DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN INFINITE STRATOS.
Ch7 Berserker VS Three Knights
"Rin…about a year has passed since we last met." Ichika thought as he played with his pen.
Rin was a good friend of him since middle school alongside Dan. Ichika has known Rin and Dan since he lost his eye when he was 10 or 11 years old. His new intimidating look caused a lot of fear in his classmates. However Rin was more interested in his unique look rather than being afraid of it.
"Hey! You there, trying to be different! Don't think you are so special One Eye!"
Even when he aged and fought more aggressively she stood there next to him. When others pointed their fingers at him for being a delinquent, she kept smiling at him. He fought, he trained, and he led. She still treated him as Ichika and he treated her as Rin.
"I can stand by your side doesn't matter who you are eye patch!"
"…Rin, this Doukugan Ryu still dreams to conquer…As a personal IS user of China, will you stand before me as a strong enemy to defeat, or will you be too weak to stand next to me again?"
His single eye narrowed.
"Come at me Rin-chan…you told me that you can stand by my side and it doesn't matter who I am. Come flying to me Rin-chan…This dragon soaring through the heavens has no equal."
(Houki POV)
"Who was that girl just now...seems like she's very familiar with Ichika..."
Houki was thinking about that new girl that was so familiar with Ichika to the point that she couldn't focus in class.
"Besides, Ichika seems like he knows her for a long time."
It seems like they're childhood friends.
She suddenly had an angry tick mark on her forehead.
"I should be his ONLY childhood friend, right...! I should be the only girl to have the 'childhood friend card'."
She continued to try and suppress her anger as she glanced at Ichika. He was just sitting there on his seat with a small smile on his face.
"What are you thinking about Ichika? Is it that girl? Why you!"
She started to feel a lot angrier, and started to develop a little 'notice me some more!' feeling.
"..."
However, when she calmed down and thought about it, it's really nothing.
Besides, since she's living in the same room as Ichika, they can have time on their own just like yesterday.
"Really, such a reckless guy, I'll have to be the one to take care of him!"
She folded her arms in front of her and smiled heartily. Her advantage won't change. This remains the same even with the presence of the girl that had just appeared. Same goes for Cecilia, Yukihana, and the other classmates.
"Looks like we will have to spend more time together to train."
Houki nodded in happiness, her face unable to suppress the happy look and a stupid smile.
"Shinonono, what's the answer?"
"Yes! What?"
Having her name called out, Houki accidentally raised her voice. They're having lessons now, and Orimura-sensei, not Yamada-sensei, is giving the lesson now.
She suddenly had a chilling sensation going down her back.
"What is the answer?"
"...I, I wasn't paying attention to the lesson..." said Houki with her head down in acceptance to her fate.
*PAM!* The sound of a painful impact echoed through the room.
The attendance book is a weapon! I swear it!
(Cecilia POV)
"..."
At the back of the classroom, Cecilia was drawing onto her notebook with a mechanical pencil. However, she was just making circles and not taking any notes.
"W-Who-Who was that? That person just now!"
She was really bothered by that girl who was obviously close to Ichika. Right now, she already had a tough competition for Ichika's heart with Houki and Yukihana-san. She couldn't afford having yet another opponent!
Besides, in terms of how close they were with Ichika, the girl from just now was obviously closer to him than her. She not only started off as an enemy to Ichika-san, now she has another potential rival. She didn't had childhood friend advantage like Houki and she didn't have a enteral rival advantage like Yukihana-san.
"That's too despicable! She should be fighting with me fairly!"
Though she doesn't really know if she intends to fight fairly in a relationship battle, this is what Cecilia thought.
She has enough confidence to say that if they were to fight over something under identical conditions, she wouldn't lose, but since this is the first time she's fighting over a guy with someone else, things aren't developing as she had hoped. This fact made Cecilia really anxious.
"There is also the fact that the new girl's actually a representative candidate. "
In the academy the number of Personal IS users is as small as 12 beside Ichika san. The fact that she had a personal IS should have been her advantage which is now useless against that girl. This is bad, this is really bad. It's like she had let the medal in her hand be forfeited and rendered useless.
"This, this is cheating, right! Ichika san I feel like I'm cheated on. Notice me, notice me."
She sent Ichika a look of longing and helplessness; however Ichika back was turned to her unmoving.
"Alcott."
"...How about I ask him out on a date. No, if I want an effective...I know that Houki san and Yukihana san never used that piece in this chess match."
"..."
(Angry tick mark)
*PAM!* The blond hair on her head got flattened by the attendance book.
(After Class)
"It's all your fault!" Houki yelled .
"It's all thanks to you!" Cecilia shouted.
When lunch started, the first thing Houki and Cecilia started to do was to scold me.
"What did I do now...?"
I scratched under my eye patch and smiled warily as I was being scolded by two persons at the same time.
Honestly, they got warned by Yamada-sensei 5 times and slammed by Chifuyu nee 3 times already.
Spacing out in front of Chifuyu-nee is like that is just begging her to hit you. There was a time I ignored her calling my cellphone. She decided to judo toss me on the floor for my ignorance and scolded me for hours.
"Oh well, if you have anything to say, we'll talk during lunch. Let's go to the canteen first." I told them while walking carelessly to the cafeteria.
"Uuu...well, since you said it, let's do it."
"That, that's right, it's not like I can't go along with you."
My, my…such a sudden change in their attitudes. How amusing…
I picked up a ramen for today, because of the special event, Rin was here.
"I've waited for you for a long time, Ichika!"
Speak of the devil.
This was the famous transfer student, Huang Lingyin, or as I call her 'Rin'.
But this person over here really hasn't changed a single bit. Her hairstyle's still the same twin pigtails, but now it is more accurately, they should be called high-side ponytails.
"Yeah yeah, just stand aside. I can't hand the voucher over if you continue to stand here, and you'll be blocking everyone as well…Rin."
On her hand was a bowl of ramen.
"The noodle will lose its spring." I pointed out.
"I, I know that! Seriously, it's because you made me wait for you for so long! Why didn't you come over earlier?"
How should I know? I am a swordsman, not a mind reader…or am I because Chifuyu-Nee has mind reading powers too…is it a family trait or a gender thing? I don't know.
"Speaking of which, it's really been a while. We haven't met for exactly a year, right? How are you doing right now?" I asked her casually.
"O-Okay. What about you? At least get sick for once!"
"What kind of wish is that for an old friend? I am always in trouble or a fight. Don't wish for me to get hurt Rin." I said in a teasing tone.
"Ah—ahem!"
"Ahem! Ichika-san, your lunch is ready, you know?"
Houki and Cecilia immediately coughed loudly to interrupt my conversation with Rin. They seemed upset or unsettled.
"The table over there is empty. Let's go over there."
Including Rin, I prompt everyone to follow along.
Good thing we managed to move over to the table quickly. We're lucky.
"Rin? Since when have you been in Japan? How's aunty? When did you become a representative candidate?" I asked her in hurry.
"You've asked too much already. What I want to ask you is, how can you use an IS? I was shocked when I saw you on the news."
"Well I am far from normal, so chalk this one for the amazing Ichika."
"Hummp! Still a baka!"
Ah the somewhat merciless word of a friend…I have missed thy, for Houki is way too merciless. Does the term 'going overboard' mean something to you Houki?
"Ichika, it's about time you give us an explanation."
"That's right, Ichika-san! Are you...going out with this person?"
Maybe because both of them felt somewhat strange to me, Houki and Cecilia sounded rather shrill when they asked me. The other classmates of course nodded their heads excitedly.
"N-no-no-not really, we aren't dating..." Rin mumbled out.
"We're only childhood friends." I answered them casually.
"..."
A super class, glare beam, has hit the Battle Ship Ichika. The port is destroyed! Brace for evasive maneuvers!
"Why are you glaring at me?" I asked as I sweat dropped at the look.
"Nothing!"
Rin just got angry. Such a strange person, but she's my strange person.
"Childhood friend...?"
Houki replied with a surprised tone.
"Oh yea—let me see. Houki's family moved out when she had just finished 4th grade, right? Rin transferred in during 5th grade. After that, she went back to China when she finished her sophomore year in Middle school, so it's been about a year since I last saw her."
I turned to Rin to introduce Houki.
"Then, this is Houki. Oh, I told you about her before, right? She's a childhood friend I've known since grade school, and the daughter of the dojo owner where I used to go to train kendo, before I started learning from Katakura."
"Oh, I see."
Rin stared at Houki carefully, and Houki, not willing to lose, did the same.
"Nice to meet you, I hope we can get along."
"Yeah, me too."
While both of them greet each other, for some reason, I seem to see sparks flying between them. I felt a small dose of killing intent in the air. There is a disturbance in the force.
"Ahem! It would be bothersome if you forget about my existence. Representative from China, Huang Lingyin-san?"
"...Who are you?" Rin asked her.
"What? I'm Cecilia Alcott, the representative candidate from England! Don't tell me you don't know me?"
"Um, I'm not really interested in other countries." Said Rin in a matter of fact tone.
Ah, yes she always did ignore those that didn't concern her directly. Bad habit Rin-chan.
"Wh-Wha-What...?"
Cecilia got so angry that she couldn't even say anything. Her face is flushed red into the same color as my GN-Particles.
"Let, let me say this first, I won't lose to someone like you!"
"Really? If we were to fight it out, I would win! Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm strong."
Rin said that in a somewhat proud voice. She hasn't changed one bit, always having a weird amount of self-confidence, and not having any malice in her words. This is the real her, she really thinks that way. However…her claim will be tested in the C.R.T in few days.
"I heard that you're class 1-1's representative now Ichika." Rin Said , ignoring the red faced Cecilia.
"Oh? Yeah, well, things just turned out like that." I answered elusively.
"More like someone got on your nerve so you guys duked it out." Rin said as her words stabbed into my heart.
"…MY PRIDE was on the line." I tried to defense my reasons.
Rin only smirked at her correct guess.
Rin picked her bowl up and started to drink the soup in large gulps. This person doesn't use anything like a spoon, maybe because she hanged around me and Dan so much. Rin you are a girl so act more lady like, learn from Cecilia.
"Then, if it's possible, may I guide you a little on your IS piloting?" she offered me.
She turned her face away, only giving me a glance. It's rare to see Rin stutter like this.
"Oh? While I appreciate the kind offer I already—"
*BAM!* Houki and Cecilia slammed the table and rose up simultaneously. I have to admit, it's quite an impressive sight
"It's my job to teach Ichika! He requested me to do it!"
"You're in class 2, right? We won't receive help from the enemy!"
Wah, both of them look absolutely terrifying. Seems like they're really into the inter-class battles. I should look up to them a bit more, but watching their reaction is so much fun.
"I'm talking to Ichika right now. Would people not involved in the conversation please leave?"
"Who, who said that I'm not involved? Ichika begged me to train him!"
"No I didn't…" I whispered under my breath. For some reason Houki wants to teach me the sound effects. While my knowledge in technological part of IS is shallow, but in term of piloting I am the superior one.
"Well it is a chance to spend time together." I muttered softly.
"Since he's the representative from class 1, he has to be taught by someone from class 1. Seeing how it is, for you to suddenly appear like this, I'm guessing that you're plotting something—" declared Cecilia.
"I didn't just pop out of nowhere. I've known Ichika longer than you have!" Rin countered Cecilia.
"If, if you're going to point that out, I've known Ichika since a lot earlier than you! Besides, Ichika has often come over to our house to eat, so we understand each other very well!" And a cross counter from Houki! This game isn't finished yet people.
"He ate at your house? However, the same goes for me." Ah the counter was a miss, and Rin returns with a right upper.
By the way, Rin's house is a Chinese cuisine shop. Though I would cook when Chifuyu-nee was at home, at that time she was active as an IS pilot, so she didn't return home often. Also my sister can burn water if I am not there so I fear for her safety when she's in the kitchen. Honestly that sister of mine would be eating take outs, pre-cooked rice, and cup of ramen for the rest of her life if it wasn't for me.
But since Rin's family owns a Chinese cuisine shop, then I wouldn't have to cook for myself alone and go there and eat. I normally switched between them and the Gotanda eatery.
"I-Ichika, what's going on! I've never heard of this!" Houki screamed as Rin's upper lands a clean blow to her startled mental defense.
"Neither have I! Ichika-san, I demand a proper explanation!" Cecilia shouted as her defense was shaken as well.
"What's to explain...we're just childhood friends, and I often patronized the Chinese restaurant Rin's family owns." I explained, clueless to their little war…or a boxing match.
After I told them that without holding anything back, Rin, who was looking rather carefree up until now, is rather unhappy now. Ah it seems her conditions dropped.
In contrast, Houki and Cecilia heave a sigh of relief. It seems they recovered from the blow and are ready to continue.
"Wha-What? So it's just a restaurant?"
"Oh my, I see. If it's just a restaurant, then there's nothing strange about it."
"Is your dad doing well? No, he should have recovered by now, right?" I asked out of blue.
"What...erm, he's doing well—seems that way."
Hm? Rin suddenly looks rather depressed, and I feel that something's wrong here. My sense for this skill called Discernment of the Poor(check ch5.5), I would not be deceived by such lies. However my instinct told me not to pursue the subject…for now.
"How is your restaurant?"
'Ah…it is closed now…"
"…I see." My senses and Masurao were telling me not to push it.
"So…want to hang out after school to catch up? We do have a one year worth of info to share." She suddenly asked me.
Uu—there's nothing much to say, is there? I was really busy during my 3rd year, I still got into fights to rule Oshu, I regularly beat down idiots, I fought a Yakuza family before enrolling here, Oshu's territory s huge, Yukihana still attacks me…
"—Sorry, but Ichika's having special IS training with me, so he doesn't have time after school."
Hold on! Houki, why are you deciding things for me? Don't I have the right to decide what I want to do after school? I am prepped for a fight anytime and anywhere, but this is going a bit too far.
"That's right, special training is required for the inter-class tournament. I have my personal IS, you know? That's right, while Ichika-san's training, I have to be around no matter what."
"Well then, after you're done with training, I'll come looking for you. Remember to leave some time for me, okay? Bye bye Ichika!"
Rin drank up the last gulp of soup, packed her things and walked away without waiting for my reply. As expected, she couldn't possibly be polite enough to say good bye to everyone before leaving, as she leaves the canteen. Her bad habits are still there alright.
'It is good to see she is still herself, but...she is hiding something bigger, something uncomfortable for her."
"Ichika, I have priority in your training!"
"Ichika-san, we'll be spending meaningful time in your training, don't forget this fact."
And now I had to deal with these two…such troublesome friends.
After school, at the 3rd arena, I was in my IS suit waiting for the girls to arrive. I was expecting a one on one with Cecilia so imagine my surprise when Houki appeared in an Uchigane. The 2nd generation suit seemed perfect for Houki, because of the samurai like features.
"Uu...I never imagined that you could get permission to use it so easily..." muttered Cecilia.
"Well then, Ichika, let's begin. Draw your sword!" said Houki as she summoned her vibrating katana.
"Roger that."
My black arm guard glow as it released a storm of red light around me. In a second I was in my armor, Masurao.
"Time for party Masurao."
"Hai master!" came the voice in my ear.
"Then—here we go!" said Houki as she prepare to charge at me.
—At this moment, a voice interrupted us.
"Hold on a minute! Ichika-san's opponent should be me, Cecilia Alcott!"
Before I could even finish, Cecilia is already standing in front of me as she faces off against Houki.
"Hey, don't interrupt me! Or else I'm going to cut you down as well!"
"I'm not so fragile as to lose to a training suit!"
"Mate! Mate!" a voice interrupted us again as another Uchigane flew down to us. This Uchigane was unlike Houki's version. This one had red armor with orange shield and guards. It had more decorative armor and it had six coin marks on the back…mark of Sanada.
"Sanada Yukihana, you had a IS as well?" I asked her.
"Hehehe, my beloved Anego, Takeda Shime-sama has sent me this IS that the Takeda family managed to custom fit for me. My order was to test it out against you Ichika-dono."
Suddenly from her side appeared two IS fitted trident spears. They were red and yellow painted. At one glance one could tell the IS is only modified to be better than standard Uchigane, but the spears…they were special.
I chuckled.
"I see…so all three of you wish to face me? Very well!" I shouted as I draw the Shiki Kyodais in each hand.
"Doukugan Ryu, Orimura Ichika! Here I come!"
As soon as I introduced myself, Yukihana also got into a stance.
"Kai no Waka Tora! Sanada Genjiro Yukihana has appeared!" she shouted as she braced her two spears to charge at me.
The two of us hovered above the ground as we clashed our weapons together. Yukihana came in for a thrust combo, but was spoiled at my usual method of stopping her, by locking my swords into her trident's gaps between the three blades.
Yukihana tried to push back with her unit's customized strength, but my horse shoe like armor on my feet, giving me extra stability to hold my ground.
"Not good enough Sanada Yukihana!" I shouted as I freed my blade to slash at her chest, which she blocked with her spears. She was forced to slide back a few paces, right next to Cecilia and Houki.
I give them the 'come on' gesture.
The three girls split up to attack.
"This will be fun…" I muttered as I dodged and reflected Cecilia's beam attacks with my anti-beam sword, Byakushiki.
While I was busy blocking Cecilia's attacks the two close combat specialists came in from the two directions.
Houki let out a kesagiri, and Yukihana released a double thrust with her spear.
I did not falter as both attacks came at the same time. I used Byakushiki to block Houki's attack from my left and black the double thrust with Kuroshiki in my right. I managed to block them both without moving from my spot.
"NANI!" shout the two girls at the same time.
"My turn." I muttered as I exploded in a storm of red light as the Akakami and the GN-Particles covered the view. The two girls didn't see me freeing my blade to perform a pin to cut them both at the same time.
The two Uchiganes slide backward from the blow.
"Kuu…Ichika…"
"Ha ha…Ichika-dono, spindled counter."
It seems that, that attack managed to damage their chest area, enough to activate their A.B. Such a sharp pair of blades I own.
I only smirked under my helmet as I got into a low stance to perform a Gatousu (A Charging thrust).
(Pweesh! Pweesh! Pweesh! Pweesh!)
I had to abandon my attack as Cecilia unleashed her four beam type BTs at me.
I flew backward to avoid the attack and reflect another beam attack from Cecilia with my Byakushiki.
"…This will be harder than I thought." I muttered softly.
Cecilia quickly adjusted her aim to pull the trigger. The 'Starlight Mk III' fired off supersonic bullets at me as I tried to move away from my position. I activated the GN-Shield to block the attacks as I flew toward Cecilia in mid-air. Cecilia was only one of the girls that could fly, because Uchigane is a hover type, not a flying type. Up here she was all alone.
She gulped at her mistake and I smirked.
Time for a rematch.
I flew toward her intending to destroy her wing shield that scores and recharges her precious BTs. However Cecilia flew as fast as she could to avoid a CQC situation. It seems I am not the only one who learned from our earlier fight.
I used a burst of red particles to increase my speed for a direct thrust, only for Cecilia to block it with her knife 'Interceptor'. It seems she been practicing how to summon that knife faster. Leave it to Chifuyu-Nee to scary the crap out of her students so they work harder.
Cecilia used the collision of the blades to pull apart and distance herself, then quickly squeezing the trigger with one hand. The 'Starlight Mk III' fired off supersonic bullets.
I barrel rolled from their attack.
"HYYAAA!"
I heard a battle cry behind me.
It seems while Uchigane can't fly, it can stay in the air for some time. Houki used a graceful reverse kesagiri to attack me, but her IS was not meant to fly, It sacrificed mobility for balance. In mid-air, she was helpless.
I turned around to counter her blow with an overhead strike. My strike was above hers and it was stronger. Houki was pushed back down to the ground. When I saw Cecilia sigh in relief, I had to break her safety bubble. I threw the Kuroshiki like a black disk of death!
Cecilia released a cute 'Eek' as she ducked. At that moment I was up on her like an angry demon.
My rather intimidating look with the IS helped.
The black samurai in the crimson mist destroyed the Blue Tear's shield wing and kicked her to the floor.
"AAAAHHHHH!" our Cecilia screamed as she fell down.
"I feel like I am missing someone." I muttered softy as I was attacked from behind. My IS senor flared a warning as I had to move my entire body around to block a spear that was thrown.
"Chh! I missed." Said Yukihana as she held her remaining spear tightly.
I parried her spear into the air and grabbed it myself.
Cecilia and Houki gasped.
"How…How are you?…" Cecilia tried to ask, but I cut her off.
"Cecilia…Houki…Keep this power a secret…ok?"
I spinned the stolen spear in my hand in circles as I flew down at Yukihana. The two High Vibration IS Trident Spears clashed as everything turned white.
(A few moments later.)
"Then, that's it for today." I muttered as I sheathed my two blades. I quickly dematerialized Masurao's armor with a silent 'thank you' to her, which she happily accepted.
While I was drenched in sweat, but the three girls were resting on all fours. Yukihana was actually on her back, panting like a dog.
"Ha…ha..Mooo, Ichika san you went too harsh on us." complained Cecilia.
Houki was speechless as she tried to get her breath back.
"A…ha,ha…brilliant fight...ha,ha…Ichika-dono." Yukihana said as she tried to stand up.
I immediately walked up to them, to help them up. I picked up Yukihana by her arm.
"You all were tough to deal with at once." I praised them. After a while these three managed to work together to stop me.
It was a sight to see, how these three fought me.
Houki was a Swordsman or a Saber who fought by blade to blade. Her way of fighting has always been rooted to sword. She faced my superior IS without any fear or hesitation. Her graceful dance was a worthy challenge to face.
Cecilia was like an Archer, who supports her comrades from above. After her mistake, she never allowed me to get near her. She really deserved her title as Sora no Mei.
Yukihana was doubtlessly a worthy nuisance. She is a Lancer through and through. While I was confident in my mastery and skills in multiple weapons, only reason I won was because of my IS was superior. She never allowed Houki to attack alone and she always protected Cecilia from being alone. She was the most agile opponent.
However…I am a Berserker. I cannot be stopped by an enemy who has yet to reach their full potential. I had all the skills of the Saber, Houki and agility to outpace Lancer, Yukihana. My sense was top notch that sniping at me in the open was like hitting air. Cecilia the Archer couldn't get any direct or decisive shot. Until they are all fitted with Personal IS and improve some more…3 vs 1 is still my game.
Being a Berserker…is to be an unstoppable powerhouse. I have honed my skill to the point that even in a battle frenzied state I can use all my hard earned skills. In term of skill few people can match me or surpass me. Few examples of these people are Kojuro, Chifuyu Nee, Old man Katakura, and Takeda Shime.
I picked up Houki by her shoulder and helped Cecilia up by her arm. I carried them to their control zone, where the changing room was nearby. By the time they could move on their own I urged them to take a shower and to change into fresh clothes.
"See you all later." I said to them.
The girls inelegantly groaned out a 'see you later.'
"Yare, yare,…I am tired. I haven't fought an outnumbered fight for some time. I guess I have been slacking."
I walked across the training field as my body started to cool as well.
"Well, you fought them at their term, so of course you are tired master." Masurao said in her projection form. She is talking about how I restricted myself, from using only two blades, only using hover mode, not flying too high, and limiting my speed.
Masurao being a CQC machine that relies on high speed movements and mid-air maneuvers, it was taxing to fight on ground only. However if I didn't do that, then Houki and Yukihana wouldn't be able to fight me at all.
After all, fighting a one sided battle is no fun.
"Not only that, you revealed THAT skill so early. I thought we will save it when we fight a strong, closed quarter combat specialist?" Masurao pouted as she scolded me at my action.
Ah she look so much like Nee-chan, her pouting is so unexpected and lovely. She is so cute.
"Don't be like that Masurao. We were planning to use that weapon sooner than later to begin with. Testing it out in practice wasn't so bad."
I walked into an empty changing room to change into a fresh outfit myself until I heard the faint sound of foot steps. The sound got louder as it got closer.
"Hey! One Eye!"
The sliding door was opened.
Rin appears!
"Good work! Here's a towel! Also, a sports drink should be okay, right?" Rin said in her usual cheerful voice.
Hoo…she seems happy. I wonder why?
"Thanks! Ah-I'm alive..."
It's already annoying having my face drenched in sweat. Whenever it is sweaty my eye-patch area can get itchy or annoying. Also sweat can be absorbed by the Eye patch and that extra wet weight on my face can be a problematic.
I slowly drank some of the sport drinks that Rin got me. Ah… a lukewarm drink after a rough exercise is good for health. One of my rules to take over the world is to have healthy habits after all…or was it Chifuyu-Nee, nailing health facts into my head when I was a kid? Either way the habit stuck.
"You haven't changed Ichika. Still so young, yet so concerned with your health."
"I told you, it's best to start early. A healthy body is perfect for a healthy sprit after all. It will be a good thing in a long run and it makes Nee-chan happy."
"You're just like an old man." She teased.
"Hee! What kind of Old man has a body like this?" I said while flexing my arm.
For some reason, Rin's staring happily at me as if she can see through me, making me nervous. That 'I understand you well' expression makes me feel ridiculously irritated for some reason.
(Rin POV)
Kami-sama! Did he just flexed his muscles at me?...Haaa he got so toned…I wish I could-Wait! Let's not go there now…maybe later.
"Ichika, you must have felt lonely without me, right?" I asked him.
"Well, I would feel lonely if I lost a good friend that stood by my side, right?" he said in his usually tone. Honesty! How dense can he get! I must be more patient with him…unless it is a serious fight, his sharp senses for people and situations are rather dull.
"I don't mean that!" I shouted to him. I stomped my feet down in frustration. This guy…he is a fighting genius who took to fighting like a fish in the water, but he must have exchanged those skills for sensitivity and common sense!
"I'm saying...you're my long-lost childhood friend, you should have something to say to me, right?" I clarified for him.
He stared at me with one of his visible eye brow raised. This guy…he is pissing me off.
"For example-" I began
"Oh! I forgot! Rin I am sorry, but I have to return soon. Houki should be in the room by now and she should be done with her shower. My bath time is in 5 minutes from now."
"What?...Bath time?, shower?" I thought in confusion until the words made sense to me.
"...Ichika, what you mean by that?" I asked…nicely.
"?" It seems he sensed my killing intent. He really is a fighting genius.
"Hm? It's nothing important, just that Houki's the one who usually showers first, but we have a strict bathing hour and my turn is in about 4 minutes from now on."
"Sho-Show-Shower? 'Usually'? Ic-Ichika, what sort of relationship do you have with that girl?" I asked in panic. Are they…together? NO! my dream is shattering so slowly.
"Huh? What relationship? Rin, didn't I say it before? We're childhood friends."
"Si-Sin-Since when are the terms 'childhood friends' and 'bathing hour' related?" I asked/yelled at him. My face was blushing at such an idea.
"Ichika and me…in bath!" Not now Rin! I might faint if I go too far out here in the open!
"I'm living in the same room as Houki." He answered me without hesitation and without falter. Doukugan Ryu…You are strong! Or shameless!
"...What?"
"Well…It's not like my enrollment was expected, and it seems like they couldn't get a room ready for me at the time. So I'm now living in a standard two people-room-" he answered me as he put up a new IS Gakuen jacket.
"Do-Does that mean that you're living in the same room as that girl?" I demanded to know.
"Hm? Shoda yo,(It is,) but honestly, it's a good thing that it's Houki. Even if I almost had to die. If I had to live in the same room with someone I don't know at all…well let's not go there, shall we." He answered with a straight face.
"..." This is…unbelievable, but…this could be a hidden chance!
"Hm? What's up with you?"
"...if it's a childhood friend, it is..." I demanded. I lowered my head in embarrassment, but this is too good to let go!
Ichika looked confused at his old friend.
"I'M JUST SAYING, IF IT'S A CHILDHOOD FRIEND, IT'S OKAY, RIGHT!"
"WAH!" He stepped back in surprise.
"Don't yell out of nowhere! What are trying to do, scare me?"
"I got it, I got it! I see, I see, I understand it clearly."
I understood. My next move was clear.
"Ichika!"
"Ye-yes!"
"Don't forget that you have two childhood friends."
"…Hai."
"Then, see you later!" after saying that, I dashed out of the control zone. I allowed my legs to carry me to my room fast as they could. I have a lot of work to do.
"Ichika…Doukugan Ryu. I have known you too long to just let you go. You are mine!"
I am determined to win Ichika! Shinonono Houki! Your position as his roommate…I Hyuang Lingyin will be claiming it as my own!
(Ichika POV)
"As I just said, let me change rooms with you!"
"Wha-what kind of a joke is this? Why should I listen to you?"
I had finished my shower and was in middle of examining my precious Rokushou the Six Claws of the Dragon. Houki ,being the noble swordswoman she is, decided to help me with the examination of my six claws. We were examining them over the light when Rin burgled in with a red Boston bag on her arm.
Then the argument started.
"No, but Shinonono-san must hate living with a guy, right? Since you have to consider other people's feelings, you probably can't relax at all. I'm not bothered by it, so I'm saying that we should switch rooms."
"I-I never said that I hated living together with a guy...besides, this is both Ichika's and my problem, so I don't want anyone else interfering!"
"Relax, I'm his childhood friend anyway!"
"What kind of reason is that?"
This situation hasn't shown any progress at all. Rin has always been the 'I do as I please' kind of girl. It was this personality of hers that stuck herself to me, a 'delinquent' in middle school.
It certainly didn't help that Houki is a lot more stubborn than normal people.
An unstoppable force against the unmovable force.
Such predicament…I fear that I will be absorbed in it anytime.
"Anyway, I'll also be living here from today onwards."
"Wha-what kind of a joke is that? Get out! This is my room!"
"It's also 'Ichika's room' right? Then there's no problem!"
After that, Rin turned to me as if she wanted me to agree with her. Houki also looked like she wanted me to agree with-getting Rin out-as she looked at me; or more accurately, glared at me. Hey now, I am just a one eyed teenager who is a gang leader and a swordsman who happens to pilot an IS and dreams to conquer the world for the title of the Strongest, not a negotiator or anything that can solve such a…dangerous argument.
I raised my hands in the universal sign of 'I surrender'.
"Please, don't get me involved..." I muttered as I got back into cleaning my swords…playing with a sharp sword is so much safer than getting in an argument between two angry women.
"Anyway, I won't switch rooms! You're the one who should get out, so get back to your own room!" Houki yelled out as her patient was running out.
"Oh yeah, do you remember our promise, Ichika?" Oh? Here comes Rin's 'Mushi mode (Ignore Mode)' this is a high level skill people, do not use this skill without the proper training.
"Don-don't you dare ignore me! Okay, if that's the case, I'll use violence..."
Completely agitated and out of patience…which isn't much, Houki grabbed the shinai beside her bed, ready to be used at any time.
"Ah, you idiot-"
Houki lost all her cool as she swung the blade at the completely defenseless Rin. I saw a sudden flash by Rin as well. In my hand was a sheathed blade that is one of my six swords.
I moved like lightning.
*BAM!*
I raised one of my six claws in a horizontal position. I held it up with one hand on the handle and other the sheath.
I pulled the blade and the sheath at the same time. I didn't completely pull it out, but it managed to do the trick.
The bottom of my katana's handle which was pulled by my left hand blocked Houki's shinai and the blue wooden sheath of my sword, pulled by my right hand managed to hit Rin's partially deployed IS arm.
"…Enough." I commanded in an emotionless tone. To say that the fight got bad enough for me to interfere was not good news.
(Houki POV)
I was shocked. Even if the IS deployment is fast, the one doing that is the pilot-in other words, a human. In other words, the deployment can't possibly surpass human reflex. I attacked in a level where a normal person could not react to. The fact Rin reacted and deployed shows her skill. Rin is definitely strong.
However…
The fact Ichika reacted faster than the both of us, managing to perform an Iai, a drawing technique to stop both of our attacks shows how much more powerful Ichika is. She might not have seen him serious enough after all.
His left side was pointed toward where she stood, I could see his remaining eye. It was frightening and same time very…hot. So this was a look of a powerful man. They were rare these time and age. His look was not that of a gangster like he claimed he is, but an eye of a samurai who has drawn his blade…it was very motivating.
He did not move from his position. He was like a samurai who has prepared himself to cut down his enemy. He was so silent…and majestic. His stance was that of one knee kneeling and an Iaido stance. His shoulder was tense for action and his body, warmed up for a fight. Now that I think about it carefully, he blocked her lighter, but swifter shinai strike with the bottom of his handle…that spoke volumes about his focus and skills.
"Houki…even if Rin could partially deploy her IS… that was very dangerous, you know?"
"Ugh..." I stepped back.
Losing control in front of Ichika…I want the ground to open up and swallow me in shame. Ichika's single eye that was toward my direction was filled with wariness and disappointment. I want to die…
(Ichika POV)
I slowly sheathed my sword. It seems the guilt and shame silenced Houki…I need to change the topic now!
"Rin, as for that promise." I asked her.
"Wha. Mm, you should...remember that, right?"
She suddenly lowered her head as she continued to peek up at me, looking rather embarrassed. What is she embarrassed about?
"Let me see, you mean that one? If Rin's cooking skills improve, she'll cook sweet and sour meat-"
I recalled our final promise a year ago. We were in a classroom. I was trying to put on my eye patch and Rin was across me. The sun was setting, casting orange light in the room. Her shorter hair in a twin tail again and me with my training bag and eye patch. I was ready to leave, until my old friend stopped me.
Asking me a question.
She asked.
I answered.
I am sure of her question that day and my answer.
"Yup, that's right. That's the one!" she looked excited.
"-For me to eat, right?" I answered her.
According to my memory, I was 100% right. My skill for details never failed me before!
"...What?"
"Isn't it about the promise that Rin will treat me to eat, once she learns to cook"
If I remember it was free. Yeah! Free food!
A familiar killing intent! My instinct told me not to dodge!
*PA!*
Instinct, why have you forsaken me?
"...Wha?"
I suddenly got slapped. I felt the stinging pain on my right cheek. She aimed at my blind spot that I guarded furiously. Was her stealth skill this good?
I slowly, really slowly, turned my face back to where it was facing, and see Rin. However, I wished I was in daze little longer, because the scene I saw was…tough to deal with.
Her shoulders were trembling, and she was glaring at me with hatred. Her eyes were watery, and her lips looked like she was about to cry anytime soon, as they remained sealed up.
"Oi! Rin..."
"YOU'RE THE WORST! YOU CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER THE PROMISE YOU MADE TO A GIRL! YOU'RE A SHAME AMONGST MEN! GET BITTEN BY A DOG AND DIE!"
Right after it, Rin moved really fast; she grabbed the luggage on the floor as if she was snatching something, and charged out of the room kicking open the door on her way.
*BAM!* After hearing the noise of the door being slammed, I finally pulled myself together.
"…what did I do?" I wondered as I turned to Houki for a clue. Wasn't that the right promise? So it wasn't her cooking?
"Ichika."
"Ah? What is it, Houki?" I faced her.
What greeted me was a merciless face of a Hanya. Houki's face was so cold and behind her I can see an afterimage of female Hanya.
"Get kicked by a horse and die." She sentenced me.
"What the hell…what I do?"
Suddenly there was a flash of red light behind me and Houki and I turned to see Masurao in her crimson glory appeared.
She looked angry too.
"Master…My Beloved master." She called to me.
Before I could do anything she stomped her feet on my face, which knocked me to the floor.
As a reminder, Masurao is linked to me body and mind, so whatever she does to me, my brain makes me feel it. Even if she is a hologram, to me she was good as real…sometimes.
Masurao continued to rub her feet on my face to dig my head into the floor.
"Perhaps master needs to be re-educated on treating girls. Perhaps he wants that Masurao punishes him for his ignorance?" She asked in such a...sultry voice.
Chifuyu-Nee's appearance with such…refined taste. Such dominance over me and willingness! It was just like my old fantasies!
…Wait! Just forget what I mentioned! FORGET IT!
After a few minutes of getting cold looks from Houki and a beating from Masurao I got into bed. Houki, Rin, and Masurao were angry with me. So cruel of them. At least explain what I did wrong.
The situation should improve tomorrow morning...probably not. As the saying goes, girls' feelings last 3 times longer than guys'. I put the blanket over my head as I thought about my happy place.
That night, Masurao was extra strict and merciless with our mental bonding and training. I was in big trouble as she summoned several fireballs in her mindscape.
Sigh, why are the people of the opposite gender around me so powerful and easily angered. I am only a teenager with a dream to gain the title of the Strongest and to protect my sister.
The next morning, there was a large poster pasted on the student corridor. As students gathered I walked toward the chart to read what is going on.
The op of the chart had a large title.
Class Representative Tournament Schedule.
I looked at first year section. I stroll down the line for our class.
[Orimura Ichika] Ah here it is, and my opponent…!
I turned to Houki in surprise as she too had a surprised look on her face. I turned back to the chart, hoping I red wrong.
I wasn't wrong.
My remaining eye didn't fail.
And my preliminary opponent is the Class Representative from the First year, class 2. …Her name is…
Huang Lingtin.
AKA Rin chan.
I looked above.
"…Rin, this is a good chance to see if you can stand by my side again…this time you'll need more than determination and stubbornness. You need the power to not be destroyed by my mighty claws and fangs in one strike. You need to be strong…Rin."
I turned around to walk to my class. Houki followed me in silence.
"This Orimura Ichika…The Oshu's Doukugan Ryu will never falter, or run from a challenge. Rin…prepare yourself for a crazy party." I whispered under my breath.
The dice was cast.
Swords are held tightly, ready to be drawn in a flash.
Armors were fitted.
Blood, the red hot liquid boils in our veins.
War Songs are prepared and the War Drums are roaring in the heaven above.
Battle…was about to start and there was no one out there who could stop this fight.
Review!
WAIT FOR THE BATTLE TO COME. ALSO THE HIDDEN SKILL I MENTIONED IN MY ORIMURA CHARACTER STAT WILL BE USED IN CH8!
Any Typemoon fans may be able to guess what it is.
Name: Sanada Genjiro Yukihana
Age:15
Infinite Stratos: Uchigane Nikishi Waka Tora Custom
Alignment: Chaos Neutral
Stat
Strength: C
Agility: A
Speed: B
Defense: C
Endurance: C+
Luck: C
IS Syncro: C+++
3rd Gen weapons skill: E+++
All Skills (All skills will improve and develop in time)
Riding: C
She can ride just about anything from horse, bikes, and IS long as she is taught.
Battle Continuation: C
Strength of vitality for predicaments. Also, the ability to withdraw from combat and reach allied territory alive after being defeated. Yukihana can fight even if a crippling blow was dealt for few minutes.
Bravery: B
The ability to negate mental interference such as pressure, confusion and fascination. Bonus effect of increasing melee damage. Yukihana is more dumb than brave, but it works out as reckless courage.
Eye of the Mind (Fake): C
A sixth sense for avoiding danger. Yukihana is not as experienced as Ichika to develop an Eye of the Mind (True), however, her senses makes up for it.
Guardian Knight: C
Temporary raises defensive power when protecting others. Yukihana may be a member of an all-girls gang, but she it to pure hearted to leave someone in danger.
Instinct: C
The power to "feel" the most favorable developments for oneself during battle. At Rank C it is only effective for the sake of defense.
Monstrous Strength:B
An ability to temporary boost of the Strength parameter by one rank for a time limit determined by the ranking of this skill.
Natural Body: C
Possesses a perfect body as a living being from birth. The owner of this Skill is treated as if his STR is always Rank-Up. Yukihna's body shape doesn't change no matter how much calories she intakes.
Vitrification: D
A serene state of mind. A mental protection that nullifies mental interference. At her rank Yukihana can prevent most interference, beside excitement for battle. Unless facing an enemy with Mental Pollution Rank B or above, she will not lose her cool.
Name: Shinonono Houki
Age:15
Infinite Stratos: Uchigane Nikishi
Alignment: Lawful Good
Stat
Strength: C+
Agility: C
Speed: C+
Defense: B
Endurance: B
Luck: D
IS Syncro: C
3rd Gen weapons skill: E
All Skills (All skills will improve and develop in time)
Riding: C
She can ride IS long as she is taught.
Battle Continuation: C
Strength of vitality for predicaments. Also, the ability to withdraw from combat and reach allied territory alive after being defeated. Houki can fight even if a crippling blow was dealt for few minutes.
Bravery: B
The ability to negate mental interference such as pressure, confusion and fascination. Bonus effect of increasing melee damage. Houki is a disciplined student that can prevent most mental assaults such as taunt in battle.
Eye of the Mind (True): C
Heightened insight that was refined through experience. Why Houki is not as experienced as Ichika to develop through rough battle, but she fought in several kendo championship.
Eternal Arms Mastership: E+++
Prevents degradation of fighting skills when under the effect of mental hindrance. At Houki's level long as it is a katana she is welding, she is fine.
Headache Sufferer: B
A curse inherited from the birthplace for one to unable to express their feeling normally. Also known as Tsundere.
Instinct: C+
The power to "feel" the most favorable developments for oneself during battle. At Rank C it is only effective for the sake of defense, but it can be used for offensive sometimes.
Protection from Arrows: D-
Increased defense against ranged attacks by predicting the projectile trajectory through exceptional means such as hearing the sound of air being cut or sensing the killing intent of the enemy.
Vitrification: D
A serene state of mind. A mental protection that nullifies mental interference. At her rank Houki can prevent most interference, beside excitement for battle. Unless facing an enemy with Mental Pollution Rank B or above, she will not lose her cool.