Disclaimers: Infinite Stratos do not belong to me.
Ichika's subconscious
It was the same place where he have met the elusive [White Knight]and where he have received information regarding his power. It was a place where battles were occurred and wars left it's scar to it's surroundings. The ruined castle of both east and west collide together forming a mixed atmosphere. A place where he is at peace without Ichiko's presence, and everyone else, he is all alone in his subconscious right now.
"Yo Ichika!" Until she came and ruined his peace.
"Thought I might stop by and say hi."
"..." A silent utter came out of Ichika.
"You know, it's been a rather interesting year, you've been traveling through the globe and meet some interesting friends along the way. And yet, the world is a place filled with terrible people, and your 'sisters' are not helping."
"..."
"Think about it Ichika, you're the first person who has become the most powerful weapon this world has ever been created so far, and it only works on your opposite sex counterpart."
"..."
"So you might be wary of women you met and fellow men alike, aside from the ones you've met before you've become an IS."
"..."
"Wake up Ichika, you have some 'assignments' that Tabane wants you to do."
Ichika's subconscious slowly disappearing and later everything went black.
Tabane's secret laboratory, morning
Ichika woke up by Tabane by his side.
"Ikkun, good morning~" She puts on her cheerful smile as usual.
For Ichika, he would wake up first before Tabane, but in this situation Tabane has something on her mind.
"Ikkun, do you have any plans for the next few days?" For Ichika, he doesn't have any other plans beside grocery shopping, managing the laboratory, taking care of Tabane along with the IS and visiting his friends for the next few days.
"Is that a no? Good, because you will be going to Germany~!" Her cheerful tone combined with the word 'Germany' doesn't sound right to Ichika.
"I will tell everything in details later tonight but right now, make me breakfast OK Ikkun~?"
The mornings can't be more ordinary for the Tabane residence whenever Ichika served breakfast for his sister's friend and his IS 'sisters'.
"Hey Ikkun, Houki-chan's IS is almost completed and I want to ask for your ability to transform her into her human form once she's completed. And I've been wondering..." Tabane looks at the toaster that has been serving her toast for quite a while.
"Could your ability can be used on other objects as well as an IS?" Ichika looks intently at what she's looking, the toaster.
Ichika touched the toaster and concentrate. And at that sudden moment, the toaster glows in a bright light. And what they see after the flash of bright light was gone, the toaster was gone. Instead there was a girl who is in the same size as the toaster itself, and she is coated with only an armor that look like it's from the toaster.
Two IS were stunned to see this morning event on the breakfast table.
"Did Onii-sama just...?"
"Yes, I think he did..."
"..."
Ichika looks at the toaster clad girl intently, determine whether it is a toaster or an IS.
"Um, please do not stare at me Master. I might get pregnant."
"And you might gave birth to toasts right?" Revive commented.
"A toaster giving birth to a toast, I do not see the logic behind it even though it happens Onii-sama..." Uchigane added.
A light bulb has been lit in the 'kitchen'.
"Ah, a very interesting discovery. Not only the ability works on the IS but also to other objects. Wheee~~!" Tabane was filled with excitement as she talks about her new discovery. "I wonder if it only works on mechanical objects only? Hmm.."
"*sigh* There goes Tabane-sama, always thinking of something while doing something else. Are humans like that?"
"I hope not, what do you think Onii-san?"
Ichika shook his head in respond from the two IS.
"So...do you want me to make some toast? If so, then I might require specific materials to do so." The toaster IS began to ask.
Ichika was taken surprised when he can turn not just IS but other objects into IS girls. But he's not entirely sure whether it can work on all objects.
After breakfast, Ichika decided to transform back the toaster into the original form.
Later
"Alright Ikkun, I have different types of objects that might be an interest to turn into. All you have to do is try to use that ability to transform them."
What Ichika sees are nine samples, there are 1) a carrot 2) a tin can 3) a remote control of a TV4) a model battleship 5) a stuffed T-Rex 6) a small scale figurine of Houki which he has no idea where did that came from. 7) A MP3 player that belonged to Ichika 8) A picture of an embarrassing moment of Chifuyu when Tabane took the picture 9) And a dodgeball...
Ichika looks at all the object displayed right in front of him and started to look at each of them, starting with the carrot. The carrot cannot be transformed much to Ichika's effort and so does the tin can. But after the tin can he started to focus on the remote control. And just like the toaster, the remote control has become a mecha girl that would fit into your pocket.
"Good morning, do you have any channels you want me to change into?"
Then he turns his attention to the model battleship, which is an antique WWII battleship model and concentrates onto the ship. The ship went a successful transformation and it is rather a complex mix of human and machine, especially if is visibly armed (not really for the case of the model battleship) followed by the the stuffed T-Rex, which turned into a costume type of girl and much to Ichika would acknowledge it is rather cute and fluffy.
"Good morning Master, do you want something from me?"
"RAWR~ MASTER, ME WANT SOMETHING SOFT TO CHEW!"
Next on the list of samples was the Houki figurine. He has no knowledge of where it's origins but he assumes it came from Tabane for the sake of researching. He concentrate on the Houki figurine and it happened in just in a flash of bright light. With almost no visible changes, Houki came to 'life'. The joints have become invisible and it looks like the real Houki, except it is the size of a figurine. The clothes that the figurine wear turned into IS armor and so does the other object that was turned into IS.
"Good morning Master..." The Houki figurine greeted him, showing the absence of the actual Houki's personalities.
He looks at his MP3 player and wonders if it would work. If it would work what would happen? To answer his curiosity, he proceed to transform his own MP3 player and it went as a success.
[Kuribayashi Minami- Straight Jet] The music plays itself from Ichika's MP3 player as she was successfully IS transformed.
Note: IS opening song.
"Did that set the mood right Master?"
"..."
"Or should I change the voice into someone else or an instrumental?"
"..."
"Er, I don't think that would be necessary, Onii-sama's MP3 player girl."
"Awww..." the MP3 girl groaned in disappointment as Ichika turned her back into her normal form afterward.
Then Ichika looks upon the picture Tabane showed him on the table. It is definitely an embarrassing picture of his sister during some time in her high school years, probably before Tabane introduced the IS and made his sister famous. Ichika suspected that Tabane would be the only one who would take this kind of picture of his sister, because if it were someone else, she would get rid of it, both the picture and the culprit.
If Ichika would still have all of his visible emotions and speech, he would be rolling on the floor laughing at the picture he saw, instead Ichiko would take that part.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA~! OH MY SIDES! HAHAHA~!" she rolled on the floor laughing and tears of laughter are present in her eyes.
Ichika ignores his alter ego and tries to turn the picture into an IS, but he failed to do so for good reasons. It's just a picture, nothing else. And also the dodge ball, which was the last item that Tabane assembled which cannot be transformed into an IS.
In conclusion, 5 out of 9 items are able to be transformed into an IS girls, and Tabane has enough data for further research on Ichika's ability. As for the other 4, Ichika looks at the photo one more time and grabs the dodge ball next to it. He looks at Tabane with the ball on his hand and Tabane speaks.
"Oh that, that was just a memento from Chi-chan."
A memento Ichika thought, what would a dodge ball would be a memento for Tabane. Just as Tabane turns back to proceed into her room in the laboratory, Ichika has a conclusion. From the picture connecting to the dodge ball, Ichika might knew what it is connected here.
Ichika aims the ball and throws it at Tabane at the back of her head.. The ball hits and stars can be seen around her head as she whines in pain.
"Uuuuu~ IKKUN what did you do that for, that was the exact same spot Chi-chan hit me years ago! Ikkun you meanie!"
Well, at least he learn something new about his sister's relation with Tabane.
IS Academy,Arena
It was just a casual practice with Byakushiki along with Houki and Kanzashi as it was a Saturday afternoon where no afternoon classes were held. Other students were at the same location as they are to practice their IS piloting skill.
"Byakushiki, you've improved since the incident..." Houki commented.
"...And?" Byakushiki looks away from Houki and towards Kanzashi.
"You have to be careful when you use your ability." Kanzashi pointed out.
"You're referring to 'Reiraku Byakuya' ?"
"Yes, it might be a powerful ability, but it's a double-edged sword, you exchange your shield energy as attack power as you use that ability."
"..."
"What I'm trying to say is that you use 'Reiraku Byakuya' when necessary."
"OK, I understand."
"BYAKU-CHAN!" Golem arrived at the arena that the three practiced in.
"Oh Golem-nee, you here to practice?"
"ACTUALY GOLEM HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO."
"OK..."
"YOU WANT GOLEM TO HELP YOU TRAIN?"
"Hm...I suppose the more the merrier."
Golem's IS uniform lacks the sleeves as Golem's weapons are mostly on her mechanic arms when deployed. And Byakushiki's are also different with the same lacking of sleeves in her uniform but the student's who are in charge of making their uniforms managed to merge their armor into their custom uniform.
"NOW LET'S TRAIN, GOLEM HAVEN'T BEEN FIGHTING FOR A WHILE." Golem deploys her weapon and prepare herself.
"If you say so, I'm not holding back!" Byakushiki prepares her sword and as she was about to fight Golem, someone intervene their fight.
"Hold it." The voice was cold, and it sends Byakushiki a familiar reaction. Looking for the source of the voice Byakushiki and the group and the other students finds the source from the corner of the arena.
"Huh, look at that..."
"No way, that's the 3rd generation German model."
"I heard that it's still in the testing phase in their country..."
The one in the corner was Laura Bodewig who declared war towards Byakushiki few days ago with her IS [Shwarzer Regen]. She still remained her cold attitude ever since she transferred in the IS academy. And so does her hostility with Byakushiki.
"Hey."
"Hey...?"
"Byakushiki...I think it's time to settle things, right here and right now."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's simple, you're just as similar as instructor. And I will not tolerate you for that."
"..."
"It's time for you to fight me."
"No...I have no reason to fight you right now."
"Is that so, then it will be easier to eliminate you."
"...!"
Laura's right cannon aimed at Byakushiki and ready to fire at her.
"Not so fast!" Out of nowhere ,Charlotte appeared and interrupted Laura from attacking Byakushiki.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Laura was disturbed by Charlotte's appearance with her 'Raphael Revive Custom II'.
"I'm here to protect Byakushiki!"
"Charlotte..."
"Is that so? If you're going to stand my way, you will regret it." Laura aims her cannon at Charlotte.
"Hmph, we'll see about that." Charlotte deployed her own firearms to protect herself.
"Then answer me this, what is your reason for protecting her in the first place?"
"...I have my reason." Charlotte lied, in truth her reason for protecting Byakushiki was for her to remain unscratched for Charlotte to steal Byakushiki's data by her father's orders.
"..."
"..."
"You there in the corner of the arena, state your name, class and IS!" The supervisor of the arena stopped the conflict between Laura and Charlotte.
"Hmph, seems I don't have time for you. Someday, I will destroy you Byakushiki." With that Laura left ignoring the supervisor of the arena.
"..." Charlotte let out a sigh after the silence.
"Um...Thank you Charlotte." Byakushiki was rather grateful.
"Oh..no problem Byakushiki..ehehe~" Charlotte let out a nervous laugh.
"ORANGE GIRL NERVOUS FOR SOME REASON." Golem points out Charlotte's awkward sudden change of behaviour.
"Oh, it's nothing.."
After the sudden turn of events, Charlotte spars with Byakushiki while observing her during the spar.
Meanwhile, Charles went into the student council room since there was no meeting on Saturdays. When he arrived in the student council room. Only Tatenashi is present, doing her paperwork as expected from a student council president.
"Hm..?" Tatenashi noticed Charles on the door and stop her current task. "Can I help you..?"
"Uh yes, does this school have any club activities?"
"Yes, there are club activities after school, but I don't think you should participate in any of them right now I'm afraid."
"Well, it has been only a few days since I've transferred here, so I need some time to get used to it."
"Good thing being the 'new student' huh?"
"Well, I'm not sure about that..."
"Your IS..." Tatenashi looks at the red bracers on Charles left arm underneath his sleeves.
"Excuse me...?"
"Your IS, it looks unique. How long have you been piloting an IS?"
"Well, back in my hometown it was around three hours."
"As expected from a cadet representative..Tell me, what is the name of your IS?"
"...[Bloody Rose]"
"The Dunois company received your IS design around a week ago, since France was omitted from the European Union's 'Ignition Plan' due to lacking of 3rd generation IS, it is rather surprising. Even if it was just a few days, the members of the European Union were surprised by France's 'recovery'."
"...If I recalled, France was in trouble before I was discovered that I can pilot an IS..."
"And from what I've heard, the White Rabbit was involved in this 'recovery'."
"...!" That caught Charles' attention. He already know about Byaku Usagi, it's just the information had spread so quickly.
"And the White Rabbit supposedly responsible for giving the design to the company."
Flashback
The IS [Bloody Rose], it is unknown whether it is a 3rd generation IS or higher, but it's capabilities are equal to the 3rd generation IS or possibly better. However, it is an IS that was not designed by the Great Genius Tabane actually. It was designed by Ichika after being Tabane's caretaker and bodyguard for three years. Between those three years, he observed Tabane's IS design occasionally and ideas popped in on his head. He began doing designs and sketches of his own IS on his free time out of boredom, which thanks to his IS improvement should be like drawings, and the [Bloody Rose] was one of them.
Tabane somehow found the [Bloody Rose] design and the colored sketch by chance and took it.
"Ah Ikkun, I found this somewhere in your room and may I have look about it more thorough."
Ichika nodded.
And In France, specifically in the Dunois cooperation, Ichika didn't realize that Tabane would used his [Bloody Rose] design until the completion of the [Bloody Rose] herself.
Flashback ended
In the middle of a conversation between Charles and Tatenashi, Cecilia comes in to the room while what appears to be having a headache.
"I can't believe this-Charles, what are you doing here?"
"What's wrong Cecilia?"
"Just this afternoon, that Laura Bodewig decided to make a ruckus in an arena. From what the supervisor told me, it seems she was picking a fight with Byakushiki."
"Wasn't it always like this before I transferred here?"
"Yes, but it didn't escalate like this until now."
"Any problem with her?"
"Well, she's probably anti-social, cold and has that military style talking."
"..."
"And I've overheard your conversation as I arrive, it seems that you mentioned about the 'White Rabbit'? As a fellow cadet representative, I would like to know."
In a case, the three are representatives of certain countries, Cecilia of Britain, Charles of France along with Charlotte and Tatenashi of Russia despite she's not Russian.
"Well, see that red bracelet that Charles wore?"
"Is this [Bloody Rose]?"
"The one and only."
"It could have been the 'White Rabbit's' work, even the government from my country were surprised from this."
"Where do you think he'll go next, since from what I've learned so far he has traveled to Britain, China and most recently France?"
"..."
"..."
"It's getting late, you should go back to your room Charles."
"I suppose it is..."
"I'll finish my work then I'll go back to my room. Ugh, being class representative sure is stressful sometimes." Cecilia groaned as Charles left the room.
Tabane's secret laboratory, night
As she promised, Tabane gives Ichika the details regarding on Ichika's assignment.
"Alright Ikkun, in the next few days you're going to Germany."
"..."
"Well, I want to check out the development in Germany. What I'm looking for is the [VT system] and it is only made in Germany. However, the Alaska Treaty prohibits the production and usage of the [VT system]. But the [VT system] still produced but only in few numbers for secrecy. In other words, I want you to bring the [VT system] if possible and get some German sausages while you're at it."
"..." As if Tabane had more weird requests than the one Ichika hearing right now.
"Hm..Ikkun, did you remember that two years ago when Chi-chan was teaching some soldiers in Germany for a year?"
"..." Ichika nodded in response.
"You should stop there as soon as you arrive at Germany as the location is quite remote and suitable for base of operation."
Tabane showed a map which indicating the location of his base of operations, as she said, it is quite remote but not too far from the capital of Germany for Ichika to travel.
"Oh, and you're alone on this one but not too worry, I have installed a communication line connecting from this place to you so I can be your side wherever you go~."
"It is best that you are prepared Onii-sama?"
"Good luck in the next few days then Onii-san~"
Few days later, unknown location, Germany
Ichika was in the sky, traveling alone into Germany to find the Shwarzer Haze in a route that cannot be detected by anyone thanks to Tabane's coordination planning in advance. He has traveled for hours to reach his destination and he had been traveling from the morning and it has reached the afternoon. At this time of Ichika's absence, Tabane would smother herself with snacks as her daily meal, but her high metabolism does keep her fit from moving around the laboratory.
After made it to the destination, he would saw what seems to be a boot camp and looking at the map Tabane given him, it seems to be the place where Ichika would stay for a while. As Ichika walks into the front of the base, there are two female guards who are stationed to guard the front of the base. Both seems to wear eye patches on one eye as if they were covering something.
"Halt!" One of the female guard commanded.
"..." The other guard looks at Ichika as he came to a halt.
"You are...Byaku Usagi, or the White Rabbit. What business do you have here, not that we're not allowing you to be here of course?"
"Ah, I think this is not the best place to talk, let's go inside and discuss this to the superiors." The female guards summoned a cadet who are familiar to the base which will be Icika's escort and much to Ichika's surprise, it was a girl who is around the same age as his long lost Kouhai, Houki.
"T-The White Rabbit, here?!" The escort was surprised to see him. "I-I'll show you to he superiors and a field trip if you want to."
As the escort showed Ichika through the base, Ichika saw lots of teenage girls, who had military training and every one of them had the same eye patch.
"We were orphans years ago transported to this military base and trained to be Germany's super soldier. Until the IS came, we were trained as IS pilots now."
"..."
"There are only girls here if you're wondering."
Ichika have reached the superiors room where the escort looks at him and said,
"Well, this is it." She knocked the door.
"What is it, I'm trying to do work here." The voice from the other side of the door responded.
"Lieutenant, the White Rabbit is here."
"Wait what, are you serious!?"
"Yes, he is with me right now."
"U-Uh, just give me a moment..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"You can come in..."
The door opened and revealed a woman who assumed the title Lieutenant is in her desk, going through sorts of documents.
"Ah White Rabbit what brings you here? I'm Lieutenant Clarissa Harfouch, it is rather a pleasure to meet the latest IS icon right in front of me." And just like the other soldiers, she had an eye patch which all of them are similar.
Ichika showed a notepad to Clarissa,
"Hm, what is this?"
[Do you have any [VT system] that is available, and a good sausage for Tabane?]
"Hm...The [Valkyrie Trace System], I never thought you knew about that. And this 'Tabane' you've referring...Is it really true that you have relations with THE Tabane Shinonono?!"
Ichika nodded.
"I also heard rumors that you don't speak at all, and I suppose it's true. Are you her bodyguard?"
"..."
"I take that as a yes..."
"..." The office have become silent for a few seconds.
"I assume you know this but the [Valkyrie Trace System] uses the system of the previous Mondo Grosso champion. But everything about it from the development and usage are prohibited from the IS Treaty. Although few researchers still developing it in secrecy."
"..."
"I suppose I should tell you why is it banned in the first place, whether you are aware or not...During the first experiment back in the past, one pilot was willing to try to install the [VT System] into her IS and test it out. The [VT system] worked, but there are consequences when using the system..."
"..."
"The system damages the mental condition of the pilot and the pilot went berserk, destroying everything in sight. The experiment was able to be stopped and there was no casualties but it left terrible scars to those who are involved in the experiment. And to this day, the experimental pilot was still in a coma, proven that the [VT System] was dangerous..."
"..."
"I apologize but even if there were still the [VT System] out there, we cannot find any single one of it. But since you're looking for sausages, I might know where to get it. By the way, you're looking in bulk right?"
Clarrisa gives Ichika an address of where he can obtain the best sausages in Germany. As clarissa give it to him, one of her documents fall off and Ichika grabs it. When he picked up the document, he saw it wasn't a document, it was a shoujo manga.
He looks at Clarissa, who had an awkward look on her face.
"If you must know, I'm an avid shoujo manga fan and I know Japanese culture quite well."
Ichika deploys his White Knight Lance and points it at Clarissa's eye patch.
"What are you- Oh, you are curious whats underneath this patch no...?"
"..."
Clarissa opened her eye patch, revealing a golden eye which was a contrast to her other eye.
"What you see here is the [Odin's Eye], it is an enhancement to the body in a form of a microchip being surgically inserted into our eye. Everyone in the base has it, and with that helmet of yours, I can't tell if you have the [Odin's Eye] or not, then again, only in this base has received this kind of surgery."
"..."
"Ah, if you wouldn't mind..."
Ichika stopped as he was about to leave to the door.
"...If we would ask for your cooperation, we have a simple mission to undertake and to be honest, we would offer you an assistance."
"...?"
"It is rather quite simple, it will only take a while. There is a base around 150 km away north from here. It's abandoned, but our sources claims that someone sheltered there. I would like to go there, but I have to be keep watch the base along with the other soldiers."
For Ichika to have received such a mission from the military, it might be tough. But it might be related to the [VT System] that he is looking for, along with some German sausages.
"It's just an investigation at the place, so no worries. I would usually sent Lieutenant Bodewig to do this kind of job since she can handle things by herself, but she's in the IS academy as a cadet representative. I believe you can take her place just this once."
Ichika wondered if he would take this investigation while he's here at this time. Then he remembered contacting Tabane. As he explained the situation through texting, Tabane replied with an OK as she thought it might relate with the[ VT System]. Ichika nodded in agreement after some 'thinking'.
"You will, well then. If there's anything in there, report back here immediately."
Ichika left the office and headed to the destination, the abandoned base around 150 km to the north. But before he proceed with the mission, Clarissa said to him as he reached the door.
"You know...You're the second special guest that had come here since Brunhilde herself. That Orimura Chifuyu teach the soldiers here around two years ago within a year and we all respect her for that. And good luck with the mission."
Abandoned base, Germany
The area was surrounded by mountains and the area was almost isolated, there Ichika found the abandoned base. It took him around an hour to reached this area of Germany. The base appeared empty and ruined, but as what Clarrisa said, they appear to be inhabitants in the base.
"Whoa, that base looks like it needs some paint job. And that empty atmosphere is right there right in front of you showing itself. Geez, I wonder if it's just some hobo living here." Ichika's alter ego appeared and commented on the base as he entered there.
On the inside of the base, the interior looks like it's going to collapse anytime, which reminded Ichika about three years ago. In fact, once Ichika went inside, it looks like it had been attacked before.
"Seems like a party gone wrong or is it staged apocalypse around this base. Anyways, are you sure this mission might be related of what we're looking for." Her comments never ceased, causing annoyance to Ichika.
After long silence, a voice can be heard out of nowhere inside the base.
"Halt..."
It was a voice of a woman, but the source of the voice cannot be found.
"Who are you and what brings you here...?"
"I think someone's home." Ichiko looks around in the base which shrouded in darkness.
Suddenly an IS set an ambush at Ichika, and Ichika deploy his shield to block the surprise attack.
"..."
"You are...the White Knight, correct...?" The woman saw Ichika up close from Ichika blocking her attack.
"..."
"Let me rephrase that, you're the White Rabbit are you?" Her zweihander still connects with Ichika's shield.
The woman whom Ichika fighting with is in her teens approximately the same as Ichika's age of 18, had a forest green hair, emerald eyes and her IS with a zweihander in hand which is a 2nd generation IS [Balmung] matched her hair color with added silver.
Ichika pushed her as gaining distance between them and charge with his lance.
"Wait!" Ichika stopped at his tracks.
"I have no intention of fighting you, my duty is to protect someone and I can see you have no reason to fight me either." The woman spoke like a knight, she appears to be an ally to Ichika.
"What is going on there?" Another voice appeared, and it appears to be another woman's voice.
"Ah Victoria..."
"I came to check up the ruckus so I-" Another woman whom apparently came from the basement was shocked to see Ichika.
"Is that THE White Rabbit?!" The woman in question was wearing a lab coat and her hair is colored white and her appearance reminded like Dr. Victor himself.
"..."
"..."
"MWAHAHAHAHAHA~! It's the White Rabbit himself, right in front of me, now I can continue further my research!" The woman in the lab coat laughs wickedly.
"Victoria, calm yourself."
"..."
"...Ahem, sorry about that. I get excited easily, especially when it is about you White Rabbit. You my dear boy, are the holy grail of the IS and scientists and researchers like myself are rather curious about you."
"Please allow me to introduce myself and the woman in the lab coat, I'm am Sieglinde Schtauffen, a 'Knight' in service of the Dr. Victoria Klug, whom is the woman in the lab coat. As you can see I am an IS pilot, but I am not a representative, and Victoria is a researcher of the IS in this country in Germany."
"..."
"Well, after that introduction's over, I would like to know what brings you here into this place hm...?" Victoria asked Ichika.
Ichika takes out a notepad and a stylus and writes down what he has to say.
[I'm on a mission to investigate this place from the Schwarzer Haze. But I'm here on a quest for another from Shinonono Tabane regarding on the [VT System]...and German sausages.]
"So it's true, you are related to THE genius Tabane Shinonono and a strong silent one. German sausages aside, the [VT System] as you know by now is prohibited. And because of THAT incident, I can't continue my research!"
"..."
"You see, it was Victoria who is the brain of the [VT System], she created them in order to strengthen the IS pilots in Germany." Sieglined explained.
"The objective of the [VT System] is to copy the battle data of the previous Mondo Grosso champions to become the strongest fighters. And the experiment was going well, until the test pilot gone crazy and destroyed everything in sight. Although luckily no one was seriously hurt, but the government halted my experiment. Don't they know experiments like that can give improvements in the future!" Victoria seems to rant about her failed experiment.
"Please excuse Victoria regarding about her behavior, she does not take well about her failed experiment." Sieglinde bowed at Ichika in apology.
"I told you it was an accident, an ACCIDENT!"
"Sigh..."
"Ah, since you're here, how about a demonstration on your ability. Sieglinde, lend him your IS!" Victoria commanded to her knight.
"Yes ma'am." Sieglinde approached Ichika closely and Ichika touched her IS and a bright light engulfed around them.
"Yes...Yes...YES...MWAHAHAHAHA~! Her mad scientist personality returned as she looks at the display of the transformation.
After the bright glow has ceased, Sieglinde was without her IS, her IS is right next to her.
"Greetings brother knight, I am [Balmung], the armor needed for my pilot Sieglinde to protect the researcher." The IS pointed at Victoria.
"With this zweihander [Fafnir], me and Sieglinde will smite to those who possess danger. Here, it is a souvenier for your visit brother knight." She gave him a zweihander, although it is questionable whether it can be used for battle.
['Tiamat's Fang' received]
"Whether you would use it is up to you, it is rather a base weapon actually brother knight." Balmung confessed and returned back to it's pilot as the deployed from.
"Hehehe~ To see that with my own eyes, it is rather extravagant and yet very complex. Where were we...? Oh yes, the [VT System], I really can't continue my progress on that one-oh wait a minute." Victoria just lit her lightbulb.
"You said you came here from a mission from the Schwarzer Hase correct..?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Sieglinde, we're leaving this place. This place is about to collapse anytime and I'm not staying here for one more day. It is rather fortunate that you are here White Rabbit. I must go to Schwarzer Haze to report on something, and getting a better place to sleep."
"It is about time Victoria..." Victoria get on the back of Sieglinde's IS and flies of to Schwarzer Haze along with Ichika.
Shwarzer Haze, Germany, Evening
After arriving at the base along with Victoria and Sieglinde, Ichika went to Clarissa's office to find a box of what to be appeared as bulks of German made sausages.
"Ah, you're back. I assume you find something there?"
As Clarissa asked Ichika about that. Both Victoria and Sieglinde entered the office.
"Victoria...and also Sieglinde...Are you the ones inhabitant the abandoned base?"
"I assume this is where we suppose to say 'long time no see'?" Victoria replied.
"Very funny Victoria...What brings you here?"
Victoria explained the situation to Clarissa.
"So you're saying that Lieutenant Bodewig somehow put the [VT System] on her IS secretly."
"Yes, when I was assembling her IS, she asked me to put the [VT System] and hide it into her IS."
"And does that explained why you're in that base, to avoid responsibility?"
"No...I was looking for my stuff."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..Eccentric as always aren't we? Sorry for giving you this kind of mission but as a reward, I took upon myself as to get these."
Ichika take the box and put it right next to him and writes down something on his notepad and showed it to Clarissa.
[Who is this 'Lieutenant Bodewig'?]
"Laura Bodewig, she's one of the best soldiers here. She took upon herself to be Germany's cadet representative and went to the IS academy around two weeks ago. She admired instructor Orimura during her training with her for a year two years ago, and she's been training hard when you came along. Right now, I'm worried about her since she had that [VT System] inside her IS. Oh yes, you should report this to Tabane regarding about this."
Ichika bows farewell to the three women not forgetting the box filled with German made sausages and left the Schwarzer Haze and headed his way to Tabane's laboratory.
"Ah White Rabbit..." Sieglinde called to him as he's about to leave the Schwarzer Haze.
"If we would meet again, I have a feeling we would be more than just fellow 'knights' or companion..." Ichika never turned his back as he left the base and heard that sentence from Sieglinde.
[Tabane-nee, I'm returning back and report regarding on your quest.]
Tabane's Laboratory, Night
"Ah Ikkun, welcome back. So, how did it go..?"
After a serving of the sausages for dinner as a request for Tabane, Ichika explained what he have learned during his trip in Germany.
"Hm...I knew that installing that notepad to you was a good idea. So there's only one [VT System] left in the world and it's in the IS academy..."
"..."
"Ha, I have a suggestion. The Individual Division Tournament will be held in the IS academy soon and there is a high possibility that you can get the [VT System] for me." Tabane comes up a plan on getting the system.
"Mm~ This has a very unique taste Onii-sama."
"Mm~I agree." Both Uchigane and Revy take their time enjoying their meal.
"Haha, me three." Tabane added as she enjoying her meal also.
Uchigane then noticed the [Tiamat's Fang], "Um Onii-sama, can I examine that sword later, I think I can make use of it."
And dinner went as usual for the Shinonono 'household'.
IS academy, night, Charles' POV
Right now it has been around a week since I've transferred to this academy and right now I'm enjoying my meal with Charlotte, who happens to sit in front of me and facing me as well. The girls were whispering about us as we eat.
"See that, they almost look similar."
"Hey, don't you think they are brother and sister."
"Could be...but their surnames are different.."
"Could they be lost siblings or did their parents divorced?"
I didn't hear about the last one though but I don't think it's important. Charlotte looks at me, rather at my right wrist because there lies my IS [Bloody Rose].
"Yes...?" I asked her.
"Um...It's nothing sorry."
"Why are you being sorry about?"
"..."
"So you're another cadet representative along with me huh?"
"Y-yes."
"Hahaha, you're pretty shy aren't you?"
"..." I can see her blushing for no apparent reason.
"...So you got a personal IS."
"Why yes, yes I have."
"..." She's all quiet all of a sudden.
It has only been a few days but a lot of girls told me about things like me and Charlotte are related and honestly I don't know what to say. I do admit that Charlotte looks similar to me, but I don't think that makes us siblings isn't it? I mean, my real parents abandoned me.
Either way, Charlotte's gonna be my friend since she IS from my country, or maybe we can be intimate ho ho~
And somehow, I'm the oldest in my class, while the others are between the age of 15 to 16, I'm at the age of 18 which I admit is not that much of a difference.
"Um..Charles."
"Hm..?" Charlotte's gonna ask me about something.
"Your IS...what generation IS are you piloting?"
Honestly, I don't know what exactly what generation IS I'm piloting but I'm guessing it's a 3rd generation IS.
"Uh...a 3rd generation IS."
"...I see."
"Hey Charlotte...Let's do our best, as a cadet representative of our country."
"Um...Charles, I was wondering what's your room number?"
"..."
"..." Our eyes met in the silence.
"Oh, it's room 1026. Well it's getting late, I'm going back to my room. See ya later." I gave her my room number and I waved at her good night. And as I turn around, I caught a glimpse of Charlotte's blushed face.
Chifuyu's office, late night, Chifuyu's POV
Hmm...It's been quite a ride lately. Let's see if I recall the events after Ichika's last visit; I just got slapped in the face by my own colleague after teaching Byakushiki a lesson regarding on living with humanity. I just figured out that two organizations that are after Ichika, the mysterious Sarashiki Group and the even more mysterious organization Phantom Task. I got that time of the day and drink a lot more than usual in one night, got slapped again by the same colleague and I've vomit at her one time at my hangover.
And I have to keep an eye on my students, especially; Alcott, Byakushiki, Shinonono, Dunois, Bodewig and Sorel. They are rather different that the rest of my other students and aside from Shinonono, they are cadet representatives. Aside from Dunois, Shinonono and Sorel, Alcott, Byakushiki and Bodewig are mostly causing headaches but not often.
Sigh, and then there's Tabane, the one who created most of my bigger headaches at certain times. Like when she interrupted the class one day while announcing and introducing Ichika's name under the alias of 'Byaku Usagi', which if I recalled that name came around at the beginning of the year two years ago, but that name revealed that day during the lesson. Before that name revealed, he was known as the 'mysterious silent young man' back when he was at the IS academy for Tabane's request and special occasions relating about IS, which I gave the approvals to the principal almost every time.
And other examples of what Tabane gives me headaches bigger than my students is when Tabane and Ichika went to France to investigate regarding Charles, the only male who is able to pilot an IS. I know they only went there for research, but it still frustrate me as I wanted to go to France and having a date with my own brother, my OWN brother for god sake.
I really need to clear myself and focus on teaching my students, without Ichika as if I'm going down of having bad luck. Come to think of it, Shinonono also suffer such luck, which I admit it was humorous. But enough of that, focus Chifuyu you are better than that!
Ran's POV
Somehow Onii got himself an IS, an IS that came from the rampage around more than a month ago. But he's still the Baka-nii I know, my Onii is a kind guy but he's rather annoying to me and he's not that impressive, even with Uchigane with him. I suppose I should say the same to Ichika more than three years ago.
Before that incident that almost took Ichika's life, I always thought that boys are not all that since the only boy I know is Baka-nii. Onii introduced me Ichika-san around four years ago, and my first impression on him was...mute. He didn't talk much, and he was a boy with a very few words. I didn't give him much of a good impression, but when Onii decided that Ichika-san to help work that's when I see something within him. He's certainly a hark worker when he decided to help out the family restaurant and he never complained much unlike my Onii. I started to become curious about him and when I asked him about something, he would never answer any of my question with more than five words. He didn't come often as Onii told me that Ichika spend most of his free time at a nearby Dojo to train Soujutsu.
Then, the incident happened. The incident that almost killed him, I remembered when I saw Onii's face, it was unlike I've seen daily, it was very intense, especially when the doctors told us that he has a low chance to live. I even saw his sister waiting near his room with THE great genius herself Shinonono Tabane. Despite the odds, Ichika-san lived but he never spoke even one word after that, but his expressions still remained and I'm actually happy about that.
And another change occurred, he possesses THAT ability, an ability that was revealed to the public within the next three years. The ability to transform IS into a form that is closely to humans. I remembered that time when Ichika and surprisingly Onii graduated from high school and an Uchigane was there. I didn't know it was Ichika's responsibility until I heard the big news three years later.
Another strange thing happened is that Ichika was nowhere to be found, I even checked his house and the only one there was his big sister. She did said to me that Ichika had moved out somewhere, which saddens me and I can tell she's also saddened. Though he still visit us and help us with the business, I can't visit him in return as I do not know his current location.
Sigh, what a pain.
Tatenashi's and Setsuka's dream
Both have a same dream of a city, yet they are separated in their own perspective. A city that is concurred by their opposing forces and the main force was, Byaku Usagi and his IS 'sisters'.
""No, This can't be..""
Byaku Usagi then turned his attention at Tatenashi/Setsuka and to find their own IS standing beside him. They know they are doomed. And walking towards Byaku Usagi was their respective enemy leader.
""Byaku Usagi!?""
Byaku Usagi then deployed his lance, and it is a lance that they have never seen before. It is the ultimate form of the White Knight Lance, the [White Knight Ultimus]. The Lance shines in the brightest white and the reflection from the remaining sunlight revealed spectrum coming from the lance. A bright light engulfs them and when it's over they were both having cold sweat. Then both realize thay have the same conclusion.
""I must not let Byaku Usagi join them!""
Well hopefully this chapter ain't half bad. Ichika has traveled to Germany and meet up with a military base called Schwarzer Haze. During in Germany for Tabane's weird request, he somehow accepted a mission from the Schwarzer Haze and received some interesting information.
For opinion sake for later chapters, should Charles knew that he and Charlotte are actually lost siblings or they would see each other as friends or escalate it into lovers? And the world has known Ichika as Byaku Usagi, but will there be at some point where the helmet would come off and revealed his true identity to the world?
Next chapter will be the Individual Division Tournament, where Ichika's path and Byakushiki's path would collide once again. Not sure exactly when but it depends on my mood to type...
I apologize for the delay of Dragon's Roar of Courage and Sisters updates due to I have to focus on this chapter and some laziness along the way, but hopefully I have the chance.
Until then, have a enjoyable read and see ya later.