Disclaimers: Infinite Stratos don't belong to me.
Tabane's Laboratory, Morning
Tabane is typing away to analyze Akatsubaki's prowess after being involved in the last battle in one of the rooms that Tabane frequently used.
"Hm…Aka-chan's already involved in a battle and Houki-chan hasn't even piloted her yet. But Aka-chan seems to be doing fine with her sword skill despite that, she's definitely going to be doing very good with Houki-chan."
Ichika stood next to her observing the monitor without his rabbit helm, and Moppy happens to be on top of his head, doing her signature smile and puts her hands into her round chin. His stoic face remains the same as he watched at Akatsubaki's status screen. Akatsubaki stood right next to Tabane on Ichika's other side.
Akatsubaki
Element: Fire
Generation: 4th
Weapon: Dual Katanas [Amatsuki] and [Karaware], Foot Blade
One Off Ability: Kenran Butou
"Wow, Houki sure get a lucky break. Not only she will get a new IS, but with it Akatsubaki's previous battle experience." Moppy states as she watched the screen.
"…" Ichika had yet said a word.
"Seeing that I'm designed to be a CQC type, my pilot must have experience the way of the sword."
"Of course, Houki-chan has trained kendo in all her life and she still practiced them today."
"Now if you excuse me then, I'm going to train. Ever since that battle yesterday, I want to fight whether with or without my pilot." Akatsubaki left to the training hall.
"Hm….Aka-chan seems fired up somehow. I wonder if this will turn out well for both of them…?"
"….."
Suddenly a rumbling sound can be heard inside the room. Ichika and Moppy looked at Tabane and she was flustered.
"Um Ii-kun, what's for breakfast hehehe…"
Ichika and Moppy sweat dropped. Moppy gets off Ichika and landed and said to him,
"Well, I'm going to call the IS to drop by in the kitchen. " And walked away in her birthday suit, which she wore everyday.(Possibly another trademark of Moppy)
After breakfast is served by Ichika, all the residents including the IS gathered up and start their morning. And Tabane for once started to plan their day for today.
"Everyone, we'll be going to the seaside later on~!" Tabane said as she puts two peace signs.
"Seaside is that where there are sands, rocks and a huge volume of water?" the three Uchigane spoke in unison.
"Isn't that place where people must put certain clothing that they called a 'swimsuit' if I recall correctly? I've read them on the internet." It was Revy's turn to speak.
"That's right Revy-chan, people put on their swimsuits and showed their bodies to each other~!"
"Ahh, it's rather wonderful. People showed their bodies to each other in one location, it's amazing."
"The seaside, why would we want to go there?"
"To spend some time together Aka-chan."
"It's not that I would disagree with your plan Tabane-sama, but…"
After finishing their meal and much discussion about their plans today, everyone went to do their individual tasks while Ichika cleans up the dishes. And while he does so, Ichiko appears sitting on the dining table. She smirked at Ichika as if she knows something.
"You knew right…"
"….."
"About Tabane's plan for today, you know something's up."
[How would you know about that?]
"Hello, earth to my alter ego. I'm you; of course I know something that you know. I'm saying this because you know there is something deeper with her plans but you don't know what it is."
"….."
"The seaside though, it will be interesting especially that there's a chance that Tabane will be wearing a swimsuit. You would like to see that do you~?"
Ichika deployed his lance and points it at her face; she doesn't seem to even flinch. Rather, her grin is bigger now.
"Why would you deny it, you like her don't you? I mean really like her right?"
[Of course I do.]
"Well now, if you excuse me." Ichiko disappeared instantly in a form of lightning particles.
Ichika shook his head as he finished his task and decided to prepare for the seaside trip.
Meanwhile, at the IS academy's side
"I can see the sea!"
As the bus went through the tunnel, the girls in the class shouted out.
It's the first day of the seaside school, and fortunately, today the weather's clear. The sea that's reflecting the sunlight off is rather stable, with the sea breeze gently swaying it. However, the unexpected turn of events happening yesterday caused two new guests joining the trip. Victoria and Sieglinde sit across Cecilia and Laura while Charlotte and Charles sat behind them with Byaku Shiki and strangely Golem.
After the event yesterday, Victoria and Sieglinde were staying at the IS academy that night due to Victoria's curiosity on Byaku Shiki. And this three day seaside trip is also an IS training session for the students, so the IS are also brought during this session but Byaku Shiki and Golem are the only ones who is in one of the buses among the students. Rin was on the other bus and Houki was in the same bus as the others but was several seats away from them.
"So…what is the purpose of students being sent into the seaside?" Sieglinde stated to speak.
"W-what are you saying Sieglinde, you don't understand why we're having a trip in the seaside?!" Cecilia retorted.
"Honestly no….and this is by far my first time to set foot into the seaside." This sends Cecilia surprised.
"Honestly, what have you been doing with your life?"
"….Training. And to be honest, I don't go out as much."
"You're in the same situation as I Sieglinde, but somehow you're more isolated." Laura pondered at Sieglinde.
"Is that so…Victoria, why do we agree to join this trip in the first place, I thought we were going to research about the White Rabbit?"
"Ah, but alas he is very hard to find and he's unpredictable, especially since he's with the most wanted person in the whole world."
"Meaning you're just going to research Byaku Shiki then?"
"I have to say, I wasn't plan this to happen though, but as an IS researcher I must study her."
"Suit yourself Victoria…"
"Um Laura-san, how did you knew these two?" Cecilia started to ask Laura.
"I've known them around a year ago almost after instructor was leaving back to Japan. Dr. Victoria was the one who puts the [Valkyrie Trace System] into my IS on my behalf, and Sieglinde is her bodyguard."
"A bodyguard so young…"
"Sieglinde has quite a high aptitude with an IS but due to the lack of support from the government, she wasn't sent to the IS academy and train to use the IS by herself with the help of Victoria."
"If she did, she'll be a third year correct?"
"That's right." Sieglinde answered.
"And also, with Sieglinde's skill with a great sword, she could be a cadet representative already." Laura added.
"Um…By the way, Byaku Shiki-san seems down lately."
"I noticed. I'm worried about my future wife."
"Um Laura-san, why are you implying Byaku Shiki-san as your future wife?"
"Because I kissed her, that way everyone in class knows that Byaku Shiki will be my future wife. Is there something wrong with kissing with another girl?"
"Y-Yes, there is something wrong with kissing with another girl!"
"…."
"….."
"…."
"Um, is there something wrong Laura-san?"
"Is it forbidden love?"
"Eh?!" Cecilia is now blushing red.
"Forbidden love….it is one of the most enticing yet the most vulgar type of love." Charles started to speak from behind their seat.
"Charles…"Charlotte looked at him with a reverential look.
"Charles-san….now that you mentioned it, you're into that too?"
"I can't say I do or I don't."
"What do you know so much about love Charles?" Byakushiki turned away from the window and towards Charles.
"Ah Byaku Shiki, it is hard to explain but there are different definitions about love. Love can mean to protect someone or to like someone tenderly."
"What is this 'forbidden love' that Laura just mentioned?"
"Ah Byaku Shiki, it's just that-"
"Charles?"
"Yes Charlotte?" Charlotte interrupts him as he was going to tell Byaku Shiki.
"I don't think you should tell her about that."
"Y-yes Charles-san, Byaku Shiki-san will be corrupted if she learned about that." Cecilia agreed with Charlotte while her face is blushing red.
"CORRUPTED FROM WHAT, GOLEM IS SUSPICIOUS NOW. IS FORBIDDEN LOVE SECRET?"
"You might say that Golem. Sorry Byaku Shiki, I don't think I will tell you about it."
"Oh…" Byaku Shiki seems a little bit depressed and looks back at the window.
"We're about to reach our destination. Everyone, sit down."
The class immediately obeyed Chifuyu's orders. And as she said, the bus has reached the destination.
"Then, this is the Kagetsu resort. From today onwards, we're going to be in their care for 3 days, so everyone is to be more respectful and not let the staff's work increase."
"""Thanks for taking care of us!"""
After Chifuyu finished speaking, the students said their greetings. This certain resort has been taking care of the academy every year, and a certain lady in Japanese clothing bows at the students politely.
"Alright, please move this way. The freshmen this year seem rather energetic. That's good."
The lady noticed the four 'unique' individuals and asked Chifuyu.
"Oh my, who are these people?"
"Oh yes, there will be extra guests this year. These people are foreigners, so it will be hard to manage them. I'm really sorry."
"Hm…they seemed to be the type that does not cause trouble."
"…You haven't seen their awkward side yet."
Byaku Shiki greeted the lady and bowed down to her politely.
"My name's Byaku Shiki. It's nice to meet you."
"Hohoho how polite, I'm kiyosu Keiko. You have a strange name Byaku Shiki-san."
"Um…."
"Byaku Shiki here is an IS, and so does that black one with huge arms. They're practically foreign of the world outside of the IS Academy." Chifuyu briefly explained.
"Oh I see. But what about the other two guests?"
"Ah, those are visitors from a foreign country. Needless to say, they're just as foreign as the first two."
"I see. I hope you four enjoy your trip here."
Golem closes in and bows down like Byaku Shiki albeit more threatening than politely.
"ME GOLEM, NICE TO MEET YOU!"
"A-Ah, nice to meet you." Keiko nervously sighed in relief as Golem did not put her and the resort in danger.
"I am Sieglinde, and this is Dr. Victoria. Please forgive our burden for being in this trip."
"My how chivalrous. No need to apologize Sieglinde-san, you will be always welcomed here. Just as long you don't affect our resort that is."
"Thank you."
"Then, please head towards your rooms. There's a changing room at the annex. All students who want to go to the beach please head there to change. If you aren't clear on where it is, you are welcome to ask the staff members."
After the girls answered 'yes-', they immediately walked into the resort.
As the four 'foreigners' entered the resort, Keiko started to worry already.
"Oh my, I hope Golem-san watches her step. Her huge built is already going to cost us if she's not careful."
"*Sigh* I knew you were going to say something like that. I'm really sorry."
Just as Chifuyu enters the resort, she spotted Charles and called out to him.
"Sorel, come with me, I'll show you to your room."
Without responding back, he followed her into their next destination. Upon stopping into a door that says 'staff room' on the paper attached on the door, Charles seemingly made sense to the situation.
"So does this mean I'll be sleeping here?"
"Yes, initially the teachers including I suggested to give you a single room, but the girls are more likely to sneak into your room and ignore the lights out timing. So in the end, you'll be rooming with me, that way no girl will approach you easily."
As Charles entered the room, shoji doors as wall greeted him and the scenery from the room is spectacular.
"Ooh, amazing. How lucky I am to see this view."
"The large bath can be used, but you must use it according to timing. The plan was to separate guys from girls, but since it involves all the students in this batch, it will be too weird if everyone's to feel uncomfortable because of you. Thus, you can only use it at certain times. If you want to take a bath during the middle of the night or in the morning, do it in the room."
"Got it." Charles answered as he listened to her instructions while enjoying the view.
"Now that is cleared up, you can do whatever you want."
"Huh? What about you, Orimura-sensei?"
"I still need to contact and check with the other teachers. There are a lot of things to deal with."
"I see…"
*Knock knock*. The knock on the door pulled their attention.
"Excuse me, Orimura-sensei. Can I bother you for a while?"
The voice belonged to Maya.
"Sure, please enter."
Upon hearing Chifuyu's answer, Maya opened the door and the sight of Charles surprised her.
"Wah, Sorel-kun! S-Sorry, I've forgot that Sorel-kun's sleeping in Orimura-sensei's room."
"*Sigh* has the meeting started?"
"No, not yet."
"Sorel, we're going to work, you can go wherever you want, so enjoy yourself."
"Sure sensei."
Back at Tabane's
"Alright, Tabane-san's beach trip is starting!"
The IS and Tabane are excited except for Ichika and Akatsubaki. Ichika have prepared lunch boxes for the trip as Tabane mentioned that the trip will last in dusk. Akatsubaki start a conversation with Ichika quietly.
"Onii-san, why do we agree to go to this trip?"
"….."
"I see...You think she's hiding something."
"…."
"So you want to go to this trip to find out. Very well, I'll go along this trip."
"…."
"O-Of course I'll protect her; it can't be helped since Tabane-sama is our number one priority." Akatsubaki turned away for a brief moment.
"Ii-kun, Aka-chan, what are you two talking about? Let's go to the seaside~!" Tabane come near towards them.
"…"
"Alright…"
KIIIIINNNNNN~!
Moments later, a carrot pot landed on the shore and opens up revealing Tabane and the other IS on stand-by mode.
"Hm, this looks like the place. Tabane-san seaside trip starts!" Tabane announced as she threw the IS, to be transformed as the landed on the shore.
"So this is it…"
"The seaside…"
"It's so calming and…"
"Serene…"
The gentle waves of the sea, the cloudless blue sky, and the gentle breeze makes the seashore more relaxing. The IS set their eyes to the sea for the first time. The vast sea overwhelms them as they saw the deep blue sea. Akatsubaki is no different as the other IS with Tabane. Ichika looked at the sea stoically and looked beside him as Tabane was next to him.
"You haven't seen this kind of scenery for quite a long time Ii-kun…"
"…" Ichika turned his attention to the sea as Tabane said that.
"Ii-kun, I want to go on a stroll here for a while. Will you accompany me, just the two of us?"
[What about the IS?]
"…That's right, maybe if they would just stroll along I wouldn't mind, but we're going to hold hands Ii-kun!" Tabane energetically said as she hops around in excitement.
"….." Ichika hold out his hand to Tabane as he is inviting her to go on a stroll.
"Of course Ii-kun, Tabane-san would love too." Tabane holds into Ichika's hand and begins strolling with him, giving notice to the IS.
"Excuse me Tabane-sama, Onii-sama, we would like to join you please?"
"Tabane-sama seemed to have fun, why not let us join?"
"I-I would like to join you as well."
The IS are so to say excited to join in for the stroll.
"My, this is a little bit silly but you can join in as well. That way it will be even more fun!"
"Ah thank you Tabane-sama, we will do our best not to ruin your moment with Onii-sama."
"I hope I'm not bothering you Tabane-sama."
"…"
The IS voice their joy except Akatsubaki, who have no idea what to say.
"Well then, let's start strolling together." Tabane announced as the two started walking around holding hands.
'Oh Ii-kun, I feel like this is a date. I'm so happy right now that we finally settled on a date after all these years, although I'm sorry for dragging you into this without your knowledge.'
Tabane starts to hug Ichika's arm as she's clinging into him in their stroll. Ichika let her cling into his arm as they continue to stroll in the seaside.
"Ii-kun, you know what tomorrow is right?" Tabane asked as she looked up into his 'face'.
Ichika nodded, knowing that tomorrow holds a special day to a certain little sister.
"Say Ii-kun do you have anything to give her tomorrow…."
"…"
[Probably that red scarf…]
"Eh, you mean that you made during your spare time?!"
"…"
"Oh, how thoughtful of you Ii-kun. I'm sure Houki-chan will like it."
As they continue to stroll about, Tabane lit up a light bulb, or having an idea.
"Ah Ii-kun, Tabane-san has an idea. Let's go observe through the cliff for a better view."
"….." Ichika grabbed Tabane after a brief silence in a form of a princess carry and flies off to the cliff.
"Ah, please wait up!" The other IS followed them to the cliff.
As they reached the cliff, the view was spectacular as Tabane said.
"See, what I told you-!" Tabane stopped as she looked around from the cliff and found something interesting.
"There's a group of people there!" Tabane snapped her fingers and a high-tech binocular most likely made by Tabane herself appears from out of nowhere.
"Hm….." Tabane looked closer through the binoculars and saw the IS academy students in swimsuits. Ichika and the other IS don't need binoculars to see it as they can zoom in their vision on their own.
"…Looks like some group of people in swimsuits. Ah, there's Byaku-chan and Golem-chan! Oh look at that woman with the yellow swimsuit, it's a monster!" Tabane refers to Maya's noticeably large bosoms.
"…..!" Ichika spooted two familiar faces from Germany, Sieglinde and Victoria. Victoria appears to be wearing a light aqua swimsuit with a lab coat and Sieglinde appears to be wearing a blue swimsuit. That made Ichika looked at them longer.
"Hey Ii-kun, you looked at that green haired girl right?" Tabane asked him while putting her pouting face.
"…" Ichika silently denied it.
"Don't deny it Ii-kun, you looked at her more because she's wearing a swimsuit!" Tabane continues her pouting in front of him.
"If Ii-kun keeps looking at girls with swimsuits, Tabane-san will wear a swim suit also!" Tabane quickly strips in front of him and the other IS out of her Alice dress and reveals a white rabbit themed swimsuit, most likely custom made by Tabane. Her dress slowly lies down from the cliff into the sandy floor below, and Tabane would care less about it for some reason.
"Ta-da~ What do you think of my swimsuit Ii-kun, isn't it cute?" Tabane poses at him hoping to impress the eighteen year old boy. Her white swimsuit consists of a bandeau top with no straps whatsoever and a white bikini bottom with little carrot straps on both sides to secure it.
Ichika nodded as he looked at Tabane's swimsuit.
"Really?" Tabane's eyes are sparkling right before his eyes. Ichika nodded the second time.
"I love you Ii-kun~!" Tabane then hugs Ichika; her breasts are touching him in the process.
[Tabane, they're touching me…]
"Eh?" Tabane let out a small blush and back off a little. Tabane cupped her breasts but even though with a hint of embarrassment, she looks happy.
"So…how does it feel Ii-kun?"
"….." Silence comes after Tabane said that.
"Is that so….?" Tabane then resumes looking at the girls and saw her among the crowd of girls.
"Ooh, it's Chi-chan! And she's wearing a black swimsuit. Wow, her swimsuit is so sexy. Say Ii-kun-"
As Tabane was about to ask him, he and the IS are lock eyes to Chifuyu with great focus. Tabane was actually surprised by the way that Ichika and also the IS are ogling at Chifuyu's figure by their vision, but they are all agree on one thing as Tabane looked back at Chifuyu.
"Hm, I guess you're right. Chi-chan is very sexy in that swimsuit. I'm jealous."
At the IS Academy side, few minutes earlier
"Come on Byaku Shiki, it'll be fine."
Byaku Shiki's classmates called her out as the girls are wearing their swimsuits. Byaku Shiki set her foot first time into the sandy floor of the beach. Her swimsuit from the shopping trip gone wrong are white with blue linings, matching her body armor, which she 'keeps' most of them except for her gauntlets and greaves in which according to the other girls that 'it's more fun without the body armor.'
"So this is the beach…"
"Hey Byaku Shiki!" A voice called her out, who is Rin with her sporty orange two piece swimsuit. "You looked cute with that swimsuit."
"Ah thank you Rin, Orimura-sensei picked this for me."
"Eh, really? You looked good in white."
"You really think so?"
Rin nodded in agreement. Then a loud voice called out. "BYAKU-CHAN!"
"Ah Golem-neechan, you're wearing a onepiece from the academy right?"
"*Nod* THIS SWIMSUIT I LIKE, IT'S COMFORTABLE!" Just like Byaku Shiki, Golem's body armor is invisible, leaving her huge gauntlet and greaves in display along with her swimsuit.
"Ah, hey there Golem." Rin turned around and face her.
"HEY THERE RIN, YOU LOOKED LIKE AN ORANGE."
"Yeah, just don't eat me or something."
"I AM NOT STUPID; I AM NOT GOING TO EAT YOU!" Golem is about to start a rampage until,
"Hey Golem, don't start a rampage here!" Chifuyu intervened at just the right moment.
"ORIMURA-SENSEI, GOLEM SORRY…"
"*Sigh* just don't start thrashing around you hear me?"
"GOLEM HEARD YOU! GOLEM ALSO LIKES ORIMURA-SENSEI'S SWIMSUIT!"
"Golem-neechan's right, Sensei looks beautiful in that swimsuit."
"Well, I guess I can take compliments from IS I suppose."
"Instructor…" Laura, who is wearing a swimsuit similar to Golem witness in awe as she blushed when seeing her in the sexiest way possible.
"Don't lose your blood soldier; you might know what I'm referring about Bodewig."
"Y-yes Instructor!" Laura nervously nodded at Chifuyu in front of her.
Moments later Charles and Charlotte came with their shorts and swimsuits respectively.
"Ah, how long has it been since I went to the seaside with mom? Probably a long time ago."
Charlotte giggled as she also hasn't been to the shore for a long time with her late mother.
"Wah, those two looked like siblings."
"They looked so cute together." Many girls gossiped as soon as those two arrived.
"Anyone want to play beach volleyball?" One girl exclaimed as she holds a sot ball.
"Beach Volleyball?" Byaku Shiki asked curiously.
"Ah, that's right. It's where people are divided into two teams; serve the ball to the opposing team, spike the ball and make the ball land at the opposing team to win a set."
"I see." Byaku Shiki nodded at the brief explanation.
"SOUNDS FUN, GOLEM WANT TO PLAY!"
"Um...Golem-san." Half of the students sweat dropped with nervousness, seeing the size of Golem's arms and the general strength an IS can possess.
"Should we allow the IS to play beach volleyball? I'm concerned about this…" Maya timidly asked Chifuyu next to her, hoping some reassuring answer from her.
"I don't see why not." Chifuyu answered calmly, much to Maya's surprise.
"Ehh?!"
"Byaku Shiki, Golem, watch your strength. This game is not about feats of strength; to prove it to you I'll join this game. Yamada, would you like to join?"
"A-ah yes, I would like to."
"Then, we'll use the basic rules, okay? Maximum of 3 hits, no consecutive spikes, first to 10 gets the set!"
"Alright, you people can serve first."
Byaku Shiki anticipates as Golem threw the ball, but immediately the first set, rather the whole game is already over. Golem threw the volleyball too far and passed through the field and the ball went to the other side of the seaside.
"OOPS."
"Awww, that's our only volleyball…" The girls are immediately downhearted.
Meanwhile…
As Tabane's group was about to prepare their lunch, a speeding object was approaching them. It was the volleyball that Golem threw. Ichika grabbed the volleyball, which was supposed to hit Tabane in the head.
"Hm Ii-kun, are we going to play beach volleyball?"
"…" Ignoring what Tabane said to him, Ichika observed the students and concluded that the volleyball belongs to them and throws the volleyball at them.
[Let's prepare lunch then.] Tabane nodded as Ichika suggested that. After throwing the volleyball back to its original group, and eating their lunch through the bento Ichika prepared earlier.
The bento was opened and Tabane was already drooling by the contents inside. Whatever Ichika makes for a meal looks delicious despite its simplicity, thanks to his lifetime experience of cooking for two people who were supposed to cook for him instead.
"Itadakimasu. Um Ii-kun…" Tabane was blushing as she was about to ask him.
"Will you feed me, just this once?" Ichika was quite surprised by Tabane's request but decided to do so. He grabbed his chopsticks, grabbed a portion of her food to her and Tabane opened her mouth as he was closing in and eats it.
"Mmmm, Ii-kun's cooking is a masterpiece." Tabane grabbed her chopsticks and proceed to eat on her own.
"Onii-sama cooks for us all the time, maybe we should cook sometime."
"Hm, Maybe I should cook also sometime."
"…" The Uchiganes and Revy told them as they enjoy their lunch but Akatsubaki does not say a word as she indulges on her lunch. Ichika has doubt that IS can cook, unless they've downloaded the right information on how to cook good food.
As Ichika finished with his lunch, he noticed a few grain of rice stuck in Tabane's cheeks and nearby her lips.
"What's wrong Ii-kun?" As Tabane asked, Ichika took the rice grains from Tabane's face and eats it, making Tabane flushed madly.
"Hiya, Ii-kun is making Tabane-san blush like crazy. It's embarrassing!" She happily declared at the group, intensify Tabane's schoolgirl like persona and her love interest towards Ichika.
"Tabane-sama is acting weird today, much weirder than usual…"
"I know, something must have hit her."
"I'm pretty sure this is what happens when Tabane-sama is outside the laboratory."
Then as if she noticed something, Akatsubaki looked at a cliff, and spotted someone standing there watching the girls as they continued with their activities at the sea side. Tabane recognized that person immediately.
"Ah, it's Houki-chan. I wonder what's she's doing there?"
"So this is going to be my pilot, let's see if she's suitable for me in person then the time comes…"
"….." The group observe her to investigate, but has no definite answer to what she's doing.
"Hm, no luck…" Tabane was depressed, but quickly get up on her feet with enthusiasm.
"Well Ii-kun, shall we continue strolling on this cliff. "
Back at the IS Academy side, several minutes earlier.
As the girls began downhearted for their volleyball, the volleyball makes its way back to the girls.
"Wah, our volleyball came back!"
"How?"
"Probably Golem hit the ball into the cliff and the ball bounced back to us."
"REALLY?"
"At least we can play beach volleyball right now!"
"GOLEM GOING TO PLAY AGAIN. BYAKU-CHAN GOING TO SERVE THIS TIME!"
"Ah really, I hope I won't throw as hard as you Golem-neechan."
It was then the rest of the girls share the same thought.
'This is going to be bad…'
The beach volleyball couldn't be any more normal…
Victoria takes the advantage as she studies the IS during the beach volleyball. Sieglinde approaches Charles, who is beside Charlotte and talked to him.
"So you're the only male to pilot the IS?"
"That would be me, emerald-haired girl. Charles Sorel, and you are?"
"Ah how rude of me, I'm Sieglinde Stchauffen, it is a pleasure to meet you." The two shakes hands as they introduce themselves.
"And this must be your little sister."
"Um, we're not really related." Charlotte retorted back at Sieglinde.
"Its fine Charlotte, I don't mind if other people think we're siblings. Is it okay with you Charlotte?"
"…I guess I'm okay with it Charles."
"Ah my apologies, I do not know."
"It's okay Sieglinde. You're very refined I have to say."
"Ah, it is nothing worthy of a praise. Ah that's right; I've heard from a source that you've met the White Rabbit."
"Hm…seeing that you're bringing him out you must have met him also."
"Oh my, did I just overhear that?" Cecilia Alcott with her blue bikini top and a matching sarong approaches them to join in the conversation.
"You two have met the White Rabbit yes?"
"You too?"
"*Nod* I met him during my training as candidate for the representative position before transferred into the IS Academy."
"Ah, is that so. We've met in an abandoned base where Schwarzer Hase sent on a mission to investigate the base where I and Victoria are stationed."
"Well in my case, I met him in my school shortly after my discovery as the only male IS pilot."
"So we've met with the White Rabbit, but what is his motive?" Cecilia sparked a debate.
"Now that you mentioned it, was it all his intention, does he work with the international government?"
"Hello, what're you guys talking about? I overheard the White Rabbit during your conversation." Rin appears and approaches them.
"Ah, you've met the White Rabbit also?"
"Yup, he was revealed to the whole world during my meeting with him." Rin said with a huff.
"Ah that's right, so what do you know about him?"
"Hm, aside from the general knowledge of the White Rabbit, not much. I heard no one but a very few know who he is under that helm." Rin said depressingly.
"Hm…How about Orimura-sensei, she seemed to know him that well." Cecilia suggested.
"But would Orimura-sensei tell us?" Charles intervened.
"Hm, you have a good point there Charles."
The four continued to discuss about their encounter with the White Rabbit while Charlotte listened intently at their discussion until it was time to return back to the resort.
Somewhere on a cliff above the seaside where the IS academy girls are enjoying their time, Houki looks into the setting sun in a white swimsuit and black linings which emphasize her bust. She looks distraught ever since the shopping incident. Houki can't grasp the fact that it happened and her roommate is missing after that incident. There was no account of casualties during that incident, so Houki assumes that she's been kidnapped.
'It happened within minutes….' Houki continues to dwell the incident.
'Who were those people, what do they want with her? As if she's related to them somehow…'
Houki cannot explain her feelings at the moment, is it the feeling of worry about her roommate or is it the feeling of wanting to know something.
"Oh there you are." Houki turned around to the voice, Chifuyu was still in her swimsuit. "You're not in the seaside just now aren't you?"
"….."
"I'm not here for that. Are you concerned about Sarashiki, or are you concerned about tomorrow?"
"….."
"She will come tomorrow; you might as well be aware of that."
"Yes, Orimura-sensei. And I'm also quite worried about Kanzashi."
"I see, as much as you want to do something about it, I won't allow you to do anything reckless. Let's go back to the resort Shinonono."
"Yes, Orimura-sensei."
Houki left to the resort while Chifuyu stayed.
"Go ahead Shinonono, I'll just enjoy the view for a while."
With an 'ah', Houki leaving Chifuyu behind as she's on her way to the resort.
….
….
..
At Tabane's side, Tabane looks at Chifuyu through her binoculars while the rest just simply zoom-in at her. As if she noticed, Chifuyu looked at their direction.
"Oi, are you done staring at me?!"
"Oops, Chi-chan found out!" Tabane declared in defeat as she along with the others approached her.
"Hey Tabane, what are you doing here in your swimsuit?"
"Oh Chi-chan, just as the same reason as you."
"Whatever, again I ask you, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to have a picnic with Ii-kun and the others."
"Is that so, is this not for spying at my students?"
"Of course not Chi-chan, why would I be interested in them?"
"*Sigh* you're going to come here again tomorrow Tabane?"
"Of course, we wouldn't miss it for the world."
"'We', you're inviting him?!"
"Why not Chi-chan?"
"Nothing, forget what I just said…!" Chifuyu noticed a familiar figure behind her old friend.
"You…you're an IS aren't you?" She pointed out towards Akatsubaki. Akatsubaki approached Chifuyu and answered.
"Yes, I am Akatsubaki, soon-to-be Tabane-sama's imouto's IS."
"So that means you're going to be hers very soon, on my assumptions, tomorrow."
"….."
"Then I'll see you tomorrow."
Chifuyu left, but before that, she turned to Ichika.
"Ichika, when will you visit me?"
"…."
"…"
"…"
[I'll visit whenever.]
"I see…I'll be seeing you during the summer break, if I can. I will bring Byaku Shiki home during that time."
Chifuyu left silently as if she's hiding her emotions.
'You better come sometime Ichika, the house is very empty without you.'
As Chifuyu was no longer present, Akatsubaki approaches Ichika and present him with a crimson red lance along with a shield to match. The lance is a reminiscence of a longsword with a wide single-edged blade. The hilt is larger than the average katana and formed like a lance handle, making it looking like a lance. In a nutshell, it's a katana-lance made to pierce and slash.
[Akaku-Mori received] Upon closer inspection, a ruby necklace is also present with the lance.
[Ruby Necklace received]
"I thought this would be an appropriate time for me to give my farewell gift to Onii-sama. Starting tomorrow, I will be with my pilot, am I correct Tabane-sama?"
"*Nod* Aka-chan will be with Houki-chan from tomorrow forward."
"We wish you the best tomorrow Akatsubaki."
"Have fun with your new pilot Akatsubaki."
"….."
"I'm not saying that I'm looking forward for tomorrow but…It's not like I'm going to miss you or anything."
"Oh Aka-chan…"
After that much drama, the group decided to return back to the laboratory. For Akatsubaki, it will be her last day in the laboratory.
Kagetsu Resort, evening
The resort has an onsen for the girls to enjoy at night, and that's where most girls would partake after their activity at the seaside. It's dinnertime for the students and Charles is very much fascinated by the cuisine that has been offered at the table. Loads of sushi was at his table and he doesn't know where to start. There are seats meant for students to perform a seiza and there are also seats where student are able to sit normally on the table and Charles sits on the latter. As Charles is about to prepare his chopsticks, he asked a girl (better assumed to be a local) next to him. Charles has started to use chopstick about two weeks ago when he tried to learn how to use them, and now he knows how to use them more or less.
"Um, this is quite a first for me, so which one should I eat first?"
"Ah Charles, you should try the sashimi. Try dipping it with soy sauce and putting a small piece of wasabi on it."
"Ah this one."
"Yes, be careful about the wasabi though. Just add a little bit of it."
Charles tried as the girl next to him suggested, and he has experienced a little bit of Japan.
"Whoa, it's good. The wasabi put the kick into the sashimi. I've heard that wasabi is spicy, but this is something else."
"I'm glad that you like it." The girl next to him smiled as he enjoyed his meal and continues to enjoy her meal made by the resort. Charlotte is right beside Charles as she also enjoying her meal.
Byaku Shiki and Golem tries to fit in into the crowd by eating the same way as the others, while Sieglinde and Victoria helped themselves with their meal either using their bare hands or try their chopsticks, in which they prefer the former.
Houki still have that uncertain feeling about tomorrow thereby she silently eats her meal. There's also the thought of her being involved in the incident made her powerless. She may have studied how to pilot an IS, but she does not have a personal IS, let alone an IS with her. So to speak, she's alone.
Charles noticed that some girls nearby are looking at him with admiration.
"What?"
"Oh, it's rather interesting that you're here, with you being a foreigner and all."
"It made us want to teach you about Japan."
"If you have time Charles, we could show you the ropes here in Japan."
"But around half of the students are foreigners."
"But you're a foreign man, so that made us want to teach you."
"Um, should I be fortunate that I will learn the ways of Japan with you?"
"Of course!" The girls replied back in unison.
"If you want to know about the culture of Japan, I would certainly help you." Laura Bodewig who sits across Charles said to him upon hearing the suggestion from the girls.
"But do you know much about Japanese culture?"
"Of course, my home base knows much about Japanese culture and told me about it."
"You mean when you kissed Byaku Shiki in front of the class?"
"It is a form of affection, don't you agree Charles?"
"Well, if you look at that way, regardless of sexuality, it is, but only to both parties is consent into it."
After much discussion about Japanese culture and what not with Laura, Charles, Charlotte and some other girls, majority of girls went back to their rooms. As Charles went back to his room with Charlotte and Laura, they overheard a voice in the room pass by, which was Charles' room.
"Ah….Orimura-sensei…" Byaku Shiki's voice can be heard.
"Does it feel good Byaku Shiki?" After that Chifuyu's voice can be heard.
"Ah, it hurts…"
"Ah, I'll be gentler now."
"Mmmph! Ahhh…."
"How does it feel Byaku Shiki?"
"It feels good Orimura-sensei…"
"Ah good, this is my first time."
Charles, Charlotte and Laura blushed upon hearing their suggestive conversation and leans closer to the door to hear more. But as they lean closer to the door, the door opens and Chifuyu was in front of them. A moment of silence was between Chifuyu and the three.
"I don't know what's going on here, but I do know what we need to do…" Charles said to both Charlotte and Laura, and both nodded in agreement as if they know what to do next.
"Run!" Charles yelled as the three make a run for it.
"Wait!" Chifuyu said and grabbed Charlotte's arm to stop her. Charlotte grabbed Charles' arm and Charles grabs Laura's arm and a tug of war is happening, for their lives.
"What in the world are you doing Charlotte, let go!" Charles yelled as both of his hands are occupied.
"No way, I don't want to be taken in myself!" Charlotte was practically panicking.
"Aren't you supposed to say something like 'Don't worry about me, just go!'?"
"Don't worry about me, just go and face the punishment!" Laura said as she struggles to release herself from Charles' grip while thinking, 'Dammit this man is really strong, I can't even free myself!'
"I'm taking you with me!" Charles replied as he tightened his grip on Laura's arm.
"*Sigh*Good grief, you're causing disturbance to the rooms nearby, just come in already." Chifuyu said to them, which made them stop and let go of their arms, much to their surprise.
Inside Charles and Chifuyu's room, the three sit on a seiza, in which all three of them are not accustomed to.
"So why are you inviting two of them here?" Chifuyu asked Charles.
"No, I wasn't actually inviting them. We just overheard something from the room."
"So you three have been eavesdropping then?"
"N-Not on purpose, we just happen to pass by." Charlotte explained to eliminate misunderstanding.
"Instructor, is it true that this is your first time with Byaku Shiki?" Laura asked with no hint of embarrassment, which makes Charles and Charlotte hit her on the head.
"'What are you doing?!""
"*sigh* Yes, it's my first time…" The three immediately blushed after hearing that from Chifuyu.
"…at massaging." The three fall down on their seiza, much like a deadpan comedy act.
"Don't pause at the mid-sentence Orimura-sensei!"
"Nnngh…" Byaku Shiki got up from lying down from the massage Chifuyu gave her. Byaku Shiki let out a smile as if she's feeling better.
"I felt better Orimura-sensei, that massage you gave me did the trick."
"I see. I'm glad."
"I will be going back to my room sensei. Please excuse me." Byaku Shiki left the room and went back to her own.
"Um Sensei, why did you massage Byaku Shiki?" Charlotte asked out of curiosity.
"Ah, Byaku Shiki was feeling tense ever since the incident. So I invited her here to experience a massage for the first time."
"But instructor, you mentioned that this is your first time massaging, yet Byaku Shiki looks relaxed as she was being massage."
"About that, I learned that from someone. I learned how to massage from him when he massage me occasionally, although not practically."
"Him, who is this 'he' you referred to Instructor, is it someone you knew?"
"You might say that…"
"Is it the White Rabbit?" Charles assumed.
"Yes, it's the White Rabbit."
"Um, I've heard that you and the White Rabbit are close, but how close are you two?" Charlotte asked.
"We're very close, though we rarely meet each other."
"Instructor, since you and the White Rabbit are close; you must have known who he really is correct?"
"Hm…why are you interested in that?"
"So you knew him under the helm…."
"Yes, but I won't reveal his identity to just anyone, not even my students and co-workers."
"I understand."
"If you're understood, then go back to your rooms. I have nothing else to say for tonight." Chifuyu shooed the girls out of her room, leaving Charles with her.
"Go to sleep now Sorel, practice starts tomorrow morning."
"Ah yes Sensei."
Somewhere on top of a building, Madoka
Hm…I have been thinking about something. If Chifuyu-nee knew that Ichika-nii disappeared, then she would have looked for him. Strangely enough, she doesn't even request any help of searching him, as if she knows something. That means if I find Chifuyu-nee, I might get a chance of finding Ichika-nii. But I have a problem, Chifuyu-nee works at the IS Academy, and there are lots of IS pilots to go through and I'm very much outnumbered since I'm alone right now.
It's been a year since I left that organization; maybe it wasn't a good idea to leave the Phantom Task….
No, I've spent much effort to escape that organization and I'm not just standing here to regret it. It's too much burden to go back there; they might sentence me for escaping the organization. I have cut all connections to them and I have lost everything leaving the organization. All I have left is sums of money from working part-time, the skills that I have learned from the organization and the streets and the clothes on my back.
So this is how people who doesn't have a home live like, no one supporting you, you're all alone, you have to rely on the streets. Although in my case, I have to move every one or two days because I have to be cautious; they're not giving up on pursuing me and throw me to their 'jail' much to my niece's amusement. So far, I have avoided them and remained undetected, but who knows where they will find me. I'm an expert IS pilot, but I left my IS due to my IS has a tracking device for the Phantom Task to trace back so that they'll track me.
I can't pilot an IS that belonged to the Phantom Task, so the only option so far to get an IS is to steal it from the Academy. I will better come up with a plan then.
Phantom Task Headquarters
Sarashiki Kanzashi looks at herself in the mirror of her new accommodation. No longer she wears the IS Academy uniform, but a sort of a military uniform with the Phantom Task emblem in it. Seeing herself in that uniform made her uncomfortable, as she was wearing a part of an organization that her family is fighting against.
"Hm, that suits you well." Squall, who was behind her commented on the uniform.
"….." Kanzashi made no reply.
"As you're aware now, you're in my squad so I'll be watching your every move. Setsuka-sama and the rest of us are still wary of your motive of joining this organization."
"….."
"Hmph, another quiet one. No matter, we will make sure that you'll stay with us." Squall looked at Autumn, which blushed in return.
"You better not think of escaping kid, we made a mistake of letting her slip." Autumn in turn speaks at Kanzashi.
"…Her?"
"We used to have someone on our squad, but she escaped one day a year ago. So we won't make that mistake again, especially to you." Autumn turned to Squall.
"This year is a success compare to last year, to think that 'M' would use that time to escape. We all got punished for that for letting her escape!" Autumn said angrily as she recalls one of the worst moments faced by Setsuka last year. Tears can be seen from her eyes.
"There there Autumn, I was there too." The two got closer and form an embrace, making Kanzashi who witnessed it even more uncomfortable.
'These two, are they…a couple?!' Kanzashi blushed as the thought of that.
It was the first day for Kanzashi, what will she look forward as a Phantom Task member?
It has been a drag but I've finally post this chapter. Originally I was planning for Akatsubaki's lance to be a naginata and then I thought it won't be lance-like so I decided for a katana lance, which is a katana with a wide blade and longer handle. Somehow it looked like a greatsword now though…with a jousting lance style.
Regarding the Orimura Detictive Agency, I have come up with the following case but I'm unsure if I should finalize them:
-The Missing Sarashiki
Client: Sarashiki Tatenashi
Details: "I've heard from an ad that there's a new detective agency, and I was hoping that you can help find my little sister, she had been missing over several days ago. Orimura Chifuyu, we can't ask for the police as it will cause scandals to our family and you can keep secrets right? Please contact us if you have any information regarding her disappearance as the family is worried about her. We will give you the details at the IS Academy."
-Rise of a New Terrorism
Client: Japan National Police Department
Details: "There have been recent bombings targeting the embassies in Japan and we require your assistance to investigate the bombings. And this might also involve with terrorists, please investigate whether there are any terrorist IS involved in this bombing. We have failed so far to link the bombings and the embassy as more bombings continue. Repeat, assistance absolutely required former Brunhilde."
-Military leaks
Client: Journalist Asakura Kichou
Details: "The military is leaking a supposedly secret project and as a journalist I must find out. However, I couldn't ask the police to accompany me, so I request of you to accompany me to investigate about this secret project. You should be fit for the job former Brunhilde if situation were to arise, and it's very rare for the military to reveal such project don't you think?"
This is just an omake off-shot based on the fic 'White Expressions' by Sir Juis Hi with Byaku Usagi(Roughly):
The infinite Stratos….a powerful exoskeleton that can be only be piloted by women, causing them to rise to the top of society. The IS originally was a space exploration tool, but the idea got rejected and it was considered as a 'sport', in which is ridiculous to consider as a sport.
It has been 10 years since its appearance and it has caused severe imbalance within mankind. Men are left from around 3 billion to just hundred thousands, because of one rumor which have been spread five years ago. A rumor that has state that man had carried a deadly disease which will cause an epidemic to the world. Fearing this disease and lack of actual information regarding it, women take desperate measures of preventing the epidemic by doing the unthinkable, conducting a mass slaughter of men using the IS. It was a period of darkness for the men in the world, elderly and children were never excluded from the massacre and for those who survive the onslaught come to hiding from the IS, specifically IS pilots. Those five years of terror cannot be described in words; nothing would ever compare to the previous man-made disasters from the past to this.
One of the terms of the Alaska Treaty follows that IS are to forbid employing in any kind of conflict or war. But that term was quickly disregarded by the 'epidemic' and women pilots them for that cause only. Because of that disregard, the treaty itself was abolished. It was after those five years of slaughter that a research found out that there was no such thing as the deadly disease only inflicted by men, and the killings ceased.
After the killings ceased, men who survived from the massacre were being put into 'paradise', where they would spend their rest of their lives without women. However, not all stayed in 'paradise' and a very few braved themselves to live amongst their oppressors. But all of the men who survive the five year old ordeal have developed a complete distrust of women and act hostile to them due to their past experience. The physical scars of the war were replaced with new buildings and the world seemed to be at peace….
Those who achieved victory can forget about the past, but to those who are on the losing side will keep their dark memories for the rest of their lives. At the time of carnage, after two years of escape, one man had been killed by IS pilots and his body laid on the blood soaked ground. However, he was saved, fully resurrected and upgraded. His body is no longer of a human; he has become one of the machines of slaughter, the Infinite Stratos. Power course in this entire body and he has possessed the abilities of an IS.
That man is Orimura Ichika, who had been 15 years old when he was killed. He does not know who revived him but he can guess on one person or the fact that how and why he is resurrected as an IS. After that massacre was over, he is now eighteen and lives alone with his fellow IS, not in 'paradise'. The scars on his face tell a story of survival and revival. During those five years of darkness, he and along the other men are trained in various martial arts and art of survival. Among those comrades, only he survived the massacre, and he thought before that of all of his comrades, those billions and the surviving hundred thousands of men, why him? Why is he the only one who is being entrusted with this power?
Three years ago, unknown
When he was 'dead', somewhere where he thought is heaven; a woman clad in white armor appears in front of him. He was shocked that in front of him is an IS and prepared to defend himself. As if sensing him that he will attack, she told him to stop.
"Halt, I am no harm to thee. O Orimura Ichika, dost thou want to change this land of filth?"
Ichika would never leave his guard even after what she had said, but for some reason he calmed down, just a bit.
"Come hither, I hath no intention to cause harm to thee."
Still not lowering his guard, he approaches to her slowly. The figure ahead of him became clearer but not fully.
"Methinks thou hath the potential to change this foul land."
Ichika remained silent, stepping closer to the knight and recognized her as his older sister's form.
"I am the White Knight, thou should'st remember me from the days ere the plague of man, first pilot of the IS."
"….."
"I hath felt thou pain, those who hath suffered in the hands of the IS, thy comrades being dispatch by the IS, 'tis brings woe to thee. Thou should'th been slain by the hands of the IS along with thy comrades, but thou hath reborn as an IS with thy own free will."
"…By whom?"
"'Tis is an answer methinks thou knows."
"…."
"I am here to present my blessings to thee. Whether thou shall use my blessings for thy own will or to protect someone all depends on thee."
Ichika felt the power from the White Knight surging into him. From as forth, he is now an IS himself.
"Now I and thou hath become one, 'tis were a good reunion between us." As the White Knight finished speaking, she disintegrated into light particles and enters Ichika's body.
And that's when Ichika fully resurrected and alive again.
During the remaining three years of chaos, Ichika has used his new borne powers to defend himself form the female assaults and IS while concealing his identity by covering his head with bandages. With his skill from his previous life, he was able to fend off those who attacked him. His weapon is a lance and shield; however in occasion he wields a two-handed sword to make himself flexible. Those two weapons are the blessing of the White Knight.
He had killed those IS pilots and discovered that he can 'woo' the IS and transform them into IS-musumes.
"Onii-sama, I have released from the grip of filth. I'm at your command." It was the first IS he has 'saved' from the period of chaos. The IS unit Uchigane, the samurai IS, followed him in those three years and stood by him.
There, more recruits are made as Ichika defeated more IS pilots and woo the IS to join at his cause. This caused him to earn the title 'White Knight', due to his style with two different weapons and his ways of wooing new recruits.
Back to the present time
After those five years of conflict between the two genders, all seemed to be at peace, but Ichika knew better. The scars from those five years of surviving the terror of the IS are visible in his face. Those IS who are with him stayed with him even after the conflict, keeping him company and for social stability.
"Good morning Onii-sama, I see you're feeling alright." The IS Uchigane greeted him while he looks into the window of his residence. He had his own residence after the conflict, to stay away from his sister who was involved in the massacre. The IS are by far his only companions ever since all of his male friends were killed and he doesn't want to face with his female friends due to the five year era of terror. So far he have Uchigane, Raphael Revive and Golem type units at his side and they lived in the same household as him.
Ichika had planned to search for someone after the conflict ended. Someone who revived him and turned him into what he is now. It will be hard tracking her down, so it will take a while but he does not deterred and determined to find her.
The one who invented the IS and possibly the reason why he's alive, Shinonono Tabane.
I think I have told this before, but I'm not good with Elizabethan. This is purely an omake, unless I would actually continue this in a new fic.