam. Other than those three there still many more uses found for the particles.
(A/N : FYI, I use the explanation about the particle function from the Wiki)
Because of this in Ichika IS the drive was mainly used for powering weapons, and propulsions. Thus reducing the burden of the power requirement taken from the its IS core allowing for more powerful PIC thus increasing mobility and importantly larger shield capacity.
The downside was, if the drive was to be heavily damaged or the particle reserves were depleted in a rapid pace, The IS won't be able to use any of its GN based weaponry along with a reduced performance.
The latter conditions can be solved by just waiting for the drive to replenish the particle reserves, but still it needs some time for the drive to fill it.
Ichika brushed his hand against the IS, the orb form of Didact pulsing with excitement.
"Long time no see, Genestealer. How about you Didact? Anything to say from you? It's sort of your body we are talking about here."
A strand of red light comes out from Didact orb form and connected with the IS frame, scanning it.
"WHISTLE it still needs some more improvement, but it has the potential we need, I'm sure it just need a chance for growing first but overall I'm satisfied with this frame." Answered Didact.
"Well what are you waiting for hop on and activate it."
Nodding Ichika move closer to the IS and pressed his right hand into the frame. "Activating implantation sequence." After saying that the orb form of Didact glowed brighter.
"Establishing connection."
"Connection established. Core implanted, Pilot registered."
"Activating IS frame 'Genestealer'." Suddenly there's a blinding flash of light. And when its gone Ichika could be seen already donning the IS.
Flexing his armored hand Ichika give out his order. "Didact, a system scan please."
"Right away." Not a moment later Didact gives out his report.
"Core connection is stable. Activating GN drive." The drives comes to live and start to gives out a humming sound. "Hmm, GN drive particle output are stable, IS pilot synchronization rate at 93%, PIC online, Shields energy 900 out of 900. All systems green."
"Well it looks like everything is in place. You still have a few minutes to get used to your IS again. You can do it yourself right?"
"Are you guys leaving? So soon?"
"Don't worry we have already reserved some seats for us. We will watch your battle, while Ian will be collecting data as you battled." Answered Gary.
"Oh okay." Suddenly as if remembering something Garry click his finger and called Ichika while taking something from his tuxedo inner pocket.
"Oh yeah I nearly forgot, come here sonny."
Looking up from being called. "Yes?"
Having pulled out the thing, Garry offered it to Ichika. The object was a white mask faceplate with black straps to attach it to the head. the face plate has were roughly hexagonal, with a broken part on the left side that reveals some kind of lenses beneath it.
"Here, your lucky mask. Don't want your face to get shot, right?"
Smiling, Ichika retrieved the mask from his father hands. "Thanks dad."
"Have fun and kick ass, okay." Said Gary while giving out a thumbs up to Ichika.
"Roger that." Replied Ichika with a smile.
Gary and Ian proceeded to exit the hangar leaving Ichika to his stuff.
PING! Suddenly his IS sensor reporting something.
A screen pop out showing the picture of a blue colored IS with name Blue Tears along with some data.
The name of pilot of the Blue Tears was Cecilia Alcott, the data shown it to be a 3rd Generation long-ranged type IS. 'So a sniper IS huh? Good thing Genestealer has good mobility.'
PING! another report, His IS sensor detected additional signal from another IS.
Another screen pop out showing the image of a white and blue colored IS, piloted by Madoka Orimura
The name of the IS was registered as Byakushiki, according to the data in IS academy database it was a prototype 3.5 Generation IS. Half generation more advance than Blue Tears.
"Hmm a 3.5 Gen IS huh? That's an interesting IS you have there Orimura-san. What do you think Didact?"
"..." Silence.
"...Didact?"
"..."
"Hey partner, what's the matter?" Asked Ichika, worry in his voice.
"...Ichika." Called Didact.
"Yes Didact."
"This IS."
"Hmm?"
"Look at the core number of the IS."
Obeying his partner Ichika scroll down the screen containing Byakushiki data until he reach the section containing the core number assigned to the IS. On the screen displayed were the Byakushiki core number, CORE-001.
Looking at the number causing Ichika to freeze for a moment, before a huge grin appeared on his face.
"So we have found it. Yes.. It make senses for it to be passed down from sibling to sibling. Oh, this will be fun, right Didact?"
"Yes Ichika, finally after all this time we have meet again. Finally I will have a part of my revenge. Our reunion is nearing, little SISTER! Gehahahaha!" Declared Didact while releasing an evil laugh in the end while Ichika only show a smile for his friend and partner.
"Gehahahahahahaha Uhg! Uhuk uhuk Cough cough!"
Cue Sweatdrop "Ano, Didact if you finished already, we still need to make our battle plan."
"WHEEZE... Right, right hold out just a minute. Cough cough." More sweatdrop appeared on Ichika head.
It took Didact a few minutes to calm down and allow them to construct their battle plan with a calm mind.
/Few minutes later/ /IS Academy 3rd Arena/
/Madoka PoV/
Right now I'm floating in the middle of the arena in my IS. Looking around many student were already sitting on the spectator seat in fact this is are too many for just our class, it's looks like other class already got the news about this fight and they decided to watch it too.
Looking at the only other competitor already in the arena, Alcott-san looks like she were basking in the attention.
Uuh, great, now I'm feeling like I'm just a show for them. My burden were quite large in this match. Bearing the title of the younger sister of the Brunhilde, a lot of expectations were put in me.
Hell maybe the only reason I got my own personal IS were because of Chifuyu-nee, and I also suspect the involvement of Tabane-nee, Houki older sister and creator of IS.
Byakushiki early design was only mean to be armed with just an IS blade. Just a SINGLE FU&KI*G BLADE! I'm not my sister who are a CQC monster! I prefer a close medium range approach thank you.
That's why after I protested to my sister(begging and groveling), she contacted someone (most likely Tabane) and voila, Byakushiki is now equipped with a prototype beam rifle, and 2 offensive bits along with the mandatory(declared by Chifuyu) IS blade.
The blade wAS also equipped with beam blade function, so against long range type like Alcott-san I still could win as long as I could keep it in close range.
But what making me nervous was Ichika IS, there's almost no data about his IS and his fighting skill. Hell the only thing I know, was that he defeated one of the instructor on the entry test, a feat only I and Alcott-san could do in our year.
'Come on Madoka, put yourself together. This is the time for you to show your skill. Also this is your chance to get more interaction with your supposed brother.'
Speaking about the boy, the audience suddenly started to get rile up. Looking on she could see the boy flying out from his hangar, and stopped in his starting position.
Looking at his IS three words describe its appearance. Strange, dark, and intimidating.
The color of the IS was almost all black. it has more armor than a normal IS. The legging armor has a scale-mail like design with a sharp spike on the knee. On the waist armor there's a large dagger like device on each sides. But what the most strange is the arms part.
The right arm was attached to what seems to be a large curved metal plate with sharpened edge that almost fully covered the arm. It almost looks like a shield if not of the set of metal jaws lined with white teeth's slightly jutting out at the end of the plate.
The left arm was even more strange. The appendage seems to be fused into a more larger and complete jaws version in the right arm. The jaw in this arm was more than twice larger than in the other arm.
'It looks as if my head could fit inside it.' I thought while releasing a gulp.
Both appendage was covered in armor that extended to the shoulder along with a tick cable at the back end that connect with a strange cone device on his back.
(A/N : To help with your imagination for the arms part, I took it from Kancolle series Heavy Cruiser Ri-Class from the abyssal fleet, you can see it in their wiki. The only difference is there's a thick armor plates to cover the visible inner part of the 'cannon' and more smoother design on the metal, along with more armor that covers till the shoulder.)
This device also seem to be responsible for his propulsions by releasing this strange glowing blood red particle coming out from a strange cone device on his back. The strange particles also seems to leaked out from the various gap in the arms armor.
Finally and grudgingly for me, his face was covered by some kind of clean white metal plate face mask that only shows his mouth and chin. The only flaw on the mask was the left part seems to be damaged and some parts broke off and reveal a some kind of glowing red circular lenses.
(A/N : The mask was from the Chi-class torpedo cruiser again from Kantai collection)
I really want to look into his face in order to compare his face with mine to see if we were twin or not.
'Nevertheless all in all I have never seen an IS like his. The design was completely radical from most main base design with its organic metal looks.' I let out a discreet order for Byakushiki to scan Ichika IS. But all of the scan only showing an error result, like they were being jammed or something.
'Maybe it's that particle.. maybe it could has a jamming property. Then an ordinary sensor won't work on him.'
And is it just me or Byakushiki seems to give out a low whine like showing distress.
Before I could ponder about it futher a certain 'hag' has to open her mouth.
/3rd PoV/
"Oh my, what an ugly IS, it's natural that for a beast like you to have a beast like IS."
Cecilia snorted as she placed her hand on her hip, giving off that princess vibe again.
However, her taunt elicited no response from the one she addresses to. In fact Ichika seems to be focusing his gaze on Madoka, or more specifically her IS, Byakushiki.
"Orimura-san."
"Y-yes." Madoka said, surprised for being suddenly addressed at.
"This battle.. show me all you've got okay?"
Blinking at the sudden request, Madoka let out a smile on Ichika direction "Of course Biaggi-san, I won't." Answered Madoka.
"Good, I hope you will be up to par then."
Meanwhile Cecilia were fuming from being ignored by the other's. But she quickly told herself to calm down because to be mad would be un-lady like.
DONG!
The bell indicating the start of the match were sounded, Each pilot quickly assume their standby position waiting for one of them to make the first move.
(Shield energy point : Ichika 900, Madoka 700, Cecilia 800)
"I'll give you all, one last chance."
Cecilia moved the hand that was on her hip and pointed her index finger at Ichika and Madoka, the muzzle of her rifle casually pointed downwards.
"Chance?" asked Madoka.
"It's obvious that I'll be winning no matter what. Thus, if you don't want to end up being seen in a battered and pathetic state, I may as well forgive you if you apologize now."
"That chance isn't yours to give, right?" Quipped Ichika.
"Really? That's a pity. If so—" Cecilia quickly pickup her rifle, taking aim and pressing the trigger.
"It's farewell with this!"
PSYUUU! A bright blue flash soared through the sky, aimed at Ichika.
BOOM! And proceed to missed a few meters from him and hit the arena wall.
"..." Silence.
Ichika look behind him to see the smoke billowing from the impact point and turn back to face Cecilia, his visible eyebrow raised in questioning gesture.
Cecila herself were looking between her rifle and Ichika, confusion on her face. Meanwhile Madoka were busy trying to stifle a laugh that is threatening to surface.
"Hu-rgh! Hihihihi.. hahahaha!" Unfortunately the dam only live for a short time.
"Hahaha.. she missed! All that talk and she missed! Oh Kami! Huahahaha!" The whole stadium also proceeded to laugh following Madoka.
Cecilia face were red from embarrassment. But there's nothing she could do but to weather it.
While Ichika keep his silent about it. Inside his head he already knows the answer of why Cecilia missed.
His suspicion was aimed at the GN particles produced by the GN drive. One of the particles special quirk are its capability to jammed any ordinary communication, sensors and scanning device. And looking at the way Cecilia previously taking her shot, she relies a lot in her IS sensor. Because of the particle interference, her sensors cannot get a proper lock-on.
Deciding to keep it to himself he shrugged before proceeding to wait. 'Why did almost everyone though this is a good day to laugh. Well this is still a 'battle' might as well enjoy it.'
It took several minutes for the crowd to calm down.
"Alcott-san." Called Ichika, a smile patched on to his face.
Hearing her name being called, Cecilia looks at Ichika.
"No hard feelings okay." Said Ichika with a pause before his smile turn into a grin. "Won't you die for me?" Said Ichika coldly.
Ichika lift up his left hand, aiming the attached large jaw at Cecilia. From the inside of the jaw a red light shone out and single whine sound was heard before a large red beam twice bigger than Cecilia own beam was launched at the surprised girl.
BOOOMM! The large beam hit home, launching Cecilia into the ground, not wasting a beat, he turn his aim to the still surprised Madoka. Another whine and another beam came streaking out at Madoka.
Madoka, her reflex honed by training from her sister quickly try to evade the shot, but still get clipped in the side by the large beam.
"Shit!" stabilizing herself she looks to Ichika only to see him smirking. Her left wing armor has sustained moderate damage while she also lost more than three dozen points of shield energy just from getting clipped by the beam.
Snarling she summons her own rifle and take aim. "Oh yeah take this!"
A yellow bolt of energy comes streaking against Ichika, aiming for his head, Madoka make sure to aim manually through the scope of her rifle, only for Ichika to block the beam with his right arm shield.
"Nice aim but it's not enough."
Smiling, Ichika fired another beam shot from his beam cannon before launching himself on Madoka directions.
Forced into evading the dangerous beam, Madoka was open for a bashing attack by Ichika. But he was forced to dodge sideways to evade a series of blue beams raining upon him. "Tch, she recover faster than I thought."
"Don't forget about me!" Shouted Cecilia while rapidly firing at Ichika, this time using her scope to manually aim. The Blue Tears was badly damaged from the previous direct hit, one of the bits was missing while spark of electricity sometimes can be seen dancing along the armor surface.
"Now, let's dance. Dance to the waltz that Cecilia Alcott and Blue Tears are playing!"
A shot, another shot, and another, and another. The attacks continued to rain down on Ichika.
Ichika was forced to take a series of evasive maneuver, dodging and blocking the beam, while sometimes spitting out some curses..
Cecilia who is so focused on shooting at Ichika, didn't notice the white blur approaching her. She could only let out a yelp from being hit by an IS grade katana and got send flying into the ground again further adding to the damage she sustained.
"I'm still here you know." Madoka victory was short lived because in the next second a black blur appeared behind her. "As am I, Orimura-san!" she heard Ichika said before it's her turn to get send flying from being hit by a bashing attack from Ichika.
Ichika released a sigh before leaning back to dodge a shot from Cecilia, raising his shield to block a shot from Madoka. "Heh, how predictable." Ichika retaliate with his beam cannon toward Cecilia, before flying back to evade a charge from a certain black haired girl.
'Hmm, let's review what we already know about this two. First the Blue Tears, a long range sniper type IS. equipped with 4 offensive bits, scratch that it's three now.' Looking at Cecilia firing at Madoka he recognize a flaw. 'Hoo, so the blondie needs to be stationary to take a shot huh? Maybe a flaw in the design, this will be easy to exploit. Next would be Byakushiki.'
'A mid to close range suit, a beam rifle and a katana. And I'm sure that strange protrusions in the wings are actually also some kind of bits system.' Realizing that it's only him who didn't have a bit system Ichika released a sigh.
'Well, it seems I have my target in this match. But first let's just play a bit.' His mind made up Ichika returned his focus to the battle.
/Arena Control Room/
"It seems all of them are doing great." Exclaimed Yamada, while watching the live broadcast of match on the screen in the control room.
"Don't get excited, this is just the beginning stage of the match. It will only get more intense when they done probing their opponent." Admonished Chifuyu.
Wanting to ask something Yamada turning to face her superior and colleague, "But isn't it strange Biaggi-kun personality seems to change quite a bit in this match, It's like he has become colder." Yamada asked.
"Yes, it seems he has changed to his 'battle mode' if you want to called it. Some people have that kind of personality." Admitted Chifuyu, while inwardly she was worried about her supposed brother, no not supposed, she sure that Ichika is her long lost brother.
Sensing the negative aura emanated from Chifuyu Yamada quickly try to change the topic. "Oh yeah its really surprising that Biaggi-kun also have access to a beam cannon. I thought that French was supposed to still be behind in energy weapons technology?"
"Yes, but while his beam cannon are powerful, it is also has limited fire rate so it's balance out with the firepower of each shot."
"Oh."
"Yes, another problem also it should have hindered his mobility because of the weapon size, but seeing he could lift and aim it easily with one hand I suspect his IS possess some balancer to compensate for it."
"Eeh? Is that so? Then it seems the French are more advanced than we thought afterall."
"Yes, it is also take note that he haven't use the other 'jaw' on his right arm. That's why don't be surprised if he still have some other kind of surprise on his sleeve." Chifuyu answered, looking intently at the screen displaying the three way aerial battle.
/30 minutes later/
The battle was entering the climax. Both Madoka and Cecilia already let loose their bits, while Ichika's shield already have some dent and cut mark in it.
Cecilia shield energy was already reduced to less than a half, the previously direct hit from Ichika was responsible for the heavy damage her frame sustained while the next attack from Madoka also further drained away a significant part of her shield.
Madoka was slightly better than Cecilia, her bits were still whole while the major drainage of her shield were from the power siphon for her blade special feature. The damn beam blade are excellent at dealing damage but it also a sucks a lot of power to sustain itself.
Ichika were the most better off, energy wise. His IS was running on 2 power source, he also have more shield point capacity. His most saving grace was because of the hit and run tactic he use, always moving and taking shots every time he can. Although he still didn't get out of this unscathed, the clever use of his shield soak up most of the hit.
(Shield energy : Ichika 637, Madoka 474, Cecilia 386)
Ichika directed his gaze to look at the area where he knew his family was seated at.
Zooming in he could see his father and uncles looking at him, while Ian were looking intently at a strange device on his lap, most likely collecting data of his fight.
Looking at the time already expended in this fight
/With Garry and the others on the spectator seats/
Garry was looking at the battle being fought, the battle has gone for quite some times and he even got the chance to see the new bit system the British openly boasting about.
Looking at his son he notice something in his demeanor. "Hoo, so it's time huh?"
"So you have notice it too?" Said Graham, who is sitting beside him.
"Yes, he is my son after all. I should know just by seeing it."
"Hmm. ye but it is still interesting seeing his personality change when in battle from his normally slacking demeanor"
At this Gary rub the back of his head sheepishly. "Actually he take it from me. You know how I become when in the middle of a fight right?"
"Yes it is. Fortunately the boy didn't inherit anymore of your bad habbit."
"Hey what's the big idea!? Besides feeling the lust of battle when in a fight is what makes a man as a man. Hallelujah also know it too." Exclaimed Garry.
"And which one of us who have the most wounds because of that battle lust?" Graham asked.
"Uuuhh.. just leave me alone." answered Garry while dragging his hands through his face. Graham release a chuckle seeing Garry expressions.
/Back with the fighters/
'Didact, its time.'
'Hoo... finaly.'
Dodging a pair of shots from Cecilia, Ichika suddenly dash forward to Madoka, and proceed to swung his edge sharpened shield equipped right arm in a downward slash.
Madoka, surprised by the sudden move quickly brought her sword to block the attack, but she didn't saw the follow-up knee attack from Ichika. Staggered the girl cannot defend herself from being flung by Ichika using his cannon arm bulk as a bat.
(Madoka shield energy: 435)
Following the attack Ichika quickly twist around, evading beam shots from Cecilia bits. "Haha, too slow!"
Rising his right arm, the smaller metal jaw attached open up and let loose red beam shots this time the beam size almost the same as Cecilia beam shot, toward Cecilia forcing her to dodge and disturbing her control of her bits.
Ichika proceed to quickly turn around and raising his shield to block an attack from Madoka who has activated the beam properties of her blade, cutting a little bit to the shield.
"Hoo attacking from behind huh Orimura-san? But still.." Ichika said before he gave a push with his shield, deflecting Madoka attack and proceed to give her a kick.
"It's not good enough!" Ichika was about to dash and attack a still reeling Madoka but 'Dodge!' a warning from Didact and he dodged to the right, a blue beam striking his previous position.
'Tch.. those beam attack has started to become annoying.' Ichika looks at Cecilia with a narrowed eyes.
'Didact, get ready!'
'Let's get it on!'
Setting his target, Ichika dashed towards Cecilia, the girl seeing Ichika intent fired her sniper rifle at Ichika intent on shooting him down.
Ichika dodging and weaving around the beam fire while rapidly decreasing their distance. Diving to evade another beam shot, Ichika quickly rise up into Cecilia level. Their distance was so close, in this close distance Cecilia as long range fighter seems to be at disadvantage.
"I got you now!" Shouted Ichika with a grin, only for it to turn into a frown seeing the arrogant smile on Cecilia face.
"No, it's I who got you." The rear waist armor on Blue Tear shifted, revealing two missiles tube launcher. "I haven't show you all of my weapon!" The tube fired, launching 2 missiles streaking towards Ichika.
"Fu*%k!" The distance were too close for Ichika to dodge, he hurriedly rise his shield and cannon arm to block. Both of the missiles slam a direct hit into Ichika, engulfing him in a blast of smoke and flame.
The whole arena was silent, Cecilia seems to have dealt a critical blow to Ichika. But no one in the spectator seat seeing the grin and smiles plastered on the face of the only group of adult males.
"Oh my, as I thought. All of you male are the same. Always charging ahead without thinking, like an animal. Looks at where it got you to." Gloated Cecilia.
Suddenly from the smoke a pair of cables were launched straight at Cecilia. Both cables has a sharp two pronged claw at the end.
Both of them latch on to a surprised Cecilia and proceed to dragged her back into the smoke.
From the smoke a large armored jaw reach out and proceed to calm its teeth onto Cecilia right hand nearly forcing her to release her rifle, another smaller jaw attached to a large metal plate comes out and proceed to bite her other hand, effectively locking her in place.
When the smoke dissipated, it shows a slightly battered Ichika. The cables trailed back to his waist armor, while his shield and cannon has quite a dent in their metal plate, and his IS armor are also damaged in several places. But it's the savage grins that shows through his mask and eye that catch Cecilia attention.
(Shield energy : Ichika 512)
"Who's the one that got caught now Alcott-san."
"H-how..?"
"It doesn't matter. Now It's time to take what I want." Suddenly some section in his IS armor opened and releasing multiple metal spike that is connected with cable back to their launcher.
The metal spike embedded themselves into Cecilia IS, easily penetrating the metal armor. 'Do it Didact.'
CONNECTION ESTABLISHED A red warning screen suddenly appeared in front of Cecilia. 'Alright I'm in!'
WARNING!
Through the cable Didact make his way to connect with Blue Tears system. The cable and the spike were made from nanite bots. Once they successfully enter an IS frame, they will spread out across the internal electronics devices, allowing Didact a connection access to the IS and indirectly to the IS core inside the IS.
In the data world, the avatar of Didact could be seen facing a wall consist of streaming codes. "Let's have some fun." His avatar move to touch the wall of codes and interfaced with it.
UNATHOURIZED ACCESS DETECTED!
FIREWALL BREACHED!
"W-what?!" Shouted a panicking Cecilia.
Once getting an access, Didact released a torrent of junk data to overload the IS processing power while a specialized virus hidden behind the junk data, quickly worm its way to the entire system.
WARNING!
SYSTEM ERROR!
VIRUS DETECTED!
"W-what? V-virus?! What did you do?!" Shouted a panicked Cecilia, Madoka were rooted on her spot, confusion on her face of what is happening now, while Ichika have a slowly growing grin. "You will see. I assure you, it will be interesting."
'Didact?'
'Wait a second, waiit, aaaand its done. Piece of cake.' In the data world the virus program returned to Didact, leaving the system back to its previous condition. But the virus didn't return empty handed, along with it, it bring a terabytes of additional data and information, which all was quickly analyzed by Didact.
Their job done the metal spike embedded in Cecilia IS suddenly released themselves and return to their compartment, leaving the Blue Tears full of multiple holes from their entry as the only sign they were ever there.
SYSTEM RESTORED!
Ichika throw back Cecilia, releasing her from his grip.
"What the-? What the hell is that just now? I demand you to answer me!" Demanded an angry Cecilia. Madoka float over to both of them also confused of what is happening. "Fufufu.. instead of explaining it let me show you."
'Didact activate the program now.'
'Roger.'
"Show what?" Asked Cecilia.
"You will see." Answered Ichika cryptically. 'All green. Ready to proceed Ichika.' Came the notification from Didact
"Data analysis completed. Summoning Nanite spheres, activating one-off ability 'Mirror Demon'." Suddenly two large black spheres appeared beside Ichika IS. Both of the spheres appeared in the same manner when an IS summoned its weapon.
Thin black tendrils suddenly shoot out from Ichika IS and quickly connected with the spheres. Immediately each spheres seems to melt to a liquid metal like state. Some attach itself to Ichika IS, and proceed to repair the damage the IS frame sustained. Holes was filled and any dent was returned to normal, when it's done no visible damage could be seen on the frame.
While Ichika IS was repairing itself using some portion of the liquid metal. The rest was bsy forming and twisting until they settle into a familiar shape.
"What the hell is that?" Asked a bewildered Madoka. The whole arena has gone silent watching the strange event
/Arena Control Room/
The whole staff in the arena control room look intently at the screen showing Ichika summoning two black spheres that started to morphing themselves and repairing him.
"C-Chifuyu-sensei, what is happening to Ichika IS?"
"I don't know Yamada-san. All I know is that he say this are his IS one-off ability."
"H-he did say it. I think he called it as one-off ability 'Mirror Demon'. It's the first time I have heard about that one-off ability."
"Yes, a one-off ability. A special ability an IS can activate when fully synchronized with their pilot."
"But isn't it suppose to be only attainable after achieving 2nd Shift. Biagi-kun IS should be still in its 1st shift right?"
"I don't know Yamada-san. I'm as blind in this as you are." Answered Chifuyu. 'Ichika.., Madoka steel yourself, be strong." Meanwhile in the screen it shows the black liquid metal start to form a familiar shape.
/3rd Arena/
The black liquid metal has started to settle themselves forming what looks like a pair of wing armor each with two large spikes.
What caught the spectators attention was their similarity in shape with Cecilia Blue Tears offensive bits.
"What the hell?" Madoka question summed up what is in the mind of most of the people seeing this.
His grin still in place Ichika answered the question. "Let me introduce you to my IS. Its name is 'Genestealer' and it's one-off ability 'Mirror Demon' in essence allow it to 'steal' the best trait and weapon of the enemy it manage to caught."
"What? Steal it. So you steal my Blue Tears Bit system?" Cecilia asked.
"Yes Alcott-san, with this ability, for each of the enemy it caught, it will allow Genestealer to evolve to become stronger. " What he didn't mention was that each time he activate this ability he has to sacrifice a rather significant part of his shield energy and GN particle reserves, while he sure that the teacher already know this because they monitoring the fighter shield level for precaution, in this battle he can use the enemy fighter lack of knowledge to his advantage.
(Shield energy : Ichika 343, Madoka 435, Cecilia 386)
Because of the repair and forming of new weapon just now his shield energy has become the lowest among the three fighters.
'Instantaneous evolution? What a fearsome one-off ability. But..' "Wait! Isn't your IS needs to be at 2nd shift to attain a one-off ability? Your IS are still in the 1st shift right? It's should be impossible." Asked a bewildered Madoka. The sight of the glowing cyclopean eye of Ichika mask staring at her along with his smirk give her a creeps.
"Heh I'm afraid it's a business secret Orimura-san." Answered Ichika with smirk. 'Didact I need you to control the bits, I still haven't got any experience in controlling the system so I will leave it up to you.'
'Gotcha partner.'
'Thanks.'
"Now let's resume the battle." 'Didact now! Target the blondie first! The bits attached to his wing armor released themselves and quickly begin to fire at Cecilia, which the poor girl suddenly found her selves being fired upon by four rip-offs from her own bits.
Madoka meanwhile found herself dueling against Ichika in close range. Ichika use the combination of bashing and slashing attack using both his arms. Dodging a swing from Ichika cannon arm she struck back only to be blocked again by Ichika shield.
Ichika pushed back Madoka and proceed to give her a kick, sending her flying back. Ichika fired his beam cannon which was barely dodged by Madoka by turning her body.
Not wasting a beat Madoka quickly dashed back towards Ichika intent on engaging him in close range, before a red beam hit her on the side sending her falling towards the ground.
"W-what?" On the corner of her vision while falling she could see the battered form of Cecilia already on the ground.
'So, it must be his bits that hit me. Shit! I let my guard down.' Thought Madoka finally hitting the ground before an approaching red light drew her gaze. Multiple explosions bloom on her and Cecilia general location caused by multiple beam shots from Ichika firing at both girls general location to inflict some more damage to them.
/Madoka PoV/
'Shit.' My head is spinning from that hit. A single look shows those attacks just now has done quite a damage to my shield energy reducing it to 366.
Mirror Demon, his IS one-off ability. An ability that allows his IS to take its enemy best trait and incorporated it into itself, what a troublesome ability.
Looking at the blade clutched on my hand a thought came into my mind. 'Wait a minute. If he could copy the bits system of Blue Tears does it meant he could also copy Yukihira and Reiraku Byakuya as well?'
The picture of Ichika IS wielding multiple one-off ability come to my mine. 'I need to be carefull so he didn't get me.'
As if sensing my distress Byakushiki give off a low whine.
"Hey hey, don't tell me that both of you are done for!" Great now he's taunting us. Calm your mind Madoka, you mustn't rush off.
"Come on. Where is your women superiority now?! Meeh, men is weak, women is strong my ass!"
Okay now he just getting on my nerve. Brother or not brother his mouth need to shut up.
Having an idea I open a com-link. It didn't take long for the face of a battered and surprised Cecilia to appear before me.
"What do you want?"
/Cecilia PoV/
"What do you want?" I ask the girl that is calling me through the comm-link.
"Listen Alcott-san. I know that we are enemy in this match but I have a proposal for you."
A proposal? Seeing my questioning look she continued.
"Yes, I propose a temporary ceasefire. At least until we manage to get rid of him from the competition."
"Why do you think I didn't have the power to defeat both of you right now?"
"Be reasonable Alcott-san. Not 5 minutes ago you was just being manhandled by him, and the result from that was getting new weapons. Defeating him by yourself in the current condition is impossible. Besides from that hit just now, he has the most shield energy among us three."
Now that she point it out like that, I started to see the difficulty of defeating him. Right now, he is even has the gall to mocking us.
What is happening? We women supposed to be the strong one, while men was weak and just need to grovel and beg before our feet. How could he's battering us like this.
"Okay Orimura-san. Suppose I agree in this ceasefire, what is your plan?
"It's simple." She release a grin that almost as on the same level as that boy. A shudder creep up on me. 'Those grin is they sibling or something?"
/With Ichika/
Come on, come on what took them so long to go back up. There's no way that single shot would have finished them off.
Especially you Orimura-san. You and I have a score to settle. Well actually it more like our IS that have a score to settle.
My patients was about to wear off, then suddenly a bright yellow bolt coming out from the smoke.
"Heh." I sidestepped to the right and it just sailed past me.
"Hyyaaah!" Orimura shoot out from the smoke her beam blade activated. 'I really want that beam blade.' Was my thought, Grandpa why did you didn't equip Genestealer with a default beam saber, I whined.
I swing my shield to parry her attacks, but she just swing back her blade back to me, I move backward to evade it and she just keep coming with a flurry of strikes. It seems she intent to engage me in close range.
But still to just charge out like this. I'm a little bit disappointed. I thought that the sister of the Brunhilde would have shown an exceptional skill and tactic, but it seems I was wrong.
Wait a minute. I think I forgot something or.. someone. Wait where did the blondie go? Seeing the smoke still filling part of the arena ground a realization come to me. 'Hoo so that's your plan huh. Gender unity huh? Not bad, not bad. Let's play along for a little bit.'
For the next few minutes was a dance between me and Orimura, Both of us cannot make a single mistake. It will be over I manage to nail her with my beam cannon, and it's the same for me If she manage to hit me with her beam blade. Hell, that blade was responsible for the most scratch wound in my shield.
The routine was ended when I make a mistake in slashing down at Orimura which she block and successfully locking us up in a power match, her smirk reveal her intention.
From the dissipating smoke a series of bright blue beams shoot out towards me. From normal view it seems I has fall to their trap.
But I show her my own smirk. You cannot live with a bunch of ex-mercenary group as family without learning a trick or two.
I launch the arrestor device in my waist, hitting the black haired girl in the stomach and using the claw of the arrestor I hold her in place, before I grab her and used her as a living shield right before the beam hit me.
BOOMM! BOOMM!
"Arghh." I hear her screamed.
"Shimata!" Cursed Cecilia. Their ambush plan failed.
'Ouch, that gotta hurt. But I'm not done yet.'
Still being hold in place by the arrestor she cannot do anything while two pair of metal jaws clamp themselves on her IS, repeating a scene happening not long ago.
"Kuso!" She cursed realizing what is going to happen.
"It's your own fault, Orimura-san. Now let me took your weapon." I said. 'Didact, get ready for your reunion.'
'Oh I am ready partner. Now Plug me In!'
'As you wish.' With a single mental command, my armor open up and the injector needles launch themselves at their target, namely Orimura Madoka IS, Byakushiki.
CLACK! CLACK! CLACK! The needles penetrated the frame armor 'Now it's up to you, Didact.'
WARNING!
UNATHOURIZED ACCESS DETECTED!
FIREWALL BREACHED!
"Dammit!" Cursed Madoka.
/In the data world/
The digital avatar of Didact could be seen floating through sea of endless data stream, Not a microsecond ago he has already release the virus among Byakushiki main data storage. A huge grin on his face, Didact continue his travel deeper and deeper through the myriad of data and programs before he stopped in front of a circular portal were the data stream come and going.
"Fufufu, it's time for our reunion little sister."
Didact avatar lift his leg and walk through the portal. On the other side he comes out into a wide foggy plain.
"Heh, fog huh?"
He walk forward a few steps before looking around. "So this is how you gonna act after this long huh? By hiding behind the fog, I didn't know that beside being a stealer that you are a coward too!"
Silence
"Heh so you won't come out and talk huh? Find if you don't want to come out by yourself then I will make you!" Suddenly red lightning starts to pour out from Didact avatar, lashing at everything around him.
Wherever the lightning struck the fog dissipated and the ground scorched. Didact was about to increase the output of his lightning before a female voice make itself known.
"That's enough... Nii-sama."
Hearing the voice Didact stop what he is doing and turn around. "So finally you showed yourself huh? Little sister."
Right in front of Didact the fog separated to show a woman wearing a white IS. The IS was the same as the IS involved in the incident that started the IS trend in the world, in which the incident was named from the IS own name, The White Knight.
In front of Didact stood the avatar of Byakushiki IS core, Core-001, in the form of White Knight. Both siblings has finally been reunited after so long.
Author Note : So what do you think? Please give me reviews. A constructive one will be appreciated while flamer well, you know what I will do to it.
Oh yeah for the pairing, I don't know. I'm still torn between Laura, Charlotte, and Tatenashi or even an OC. Suggestion please? Oh yeah please give me your reason too.