IS/Sekirei (Earlier this Year)

IS: Unconventional Love

Chapter 1

First Impressions… and a Damn Fine Right Hook!

Shinto Teito, Restricted IS Airspace

Ichika Orimura, Age 18. Occupation, IS Academy Student/Third Year. Height 172 Centimeters, Weight 65 Kilograms. Hair color: Black, Eye color: Brown. IS, Byakushiki – Second Shift, Setsura.

Currently Ichika was flying on a low approach to Shinto Teito, when it had been brought under mostly M.B.I control three years ago they had imposed an IS ban, when the government (Forced by big business IS Manufacturers) pointed out a total IS ban was in fact illegal Minaka Hiroto, showing his crazy genius side had changed it to only MALE IS pilots could enter. While many IS companies were angry the government was satisfied, M.B.I had operated within the constraints of the law, and if they happened to piss off some of the biggest annoyances to the government in modern history and make them look like total idiots, well that was just the icing on the cake to the government.

Ichika, having only just heard of that law as it hadn't been mentioned until yesterday in his politics class, had asked his elder sister and classroom teacher Chifuyu Orimura, if he could do the last project for the third year in Shinto Teito. Chifuyu had agreed with a large smirk and told him he had three months to do the project (Ichika had finished all his other work for the year and only had that one last project to do, it was a high intensity mapping project that would take him about a week, the extra time was a bonus for Ichika) Earlier today he had set off for Shinto Teito, the government had been contacted when he filed his flight plan but upon seeing who the pilot was he was given the okay to continue.

IS:UL

Ichika smiles thinking of the faces of his female friends, Houki Shinonono, Cecilia Alcott, Lingyin Huang, Charlotte Dunois and Laura Bodewig as he had informed them of his location for his assignment. Four of the five had immediately stated they'd go with him, incredibly it was Houki who made the counterargument "Damn it, Ichika why did you have to be assigned there! We can't go there!" after that outburst Ichika had explained about Shinto Teito's restriction on IS entry. Needless to say the rest of the girls hadn't been happy about that, in fact they had complained right up until Ichika had activated his IS and launched himself upwards.

Ichika chuckles and lowers himself slightly so he's only just above the water as he crosses the final river surrounding Shinto Teito, flying over the first row of buildings, Ichika's danger sense, honed by his many IS battles, starts screaming and he twists while summoning his sword Yukihira Nigata (Second Snowflake) A gunmetal grey sword slams into the Yukihira and stops. Floating on his back Ichika's eyes widen as he looks up into the eyes of the woman wielding the sword. Narrow grey eyes stare back at him, The woman attacking him is slightly taller than him, she has grey hair done up in a ponytail, she's wearing a black leather top with two vertical white lines that go over the centre of her breasts, a light purple miniskirt under the leather top, two thigh-high black leather heeled boots. On top of that she has a light grey Haori with a strange symbol done in black on either side of the neck area. Ichika also notices that she has bags under her eyes like she can't rest well or has nightmares that keep her up.

Despite that Ichika can help but shout "I don't know who you are" his eyes narrow" But if you want a fight" without blinking he activates his ignition burst launching the two of them from ten feet above the ground to twenty thousand in under thirty seconds "Then I'll give you one" They start to fall slowly back towards the ground thanks to the inevitable force of gravity, well the woman did at least, Ichika just chose to fly down keeping pace with her.

The woman grins before kicking away and swinging her sword again "Thank you, finally someone who wants to fight"

Ichika blocks her sword almost without thinking about it "Well, I was always told to help a lady whenever possible, since you seemed to want to fight, who am I to disagree?"

The woman grins, as she spins around for a diagonal slice from shoulder to hip "Who indeed?"

Ichika blocks the attack with Yukihira "Since we're going all out to kill each other, who are you?"

The woman smiles, while spin kicking Ichika "Well since you asked so nicely, I'm Number #4 Karasuba and you?"

Ichika raises an eye brow as his left arm blocks her kick "Interesting name, I'm Ichika Orimura. Now, what does the number mean?"

Karasuba grins savagely "How about this, you win this fight, I'll tell you!"

Ichika grins back with the promise of a good fight in his grin "Oh is that all? Well then, get ready to tell me dear, as I'm about to win" With that Ichika blasts forwards swinging Yukihira and knocks Karasuba back with the force when she blocks with her sword. He then shoots forwards again, not letting up with a constant barrage of strikes with Yukihira. Karasuba grins while unnoticed to her a burning sensation has begun in her chest.

Ichika noticing how close they've gotten to the ground sudden bursts around Karasuba de-summoning Yukihira and then grabs Karasuba from behind in a bear hug while forcing her to drop her sword. Whispering in her ear "Looks like I've won, Karasuba, so what does the number mean?"

Karasuba pants as the burning sensation she'd been ignoring in the battle comes to the foreground, she sags as much of her energy leaves her 'It's him, he's my Ashikabi! If he was one of those weak men that are everywhere now days I'd be furious, but he's strong! I'm almost happy, at the very least I can spar with him in that IS of his and that sword, how elegant it is' Karasuba then wakes from her thoughts to find that Ichika had turned her over and was looking at her in concern, while they were floating a few feet above the street in some back alley.

"Are you ok- MPH!" Before Ichika can finish his sentence Karasuba grabs him and pulls him into a kiss, an interesting thing to note about IS shields is that they only stop things they think are harmful to the user, while they attempted to stop any of the girls vying for Ichika in the IS Academy from kissing him, they did absolutely nothing as Karasuba went in for a kiss.

Karasuba moans as the energy of the kiss fills her and suddenly burst from her back in a spray of black feathers, then her wings appear, ten wings that are made of black feathers and bleached bone. "This is the pledge of my Blade, Exterminate the enemies of my Ashikabi" Karasuba then smiles at Ichika "My blade is yours, I am yours, my Ashikabi. I am your Sekirei, Let us ascend to the Higher Sky together"

Ichika shoots Karasuba with a glare "Now while I find being kissed by a beautiful woman quite interesting, would you please inform as to what the hell is going on, like what the hell is an Sekirei and Ashikabi?"

Suddenly a pop-up appears on Ichika's HUD with the image of a man with white hair and glasses wearing a high collared cape staring at him "I believe I can answer that, My name is-"

"Minaka Hiroto, Head of M.B.I, renowned Genius and considered an eccentric, I know who you are, and can I just say… Has anyone told you that cape looks ridiculous?" Ichika speaks in a clear voice with a hint of admiration, until the last line which he delivers in a deadpan tone.

"Aha-ha-ha" Minaka trips and face-plants revealing a white haired woman in a white lab coat laughing, along with Karasuba who appears to be close to either wetting herself or busting a rib from laughing.

Minaka stands back up hiding the white haired woman, "No, that is honestly the first time anyone has told me that"

"Liar" a woman's voice rings out.

Minaka turns around "Not now" he then turns back to the camera "Anyway, You have just winged a Sekirei young man, this is a rare occurrence. Anyway this makes you an Ashikabi, a sort of Sekirei master, now you are part of the Sekirei Plan, you'll have to fight the other Sekirei and Ashikabi in the plan, for the honor of ascending to the Higher sky with your Sekirei, any questions?"

Ichika nods "A few, one, do I have to beat other Ashikabi or can I make them instead swear loyalty to me and give me the victory while they follow my lead? Two, is it just one Sekirei to an Ashikabi or do some have multiple? Three, what are my restrictions/rules. Four, can I try to undermine the Plan and Five, can I use my IS?"

Minaka chuckles at the last question "Such honesty, well I'll answer in order. For your first question… I guess that is still alright, you have 'won' in some sense of the word in that case. Two, yes there are Ashikabi with Multiple Sekirei, but unlike you who had a Sekirei who reacted to you they will find their 'forced' Sekirei to be weaker than they should be, meaning that someone with a smaller group but more 'reacted' Sekirei can win against a larger group of 'forced' Sekirei. Three, You can't tell anyone that doesn't isn't in the know about the plan, Sekirei or Ashikabi, with the except of a Ashikabi whose just winged their first Sekirei, After the beginning of the Second Stage you can't leave the city without permission, you being an IS operator I recognize that you would have to leave the city on occasion, that's fine as long as you don't take your Sekirei with you. Also since you winged Karasuba, who is the commander of the Disciplinary Squad, you can't order her to sabotage the plan. Fourth, well you're welcome to try, I honestly look forward to some of your ideas with the sabotage to be quite honest, it'll make the game interesting. And Lastly… I suppose so. Well that's it anymore questions?"

Ichika shakes his head "Not right now, thanks for the answers"

Minaka grins "My pleasure, as the Game Master this makes the game infinitely more interesting, if you'll excuse the pun, to have an Infinite Stratos operator as part of the plan, you're probably more likely to get yourself involved in the fight then other Ashikabi. Oh and Karasuba?"

Karasuba jerks forwards into Minaka's field of view "Yes, professor?"

"You've got an orientation meeting with the Disciplinary Squad in twenty minutes, I'll see you there?"

Karasuba nods "Yes professor"

Minaka smiles before the com-link closes. Ichika focuses on Karasuba as he descends, Karasuba notices "Yes, Ichika?"

Ichika thinks for a second before he says "I'm not going to be naïve and tell you to quit the Disciplinary Squad or anything like that… Just no killing, I have no doubts you'll be forced to discipline Sekirei and Ashikabi who try to escape the plan, so no killing… painful beat downs on the other hand are okay"

Karasuba grins savagely "This is why I think I'm, going to enjoy having you as my Ashikabi, see you tomorrow, I doubt I'll get out of working today, here's my number though so you can call me… if that IS of yours can that is?" Karasuba says as she hands over a small piece of paper she'd just written her number on.

Before Ichika can answer a loud and angry electronic screech is emitted from Byakushiki, Ichika smiles "Looks like you insulted my IS, I hope Byakushiki doesn't get angry with you because of that"

Karasuba steps back with wide eyes "Your IS… Byakushiki is Sentient?"

Ichika just smiles "Maybe… to be totally honest, I don't know much myself, Byakushiki and Setsura are women after all, they don't like to reveal their secrets to a mere man such as myself. Maybe one day I'll find out"

Karasuba frowns "Setsura? Oh your Second Shift"

Ichika nods "Yep, now don't you have somewhere you need to be?"

Karasuba curses "That's right, I'll see you later" Karasuba steps forwards and kisses Ichika "Ichika-sama" Karasuba then turns around and bounds away over the rooftops.

Ichika sighs "At least things will be interesting"

Chapter 2

A Room for Everyone and Anyone… Except you Karasuba

Shinto Teito, East Warehouse district, Outside Ajinaka Distillery.

Ichika slowly walks down the street, a few minutes earlier his entire plan for his time in Shinto Teito was smashed to pieces by his winging of Karasuba, despite that he wouldn't change anything that had happened if he could, she is a much better option than his 'harem' back in the IS Academy, despite what everyone thinks, he is aware of what they are trying, he just isn't interested in them aside from Houki and maybe Charlotte, but those two were too immature for him right now.

'Ahh well it isn't time for those thought right now, I have to find somewhere to stay. At least Tabane gave me a debit card with almost two million Yen on it' Ichika snorts at a memory 'Originally it only had one million Yen on it, but I complained about the amount and she doubled it, on purpose no doubt to get a rise out of me' Ichika just shakes his head at the silliness of Tabane Shinonono.

He walks off towards the north-west, Ichika silently muses to himself as he walks, thinking over silly little things… and ignoring the comments about the metal gauntlet on his right hand.

Ichika stops thinking to himself about his current situation and the silliness of Tabane Shinonono when he runs into a brunette woman wearing jeans and a pink shirt with a golden star on it, she has a sideways ponytail in her hair but the majority of her hair just falls down her back. The brunette was on a shopping trip for her landlady and had be preoccupied with where she was going.

Before she can say anything Ichika beats her to it "Sorry about that, are you hurt?"

The woman shakes her head "No, I'm not. I'm also sorry, I was too busy thinking of where I was going to keep an eye out for others. By the way I'm Uzume and you?"

Ichika smiles "I'm Ichika, if you don't mind me asking, where were you going in such a hurry that you weren't looking out for people walking towards you?"

Uzume shakes her head "I don't mind, I was out shopping for my landlady"

Ichika nods "Oh, landlady huh, do you live at an inn or something?"

Uzume nods in answer "Yep, the Izumo Inn, Why?"

Ichika grins "Do you think your landlady has any vacancies?"

Uzume smiles at Ichika "I'm sure she does, need a place to stay?"

Ichika nods to Uzume "Yeah, I do. How about this, I help you shop and then you can walk with me back to the inn?"

Uzume nods "Alright, are you sure you don't want any directions to head there yourself instead?"

Ichika shakes his head "No, what kind of gentleman would I be if I let a possible future neighbor carry the shopping back on her own?"

Uzume smiles as a gentle heat begins to grow in her chest "What kind indeed?"

Ichika snorts "Besides, if Chifuyu-nee found out I let a woman go when I could of helped her, I wouldn't enjoy her… 'scolding'"

Uzume winces in sympathy "That bad huh?"

Ichika shrugs at the question "It depends, I either get hit in the head with a book, or have to spar with my sister… who happens to be one of the best IS pilots in the world"

Uzume winces again "So what's your sister's name then? You mentioned a Chifuyu earlier"

Ichika laughs at the question "My sister's name is Chifuyu, Chifuyu Orimura"

Uzume's eyes go wide "No way, your sister is the First Mondo Gross Champion, wait… that means you must be Ichika Orimura. No way, you're the man who can use the IS"

Ichika laughs again while waving his gauntleted right hand in front of Uzume's shocked face "Guilty as charged, Uzume-san" The gentle heat inside Uzume keeps on growing.

IS:UL

Despite her shock Uzume quickly manages to find the shop Miya had mentioned and gets all the stuff on the shopping list. She then walks back with Ichika carrying the shopping bag full of goods in his left hand, while gesturing with his right as he tells Uzume about some of the capers that happen in the IS Academy.

"-So then, Houki is standing there drenched after the pipe ruptured and all she does is smile… right before she socks Laura in the face. Laura goes down. Houki heads off to get changed and Cecilia turns to me with a shocked look on her face and says 'What happened' and I say in a loud voice 'Karma' and all the girls break down laughing, as its usually Laura who wins these little tussles"

Uzume giggles at the picture of Cecilia's shocked face that Ichika projects from his gauntlet. Throughout the walk the warmth in her chest had grown hotter and hotter. She didn't know what was going to happen, would he reject her, would he run away from her after hearing about the Plan?

"Ichika" Ichika turns to face Uzume and stops suddenly with a surprised look on his face 'She looks like Karasuba did before she… wait a minute that means…' before he could continue Uzume's lips connect with his. Ichika just goes with it, 'It was inevitable I guess with my luck, besides, at least she has an adult side to her unlike the girls back at the IS Academy' despite his pessimism, he quite enjoys having a beautiful woman kiss him. A burst of light explodes from the Sekirei Crest on Uzume's back and eight wings appear, glowing white and looking like they were made out of cloth. "By the Veil of my Contract, My I's Nightmares will be Dispelled!"

Uzume then looks Ichika in the eye and says "Number #10, Uzume I'm a-"

"Sekirei, and Ichika just became your Ashikabi, correct?" Ichika interrupts with.

Uzume nods wide eyed "Yeah, how'd you know?"

Ichika smiles "Because you aren't my first Sekirei, I winged one earlier today" He winces "She might not be all that impressed, oh well I know what to bribe her with"

Uzume then looks slightly hurt "So wait did…"

Ichika raises an eyebrow "Did I know you were a Sekirei?" Uzume nods as an answer "No, I wasn't aware at all, including both of my Sekirei I know a grand total of… two. Just you two, I only just arrived in Shinto Teito and had just finished speaking with Minaka Hiroto a half an hour or so ago" Uzume relaxes, Ichika notices and smiles "So to answer your other unasked question, no this wasn't some grand plan set up to make you become my Sekirei. I strongly believe that a Sekirei should find their true Ashikabi, also according to Minaka 'forced' Sekirei aren't as strong as once who react and chose their I, probably due to the fact the bond is based on love, in one form or another, and won't work well if one side doesn't like the other"

Uzume smiles and jumps on Ichika engulfing him in a hug "I'm so happy, I was afraid for a moment I'd been tricked. I'm happy I've got such a great Ashikabi, so who's your other Sekirei?"

Ichika shakes his head "Do you really want to know?"

Uzume nods "Yep, I doubt she or he's a higher-level number then I am"

Ichika grins and answer with "Well, let me put it this way, you're six behind her"

Uzume frowns "Six behind her… NO WAY! You're Karasuba's Ashikabi?"

Ichika nods while laughing "Yeah, is that a problem?"

Uzume winces "Yeah, my landlady doesn't like her much"

Ichika shrugs "That doesn't matter, I'll simply meet up with Karasuba at other places, besides, I want a LOT of room around me when I meet up with Karasuba, I get the feeling she likes to fight"

Uzume's eyes go wide as she makes the connection "And with you wielding a Melee-type IS"

Ichika nods "Exactly she loves to fight sword to sword"

A bleep occurs from his gauntlet "Huh, I'm getting a call"

Ichika sends a command to answer, a holographic screen appears with a video call connecting with Karasuba "Oh, Hey Karasuba. I was just talking about you"

Karasuba grins and then raises a dainty eyebrow "I'll bet, forty minutes I, you couldn't go forty minutes without winging a Sekirei?"

Ichika shrugs "What can I say, I have a magnetic personality"

In unison Uzume and Karasuba snort and answer "You just noticed"

Karasuba hearing Uzume grins and says "Nice to hear from you Uzume, you still staying at her place"

Ichika takes over "If you mean the Izumo Inn, then yes. I'm thinking of getting a room there, but I've heard the landlady doesn't like you, we'll have to meet up someplace. Anywhere in mind"

Karasuba nods "Yep, the Burning Leaf Restaurant, I'll see you there at lunch. I'll even bring the M.B.I card. I expect that Uzume can explain it"

Ichika nods "Okay, see you tomorrow Karasuba" Karasuba nods and grins before winking and blowing a kiss. The holographic screen disappears after the words 'CALL ENDED' appear for a couple of seconds.

Ichika turns to see a shocked Uzume "What"

Uzume shakes herself out of her shock and says "I've never seen or heard of Karasuba winking and blowing a kiss"

Ichika chuckles "You're not her Ashikabi now are you"

Uzume narrows her eyes "Touché, Ichika, Touché"

Ichika nods his head and pantomimes a bow "Shall we be off my lady" before offering his right arm.

Uzume grins "We shall my lord" Uzume links her left arm through his and they walk off towards the Izumo Inn.

IS:UL

Shinto Teito, Izumo Inn

The laughing couple walk in the front gates of the Izumo Inn, they'd gotten more than a few strange looks from them walking through the city with their arms linked together. Uzume had explained the M.B.I card to Ichika as they had walked.

As they got to the gates I snickers at the sign by the front door.

Izumo Inn

Rooms for Rent

M.B.I Cards not welcome

He turns to Uzume and says "The landlady must really dislike M.B.I"

Uzume nods "Yeah she does"

Ichika then turns back towards the door and says "So why not just take the cards and charge through the roof?"

Uzume gapes and then looks pensive "You know, I'm not sure"

Ichika shrugs "Probably not worth the hassle in the end"

A voice rings out "You're right, it's not worth the trouble it would bring to the inn"

Ichika turns to see a woman with light purple hair in a purple Hakama with a white Haori and a dark purple sash belt with traditional white socks and wooden sandals (A/N I think they're called Geta and the white socks Tabi) and a white ribbon holding her hairstyle together. Almost like she was a Miko in a shrine.

Ichika nods to her and says "I would assume you are the landlady of this inn? I am Ichika Orimura and I would like to rent a room"

The woman nods "I am the landlady and my name is Miya Asama, do come in. We'll talk about the rent inside"

The group walks inside, to a traditional dining room. They sit at the table and Miya begins her introductory speech to new renters "If you are going to stay here the rent is 50,000 Yen and there are some rules you must abide by"

Ichika nods and says "Alright, what are the rules"

Miya smiles "First, there'll be no violence inside my house" Ichika nods "Second, there'll be no lewd actions within my house, I assume you know what I'm talking about" I nods without even a blush, three years in the IS Academy had pretty much rendered him immune to being embarrassed about the mention of intimacy. "And lastly, dinner is at 6:00 PM each night, if you are going to be late or are going out for dinner please inform me, Any questions"

Ichika nods at Miya "Alright, those are pretty basic. My only questions are, is there some place for me to practice my Kendo and what's the inn phone number?"

Miya hands over a piece of paper with the number on it "Here is the inn phone number and you may practice your Kendo in the backyard, do you use a Bokken (A/N Wooden Practice Sword… I Think)"

Ichika shakes his head "No I use my own sword"

Miya starts in surprise "You do not carry a sword"

Ichika shakes his head "Actually I do, would you like to see it?"

Miya nods "Yes, if it's not too much of a bother"

Ichika shakes his head "Not at all" He holds out his gauntlet wearing right hand, both Miya and Uzume lean in for a better look as a thin streak of light appears in his gauntleted hand and extends to around 170 to 180 centimeters (Around 5'4"-6'0") before coalescing into a long metal sword with a katana like shape, the sword then splits and extends another twenty centimeters while the blade glows blue, it then stops and returns to its initial state.

Miya gasps in awe before she says "A most impressive sword, it would be interesting to see how you practice with it"

Ichika smiles "Well, I'd better call my sister and get my stuff shifted here, is there any paperwork I have to sign?"

Miya nods "Of course"

Ichika sighs "I knew it"

Chapter 3

Getting to Know the Neighbors… Just Ignore the Pervert in the Wall

Shinto Teito, Izumo Inn

Ichika grimaces as he dreams, next to him Uzume shifts, asleep, but still aware of her Ashikabi's discomfort. Across town in the M.B.I Tower Karasuba also shifts uneasily in her sleep.

IS:UL

Ichika's Dream/Nightmare

BOOM

A pitch black IS with a glowing energy sword and long butterfly like wing segments flies towards Ichika, shattering a wall in its way.

Ichika dodges and swings back with Yukihira.

The Black IS swings around and suddenly the sword is replaced with a sniper rifle, colored black to match the rest of the IS.

Several bolts of purple plasma fly towards Ichika, using his speed and maneuverability Ichika dodges.

The Black IS shoots up and before Ichika knows it the IS is in his face. The pilot speaks for the first time in this engagement "Why are you here? Why do you torment me in my dreams?"

"W-what?" Ichika stammers.

The pilot, despite having her face hidden behind a mask seems to frown "So it is not you who is doing this, then, what, what is happening?"

The world seems to twist and even for an experienced IS pilot like Ichika, it twists and weaves so much that even he begins to get motion sickness. Then…

IS:UL

Izumo Inn

Ichika bolts upwards gasping, covered in sweat from his dream. Uzume rolls backwards after being pushed off the futon by Ichika's sudden awakening.

"Ichika! Are you okay?" Uzume worries over the state Ichika is in.

Ichika shakes his head to clear it of the remnants of the dream/nightmare he'd just had. He then turns to Uzume "I'm okay, I just had this really vivid dream. It was like it was really happening. I was fighting another IS, a black one. It looked really familiar, I think I've seen it before. Then the pilot asked why I was tormenting her, why I had entered her dreams I think. I wonder, does this have anything to do with being a Ashikabi"

Uzume who had gone pale at the description nods "Yes, I believe it is something called a 'Reaction Dream'"

Ichika looks at Uzume in confusion "Reaction Dream?"

Uzume nods "Yeah, when a Sekirei starts to sense their Ashikabi they 'React', you saw me and I'm assuming Karasuba do it. That's a high-level version of it that only occurs in close proximity to our Ashikabi, usually it's a warm sensation in our chest or upper back where our crests are. However, when a Sekirei has only met their Ashikabi in passing, something as small as walking past them or just being in the same general vicinity, they can start to have 'Reaction Dreams', this is a middle level between the basic one and the high-level one. It usually involves dreams, but what sets them apart is the realism, both participants will feel as if they are really there, as if it is real and not a dream. Does that help, bro?"

Ichika nods "Yeah, that cleared I up, but I have a question, what happens if a Sekirei tries to ignore the 'Reaction'"

Uzume pales and shudders "Nothing good, I've heard that it can cause their powers to go haywire before they self-destruct. But I've never heard of a Sekirei actually reaching that level of 'Reaction' so it might just be a rumor or a theory"

Ichika nods while contemplating everything he's heard "So basically, there are four stages of 'Reaction'. Basic, with just a warmth in the chest or upper back, I assume that it gets stronger the closer they are to their Ashikabi?" Uzume nods "Right, medium, where they start to experience realistic dreams involving both Sekirei and Ashikabi. High, when I assume the warmth grows so much that it semi-incapacitates the Sekirei while they are close to their Ashikabi" Uzume nods again "And finally, extreme, the Sekirei starts to lose control of their powers and eventually either destroys themselves with their powers or their body shuts down… Am I right so far?" Uzume nods once more "Right, so that means that somewhere out there is a Sekirei who is reacting to me… Well, that's just great!" Ichika snorts "And here I thought I'd be getting away from drama involving women by coming to Shinto Teito! I knew I should have just bit the bullet and gone back to Kyoto"

Uzume pouts at Ichika "Aww, Ichika don't you want to spend time with me and Karasuba?"

Ichika smiles and chuckles "You and Karasuba I have no problems with, this chick though, she knows me. I also get the inevitable feeling that she doesn't like me very much, considering she was attempting to kill me with her IS that is"

Uzume sighs and looks at an alarm clock "It's almost six, breakfast will be served soon I would imagine. So let's get dressed and go downstairs, I'll introduce you to Kagari, he should be getting back soon from his job"

Ichika having quickly changed while Uzume was talking raises an eyebrow "Oh, and what's his job?"

Uzume spins around and notices that Ichika is fully dressed in his IS Academy Uniform "How'd you get changed so fast? Anyways it's not my place to tell you, ask Kagari instead"

Ichika snickers at Uzume's shocked expression "I'm the only guy in a all-girls academy, I HAD to learn how to get changed quickly, well if I didn't want to get raped by the dozen or so girls that always tried to break into the locker room while I was changing that is"

Uzume shakes her head in utter shock "Well, that's the best reason I've ever heard for learning to get changed quickly" Uzume pulls her shirt on "Come on, let's go, I'm hungry"

Ichika laughs "Just a sec, I need to call my sister and get my stuff sent here. Worst case scenario I have to do an hour and a half flight back to IS Academy to get my stuff. Which might happen, depends on what Chifuyu-nee says" Uzume nods.

Ichika holds out his right hand and a holographic screen and keyboard appears, he types in a number and waits. Within seconds his sister's face appears on the screen, Chifuyu is in her office drinking her morning coffee "Oh, Ichika. You're up bright and early, I guess you found a place to stay?"

Ichika nods in response "Yeah, I'm staying at the Izumo In. Up in the northern part of Shinto Teito. Will I have to pick my stuff up Chifuyu-nee?"

Chifuyu scowls like she wants to whack Ichika on the head with her attendance book through the com-link. "It's Orimura-Sensei on official business, Ichika. I can still punish you, you know'

Ichika gulps "H-hai"

Chifuyu smirks at the expression of fear on her brother's face "Good to know, Anyways your stuff has been flown to the Shinto Teito Airport. It's waiting there for you, and you're lucky I didn't send Shinonono, Alcott, Huang, Dunois or Bodewig to watch over it. Yamada-Sensei however is waiting at the airport for you, I trust it shouldn't be a problem for you to get their by oh-seven-thirty"

Ichika shakes his head "No problem at all, I'll just have breakfast and use Byakushiki to fly over. M.B.I is okay with my use of it"

Chifuyu raises an eyebrow "How'd you know that"

Ichika winks "That's a secret sis, just ask Tabane-nee though, I have no doubt she knows what's going on"

Chifuyu narrows her eyes in thought before nodding. The com-link cuts out after she hits a button on her keyboard.

Ichika turns to Uzume and says "Come on, let's get some breakfast"

Uzume just nods, having been shocked at how the Orimura siblings responded to each other.

They walk downstairs to see Miya walking towards the stairs "Oh my, I was just about to come get you two. I think you'll be a good influence on Uzume, Ichika-san. She almost never gets up this early"

Ichika snickers "If I didn't have a shocking dream, she might still be asleep"

Uzume pouts and Miya giggles "Well, breakfast is ready, I suppose Uzume told you about Kagari?"

Ichika nods "Yeah, she told me he might be late because of his job"

Miya nods in response "Yes, he works as a Host, so his hours are very flexible"

Ichika snorts "I doubt that's the only thing flexible about him"

A demonic energy start to emanate from Miya "I hope you aren't referencing anything lewd now, Ichika-san"

Ichika, unfazed by the energy due to years of exposure to his sister smiles "And if I was"

Although shocked Miya quickly recovers "Then, I might have to punish you" A Hanya Mask appears behind Miya.

Ichika again just waves it off, having seen much scarier things when his sister was angry… or worse on her period "Okay, I won't say lewd things anymore. It was just a small joke"

Miya smiles and the dark energy and mask disappear "Nevertheless it was inappropriate for this Inn"

Ichika nods and walks towards the Dining Room "You know… that would make more sense if there was a child here"

Miya nods "I do, I'm just being preemptive. A child might end up staying here eventually"

Ichika nods in surrender "Right, now that the heavy stuff is over. Breakfast? I have to be at the airport by seven-thirty to pick my stuff up"

Miya nods and sets out the food "Alright, dig in"

Ichika and Uzume both clap their hands together and say "Itadakimasu" They quickly dig into Miya's cooking.

As they are eating a slim man with silver hair who is just slightly taller than Ichika walks in. Miya focuses on him and says "Ah, Kagari-san, you're back. I took the liberty of making some breakfast for you"

Kagari smiles at Miya "Thank you Miya, I am very hungry after working all night"

Kagari notices Ichika as he is eating "Oh, a new guest? I'm Kagari nice to meet you"

Ichika nods to Kagari "Ichika, It's nice to meet you as well, I'll be staying here for quite a while I'd imagine"

Kagari chuckles "I'd imagine so as well, things have a way of becoming less urgent when you stay here for some reason"

Ichika shrugs with a bland look on his face "I can't imagine why!"

Kagari smirks at Ichika's response "Neither can I"

Uzume and Miya having overheard the conversation turn to each other and shake their heads while simultaneously thinking the same thing 'I'll never understand how men communicate'

Ichika, Uzume and Kagari talk about simple things as they eat, nothing of much importance was discussed but it would lead to the foundation of a great friendship.

Soon it's seven twenty and Ichika excuses himself "While I am quite enjoying this conversation. I must get to the airport soon or my sister will be… quite displeased. A pleasure talking with you Kagari-san"

Kagari nods "And you as well Ichika"

Ichika smiles before walking out the door, as he is striding down the short footpath to the street he activates Byakushiki Setsura and launches himself into the air under the power of the miracle of technology that is the Infinite Stratos.

Ichika soars towards the airport, going at a moderate speed that would get him there without too many troubles with the Air-traffic controller. As he flies he notices M.B.I soldiers mapping out the streets and familiarizing themselves with the terrain. He waves to a Helicopter pilot as he passes and gets a wave in return.

Last night he and Uzume had discussed the Sekirei Plan and he'd discovered that the first release wasn't for another week, as the moment the only Sekirei out were the Numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 10. Uzume had winced when she mentioned herself and Ichika had gotten the idea that her leaving of M.B.I wasn't as friendly as she might word it.

Gliding slowly Ichika stops in front of the Airport and dematerializes Byakushiki Setsura to the amazement and applause of the people waiting outside the main terminal or the bystanders walking past. Despite being hidden in the IS Academy for three years Ichika is still very much an idol to people. Women followed him as he was the younger brother of Chifuyu Orimura, the woman who almost single-handedly changed the way people saw women. While men followed him due to the fact that he proved that a man could stand with women on even grounds in an IS. Strangely this argument actually worked better than most had intended due to the fact that physical strength and size means nothing in an IS and can actually be a hindrance. The world was still waiting with baited breath to see if another Male IS Pilot would appear, men and boys were being given the chance to try connect with the ISs to see if they were compatible. So far none had been successful but that didn't damper the enthusiasm that another might appear.

Ichika easily spots his assistant Homeroom Sensei Maya Yamada in the crowd, she'd just stumbled and tripped over his luggage and had several people helping her to her feet. She is still wearing her usual yellow dress with black edging and pink lace undershirt with knee high heeled boots.

He walks over "Yamada-sensei!"

Yamada focuses on Ichika and smiles "Orimura-san, I've brought your stuff like your sister asked me to"

Ichika bows to her and says "Thank you for that Yamada-sensei. Did you have any problems getting here?"

Yamada shakes her head "No I used one of the IS Academy helicopters"

Ichika nods in acknowledgement. He had only found out last year that IS Academy actually had ten or so double rotor helicopters so that they could retrieve an IS unit if it were to run out of power far enough away that it wasn't practical to retrieve by other means… or because a certain unnamed Chinese representative… cough Rin cough… decided to show off and ended up crashing into the ground at mach one, she was fine but her IS Shenlong locked up and she had to be carried back to the academy underneath one of the helicopters… inside of the locked up Shenlong. To the amusement of the rest of the girls after Ichika.

Yamada then suddenly jumps up and says "Oh! Orimura-san"

Ichika half-turns from checking his luggage "Yes Sensei?"

Yamada's face goes serious "There was news about Phantom task, it seems one of their members was… kidnapped from prison several months ago. It was…"

Ichika sighs "M" Yamada looks shocked but nods in agreement 'So that's what it meant' Ichika turns to Yamada and nods in thanks "Thank you for the warning, but don't worry. I have a means of defeating 'M' if she shows up"

Yamada nods "Even so, should the Omega squad be put on alert?"

Ichika nods "That's probably for the best"

The Omega squad is the IS Academy's elite fighting force, it consists of Ichika as the Squad Leader, Houki Shinonono as the Second in Command, Cecilia Alcott as the Sniper, Lingyin (Rin) Huang as the Close-range specialist, Charlotte Dunois as the Quartermaster and demolitions expert, Laura Bodewig as the long-range Artillery and Kanzashi Sarashiki as the Hacker/Intelligence Support, despite their arguments when they were working together in the squad they were consummate professionals.

They had been deployed five times since their creation following the capture of Phantom Task. They were already being considered for a role as international peacekeepers, but the various countries were arguing over… where to put their home base. Ichika joking suggested the moon once, he still doesn't know that that's the current leader in the votes for where they should be based.

After thanking Yamada once again Ichika gathers up his stuff and materializes Byakushiki Setsura, then he launches himself into the air followed by the applause of the bystanders.

However one of the bystanders wasn't joining in the applause. He just sends off a message to his master, and starts the chain of events that would eventually lead to the worst defeat the Sekirei Plan will ever see.

IS:UL

The next day Ichika decides to do some joy-flying around Shinto Teito to see what's around. As he is flying through the skies he notices a hospital, while this wouldn't be too strange of a sight the fact that a young woman in wheelchair is on its roof staring at him in awe and is that jealousy. Then it hits him, he can fly and walk without problems, the woman looks somewhat gaunt and unwell. So perhaps she cannot walk anymore or ever.

Ichika in a moment of extreme compassion flies down to the hospital roof where the woman had turned away from watching him and had headed inside.

IS:UL

Chiho P.O.V

Sigh 'I wish that one day I could be the one flying a IS' I think to myself as I watch the distant IS fly through the sky.

I slowly turn around my wheelchair to head inside, no need to upset myself over a dream, especially one that might never come true. A strange whooshing sound comes from behind me, but I ignore it. It's probably nothing.

Then a voice "Say, are you okay?"

I turn my wheelchair around angrily about to snap at the idiot that asked a person in a wheelchair if they're alright (Ignoring the fact that the only way onto the roof is the door in front of me) and then my breathe catches in my throat.

Right in front of me is the IS I was watching it's beautiful, it's mostly white with some blue highlights here and there. But the thing that catches my attention the most is the pilot. The pilot is Ichika Orimura the first male IS pilot, he's six years younger than me, when I first saw him on the news I had a little crush on him, he has a very serious expression but it also looks handsome. All I can do is swallow with my suddenly dry throat and nod.

Ichika grins at me "Well, that's good. I saw you watching me, and I couldn't help but come down and ask why a pretty woman such as yourself is in a place like this"

'Is he flirting with me?' I think before I answer "I'm sick, they don't know what the disease is, just that it is incurable, my medicine slows it down, but it can't stop it" 'Why am I telling this to him?' I wonder to myself.

Ichika frowns in 'is that anger?' Then he looks at me and relaxes. He smiles and says "I'm sorry to hear that, Since you look like you can't walk I have to ask, would you like to go on a flight with me?" My heart leaps into my mouth and I gape, such an offer.

I nod enthusiastically "Yes, yes I would, I always wanted to fly" I let my head drop down as I think of my sad memories, then a metal finger goes under my chin and lifts my face up so I'm looking at Ichika

Ichika smiles at me "Then let's go flying, but first. May I ask your name?"

I smile for what feels like the first time in ages I'm smiling for real "My name is Chiho Hidaka, it's nice to meet you"

He grins crookedly "I'm Ichika Orimura, but I'm sure you've heard of me already" before I can say anything his arms circle around me and I'm being held close to his chest with a arm under my legs so my dress won't billow out "But enough with the pleasantries, let's introduce you to the sky Chiho"

Before I can ask what he means we're flying I can't feel any acceleration or gravity, nor is the wind pushing against my face. But the feeling of this is indescribable, I can feel a slight prick where my legs touches his IS, but I ignore it, the sight and feeling of flying is more than I ever imagined, his voice whispers in my ear "Was it everything you ever imagined, as I would guess you thought about flying before"

I can barely whisper back "It's more than I ever imagined"

He chuckles "That's what I thought too"

IS:UL

From that day forth Ichika changed Chiho's life, but it was only for the better. In return he gained the affection and what would one day evolve into love of Chiho.

He had no idea what awaited him in the future though, but even if he knew, he wouldn't change a thing.

Chapter Four

A Drunken Flower and a Angry Knight

It had been two weeks since Ichika had arrived at the Izumo Inn, during that time he'd mapped out most of Shinto Teito and had gotten a job with a construction firm, his IS allowing him to move large loads with ease. To the joy of both the construction workers and anyone standing nearby. He also moonlighted (so to speak) at an IS development firm that is based in Shinto Teito, they loved being able to work with one of the most advanced ISs in the world and Tabane had even sent some designs over for a hand held energy shield prototype that they were drooling over and were going to interface with Byakushiki Setsura later today. Ichika smiles at the memories of Uzume, Karasuba and Chiho he has made over the last two weeks, Chiho especially, whenever he visits her and takes her for a flight she seems to feel better than before.

But Ichika couldn't think over any of that as right now he is being chewed out by the one thing he fears before all others… his sister. "You irresponsible idiot, how could you get yourself mixed up in such a stupid thing. Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Ichika sighs in relief that the worst is over and replies with "It's wasn't my fault you know, I didn't ask to be attacked and I definitely didn't ask either of them to be my Sekirei. I just have to deal with it as it happens"

Chifuyu huffs in annoyance at the fact that she can't argue that point "So what about this plan, what are you going to do?"

Ichika grins completely unaware that he is being observed by several Sekirei "I'm going to find a way to end it without any Sekirei getting hurt. I can always hang Minaka from his tower by his underwear, should cause people to start wondering about his mental state… more than they already do, if not I get a laugh and he gets traumatized. If things do go pear-shaped, there is always Omega Squad, we do have authorization to operate in ALL areas on Earth, and I imagine that an Alien race being forced to fight by a madman comes under our operational guidelines, if not" Ichika shrugs "I'd imagine there are several competitors of M.B.I that would back us in a millisecond once they hear about it"

Chifuyu smirks in amusement "Well, well. It looks my little brother has learned how to be a commander. Well despite my reservations… and disagreements with your methods, you are the only IS operator who can function in the city right now"

Ichika frowns in thought "I don't think I am, I think there is a Sekirei with an IS. I also think someone either from M.B.I or one of their competitors has been messing around, because if the person is who I think they are… they weren't born a Sekirei" The Sekirei listening in are all shocked at that statement.

Chifuyu's left eyebrow shoots up into her hairline "So you think that 'M' is the one…?"

Ichika nods in acknowledgement "Yeah, and we definitely know that she wasn't born a Sekirei"

Chifuyu shakes her head in confusion and murmurs "I can't believe that she would, no she wouldn't…"

Ichika frowns in confusion 'what is Chifuyu talking about?' "Chifuyu-nee?"

Chifuyu shakes her head to clear her thoughts "It's nothing, but I can say that 'M' wasn't changed willingly, her mother wouldn't let that happen"

Ichika cocks his head in confusion but doesn't question what Chifuyu is talking about "Anyway, I have to go, see you later Chifuyu-nee"

Chifuyu nods an acknowledgement and ends the call.

Ichika sighs in slight exhaustion after that com call and then lifts his head up and says "You can come out now Uzume"

Uzume walks out with a confused look on her face "How'd you know I was there Bro?"

Ichika laughs at the confusion on her face "Despite what you may think, the Sekirei bond is actually two-way, I can feel whenever you are nearby, hell I can get a general feel of which direction you are in. Same with Karasuba, right now she's to the south east"

Uzume's eyes widen in shock "I didn't know that"

Ichika shakes his head in amusement "I would be surprised if you did as you would need to have been bonded with or close to a Ashikabi who actually cares about his Sekirei, you and Karasuba may have just exploded into my life, but I do still care about you both"

Uzume wipes away unexpected tears and smiles at Ichika "Thank you, you don't realize how much that helps"

Ichika smiles at Uzume and whispers "Believe me, I actually do know what it means to you"