Icarus 2.3

A few days later in the doc's sub-lab, Wyatt was in a chair supervising the three freshmen cleaning their personal units with sponges , Ichika walks up to the American and says "Seems you've skipped student council."

Wyatt says "I don't really need to be there, I'll just read the minutes. Plus someone got to train the freshmen."

Ichika says "Speaking of freshmen, why are they cleaning their units?"

Wyatt explains "You see Orimura, the best way for these rookies to learn is to get as much hands-on experience with their units."

Caleb says "We've done some basic exercises back at the training camp, so this is definitely a good learning experience."

Harrison adds "Theoretically it will also help us get more acquainted with the parts that make up a unit. So our test scores will go up as well."

Ichika whispers "Let me guess maintenance and cleaning is supposed to be your job."

Wyatt responds "I mean kinda of but hey this is how I learned back in the day. Plus I can't just say no to free labor."

From a nearby monitor , Ichika was looking over the data of the boys units and said "I still can't believe you guys made five units pretty quickly."

Confused, The American says "Five? What are you talking about, only four units were made."

Ichika points to the monitor and showcase data for 5 units with one being labeled Cyclone Sylph."

Wyatt says "That's weird, I never seen this one before."

Trent asked "How's that's possible, didn't you and the doctor create out units?"

Wyatt explains "Well I was put mostly in charge of the Gamma Sobek and only walked in every now and then to view progress on yours , so this is news to me."

Ichika says "Too bad Dr. Maxwell is busy with a conference until the middle of next week."

Harrison says "Either way , I'm sure we'll find out more of this mystery at some point."

Caleb says "Maybe it will go to Madoka, I mean she is one of us."

Ichika says "No she already got her Silent Zephyrus , maybe another male pilot?"

Wyatt looks at the monitor and says "It can't be, it says the unit is currently in use and we're the only eligibly pilots for the next couple of years."

Ichika says "We'll I'm sure we'll figure out more about this unit eventually."

As he stopped waxing his unit, Trent groaned "So when do you think we'll get to combat training. All we've been doing the past three days was flight training."

Wyatt says "You have to learn the basics first, I didn't pick up a weapon until 6 weeks into my training."

Shocked, the three freshmen shout "6 weeks! So we won't get to fight until mid-May."

Ichika says "I doubt it, Wyatt had to pretend to be an intern and could only train in secret. Plus we were dueling by the second week of school."

The American says "Exactly, when the time comes , it will come." Wyatt looks at the time and says "Alright guys, remember we have that interview with "Infinity Stripes" tomorrow morning."

As the freshmen groan , Ichika says "I know these types of things suck but we have to do it. Not just because we gave our word, but for the dinner vouchers."

Harrison smirks and says "So we're only doing this just for food?"

Wyatt says "Trust me money bags, free food truly tastes amazing at a 4 star restaurant."

The next day as four of the guys made their way to the designated meeting spot, Trent says "Man Ichika sure did luck out having student council duties."

Harrison asked "I'm honestly surprised you didn't have to go either, Joseph."

Wyatt responds "Seems like it's just a meeting between him and the prez, but his meal ticket won't go to waste."

Caleb smirks as he says "Yeah, we'll each eat a fourth of Orimura's meal."

Harrison sighed as he thought "These three are practically endless holes when it comes to food."

As they sat down at a table , Mayuzumi said "Wyatt it's been a while, and it seems Ichika isn't with you."

Wyatt chuckles and says "Sorry he ended up getting caught with some last minute plans. But I'm sure the four of us can pick up the slack."

Mayuzumi smiles and says "Sure, if Wyatt didn't tell you already I'm the deputy chief editor of Infinite Stripes Mayuzumi Nagisako."

The three freshmen bowed as the guys took their seats and got ready for their interview.

As Mayuzumi took out a pen shaped recorder she asked "So how's about you three introduce yourselves, your country of origin and a random fun fact."

Trent smirks "My name is Trent Gibson from the land from down under and my specialty in swimming is freestyle."

Caleb says "Mine's Caleb Kirby, I come from Kenya and I've worked at my parents Animal sanctuary for as long as I could remember."

Harrison says "I'm Harrison Solo, I hail from Greece and my talent lies in playing the piano."

Wyatt adds "And just for fun, I'm Wyatt Joseph , The American Wonder-boy. I guess my fun fact is my skills with a wrench."

Mayuzumi says "Very interesting, so Wyatt exactly how did you find these 3 in the first place?"

Wyatt explains "Since me and Ichika have been revealed as pilots , all over the world boys have been tested to see if they have the potential to be pilots. Then in January we found these three knuckleheads ."

As the reporter was taking notes, she asked "I see, so if those wristbands are what I think they are , they've started basic training."

Harrison responds "While we've got flight training , we haven't been given any combat experience yet."

Trent adds "Not just that but we've also been taught a little about maintenance and engineering."

Surprised, Mayuzumi says "I'm surprised, a person usually has to be a second year at the academy before they learn those skills."

Wyatt says "Unlike everyone else my skills come from me working under Dr. Maxwell and learning my unit how to assemble and reassemble a unit. So I want to give these rookies a leg up on their opponents."

Mayuzumi says "That's an excellent philosophy,so what type of girls do you guys prefer?"

The freshmen blush at this question as Wyatt smirks and replied "Cute, Athletic, witty and can give me a challenge in an IS duel."

Hearing this caused Trent and Caleb to erupt in laughter as Harrison says "You're an idiot you know that right."

Wyatt says "I was answering the question, unlike someone who's weirdly quiet."

Harrison says "Fine, I guess if I had to choose, probably a sophisticated woman, maybe a little older as well."

Wyatt chuckles as he snarks "You've got some interesting taste bud."

Harrison silently elbowed Wyatt in the ribs , as Trent answered "I'll probably go for anyone who's positive and upbeat. No point if they're a Debby downer."

Nervously Calebsays "I'm not really ready to date, so I have no answer."

Mayuzumi chuckles and says "You four truly are a riot. So out of every active pilot , who would you want to face the most in an IS duel."

Instantly the three freshmen point to Wyatt as the American was in deep thought over his choice.

Wyatt answered "Honestly it's easier to say who I don't want to face. But Tatenashi, Iris, Natasha and Ichika are definitely people I wanna go a round with in my new unit."

Mayuzumi says "Those are some pretty tough opponents, especially since Iris Callings is considered to be one of the top picks to win this year's Mondo Grosso."

Wyatt says "True but if I ever want to become the first male winner of the Mondo Grosso, she's an opponent I'll have to take down."

The interview went on for another twenty minutes. As the four left the meeting spot , Trent stretched his arms and said "That was pretty interesting."

Caleb says "Yeah it seems pretty weird to be interviewed for something other than my parent's animal sanctuary."

Harrison yawned as he said "I'm not sure about you guys but I'm heading back to the island."

While the other freshmen agreed, Wyatt said "I got something to do, so I'll see you later."

As Wyatt separated with the group he made his way over to a nearby antique shop and started window shopping.

He looked to see that on the display was that of a navy blue bass guitar.

From behind him, he felt someone's arm draped over his shoulder and a familiar voice saying "It's been awhile since Brazil, hasn't it."

Wyatt felt his heart sank as he recognized the woman's voice. As much as he wanted to turn around, just the fear of what happened two months ago had scared him stiff with his hair standing on ends.

The American looked through the window to see his current assailant and saw that Autumn looked different.

Her hair was cut to about chin length and was dyed an inky black. While the overall shape of her face seemed off, possibly a sign of plastic surgery.

Attempting to mask his fear Wyatt says "What do you want with me?"

Autumn responds "Don't worry , I'm just here to ask you a couple of questions."

Wyatt asked "And what's stopping me from saying no and dragging your ass to jail."

The terrorist responds "While I'm sure you and your teen posse can capture me, I'm sure I can take out a dozen or so civilians before any of your backup arrive."

Wyatt looks at the crowded mall and points to a bench. He said "Fine but how about we sit down."

Autumn smirks and says "Sure whatever works for you."

As she led the American to a bench and the two sat down, Autumn asked "So do you know who in your little group I hate the most?"

Wyatt jokes and says "Let's see, you kidnapped me, beat me and poured boiling water on my face. So I'm guessing it is me."

The woman laughed as she said "That's a good guess but there's someone I hate more than you. I despise Ichika."

Wyatt asked, "Care to explain out of everyone he's the one you hate the most."

Autumn explains "Everything was fine before he showed up. The Monochrome Avatar direct action cell was led by the amazing Squall Meusel and we even a mole within the academy to fed us top level information."

She grinds her teeth and adds "But that all changed when Ichika showed up, we face defeat after defeat from your hands. Madoka changed sides as everyone else was captured. So now it's my duty to destroy your little group of brats.

Wyatt says "I see so this is just some petty plot for revenge. Guess you haven't changed at all.

Suddenly before Autumn could respond, the two see Cecilia walk towards them as the British girl says "Didn't know you were out and about Joseph ."

Wyatt thought "Shit, out of everyone to run into I got the redcoat. Well at least it's not Rin."

Cecilia asked "So care to explain who this woman is and why she has her arm around you?"

Wyatt gives off a nervous chuckle and says "Oh yeah, this is my old basketball coach from when I was in middle school. Turns out she was in Japan to visit a family member."

Autumn smiles and in a fake voice she says "It's nice to meet one of Wyatt's friends."

Cecilia says "Okay, I'll let you two catch up with one another."

Wyatt says "Sure , I'll see you on the shuttle back Cecilia."

But instead of walking away, Cecilia materialized her drone bits and took aim at Autumn. The British girl says "May I ask for you to get off, my friend ?"

Autumn let go of her grip on Wyatt and fled before Cecilia could open fire.

Cecilia attempts to go after the terrorist but Wyatt stops her and says "Don't be stupid, I'm sure Autumn is trying to lead us to a trap."

The British girl says "Still this must be pretty humiliating for you. The great Wyatt Joseph in need of rescuing."

Wyatt counters "I was trying to get information off her, besides you admitted to being friends with me. That's probably even more embarrassing."

Cecilia sighed "Look I know we tend not to see eye to eye, but with everything we've been through, you can't consider us just classmates."

Wyatt chuckles "Guess you make a fair point, still thanks again for the assist."

Cecilia says "You're welcome but what I want to know is why did Autumn target you out in broad daylight. Phantom tasks usually avoid direct confrontation."

Wyatt rubbed the back of his neck and said "It's just a poor attempt at revenge, she's always been a loose cannon and without Squall to keep her in line she'll mess up at some point."

Cecilia says "Do I look like I was born yesterday? Tell the truth or I'll tell Kaitlynn I saw a random girl with her arms around you."

Wyatt sighed as he pointed to the bench and said "Take a seat , it's a long story."

Once Cecilia took a seat, Wyatt told the girl as much as he could of what occurred on his initial trip away from the academy. Specifically the several days he was trapped by Phantom Task.

After he finished telling his story , Cecilia says "I see, so I guess Autumn knows the effect she has on you."

Wyatt says "Yeah, I thought I was over it. But I guess some scars take longer to heal."

Cecilia says "Look I know you have your reasons not to tell the others , but you have to tell your friends about this?"

Wyatt's expression to go grim as he says "I might need a little more time, plus it's hard to bring something like that up in a normal conversation."

Cecilia says "Either way, you'll have to tell them at some point, Autumn is still an active threat."

Wyatt says "Alright if you need me I'll be doing some window shopping."

Before Wyatt could leave, Cecilia grabbed him by the collar and said "I'm pretty sure going off on your own right after almost getting kidnapped is a bad idea."

Wyatt says "Come on what idiot would try to kidnap someone twice in the same afternoon."

The British girl says "Even so I wouldn't know what to do if I could've prevented you getting hurt. Besides we're friends right, so why don't we hang out."

Wyatt mentions "At best were at the level where we can hold a conversation, not go shopping."

Cecilia started to drag Wyatt away as she said "If that's the case, best to get back to the academy and report this incident to Chifyu."

Wyatt smirked as he thought "Weird how only a year ago she eat at me and Ichika's throat."